Electronic Structure and Forbidden Energy in AlAs Crystalline Alloy

We present the energy bands and the DOS, the forbidden energy and total energy of the crystalline compound of AlAs, calculated with the LMTO orbital method within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). Se solved the Schrödinger equation with a potential in the local density approximation (LDA) that uses the Barh-Hedin approximation for the term exchange and correlation. Potential calculated with a small homogeneous fraction of electron charge in the empty spheres and an electronic charge similar to that of the free atom in the atomic spheres of the crystal lattice. The structure of the energy bands presented an indirect forbidden energy gap of 0.160Ry or 2.18 eV with a minimum total energy of -18.10 Ry that fit well with the experimental results

Sperm viability and acrosome integrity in national frozen bull semen

Se evaluó el deterioro de la membrana espermática e integridad del acrosoma como método para predecir la fertilidad en toros. Se trabajó con cuatro toros (2 Hosltein y 2 Brown Swiss) del Banco Nacional de Semen, Lima-Perú. Se evaluó integridad acrosomal, integridad de membrana espermática, motilidad, espermatozoides vivos, volumen y concentración durante los procesos de refrigeración, congelación y descongelación de 10 eyaculados por animal. En semen fresco sin diluir se encontró un volumen de 4.33 ml, concentración espermática de 922.5 x 106/ml, y 78.5% de espermatozoides vivos. La motilidad individual progresiva en semen diluido fue de 82.7 a 86.0% con diferencia significativa entre toros (p<0.05). La integridad de acrosoma en semen refrigerado varió entre 59.3 a 69.2% con diferencia estadística entre toros. El porcentaje de espermatozoides con acrosoma intacto disminuyó de 65.2% en semen refrigerado a 48.6% en semen congelado/ descongelado, sin diferencias estadísticas entre toros. No se encontró una correlación significativa entre motilidad con integridad de membrana espermática o integridad de acrosoma.The deterioration of the sperm membrane and acrosome integrity as a method for predicting fertility in bulls was evaluated. Four bulls (2 Holstein and 2 Brown Swiss) from the National Bank of Semen, Lima-Peru were used. Acrosome integrity, sperm membrane integrity, motility, live sperm cells, volume, and sperm concentration during cooling, freezing and thawing was evaluated in 10 ejaculates per sire. In fresh semen, volume was 4.33 ml; sperm concentration was 922.5 x 106/ml and 78.5% of live cells. The individual progressive motility in diluted semen was 82.7 to 86.0% with significant difference between bulls (p<0.05). Acrosome integrity in chilled semen varied from 59.3 to 69.2% and without statistical difference between bulls. Percentage of sperm with intact acrosome decreased from 65.2 in chilled semen to 48.6% in frozen/thawed semen, without statistical difference between bulls. None significant correlation was found between motility and sperm membrane integrity or acrosome integrity

EFFECT OF TRIS AND OVINE FREEZING SEMEN EXTENDERS ON CYTOPLASMATIC MEMBRANE INTEGRITY DURING OVINE SEMEN FREEZING IN 0.5 ML STRAWS

Se analizó el efecto de los dilutores Tris-glucosa y Ovine Freezing Buffer (UA 466/ 005238) sobre la motilidad e integridad de la membrana citoplasmática de los espermatozoides durante el proceso de congelación de semen ovino. Se utilizó el semen de cinco carneros (2 Assaf, 2 Canela y 1 Black Belly). El semen fresco fue de buena calidad y los valores de las características seminales estuvieron dentro de los parámetros de la especie. La motilidad individual progresiva (MIP) del semen refrigerado fue 86.0 ± 2.48 y 88.5 ± 4.8% y del semen congelado fue de 60.8 ± 1.9 y 62.9 ± 2.4% con los dilutores Tris y Ovine Freezing, respectivamente; mientras que la proporción de espermatozoides con membrana intacta, evaluada por la prueba de HOST (Hipo Osmotic Swelling Test) fue 77.9 ± 4.8 y 78.9 ± 4.0% para el semen refrigerado y de 39.9 ± 3.6 y 43.2 ± 2.9% para el semen congelado, utilizando los dilutores Tris y Ovine Freezing, respectivamente, existiendo diferencias altamente significativas entre dilutores, carneros y fases del proceso de congelación (p<0.01). Se encontró regresiones lineales significativas (p<0.05) entre HOST de semen fresco y HOST post-descongelado de semen diluido, ya sea con Tris o con Ovine Freezing. Se concluye que el uso del dilutor Ovine Freezing tuvo una mejor respuesta en la calidad espermática durante el proceso de congelación; así mismo, la prueba hipoosmótica demostró ser una buena herramienta como indicador de la calidad de semen.The effect of two semen extenders: Glucose Tris and Ovine Freezing Buffer (UA 466/ 005238) on the motility and cytoplasmic membrane integrity of spermatozoa during the freezing process was evaluated. Five rams (2 Assaf, 2 Cinnamon and 1 Black Belly) were used. The fresh semen was of good quality and values of seminal characteristics were within the normal range for this species. The Progressive Individual Motility of the refrigerated semen was 86.0 ± 2.48 and 88.5 ± 4.8% and for frozen semen was 60.8 ± 1.9 and 62.9 ± 2.4% for Tris and Ovine Freezing, respectively; while the proportion of spermatozoa with intact membranes, evaluated by HOST (Hipo Osmotic Swelling Test), was 77.9 ± 4.8 and 78.9 ± 4.0% for refrigerated semen and 39.9 ± 3.6 and 43.2 ± 2.9% for frozen semen using the Tris and Ovine Freezing dilutors, respectively. There were highly significant differences between dilutors, rams and phases of the freezing process (p<0.01). Significant lineal regressions (p<0.05) were found between HOST values of fresh semen and HOST values of thawed semen, either with Tris or Ovine Freezing. It can be concluded that the Ovine Freezing semen extender showed a better performance during the freezing process; moreover, the hypoosmotic test showed to be a good indicator tool for semen quality

Coeficiente de dilatación: diseño y construcción de un dilatómetro

En prácticamente cualquier curso de termodinámica aparece el tema de dilatación, en particular la dilatación lineal. Pero también resulta de mucha importancia en la naturaleza ya que ésta se toma muy seriamente el tema al crear seres capaces de mantener constante su temperatura. Con la ayuda de materiales de descarte logramos realizar un dilatómetro que presenta una precisión muy alta y nos permite estimar el coeficiente de dilatación de, por ejemplo, el acero con una precisión inferior al 6%

EFECTO DEL DILUTOR TRIS Y CITRATO CON YEMA DE HUEVO DE CORDORNIZ SOBRE LA VIABILIDAD ESPERMÁTICA EN SEMEN OVINO CONGELADO EN PAJILLAS.

The study evaluated the performance of Tris-egg yolk and Citrate-egg-yolk asextenders for freezing ram semen in straws and the integrity of sperm membrane of frozensperm at the National Semen Bank – UNALM, Lima, Peru using six ram semen donors ofthree breeds. The semen was collected in an artificial vagina, diluted with Tris – glucose– quail egg yolk (Tris) or with Citrate – glucose – egg yolk (Citrate), stored in 0.5 mlpellets, and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Thawing was done at 38 ºC for 15 seconds. Inrefrigerated semen, the Progressive Individual Motility (PIM) in diluted semen with Tris was 82.3% and with Citrate was 79.2%, and the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane(HOST) was 78.0 ± 4.4 with Tris and 73.2 ± 5.8% with Citrate. In thawed semen, PIM was62.0 and 56.8%, and HOST was 49.8 ± 3.9 and 41.3 ± 3.8% for Tris and Citrate respectively,with significant differences between extenders, rams and processing period (p<0.01).There were significant lineal regressions (p<0.001) between PIM of refrigerated semenand HOST after thawing for both extenders. It was concluded that Tris showed betterperformance than Citrate for freezing ram semen, and the hipoosmotic swelling testallowed to show differences between extenders, rams and processing periods.Se evaluó el comportamiento de los dilutores Tris-yema y Citrato-yema en el congelamiento de semen de ovino y la integridad de la membrana espermática del semen congelado en pajillas. El estudio se realizó en el Banco Nacional de Semen UNALM con seis carneros de tres razas. El semen se colectó en vagina artificial, se diluyó con Tris - glucosa - yema de huevo de Codorniz (Tris) o Citrato - glucosa - yema de huevo (Citrato), se almacenó en pajillas de 0.5 ml, y se congeló en nitrógeno líquido. El descongelamiento se realizó a 38 °C por 15 segundos. En semen refrigerado, la Motilidad Individual Progresiva (MIP) en semen diluido con Tris fue 82.3% y con Citrato de 79.2%, y los valores de la integridad de membrana (HOST) fueron de 78.0 ± 4.4 con Tris y 73.2 ± 5.8% con Citrato. En semen descongelado, la MIP fue de 62.0 y 56.8%, y HOST de 49.8 ± 3.9 y 41.3 ± 3.8% para los dilutores Tris y Citrato, respectivamente, existiendo diferencias significativas entre dilutores, carneros y momentos de procesamiento (p<0.01). Se registraron regresiones lineales significativas (p<0.001) entre MIP del semen refrigerado y HOST de semen descongelado con uso de ambos dilutores. Se concluye que Tris presenta un mejor rendimiento que Citrato para la congelación del semen ovino y que la prueba hipoosmótica permitió evidenciar diferencias entre dilutores, carneros y momentos de procesamiento

Effects of two semen extenders on motility and integrity of sperm membrane in ovine frozen semen

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de dos dilutores, Tris- Fructosa-Yema de huevo (Tris) y Citrato-Glucosa-Yema de huevo (citrato), sobre la motilidad espermática e integridad de la membrana espermática (HOST) en semen congelado de ovinos bajo la forma de pellets. La investigación se llevó a cabo en el Banco de Semen de la Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, empleándose 4 carneros (2 Blackbelly y 2 Assaf) de 3.5 a 4 años de edad. Se empleó el análisis de covariancia para analizar Motilidad Individual Progresiva (MIP), y bloques completamente randomizados para medir el efecto de los dilutores sobre la integridad de la membrana espermática. Para el congelamiento del semen se utilizó hielo seco y el descongelamiento se realizó a 38 ºC en tubos de ensayo. En ovinos Assaf, la MIP del semen descongelado fue de 63.77 y 61.11% utilizando Tris y citrato, respectivamente, encontrándose diferencias significativas (p<0.05) entre dilutores, mientras que en ovinos Blackbelly, la MIP fue de 62.33 y 61.33% con Tris y citrato, respectivamente, sin diferencia estadística. En ovinos Assaf, los valores de HOST del semen descongelado fueron de 43.56 y 40.38% con Tris y citrato, y en Blackbelly fueron de 40.19 y 38.16% con Tris y Citrato, respectivamente, sin diferencias significativas. Se concluye que el dilutor Tris evidenció mejores niveles en la conservación de la motilidad individual espermática pero ambos tuvieron similar efecto en la integridad funcional de la membrana espermática.The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of two semen extenders: Tris- Fructose-egg yolk (Tris) and Citrate-Glucose-egg yolk (citrate) on motility and sperm membrane integrity (HOST) in ovine frozen semen in pellets. The study was carried out at the Semen Bank of the Agrarian University La Molina, in Lima, Peru, using 4 rams (2 Assaf and 2 Blackbelly) of 3.5 to 4 years old. A covariance analysis was used to evaluate the effect of the treatment and breed on Individual Progressive Motility (IPM), and randomized block design to evaluate the effect of extenders on sperm membrane integrity. Semen was frozen of dry ice and thawing was done in test tubes at 38 °C. In the Assaf breed, IPM of thawed semen was 63.77 and 61.11% when using Tris and citrate respectively, showing statistical difference (p<0.05). In the Blackbelly breed the IPM was 62.33 and 61.33%, when used Tris and citrate respectively, and without significant difference. In the Assaf the HOST values of thawed semen were 43.56 and 40.38%, while in Blackbelly were 40.19 and 38.16% respectively, both without significant differences. It is concluded that Tris showed better effect on individual motility but both of them had similar effect on sperm membrane integrity

Epidemiological investigation of an acute case of Chagas disease in an area of active transmission in Peruvian Amazon region

The study objective was to investigate an acute case of Chagas disease in the San Pedro de Shishita community, Pebas District, in the Peruvian Amazon basin, a non-endemic area. Both parents of the index case (acute case) were thoroughly interviewed, a seroepidemiological survey was carried out in the community, parasitological exams were carried out only in relatives of the index case, and triatomine bugs were searched for inside houses, peridomiciliary, and in wild environments. Seroprevalence for IgG anti-T. cruzi antibodies was 1/104 (0.96%), using an ELISA test and an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Panstrongylus geniculatus and Rhodnius pictipes adults were found. The index case is autochthonous from San Pedro de Shishita, but the source of transmission is unknown.O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar caso da doença de Chagas aguda na comunidade indígena de San Pedro de Shishita, sem conhecimento da origem da transmissão. San Pedro de Shishita, distrito Pebas, região da Amazônia peruana é uma área não endêmica. Foram entrevistados os pais do paciente e feito inquérito soroepidemiológico dos participantes e estudos parasitológicos da família e procurou-se também triatomíneos no ambiente doméstico, peridomiciliar e silvestre. A soroprevalência de anticorpos IgG anti-T. cruzi foi 1/ 104 (0,96%) por ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta. Foram encontrados adultos de Panstrongylus geniculatus e Rhodnius pictipe

Decadal variability 2010-2021 of zooplankton community at the Guadalquivir estuary (southern Spain)

A Long Term Ecological Research Program has been monitoring the Guadalquivir estuary meso- and macro- zooplankton community monthly since January 2010. As an important nursery area for many marine species (fish and crustacean) from the Gulf of Cadiz, whose juveniles and recruits depend on zooplankton as main prey, understanding how abiotic and biotic factors determine zooplankton community structure it´s necessary to unreveal recruitment variability. We sampled throughout the whole salinity gradient, 2 locations, the two diurnal ebb and flood tides during the new moon days using a 100 μm zooplankton net. Zooplankton community is mainly composed by copepods and mysids. While the exotic Acartia tonsa calanoid copepod is the most abundant specie by abundance, mysid Mesopodopsis slabberi contribute the most to total biomass, followed by mysids Rhopalophthalmus tartessicus and Neomysis integer. Other abundant groups were copepods Acartia bifilosa and Acartia clausii, Calanipeda aquaedulcis, Paracalanus parvus and Acanthocyclops robustus, cladocera Pleopis polyphaemoides, together with veliger larvae, Cirripeda and Ostracoda, and Decapoda larvae. About total biodiversity, we found up to 183 species, estimating a total mean Species Richness of 9.7 (minimum 2- maximum 33) per sample, mean Shannon Diversity Index 3.27, Pielou Evenness 0.50 and mean betadiversity 0.630. While copepods area abundant form fall to early spring and summer, mysid density peaks form spring to fall. Community is structured by Salinity, but Temperature, Turbidity, Nitrate, Nitrite and Dissolved Oxygen were also important variables leading spatio-temporal variability, mainly when estuary recives high freshwater discharges from Alcala del Río dam

Epidemiological investigation of an acute case of Chagas disease in an area of active transmission in Peruvian Amazon region

The study objective was to investigate an acute case of Chagas disease in the San Pedro de Shishita community, Pebas District, in the Peruvian Amazon basin, a non-endemic area. Both parents of the index case (acute case) were thoroughly interviewed, a seroepidemiological survey was carried out in the community, parasitological exams were carried out only in relatives of the index case, and triatomine bugs were searched for inside houses, peridomiciliary, and in wild environments. Seroprevalence for IgG anti-T. cruzi antibodies was 1/104 (0.96%), using an ELISA test and an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Panstrongylus geniculatus and Rhodnius pictipes adults were found. The index case is autochthonous from San Pedro de Shishita, but the source of transmission is unknown.O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar caso da doença de Chagas aguda na comunidade indígena de San Pedro de Shishita, sem conhecimento da origem da transmissão. San Pedro de Shishita, distrito Pebas, região da Amazônia peruana é uma área não endêmica. Foram entrevistados os pais do paciente e feito inquérito soroepidemiológico dos participantes e estudos parasitológicos da família e procurou-se também triatomíneos no ambiente doméstico, peridomiciliar e silvestre. A soroprevalência de anticorpos IgG anti-T. cruzi foi 1/ 104 (0,96%) por ELISA e imunofluorescência indireta. Foram encontrados adultos de Panstrongylus geniculatus e Rhodnius pictipe

Gene Prioritization through Consensus Strategy, Enrichment Methodologies Analysis, and Networking for Osteosarcoma Pathogenesis

[Abstract] Osteosarcoma is the most common subtype of primary bone cancer, affecting mostly adolescents. In recent years, several studies have focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of this sarcoma; however, its molecular etiology has still not been determined with precision. Therefore, we applied a consensus strategy with the use of several bioinformatics tools to prioritize genes involved in its pathogenesis. Subsequently, we assessed the physical interactions of the previously selected genes and applied a communality analysis to this protein–protein interaction network. The consensus strategy prioritized a total list of 553 genes. Our enrichment analysis validates several studies that describe the signaling pathways PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK as pathogenic. The gene ontology described TP53 as a principal signal transducer that chiefly mediates processes associated with cell cycle and DNA damage response It is interesting to note that the communality analysis clusters several members involved in metastasis events, such as MMP2 and MMP9, and genes associated with DNA repair complexes, like ATM, ATR, CHEK1, and RAD51. In this study, we have identified well-known pathogenic genes for osteosarcoma and prioritized genes that need to be further explored.Instituto Carlos III; PI17/01826Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2018/49Xunta de Galicia; ED431G/0