Detection of the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport in Entamoeba histolytica and Characterization of the EhVps4 Protein

Eukaryotic endocytosis involves multivesicular bodies formation, which is driven by endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT). Here, we showed the presence and expression of homologous ESCRT genes in Entamoeba histolytica. We cloned and expressed the Ehvps4 gene, an ESCRT member, to obtain the recombinant EhVps4 and generate specific antibodies, which immunodetected EhVps4 in cytoplasm of trophozoites. Bioinformatics and biochemical studies evidenced that rEhVps4 is an ATPase, whose activity depends on the conserved E211 residue. Next, we generated trophozoites overexpressing EhVps4 and mutant EhVps4-E211Q FLAG-tagged proteins. The EhVps4-FLAG was located in cytosol and at plasma membrane, whereas the EhVps4-E211Q-FLAG was detected as abundant cytoplasmic dots in trophozoites. Erythrophagocytosis, cytopathic activity, and hepatic damage in hamsters were not improved in trophozoites overexpressing EhVps4-FLAG. In contrast, EhVps4-E211Q-FLAG protein overexpression impaired these properties. The localization of EhVps4-FLAG around ingested erythrocytes, together with our previous results, strengthens the role for EhVps4 in E. histolytica phagocytosis and virulence

A data-globe and immersive virtual reality environment for upper limb rehabilitation after spinal cord injury

While a number of virtual data-gloves have been used in stroke, there is little evidence about their use in spinal cord injury (SCI). A pilot clinical experience with nine SCI subjects was performed comparing two groups: one carried out a virtual rehabilitation training based on the use of a data glove, CyberTouch combined with traditional rehabilitation, during 30 minutes a day twice a week along two weeks; while the other made only conventional rehabilitation. Furthermore, two functional indexes were developed in order to assess the patient’s performance of the sessions: normalized trajectory lengths and repeatability. While differences between groups were not statistically significant, the data-glove group seemed to obtain better results in the muscle balance and functional parameters, and in the dexterity, coordination and fine grip tests. Related to the indexes that we implemented, normalized trajectory lengths and repeatability, every patient showed an improvement in at least one of the indexes, either along Y-axis trajectory or Z-axis trajectory. This study might be a step in investigating new ways of treatments and objective measures in order to obtain more accurate data about the patient’s evolution, allowing the clinicians to develop rehabilitation treatments, adapted to the abilities and needs of the patients

Dietary Compounds as Epigenetic Modulating Agents in Cancer

Epigenetic mechanisms control gene expression during normal development and their aberrant regulation may lead to human diseases including cancer. Natural phytochemicals can largely modulate mammalian epigenome through regulation of mechanisms and proteins responsible for chromatin remodeling. Phytochemicals are mainly contained in fruits, seeds, and vegetables as well as in foods supplements. These compounds act as powerful cellular antioxidants and anti-carcinogens agents. Several dietary compounds such as catechins, curcumin, genistein, quercetin and resveratrol, among others, exhibit potent anti-tumor activities through the reversion of epigenetic alterations associated to oncogenes activation and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. In this review, we summarized the actual knowledge about the role of dietary phytochemicals in the restoration of aberrant epigenetic alterations found in cancer cells with a particular focus on DNA methylation and histone modifications. Furthermore, we discussed the mechanisms by which these natural compounds modulate gene expression at epigenetic level and described their molecular targets in diverse types of cancer. Modulation of epigenetic activities by phytochemicals will allow the discovery of novel biomarkers for cancer prevention, and highlights its potential as an alternative therapeutic approach in cancer

Rediscovering Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (<em>Lepidochelys kempii</em>): Molecular Analysis and Threats

Sea turtles are reptiles that have inhabited the earth for 100 million years. These are divided into 2 families (Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae) and 7 species of sea turtles in the world: the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea); hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata); Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii); olive ridley (L. olivacea); Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta); flatback sea turtle (Natator depressus) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas). In particular, Kemp’s ridley is included in the red list of IUCN categorized as “critically endangered”. The most important site around the Word is in Rancho Nuevo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Where 80–95% of the world’s nesting is concentrated. Other nesting areas are Tepeguajes and Barra del Tordo, in Tamaulipas, and with less intensity in Veracruz (Lechuguillas and El Raudal beaches) and South Padre Island, Texas, USA. They deposit an average of about 90 eggs and hatching takes 40 to 60 days. Therefore, they are vulnerable to different anthropogenic activities and sources of pollution, such as heavy metals, which can cause toxic effects that are harmful to the turtles, damage their physiology and health. To understand the real situation about health and genetic parameters it is necessary to analyze biochemical and molecular factors in this species

Morphometric characteristics of lumbar vertebral pedicles in Mexican population. Implications for transpedicular lumbar fusion surgery

Introduction. Spinal fusion surgery using transpedicular fixation is the most common technique for surgical treatment of spinal pathologies of any etiology. The morphometric characteristics of the vertebral pedicle determine the size and shape of pedicle implants. The objective of this study is to determine the morphometric characteristics of the lumbar vertebral pedicle in Mexican population by direct measurement of bone parts. Materials and Methods. We analyzed 65 L1–L5 cadaver lumbar spines from a collection of bone specimens from the Department of Human Anatomy. Pedicle width, height, and length were determined bilaterally in each sample studied. We obtained measures of central tendency, and parametric correlation tests were performed with a 95% confidence interval to determine if significant differences exist between the lumbar vertebral levels. Results. Pedicle width increased from L1 to L5. We obtained a minimum mean value of 7.40 ± 1.84 mm at L1 and a maximum mean value of 14.74 ± 3.77 mm at L5. Pedicle height decreased from L1 to L4 with a subsequent increase at L5. We obtained a maximum mean value of 18.32 ± 4.15 mm at L5 and minimum mean value of 14.09 mm ± 2.75 at L4. Significant differences were observed (P < 0.05) when groups were compared. Conclusions. This study accurately describes the morphometric characteristics of the lumbar vertebral pedicle. These data will be useful for correct selection and positioning of transpedicular screws

Rational Zika vaccine design via the modulation of antigen membrane anchors in chimpanzee adenoviral vectors

Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged on a global scale and no licensed vaccine ensures long-lasting anti-ZIKV immunity. Here we report the design and comparative evaluation of four replication-deficient chimpanzee adenoviral (ChAdOx1) ZIKV vaccine candidates comprising the addition or deletion of precursor membrane (prM) and envelope, with or without its transmembrane domain (TM). A single, non-adjuvanted vaccination of ChAdOx1 ZIKV vaccines elicits suitable levels of protective responses in mice challenged with ZIKV. ChAdOx1 prME ∆TM encoding prM and envelope without TM provides 100% protection, as well as long-lasting anti-envelope immune responses and no evidence of in vitro antibody-dependent enhancement to dengue virus. Deletion of prM and addition of TM reduces protective efficacy and yields lower anti-envelope responses. Our finding that immunity against ZIKV can be enhanced by modulating antigen membrane anchoring highlights important parameters in the design of viral vectored ZIKV vaccines to support further clinical assessments

IV Foro Internacional de Ganadería Sustentable: conectividad ecosistémica y articulación territorial hacia la Agenda 2030

En este espacio plural de análisis y reflexiones, buscamos articular conceptos y posibilidades para los territorios de montaña del centro de México, dando importancia a medios de vida vinculados a la ganadería y su interacción ecosistémica, fundamentado en innovaciones, casos de éxito e iniciativas emblemáticas nacionales e internacionales. La socialización de experiencias es uno de los pilares para transitar hacia la sostenibilidad de los sistemas productivos ganaderos: compartir logros e iniciativas, crear sinergias e identificar vulnerabilidades desde distintos enfoques.GIZ, Agencia de Cooperación Aleman

Co-limitation towards lower latitudes shapes global forest diversity gradients

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is one of the most recognized global patterns of species richness exhibited across a wide range of taxa. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed in the past two centuries to explain LDG, but rigorous tests of the drivers of LDGs have been limited by a lack of high-quality global species richness data. Here we produce a high-resolution (0.025° × 0.025°) map of local tree species richness using a global forest inventory database with individual tree information and local biophysical characteristics from ~1.3 million sample plots. We then quantify drivers of local tree species richness patterns across latitudes. Generally, annual mean temperature was a dominant predictor of tree species richness, which is most consistent with the metabolic theory of biodiversity (MTB). However, MTB underestimated LDG in the tropics, where high species richness was also moderated by topographic, soil and anthropogenic factors operating at local scales. Given that local landscape variables operate synergistically with bioclimatic factors in shaping the global LDG pattern, we suggest that MTB be extended to account for co-limitation by subordinate drivers

Ecos de la academia: Revista de la Facultad de Educación, Ciencia y Tecnología - FECYT Nro 4

Ecos de la academia, Revista de la Facultad de Educación Ciencia y Tecnología es una publicación científica de la Universidad Técnica del Norte, con revisión por pares a doble ciego que publica artículos en idioma español, quichua, portugués e inglés. Se edita con una frecuencia semestral con dos números por año.En ella se divulgan trabajos originales e inéditos generados por los investigadores, docentes y estudiantes de la FECYT, y contribuciones de profesionales de instituciones docentes e investigativas dentro y fuera del país, con calidad, originalidad y relevancia en las áreas de ciencias sociales y tecnología aplicada.Los orígenes de la fotografía en la segunda ciudad de Cataluña: Reus, 1839-1903. Hábitos de consumo y uso de medios digitales en los estudiantes de la Universidad Técnica del Norte. Gastronomía, historia y cultura afrodescendiente de las comunidades Chota y Salinas en Imbabura, Ecuador. Los organizadores gráficos: elementos y procedimientos básicos para su diseño. Análisis del desempeño profesional del graduado de la carrera de Licenciatura en Inglés de la Universidad Técnica del Norte. Uso del software Aleks como complemento en la asignatura de Fundamentos de Matemáticas del curso de nivelación EPN-SENECYT. La educación de postgrado y la enseñanza de Redes Neuronales Artificiales como herramienta versátil para egresados. Home is an uneasty place: Afroperipheralism anda diasporic sensibilities in Wayde Compton’s “The Instrumental”. Respuesta de la carrera de Educación Básica a las necesidades sociales en la Zona 1 del Ecuador. Programa SaludArte: Salud, Alimentación y Movimiento entran a las escuelas para mejorar la calidad educativa. Tendencias de consumo turístico de los Millennials en la ciudad de Ibarra. Los Grupos de Investigación como estrategias para desarrollo de la investigación científica en las instituciones de educación superior ecuatorianas. Paradigmas y modelos pedagógicos de los postulados científicos en el espacio de aula en la Universidad Técnica de Ambato. Predicting academic performance in traditional environments at higher-education institutions using data mining: A review. El Proyecto de Investigación “Muros que hablan. Un recorrido por los graffitis de Imbabura”. Construcción de la marca ciudad. Normas de presentación de artículos científicos en la revista Ecos de la Academia