Ciencia y Tecnología
Genotypic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Monteserin, Johana; Paul, Roxana Elizabeth; Gravina, Elida; Reniero, Ana; Hernandez, Teresa; Mazzeo, Eduardo; Togneri, Ana Maria; Simboli, Norberto; López, Beatriz; Couvin, David; Rastogi, Nalin; Ritacco, Gloria Viviana
Buenos Aires is an overpopulated port city historically inhabited by people of European descent. Together with its broader metropolitan area, the city exhibits medium tuberculosis rates, and receives migrants, mainly from tuberculosis highly endemic areas of Argentina and neighboring countries. This work was aimed to gain insight into the Mycobacterium tuberculosis population structure in two suburban districts of Buenos Aires which are illustrative of the overall situation of tuberculosis in Argentina. The Lineage 4 Euro-American accounted for >99% of the 816 isolates analyzed (one per patient). Frequencies of spoligotype families were T 35.9%, LAM 33.2%, Haarlem 19.5%, S 3.2%, X 1.5%, Ural 0.7%, BOV 0.2%, Beijing 0.2%, and Cameroon 0.2%. Unknown signatures accounted for 5.3% isolates. Of 55 spoligotypes not matching any extant shared international type (SIT) in SITVIT database, 22 fitted into 15 newly-issued SITs. Certain autochthonous South American genotypes were found to be actively evolving. LAM3, which is wild type for RDrio, was the predominant LAM subfamily in both districts and the RDrio signature was rare among autochthonous, newly created, SITs and orphan patterns. Two genotypes that are rarely observed in neighboring countries ̶ SIT2/H2 and SIT159/T1 Tuscany ̶ were conspicuously represented in Argentina. The infrequent Beijing patterns belonged to Peruvian patients. We conclude that the genotype diversity observed reflects the influence of the Hispanic colonization and more recent immigration waves from Mediterranean and neighboring countries. Unlike in Brazil, the RDrio type does not play a major role in the tuberculosis epidemic in Buenos Aires.
Registro de hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) presentes en apiarios de Apis mellifera de los valles templados de la provincia de Jujuy-Argentina
Registro de hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) presentes en apiarios de Apis mellifera de los valles templados de la provincia de Jujuy-Argentina; Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) present in apiaries of Apis mellifera of the temperate
valleys of the province of Jujuy-Argentina
Ruiz, Gisela Beatriz; Benitez Ahrendtz, Marcelo
La presente investigación se realizó con el propósito de determinar la presencia de diferentes especies de hormigas encolmenas de Apis mellifera L., y describir la actividad observada mediante el relevamiento de apiarios ubicados endiversas localidades de Valles templados de la provincia de Jujuy. Se colectaron manualmente entre 10-20 individuosaproximadamente de diferentes especies de hormigas en estado adulto e inmaduro presentes en techos y entretapas decolmenas de abejas melíferas, como también de hormigueros ubicados en cercanías. Se conservaron en alcohol al 70%.La colecta se realizó en época seca y época húmeda. La identificación taxonómica se realizó mediante claves establecidas.Las hormigas identificadas fueron Camponotus substitutus, Camponotus mus, Acromyrmex hispidus, Linepithemahumile, Crematogaster spp. (Subgénero Orthocrema) y Solenopsis spp. Cinco de estas especies no mostraron ser perjudicialespara las abejas, mientras que en colmenas moribundas por falta de alimento o reinas viejas se observó la intrusiónde Solenopsis sp. Se puede concluir que las especies de hormigas identificadas no generaron daños económicos alos apicultores de estas colmenas. El presente trabajo podría ser el punto de partida para estudios relativos al manejo ycontrol de hormigas presentes en colmenas de Apis mellifera L. Se debe continuar con el registro y estudio de estoshimenópteros en otras áreas apícolas.; The present investigation was carried out with the purpose of determining the presence of different species of ants in hives of Apis mellifera L., and to describe the activity observed by means of the survey of apiaries located in different localities of temperate valleys of the province of Jujuy. Manually collected between 10-20 individuals of different species of ants in adult and immature state present in ceilings and interstates of honey bee hives, as well as anthills located in the vicinity. They were stored in 70% alcohol. The collection was carried out during the dry season and the wet season. The taxonomic identification was carried out using appropriate codes. The identified ants were Camponotus substitutus, Camponotus mus, Acromyrmex hispidus, Linepithema humile, Crematogaster spp. (Subgenus Orthocrema) and Solenopsis spp. Five of these species did not appear to be harmful to bees, whereas in Sole colonies due to lack of food or old queens the intrusion of Solenopsis sp. It can be concluded that the ant species identified did not generate economic damage to the beekeepers of these hives. This work could be the starting point for studies related to the management and control of ants present in hives of Apis mellifera L. It should continue with the registration and study of these hymenoptera in other apicultural areas.
Rol de variantes genéticas en el desarrollo de Enfermedad Renal Crónica en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2
Rol de variantes genéticas en el desarrollo de Enfermedad Renal Crónica en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2
Yang, Pablo; Ojeda, Verónica; Ruiz Pecchio, Adriana; Soria, Néstor Walter
La Enfermedad Renal Crónica (ERC) es una afección que perjudica a un gran número de pacientes. Una de las causas es la Nefropatía en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 (DM2).Objetivo: Indagar si la presencia de variantes genéticas contribuyen al desarrollo de ERC en pacientes con DM2.Materiales y métodos: se evaluaron criterios clínicos, bioquímicos y moleculares en 25 pacientes con DM2. Los polimorfismos se analizaron mediante PCR-RFLP para ECA (rs4646994); CDKAL1 (rs7756992); e-NOS (rs1799983) y SLC12A3 (rs11643718).Resultados: El análisis estadístico mediante modelo dominante arrojaron para: ECA (rs4646994) (OR=1,33 (IC 95%) 0,25-7,01; p=0,73); CDKAL1 (rs7756992) (OR= 1 (IC 95%) 0,14-7,39; p=NA); e-NOS (rs1799983) (OR= 0,29 (IC 95%) 0,05-1,57; p=0,14) y SLC12A3 (rs11643718 (OR= 1,62 (IC 95%) 0,19-13,93; p=0,66).Conclusiones: ninguna de las variantes evaluadas en los genes ECA, CDKAL1, e-NOS y SLC12A3 mostraron asociaciones positivas o negativas con el riesgo a desarrollar ERC en pacientes con DM2.
Emergent Orientation Selectivity from Random Networks in Mouse Visual Cortex
Emergent Orientation Selectivity from Random Networks in Mouse Visual Cortex
Pattadkal, Jagruti J.; Mato, German; van Vreeswijk, Carl; Priebe, Nicholas J.; Hansel, David
The connectivity principles underlying the emergence of orientation selectivity in primary visual cortex (V1) of mammals lacking an orientation map (such as rodents and lagomorphs) are poorly understood. We present a computational model in which random connectivity gives rise to orientation selectivity that matches experimental observations. The model predicts that mouse V1 neurons should exhibit intricate receptive fields in the two-dimensional frequency domain, causing a shift in orientation preferences with spatial frequency. We find evidence for these features in mouse V1 using calcium imaging and intracellular whole-cell recordings. Pattadkal et al. show that orientation selectivity can emerge from random connectivity, and offer a distinct perspective for how computations occur in the neocortex. They propose that a random convergence of inputs can provide signals for orientation preference in contrast with the dominant model that requires a precise arrangement.
Eugenics in Mediterranean Europe and Latin America
Eugenics in Mediterranean Europe and Latin America; Eugenesia en la Europa mediterránea y en Latinoamérica
Miranda, Marisa Adriana; Vallejo, Gustavo Gabriel
Se abordan aquí las vinculaciones inmanentes que la eugenesia presenta con los ejes conceptuales salud/enfermedad, normalidad/anormalidad, inclusión/exclusión, colocando a la perspectiva histórica en un diálogo inacabado con el presente. Así, y desplazándose más allá de una identificación taxativa con episodios que tienen un inicio y un final, quedan latentes interrogantes que denotan los límites borrosos de la eugenesia: ¿Cómo se trazó en distintos momentos la frontera entre lo sano y lo insano? ¿Quién/quiénes y bajo qué motivaciones trascendentes al plano individual la fijaron? ¿Cuáles fueron los alcances de la eugenesia? ¿Cuántos de sus postulados se mantuvieron inalterables en países no anglosajones y hasta dónde las hibridaciones turbaron sus postulados iniciales? En definitiva, ¿Por qué es válido hablar de eugenesia más allá del nazismo?
Bone tool and tuber processing: A multi-proxy approach at Boyo Paso 2, Argentina
Bone tool and tuber processing: A multi-proxy approach at Boyo Paso 2, Argentina
Medina, Matias Eduardo; Lopez, María Laura; Buc, Natacha
This article provides results from a full morphological, use-wear and microfossil residue analysis of a notched bone tool made from a camelid scapula, which was recovered from the late pre-Hispanic site of Boyo Paso 2 (1500-750 years BP, Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina). The use-wear pattern showed striations similar to those recorded in experimental bone tools used for scraping activities. The starch grains found on the active or working edge are similar to the Andean tuber crop Oxalis tuberosa, and suggest that the tool was used for peeling wild or domesticated Oxalis sp. tubers, thereby questioning the disproportionate attention directed towards maize in late pre-Hispanic economies.
Determination of a predictive cleavage motif for eluted major histocompatibility complex class II ligands
Determination of a predictive cleavage motif for eluted major histocompatibility complex class II ligands
Paul, Sinu; Karosiene, Edita; Dhanda, Sandeep Kumar; Jurtz, Vanessa; Edwards, Lindy; Nielsen, Morten; Sette, Alessandro; Peters, Bjoern
CD4+ T cells have a major role in regulating immune responses. They are activated by recognition of peptides mostly generated from exogenous antigens through the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II pathway. Identification of epitopes is important and computational prediction of epitopes is used widely to save time and resources. Although there are algorithms to predict binding affinity of peptides to MHC II molecules, no accurate methods exist to predict which ligands are generated as a result of natural antigen processing. We utilized a dataset of around 14,000 naturally processed ligands identified by mass spectrometry of peptides eluted from MHC class II expressing cells to investigate the existence of sequence signatures potentially related to the cleavage mechanisms that liberate the presented peptides from their source antigens. This analysis revealed preferred amino acids surrounding both N- and C-terminuses of ligands, indicating sequence-specific cleavage preferences. We used these cleavage motifs to develop a method for predicting naturally processed MHC II ligands, and validated that it had predictive power to identify ligands from independent studies. We further confirmed that prediction of ligands based on cleavage motifs could be combined with predictions of MHC binding, and that the combined prediction had superior performance. However, when attempting to predict CD4+ T cell epitopes, either alone or in combination with MHC binding predictions, predictions based on the cleavage motifs did not show predictive power. Given that peptides identified as epitopes based on CD4+ T cell reactivity typically do not have well-defined termini, it is possible that motifs are present but outside of the mapped epitope. Our attempts to take that into account computationally did not show any sign of an increased presence of cleavage motifs around well-characterized CD4+ T cell epitopes. While it is possible that our attempts to translate the cleavage motifs in MHC II ligand elution data into T cell epitope predictions were suboptimal, other possible explanations are that the cleavage signal is too diluted to be detected, or that elution data are enriched for ligands generated through an antigen processing and presentation pathway that is less frequently utilized for T cell epitopes.
Benefits of frontal waters for the growth of Engraulis anchoita larvae: The influence of food availability
Benefits of frontal waters for the growth of Engraulis anchoita larvae: The influence of food availability
Do Souto, Marina; Spinelli, Mariela Lorena; Brown, Daniel Roberto; Pajaro, Marcelo; Diaz, Marina Vera; Capitanio, Fabiana Lia
We studied the abundance, size and growth rates of Engraulis anchoita larvae during the end of the species’ spawning season in relation to environmental variables. Two sampling transects, one in Península Valdés (northern transect: NT) and the other in Isla Escondida (southern transect: ST), with four stations each, were established in late summer. Both locations are characterized by high concentrations of E. anchoita larvae in spring, strongly associated with the presence of frontal waters, at the beginning of the species’ spawning season. Zooplankton and ichthyoplankton were sampled, and temperature profiles and chlorophyll-a satellite images were analyzed for each sampling station. Zooplankton samples were divided in size fractions, and composition and abundances were estimated. Standard length (SL), ontogenetic stages, and abundance (including eggs) were estimated. Additionally, age and growth rates were determined by otolith analysis. Two different scenarios were observed in both transects. In the NT, a frontal structure was found, while at the ST, the water column was completely homogeneous. Total zooplankton abundance was maximum at frontal waters, with 22,195 ind. m−3, being the small size fraction (<200 μm) the most abundant, mainly composed of nauplii (9000 ind. m−3) and cyclopoid copepodites (4000 ind. m−3). The NT showed higher abundance (mean of 126.5 ind. m−2 per station in NT; 29.75 ind. m−2 in ST), faster growth rates of E. anchoita larvae (NT: 0.45 ± 0.04 mm day−1; ST: 0.34 ± 0.09 mm day−1; n = 90), and higher mean SL at frontal waters (7.57 ± 1.52 mm SL) than the ST. In the NT, E. anchoita growth rates were constant in time, whereas in the ST, they decreased with age. Our results support the classical theory, which states that frontal waters provide advantageous environmental conditions for fish larvae feeding, growth and, thus, survival.
Non-aversive photographic measurement method for subcutaneous tumours in nude mice
Non-aversive photographic measurement method for subcutaneous tumours in nude mice
Resasco, Agustina; Carranza Martin, Ana Cristina; Ayala, Miguel Angel; Diaz, Silvina Laura; Carbone, Cecilia
We have developed a new method for the measurement of subcutaneous tumour volume which consists in taking photographs of mice in their home cages, to refine the standard method of measurement with calipers. We consider this new method to be non-aversive, as it may be more compatible with mice behavioural preferences and, therefore, improve their welfare. Photographs are captured when mice voluntarily go into an acrylic tube containing graph paper that is later used as a scale. Tumour volumes measured with the caliper and the non-aversive photographic method were compared to those obtained by water displacement volume and weight. Behavioural and physiological changes were evaluated to assess animal welfare. Significant differences were found between measurements obtained with the caliper and the non-aversive photographic method, v. the reference volume acquired by water displacement (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, there was good consistency for these measurements when tumours were measured repeatedly, with all Intra-Class Correlation Coefficients above 0.95. Mice on which the non-aversive photographic method was employed were significantly less reluctant to establish contact with the experimenter (P < 0.001) and behaved less anxiously in a modified-Novelty Suppressed Feeding test. Particularly, statistically significant differences were found in connection with the latency to eat an almond piece (P < 0.05), the frequency of grooming (P < 0.001) and the frequency of defecation (P < 0.001). Corticosterone concentration in faeces and blood glucose were determined and no significant changes were found. Therefore, we propose the non-aversive photographic method to measure subcutaneous tumours as a way to refine methodologies in the field of experimental oncology.
Identification of driver and subclonal mutations in ASXL1 and IDH1/IDH2 genes in an Argentine series of patients with myelofibrosis
Identification of driver and subclonal mutations in ASXL1 and IDH1/IDH2 genes in an Argentine series of patients with myelofibrosis
Scheps, Karen; Meyer, C.; Bestach, Yesica Soledad; Enrico, A.; Bengio, Ruben Guillermo; Rodriguez Zubieta, Mariana; Rivas, M.; de Brasi, Carlos Daniel; Larripa, Irene Beatriz
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells, progressive bone marrow fibrosis, abnormal cytokine expression, anemia, splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis, constitutional symptoms, cachexia, leukemic progression, and shortened survival.1 MF can be diagnosed as a primary myelofibrosis (PMF) disorder or as a complication of the evolution of polycythemia vera (MF post-PV) or essential thrombocythemia (MF post-ET)...
Noncontact AC Voltage Measurements: Error and Noise Analysis
Noncontact AC Voltage Measurements: Error and Noise Analysis
Haberman, Marcelo Alejandro; Spinelli, Enrique Mario
A capacitive noncontact ac voltage measurement technique and its feasibility to measure arbitrary waveform signals are analyzed. The method provides self-calibration of the scale factor, an important feature considering the high variability that coupling capacitances present. The analysis of several errors related to the technique is performed, showing the impact of different design parameters on the final accuracy. Scaling errors due to the electronic circuit can be constrained to less than 0.5%, and can be disaffected, whereas those due to the frequency dependence of cable sheath permittivity can be up to 3% for polyvinyl chloride sheathed cables. This error is not controllable by electronic design but requires working on electrode probe. A noise model is also proposed and experimentally validated, showing that signal-to-noise ratios of up to 100 dB are achievable with common components. A functional prototype was built and tested by acquiring power-line voltage and other arbitrary signals without contact. Instantaneous voltage signals were acquired by the proposed technique and contrasted with those acquired directly. For the measurement of power-line voltage and using the self-calibration feature, the instantaneous error was lower than 7 V (2.2%) for a ±1300 V measurement range at 50 Hz. If manual correction is applied, the error can be reduced to 0.28 V rms (0.12%)
On two species of Riocypris (Crustacea, ostracoda) from northern Patagonia and their relation to eucypris fontana: Implications in paleoenvironmental reconstructions
On two species of Riocypris (Crustacea, ostracoda) from northern Patagonia and their relation to eucypris fontana: Implications in paleoenvironmental reconstructions
Coviaga, Corina Anabel; Perez, Alejandra Patricia; Ramos, Lorena Yésica; Alvear, Pablo Andres; Cusminsky, Gabriela Catalina
Two species of ostracods new to Patagonia, Argentina, are described. One of them, Riocypris whatleyi sp. nov., is described for the first time, and the second, Riocypris sarsi (Daday, 1902) comb. nov., is reallocated from genus Eucypris to genus Riocypris. Inter-and intra-specific variations in shape, size, and sexual dimorphism were evaluated based on geometric morphometric analysis. Moreover, morphological and morphometric comparative analyses were applied to re-examine living and quaternary specimens recovered from previous studies. Based on these results, a generic reassignment for the Patagonian Eucypris fontana (Jurine, 1820) into the genus Riocypris is proposed. Contributing to the knowledge on the systematic and autecology of this enigmatic species, widely distributed in Patagonia and frequently used in paleolimnological reconstructions, generates science-based evidence for their use as indicator species. Additionally, our results emphasize the usefulness of studying the living representatives (i.e., with valves and appendages) for elucidating the taxonomic status of the individual specimens, especially those present in paleontological records and used as bioproxies in paleolimnological studies.
Efficacy and safety of amantadine for the treatment of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia
Efficacy and safety of amantadine for the treatment of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia
Pérez Lloret, Santiago; Rascol, Olivier
l-DOPA induced dyskinesias (LIDs) may affect up to 40% of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and impact negatively health-related quality of life. Amantadine has demonstrated significant antidyskinetic effects in animal PD models and in randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with PD. These effects are thought to be related to the blockade of NMDA receptors modulating cortico-striatal glutamatergic–dopaminergic interactions involved in the genesis of LIDs. There are three pharmaceutical forms of amantadine currently available in the market: an oral immediate-release (IR) formulation, which is widely available; an extended-release (ER) formulation (ADS-5102) which has been recently developed and approved by the FDA; and an intravenous infusion (IV) solution, which is not commonly used in clinical practice. RCTs with amantadine IR or ER, involving more than 650 patients have shown consistent and long-lasting reductions in LIDs. Interestingly, ADS-5102 not only reduced LIDs, but also reduced significantly at the same time the duration of daily OFF-time, a unique finding compared with other antiparkinsonian medications that usually reduce time spent OFF at the cost of worsening of LIDs. Amantadine IR might also have possible effects on other PD symptoms such as apathy or fatigue. The most common adverse reactions with amantadine are constipation, cardiovascular dysfunction including QT prolongation, orthostatic hypotension and edema, neuropsychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion and delirium, nausea and livedo reticularis. Corneal degeneration is rare but critical. In summary, amantadine immediate and extended-release are effective and safe for the treatment of LIDs.
Panthera onca (Carnivora, Felidae) in the late Pleistocene-early Holocene of northern Argentina
Panthera onca (Carnivora, Felidae) in the late Pleistocene-early Holocene of northern Argentina
Rodriguez, Sergio Gabriel; Méndez, Cecilia Romina; Soibelzon, Esteban; Soibelzon, Leopoldo Héctor; Contreras, Silvina Andrea; Friedrichs, Juan; Luna, Carlos Alberto; Zurita, Alfredo Eduardo
The most northern fossil record of Panthera onca (LINNAEUS, 1758) from Argentina is here reported. The specimen, PVE-F 130, represented by an articulated and well preserved cranium and mandible, atlas and a fragment of left humerus, was exhumed from levels assigned to the Río Bermejo Formation (late Pleistocene-early Holocene; ca. 12.0-9.7 ka), near Villa Escolar, Formosa Province. The associated paleofauna, comprised mostly of large and megafaunal mammals, has a clear taxonomic similarity to that of the Pampean region of Argentina, and suggests open arid to semiarid environments. Indeed, previous analyses of plant remains associated with these vertebrates support the predominance of mega/mesothermal grasslands characterized by C3/C4 grass species.
Spatial segregation and connectivity in young and adult stages of Megaleporinus obtusidens inferred from otolith elemental signatures: Implications for management
Spatial segregation and connectivity in young and adult stages of Megaleporinus obtusidens inferred from otolith elemental signatures: Implications for management
Avigliano, Esteban; Pisonero, Jorge; Domanico, Alejandro; Silva, Natalia Andrea; Sánchez, Sebastián; Volpedo, Alejandra
Boga Megaleporinus obtusidens is a teleost fish of economical and sport importance from Río de la Plata Basin (South America). Otolith core and edge elemental ratios (Ba:Ca, Cu:Ca, Li:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Pb:Ca, Rb:Ca and Sr:Ca) were compared among three sampling areas from the Río de la Plata Basin (Paraná and Uruguay Rivers and Río de la Plata Estuary) to evaluate the applicability of the fingerprint to study segregation and connectivity in young and adult stages. Several ratios were significantly different among sites for otolith core and edge (p < 0.05). PERMANOVA (p < 0.05) and quadratic discriminant function analysis (classification rates: 86.8% and 82.5% for otolith core and edge, respectively) were found to be highly effective in detecting differences in otolith core and edge fingerprints between sampling sites suggesting the existence of spatial segregation in young and adult life stages, respectively. The presence of relatively isolated groups may require the need to manage the stocks separately.
CLCA2 epigenetic regulation by CTBP1, HDACs, ZEB1, EP300 and miR-196b-5p impacts prostate cancer cell adhesion and EMT in metabolic syndrome disease
CLCA2 epigenetic regulation by CTBP1, HDACs, ZEB1, EP300 and miR-196b-5p impacts prostate cancer cell adhesion and EMT in metabolic syndrome disease
Porretti, Juliana Carla; Dalton, Guillermo Nicolás; Massillo, Cintia Lorena; Scalise, Georgina Daniela; Farré, Paula Lucía; Elble, Randolph; Gerez, Esther Noemi; Accialini, Paula Lucia; Cabanillas, Ana Maria de Los A.; Gardner, Kevin; de Luca, Paola; de Siervi, Adriana
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer among men. Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is associated with increased PCa aggressiveness and recurrence. Previously, we proposed C-terminal binding protein 1 (CTBP1), a transcriptional co-repressor, as a molecular link between these two conditions. Notably, CTBP1 depletion decreased PCa growth in MeS mice. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms that explain the link between MeS and PCa mediated by CTBP1. We found that CTBP1 repressed chloride channel accessory 2 (CLCA2) expression in prostate xenografts developed in MeS animals. CTBP1 bound to CLCA2 promoter and repressed its transcription and promoter activity in PCa cell lines. Furthermore, we found that CTBP1 formed a repressor complex with ZEB1, EP300 and HDACs that modulates the CLCA2 promoter activity. CLCA2 promoted PCa cell adhesion inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and activating CTNNB1 together with epithelial marker (CDH1) induction, and mesenchymal markers (SNAI2 and TWIST1) repression. Moreover, CLCA2 depletion in PCa cells injected subcutaneously in MeS mice increased the circulating tumor cells foci compared to control. A microRNA (miRNA) expression microarray from PCa xenografts developed in MeS mice, showed 21 miRNAs modulated by CTBP1 involved in angiogenesis, extracellular matrix organization, focal adhesion and adherents junctions, among others. We found that miR-196b-5p directly targets CLCA2 by cloning CLCA2 3′UTR and performing reporter assays. Altogether, we identified a new molecular mechanism to explain PCa and MeS link based on CLCA2 repression by CTBP1 and miR-196b-5p molecules that might act as key factors in the progression onset of this disease.
Spatial and temporal plant-to-plant variability effects on soybean yield
Spatial and temporal plant-to-plant variability effects on soybean yield
Masino, Alejandra; Rugeroni, Pablo; Borras, Lucas; Rotundo, José Luis
Plant density and row spacing are management practices that farmers use to maximize soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) yield. Other canopy aspects related to seedling establishment like spatial (spacing among plants) and temporal (timing of plant emergence) within-row plant-to-plant variability have received less attention. Negative yield effects of non-uniform stands have been reported for maize (Zea mays subsp. Mays L.), but it is commonly accepted that soybean plants compensate for any plant-to-plant growth difference. Planting quality is becoming relevant because small yield effects can have a high economic return due to high soybean prices and low implementation costs. The objectives were to assess the impact of non-uniform spatial and temporal seedling establishment on soybean yields and to identify putative mechanisms. Results showed that, across planting dates and plant densities, there was no yield loss due to increased spatial plant-to-plant variation in a later maturity group cultivar (MG IV), but reduced yield in an earlier one (MG III). Contrarily, non-uniform temporal distributions significantly reduced yield across cultivars. Having a poor spatial distribution had no effect on the average plant growth rate or its plant-to-plant variability. A poor temporal distribution did not affect individual average plant growth rate but variability was increased. This increased variability determined that some individuals had higher plant growth but reduced seed number because of reduced reproductive partitioning. Novel findings can be summarized as: (i) the higher relative importance of temporal vs. spatial non-uniform canopies in determining soybean yield reductions, (ii) the influence of reduced seed set at higher plant growth rates to mechanistically explain yield reductions in non-uniform temporal canopies; (iii) the concept that the yield effect of non-uniform temporal canopies cannot be overcome by increased plant densities. Future research needs to better understand the interactions between cultivar reproductive characteristics and susceptibility to non-uniform temporal canopies.
Molecular confirmation of the linkage between the rhizopus oryzae CYP51A gene coding region and its intrinsic voriconazole and fluconazole resistance
Molecular confirmation of the linkage between the rhizopus oryzae CYP51A gene coding region and its intrinsic voriconazole and fluconazole resistance
Macedo, Daiana; Leonardelli, Florencia; Dudiuk, Catiana Beatriz; Theill, Laura; Cabeza, Matías Sebastián; Gamarra, Soledad; Garcia, Guillermo Manuel
Rhizopus oryzae is the most prevalent causative agent of mucormycosis, an increasingly reported opportunistic fungal infection. These Mucorales are intrinsically resistant to Candida- and Aspergillus-active antifungal azole drugs, such as fluconazole (FLC) and voriconazole, respectively. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms of its intrinsic azole resistance have not been elucidated yet. The aim of this work was to establish if the Rhizopus oryzae CYP51 genes are uniquely responsible for intrinsic voriconazole and fluconazole resistance in these fungal pathogens. Two CYP51 genes were identified in the R. oryzae genome. We classified them as CYP51A and CYP51B based on their sequence similarity with other known fungal CYP51 genes. Later, we obtained a chimeric Aspergillus fumigatus strain harboring a functional R. oryzae CYP51A gene expressed under the regulation of the wild-type A. fumigatus CYP51A promoter and terminator. The mutant was selected after transformation by using a novel procedure taking advantage of the FLC hypersusceptibility of the A. fumigatus CYP51A deletion mutant used as the recipient strain. The azole susceptibility patterns of the A. fumigatus transformants harboring R. oryzae CYP51A mimicked exactly the azole susceptibility patterns of this mucormycete. The data presented in this work demonstrate that the R. oryzae CYP51A coding sequence is uniquely responsible for the R. oryzae azole susceptibility patterns.
El concepto de capitalismo en la perspectiva pragmática de Boltanski y Chiapello
El concepto de capitalismo en la perspectiva pragmática de Boltanski y Chiapello; The Concept of Capitalism in Boltanski and Chiapello’s Pragmatic Perspective
Gonnet, Juan Pablo; Abril, Francisco Manuel
En el presente trabajo proponemos un análisis crítico de la conceptualización del capitalismo ofrecida por la perspectiva pragmática de Boltanski y Chiapello en su libro El nuevo espíritu del capitalismo. Para estos autores el capitalismo es la exigencia de acumulación ilimitada de capital que se legitima mediante justificaciones morales, reconociéndose un vínculo ineludible entre el capitalismo y la moral. Nuestro objetivo es mostrar que el mismo es interpretado de modos variables, ambiguos y contradictorios, lo que genera una teorización imprecisa en torno al capitalismo y a los aportes que la corriente sociológica del pragmatismo podría brindar para su comprensión.; This article critically examines the pragmatic conceptualization of capitalism offered in Boltanski and Chiapello’s book El nuevo espíritu del capitalismo (The New Spirit of Capitalism). For them, capitalism is the demand for unlimited accumulation of capital legitimized through moral justifications, thus recognizing an unavoidable link between capitalism and morality. The article’s authors aim to show that this is interpreted in different ways that are both ambiguous and contradictory, thus generating an imprecise theorization of capitalism and the contributions that the pragmatist sociological current can offer for understanding it.
¿Centros o cuerpos de delegados?: Las luchas estudiantiles de los años setenta frente al debate acerca de las formas organizativas. El caso de la UBA
¿Centros o cuerpos de delegados?: Las luchas estudiantiles de los años setenta frente al debate acerca de las formas organizativas. El caso de la UBA; Student centers or bodies o delegates?: The student struggles of the seventy years against the debate about the organizational forms. The case of the UBA
Califa, Juan Sebastián
En este trabajo se dará cuenta de las pujas generadas a comienzos de los años setenta en el movimiento estudiantil argentino en lo concerniente a los principios organizativos más eficaces para derrotar a la dictadura imperante. Mientras que el reformismo bregaba por reconstruir los centros de estudiantes, otras organizaciones de izquierda y en menor medida peronistas se orientaban a fortalecer los cuerpos de delegados por curso. Los avatares de esta competencia, con sus ganadores y perdedores, permite adentrarse en un período clave de la universidad argentina, revisitando así el debate acerca de la vigencia del reformismo como identidad programática entre sus capas más jóvenes. Este artículo, se adentrará en lo acaecido en la Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), acudiendo a fuentes y bibliografía variadas.; In this paper, we will see the bids generated in the early seventies in the Argentine student movement regarding the most effective organizing principles to defeat the ruling dictatorship. While reformism struggled to rebuild student centers, other organizations of the left and, to a lesser extent, Peronists aimed to strengthen the bodies of delegates per course. The ups and downs of this competition, with its winners and losers, allows us to enter a key period of the Argentine university, revisiting the debate about the validity of reformism as a programmatic identity among its younger layers. This article will delve into what happened at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), going to sources and bibliography varied.
