Genetic variation in the emblematic Puya raimondii (Bromeliaceae) from Huascarán National Park, Peru

Puya raimondii, the giant Peruvian and Bolivian terrestrial bromeliad, is an emblematic endemic Andean species well represented in Huascarán National Park in Peru. This park is the largest reserve of puna (high altitude plateau) vegetation. The objective of this study is to report on genetic variation in populations of P. raimondii from Huascarán and neighboring areas. AFLP profiles with four selective primer combinations were retrieved for 60 individuals from different zones. Genetic variability was estimated and a total of 172 bands were detected, of which 79.1% were polymorphic loci. The results showed genetic differentiation among populations, and gene flow. A cluster analysis showed that individuals of P. raimondii populations located in different mountain systems could be grouped together, suggesting long distance dispersal. Thus, conservation strategies for P. raimondii have to take into account exchange between populations located far apart in distance in order to preserve the genetic diversity of this showy species

Estudio de la parasitofauna en el jurel (Trachurus picturatus murphyi, Chirichigno y Vélez 1998), con énfasis en Zoonosis parasitaria

Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina. Facultad de Pesquería. Departamento Académico de Manejo Pesquero y Medio AmbienteEl presente trabajo de tesis es el resultado del análisis a 132 ejemplares de Trachurus picturatus murphyi (jurel), procedentes del terminal pesquero de Villa María del Triunfo, analizados durante el periodo de Enero a Marzo del 2013. Los parásitos hallados fueron contabilizados para determinar prevalencia (P), intensidad de infección (II), intensidad media de infección (IMI) y Abundancia parasitaria (A). Para los parásitos coccidios sólo se determinó la prevalencia en relación al número de ooquistes y la intensidad de infección sobre el jurel se clasificó en, alta, moderada y leve. Algunos parásitos fueron observados vivos y otros fijados para su descripción e identificación. Se reportan 6 especies; copépodo Lernanthropus trachuri (P=47.73%, II=9, IMI=1.94, A=0.92); isópodo Ceratothoa gaudichaudii (P=4.55%, II=3, IMI=2.17, A=0.10); cestodes Tentacularia coryphaenae (P=20.45%, II=2, IMI=1.07, A=0,22) y Diphyllobothrium sp. (P= 0.76%; II=1; IMI=1; A= 0.01); nematode Anisakis sp. (P=19.70%; II=3; IMI=1.35; A=0.27); coccidio Eimeria sp. (P=100%) y larvas de cestodos (tres) que no pudieron ser identificados (P=1,52%; II=3; IMI=2; A= 0,03). Se destaca la presencia de las larvas Diphyllobothrium sp. y Anisakis sp. (presentes en el tejido muscular), por su relación con la zoonosis y cuya principal trasmisión se da por el consumo de pescado crudo o insuficientemente cocido, infectado por dichas larvasThis thesis is the result of the tests 132 samples of Trachurus murphy picturatus "jack mackerel" (jurel), from the fish market of Villa Maria del Triunfo located in Lima- Peru, this samples were analized during the period January to March 2013. The found parasites were counted to determine prevalence (P), intensity of infection (II), mean intensity of infection (IMI) and parasite abundance (A). For coccidia parasite prevalence only in relation to the number of oocysts and intensity of infection on jack mackerel was classified: high, moderate and mild determined. Some parasites were observed alive and others set for description and identification. Six species are reported; copepod Lernanthropus trachuri (P =47.73 %, II = 9, IMI = 1.94, A = 0.92); isopod Ceratothoa gaudichaudii (P = 4.55% , II = 3, IMI = 2.2, A = 1); cestodes of, Tentacularia coryphaenae (P =20.45%, II =2, IMI=1.07, A=0.22) and Diphyllobothrium sp. ( P =0.76 %, II= 1, IMI = 1, A = 0.01 ); nematode Anisakis sp. (P = 19.70%, II = 3; IMI = 1.35 , A = 0.27 ); coccidian Eimeria sp. (P = 100%) and cestode larvae (three) could not be identified ( P = 1.52 %, II = 3; IMI = 0.03, A = 0.03). It was difficult to identify to species, however highlights the presence of the larvae Diphyllobothrium sp. and larva of Anisakis sp. (present in the muscle tissue), by its relation to zoonoses and whose main transmission occurs by eating raw or undercooked fish infected with these larvaeTesi

The involvement of anti-inflammatory protein, Annexin A1, in ocular toxoplasmosis

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the protein annexin A1 (ANXA1), a potent endogenous regulator of the inflammatory process, in ocular toxoplasmosis. Methods: C57BL/6 female mice were infected using intravitreal injections of either 10 6 tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii (RH strain; T. gondii) or PBS only (control groups). After 24, 48, and 72 h, animals were sacrificed and their eyes were harvested for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural immunocytochemical analysis of ANXA1. Human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells (ARPE-19) were infected in vitro with T. gondii and collected after 60, 120, 240 min, and 24 h. Results: Compared with non-infected eyes, an intense inflammatory response was observed in the anterior (24 h after infection) and posterior segments (72 h after infection) of the infected eye, characterized by neutrophil infiltration and by the presence of tachyzoites and their consequent destruction along with disorganization of normal retina architecture and RPE vacuolization. T. gondii infection was associated with a significant increase of ANXA1 expression in the neutrophils at 24, 48, and 72 h, and in the RPE at 48 and 72 h. In vitro studies confirmed an upregulation of ANXA1 levels in RPE cells, after 60 and 120 min of infection with T. gondii. Conclusions: The positive modulation of endogenous ANXA1 in the inflammatory and RPE cells during T. gondii infection suggests that this protein may serve as a therapeutic target in ocular toxoplasmosis. © 2012 Molecular Vision

Comparison of antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles and silver-loaded montmorillonite and saponite

Although silver nanoparticles are known for their antibacterial activity, little research has been carried out on what synthesis method provides the most effective particles. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesised via chemical reduction by using silver nitrate as the silver precursor, ascorbic acid as the reducing agent and sodium citrate as the stabilising agent. The solutions were adjusted to several pH values employing sodium hydroxide, citric acid or nitric acid. Dynamic light scattering and absorption spectra in the ultraviolet/visible region characterisation revealed that employing nitric acid to adjust the pH produced more varied and larger silver particle sizes. Then, silver nanoparticles were supported on montmorillonite and saponite through wet impregnation or ion exchange methods. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterisation confirmed that silver nanoparticles were successfully loaded onto the clay minerals. Next, the antibacterial activity of the samples was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by determining their minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations. The free silver nanoparticles did not show any antibacterial activity at 125 mg/L. In contrast, the silver-loaded samples obtained by wet impregnation and with a higher silver content displayed the strongest antibacterial effect. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the samples was determined in GM07492-A cell line by using an XTT colorimetric assay. The calculated IC50 values revealed that the supported silver nanoparticles were barely toxic. Thus, the silver-loaded clay minerals obtained here are promising antibacterial materials with a high-grade safety profile

Caracterización morfológica y molecular de poblaciones de pasto banderi

Sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] is an important native species for cattle production. However, inappropriate grazing practices have reduced its genetic diversity. The morphological and genetic diversity of 51 populations of sideoats grama in Chihuahua State was explored and analyzed. Transplanting was performed under natural conditions; two years later, morphological characterization was performed. To assess genetic variability AFLP molecular markers were used. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first three components (PC) explained 73.83 % of variation. PC1 showed a significant correlation (P<0.0001) in dry matter yield (88 %), stem density (85 %), tiller diameter (83 %), height of foliage (82 %), plant height (79 %), and leaf length (65 %). An AFLP analysis with four pairs of primers detected 186 bands; 80.67 % (150 bands) had polymorphism. The highest percentage of polymorphism (93.75 %) and polymorphic bands (48) was obtained with the primer combination of EcoRI-ACT + MseI-CTG. Sideoats grama population presented a high morphological and molecular variability. Based on high forage potential, ecotypes (444, 359 y 557) were selected to be included in grassland restoration programs.El pasto banderita [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] es una especie nativa de importancia ganadera; sin embargo, prácticas inadecuadas de pastoreo han reducido su diversidad genética. Se exploró y analizó la diversidad morfológica y genética de 51 poblaciones de pasto banderita del estado de Chihuahua. Las plantas se trasplantaron bajo condiciones de temporal. Dos años después se realizó la caracterización morfológica. Para evaluar la variabilidad genética se utilizaron marcadores moleculares AFLP. El análisis de componentes principales (ACP) mostró que los tres primeros componentes (CP), explican el 73.83 % de la variación. El CP1 presentó una correlación significativa (P<0.0001) con rendimiento de materia seca (88 %), densidad de tallos (85 %), diámetro de macollo (83 %), altura de follaje (82 %), altura de planta (79 %) y longitud de hoja (65 %). El análisis de AFLP con cuatro pares de iniciadores detectó 186 bandas; 80.67 % (150 bandas) presentó polimorfismo. El mayor porcentaje de polimorfismo (93.75 %) y bandas polimórficas (48) se obtuvo con la combinación de iniciadores EcoRI-ACT+MseI-CTG. Las poblaciones de banderita presentaron alta variabilidad morfológica y molecular. Se detectaron ecotipos (444, 359 y 557) con potencial forrajero de acuerdo a su variabilidad morfológica y molecular para ser incluidos en programas de restauración de pastizale

How sleep quality and anxiety can affect students who wish to study medicine - an objective assessment

Introduction: the entrance exam for admission to a medical school requires great performance and dedication of the student. In addition to competitiveness, this period generates a lot of stress and deprivation of self-care. Sleep disorders and high levels of anxiety can impact physical, emotional, and mental performance, reducing the quality of life and strongly influencing decision-making. Objective: to analyze sleep quality and the anxiety level of young people during the preparatory phase for entering medical school. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive research of candidates for a medical degree in Curitiba, PR. A socio-demographic questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used. Descriptive statistics applied Student’s t-test, chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis, and variance analysis. Results: Sample with 470 pre-university students, women (81.9%), between 18 and 20 years (82.2%). Sleep disorders (PSQI&gt;10) were detected in 48.1% of the students and evidence of severe anxiety in 49.1% (BAI). There were no significant differences in anxiety levels between the morning, afternoon, and night class schedules (p&gt;5%), but 60.8% of the students who presented with a sleep disorder took their classes during the afternoon class schedule. Males had significantly more sleep disorders (64.7%) when compared to females (44.4%). However, women showed the highest levels of anxiety, with severe anxiety present in 55% of them. About 19.4% of these young people used sleeping medications 3 or more times a week; 22.2% had a history of illicit drug use and 7.4% still do so. Only 5.3% of the sample did not present any difficulty in keeping themselves enthused in recent weeks. Conclusion: Sleep disorder indicators were predominant in the afternoon class schedule and in men, while signs of severe anxiety were more evident in women, without interference from the class schedule time.Introdução: O vestibular para ingresso em uma faculdade de medicina exige grande desempenho e dedicação do aluno. Além de competitividade, esse período gera muito estresse e privação de autocuidado. Os distúrbios do sono e níveis elevados de ansiedade podem impactar no desempenho físico, emocional e mental, reduzindo a qualidade de vida e influenciando fortemente na tomada de decisões. Objetivo: Analisar qualidade de sono e nível de ansiedade de jovens durante fase preparatória para ingresso no curso de medicina. Métodos: Pesquisa descritiva transversal com candidatos à vaga para graduação em medicina, em Curitiba-PR. Foram utilizados questionário sócio-demográfico, Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (IQSP) e Inventário de Ansiedade Beck (BAI). Aplicada estatística descritiva, teste t de Student, teste qui-quadrado, teste de Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis e análise de variância. Resultados: Amostra com 470 pré-universitários, mulheres (81,9%), entre 18 a 20 anos (82,2%). Distúrbios de sono (IQSP&gt;10) foram detectados em 48,1% dos estudantes e indícios de ansiedade grave em 49,1% (BAI). Não houve diferença significativa dos níveis de ansiedade entre os turnos manhã, tarde e noite (p&gt;5%), porém 60,8% dos estudantes que apresentaram distúrbio do sono estudavam no turno vespertino. O sexo masculino apresentou significativamente mais distúrbio do sono (64,7%) quando comparado ao sexo feminino (44,4%). Contudo, as mulheres mostraram os maiores níveis de ansiedade, com ansiedade grave presente em 55% delas. Cerca de 19,4% desses jovens usavam medicamentos para dormir 3 ou mais vezes na semana; 22,2% apresentavam histórico de uso de drogas ilícitas e 7,4% faziam uso. Apenas 5,3% da amostra não apresentaram nenhuma dificuldade ao se manter entusiasmado nas últimas semanas. Conclusão: Indicadores de distúrbio do sono tiveram predomínio nos turnos da tarde e nos homens, enquanto indícios de ansiedade grave foi mais evidente em mulheres, sem interferência do turno de estudo.

Mammographic density among indigenous women in forested areas in the state of Amapa, Brazil: a cross-sectional study

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: There is no register of breast cancer cases among indigenous populations in Brazil. The objective here was to evaluate the association of clinical and demographic characteristics with mammographic density among indigenous women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study conducted in indigenous territories in the state of Amapa, Brazil. METHODS: Women were recruited from three indigenous territories and underwent bilateral mammography and blood collection for hormonal analysis. They were interviewed with the aid of an interpreter. Mammographic density was calculated using computer assistance, and was expressed as dense or non-dense. RESULTS: A total of 137 indigenous women were included in this study, with an average age of 50.4 years, and an average age at the menarche of 12.8 years. Half (50.3%) of the 137 participants had not reached the menopause at the time of this study. The women had had an average of 8.7 children, and only two had never breastfed. The average body mass index of the population as a whole was 25.1 kg/m(2). The mammographic evaluation showed that 82% of women had non-dense breasts. The clinical characteristics associated with mammographic density were age (P = 0.0001), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (P < 0.001) and estrogen levels (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the indigenous women had non-dense breasts. Age, menopausal status and FSH and estrogen levels were associated with mammographic density.Univ Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Amapa Unifap, Amapa, SP, BrazilCtr Univ Fundacao Santo Andre, Dept Biol Sci, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilFundacao ABC, Dept Genet, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Dept Gynecol & Coordinator Res & Technol Innovat, Coordinator Mol Gynecol Lab, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Amapa, Dept Gynecol, Amapa, AP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Dept Mastol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Dept Gynecol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Dept Gynecol & Coordinator Res & Technol Innovat, Coordinator Mol Gynecol Lab, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Dept Mastol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo Unifesp, Dept Gynecol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

NFATc3 controls tumour growth by regulating proliferation and migration of human astroglioma cells

Calcium/Calcineurin/Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (Ca/CN/NFAT) signalling pathway is the main calcium (Ca2+) dependent signalling pathway involved in the homeostasis of brain tissue. Here, we study the presence of NFATc members in human glioma by using U251 cells and a collection of primary human glioblastoma (hGB) cell lines. We show that NFATc3 member is the predominant member. Furthermore, by using constitutive active NFATc3 mutant and shRNA lentiviral vectors to achieve specific silencing of this NFATc member, we describe cytokines and molecules regulated by this pathway which are required for the normal biology of cancer cells. Implanting U251 in an orthotopic intracranial assay, we show that specific NFATc3 silencing has a role in tumour growth. In addition NFATc3 knock-down affects both the proliferation and migration capacities of glioma cells in vitro. Our data open the possibility of NFATc3 as a target for the treatment of glioma.This work was supported by grants from the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS) Spain (PI09/0218) and Red Temática Investigación Cooperativa en Cáncer (RTICC. (RD12/0036/0027) Grants from the Spanish Ministry (MINECO) (SAF2016-76451) to E.C.S

Effect of chemical modification of palygorskite and sepiolite by 3-aminopropyltriethoxisilane on adsorption of cationic and anionic dyes

[EN]A study has been performed on the removal of representative cationic and anionic dyes, methylene blue and metanil yellow, from aqueous solutions using fibrous clay minerals grafted with amine groups using (3- aminopropyl)triethoxysilane as functionalizing agent. Parameters affecting dye uptake, including contact time and dye concentration, the desorption process, pH and the recovery of both the dyes and the adsorbents, were evaluated. The adsorption capacities were 49.48 and 47.03 mg/g for grafted palygorskite and 60.00 and 59.78 mg/g for grafted sepiolite, for methylene blue and metanil yellow dyes, respectively. Adsorption of the anionic dye was enhanced by the grafting process. Grafted clay mineral adsorbents proved to be efficient to remove the contaminants from a real wastewater from textile industry within 30 min. Both adsorbents showed good reusability and the maximum adsorption capacity was maintained stable after a 2-cycle test. Thus, hybrid adsorbents based on fibrous clay minerals can efficiently be applied in adsorption/desorption cycles for removal of dye

Galletea

De acuerdo con la investigación realizada por nuestro equipo, hemos podido identificar situaciones que preocupan a los padres de nuestro segmento de análisis; padres de familia con hijos entre 3 a 10 años del sector socioeconómico A y B de Lima metropolitana. La practicidad de los medios digitales que interfieren en un óptimo crecimiento de sus hijos, la falta de comunicación efectiva y la generación de hábitos poco saludables para ellos. Adicionalmente, se debe mencionar que la pandemia ocasionada por el Covid – 19 ha alterado la vida familiar cerrando las escuelas para los niños y creando un estilo de trabajo remoto desde casa para los padres. Es por este motivo que un grupo de estudiantes de la Facultad de Negocios de la Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas ha visto oportuna la creación de Galletea, un modelo de negocio que busca llegar a los niños, desarrollando el lado creativo y motivando su aprendizaje e imaginación, compartiendo momentos de creatividad y momentos en familia. Todo esto basándose en un análisis previo del modelo de negocio, centrándose en los resultados del plan financiero el cual indica con determinación de que este proyecto tiene la capacidad de generar efectivo lo cual le permitirá tener un panorama de rentabilidad positiva tanto para el proyecto en si como generadora de valor y también para los inversionistas.According to the research conducted by our team, we have been able to identify situations that concern the parents of our analysis segment; parents with children between 3 and 10 years of age in the socio-economic sector A and B of metropolitan Lima. The practicality of digital media that interferes with optimal growth of their children, the lack of effective communication and the generation of unhealthy habits for them. In addition, it should be mentioned that the pandemic caused by the Covid – 19 has altered family life by closing schools for children and creating a remote work style from home for parents. It’s for this reason that a group of students from the Faculty of Business of the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences has seen the creation of Galletea, a business model that seeks to reach children, developing the creative side and motivating their learning and imagination, sharing moments of creativity and moments as a family. All these factors based on a previous analysis of the business model, focusing on the results of the financial plan, which indicates with right determination that this project has the capacity to generate cash which will allow it to have a positive profitability outlook for both the project itself, as a generator of value and also for shareholders.Trabajo de investigació