Proyectos vinculados al recurso agua en comunidades originarias de la Provincia de Tucumán : el caso de la comunidad India Quilmes

Las comunidades originarias de la Provincia de Tucumán son 21 formalmente declaradas. Todas ellas están organizadas y reconocidas como parte del Estado Nacional a través de su personería jurídica y de un robusto marco legal y jurídico que las ubican como sujetos de Derechos. La Comunidad India Quilmes es una de ellas y está conformada por 14 comunidades de base, pueblos o parajes de la zona, las que suman alrededor de 630 familias. Dicha comunidad se ubica en el Valle de Yokavil, Departamento Tafí del Valle, en una zona de montaña con relieve quebrado y con zonas de marcado aislamiento. Los pobladores indígenas de Quilmes se dedican a la Agricultura y ganadería de tipo familiar y a la artesanía. El agua es una de las limitantes principales para la producción agrícola y ganadera de la zona. El presente trabajo busca identificar experiencias vinculadas al recurso agua en la zona, reflexionando acerca de la importancia del recurso en estos pueblos. El enfoque aplicado fue de tipo cualitativo, utilizando el estudio de caso como método de investigación. La muestra estuvo compuesta por Caciques de diferentes comunidades originarias, delegados de comunidades de base, productores, técnicos de proyectos e informantes calificados. Los resultados arrojan interesantes datos donde se identifican proyectos ejecutados e implementados en diversas comunidades, priorizando los mismos según importancia, alcance y necesidad de la población. También en este apartado surgen los efectos de estos proyectos desde diferentes dimensiones: económica, productiva y social y el impacto en las familias comuneras.There are approximately 21 original (native) communities in the Province of Tucumán. All of them are organized and have been recognized as part of the National State by their legal personality and a robust juridical and legal framework, which places them as subjects of Rights. The Quilmes Indian Community is one of them and is made up of 14 base communities or local villages of the area, which congregate about 630 families. This community is located in the Yokavil Valley, Tafí Department of the Valley, in a mountain area with broken land relief and areas of marked isolation. The indigenous inhabitants of Quilmes are dedicated in agriculture, family livestock, and crafts. Water is one of the main limits for agricultural production and livestock in the area. The present study seeks to identify water experiences in the area, and to reflect on the importance of the resource in these villages. A qualitative type approach was applied, using the case study as research method. The sample consisted of Chieftains (caciques) from different native communities, delegates from base communities, farmers, project technicians and qualified informants. The results show interesting data, identifying the projects implemented in different communities, and they are shown sorted by the importance, scope and need of the population. Also in this section, the effects of these projects arise from different dimensions (economic, productive and social) as well as the impact on community families.Fil: García Salemi, Ana C. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán.Fil: Ríos, Alejandro Daniel. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán.Fil: Ceconello, Marcos Mauricio. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán

Challenges for nerve repair using chitosan-siloxane hybrid porous scaffolds

The treatment of peripheral nerve injuries remains one of the greatest challenges of neurosurgery, as functional recover is rarely satisfactory in these patients. Recently, biodegradable nerve guides have shown great potential for enhancing nerve regeneration. A major advantage of these nerve guides is that no foreign material remains after the device has fulfilled its task, which spares a second surgical intervention. Recently, we studied peripheral nerve regeneration using chitosan-γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (chitosan-GPTMS) porous hybrid membranes. In our studies, these porous membranes significantly improved nerve fiber regeneration and functional recovery in rat models of axonotmetic and neurotmetic sciatic nerve injuries. In particular, the number of regenerated myelinated nerve fibers and myelin thickness were significantly higher in rat treated with chitosan porous hybrid membranes, whether or not they were used in combination with mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord. In this review, we describe our findings on the use of chitosan-GPTMS hybrids for nerve regeneration

Effect of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Endotoxin-Induced Oxidation of Plasma Cysteine and Glutathione in Mice

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSC) are emerging as a therapeutic modality in various inflammatory disease states, including acute lung injury (ALI). A hallmark of inflammation, and a consistent observation in patients with ALI, is a perturbation in the systemic redox environment. However, little is known about the effects of BMDMSC on the systemic redox status. The objective of the present study was to determine whether exogenously infused BMDMSC protect against endotoxin-induced oxidation of plasma cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH) redox states. To determine the effect on the redox state if BMDMSC, mice received endotoxin intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg), followed by intravenous infusion of either 5 × 105 BMDMSC or an equal volume of saline solution. Control mice received intraperitoneal endotoxin followed by 5 × 105 lung fibroblasts given intravenously. Cys, cystine (CySS), GSH, and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) concentrations were determined by HPLC. Results showed sequential preservation of plasma Cys and GSH levels in response to BMDMSC infusion. The data show that BMDMSC infusion leads to a more reducing Cys and GSH redox state. The findings are the first to demonstrate that BMDMSC have antioxidant effects in vivo, and add to our understanding of the systemic effects of BMDMSC in lung injury

Diethylaminophenyl-based Schiff base Cu( ii ) and V( iv ) complexes: experimental and theoretical studies and cytotoxicity assays

An N,N,O,O donor Schiff base blocking ligand [H2L = 6,6′-((1E,1′E)-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(3-(diethylamino)phenol), 1] has been used to synthesize mononuclear [CuL]·H2O (2) and [VO(L)] (3) complexes. The ligand and complexes have been characterized by elemental, spectral (FTIR and UV-vis) and thermogravimetric analysis. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The crystal structure of the ligand (1) indicates that the molecule is sited on a crystallographic inversion centre and the planar conformation of the salicylideneimine moiety is favored by two intramolecular O?H⋯N1 hydrogen bonds forming S(6) ring motifs. The copper(II) center in complex 2 is coordinated in a square planar fashion. The presence of an extended π-system in the complex (two chelate rings and two phenyl rings) facilitates the formation of chelate ring (CR)⋯π non-covalent interactions. DFT calculations have been performed to explore the energetic features of unconventional CR⋯π and hydrogen bonding interactions that are observed and described in the solid state of 2. Moreover, we have studied how the energy of the CR⋯π interaction is influenced by the substituent of the phenyl ring. In addition, the cytotoxic effect of the compounds has been tested against MG-63 (human osteosarcoma), HT-29 (human colorectal) and MCF7 (breast) cancer cell lines using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.Fil: Rocha, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; ArgentinaFil: Ruiz, María C.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino"; ArgentinaFil: Echeverría, Gustavo A.. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Cs.exactas. Instituto de Física de la Plata; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Física La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Física La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Piro, Oscar Enrique. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Cs.exactas. Instituto de Física de la Plata; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto de Física La Plata. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Instituto de Física La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Di Virgilio, Ana Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino"; ArgentinaFil: Leon, Ignacio Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Centro de Química Inorgánica "Dr. Pedro J. Aymonino"; ArgentinaFil: Frontera, Antonio. Universitat de Les Illes Balears; EspañaFil: Gil, Diego Mauricio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Química del Noroeste. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia. Instituto de Química del Noroeste; Argentin

Testagem anti-HIV em mulheres grávidas no Brasil: taxas e preditores

OBJETIVO: Estimar las tasas de oferta y realización de la prueba anti-HIV y sus predictivos entre mujeres que recibieron atención prenatal. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal, de base poblacional, con 2.234 puérperas en 12 ciudades de Brasil. Las muestras probabilísticas fueron seleccionadas independientemente por ciudad, entre puérperas que asistieron a por lo menos una visita prenatal. Se colectaron datos sociodemográficos, informaciones sobre cuidado prenatal y acceso a intervenciones de prevención del HIV durante el embarazo, con la utilización de una encuesta. Se realizaron análisis bivariadas y multivariadas para verificar los efectos independientes de las co-variables en la oferta y realización de la prueba anti-HIV. Los datos fueron colectados en el período de noviembre de 1999 a abril de 2000. RESULTADOS: La realización de la prueba anti-HIV durante el embarazo fue realizada por el 77,5% de las encuestadas. La oferta de la prueba fue positivamente asociada con: el conocimiento previo sobre la prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil del HIV; mayor número de visitas prenatal; mayor nivel de escolaridad y presencia de color blanco de piel. La tasa de aceptación de la prueba anti-HIV fue de 92,5%. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados indican que La diseminación de la información sobre prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil del HIV puede contribuir para aumentar la cobertura de la evaluación anti-HIV durante el embarazo. Las mujeres no-blancas con menores niveles de educación deben ser priorizadas. La estrategias para aumentar la participación de poblaciones vulnerables al cuidado prenatal y la sensibilización de trabajadores de la salud son de gran importancia.OBJETIVO: Estimar as taxas de oferta e realização do teste anti-HIV e seus preditores entre mulheres que receberam atendimento pré-natal. MÉTODOS: Foi conduzido estudo transversal, de base populacional, com 2.234 puérperas em 12 cidades do Brasil. Amostras probabilísticas foram selecionadas independentemente por cidade, entre puérperas que compareceram a pelo menos uma visita pré-natal. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, informações sobre cuidado pré-natal e acesso a intervenções de prevenção do HIV durante a gravidez corrente, com a utilização de um questionário. Foram realizadas análises bivariadas e multivariadas para verificar os efeitos independentes das covariáveis na oferta e realização do teste anti-HIV. Os dados foram coletados no período de novembro de 1999 a abril de 2000. RESULTADOS: A realização do teste na gravidez foi relatada por 77,5% das entrevistadas. A oferta do teste anti-HIV foi positivamente associada a: conhecimento prévio sobre a prevenção da transmissão materno-infantil do HIV; maior número de visitas pré-natal; maior nível de escolaridade e ter cor da pele branca. A taxa de aceitação do teste anti-HIV foi de 92,5%. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados indicam que a disseminação da informação sobre prevenção da transmissão materno-infantil do HIV pode contribuir para aumentar a cobertura da testagem anti-HIV durante a gravidez. Mulheres não-brancas com menores níveis educacionais devem ser priorizadas. Estratégias para aumentar a participação de populações vulneráveis ao cuidado pré-natal e a sensibilização de trabalhadores de saúde são de grande importância.OBJECTIVE: To assess rates of offering and uptake of HIV testing and their predictors among women who attended prenatal care. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among postpartum women (N=2,234) who attended at least one prenatal care visit in 12 cities. Independent and probabilistic samples were selected in the cities studied. Sociodemographic data, information about prenatal care and access to HIV prevention interventions during the current pregnancy were collected. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to assess independent effects of the covariates on offering and uptake of HIV testing. Data collection took place between November 1999 and April 2000. RESULTS: Overall, 77.5% of the women reported undergoing HIV testing during the current pregnancy. Offering of HIV testing was positively associated with: previous knowledge about prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; higher number of prenatal care visits; higher level of education and being white. HIV testing acceptance rate was 92.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicate that dissemination of information about prevention of mother-to-child transmission among women may contribute to increasing HIV testing coverage during pregnancy. Non-white women with lower level of education should be prioritized. Strategies to increase attendance of vulnerable women to prenatal care and to raise awareness among health care workers are of utmost importance

Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV infection at Hospital Simón Bolívar, 2003-2011, Bogotá (Colombia)

Objetivo: describir la morbilidad y mortalidad materna y perinatal asociadas a la infección por VIH en el Hospital Simón Bolívar entre el año 2003 y el 2011. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo de cohorte histórica. Se incluyeron pacientes gestantes con diagnóstico confirmado de infección por VIH que asistieron al control prenatal y a quienes se les atendió el parto y el puerperio entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2011, en el Hospital Simón Bolívar, institución de tercer nivel de complejidad, centro de referencia para pacientes con VIH, ubicado en el noroccidente de Bogotá. Se realizó muestreo consecutivo y se evaluaron las características sociodemográficas y clínicas basales, y la morbilidad materna durante la gestación, al momento del parto o el puerperio, como también la morbilidad perinatal. Se realizó análisis descriptivo de la morbilidad por medio de proporciones y análisis exploratorio de la asociación entre el recuento de linfocitos CD4 y la carga viral con los resultados maternos y perinatales. Resultados: un total de 136 pacientes tenían diagnóstico de VIH confirmado en la institución, de estas se obtuvo información completa en 106 (78 %). No hubo ningún caso de muerte materna y se presentaron 2 casos de muerte fetal in utero. Las principales comorbilidades maternas encontradas fueron anemia (18 %), ETS (22,6 %), neumonía (5,7 %) y fiebre puerperal (4,7 %). Las comorbilidades perinatales más frecuentes fueron bajo peso al nacer (21,7 %) y convulsiones (2,8 %). No se encontró asociación entre la carga viral y el recuento CD4 con la morbilidad materna o perinatal. Conclusión: la paciente gestante con infección por VIH presenta en general un ligero aumento de las complicaciones maternas y perinatales. Es importante realizar nuevos estudios en los diferentes grupos poblacionales para poder valorar adecuadamente todas estas asociaciones.Objective: To describe maternal and perinatal HIV-associated morbidity and mortality at Simón Bolívar Hospital between 2003 and 2011. Materials and methods: A descriptive historical cohort study. The study included pregnant women with a confirmed diagnosis of HIV infection attending prenatal control visits and receiving care during delivery and the postpartum period, between January 2003 and December 2011 at the Simon Bolívar Hospital, a general, level-III referral centre for HIV patients, located in northwest Bogota. Sampling was done consecutively and the assessment included baseline social, demographic and clinical characteristics; maternal mortality during pregnancy, at the time of delivery and during the postpartum period; and perinatal mortality. A descriptive morbidity analysis was conducted using proportions, together with an exploratory analysis of the association between the CD4 lymphocyte count and viral load, and maternal and perinatal outcomes. Results: Overall, 136 patients had a confirmed diagnosis of HIV at the institution, and complete information was obtained for 106 (78%) of them. There were no cases of maternal deaths and 2 foetal deaths in utero. The main maternal comorbidities found were anaemia (18%), STDs (22.6%), pneumonia (5.7%) and postpartum fever (4.7%). The most frequent perinatal comorbidities were low birth weight (21.7%), and seizures (2.8%). No association was found between viral load and CD4 count and maternal or perinatal morbidity. Conclusion: Pregnant women with HIV infection generally present a slight increase in maternal and perinatal complications. It is important to undertake additional studies in different population groups in order to arrive at an appropriate evaluation of all these association

Anopheles aquasalis Infected by Plasmodium vivax Displays Unique Gene Expression Profiles when Compared to Other Malaria Vectors and Plasmodia

Malaria affects 300 million people worldwide every year and is endemic in 22 countries in the Americas where transmission occurs mainly in the Amazon Region. Most malaria cases in the Americas are caused by Plasmodium vivax, a parasite that is almost impossible to cultivate in vitro, and Anopheles aquasalis is an important malaria vector. Understanding the interactions between this vector and its parasite will provide important information for development of disease control strategies. To this end, we performed mRNA subtraction experiments using A. aquasalis 2 and 24 hours after feeding on blood and blood from malaria patients infected with P. vivax to identify changes in the mosquito vector gene induction that could be important during the initial steps of infection. A total of 2,138 clones of differentially expressed genes were sequenced and 496 high quality unique sequences were obtained. Annotation revealed 36% of sequences unrelated to genes in any database, suggesting that they were specific to A. aquasalis. A high number of sequences (59%) with no matches in any databases were found 24 h after infection. Genes related to embryogenesis were down-regulated in insects infected by P. vivax. Only a handful of genes related to immune responses were detected in our subtraction experiment. This apparent weak immune response of A. aquasalis to P. vivax infection could be related to the susceptibility of this vector to this important human malaria parasite. Analysis of some genes by real time PCR corroborated and expanded the subtraction results. Taken together, these data provide important new information about this poorly studied American malaria vector by revealing differences between the responses of A. aquasalis to P. vivax infection, in relation to better studied mosquito-Plasmodium pairs. These differences may be important for the development of malaria transmission-blocking strategies in the Americas

Electromechanical Modulations in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheets: Implications for Environmental Sensors

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are key players in the two-dimensional materials nanoarena due to their exquisite optoelectronic properties under a standard environment (room temperature and atmospheric pressure). Nevertheless, as reported in the literature, they may also portray interesting physical properties under different environments. Here, we show two distinct and significant electromechanical modulations in TMD nanosheets which are tuned by the environmental conditions (applied pressure and adsorbents). Using scanning probe microscopy techniques, we modify the environmental conditions and observe steplike rises in the electrical response of all studied TMDs (MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, and WSe2—monolayers and few layers). Ab initio calculations enable full understanding of specific mechanisms behind these electromechanical modulations, which may find important applications in the design of TMD-based environmental sensors