The K186E amino acid substitution in the canine influenza virus H3N8 NS1 protein restores its ability to inhibit host gene expression

Canine influenza viruses (CIVs) are the causative agents of canine influenza, a contagious respiratory disease in dogs, and include the equine-origin H3N8 and the avian-origin H3N2. Influenza A virus (IAV) non-structural protein 1 (NS1) is a virulence factor essential for counteracting the innate immune response. Here, we evaluated the ability of H3N8 CIV NS1 to inhibit host innate immune responses. We found that H3N8 CIV NS1 was able to efficiently counteract interferon (IFN) responses but was unable to block general gene expression in human or canine cells. Such ability was restored by a single amino acid substitution in position 186 (K186E) that resulted in NS1 binding to the 30-kDa subunit of the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF30), a cellular protein involved in pre-mRNA processing. We also examined the frequency distribution of K186 and E186 among H3N8 CIVs and equine influenza viruses (EIVs), the ancestors of H3N8 CIV, and experimentally determined the impact of amino acid 186 in the ability of different CIV and EIV NS1s to inhibit general gene expression. In all cases, the presence of E186 was responsible for the control of host gene expression. Contrastingly, the NS1 protein of H3N2 CIV harbors E186 and blocks general gene expression in canine cells. Altogether, our results confirm previous studies on the strain-dependent ability of NS1 to block general gene expression. Moreover, the observed polymorphism on amino acid 186 between H3N8 and H3N2 CIVs might be the result of adaptive changes acquired during long-term circulation of avian-origin IAVs in mammals. IMPORTANCE: Canine influenza is a respiratory disease of dogs caused by two CIV subtypes, the H3N8 and H3N2 viruses of equine and avian origin, respectively. Influenza NS1 is the main viral factor responsible for the control of host innate immune responses and changes in NS1 can play an important role in host adaptation. Here we assessed the ability of H3N8 CIV NS1 to inhibit host innate immune responses and gene expression. The H3N8 CIV NS1 did not block host gene expression but this activity was restored by a single amino acid substitution (K186E), which was responsible for NS1 binding to the host factor CPSF30. In contrast, the H3N2 CIV NS1, that contains E186, blocks general gene expression. Our results suggest that the ability to block host gene expression is not required for influenza replication in mammals but might be important in the long-term adaptation of avian-origin influenza viruses to mammals

Tephritidae flies associated with Chuquiraga avellanedae (Asteraceae) in Patagonia, Argentina

In Patagonia, knowledge about the interaction among tephritids and the native flora is very scarce. In this study we identified for the first time two tephritid species (Cecidochares sp. and Neosphaeniscus m-nigrum) associated with the capitula of Chuquiraga avellanedae. This is the first record of a host plant for the genus Neosphaeniscus. Cecidochares sp. was more abundant and had a shorter development time than N. m-nigrum. Also, two families of parasitoid wasps (Pteromalidae and Eurytomidae) were registered. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of these tephritids on C. avellanedae fitness and their potential to control its populations.Fil: Martínez, Fernando Joaquín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco"; ArgentinaFil: Norrbom, Allen L.. United States Department of Agriculture; Estados UnidosFil: Schliserman, Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca. Universidad Nacional de Catamarca. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Catamarca; ArgentinaFil: Campanella, María Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentin

Manejo perioperatorio de fármacos anticoagulantes y antiagregantes en el paciente con fractura de cadera

La fractura de cadera eleva de manera significativa en los estudios publicados la morbilidad y la mortalidad en los pacientes ancianos que la padecen. La participación en el proceso de fármacos que alteran la hemostasia se ha convertido en uno de los aspectos más importantes y controvertidos del manejo perioperatorio del paciente con fractura de cadera. La anticoagulación o antiagregación plaquetaria de estos pacientes tiene unas implicaciones tanto en la práctica anestésica como quirúrgica que hacen necesaria la búsqueda de un equilibrio entre el riesgo hemorrágico y trombótico de los mismos. Con la elaboración del presente protocolo, en línea con las últimas evidencias científicas publicadas, se sientan las bases para avanzar en el tratamiento de este grupo de pacientes. Una atención multidisciplinar especializada, una fijación precoz de la fractura antes de las 48 horas, y un efectivo programa de rehabilitación pueden disminuir las complicaciones del proceso.Hip fracture rises significantly in published studies morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Participation in the process of hemostasis-altering drugs has become one of the most important and controversial perioperative management of patients with hip fracture aspects. Anticoagulation or antiplatelet of these patients have some implications as a surgical anesthetic practice that make it necessary to seek a balance between bleeding and thrombotic risk thereof. With the development of this protocol, in line with the latest scientific evidence published, the stage is set to advance the treatment of this patient group. A specialized multidisciplinary care, early fracture fixation within 48 hours and an effective rehabilitation program can reduce complications of that process

Determination of toxic elements (mercury, cadmium, lead, tin and arsenic) in fish and shellfish samples. Risk assessment for the consumers

The authors would gratefully like to acknowledge the financial support given by Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (reference PI10/00527). They are also grateful to the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport for awarding Pablo Olmedo a FPU predoctoral fellowship (reference AP2009-0534) to achieve his PhD degree in the context of this research project.Although fish intake has potential health benefits, the presence of metal contamination in seafood has raised public health concerns. In this study, levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, tin and arsenic have been determined in fresh, canned and frozen fish and shellfish products and compared with the maximum levels currently in force. In a further step, potential human health risks for the consumers were assessed. A total of 485 samples of the 43 most frequently consumed fish and shellfish species in Andalusia (Southern Spain) were analyzed for their toxic elements content. High mercury concentrations were found in some predatory species (blue shark, cat shark, swordfish and tuna), although they were below the regulatory maximum levels. In the case of cadmium, bivalve mollusks such as canned clams and mussels presented higher concentrations than fish, but almost none of the samples analyzed exceeded the maximum levels. Lead concentrations were almost negligible with the exception of frozen common sole, which showed median levels above the legal limit. Tin levels in canned products were far below the maximum regulatory limit, indicating that no significant tin was transferred from the can. Arsenic concentrations were higher in crustaceans such as fresh and frozen shrimps. The risk assessment performed indicated that fish and shellfish products were safe for the average consumer, although a potential risk cannot be dismissed for regular or excessive consumers of particular fish species, such as tuna, swordfish, blue shark and cat shark (for mercury) and common sole (for lead).Instituto de Salud Carlos III PI10/00527Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport AP2009-053

Interaction of 8 He with 208Pb at near-barrier energies: 4 He and 6 He production

Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness-FPA-2010-22131-CO2-01 (FINURA) y FPA2013-47327-C2-1-RMinistry of Science and Higher Education of Poland-N202 033637National Science Centre of Poland-2013/08/M/ST2/00257 (LEA-COPIGAL) y 2014/14/M/ST2/00738 (COPIN-INFN Collaboration)European Science Foundation-EUI2009-04163432 (EUROGENESIS

Model-based systems engineering applied to trade-off analysis of wireless power transfer technologies for implanted biomedical microdevices

Decision-making is an important part of human life and particularly in any engineering process related to a complex product. New sensors and actuators based on MEMS technologies are increasingly complex and quickly evolving into products. New biomedical implanted devices may benefit from system engineering approaches, previously reserved to very large projects, and it is expected that this need will increase in the future. Here, we propose the application of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to systematize and optimize the trade-off analysis process. The criteria, their utility functions and the weighting factors are applied in a systematic way for the selection of the best alternative. Combining trade-off with MBSE allow us to identify the more suitable technology to be implemented to transfer energy to an implanted biomedical micro device.European Commissio

Modelo multi-agente para la personalización de entornos de aprendizaje colaborativo

En la actualidad, el aprendizaje colaborativo es una actividad muy frecuente, sobre todo, en grupos de alumnos dentro de las aulas de clase, y está adquiriendo relevancia en los entornos de aprendizaje a distancia. Para concretar estos aprendizajes, se proponen diferentes actividades que los grupos de estudiantes deben realizar a través de las herramientas de colaboración que ofrecen los entornos computarizados. En este tipo de actividad los integrantes intercambian la información que cada uno trae adquirida como un conocimiento previo, y ponen en juego sus estilos de aprendizaje individuales para concretar un aprendizaje a través de la colaboración. Sin embargo, las tareas o actividades que se le proponen al grupo, en ambientes de aprendizaje a distancia, son muy generales y no siempre responden al estilo de aprendizaje que tienen cada uno de sus integrantes. Por lo tanto, para potencializar el aprendizaje en estos entornos, es importante personalizar las tareas que se le propone a cada grupo, a los estilos de aprendizaje que se manifiestan en los alumnos que integran cada grupo. Para dar solución a este planteo, se propone en este trabajo un módulo de personalización, basado en tecnología de Agentes para integrar a la plataforma MOODLE.Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Development of FEM/BEM and SEA models from experimental results for structural elements with attached equipment

This work focuses on the analysis of a structural element of MetOP-A satellite. Given the special interest in the influence of equipment installed on structural elements, the paper studies one of the lateral faces on which the Advanced SCATterometer (ASCAT) is installed. The work is oriented towards the modal characterization of the specimen, describing the experimental set-up and the application of results to the development of a Finite Element Method (FEM) model to study the vibro-acoustic response. For the high frequency range, characterized by a high modal density, a Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) model is considered, and the FEM model is used when modal density is low. The methodology for developing the SEA model and a compound FEM and Boundary Element Method (BEM) model to provide continuity in the medium frequency range is presented, as well as the necessary updating, characterization and coupling between models required to achieve numerical models that match experimental results

Controlled deformation of vesicles by flexible structured media

Liquid crystalline (LC) materials, such as actin or tubulin networks, are known to be capable of deforming the shape of cells. Here, elements of that behavior are reproduced in a synthetic system, namely, a giant vesicle suspended in a LC, which we view as a first step toward the preparation of active, anisotropic hybrid systems that mimic some of the functionality encountered in biological systems. To that end, we rely on a coupled particle-continuum representation of deformable networks in a nematic LC represented at the level of a Landau–de Gennes free energy functional. Our results indicate that, depending on its elastic properties, the LC is indeed able to deform the vesicle until it reaches an equilibrium, anisotropic shape. The magnitude of the deformation is determined by a balance of elastic and surface forces. For perpendicular anchoring at the vesicle, a Saturn ring defect forms along the equatorial plane, and the vesicle adopts a pancake-like, oblate shape. For degenerate planar anchoring at the vesicle, two boojum defects are formed at the poles of the vesicle, which adopts an elongated, spheroidal shape. During the deformation, the volume of the topological defects in the LC shrinks considerably as the curvature of the vesicle increases. These predictions are confirmed by our experimental observations of spindle-like shapes in experiments with giant unilamellar vesicles with planar anchoring. We find that the tension of the vesicle suppresses vesicle deformation, whereas anchoring strength and large elastic constants promote shape anisotropy