Genetic associations of the vitamin D and antiviral pathways with natural resistance to HIV-1 infection are influenced by interpopulation variability

Vitamin D (VitD) may modulate anti-HIV-1 responses modifying the risk to acquire the HIV-1-infection. We performed a nested case-control exploratory study involving 413 individuals; HIV-1-exposed seropositives (cases) and seronegatives (HESN) (controls) from three cohorts: sexually-exposed from Colombia and Italy and parenterally-exposed from Spain. The association and interactions of 139 variants in 9 VitD pathway genes, and in 14 antiviral genes with resistance/susceptibility (R/S) to HIV-1 infection was evaluated. Associations between variants and mRNA levels were also analyzed in the Colombian samples. Variants and haplotypes in genes of VitD and antiviral pathways were associated with R/S, but specific associations were not reproduced in all cohorts. Allelic heterogeneity could explain such inconsistency since the associations found in all cohorts were consistently in the same genes: VDR and RXRA of the VitD pathway genes and in TLR2 and RNASE4. Remarkably, the multi-locus genotypes (interacting variants) observed in genes of VitD and antiviral pathways were present in most HESNs of all cohorts. Finally, HESNs carrying resistance-associated variants had higher levels of VitD in plasma, of VDR mRNA in blood cells, and of ELAFIN and defensins mRNA in the oral mucosa. In conclusion, despite allelic heterogeneity, most likely due to differences in the genetic history of the populations, the associations were locus dependent suggesting that genes of the VitD pathway might act in concert with antiviral genes modulating the resistance phenotype of the HESNs. Although these associations were significant after permutation test, only haplotype results remained statistically significant after Bonferroni test, requiring further replications in larger cohorts and functional analyzes to validate these conclusions.This work was supported by Departamento administrativo de ciencia, tecnología e innovación de Colombia, COLCIENCIAS (grant no. 111549326091); Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Colombia (sostenibilidad); Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia (code INV1900); Consejería de Salud de la Junta de Andalucía (PI-0335/2009, PI-0118-2013, PI-0481-2012, and AC-0095-2013), Gilead (GLDL13-00145), the Ministerio de Sanidad (EC11-2086, PI021476, and PI10/01232), the Red de Investigación en SIDA (ISCIII-RETIC RD06/006 and RD12/0017), the Fundación Maratón TV3 (020730 and 020732) and the Universidad de Jaén (UJA2013/10/03 and UJA2013/08/12)

The biology of the first 1000 days

The first 1,000 days, from conception to 2 years of age, is a critical window of growth and development. Exposures to dietary, environmental, hormonal, and other stressors during this period have been associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Researchers using cell culture, animal models, and humans have identified this time as a period of rapid physiological change and plasticity with significant potential for lasting effects. As such, interventions during the first 1,000 days will have the greatest impact on outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the need is greatest. To date, there is no single resource that compiles our knowledge of the biology of the first 1,000 days. Our knowledge and understanding of the biology behind the first 1,000 days is still limited. This greater understanding is helping us inform effective nutrition policy and programming. The strength of this book lies in its cross- disciplinary nature that encompasses the full range of human biology, providing a more holistic perspective during this critical time frame. Moreover, we have broadened the scope and included important periods before and after the 1,000 days. We have designed this book as a comprehensive resource for those involved in global health and nutrition policy, strategy, programming, or research. This book will also be a resource for students learning about nutrition and health across the 1,000 days. The book includes an exceptional group of contributors who are experts in their given fields. As biology underlies the core of each discussion, it allows the readers to answer the what and why, and, we hope, the how for new discovery research and more effective interventions. Each chapter in this volume provides insight into a specific life stage, disease state, nutrient, and stressor in the first 1,000 days. As such, each chapter can be read independently, providing a comprehensive overview of that subject. However, there is continuity between chapters allowing this collection of chapters to be read cover to cover. The first chapters set the stage, providing a succinct resource to understand the well-established biological mechanisms that underlie growth regulation and nutrient recommendations throughout the first 1,000 days. The next chapters move on to the evidence behind nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to combat adverse outcomes and disease states in the first 1,000 days. This book also features emerging research areas, such as the gut microbiome, environmental enteric dysfunction, and the role of epigenetics in health and development. The final chapter pushes the boundaries of discovery research, exploring novel areas such as proteomics and metabolomics, and how insults such as environmental enteric dysfunction affect metabolism in the first 1,000 days. We approached this book with the ambition to shed more light on the biology during 1,000 days, but there was also a need to put the biology into a broader context of nutrition and health. There are still many gaps in our understanding of the biology of the first 1,000 days. It is only by bridging this knowledge gap through research that we can inform effective interventions to improve outcomes during the first 1,000 days

Program and Proceedings: The Nebraska Academy of Sciences 1880-2010

PROGRAM FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2010 REGISTRATION FOR ACADEMY, Lobby of Lecture wing, Olin Hall Aeronautics and Space Science, Session A, Olin 249 Aeronautics and Space Science, Session B, Olin 224 Chemistry and Physics, Section A, Chemistry, Olin A Collegiate Academy, Biology Session A, Olin B Collegiate Academy, Chemistry and Physics, Session A, Olin 324 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session A, Olin 112 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session B, Smith Callen Conference Center Chemistry and Physics, Section B, Physics, Planetarium History and Philosophy of Science, Olin 325 Junior Academy, Judges Check-In, Olin 219 Junior Academy, Senior High REGISTRATION, Olin Hall Lobby NWU Health and Sciences Graduate School Fair, Olin and Smith Curtiss Halls Junior Academy, Senior High Competition, Olin 124, Olin 131 Aeronautics and Space Science, Poster Session, Olin 249 Teaching of Science and Math, Olin 325 MAIBEN MEMORIAL LECTURE, OLIN B Dr. Mark Greip, Vice-Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln LUNCH, PATIO ROOM, STORY STUDENT CENTER (pay and carry tray through cafeteria line, or pay at NAS registration desk) Aeronautics Group, Conestoga Room Anthropology, Olin 111 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session C, Olin 112 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session D, Smith Callen Conference Center Chemistry and Physics, Section A, Chemistry, Olin A Chemistry and Physics, Section B, Physics, Planetarium Collegiate Academy, Biology Session A, Olin B Collegiate Academy, Biology Session B, Olin 249 Collegiate Academy, Chemistry and Physics, Session A, Olin 324 Junior Academy, Judges Check-In, Olin 219 Junior Academy, Junior High REGISTRATION, Olin Hall Lobby Junior Academy, Senior High Competition, (Final), Olin 110 Earth Science, Olin 224 Junior Academy, Junior High Competition, Olin 124, Olin 131 NJAS Board/Teacher Meeting, Olin 219 Junior Academy, General Awards Presentations, Smith Callen Conference Center BUSINESS MEETING, OLIN B SOCIAL HOUR for Members, Spouses, and Guests First United Methodist Church, 2723 N 50th Street, Lincoln, NE ANNUAL BANQUET and Presentation of Awards and Scholarships First United Methodist Church, 2723 N 50th Street, Lincoln, N

Program and abstracts

We are pleased that the program in 2022 will be more interesting than ever and it will include the following topics: Mathematical Modeling in Cancer Therapy, Gene Therapy, Archaeological Genetics, New perspectives in Human Forensic Molecular Biology, Genomics in Medicine, Pharmacogenomics and Drug Development, Stem Cells in Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, Ribosomes in Medicine, Epigenomics, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Genetics, and Mass Catastrophes Managements. This year, the third "Nobel Spirit" will provide a forum to the three Nobel laureates to stimulate public discussion on the role of science in solving global health issues, acute regional problems such as brain drain, demographic decline, as well as cultural and social change. In addition, we are organizing a very stimulating Session on Bioanthropology and global health in the times of crisis, as well as Joint Event ISABS and Ministry of the Interior - Crime Scene Investigation Training Course: Mystery on the ship —Investigation of the water-related crime scene

Nutritional quality and digestibility of maize hybrid plants for silage. Life sciences in dialogue of generations: connections between universities, academia and business

In order to assess the silage potential of maize hybrids, the nutritional quality and the enzymatic in vitro digestibility of five local maize hybrids (ZP 707, ZP 7357, ZP 7072, ZP 7777, and ZP 6263) was tested in the laboratory of the Group for Food Technology and Biochemistry of the Maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje". The hybrids were grown at a total of four locations, one in Srem (Autonomous Province of Vojvodina) and three in Central Serbia. The hybrid 7001 was used as a standard. The selection of hybrids for this research was made on the basis of the actuality of individual hybrids and the market orientation of the Maize Research Institute. The following properties were investigated: dry matter content, lignocellulose fiber content, and in vitro dry matter digestibility of the whole plant. According to the achieved results, it can be concluded that hybrids ZP 707, ZP 7357, followed by ZP 7777 proved to be the maize genotypes highly preferable for the production of silage. All tested hybrids achieved better results than the standard in most locations. Hybrid ZP 707 on average had the highest in vitro dry matter digestibility (61.43 ± 1.86%), as well as the lowest content of all lignocellulosic fibers (NDF-52.76%, ADF-24.40%, ADL-2.58, hemicellulose-28.36, and cellulose-21.82%), which all indicates its potential as a silage maize form suitable for cultivation in different agro-ecological conditions. In terms of digestibility and dry matter content, the ZP 707 hybrid can be singled out as the most stable, i.e. it is appropriate for growing both in lowland areas and at higher altitudes. ZP 6263 proved to be the most inferior hybrid at most locations, while based on in vitro digestibility and dry matter content, ZP 7072 hybrid varied the most. The digestibility of the whole plant was negatively affected by the higher content of primarily lignin (ADL), followed by ADF and cellulose fraction share. Although it is optimal to harvest silage maize in the waxy maturity stage of grain ripeness, when the dry matter content of the whole plant is in the range between 30 and 35%, the harvest time in some hybrids in some locations was significantly exceeded, which affected the results of dry matter digestibility. The findings obtained in this study can be highly useful for future breeding programs directed toward creating new and improved silage maize hybrids

53rd National Meeting of the Italian Society of Biochemistryand Molecular Biology (SIB)andNational Meeting of Chemistry of Biological Systems – Italian Chemical Society (SCI - Section CSB)

The 53rd National Congress of the Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SIB), which will be held in Riccione from 23 to 26 September, is characterised by the elevated scientific level and interdisciplinary interest of the numerous sessions in which it is organised. The Scientific Programme comprises three joint Symposia of the SIB and the Chemistry of Biological Systems section of the Italian Chemistry Society (SCI) on Molecular Systems Biology, Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Protein and Drug Structure, and Environmental Biotechnology. These Symposia address groundbreaking arguments, making the joint interest of the two societies particularly fascinating; the joint organisation of these events in fact signals the shared intention to proceed along the path of scientific exchange. The topics of the other sessions have been chosen by the Scientific Committee on the basis of their scientific relevance and topicality, with particular attention paid to the selection of the speakers. The SIB sessions will range from Signal Transduction and Biomolecular Targets, Protein Misfolding and its Relationship with Disease, Emerging Techniques in Biochemistry, Gene Silencing, Redox Signalling and Oxidative Stress, Lipids in Cell Communication and Signal Transduction, Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction

Plant Biodiversity and Genetic Resources

The papers included in this Special Issue address a variety of important aspects of plant biodiversity and genetic resources, including definitions, descriptions, and illustrations of different components and their value for food and nutrition security, breeding, and environmental services. Furthermore, comprehensive information is provided regarding conservation approaches and techniques for plant genetic resources, policy aspects, and results of biological, genetic, morphological, economic, social, and breeding-related research activities. The complexity and vulnerability of (plant) biodiversity and its inherent genetic resources, as an integral part of the contextual ecosystem and the human web of life, are clearly demonstrated in this Special Issue, and for several encountered problems and constraints, possible approaches or solutions are presented to overcome these

Novel Antibacterial Agents

This book was devoted to the latest advances achieved in the antibacterial field, with a focus on the recent efforts made to develop new antimicrobial agents with novel modes of action, and a perspective on future directions of this line of research. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major threat to global health, and the twenty-two published articles here reported put in evidence that the discovery and development of new antibiotics are extremely challenging. The antimicrobial research covers a wide area, spanning from the design of new compounds, also supported by molecular modeling techniques, their synthesis and characterization, and biological tests.In this context, the current crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also older threats, such as the human immunodeficiency virus or the hepatitis C virus, require greater attention than ever.The research works described in this book provide an extremely useful example of the results achieved in the field of antibacterial drug development. The search for new chemical entities was approached starting from both natural and synthetic compounds and addressing different targets. In addition, recent findings were presented and discussed highlighting the strategies to fight bacterial resistance. Detailed references to the state-of-the-art can be found in this book.We strongly encourage the wide group of readers to explore the book that we are presenting, to get inspired to develop new approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of antibacterial diseases, and to circumvent resistance issues

53rd National Meeting of the Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SIB) and National Meeting of Chemistry of Biological Systems – Italian Chemical Society (SCI - Section CSB)

Il 53° Congresso Nazionale della Società Italiana di Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare che si tiene a Riccione dal 23 al 26 Settembre si distingue per l'alto livello scientifico e l'interesse interdisciplinare delle numerose sessioni nelle quali è strutturato. Il Programma scientifico vede tre Simposi congiunti della SIB con la Sezione della Chimica dei Sistemi Biologici della Società Italiana di Chimica (SCI) su Molecular Systems Biology, Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Protein and Drug Structure, Environmental Biotechnology. Questi Simposi, riguardano argomenti di avanguardia per i quali fa piacere l'interesse condiviso delle due Società, che per la prima volta organizzano dei Simposi congiunti a significare l'intento di procedere insieme negli scambi scientifici. Gli argomenti delle altre sessioni sono stati scelti dal comitato scientifico in base alla loro rilevanza e attualità scientifica, con particolare cura nella individuazione dei relatori. Le sessioni SIB spazieranno da Signal Transduction and Biomolecular Targets, Protein Misfolding and its Relationship with Diseases, Emerging Techniques in Biochemistry, Gene Silencing, Redox Signalling and Oxidative Stress, Lipids in Cell Communication and Signal Transduction, Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction