Small Pilot Survey on Parents' Perception of the Relationship between Children and Pets

Since companion animals are taking on more important roles in family life, the aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of parents about the relationship between their children and pets. A number of parents were asked to fill in a questionnaire; the principal topics were: pet ownership, pet care, relationship between pets and children, and sources of information about pet management. Eighty-two parents completed the survey; 71.4% of them already had pets before having children; pet care and health has emerged to be rather important, since 96.4% of the pets are taken to the veterinarian at least once a year; moreover, the great majority of the parents (97.2%) were not worried about the possible risks, linked to pets, pertaining to their child’s health. The present survey confirms that pets are mostly considered as members of the family, and not only as a benefit for the children. Moreover, the relationship between children and pets is basically seen as a positive experience for children

Cell cycle modulation by parathyroid hormone in human colon adenocarcinoma cells

La hormona paratiroidea (PTH) es un importante mediador de la remodelación ósea y actúa como regulador esencial de la homeostasis del calcio. Dependiendo del contexto celular, PTH también puede estimular o inhibir la apoptosis y provocar alteraciones en la regulación del ciclo celular. En trabajos previos demostramos que, en las células Caco-2 derivadas de adenocarcinoma de colon humano, la hormona (10-8 M) en ausencia de suero tiene efectos proapoptoticos y, con baja dosis de suero, efectos anti-proliferativos: aumenta la expresión de la proteína inhibitoria del ciclo celular p27Kip1 y disminuye la expresión de las ciclinas D1 y D3 y de la quinasa dependiente de ciclina CDK6. En este trabajo profundizamos el estudio de los mecanismos moleculares que median la respuesta a PTH de las células Caco-2. Se evidencio que, en ausencia de suero, el receptor de PTH tipo 1 (RPTH1) se localiza exclusivamente en el núcleo. Además, el tratamiento con la hormona solo en la dosis de 10-8 M disminuye el número de células vivas, pero no se observan cambios en concentraciones menores. Mas aun, en ausencia de suero, solamente la expresión de la proteína inhibitoria del ciclo celular p15ink4b es modificada por el tratamiento hormonal. Estos resultados sugieren que PTH en una dosis de 10-8 M arresta la progresión del ciclo celular en las células Caco-2; sin embargo, según las condiciones experimentales, este efecto seria mediado por distintas proteínas asociadas al ciclo celular.Fil: Calvo, Natalia Graciela. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Laboratorio de Química Biológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahia Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Russo, Ana Josefa. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Laboratorio de Química Biológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahia Blanca; ArgentinaFil: Gentili, Claudia Rosana. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Laboratorio de Química Biológica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahia Blanca; Argentin

Effects of endophytic Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) on biological, reproductive parameters and food preference of the soybean pest Helicoverpa gelotopoeon

Objectives: We studied Beauveria bassiana ability to endophytic colonize soybean and its effects on some biological and reproductive parameters and on the food preference of Helicoverpa gelotopoeon, a polyphagous plague of several agronomic crops. Methods: A suspension of 1 × 108 conidia ml−1 of B. bassiana (LPSC 1098), was inoculated in soybean plants using the leaf spraying method. H. gelotopoeon survival, developement, fecundity and fertility were registered to evaluate fungal effect. Also, food preference was determined by the free-choice method. Results: B. bassiana as an endophyte adversely affected the duration of the larval stages (L1, L2, L3, L4) and of the adult stages, as well as the total duration of the life cycle. Furthermore, the oviposition period, fecundity and fertility of H. gelotopoeon decreased. This is the first report of decreased consumption of soybean leaves by H. gelotopoeon due to endophytic B. bassiana. Conclusions: This investigation shows that endophytic fungi could be considered as useful microorganisms for the integrated pest management.Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y TécnicasInstituto de Botánica "Dr. Carlos Spegazzini"Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la provincia de Buenos AiresCentro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Endophytic colonisation of tomato by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana: the use of different inoculation techniques and their effects on the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

Fungal entomopathogens can naturally regulate populations of various insects. The entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Bals.- Criv.) Vuill. is also able to endophytically colonize different plants. Endophytic colonization by entomopathogens may provide a source of indirect interactions between fungi and insects and has been associated with the ability of the fungus to control insect pests. The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is considered one of the most devastating pests of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and its difficult control is due to its miner habit, short life cycle, and high reproductive capacity. The aims of this study were: (i) to use three different techniques, i.e. leaf spraying, seed immersion and root dipping, for the endophytic inoculation of B. bassiana in tomato plants; and (ii) to assess the effect of B. bassiana on tomato leaf consumption and mortality of T. absoluta after inoculation. The percentage of colonization by B. bassiana was assessed 7, 14 and 28 days after inoculation. All inoculation techniques employed allowed the recovery of B. bassiana, although our results showed significant differences between techniques. Leaf spraying was the most effective, with the highest percentage of colonization recorded 7 days after inoculation. We also evaluated (i) the effect on the mortality of T. absoluta by direct contact with conidia of B. bassiana, and (ii) the effect on tomato leaf consumption and mortality by indirect contact through ingestion of inoculated plant tissues with B. bassiana. Mortality bioassays showed that B. bassiana infected T. absoluta, either by direct contact or indirectly, via ingestion of inoculated tomato leaves. Direct contact showed a higher percentage of mortality and a lower median survival time (MST) than indirect contact. Significant differences in the mortality percentages of T. absoluta after exposure with B. bassiana were found among the treatments and the control. Our results suggest that the endophytic inoculation of B. bassiana in tomato crops provides the basis for further investigation, which should focus on the virulence of the endophytic B. bassiana against T. absoluta.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y MuseoInstituto de Botánica "Dr. Carlos Spegazzini"Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Hacia una poética de la metamorfosis: canon, norma, margen y sus reformulaciones poético-genéricas en la literatura latina entre el período augustal y el flavio

Within the framework of the SECyT project (2018-2021), Canon, Norm and Margin in Latin Literature: Poetic and Generic Reformulations from the Augustan Period to the Flavian Period, directed by Prof. Dr. Eleonora Tola and based in the “María Saleme de Burnichon” Research Center of the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities of the National University of Córdoba, we will give an account of the trajectory of our team and its ensuing research approaches. We acknowledge that the literary genres in Rome respond to a series of elements that, according to their recurrences and groupings, distinguish and characterize each literary genre, posing them as normative constructs. At the same time, these codes involve works and authors that, depending on whether they respond to these standardizations or not, feature as canonical or marginal. However, the coexistence and the interaction between different norms and canons establish inter-generic crossings that, depending on their dynamic nature, reveal a diachronic recasting of their primary literary genres, thus giving rise to a metamorphic process. Therefore, we state that the cultural and ideological issues underlying the augustan, neronian and flavian literature allow us to advance a poetics of metamorphosis.En el marco del proyecto SECyT (2018-2021), Canon, Norma y Margen en la Literatura Latina: Reformulaciones Poético-Genéricas desde el Período Augustal hasta el Período Flavio, dirigido por la Prof. y Dra. Eleonora Tola y radicado en el Centro de Investigaciones “María Saleme de Burnichon” de la Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, daremos cuenta de la trayectoria de las y los integrantes del equipo y de sus respectivos avances en las diferentes líneas de investigación propuestas. Entendemos que los géneros literarios en Roma responden a una serie de elementos que, según sus recurrencias y agrupamientos, distinguen y caracterizan a cada género literario, planteándose como constructos normativos. Al mismo tiempo, dichos códigos abarcan obras y autores que, según respondan a estas estandarizaciones o no, se instalan como canónicos o marginales. No obstante, la convivencia e interacción entre distintas normas y cánones establece instancias dialógicas inter-genéricas que, en función de su carácter dinámico, habilitan reformulaciones diacrónicas de los géneros literarios en los que se inscriben, dando lugar a un proceso metamórfico. Así, pues, sostenemos que las variables culturales e ideológicas que atraviesan la literatura de los períodos augustal, neroniano y flavio permiten identificar una poética de la metamorfosis

Endophytic <i>Beauveria bassiana</i> (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) alters <i>Helicoverpa gelotopoeon</i>'s (D.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) life cycle and reproductive parameters

Bollworms comprise the most harmful and economically relevant species of lepidopteran. Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (D.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is native to America and affects many crops. Tobacco is an industrial crop in which methods of pest control rely mainly on the application of insecticides. To develop new eco-friendly strategies against insect pests it is very important to overcome the side effects of insecticides. The utilization of fungal entomopathogens as endophytes is a new perspective that may accomplish good results. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of endophytic Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. to affect H. gelotopoeon life parameters and feeding behavior on tobacco plants. Beauveria bassiana LPSC 1215 as an endophyte did not reduce the amount of vegetal material consumed by H. gelotopoeon larvae but affected the life cycle period of the plague, particularly the larval and adult stages. Also, egg fertility was affected since adults laid eggs that were not able to hatch. The results of this investigation provide new information on endophytic entomopathogen potential to be incorporated in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.Instituto de Botánica "Dr. Carlos Spegazzini"Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Endophytic <i>Beauveria bassiana</i> (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) alters <i>Helicoverpa gelotopoeon</i>'s (D.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) life cycle and reproductive parameters

Bollworms comprise the most harmful and economically relevant species of lepidopteran. Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (D.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is native to America and affects many crops. Tobacco is an industrial crop in which methods of pest control rely mainly on the application of insecticides. To develop new eco-friendly strategies against insect pests it is very important to overcome the side effects of insecticides. The utilization of fungal entomopathogens as endophytes is a new perspective that may accomplish good results. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of endophytic Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. to affect H. gelotopoeon life parameters and feeding behavior on tobacco plants. Beauveria bassiana LPSC 1215 as an endophyte did not reduce the amount of vegetal material consumed by H. gelotopoeon larvae but affected the life cycle period of the plague, particularly the larval and adult stages. Also, egg fertility was affected since adults laid eggs that were not able to hatch. The results of this investigation provide new information on endophytic entomopathogen potential to be incorporated in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.Instituto de Botánica "Dr. Carlos Spegazzini"Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Meta-Inflammation and Metabolic Reprogramming of Macrophages in Diabetes and Obesity:The Importance of Metabolites

Diabetes mellitus type II and obesity are two important causes of death in modern society. They are characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction (meta-inflammation), which is observed in all tissues involved in energy homeostasis. A substantial body of evidence has established an important role for macrophages in these tissues during the development of diabetes mellitus type II and obesity. Macrophages can activate into specialized subsets by cues from their microenvironment to handle a variety of tasks. Many different subsets have been described and in diabetes/obesity literature two main classifications are widely used that are also defined by differential metabolic reprogramming taking place to fuel their main functions. Classically activated, pro-inflammatory macrophages (often referred to as M1) favor glycolysis, produce lactate instead of metabolizing pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, and have a tricarboxylic acid cycle that is interrupted at two points. Alternatively activated macrophages (often referred to as M2) mainly use beta-oxidation of fatty acids and oxidative phosphorylation to create energy-rich molecules such as ATP and are involved in tissue repair and downregulation of inflammation. Since diabetes type II and obesity are characterized by metabolic alterations at the organism level, these alterations may also induce changes in macrophage metabolism resulting in unique macrophage activation patterns in diabetes and obesity. This review describes the interactions between metabolic reprogramming of macrophages and conditions of metabolic dysfunction like diabetes and obesity. We also focus on different possibilities of measuring a range of metabolites intra-and extracellularly in a precise and comprehensive manner to better identify the subsets of polarized macrophages that are unique to diabetes and obesity. Advantages and disadvantages of the currently most widely used metabolite analysis approaches are highlighted. We further describe how their combined use may serve to provide a comprehensive overview of the metabolic changes that take place intracellularly during macrophage activation in conditions like diabetes and obesity

Endophytic <i>Beauveria bassiana</i> (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) alters <i>Helicoverpa gelotopoeon</i>'s (D.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) life cycle and reproductive parameters

Bollworms comprise the most harmful and economically relevant species of lepidopteran. Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (D.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is native to America and affects many crops. Tobacco is an industrial crop in which methods of pest control rely mainly on the application of insecticides. To develop new eco-friendly strategies against insect pests it is very important to overcome the side effects of insecticides. The utilization of fungal entomopathogens as endophytes is a new perspective that may accomplish good results. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of endophytic Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. to affect H. gelotopoeon life parameters and feeding behavior on tobacco plants. Beauveria bassiana LPSC 1215 as an endophyte did not reduce the amount of vegetal material consumed by H. gelotopoeon larvae but affected the life cycle period of the plague, particularly the larval and adult stages. Also, egg fertility was affected since adults laid eggs that were not able to hatch. The results of this investigation provide new information on endophytic entomopathogen potential to be incorporated in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.Instituto de Botánica "Dr. Carlos Spegazzini"Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore