The relationship between truncation and phosphorylation at the C-terminus of tau protein in the paired helical filaments of Alzheimer's disease

Acknowledgements: Authors want to express their gratitude to Dr. P. Davies (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA) and Lester I. Binder (NorthWestern, Chicago, IL, USA) for the generous gift of mAbs (TG-3, Alz-50, and MC1), and (TauC-3), respectively, and to M. en C. Ivan J. Galván-Mendoza for his support in confocal microscopy, and Ms. Maricarmen De Lorenz for her secretarial assistance. We also want to express our gratitude to the Mexican Families who donate the brain of their loved ones affected with Alzheimer's disease, and made possible our research. This work was financially supported by CONACyT grant, No. 142293 (For R.M).Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Los páramos y bosques altoandinos del pantano de Monquentiva o pantano de Martos (Guatavita, Cundinamarca, Colombia): caracterización ecológica y estado de conservación

A floral and structural characterization of High Andean Forests and Paramos was conducted in a future protected regional area in the Paramo of Monquentiva (Martos swamp) in the Guatavita municipality (Cundinamarca, Colombia). The largest plant formations differentiated include the High Andean forests of Weinmannia balbisiana and Clusia multiflora that contain forests of Brunellia colombiana y Weinmannia rolotii and forests of Drimys granadensis and Weinmannia tomentosa. In the paramos were characterized the scrublands of Arcytophyllum nitidum-Diplostephium phylicoides and Aragoa abietina-Puya goudotiana, the chuscales of Chusquea tessellata and Aragoa abietina, the frailejonales of Oreobolus goeppingeri-Espeletia grandiflora, Castratella pilloselloides-Espeletia barclayana and Arcytophyllum nitidum- Espeletia argéntea, the pajonales (grasslands) of Paepalanthus columbiensis-Calamagrostis effusa, the peatland with a mosaic of frailejonales, grasslands, scrublands and wetlands. An analysis of the conservation state was carried out using some key ecological attributes based on ranks found for well-conserved ecosystems in nearby protected areas. The seven plant formations associated with the ecosystems, had good conservation statuses, which implies that the protected area is in a desirable state. It is suggested that management actions focus on continuing the decrease in stressors, natural recuperation and participatory monitoring of the process.Se realizó la caracterización florística y de la estructura de los bosques altoandinos y páramos de una futura área protegida regional en el páramo de Monquentiva (pantano de Martos) en el municipio de Guatavita (Cundinamarca, Colombia). Las grandes formaciones diferenciadas incluyen a los bosques altoandinos de Weinmannia balbisiana y Clusia multiflora, que incluye a los bosques de Brunellia colombiana y Weinmannia rolotii y a los bosques de Drimys granadensis y Weinmannia tomentosa. En los páramos se caracterizaron los matorrales de Arcytophyllum nitidum-Diplostephium phylicoides y Aragoa abietina-Puya goudotiana, los chuscales de Chusquea tessellata y Aragoa abietina, los frailejonales de Oreobolus goeppingeri-Espeletia grandiflora, Castratella pilloselloides-Espeletia barclayana y Arcytophyllum nitidum-Espeletia argéntea, los pajonales de Paepalanthus columbiensis-Calamagrostis effusa, la turbera con un mosaico de frailejonales, pajonales, matorrales y humedales. Se realizó un análisis de estado de conservación a partir de algunos atributos ecológicos claves basados en rangos encontrados para algunos ecosistemas bien conservados en áreas protegidas cercanas. Los siete tipos de vegetación asociados a los ecosistemas presentaron un buen estado de conservación, lo cual implica que el área protegida se encuentra en un estado deseable. Se sugiere que las acciones de manejo deberían enfocarse en continuar la disminución de los tensionantes, la recuperación natural y el monitoreo participativo del proceso

Ecological characterization and conservation status of the páramos (moors) and high Andean forests of the Monquentiva and Martos wetlands (Guatavita, Cundinamarca)

A floral and structural characterization of High Andean Forests and Paramos was conducted in a future protected regional area in the Paramo of Monquentiva (Martos swamp) in the Guatavita municipality (Cundinamarca, Colombia). The largest plant formations differentiated include the High Andean forests of Weinmannia balbisiana and Clusia multiflora that contain forests of Brunellia colombiana y Weinmannia rolotii and forests of Drimys granadensis and Weinmannia tomentosa. In the paramos were characterized the scrublands of Arcytophyllum nitidum-Diplostephium phylicoides and Aragoa abietina-Puya goudotiana, the chuscales of Chusquea tessellata and Aragoa abietina, the frailejonales of Oreobolus goeppingeri-Espeletia grandiflora, Castratella pilloselloides-Espeletia barclayana and Arcytophyllum nitidum- Espeletia argéntea, the pajonales (grasslands) of Paepalanthus columbiensis-Calamagrostis effusa, the peatland with a mosaic of frailejonales, grasslands, scrublands and wetlands. An analysis of the conservation state was carried out using some key ecological attributes based on ranks found for well-conserved ecosystems in nearby protected areas. The seven plant formations associated with the ecosystems, had good conservation statuses, which implies that the protected area is in a desirable state. It is suggested that management actions focus on continuing the decrease in stressors, natural recuperation and participatory monitoring of the process

Two short mass-loss events that unveil the binary heart of Minkowski's Butterfly Nebula

Studying the appearance and properties of bipolar winds is critical to understand the stellar evolution from the AGB to the planetary nebula (PN) phase. Many uncertainties exist regarding the presence and role of binary stellar systems, mainly due to the deficit of conclusive observational evidences. We investigate the extended equatorial distribution around the early bipolar planetary nebula M 2-9 ("Minkowski's Butterfly Nebula") to gather new information on the mechanism of the axial ejections. Interferometric millimeter observations of molecular emission provide the most comprehensive view of the equatorial mass distribution and kinematics in early PNe. Here we present subarcsecond angular-resolution observations of the 12CO J=2-1 line and continuum emission with the Plateau de Bure interferometer. The data reveal two ring-shaped and eccentric structures at the equatorial basis of the two coaxial optical lobes. The two rings were formed during short mass-loss episodes (~ 40 yr), separated by ~ 500 yr. Their positional and dynamical imprints provide evidence of the presence of a binary stellar system at the center, which yields critical information on its orbital characteristics, including a mass estimate for the secondary of ~< 0.2 \ms. The presence of a stellar system with a modest-mass companion at the center of such an elongated bipolar PN strongly supports the binary-based models, because these are more easily able to explain the frequent axisymmetric ejections in PNe.Comment: 8 page

Quantitative analysis of WC stars: Constraints on neon abundances from ISO/SWS spectroscopy

Neon abundances are derived in four Galactic WC stars -- gamma Vel (WR11, WC8+O7.5III), HD156385 (WR90, WC7), HD192103 (WR135, WC8), and WR146 (WC5+O8) - using mid-infrared fine structure lines obtained with ISO/SWS. Stellar parameters for each star are derived using a non-LTE model atmospheric code (Hillier & Miller 1998) together with ultraviolet (IUE), optical (INT, AAT) and infrared (UKIRT, ISO) spectroscopy. In the case of gamma Vel, we adopt results from De Marco et al. (2000), who followed an identical approach. ISO/SWS datasets reveal the [NeIII] 15.5um line in each of our targets, while [NeII] 12.8um, [SIV] 10.5um and [SIII] 18.7um are observed solely in gamma Vel. Using a method updated from Barlow et al. (1988) to account for clumped winds, we derive Ne/He=3-4x10^-3 by number, plus S/He=6x10^-5 for gamma Vel. Neon is highly enriched, such that Ne/S in gamma Vel is eight times higher than cosmic values. However, observed Ne/He ratios are a factor of two times lower than predictions of current evolutionary models of massive stars. An imprecise mass-loss and distance were responsible for the much greater discrepancy in neon content identified by Barlow et al. Our sample of WC5--8 stars span a narrow range in T* (=55--71kK), with no trend towards higher temperature at earlier spectral type, supporting earlier results for a larger sample by Koesterke & Hamann (1995). Stellar luminosities range from 100,000 to 500,000 Lo, while 10^-5.1 < Mdot/(Mo/yr) < 10^-4.5, adopting clumped winds, in which volume filling factors are 10%. In all cases, wind performance numbers are less than 10, significantly lower than recent estimates. Carbon abundances span 0.08 < C/He < 0.25 by number, while oxygen abundances remain poorly constrained.Comment: 16 pages,7 figures accepted for MNRA

Body composition, nutritional profile and muscular fitness affect bone health in a sample of schoolchildren from Colombia: The Fuprecol Study

This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.The objective of the present study is to investigate the relationships between body composition, nutritional profile, muscular fitness (MF) and bone health in a sample of children and adolescents from Colombia. Participants included 1118 children and adolescents (54.6% girls). Calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (c-BUA) was obtained as a marker of bone health. Body composition (fat mass and lean mass) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Furthermore height, weight, waist circumference and Tanner stage were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Standing long-jump (SLJ) and isometric handgrip dynamometry were used respectively as indicators of lower and upper body muscular fitness. A muscular index score was also computed by summing up the standardised values of both SLJ and handgrip strength. Dietary intake and degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet were assessed by a 7-day recall questionnaire for food frequency and the Kidmed questionnaire. Poor bone health was considered using a z-score cut off of ≤−1.5 standard deviation. Once the results were adjusted for age and Tanner stage, the predisposing factors of having a c-BUA z-score ≤−1.5 standard deviation included being underweight or obese, having an unhealthy lean mass, having an unhealthy fat mass, SLJ performance, handgrip performance, and unhealthy muscular index score. In conclusion, body composition (fat mass and lean body mass) and MF both influenced bone health in a sample of children and adolescents from Colombia. Thus promoting strength adaptation and preservation in Colombian youth will help to improve bone health, an important protective factor against osteoporosis in later life.: We would like to acknowledge to Bogota District Education Department for supporting data collection for this study. The authors also thank the participating Bogota District students, teachers, schools, and staff. The “FUPRECOL Study” was possible given the financial support provided by the Instituto Colombiano para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y la Tecnología “Francisco José de Caldas” COLCIENCIAS (Contract Number 671-2014 Code 122265743978). Also, during the completion of this paper, AG-H was visiting researchers at the University of Rosario (CEMA, Bogotá, Colombia), supported with grants awarded by Proyectos Basales y Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación” (Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH)

Population Characteristics of Human-Commensal Rodents Present in Households from Mérida, Yucatán, México

Anthropocommensal rodents live in close proximity to humans in many habitats around the world. They are a threat to public health because of the pathogens they carry. Recent studies in Mérida, Yucatán, México, have shown that commensal rodents harbor potential zoonotic pathogens such as bacteria, helminths, and viruses. In this study, we describe reproductive and demographic parameters of house mice and black rats present in households from Mérida, Yucatán, México, a municipality located in a tropical region in southern México. Rodents were trapped in 142 households within the municipality of Mérida from 2011 to 2014. A total of 832 rodents were trapped, constituting 556 (66.8%) house mice (Mus musculus) and 276 (33.2%) black rats (Rattus rattus). The sex ratio in mice was different than parity, while in rats it was 1:1. Mice in the weight class 8.1–12 g were most abundant in both females (52.9%) and males (57.2%). On the other hand, rats weighing ≤ 40 g (25% of females and 28.6% of males) were most abundant. The percentage of pregnancy in mice was 46.7%, whereas in rats it was 21.3%. The mean number of embryos was 4.7 and 5.8 in mice and rats, respectively. This study provides relevant demographic information on the ecology of commensal rodents from a tropical region of Latin America. We consider that our findings could be useful as a first step toward understanding the ecological behavior of rodent populations in tropical regions

Downregulation of duodenal SLC transporters and activation of proinflammatory signaling constitute the early response to high altitude in humans

Solute carrier (SLC) transporters mediate the uptake of biologically active compounds in the intestine. Reduced oxygenation (hypoxia) is an important factor influencing intestinal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiological consequences of hypoxia on the expression and function of SLCs in human intestine. Hypoxia was induced in human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in vitro (0.2; 1% O2 or CoCl2). For human in vivo studies, duodenal biopsies and serum samples were obtained from individuals (n = 16) acutely exposed to 4,554 meters above sea levels. Expression of relevant targets was analyzed by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, or immunofluorescence. Serum levels of inflammatory mediators and nucleosides were determined by ELISA and LC/MS-MS, respectively. In the duodenum of volunteers exposed to high altitude we observed decreased mRNA levels of apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT), concentrative nucleoside transporters 1/2 (CNT1/2), organic anion transporting polypeptide 2B1 (OATP2B1), organic cation transporter 2 (OCTN2), peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1), serotonin transporter (SERT), and higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-17A. Serum levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and serotonin were elevated, whereas the levels of uridine decreased upon exposure to hypoxia. Hypoxic IECs showed reduced levels of equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 (ENT2), OCTN2, and SERT mRNAs in vitro, which was confirmed on the protein level and was accompanied by activation of ERK1/2, increase of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) proteins, and production of IL-8 mRNA. Costimulation with IFN-γ and IL-6 during hypoxia further decreased the expression of SERT, ENT2, and CNT2 in vitro. Reduced oxygen supply affects the expression pattern of duodenal SLCs that is accompanied by changes in serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and biologically active compounds demonstrating that intestinal transport is affected during systemic exposure to hypoxia in humans

Multiple late-Pleistocene colonisation events of the Antarctic pearlwort Colobanthus quitensis (Caryophyllaceae) reveal the recent arrival of native Antarctic vascular flora

Aim: Antarctica's remote and extreme terrestrial environments are inhabited by only two species of native vascular plants. We assessed genetic connectivity amongst Antarctic and South American populations of one of these species, Colobanthus quitensis, to determine its origin and age in Antarctica. Location: Maritime Antarctic, sub‐Antarctic islands, South America. Taxon: Antarctic pearlwort Colobanthus quitensis (Caryophyllaceae). Methods: Four chloroplast markers and one nuclear marker were sequenced from 270 samples from a latitudinal transect spanning 21–68° S. Phylogeographic, population genetic and molecular dating analyses were used to assess the demographic history of C. quitensis and the age of the species in Antarctica. Results: Maritime Antarctic populations consisted of two different haplotype clusters, occupying the northern and southern Maritime Antarctic. Molecular dating analyses suggested C. quitensis to be a young (<1 Ma) species, with contemporary population structure derived since the late‐Pleistocene. Main conclusions: The Maritime Antarctic populations likely derived from two independent, late‐Pleistocene dispersal events. Both clusters shared haplotypes with sub‐Antarctic South Georgia, suggesting higher connectivity across the Southern Ocean than previously thought. The overall findings of multiple colonization events by a vascular plant species to Antarctica, and the recent timing of these events, are of significance with respect to future colonizations of the Antarctic Peninsula by vascular plants, particularly with predicted increases in ice‐free land in this area. This study fills a significant gap in our knowledge of the age of the contemporary Antarctic terrestrial biota. Adding to previous inferences on the other Antarctic vascular plant species (the grass Deschampsia antarctica), we suggest that both angiosperm species are likely to have arrived on a recent (late‐Pleistocene) time‐scale. While most major groups of Antarctic terrestrial biota include examples of much longer‐term Antarctic persistence, the vascular flora stands out as the first identified terrestrial group that appears to be of recent origin

In vitro gas and methane production and dry matter degradation of pumpkin (Cucurbita argyrosperma) silages with pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) hay

Objective: To determine the production of gas, methane and degradation of dry matter in vitro of silage made with pumpkin pulp shell (PPS; Cucurbita argyrosperma), pangola grass hay (Digitaria decumbens) and urea as additives and two inclusion percentages of molasses fermented for 14 and 21 days. Methodology: The silages (2 kg) were: E1= 72.5% PPS, 22.5% pangola grass, 3% molasses and 2% urea; and E2= 72.5 % PPS, 19.5% pangola grass, 6% molasses and 2 % urea. Both silages were fermented for 14 and 21 days. Gas production was evaluated, methane (CH4), total bacteria count and dry matter degradation (DMDEG). The experimental design was a completely randomized 2 × 2 arrangement with types of silage and fermentation time as factors. Results: The E1 at 21 d showed the lowest gas production at 72 h (46.96 mL g-1 MS) and the lowest DMDEG (35.78%; p ? 0.05). CH4 production and total bacteria count did not show differences (p&gt; 0.05) between types of silage, nor fermentation times. Limitations on study: The inclusion of 3% molasses with a fermentation time of 21 days showed the lowest gas production and degradation of dry matter in silage with pumpkin pulp shell and pangola grass hay. Conclusions: Silage made with pumpkin pulp shell is a viable alternative to preserve and produce feed for ruminants in the dry season; likewise, properly use potentially contaminating materials such as pumpkin pulp shell. Keywords: Digitaria decumbens, Cucurbita argyrosperma, gas production, ensilage, in vitro.Objetivo: Determinar la producción de gas, metano y degradación de la materia seca in vitro de ensilados elaborados con cascara y pulpa de calabaza (CPC; Cucurbita argyrosperma), heno de pasto pangola (Digitaria decumbens) y como aditivos urea y dos porcentajes de inclusión de melaza fermentados durante 14 y 21 días. Metodología: Los ensilados (2 Kg) fueron: E1 = 72.5% de CPC, 22.5% de pasto pangola, 3% de melaza y 2% de urea; E2 = 72.5% de CPC, 19.5% de pasto pangola, 6% de melaza y 2% de urea. Ambos ensilados se fermentaron por 14 y 21 días. Se evaluó la producción de gas, metano (CH4), conteo de bacterias totales y degradación de materia seca (DEGMS). El diseño experimental fue un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial 2 x 2 con tipos de ensilado y tiempo de fermentación como factores. Resultados: El E1 a los 21 d mostró la menor producción de gas a las 72 h (46.96 mL g-1 MS) y menor DEGMS (35.78%; p ? 0.05). La producción de CH4 y conteo de bacterias totales no mostraron diferencias (p &gt; 0.05) entre tipos de ensilado, ni tiempos de fermentación. Limitaciones del estudio: La inclusión de 3% de melaza con un tiempo de fermentación de 21 días presentó la menor producción de gas y degradación de la materia seca en ensilados con cascara y pulpa de calabaza y heno de pasto pangola. Conclusiones: Los ensilados elaborados con cascara y pulpa de calabaza son una alternativa viable para conservar y producir alimento para rumiantes en la época de sequía; así mismo usar adecuadamente materiales potencialmente contaminantes como la cascara y pulpa de calabaza