Desenvolupament d'aplicacions multimèdia i d'anàlisi de trànsit de xarxa en smartphones Android

En aquest treball s'han estudiat les característiques multimèdia, les capacitats de captura de transit de xarxa i el servei de localització que ofereix la plataforma Android, amb la idea d'aprofitar l'auge de les aplicacions mòbils, juntament amb l'avantatge d'utilitzar software lliure, per introduir la programació Android en activitats docents. Aquesta plataforma, desenvolupada per un grup d’empreses del sector tecnològic i mòbil (la Open Handset Alliance), és un sistema operatiu lliure dissenyat per a dispositius mòbils o tabletes i actualment el trobem en smartbooks, smartTVs o càmeres. D'una banda s'han detallat els codificadors, descodificadors, contenidors i protocols de xarxa que suporta Android, per després recollir aquests coneixements en una aplicació de captura de medis on és permet triar el format dels fitxers de sortida. En concret, l'aplicació pot generar imatges en format JPEG, PNG, GIF i BMP, capturar vídeo codificat amb H.263, H.264 i MPEG-4, i encapsular vídeo (H.263 i H.264) en paquets RTP per enviar-los a través d'una xarxa IP en temps real. D'altra banda, hem analitzat el sistema de localització que inclou la plataforma, determinant el format de les dades retornades i la seva precisió. També hem calculat, a través dels resultats de les proves, la freqüència d'actualitzacions que proporciona el servei. Aprofitant part del codi de l'aplicació Shark realitzada per un altre estudiant de l’EETAC, i posant en pràctica els coneixements sobre localització a Android, hem desenvolupat un servei que emmagatzema, en paral·lel, les dades d'ubicació i el tràfic generat i rebut per un terminal mòbil. La finalitat d'aquest servei és, a través de l'anàlisi conjunt de les dades generades per molts dispositius que corrin l’aplicació, millorar la planificació i desplegament de xarxes de telefonia mòbil i Wi-Fi. De forma addicional s'ha implementat una aplicació que, amb les dades generades a un terminal, determina a quina localització hem rebut (o enviat) cada paquet de xarxa i representa aquesta informació en un mapa de Google Maps. English: In this thesis we have studied the capabilities of the Android platform regarding multimedia, network traffic capture and location-based services. Our ultimate goal was to develop code to help introduce Android programming in teaching activities, taking advantage of the boom in mobile applications coupled with the benefits of using free software. Android was developed by a group of technology and mobile companies (the Open Handset Alliance), and is a free operating system, designed for mobile devices and tablets and currently found on smartbooks, SmartTVs or cameras. We studied and documented the use of encoders, decoders, containers and networking protocols supported by Android. We applied this knowledge for develop a media application that allows to choose the coders and output formats. The application can take JPEG, PNG, GIF and BMP pictures, record video encoded with H.263, H.264 and MPEG-4, and encapsulate video (H.263 and H.264) in RTP packets to send them through an IP network in real time. Moreover, we analyzed the location capabilities of the platform, determining the format of the returned data and its accuracy. We evaluated, through the results of tests, the frequency of the location updates offered by the service. We developed a service that stores, in parallel, the location data and network traffic generated and received in the mobile device. To do this, we used part of Shark application developed by another student at EETAC and added location capabilities. The purpose of this service is, through the joint analysis of generated data in many devices that run this application, improve the planning and deployment of mobile and Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, we implemented an application that analyzes the data generated in one device and draws it on Google Maps

In vivo CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of fusion oncogenes for selective elimination of cancer cells

This work was supported by CaixaImpulse (CI18-00017;FuGe) to S.R-P. RT-R. is supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC). J.C.S. is supported by the Spanish Cell Therapy cooperative research network (TERCEL)(RD16/0011/0011). P.M. also acknowledges the financial support from the Obra Social La Caixa-Fundaciò Josep Carreras. P.M. is an investigator of the Spanish Cell Therapy cooperative research network (TERCEL). A.M.C. acknowledges funding fromXarxa de Bancs de Tumors de Catalunya (XBTC; sponsored by Pla Director d'Oncologia de Catalunya).Fusion oncogenes (FOs) are common in many cancer types and are powerful drivers of tumor development. Because their expression is exclusive to cancer cells and their elimination induces cell apoptosis in FO-driven cancers, FOs are attractive therapeutic targets. However, specifically targeting the resulting chimeric products is challenging. Based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, here we devise a simple, efficient and non-patient-specific gene-editing strategy through targeting of two introns of the genes involved in the rearrangement, allowing for robust disruption of the FO specifically in cancer cells. As a proof-of-concept of its potential, we demonstrate the efficacy of intron-based targeting of transcription factors or tyrosine kinase FOs in reducing tumor burden/mortality in in vivo models. The FO targeting approach presented here might open new horizons for the selective elimination of cancer cells

CD32 is expressed on cells with transcriptionally active HIV but does not enrich for HIV DNA in resting T cells

The persistence of HIV reservoirs, including latently infected, resting CD4+ T cells, is the major obstacle to cure HIV infection. CD32a expression was recently reported to mark CD4+ T cells harboring a replication-competent HIV reservoir during antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppression. We aimed to determine whether CD32 expression marks HIV latently or transcriptionally active infected CD4+ T cells. Using peripheral blood and lymphoid tissue of ART-treated HIV+ or SIV+ subjects, we found that most of the circulating memory CD32+ CD4+ T cells expressed markers of activation, including CD69, HLA-DR, CD25, CD38, and Ki67, and bore a TH2 phenotype as defined by CXCR3, CCR4, and CCR6. CD32 expression did not selectively enrich for HIV- or SIV-infected CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood or lymphoid tissue; isolated CD32+ resting CD4+ T cells accounted for less than 3% of the total HIV DNA in CD4+ T cells. Cell-associated HIV DNA and RNA loads in CD4+ T cells positively correlated with the frequency of CD32+ CD69+ CD4+ T cells but not with CD32 expression on resting CD4+ T cells. Using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, CD32 coexpression with HIV RNA or p24 was detected after in vitro HIV infection (peripheral blood mononuclear cell and tissue) and in vivo within lymph node tissue from HIV-infected individuals. Together, these results indicate that CD32 is not a marker of resting CD4+ T cells or of enriched HIV DNA–positive cells after ART; rather, CD32 is predominately expressed on a subset of activated CD4+ T cells enriched for transcriptionally active HIV after long-term ART

Ciencias de la Biología y Agronomía

Este volumen I contiene 17 capítulos arbitrados que se ocupan de estos asuntos en Tópicos Selectos de Ciencias de la Biología y Agronomía, elegidos de entre las contribuciones, reunimos algunos investigadores y estudiantes. Se presenta un Estudio Comparativo de los Recursos Hidrológico-Forestales de la Microcuenca de la Laguna de Epatlan, Pue. (1993 a 2014); la Situación Actual de la Mancha de Asfalto en Maíz (Zea mays L.) en los Municipios de Jiquipilas y Ocozocoautla, Chiapas, México; las poblaciones sobresalientes de maíz de la raza Zapalote Chico, en la Región Istmeña de Oaxaca; Se indica el índice de área foliar de cultivo de Chile Poblano mediante dos métodos en condiciones protegidas; Esquivel, Urzúa y Ramírez exploran el efecto de la biofertilización con Azospirillum en el crecimiento y producción de Jitomate; esbozan su artículo sobre la determinación del nivel de Heterosis en híbridos de Maíz para la Comarca Lagunera; una investigación sobre la estabilización de semilla de Solanum lycopersicum durante el almacenamiento y estimulación de la germinación; acotan sobre el CTAB como una nueva opción para la detección de Huanglongbing en cítricos, plantean su evaluación sobre el aluminio y cómo afecta la vida de florero de Heliconia psittacorum; indican sobre el impacto del H-564C, como un híbrido de maíz con alta calidad de proteina para el trópico húmedo de México; presetan su investigación sobre la producción de Piña Cayena Lisa y MD2 (Ananas comosus L.) en condiciones de Loma Bonita, en Oaxaca; acotan sobre el efecto de coberteras como control biológico por conservación contra áfidos en Nogal Pecanero; esbozan sobre la caracterización de cuatro genotipos de Frijol Negro en Martínez de la Torre, Veracruz, México; presentan una caracterización hidroecológica de la microcuenca de Arroyo Prieto, Yuriría, Gto., y alternativas para su restauración ambiental; presentan su investigación sobre el efecto del hongo Beauveria bassiana sobre solubilización de fosfatos y la disponibilidad de fósforo en el suelo; plantean su investigación sobre la Germinación y regeneración in vitro de Epidendrum falcatum LINDL; esbozan su artículo sobre genotipos de frijol negro y su tolerancia a sequía terminal en Veracruz, México

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018):a position statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and update of the MISEV2014 guidelines

The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number of scientific publications describing physiological and pathological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a collective term covering various subtypes of cell-released, membranous structures, called exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, apoptotic bodies, and many other names. However, specific issues arise when working with these entities, whose size and amount often make them difficult to obtain as relatively pure preparations, and to characterize properly. The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) proposed Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (“MISEV”) guidelines for the field in 2014. We now update these “MISEV2014” guidelines based on evolution of the collective knowledge in the last four years. An important point to consider is that ascribing a specific function to EVs in general, or to subtypes of EVs, requires reporting of specific information beyond mere description of function in a crude, potentially contaminated, and heterogeneous preparation. For example, claims that exosomes are endowed with exquisite and specific activities remain difficult to support experimentally, given our still limited knowledge of their specific molecular machineries of biogenesis and release, as compared with other biophysically similar EVs. The MISEV2018 guidelines include tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow to document specific EV-associated functional activities. Finally, a checklist is provided with summaries of key points

Mineralogy of a Mudstone at Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater, Mars

Sedimentary rocks at Yellowknife Bay (Gale Crater) on Mars include mudstone sampled by the Curiosity rover. The samples, John Klein and Cumberland, contain detrital basaltic minerals, Ca-sulfates, Fe oxide/hydroxides, Fe-sulfides, amorphous material, and trioctahedral smectites. The John Klein smectite has basal spacing of ~10 Å indicating little interlayer hydration. The Cumberland smectite has basal spacing at ~13.2 Å as well as ~10 Å. The ~13.2 Å spacing suggests a partially chloritized interlayer or interlayer Mg or Ca facilitating H_2O retention. Basaltic minerals in the mudstone are similar to those in nearby eolian deposits. However, the mudstone has far less Fe-forsterite, possibly lost with formation of smectite plus magnetite. Late Noachian/Early Hesperian or younger age indicates that clay mineral formation on Mars extended beyond Noachian time

Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018): a position statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and update of the MISEV2014 guidelines

The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number of scientific publications describing physiological and pathological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a collective term covering various subtypes of cell-released, membranous structures, called exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, apoptotic bodies, and many other names. However, specific issues arise when working with these entities, whose size and amount often make them difficult to obtain as relatively pure preparations, and to characterize properly. The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) proposed Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (“MISEV”) guidelines for the field in 2014. We now update these “MISEV2014” guidelines based on evolution of the collective knowledge in the last four years. An important point to consider is that ascribing a specific function to EVs in general, or to subtypes of EVs, requires reporting of specific information beyond mere description of function in a crude, potentially contaminated, and heterogeneous preparation. For example, claims that exosomes are endowed with exquisite and specific activities remain difficult to support experimentally, given our still limited knowledge of their specific molecular machineries of biogenesis and release, as compared with other biophysically similar EVs. The MISEV2018 guidelines include tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow to document specific EV-associated functional activities. Finally, a checklist is provided with summaries of key points

Desenvolupament d'aplicacions multimèdia i d'anàlisi de trànsit de xarxa en smartphones Android

En aquest treball s'han estudiat les característiques multimèdia, les capacitats de captura de transit de xarxa i el servei de localització que ofereix la plataforma Android, amb la idea d'aprofitar l'auge de les aplicacions mòbils, juntament amb l'avantatge d'utilitzar software lliure, per introduir la programació Android en activitats docents. Aquesta plataforma, desenvolupada per un grup d’empreses del sector tecnològic i mòbil (la Open Handset Alliance), és un sistema operatiu lliure dissenyat per a dispositius mòbils o tabletes i actualment el trobem en smartbooks, smartTVs o càmeres. D'una banda s'han detallat els codificadors, descodificadors, contenidors i protocols de xarxa que suporta Android, per després recollir aquests coneixements en una aplicació de captura de medis on és permet triar el format dels fitxers de sortida. En concret, l'aplicació pot generar imatges en format JPEG, PNG, GIF i BMP, capturar vídeo codificat amb H.263, H.264 i MPEG-4, i encapsular vídeo (H.263 i H.264) en paquets RTP per enviar-los a través d'una xarxa IP en temps real. D'altra banda, hem analitzat el sistema de localització que inclou la plataforma, determinant el format de les dades retornades i la seva precisió. També hem calculat, a través dels resultats de les proves, la freqüència d'actualitzacions que proporciona el servei. Aprofitant part del codi de l'aplicació Shark realitzada per un altre estudiant de l’EETAC, i posant en pràctica els coneixements sobre localització a Android, hem desenvolupat un servei que emmagatzema, en paral·lel, les dades d'ubicació i el tràfic generat i rebut per un terminal mòbil. La finalitat d'aquest servei és, a través de l'anàlisi conjunt de les dades generades per molts dispositius que corrin l’aplicació, millorar la planificació i desplegament de xarxes de telefonia mòbil i Wi-Fi. De forma addicional s'ha implementat una aplicació que, amb les dades generades a un terminal, determina a quina localització hem rebut (o enviat) cada paquet de xarxa i representa aquesta informació en un mapa de Google Maps. English: In this thesis we have studied the capabilities of the Android platform regarding multimedia, network traffic capture and location-based services. Our ultimate goal was to develop code to help introduce Android programming in teaching activities, taking advantage of the boom in mobile applications coupled with the benefits of using free software. Android was developed by a group of technology and mobile companies (the Open Handset Alliance), and is a free operating system, designed for mobile devices and tablets and currently found on smartbooks, SmartTVs or cameras. We studied and documented the use of encoders, decoders, containers and networking protocols supported by Android. We applied this knowledge for develop a media application that allows to choose the coders and output formats. The application can take JPEG, PNG, GIF and BMP pictures, record video encoded with H.263, H.264 and MPEG-4, and encapsulate video (H.263 and H.264) in RTP packets to send them through an IP network in real time. Moreover, we analyzed the location capabilities of the platform, determining the format of the returned data and its accuracy. We evaluated, through the results of tests, the frequency of the location updates offered by the service. We developed a service that stores, in parallel, the location data and network traffic generated and received in the mobile device. To do this, we used part of Shark application developed by another student at EETAC and added location capabilities. The purpose of this service is, through the joint analysis of generated data in many devices that run this application, improve the planning and deployment of mobile and Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, we implemented an application that analyzes the data generated in one device and draws it on Google Maps

In vivo CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of fusion oncogenes for selective elimination of cancer cells

This work was supported by CaixaImpulse (CI18-00017;FuGe) to S.R-P. RT-R. is supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from the Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC). J.C.S. is supported by the Spanish Cell Therapy cooperative research network (TERCEL)(RD16/0011/0011). P.M. also acknowledges the financial support from the Obra Social La Caixa-Fundaciò Josep Carreras. P.M. is an investigator of the Spanish Cell Therapy cooperative research network (TERCEL). A.M.C. acknowledges funding fromXarxa de Bancs de Tumors de Catalunya (XBTC; sponsored by Pla Director d'Oncologia de Catalunya).Fusion oncogenes (FOs) are common in many cancer types and are powerful drivers of tumor development. Because their expression is exclusive to cancer cells and their elimination induces cell apoptosis in FO-driven cancers, FOs are attractive therapeutic targets. However, specifically targeting the resulting chimeric products is challenging. Based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology, here we devise a simple, efficient and non-patient-specific gene-editing strategy through targeting of two introns of the genes involved in the rearrangement, allowing for robust disruption of the FO specifically in cancer cells. As a proof-of-concept of its potential, we demonstrate the efficacy of intron-based targeting of transcription factors or tyrosine kinase FOs in reducing tumor burden/mortality in in vivo models. The FO targeting approach presented here might open new horizons for the selective elimination of cancer cells

Cancers of the Kidney and Urinary Tract in Patients on Dialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease: Analysis of Data from the United States, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand

The persistence of HIV reservoirs, including latently infected, resting CD4+ T cells, is the major obstacle to cure HIV infection. CD32a expression was recently reported to mark CD4+ T cells harboring a replication-competent HIV reservoir during antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppression. We aimed to determine whether CD32 expression marks HIV latently or transcriptionally active infected CD4+ T cells. Using peripheral blood and lymphoid tissue of ART-treated HIV+ or SIV+ subjects, we found that most of the circulating memory CD32+ CD4+ T cells expressed markers of activation, including CD69, HLA-DR, CD25, CD38, and Ki67, and bore a TH2 phenotype as defined by CXCR3, CCR4, and CCR6. CD32 expression did not selectively enrich for HIV- or SIV-infected CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood or lymphoid tissue; isolated CD32+ resting CD4+ T cells accounted for less than 3% of the total HIV DNA in CD4+ T cells. Cell-associated HIV DNA and RNA loads in CD4+ T cells positively correlated with the frequency of CD32+ CD69+ CD4+ T cells but not with CD32 expression on resting CD4+ T cells. Using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, CD32 coexpression with HIV RNA or p24 was detected after in vitro HIV infection (peripheral blood mononuclear cell and tissue) and in vivo within lymph node tissue from HIV-infected individuals. Together, these results indicate that CD32 is not a marker of resting CD4+ T cells or of enriched HIV DNA–positive cells after ART; rather, CD32 is predominately expressed on a subset of activated CD4+ T cells enriched for transcriptionally active HIV after long-term ART