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Protoplast isolation from different explant sources in pitahaya (Selenicereus costaricensis, Cactaceae): Insights from roots, callus, and shoot tissues
No full textEfficient protocols for protoplast isolation in succulent plants, including cacti, are limited. In this study, we developed a protocol for isolating protoplasts from different tissues of pitahaya (Selenicereus costaricensis), including in vitro shoots and roots, greenhouse shoots, and callus cultures. We analyzed the effects of tissue source on protoplast yield and optimized the protocol by evaluating factors such as the composition of the enzyme solution and its pH, cell wall digestion time, shaking speed, and sucrose concentration during purification. Callus cultures yielded the highest protoplast numbers (2.5 × 106 protoplasts/g fresh weight), followed by greenhouse plant shoots (1.6 × 106 protoplasts/g fresh weight), while in vitro roots yielded the lowest (< 4 × 104 protoplasts/g fresh weight). Calcium oxalate crystals, mainly raphides, were observed in purification solutions containing damaged protoplasts from in vitro and greenhouse shoots, indicating a presumed detrimental effect on protoplast integrity. Conversely, no crystals or mucilaginous cells were observed in protoplast preparations from in vitro roots and callus cultures, facilitating the recovery of intact protoplasts. Protoplasts isolated from in vitro roots and shoots could not be effectively purified. Notably, greenhouse shoots digested exclusively with food-grade pectinase produced relatively high protoplast yields.Universidad de Costa Rica/[734-B3107]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Centro para Investigaciones en Granos y Semillas (CIGRAS)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Instituto de Investigaciones Agrícolas (IIA)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentaria
Tratamiento farmacológico del dolor en la osteoartrosis de rodilla en adultos mayores y su impacto en calidad de vida: revisión de la evidencia actual
Get PDFLa osteoartrosis (OA) de rodilla constituye una causa mayor de discapacidad en adultos mayores, con impacto relevante sobre dolor, función y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Esta revisión bibliográfica analiza la evidencia disponible sobre la eficacia y seguridad de los tratamientos farmacológicos para el manejo del dolor en OA de rodilla, compara las principales guías clínicas internacionales y valora su efecto sobre indicadores validados de calidad de vida, con un enfoque geriátrico.
Se planteó como objetivo general sintetizar la evidencia para orientar decisiones clínicas centradas en funcionalidad y bienestar de la persona mayor y como objetivos específicos: describir fundamentos conceptuales y epidemiológicos, evaluar eficacia y seguridad de fármacos, comparar recomendaciones de las principales guías internacionales y examinar su impacto en calidad de vida.
Los hallazgos confirman que el paracetamol ofrece beneficios discretos en dolor y función, sin traducción consistente en calidad de vida, por lo que su papel es adyuvante o cuando los antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINES) están contraindicados. Los AINES constituyen la piedra angular del manejo: la evidencia apoya su eficacia analgésica así como funcional y en adultos mayores se prioriza la vía tópica por perfil de seguridad, reservando la vía oral a casos seleccionados con estricto control del riesgo gastrointestinal, renal y cardiovascular. Los opioides no se recomiendan de forma rutinaria por bajo beneficio neto y mayor carga de eventos adversos y abandono. Las infiltraciones de corticosteroides intraarticulares aportan alivio a corto plazo, útiles para exacerbaciones sintomáticas; el ácido hialurónico intraarticular no se recomienda de manera sistemática por falta de beneficio clínicamente relevante. Los fármacos sintomáticos de acción lenta para osteoartrosis (SYSADOAs) ofrecen un efecto analgésico y funcional modesto y de inicio lento, con impacto inconsistente en calidad de vida. En terapias no estandarizadas, el plasma rico en plaquetas (PRP) muestra resultados inconsistentes y no superiores a placebo en calidad de vida. Entre los adyuvantes, la duloxetina ofrece un efecto promedio modesto, con posible beneficio en subgrupos a costa de mayor tasa de eventos adversos leves y discontinuaciones.
Desde la perspectiva geriátrica, la individualización terapéutica exige valorar cambios farmacocinéticos propios de la edad, multimorbilidad y cascadas de prescripción, promoviendo revisión periódica y desprescripción estructurada. En conjunto, se propone un abordaje escalonado, centrado en el paciente y en metas funcionales: priorizar AINES tópicos, considerar cursos breves de corticosteroides intraarticulares para exacerbaciones, reservar duloxetina para casos seleccionados, evitar opioides y no indicar de rutina ácido hialurónico ni PRP. Aunque las mejoras en calidad de vida tienden a ser modestas a nivel poblacional, la selección cuidadosa, el monitoreo de seguridad y la valoración geriátrica integral pueden optimizar resultados clínicos relevantes para los adultos mayores.
Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica exhaustiva en bases de datos internacionales de alto impacto: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase y Cochrane Library. El período analizado abarcó desde el año 2015 hasta 2025, sin embargo, se debe hacer la aclaración de que se utilizaron algunos estudios más antiguos del 2015 por ser estudios de relevancia vinculante para esta revisión bibliográfica. Se priorizó la inclusión de artículos en inglés y español para asegurar la amplitud y relevancia de la evidencia. Se incorporaron distintas fuentes de evidencia científica: Revisiones sistémicas y metaanálisis, ensayos clínicos, estudios observacionales así como guías de práctica clínicaKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a major cause of disability in older adults, with relevant effects on pain, function, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This bibliographic review analyzes the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments for knee OA pain, compares the main international clinical guidelines, and evaluates their impact on validated HRQoL indicators, all through a geriatric lens. The overarching aim was to synthesize evidence to guide clinical decisions centered on functional outcomes and the well-being of older persons; the specific objectives were to describe conceptual and epidemiological foundations, assess drug efficacy and safety, compare recommendations across leading guidelines, and examine their effects on HRQoL.
Findings confirm that acetaminophen provides small benefits in pain and function without consistent HRQoL gains, supporting its role as an adjunct or when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are contraindicated. NSAIDs remain the cornerstone of management: evidence supports analgesic and functional efficacy, and in older adults topical formulations are preferred for safety, reserving oral NSAIDs for selected cases with strict gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular risk control. Routine opioid use is discouraged due to limited net benefit and higher rates of adverse events and discontinuation. Intra articular corticosteroid injections provide short-term relief useful for symptomatic flares; intra-articular hyaluronic acid is not recommended routinely owing to a lack of clinically meaningful benefit. Symptomatic slowacting drugs for OA (SYSADOAs) yield modest, slow-onset improvements with inconsistent HRQoL impact. Among non-standard therapies, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) shows inconsistent results and no superiority to placebo for HRQoL. As an adjuvant, duloxetine offers a modest average effect with potential benefit in subgroups, at the cost of more minor adverse events and discontinuations.
From a geriatric perspective, individualized therapy requires appraisal of agerelated pharmacokinetic changes, multimorbidity, and prescribing cascades, promoting periodic review and structured deprescribing. Overall, a stepped, patient-centered approach is proposed: prioritize topical NSAIDs, consider brief courses of intra-articular corticosteroids for exacerbations, reserve duloxetine for selected cases, avoid opioids, and refrain from routine use of hyaluronic acid or PRP. Although HRQoL improvements tend to be modest atthe population level, careful treatment selection, safety monitoring, and comprehensive geriatric assessment can optimize clinically relevant outcomes for older adults.
Methods: An exhaustive literature search was conducted in high-impact international databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The period analyzed spanned from 2015 to 2025; however, some earlier studies prior to 2015 were included due to their relevant and binding contribution to the objectives of this review. Articles in English and Spanish were prioritized to ensure the breadth and relevance of the evidence. Multiple sources of scientific evidence were incorporated, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, clinical trials, observational studies, and clinical practice guidelines.Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Sistema de Estudios de Posgrado::Salud::Especialidad en Geriatría y Gerontologí
Co-digestión anaerobia líquida como estrategia circular para valorizar residuos orgánicos y aguas residuales
Get PDFThe present study assessed the operational performance and biogas productivity of two UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) reactors treating wastewater (WW), one of which (R2) was co-fed with organic waste (OW) derived from food residues under liquid anaerobic co-digestion (L-AcoD). Furthermore, the experiment was structured in five operational phases, reaching a peak organic loading rate (OLR) of 28.66 kgCOD m-3 d-1. In the concluding phase, reactor R2 attained a biogas yield of 5.56 L m-3 WW treated, in comparison to 0.02 L m-3 in the mono-digestion reactor (R1). When extrapolated to a standard wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) with a flow rate of 25 L s⁻¹ (equivalent to 2160 m³ d⁻¹), this would yield 12.01 m³ of biogas daily or 4383.65 m³ annually. In order to maintain this level of performance, it is estimated that 226.8 tonnes d-1 (82,782 tonnes yr-1) of OW would be necessary, representing a significant diversion from landfill. This reduction contributes not only to the minimization of OW, but also to energy self-sufficiency in WWTPs, thereby supporting decarbonisation strategies. The bromatological analysis of OW revealed carbohydrate-rich substrates, with specific fractions (e.g., banana peels) influencing effluent color and reactor performance. Nevertheless, the process stability is ensured by proper dilution (10% v/v) and pH buffering. These findings emphasize the viability of L-AcoD as a decentralized circular economy solution for Latin America, offering synergistic benefits in waste reduction and renewable energy generation.Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ingeniería::Facultad de Ingeniería::Escuela de Ingeniería Civi
Community Structure of coral ecosystems in sites of importance for the conservation of marine biodiversity in the North Pacific of Costa Rica
Get PDFIntroduction: The North Pacific of Costa Rica is a very dynamic region in oceanographic terms and has been identified as an important site for coral environments, with abundant coral communities and some of the most developed coral reefs on the Costa Rican Pacific coast. Nevertheless, these ecosystems have suffered degradation in the last years, a product of events of natural and anthropogenic origin.
Objective: This study determines the ecological state of the coralline ecosystems located in the Sites of Interest for the Conservation Golfo de Papagayo and Punta Gorda - Punta Pargos.
Methods: The coastline and geological formations (islands and islets) located in these SICs were explored, and rapid ecological evaluations were carried out, which included the characterization of the benthic, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities of each site.
Results: In 46 surveyed sites, three were identified as living coral reefs, 14 as dead coral reefs, and 29 as coral communities upon basalts, highlighting a low coverage of live coral (4.3 %) and a predominance of algae mats (64 %). A total of 79 fish species and 40 macroinvertebrate species were recorded, with significant variations in the community composition of these organisms between the three types of coral ecosystems characterized. Matapalo and Jícaro stand out as bright spots of reef development in the region.
Conclusions: This evaluation sheds light on the continuous alteration of these ecosystems over the last decades, without signs of significant improvements in their state. This reality underlines the urgency of taking effective measures of conservation and management to preserve and restore these coral and rocky reefs, in order to guarantee the sustainability of these valuable marine resources in the region.Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR
Bioactive compounds profile and extraction yields in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) by-products: A comparative analysis using ethanol, methanol and acetone
No full textCoffee beverages are consumed worldwide and produce considerable quantities of by-products from industrial processing every year. The present study identified 20 bioactive compounds in fresh coffee (Coffea arabica L.) husk and mucilage extracts from industrial processing. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-TQ/MS) was used for the profile of phytochemicals. Using ethanol (EtOH) as a green solvent, the extraction efficiency was compared with acetone and methanol (MeOH). Higher concentrations of Hydroxybenzoic Compounds (HBC) were found in husk than in mucilage and can be efficiently extracted with EtOH at 70, 80 and 90 %, with no significant differences with MeOH and acetone. Vanillic acid can be efficiently extracted from husk when 80 and 90% EtOH is used. Rutin, an important non-anthocyanin Flavonoid Compound (FC) due to its health benefits, can be extracted at all concentrations of EtOH with equal results compared to acetone and MeOH. Ethanol seems to be a promissory ¨green¨ solvent for extracting phenolic compounds, achieving similar extraction yields when compared to acetone and MeOH. The coffee husk and mucilage extracts could be used in the food, pharmaceutical and other industries.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones/[FI-037B-19]/MICITT/Costa RicaUniversidad de Costa Rica/[734-C0527]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Centro para Investigaciones en Granos y Semillas (CIGRAS)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Centro Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (CITA)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentaria
The geopolitics of latin-American landscape heritage, concepts, instruments and challenges. The city of Golfito, Costa Rica
Get PDFLa producción del patrimonio paisajístico en la región latinoamericana responde a las tradiciones, de peso eurocéntrico, propias de la conservación de la cultura y de los llamados recursos naturales, atravesadas por los principios del Desarrollo Sostenible, de la intocabilidad, la excepcionalidad y la autenticidad. Este texto propone una crítica que examina la forma en que los criterios que estructuran la idea sobre paisaje y patrimonio permean el contexto geopolítico relativo a las prácticas de conservación en la región, a partir del caso de la antigua
Ciudad División del Enclave Bananero, Golfito, localizada en el Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica. Como resultado de la lectura crítica de referencias, expedientes e informes oficiales realizada, se revelan vulnerabilidades conceptuales e instrumentales potenciadas por la noción romántica sobre el pasado, la belleza escénica y la naturaleza, conjugadas por la asociación entre paisaje y patrimonio como recursos explorables por el mercado inmobiliario y del turismo.A produção do patrimônio paisagístico na região latinoamericana responde às tradições, de peso eurocêntrico, próprias da preservação da cultura e dos nomeados recursos naturais, atravessadas pelos princípios do Desenvolvimento Sustentável, da intocabilidade, a excepcionalidade e da autenticidade. Este texto propõe uma crítica que examina a forma com que os critérios que estruturam a ideia de paisagem e patrimônio permeiam o contexto geopolítico relativo às práticas de preservação na região, a partir do caso da antiga Cidade Divisão de Golfito, localizada no Pacífico Sul da Costa Rica. Como resultado da leitura crítica de referências, dossiês e relatórios oficiais, se revelam vulnerabilidades conceituais e instrumentais potenciadas pela noção romântica
sobre o passado, a beleza cênica e a natureza, conjugadas pela associação entre paisagem e patrimônio enquanto recursos exploráveis pelo mercado imobiliário e do turismo.The production of landscape heritage in the Latin American region is shaped by Eurocentric traditions inherent to the preservation of culture and the so-called natural resources, framed by the principles of Sustainable Development, inviolability, exceptionality and authenticity. This text proposes a critique examining how the
criteria underpinning the concepts of landscape and heritage permeate the geopolitical context of conservation practices in the region, using the case of the former Division City of Banana Enclave, Golfito, located in Costa Rica´s Southern Pacific region. This study uses a critical documentary review which included dossiers and official files, to identify conceptual and instrumental vulnerabilities exacerbated by a romanticized notion of the past, the scenic beauty and nature, as well as the relationship between landscape and heritage as exploitable resources for the real estate and tourism markets.Universidad de Costa Rica/[]/UCR/Costa RicaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ingeniería::Facultad de Ingeniería::Escuela de Arquitectur
Genetic diversity and structure of Pocillopora spp. corals in the Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica
Get PDFUnderstanding the genetic diversity and connectivity of coral populations is necessary for their adequate management, especially considering global climate change. This study reports the genetic diversity and structure of the most common coral genus in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, Pocillopora. A total of 12 microsatellite loci were tested to estimate genetic diversity metrics for three populations in the Gulf of Papagayo, of which 11 amplified successfully. High level of clonality was found in one of the populations (Jícaro; clonal richness, R = 0.069), where only three multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were found. This population also exhibited the lowest heterozygosity (He = 0.364) compared to Matapalo (He = 0.624) and Zapotillal (He = 0.598). Genetic structure was assessed using Nei’s pairwise FST and complemented with assignment tests. The analyses found Jícaro to be differentiated from both Matapalo and Zapotillal; whereas the last two populations show reduced divergence between them. These results indicate predominant asexual reproduction in Jícaro. Coupled with genetic isolation with the other sites suggest the occurrence of different Pocillopora species. Anyhow, they highlight a reduced genetic diversity, and thus a high vulnerability, in Jícaro.Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR
Revisión sistemática de la pancreatitis aguda: etiológía, complicaciones locales asociadas y manejo actual (2015-2025)
Get PDFLa pancreatitis aguda es un proceso inflamatorio del páncreas y constituye una de las principales causas de hospitalización gastrointestinal. Aunque la mayoría de los pacientes desarrollan enfermedad leve a moderadamente grave, un porcentaje significativo evoluciona hacia cuadros graves con complicaciones sistémicas y locales, asociados a elevada morbimortalidad.
La heterogeneidad en su curso clínico, así como la variabilidad en las estrategias terapéuticas, ha motivado múltiples investigaciones con resultados diversos. Por lo que esta revisión bibliográfica tuvo como objetivo analizar la evidencia científica disponible sobre las principales causas de pancreatitis aguda, las complicaciones locales asociadas y las estrategias actuales en su manejo clínico.
Se incluyeron 64 artículos publicados entre 2015 y 2025, seleccionados de distintas bases de datos, con énfasis en ensayos clínicos, revisiones sistemáticas y guías de práctica clínica. La evidencia revisada confirma que la etiología biliar y alcohólica son las más prevalentes; mientras que las complicaciones locales, como la necrosis pancreática y las colecciones peripancreáticas, se asocian con mayor gravedad y mortalidad. En cuanto al tratamiento, se destaca un abordaje multidisciplinario que prioriza la reanimación
hídrica individualizada y guiada por objetivos, la nutrición enteral temprana, el manejo adecuado del dolor y la aplicación de técnicas mínimamente invasivas para las complicaciones locales.Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process of the pancreas and is one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal hospitalization. Although most patients develop mild to moderately severe disease, a significant percentage progress to severe conditions with systemic and local complications, associated with
high morbidity and mortality.
The heterogeneity of its clinical course, as well as the variability in therapeutic strategies, has prompted multiple investigations with varying results. This narrative review aimed to analyze the available scientific evidence on the main causes of acute pancreatitis, associated local complications, and current strategies for
its clinical management.
Sixty-four articles published between 2015 and 2025 were included. These articles were selected from various databases, with an emphasis on clinical trials, systematically reviewed, and clinical practice guidelines. The reviewed evidence confirms that biliary and alcoholic etiologies are the most prevalent; while local
complications, such as pancreatic necrosis and peripancreatic collections, are associated with greater severity and mortality. Regarding treatment, a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized, prioritizing individualized and goal-guided fluid resuscitation, early enteral nutrition, appropriate pain management, and the use of minimally invasive techniques for local complications.Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Sistema de Estudios de Posgrado::Salud::Especialidad en Medicina Intern
Análisis de la prevalencia de anticuerpos antiperoxidasa y su valor clínico en el abordaje del hipotiroidismo en el embarazo: una revisión de literatura
Get PDFEl hipotiroidismo durante el embarazo constituye un desafío clínico relevante debido a su asociación con complicaciones maternas y fetales. Dentro de este contexto, la determinación de anticuerpos antiperoxidasa (anti-TPO) ha emergido como una herramienta diagnóstica y pronóstica de interés, dado que su positividad se ha vinculado con un mayor riesgo de desarrollar hipotiroidismo subclínico o clínico durante la gestación, incluso en mujeres con niveles iniciales de hormona tiroidea en rango normal Este trabajo pretende evaluar la relevancia clínica y la prevalencia de los anticuerpos anti-TPO en mujeres embarazadas con sospecha de hipotiroidismo, mediante una revisión bibliográfica que permita comprender su impacto en la salud materno-fetal y su contribución en la mejora de los protocolos de manejo médico. Realizándose un estudio de diseño narrativo-descriptivo, basado en la búsqueda y análisis de literatura científica publicada en bases de datos biomédicas internacionales.
En los 23 artículos analizados se encontró que la prevalencia de positividad de anticuerpos anti-TPO oscila entre el 5 y 18 %, incluso hasta 49 % en mujeres con hipotiroidismo gestacional de poblaciones en India. Por su parte, en población latinoamericana oscila entre 12 y 22 %. Diversos estudios coinciden en que la presencia de estos anticuerpos se asocia con un mayor riesgo de hipotiroidismo subclínico y complicaciones obstétricas como aborto recurrente, preeclampsia y parto pretérmino.
Aunque las guías clínicas internacionales recomiendan la medición de anticuerpos anti-TPO en determinados escenarios, aún no existe acuerdo sobre su implementación como parte del tamizaje universal. Su determinación constituye un marcador clave para identificar riesgo de hipotiroidismo y complicaciones obstétricas, lo que plantea la necesidad de contextualizar los hallazgos según factores genéticos, ambientales y socioeconómicos. La falta de consenso evidencia la necesidad de mayor investigación y de protocolos clínicos unificados que garanticen una mejor atención materno-fetal.Hypothyroidism during pregnancy represents a relevant clinical challenge due to its association with maternal and fetal complications. Within this context, the determination of antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) has emerged as a diagnostic and prognostic tool of interest, since their positivity has been linked to an increased risk of developing subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism during gestation, even in women with initial thyroid hormone levels within the normal range. This work aims to evaluate the clinical relevance and prevalence of anti-TPO antibodies in pregnant women with suspected hypothyroidism through a literature review that allows for a better understanding of their impact on maternal-fetal health and their contribution to improving medical management protocols. A narrative-descriptive study design was carried out, based on the search and analysis of scientific literature published in international biomedical databases. In the 23 articles analyzed, the prevalence of anti-TPO antibody positivity ranged from 5 % to 18 %, and even up to 49 % among women with gestational hypothyroidism in Indian populations. In Latin American populations, prevalence ranged between 12% and 22%. Several studies agree that the presence of these antibodies is associated with an increased risk of subclinical hypothyroidism and obstetric complications such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Although international clinical guidelines recommend the measurement of anti-TPO antibodies in certain scenarios, there is still no consensus on their implementation as part of universal screening. Their determination constitutes a key marker for identifying the risk of hypothyroidism and obstetric complications, highlighting the need to contextualize findings according to genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The lack of consensus underscores the need for further research and the development of unified clinical protocols to ensure better maternal-fetal care.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Sistema de Estudios de Posgrado::Salud::Especialidad en Inmunología Clínica Médic
Manual Voces Volcánicas
Get PDF"Voces volcánicas" surge en el marco de los proyectos de Iniciativas Estudiantiles de la Vicerrectoría de Acción Social, 2025. A partir de la confección colectiva de una guía metodológica se busca brindar información útil y de fácil comprensión que contribuya al ejercicio efectivo, pleno e informado de los derechos de las personas migrantes, así como de ofrecer un recurso que acompañe sus procesos de integración y bienestar en Costa Rica.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Acción Social::Iniciativas Estudiantile