Volatile compound diversity and conserved alarm behaviour in Triatoma dimidiata

Background: Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille) is a key vector complex of Trypanosoma cruzi, etiologic agent of Chagas disease, as it spans North, Central, and South America. Although morphological and genetic studies clearly indicate existence of at least five clades within the species, there has been no robust or systematic revision, or appropriate nomenclature change for species within the complex. Three of the clades (haplogroups) are distributed in Mexico, and recent evidence attests to dispersal of clades across previously "presumed"monotypic geographic regions. Evidence of niche conservatism among sister species of this complex suggests that geographic dispersal is possible for non-sympatric populations, although no information is available on the behavioural aspects of potential interclade interactions, for instance whether differentiation of chemical signaling or response to these signals could impede communication among the haplogroups. Methods: Volatiles emitted by disturbed bugs, Brindley's (BGs), and metasternal (MGs) glands were identified using solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) and gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Volatile compounds emitted by BGs and MGs, and those secreted by disturbed nymphs and adults, of the three Mexican T. dimidiata haplogroups were tested for avoidance behaviour by conspecific nymphs and adults using an olfactometer. Results: Triatoma dimidiata haplogroups all have three age-related alarm responses: absence of response by early stage nymphs, stage-specific response by 4-5th stage nymphs, and a shared 4-5th nymph and adult response to adult compounds. Disturbed bugs released 15 to 24 compounds depending on the haplogroup, among which were three pyrazines, the first report of these organoleptics in Triatominae. Isobutyric acid from BGs was the most abundant molecule in the response in all haplogroups, in addition to 15 (h1) to 21 (h2 and h3) MG compounds. Avoidance behaviour of disturbed bugs and volatiles emitted by BGs were haplogroup specific, while those from the MG were not. Conclusions: Discriminant and cluster analysis of BG +MG compounds indicate significant separation among the three haplogroups, while alarm response compounds were similar between h2 and h3, both distinct from h1. This latter haplogroup is ancestral phylogenetically to the other two. Our results suggest that alarm responses are a conserved behaviour in the Triatoma dimidiata complex.Fil: May Concha, Irving Jesus. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública; MéxicoFil: Rojas, Julio C.. El Colegio de la Frontera Sur; MéxicoFil: Cruz López, Leopoldo. El Colegio de la Frontera Sur; MéxicoFil: Ibarra-Cerdeña, Carlos N.. Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados; MéxicoFil: Ramsey, Janine. Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública; Méxic

Distinct Lysosomal Network Protein Profiles in Parkinsonian Syndrome Cerebrospinal Fluid.

BackgroundClinical diagnosis of parkinsonian syndromes like Parkinson's disease (PD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is hampered by overlapping symptomatology and lack of diagnostic biomarkers, and definitive diagnosis is only possible post-mortem.ObjectiveSince impaired protein degradation plays an important role in many neurodegenerative disorders, we hypothesized that profiles of select lysosomal network proteins in cerebrospinal fluid could be differentially expressed in these parkinsonian syndromes.MethodsCerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from PD patients (n = 18), clinically diagnosed 4-repeat tauopathy patients; corticobasal syndrome (CBS) (n = 3) and PSP (n = 8); and pathologically diagnosed PSP (n = 8) and CBD patients (n = 7). Each patient set was compared to its appropriate control group consisting of age and gender matched individuals. Select lysosomal network protein levels were detected via Western blotting. Factor analysis was used to test the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the select lysosomal network protein expression profiles.ResultsPD, CBD and PSP were markedly different in their cerebrospinal fluid lysosomal network protein profiles. Lysosomal-associated membrane proteins 1 and 2 were significantly decreased in PD; early endosomal antigen 1 was decreased and lysozyme increased in PSP; and lysosomal-associated membrane proteins 1 and 2, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 and lysozyme were increased in CBD. A panel of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2, lysozyme and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain discriminated between controls, PD and 4-repeat tauopathies.ConclusionsThis study offers proof of concept that select lysosomal network proteins are differentially expressed in cerebrospinal fluid of Parkinson's disease, corticobasal syndrome and progressive supranuclear palsy. Lysosomal network protein analysis could be further developed as a diagnostic fluid biomarker in parkinsonian syndromes

Instalaciones avícolas

Cartilla de la serie “Especies menores” en la que describe en detalle los sistemas de crianza y producción de aves más eficientes así como sus ventajas y limitacionesPrimer of the series "Minor species" in which it describes in detail the most efficient breeding and production systems of birds as well as their advantages and limitationsSistemas de explotación de aves -- Sistema extensivo -- Sistema semi-intensivo -- Sistema intensivo -- Galpón rústico para 100 gallinas -- Galpón para 2000 gallinas -- Sistemas de alojamiento -- Alojamiento en piso -- Sobre vasija o cama gruesa -- Biodegradación de la cama -- Producción de gallinaza -- Sobre listones o varetas -- Sobre listones y malla gruesa -- sistema intensivo en jaulas -- Ventajas de la jaula -- Limitaciones -- Galpón para sistema en jaulas -- Características de las jaulas -- Tipos de jaulas -- Iluminación -- Importancia -- iluminación para pollos de engorde -- Iluminación para aves adultas -- Iluminación para reproductoras -- Intensidad de iluminación -- Cálculos de iluminaciónna74 página

Low-level light therapy of the eye and brain

Abstract: Low-level light therapy (LLLT) using red to near-infrared light energy has gained attention in recent years as a new scientific approach with therapeutic applications in ophthalmology, neurology, and psychiatry. The ongoing therapeutic revolution spearheaded by LLLT is largely propelled by progress in the basic science fields of photobiology and bioenergetics. This paper describes the mechanisms of action of LLLT at the molecular, cellular, and nervous tissue levels. Photoneuromodulation of cytochrome oxidase activity is the most important primary mechanism of action of LLLT. Cytochrome oxidase is the primary photoacceptor of light in the red to near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is also a key mitochondrial enzyme for cellular bioenergetics, especially for nerve cells in the retina and the brain. Evidence shows that LLLT can secondarily enhance neural metabolism by regulating mitochondrial function, intraneuronal signaling systems, and redox states. Current knowledge about LLLT dosimetry relevant for its hormetic effects on nervous tissue, including noninvasive in vivo retinal and transcranial effects, is also presented. Recent research is reviewed that supports LLLT potential benefits in retinal disease, stroke, neurotrauma, neurodegeneration, and memory and mood disorders. Since mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in neurodegeneration, LLLT has potential significant applications against retinal and brain damage by counteracting the consequences of mitochondrial failure. Upon transcranial delivery in vivo, LLLT induces brain metabolic and antioxidant beneficial effects, as measured by increases in cytochrome oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Increases in cerebral blood flow and cognitive functions induced by LLLT have also been observed in humans. Importantly, LLLT given at energy densities that exert beneficial effects does not induce adverse effects. This highlights the value of LLLT as a novel paradigm to treat visual, neurological, and psychological conditions, and supports that neuronal energy metabolism could constitute a major target for neurotherapeutics of the eye and brain

Promoting tau secretion and propagation by hyperactive p300/CBP via autophagy-lysosomal pathway in tauopathy.

BackgroundThe trans-neuronal propagation of tau has been implicated in the progression of tau-mediated neurodegeneration. There is critical knowledge gap in understanding how tau is released and transmitted, and how that is dysregulated in diseases. Previously, we reported that lysine acetyltransferase p300/CBP acetylates tau and regulates its degradation and toxicity. However, whether p300/CBP is involved in regulation of tau secretion and propagation is unknown.MethodWe investigated the relationship between p300/CBP activity, the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) and tau secretion in mouse models of tauopathy and in cultured rodent and human neurons. Through a high-through-put compound screen, we identified a new p300 inhibitor that promotes autophagic flux and reduces tau secretion. Using fibril-induced tau spreading models in vitro and in vivo, we examined how p300/CBP regulates tau propagation.ResultsIncreased p300/CBP activity was associated with aberrant accumulation of ALP markers in a tau transgenic mouse model. p300/CBP hyperactivation blocked autophagic flux and increased tau secretion in neurons. Conversely, inhibiting p300/CBP promoted autophagic flux, reduced tau secretion, and reduced tau propagation in fibril-induced tau spreading models in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionsWe report that p300/CBP, a lysine acetyltransferase aberrantly activated in tauopathies, causes impairment in ALP, leading to excess tau secretion. This effect, together with increased intracellular tau accumulation, contributes to enhanced spreading of tau. Our findings suggest that inhibition of p300/CBP as a novel approach to correct ALP dysfunction and block disease progression in tauopathy

FACTORES QUE AFECTAN LA ATRACCIÓN DE PROROPS NASUTA WATERSTON (HYMENOPTERA: BATHYLIDAE) A LOS OLORES EMITIDOS POR LOS DESECHOS DE SU HUÉSPED, LA BROCA DEL CAFÉ

The parasitoid Prorops nasuta Waterston (Hymenoptera: Bathylidae) is a wasp that feeds upon and parasitizes the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), which is the most important pest of coffee (Coffea spp.) in the world. Previous studies have shown that P. nasuta females are attracted to the odors emitted by dust/frass of H. hampei. In this study, the effect of age, feeding status, sex and previous experience of P. nasuta on female attraction to the dust/frass odors was investigated in the laboratory using a Y-tube olfactometer. Females without food and those fed with a solution of honey-water (1: 1) significantly preferred dust/frass odors over clean air. In contrast, females fed with H. hampei immature stages did not show any preference for dust/frass odors or clean air. Female age did not influence the attraction of P. nasuta to dust/frass odors. P. nasuta males were not attracted to dust/frass odors. Both naïve and experienced females were similarly attracted to dust/frass odors, suggesting that the response of P. nasuta to dust/frass odors is innate.Prorops nasuta Waterston (Hymenoptera: Bathylidae) es un ectoparásito que se alimenta de todos los estados inmaduros de la broca del café, Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scotylinae) y que se reproduce depositando sus huevecillos en la parte ventral de las larvas maduras y pupas de su huésped. Estudios previos han demostrado que este parasitoide es atraído a los olores provenientes de los desechos alimenticios y fecales de su huésped. Este estudio investigó el efecto de algunos factores tales como edad, alimentación, sexo y experiencia de oviposición en la respuesta del parasitoide P. nasuta a los olores provenientes de los desechos de su huésped. Los bioensayos se realizaron en un olfactómetro tipo Y. Los resultados muestran que las hembras de P. nasuta sin alimentar y alimentadas con miel-agua prefirieron significativamente los olores provenientes de los desechos que al control. En contraste, las hembras alimentadas con inmaduros no mostraron ninguna preferencia por los olores de los desechos o por el control. Los resultados muestran que la edad de las hembras no influyó en su respuesta a los olores de los desechos de su huésped. Los machos de P. nasuta no fueron atraídos a los olores provenientes de los desechos. La previa experiencia de las hembras no influyó en su respuesta a los olores de los desechos

Modelo computacional empleando redes neuronales artificiales para la estimación del riesgo para la salud de la vivienda urbana

En este paper se describe brevemente la modelización del riesgo de la vivienda para la salud empleando un método elaborado por el instituto IIGHI-CONICET. A su vez, se creó un modelo informático-computacional que implementa este modelo conceptual. Como resultado de este proyecto, se diseñó e implemento un software denominado RVS (por sus siglas de Riesgo, Vivienda y Salud). Se comenta en este paper las bases de ambos modelos, como así también conclusiones parciales y los próximos pasos previstos en ese sentido.Eje: Agentes y sistemas inteligentesRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Modelización y estimación del riesgo para la salud de la vivienda urbana empleando redes neuronales artificiales

El presente proyecto se enmarca en una línea de investigación relacionada con la aplicación de técnicas de aprendizaje automático, especialmente las redes neuronales artificiales, a la resolución de problemas de las ciencias sociales. El grupo de investigación nuclea a investigadores de la UTN y IIGHI-Conicet, y tiene como uno de sus logros la creación de un software y un modelo computacional que implementa la metodología de estimación del riesgo para la salud de la vivienda urbana desde el enfoque de la vulnerabilidad social, propuesta por el IIGHI-CONICET. Este software denominado RVS (por sus siglas de Riesgo, Vivienda y Salud) se ha desarrollado de basado en redes neuronales artificiales que emula una red conceptual de relación de factores sociales, económicos y demográficos que no se ajusta a los modelos clásicos. Los demógrafos del IIGHI suponen el dominio de problema como complejo y no lineal; indican además que aún no existen mediciones precisas de causa y efecto para el mismo, por lo que su tratamiento por ecuaciones matemáticas no es posible. Se han utilizando cinco redes de tipo perceptron multicapa trabajando en forma conjunta para calcular un índice de riesgo que permitiría a las autoridades de salud dirigir más acertadamente los fondos disponibles, en la medida que la metodología sea confirmada por trabajo de campo, tarea que está en marcha en algunos países de América Latina.Eje: Agentes y sistemas inteligentesRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI

Redes neuronales artificiales aplicadas a Ciencias Sociales

Como modelo computacional que implementa la metodología de estimación del riesgo para la salud de la vivienda urbana desde el enfoque de la vulnerabilidad social, propuesta por el IIGHI-CONICET, el software desarrollado de redes neuronales artificiales emula una red conceptual de relación de factores sociales, económicos y demográficos que no ajusta a los modelos clásicos. Los demógrafos del IIGHI suponen el dominio de problema como complejo y no lineal; indican además que aún no existen mediciones precisas de causa y efecto para el mismo, por lo que su tratamiento por ecuaciones matemáticas no es posible. Se han utilizando cinco redes de tipo perceptron multicapa trabajando en forma conjunta para calcular un índice de riesgo que permitiría a las autoridades de salud dirigir más acertadamente los fondos disponibles, en la medida que la metodología sea confirmada por trabajo de campo, tarea que está en marcha en algunos países de América Latina.Eje: Agentes y Sistemas InteligentesRed de Universidades con Carreras en Informática (RedUNCI