PVF1/PVR signaling and apoptosis promotes the rotation and dorsal closure of the Drosophila male terminalia

The Drosophila adult male terminalia originate from the genital disc. During the pupal stages, the external parts of terminalia evert from two ventral stalks; the everted left and right dorsal halves fuse at the dorsal midline. At the same time the male terminalia perform a 360 clockwise rotation. Several mutations are known to affect the rotation of the male terminalia, while none is known to affect dorsal closure. We show here that the Pvf1 gene, encoding one of the three Drosophila homologues of the mammalian VEGF/PDGF growth factors, is required for both processes. Males either mutant for Pvf1 or bearing a dominant negative form of Pvr or stasis (stai), the unique PVF receptor, do not complete either rotation or dorsal closure. Pvf1 expression in the genital disc is restricted to the A8 cells. However, PVF1/PVR signaling influences A8, A9 and A10 cells, suggesting that the PVF1 protein diffuses from its source. Flies hemizygous for the apoptotic genes hid, reaper and grim, or mutant for puckered which encodes a phosphatase that down-regulates the n-Jun-N terminal kinase pathway, lead to the same phenotypes as mutations in PVF1/PVR. Our results indicate that PVF1/PVR signaling functions not only in apoptotic phenomena but are also required during rotation and dorsal closure of the Drosophila male genital disc.Fil: Macias, Ana Maria. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Romero, Nuria Magdalena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Martín, Francisco. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Suárez, Leonardo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Rosa, Alberto Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Morata, Ginés. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; Españ

Morphological Characteristics of Pilot Whales Retina (Globicephala melas; Traill, 1809) and their Relationship to Habitat

Existe una estrecha relación entre las características morfológicas de los sistemas sensoriales, su funcionamiento y el hábitat al que están adaptados los organismos. En este sentido, de todos los mamíferos marinos estudiados, los cetáceos son los que más profundamente han modificado su estructura y fisiología ocular por su estrecha adaptación a una vida exclusivamente acuática. Para aportar más datos a la literatura, el objetivo de este trabajo es describir morfológicamente la retina de la ballena piloto a través de técnicas de microscopia óptica, con el fin de relacionarla con su adaptación al medio acuático. Nuestros datos muestran que la retina de Globicephala melas se organiza de acuerdo al mismo plan básico de los vertebrados. Tiene un grosor medio alrededor de 330±23 µm en las zonas de alta densidad de células ganglionares y 175±2 µm en la zona periférica. La capa de los fotorreceptores se corresponde con el 45% del grosor de la retina total. Presenta largos segmentos externos. La capa más característica de cetáceos en general y de Globicephala melas en particular, es la capa de células ganglionares. Su grosor, de 77,76±37,26 siendo la más variable de toda la retina. Esta capa presenta baja densidad celular pero tamaños excepcionalmente grandes, de 10 a 75 µm (promedio de 33,5 µm), denominadas células ganglionares gigantes.There is a close relationship between morphological features of sensory systems, their function and habitat to which these organisms are adapting. In this sense, of all marine mammals that have been studied, cetaceans are the ones that have profoundly changed structure and ocular physiology in their adaptation to an exclusively aquatic life. To add further data to the literature, the aim of this paper is to describe morphologically the retina of the pilot whale through optical microscopy and relate their adaptation to the aquatic environment. Our data show that the retina of the long-finned pilot whale is organized according to the same basic plan of vertebrates. It has an average thickness of about 330±23 microns in areas of high ganglion cell density of 175±2 microns in the peripheral zone. Photoreceptor layer corresponds to 45% of total thickness of the retina and has long outer segments. The most significant characteristic of cetaceans in general and long-finned pilot whale in particular, is the ganglion cell layer. Thickness of 77.76±37.26 being the most variable of the entire retina. This layer has a low density but exceptionally large cell size of 10 to 75 microns (average of 33.5 microns), known as giant ganglion cells

Early intervention services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain: toward a model of family-centered practices

Early intervention services (EIS) worked hard to continue serving children and their families during the COVID-19 lockdown, using online applications. This study aimed to determine families' and professionals' perceptions of the functioning of the early intervention (EI) model in Spain during the pandemic. The study sample comprised two subsamples: 81 families of children attended at an EIS (72 mothers and 9 fathers) and 213 professionals recruited from EIS. The survey was conducted online several weeks after the end of the strict lockdown in Spain. Descriptive statistics of the questionnaire answered by families and professionals were compiled, comparisons were made between the families' and the professionals' responses, and the relationships with several sociodemographic variables were analyzed. The results indicated that parents who cared for their children and were fully responsible for housework, parents who had used telematic tools before the lockdown, and younger professionals had a more positive perception of the EI model and the incorporation of family-centered practices (FCP) during the pandemic. The results also showed statistically significant differences in some items between parents and professionals: for example, professionals perceived more advantages than families during the lockdown, quoting the greater participation of families in the intervention and a greater focus on families' needs. The data obtained from professionals suggested a more positive attitude toward FCP: however, the results show that they continued to adopt a directive role in the intervention, a position that is at odds with the tenets of FCP. There is a clear need for more training if a paradigm shift to FCP is to be achieved. Families' and caregivers' perceptions of telerehabilitation, and their adherence to telerehabilitation programs, are discussed. The implications of this study with regard to guiding future telematic interventions and family support are also considered

USE OF HPLC, Py-GCMS, FTIR METHODS IN THE STUDIES OF THE COMPOSITION OF SOIL DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER

The study has determined the composition of dissolved organic matter in Luvisols, Fluvisols and Histosols using spectroscopic (FTIR) and chromatographic (HPLC and Py-GCMS) methods. It has been found that aliphatic hydrocarbons (linear) containing from 4 to 12 atoms of carbon constitute the dominant group of compounds included in the dissolved organic matter (DOC). The preparations isolated from Histosols and Luvisols demonstrated a higher proportion of hydrophobic fraction with a longer retention time probably containing more compounds with long-chain aliphatic and simple aromatic structure than the DOC of Fluvisols. The differences in infrared spectra are evident particularly in the wave number between 1650–1030 cm-1. The DOC of Histosols is richer in aromatic compounds (range 1620 cm-1) but the DOC of Luvisols and Fluvisols is richer in alkene chains and hydroxyl (OH) and methoxy (OCH3) groups. The results showed differences in the composition of the DOM across the soils, caused their genesis. W pracy badano skład rozpuszczalnej materii organicznej (RMO) gleb (Luvisols, Fluvisols and Histosols) przy zastosowaniu metod spektroskopowych (FTIR) oraz chromatograficznych (HPLC i Py-GCMS). Stwierdzono, że dominującą grupą związków wchodzących w skład RMO są węglowodory alifatyczne (łańcuchowe) zawierające od 4 do 12 atomów węgla. Preparaty RMO wyizolowane z torfu i gleby płowej charakteryzujące się wyższym udziałem frakcji hydrofobowych o najdłuższym czasie retencji, zawierały najprawdopodobniej więcej związków o długich łańcuchach alifatycznych oraz proste struktury aromatyczne w porównaniu z RMO mady. Przebieg widm w podczerwieni wyraźnie wskazał różnicę w składzie badanych preparatów RMO, szczególnie w zakresie liczb falowych między 1650-1030 cm-1. Preparaty RMO wyizolowane z torfu były bogatsze w związki aromatyczne (pasmo 1620 cm-1) a frakcja RMO wyizolowana z gleby płowej i mady ciężkiej była bogatsza w łańcuchy alkenowe i grupy hydroksylowe (OH) i metoksylowe (OCH3). Otrzymane wyniki badań wykazały różnice w składzie RMO pomiędzy glebami, wynikające z ich genezy

Fortalezas y debilidades de la incipiente industrialización de productos frutícolas en el partido de General Pueyrredón (Argentina) como estrategia de desarrollo local

En el Cinturón Hortícola de Partido de General Pueyrredón, ubicado al oeste del casco urbano de la ciudad de Mar del Plata, se desarrollan incipientemente actividades relacionadas con la industrialización de productos frutihortícolas. Esta iniciativa surge a partir de una crisis de sobreproducción en fresco en el sector, sin generar una radical solución a tal situación, porque los volúmenes de la demanda de productos procesados en el área urbana local aún son reducidos y es escasa la exportación de productos congelados frutihortícolas. Sin embargo, la vida moderna induce a nuevos estilos de consumo a consumidores vinculados con niveles de ingreso medio y/o medio alto, que se caracterizan por mantener una dieta “sana”, i ncorporando a su di et a p roductos frescos de frutas y hortalizas en reemplazo total o parcialmente las carnes rojas. Sumado a ello se debe considerar el fenómeno de la incor poración de la mujer al mercado laboral, entre otros, situaciones como las mencionadas, incitan a un grupo de individuos a incursionar y continuar en el procesamiento de productos frescos, porque avizoran un futuro promisorio. Desde el ámbito de los organismos oficiales existe una importante inquietud en alentar a agentes interesados en iniciarse y/o expandirse en el procesado frutihortícola asesorando, sugiriendo la concreción de agrupaciones y realizando apoyos de tipo logístico, excluyendo aquellas debilidades que puedan existir en el sector y alentando a su fortalecimiento

Agentes productivos y producciones no tradicionales en el municipio de Gral. Puyrredon (Argentina)

A partir de la década del ’90, se observa en el Cinturón Frutihortícola del Partido de General Pueyrredon (Argentina), cómo un pequeño grupo de productores orientan su producción hacia las Producciones no Tradicionales (PNT), como los kiwis, berries y cherries. A excepción de los champiñones, su producción comenzó en los años ’70. Con la finalidad de comprender tal mutación productiva y el estado de la cuestión, se comenzó por realizar un rastreo en diferentes medios, ello se complementó con encuestas a los agentes involucrados, y a diferentes organismos públicos y privados. Posteriormente se analizaron los factores que inducen a los agentes productivos locales, a la obtención de materias primas no tradicionales con el propósito de relacionar el alcance de la distribución comercial que poseen las producciones no tradicionales y los aportes técnicos, sociales y económicos que éstas pueden realizar e incitar a agentes y actores a emprender actividades afines orientadas al desarrollo local

Parenting behaviors of mothers and fathers of young children with intellectual disability evaluated in a natural context

The aims of this study were to analyze the interactions of mothers and fathers with their children with intellectual disabilities, focusing on certain parental behaviors previously identified as promoting child development, and to explore the relations between parenting and some sociodemographic variables. A sample of 87 pairs of mothers and fathers of the same children were recruited from Early Intervention Centers. The children (58 male and 29 female) were aged 20-47 months. Most of the families (92%) were from the province of Barcelona (Spain), and the remaining 8% were from the other provinces of Catalonia (Spain). Parenting behaviors, divided into four domains (Affection, Responsiveness, Encouragement, and Teaching) were assessed from self-recorded videotapes, in accordance with the validated Spanish version of the PICCOLO (Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes). Parents were administered a sociodemographic questionnaire. The results revealed strong similarities between mothers' and fathers' parental behaviors. Mothers and fathers were more likely to engage in affectionate behavior than in teaching behavior. Only maternal teaching presented a significant positive relation to the child's age. With respect to the child's gender, no differences were observed in mothers' parenting. Conversely, fathers scored significantly higher in Responsiveness, Encouragement and Teaching (and had higher total parenting scores) when interacting with boys. The severity of the child's ID had a statistically significant effect only on fathers' Teaching, which showed lower mean scores in the severe ID group than in the moderate and mild ID groups. Teaching also presented a significant positive relation to mother's age, but father's age was not related to any parenting domain. Mothers with a higher educational level scored significantly higher in Encouragement and Teaching, and the fathers' educational level was not significantly related to any parenting domain. Mothers' and fathers' Teaching, and fathers' Responsiveness, Encouragement and total parenting scores, presented a significant positive relation to family income. Finally, mothers spent more time in childcare activities than fathers, particularly on workdays. Our main conclusion is that mothers and fathers show very similar strengths and weaknesses when interacting with their children with intellectual disabilities during play

Leo pero no comprendo. Una experiencia con ingresantes universitarios

En el campo de la resolución de problemas matemáticos es innegable la contribución de G.Polya (1887-1985) en su obra de 1940: ¿Cómo plantear y resolver problemas?, el modelo que propone coincide en sus rasgos generales con otros descriptos más recientemente. Según este ya clásico modelo de Polya, las fases o etapas en la actividad de resolución de problemas son cuatro. Nosotras nos detendremos en la primera etapa: “comprender el problema”, que involucra fundamentalmente el análisis y la comprensión del texto del problema. El análisis del enunciado tiene como función principal la elaboración y representación de las relaciones específicas del problema. Es el paso del lenguaje corriente (estado inicial del texto) al lenguaje matemático. En general los alumnos que realizan una lectura superficial y fragmentaria del texto del problema dirigen su atención hacia algunas componentes del mismo, es posible que se detengan en los datos numéricos, sin considerar las relaciones que mantienen entre sí, y además dejen de lado condiciones y preguntas no explícitas directamente en el texto. En este trabajo analizamos el comportamiento de los alumnos al resolver dos problemas tomados en el examen diagnóstico para ingresantes a la Facultad de Ciencias Físico Matemáticas y Naturales – Universidad Nacional de San Luis, República Argentina (2002). Se pone en evidencia la influencia de las componentes semántica y sintáctica y de la estructura lógica del enunciado del problema en la determinación de la solución o de la vía de solución elegida. Presentamos consideraciones sobre las dificultades encontradas, ejemplificamos dichas situaciones y finalmente emitimos algunas conclusiones

Rhamnolipid-enhanced solubilization and biodegradation of PAHs in soils after conventional bioremediation

The application of a rhamnolipid biosurfactant for enhanced solubilization and biodegradation of slowly desorbing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated soils was determined in this study. The soil samples exhibited different levels of pollution and different bioremediation stages: the first soil originated from a creosote-polluted site, contained 4370 mg kg -1 of PAHs and had not been bioremediated; the second soil was the same as the first but had received bioremediation treatment with nutrient amendment in biopiles for a period of 5 months and contained 580 mg kg -1 of PAHs after this treatment; the third soil was treated by bioremediation for several years to reduce the concentration of PAHs to 275 mg kg -1. The kinetics of PAH desorption were determined to assess the magnitude of the slowly desorbing fractions present in the polluted soil and to optimize the biosurfactant effectiveness in terms of biodegradation. The soils that had been treated by bioremediation were enriched in slowly desorbing PAHs. The rhamnolipid at a concentration above its critical micelle concentration enhanced biodegradation in the soils that had been bioremediated previously. The measurement of residual concentrations of native PAHs showed the promoting effect of the biosurfactant on the biodegradation of the slowly desorbing fractions. Interestingly, benzo(a)pyrene was biodegraded in the soil that had been bioremediated for a long time. Rhamnolipid can constitute a valid alternative to chemical surfactants in promoting the biodegradation of slow-desorption PAHs, which is one of the most important problems in bioremediation, but the efficiency depends strongly on the bioremediation stage in which the biosurfactant is applied

Rheological investigations of pharmaceutical emulsions prepared with modified lecithin

In this paper the results of rheological investigations of pharmaceutical microemulsions prepared using modern lecithine derived emulsifiers has been prevented out. High stability of obtained systems and wide possibilities of controlling rheological parameters were found