A Bioinformatics Approach for Detecting Repetitive Nested Motifs using Pattern Matching

The identification of nested motifs in genomic sequences is a complex computational problem. The detection of these patterns is important to allow discovery of transposable element (TE) insertions, incomplete reverse transcripts, deletions, and/or mutations. Here, we designed a de novo strategy for detecting patterns that represent nested motifs based on exhaustive searches for pairs of motifs and combinatorial pattern analysis. These patterns can be grouped into three categories: motifs within other motifs, motifs flanked by other motifs, and motifs of large size. Our methodology, applied to genomic sequences from the plant species Aegilops tauschii and Oryza sativa, revealed that it is possible to find putative nested TEs by detecting these three types of patterns. The results were validated though BLAST alignments, which revealed the efficacy and usefulness of the new method, which we call Mamushka.Fil: Romero, José Rodolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; ArgentinaFil: Carballido, Jessica Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Cs. E Ingeniería de la Computacion; ArgentinaFil: Garbus, Ingrid. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; ArgentinaFil: Echenique, Carmen Viviana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Centro de Recursos Naturales Renovables de la Zona Semiárida; ArgentinaFil: Ponzoni, Ignacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Cs. E Ingeniería de la Computacion; Argentin

Kindergarten and Primary School children talk about teaching children to write

En las últimas décadas numerosos estudios se han preocupado por las condiciones de aprendizaje y enseñanza propicias para que los niños internalicen los usos, funciones y convenciones de la lengua escrita. Proponemos que la investigación de estos temas podría enriquecerse también al integrar qué piensan los niños acerca de los contenidos y modos de su enseñanza. Para ello estudiamos el desarrollo de las concepciones infantiles acerca de la enseñanza de la escritura durante el curso de la escolaridad inicial y primaria, indagando cómo los niños dan cuenta del contenido de la enseñanza, la actividad del enseñante y la del aprendiz. Entrevistamos individualmente a 160 alumnos de escuelas públicas en Argentina, distribuidos en forma pareja en preescolar y los siete grados de educación primaria. Las preguntas que se analizan en este trabajo son: ¿Cómo te enseñaron a escribir? y ¿cómo le enseñarías a escribir a un/a nene/a como vos, de tu misma edad, que no aprendió y quiere aprender? Cuando ya va aprendiendo eso, ¿cómo le seguís enseñando? ¿Y después? Las entrevistas fueron grabadas y transcritas textualmente. Aplicamos el análisis de datos textuales o Lexicometría a las respuestas completas de los niños. Los análisis distinguen cuatro grupos léxicos asociados a distintos grados escolares, que indican momentos claves en la evolución de las concepciones. Nuestros resultados muestran una progresión en la concepción de la escritura como contenido de enseñanza que se desplaza desde una perspectiva global a una aproximación componencial de complejidad creciente. En cambio, la representación de las actividades del enseñante así como la del aprendiz apenas evoluciona. Según se aprecia en todos los grupos léxicos, dichas actividades se consideran en términos conductuales (proporcionar instrucciones, ejercicios y tareas, modelos, soportes materiales) más que mentalistas (considerar intenciones, estados afectivos y/o epistémicos, procesos cognitivos)Introduction. Many studies carried out over the last few decades have analysed learning and teaching conditions that favour children’s internalisation of the uses, functions and conventions of written language. The authors propose that research in this area might gain by integrating children’s thinking about the contents and ways of teaching children to write. With this purpose, the authors studied the development of children’s conceptions of how to teach writing in the kindergarten/primary school period by exploring how children account for the following: teaching content, the teacher’s activity, the learner’s activity. Method. Individual interviews were administered to 160 children from public schools in Argentina, equally distributed amongst preschool and the seven grades of primary education. The following questions were analysed in this paper: 1. How were you taught to write? 2. How would you teach a child like you, who is your age, who hasn’t learned to write yet and wants to learn? Once he/she learns that, how would you go on teaching him/her? And after that? The interviews were recorded and fully transcribed. Textual data analysis or lexicometry was applied to the children’s complete responses. Results. Four lexical groups were distinguished, indicating key moments in the development of these conceptions. Conclusions and discussion. The results show that the concept of writing as «content to be taught» evolved from a global approach to a componential approach of mounting complexity. On the other hand, the representation of the teacher’s and learner’s activity evolved very little. In all the lexical groups, such activities were cast in behavioural terms (providing instructions, exercises and tasks, models, teaching aids) rather than in mental terms (taking account of intentions, affective and/or epistemic states, cognitive processes)El estudio ha sido realizado con el apoyo de la Universidad Nacional del Comahue (B-139), CONICET (PIP 112-200801-01029) y ANPCYT (PICT 06-1607) de Argentina y Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia de España (SEJ2006-15639-C02

A Mixed Heterobimetallic Y/Eu-MOF for the Cyanosilylation and Hydroboration of Carbonyls

Supplementary Materials The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/catal12030299/s1. Table S1: Elemental analysis of compounds Y/Eu-MOF. Table S2: ICP-AES results of compound Y/Eu-MOF. Table S3: Crystallographic data and structure refinement details of compound Y/Eu-MOF. Table S4: Selected bond lengths (Å) and angles (°) for compound Y/Eu-MOF. Table S5: Table of the continuous Shape Measurements for the MN3O6 coordination environment. Table S6: Table of the continuous Shape Measurements for the MO8 coordination environment. Table S7: Electrophoretic mobility and ζ-potential dependence, with the pH of the Y/Eu-MOFs particles dispersed in water. Conductivity fixed at 330 µS/cm. Table S8: Optimization of the reaction conditions in the hydroboration reaction. Table S9: Green metrics calculated for Y/Eu-MOF catalyst. Table S10: Catalytic cyanosilylation of benzaldehyde performances of Ln-MOFs, as reported in the literature. Figure S1: Figure of the pattern matching analysis and experimental PXRD for Y/Eu-MOF. Figure S2: Figure of the infrared spectra of the ligand and Y/Eu-MOF. Figure S3: SEM and EDS mapping of bulk material of Y/Eu-MOF. Figure S4: Images and particle size distribution (an overall of 250 particles) in the deposited fraction of Y/Eu-MOF catalyst non-suspended in water (about a 68% of the total amount), determined from optical microscope images. Figure S5: Images and particle size distribution (an overall of 250 particles) of Y/Eu-MOF crystals in the fraction steadily suspended in water (about a 32% of the total amount), determined from optical microscope images. Figure S6: Comparation of the particle size distribution of Y/Eu-MOF in the fraction steadily suspended in water and the non-suspended, determined from optical microscope images. Figure S7: Calibration line of conductivity (µS/cm) vs [NaCl] (mol/L). Figure S8: ζ-potential (mV) dependence with the pH of the Y/Eu-MOF. All the measurements were performed with constant conductivity of 330 µS/cm. Figure S9: Electrophoretic mobility (µm·cm/V·s) dependence with the pH of the Y/Eu-MOF. All the measurements were performed with constant conductivity of 330 µS/cm. Figure S10: Study of the recyclability of Y/Eu-MOF (0.5 mol%) catalyst on the cyanosilylation and hydroboration reaction of acetophenone as carbonyl substrate. Figure S11: Analysis of the TOF (h−1) obtained in the cyanosilylation reaction of acetophenone at different times of reaction with Y/Eu-MOF (0.5 mol%), with the optimized reaction conditions. Figure S12: Analysis of the TOF (h−1) obtained in the hydroboration reaction acetophenone at different times of reaction with Y/Eu-MOF (0.5 mol%), with the optimized reaction conditions. Scheme S1: Reaction conditions used for the study of recyclability of Y/Eu-MOF catalysts in the cyanosilylation reaction. Scheme S2: Reaction conditions used for the study of recyclability of Y/Eu-MOF catalysts in the hydroboration reaction. Scheme S3: Leaching test, carried out after the first and second cycles.Funding: This research has been funded by the State Research Agency (grants CTQ2017-84334-R and PGC2018-102052-B-C21) of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the European Union (European Regional Development Fund—ERDF), Junta de Andalucía (P20_01041, UAL2020-AGR-B1781, B-FQM-734-UGR20 and FQM-394). E.E., S.R., and J.P. acknowledge the Government of the Basque Country, Juan de la Cierva Incorporación (grant no. IJC2019-038894-I) and University of Almeria (grant no. HIPATIA2021_04) for their respective fellowsHerein, to the best of our knowledge, the first heterobimetallic Y/Eu porous metal–organic framework (MOF), based on 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (H2L) ligand, with the following formulae {[Y3.5Eu1.5L6(OH)3(H2O)3]·12DMF}n (in advance, namely Y/Eu-MOF), is described. The three-dimensional structure has been synthesized by solvothermal routes and thoroughly characterized, by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, electronic microscopy, ICP-AES, electrophoretic mobility, and FTIR spectra. Intriguingly, the porous nature allows for coordinated solvent molecules displacement, yielding unsaturated metal centers, which can act as a Lewis acid catalyst. This novel supramolecular entity has been tested in cyanosilylation and hydroboration reactions on carbonyl substrates of a diverse nature, exhibiting an extraordinary activity.Cierva Incorporación IJC2019-038894-IState Research Agency CTQ2017-84334-R, PGC2018-102052-B-C21University of Almeria HIPATIA2021_04Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y UniversidadesEuropean CommissionEuropean Regional Development FundJunta de Andalucía B-FQM-734-UGR20, FQM-394, IJC2019-038894-I, P20_01041, UAL2020-AGR-B178

Effect of resveratrol on alcohol-induced mortality and liver lesions in mice

Es reproducción del documenteo publicado en http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-230X-6-35Background Resveratrol is a polyphenol with important antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. We investigated the effect of resveratrol on alcohol-induced mortality and liver lesions in mice. Methods Mice were randomly distributed into four groups (control, resveratrol-treated control, alcohol and resveratrol-treated alcohol). Chronic alcohol intoxication was induced by progressively administering alcohol in drinking water up to 40% v/v. The mice administered resveratrol received 10 mg/ml in drinking water. The animals had free access to standard diet. Blood levels were determined for transaminases, IL-1 and TNF-α. A histological evaluation was made of liver damage, and survival among the animals was recorded. Results Transaminase concentration was significantly higher in the alcohol group than in the rest of the groups (p < 0.05). IL-1 levels were significantly reduced in the alcohol plus resveratrol group compared with the alcohol group (p < 0.05). TNF-α was not detected in any group. Histologically, the liver lesions were more severe in the alcohol group, though no significant differences between groups were observed. Mortality in the alcohol group was 78% in the seventh week, versus 22% in the alcohol plus resveratrol group (p < 0.001). All mice in the alcohol group died before the ninth week. Conclusion The results obtained suggest that resveratrol reduces mortality and liver damage in mice

How the field of infectious diseases can leverage digital strategy and social media use during a pandemic

Rapid information dissemination is critical in a world changing rapidly due to global threats. Ubiquitous internet access has created new methods of information dissemination that are rapid, far-reaching, and universally accessible. However, inaccuracies may accompany rapid information dissemination, and rigorous evaluation of primary data through various forms of peer review is crucial. In an era in which high-quality information can save lives, it is critical that infectious diseases specialists are well versed in digital strategy to effectively disseminate information to colleagues and the community and diminish voices spreading misinformation. In this study, we review how social media can be used for rapid dissemination of quality information, benefits and pitfalls of social media use, and general recommendations for developing a digital strategy as an infectious diseases specialist. We will describe how the Infectious Diseases Society of America has leveraged digital strategy and social media and how individuals can amplify these resources to disseminate information, provide clinical knowledge, community guidance, and build their own person brand. We conclude in providing guidance to infectious diseases specialists in aiming to build and preserve public trust, consider their audience and specific goals, and use social media to highlight the value of the field of infectious diseases

Distinguishing Characteristics between Pandemic 2009–2010 Influenza A (H1N1) and Other Viruses in Patients Hospitalized with Respiratory Illness

BACKGROUND: Differences in clinical presentation and outcomes among patients infected with pandemic 2009 influenza A H1N1 (pH1N1) compared to other respiratory viruses have not been fully elucidated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A retrospective study was performed of all hospitalized patients at the peak of the pH1N1 season in whom a single respiratory virus was detected by a molecular assay targeting 18 viruses/subtypes (RVP, Luminex xTAG). Fifty-two percent (615/1192) of patients from October, 2009 to December, 2009 had a single respiratory virus (291 pH1N1; 207 rhinovirus; 45 RSV A/B; 37 parainfluenza; 27 adenovirus; 6 coronavirus; and 2 metapneumovirus). No seasonal influenza A or B was detected. Individuals with pH1N1, compared to other viruses, were more likely to present with fever (92% & 70%), cough (92% & 86%), sore throat (32% & 16%), nausea (31% & 8%), vomiting (39% & 30%), abdominal pain (14% & 7%), and a lower white blood count (8,500/L & 13,600/L, all p-values<0.05). In patients with cough and gastrointestinal complaints, the presence of subjective fever/chills independently raised the likelihood of pH1N1 (OR 10). Fifty-five percent (336/615) of our cohort received antibacterial agents, 63% (385/615) received oseltamivir, and 41% (252/615) received steroids. The mortality rate of our cohort was 1% (7/615) and was higher in individuals with pH1N1 compared to other viruses (2.1% & 0.3%, respectively; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: During the peak pandemic 2009-2010 influenza season in Rhode Island, nearly half of patients admitted with influenza-like symptoms had respiratory viruses other than influenza A. A high proportion of patients were treated with antibiotics and pH1N1 infection had higher mortality compared to other respiratory viruses