La sutileza poética en “El libro de Buen Amor”

La autora estudia la sutileza del arte de Juan Ruiz que consiste en el equilibrio entre didactismo e ironía. Para ello se centra en tres aspectos del poema: a) la relación entre el Arcipreste prologuista y el Arcipreste protagonista; b) algunas sentencias didácticas en sus respectivos contextos; c) la función que cumplen las trece aventuras amorosas del Arcipreste. The author studies the subtlety of Juan Ruiz’s art, which consists in the equilibrium between didactics and irony. Thus, she focuses on three aspects of the poem: a) the relation between the Archpriest that writes the prologue and the protagonist Archpriest; b) some didactic sentences in their respective contexts; c) the function of the Archpriest’s thirteen love affairs

The invisible enemy : Understanding bird-window strikes through citizen science in a focal city

Bird-window collisions have been estimated to be among the most important sources of bird death. Despite increasing knowledge in Latin America, our understanding of this phenomenon is still incipient, with research performed in Mexico limited to a handful of studies. Here, we present the results of a citizen science effort focused on bird-window collisions at seven buildings in the university campus of the National School of Higher Studies (ENES) of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, located in the city of Leon (central Mexico). Our main goal was to describe seasonal patterns of bird-window collisions and their relationship with building traits (i.e., building height, window area) through citizen science monitoring strategies. Our results showed that collisions were higher in two of the seven studied buildings, with two bird species recording almost half of the total collisions: Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) and Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea). Seasonally, April was the only month to differ from the rest of the studied months, showing significantly higher rate of bird-window collision. Regarding building traits, only building height was related to the number of recorded bird-window collisions. In sum, our study provides findings from an understudied area, showing the value of citizen science approaches to generate knowledge on a deadly phenomenon. Notably, besides the potential drawbacks and importance of generating this kind of information, our project raised awareness on the topic across the entire campus community, from the students and academics to the administration, highlighting the potential for social impact with these kinds of projects.Peer reviewe

Modelo económico-matemático para planificar la estrategia del transporte en empresas azucareras

Para garantizar en empresas azucareras, eficaz planifi cación del  transporte de la caña una vez cortada, hasta los centros de recepción (grúas tradicionales, centros de acopio o estaciones de limpieza), se utilizó la modelación económico-matemática y un software para su implementación. Con estas aplicaciones disminuyen los costos promedios diarios —a nivel de planifi cación— en el orden del 4 %, en comparación con sistemas tradicionales, que suelen ser empíricos y no permiten considerar todas las variantes de transportación, limitación que ocasiona mayores costos, desaprovechamiento de  la  jornada  laboral y por consiguiente demora por encima de las 12 horas para que la materia prima llegue a la industria, tardanza que implica pérdida de frescura. Ese tiempo puede disminuir a 9 horas con el propuesto modelo matemático de programación en enteros y el software creado al efecto, abreviación infl uyente en la calidad del producto fi nal pues la materia prima llega con mayor contenido de azúcar

Stress-induced dynamic regulation of mitochondrial STAT3 and its association with cyclophilin D reduces mitochondrial ROS production

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) has been tied to various physiological and pathological functions, mainly as a transcription factor that translocates to the nucleus upon tyrosine phosphorylation induced by cytokine stimulation. In addition, a small pool of STAT3 resides in the mitochondria where it serves as a sensor for various metabolic stressors including reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrially-localized STAT3 largely exerts its effects through direct or indirect regulation of the activity of the electron transport chain (ETC). It has been assumed that STAT3 amounts in the mitochondria are static. We showed that various stimuli, including oxidative stress and cytokines, triggered a signaling cascade that resulted in a rapid loss of mitochondrially-localized STAT3. Recovery of the mitochondrial pool of STAT3 over time depended upon phosphorylation of Ser727 in STAT3 and new protein synthesis. Under these conditions, mitochondrially-localized STAT3 also became competent to bind to cyclophilin D (CypD). Binding of STAT3 to CypD was mediated by the N-terminus of STAT3, which was also important for reducing mitochondrial ROS production after oxidative stress. These results outline a role for mitochondrially-localized STAT3 in sensing and responding to external stimuli

“Ten Commandments” for the Appropriate use of Antibiotics by the Practicing Physician in an Outpatient Setting

A multi-national working group on antibiotic stewardship, from the International Society of Chemotherapy, put together ten recommendations to physicians prescribing antibiotics to outpatients. These recommendations are: (1) use antibiotics only when needed; teach the patient how to manage symptoms of non-bacterial infections; (2) select the adequate ATB; precise targeting is better than shotgun therapy; (3) consider pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics when selecting an ATB; use the shortest ATB course that has proven clinical efficacy; (4) encourage patients’ compliance; (5) use antibiotic combinations only in specific situations; (6) avoid low quality and sub-standard drugs; prevent prescription changes at the drugstore; (7) discourage self-prescription; (8) follow only evidence-based guidelines; beware those sponsored by drug companies; (9) rely (rationally) upon the clinical microbiology lab; and (10) prescribe ATB empirically – but intelligently; know local susceptibility trends, and also surveillance limitations

Inactivity of Peptidase ClpP Causes Primary Accumulation of Mitochondrial Disaggregase ClpX with Its Interacting Nucleoid Proteins, and of mtDNA

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-11-25, pub-electronic 2021-11-29Publication status: PublishedFunder: German Network for Mitochondrial Disorders; Grant(s): mitoNET, 01GM1906D, R01HL148153Funder: Action Medical Research; Grant(s): GN2494Funder: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health; Grant(s): W81XWH-17-1-0052, W81XWH-20-1-0150Biallelic pathogenic variants in CLPP, encoding mitochondrial matrix peptidase ClpP, cause a rare autosomal recessive condition, Perrault syndrome type 3 (PRLTS3). It is characterized by primary ovarian insufficiency and early sensorineural hearing loss, often associated with progressive neurological deficits. Mouse models showed that accumulations of (i) its main protein interactor, the substrate-selecting AAA+ ATPase ClpX, (ii) mitoribosomes, and (iii) mtDNA nucleoids are the main cellular consequences of ClpP absence. However, the sequence of these events and their validity in human remain unclear. Here, we studied global proteome profiles to define ClpP substrates among mitochondrial ClpX interactors, which accumulated consistently in ClpP-null mouse embryonal fibroblasts and brains. Validation work included novel ClpP-mutant patient fibroblast proteomics. ClpX co-accumulated in mitochondria with the nucleoid component POLDIP2, the mitochondrial poly(A) mRNA granule element LRPPRC, and tRNA processing factor GFM1 (in mouse, also GRSF1). Only in mouse did accumulated ClpX, GFM1, and GRSF1 appear in nuclear fractions. Mitoribosomal accumulation was minor. Consistent accumulations in murine and human fibroblasts also affected multimerizing factors not known as ClpX interactors, namely, OAT, ASS1, ACADVL, STOM, PRDX3, PC, MUT, ALDH2, PMPCB, UQCRC2, and ACADSB, but the impact on downstream metabolites was marginal. Our data demonstrate the primary impact of ClpXP on the assembly of proteins with nucleic acids and show nucleoid enlargement in human as a key consequence

Effect on skin hydration of using baby wipes to clean the napkin area of newborn babies: assessor-blinded randomised controlled equivalence trial

Background Some national guidelines recommend the use of water alone for napkin cleansing. Yet, there is a readiness, amongst many parents, to use baby wipes. Evidence from randomised controlled trials, of the effect of baby wipes on newborn skin integrity is lacking. We conducted a study to examine the hypothesis that the use of a specifically formulated cleansing wipe on the napkin area of newborn infants (<1 month) has an equivalent effect on skin hydration when compared with using cotton wool and water (usual care). Methods A prospective, assessor-blinded, randomised controlled equivalence trial was conducted during 2010. Healthy, term babies (n = 280), recruited within 48 hours of birth, were randomly assigned to have their napkin area cleansed with an alcohol-free baby wipe (140 babies) or cotton wool and water (140 babies). Primary outcome was change in hydration from within 48 hours of birth to 4 weeks post-birth. Secondary outcomes comprised changes in trans-epidermal water loss, skin surface pH and erythema, presence of microbial skin contaminants/irritants at 4 weeks and napkin dermatitis reported by midwife at 4 weeks and mother during the 4 weeks. Results Complete hydration data were obtained for 254 (90.7 %) babies. Wipes were shown to be equivalent to water and cotton wool in terms of skin hydration (intention-to-treat analysis: wipes 65.4 (SD 12.4) vs. water 63.5 (14.2), p = 0.47, 95 % CI -2.5 to 4.2; per protocol analysis: wipes 64.6 (12.4) vs. water 63.6 (14.3), p = 0.53, 95 % CI -2.4 to 4.2). No significant differences were found in the secondary outcomes, except for maternal-reported napkin dermatitis, which was higher in the water group (p = 0.025 for complete responses). Conclusions Baby wipes had an equivalent effect on skin hydration when compared with cotton wool and water. We found no evidence of any adverse effects of using these wipes. These findings offer reassurance to parents who choose to use baby wipes and to health professionals who support their use. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN8620701

Adaptive Evolution of Escherichia coli to an α-Peptide/β-Peptoid Peptidomimetic Induces Stable Resistance.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and synthetic analogues thereof target conserved structures of bacterial cell envelopes and hence, development of resistance has been considered an unlikely event. However, recently bacterial resistance to AMPs has been observed, and the aim of the present study was to determine whether bacterial resistance may also evolve against synthetic AMP analogues, e.g. α-peptide/β-peptoid peptidomimetics. E. coli ATCC 25922 was exposed to increasing concentrations of a peptidomimetic (10 lineages), polymyxin B (10 lineages), or MilliQ water (4 lineages) in a re-inoculation culturing setup covering approx. 500 generations. All 10 lineages exposed to the peptidomimetic adapted to 32 × MIC while this occurred for 8 out of 10 of the polymyxin B-exposed lineages. All lineages exposed to 32 × MIC of either the peptidomimetic or polymyxin B had a significantly increased MIC (16-32 ×) to the selection agent. Five transfers (≈ 35 generations) in unsupplemented media did not abolish resistance indicating that resistance was heritable. Single isolates from peptidomimetic-exposed lineage populations displayed MICs against the peptidomimetic from wild-type MIC to 32 × MIC revealing heterogeneous populations. Resistant isolates showed no cross-resistance against a panel of membrane-active AMPs. These isolates were highly susceptible to blood plasma antibacterial activity and were killed when plasma concentrations exceeded ≈ 30%. Notably, MIC of the peptidomimetic against resistant isolates returned to wild-type level upon addition of 25% plasma. Whole-genome sequencing of twenty isolates from four resistant lineages revealed mutations, in murein transglycosylase D (mltD) and outer-membrane proteins, which were conserved within and between lineages. However, no common resistance-conferring mutation was identified. We hypothesise that alterations in cell envelope structure result in peptidomimetic resistance, and that this may occur via several distinct mechanisms. Interestingly, this type of resistance result in a concomitant high susceptibility towards plasma, and therefore the present study does not infer additional concern for peptidomimetics as future therapeutics

Efficacy of different strategies to treat anemia in children: a randomized clinical trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Anemia continues to be a major public health problem among children in many regions of the world, and it is still not clear which strategy to treat it is most effective.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To evaluate the efficacy and children's acceptance of several recognized strategies to treat anemia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Non-breastfed children (n = 577), 6 to 43 mo of age, were screened for the trial; 267 were anemic (hemoglobin < 11.7 g/dL), and 266 of those were randomized into 1 of 5 treatments to received daily either: an iron supplement (IS), an iron+folic acid supplement (IFS), a multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS), a micronutrient-fortified complementary food as porridge powder (FCF), or zinc+iron+ascorbic acid fortified water (FW). The iron content of each daily dose was 20, 12.5, 10, 10 and 6.7 mg respectively. Hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, total iron, weight and height were measured at baseline and after 4 months of treatment. Morbidity, treatment acceptability and adherence were recorded during the intervention.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All treatments significantly increased Hb and total iron concentration; ferritin did not change significantly. Groups MMS, IS and IFS increased Hb (g/dL) [1.50 (95%CI: 1.17, 1.83), 1.48 [(1.18, 1.78) and 1.57 (1.26, 1.88), respectively] and total iron ((μg/dL) [0.15 (0.01, 0.29), 0.19 (0.06, 0.31) and 0.12(-0.01, 0.25), respectively] significantly more than FCF [0.92 (0.64, 1.20)] but not to FW group [0.14 (0.04, 0.24)]. The prevalence of anemia was reduced to a greater extent in the MMS and IFS groups (72% and 69%, respectively) than in the FCF group (45%) (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in anthropometry or in the number of episodes of diarrhea and respiratory infections among treatment groups. The supplements MMS and IS were less acceptable to children, than IFS, FCF and FW.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The three supplements IS, ISF and MMS increased Hb more than the FCF; the supplements that contained micronutrients (IFS and MMS) were more effective for reducing the prevalence of anemia. In general, fortified foods were better accepted by the study participants than supplements.</p> <p>ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier</p> <p>NCT00822380</p

Toxicidade dérmica e oftálmica do extrato hidroalcoholico de Curcuma longa, Linn (Curcuvet) em modelos in vivo

Transforming medicinal plants into industrializable and marketable products involves meeting numerous regulatory requirements regarding the quality, safety, efficacy and stability of the proposed formulation. In this context, the product Curcuvet (antiseptic and healing solution obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract of C. longa) needs to demonstrate its safety before being legally used in veterinary clinical practice. Therefore, the present work aimed to evaluate in vivo the dermal and ophthalmic toxic potentialities of the product. To achieve this, three in vivo investigations were carried out: acute dermal toxicity, primary dermal irritancy and ophthalmic irritancy according to the standards described by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) No. 434, 404 and 405, respectively. The Curcuvet product in all tests was administered as a single dose, superficially on both skin (Sprague Dawley rat and F1 rabbits) and ocular mucosa (New Zealand albino rabbits). The Curcuvet product was not irritating to the skin of rats and rabbits, but not to the ocular structures, which were severely damaged, reaching an irritancy index of 110. It is concluded that the Curcuvet formulation, administered in single dose, was not a dermal irritant and a severe ophthalmic irritant.Transformar las plantas medicinales en productos industrializables y comercializables implica cumplir numerosas exigencias regulatorias, sobre calidad, seguridad, eficacia y estabilidad de la formulación propuesta. En este contexto, el producto Curcuvet (solución antiséptica y cicatrizante obtenida a partir del extracto hidroalcohólico de C. longa) necesita demostrar su inocuidad antes de utilizarse legalmente en la práctica clínica veterinaria. Por tanto, el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar in vivo las potencialidades tóxicas dérmica y oftálmica del producto. Para lograrlo se realizaron tres investigaciones in vivo: toxicidad aguda dérmica, irritabilidad dérmica primaria e irritabilidad oftálmica según las normas descritas por la Organización para la Cooperación Económica y el Desarrollo (OECD) No. 434, 404 y 405 respectivamente. El producto Curcuvet en todos los ensayos fue administrado en dosis única, de forma superficial tanto en piel (rata Sprague Dawley y conejos F1) como en mucosa ocular (conejos albinos Nueva Zelanda). El producto Curcuvet no resultó irritante para la piel de ratas y conejos, no así para las estructuras oculares, las cuales fueron severamente dañadas, alcanzándose un índice de irritabilidad de 110. Se concluye que la formulación Curcuvet administrado en dosis única, resultó no irritante dérmico e irritante severo oftálmico.A transformação de plantas medicinais em produtos industrializáveis e comercializáveis envolve o cumprimento de inúmeros requisitos regulamentares sobre qualidade, segurança, eficácia e estabilidade da formulação proposta. Neste contexto, o produto Curcuvet (uma solução anti-séptica e curativa obtida a partir do extrato hidroalcoólico de C. longa) precisa demonstrar sua segurança antes de poder ser legalmente utilizado na prática clínica veterinária. Portanto, o presente trabalho visou avaliar o potencial tóxico dérmico e oftálmico do produto in vivo. Para isso, foram realizadas três investigações in vivo: toxicidade dérmica aguda, irritação dérmica primária e irritação oftalmológica de acordo com as normas descritas pela Organização para Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico (OCDE) No. 434, 404 e 405, respectivamente. O curcuvet em todos os testes foi administrado como dose única, superficialmente tanto à pele (rato Sprague Dawley e coelhos F1) quanto à mucosa ocular (coelhos albinos da Nova Zelândia). O Curcuvet não era irritante para a pele de ratos e coelhos, mas não para as estruturas oculares, que estavam gravemente danificadas, atingindo um índice de irritação de 110. Conclui-se que a formulação Curcuvet, administrada em doses únicas, era não-irritante para a pele e severamente irritante para a mucosa oftálmica