Cell signaling stabilizes morphogenesis against noise

Embryonic development involves gene networks, extracellular signaling, cell behaviors (cell division, adhesion, etc.) and mechanical interactions. How should these be coordinated to lead to complex and robust morphologies? To explore this question, we randomly wired genes and cell behaviors into a huge number of networks in EmbryoMaker. EmbryoMaker is a computational model of animal development that simulates how the 3D positions of cells, i.e. morphology, change over time due to such networks. We found that any gene network can lead to complex morphologies if this activates cell behaviors over large regions of the embryo. Importantly, however, for such complex morphologies to be robust to noise, gene networks should include cell signaling that compartmentalizes the embryo into small regions where cell behaviors are regulated differently. If, instead, cell behaviors are equally regulated over large regions, complex but non-robust morphologies arise. We explain how compartmentalization enhances robustness and why it is a general feature of animal development. Our results are consistent with theories proposing that robustness evolved by the co-option of gene networks and extracellular cell signaling in early animal evolution.Peer reviewe

Flipping the classrrom in courses of statistics: analyzing the feedback from students

[EN] We present the application of the flipped classroom strategy in two subjects of the degree in Statistics (University of Barcelona-Polytechnic University of Catalonia) and analyse the opinion of students about the experience. The objective is to improve the learning process of statistics by promoting a more active attitude of students in the classroom. The new strategy has been welcomed by students, as most of them are satisfied with the experience. Many of them would like that the stratgy would be applied to a significant number of lessons in the subject, or even in other subjects of the degree. Moreover, students think that it helped them to develop their capacity to organize their study time and their self-learning competence. They also think that with the flipped classroom strategy they learn more than with the traditional classes, but they remark the importance of imcluding a session where the teacher answers the questions and solves the doubts of students to ensure a sucessful implementation.http://ocs.editorial.upv.es/index.php/HEAD/HEAD18Alcañiz, M.; Lopez-Tamayo, J.; Perez-Marin, A.; Riera, C.; Santolino, M.; Chulia, H. (2018). Flipping the classrrom in courses of statistics: analyzing the feedback from students. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 1011-1018. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAD18.2018.8136OCS1011101

Seven challenges in the multiscale modeling of multicellular tissues

The growth and dynamics of multicellular tissues involve tightly regulated and coordinated morphogenetic cell behaviors, such as shape changes, movement, and division, which are governed by subcellular machinery and involve coupling through short- and long-range signals. A key challenge in the fields of developmental biology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is to understand how relationships between scales produce emergent tissue-scale behaviors. Recent advances in molecular biology, live-imaging and ex vivo techniques have revolutionized our ability to study these processes experimentally. To fully leverage these techniques and obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the causal relationships underlying tissue dynamics, computational modeling approaches are increasingly spanning multiple spatial and temporal scales, and are coupling cell shape, growth, mechanics, and signaling. Yet such models remain challenging: modeling at each scale requires different areas of technical skills, while integration across scales necessitates the solution to novel mathematical and computational problems. This review aims to summarize recent progress in multiscale modeling of multicellular tissues and to highlight ongoing challenges associated with the construction, implementation, interrogation, and validation of such models

Itinerari d'educació ambiental i sensorial de Sant Pere del Burgal

El Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu (PNAP) va ser creat l'any 2003. Actualment, el parc està desenvolupant una xarxa d'itineraris d'Educació Ambiental (EA). L'Ecomuseu de la Vall d'Àneu (EVA) ofereix rutes guiades al sender del Monestir de Sant Pere del Burgal, ja senyalitzat i equipat pel PNAP, en estar inscrit al seu àmbit territorial. Es tracta d'un sender de fàcil accés i recorregut, molt ample al primer tram tot oferint una gran varietat d'aspectes d'interès. L'objectiu principal del present projecte és plantejar un itinerari d'EA sensorial adaptat als col·lectius amb mobilitat reduïda i persones invidents. Amb aquesta finalitat es desenvolupen continguts i materials didàctics i es determinen les accions que els articularan. En un primer moment s'ha analitzat la viabilitat de l'itinerari aplicant el protocol de valoració dissenyat pel grup Edukamb. La puntuació obtinguda és de 74 punts sobre 100, corroborant la idoneïtat del seu recorregut pels visitants. En el disseny de l'itinerari, s'han determinat els elements i processos d'interès a l'entorn, s'han proposat quatre parades sensorials i una pasarel·la de fusta al primer tram i quatre parades de component antropològica i la instal·lació d'una corda perimetral al segon tram. Finalment també, la instal·lació de maquetes tridimensionals tàctils, una descriptiva dels aspectes i les parades de l'itinerari a l'inici del camí i una arquitectònica de l'entorn del monestir en arrivar al mateix. S'han proposat millores en la senyalització present, alternatives i complements al material pedagògic considerat al projecte i el disseny de protocols de valoració per itineraris adaptats a tot tipus de col·lectius.El Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu (PNAP) fue creado en 2003. Actualmente, el parque está desarrollando una red de itinerarios de Eduación Ambiental (EA). El Ecomuseu de la Vall d'Àneu (EVA) ofrece guias a grupos para recorrer el sendero del Monestir de Sant Pere del Burgal, ya señalizado y equipado por el PNAP. Se trata de un sendero de fácil acceso y recorrido, siendo amplio en su primer tramo. Ofrece una gran variedad de elementos de interés para trabajar en EA. El objetivo principal del presente proyecto es plantear un itinerario sensorial adaptado a personas con movilidad reducida e invidentes. Con esta finalidad se han desarrollado contenidos y materiales didácticos y se han determinado las acciones que los articularán. En un primer momento se ha analizado la viabilidad del itinerario aplicando el protocolo de valoración diseñado por el grupo Edukamb. La puntuación obtenida és de 74 punts sobre 100, corroborando la idoneidad de su recorrido para los visitantes. El diseño del itinerario comprende la determinación de los elementos y procesos de interés y la proposición de cuatro paradas sensoriales y una pasarela de madera en el primer tramo y cuatro paradas de componente antropológica y la instalación de una cuerda perimetral en el segundo tramo. Incluye también la instalación de maquetas tridimensionales táctiles, una descriptiva de los aspectos y las parades del itinerario al comienzo del camino y una arquitectónica del entorno del monasterio ante el mismo. Se han propuesto mejoras en la señalización existente, alternativas y complementos al material pedagógico considerado en el proyecto y el diseño de protocolos de valoración para itinerarios adaptados a todo tipo de colectivos.The Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu (PNAP) was founded in 2003. Currently, the parc developes a net of itineries for Enviromental Education (EE). In this context the Ecomuseu de la Vall d'Àneu (EVA) offers already guided tours at Monestir de Sant Pere del Burgal. They are signposted and equipped by the PNAP. The path is well conected and easy to absolve; especially the first part is mentionable wide. Diverse elements of interest for the work in EE can be found. The main intention of the present project is to establish a sensorial itinerary addapded for people with disadvantages in their abality either to walk or see. This has been realised by developing the didactic material and by concreting the respective activities. Initally the feasibility has been analised by applying the evaluation protocol designed by the group Edukamb. As a 74 over 100 score was obtained, the suitability of the route for visitors has been corroborated. The design of this itinerary includes determination of the environmental elements and processes to be treated and the proposal of four sensorial interpretation points and one wood footbridge in the first flat section and another four of anthropological aspect and the installation of a peripheral cord in the second section. It also includes the installation of tactile three-dimensional scale models, one showing the aspects and interpretation points of the itinerary at the beginning of the way and one of the monastery by the arrival. Finally, propositions are set out about improvements in the existing signaling, alternative complements to the considered pedagogical material, and the design of feasibility evaluation protocols for itineraries to be adapted for all type of collectives have been incentivated

Studying the genotype-phenotype map through general mathematical models of embryonic development and its application on tooth morphogenesis and evolution

Premi Extraordinari de Doctorat concedit pels programes de doctorat de la UAB per curs acadèmic 2016-2017Entendre com les especies canvien al llarg de les generacions es un dels principals desafiaments de la biologia evolutiva. Per tal d'entendre el canvi evolutiu a nivell del fenotip és necessari conèixer quina variació fenotípica heretable és present a cada generació i com la seleccio natural actua sobre el fenotip. La variació genètica heretable s'associa a la variació fenotípica corresponent a través del mapa genotip-fenotip (MGF). En el cas de l'evolució morfològica, el MGF ve donat pel desenvolupament embrionari, que consisteix en xarxes d'interacció complexes i dinàmiques entre gens, cèl·lules i teixits. El MGF ens indica el conjunt de fenotips que el desenvolupament pot produir i també les mutacions genètiques especiífiques que es requereixen per aconseguir un determinat fenotip. En aquesta tesi utilitzem l'aproximació computacional per tal de generar prediccions teòriques sobre com la complexitat del MGF influeix en la variació morfològica resultant del desenvolupament i quin efecte té en les dinàmiques evolutives de les poblacions. Utilitzem la dent de mamífer com a sistema model a causa de la seva alta complexitat morfològica i la seva rellevància ecològica i evolutiva. Per mitjà de la simulació d'evolució in silico trobem que els règims selectius que es centren en tots els detalls del fenotip no aconsegueixen portar les poblacions a l'optimalitat fenotípica. També desenvolupem un model general de desenvolupament animal que és capaç de reproduir un ampli ventall de mecanismes de desenvolupament. Després utilitzem aquest model per extendre el model de desenvolupament de dents i explorem la variacio morfològica provinent d'alteracions en l'adhesió i biomecànica cel·lulars. Per mitjà de la simulació del desenvolupament de dents amb models matemàtics hem pogut fer prediccions sobre com un MGF complex afecta la distribució de la variació fenotípica i l'efecte de la selecció natural durant l'evolució adaptativa.One of the main challenges of evolutionary biology is to understand how species change over generations. Phenotypic evolutionary change can only be understood by knowing how natural selection acts on the phenotype and which heritable phenotypic variation arises in each generation within populations. Heritable genetic variation is associated to the correspondent phenotypic variation by means of the genotype-phenotype map (GPM). In the case of morphological evolution, the GPM is determined by embryonic development which consists on complex and dynamic networks of interaction between genes, cells and tissues. The nature of the GPM tells us the ensemble of phenotypes that can be produced by development and also the specific genetic mutations that are required to reach a certain phenotype. In this thesis we use the computational approach to generate theoretical predictions on how the complexity of the GPM influences morphological variation arising from development and what effect has that on the evolutionary dynamics of populations. We use the mammalian tooth as a model system due to its high morphological complexity and ecological and evolutionary relevance. By performing in silico evolution we find that selective regimes that focus on all the details of the phenotype fail to drive populations to phenotypic optimality. We also develop a general model of animal development that is able to reproduce a wide range of developmental mechanisms. We then use this general model to extend the tooth development model and we explore the morphological variation arising from alterations in cell-cell adhesion and biomechanics. By simulating tooth development and evolution by means of mathematical models we have been able to make predictions on how a complex GPM arising from development affects the distribution of phenotypic variation and the effective of natural selection during adaptive evolution

Low Doses of Glyphosate/Roundup Alter Blood–Testis Barrier Integrity in Juvenile Rats

It has been postulated that glyphosate (G) or its commercial formulation Roundup (R) might lead to male fertility impairment. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of G or R treatment of juvenile male rats on blood-testis barrier function and on adult male sperm production. Pups were randomly assigned to the following groups: control group (C), receiving water; G2 and G50 groups, receiving 2 and 50 mg/kg/day G respectively; and R2 and R50 groups receiving 2 and 50 mg/kg/day R respectively. Treatments were performed orally from postnatal day (PND) 14 to 30, period of life that is essential to complete a functional blood-testis barrier. Evaluation was done on PND 31. No differences in body and testis weight were observed between groups. Testis histological analysis showed disorganized seminiferous epithelium, with apparent low cellular adhesion in treated animals. Blood-testis barrier permeability to a biotin tracer was examined. A significant increase in permeable tubules was observed in treated groups. To evaluate possible mechanisms that could explain the effects on blood-testis barrier permeability, intratesticular testosterone levels, androgen receptor expression, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the expression of intercellular junction proteins (claudin11, occludin, ZO-1, connexin43, 46, and 50 which are components of the blood-testis barrier) were examined. No modifications in the above-mentioned parameters were detected. To evaluate whether juvenile exposure to G and R could have consequences during adulthood, a set of animals of the R50 group was allowed to grow up until PND 90. Histological analysis showed that control and R50 groups had normal cellular associations and complete spermatogenesis. Also, blood-testis barrier function was recovered and testicular weight, daily sperm production, and epididymal sperm motility and morphology did not seem to be modified by juvenile treatment. In conclusion, the results presented herein show that continuous exposure to low doses of G or R alters blood-testis barrier permeability in juvenile rats. However, considering that adult animals treated during the juvenile stage showed no differences in daily sperm production compared with control animals, it is feasible to think that blood-testis barrier impairment is a reversible phenomenon. More studies are needed to determine possible damage in the reproductive function of human juvenile populations exposed to low doses of G or R.Fil: Gorga, Agostina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; ArgentinaFil: Rindone, Gustavo Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; ArgentinaFil: Centola, Cecilia Lucia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; ArgentinaFil: Sobarzo, Cristian Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; ArgentinaFil: Pellizzari, Eliana Herminia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; ArgentinaFil: Camberos, Maria del Carmen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; ArgentinaFil: Marin Briggiler, Clara Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Cohen, Debora Juana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Riera, Maria Fernanda. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; ArgentinaFil: Galardo, Maria Noel Lujan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; ArgentinaFil: Meroni, Silvina Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada". Fundación de Endocrinología Infantil. Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergada"; Argentin

Dental Pathology Booklet

Oral pathology is the discipline of Dentistry that deals with everything related to the etiopathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and prognosis of enamel, dentine and pulp affections. In this handbook we review the most frequent pathological entities at a dental level, such as trauma, consumptive processes and cariology. Focusing our efforts to provide dental students with a useful, simple teaching tool with an eminently clinical approach.La patología dental es aquella disciplina de la odontología que se ocupa de todo lo relacionado con la etiopatogenia, fisiopatología, clínica, diagnóstico y pronóstico de las afecciones del esmalte, de la dentina y de la pulpa. En este prontuario repasamos todos todas las entidades patológicas más frecuentes a nivel dental , tales como traumatismos, procesos consuntivos y cariología etc. Centrando nuestros esfuerzos en dotar a los alumnos de odontología de una herramienta didáctica útil, sencilla y con un enfoque eminentemente clínicoOdontologí