Urbanization has transformed natural ecosystems, creating major challenges for biodiversity conservation. Ex situ conservation strategies implemented within cities can help mitigate species loss. This study evaluated the long-term survival of eight vascular epiphyte species established on urban trees as part of a biodiversity enrichment initiative in Medellín, Colombia. A total of 310 individuals belonging to four families (Araceae, Aspleniaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Orchidaceae) were established on 50 host trees across three parks within the Parques del Río ecological corridor and monitored over seven years (2016–2023). Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify factors associated with mortality. Overall, survival was 32 %, with significant differences among species and sites. Anthurium salvinii showed the highest survival, whereas Asplenium sp. and Guzmania sp. experienced the greatest losses. Establishment height positively influenced survival, while position on the tree and bark type showed no consistent effects. Although host tree species identity did not significantly affect mortality risk, survival varied among individual trees, suggesting that fine-scale microhabitat conditions and tree-level management influence outcomes. These findings demonstrate that vascular epiphytes can persist in urban environments when planting height is carefully considered, and when individual host trees are selected based on favorable structural and management conditions rather than taxonomic identity. The study provides evidence-based guidelines for integrating epiphytes into tropical urban green infrastructure.
This systematic review aims to analyze the current evidence on the utility of biomarkers for differential diagnosis and predictions of severity in patients infected with dengue (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV), Zika (ZIKV), and oropouche (OROV) viruses. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and included 30 full-text, indexed, and open-access studies published between 2019 and June 1st, 2025. A wide range of clinically relevant biomarkers were identified, including inflammatory markers, indicators of hepatic injury, metabolic dysfunction, endothelial activation, coagulation abnormalities, immunological, transcriptomic, neurological, cardiovascular, and tissue damage biomarkers, as well as viral epitopes, microRNAs, cerebrospinal fluid proteins, and imaging findings. The results underscore the critical role of biomarkers in both the differential diagnosis of arboviral infections and prediction of clinical severity. In conclusion, while biomarkers hold great promise for enhancing the clinical management of arboviral diseases, their effective implementation will require standardized validation processes, technological accessibility, and strengthened health systems in endemic regions.
Biometric seed characteristics, such as size, mass, and moisture, can significantly influence germination potential and possibly the efficiency of dormancy-breaking treatments. Leucaena leucocephala, an invasive exotic plant native to Central America, has dormant seeds, a mechanism that prevents immediate germination. Although this species has been extensively studied, no research has yet linked biometric seed characteristics to dormancy-breaking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of L. leucocephala seed size on the effectiveness of different dormancy-breaking treatments. The width, thickness, and length of seeds from both treatments were measured using a digital caliper. The moisture content was then assessed. For the germination test, small (mean width = 3.94 mm; mean length = 6.36 mm) and large (mean width = 5.23 mm; mean length = 9.59 mm) seeds were separated into four treatments (chemical scarification with 98% sulfuric acid for 15 minutes (CS), manual scarification with sandpaper 100 (MS), hot water immersion at 80 °C for 10 minutes (HWI), and a control treatment (C)). In terms of germination percentage, both small and large seeds performed better in the MS and HWI treatments. The germination speed index was higher for both seed sizes when treated with MS. When MS was used, longer seeds showed higher germination percentages, and seeds with higher moisture produced shorter radicles. Thus, the efficiency of dormancy-breaking treatments may differ between large and small seeds.
Heavy metal pollution is an increasing threat to biodiversity in Colombia, particularly in regions affected by gold and coal mining, agrochemical use, and vegetation burning. This review summarizes scientific evidence regarding the bioaccumulation and toxic effects of heavy metals—mainly mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)—on amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. A total of 34 articles published up to 2024 were analyzed, 10 of them since 2020, focusing on bioindicator species and the detection of metals in tissues (liver, muscle, feathers, blood, feces, eggs, and mucous membranes), as well as on biomarkers of genotoxic damage and oxidative stress. In amphibians, Hg bioaccumulation was observed in both direct- and indirect-developing species, with effects on survival, growth, and diversity in mining areas. In reptiles, particularly Trachemys callirostris and Iguana iguana, Hg levels and genotoxic effects in blood and tissues were reported. In aquatic and terrestrial birds, metals were detected in feathers, blood, and eggs, affecting different trophic levels. In mammals, bioaccumulation was documented in bats, river dolphins, otters, and wild rodents, with genetic damage and gene expression changes associated with oxidative stress. This review highlights gaps in systematic monitoring and in the assessment of long-term ecological effects, and underscores the importance of studies for guiding mitigation measures and strengthening conservation policies in the country’s strategic ecosystems.
Wetlands are highly productive and complex, considered fragile ecosystems of great importance for conservation. The Ayapel swamp system is the second largest in Colombia. In the context of a study of the Ayapel Swamp diatom flora, we found that a large proportion of taxa could not be assigned to known species. Furthermore, identified species were mainly species endemic to the study area or to the Neotropics. Between 2006–2009, sampling was conducted spanning three hydrological cycles under different flood pulse conditions. Water column depth, transparency, temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, hardness, pH, and total depth were measured. Total dissolved solids, total solids, nitrates (N–NO-3), nitrites (N–NO-2), ammoniacal nitrogen (N–NH+4), reactive soluble phosphorus (P–PO-34), and sulfates (S–SO-24) were determined. Root samples were taken from the three macrophytes with the greatest cover, placed in independent plastic jars, filled with distilled water, and fixed with Lugol's solution. Samples were treated to remove organic matter. Treated materials were mounted for light microscopy (LM), and for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The studied materials were deposited in the collection of the División Ficología del Museo de La Plata (LPC). Three new species are described as a result of this study: Eunotia ayapelensis nov. sp., Caloneis patiquensis nov. sp. and Gomphonema playaensis nov. sp.
