The Mystery of Saving in Latin America

Using reduced-form regression models, this paper shows that average predicted private saving rates in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are significantly lower than in other regions, particularly Emerging Asia (about 4 percentage points of GDP on average). Predicted public saving rates in LAC are also lower than in Emerging Asia, but by a smaller margin (1 percentage point of GDP on average). It is further shown that LAC private saving rates are below the region-specific prediction by approximately 1. 5 percentage points of GDP on average. Finally, it is found that a greater reliance on external savings does not fully close the negative estimated private saving gap, reducing it by less than 1 percentage point. No gap is found in the case of public saving rates, suggesting that the lower predicted public saving rate in LAC is accounted for by the known determinants of fiscal policy

TOT ambulatorio con ajuste intraoperatorio de la malla en pacientes con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo

Indexación: Web of Science; ScieloAntecedentes: La Incontinencia Urinaria de Esfuerzo (IUE) es una patología frecuente y en ascenso entre las mujeres, produce un deterioro significativo en la calidad de vida de ellas. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados en el tratamiento de la IUE mediante un TOT ambulatorio con ajuste intraoperatorio de la tensión de la malla. Método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, descriptivo en el que se evaluaron los resultados objetivos y subjetivos en el tratamiento de la IUE con TOT ambulatorio, con ajuste intraoperatorio de la tensión de la malla. Resultados: Se obtuvo continencia normal en el 93,3% de las pacientes, 87% se consideró "sana". No se presentaron complicaciones mayores ni sobrecorrección a los 24 meses de seguimiento. El 93% de las pacientes abandonó el hospital el mismo día de la cirugía. Conclusiones: El ajuste de la malla intraoperatorio permitiría mejorar los resultados publicados de continencia en la cirugía de TOT ambulatorio, disminuyendo el riesgo de sobrecorrección de la IUE en forma segura y rápida. Consideramos que debiera ser un paso obligatorio en el TOT.Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition and rising among women, with a significant deterioration of quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate the results in the treatment of SUI by ambulatory TOT with intraoperative adjustment of mesh tension. Methods: We performed a prospective descriptive study that evaluated the objective and subjective outcomes of the SUI treatment with ambulatory TOT intraoperative adjustment of mesh tension. Results: Normal continence was obtained 93.3% of patients, 87% were considered cured. There were no major complications or over correction at 24 months follow up. 93.3% were discharged on the day of surgery. Conclusions: The intraoperative adjustment of the mesh would improve continence results published in TOT outpatient surgery, reducing the risk of overcorrection of SUI safely and quickly. We believe it should be a mandatory step in the TOT.http://www.scielo.cl/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0717-75262012000300007&nrm=is

Obtaining protoanemonin through selective oxidation of Dfructose and 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural in a self-catalysed reaction

Although different ways of converting 5- (hydroxymethyl)furfural (1) to various substrates with high value have been sought, few transformations have obtained building blocks that can be very useful in the area of fine chemistry. Herein, we report the synthesis of protoanemonin (5-methylenefuran-2(5H)- one) from D-fructose via compound (1), a versatile γalkylidenebutenolide, using an efficient self-catalysed process with formic acid, with high reaction performance and selectivity (up to 94% yield and 98% conversion from (1), while 28% yield from Dfructose). This efficient and simple operational process involved a two-phase aqueous-organic system between chlorinated solvents (CHxCly) and hydrogen peroxide as the initial oxidizing agent. The reaction presents a key cleavage in the 5-hydroxymethyl moiety of (1), due to the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation (BVO) process that generates formic acid in situ. Ultimately, DFF and HMF were successfully obtained in 80% and 98% yield, respectively, starting from D-fructose and using Preyssler heteropolyacids as Brønsted acid catalysts under an atmosphere of oxygen in the absence of hydrogen peroxide.Fil: Martínez, José J.. Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Páez, Luis A.. Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Gutiérrez, Luisa F.. Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Pardo Cuervo, Oscar H.. Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Rojas, Hugo A.. Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia; ColombiaFil: Romanelli, Gustavo Pablo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Nacional de la Plata; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicadas "Dr. Jorge J. Ronco". Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Portilla, Jaime. Universidad de Los Andes, Colombia; ColombiaFil: Castillo, Juan Carlos. Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia; Colombia. Universidad de los Andes; ColombiaFil: Gamboa Becerra, Diana Paola. Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia; Colombi

Estudio del esfuerzo de rodadura en tractores articulados (4WD) y de tracción delantera asistida (FWA)

p.221-229En el autotransporte del tractor se producen tros tipos de pérdidas de transmisión, pérdidas por rodadura y pérdida por patinaje. Las pérdidas por transmisión conciernen al diseño de la misma, las pérdidas por patinaje y rodadura son las que más preocupan al productor (FWA y 4WD) comunes a nuestro mercado agrícola, sobre estas condiciones de suelo diferentes, suelo arado, cama de siembra y siembra directa. Los parámetros evaluados fueron: esfuerzos de rodadura fueron contrastados con las fórmulas de predicción de Wismer y Luth y de MCallister. Las conclusiones obtenidas fueron 1) La potencia pérdida en rodadura se incrementó en suelos de baja capacidad portante; 2) Para predecir esfuerzo de rodadura en tractores (FWA y 4WD) cuando transitan sobre suelos arados se puede utilizar la ecuación de predicción de Wismer y Luth; 3) El porcentaje de potencia del motor pérdida por rodadura fue mayor para el tractor FWA cuando transitó sobre suelos de baja capacidad portante, 4) La menor relación potencia pérdida en rodadura 7 potencia motor fue mejor para el 4 WD en suelo cama de siembra y suelo arado, no así en siembra directa y 5) Se encontró, sobre los suelos blandos, una relación directa entre profundidad de huella y el peso del tractor que lo transitó

Natural estrogens enhance the engraftment of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in immunodeficient mice

Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells are crucial in the maintenance of lifelong production of all blood cells. These Stem Cells are highly regulated to maintain homeostasis through a delicate balance between quiescence, self-renewal and differentiation. However, this balance is altered during the hematopoietic recovery after Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Transplantation. Transplantation efficacy can be limited by inadequate Hematopoietic Stem Cells number, poor homing, low level of engraftment, or limited self-renewal. As recent evidences indicate that estrogens are involved in regulating the hematopoiesis, we sought to examine whether natural estrogens (estrone or E1, estradiol or E2, estriol or E3 and estetrol or E4) modulate human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells. Our results show that human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell subsets express estrogen receptors, and whose signaling is activated by E2 and E4 on these cells. Additionally, these natural estrogens cause different effects on human Progenitors in vitro. We found that both E2 and E4 expand human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells. However, E4 was the best tolerated estrogen and promoted cell cycle of human Hematopoietic Progenitors. Furthermore, we identified that E2 and, more significantly, E4 doubled human hematopoietic engraftment in immunodeficient mice without altering other Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells properties. Finally, the impact of E4 on promoting human hematopoietic engraftment in immunodeficient mice might be mediated through the regulation of mesenchymal stromal cells in the bone marrow niche. Together, our data demonstrate that E4 is well tolerated and enhances human reconstitution in immunodeficient mice, directly by modulating human Hematopoietic Progenitor properties and indirectly by interacting with the bone marrow niche. This application might have particular relevance to ameliorate the hematopoietic recovery 3 after myeloablative conditioning, especially when limiting numbers of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells are available

Multiplication of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi isolated from cocoa cultivated soils

La multiplicación de esporas de hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (HMA) es una limitante para las aplicaciones agrícolas como biofertilizantes. En el presente estudio se realizó la multiplicación masiva de HMA procedentes de fincas de cacao (Theobroma cacaoL.) en la región de San Martín, Perú, para optimizar su manejo y producción de esporas en condiciones ambientales controladas.Se diseñó un experimento en condiciones de invernadero, con undiseño completamente al azar, considerando tres fuentes de inoculo de HMA obtenidas en las provincias de Mariscal Cáceres, Lamas y Rioja,en dos periodos de tiempo (110 y 220 días) y dos cultivos hospedantes (maízy arroz). Este material fue mezclado con un volumen de arena y tres de tierra agrícola,que fueron colocadas en cajones; transcurrido elperiodo de tiempo se evaluóla población de esporas, colonización micorrícica, altura de la planta hospedante y peso seco de la parte aérea y de la raíz. La multiplicación de HMA a los 220 días, procedente de Mariscal Cáceres usando arrozcomo planta hospedante, demostró ser la más adecuada para la multiplicación delosHMA. El arroz actuó como un huésped adecuado y pudo multiplicar un mayor número de esporas.Se concluye queesta combinación puedeser utilizadacomo una metodología de propagación masiva de HMA debido a su gran capacidad para reproducirse.The multiplication of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) spores is a limitation for agricultural applications as biofertilizers. In the present study, a massive multiplication of AMF from cocoa farms (Theobroma cacao L.) in the San Martín region, Peru, was carried out to optimize their handling and spore production under controlled environmental conditions. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design, considering three sources of AMF inoculum obtained in the provinces of Mariscal Cáceres, Lamas and Rioja, in two periods (110 and 220 days) and two host crops (maize and rice). This material was mixed with one volume of sand and three volumes of agricultural soil, which were placed in crates. At the end of the periods, the population of spores, mycorrhizal colonization, height of the host plant, and the dry weight of the aerial part and root were evaluated. Rice acts as a suitable host and multiplies a greater number of AMF spores. The treatment based on the mycorrhizal inoculum from Mariscal Cáceres multiplied with rice plants at 220 days, presented the highest population of spores. Therefore, it could be used as a methodology for massive propagation of AMF due to its great reproduction capacity.Fil: Vallejos Torres, Geomar. Universidad Nacional de San Martín Tarapoto; Perú. Universidad Católica Sedes Sapientiae; PerúFil: Tenorio Cercado, Miguel A.. Universidad Católica Sedes Sapientiae; PerúFil: Gaona Jimenez, Nery. Universidad Católica Sedes Sapientiae; PerúFil: Corazon Guivin, Mike A.. Universidad Nacional de San Martín Tarapoto; PerúFil: Luna, Javier Ormeño. Universidad Nacional de San Martín Tarapoto; PerúFil: Paredes, Christopher I.. Universidad Nacional de San Martín Tarapoto; PerúFil: Saavedra, Jorge. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Alto Amazonas Unaaa; PerúFil: Tuesta, Juan C.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Alto Amazonas Unaaa; PerúFil: Tuesta, Oscar A.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Alto Amazonas Unaaa; PerúFil: Alguacil, M. M.. Universidad de Murcia; EspañaFil: Becerra, Alejandra Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Marín, César Alberto Aníbal. Universidad Santo Tomas, Santiago; Chil

Sulfated Polysaccharide Extracted from the Green Algae Codium bernabei: Physicochemical Characterization and Antioxidant, Anticoagulant and Antitumor Activity

Codium bernabei is a green alga that grows on Chilean coasts. The composition of its structural polysaccharides is still unknown. Hence, the aim of this work is to isolate and characterize the hot water extracted polysaccharide fractions. For this purpose, the water extracts were further precipitated in alcohol (TPs) and acid media (APs), respectively. Both fractions were characterized using different physicochemical techniques such as GC-MS, GPC, FTIR, TGA, and SEM. It is confirmed that the extracted fractions are mainly made of sulfated galactan unit, with a degree of sulfation of 19.3% (TPs) and 17.4% (ATs) and a protein content of 3.5% in APs and 15.6% in TPs. Other neutral sugars such as xylose, glucose, galactose, fucose, mannose, and arabinose were found in a molar ratio (0.05:0.6:1.0:0.02:0.14:0.11) for TPs and (0.05:0.31:1.0:0.03:0.1:0.13) for ATs. The molecular weight of the polysaccharide samples was lower than 20 kDa. Both polysaccharides were thermally stable (Tonset > 190 °C) and showed antioxidant activity according to the ABTS•+ and DPPH tests, where TPs fractions had higher scavenging activity (35%) compared to the APs fractions. The PT and APTTS assays were used to measure the anticoagulant activity of the polysaccharide fractions. In general, the PT activity of the TPs and APs was not different from normal plasma values. The exception was the TPs treatment at 1000 µg mL−1 concentration. The APTTS test revealed that clotting time for both polysaccharides was prolonged regarding normal values at 1000 µg mL−1. Finally, the antitumor test in colorectal carcinoma (HTC-116) cell line, breast cancer (MCF-7) and human leukemia (HL-60) cell lines showed the cytotoxic effect of TPs and APs. Those results suggest the potential biotechnological application of sulfate galactan polysaccharides isolated from a Chilean marine resource

Total and Subtypes of Dietary Fat Intake and Its Association with Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in a Mediterranean Population at High Cardiovascular Risk

Background: The effect of dietary fat intake on the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and in turn on cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains unclear in individuals at high CVD risk. Objective: To assess the association between fat intake and MetS components in an adult Mediterranean population at high CVD risk. Design: Baseline assessment of nutritional adequacy in participants (n = 6560, men and women, 55-75 years old, with overweight/obesity and MetS) in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED)-Plus randomized trial. Methods: Assessment of fat intake (total fat, monounsatured fatty acids: MUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acids: PUFA, saturated fatty acids: SFA, trans-fatty acids: trans-FA, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and ω-3 FA) using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and diet quality using 17-item Mediterranean dietary questionnaire and fat quality index (FQI). Results: Participants in the highest quintile of total dietary fat intake showed lower intake of energy, carbohydrates, protein and fiber, but higher intake of PUFA, MUFA, SFA, TFA, LA, ALA and ω-3 FA. Differences in MetS components were found according to fat intake. Odds (5th vs. 1st quintile): hyperglycemia: 1.3-1.6 times higher for total fat, MUFA, SFA and ω-3 FA intake; low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c): 1.2 higher for LA; hypertriglyceridemia: 0.7 lower for SFA and ω-3 FA intake. Conclusions: Dietary fats played different role on MetS components of high CVD risk patients. Dietary fat intake was associated with higher risk of hyperglycemia

The genetic architecture of the human cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex underlies our complex cognitive capabilities, yet little is known about the specific genetic loci that influence human cortical structure. To identify genetic variants that affect cortical structure, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of brain magnetic resonance imaging data from 51,665 individuals. We analyzed the surface area and average thickness of the whole cortex and 34 regions with known functional specializations. We identified 199 significant loci and found significant enrichment for loci influencing total surface area within regulatory elements that are active during prenatal cortical development, supporting the radial unit hypothesis. Loci that affect regional surface area cluster near genes in Wnt signaling pathways, which influence progenitor expansion and areal identity. Variation in cortical structure is genetically correlated with cognitive function, Parkinson's disease, insomnia, depression, neuroticism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder