The Face of the World: A Study on the Cosmological among the K’iche’ Maya of Momostenango

The relationship between cosmology and social life has been a long-standing theoretical problem in anthropology: why do people in many different societies often assert that their social actions proceed not from themselves, but from ancestors, gods and cosmological forces? Despite general calls for a holistic understanding of social life and native ideas, cosmology as a topic in social anthropology has been understood in a reductionist sense, as a system of representations that ‘justifies’ or guides the actions of people within a social system, a reflection of more ‘real’ or ‘rational’ underlying notions uncovered by the anthropologist. Inspired by non-reductionist models of causation which arose in the study of emergence in biological systems, this thesis proposes to understand cosmological action in social life as an instance of “downward causation”, a phenomenon where a high-level entity may influence and exert causation upon its own constituent parts. Inspired by my own ethnographic study of the cosmology of the K’iche’ Maya of Guatemala and its influence in concrete lives, I propose a twist to former sociological applications of this concept. In K’iche’ cosmology, sacred altars are actual containers of copies of cosmological entities and powers; by interacting with these places, people can act interact with ancestors and the gods, changing their own social fortunes and even acting in behalf of cosmological forces. Following the proposals of the ‘ontological turn’ to take people’s conceptions about their own social experiences seriously, I propose that, in anthropology, downward causation must be ‘flipped upside down’ to better grasp the point of view of the other: instead of conceiving cosmology as an emergent property of social systems which acts upon its own constituent parts, we should understand social agents as emergent properties of cosmological systems, defined by their capacity of exerting cosmological actions upon social life

“El rostro de los días”: sobre la corporalidad y las almas entre los mayas k’iche’ de Santiago Momostenango

El estudio de las ideas sobre la corporalidad y las almas se ha consagrado en años recientes como uno de los temas más importantes en el conocimiento de los pueblos mayas del pasado y el presente (Pitarch 1996, 2011; Figuerola Pujol 2010; Velásquez García 2015). En el caso de los k’iche’ de Santiago Momostenango, importantes trabajos se han centrado en temas como las prácticas calendáricas (Tedlock 1992), la cosmología (Cook 1981) y la etnohistoria (Carmack 1995), pero la información sobre el cuerpo humano y las almas resulta todavía poco sistemática. Siguiendo la propuesta de Pedro Pitarch en torno a la persona maya (2011), en este artículo presento nueva información sobre las ideas en torno de la corporalidad y las almas entre los momostecos. Destaca la existencia del chikop, un alma con forma de pájaro muy similar al “ave del corazón” de los tzeltales, la cual puede ser castigada por las divinidades ancestrales cuando una persona olvida hacer ofrendas en los altares del patrilinaje.The study of ideas regarding corporeality and souls has consolidated itself in recent years as one of the most important subjects in our knowledge of the Maya peoples of the past and the present (Pitarch 1996, 2011; Figuerola Pujol 2010; Velásquez García 2015). Regarding the K’iche’ Maya of Santiago Momostenango, important works have been dedicated to subjects such as calendric practices (Tedlock 1992), cosmology (Cook 1981) and ethnohistory (Carmack 1995), but information regarding the body and souls is still unsystematic. In this article, I present new information regarding the body and the soul among the Momostecos, following the recent proposal of Pedro Pitarch regarding Maya personhood (2011). Notable is the existence among the momostecos of the chikop, a soul with the form of a bird very similar to the “bird of the heart” of the Maya Tzeltal, which can be punished by the ancestral deities when people forget to do offerings at their patrilineage’s altars.L’étude des idées sur la corporéité et les âmes a été consolidé ces dernières années comme une partie les plus importante dans notre connaissance des peuples mayas du passé et du présent (Pitarch 1996, 2011 ; Figuerola Pujol 2010 ; Velásquez García 2015). Dans le cas des K’iche’ de Santiago Momostenango, des travaux marquants ont traité de sujets tels que le calendrier (Tedlock 1992), la cosmologie (Cook 1981) et l’ethnohistoire (Carmack 1995) ; toutefois, des informations sur le corps humain et les âmes restent peu systématiques. Dans cet article, je présente de nouvelles informations sur ces conceptions à Momostenango, suivant le modèle de Pedro Pitarch (2011). Je montre, entre autres, l’existence parmi les Momostecos du chikop ou “oiseau de l’âme”, très semblable à “l’oiseau du cœur” des Tzeltal, qui peut être puni par les divinités ancestrales lorsque les gens oublient de faire des offrandes sur les autels des ancêtres

Decomposition and biological colonization of native and exotic leaf litter in a Central Spain stream

Riparian invasion by exotic trees may lead to changes in the quality of leaf-litter inputs to freshwater ecosystems. Leaflitter inputs are especially important in headwater streams, where aquatic food webs largely depend on the organic matter provided by the terrestrial vegetation. In a headwater stream of Central Spain, North of Guadalajara Province (Tagus basin) we compared the decomposition and biological colonization of leaf litter among two exotic (Ailanthus altissima Mill. Swingle and Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and two native trees (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. and Populus alba L.) co-existing in riparian zones. We hypothesized a lower biological colonization of exotic leaves due to organisms have not co-evolved with the exotic trees according to the Novel Weapons Hypothesis (NWH) and, consequently, lower decomposition rates of exotic leaves. To test our hypothesis, litter bags with different mesh sizes (coarse (C) and fine (F)), were used to distinguish between the total and microbial decomposition. The litter bags were placed in the stream and recovered after 2, 20, 39, 62 and 82 days of incubation. After each collection, we assessed the amount of remaining litter, analysed the nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) in the litter, identified the macroinvertebrates and quantified the fungal biomass. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found greater fungal biomass buildup on native leaves than on exotic leaves. However, decomposition rates (k) were species-specific, being the ranking in C-bags (A. altissima = F. angustifolia > P. alba > R. pseudoacacia) slightly different than in F-bags (A. altissima > F. angustifolia > P. alba > R. pseudoacacia). The k in both the C-bags and F-bags were correlated with leaf traits, such as lignin, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin:P. There was not a clear effect of the exotic species on macroinvertebrate variables, but the contribution of macroinvertebrates to litter decomposition was lower in exotic litter than in native litter, as shown by a lower ratio between k in C-bags and k in F-bags (kC : kF). Our results supported that invasive species might impact both biological colonization and decomposition rates in stream ecosystems by the addition of different quality leaf litter when compared to native vegetation. The differences in the biological colonization may be explained by the NWH, but differences in the decomposition rates were better explained by litter quality

CMV latent infection improves CD8+T response to SEB due to expansion of polyfunctional CD57+cells in young individuals

La infección latente por citomegalovirus (CMV) tiene un efecto perjudicial sobre la eficacia de la vacunación contra la influenza en los ancianos, lo que sugiere que el CMV restringe la diversidad inmunológica que afecta la funcionalidad del sistema inmune en la vejez. Las células T polifuncionales producen citoquinas múltiples y cantidades más altas que las células T monofuncionales. El alto número de células T polifuncionales se correlaciona con un mejor pronóstico durante la infección. Por lo tanto, la eficacia de la respuesta de células T se asocia con la calidad (polifuncionalidad) en lugar de con la cantidad (porcentaje de células T). Analizamos el efecto de la infección por CMV en la polifuncionalidad de las células T CD8 +: la desgranulación (CD107a), la producción de IFN-gamma y TNF-alfa ---, de seropositivos jóvenes CMV y seronegativos CMV y en donantes seropositivos CMV de edad media , En respuesta a los productores de enterotoxina B estafilocócica, principalmente TNF-alfa o TNF-alfa / IFN-gamma, mientras que el porcentaje de células polifuncionales (IFN-gamma / TNFalfa / CD107a) es similar a los porcentajes encontrados en los jóvenes seropositivos al CMV. Por lo tanto, mientras que se ha demostrado que la infección latente por CMV puede ser perjudicial para la respuesta inmune en los ancianos, nuestros resultados indican que la seropositividad a CMV se asocia a niveles más altos de células T CD8 + polifuncionales en donantes jóvenes y de mediana edad. Este aumento de la polifuncionalidad, que puede proporcionar una ventaja inmunológica en la respuesta a otros patógenos, se debe a una expansión de células T CD8 + CD57 + en individuos seropositivos para CMV y es independiente de la edad. Por el contrario, la edad podría contribuir a la inflamación que se encuentra en los individuos de edad mediante el aumento del porcentaje de células que producen citocinas pro-inflamatorias. Estos hallazgos destacan la necesidad de nuevos estudios sobre los beneficios / efectos perjudiciales de la infección por CMV en la respuesta a la vacunación y otras infecciones.Cytomegalovirus (CMV) latent infection has a deleterious effect on the efficacy of influenza vaccination in the elderly, suggesting that CMV restricts immunological diversity impairing the immune system functionality in old age. Polyfunctional T cells produce multiple cytokines and higher amounts than mono-functional T cells. High number of polyfunctional T cells correlates with better prognosis during infection. Thus, the efficiency of T cell response associates with quality (polyfunctionality) rather than with quantity (percentage of T cells). We analyze the effect of CMV infection on CD8+ T cells polyfunctionality ---degranulation (CD107a), IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production---, from young CMV-seropositive and CMV-seronegative individuals and in middle age CMV-seropositive donors, in response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B mainly TNF-alpha or TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma producers, whereas the percentage of polyfunctional cells (IFN-gamma/TNFalpha/ CD107a) is similar to the percentages found in young CMV-seropositive. Therefore, whereas it has been shown that CMV latent infection can be detrimental for immune response in old individuals, our results indicate that CMV-seropositivity is associated to higher levels of polyfunctional CD8+ T cells in young and middle age donors. This increase in polyfunctionality, which can provide an immunological advantage in the response to other pathogens, is due to a CD8+CD57+ T cell expansion in CMV-seropositive individuals and it is independent of age. Conversely, age could contribute to the inflammation found in old individuals by increasing the percentage of cells producing pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings highlight the necessity of further studies on the benefits/detrimental effects of CMV infection in the response to vaccination and other infections.Trabajo financiado por: • Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad. Instituto Carlos III: FIS Ref PS09/00723 • Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia: SAF2009-09711 • Junta de Extremadura: GRU10104 • Universidad de Extremadura. Ayuda a INPATT, grupo de investigación “Inmunopatología tumoral”, cofinanciado por la European Regional Development Fund (Fondos FEDER)peerReviewe

DNAM-1 and the TIGIT/PVRIG/TACTILE Axis: Novel Immune Checkpoints for Natural Killer Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune response characterized by their role in the destruction of tumor cells. Activation of NK cells depend on a fine balance between activating and inhibitory signals mediated by different receptors. In recent years, a family of paired receptors that interact with ligands of the Nectin/Nectin-like (Necl) family has attracted great interest. Two of these ligands, Necl-5 (usually termed CD155 or PVR) and Nectin-2 (CD112), frequently expressed on different types of tumor cells, are recognized by a group of receptors expressed on T and NK cells that exert opposite functions after interacting with their ligands. These receptors include DNAM-1 (CD226), TIGIT, TACTILE (CD96) and the recently described PVRIG. Whereas activation through DNAM-1 after recognition of CD155 or CD112 enhances NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against a wide range of tumor cells, TIGIT recognition of these ligands exerts an inhibitory effect on NK cells by diminishing IFN-γ production, as well as NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. PVRIG has also been identified as an inhibitory receptor that recognizes CD112 but not CD155. However, little is known about the role of TACTILE as modulator of immune responses in humans. TACTILE control of tumor growth and metastases has been reported in murine models, and it has been suggested that it negatively regulates the anti-tumor functions mediated by DNAM-1. In NK cells from patients with solid cancer and leukemia, it has been observed a decreased expression of DNAM-1 that may shift the balance in favor to the inhibitory receptors TIGIT or PVRIG, further contributing to the diminished NK cell-mediated cytotoxic capacity observed in these patients. Analysis of DNAM-1, TIGIT, TACTILE and PVRIG on human NK cells from solid cancer or leukemia patients will clarify the role of these receptors in cancer surveillance. Overall, it can be speculated that in cancer patients the TIGIT/PVRIG pathways are upregulated and represent novel targets for checkpoint blockade immunotherapy

Teratoma testicular bilateral sincrónico: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

ResumenAntecedentesEl cáncer testicular de células germinales es la neoplasia más frecuente en hombres de 15 a 35años de edad; es bilateral en el 2 al 3%, y sincrónico en el 20 al 25% de los casos.Caso clínicoMasculino de 19años de edad, con dolor abdominal y tumor palpable en mesogastrio. En la tomografía se encontró un tumor retroperitoneal, y por laboratorio se detectó elevación de α-fetoproteína, deshidrogenasa láctica y gonadotropina coriónica humana. En el ultrasonido testicular se identifican lesiones bilaterales. Se realizó laparotomía exploradora, identificándose tumor retroperitoneal irresecable, y se tomaron biopsias incisionales compatibles para tumor de células germinales mixto, con áreas de coriocarcinoma y carcinoma embrionario. Se administraron 6ciclos de quimioterapia con bleomicina, etopósido y cisplatino, obteniéndose una respuesta tumoral parcial. Posteriormente se realizó orquiectomía radical bilateral, con reporte patológico de teratoma bilateral sincrónico. Se inició segunda línea de quimioterapia con vincristina, etopósido, ifosfamida y platino; sin embargo, la enfermedad progresó, presentando diseminación metastásica y provocando el deceso del paciente.DiscusiónLos tumores de células germinales pueden presentarse en sitios primarios extragonadales. Es difícil distinguir un tumor de células germinales primario del retroperitoneo, de una enfermedad metastásica derivada de un tumor gonadal no detectado clínicamente, o que ha involucionado, situación que se describe en el caso clínico presentado.ConclusiónEl 90% de los pacientes diagnosticados con tumor de células germinales pueden ser curados; sin embargo, un retraso en el diagnóstico se correlaciona con una etapa clínica más avanzada y un pronóstico desfavorable.AbstractBackgroundTesticular germ-cell carcinoma is the most frequent neoplasm in males aged 15 to 35 years old. It is bilateral in 2% to 3%, and synchronous in 20% to 25% of the cases.Clinical caseThe case is presented of a 19 year-old male, with abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed abdominal mass in the umbilical region, and the computed tomography scan showed a retroperitoneal tumour, with α-fetoprotein, lactate dehydrogenase, and human chorionic gonadotropin above limits. Testicular ultrasound showed bilateral lesions. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, identifying an unresectable retroperitoneal tumour. Biopsies were taken, reporting mixed germ cell tumour composed of choriocarcinoma and embryonal carcinoma. Six cycles of chemotherapy were given, based on bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin, with partial tumour response. Later on, the patient underwent bilateral radical orchiectomy, with pathology reporting a synchronous bilateral testicular teratoma. A second line of chemotherapy was given, based on vincristine, etoposide, ifosfamide and cisplatinum. Nevertheless, the disease progressed, with metastatic dissemination and the patient died.DiscussionGerm cells tumours can present in primary extra-gonadal locations. It is difficult to distinguish a retroperitoneum primary germ cell tumour from metastatic disease of a clinically undetected gonadal tumour or one that has regressed, like the situation described in the case presented.ConclusionsNinety percent of patients diagnosed with germ cell tumours can be cured. However, delay in diagnosis correlates with an advanced clinical stage and poor prognosis

Delimitación de la zona de afectación de acuífero por derrames de gasolina, mediante la utilización del software HSSM

Se estudia el caso de un derrame por fractura de un depósito de gasolina, en un predio ubicado al oriente de la CDMX, que funcionó como taller de mantenimiento y carga de combustible de una ruta de transporte terrestre. Se utilizó el modelo de evaluación de derrames de hidrocarburos (HSSM), desarrollado por la EPA. Dicho modelo tiene el propósito de simular derrames subterráneos de líquidos ligeros de fase no acuosa (LNAPLs). El modelo consiste de módulos separados para el flujo de LNAPLs a través de la zona vadosa, el esparcido en la franja capilar, y el transporte de compuestos químicos de LNAPL hacia el manto freático. Se encontró que el ortoxileno y el tolueno no representan riesgo de contaminación. El principal problema lo representa el benceno, encontrándose que la delimitación de la zona de afectación del acuífero es de 100 m de radio a partir del punto de derrame.The case of a fracture spill of a gas tank is studied, in a building located east of the CDMX, which operated as a maintenance and fueling workshop for a land transportation route. The hydrocarbon spill evaluation model (HSSM), developed by the EPA, was used. The purpose of this model is to simulate subterranean spills of non-aqueous phase light liquids (LNAPLs). The model consists of separate modules for the flow of LNAPLs through the vadose zone, the spread in the capillary strip, and the transport of chemical compounds from LNAPL from freatic level. It was found that orthoxylene and toluene do not pose a risk of contamination. The main problem is represented by benzene, and the delimitation of the aquifer affected area is 100 m radius from the point of leak

Decomposition and biological colonization of native and exotic leaf litter in a stream

Riparian invasion by exotic trees may lead to changes in the quality of leaf-litter inputs to freshwater ecosystems. Leaflitterinputs are especially important in headwater streams, where aquatic food webs largely depend on the organic matterprovided by the terrestrial vegetation. In a headwater stream of Central Spain, North of Guadalajara Province (Tagus basin)we compared the decomposition and biological colonization of leaf litter among two exotic (Ailanthus altissima Mill. Swingleand Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and two native trees (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. and Populus alba L.) co-existing in riparianzones.We hypothesized a lower biological colonization of exotic leaves due to organisms have not co-evolved with the exotictrees according to the Novel Weapons Hypothesis (NWH) and, consequently, lower decomposition rates of exotic leaves. Totest our hypothesis, litter bags with different mesh sizes (coarse (C) and fine (F)), were used to distinguish between the totaland microbial decomposition. The litter bags were placed in the stream and recovered after 2, 20, 39, 62 and 82 days ofincubation. After each collection, we assessed the amount of remaining litter, analysed the nitrogen (N) and phosphorous(P) in the litter, identified the macroinvertebrates and quantified the fungal biomass. Consistent with our hypothesis, we foundgreater fungal biomass buildup on native leaves than on exotic leaves. However, decomposition rates (k) were species-specific,being the ranking in C-bags (A. altissima = F. angustifolia > P. alba > R. pseudoacacia) slightly different than in F-bags (A.altissima > F. angustifolia > P. alba > R. pseudoacacia).La invasión de las riberas por árboles exóticos puede provocar cambios en la calidad de las entradas de hojarasca a los ecosistemas de agua dulce, especialmente importantes en arroyos de cabecera, donde las redes tróficas dependen en gran medida de los aportes de materia orgánica proporcionada por la vegetación terrestre. En un arroyo de cabecera del Centro de España, Norte de la provincia de Guadalajara (Cuenca del Tajo), comparamos entre la descomposición y colonización biológica de la hojarasca de dos árboles exóticos (Ailanthus altissima Mill. Swingle y Robinia pseudoacacia L.) y dos nativos (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl. y Populus alba L.), que coexisten en zonas de ribera. Hipotetizamos que habrá una menor colonización biológica de las hojas exóticas debido a que los organismos del arroyo no han co-evolucionado con los árboles exóticos de acuerdo con la Hipótesis de las Nuevas Armas (NWH) y, por tanto, menores tasas de descomposición de éstas. Para testar nuestra hipótesis, se sumergieron en el arroyo bolsas de descomposición con distinta de luz de malla, gruesa (C) y fina (F) –usadas para distinguir entre descomposición total y microbiana– y se recuperaron después de 2, 20, 39, 62 y 82 días de incubación. Después de la recolección pesamos la cantidad de hojarasca remanente, analizamos el nitrógeno (N) y fósforo (P) de la hojarasca, identificamos los macroinvertebrados y cuantificamos la biomasa fúngica. De acuerdo con nuestra hipótesis, encontramos mayor biomasa fúngica acumulada en hojas nativas que en exóticas. Sin embargo, la tasa de descomposición (k) fue específica de la especie, siendo el ranking en las bolsas C (A. altissima = F. angustifolia > P. alba > R. pseudoacacia) ligeramente diferente al de las bolsas F (A. altissima > F. angustifolia > P. alba > R. pseudoacacia). Ambas k (en bolsas C y F) se correlacionaron con lignina, fibra ácido detergente (ADF) y lignina:P. No hubo un efecto claro de las especies exóticas sobre las variables de macroinvertebrados, pero la contribución de los macroinvertebrados a la descomposición fue menor en la hojarasca exótica que en la nativa, como muestra el menor ratio entre k en bolsas C y F (kC : kF). Nuestros resultados apoyan que las especies invasoras pueden impactar tanto la colonización biológica como las tasas de descomposición de la hojarasca en los ecosistemas de arroyos mediante el aporte de hojarasca de distinta calidad respecto de la vegetación nativa. Las diferencias en colonización biológica pueden ser explicadas por la NHW pero las diferencias en descomposición son mejor explicadas por la calidad de la hojarasca.Ministerio de Economía y CompetitividadJunta de Comunidades de Castilla-La ManchaComunidad de Madri

Effect of ageing on CMV-specific CD8 T cells from CMV seropositive healthy donors

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ageing is associated with changes in the immune system with substantial alterations in T-lymphocyte subsets. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the factors that affect functionality of T cells and the differentiation and large expansions of CMV pp65-specific T cells have been associated with impaired responses to other immune challenges. Moreover, the presence of clonal expansions of CMV-specific T cells may shrink the available repertoire for other antigens and contribute to the increased incidence of infectious diseases in the elderly. In this study, we analyse the effect of ageing on the phenotype and frequency of CMV pp65-specific CD8 T cell subsets according to the expression of CCR7, CD45RA, CD27, CD28, CD244 and CD85j.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Peripheral blood from HLA-A2 healthy young, middle-aged and elderly donors was analysed by multiparametric flow cytometry using the HLA-A*0201/CMV pp65_495–504(NLVPMVATV) pentamer and mAbs specific for the molecules analysed. The frequency of CMV pp65-specific CD8 T cells was increased in the elderly compared with young and middle-aged donors. The proportion of naïve cells was reduced in the elderly, whereas an age-associated increase of the CCR7^nulleffector-memory subset, in particular those with a CD45RA^dimphenotype, was observed, both in the pentamer-positive and pentamer-negative CD8 T cells. The results also showed that most CMV pp65-specific CD8 T cells in elderly individuals were CD27/CD28 negative and expressed CD85j and CD244.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The finding that the phenotype of CMV pp65-specific CD8 T cells in elderly individuals is similar to the predominant phenotype of CD8 T cells as a whole, suggests that CMV persistent infections contributes to the age-related changes observed in the CD8 T cell compartment, and that chronic stimulation by other persistent antigens also play a role in T cell immunosenescence. Differences in subset distribution in elderly individuals showing a decrease in naive and an increase in effector-memory CD8 T cells may be relevant in the age-associated defective immune response.</p