Objective assessment of gender differences in learning strategies

La Teoría de Metas de Logro señala la existencia de estas dos estrategias u orientaciones motivacionales: la orientación de resultado y la orientación de aprendizaje. La primera suele asociarse a la búsqueda del resultado exitoso e inmediato y la segunda a la comprensión profunda y largo mayor plazo de las diversas implicaciones de una tarea. Algunos estudios señalan que los varones, en comparación con las mujeres, tienden a desarrollar en mayor medida la orientación de resultado. El Test de Aprendizaje de Categorías (TAC), una prueba de atención y aprendizaje, permite discriminar estas dos modalidades de afrontamiento de la tarea. Para investigar las diferencias de género en estas orientaciones, se evaluó a 502 escolares de 6 a 12 años mediante el TAC. Los resultados confirman la existencia de ambos perfiles, aunque no aparecen diferencias de género. Se plantea que quizás estas diferencias surjan más adelante en la evolución debido al aprendizaje y la socialización. La enseñanza de patrones motivacionales adaptativos a largo plazo puede resultar muy beneficiosa para los niños en edad escolar.Goal Theory indicates the existence of two learning strategies and motivational goals: the performance-focused goals and learning-focused goals. The first one is usually associated with the aim of achieving immediate and good results while the second one is associates with deep and long-range comprehension. Some studies show that men, compared with women, tend to develop performance performance-focused goals. The Categories Learning Test (CLT), a test of attention and learning, discriminates these two patterns in children when solving a task. We evaluated 502 schoolchildren of 6-12 years by CLT. The results confirm the existence of both profiles, although not shown gender differences. It argues that these differences may arise later in development due to learning and socialization. Teaching adaptive goals and strategies can be very beneficial for school children

Regulatory effects of miR-19a on MAD2 expression and tumorigenesis in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is worldwide the sixth most diagnosed and third leading cause of cancer deaths, with poor and late prognosis, probably due to post-surgery adjuvant treatment resistance and lack of a thorough panel of prognostic markers. We have previously shown that mitotic arrest deficient 2 (MAD2, encoded by MAD2L1), a key protein of the spindle assembly checkpoint, is relevant in GC cells; its interference impairs migration and growth, while its overexpression correlates with tumorigenesi

Lawsonia intracellularis in pigs: progression of lesions and Involvement of apoptosis

The purpose of this study was to follow the progression of gross and histologic lesions and apoptosis events in Lawsonia intracellularis- infected enterocytes through the course of the disease, proliferative enteropathy (PE). Thirty 5-week-old pigs were divided into 2 groups: 20 challenged and 10 control animals. Groups of 3 pigs, 2 challenged and 1 control, were euthanized at 1, 3, 5, 8, 11, 15, 19, 24, 29, and 35 days after inoculation. Complete necropsies were performed with gross evaluation. Tissue samples from different sites of the gastrointestinal tract and other visceral organs were collected for routine histologic staining and for immunohistochemistry (IHC) for L. intracellularis. In addition, caspase-3, terminal deoxyuridine nick-end labeling assay, and electron microscopy were performed in ileum samples. Macroscopic and histologic lesions suggestive of PE were first detected 11 days after infection and continued through day 24. L. intracellularis antigen was first detected in the intestine by IHC on day 5 after inoculation, and the bacterium was first detected by transmission electron microscopy on day 15. Positive IHC staining for [L. intracellularis] and enterocyte proliferation, but no gross lesion, were detected on day 29. All 3 pigs euthanized on day 35 were grossly and histologically normal and IHC negative. Hyperplastic crypts in challenge pigs had more apoptotic cells on days 15, 19, and 24 postinfection (P < .05) compared to control pigs. Our results demonstrated the progression of lesions and infection by L. intracellularis and that inhibition of enterocyte apoptosis is not involved in the pathogenesis of proliferative enteropathy.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Mononuclear Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with an α-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazone: Cytotoxicity, solution behaviour and interaction: Versus proven models from biological media

Two Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) complexes with two pyrrol-2-carbaldehyde N-p-chlorophenylthiosemicarbazone ligands are designed and characterized showing mononuclear structures. An important pharmacological property for both compounds is the high selectivity for tumor cells and a lack of activity in healthy cells. The Pd(ii) compound shows a higher antitumor activity and selectivity than the Pt(ii) compound. Both complexes present a variety of biological interactions: with DNA models (pBR322 and CT DNA), proteins (lysozyme and RNase) and other biological targets like proteosome. Our results show that the Pd(ii) complex is a more interesting candidate for potential anticancer therapies than the Pt(ii) complex, and we provide new insight into the design and synthesis of palladium compounds as potential antitumor agents.This work was supported by the following grants for the Spanish MINECO: SAF-2012-34424, CTQ2015-68779R and CTQ2015-70371-RED

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltranferase-2 behaves as a cancer testis gene and promotes growth and tumorigenicity of the breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell line

The de novo synthesis of glycerolipids in mammalian cells begins with the acylation of glycerol-3-phosphate, catalyzed by glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT). GPAT2 is a mitochondrial isoform primarily expressed in testis under physiological conditions. Because it is aberrantly expressed in multiple myeloma, it has been proposed as a novel cancer testis gene. Using a bioinformatics approach, we found that GPAT2 is highly expressed in melanoma, lung, prostate and breast cancer, and we validated GPAT2 expression at the protein level in breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. In this case GPAT2 expression correlated with a higher histological grade. 5-Aza-2′ deoxycytidine treatment of human cells lines induced GPAT2 expression suggesting epigenetic regulation of gene expression. In order to evaluate the contribution of GPAT2 to the tumor phenotype, we silenced its expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. GPAT2 knockdown diminished cell proliferation, anchorage independent growth, migration and tumorigenicity, and increased staurosporine-induced apoptosis. In contrast, GPAT2 over-expression increased cell proliferation rate and resistance to staurosporine-induced apoptosis. To understand the functional role of GPAT2, we performed a co-expression analysis in mouse and human testis and found a significant association with semantic terms involved in cell cycle, DNA integrity maintenance, piRNA biogenesis and epigenetic regulation. Overall, these results indicate the GPAT2 would be directly associated with the control of cell proliferation. In conclusion, we confirm GPAT2 as a cancer testis gene and that its expression contributes to the tumor phenotype of MDA-MB-231 cells.Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plat

Altered liver gene expression in CCl4-cirrhotic rats is partially normalized by insulin-like growth factor-I

We have previously shown that the administration of low doses of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to CCl4-cirrhotic rats improves liver function and reduces fibrosis. To better understand the mechanisms behind the hepatoprotective effects of IGF-I, and to identify those genes whose expression is affected in cirrhosis and after IGF-1 treatment, we have performed differential display of mRNA analysis by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in livers from control and CCl4-cirrhotic rats treated or not with IGF-I. We have identified 16 genes that were up- or down-regulated in the cirrhotic liver. IGF-I treatment partially normalized the expression of eight of these genes, including serine proteinase inhibitors such as serpin-2 and alpha-1-antichymotripsin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and alpha-2u-globulin. Additionally, we show that IGF-I enhanced the regenerative activity in the cirrhotic liver, as determined by the increased expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Finally, IGF-I treatment partially restored the expression of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and the levels of global genomic DNA methylation, which are reduced in human and experimental cirrhosis. Taken together, our observations confirm the hepatoprotective effects of IGF-I, and suggest that this action can be exerted in part through the normalization of liver gene expression, growth hormone (GH) responsiveness and global genomic DNA methylation

Sismotectónica, radón, ambiente

Las características sismotectónicas, geológicas e hidrogeológicas de la porción norte de la Provincia de Mendoza, en particular de los Distritos El Resguardo y Capdeville (Departamento Las Heras), son potencialmente favorables para la ocurrencia de concentraciones relativamente elevadas del gas radiactivo (de origen natural) Radón.Se presentan algunos resultados de las mediciones realizadas en el área de estudio, en el marco del Proyecto Sismotectónica – Radón – Ambiente (SPU-UNCuyo 4250).Fil: Mingorance, Francisco. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de IngenieríaFil: Ibáñez, Sandra. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de IngenieríaFil: Rovira, Susana. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de IngenieríaFil: Chirino, Guillermo. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de IngenieríaFil: Quiroga, María C.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de IngenieríaFil: Sebok, Alejandra. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de IngenieríaFil: Barbagelata, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de IngenieríaFil: Arreghini, Guillermo. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ingenierí

Cotinine participation in chronic nicotinic withdrawal syndrome in rats (Preliminary study)

Numerosos datos clínicos y experimentales han demostrado que la nicotina del tabaco (NI) es la razón de la adicción al tabaco en los seres humanos, a través de la inducción de la tolerancia y la dependencia física. El humo del tabaco contiene otros alcaloides que pueden contribuir a la adicción, como la cotinina (COT). En este estudio se evaluaron los posibles efectos de la COT en ratas durante el síndrome de abstinencia nicotínica midiendo la actividad locomotora espontánea (ALE) utilizando el test del campo abierto. El estudio se llevó a cabo con dos grupos de ratas que recibieron NI 10 mg / kg / día en agua potable durante 120 días (grupos A y B). Luego, en el grupo A, se sustituyó NI por agua potable y en el grupo B, sustituido por COT 12 mg / kg, durante 24 horas en ambos grupos. La actividad locomotora espontánea se registró al final del día 120 (nivel basal) y al final del día 121, al final del período de abstinencia. Los resultados obtenidos se compararon con las mediciones basales. El grupo A mostró diferencias significativas en 3 de los 9 movimientos medidos y el grupo B mostró diferencias significativas en 7 de los 9 movimientos medidos. Cuando el grupo A se comparó con el grupo B sólo 1 movimiento mostró diferencia significativa. Estos resultados sugieren que en la administración crónica de nicotina y en estas condiciones experimentales, la cotinina participa en el síndrome de abstinencia nicotínica.A large amount of clinical and experimental data has shown that tobacco nicotine (NI) is the reason for tobacco addiction in humans, through the induction of tolerance and physical dependence. Tobacco smoke contains other alkaloids that may contribute to addiction, such as cotinine (COT). In this study we evaluated the possible effects of COT in rats during NI abstinence syndrome by measuring spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) with an open field test. The study was carried out with two groups of rats receiving NI 10 mg / kg / day in drinking water for 120 days (groups A and B). Then, in group A, NI was replaced by drinking water and in group B, substituted by COT, 12 mg / kg, for 24 hours in both groups. Spontaneous locomotor activity was recorded at the end of day 120 (baseline) and at the end of day 121, the end of the abstinence period. The results obtained were compared against the baseline measurements and group A showed significant differences in 3 of the 9 movements measured and group B displayed significant differences in 7 of the 9 movements measured. When group A was compared with Group B only 1 movement showed any significant differences. These results suggest that cotinine participates in the nicotine withdrawal syndrome in chronic nicotine administration under these experimental conditions.Fil: Sassone, Adriana Haydée. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Sanidad Nutrición Bromatología y Toxicología; ArgentinaFil: Merini, Luciano Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Sanidad Nutrición Bromatología y Toxicología; ArgentinaFil: Quiroga, Patricia Noemí. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Sanidad Nutrición Bromatología y Toxicología; ArgentinaFil: Sarchi, María I.. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Lopez, Clara M.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Sanidad Nutrición Bromatología y Toxicología; ArgentinaFil: Roses, Otmaro Enrique. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Sanidad Nutrición Bromatología y Toxicología; ArgentinaFil: Perazzo, Juan C.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Sanidad Nutrición Bromatología y Toxicología; Argentin

In Silico Selection and In Vitro Evaluation of New Molecules That Inhibit the Adhesion of <i>Streptococcus mutants</i> through Antigen I/II

Streptococcus mutans is the main early colonizing cariogenic bacteria because it recognizes salivary pellicle receptors. The Antigen I/II (Ag I/II) of S. mutans is among the most important adhesins in this process, and is involved in the adhesion to the tooth surface and the bacterial co-aggregation in the early stage of biofilm formation. However, this protein has not been used as a target in a virtual strategy search for inhibitors. Based on the predicted binding affinities, drug-like properties and toxicity, molecules were selected and evaluated for their ability to reduce S. mutans adhesion. A virtual screening of 883,551 molecules was conducted; cytotoxicity analysis on fibroblast cells, S. mutans adhesion studies, scanning electron microscopy analysis for bacterial integrity and molecular dynamics simulation were also performed. We found three molecules ZINC19835187 (ZI-187), ZINC19924939 (ZI-939) and ZINC19924906 (ZI-906) without cytotoxic activity, which inhibited about 90% the adhesion of S. mutans to polystyrene microplates. Molecular dynamic simulation by 300 nanoseconds showed stability of the interaction between ZI-187 and Ag I/II (PDB: 3IPK). This work provides new molecules that targets Ag I/II and have the capacity to inhibit in vitro the S. mutans adhesion on polystyrene microplates