Extracellular cysteine in connexins: Role as redox sensors

Indexación: Scopus.Connexin-based channels comprise hemichannels and gap junction channels. The opening of hemichannels allow for the flux of ions and molecules from the extracellular space into the cell and vice versa. Similarly, the opening of gap junction channels permits the diffusional exchange of ions and molecules between the cytoplasm and contacting cells. The controlled opening of hemichannels has been associated with several physiological cellular processes; thereby unregulated hemichannel activity may induce loss of cellular homeostasis and cell death. Hemichannel activity can be regulated through several mechanisms, such as phosphorylation, divalent cations and changes in membrane potential. Additionally, it was recently postulated that redox molecules could modify hemichannels properties in vitro. However, the molecular mechanism by which redox molecules interact with hemichannels is poorly understood. In this work, we discuss the current knowledge on connexin redox regulation and we propose the hypothesis that extracellular cysteines could be important for sensing changes in redox potential. Future studies on this topic will offer new insight into hemichannel function, thereby expanding the understanding of the contribution of hemichannels to disease progression.http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fphys.2016.00001/ful

Parasitic control in dogs and cats: knowledge about the major parasitic diseases in the Mexican Southeast

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar los programas de control parasitario, sanitario y conocimiento de las enfermedades parasitarias que afectan a perros y gatos de 306 propietarios de la ciudad de Escárcega, estado de Campeche, México. El total de mascotas fue de 590 perros y 149 gatos. Cada hogar tiene un promedio de 1.92 perros o 0.48 gatos con edades de 2.9 y 2.8 años, respectivamente. La mayoría de los propietarios de perros (30.8%) y gatos (25.6%) aplican algún tratamiento antihelmíntico dos veces al año. La frecuencia de tratamientos contra ectoparásitos en perros y gatos se realiza mayormente cuatro veces al año o al detectar su presencia. Los parásitos gastrointestinales son poco conocidos y la sarna es la enfermedad más mencionada. La mayoría de los propietarios de perros (85.6%) y gatos (93%) desconocen el significado de zoonosis y que sus mascotas les pueden transmitir enfermedades, lo que sugiere su bajo impacto sobre el manejo sanitario en las mascotas. Lactonas macrocíclicas como endoparasiticidas y el amitraz y propoxur como ectoparasiticidas fueron los más usados para perros y gatos.The aim of this study was to determine the programmes of parasite and sanitary control and knowledge of the parasite diseases that affect dogs and cats of 306 owners of the city of Escárcega, state of Campeche, Mexico. The total number of pets was 590 dogs and 149 cats. Each household has an average of 1.92 dogs or 0.48 cats with ages of 2.9 and 2.8 years, respectively. Most owners of dogs (30.8%) and cats (25.6%) apply some anthelmintic treatment twice a year. The frequency of treatments against ectoparasites in dogs and cats is carried out mostly four times a year or when their presence is detected. Gastrointestinal parasites are poorly known, and scabies is the most mentioned disease. Most owners of dogs (85.6%) and cats (93%) are unaware of the meaning of zoonosis and that their pets can transmit diseases to them, suggesting its low impact on health management in pets. Macrocyclic lactones as endo-parasiticides and amitraz and propoxur as ecto-parasiticides were the most used for dogs and cats

First collection of landrace vegetable crops cultivated in Valle Fértil, Argentina

The richness of the cultural values found in the Argentinean Andean communities is integrated by a varied diversity of genetic resources, the development of a sustainable agriculture, and the conservation of the producer’s own seeds. Local agriculture is a family economic activity, in which traditional varieties of vegetable landraces are highly appreciated for their flavour, colour and aromas. However; social, economic and environmental factors have an effect on crop diversity conservation. The main aim of this work was to retrieve and maintain a representative collection of traditional crop genetic resources still cultivated in the District of Valle Fértil, San Juan Province, Argentina, and to document the farmers’ crop experiences and uses. Fifty families were interviewed; 26 of these donated a total of 49 samples belonging to eight species. The landraces collected showed a geometric distribution, typical of communities with low number of species; and a pattern of dominance. A few species are present in almost all farms while rare species are found in specific environments. Local germplasm recovery can prevent genetic erosion, so that both the formal breeding sector and the farmers can make use of the diversity of this collection.La riqueza cultural de las comunidades andinas de la Argentina está integrada por la diversidad de sus recursos genéticos, el desarrollo de un sistema agrícola sostenible y por el mantenimiento de sus semillas. La agricultura local es una actividad económica familiar, donde las variedades tradicionales de hortalizas son muy apreciadas por su sabor, color y aroma. Sin embargo, distintos factores sociales, económicos y ambientales afectan la diversidad de tales cultivos. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron recuperar y conservar una muestra representativa de los recursos genéticos vegetales tradicionales aún presentes en el departamento de Valle Fértil, provincia de San Juan, Argentina, y documentar las experiencias y usos de ellos por parte de los productores. Se entrevistaron 50 familias de las cuales 26 donaron un total de 49 muestras pertenecientes a ocho especies. Las variedades criollas recolectadas mostraron una distribución geométrica típica en comunidades con pocasespecies, y un patrón de dominancia donde algunas especies están presentes en casi todas las huertas mientras que especies poco representadas se encuentran en ambientes específicos. La recuperación del germoplasma local puede prevenir la erosión genética, de modo que tanto los mejoradores como los productores puedan aprovechar la diversidad de esta colección

Bienestar en vacas en el preparto durante el verano 2014 en el Departamento Castellanos. Estudio de caso

Durante el verano del 2014 se llevó a cabo un estudio de caso con el objetivo de evaluar algunas respuestas fisiológicas y conductuales preparto y productivas postparto, en vacas lecheras de alto merito genético con acceso a sombras artificiales. Se utilizaron 24 vacas en preparto que se alojaron en un corral seco. Las sombras estaban ubicadas en el área de descanso y en el patio de comida. El peso corporal y la condición corporal fueron evaluadas al inicio y a los 30 días de comenzado el ensayo. La frecuencia respiratoria se midió dos veces por semana en tres momentos del día. El registro de comportamiento una vez a la semana. El peso corporal y condición corporal aumentaron durante este periodo indicando que la combinación de dieta adecuada con la provisión de sombra fue favorable. La frecuencia respiratoria en promedio fue de 60 rpm, indicando un estrés medio alto. La conducta de parado a la sombra fue la de mayor prevalencia. La conducta de comer se mantuvo dentro de los valores considerados normales: 92 minutos. La producción lechera fue de entre 30 y 35 l/d, normal para el establecimiento. El índice de temperatura y humedad se mantuvo por encima de 72. Además, durante febrero las lluvias fueron superiores a las normales de la zona, ocasionado problemas de piso en los corrales.During the summer of 2014 it was carried out a case study in order to evaluate some physiolo-gical and behavioral prepartum and postpartum production in dairy cows of high genetic merit responses with access to artificial shades were used. 24 cows in prepartum they stayed in a dry pen. The shadows were located in the rest area and food court. Body weight and body condition were evaluated at start and 30 days into the trial. The respiratory rate was held twice a week in three times a day. The behavior log once a week. Body weight and body condition gain during this period indicating adequate diet was combined with the provision of shade. The average respiratory rate was 60 rpm, indicating a high middle stress. The conduct of standing in the shadow was the most prevalent. Eating behavior are kept within normal values: 92 minutes. Milk production was between 30 and 35 l / d, normal setting. The temperature and humidity index remained above 72. In addition, during february the rains were above normal in the area, caused problems in floor pensEEA RafaelaFil: Leva, Perla E. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Toneatti, I.E. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Stegmayer, María Inés. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Ghiano, Jorge Emanuel Jesús. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Toffoli, Guillermo D. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Guillermo B. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: García, María Soledad. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Sosa, Jorge Luis. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentin

An open-access database and analysis tool for perovskite solar cells based on the FAIR data principles

Large datasets are now ubiquitous as technology enables higher-throughput experiments, but rarely can a research field truly benefit from the research data generated due to inconsistent formatting, undocumented storage or improper dissemination. Here we extract all the meaningful device data from peer-reviewed papers on metal-halide perovskite solar cells published so far and make them available in a database. We collect data from over 42, 400 photovoltaic devices with up to 100 parameters per device. We then develop open-source and accessible procedures to analyse the data, providing examples of insights that can be gleaned from the analysis of a large dataset. The database, graphics and analysis tools are made available to the community and will continue to evolve as an open-source initiative. This approach of extensively capturing the progress of an entire field, including sorting, interactive exploration and graphical representation of the data, will be applicable to many fields in materials science, engineering and biosciences. © 2021, The Author(s)

New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Characterization of the genetic landscape of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADD) provides a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the associated pathophysiological processes. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study totaling 111,326 clinically diagnosed/'proxy' AD cases and 677,663 controls. We found 75 risk loci, of which 42 were new at the time of analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed the involvement of amyloid/tau pathways and highlighted microglia implication. Gene prioritization in the new loci identified 31 genes that were suggestive of new genetically associated processes, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway through the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex. We also built a new genetic risk score associated with the risk of future AD/dementia or progression from mild cognitive impairment to AD/dementia. The improvement in prediction led to a 1.6- to 1.9-fold increase in AD risk from the lowest to the highest decile, in addition to effects of age and the APOE ε4 allele

New insights into the genetic etiology of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

Characterization of the genetic landscape of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADD) provides a unique opportunity for a better understanding of the associated pathophysiological processes. We performed a two-stage genome-wide association study totaling 111,326 clinically diagnosed/'proxy' AD cases and 677,663 controls. We found 75 risk loci, of which 42 were new at the time of analysis. Pathway enrichment analyses confirmed the involvement of amyloid/tau pathways and highlighted microglia implication. Gene prioritization in the new loci identified 31 genes that were suggestive of new genetically associated processes, including the tumor necrosis factor alpha pathway through the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex. We also built a new genetic risk score associated with the risk of future AD/dementia or progression from mild cognitive impairment to AD/dementia. The improvement in prediction led to a 1.6- to 1.9-fold increase in AD risk from the lowest to the highest decile, in addition to effects of age and the APOE ε4 allele