La primera Symphytognathidae (Arachnida: Araneae) para Argentina, con la descripción de una nueva especie de Anapistula para la selva de montaña Yungas

The spider family Symphytognathidae is reported from Argentina for the first time. Anapistula yungas, a new species of this family is described and illustrated. The specimen was collected during an ecological study of biodiversity in different sites from northwestern Argentina. Dichotomous key to Neotropical female species of genus Anapistula is provided.La familia de arañas Symphytognathidae es registrada por primera vez en Argentina. Anapistula yungas, una nueva especie de esta familia, es descripta e ilustrada. Los especímenes fueron colectados durante un estudio ecológico de biodiversidad en diferentes sitios del noroeste de Argentina. Se proporciona una clave dicotòmica para hembras de las especies neotropicales del género Anapistula.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CONICET- Universidad Nacional de La Plata

A reduced-complexity and asymptotically efficient time-delay estimator

This paper considers the problem of estimating the time delays of multiple replicas of a known signal received by an array of antennas. Under the assumptions that the noise and co-channel interference (CCI) are spatially colored Gaussian processes and that the spatial signatures are arbitrary, the maximum likelihood (ML) solution to the general time delay estimation problem is derived. The resulting criterion for the delays yields consistent and asymptotically efficient estimates. However, the criterion is highly non-linear, and not conducive to simple minimization procedures. We propose a new cost function that is shown to provide asymptotically efficient delay estimates. We also outline a heuristic way of deriving this cost function. The form of this new estimator lends itself to minimization by the computationally attractive iterative quadratic maximum likelihood (IQML) algorithm. The existence of simple yet accurate initialization schemes based on ESPRIT and identity weightings makes the approach viable for practical implementation.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Geographical Distribution of the Space-Weaving Spider, Chibchea salta, from Northwestern Argentina: New Records and Bioclimatic Modeling

New records of the spider Chibchea salta Huber 2000 (Araneae, Pholcidae) from northwestern Argentina are provided, and the potential range of this species is modeled. Two presence-only methods, Maxent and Bioclim, were run using 19 bioclimatic parameters at a resolution of 30 arc seconds. The climatic profile of C. salta is described, and the relative importance of the bioclimatic variables is explored. Temperature variables proved to be more decisive to the final range shape. The range predicted with Maxent is slightly larger than with Bioclim, but the latter appears to be more sensitive to the record set bias. Both methods performed well, resulting in predictive ranges consistent with the yungas ecoregion. These results provide an initial insight into the bioclimatic tolerance of C. salta, and by identifying potential areas with no records, such as the sierras on the Salta-Jujuy border, they also help in identifying sites for future sampling efforts

La primera Symphytognathidae (Arachnida: Araneae) para Argentina, con la descripción de una nueva especie de Anapistula para la selva de montaña Yungas

The spider family Symphytognathidae is reported from Argentina for the first time. Anapistula yungas, a new species of this family is described and illustrated. The specimen was collected during an ecological study of biodiversity in different sites from northwestern Argentina. Dichotomous key to Neotropical female species of genus Anapistula is provided.La familia de arañas Symphytognathidae es registrada por primera vez en Argentina. Anapistula yungas, una nueva especie de esta familia, es descripta e ilustrada. Los especímenes fueron colectados durante un estudio ecológico de biodiversidad en diferentes sitios del noroeste de Argentina. Se proporciona una clave dicotòmica para hembras de las especies neotropicales del género Anapistula.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CONICET- Universidad Nacional de La Plata

Description of the female of Lyssomanes miniaceus, with a new distribution record for L. belgranoi (Araneae: Salticidae)

Numerous new spider species are waiting to be described, and in many cases knowledge is incomplete because species are known from a single sex. In this contribution the female of the jumping spider Lyssomanes miniaceus is described and its morphology is illustrated. Females are distinguished by having spherical, slightly oval spermathecae, the copulatory openings towards the back, and sparse white hairs ventrally on femora I and II; the last character could be a unique trait shared by both sexes. Additionally, a new southernmost record plus new illustration of the little-known species L. belgranoi are given.Gran número de especies nuevas de arañas están a la espera de ser descritas, y en muchos casos el conocimiento es incompleto porque se conoce un solo sexo. En esta contribución, la hembra de la araña saltadora Lyssomanes miniaseus es descrita y por primera vez se ilustra su morfología. La hembra se distingue por tener las espermatecas esféricas, ligeramente ovales, una posición atrasada de los orificios copulatorios, y pelos blancos esparcidos ventralmente sobre los fémures I y II; podría ser este último carácter una característica compartida por ambos sexos potencialmente única a esta especie. Adicionalmente, se presenta aquí un nuevo registro más al sur y una nueva ilustración de la especie poco conocida L. belgranoi

Complete genome sequence of a novel recombinant Citrus tristeza virus, a resistance-breaking isolate from Uruguay

We report here the complete genome sequence of a Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) from Uruguay, sequenced by using Illumina and Sanger sequencing technology. This CTV DSST-17 genome clustered within genotype resistance breaking (RB) and presents two recombination events

Differences in self-perceived OHRQoL between fully dentate subjects and edentulous patients depending on their prosthesis type, socio-demographic profile, and clinical features

Objectives: This observational cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and compare the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and clinical performance between dentate subjects and edentulous patients restored with conventional dentures or implant overdentures. Methods: 85 edentulous patients were grouped as follows: Group-1 (CD): conventional denture wearers (n = 42), and Group-2 (IO): implant-retained overdenture wearers (n = 43). For the OHRQoL comparisons, a control group of subjects with a healthy natural dentition (Group-3, ND; n = 50) was included. Participants completed three validated questionnaires (OHIP-14sp, OHIP-20sp, and QoLIP-10). Socio-demographic data, prosthesis-related factors, clinical condition of the mouth, and patient subjective evaluations, were gathered. Descriptive and non-parametric probes were run (α = 0.05). Results: The ND group was the most unsatisfied (OHIP-14sp; p ≤ 0.001). The OHIP-20sp attributed significantly worse Psychological disability (p = 0.029) and Handicap (p = 0.027) to CD wearers when compared to IO wearers. The CD group showed the significantly highest need for relining (p = 0.041), and the lowest retention (p = 0.011). The OHIP-14sp disclosed a significantly worse OHRQoL for those volunteers who had a job (p = 0.003), a basic education instead of a secondary one (p = 0.022), and no partner (p = 0.006). Conclusions: The overall OHRQoL was comparable for both prosthodontic groups, being modulated by sociodemographic and prosthesis-related features. Nonetheless, CD wearers presented prosthetic complications more frequently. Clinical significance: While dentate subjects were the most critical about their oral condition and its repercussion in their life, implant overdenture wearers tended to observe a better OHRQoL and clinical performance compared to conventional denture wearers

Early efficacy evaluation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) combined to biomaterials to treat long bone non-unions

Background and study aim: Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) frequently lack of clinical data on efficacy to substantiate a future clinical use. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy to heal long bone delayed unions and non-unions, as secondary objective of the EudraCT 2011-005441-13 clinical trial, through clinical and radiological bone consolidation at 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up, with subgroup analysis of affected bone, gender, tobacco use, and time since the original fracture. Patients and methods: Twenty-eight patients were recruited and surgically treated with autologous bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells expanded under Good Manufacturing Practices, combined to bioceramics in the surgical room before implantation. Mean age was 39 ± 13 years, 57% were males, and mean Body Mass Index 27 ± 7. Thirteen (46%) were active smokers. There were 11 femoral, 4 humeral, and 13 tibial non-unions. Initial fracture occurred at a mean ± SD of 27.9 ± 31.2 months before recruitment. Efficacy results were expressed by clinical consolidation (no or mild pain if values under 30 in VAS scale), and by radiological consolidation with a REBORNE score over 11/16 points (value of or above 0.6875). Means were statistically compared and mixed models for repeated measurements estimated the mean and confidence intervals (95%) of the REBORNE Bone Healing scale. Clinical and radiological consolidation were analyzed in the subgroups with Spearman correlation tests (adjusted by Bonferroni). Results: Clinical consolidation was earlier confirmed, while radiological consolidation at 3 months was 25.0% (7/28 cases), at 6 months 67.8% (19/28 cases), and at 12 months, 92.8% (26/28 cases including the drop-out extrapolation of two failures). Bone biopsies confirmed bone formation surrounding the bioceramic granules. All locations showed similar consolidation, although this was delayed in tibial non-unions. No significant gender difference was found in 12-month consolidation (95% confidence). Higher consolidation scale values were seen in non-smoking patients at 6 (p = 0.012, t-test) and 12 months (p = 0.011, t-test). Longer time elapsed after the initial fracture did not preclude the occurrence of consolidation. Conclusion: Bone consolidation was efficaciously obtained with the studied expanded hBM-MSCs combined to biomaterials, by clinical and radiological evaluation, and confirmed by bone biopsies, with lower consolidation scores in smokers

Role of PTPN22 and CSK gene polymorphisms as predictors of susceptibility and clinical heterogeneity in patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (IgA vasculitis)

INTRODUCTION: To determine whether the PTPN22 (protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor 22)/CSK (c-src tyrosine kinase) pathway is implicated in the susceptibility and clinical heterogeneity of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in the largest series of Caucasian HSP patients ever assessed for genetic studies. METHODS: A set of 329 Spanish patients diagnosed with HSP fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology and the Michel et al. classification criteria and 515 sex and ethnically matched controls were recruited in this study. Two well-known CSK (CSK rs34933034 and CSK rs1378942) and two functional PTPN22 (PTPN22 rs2476601 (R620W) and PTPN22 rs33996649 (R263Q)) polymorphisms, previously associated with autoimmunity, were genotyped with TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays. RESULTS: No significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between HSP patients and controls were observed when the CSK rs34933034, CSK rs1378942, PTPN22 rs2476601 (R620W) and PTPN22 rs33996649 (R263Q) polymorphisms were analyzed independently. In keeping with this observation, no significant differences were found when we assessed these polymorphisms combined conforming haplotypes. In addition, there were no differences in the allele or genotype frequencies when HSP patients were stratified according the age at disease onset, sex, presence of arthralgia/arthritis, nephritis or gastrointestinal manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not support association between PTPN22/CSK and HSP

Human milk and mucosal lacto- and galacto-N-biose synthesis by transgalactosylation and their prebiotic potential in Lactobacillus species

Lacto-N-biose (LNB) and galacto-N-biose (GNB) are major building blocks of free oligosaccharides and glycan moieties of glyco-complexes present in human milk and gastrointestinal mucosa. We have previously characterized the phospho-β-galactosidase GnbG from Lactobacillus casei BL23 that is involved in the metabolism of LNB and GNB. GnbG has been used here in transglycosylation reactions, and it showed the production of LNB and GNB with N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine as acceptors, respectively. The reaction kinetics demonstrated that GnbG can convert 69 ± 4 and 71 ± 1 % of o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside into LNB and GNB, respectively. Those reactions were performed in a semi-preparative scale, and the synthesized disaccharides were purified. The maximum yield obtained for LNB was 10.7 ± 0.2 g/l and for GNB was 10.8 ± 0.3 g/l. NMR spectroscopy confirmed the molecular structures of both carbohydrates and the absence of reaction byproducts, which also supports that GnbG is specific for β1,3-glycosidic linkages. The purified sugars were subsequently tested for their potential prebiotic properties using Lactobacillus species. The results showed that LNB and GNB were fermented by the tested strains of L. casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (except L. rhamnosus strain ATCC 53103), Lactobacillus zeae, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus johnsonii. DNA hybridization experiments suggested that the metabolism of those disaccharides in 9 out of 10 L. casei strains, all L. rhamnosus strains and all L. zeae strains tested relies upon a phospho-β-galactosidase homologous to GnbG. The results presented here support the putative role of human milk oligosaccharides for selective enrichment of beneficial intestinal microbiota in breast-fed infants