Optimization of heterologous protein production in Chinese hamster ovary cells under overexpression of spliced form of human X-box binding protein

Background: The optimization of protein production is a complex and challenging problem in biotechnology. Different techniques for transcription, translation engineering and the optimization of cell culture conditions have been used to improve protein secretion, but there remain many open problems involving post-translational modifications of the secreted protein and cell line stability. Results: In this work, we focus on the regulation of secreted protein specific productivity (using a recombinant human immunoglobulin G (IgG)) by controlling the expression of the spliced form of human X-box binding protein (XBP-(s)) in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) under doxycycline (DOX) induction at different temperatures. We observed a four-fold increase in specific IgG productivity by CHO cells under elevated concentrations of DOX at 30°C compared to 37°C, without detectable differences in binding activity in vitro or changes in the structural integrity of IgG. In addition, we found a correlation between the overexpression of human XBP-1(s) (and, as a consequence, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) size expansion) and the specific IgG productivity under DOX induction. Conclusions: Our data suggest the T-REx system overexpressing human XBP-1(s) can be successfully used in CHO-K1 cells for human immunoglobulin production

MicroRNA expression profiles in human CD3+ T cells following stimulation with anti‑human CD3 antibodies

Background: Anti-CD3 therapy can induce immunosuppression by several non mutually exclusive mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the therapeutic effect the administration anti-CD3 mAb, but its immunoregulatory mechanism is still not completely clear. In T cells, microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate several pathways, including those associated with immune tolerance. Here, we report changes in miRNA expression in T cells following treatment with anti-human CD3 antibodies. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured in the presence of the monoclonal antibody OKT3 or a recombinant fragment of humanized anti-CD3. Following these treatments, the expression profiles of 31 miRNA species were assessed in T cells using TaqMan arrays. Results: Eight of the tested miRNAs (miR-155, miR-21, miR-146a, miR-210, miR-17, miR-590-5p, miR-106b and miR- 301a) were statistically significantly up- or down-regulated relative to untreated cells. Conclusions: Stimulation of T cells with anti-human CD3 antibodies alters miRNA expression patterns, including of miRNA species associated with immune regulatory pathways

Donación y trasplante de órganos según el pensamiento bíblico cristiano

Uno de los temas médicos quizás más controvertidos en la opinión popular es el tema que una persona done sus órganos para que éstos sean trasplantados. Dos de los muchos interrogantes que pueden considerarse son: saber si existe algún antagonismo entre el concepto bíblico de muerte y el diagnóstico de muerte bajo criterios neurológicos; y cuál podría ser la cosmovisión bíblico cristiana ante la donación y trasplante de órganos. Según la Biblia, el ser entero deja de existir al momento de la muerte, perdiendo también toda posibilidad de comunicación post-mortem; cosa que coincide plenamente con las normas consensuadas para el diagnóstico de muerte bajo criterios neurológicos. También el libro guía de los cristianos, la Biblia, nos habla de lo que significa el amor al prójimo, personificándolo en Cristo, quien dio su vida para que nosotros tengamos vida

Ácidos grasos trans en alimentos consumidos habitualmente por los jóvenes en Argentina

Introducción: en nuestros jóvenes, la alimentación inadecuada, uno de los factores de riesgo para las enfermedades cardiovasculares, se observa desde la infancia y tiende a persistir en la etapa adulta. El proceso de aterosclerosis se inicia en la infancia, con la formación de las estrías grasas en la pared vascular. Entre los alimentos que repercuten negativamente se encuentran los ácidos grasos saturados y los insaturados con configuración trans. El objetivo fue investigar la presencia de ácidos grasos trans en alimentos de consumo frecuente en jóvenes en Argentina, para proponer estrategias tendientes a disminuir su disponibilidad y consumo. Material y métodos: se estudiaron margarinas, mantecas, mayonesas, galletitas, alfajores y productos de copetín. Se determinó el contenido lipídico por el método de Folch. La composición en ácidos grasos se determinó por cromatografía gaseosa. Resultados: se encontró una importante presencia de ácidos grasos trans en los alimentos, aun en aquellos promocionados como con bajo contenido de colesterol. En algunos casos, el contenido de ácidos grasos saturados y trans es superior al de insaturados cis. El contenido de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega-6 es importante en algunos alimentos y, en general, el contenido de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega-3 es bajo. Conclusiones: debido al alto contenido de ácidos grasos trans encontrado en los alimentos analizados, además de una relación omega-6/omega-3 no deseada, se hace necesaria la implementación de estrategias que mejoren la calidad nutricional de los alimentos que consumen nuestros jóvenes.Introduction: in our youths, inadequate nutrition, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is observed since childhood and trends to persist in the adult age. This leads to the atherosclerotic process starting in childhood, with formation of fatty streaks on the vessel wall. Saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids with trans configuration are some of the nutrients that have a negative influence on health. The objective of this study was to investigate the trans fatty acid content in frequently consumed foods among young people in Argentina,and to propose strategies leading to decrease its availability and consumption. Materials and methods: the products studied were margarine, butter, mayonnaise, cookies, “alfajores” (a typical sweet in Argentina, made of two cookies joined with jam) and snack products. The lipid content was measured by the Folch technique. The fatty acid composition was assessed by gas chromatography. Results: the results showed a large amount of trans fatty acids present in the foods evaluated,including those products advertised as having low cholesterol content.In some cases,the contents of saturated and trans fatty acids was higher than that of unsaturated cis fatty acids.Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content in some foods was high and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content was low. Conclusions: given the high contents of trans fatty acids found in the analysed foods,together with an unwanted omega-6/omega-3 ratio,the implementation of strategies improving the nutritional quality of food eaten by our youths becomes necessary.Artículo republicado en Revista Chilena de Pediatría, vol. 77, no. 1, 2006, pp. 92-101.Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La PlataComisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la provincia de Buenos Aire

Ácidos grasos trans en alimentos consumidos habitualmente por los jóvenes en Argentina

Introducción: en nuestros jóvenes, la alimentación inadecuada, uno de los factores de riesgo para las enfermedades cardiovasculares, se observa desde la infancia y tiende a persistir en la etapa adulta. El proceso de aterosclerosis se inicia en la infancia, con la formación de las estrías grasas en la pared vascular. Entre los alimentos que repercuten negativamente se encuentran los ácidos grasos saturados y los insaturados con configuración trans. El objetivo fue investigar la presencia de ácidos grasos trans en alimentos de consumo frecuente en jóvenes en Argentina, para proponer estrategias tendientes a disminuir su disponibilidad y consumo. Material y métodos: se estudiaron margarinas, mantecas, mayonesas, galletitas, alfajores y productos de copetín. Se determinó el contenido lipídico por el método de Folch. La composición en ácidos grasos se determinó por cromatografía gaseosa. Resultados: se encontró una importante presencia de ácidos grasos trans en los alimentos, aun en aquellos promocionados como con bajo contenido de colesterol. En algunos casos, el contenido de ácidos grasos saturados y trans es superior al de insaturados cis. El contenido de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega-6 es importante en algunos alimentos y, en general, el contenido de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados omega-3 es bajo. Conclusiones: debido al alto contenido de ácidos grasos trans encontrado en los alimentos analizados, además de una relación omega-6/omega-3 no deseada, se hace necesaria la implementación de estrategias que mejoren la calidad nutricional de los alimentos que consumen nuestros jóvenes.Introduction: in our youths, inadequate nutrition, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is observed since childhood and trends to persist in the adult age. This leads to the atherosclerotic process starting in childhood, with formation of fatty streaks on the vessel wall. Saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids with trans configuration are some of the nutrients that have a negative influence on health. The objective of this study was to investigate the trans fatty acid content in frequently consumed foods among young people in Argentina,and to propose strategies leading to decrease its availability and consumption. Materials and methods: the products studied were margarine, butter, mayonnaise, cookies, “alfajores” (a typical sweet in Argentina, made of two cookies joined with jam) and snack products. The lipid content was measured by the Folch technique. The fatty acid composition was assessed by gas chromatography. Results: the results showed a large amount of trans fatty acids present in the foods evaluated,including those products advertised as having low cholesterol content.In some cases,the contents of saturated and trans fatty acids was higher than that of unsaturated cis fatty acids.Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content in some foods was high and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content was low. Conclusions: given the high contents of trans fatty acids found in the analysed foods,together with an unwanted omega-6/omega-3 ratio,the implementation of strategies improving the nutritional quality of food eaten by our youths becomes necessary.Artículo republicado en Revista Chilena de Pediatría, vol. 77, no. 1, 2006, pp. 92-101.Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La PlataComisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la provincia de Buenos Aire

Assessment of Bite Force and Masseter and Temporal Muscles Thickness in Adult Women Undergoing Buccal Fat Pad Removal Surgery–Bichectomy

Objective: Bichectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pad, can affect masticatory function, including bite force and muscle thickness, in adult women. This study aimed to assess the bite force as well as masseter and temporal muscle thicknesses before and 30 and 60 days after bichectomy in adult women. Methods: This longitudinal study included a sample of 20 adult women (mean age 31.1 ± 9.84 years), with normal occlusion and no history of temporomandibular disorder. The molar bite force was assessed using a dynamometer, while the masseter and temporal muscle thicknesses at rest and during dental clenching were evaluated using an ultrasound device. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction (p \u3c 0.05). Results: Significant differences were noted between periods in both right (p = 0.01) and left molar bite forces (p = 0.05). The right molar bite force decreased 30 days after buccal fat pad removal surgery and increased after 60 days. Conversely, a decline in the left molar bite force was observed during the postsurgical period. No significant differences were detected in masticatory muscle thickness. Conclusion: Buccal fat pad removal surgery affects molar bite force but does not significantly alter masticatory muscle thickness

GESTÃO DA ÁGUA: INOVAÇÃO PARA A SUSTENTABILIDADE

O desenvolvimento sustentável é uma meta mobilizadora que visa à integração das dimensões social, econômica e ambiental. Dentro da dimensão ambiental do desenvolvimento, a crise hídrica é assunto de debate nacional nos últimos anos. Nesse sentido, percebe-se a necessidade de promover iniciativas que consolidem cultura de desenvolvimento sustentável, sobretudo no que se refere à recuperação das nascentes e à melhoria na permeabilidade dos solos e na qualidade da água. Essa preocupação com a água permite a possibilidade de que as gerações futuras possam ter acesso à água em condições de utilização humana. Nesse sentido, o Comitê da Bacia Rio do peixe e a Área das Ciências das Humanidades, em parceira com o Mestrado Profissional em Administração e com a Prefeitura de Água Doce, promoveram atividades educativas que culminaram com o III Seminário da Água: inovação para a Sustentabilidade, realizado em Água Doce, no dia 08 de julho de 2015. O objetivo com o processo educativo foi disseminar conhecimentos sobre o uso consciente e responsável da água, proporcionando a difusão de boas práticas e de soluções inovadoras, visando contribuir para a sustentabilidade das atividades socioeconômicas do Meio-Oeste catarinense. A metodologia incluiu palestras, debates, produção de releituras de obras de arte sobre o tema da água, pesquisas científicas, análise de textos, interlocução com agricultores e agentes públicos e produção de campanha de conscientização sobre o uso da água. Essas atividades foram realizadas integrando docentes e alunos dos Cursos de Administração, Ciências Contábeis e Publicidade e Propaganda, além de docentes e discentes do Mestrado Profissional em Administração da Unoesc. Alunos e professores interagiram com agentes públicos e sociais, agricultores e estudantes de educação básica do Município de água Doce (SC) em todo o processo de estudo e preparação do Seminário. Os resultados finais de pesquisas e estudos foram apresentados no III Seminário da Água, que contou com a participação de 300 pessoas, entre estudantes e representantes de instituições públicas e privadas e da comunidade local e regional. Foram realizadas palestras sobre o uso consciente da água, que apontaram soluções preventivas para a região Meio-Oeste catarinense. Os palestrantes eram de organizações como Itaipu, Bacia Hidrográfica, Funasa e Simae. A aprendizagem e a troca de experiências foram intensas, conforme observado pela avaliação realizada com participantes.Palavras-chave: Desenvolvimento sustentável. Água. Educação

LHCb upgrade software and computing : technical design report

This document reports the Research and Development activities that are carried out in the software and computing domains in view of the upgrade of the LHCb experiment. The implementation of a full software trigger implies major changes in the core software framework, in the event data model, and in the reconstruction algorithms. The increase of the data volumes for both real and simulated datasets requires a corresponding scaling of the distributed computing infrastructure. An implementation plan in both domains is presented, together with a risk assessment analysis