University of the Andes

About: University of the Andes is a education organization based out in Mérida, Venezuela. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Politics. The organization has 1922 authors who have published 1720 publications receiving 18069 citations.

A DNA barcode for land plants.

Abstract: DNA barcoding involves sequencing a standard region of DNA as a tool for species identification. However, there has been no agreement on which region(s) should be used for barcoding land plants. To provide a community recommendation on a standard plant barcode, we have compared the performance of 7 leading candidate plastid DNA regions (atpF–atpH spacer, matK gene, rbcL gene, rpoB gene, rpoC1 gene, psbK–psbI spacer, and trnH–psbA spacer). Based on assessments of recoverability, sequence quality, and levels of species discrimination, we recommend the 2-locus combination of rbcL+matK as the plant barcode. This core 2-locus barcode will provide a universal framework for the routine use of DNA sequence data to identify specimens and contribute toward the discovery of overlooked species of land plants.

Metformin therapy in polycystic ovary syndrome reduces hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, hyperandrogenemia, and systolic blood pressure, while facilitating normal menses and pregnancy☆

Abstract: Using polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a model of insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism, our specific aim was to assess the effect of Metformin on lipoproteins, sex hormones, gonadotropins, and blood pressure in 26 women with PCOS who were studied at baseline, received Metformin 1.5 g/d for 8 weeks, and were then restudied. None of the women had normal menstrual cycles, 100% had multiple subcapsular follicules by pelvic ultrasound, 90% were hirsute, and 85% had high free testosterone. Comparing post-Metformin versus baseline levels, the Quetelet Index (QI) decreased 1.5% (P = .04) and the waist to hip ratio (WHR) decreased 2.8% (P = .003). After covariance adjusting for changes in the QI and WHR, on Metformin the area under the insulin curve (IA) during oral glucose tolerance testing decreased 35% (P = .04), and the insulin area to glucose area ratio decreased 31% (P = .03). On Metformin, covariance-adjusted systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased (P = .04) and apo A-1 increased (P = .05). On Metformin, with improvement in insulin sensitivity, there were sharp reductions in covariance-adjusted luteinizing hormone ([LH] P = .0007), total testosterone ([T] P = .0004), free T (P = .0001), androstenedione (P = .002), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ([DHEAS] P = .006), and the free androgen index ([FAI] P = .0005), with increments in follicle-stimulating hormone ([FSH] P = .04) and sex hormone-binding globulin ([SHBG] P = .04).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Classification of platelet concentrates (Platelet-Rich Plasma-PRP, Platelet-Rich Fibrin-PRF) for topical and infiltrative use in orthopedic and sports medicine: current consensus, clinical implications and perspectives.

Abstract: Platelet concentrates for topical and infiltrative use - commonly termed Platetet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) - are used or tested as surgical adjuvants or regenerative medicine preparations in most medical fields, particularly in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery. Even if these products offer interesting therapeutic perspectives, their clinical relevance is largely debated, as the literature on the topic is often confused and contradictory. The long history of these products was always associated with confusions, mostly related to the lack of consensual terminology, characterization and classification of the many products that were tested in the last 40 years. The current consensus is based on a simple classification system dividing the many products in 4 main families, based on their fibrin architecture and cell content: Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma (P-PRP), such as the PRGF-Endoret technique; Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Plasma (LPRP), such as Biomet GPS system; Pure Platelet-Rich Fibrin (P-PRF), such as Fibrinet; Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF), such as Intra-Spin L-PRF. The 4 main families of products present different biological signatures and mechanisms, and obvious differences for clinical applications. This classification serves as a basis for further investigations of the effects of these products. Perspectives of evolutions of this classification and terminology are also discussed, particularly concerning the impact of the cell content, preservation and activation on these products in sports medicine and orthopaedics.

Persistent effects of pre-Columbian plant domestication on Amazonian forest composition

Abstract: The extent to which pre-Columbian societies altered Amazonian landscapes is hotly debated. We performed a basin-wide analysis of pre-Columbian impacts on Amazonian forests by overlaying known archaeological sites in Amazonia with the distributions and abundances of 85 woody species domesticated by pre-Columbian peoples. Domesticated species are five times more likely than nondomesticated species to be hyperdominant. Across the basin, the relative abundance and richness of domesticated species increase in forests on and around archaeological sites. In southwestern and eastern Amazonia, distance to archaeological sites strongly influences the relative abundance and richness of domesticated species. Our analyses indicate that modern tree communities in Amazonia are structured to an important extent by a long history of plant domestication by Amazonian peoples.