COMMENTS ON SOME SYRINGOTHYRIDOIDEA (BRACHIOPODA) FROM THE CARBONIFEROUS OF NORTH AFRICA

The type species of the spiriferinide genus Histosyrinx Termier & Termier (Brachiopoda), namely Histosyrinx vautrini Termier & Termier, is re-investigated in detail on the basis of its type material from the Tournaisian Marar Formation (Serdeles area, Murzuq Basin, Libya), including additional specimens from the same region, and from the Tournaisian of Algeria (Reggane Basin). The internal morphology of the ventral valve of Histosyrinx vautrini is particularly variable, notably concerning the development of the septal pillow, the subdelthyrial plate and the median septum. Histosyrinx can be easily distinguished from the genus Septosyringothyris Vandercammen by the absence of a true delthyrial plate and the lesser development of the median septum. Histosyrinx is also close to Syringopleura Schuchert, which is generally considered as a synonym of Syringothyris Winchell, by its ventral internal features (e.g. development of a septal pillow), but the dorsal internal morphology of the type species of Schuchert’s genus remains unknown. Thus, the relationships between both genera need to be investigated further. Specimens from the southern margin of the Tindouf Basin (Algeria), previously identified as Septosyringothyridinae? gen. indet. by Legrand-Blain in the 1970s, are fully illustrated here for the first time and referred to an unidentified genus of the subfamily Permasyrinxinae on the basis of the absence of syrinx. &nbsp

Enhancement of paleozoic geosites of the Jagüé Bolson for its integration in the touristic product of laguna Brava, La Rioja province, Argentina

El Bolsón de Jagüé en el noroeste de la provincia de La Rioja (departamento Vinchina), guarda un importante registro geológico de la Era Paleozoica, particularmente de los períodos Devónico, Carbonífero y Pérmico (419-252 Ma). Este intervalo estuvo caracterizado por fuertes contrastes climáticos que variaron desde condiciones frías de tundra, pasando por climas templados húmedos hasta desérticos, en un paisaje marcadamente cambiante con frecuentes ingresiones marinas, afectado por el tectonismo y volcanismo que caracterizaron este margen de Gondwana. El objetivo del presente trabajo es la puesta en valor de sitios geológico/paleontológicos (geositios) del Bolsón de Jagüé, con el fin de integrarlos a un producto turístico existente: Laguna Brava. Se aplicaron criterios científicos y turísticos, utilizando una metodología que contempló relevamiento de fuentes secundarias, análisis del marco legal y aplicación de fichas elaboradas para este caso. De los geositios analizados sólo un número reducido, además de su importancia científica, reúne una serie de aspectos (accesibilidad, cercanía al circuito turístico existente, valor paisajístico, conservación, entre otros), que permitirían su integración al producto turístico Laguna Brava. Conclusiones preliminares indican que el registro fosilífero y la diversidad geológica convierten al Bolsón de Jagüé en un área con potencial para el turismo educativo y científico.The Bolsón de Jagüé in the northwest of the province of La Rioja (district of Vinchina), keeps an important geological record of the Paleozoic Era, particularly of the Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian periods (419-252 Ma). This interval was characterized by strong climatic contrasts ranging from cold tundra to desert climates, going through humid and moderate climates, in a markedly changing landscape with frequent marine ingressions, affected by the tectonism and volcanism that characterized this Gondwana margin. The purpose of this work is the enhancement of geological and paleontological sites (geosites) of the Bolsón de Jagüé, in order to integrate them into an existing tourism product: Laguna Brava. Scientific and touristic criteria were applied, using a methodology that included a survey of secondary sources, analysis of the legal framework, and application of files prepared for this case. In addition to its scientific importance, only a small number of the geosites analyzed, brings together a number of aspects (accessibility, proximity to the existing tourist circuit, landscape value, conservation, among others), which would allow its integration into the Laguna Brava tourism product. Preliminary conclusions indicate that fossil record and geological diversity make the Bolsón de Jagüé an area with potential for educational and scientific tourism.Fil: Salvadeo, Victoria. Universidad Nacional de La RiojaFil: Cisterna, Gabriela A.. Universidad Nacional de La RiojaFil: Vaccari, Emilio. Universidad Nacional de La Rioj

Role of Connexin-Based Gap Junction Channels in Communication of Myelin Sheath in Schwann Cells

Peripheral nerves have the capacity to conduct action potentials along great distances and quickly recover following damage which is mainly due to Schwann cells (SCs), the most abundant glial cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). SCs wrap around an axonal segment multiple times, forming a myelin sheath, allowing for a significant increase in action potential conduction by insulating the axons. Mature myelin consists of compact and non-compact (or cytoplasmic) myelin zones. Non-compact myelin is found in paranodal loops bordering the nodes of Ranvier, and in the inner and outermost cytoplasmic tongues and is the region in which Schmidt-Lanterman incisures (SLI; continuous spirals of overlapping cytoplasmic expansions within areas of compact myelin) are located. Using different technologies, it was shown that the layers of non-compact myelin could be connected to each other by gap junction channels (GJCs), formed by connexin 32 (Cx32), and their relative abundance allows for the transfer of ions and different small molecules. Likewise, Cx29 is expressed in the innermost layer of the myelin sheath. Here it does not form GJCs but colocalizes with Kv1, which implies that the SCs play an active role in the electrical condition in mammals. The critical role of GJCs in the functioning of myelinating SCs is evident in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), X-linked form 1 (CMTX1), which is caused by mutations in the gap junction protein beta 1 (GJB1) gene that codes for Cx32. Although the management of CMT symptoms is currently supportive, there is a recent method for targeted gene delivery to myelinating cells, which rescues the phenotype in KO-Cx32 mice, a model of CMTX1. In this mini-review article, we discuss the current knowledge on the role of Cxs in myelin-forming SCs and summarize recent discoveries that may become a real treatment possibility for patients with disorders such as CMT

Connexins and Pannexins in Bone and Skeletal Muscle

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss current knowledge on the role of connexins and pannexins in the musculoskeletal system. RECENT FINDINGS: Connexins and pannexins are crucial for the development and maintenance of both bone and skeletal muscle. In bone, the presence of connexin and more recently of pannexin channels in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes has been described and shown to be essential for normal skeletal development and bone adaptation. In skeletal muscles, connexins and pannexins play important roles during development and regeneration through coordinated regulation of metabolic functions via cell-to-cell communication. Further, under pathological conditions, altered expression of these proteins can promote muscle atrophy and degeneration by stimulating inflammasome activity. In this review, we highlight the important roles of connexins and pannexins in the development, maintenance, and regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which these molecules mediate chemical (e.g., ATP and prostaglandin E2) and physical (e.g., mechanical stimulation) stimuli that target the musculoskeletal system and their involvement in the pathophysiological changes in both genetic and acquired diseases

BRACHIOPOD ASSEMBLAGES OF THE EURYDESMA FAUNA IN GLACIAL- DEGLACIAL SEQUENCES FROM ARGENTINA AND AUSTRALIA

The Eurydesma Fauna characterizes the Late Pennsylvanian-Permian glacial-postglacial sediments recorded in several Gondwanan basins during the Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA). Brachiopods, as one the most significant components of this fauna, are herein analyzed along with the associated bivalves, in two key sections from western and eastern Gondwana (Bonete Formation in the Sauce Grande Basin, eastern Argentina, and the Wasp Head Formation in the southern Sydney Basin, eastern Australia). The preliminary quantitative analysis indicates a high compositional similarity in both regions but occupancy exhibits important differences: brachiopod-dominated faunas can be found in eastern Australia (Tomiopsis and Trigonotreta are the most frequent taxa), and bivalve-dominated faunas are characteristic in eastern Argentina, where the brachiopods are poorly represented with the genera Tivertonia and Tomiopsis. In this locality, the development of r-strategy taxa, such as the bivalve Eurydesma, during the end of a glacial episode would adversely affect brachiopods’ abundance. This is also consistent with previous studies that indicate that brachiopods already showed a decrease in importance in Pennsylvanian communities from Argentina. Relative abundances of brachiopods and bivalves in both localities may reflect differences in the regional environmental conditions but, unfortunately, eastern Argentina lacks younger records to compare the faunal turnover with that of the Australian sequences. Despite the ecological structural differences identified (i.e. brachiopod:bivalve ratio), the postglacial Eurydesma fauna flourished in western and eastern Gondwana and it is striking that two faunas located on the opposite margins of this paleocontinent show such high compositional similarity during the development of a global postglacial event. This is particularly significant considering that the type of the basins (i.e. restricted vs open basins), biological features, paleoenvironmental conditions directly related to glacial dynamics, and also the diachronism of the transgression, can be controlling the composition of this fauna

Daytime Sky Quality at El Leoncito, Argentina

We characterize the daytime sky quality in terms of brightness, cloud coverage, and main weather variables at the Carlos Ulrico Cesco station of the Felix Aguilar Astronomical Observatory (OAFA), located in El Leoncito National Park, San Juan, Argentina. We have collected more than 15 years of daily observations from the auxiliary sky brightness detectors of the Mirror Coronagraph for Argentina (MICA, in operations from 1997 to 2012), including daily observing reports. We additionally present data from two meteorological stations operated at the site from 2000 to 2020. We determine the main statistical properties and seasonal variability of daytime sky brightness, clear sky time fraction (CSTF), precipitable water vapor (WV), temperature, humidity, and wind speed, which are relevant for solar, particularly coronal observations. Our results confirm that El Leoncito is an excellent place to perform daytime astronomical observations. We measure a median sky brightness of 15.8 ppm, estimated at 526.0 ± 1.0 nm and 6 solar radii from the solar disk center; a median CSTF of 0.7; and a median WV below 6 mm. These values, and those of other relevant weather variables, are comparable to the levels found among the best astronomical observing sites in the world. Due to the extended period of time analyzed and high sampling frequency, the novel data and results presented in this report contribute to the analysis and interpretation of historical sky brightness data and are of great value for the future planning of daytime astronomical instrumentation at El Leoncito.Fil: Iglesias, F. A.. Universidad de Mendoza. Facultad de Ingenieria; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Francile, Carlos Natale. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Departamento de Informática. Observatorio Astronómico Félix Aguilar; ArgentinaFil: Lazarte Gelmetti, J.. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Balmaceda, L. A.. George Mason University. School Of Physics. Astronomy And Computational Sciences; Estados Unidos. National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Estados UnidosFil: Cremades Fernandez, Maria Hebe. Universidad de Mendoza; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Cisterna, F.. Universidad de Mendoza. Facultad de Ingenieria; Argentin

Aged gastrocnemius muscle of mice positively responds to a late onset adapted physical training

Introduction: A regular physical training is known to contribute to preserve muscle mass and strength, maintaining structure and function of neural and vascular compartments and preventing muscle insulin resistance and inflammation. However, physical activity is progressively reduced during aging causing mobility limitations and poor quality of life. Although physical exercise for rehabilitation purposes (e.g., after fractures or cardiovascular events) or simply aiming to counteract the development of sarcopenia is frequently advised by physicians, nevertheless few data are available on the targets and the global effects on the muscle organ of adapted exercise especially if started at old age.Methods: To contribute answering this question for medical translational purposes, the proteomic profile of the gastrocnemius muscle was analyzed in 24-month-old mice undergoing adapted physical training on a treadmill for 12 weeks or kept under a sedentary lifestyle condition. Proteomic data were implemented by morphological and morphometrical ultrastructural evaluations.Results and Discussion: Data demonstrate that muscles can respond to adapted physical training started at old age, positively modulating their morphology and the proteomic profile fostering protective and saving mechanisms either involving the extracellular compartment as well as muscle cell components and pathways (i.e., mitochondrial processes, cytoplasmic translation pathways, chaperone-dependent protein refolding, regulation of skeletal muscle contraction). Therefore, this study provides important insights on the targets of adapted physical training, which can be regarded as suitable benchmarks for future in vivo studies further exploring the effects of this type of physical activity by functional/metabolic approaches

PhenoLinker: Phenotype-Gene Link Prediction and Explanation using Heterogeneous Graph Neural Networks

The association of a given human phenotype to a genetic variant remains a critical challenge for biology. We present a novel system called PhenoLinker capable of associating a score to a phenotype-gene relationship by using heterogeneous information networks and a convolutional neural network-based model for graphs, which can provide an explanation for the predictions. This system can aid in the discovery of new associations and in the understanding of the consequences of human genetic variation.Comment: 22 pages, 6 figure

Workplace interventions for cardiovascular diseases: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally, impacting on public and private sectors. Current traditional interventions to prevent CVDs are mainly provided in healthcare centres and even when they are effective, they are not enough to reduce the rising prevalence; therefore, additional strategies are needed. Evidence suggests that health interventions in the workplace supply numerous benefits improving cardiovascular risk factor profiles in individuals. Hence, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to collate the evidence from randomised controlled trials, cluster randomised trials and quasi-experimental studies of workplace interventions to determine their effectiveness in terms of improving cardiovascular risk factors and preventing CVDs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global will be searched to include articles on workplace interventions in adults for CVDs events, cardiometabolic risk factors or behavioural risk factors. The study selection, data extraction, risk of bias and the assessment of the quality of the body of evidence will be conducted by two reviewers working in parallel and disagreements will be resolved by consensus or consultations with a third reviewer. Data synthesis will be done by meta-analysis using random-effects models when possible, otherwise the vote counting method will be applied. Statistical heterogeneity will be assessed by a χ(2) test and I(2) statistics. The quality of the body of evidence for each outcome will be assessed by applying the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review protocol. The results of the systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be publicly available. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021276161