Buenos Aires in carnival: corsos in Villa Devoto neighborhood in the 1930s

Este artículo indaga las celebraciones de carnaval en la Buenos Aires de los años treinta, tomando como caso de estudio los corsos realizados en el barrio de Villa Devoto. Examinamos, por un lado, la morfología de las celebraciones y el papel de las asociaciones barriales en su organización y analizamos, por otro lado, las negociaciones que se libraron entre la Municipalidad, las asociaciones vecinales y los habitantes de Villa Devoto para llevar a cabo dicho festejo.This article inquires into the carnival celebrations in the 1930s Buenos Aires, taking as a case study the corsos wich were carried out in Villa Devoto neighborhood. We examined, on the one hand, the morphology of the celebrations and the role of the neighbour associations in their organization. On the other hand, we analyze the negotiations held between the Municipality, the neighbour associations and the inhabitants from Villa Devoto to carry out these celebrations.Fil: Cubilla, Erica. Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento; Argentin

HPV infection and immunochemical detection of cell-cycle markers in verrucous carcinoma of the penis

Penile verrucous carcinoma is a rare disease and little is known of its aetiology or pathogenesis. In this study we examined cell-cycle proteins expression and correlation with human papillomavirus infection in a series of 15 pure penile verrucous carcinomas from a single centre. Of 148 penile tumours, 15 (10%) were diagnosed as pure verrucous carcinomas. The expression of the cell-cycle-associated proteins p53, p21, RB, p16INK4A and Ki67 were examined by immunohistochemistry. Human papillomavirus infection was determined by polymerase chain reaction to identify a wide range of virus types. The expression of p16INK4A and Ki67 was significantly lower in verrucous carcinoma than in usual type squamous cell carcinoma, whereas the expression of p53, p21 and RB was not significantly different. p53 showed basal expression in contrast to usual type squamous cell carcinoma. Human papillomavirus infection was present in only 3 out of 13 verrucous carcinomas. Unique low-risk, high-risk and mixed viral infections were observed in each of the three cases. In conclusion, lower levels of p16INK4A and Ki67 expressions differentiate penile verrucous carcinoma from usual type squamous cell carcinoma. The low Ki67 index reflects the slow-growing nature of verrucous tumours. The low level of p16INK4A expression and human papillomavirus detection suggests that penile verrucous carcinoma pathogenesis is unrelated to human papillomavirus infection and the oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes classically altered by virus infection.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

External quarantine of artiodactils wildlife from Namibia to Cuba

In Cuba for several years not imported wild animals from the African continent and this important donation was received from Namibia called Noah?s Ark II, considered the largest held in the country?s history. The present study shows the results of external quarantine of the 8 species of artiodactyls introduced in the country and with final destination at the National Zoo Park. Artiodactyls species were identified as African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Cape Eland (Taurotragus oryx), Roan Antelope (Hippotragus equinus), Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), Hartebeest (Alcelaphus lichtensteinii), Gemsbok or Oryx (Oryx gazella), Impala (Aepyceros melampus) and Springbok (Antidorcas marsupiales). One hundred nine animals were investigated against 20 diseases. The laboratory results showed that 74.3% of all animals in quarantine were negative for 15 of the 20 diseases, 4% trypanosomiasis suspects and 22% positive for bluetongue, theileriosis, anaplasmosis and epizootic hemorrhagic disease. Sex relating these results showed that the highest percentage of negative animals appeared in populations with 77% females, while in males was lower with 69%. Arrived in the country a total of 59 adults and 5 calf Springbok meeting with the evaluate aspects and points made in the import protocol, so as apparently healthy animals and serologically negative to diseases of interestFil: Bolaños, R. Dirección Provincial La Habana. Instituto de Medicina Veterinaria (IMV). Departamento de Cuarentena Animal y Control de Comercio Internacional. La Habana, CubaFil: Cubilla, S. Parque Zoológico Nacional de Cuba (PZN). La Habana, CubaFil: Hernández, O.I. Dirección Provincial La Habana. Instituto de Medicina Veterinaria (IMV). Departamento de Cuarentena Animal y Control de Comercio Internacional. La Habana, CubaFil: Abeledo, M.A. Centro Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (CENSA). CubaEn Cuba desde hace varios años no se importaban animales salvajes desde el continente africano y esta importante donación recibida desde Namibia ha sido denominada Arca de Noé II, considerada la mayor realizada en la historia del país. El presente estudio muestra los resultados obtenidos en la cuarentena externa de las 8 especies de artiodáctilos introducidas en el territorio nacional y con destino final al Parque Zoológico Nacional. Las especies de artiodáctilos fueron identificadas como Búfalo Africano (Syncerus caffer), Eland del Cabo (Taurotragus oryx), Antílope Roan (Hippotragus equinus), Gran Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), Hartebeest (Alcelaphus lichtensteinii), Gemsbok o Oryx (Oryx gazella), Impala (Aepyceros melampus) y Springbok (Antidorcas marsupiales). Se investigaron 109 animales contra 20 enfermedades. Los resultados de laboratorio arrojaron que el 74.3% del total de los animales en cuarentena fueron negativos a 15 de las 20 enfermedades, el 4% sospechosos a tripanosomiasis y el 22% positivos a lengua azul, teileriosis, anaplasmosis y enfermedad hemorrágica epizoótica. Al relacionar el sexo en estos resultados observamos que el mayor por ciento de animales negativos se presentó en las poblaciones de hembras con un 77%, mientras que en los machos fue inferior con 69%. Arribaron al país un total de 59 artiodáctilos adultos y 5 crías de Springbok cumpliendo con los aspectos evaluados y puntos establecidos en el protocolo de importación, así como animales aparentemente sanos y serológicamente negativos a las enfermedades de interés

The retinoblastoma protein/p16INK4A pathway but not p53 is disrupted by human papillomavirus in penile squamous cell carcinoma

Aims: The pathogenesis of penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is not well understood. Human papillomavirus (HPV) may be involved in carcinogenesis, but few studies have compared cell-cycle protein expression in HPV positive and negative cancers. The aim was to determine the extent of HPV infection in different histological subtypes of PSCC and its impact on the expression of key cell-cycle proteins: p53, p21, p16INK4A and retinoblastoma (RB) protein. Methods and results: One hundred and forty-eight PSCC samples were examined immunohistochemically for RB, p16INK4A, p53 and p21 protein expression. One hundred and two cases were typed for HPV by PCR. HPV DNA was detected in 56% of tumours, with HPV16 present in 81%. Basaloid tumours were related strongly to HPV infection (10 of 13), while verrucous were not (three of 13). Fifty-nine per cent (38 of 64) of usual type SCCs had HPV infection. RB protein correlated negatively (P<0.0001) and p16INK4A (P<0.0001) and p21 (P=0.0002) correlated positively with HPV infection. p53 did not correlate with HPV infection. Conclusions: HPV infection is present in more than half of penile cancers and it is responsible for RB pathway disruption. However, no link between HPV and p53 immunodetection was found. Only basaloid and half of usual-type PSSCs correlate with HPV infection, confirming possible separate aetiologies for those tumours.Peer reviewedSubmitted Versio

Didactic Strategies in Biology Residency Practices: A Methodological Proposal Based on the Teaching for Understanding Framework

El marco conceptual de la Enseñanza para la Comprensión, permite afrontar la formación docente con una mirada diferente, fortaleciendo el desarrollo de aspectos centrales de la práctica docente. En este contexto, nos propusimos implementar un cambio gradual en la formación de los futuros profesores en Biología, en el marco de la asignatura Didáctica de la Biología y Práctica de Residencia (FACENA-UNNE). Presentamos la propuesta didáctica utilizada para la enseñanza de uno de los temas centrales del programa: “Estrategias Didácticas”. Su implementación permitió evidenciar los siguientes aspectos positivos: mayor compromiso de los alumnos con la tarea, aumento de su capacidad de autorreflexión y de comunicación de opiniones, identificación de los propios logros y debilidades y desarrollo de una actitud crítica.The Teaching for Understanding Framework makes teacher training different, strengthening the development of central aspects in teaching practice. Applying this framework, we implemented gradual changes in the regular training of future biology teachers, in the Didactics of Biology and Practice Residency course (FACENA-UNNE). We introduced the didactic proposal used for teaching one of main topics of the course program: “Didactic Strategies”. Its implementation allowed us to demonstrate the following positive aspects: higher students’ task engagement, increased capacity for self-reflection and communication of opinions, better identification of their own achievements and failings, and evolution of a critical thinking attitude.Fil: Obregón, Sandra María Teresita. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Naturales y Agrimensura; ArgentinaFil: Armúa de Reyes, Aurora Cristina. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agrimensura. Departamento de Biología; ArgentinaFil: Soto Oca, María Helena. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Naturales y Agrimensura; ArgentinaFil: Cubilla, María Victoria. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agrimensura. Departamento de Biología; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez, Viridiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia". Estación Biológica de Usos Múltiples (Sede Corrientes); Argentin

Mifepristone, a blocker of glucocorticoid receptors, promotes photoreceptor death

PURPOSE: Glucocorticoids are best known by their protective effect on retinal photoreceptor damage. However, they could also be involved in photoreceptor homeostasis under basal, nonstressful conditions. Therefore, we aimed to study glucocorticoid-induced changes of survival-related molecules in male mice retinas under standard illumination conditions (12 hours light, ≤ 60 lux/12 h dark). METHODS: Male Balb-c mice were injected with dexamethasone (DEX), a selective glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) agonist, its antagonist mifepristone (MFP), or both drugs (D+M) at noon. A group of mice was subjected to surgical adrenalectomy (AdrX). Retinas were studied by histology, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL procedure, and Western blotting at different periods after pharmacological or surgical intervention (6 hours, 48 hours, or 7 days). RESULTS: The antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-X(L) significantly increased 6 hours after DEX injection. By contrast, this molecule could no longer be found after MFP injection. At the same time, high levels of cleaved caspase-3 (CC-3) and Bax appeared in retinal extracts, and TUNEL(+) nuclei selectively showed in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). After MFP, retinal extracts also contained phosphorylated histone H2AX (p-H2AX), a marker of DNA breakage and repair. Loss of ONL nuclear rows and decrease of rhodopsin levels were evident 7 days after MFP administration. These changes were minimized when DEX was given together with MFP (D+M). In the absence of MFP, DEX increased Bcl-X(L) in every retinal layer, with a marked intensification in photoreceptor inner segments. Numerous TUNEL(+) nuclei rapidly appeared in the ONL after AdrX. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of MFP induced selective photoreceptor damage in the absence of other environmental stressors. Because damage was prevented by DEX, and was reproduced by AdrX, our findings suggest that glucocorticoids play a critical role in photoreceptor survival.Fil: Cubilla, Marisa Angélica. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Bermúdez, Vicente. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Marquioni Ramella, Melisa Daniela. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Bachor, Tomás Pedro. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Suburo, Angela Maria. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Islet Cannabinoid Receptors Cellular Distribution and Biological Function

Objectives: To determine the cellular distribution of islet cannabinoid receptors (CBs) and their involvement in the development of metabolic and hormonal changes in rats fed a fructose-rich diet (F). Methods: In normal rat islets, we determined CBs (immunofluorescence and RT-PCR) and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) of isolated islets incubated with the CB1 antagonist rimonabant (R) and/or different CBs agonists. In 3-week F-fed rats, we determined the in vivo effect of R upon serum glucose, triglyceride and insulin levels, HOMA-IR, GSIS and CBs and IRS gene expression levels (real-time PCR). Results: CBs appeared exclusively in islet α-cells. Whereas different CBs agonists enhanced GSIS in normal rat islets, R did not affect it. F rats had higher serum triglyceride and insulin levels and HOMA-IR than control rats; these alterations were prevented by R coadministration. Although R did not correct the increased GSIS observed in F islets, it modulated CBs and IRS gene expression. Conclusion: Islet CBs would exert an important modulatory role in metabolic homeostasis. Administration of R and F affected islet CBs expression and prevented the development of Finduced metabolic impairment. Selective islet CB1 blockers could be useful to prevent/treat the alterations induced by the intake of unbalanced/unhealthy diets.Fil: Gagliardino, Juan Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Flores, Luis Emilio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada (i); ArgentinaFil: Alzugaray, Maria Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico la Plata; ArgentinaFil: Cubilla, Marisa Angelica. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Raschia, Maria A.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata; ArgentinaFil: del Zotto, Hector Herminio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Román, Carolina Lisi. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnológico La Plata. Centro de Endocrinologia Experimental y Aplicada (i); ArgentinaFil: Suburo, Angela Maria. Universidad Austral. Facultad de Ciencias Biomedicas; Argentin

Fuentes sobre el comercio y el consumo en la Buenos Aires de entreguerras: periódicos, revistas y boletines de las asociaciones barriales

This article analyzes, first, the relevance and circulation of the neighborhood press in the city of Buenos Aires in the interwar period. Second, it tries to highlight the usefulness of these sources for the study of neighborhood commerce. In this sense, we affirm that, through the neighborhood press and its publicity, the retail commercial framework and the daily consumption practices of the inhabitants of Buenos Aires can be investigated. In this way, based on the analysis of different available neighborhood press media, we intend to highlight new aspects of these sources as fundamental tools for economic and socio-cultural history.Este artículo analiza, en primer lugar, la relevancia y circulación de la prensa barrial en la ciudad de Buenos Aires en el período de entreguerras. En segundo lugar, procura resaltar la utilidad de estas fuentes para el estudio del comercio barrial a través de la publicidad. En este sentido, afirmamos que, a través de la prensa barrial y su publicidad, puede indagarse el entramado comercial minorista y comenzar a vislumbrar las prácticas de consumo cotidiano de las y los habitantes porteños. De este modo, a partir del análisis de diferentes medios de prensa barrial disponibles pretendemos destacar nuevas aristas de estas fuentes como herramientas fundamentales para la historia económica y socio cultural