“DETERMINACIÓN DE ÁREAS DE CULTIVO FLORÍCOLA VULNERABLES A LA MIGRACIÓN DE PLAGUICIDAS ORGANOFOSFORADOS Y CARBÁMICOS USANDO UN MODELO DE SIMULACIÓN DE LIXIVIACIÓN”

Actualmente, uno de los problemas más preocupantes relacionados con la contaminación del suelo y agua subterránea, en terrenos florícolas, es el uso no controlado de plaguicidas. El riesgo en su uso requiere de un análisis integral del impacto que estos compuestos producen sobre la salud humana y el ambiente. A partir de un estudio exploratorio desarrollado en la Facultad de Química de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMex), basado en la estimación de los índices de riesgo sobre el ambiente de los grupos de plaguicidas más ampliamente usados en la zona florícola de Villa Guerrero, Estado de México, se genera información necesaria para la presente investigación, al tiempo de mostrar las deficiencias en el conocimiento actual sobre índices de riesgo y la potencial aplicación interdisciplinaria para resolver dicha problemática

M-CGH: Analysing microarray-based CGH experiments

BACKGROUND: Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridisation (array CGH) is a technique by which variation in relative copy numbers between two genomes can be analysed by competitive hybridisation to DNA microarrays. This technology has most commonly been used to detect chromosomal amplifications and deletions in cancer. Dedicated tools are needed to analyse the results of such experiments, which include appropriate visualisation, and to take into consideration the physical relation in the genome between the probes on the array. RESULTS: M-CGH is a MATLAB toolbox with a graphical user interface designed specifically for the analysis of array CGH experiments, with multiple approaches to ratio normalization. Specifically, the distributions of three classes of DNA copy numbers (gains, normal and losses) can be estimated using a maximum likelihood method. Amplicon boundaries are computed by either the fuzzy K-nearest neighbour method or a wavelet approach. The program also allows linking each genomic clone with the corresponding genomic information in the Ensembl database . CONCLUSIONS: M-CGH, which encompasses the basic tools needed for analysing array CGH experiments, is freely available for academics , and does not require any other MATLAB toolbox

Human ALKBH4 Interacts with Proteins Associated with Transcription

The Fe(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent dioxygenase AlkB from E. coli is a demethylase which repairs alkyl lesions in DNA, as well as RNA, through a direct reversal mechanism. Humans possess nine AlkB homologs (ALKBH1-8 and FTO). ALKBH2 and ALKBH3 display demethylase activities corresponding to that of AlkB, and both ALKBH8 and FTO are RNA modification enzymes. The biochemical functions of the rest of the homologs are still unknown. To increase our knowledge on the functions of ALKBH4 and ALKBH7 we have here performed yeast two-hybrid screens to identify interaction partners of the two proteins. While no high-confidence hits were detected in the case of ALKBH7, several proteins associated with chromatin and/or involved in transcription were found to interact with ALKBH4. For all interaction partners, the regions mediating binding to ALKBH4 comprised domains previously reported to be involved in interaction with DNA or chromatin. Furthermore, some of these partners showed nuclear co-localization with ALKBH4. However, the global gene expression pattern was only marginally altered upon ALKBH4 over-expression, and larger effects were observed in the case of ALKBH7. Although the molecular function of both proteins remains to be revealed, our findings suggest a role for ALKBH4 in regulation of gene expression or chromatin state.© 2012 Bjørnstad et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited

AREAS OF CONFLICT IN THE INTIMATE COUPLE

Abstract: In this paper conflict within couples is studied qualitatively in a Mexican context. The objective is to analyze the areas of conflict within couples of diverse sex and sexual orientation, focused on the areas of conflict in an intimate couple. Methodology: 61 narratives (43 interviews and 18 photo-interventions) were analyzed with Ground Theory. Results: Partners usually have a set of expectations that define their relationship. Generally, a partner's behavior is evaluated according to expectations shaped by time, communication, resources, emotion, body, and preferences. Dissatisfaction and attempts to control the partner's behavior arise when expectations are not accomplished, leading to conflicts in the couple's relationship. Conclusion: The participants in this study, even with different sex and sexual orientation, demonstrated common patterns of areas of conflict

Past, Present, and Future of Molecular Docking

The interface of any given ligand and protein—normally considered a macromolecule—of a known or predicted/modeled structure can be computed by determining each potential ligand position, resulting in an array of possibilities which are finally expressed in numerical energy values based on their thermodynamic affinity. Over the past few decades, this premier approach technique has proved to be crucial as an automated method in drug design and discovery, as well as in other fields. Data are retrieved from contour surface calculations for each ligand probe and can be analyzed to delineate regions of attraction on the basis of energy levels. Negative energy levels from contours are used to infer protein-ligand affinity clefts and are therefore relevant to drug design. Accordingly, molecular docking, framed as the “new microscope,” is part of a group of in silico computational techniques that enable the behavior of molecular chemistry to be analyzed and predicted in an inexpensive manner. From the starting point of framing the key terms in the binomial macromolecule-ligand docking approach, this chapter presents an introductory description of the progress made in this field of research over the past several years, in addition to present and future perspectives. This chapter presents a broad plethora of possibilities arising from the old docking alternatives to the current software technology and critically dissects and discusses the emerging trends. Despite the emergence of more degrees of freedom, a number of flexible conglomerates have not been well developed, and there are still computational limitations to solve, including several features in the focused technique. The present goals, such as molecular flexibility, binding entropy, and the presence of ions and solute conditions, are revisited with the purpose of anticipating the challenges, goals, and achievements in this field over the next few years or decades

DNA copy number changes in high-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors by array CGH

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare and highly aggressive soft tissue tumors showing complex chromosomal aberrations. In order to identify recurrent chromosomal regions of gain and loss, and thereby novel gene targets of potential importance for MPNST development and/or progression, we have analyzed DNA copy number changes in seven high-grade MPNSTs using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Considerable more gains than losses were observed, and the most frequent minimal recurrent regions of gain included 1q24.1-q24.2, 1q24.3-q25.1, 8p23.1-p12, 9q34.11-q34.13 and 17q23.2-q25.3, all gained in five of seven samples. The 17q23.2-q25.3 region was gained in all five patients with poor outcome and not in the two patients with disease-free survival. cDNA microarray analysis and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR were used to investigate expression of genes located within these regions. The gene lysyl oxidase-like 2 (<it>LOXL2</it>) was identified as a candidate target for the 8p23.1-p12 gain. Within 17q, the genes topoisomerase II-α (<it>TOP2A</it>), ets variant gene 4 (E1A enhancer binding protein, <it>E1AF</it>) (<it>ETV4</it>) and baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 5 (survivin) (<it>BIRC5</it>) showed increased expression in all samples compared to two benign tumors. Increased expression of these genes has previously been associated with poor survival in other malignancies, and for <it>TOP2A</it>, in MPNSTs as well. In addition, we have analyzed the expression of five micro RNAs located within the 17q23.2-q25.3 region, but none of them showed high expression levels compared to the benign tumors.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our study shows the potential of using DNA copy number changes obtained by array CGH to predict the prognosis of MPNST patients. Although no clear correlations between the expression level and patient outcome were observed, the genes <it>TOP2A</it>, <it>ETV4 </it>and <it>BIRC5 </it>are interesting candidate targets for the 17q gain associated with poor survival.</p

Clinical and molecular implications of NAB2-STAT6 fusion variants in solitary fibrous tumour

Solitary fibrous tumour (SFT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm characterised by pathognomonic NAB2-STAT6 gene fusions. The clinical implications and prognostic value of different fusion variants has not been clarified. In the current study, we explore the clinicopathological, prognostic and molecular differences between tumours with different fusions. Thirty-nine patients with localised, extrameningeal SFT were included, of whom 20 developed distant recurrence and 19 were without recurrence after long term follow-up. Capture-based RNA sequencing identified 12 breakpoint variants, which were categorised into two groups based on the STAT6 domain composition in the predicted chimeric proteins. Twenty-one of 34 (62%) sequenced tumours had fusions with most of the STAT6 domains intact and were classified as STAT6-Full. Thirteen tumours (38%) contained only the transactivation domain of STAT6 and were classified as STAT6-TAD. Tumours with STAT6-TAD fusions had a higher mitotic count (p=0.016) and were associated with inferior recurrence-free interval (p=0.004) and overall survival (p=0.012). Estimated 10-year recurrence-free survival was 25% for patients with STAT6-TAD tumours compared to 78% for the STAT6-Full group. Distinct transcriptional signatures between the fusion groups were identified, including higher expression of FGF2 in the STAT6-TAD group and IGF2, EGR2, PDGFRB, STAT6 and several extracellular matrix genes in STAT6-Full tumours. In summary, we demonstrate that NAB2-STAT6 fusion variants are associated with distinct clinicopathological and molecular characteristics and have prognostic significance in extrameningeal SFT.publishedVersio

Propuesta de un plan de acciones de mejora a la productividad utilizando las técnicas de estudios de métodos y tiempos en la empresa de fabricación de cajas para empaque de puros Benavides, Estelí, 2016

El estudio monográfico realizado en la fábrica Benavides propuso mejorar el proceso productivo en la elaboración de la caja Robusto, mediante el uso de técnicas y herramientas específicas. Se busca que realicen la respectiva aplicación del plan de mejoramiento y de esta manera se concrete lo planteado con la finalidad específica de incrementar la productividad en la fábrica, mejorar prácticas internas y mejorar su rentabilidad