ABSTRACT In order to provide information on the current knowledge about the native fish Dormitator latifrons and identify the gaps that must be filled to achieve correct resource management, a scientometric study was carried out using different scientific databases. A total of 103 publications were registered between the years 1972 and 2021. Results indicate that the species has been addressed since 2001 with less than one publication per year, with 2008 being the year with the highest number of publications (10). The main topics addressed were ecology, physiology, and parasitology of fish. The available knowledge generated about the species is concentrated in 68 journals, with Mexico as the most productive country, followed by USA and Ecuador, and the most productive research centers about this fish were Mexico’s Instituto Politécnico Nacional and Universidad de Guadalajara. A total of 285 authors were detected contributing knowledge to the species, with Violante-González in the top with ten publications. The co-authorship co-occurrence maps suggest there is no solid collaborative relationship between the scientific community and that the information generated is insufficient for conserving and exploiting this fish. It is essential to increase the study of thematic areas that allow their comprehensive management in the medium term; topics like reproduction in captivity, aquaculture, and nutrition must be addressed in the future to assure a sustainable use of this resource.

Abstract Objective: The objective was to compare the executive functions between hypertensive and non-hypertensive middle-aged Mexican adults. Methods: An observational and analytic study was designed. Participants were men and women residents of Southeastern Mexico, aged between 40 and 60 years, with at least 5 years of hypertension diagnosis. The control group was people without hypertension. All participants completed a digit symbol substitution test (DSST), clinical and epidemiological data. Statistical analysis unpaired Student's t-test, p < 0.05. Results: DSST score in control men was 37.78 ± 11.94, control women: 42.96 ± 11.19, hypertensive men: 16.81 ± 9.82, and hypertensive women: 26.88 ± 12.04. Significant differences were found between hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups. Men had worse scores than women. No difference between normotensive men and women. Inverse correlation was found between DSST score and age, values of systolic and diastolic blood tension in the hypertension group. Conclusion: Hypertension decreases the executive function in middle-aged people, mainly in men. This dysfunction could be an early indicator of brain deterioration.

Resumen Objetivo: comparar la función ejecutiva entre adultos mexicanos de mediana edad, hipertensos y no hipertensos. Métodos: se diseñó un estudio observacional y analítico. Los participantes eran hombres y mujeres residentes del sureste de México, con edades comprendidas entre 40 y 60 años y al menos cinco años de diagnóstico de hipertensión. Los controles fueron personas sin hipertensión. Todos los participantes completaron la prueba de Sustitución de Símbolo y Dígitos (DSST), datos clínicos y epidemiológicos. Análisis estadístico t-Student no pareada, p < 0.05. Resultados: la puntuación DSST en los hombres control fue de 37.78 ± 11.94 y las mujeres control: 42.96 ± 11.19, los hombres hipertensos: 16.81 ± 9.82 y las mujeres hipertensas: 26.88 ± 12.04. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el grupo hipertenso y no hipertenso. Los hombres tuvieron peores puntajes que las mujeres. No hay diferencia entre hombres y mujeres normotensos. Se encontró correlación inversa entre la puntuación DSST y la edad, los valores de tensión arterial sistólica y diastólica en el grupo con hipertensión. Conclusión: la hipertensión disminuye la función ejecutiva en personas de mediana edad, principalmente en hombres. Esta disfunción podría ser un indicador temprano de deterioro cerebral.

Egg laying site selection by a host plant specialist leaf miner moth at two intra-plant levels in the northern Chilean Atacama Desert. The spatial distribution of the immature stages of the leaf miner Angelabella tecomae Vargas & Parra, 2005 was determined at two intra-plant levels (shoot and leaflet) on the shrub Tecoma fulva fulva (Cav.) D. Don (Bignoniaceae) in the Azapa valley, northern Chilean Atacama Desert. An aggregated spatial pattern was detected for all the immature stages along the shoot, with an age dependent relative position: eggs and first instar larvae were clumped at apex; second, third and fourth instar larvae were mostly found at intermediate positions; meanwhile the spinning larva and pupa were clumped at basis. This pattern suggests that the females select new, actively growing leaflets for egg laying. At the leaflet level, the immature stages were found more frequently at underside. Furthermore, survivorship was higher for larvae from underside mines. All these results highlight the importance of an accurate selection of egg laying site in the life history of this highly specialized leaf miner. By contrast, eventual wrong choices in the egg laying site selection may be associated with diminished larval survivorship. The importance of the continuous availability of new plant tissue in this highly human modified arid environment is discussed in relation with the observed patterns.

This paper critically analyses some of the characteristics of articles on science issues that have been published in the last ten years by the most important Argentine print media (even though many of them have been previously published by foreign media) describing some categories, formats and recurring vices. Actual or assumed scientific errors are not considered within this paper, since its purpose is to explore the kind of images and representations of science transmitted to those readers lacking of specialized training, who do not turn to the publications which originated the news but take the print media articles as primary sources instead. Finally, this work will demonstrate that Argentine science journalism does not meet any of the goals it usually claims regarding the need for the transmission of science: that science is a public good and a factor of progress for humanity; that it is necessary for daily life; that it helps people to make vital decisions; and that as science increasingly needs the support of the population -including economical support- it must display and publicize its achievements and future possibilities

En este trabajo se analizan críticamente algunas características de los artículos científicos aparecidos en los últimos diez años en los grandes medios gráficos de la Argentina (aunque muchos de ellos son tomados de medios extranjeros), describiendo algunas categorías, formatos y vicios recurrentes. No se toman en consideración los reales o supuestos errores científicos que contienen, porque el objetivo es, más bien, llamar la atención sobre el tipo de imagen y representaciones de la ciencia que transmiten a los lectores. A unos lectores que no tienen ni la formación especializada ni recurren a las publicaciones que dieron origen a la noticia, sino que toman al artículo periodístico como única fuente. Se afirma finalmente que el periodismo científico no cumple con ninguno de los objetivos que suele invocar sobre la necesidad de la difusión de la ciencia: la ciencia es un bien público y factor de progreso para la humanidad; es necesaria para la vida cotidiana; ayuda a tomar decisiones vitales a las personas; y que, como la ciencia necesita cada vez más del apoyo de la población -incluido el económico-, debe mostrar y difundir sus logros y las posibilidades futuras

O número de ínstares sugadores do minador de folhas Angelabella tecomae Vargas & Parra, 2005 foi determinado mediante a coleta de exúvias de cápsulas cefálicas de larvas sugadoras em minas (n = 125) do arbusto Tecoma fulva fulva D. Don (Bignoniaceae), no vale de Azapa, norte do Chile. A larva passou por quatro ínstares em 120 ocasiões, e por cinco ínstares, em outras cinco. As possíveis causas da variação e a utilidade da ferramenta para futuros estudos são discutidos.

The number of sap-feeding instars of the leaf-miner Angelabella tecomae Vargas & Parra, 2005 was determined by measuring the head capsule exuviae collected from mines (n = 125) on the shrub Tecoma fulva fulva D. Don (Bignoniaceae) in the Azapa Valley, northern Chile. Sap-feeding larvae went through four instars in 120 occasions while five larvae went through five instars. The possible causes for this variation and the usefulness of this tool for future studies are discussed.

We analyzed the relationship of landscape and environmental features on the genetic differentiation of Rhinella spinulosa (Wiegmann, 1834) in the Altiplano of Antofagasta (Chile). We performed three types of analyses at different spatial scales: (1) Considering all populations; (2) Grouping populations by watershed and by sub-watershed; and (3) Using the results of a spatial analysis of molecular variation (SAMOVA). Landscape features were incorporated using Geographic Information Systems, with three hypothetical dispersal models: (1) Euclidean distance (null model); (2) Least cost based on wetland locations; and (3) Least cost based on least slopes. We also included differences in temperature, precipitation and altitude among localities. The Akaike information criterion was used to select the best model and the relative importance of each variable in the model was estimated with partial regressions. We found a high genetic differentiation among populations (Fst = 0.693) and isolation by distance (r = 0.767). AMOVA showed that the watersheds explained 8.67 % of the genetic variance and sub-watersheds 35.99 %. At the largest spatial scale, considering all populations, the model that best explained genetic differentiation included Euclidean distance, altitude and annual precipitation. At a smaller scale, in two of three sub-watersheds (Río San Pedro and Salar de Atacama) the genetic differentiation was best explained by landscape variables (principally temperature and altitude). At the smallest scale, considering those populations that have diverged recently detected by SAMOVA, the genetic differentiation was best explained by the wetland-based route and annual precipitation. This approach revealed the importance of landscape features in the colonization of R. spinulosa in this zone.

Se evaluó la relación entre las características del paisaje y ambientales y la diferenciación genética de Rhinella spinulosa en el altiplano de la Región de Antofagasta (Chile). Para esto se realizaron tres tipos de análisis a diferentes escalas espaciales: (1) considerando todas las poblaciones; (2) agrupando las poblaciones por cuencas y por subcuencas; y (3) utilizando los resultados del análisis espacial de variación molecular (SAMOVA). Las características del paisaje se incorporaron diseñando tres modelos hipotéticos de dispersión con los Sistemas de Información Geográfico: (1) distancia euclidiana (modelo nulo); (2) de menor costo basado en la localización de los humedales; y (3) de menor costo basado en las pendientes menores. Además, se incluyeron las diferencias en temperatura, precipitación y altitud entre localidades. Para seleccionar el modelo que mejor explicara la diferenciación genética se utilizó el Criterio de Información de Akaike y se estimó la importancia relativa de cada variable del modelo seleccionado utilizando regresiones parciales. Se encontró una alta diferenciación genética entre las poblaciones (Fst = 0.693) y un patrón claro de aislamiento por distancia (r = 0.767). El análisis AMOVA mostró que las cuencas explicaron un 8.67 % de la varianza genética y las subcuencas un 35.99 %. A mayor escala espacial, considerando todas las poblaciones, el mejor modelo que explicó la diferenciación genética incluyó las variables distancia euclidiana, altitud y precipitación anual. A menor escala, en dos de las tres subcuencas (Río San Pedro y Salar de Atacama) la diferenciación genética fue mejor explicada por variables del paisaje (temperatura y altitud, principalmente). A menor escala, considerando las poblaciones que han divergido recientemente detectadas por SAMOVA, la diferenciación genética fue mejor explicada por la ruta basada en humedales y la precipitación anual. Esta aproximación muestra la importancia de las características del paisaje en la colonización de R. spinulosa en esta zona.

Usually it is held that the metaphors are expressions in which something is said but it is evoked or suggested another thing; that they are - or they should be - almost exclusive patrimony of the literary language or the vulgar language; and that they are not relevant in the science. However, the ubiquity of the metaphor in the science - not only in the teaching and the popularization of the knowledge but also in its production and mainly in its legitimation - takes to suspect that there is something erroneous in those points of view. Thus, this paper attempt to disagree with the three precedent claims and to hold, on the contrary, that the metaphors say something for themselves, and not only as mere subsidiaries of another literal considered expression; that although there are excellent examples in the literature, there are also brilliant and fecund metaphors in the science and, the strongest thesis, that the metaphors perform a fundamental constituent role in the science. In this sense, it is thought about the possibility to develop an research programme on the base of an evolutionary epistemology whose units of selection are the metaphors, epistemically considered.

Habitualmente se sostiene que las metáforas son expresiones en las cuales se dice algo pero se evoca o sugiere otra cosa, que son - o deberían ser- patrimonio casi exclusivo del lenguaje literario o del lenguaje vulgar y que no son relevantes en el discurso científico. Sin embargo, la ubicuidad de la metáfora en la ciencia -no sólo en la enseñanza y la divulgación sino también en la producción y sobre todo en la legitimación del conocimiento- lleva a sospechar que hay algo erróneo en esos puntos de vista. Este trabajo se propone, entonces, discrepar con las tres afirmaciones precedentes y sostener, por el contrario, que las metáforas dicen algo por sí mismas, y no como meras subsidiarias de otra expresión considerada literal; que si bien hay excelentes ejemplos en la literatura, también hay metáforas brillantes y fecundas en la ciencia y, la tesis más fuerte, que las metáforas cumplen en la ciencia un papel constitutivo fundamental. En este sentido, se plantea la posibilidad de desarrollar un programa de investigación sobre la base de una epistemología evolucionista cuya unidad de selección sean las metáforas, epistémicamente consideradas.