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Abstract The characteristics of the host are crucial in the final outcome of COVID-19. Herein, the influence of genetic and clinical variants in COVID-19 severity was investigated in a total of 1350 patients. Twenty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes involved in SARS-CoV-2 sensing as Toll-like-Receptor 7, antiviral immunity as the type I interferon signalling pathway (TYK2, STAT1, STAT4, OAS1, SOCS) and the vasoactive intestinal peptide and its receptors (VIP/VIPR1,2) were studied. To analyse the association between polymorphisms and severity, a model adjusted by age, sex and different comorbidities was generated by ordinal logistic regression. The genotypes rs8108236-AA (OR 0.12 [95% CI 0.02–0.53]; p = 0.007) and rs280519-AG (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.56–0.99]; p = 0.03) in TYK2, and rs688136-CC (OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.5–0.99]; p = 0.046) in VIP, were associated with lower severity; in contrast, rs3853839-GG in TLR7 (OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.07–1.94]; p = 0.016), rs280500-AG (OR 1.33 [95% CI 0.97–1.82]; p = 0.078) in TYK2 and rs1131454-AA in OAS1 (OR 1.29 [95% CI 0.95–1.75]; p = 0.110) were associated with higher severity. Therefore, these variants could influence the risk of severe COVID-19.

The ‘Fragas do Eume’ Natural Park includes one of the best-preserved Atlantic forests in Europe. These forests are part of the Natura 2000 Network. This scientific study focuses on analysing land-cover changes in the ‘Fragas do Eume’ Natural Park (NW Spain) over a 25-year period, from 1997 to 2022, using machine learning techniques for the classification of satellite images. Several image processing operations were carried out to correct radiometry, followed by supervised classification techniques with previously defined training areas. Five multispectral indices were used to improve classification accuracy, and their correlation was evaluated. Land-cover changes were analysed, with special attention to the transitions between eucalyptus plantations and native deciduous forests. A significant increase in eucalyptus plantations (48.2%) (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) was observed, while native deciduous forests experienced a decrease in their extent (17.6%). This transformation of the landscape affected not only these two habitats, but also cropland and scrubland areas, both of which increased. Our results suggest that the lack of effective conservation policies and the economic interest of fast-growing tree plantations could explain the loss of native deciduous forests. The results highlight the need to implement pro-active and sustainable management measures to protect these natural forest ecosystems in the ‘Fragas do Eume’ Natural Park.

In the central region of Chile, the Mega-Drought together with the demographic increase near the coast threatens groundwater availability and the hydrogeological functioning of coastal wetlands. To understand the hydric relationship between an aquifer and a wetland in a semi-arid coastal region of Central Chile (Valparaíso, Chile), as well as its geoenvironmental effects, four data collection campaigns were conducted in the wetland–estuary hydric system and surroundings, between 2021 and 2022, including physical, hydrochemical, and isotopic analyses in groundwater (n = 16 sites) and surface water (n = 8 sites). The results generated a conceptual model that indicates a hydraulic connection between the wetland and the aquifer, where the water use in one affects the availability in the other. With an average precipitation of 400 mm per year, the main recharge for both systems is rainwater. Three specific sources of pollution were identified from anthropic discharges that affect the water quality of the wetland and the estuary (flow from sanitary landfill, agricultural and livestock industry, and septic tank discharges in populated areas), exacerbated by the infiltration of seawater laterally and superficially through sandy sediments and the estuary, increasing salinity and electrical conductivity in the coastal zone (i.e., 3694 µS/cm). The Del Sauce subbasin faces strong hydric stress triggered by the poor conservation state of the riparian–coastal wetland and groundwater in the same area. This study provides a detailed understanding of hydrological interactions and serves as a model for understanding the possible effects on similar ecosystems, highlighting the need for integrated and appropriate environmental management.

Bacteremia by non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae is a rare entity associated with high mortality rates. We report a case of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae bacteremia confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and agglutination tests. The clinicoepidemiological characteristics and therapeutic options for this infection are also described.

El 19 de enero de 2021, el presidente norteamericano, Joe Biden, propuso a la Doctora Rachel Levine como subsecretaria de Salud. Es la primera persona trans que ocupa un cargo gubernamental federal. La transfobia afloró en Twitter, donde numerosos usuarios se burlaron de Levine, la atacaron por su aspecto e insistieron en que era un hombre. El objetivo de este trabajo es entender, cuantitativa y cualitativamente, las repercusiones del nombramiento. Investigamos los hashtags con los que se etiquetaron los tuits tránsfobos, determinamos cuándo comenzaron a publicarse, cuándo se alcanzó el pico y cuándo decayeron, e identificamos a los usuarios más populares, con la aplicación Hashtagify.me. Profundizamos en el contenido de los tuits que reflejan la transfobia y determinamos sus características y tendencias. El rol conservador de los medios destaca en Estados Unidos y se muestra también en España. Cuando la noticia debían ser el currículum y los hitos de Levine en el Estado de Pensilvania, los medios españoles optaron por reírse de sus parecidos. La broma invisibiliza el problema de un colectivo discriminado y estigmatizado, que necesita apoyos en medios y redes, cuando no los recibe de los agentes de su entorno.

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 viral load has been related to COVID-19 severity. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viremia and SNPs in genes previously studied by our group as predictors of COVID-19 severity.Materials and methodsRetrospective observational study including 340 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the University Hospital La Princesa between March 2020 and December 2021, with at least one viremia determination. Positive viremia was considered when viral load was above the quantifiable threshold (20 copies/ml). A total of 38 SNPs were genotyped. To study their association with viremia a multivariate logistic regression was performed.ResultsThe mean age of the studied population was 64.5 years (SD 16.6), 60.9% patients were male and 79.4% white non-Hispanic. Only 126 patients (37.1%) had at least one positive viremia. After adjustment by confounders, the presence of the minor alleles of rs2071746 (HMOX1; T/T genotype OR 9.9 p

Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: El control glucémico postprandial es fundamental para conseguir los objetivos metabólicos en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). La nueva insulina faster aspart presenta un perfil farmacológico caracterizado por una absorción e inicio de acción más rápidos, mayor disponibilidad precoz y menor incremento de la glucosa postprandial. El objetivo principal del estudio fue analizar su eficacia en pacientes con DM1 tratados con un sistema integrado. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio analítico, longitudinal, prospectivo y multicéntrico, evaluando el empleo de faster aspart durante tres meses en pacientes en edad pediátrica con DM1 con sistema integrado MiniMed640G® tratados previamente con insulina aspart. Al inicio y final del estudio se analizaron para posterior comparación: glucosa media, porcentajes de tiempo en objetivo, tiempo en hipoglucemia e hiperglucemia, área bajo la curva (AUC) 180 mg/dL, glucosa media pre y postprandial en comidas principales, necesidades diarias de insulina, porcentaje basal/bolo y HbA1c. Se registraron complicaciones agudas y eventos adversos, y se evaluó grado de satisfacción mediante encuesta. Resultados: Se incluyeron 31 pacientes de 13,49 ± 2,42 años de edad con DM1 de 7,0 ± 3,67 años de evolución. Faster aspart se asoció con menor porcentaje de tiempo en hiperglucemia > 180 mg/dL (25,8 ± 11,3 vs. 22,4 ± 9,5; p = 0,011) y > 250 mg/dL (5,2 ± 4,9 vs. 4,0 ± 3,6; p = 0,04) y AUC > 180 mg/dL (10,8 ± 6,5 vs. 9,3 ± 6,1; p = 0,03), incrementándose el tiempo en objetivo (71,4 ± 10,0 vs. 74,3 ± 9,2; p = 0,03) sin aumentar hipoglucemias. Las necesidades de insulina, porcentajes basal/bolo y HbA1c no se modificaron significativamente. Faster aspart fue bien tolerada y valorada por los participantes. Conclusiones: Faster aspart consigue un mejor control glucémico, aumentando el tiempo de glucosa en objetivo en niños y adolescentes con DM1 en tratamiento con un sistema integrado. Abstract: Background and aims: Post-prandial glucose control is essential to achieve metabolic goals in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The new «faster aspart» insulin has a pharmacological profile noted for its faster absorption and onset of action, and increased early availability, resulting in improved blood glucose control after meals. The main objective of the study was to analyse the efficacy of «faster aspart» vs. «insulin aspart» in children and adolescents with DM1 on sensor-augmented pump treatment. Patients and methods: Multicentre, longitudinal and prospective analytical trial evaluating the use of faster aspart insulin for three months in children with T1DM with MiniMed640G® sensor-augmented pumps previously treated with aspart insulin. At the beginning and end of the study the following variables were analysed for subsequent comparison: mean sensor glucose, percentage of time in range, hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, area under the curve (AUC) 180 mg/dL, mean sensor glucose pre and postprandial in main meals, daily insulin requirements, basal/bolus percentage, and HbA1c. Acute complications, adverse events and satisfaction survey were assessed. Results: The study included 31 patients with a mean of 13.49 ± 2.42 years of age and with T1DM of 7.0 ± 3.67 years of onset. The use of faster aspart was associated with lower time in hyperglycaemia > 180 mg/dL (25.8 ± 11.3 vs. 22.4 ± 9.5; p = 0.011) and > 250 mg/dL (5.2 ± 4.9 vs. 4.0 ± 3.6; p = 0.04), lower AUC > 180 mg/dL (10.8 ± 6.5 vs. 9.3 ± 6.1; p = 0.03), and increased time in range (71.4 ± 10.0 vs. 74.3 ± 9.2; p = 0.03). No significant changes in hypoglycaemia, HbA1c, insulin requirements, and basal/bolus percentages were detected. Faster aspart was safe and well-evaluated by patients and caregivers. Conclusions: Faster aspart achieves better glycaemic control by increasing glucose time in range in children and adolescents with T1DM on treatment with sensor-augmented pumps.

Background and aims: Post-prandial glucose control is essential to achieve metabolic goals in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The new “faster aspart” insulin has a pharmacological profile noted for its faster absorption and onset of action, and increased early availability, resulting in improved blood glucose control after meals. The main objective of the study was to analyse the efficacy of “faster aspart” vs. “insulin aspart” in children and adolescents with DM1 on sensor-augmented pump treatment. Patients and methods: Multicentre, longitudinal and prospective analytical trial evaluating the use of faster aspart insulin for three months in children with T1DM with MiniMed640G® sensor-augmented pumps previously treated with aspart insulin. At the beginning and end of the study the following variables were analysed for subsequent comparison: mean sensor glucose, percentage of time in range, hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, area under the curve (AUC) 180 mg/dL, mean sensor glucose pre- and postprandial in main meals, daily insulin requirements, basal/bolus percentage, and HbA1c. Acute complications, adverse events and satisfaction survey were assessed. Results: The study included 32 patients with a mean of 13.49 ± 2.42 years of age and with T1DM of 7.0 ± 3.67 years of onset. The use of faster aspart was associated with lower time in hyperglycaemia >180 mg/dL (25.8 ± 11.3 vs. 22.4 ± 9.5; p = .011) and >250 mg/dL (5.2±4.9 vs. 4.0 ± 3.6; p = .04), lower AUC >180 mg/dL (10.8 ± 6.5 vs. 9.3 ± 6.1; p = .03), and increased time in range (71.4 ± 10.0 vs. 74.3 ± 9.2; p = .03). No significant changes in hypoglycaemia, HbA1c, insulin requirements, and basal/bolus percentages were detected. Faster aspart was safe and well-evaluated by patients and caregivers. Conclusions: Faster aspart achieves better glycaemic control by increasing glucose time in range in children and adolescents with T1DM on treatment with sensor-augmented pumps. Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: El control glucémico postprandial es fundamental para conseguir los objetivos metabólicos en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). La nueva insulina faster aspart presenta un perfil farmacológico caracterizado por una absorción e inicio de acción más rápidos, mayor disponibilidad precoz y menor incremento de la glucosa postprandial. El objetivo principal del estudio fue analizar su eficacia en pacientes con DM1 tratados con un sistema integrado. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio analítico, longitudinal, prospectivo y multicéntrico, evaluando el empleo de faster aspart durante tres meses en pacientes en edad pediátrica con DM1 con sistema integrado MiniMed640G® tratados previamente con insulina aspart. Al inicio y final del estudio se analizaron para posterior comparación: glucosa media, porcentajes de tiempo en objetivo, tiempo en hipoglucemia e hiperglucemia, área bajo la curva (AUC) 180 mg/dL, glucosa media pre y postprandial en comidas principales, necesidades diarias de insulina, porcentaje basal/bolo y HbA1c. Se registraron complicaciones agudas y eventos adversos, y se evaluó grado de satisfacción mediante encuesta. Resultados: Se incluyeron 32 pacientes de 13,49 ± 2,42 años de edad con DM1 de 7,0 ± 3,67 años de evolución. Faster aspart se asoció a menor porcentaje de tiempo en hiperglucemia >180 mg/dL (25,8 ± 11,3 vs. 22,4 ± 9,5; p = 0,011) y >250 mg/dL (5,2 ± 4,9 vs. 4,0 ± 3,6; p = 0,04) y AUC >180 mg/dL (10,8 ± 6,5 vs. 9,3 ± 6,1; p = 0,03), incrementándose el tiempo en objetivo (71,4 ± 10,0 vs. 74,3 ± 9,2; p = 0,03) sin aumentar hipoglucemias. Las necesidades de insulina, porcentajes basal/bolo y HbA1c no se modifican significativamente. Faster aspart fue bien tolerada y valorada por los participantes. Conclusiones: Faster aspart consigue un mejor control glucémico, aumentando el tiempo de glucosa en objetivo en niños y adolescentes con DM1 en tratamiento con un sistema integrado.

Phytochromes are bistable red/far-red light-responsive photoreceptor proteins found in plants, fungi, and bacteria. Light-activation of the prototypical phytochrome Cph1 from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 allows photoisomerization of the bilin chromophore in the photosensory module and a subsequent series of intermediate states leading from the red absorbing Pr to the far-red-absorbing Pfr state. We show here via osmotic and hydrostatic pressure-based measurements that hydration of the photoreceptor modulates the photoconversion kinetics in a controlled manner. While small osmolytes like sucrose accelerate Pfr formation, large polymer osmolytes like PEG 4000 delay the formation of Pfr. Thus, we hypothesize that an influx of mobile water into the photosensory domain is necessary for proceeding to the Pfr state. We suggest that protein hydration changes are a molecular event that occurs during photoconversion to Pfr, in addition to light activation, ultrafast electric field changes, photoisomerization, proton release and uptake, and the major conformational change leading to signal transmission, or simultaneously with one of these events. Moreover, we discuss this finding in light of the use of Cph1-PGP as a hydration sensor, e.g., for the characterization of novel hydrogel biomaterials.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectar molecularmente especies del género Rickettsia y de la familia Anaplasmataceae en garrapatas de La Rioja (Argentina). Se estudiaron 59 garrapatas, colectadas del ambiente y de humanos de distintos barrios de La Rioja capital, y de un perro de la localidad Villa Sanagasta. Las mismas fueron identificadas como Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (48) y Amblyomma tigrinum (11). Una hembra de A. tigrinum, colectada del perro, resultó positiva a la PCR para Rickettsia spp. El producto amplificado pudo ser secuenciado resultando en un 100% de identidad con ´Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae´. Según nuestro conocimiento, este es el primer estudio de detección de microorganismos en garrapatas de La Rioja. En Argentina, ´Ca. R. andeanae´ se encontró en A. tigrinum de Tucumán y San Luis, en A. parvum de Córdoba y en A. parvum y A. pseudoconcolor del noreste argentino. Esta especie de Rickettsia al presente es considerada de patogenicidad desconocida para humanos y animales; pero creemos necesario continuar y ampliar los estudios sobre las especies de garrapatas y sus patógenos asociados presentes en esta región del país. ARK-CAICYT: http://id.caicyt.gov.ar/ark:/s26182734/drio493zk

La siguiente revisión bibliográfica busca describir las alternativas digitales disponibles para la obtención de registros, posicionamiento y articulación virtual de modelos junto con ejemplificar algunos softwares que permitan la implementación de estas tecnologías en su trabajo diario. Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en las bases de datos: Pubmed, LILACS, SciELO y Cochrane Library. Finalmente, luego de ser filtrados los resultados, se utilizaron un total de 36 publicaciones. Existen diversas herramientas disponibles actualmente para digitalizar una gran cantidad de técnicas que solo hasta hace algunos años eran realizadas manualmente por un operador. Algunas de ellas, facilitan una inmersión paulatina al mundo virtual del odontólogo novato ya que carecen de altos costos y recursos. Se sugiere que los odontólogos implementen estas tecnologías en su trabajo habitual según cada caso particular.

In today´s society, new school models where the center of all learning is the student, are beginning to be more important. The inclusive school models seek an education that is as equalitarian as possible, avoiding any type of discrimination for showing abilities that are different from what is culturally established. Through a qualitative action research methodology, this article tries to include in the teaching-learning process the use of Numicon manipulative materials that facilitate the individual adaptation of each learning for those who have Special Educational Needs. Thanks to the use of these materials in the classroom, an increase in the development of the critical thinking process has been observed, as well as a greater predisposition on the part of the students towards the development of mathematics and an increase in teamwork.

El trabajo ofrece un análisis crítico a la noción de cuerpo propio (Leib) en M. Merleau-Ponty, como superación del dualismo cuerpo-mente. Se amplía dicha noción para integrar las experiencias del cuerpo físico (Körper) y posibilitar el diálogo entre fenomenología y medicina, al proponer una fenomenología del organismo doliente.

Objetivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectar la presencia de Borrelia spp. en especies de garrapatas del género Amblyomma en Argentina. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron especímenes de garrapatas del género Amblyomma colectadas de distintas provincias de Argentina (Entre Ríos, Misiones, Formosa, Salta, Córdoba, San Luis y Buenos Aires) mediante una PCR anidada para un fragmento de 306 pb del gen fla del género Borrelia. Resultados. Se analizaron 422 ejemplares de las especies Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma tigrinum, Amblyomma tonelliae y Amblyomma triste de diversas regiones de Argentina. Todas las muestras estudiadas resultaron negativas mediante la PCR. Conclusiones. Las especies de garrapatas del género Amblyomma analizadas en el presente estudio son de importancia en salud pública; si bien no se detectó infección con bacterias del género Borrelia, considerando los escasos antecedentes previos, futuros estudios en esta temática son necesarios en este género de garrapatas.

In recent decades, compelling evidence has emerged showing that organelles are not static structures but rather form a highly dynamic cellular network and exchange information through membrane contact sites. Although high-throughput techniques facilitate identification of novel contact sites (e.g., organelle-organelle and organelle-vesicle interactions), little is known about their impact on cellular physiology. Moreover, even less is known about how the dysregulation of these structures impacts on cellular function and therefore, disease. Particularly, cancer cells display altered signaling pathways involving several cell organelles; however, the relevance of interorganelle communication in oncogenesis and/or cancer progression remains largely unknown. This review will focus on organelle contacts relevant to cancer pathogenesis. We will highlight specific proteins and protein families residing in these organelle-interfaces that are known to be involved in cancer-related processes. First, we will review the relevance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria interactions. This section will focus on mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) and particularly the tethering proteins at the ER-mitochondria interphase, as well as their role in cancer disease progression. Subsequently, the role of Ca2+ at the ER-mitochondria interphase in cancer disease progression will be discussed. Members of the Bcl-2 protein family, key regulators of cell death, also modulate Ca2+ transport pathways at the ER-mitochondria interphase. Furthermore, we will review the role of ER-mitochondria communication in the regulation of proteostasis, focusing on the ER stress sensor PERK (PRKR-like ER kinase), which exerts dual roles in cancer. Second, we will review the relevance of ER and mitochondria interactions with other organelles. This section will focus on peroxisome and lysosome organelle interactions and their impact on cancer disease progression. In this context, the peroxisome biogenesis factor (PEX) gene family has been linked to cancer. Moreover, the autophagy-lysosome system is emerging as a driving force in the progression of numerous human cancers. Thus, we will summarize our current understanding of the role of each of these organelles and their communication, highlighting how alterations in organelle interfaces participate in cancer development and progression. A better understanding of specific organelle communication sites and their relevant proteins may help to identify potential pharmacological targets for novel therapies in cancer control.

Reseña de la obra de Asunción Bernárdez Rodal (ed.). Desafíos feministas. Temas y tramas para pensar en un mundo en crisis. Valencia, Tirant Humanidades, 2020, 213 páginas

Water deficit, which is increasing with climate change, is a serious threat to agricultural sustainability worldwide. Dissection of the genetic architecture of water deficit responses is highly desirable for developing water-deficit tolerant potato cultivars and enhancing the resilience of existing cultivars. This study examined genetic variation in response to water deficit in a panel of diploid potato and identified the QTL governing this trait via a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A panel of 104 diploid potato accessions were evaluated under both well-watered and water deficit treatments at tuber initiation stage. Drought stress index (DTI) was calculated to assess tolerance of the diploid potato genotypes to water deficit. The GWAS was conducted using a matrix of 47K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), recently available for this population. We are reporting 38 QTL, seven for well-watered conditions, twenty-two for water deficit conditions and nine for DTI which explain between 12.6% and 44.1% of the phenotypic variance. A set of 6 QTL were found to be associated with more than one variable. Marker WDP-9.21 was found associated with tuber fresh weigh under WD and gene annotation analysis revealed co-localization with the Glucan/water dikinase (GWD) gene. Of the nine QTL detected from DTI on chromosomes 2,3,5,8,10 and 12, three candidate genes with a feasible role in water deficit response were identified. The findings of this study can be used in marker-assisted selection (MAS) for water- deficit tolerance breeding in potato.

17β-estradiol is a neuronal survival factor against oxidative stress that triggers its protective effect even in the absence of classical estrogen receptors. The polymodal transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) channel has been proposed as a steroid receptor implied in tissue protection against oxidative damage. We show here that TRPV1 is sufficient condition for 17β-estradiol to enhance metabolic performance in injured cells. Specifically, in TRPV1 expressing cells, the application of 17β-estradiol within the first 3 h avoided H2O2-dependent mitochondrial depolarization and the activation of caspase 3/7 protecting against the irreversible damage triggered by H2O2. Furthermore, 17β-estradiol potentiates TRPV1 single channel activity associated with an increased open probability. This effect was not observed after the application of 17α-estradiol. We explored the TRPV1-Estrogen relationship also in primary culture of hippocampal-derived neurons and observed that 17β-estradiol cell protection against H2O2-induced damage was independent of estrogen receptors pathway activation, membrane started and stereospecific. These results support the role of TRPV1 as a 17β-estradiol-activated ionotropic membrane receptor coupling with mitochondrial function and cell survival.

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar el desarrollo del perdón en niños en relación con el desarrollo evolutivo y la teoría de la mente (ToM). La muestra está formada por un total de 47 participantes, agrupados en dos cohortes de edad: de 4-6 años (n = 21) y de 7-11 años (n = 26). Se evaluaron cinco variables relacionadas con el perdón (gravedad de la ofensa, probabilidad de pedir perdón, importancia de pedir perdón, probabilidad de perdonar e importancia de perdonar), en dos tipos de ofensa distintos. Para evaluar la ToM aplicamos dos escalas diferentes adaptadas a cada rango de edad (Tarea Sally y Anne y Tarea Faux Pas). Los resultados más relevantes muestran que los niños mayores dan más importancia al perdón y muestran más probabilidad de perdonar y disculparse que los pequeños, y que la adquisición de la ToM correlaciona positivamente con el desarrollo del perdón en el grupo de los pequeños.

Macrophage activation and polarization are closely linked with metabolic rewiring, which is required to sustain their biological functions. These metabolic alterations allow the macrophages to adapt to the microenvironment changes associated with inflammation or tissue damage (hypoxia, nutrient imbalance, oxidative stress, etc.) and to fulfill their highly energy-demanding proinflammatory and anti-microbial functions. This response is integrated via metabolic sensors that coordinate these metabolic fluxes with their functional requirements. Here we review how the metabolic and phenotypic plasticity of macrophages are intrinsically connected with the hypoxia stress sensors and the unfolded protein response in the endoplasmic reticulum, and how these molecular pathways participate in the maladaptive polarization of macrophages in human pathology and chronic inflammation.

Abstract Background When renewable policies are in place, the mismatch between policy targets and lack of technology diffusion indicates a gap between codifying a policy and implementing it. In Switzerland, photovoltaic (PV) electricity is seen to play a major role in the future. Stakeholders’ opinions in the implementation of photovoltaic projects may block or delay the achievement of renewable policy goals. This paper explores the question: which are the main drivers and risks perceived by stakeholders at different levels of the government in the implementation of a pilot PV project? Methods We study a decision-making process of a pilot project in the Swiss Alps to figure out which determinants explain the public opposition to such implementation. We study five types of determinants of public acceptance: economy, technology, environment, social aspects, and the policy process. We use Q methodology, which is especially suited to determine the different interests of stakeholders’ groups. Results Our results show four different perspectives: “Mainstream proponents,” “Ecologically wary,” “Worried about implementation,” and “Looking for cantonal and national backing.” The results indicate that the photovoltaics’ acceptance was highly driven by the potential contribution of the project to the regional economy. However, economy and technology determinants elicited both the highest and the lowest statistical consensus among perspectives (z-score). Our results point out the important role of initiators to maintain trust during the decision-making process. Finally, stakeholders in the photovoltaic project wanted to have fluent access to concrete information about the project and its future plans. Conclusions Most of the implementation risks observed are determinants of acceptance related to economic aspects and the policy process. Characteristics of the decision-making process, such as trust during the process, affect the perceived outcomes of the project. Aspects of the decision-making process may, therefore, turn into risks for the project’s implementation. Results also suggest that techno-economic assessments are key drivers to fostering energy transitions, but they are not sufficient in themselves. Initiators have to consider enhancing communication since the early steps of the policy process, the intelligence and promotion phases to avoid implementation risks.

There is widespread concern about the increase in cases of human and animal infections caused by pathogenic Vibrio species due to the emergence of epidemic lineages. In Colombia, active surveillance by the National Institute of Health (INS) has confirmed the presence of Vibrio; however, in routine surveillance, these isolates are not genomically characterized. This study focused on the pangenome analysis of six Vibrio species: V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. alginolyticus, V. fluvialis, V. diabolicus and V. furnissii to determine the genetic architectures of potentially virulent and antimicrobial resistance traits. Isolates from environmental and clinical samples were genome sequenced, assembled and annotated. The most important species in public health were further characterized by multilocus sequence typing and phylogenomics. For V. parahaemolyticus, we found the virulent ST3 and ST120 genotypes. For V. vulnificus, we identified isolates belonging to lineages 1 and 2. Virulence gene homologues between species were found even in non-pathogenic species such as V. diabolicus. Annotations related to the mobilome, integrative mobile and conjugative elements and resistance genes were obtained from environmental and clinical isolates. This study contributes genomic information to the intensified surveillance program implemented by the INS to establish potential sources of vibriosis in Colombia.

New technologies for genome edition, such as TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 system, are a great opportunity to improve desirable features in different organisms. TALENs are the result from coupling nucleases and TALEs (Transcription Activator-Like Effectors), which are natural effectors with an important role in pathogenicity for the Xanthomonas species. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) is the cassava bacterial blight causal agent, and this pathogen is able to translocate its effectors to the plant cell during pathogenesis by using the type-three secretion system (TTSS). Currently, there are no standard protocols for genome edition in cassava. In this study, we explored the possibility to translocate effectors to friable embryogenic calli (FEC) through Xam inoculation, in order to establish the potential of this pathogen as a TALEN delivery system. Friable embryogenic calli derived from two different susceptible varieties (COL2215 and cv. 60444) were co-cultured with the strain Xam668 using different culture times. Subsequently, we evaluated the expression of makers corresponding to reported target genes for TALEs present in this bacterial strain. Although we were not able to demonstrate effector translocation, we established the conditions for co-culturing cassava calli and Xam and determined the effects derived from bacterial infection on embryo regeneration from FECs.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the major risk factor associated with the development of gastric cancer. The transition from normal mucosa to non-atrophic gastritis, triggered primarily by H. pylori infection, initiates precancerous lesions which may then progress to atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. Further progression to dysplasia and gastric cancer is generally believed to be attributable to processes that no longer require the presence of H. pylori. The responses that develop upon H. pylori infection are directly mediated through the action of bacterial virulence factors, which drive the initial events associated with transformation of infected gastric cells. Besides genetic and to date poorly defined environmental factors, alterations in gastric cell stress-adaptive mechanisms due to H. pylori appear to be crucial during chronic infection and gastric disease progression. Firstly, H. pylori infection promotes gastric cell death and reduced epithelial cell turnover in the majority of infected cells, resulting in primary tissue lesions associated with an initial inflammatory response. However, in the remaining gastric cell population, adaptive responses are induced that increase cell survival and proliferation, resulting in the acquisition of potentially malignant characteristics that may lead to precancerous gastric lesions. Thus, deregulation of these intrinsic survival-related responses to H. pylori infection emerge as potential culprits in promoting disease progression. This review will highlight the most relevant cellular adaptive mechanisms triggered upon H. pylori infection, including endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response, autophagy, oxidative stress, and inflammation, together with a subsequent discussion on how these factors may participate in the progression of a precancerous lesion. Finally, this review will shed light on how these mechanisms may be exploited as pharmacological targets, in the perspective of opening up new therapeutic alternatives for non-invasive risk control in gastric cancer.

Introducción. La calidad del agua para consumo humano se ha asociado con la aparición de diversas enfermedades. El estudio de la relación entre estos eventos permitiría reflejar el impacto de la calidad del agua de consumo en la salud de la población, con el fin de orientar acciones de prevención y promoción en salud ambiental. Objetivo. Analizar la calidad del agua para consumo humano y su asociación con la morbimortalidad en Colombia, 2008-2012. Materiales y métodos. Se analizó la base de datos de la vigilancia de la calidad del agua mediante métodos de estadística descriptiva en lo referente a las principales características indicadoras de calidad (coliformes totales, Escherichia coli, turbiedad, color, pH, cloro residual libre e índice del riesgo de la calidad del agua). Los resultados se correlacionaron con la mortalidad infantil y la morbilidad por enfermedad diarreica aguda, enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos y hepatitis A. Se elaboró un mapa de riesgo para identificar los municipios con alto riesgo de contaminación del agua y mortalidad infantil. Resultados. Se encontró un alto porcentaje de municipios en los que el valor de potabilidad del agua no se ajustaba a lo establecido por la norma vigente; se identificaron los problemas relacionados con la presencia de E. coli, de coliformes totales y la ausencia de cloro residual libre, los cuales fueron más agudos en la zona rural. La calidad del agua tuvo una mayor correlación con la mortalidad infantil, constatándose así su importancia para la salud de la población infantil. Conclusión. La calidad del agua demostró tener un impacto importante en la mortalidad infantil, por lo que se requiere la adopción de políticas que fortalezcan los sistemas de suministro de agua en el país. Es esencial fortalecer los programas de vigilancia en salud ambiental, para orientar las acciones de mejoramiento de la calidad del agua e influir positivamente en la salud.

Bactericidal activity of quinolones has been related to a combination of DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and programmed cell death (PCD) systems. The underlying molecular systems responsible for reducing bactericidal effect during antimicrobial therapy in low-level quinolone resistance (LLQR) phenotypes need to be clarified. To do this and also define possible new antimicrobial targets, the transcriptome profile of isogenic Escherichia coli harboring quinolone resistance mechanisms in the presence of a clinical relevant concentration of ciprofloxacin was evaluated. A marked differential response to ciprofloxacin of either up- or downregulation was observed in LLQR strains. Multiple genes implicated in ROS modulation (related to the TCA cycle, aerobic respiration and detoxification systems) were upregulated (sdhC up to 63.5-fold) in mutants with LLQR. SOS system components were downregulated (recA up to 30.7-fold). yihE, a protective kinase coding for PCD, was also upregulated (up to 5.2-fold). SdhC inhibition sensitized LLQR phenotypes (up to ΔLog = 2.3 after 24 h). At clinically relevant concentrations of ciprofloxacin, gene expression patterns in critical systems to bacterial survival and mutant development were significantly modified in LLQR phenotypes. Chemical inhibition of SdhC (succinate dehydrogenase) validated modulation of ROS as an interesting target for bacterial sensitization.

Objective. Assess transient gene expression of GUS in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves using Agrobacterium tumefaciens infiltration. Materials and methods. A. tumefaciens strains GV3101 and AGL1 containing pCAMBIA1305.2 were used to evaluate transient gene expression of β-glucuronidase (GUS). A. tumefaciens infiltration (agroinfiltration) was made using both leaves from in vitro and 1 month old greenhouse plants. Leaves were incubated in X-GLUC buffer, stained and photographed to detect GUS activity. Results. Agroinfiltration assays showed GUS transient expression in leaves of cassava varieties widely cultivated in the north coast and eastern savannah, MCOL2215 (Venezuelan) and CM6438-14 (Vergara), respectively. A. tumefaciens agressive strain AGL1 showed high efficiency inducing GUS expression in cassava leaves. Conclusions. We recommend using A. tumefaciens agressive strain AGL1 for agroinfiltration to assess transient expression in cassava leaves.

Although the importance of DNA methylation-dependent gene expression to neuronal plasticity is well established, the dynamics of methylation and demethylation during the induction and expression of synaptic plasticity have not been explored. Here, we combined electrophysiological, pharmacological, molecular, and immunohistochemical approaches to examine the contribution of DNA methylation and the phosphorylation of Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) to synaptic plasticity. We found that, at twenty minutes after theta burst stimulation (TBS), the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5AZA) impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). Surprisingly, after two hours of TBS, when LTP had become a transcription-dependent process, 5AZA treatment had no effect. By comparing these results to those in naive slices, we found that, at two hours after TBS, an intergenic region of the RLN gene was hypomethylated and that the phosphorylation of residue S80 of MeCP2 was decreased, while the phosphorylation of residue S421 was increased. As expected, 5AZA affected only the methylation of the RLN gene and exerted no effect on MeCP2 phosphorylation patterns. In summary, our data suggest that tetanic stimulation induces critical changes in synaptic plasticity that affects both DNA methylation and the phosphorylation of MeCP2. These data also suggest that early alterations in DNA methylation are sufficient to impair the full expression of LTP.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a key autocrine/paracrine regulator of placental syncytiotrophoblast, the transport epithelium of the human placenta. Syncytiotrophoblast hCG secretion is modulated by the partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and potassium (K+) channels. Here we test the hypothesis that K+ channels mediate the effects of pO2 and ROS on hCG secretion. Placental villous explants from normal term pregnancies were cultured for 6 days at 6% (normoxia), 21% (hyperoxia) or 1% (hypoxia) pO2. On days 3-5, explants were treated with 5mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) or tetraethylammonium (TEA), blockers of pO2-sensitive voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels, or ROS (10-1000μM H2O2). hCG secretion and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, a marker of necrosis, were determined daily. At day 6, hCG and LDH were measured in tissue lysate and 86Rb (K+) efflux assessed to estimate syncytiotrophoblast K+ permeability. hCG secretion and 86Rb efflux were significantly greater in explants maintained in 21% pO2 than normoxia. 4-AP/TEA inhibited hCG secretion to a greater extent at 21% than 6% and 1% pO2, and reduced 86Rb efflux at 21% but not 6% pO2. LDH release and tissue LDH/hCG were similar in 6%, 21% and 1% pO2 and unaffected by 4-AP/TEA. H2O2 stimulated 86Rb efflux and hCG secretion at normoxia but decreased 86Rb efflux, without affecting hCG secretion, at 21% pO2. 4-AP/TEA-sensitive K+ channels participate in pO2-sensitive hCG secretion from syncytiotrophoblast. ROS effects on both hCG secretion and 86Rb efflux are pO2-dependent but causal links between the two remain to be established.

Background Acetabular fractures are a common cause of degenerative hip arthritis. The incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis has been reported between 12% and 57% and avascular necrosis of the femoral head may occur in 2% to 40% after posterior fracture dislocation. The fracture is often caused by major trauma in road accidents, at work or during sports, and patients usually present for total hip replacement (THR) at an earlier age than the general arthritic population. We describe and analyze our patients with uncemented acetabular reconstruction in post-traumatic arthritis and compare them with THR in non-traumatic arthritis. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 19 patients who underwent uncemented acetabular reconstruction due to post-traumatic arthritis secondary to acetabular fracture. Results The average age at the time of arthroplasty was 52.2 years (19-83). The age at the time of fracture was 47.9 years (16-81). The average time between the acetabular fracture and THR was 52.4 months (4-360). The average follow-up was 4.25 years. No acetabular component loosening or infections were seen in either group. The Harris Hip Score at an average follow-up of 4.25 years was 89.3 (57-99). The follow-up in the control group with non-traumatic arthritis was 4.9 years, and the Harris Hip Score was 94.1 points (78-100). There were no significant difference in the Harris Hip Score between groups (p = 0.24). Conclusion Uncemented acetabular reconstruction in post-traumatic arthritis secondary to acetabular fracture is a more difficult procedure than routine arthroplasty in patient with non-traumatic arthritis. In the short-term there are no clinical or radiographic differences in THR with uncemented acetabular cups in post-traumatic arthritis patients compared to patients with non-traumatic arthritis.

Many future electricity scenarios, including those from the International Energy Agency, use natural gas to bridge the transition to renewables, in particular as a means of balancing intermittent generation from new renewables. Given that such strategies may be inconsistent with strategies to limit climate change to below 2 °C, we address the question of whether such use of gas is necessary or cost effective. We conduct a techno-economic case study of Switzerland, using a cost optimization model. We explore a range of electricity costs, comparing scenarios in which gas is used as a source of base-load power, a source of balancing capacity, and not used at all. Costs at the high end of the range show that a complete decarbonization increases system-wide costs by 3% compared to a gas bridging scenario, and 13–46% compared to a carbon-intensive scenario, depending on the relative shares of solar and wind. Costs at the low end of the range show that system-wide costs are equal or lower for both completely decarbonized and gas bridging scenarios. In conclusion, gas delivers little to no cost savings as a bridging fuel in a system that switches to wind and solar.

Regulation of human placental syncytiotrophoblast renewal by cytotrophoblast migration, aggregation/fusion and differentiation is essential for successful pregnancy. In several tissues, these events are regulated by intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (IKCa), in part through their ability to regulate cell volume. We used cytotrophoblasts in primary culture to test the hypotheses that IKCa participate in the formation of multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast and in syncytiotrophoblast volume homeostasis. Cytotrophoblasts were isolated from normal term placentas and cultured for 66 h. This preparation recreates syncytiotrophoblast formation in vivo, as mononucleate cells (15 h) fuse into multinucleate syncytia (66 h) concomitant with elevated secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Cells were treated with the IKCa inhibitor TRAM-34 (10 µM) or activator DCEBIO (100 µM). Culture medium was collected to measure hCG secretion and cells fixed for immunofluorescence with anti-IKCa and anti-desmoplakin antibodies to assess IKCa expression and multinucleation respectively. K+ channel activity was assessed by measuring 86Rb efflux at 66 h. IKCa immunostaining was evident in nucleus, cytoplasm and surface of mono- and multinucleate cells. DCEBIO increased 86Rb efflux 8.3-fold above control and this was inhibited by TRAM-34 (85%; p

Se propone el estudio de un indicador económico- alimentario, la Canasta Básica de Alimentos (CBA), que incluye el análisis de precios de los alimentos que la conforman, contribuyendo así a la caracterización de la accesibilidad asociada al concepto de Seguridad Alimentaria. A partir de una muestra probabilística, aleatoria estratificada, de 1178 comercios, se estimó el costo promedio de la CBA en la ciudad de Córdoba, en Septiembre- Octubre de 2007, ajustando dicho análisis por tipo de punto de venta (supermercados-hipermercados y comercios minoristas) y nivel socio-económico (NSE). Luego se comparó con los costos de la CBA propuesta por el INDEC para el Gran Buenos Aires. El costo promedio de la CBA fue $192, significativamente mayor al declarado por el INDEC para Gran Buenos Aires. No se encontró diferencia significativa según tipo de comercio, pero sí entre los minoristas según NSE, siendo más alto el costo a mayor NSE.

Con esta revisión se pretende mostrar una manera sencilla de estudiar la morfología y anatomía de las plantas vasculares con una aplicación docente. Para ésto se escogió la especie Vinca major de la familia Apocynaceae, esta planta es ornamental, exótica y distribuida ampliamente en zonas tropicales y subtropicales, son estas características las que logran que sea de fácil acceso. Además, normalmente se presenta con sus órganos vegetativos y reproductivos. Es una planta que permite una fácil manipulación al momento de realizar los cortes debido a su hábito herbáceo y por lo tanto escaso crecimiento secundario. En cuanto a su anatomía, se distinguen en el tallo la epidermis, colénquima, el parénquima fotosintético o clorénquima, el floema (protofloema y metafloema), el xilema (protoxilema y metaxilema) y la médula. En el tallo se encuentran tubos laticíferos a nivel de floema. La hoja presenta tricomas marginales unicelulares, mesófilo distinguido en parénquima de empalizada y esponjoso, colénquima, a nivel del haz vascular central se distinguen el xilema, floema y algunas esclereidas. En la hoja se secretan ciertos alcaloides con aplicación medicinal. La zona pilífera de la raíz presenta una exodermis, rizodermis, pelos radicales absorbentes, parénquima de almacenamiento, floema y xilema, en estos dos últimos niveles se distingue el periciclo, la endodermis y la banda de Caspary. La flor es diclamidea de tipo heteroclamídea, presenta simetría actinomorfa y los verticilos son pentámeros. El color varía de azul a morado. El androceo es epigineo y adnado a la corola, los estambres presentan disposición en anillo. El gineceo paracárpico forma un estilo bifurcado hacia el interior del ovario. El estigma es capitado y plumoso, posee cámaras que secretan néctar y se encuentra a la mitad de la altura de la flor.