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We have studied the division of postembryonic neuroblasts (Nbs) in the outer proliferation center (OPC) and central brain anlagen of Drosophila. We focused our attention on three aspects of these processes: the pattern of cellular division, the topological orientation of those divisions, and the expression of asymmetric cell fate determinants. Although larval Nbs are of embryonic origin, our results indicate that their properties appear to be modified during development. Several conclusions can be summarized: (i) In early larvae, Nbs divide symmetrically to give rise to two Nbs while in the late larval brain most Nbs divide asymmetrically to bud off an intermediate ganglion mother cell (GMC) that very rapidly divides into two ganglion cells (GC). (ii) Symmetric and asymmetric divisions of OPC Nbs show tangential and radial orientations, respectively. (iii) This change in the pattern of division correlates with the expression of inscuteable, which is apically localized only in asymmetric divisions. (iv) The spindle of asymmetrically dividing Nb is always oriented on an apical-basal axis. (v) Prospero does not colocalize with Miranda in the cortical crescent of mitotic Nbs. (vi) Prospero is transiently expressed in one of the two sibling GCs generated by the division of GMCs. The implications of these results on cell fate specification and differentiation of adult brain neurons are discussed. Key Words: neuroblast; asymmetric division; asymmetric determinants; prospero; Numb; inscuteable; miranda.

Our intention was to study the attitudes of educators in the context of the research project entitled ⪡Integration of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) as teaching tools at University within the framework of the European Higher Education Area⪢. To do this, a Likert-type scale of attitudes was created rigorously following all the steps indicated by the experts. The scale consists of 24 items along with their characteristics of discrimination (all the t values for each item when compared to the averages among extreme groups are highly significant); reliability (calculated through different procedures, provides us with values, all of which are above 0.95); and validity (factorial validity; criteria validity: a correlation of 0.92 between the scores of the scale regarding the criterion ⪡behaviour⪢) could be considered completely satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subcellular localization of ion channels is crucial for the transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system. Here we show that Discs-Large (DLG), a member of the MAGUK (membrane-associated guanylate kinases) family in Drosophila, co-localizes with Shaker potassium channels (Sh Kch) in most synaptic areas of the adult brain and in the outer membrane of photoreceptors. However, DLG is absent from axonal tracts in which Sh channels are concentrated. Truncation of the C-terminal of Sh (including the PDZ binding site) disturbs its pattern of distribution in both CNS and retina, while truncation of the guanylate kinase/C-terminal domain of DLG induces ectopic localization of these channels to neuronal somata in the CNS, but does not alter the distribution of channels in photoreceptors. I mmunocytochemical, membrane fractionation and detergent solubilization analysis indicate that the C-terminal of Sh Kch is required for proper trafficking to its final destination. Thus, several major conclusions emerge from this study. First, DLG plays a major role in the localization of Sh channels in the CNS and retina. Second, localization of DLG in photoreceptors but not in the CNS seems to depend on its interaction with Sh. Third, the guanylate kinase/C-terminal domain of DLG is involved in the trafficking of Shaker channels but not of DLG in the CNS. Fourth, different mechanisms for the localization of Sh Kch operate in different cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbomycin A, niddamycin and tylosin, macrolide antibiotics that inhibit ribosomal activity, have α-β unsaturated ketone groups in their structure that make them photo-reactive. These drugs can also take part in thermic reactions, probably through an addition mechanism to the double bond. Given of the photoactivity and thermic reactivity of their molecules, affinity labeling of the macrolide binding site on the ribosome has been performed using radioactive derivatives of these drugs. After either irradiating or incubating samples containing antibiotics and ribosomal particles, radioactivity appears covalent associated to the proteins. Ribosomal protein L27 is the major labeled component, indicating that this polypeptide, which seems to be part of the peptidyl transferase centre of the ribosome, also plays an important role on the macrolide binding site. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The silvopastoral systems in the Province of Misiones, accomplished in implanted forests, mainly in pines, have had a great growth in the last years. The knowledge contributed by the researchers and technicians of public entities like of the private activity, allows to have more information every year, which has been reflected in the works presented/ displayed in 1st National Congress of Silvopastoral Systems realised in the city of Posadas, Misiones between 14th and 16th of May of 2009, which allowed the understanding and the improvement of the handling of as much of the wooded mass, the different implanted pastures and the handling from the cattle. The introduction of bubalino cattle in a silvopastoral system has the objective of developing techniques and adaptations of the present knowledge of the silvopastoral system with bovine cattle, to this species of ruminant, since the capacity of the buffalo is recognized (Bubalus bubalis) to adapt to the tropical and subtropical climate, besides the rusticity and productivity. The experience is being developed in a forestation from 75 hectares of Pinus elliottii Engelm. var elliottii and Pinus taeda cv. Marion, of different ages, different species from pastures and a roundup of young of buffalos. The preliminary results indicate that it is possible to implement this technique successfully and high productivities are achieved, that make the introduction promissory of this type of cattle in the silvo-pastoral system of the province and the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Minibrain (Mnb) gene encodes a new family of protein kinases that is evolutionarily conserved from insects to humans. In Drosophila, Mnb is involved in postembryonic neurogenesis. In humans, MNB has been mapped within the Down''s Syndrome (DS) critical region of chromosome 21 and is overexpressed in DS embryonic brain. In order to study a possible role of Mnb on the neurogenesis of vertebrate brain, we have cloned the chick Mnb orthologue and studied the spatiotemporal expression of Mnb in proliferative regions of the nervous system. In early embryos, Mnb is expressed before the onset of neurogenesis in the three general locations where neuronal precursors are originated: neuroepithelia of the neural tube, neural crest, and cranial placodes. Mnb is transiently expressed during a single cell cycle of neuroepithelial progenitor (NEP) cells. Mnb expression precedes and widely overlaps with the expression of Tis21, an antiproliferative gene that has been reported to be expressed in the onset of neurogenic divisions of NEP cells. Mnb transcription begins in mitosis, continues during G1, and stops before S-phase. Very interestingly, we have found that Mnb mRNA is asymmetrically localized during the mitosis of these cells and inherited by one of the sibling cells after division. We propose that Mnb defines a transition step between proliferating and neurogenic divisions of NEP cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Caffeine affords several beneficial effects on human health, acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and analgesic. Caffeine is widely used in cosmetics, but its antimicrobial activity has been scarcely explored, namely against skin infection agents. Dermatophytes are the most common fungal agents of human infection, mainly of skin infections. This work describes the in vitro effect of caffeine during keratinocyte infection by Trichophyton mentagrophytes , one of the most common dermatophytes. The results show that caffeine was endowed with antidermatophytic activity with a MIC, determined following the EUCAST standards, of 8 mM. Caffeine triggered a modification of the levels of two major components of the fungal cell wall, β-(1,3)-glucan and chitin. Caffeine also disturbed the ultrastructure of the fungal cells, particularly the cell wall surface and mitochondria, and autophagic-like structures were observed. During dermatophyte-human keratinocyte interactions, caffeine prevented the loss of viability of keratinocytes and delayed spore germination. Overall, this indicates that caffeine can act as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for dermatophytosis.

Background: Physiological changes in the foot may be influenced by external factors such as shoe types or demographic parameters, leading to podiatric conditions in adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in morphological measurements of the feet of boys and girls during childhood and adolescence., Methods: A total of 1678 Ecuadorian children aged 8 to 17 years participated in the study. The length, width, and height of the foot were analyzed using a 3D scanner to obtain the arch height ratio for the diagnosis of pediatric flat foot., Results: Statistical differences were observed for lengths, widths, and perimeters of the foot in boys aged 5 to 15-16 years and girls aged 5 to 12-13 years. Differences in the height of the navicular bone were found in all age groups, with changes from 2.8 to 4.1% in boys and from 1.3 to 1.5% in girls. The greatest differences between boys and girls of the same age were found at 14 years old onwards. The highest prevalence of flat foot was found in 8-year-old girls (64.9%) and in 12-year-old boys (82.5%)., Conclusions: The feet of Ecuadorian children develop progressively during childhood and adolescence. Boys presented with longer and wider feet than girls of the same age. The highest prevalence of flat foot was found in 12-year-old boys and 8-year-old girls.

The aim of the present study is to assess the immediate effects of applying lateral wedge insoles of different heights (0.00, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.6 cm) in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) in normal and supinated feet during a Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and in the reflex response of Peroneus Longus (PL), Peroneus Brevis (PB), and Tibialis Anterior (TA) over a 30° inversion of the feet. The effects of the height of the wedges were assessed using a double-blind, crossover design. In total, 25 participants were allocated into two groups, depending on the foot posture (Normal = 12, Supinated = 13) and performed the tests in a random fashion. Reaction time (RT) of stabilizing muscles of the ankle was measured using superficial electromyography (EMG) and postural balance with the SEBT. Foot posture did not show any significant effects on the analyzed variables. Nonetheless, the use of a 0.3 cm external rearfoot wedge (PB p = 0.002; PL p = 0.066 and TA p = 0.006) and 0.6 cm (PB p = 0.043; PL p = 0.058 and TA p = 0.071) reduces RT in stabilizing muscles of the ankle and improves results in SEBT, except for the anterolateral direction, in subjects with CAI. Therefore, our results suggest that the use of lateral wedge insoles could reduce RT and improve dynamic balance in chronic ankle instability., (© 2023 The Authors. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science In Sports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

An excess of body weight can produce morphological changes in the feet of children. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological differences of the foot in children based on their body mass index and to determine the risk factors for the development of a hallux valgus in childhood and adolescence. One Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Eight children (5-17 years) were classified as group with obesity, overweight, and normal weight. Lengths, widths, heights and angles of both feet was measured with a 3D scanner. The risk of developing hallux valgus was calculated. Group with overweight and obesity presented longer feet (p = 0.00), wider metatarsals (p = 0.00) and wider heels (p = 0.00). Arch height was lower (p > 0.01) in the group with obesity, and the hallux angle was greater in the group with normal weight (p < 0.05). The relative risk of a lateral hallux deviation increases with age, foot length and heel width (Exp (B) > 1). Children with overweight and obesity had longer and wider feet. The arch height was higher in children with overweight, and lower in children with obesity. Age, foot length, and heel width could be risk factors for the development of hallux valgus, while metatarsal width and arch height could be protective factors. Monitorization of the development and characterization of the foot in childhood as a clinical tool could help professionals to early identify the patients presenting risk factors and prevent future deformities and other biomechanical conditions in adulthood by implementing protecting measures., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Down syndrome (DS) is caused by human chromosome 21 (HSA21) trisomy. It is characterized by a poorly understood intellectual disability (ID). We studied two mouse models of DS, one with an extra copy of the &lt;i&gt;Dyrk1A&lt;/i&gt; gene (189N3) and the other with an extra copy of the mouse Chr16 syntenic region (Dp(16)1Yey). RNA-seq analysis of the transcripts deregulated in the embryonic hippocampus revealed an enrichment in genes associated with chromatin for the 189N3 model, and synapses for the Dp(16)1Yey model. A large-scale yeast two-hybrid screen (82 different screens, including 72 HSA21 baits and 10 rebounds) of a human brain library containing at least 10&lt;sup&gt;7&lt;/sup&gt; independent fragments identified 1,949 novel protein-protein interactions. The direct interactors of HSA21 baits and rebounds were significantly enriched in ID-related genes (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;-value &lt; 2.29 × 10&lt;sup&gt;-8&lt;/sup&gt;). Proximity ligation assays showed that some of the proteins encoded by HSA21 were located at the dendritic spine postsynaptic density, in a protein network at the dendritic spine postsynapse. We located HSA21 DYRK1A and DSCAM, mutations of which increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) 20-fold, in this postsynaptic network. We found that an intracellular domain of DSCAM bound either DLGs, which are multimeric scaffolds comprising receptors, ion channels and associated signaling proteins, or DYRK1A. The DYRK1A-DSCAM interaction domain is conserved in &lt;i&gt;Drosophila&lt;/i&gt; and humans. The postsynaptic network was found to be enriched in proteins associated with ARC-related synaptic plasticity, ASD, and late-onset Alzheimer's disease. These results highlight links between DS and brain diseases with a complex genetic basis., (© 2022 Viard et al.)

Morton's neuroma (MN) is a common condition in clinical practice. The compressive etiology is the most accepted, in which compression occurs in the tunnel formed by the adjacent metatarsals, the deep transverse metatarsal ligament (DTML) and the plantar skin. Ultrasound (US) is a reliable method of study. The presence of insufficient space under the DTML may be related to the appearance of MN., Objectives: To verify the relationship between MN and the space under the DTML between the metatarsal heads of the third (M3) and the fourth (M4) metatarsals using US., Methods: This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study. The research study using the ultrasound (US) technique was carried out on 200 feet belonging to 100 patients aged 18 to 65 of both sexes, with a control group formed by 62 patients and a study group formed by 38 patients diagnosed with MN., Results: The presence of MN and the factors associated with it were studied in 100 patients using ultrasound (US). The assessment and comparison with US of the space inferior to the DTML between M3 and M4 in control groups and patients with MN show that patients with MN have a smaller size in the variable "h" (height or distance DTML-plantar skin), in the variable "b" (base or intermetatarsal distance M3 and M4) and in the variable "s" (surface of the parallelogram "h" × "b"). The predictors of MN are a decrease in dimension "b" and an increase in weight. Sitting in an office chair and the use of a bicycle, due to equinus, have an influence on the space below the DTML, reducing it and promoting the appearance of MN., Conclusions: The two US measurements ("h" and "b") in the space below the DTML are smaller in patients with MN than in the asymptomatic group. A shorter distance between M3 and M4, and an increase in BMI are predictors of MN.

Insufficient space below the Deep Transverse Metatarsal Ligament (DTML) could be an etiological factor for Morton’s Neuroma (MN). To date, there is a lack of studies measuring the space below the DTML. For this reason, this study assesses the intra- and inter-rater concordance and reproducibility of measurements of the space below the DTML between the third and the fourth metatarsal heads (M3 and M4) using ultrasound imaging to assess and verify the reliability and reproducibility of measurements of the space under the DTML. Forty feet from twenty patients were examined using ultrasound by three trained evaluators at two different times. The two measurements taken on each foot were: base (b)—distance between M3 and M4, and height (h)—distance between the DTML and the plantar skin surface. This was a quantitative, observational, analytical study. The concordance rate between observers for measurements of height and base were 98.5% and 99.5%, respectively. The mean area obtained of the space was 54.6 mm2 and 57.2 mm2 for both the left and right foot (p > 0.05). Reproducibility over time calculated in pre- and post-measurements showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 1.00 (95%CI: 0.99−1.00), which leads us to conclude that the measurements are perfectly reproducible. Both measurements (height and base) of the space under the DTML, performed by ultrasound, are reliable and reproducible.

Onychomycosis and human papillomavirus (HPV) plantar warts are common in clinical practice. Clinical diagnosis is based on searching for pathognomonic signs and symptoms. However, due to misdiagnosis, podiatrists may unnecessarily prescribe antifungal treatments or burn lesions with chemical agents. The objective of this study was to assess podiatrists' visual diagnosis of these infections and their willingness to use complementary tests. A 12-item questionnaire was developed to assess visual diagnostic ability. The diagnoses of all lesions were verified before the questionnaire was sent out. The respondents were 415 podiatrists with a range of years of experience. While 86.3% of podiatrists considered complementary tests for onychomycosis necessary, only 21.4% used them regularly. As many as 60.2% would leave a distal subungual onychomycosis untreated based on visual diagnosis. In the case of HPV, only 14.5% of respondents considered complementary tests necessary, although 76.6% would treat a non-HPV lesion with regular chemical agents. Years of experience did not affect the percentage of misdiagnoses. Complementary tests are needed in clinical practice to avoid unnecessary treatments. Podiatrists easily identify clear signs and symptoms but have difficulty making differential diagnoses. Research should focus on ensuring complementary tests are available to health professionals.

Onychomycosis is the main cause of toenail disorders and is produced by a fungal infection. It is becoming more prevalent because of new lifestyles and immunosuppression statuses. The therapeutic approach to onychomycosis is under considerable study because of the lengthy treatments that require strong patient commitment, the limited efficacy of treatments, the inclusion of active substances that can be hepatotoxic and cause pharmacological interactions, and/or the questionable efficacy of treatments due to a lack of clinical trials. This study responds to the demand for rapid treatment with minimal pharmacological interactions., Methods: The efficacy of nitric acid 60% treatment in patients with onychomycosis was monitored and studied. The antifungal efficacy of nitric acid was measured by microbiological culture before and after treatment and the clinical evolution of nail dystrophy was quantitatively measured by monitoring with the Onychomycosis Severity Index (OSI)., Results: The results show that, with the protocol used, nitric acid 60% painlessly cured 40% (microbiologic cure) of the cases treated, and in all cases, clinical improvement was observed ( p = 0.011)., Conclusions: The treatment with nitric acid 60% is as efficient as conventional treatments, requires less patient compliance of the treatment and produces no pharmacological interactions, providing alternative treatment in the case of hepatotoxicity.