The Rapid Development of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: The case study of Mexico City and its particularities for the advancement of rights

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Movement has a long history of advocating for equal rights and non-discrimination policies for its members. Their fights, along with the strengthening of the Human Rights discourse in the last years, resulted in a rather fast evolution of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) in many parts of the world. In this context, Mexico City represents a highly interesting case to be analyzed. In less than 20 years, the local legislation has changed in favor of the LGBTQ population; laws advocating for inclusion and defense of SOGI rights are multiplying, reflecting a deep interest of Mexico City’s government on SOGI issues. However, as important as the LGBTQ movement has been in this phenomenon, it has not been the only element. The evolution of SOGI rights in Mexico City came as a result of the combination of a particular political timing and spatial elements that allowed the City to become more open and liberal than the rest of the country. Mainly, there were four elements that made this development possible: a) the contemporary international Human Rights and SOGI rights trend (deeply linked to Mexico City); b) the characteristics of Mexico City as a big urban area, reshaping sexuality and gender; c) Mexico City’s transition to democracy and the empowerment of a leftwing party in Mexico City; d) a strong tradition of secularism, keeping the Catholic Church outside the creation of laws and court decisions

Establishment of in planta transformation protocol of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through antiporter gene for improved salinity tolerance

Tomato stands as the world’s third most consumed vegetable, but its production has been suffering due to climate vulnerability, notably for saline sensitivity. Despite its economic importance, developing salinity tolerant tomato has not been prioritized lately. Current study was aimed to establish a simple and efficient Agrobacterium-mediated in planta transformation protocol to transform Na+/H+ antiporter gene into 5 Bangladeshi tomato varieties, namely BARI tomato 2, BARI tomato 3, BINA tomato 2, BINA tomato 3 and Bahar, to improve their salt tolerance, through optimization of crucial transformation factors like optical density, infection time, co-cultivation period etc. Two vectors were constructed by cloning Na+/H+ antiporter gene from Arabidopsis (pK7WG2_AtNHX1_1.6) and Rice (pK7WG2_OsNHX1_1.6) individually to gateway vector pENTR/D-TOPO and electroporated to Agrobacterium while another vector pBI121 was used as control. Non-pricked seeds were found optimum for achieving more than 90% efficiency for GUS expression and germination percentages under conditions of OD600 1.1-1.4 with 30 min of infection time followed by 24 hrs co-cultivation period during transformation using the 3 vectors. Transformed plantlets were screened through resistance to Kanamycin 50 mg/l in germination medium while Cefotaxime 100 mg/l was applied to prevent Agrobacterium overgrowth during co-cultivation. Tolerance of 100 mM NaCl for 14 days has been observed in putative transformants in Leaf Disc Bioassay. No significant morphological changes were observed during the acclimatization of putatively transformed plantlets. This established protocol is novel and can efficiently produce genotype-independent transgenic tomato plants obviating intervening tissue culture. Hence, this study provides scope for climate-resilient crop improvement to ensure nutritional security

Corticosteroids for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common muscular dystrophy of childhood. Untreated, this incurable disease, which has an X-linked recessive inheritance, is characterised by muscle wasting and loss of walking ability, leading to complete wheelchair dependence by 13 years of age. Prolongation of walking is a major aim of treatment. Evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) indicates that corticosteroids significantly improve muscle strength and function in boys with DMD in the short term (six months), and strength at two years (two-year data on function are very limited). Corticosteroids, now part of care recommendations for DMD, are largely in routine use, although questions remain over their ability to prolong walking, when to start treatment, longer-term balance of benefits versus harms, and choice of corticosteroid or regimen.We have extended the scope of this updated review to include comparisons of different corticosteroids and dosing regimens. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of corticosteroids on prolongation of walking ability, muscle strength, functional ability, and quality of life in DMD; to address the question of whether benefit is maintained over the longer term (more than two years); to assess adverse events; and to compare efficacy and adverse effects of different corticosteroid preparations and regimens. SEARCH METHODS: On 16 February 2016 we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, and LILACS. We wrote to authors of published studies and other experts. We checked references in identified trials, handsearched journal abstracts, and searched trials registries. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered RCTs or quasi-RCTs of corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, prednisolone, and deflazacort) given for a minimum of three months to patients with a definite DMD diagnosis. We considered comparisons of different corticosteroids, regimens, and corticosteroids versus placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The review authors followed standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 12 studies (667 participants) and two new ongoing studies for inclusion. Six RCTs were newly included at this update and important non-randomised cohort studies have also been published. Some important studies remain unpublished and not all published studies provide complete outcome data. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: one two-year deflazacort RCT (n = 28) used prolongation of ambulation as an outcome measure but data were not adequate for drawing conclusions. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: meta-analyses showed that corticosteroids (0.75 mg/kg/day prednisone or prednisolone) improved muscle strength and function versus placebo over six months (moderate quality evidence from up to four RCTs). Evidence from single trials showed 0.75 mg/kg/day superior to 0.3 mg/kg/day on most strength and function measures, with little evidence of further benefit at 1.5 mg/kg/day. Improvements were seen in time taken to rise from the floor (Gowers' time), timed walk, four-stair climbing time, ability to lift weights, leg function grade, and forced vital capacity. One new RCT (n = 66), reported better strength, function and quality of life with daily 0.75 mg/kg/day prednisone at 12 months. One RCT (n = 28) showed that deflazacort stabilised muscle strength versus placebo at two years, but timed function test results were too imprecise for conclusions to be drawn.One double-blind RCT (n = 64), largely at low risk of bias, compared daily prednisone (0.75 mg/kg/day) with weekend-only prednisone (5 mg/kg/weekend day), finding no overall difference in muscle strength and function over 12 months (moderate to low quality evidence). Two small RCTs (n = 52) compared daily prednisone 0.75 mg/kg/day with daily deflazacort 0.9 mg/kg/day, but study methods limited our ability to compare muscle strength or function. ADVERSE EFFECTS: excessive weight gain, behavioural abnormalities, cushingoid appearance, and excessive hair growth were all previously shown to be more common with corticosteroids than placebo; we assessed the quality of evidence (for behavioural changes and weight gain) as moderate. Hair growth and cushingoid features were more frequent at 0.75 mg/kg/day than 0.3 mg/kg/day prednisone. Comparing daily versus weekend-only prednisone, both groups gained weight with no clear difference in body mass index (BMI) or in behavioural changes (low quality evidence for both outcomes, one study); the weekend-only group had a greater linear increase in height. Very low quality evidence suggested less weight gain with deflazacort than with prednisone at 12 months, and no difference in behavioural abnormalities. Data are insufficient to assess the risk of fractures or cataracts for any comparison.Non-randomised studies support RCT evidence in showing improved functional benefit from corticosteroids. These studies suggest sustained benefit for up to 66 months. Adverse effects were common, although generally manageable. According to a large comparative longitudinal study of daily or intermittent (10 days on, 10 days off) corticosteroid for a mean period of four years, a daily regimen prolongs ambulation and improves functional scores over the age of seven, but with a greater frequency of side effects than an intermittent regimen. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Moderate quality evidence from RCTs indicates that corticosteroid therapy in DMD improves muscle strength and function in the short term (twelve months), and strength up to two years. On the basis of the evidence available for strength and function outcomes, our confidence in the effect estimate for the efficacy of a 0.75 mg/kg/day dose of prednisone or above is fairly secure. There is no evidence other than from non-randomised trials to establish the effect of corticosteroids on prolongation of walking. In the short term, adverse effects were significantly more common with corticosteroids than placebo, but not clinically severe. A weekend-only prednisone regimen is as effective as daily prednisone in the short term (12 months), according to low to moderate quality evidence from a single trial, with no clear difference in BMI (low quality evidence). Very low quality evidence indicates that deflazacort causes less weight gain than prednisone after a year's treatment. We cannot evaluate long-term benefits and hazards of corticosteroid treatment or intermittent regimens from published RCTs. Non-randomised studies support the conclusions of functional benefits, but also identify clinically significant adverse effects of long-term treatment, and a possible divergence of efficacy in daily and weekend-only regimens in the longer term. These benefits and adverse effects have implications for future research and clinical practice

Genetic Transformation of Arachis hypogaea Using Novel Genes Conferring Fungal Resistance-A Review

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) or the common ‘peanut’ is a worldwide popular, affordable food containing high protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals. Several biotic and abiotic stresses are responsible for reaching the expected production of peanuts worldwide. Especially, the fungi are the major constraints that not only hamper the production but also that is deadly health hazardous for both human consumption and poultry-livestock. Approaches from various dimensions like cultural management, diseases free cultivar development, hybridization, tissue culture, and genetic transformations have been tried to overcome such challenges. This review epitomizes the total scenario from the plant physiological basis of fungal diseases to the peanut development approaches, which aimed to develop a concrete understanding of sustainable management of peanut production. Comparisons of Genetic Engineering methods such as Agrobacterium-mediated and direct gene gun (particle bombardment- mediated) with traditional hybridization have been compiled here, furthermore, candidate genes transformed to achieve fungus-resistance in peanuts have been listed up to provide an overview. Along with, the limitations of transformation attempts and the techniques for improvisation of transformation techniques have been discussed in sustainable peanut production. This study provides, comprehensive information on fungal-resistant peanut development so that, further research in this arena could be guided in an integrated way, which may serve for the thrust of sustainable improvisation in peanut cultivation

Solid Freeform Fabrication at The University of Connecticut

Gas phase solid freeform fabrication research at The University of Connecticut focuses on two main procedures, Selective Area Laser Deposition (SALD) and Selective Area Laser Deposition Vapor Infiltration (SALDVI). A SFF research laboratory is under construction at UCONN, with two new operation systems. These systems possess temperature control, data acquisition capabilities, in-situ video monitoring, and the ability to fabricate SALDVI parts up to four inches wide by four inches long. The procurement of a harmonic generating Nd:YAG six watt laser, capable of producing output at 532, 355, and 266 nanometer wavelengths, as well as a coupled effort with the Photonics Center at the University providing laser diodes at a variety of wavelengths, presents the opportunity to explore interactions involved in gas reactions driven by lasers. Investigations of material systems will include ceramic carbides, nitrides, and their composites, as well as metals.Mechanical Engineerin

Effect of Long-Range Corrections on Intermolecular Interactions and Vibrational Assignments of Ethylene Oxide Dimer. A Combined DFT and SQFF Study

Theoretical structural and vibrational study for the ethylene oxide dimer have been performed by using the experimental structure determined by X-ray diffraction, the vibrational spectra and, the functional hybrids B3LYP/6-311++G** and WB97XD/6-311++G** methods. Here, the effects of dispersion on intermolecular interactions and on complete assignments of infrared and Raman spectra of dimer have been performed combining the Pulay´s scaled quantum mechanical force field (SQMFF) methodology with those two levels of calculations in order to fit the theoretical wavenumbers values to the experimental ones. Calculations including long-range corrections have revealed similar optimized energy, volume and frequencies to calculated with the B3LYP/6-31G* method, lower correlations in the geometrical parameters, higher stabilization energy, higher values in the topological parameters and higher scaled force constants than the obtained at B3LYP/6-311++G** level. Natural bond order (NBO) and atoms in molecules theory (AIM) studies with both methods reveal two types of intermolecular interactions (C-O···H and C-O···O) in the ethylene oxide dimer in accordance with the bands observed in the experimental Raman spectrum at low temperatures and with the experimental structure determined at 100 K. The nature of those interactions and their topological properties were studied by using NBO and AIM calculations. The studied properties for the ethylene oxide dimer were analyzed and compared with those obtained for the monomer. Similar assignments of the vibrational modes for dimer were obtained using the three different methods

The NorthStar Ambulatory Assessment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: considerations for the design of clinical trials.

With the emergence of experimental therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), it is fundamental to understand the natural history of this disorder to properly design clinical trials. The aims of this study were to assess the effects produced on motor function by different DMD genotypes and early initiation of glucocorticoids

Impact of Different Groups on Properties of All Members of the Series of 1-X-Benzotriazole Derivatives (X= H, OH, NH2, Cl and CH3)

Here, the impact of different groups on the geometrical parameters, dipole moments, atomic charges, stabilization and solvation energies, molecular electrostatic potentials, densities rings, positions IR and UV bands and NMR chemical shifts of all members of the series of 1X-benzotriazole derivatives (X= H, CH3, Cl, NH2 and OH) have been investigated by using hybrid B3LYP/6-311++G** calculations because, so far, correlations among their properties neither the vibrational analyses are reported yet. The polarity of N-X bonds, electronegativity, donor/acceptor characteristics of the different X groups were analysed for all members. The polarity of N1-X4 bonds have influence on dipole moments, volumes and on bond lengths of both rings while the chlorinated derivative has a higher reactivity due to its higher global electrophilicity index. NBO and AIM studies reveal the strong influence of Cl on densities of both rings of CBT and, on this derivative. Harmonic force fields evidence very good correlations between stretching force constants and assignments

Theoretical Investigation on Monomer and Dimers of Inhibitor of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: 1-Aminobenzotriazole

In this research, structures and properties of monomer and two dimers (1 and 2) of inhibitor of cytochrome P450 enzymes, 1-Aminobenzotriazole (ABT) have been studied by using functional hybrid B3LYP/6-311++G** calculations. The very good correlations observed between theoretical and experimental 1H-, 13C-NMR, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra suggest that C-H···N interactions of dimeric species should be expected in the solid phase, as was observed in the experimental crystalline structure of a quinolin benzotriazole derivative. NBO and AIM calculations suggest that dimer 2 with inverted positions of its monomers could be present in the solid phase because it evidence higher stabilities in both media. On the other hand, frontier orbitals studies support a higher reactivity of dimer 2 of ABT higher than the monomer and dimer 1, for which, the presence of dimer 2 containing N-NH2 groups in ABT could justify the biological activities observed for this species with gap values between 4.5933 and 4.8164 eV different from antiviral agents containing the C-NH2 moiety, as amantadine and chloroquine whose gap values are around 4.3012-4.1116 eV. Finally, the presence of bands of monomer and of both dimers are predicted in the vibrational spectra and, hence, its completes assignments have been performed. The scaled force constants for the three studied species are also reported