Surfactants: physicochemical interactions with biological macromolecules

Macromolecules are essential cellular components in biological systems responsible for performing a large number of functions that are necessary for growth and perseverance of living organisms. Proteins, lipids and carbohydrates are three major classes of biological macromolecules. To predict the structure, function, and behaviour of any cluster of macromolecules, it is necessary to understand the interaction between them and other components through basic principles of chemistry and physics. An important number of macromolecules are present in mixtures with surfactants, where a combi- nation of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions is responsible for the specific properties of any solution. It has been demonstrated that surfactants can help the formation of helices in some proteins thereby promot- ing protein structure formation. On the other hand, there is extensive research towards the use of surfac- tants to solubilize drugs and pharmaceuticals; there- fore, it is evident that the interaction between surfactants with macromolecules is important for many applications which includes environmental processes and the pharmaceutical industry. In this review, we describe the properties of different types of surfactants that are relevant for their physicochemical interactions with biological macromolecules, from macromolecules–surfactant complexes to hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions

Situación del mercado internacional de commodities agroalimentarios en los albores del siglo XXI

LIBRO: LA CRISIS ALIMENTARIA Y LA SALUD EN MÉXICO. EDITADO POR CASTELLANO EDITORES Y UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DEL ESTADO DE MÉXICOEn el comienzo del presente siglo, el periodo de precios bajos en los mercados internacionales de commodities agroalimentarios se terminó, luego se entró a uno de fluctuaciones más frecuentes en dichos precios. El objetivo de la investigación es analizar la situación del mercado internacional de commodities agroalimentarias durante la primera década del siglo XXI, en específico el maíz, la soya y el trigo. Por ello se abordan el papel relevante del sector agroalimentario en una economía y una sociedad, además, los cambios que han existido en los agroalimentos durante el siglo XX. La metodología de apoyo es el estudio de la estructura de mercado de dichos productos agrícolas. Los resultados permiten entender la situación de concentración del mercado así como la situación de la oferta y la demanda internacionales. Se concluye que es un mercado en oligopolio y que existen factores de diversa índole que inciden en éste, desde lo demográfico hasta lo ambiental

SIRT2 Inhibition Rescues Neurodegenerative Pathology but Increases Systemic Inflammation in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) has been proposed to have a central role on aging, inflammation, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases; however, its specific function remains controversial. Recent studies propose SIRT2 pharmacological inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Surprisingly, none of these published studies regarding the potential interest of SIRT2 inhibition has assessed the peripheral adverse side consequences of this treatment. In this study, we demonstrate that the specific SIRT2 inhibitor, the compound 33i, does not exhibit genotoxic or mutagenic properties. Moreover, pharmacological treatment with 33i, improved cognitive dysfunction and long-term potentiation, reducing amyloid pathology and neuroinflammation in the APP/PS1 AD mouse model. However, this treatment increased peripheral levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF, IL-6 and MCP-1. Accordingly, peripheral SIRT2 inhibition with the blood brain barrier impermeable compound AGK-2, worsened the cognitive capacities and increased systemic inflammation. The analysis of human samples revealed that SIRT2 is increased in the brain but not in the serum of AD patients. These results suggest that, although SIRT2 pharmacological inhibition may have beneficial consequences in neurodegenerative diseases, its pharmacological inhibition at the periphery would not be recommended and the systemic adverse side effects should be considered. This information is essential to maximize the therapeutic potential of SIRT2 inhibition not only for AD but also for other neurodegenerative diseases. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. This research was funded by FEDER/Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades Agencia Estatal de Investigación/ Project (SAF2017-87595-R and PID2020-119729 GB-100)

3D collagen migration patterns reveal a SMAD3-dependent and TGF-β1-independent mechanism of recruitment for tumour-associated fibroblasts in lung adenocarcinoma

The TGF-β1 transcription factor SMAD3 is epigenetically repressed in tumour-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) from lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) but not adenocarcinoma (ADC) patients, which elicits a compensatory increase in SMAD2 that renders SCC-TAFs less fibrotic. Here we examined the effects of altered SMAD2/3 in fibroblast migration and its impact on the desmoplastic stroma formation in lung cancer.We used a microfluidic device to examine descriptors of early protrusions and subsequent migration in 3D collagen gels upon knocking down SMAD2 or SMAD3 by shRNA in control fibroblasts and TAFs.High SMAD3 conditions as in shSMAD2 fibroblasts and ADC-TAFs exhibited a migratory advantage in terms of protrusions (fewer and longer) and migration (faster and more directional) selectively without TGF-β1 along with Erk1/2 hyperactivation. This enhanced migration was abrogated by TGF-β1 as well as low glucose medium and the MEK inhibitor Trametinib. In contrast, high SMAD2 fibroblasts were poorly responsive to TGF-β1, high glucose and Trametinib, exhibiting impaired migration in all conditions.The basal migration advantage of high SMAD3 fibroblasts provides a straightforward mechanism underlying the larger accumulation of TAFs previously reported in ADC compared to SCC. Moreover, our results encourage using MEK inhibitors in ADC-TAFs but not SCC-TAFs.© 2022. The Author(s)

Évaluation de la quantité et la qualité des eaux de ruissellement pour les systèmes modulaires de toiture végétalisée extensive

Colloque avec actes et comité de lecture. Internationale.International audienc

Sistema acuapónico con humedal subsuperficial para producción de carpa (Cyprinus carpio L.), fresa (Fragaria x ananassa (Duchesne ex Weston) y canola (Brassica napus L.)

Objective: a greenhouse pilot aquaponic system was installed, operated, and evaluated to produce carps-strawberry-canola. Design / methodology / approach: the proposed aquaponics system was made of 4 modules: 1) module for the production of carp (Cyprinus Carpio comunis), 2) hydroponic module, deep flow type for the production of duckweed (Lemna minor L.) used to feed the carps, 3) hydroponic module for the strawberry production (Fragaria × ananassa), 4) hydroponic module with substrate (medium gravel) for the canola production (Brassica napus). The carps (Cyprinus carpio) had an average weight of 0.92 g at the beginning of the study (July 2018), the density was 500 carps/ 0.7 m3 of water. From September to December, a sample of 5% was taken to quantify their growth (length and weight) employing a Vernier, and a triple beam balance (OHAUS®). The carps were fed only with duckweed (Lemna minor L.). The carps were fed daily with 1.5% of duckweed as fresh matter concerning the average live weight of the 500 carps. Module 2 had an area of ??0.26 m2. The dry matter of duckweed was quantified using a PVC cylinder that had an area of ??0.010 m2, and then the fresh sample was weighed and dried at 105º C until constant weight. Module 3 (0.42 m2) had 23 plants in a vegetative state, the growth of 5 plants was evaluated by measuring the size of the root (cm), the height of the plant (cm), the length and width of the leaves (cm) and the foliar area (cm2). Module 4 had 0.42 m2, canola seed was sown at a density of 1.2 g/m2 that represented 185 seedlings. The growth of 9 plants was evaluated by measuring the same variables of strawberry plants. Results: in module 1, an average weight per carp of 17.7 g was obtained, representing an average weight increase of 16.8 g in the period from September to December. Module 2 produced 12 kg of duckweed in a fresh basis with 5.6% of dry matter. duckweed production was maintained using the nutrients from the effluent of module 1. In module 3, it was observed that strawberry plants presented an increase of 2.5 g in the fresh weight, 1 cm in root size, 0.9 cm in plant height, 0.2 cm in leaf length, 0.2 cm in leaf width and 0.4 cm2 in the leaf area. In module 4, there was an increase of 8.1 g in plant height, 0.2 cm in the leaf length, 0.2 cm in the leaf width and 0.1 cm2 in the leaf area. Limitations of the study/ implications: for the canola crop, only results of the vegetative growth were reported. For the carps, only three months were reported. However, there was evidence of the feasibility of the system. Findings/ Conclusions: an aquaponic system was installed, operated, and evaluated to produce carps-strawberry-canola. The duckweed was the only source of dry matter for carps. The effluent from the carp module provided nutrients for strawberry growth, bearing fruits of the right color. Canola plants developed adequately, although they had a purple color on the leaves, indicating a possible phosphorus deficiency.Objetivo: se instaló, opero y evaluó un sistema acuapónico piloto bajo invernadero para la producción de carpa-fresa-canola utilizando lenteja de agua como única fuente de alimento. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: el sistema acuapónico propuesto consistió en 4 módulos: 1) módulo para la producción de carpa (Cyprinus Carpio comunis), 2) módulo hidropónico tipo flujo profundo para la producción de lenteja de agua (Lemna minor L.) que se utilizó para alimentar a las carpas, 3) módulo hidropónico tipo raíz flotante para el cultivo de fresa (Fragaria × ananassa), 4) módulo hidropónico con sustrato (grava media) para el cultivo de canola (Brassica napus). En el módulo 1 se crio carpa (Cyprinus carpio) con peso promedio inicial de 0.92 g, a una densidad de 500 peces/0.7 m3 de agua en el mes de julio de 2018. De septiembre a diciembre del mismo año se tomó una muestra del 5% de la población para medir su crecimiento (longitud y peso) empleando un vernier de campo, y se obtuvo el peso (g) por carpa con una balanza granataria. Las carpas se alimentaron solamente con lenteja de agua (Lemna minor L.), se les ofreció 1.5% de peso fresco de Lemna con respecto al peso promedio de las 500 carpas. El módulo 2 tuvo un área de 0.26 m2, se cuantifico la producción de materia seca de la lenteja de agua mediante un cilindro de PVC con un área de 0.010 m2, la muestra fresca se pesó al momento del muestreo y posteriormente se secó a 105º C hasta peso constante. En el módulo 3 de 0.42 m2 se cultivaron 23 plantas de fresa en estado vegetativo, se monitoreó el crecimiento de 5 plantas mediante la medición del tamaño de la raíz (cm), la altura de la planta (cm), el largo y ancho de las hojas (cm) y el área foliar. El módulo 4 tuvo una superficie de 0.42 m2, se sembró semilla de canola a una densidad de 1.2 g/m2 que representó 185 plántulas. Se monitorio el crecimiento de 9 plantas y se evaluaron las mismas variables para las plantas de fresa.   Resultados: en el módulo 1 se obtuvo un peso promedio por carpa de 17.7 g representando un incremento de peso promedio de 16.8 g en el periodo de septiembre a diciembre. En el módulo 2 se produjo 12 kg de lenteja de agua fresca en un área de 0.26 m2 con 5.6% de materia seca. La producción de lenteja de agua se mantuvo utilizando los nutrientes del efluente del módulo 1. En el módulo 3 se observó que las plantas de fresa se adaptaron al sistema hidropónico tipo raíz flotante. En promedio se cuantifico un incremento de 2.5 g en el peso fresco de la planta, 1 cm en el tamaño de raíz, 0.9 cm en la altura de planta, 0.2 cm en el largo de hoja, 0.2 cm en el ancho de hoja y 0.4 cm2 en el área foliar. En el módulo 4 se cuantifico en promedio un incremento de 8.1 g en la altura de planta, 0.2 cm en el largo de hoja, 0.2 cm en el ancho hoja y 0.1 cm en el área foliar. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: se reportan resultados del crecimiento vegetativo para la canola, para las carpas solamente se reporta el crecimiento en tres meses, no obstante, se muestra evidencia de la factibilidad del sistema. Hallazgos/conclusiones: se instaló, operó y evaluó un sistema acuapónico recirculante para la producción de carpa-fresa-canola. La lenteja de agua funcionó como la única fuente de alimento para el crecimiento de la carpa. El efluente del módulo carpa proporcionó nutrientes para el crecimiento de la fresa, dando frutos de buen color. Las plantas de canola se desarrollaron adecuadamente, aunque presentaron un color purpura en las hojas, lo que indicó una posible deficiencia de fosforo

Nitrogen and Phosphorous Retention in Tropical Eutrophic Reservoirs with Water Level Fluctuations: A Case Study Using Mass Balances on a Long-Term Series

Nitrogen and phosphorous loading drives eutrophication of aquatic systems. Lakes and reservoirs are often effective N and P sinks, but the variability of their biogeochemical dynamics is still poorly documented, particularly in tropical systems. To contribute to the extending of information on tropical reservoirs and to increase the insight on the factors affecting N and P cycling in aquatic ecosystems, we here report on a long-term N and P mass balance (2003–2018) in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, which showed that this tropical eutrophic reservoir lake acts as a net sink of N (−41.7 g N m y) and P (−2.7 g P m y), mainly occurring through net sedimentation, equivalent to 181% and 68% of their respective loading (23.0 g N m y and 4.2 g P m y). The N mass balance also showed that the Valle de Bravo reservoir has a high net N atmospheric influx (31.6 g N m y), which was 1.3 times the external load and likely dominated by N fixation. P flux was driven mainly by external load, while in the case of N, net fixation also contributed. During a period of high water level fluctuations, the net N atmospheric flux decreased by 50% compared to high level years. Our results outlining water regulation can be used as a useful management tool of water bodies, by decreasing anoxic conditions and net atmospheric fluxes, either through decreasing nitrogen fixation and/or promoting denitrification and other microbial processes that alleviate the N load. These findings also sustain the usefulness of long-term mass balances to assess biogeochemical dynamics and its variability.This research was funded by UNAM, PAPIIT-IN207702 and CONACYT-SEMARNAT, C01-1125 projects to M.M-

VAMOS: a Pathfinder for the HAWC Gamma-Ray Observatory

VAMOS was a prototype detector built in 2011 at an altitude of 4100m a.s.l. in the state of Puebla, Mexico. The aim of VAMOS was to finalize the design, construction techniques and data acquisition system of the HAWC observatory. HAWC is an air-shower array currently under construction at the same site of VAMOS with the purpose to study the TeV sky. The VAMOS setup included six water Cherenkov detectors and two different data acquisition systems. It was in operation between October 2011 and May 2012 with an average live time of 30%. Besides the scientific verification purposes, the eight months of data were used to obtain the results presented in this paper: the detector response to the Forbush decrease of March 2012, and the analysis of possible emission, at energies above 30 GeV, for long gamma-ray bursts GRB111016B and GRB120328B.Comment: Accepted for pubblication in Astroparticle Physics Journal (20 pages, 10 figures). Corresponding authors: A.Marinelli and D.Zaboro

Analytical Performance of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay Using TaqMan Probes for Quantification of Trypanosoma cruzi Satellite DNA in Blood Samples

Background: The analytical validation of sensitive, accurate and standardized Real-Time PCR methods for Trypanosoma cruzi quantification is crucial to provide a reliable laboratory tool for diagnosis of recent infections as well as for monitoring treatment efficacy. Methods/Principal Findings: We have standardized and validated a multiplex Real-Time quantitative PCR assay (qPCR) based on TaqMan technology, aiming to quantify T. cruzi satellite DNA as well as an internal amplification control (IAC) in a single-tube reaction. IAC amplification allows rule out false negative PCR results due to inhibitory substances or loss of DNA during sample processing. The assay has a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.70 parasite equivalents/mL and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.53 parasite equivalents/mL starting from non-boiled Guanidine EDTA blood spiked with T. cruzi CLBrener stock. The method was evaluated with blood samples collected from Chagas disease patients experiencing different clinical stages and epidemiological scenarios: 1- Sixteen Venezuelan patients from an outbreak of oral transmission, 2- Sixty three Bolivian patients suffering chronic Chagas disease, 3- Thirty four Argentinean cases with chronic Chagas disease, 4- Twenty seven newborns to seropositive mothers, 5- A seronegative receptor who got infected after transplantation with a cadaveric kidney explanted from an infected subject. Conclusions/Significance: The performing parameters of this assay encourage its application to early assessment of T. cruzi infection in cases in which serological methods are not informative, such as recent infections by oral contamination or congenital transmission or after transplantation with organs from seropositive donors, as well as for monitoring Chagas disease patients under etiological treatment.Fil: Duffy, Tomas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones En Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Cura, Carolina Inés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Ramírez, Juan C.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Abate, Teresa. Universidad Central de Venezuela. Instituto de Medicina Tropical; VenezuelaFil: Cayo, Nelly M.. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Instituto de Biologia de la Altura; ArgentinaFil: Parrado, Rudy. Universidad San Simón; BoliviaFil: Diaz Bello, Zoraida. Universidad Central de Venezuela. Instituto de Medicina Tropical; VenezuelaFil: Velazquez, Elsa Beatriz. Dirección Nacional de Instituto de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Instituto de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Parasitología; ArgentinaFil: Muñoz Calderón, Arturo. Universidad Central de Venezuela. Instituto de Medicina Tropical; VenezuelaFil: Juiz, Natalia Anahí. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Basile, Joaquín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Garcia, Lineth. Universidad San Simón; BoliviaFil: Riarte, Adelina. Dirección Nacional de Instituto de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Instituto de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Parasitología; ArgentinaFil: Nasser, Julio Rubén. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Ocampo, Susana B.. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Instituto de Biologia de la Altura; ArgentinaFil: Yadon, Zaida E.. Pan-American Health Organization; Estados UnidosFil: Torrico, Faustino. Universidad San Simón; BoliviaFil: Alarcón de Noya, Belkisyole. Universidad Central de Venezuela. Instituto de Medicina Tropical; VenezuelaFil: Ribeiro, Isabela. Drugs and Neglected Diseases Initiative; SuizaFil: Schijman, Alejandro Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular; Argentin