Botanical control of citrus green mold and peach brown rot on fruits assays using a persicaria acuminata phytochemically characterized extract

Persicaria acuminata (Polygonaceae) is a perennial herb that grows in the central area of Argentina and it is commonly used by native populations to heal infected wounds and other conditions related to fungal infections. In this article, we explored the in vitro antifungal activity of its ethyl acetate extract against a panel of three fruit phytopathogenic fungi including: Penicillium digitatum, P. italicum, and Monilinia fructicola. The sesquiterpenes isolated from the extract were also evaluated against these strains, demonstrating that the dialdehyde polygodial was the responsible for this activity. In order to encourage the use of the extract rather than the pure compound, we displayed ex vivo assays using fresh oranges and peaches inoculated with P. digitatum and M. fructicola, respectively, and subsequently treated by immersion with an extract solution of 250 and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the treatments with commercial fungicides and the extract over the control of both fruit rots. The concentration of the active compound present in the extract used on fruit experiments was determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy. Finally, cytotoxicity evaluation against Huh7 cells showed that P. acuminata extract was less cytotoxic than the commercial fungicides at the assayed concentrations. After these findings we could conclude that a chemically characterized extract of P. acuminata should be further developed to treat fungal diseases in fruits from an agro-ecological model.Fil: Di Liberto, Melina Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Química Orgánica. Área Farmacognosia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Seimandi, Gisela Marisol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral. - Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral.; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez, Laura Noemí. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral. - Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral.; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Ruiz, Verónica Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral. - Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral.; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Svetaz, Laura Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Química Orgánica. Área Farmacognosia; ArgentinaFil: Derita, Marcos Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Departamento de Química Orgánica. Área Farmacognosia; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentin

Functional Genomics of 5- to 8-Cell Stage Human Embryos by Blastomere Single-Cell cDNA Analysis

Blastomere fate and embryonic genome activation (EGA) during human embryonic development are unsolved areas of high scientific and clinical interest. Forty-nine blastomeres from 5- to 8-cell human embryos have been investigated following an efficient single-cell cDNA amplification protocol to provide a template for high-density microarray analysis. The previously described markers, characteristic of Inner Cell Mass (ICM) (n = 120), stemness (n = 190) and Trophectoderm (TE) (n = 45), were analyzed, and a housekeeping pattern of 46 genes was established. All the human blastomeres from the 5- to 8-cell stage embryo displayed a common gene expression pattern corresponding to ICM markers (e.g., DDX3, FOXD3, LEFTY1, MYC, NANOG, POU5F1), stemness (e.g., POU5F1, DNMT3B, GABRB3, SOX2, ZFP42, TERT), and TE markers (e.g., GATA6, EOMES, CDX2, LHCGR). The EGA profile was also investigated between the 5-6- and 8-cell stage embryos, and compared to the blastocyst stage. Known genes (n = 92) such as depleted maternal transcripts (e.g., CCNA1, CCNB1, DPPA2) and embryo-specific activation (e.g., POU5F1, CDH1, DPPA4), as well as novel genes, were confirmed. In summary, the global single-cell cDNA amplification microarray analysis of the 5- to 8-cell stage human embryos reveals that blastomere fate is not committed to ICM or TE. Finally, new EGA features in human embryogenesis are presented

Paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia and antibodies to metabotropic glutamate receptor 2

To report the presence of a new neuronal surface antibody against the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 antibody (mGluR2-Ab) in 2 patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia.mGluR2-Abs were initially characterized by immunohistochemistry on the rat brain and confirmed by immunofluorescence on HEK293 cells transfected with mGluR2. Additional studies included analysis of potential cross-reactivity with other mGluRs, expression of mGluR2 in patients' tumors, and the effects of mGluR2-Abs on cultures of rat hippocampal neurons.Patient 1 was a 78-year-old woman with progressive cerebellar ataxia with an initial relapsing-remitting course who developed a small-cell tumor of unknown origin. Patient 2 was a 3-year-old girl who presented a steroid-responsive acute cerebellitis preceding the diagnosis of an alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Patients' serum and CSF showed a characteristic immunostaining of the hippocampus and cerebellum in rat brain sections and immunolabeled the cell surface of live rat hippocampal neurons. HEK293 cells transfected with mGluR1, 2, 3, and 5 confirmed that patients' antibodies only recognized mGluR2. mGluR2-Abs were not detected in 160 controls, 120 with paraneoplastic, autoimmune, or degenerative ataxias, and 40 with autoimmune encephalitis and antibodies against mGluR5 or unknown antigens. Expression of mGluR2 in tumors was confirmed by immunohistochemistry using a commercial mGluR2-Ab. Incubation of live rat hippocampal neurons with CSF of patient 2 did not modify the density of surface mGluR2 clusters.mGluR2-Abs are a novel biomarker of paraneoplastic cerebellar ataxia. The potential pathogenic effect of the antibodies is not mediated by downregulation or internalization of neuronal surface mGluR2.Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology

Surveying the woody flora of green spaces in Esperanza city (Santa Fe, Argentina): Some suggestions for its management

La ciudad de Esperanza (Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina) posee espacios verdes tales como parques, plazas y plazoletas que constituyen áreas de esparcimiento y garantizan el desarrollo humano en equilibrio con la naturaleza. Para el conocimiento de estos espacios verdes es fundamental conocer la superficie que ocupan, las especies vegetales, el estado de conservación de las plantas y el manejo que reciben, especialmente las leñosas.Considerando la importancia que el arbolado urbano tiene en esta ciudad se realizó un censo con el objetivo de evaluar las principales características de la flora leñosa de los espacios verdes. Se tomaron datos de las especies existentes, estado sanitario e intervenciones silviculturales. A partir de esta información se propusieron intervenciones silviculturales apropiadas. Finalmente se evaluó la disponibilidad de espacios verdes por habitante y la cantidad de habitantes por árbol.El 74 % de los árboles correspondió a especies exóticas, el estado sanitario en general resultó bueno y el 57 % de los árboles no tuvo ningún tipo de intervención silvicultural evidente. Cada habitante dispone en promedio de 7,64 m2 de espacio verde y la cantidad de habitantes por árbol fue 18,8.Los datos obtenidos constituyen el primer censo de especies leñosas de la infraestructura verde de Esperanza. Se propone aumentar la superficie de espacios verdes y promover la plantación, especialmente con especies nativas.Esperanza City (Santa Fe, Argentina) has green spaces such as parks, squares and small squares devoted to recreational areas and guarantee human development in balance with nature. To fully understand these green spaces, it is essential to know the area they occupy, the plant species included as well as their health condition and the management they receive, particularly the woody ones. Due to the importance given to urban trees in this city, a census was carried out to evaluate the main features of the woody flora int these green spaces. The data collected include: existing species, their health status and silvicultural interventions. Based upon this information, suitable silvicultural interventions were proposed. Finally, the availability of green spaces per inhabitant and the number of inhabitants per tree were evaluated. The results showed that 74 % of the trees corresponded to exotic species with a good general health status and 57 % of the trees showed nom evident silvicultural intervention. There exists an average of 7.64 m2 of green space per inhabitant and 18.8 inhabitants per tree. The data obtained become the first census of woody species of the Esperanza City green infrastructure. It is proposed to increase green space areas and promote planting, especially using native species.Fil: Bender, Adrian Gabriel. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Ruiz, Verónica Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral. - Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral.; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez, M.. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Perreta, Mariel Gladis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral. - Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Ciencias Agropecuarias del Litoral.; ArgentinaFil: Spizzamiglio, S.. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Araujo Vieira de Souza, Jonicelia Cristina. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe; Argentin

The dying process : destination and significance of imminent death diagnosis

ABSTARCT: This article presents a reflection derived from the qualitative research called “Meaning of the Diagnosis of Imminent Death for the Patient with Cancer and his/her Family, and its Effects on the Evolution of the Dying Process”, in which a hermeneutical phenomenological approach was used. The reflection is focused on one of the main findings concerning the management and course of the information once it is revealed to the family. Our results show that the diagnosis of imminent death shakes the family structure, generating attitudes such as defensive reactions, a conspiracy of silence, overprotection and excessive compassion. We discuss these reactions and give emphasize to the paradoxes and contradictions implied in the actions that are, supposedly, adopted as mechanisms to protect from suffering to the patient and the family.RESUMEN: El objetivo de esta investigación fue reconocer las significaciones que el enfermo de cáncer y su familia construyen frente al diagnóstico de muerte inminente; el énfasis fue puesto en el destino del diagnóstico una vez que éste es comunicado. Método: se diseñó un proyecto de carácter exploratorio, transversal y fundamentado en la investigación cualitativa, con un enfoque fenomenológico hermenéutico. La técnica de recolección de información fue la entrevista semiestructurada y la herramienta para el tratamiento de los datos fue el análisis de contenidos. Los resultados muestran que el manejo del diagnóstico de muerte inminente conmociona la estructura familiar y genera actitudes que evidencian el impacto en el grupo: reacciones defensivas, conspiración del silencio, sobreprotección y compasión excesiva. Se discuten estas reacciones y se señalan las paradojas y contradicciones de unas medidas que se adoptan, supuestamente, para proteger del sufrimiento al enfermo y al grupo familiar

Impacto familiar del diagnóstico de muerte inminente

ABSTRACT: The article analyze the way facing the appearance of an advanced oncologic disease in one of its members, the family history and the relationship between family members favor or hinder the handling of the Information, the emotional expression, and the company provided to the ill person. Semistructures interviews were carried out to nine family groups and five patients; the information was interpreted using content analysis. The results suggested that families able to establish a truthful communication on the diagnosis and prognosis achieve mutual support links and greater role flexibility. Contrariwise, families with evident communication difficulties experience problems of interaction and in the process of accompanying their ill member.RESUMEN: El presente artículo analiza cómo ante la aparición de una enfermedad oncológica en fase avanzada, la historia familiar y las lógicas de la relación favorecen u obstaculizan el manejo de la información sobre la enfermedad, la expresión de las emociones y el acompañamiento al enfermo. La información de las familias fue recolectada a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas a nueve grupos familiares y a cinco enfermos; e interpretada mediante análisis de contenido. Los resultados sugieren que familias con una comunicación veraz del diagnóstico y el pronóstico constituyen vínculos de soporte mutuo y mayor flexibilidad en los roles. Contrariamente, familias con dificultades en la comunicación presentan problemáticas en la interacción entre sus integrantes y en el acompañamiento del enfermo

Impact of HLA Mismatching on Early Subclinical Inflammation in Low-Immunological-Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients

The impact of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatching on the early appearance of subclinical inflammation (SCI) in low-immunological-risk kidney transplant (KT) recipients is undetermined. We aimed to assess whether HLA-mismatching (A-B-C-DR-DQ) is a risk factor for early SCI. As part of a clinical trial (Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT02284464), a total of 105 low-immunological-risk KT patients underwent a protocol biopsy on the third month post-KT. As a result, 54 presented SCI, showing a greater number of total HLA-mismatches (p = 0.008) and worse allograft function compared with the no inflammation group (48.5 ± 13.6 vs. 60 ± 23.4 mL/min; p = 0.003). Multiple logistic regression showed that the only risk factor associated with SCI was the total HLA-mismatch score (OR 1.32, 95%CI 1.06-1.64, p = 0.013) or class II HLA mismatching (OR 1.51; 95%CI 1.04-2.19, p = 0.032) after adjusting for confounder variables (recipient age, delayed graft function, transfusion prior KT, and tacrolimus levels). The ROC curve illustrated that the HLA mismatching of six antigens was the optimal value in terms of sensitivity and specificity for predicting the SCI. Finally, a significantly higher proportion of SCI was seen in patients with >6 vs. ≤6 HLA-mismatches (62.3 vs. 37.7%; p = 0.008). HLA compatibility is an independent risk factor associated with early SCI. Thus, transplant physicians should perhaps be more aware of HLA mismatching to reduce these early harmful lesions

Clinical Relevance of Corticosteroid Withdrawal on Graft Histological Lesions in Low-Immunological-Risk Kidney Transplant Patients

The impact of corticosteroid withdrawal on medium-term graft histological changes in kidney transplant (KT) recipients under standard immunosuppression is uncertain. As part of an open-label, multicenter, prospective, phase IV, 24-month clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02284464) in low-immunological-risk KT recipients, 105 patients were randomized, after a protocol-biopsy at 3 months, to corticosteroid continuation (CSC, n = 52) or corticosteroid withdrawal (CSW, n = 53). Both groups received tacrolimus and MMF and had another protocol-biopsy at 24 months. The acute rejection rate, including subclinical inflammation (SCI), was comparable between groups (21.2 vs. 24.5%). No patients developed dnDSA. Inflammatory and chronicity scores increased from 3 to 24 months in patients with, at baseline, no inflammation (NI) or SCI, regardless of treatment. CSW patients with SCI at 3 months had a significantly increased chronicity score at 24 months. HbA1c levels were lower in CSW patients (6.4 +/- 1.2 vs. 5.7 +/- 0.6%; p = 0.013) at 24 months, as was systolic blood pressure (134.2 +/- 14.9 vs. 125.7 +/- 15.3 mmHg; p = 0.016). Allograft function was comparable between groups and no patients died or lost their graft. An increase in chronicity scores at 2-years post-transplantation was observed in low-immunological-risk KT recipients with initial NI or SCI, but CSW may accelerate chronicity changes, especially in patients with early SCI. This strategy did, however, improve the cardiovascular profiles of patients

Agenda de investigación: Smart cities y seguridad en Andalucía

Este documento forma parte del proyecto de investigación "Tecnología y control social: Fundamentos de la gobernanza democrática de la seguridad en Andalucía" PAIDI 2020-PI00941La gobernanza de la seguridad en las Smart cities supone un gran reto a nivel de diseño, planificación y gestión. El número de investigadores y grupos de investigación andaluces en esta temática es aún escaso, lo que puede dificultar avanzar de manera significativa y lograr un impacto científico y una competitividad y transferencia internacional de conocimiento. Por eso uno de los objetivos de este proyecto era establecer una agenda de investigación que permitiera identificar hacia la comunidad de investigadores aquellos temas de mayor relevancia con vistas a focalizar los recursos y generar sinergias entre ellos. Además, el futuro próximo de la gestión de la seguridad en las Smart cities requerirá, sin lugar a dudas, un trabajo multidisciplinar que aglutine a investigadores de diferentes campos, así como a la industria y al sector público, lo que debería favorecer que se lancen iniciativas coherentes y se establezcan líneas de investigación sólidas.Proyecto cofinanciado en un 80% por la Unión Europea, en el marco del Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucía 2014-2020 «Crecimiento inteligente: una economía basada en el conocimiento y la innovación». Proyecto financiado por la Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades. Código P20-00941Informe de 8 páginas fruto de un taller realizado el 6 de marzo de 202