National University of Catamarca

OBJECTIVE: To update the 2009 Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) treatment recommendations for the spectrum of manifestations affecting patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: GRAPPA rheumatologists, dermatologists, and PsA patients drafted overarching principles for the management of PsA, based on consensus achieved at face-to-face meetings and via online surveys. We conducted literature reviews regarding treatment for the key domains of PsA (arthritis, spondylitis, enthesitis, dactylitis, skin disease, and nail disease) and convened a new group to identify pertinent comorbidities and their effect on treatment. Finally, we drafted treatment recommendations for each of the clinical manifestations and assessed the level of agreement for the overarching principles and treatment recommendations among GRAPPA members, using an online questionnaire. RESULTS: Six overarching principles had ≥80% agreement among both health care professionals (n = 135) and patient research partners (n = 10). We developed treatment recommendations and a schema incorporating these principles for arthritis, spondylitis, enthesitis, dactylitis, skin disease, nail disease, and comorbidities in the setting of PsA, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation process. Agreement of >80% was reached for approval of the individual recommendations and the overall schema. CONCLUSION: We present overarching principles and updated treatment recommendations for the key manifestations of PsA, including related comorbidities, based on a literature review and consensus of GRAPPA members (rheumatologists, dermatologists, other health care providers, and patient research partners). Further updates are anticipated as the therapeutic landscape in PsA evolves.

Abstract Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with marked gender and ethnic disparities. We report a large transancestral association study of SLE using Immunochip genotype data from 27,574 individuals of European (EA), African (AA) and Hispanic Amerindian (HA) ancestry. We identify 58 distinct non-HLA regions in EA, 9 in AA and 16 in HA (∼50% of these regions have multiple independent associations); these include 24 novel SLE regions ( P <5 × 10 −8 ), refined association signals in established regions, extended associations to additional ancestries, and a disentangled complex HLA multigenic effect. The risk allele count (genetic load) exhibits an accelerating pattern of SLE risk, leading us to posit a cumulative hit hypothesis for autoimmune disease. Comparing results across the three ancestries identifies both ancestry-dependent and ancestry-independent contributions to SLE risk. Our results are consistent with the unique and complex histories of the populations sampled, and collectively help clarify the genetic architecture and ethnic disparities in SLE.

Grazing represents the most extensive use of land worldwide. Yet its impacts on ecosystem services remain uncertain because pervasive interactions between grazing pressure, climate, soil properties, and biodiversity may occur but have never been addressed simultaneously. Using a standardized survey at 98 sites across six continents, we show that interactions between grazing pressure, climate, soil, and biodiversity are critical to explain the delivery of fundamental ecosystem services across drylands worldwide. Increasing grazing pressure reduced ecosystem service delivery in warmer and species-poor drylands, whereas positive effects of grazing were observed in colder and species-rich areas. Considering interactions between grazing and local abiotic and biotic factors is key for understanding the fate of dryland ecosystems under climate change and increasing human pressure.

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Antarctica , Apenidiella antarctica from permafrost, Cladosporium fildesense fromanunidentifiedmarinesponge. Argentina , Geastrum wrightii onhumusinmixedforest. Australia , Golovinomyces glandulariae on Glandularia aristigera, Neoanungitea eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus grandis, Teratosphaeria corymbiicola on leaves of Corymbia ficifolia, Xylaria eucalypti on leaves of Eucalyptus radiata. Brazil, Bovista psammophila on soil, Fusarium awaxy on rotten stalks of Zea mays, Geastrum lanuginosum on leaf litter covered soil, Hermetothecium mikaniae-micranthae (incl. Hermetothecium gen. nov.)on Mikania micrantha, Penicillium reconvexovelosoi in soil, Stagonosporopsis vannaccii from pod of Glycine max. British Virgin Isles , Lactifluus guanensis onsoil. Canada , Sorocybe oblongispora on resin of Picea rubens. Chile, Colletotrichum roseum on leaves of Lapageria rosea. China, Setophoma caverna fromcarbonatiteinKarstcave. Colombia , Lareunionomyces eucalypticola on leaves of Eucalyptus grandis. Costa Rica, Psathyrella pivae onwood. Cyprus , Clavulina iris oncalcareoussubstrate. France , Chromosera ambigua and Clavulina iris var. occidentalis onsoil. French West Indies , Helminthosphaeria hispidissima ondeadwood. Guatemala , Talaromyces guatemalensis insoil. Malaysia , Neotracylla pini (incl. Tracyllales ord. nov. and Neotra- cylla gen. nov.)and Vermiculariopsiella pini on needles of Pinus tecunumanii. New Zealand, Neoconiothyrium viticola on stems of Vitis vinifera, Parafenestella pittospori on Pittosporum tenuifolium, Pilidium novae-zelandiae on Phoenix sp. Pakistan , Russula quercus-floribundae onforestfloor. Portugal , Trichoderma aestuarinum from salinewater. Russia , Pluteus liliputianus on fallen branch of deciduous tree, Pluteus spurius on decaying deciduouswoodorsoil. South Africa , Alloconiothyrium encephalarti, Phyllosticta encephalarticola and Neothyrostroma encephalarti (incl. Neothyrostroma gen. nov.)onleavesof Encephalartos sp., Chalara eucalypticola on leaf spots of Eucalyptus grandis × urophylla, Clypeosphaeria oleae on leaves of Olea capensis, Cylindrocladiella postalofficium on leaf litter of Sideroxylon inerme , Cylindromonium eugeniicola (incl. Cylindromonium gen. nov.)onleaflitterof Eugenia capensis , Cyphellophora goniomatis on leaves of Gonioma kamassi , Nothodactylaria nephrolepidis (incl. Nothodactylaria gen. nov. and Nothodactylariaceae fam. nov.)onleavesof Nephrolepis exaltata , Falcocladium eucalypti and Gyrothrix eucalypti on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., Gyrothrix oleae on leaves of Olea capensis subsp. macrocarpa , Harzia metro sideri on leaf litter of Metrosideros sp., Hippopotamyces phragmitis (incl. Hippopota- myces gen. nov.)onleavesof Phragmites australis , Lectera philenopterae on Philenoptera violacea , Leptosillia mayteni on leaves of Maytenus heterophylla , Lithohypha aloicola and Neoplatysporoides aloes on leaves of Aloe sp., Millesimomyces rhoicissi (incl. Millesimomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Rhoicissus digitata , Neodevriesia strelitziicola on leaf litter of Strelitzia nicolai , Neokirramyces syzygii (incl. Neokirramyces gen. nov.)onleafspotsof

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A clinical grading scale for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), formally ICH score, was recently developed showing to predict 30-day mortality in a simple and reliable manner. The aim of the present study was to validate the original ICH (oICH) score in an independent cohort of patients from a developing country assessing 30-day mortality and 6-month functional outcome and whether its modifications can improve prediction. METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted with acute ICH between January 1, 2003, and July 31, 2004, were prospectively included. oICH score was applied and 2 modified ICH (mICH) scores were created with the same variables, except localization, of the oICH score but with different cutoff values. Outcome was assessed as 30-day mortality and 6-month good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] 4 to 5). RESULTS: A total of 153 patients were included during study period. Thirty-day mortality rate was 34.6% (n=53), and 59 patients (38.6%) had good functional outcome (GOS 4 to 5) at 6 months. The oICH and mICH scores predicted mortality equally well. According to Youden's index (J), the oICH score was a reliable predictor for mortality (J=0.59) but less reliable for predicting good outcome (J=0.54). The mICH scores were equal in predicting mortality but better for predicting good outcome than the oICH score (J=0.60). CONCLUSIONS: oICH score also confirms its validity in a socially and culturally different population. Modifications of oICH do not improve its 30-day mortality prediction but improve its ability to predict good functional outcome at 6 months.

<p class="3">The article argues that the ongoing usage of audio visual media is falling behind in terms of educational quality compared to prior achievements in the history of distance education. After reviewing some important steps and experiences of audio visual digital media development, we analyse predominant presentation formats on the Web. Special focus is put on recent development of new ways to generate graphics and to create animation sequences, as well as on the video presentation formats used in MOOCs. We conclude that the "new" features are in no way disruptive innovations in distance education and that the potential of video has not been sufficiently exploited. Adequate incentives to use these media for collaborative learning have not been provided and student-generated video content is at present just starting to be considered useful in instructional design.</p>

Both present academic theories and local native peoples' beliefs and practices are the result of complex colonial histories, and sometimes even evolved in curious interactions. Nevertheless, it should be kept in mind that scientific and local native theories are usually on opposite sides of the colonial border. In this article I explore the colonial and decolonizing potential of the ‘animistic turn’ in archaeology, focusing on my own trajectory of research. Following Latin American post-colonial writers on ‘border thinking’ (thinking from the border instead of about it), my account here can be described, in short, as a move from research on animism to research from animism.

During traumatic brain injury, intracranial hypertension can become a life-threatening condition if it is not managed quickly and adequately. Physicians use therapeutic hyperventilation to reduce elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) by manipulating autoregulatory functions connected to cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity. Inducing hypocapnia via hyperventilation reduces the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), which incites vasoconstriction in the cerebral resistance arterioles. This constriction decrease cerebral blood flow (CBF), which reduces cerebral blood volume (CBV) and, ultimately, decreases the patient’s ICP. The effects of therapeutic hyperventilation are transient, but the risks accompanying these changes in cerebral and systemic physiology must be carefully considered before the treatment can be deemed advisable. The most prominent criticism against this approach is the cited possibility of developing cerebral ischemia and tissue hypoxia. While it is true that certain measures, such as cerebral oxygenation monitoring, are needed to mitigate these dangerous conditions, using available evidence of potential poor outcomes associated with hyperventilation as justification to dismiss the implementation of therapeutic hyperventilation is debatable and remains a controversial subject among physicians. This review highlights various issues surrounding the use of hyperventilation as a means of controlling posttraumatic intracranial hypertension, including indications for treatment, potential risks and benefits, and a discussion of what techniques can be implement to avoid adverse complications.

Synthetic petroleum-based polymers and natural plant polymers have the disadvantage of restricted sources, in addition to the non-biodegradability of the former ones. In contrast, eco-sustainable microbial polysaccharides, of low-cost and standardized production, represent an alternative to address this situation. With a strong global market, they attracted worldwide attention because of their novel and unique physico-chemical properties as well as varied industrial applications, and many of them are promptly becoming economically competitive. Scleroglucan, a β-1,3-β-1,6-glucan secreted by Sclerotium fungi, exhibits high potential for commercialization and may show different branching frequency, side-chain length, and/or molecular weight depending on the producing strain or culture conditions. Water-solubility, viscosifying ability and wide stability over temperature, pH and salinity make scleroglucan useful for different biotechnological (enhanced oil recovery, food additives, drug delivery, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, biocompatible materials, etc.), and biomedical (immunoceutical, antitumor, etc.) applications. It can be copiously produced at bioreactor scale under standardized conditions, where a high exopolysaccharide concentration normally governs the process optimization. Operative and nutritional conditions, as well as the incidence of scleroglucan downstream processing will be discussed in this chapter. The relevance of using standardized inocula from selected strains and experiences concerning the intricate scleroglucan scaling-up will be also herein outlined.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hyperglycemia and inflammation are involved in the progression of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH)-induced brain injury, but their role in predicting clinical outcome is not clear. We sought to determine whether elevation of white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and blood glucose (BG) concentration at presentation prognosticate poor outcome in sICH patients. METHODS: Between November 1, 2005 and October 31, 2009, 210 patients admitted to 2 intensive care units were prospectively consecutively evaluated after exclusion of patients with underlying inflammatory conditions. WBC, CRP, and BG were measured and ICH scores were calculated on first evaluation. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was 30-day functional outcome using the Glasgow Outcome scale. RESULTS: The median CRP concentration was 7.85 mg/L (interquartile range, 4.0-12.0 mg/L), median WBC count was 8.05×10(9)/L (interquartile range, 6.45-9.9×10(9)/L) and median glucose concentration was 7.66 mmol/L (interquartile range, 6.11-10.83 mmol/L). At 30 days, 63 patients (30%) were dead and 101 (48.1%) had poor outcome (Glasgow Outcome scale score, 1-3). Higher WBC (P<0.001), CRP (P<0.05), and BG (P<0.001) were associated with mortality on univariate analyses, but only CRP remained associated with mortality (P<0.005) after adjustment for multiple confounders. CRP improved mortality prediction when added to the ICH score. None of the markers tested had significant associations with functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Higher WBC, CRP, and BG are associated with increased mortality in sICH patients. Only CRP elevation portends higher risk of death independently of other indicators of sICH severity.

Globally, intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring use in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is inconsistent and susceptible to resource limitations and clinical philosophies. For situations without monitoring, there is no published comprehensive management algorithm specific to identifying and treating suspected intracranial hypertension (SICH) outside of the one ad hoc Imaging and Clinical Examination (ICE) protocol in the Benchmark Evidence from South American Trials: Treatment of Intracranial Pressure (BEST:TRIP) trial. As part of an ongoing National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported project, a consensus conference involving 43 experienced Latin American Intensivists and Neurosurgeons who routinely care for sTBI patients without ICP monitoring, refined, revised, and augmented the original BEST:TRIP algorithm. Based on BEST:TRIP trial data and pre-meeting polling, 11 issues were targeted for development. We used Delphi-based methodology to codify individual statements and the final algorithm, using a group agreement threshold of 80%. The resulting CREVICE (Consensus REVised ICE) algorithm defines SICH and addresses both general management and specific treatment. SICH treatment modalities are organized into tiers to guide treatment escalation and tapering. Treatment schedules were developed to facilitate targeted management of disease severity. A decision-support model, based on the group's combined practices, is provided to guide this process. This algorithm provides the first comprehensive management algorithm for treating sTBI patients when ICP monitoring is not available. It is intended to provide a framework to guide clinical care and direct future research toward sTBI management. Because of the dearth of relevant literature, it is explicitly consensus based, and is provided solely as a resource (a "consensus-based curbside consult") to assist in treating sTBI in general intensive care units in resource-limited environments.

OBJECTIVE: There is little evidence to guide treatment strategies for intracerebral hemorrhage on vitamin K antagonists (VKA-ICH). Treatments utilized in clinical practice include fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). Our aim was to compare case fatality with different reversal strategies. METHODS: We pooled individual ICH patient data from 16 stroke registries in 9 countries (n = 10 282), of whom 1,797 (17%) were on VKA. After excluding 250 patients with international normalized ratio < 1.3 and/or missing data required for analysis, we compared all-cause 30-day case fatality using Cox regression. RESULTS: We included 1,547 patients treated with FFP (n = 377, 24%), PCC (n = 585, 38%), both (n = 131, 9%), or neither (n = 454, 29%). The crude case fatality and adjusted hazard ratio (HR) were highest with no reversal (61.7%, HR = 2.540, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.784-3.616, p < 0.001), followed by FFP alone (45.6%, HR = 1.344, 95% CI = 0.934-1.934, p = 0.112), then PCC alone (37.3%, HR = 1.445, 95% CI = 1.014-2.058, p = 0.041), compared to reversal with both FFP and PCC (27.8%, reference). Outcomes with PCC versus FFP were similar (HR = 1.075, 95% CI = 0.874-1.323, p = 0.492); 4-factor PCC (n = 441) was associated with higher case fatality compared to 3-factor PCC (n = 144, HR = 1.441, 95% CI = 1.041-1.995, p = 0.027). INTERPRETATION: The combination of FFP and PCC might be associated with the lowest case fatality in reversal of VKA-ICH, and FFP may be equivalent to PCC. Randomized controlled trials with functional outcomes are needed to establish the most effective treatment.

Massage for the purpose of health dates back to early civilization and more recently has been used in the management and prevention of sport injuries. Massage has also been used as part of a warm-up to help increase acute flexibility. However, the physiological benefits and mechanisms of massage are not well known. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of 3 massage conditions on hip flexion range of motion (ROM). This experimentation involved a novel massage technique, which focused the massage on the musculotendinous junction for a short duration. Ten recreationally active women ranging from 21 to 36 years in age participated in this study. Participants were subjected to 3 massage conditions (no massage, 10-second massage, and 30-second massage) in a random order on separate days. Hip flexion angle, passive leg tension, and electromyography (EMG) were measured thrice before and within 10 seconds after the intervention. A main effect for conditions was found with the 30-second massage providing a 7.2% increase in hip flexion ROM that was significantly greater than the control condition (p < 0.05). Significant interactions occurred with an increased ROM (p < 0.05) from pre to posttests of 5.9 and 7.2% for the 10- and 30-second massage conditions, respectively. There were no significant differences in passive tension or EMG for any conditions or time. With a significant increase in hip angle and no associated increase in passive tension or EMG, there is a suggestion that 10 and 30 seconds of musculotendinous massage induces greater ROM through a modified stretch perception, increased stretch tolerance, or increased compliance of the hamstrings. Musculotendinous massage may be used as an alternative or a complement to static stretching for increasing ROM.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood marker of inflammation and a hallmark of the acute-phase response. Its elevation bears negative prognostic implications for many conditions and it has also been shown to be a nonspecific predictor of long-term risk of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in several populations, while elevations of CRP associated with the major acute-phase response following ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke are associated with death and vascular complications. High-sensitivity assays that accurately measure levels of CRP have been proposed for use in risk assessment for CVD and as a prognostic marker after an acute event, although the pathogenic and clinical significance of these associations is controversial. In this article, we critically review the literature in narrative format and describe major epidemiological studies, novel experiments and possible future developments that may inform the debate. In our discussion, we will distinguish the different pathophysiological roles of high circulating CRP concentrations in individuals with acute stroke from the modestly and persistently increased levels of CRP concentration in generally healthy subjects. However, before any clinical application is possible, a critical appraisal of the strengths and deficiencies of the accumulated evidence is required, both to consider the current state of knowledge and to inform the design of future research.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the C-reactive protein (CRP) response after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and its relationship to outcome. We additionally characterized early brain localization of CRP. METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter, international, collaborative, longitudinal study with cross-sectional immunohistochemical analysis of brain tissue, 223 patients (M/F: 132/91) were recruited during the 2010 calendar year. CRP was evaluated at admission (median 93 minutes from symptom onset), 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after sICH. Brains of 5 subjects with sICH were compared to brains of 2 aged controls without evidence of brain pathology and 7 patients with ischemic stroke. Plasma CRP was measured over 72 hours following sICH and its relationship to 30-day mortality and functional outcome at 30 days (Glasgow Outcome Scale) was determined. CRP immunostaining patterns were analyzed in samples of sICH autopsy brains. RESULTS: Plasma CRP increased over the 48 hours from admission and was significantly (p < 0.001) related to hematoma volume at later time points. The predictive utility of CRP for morbidity and mortality were maintained when adjusted for other risk factors and improved at 48 hours and 72 hours when compared with admission values. Although an early CRP localization was present in both ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions, an intense and diffuse neuropil staining was only present in sICH patients and particularly evident proximal to the hemorrhagic areas. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma CRP production increases markedly over the 48 hours to 72 hours period following sICH and is related to outcome. CRP is also present in large amounts around the hemorrhagic lesion and within neurons and glia of patients who died within 12 hours of sICH.

Maintaining an adequate level of sedation and analgesia plays a key role in the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). To date, it is unclear which drug or combination of drugs is most effective in achieving these goals. Ketamine is an agent with attractive pharmacological and pharmacokinetics characteristics. Current evidence shows that ketamine does not increase and may instead decrease intracranial pressure, and its safety profile makes it a reliable tool in the prehospital environment. In this point of view, we discuss different aspects of the use of ketamine in the acute phase of TBI, with its potential benefits and pitfalls.

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global public health problem. In Colombia, it is estimated that 70% of deaths from violence and 90% of deaths from road traffic accidents are TBI related. In the year 2014, the Ministry of Health of Colombia funded the development of a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with severe TBI. A critical barrier to the widespread implementation was identified—that is, the lack of a specific protocol that spans various levels of resources and complexity across the four treatment phases. The objective of this article is to present the process and recommendations for the management of patients with TBI in various resource environments, across the treatment phases of prehospital care, emergency department (ED), surgery, and intensive care unit. Methods Using the Delphi methodology, a consensus of 20 experts in emergency medicine, neurosurgery, prehospital care, and intensive care nationwide developed recommendations based on 13 questions for the management of patients with TBI in Colombia. Discussion It is estimated that 80% of the global population live in developing economies where access to resources required for optimum treatment is limited. There is limitation for applications of CPGs recommendations in areas where there is low availability or absence of resources for integral care. Development of mixed methods consensus, including evidence review and expertise points of good clinical practices can fill gaps in application of CPGs. BOOTStraP (Beyond One Option for Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Stratified Protocol) is intended to be a practical handbook for care providers to use to treat TBI patients with whatever resources are available. Results Stratification of recommendations for interventions according to the availability of the resources on different stages of integral care is a proposed method for filling gaps in actual evidence, to organize a better strategy for interventions in different real-life scenarios. We develop 10 algorithms of management for building TBI protocols based on expert consensus to articulate treatment options in prehospital care, EDs, neurological surgery, and intensive care, independent of the level of availability of resources for care.

The objective was to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Argentina, to assess the factors associated to it, and to compare the results with a control group with non-inflammatory disorders. The study included 147 patients with SLE and 119 controls. MS was defined according to criteria by the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) Scientific Statement. Demographic characteristics, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index (SDI) were assessed as well as administration, maximum dose and cumulative dose of prednisone and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). MS prevalence was 28.6% (CI 95%: 21.4-36.6) in patients with SLE and 16% in controls (P = 0.0019). Patients with SLE presented higher arterial hypertension frequency compared with controls (43 vs 25%, P = 0.007). When comparing lupus patients with MS (n = 41) and without MS (n = 106), no significant differences were observed regarding duration of the disease, SLEDAI or cumulative prednisone dose. Cumulative damage was associated independently with MS (OR 1.98; P = 0.021), whereas HCQ use was found to be protective (OR 0.13; P = 0.015). Patients with lupus presented higher MS prevalence than controls with non-inflammatory disorders, and occurrence of arterial hypertension was also higher. MS was associated with cumulative damage; the use of HCQ showed to be protective against presence of MS.

&lt;sec&gt;&lt;st&gt;Aims&lt;/st&gt; Increasing evidence worldwide indicates that high mountain regions are not immune to invasion by alien plants. Here, we aimed to address whether three major woody invaders of low-mountain areas are constrained to lower altitudes due to climatic restrictions or just by low propagule pressure. We hypothesize that the increasing climatic harshness towards higher altitudes restricts seedling establishment and survival of these woody invaders and thus their potential for altitudinal expansion. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt;&lt;st&gt;Methods&lt;/st&gt; The study was carried out in the Sierras Grandes Mountains, C&lt;a&gt;&lt;ac&gt;o&lt;/ac&gt;&lt;ac&gt;´&lt;/ac&gt;&lt;/a&gt;rdoba, central Argentina (32º50′S, 64º90′W). We addressed the hypothesis with an experimental approach, dissociating the effect of the environmental gradient from that of propagule pressure, by discarding the influence of seed sources. We translocated seeds of &lt;it&gt;Gleditsia triacanthos&lt;/it&gt; L.&lt;it&gt;, Ligustrum lucidum&lt;/it&gt; W.T. Aiton. and &lt;it&gt;Pyracantha angustifolia&lt;/it&gt; (Franch.) C.K.Schneid. along the altitudinal gradient (from 900 to 2700 m asl). Seven sites were selected along the altitudinal gradient, spaced every 200–400 m. Three plots (4×4 m) were selected within each altitudinal site and excluded from livestock; 100 seeds of each species were sown within each plot (6300 seeds in total). Seedling emergence and survival was monitored during two growing seasons and soil temperature and moisture was recorded as well. The field experiment was complemented with lab assays. &lt;/sec&gt; &lt;sec&gt;&lt;st&gt;Important Findings&lt;/st&gt; Climate along this altitudinal gradient might be least restrictive at mid elevations, as a result of the intersection between opposite soil temperature and moisture gradients. Sown seeds germinated along the whole altitudinal gradient and seedlings successfully established and over-wintered well above their current altitudinal distribution (up to 2200 m for &lt;it&gt;Ligustrum&lt;/it&gt; and 2400 m for &lt;it&gt;Gleditsia&lt;/it&gt; and &lt;it&gt;Pyracantha&lt;/it&gt;). Additional lab assays confirmed field patterns and gave some insights into contrasting regeneration strategies between these invaders that might help to overcome stochastic environmental constraints in the germination stage. Overall, seedlings of three major woody invaders of low-mountain woodlands can establish and survive at higher elevations than their current distribution. In contrast to natives, they seem to be broad climate tolerators, rather than specialized stress tolerators, capable of germinating and growing across a wide elevational range. While long-term experiments might be necessary to fully address the potentials for altitudinal expansion, out results on early lifecycle stage suggest that the invaders studied here would have mostly a dispersal barrier rather than a climate barrier to establish in the upper belt of the Sierras Grandes. &lt;/sec&gt;

Synthesis of nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) suspensions was performed using a 120 fs (femtosecond) pulse laser to ablate a Ni solid target in n-heptane and water. Analysis of structure, configuration, and sizing was carried out using different independent techniques, such as optical extinction spectroscopy (OES), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron diffraction (ED), which yield interrelated information. AFM microscopy allows determining the spherical shape and size distribution of the NPs in the obtained colloids, while TEM provides knowledge about shape, structure, and size distribution. ED allows identification of the different metal and metal oxide compositions as well as their crystallographic phase. On the other hand, OES gives information related to size distribution, structure, configuration, and composition. Interpretation of these spectra is based on Mie theory, which, in turn, depends on Ni dielectric function. For NP radii smaller than 3 nm, size-dependent free and bound electron contributions to the dielectric function must be considered. To account for the full size span, complete Mie expansion was used for optical extinction cross-section calculations. A theoretical analysis of the dependence of plasmon resonance of bare core and core–shell Ni NPs with core size and shell thickness provides insight about their spectroscopic features. For n-heptane, species like bare core Ni and hollow Ni NPs are found in the colloid, the latter being reported for the first time in this work. Instead, for water, the colloid contains hollow nickel NPs and nickel oxide in different core–shell configurations: Ni–NiO and NiO–Ni, the latter also being reported for the first time in this paper. In both cases, the size distribution agrees with that derived from TEM and AFM analysis. The formation of the oxide species is discussed in terms of oxidation–reduction processes during ablation. Possible mechanisms for the formation of hollow species are proposed.