Conceptual logic modeling of a Technological system of touristic traceability

El presente artículo pretende describir y caracterizar el proceso de diseño y construcción de un Modelo Lógico Conceptual de ingeniería para hacer seguimiento y evaluación a la actividad turística de una región. Se detallan en forma clara los elementos funcionales y técnicos de un Sistema Tecnológico de Trazabilidad Turística que gracias a la incorporación de las tecnologías de diseño de software y herramientas web aporta a diversos grupos de interés reportes, indicadores e índices sobre perfil y comportamiento (trazas turísticas de recorridos y consumos, datos estadísticos de la actividad turística como la tipología del turista, sus visitas previas, intereses en otros destinos, motivos de viaje, género, posible gasto, rango de edad, transporte de llegada, nacionalidad y residencia). Dichos reportes, a través de sus métricas generan información, en vocabulario común a los involucrados, que facilita la toma de decisiones, mejoras y ventajas competitivas a nivel del sector y de las organizaciones que lo componen. Abstract. This article aims to characterize and describe the designing and construction process of an engineering conceptual logic model to monitor and evaluate the touristic activities in a given region. It clearly outlines the functional and technical elements of a technological system of touristic traceability,that thanks to the incorporation of software design and web tools technologies,reports to severalstakeholders, indicators and indexes about profile and behavior variables (tourist traces of routes and consumptions, statistical data about the tourist activity and the typology of the tourists, their previous visits, their interests in other destinations, reasons for traveling, gender, possible expenditure, age range, transport on arrival, nationality and residence). These reports, through their metrics, generate information in a common vocabulary to the stakeholders, that facilitates decision-making processes, improvements and competitive advantages at sector level and its organizations

Overexpression of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier increases CHO cell and recombinant protein productivity and reduces lactate production

The metabolism of CHO cells is characterized by a low efficiency of glucose metabolism, resulting in lactate production. We hypothesized that the cause of such low efficiency is a slow transportation of pyruvate into the mitochondria. The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (mpc), responsible of introducing pyruvate into the mitochondria, is formed of two subunits, mpc1 and mpc2. We constructed stable CHO cell lines overexpressing both genes in order to facilitate the entry of pyruvate into the mitochondria and its incorporation into oxidative pathways. Overexpression of both genes was verified by qPCR and Western Blot, showing a significant increase compared to the basal level on the control cells. Kinetic evaluation of the CHO-mpc cells showed a 50% reduction of the lactate concentration respect to the control. Cell growth rate and maximum concentration were also increased, and an increase of 40% on the production of recombinant secreted placental alkaline phosphatase was observed. We show that transport of pyruvate into the mitochondria limits the efficiency of oxidation of glucose, which can be overcome by a cell engineering approach. Financial support by UNAM-DGAPA-PAPIIT IT-200315 and SEP-CONACyT Ciencia Básica 255445

Potenciación de la respuesta inmune humoral sistémica en ratas lactantes por el ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA)

Cis-9, trans-11 (c9, t11) and trans-10, cis-12 (t10, c12) are the predominating molecules in the positional and geometrical isomers mixture termed CLA. Although CLA has shown positive effects on human health and seems to be associated with immunomodulatory activities, its effect in the developing immune system has not been studied. Thus, the present study was designed to establish the effect of CLA supplementation during gestation and/or lactation on humoral immune response, i.e. by analysing sera Ig levels during the suckling period. Wistar rats were allocated to four groups (A, B, C and W) on day 7 of pregnancy. From day 7 and throughout the study period group C and W gestating mothers were fed standard pellet chow. Group A and B dams were fed 10 g CLA (80% cis-9, trans-11, 20% trans-10, cis-12; Lipid Nutrition B. V. Wormerveer, The Netherlands)/kg pellet chow during gestation. Moreover, group A mothers were also fed the CLA-supplemented chow until the litters were 21 d old, the end of suckling period. Group B and C litters received the CLA mixture of isomers by daily oral administration while their respective dams were fed standard pellet chow during lactation. In all cases litters were equalised to ten rats per lactating mother. Pups from each experimental group were killed at the end of the second week of life (day 14) and at the end of the suckling period (day 21), and blood samples were collected. Serum IgA, IgG and IgM levels were quantified by the ELISA sandwich technique. ANOVA and post hoc comparisons (LSD test) were performed. Differences were considered to be significant at P<0.05. Animals receiving CLA passively from their mothers (group A) during gestation and the suckling period exhibited the highest concentrations of IgG and IgM at 14 d old (P<0.05; see Table). At the end of suckling period the serum IgG concentration in this group was also increased, up to three times more than in the other groups (P<0.05). Those animals supplemented with CLA only during suckling period (group C) showed no difference in relation to those receiving no supplement. Thus, these results demonstrate that CLA supplementation during gestation and lactation promotes systemic humoral immune response

Design of a vaccine against dengue and Zika viruses based on a mimotope of the envelope dimer epitope

Zika and dengue viruses are members of the Flavivirus genus that cause mild fever, rash and general body pain; but can cause severe reactions, as hemorrhages (dengue virus), congenital syndrome (Zika virus), or even death. Because of the structural similarity between these viruses, some antibodies generated after an infection can cross-react with different members of the flavivirus family. After a secondary infection, the cross-reactive antibodies can lead to more severe forms of the disease, through a mechanism named antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE). Broadly neutralizing antibodies are antibodies that neutralize both, dengue and Zika viruses; and it has been demonstrated that they do not induce ADE. These antibodies are directed to a discontinuous quaternary epitope named the Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE)1, located in the envelope (E) protein. To obtain the EDE, it is necessary to express the complete E protein, which contains other epitopes that induce ADE. This study aims to generate a peptide that emulates the EDE epitope structure (mimotope) in order to be used as a dual vaccine against dengue and Zika viruses; without causing ADE. Please click Download on the upper right corner to see the full abstract

Taxonomy, evolution, and biogeography of the rhodniini tribe (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

The Triatominae subfamily includes 151 extant and three fossil species. Several species can transmit the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, significantly impacting public health in Latin American countries. The Triatominae can be classified into five tribes, of which the Rhodniini is very important because of its large vector capacity and wide geographical distribution. The Rhodniini tribe comprises 23 (without R. taquarussuensis) species and although several studies have addressed their taxonomy using morphological, morphometric, cytogenetic, and molecular techniques, their evolutionary relationships remain unclear, resulting in inconsistencies at the classification level. Conflicting hypotheses have been proposed regarding the origin, diversification, and identification of these species in Latin America, muddying our understanding of their dispersion and current geographic distribution. Clarifying these factors can help for the design of vector control strategies. The aim of this review is to depict the different approaches used for taxonomy of the Rhodniini and to shed light on their evolution and biogeography. © 2020 by the authors

The autoimmune ecology

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect specific target organs or multiple organ systems. These conditions share common immunopathogenic mechanisms (i.e., the autoimmune tautology), which explain the clinical similarities they have among them as well as their familial clustering (i.e., coaggregation). As part of the autoimmune tautology, the influence of environmental exposure on the risk of developing ADs is paramount (i.e., the autoimmune ecology). In fact, environment, more than genetics, shapes immune system. Autoimmune ecology is akin to exposome, that is all the exposures - internal and external - across the lifespan, interacting with hereditary factors (both genetics and epigenetics) to favor or protect against autoimmunity and its outcomes. Herein, we provide an overview of the autoimmune ecology, focusing on the immune response to environmental agents in general, and microbiota, cigarette smoking, alcohol and coffee consumption, socioeconomic status (SES), gender and sex hormones, vitamin D, organic solvents, and vaccines in particular. Inclusion of the autoimmune ecology in disease etiology and health will improve the way personalized medicine is currently conceived and applied. © 2016 Anaya, Ramirez-Santana, Alzate, Molano-Gonzalez and Rojas-Villarraga

Endothelial Damage in Sepsis: The Importance of Systems Biology

The early diagnosis and appropriate stratification of sepsis continues to be one of the most important challenges in modern medicine. Single isolated biomarkers have not been enough to improve diagnostic and prognostic strategies and to progress toward therapeutic goals. The information generated by the human genome project has allowed a more holistic approach to the problem. The integration of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics in sepsis has allowed us to progress in the knowledge of new pathways which are pathophysiologically involved in this disease. Thus, we have understood the importance of and complex interaction between the inflammatory response and the endothelium. Understanding the role of important parts of the microcirculation, such as the endothelial glycocalyx and its interaction with the inflammatory response, has provided early recognition elements for clinical practice that allow the rational use of traditional medical interventions in sepsis. This comprehensive approach, which differs from the classical mechanistic approach, uses systems biology to increase the diagnostic and prognostic spectrum of endothelial damage biomarkers in sepsis, and to provide information on new pathways involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. This, in turn, provides tools for perfecting traditional medical interventions, using them at the appropriate times according to the disease's pathophysiological context, while at the same time discovering new and improved therapeutic alternatives. We have the challenge of transferring this ideal scenario to our daily clinical practice to improve our patients' care. The purpose of this article is to provide a general description of the importance of systems biology in integrating the complex interaction between the endothelium and the inflammatory response in sepsis

A Useful allene for the stereoselective synthesis of protected quaternary 2-amino-2-vinyl-1,3-diols

Treatment of readily available allene 1 with Cy2BH followed by addition of an aldehyde led to quaternary protected 2-amino-2-vinyl-1,3-diols in high yield and excellent stereochemical purity. The choice of benzoyl as N-protecting group is critical since the observed N- to O-Bz transfer during the process prevents later undesired isomerizations in the adducts and keeps all heteroatoms protected

Validez y utilidad diagnóstica de la escala EAT-26 para la evaluación del riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en población femenina de Medellín, Colombia

ResumenObjetivoEvaluar la validez y la utilidad diagnóstica de la escala EAT-26 para la evaluación del riesgo de trastornos de conducta alimentaria (TCA) en población femenina.DiseñoEstudio observacional de validación de pruebas.EmplazamientoRealizado en la ciudad de Medellín en nivel de atención comunitaria de consulta psiquiátrica mixta (pública y privada).ParticipantesVeinticinco mujeres con edades entre 15 y 25años que cumplieran criterios DSM-IV-TR para anorexia y bulimia nerviosa y 111controles sin TCA.Mediciones principalesLa muestra de casos fue por conveniencia y en controles, aleatoria simple. Se comparó el «criterio de oro» (entrevista estructurada por psiquiatra para determinar el cumplimiento o no de criterios de inclusión de caso de TCA) con el EAT-26, y al instrumento se le hizo validación cultural y semántica, validación factorial, evaluación de confiabilidad, así como determinación del mejor punto de corte por medio de la curva ROC.ResultadosEn EAT-26 subyacen 4dominios: bulimia, dieta, preocupación por la comida y control oral. El alfa de Cronbach fue de 92,1%, y el mejor valor de corte, el de 11 y más puntos (sensibilidad del 100% y especificidad del 85,6%).ConclusiónEl EAT-26 modificado y abreviado es un instrumento multidimensional, con excelentes valores de confiabilidad y sensibilidad, y con un adecuado valor de especificidad, apropiado para el cribado de posible TCA en población de riesgo y útil en atención primaria para su detección temprana en mujeres jóvenes.AbstractObjectiveTo establish diagnostic validity and usefulness of EAT-26 for the risk assessment of Eating Disorder (ED) in a female population.DescriptionObservational validation study questionnaire.SettingPerformed in a Medellin city community care level of mixed (public and private) psychiatric consultation.SubjectsTwenty five subjects aged 15 to 25 with DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for anorexia and bulimia nervosa and 111 controls without ED.Main outcomes measuresThe case sample was for convenience and in controls an aleatory simple one. Gold standard (structured psychiatrist interview confirming the fulfillment of ED case inclusion criteria) was compared with EAT-26 questionnaire; reliability was assessed, cultural, semantics and factorial validation was made and the best cut-off score was established with the ROC curve.ResultsFour domains remain in the instrument: bulimia, dieting, food preoccupation and oral control. The Cronbach's alpha was 92.1% and a score of 11 and over is the best cut-off (sensitivity 100%, and specificity 85.6%).ConclusionsThis modified and abbreviated EAT-26 questionnaire is an ideal multidimensional instrument for ED screening in risk population, with excellent reliability and sensitivity values and satisfactory specificity. EAT-26 is a useful measure to be considered when strategies for ED early detection are implemented in young women

Cuando la observación se vuelve una técnica compleja : ¿Por qué y para qué un Observatorio de Conflictividad Laboral en Mendoza?

La construcción de datos que hacían al espacio regional rico en singularidades y expresiones nos dio pie para postular una nueva hipótesis: que la conflictividad expresa de modo sintético la deriva propia de cada formación social y que por tanto, es necesario seguir su pulso en cada espacio provincial en especial. Por ello nos abocamos a construir y consolidar la Red de Observatorios de Conflictividad Social nacional que hoy integramos con otras universidades públicas y que comenzó con un trabajo de compatibilización entre los observatorios de Mendoza, Córdoba y del Derecho Social – CTA, Buenos Aires (actualmente integrados también por Comahue, San Juan y Mar del Plata). En esta ocasión queremos poner en consideración la potencialidad de resultados que posibilita la técnica empleada así como las críticas (sobre todo al modo de registro y a las fuentes mediáticas utilizadas) a las que el mismo se ve expuesta. Pretendemos discutir los alcances del observatorio como instrumento donde convergen varias técnicas y la necesidad de interpretación constante de su sistematización por parte del equipo responsable. También exponer las limitaciones de la 'medición' del conflicto sobre la base de sus supuestos epistemológicos para sostener como horizonte la procesualidad que permite captar en relación al movimiento de la conflictividad social. En síntesis, a partir de los resultados alcanzados, las unidades de análisis tomadas y las unidades de observación estimamos realizar un análisis reflexivo sobre lo que oculta y lo que visibiliza un observatorio abocado a esta temática en especial.Finalmente, mostraremos la matriz de datos y algunos resultados alcanzados con el fin de ilustrar y sostener los beneficios de esta propuesta.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació