Diversidad de Myxomycetes en zonas áridas de Perú, parte II: el cardonal y las zonas de transición

The results obtained from a second survey for Myxomycetes in the arid areas of Peru are reported. A total of 37 localities from the cactus belt (‘cardonal’), between 1500 and 3000 m a.s.l., were sampled over six years. This survey is based on 601 identifiable collections of myxomycetes, developed in the field under natural conditions or those that were recovered from moist chamber cultures. In total, 84 taxa representing 19 genera were recorded. One new species, Cribraria spinispora Lado & D.Wrigley sp. nov., is described, three species new to South America and 22 additional new species for Peru are reported as well. Endemic plants, expecially cacti, had a particular relevance as myxomycete substrates. The predominance of the order Physarales T.Macbr. in arid areas is reinforced. Comments are included on some collections, as well as SEM micrographs of several species. A statistical evaluation of the diversity of myxomycetes in the cardonal area and a comparison of this area with the dry coastal desert of Peru and other Neotropical xeric environments are also included. Results show that the arid areas are rich in myxomycetes, and that each area has a unique assemblage. The differences appear to be related to the host plants.Se presentan los resultados de un segundo estudio sobre Myxomycetes de zonas áridas de Perú. Un total de 37 localidades del cardonal, situadas entre 1500 y 3000 m s.n.m., fueron muestreadas durante seis años. Este estudio está fundamentado en 601 recolecciones de mixomicetes, obtenidas en el campo o por cultivo en cámara húmeda. En total, se han identificado 84 táxones que corresponden a 19 géneros. Se describe una nueva especie, Cribraria spinispora Lado & D.Wrigley sp. nov., además se registran por primera vez tres especies para Sudamérica y 22 para Perú. Las plantas endémicas, especialmente los cactus, han tenido una especial importancia como substrato para los mixomicetes. Se reafirma el predominio del orden Physarales T.Macbr. en zonas áridas. Se incluyen comentarios sobre algunas recolecciones, así como micrografías al MEB de algunas especies. Se realizó una evaluación estadística de la diversidad de mixomicetes en el cardonal y una comparación entre esta zona, la costa seca de Perú y otros ambientes neotropicales xéricos. Los resultados muestran que las zonas áridas son ricas en mixomicetes y que cada una tiene un conjunto exclusivo de especies. Las diferencias parecen estar relacionadas con las plantas anfitrionas

Effects of semen processing on sperm function: Differences between swim-up and density gradient centrifugation

Purpose: Andrology research has evolved notoriously in the latest years, particularly since male factor contribution to couple infertility has been undoubtedly demonstrated. However, sperm function investigations results are sometimes contradictory, probably as a result of the use of different sperm processing techniques. In this work, we underwent a systematic functional comparison of human sperm samples simultaneously processed by swim-up and density gradient centrifugation, which are the preferred sperm processing methods used in basic and clinical laboratories. Materials and Methods: To compare functional characteristics of sperm isolated by swim-up and density gradient centrifugation followed by incubation at different times under capacitating conditions. Results: Semen samples processed in parallel by these two procedures resulted in sperm preparations with significant differences in redox state, spontaneous intracellular calcium oscillations, hyperactivation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and acrosome reaction responsivity to calcium ionophore. Such differences showed time-dependent specific patterns for spontaneous intracellular calcium oscillations, hyperactivation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Sperm retrieved by density gradient centrifugation showed more hyperactivation and tyrosine phosphorylation than swim-up sperm, suggesting a higher degree of capacitation. Conclusions: Our results account for functional differences observed in spermatozoa processed with these two methods and therefore may contribute to a better interpretation of outcomes obtained in different laboratories as well as to improve experimental designs aimed to study sperm physiology and fertility potential.Fil: Hernández Silva, Gabriela. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; MéxicoFil: López Torres, Aideé S.. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; MéxicoFil: Maldonado Rosas, Israel. Centro de Innovación Tecnológica y Medicina Reproductiva; MéxicoFil: Mata Martínez, Esperanza. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; ArgentinaFil: Larrea, Fernando. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; MéxicoFil: Torres Flores, Víctor. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Treviño, Claudia L.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Chirinos, Mayel. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; Méxic

CFTR/ENaC-dependent regulation of membrane potential during human sperm capacitation is initiated by bicarbonate uptake through NBC

To fertilize an egg, sperm must reside in the female reproductive tract to undergo several maturational changes that are collectively referred to as capacitation. From a molecular point of view, the HCO3-dependent activation of the atypical soluble adenylyl cyclase (ADCY10) is one of the first events that occurs during capacitation and leads to the subsequent cAMP-dependent activation of protein kinase A (PKA). Capacitation is also accompanied by hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane. We previously reported that PKA activation is necessary for CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel) activity and for the modulation of membrane potential (Em). However, the main HCO3 transporters involved in the initial transport and the PKA-dependent Em changes are not well known nor characterized. Here, we analyzed how the activity of CFTR regulates Em during capacitation and examined its relationship with an electrogenic Na/HCO3 cotransporter (NBC) and epithelial Na channels (ENaCs). We observed that inhibition of both CFTR and NBC decreased HCO3 influx, resulting in lower PKA activity, and that events downstream of the cAMP activation of PKA are essential for the regulation of Em. Addition of a permeable cAMP analog partially rescued the inhibitory effects caused by these inhibitors. HCO3 also produced a rapid membrane hyperpolarization mediated by ENaC channels, which contribute to the regulation of Em during capacitation. Altogether, we demonstrate for the first time, that NBC cotransporters and ENaC channels are essential in the CFTR-dependent activation of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and Em regulation during human sperm capacitation.Fil: Puga Molina, Lis del Carmen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Pinto, Nicolás Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Torres, Nicolás I.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: González Cota, Ana, L.. University of Washington; Estados UnidosFil: Luque, Guillermina Maria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Balestrini, Paula Ania. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Romarowski, Ana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Krapf, Dario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Santi, Celia M.. University of Washington; Estados UnidosFil: Treviño, Claudia L.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Darszon, Alberto. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Buffone, Mariano Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Fundación de Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental. Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental; Argentin

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap: a review

Breast cancer is recognized worldwide as a major health problem among women due to its high incidence and high mortality and morbidity rates. Breast reconstruction is an approach of great value for those patients who underwent mastectomy, impacting their quality of life and psychological stress. The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap was described as the preferred graft for breast reconstruction with an autologous flap by surgeons because it represented a decrease in complications for the time and obtained better results. DIEP flap reconstruction requires microsurgical skills as well as continuous monitoring of the patient to identify and resolve possible associated complications.

Higher COVID-19 pneumonia risk associated with anti-IFN-α than with anti-IFN-ω auto-Abs in children

We found that 19 (10.4%) of 183 unvaccinated children hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia had autoantibodies (auto-Abs) neutralizing type I IFNs (IFN-alpha 2 in 10 patients: IFN-alpha 2 only in three, IFN-alpha 2 plus IFN-omega in five, and IFN-alpha 2, IFN-omega plus IFN-beta in two; IFN-omega only in nine patients). Seven children (3.8%) had Abs neutralizing at least 10 ng/ml of one IFN, whereas the other 12 (6.6%) had Abs neutralizing only 100 pg/ml. The auto-Abs neutralized both unglycosylated and glycosylated IFNs. We also detected auto-Abs neutralizing 100 pg/ml IFN-alpha 2 in 4 of 2,267 uninfected children (0.2%) and auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-omega in 45 children (2%). The odds ratios (ORs) for life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia were, therefore, higher for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-alpha 2 only (OR [95% CI] = 67.6 [5.7-9,196.6]) than for auto-Abs neutralizing IFN-. only (OR [95% CI] = 2.6 [1.2-5.3]). ORs were also higher for auto-Abs neutralizing high concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 12.9 [4.6-35.9]) than for those neutralizing low concentrations (OR [95% CI] = 5.5 [3.1-9.6]) of IFN-omega and/or IFN-alpha 2

Centrality evolution of the charged-particle pseudorapidity density over a broad pseudorapidity range in Pb-Pb collisions at root s(NN)=2.76TeV

Peer reviewe

Modelado computacional usando regresión lineal y simbólica a B para determinar ópticamente el tamaño del poro de la piel

La apariencia de los poros de la piel normalmente es causada por glándulas sebáceas hiperactivas, sin embargo, en los últimos años se ha reportado que además se ve afectada por diversas enfermedades, entre ellas la diabetes [1], obesidad [2] o cáncer [3]. Generalmente los principales factores que contribuyen a la dilatación de los poros son la edad, género, acné, la exposición crónica al sol o la predispocisión genética. El desarrollo de un método no invasivo que permita conocer las condiciones de la piel, ayudara a relacionar los factores que determinan el tamaño del poro de la piel. En este trabajo se pretende caracterizar por medio de un modelo computacional y con ayuda de un esquema óptico, el tamaño del poro de la piel. El principio físico consiste en iluminar con leds (543nm) el antebrazo de voluntarios, el esparcimiento de luz generado por la piel es colectada en una camara ccd. La captura de imágenes, el procesamiento y el análisis estadístico son parte de la metodología para la obtención de datos. Se propone un modelo matemático que relaciona género, edad, tono de piel y tamaño del poro (calculado estadísticamente en las imágenes colectadas ópticamente). Una base de datos se genera y se utiliza para construir matemáticamente modelos mediante regresión simbólica con optimizacion por enjambre de particulas (PSO) y se realiza una comparación por medio de regresión lineal. Algunos indicadores estadísticos como el cuadrado medio de error, error de predicción suma de los cuadrados y porcentaje de variabilidad se utilizan en la comparación. Los resultados indican que el modelo propuesto con el tamaño de los poros de cada individuo puede ayudar a hacer una interpretación objetiva de indicadores de enfermedad que afecten directamente el tamaño del poro en la piel

Diversity of "Myxomycetes" in arid zones of Peru part II: the cactus belt and transition zones

The results obtained from a second survey for Myxomycetes in the arid areas of Peru are reported. A total of 37 localities from the cactus belt (‘cardonal’), between 1500 and 3000 m a.s.l., were sampled over six years. This survey is based on 601 identifiable collections of myxomycetes, developed in the field under natural conditions or those that were recovered from moist chamber cultures. In total, 84 taxa representing 19 genera were recorded. One new species, Cribraria spinispora Lado & D.Wrigley sp. nov., is described, three species new to South America and 22 additional new species for Peru are reported as well. Endemic plants, expecially cacti, had a particular relevance as myxomycete substrates. The predominance of the order Physarales T.Macbr. in arid areas is reinforced. Comments are included on some collections, as well as SEM micrographs of several species. A statistical evaluation of the diversity of myxomycetes in the cardonal area and a comparison of this area with the dry coastal desert of Peru and other Neotropical xeric environments are also included. Results show that the arid areas are rich in myxomycetes, and that each area has a unique assemblage. The differences appear to be related to the host plants.Se presentan los resultados de un segundo estudio sobre Myxomycetes de zonas áridas de Perú. Un total de 37 localidades del cardonal, situadas entre 1500 y 3000 m s.n.m., fueron muestreadas durante seis años. Este estudio está fundamentado en 601 recolecciones de mixomicetes, obtenidas en el campo o por cultivo en cámara húmeda. En total, se han identificado 84 táxones que corresponden a 19 géneros. Se describe una nueva especie, Cribraria spinispora Lado & D.Wrigley sp. nov., además se registran por primera vez tres especies para Sudamérica y 22 para Perú. Las plantas endémicas, especialmente los cactus, han tenido una especial importancia como substrato para los mixomicetes. Se reafirma el predominio del orden Physarales T.Macbr. en zonas áridas. Se incluyen comentarios sobre algunas recolecciones, así como micrografías al MEB de algunas especies. Se realizó una evaluación estadística de la diversidad de mixomicetes en el cardonal y una comparación entre esta zona, la costa seca de Perú y otros ambientes neotropicales xéricos. Los resultados muestran que las zonas áridas son ricas en mixomicetes y que cada una tiene un conjunto exclusivo de especies. Las diferencias parecen estar relacionadas con las plantas anfitrionas

Ecology of the Pelagic Fishes in Lake Titicaca (Peru-Bolivia)

Gill nets set at three depths at an open-water station in Lake Titicaca during August 1984 captured only two species of endemic killifishes (Orestias ispi and o. mulleri) and an exotic silverside (Basilichthyes bonariensis). These species segregated strongly by depth, with B. bonariensis and o. mulleri occurring only in the surface and bottom sets, respectively, and O. ispi being most abundant in the mid-water set. All three species were feeding on zooplankton, but o. mulleri also included benthic crustaceans in its diet. Copepods were strongly selected by large (\u3e200 mm SL) B. bonariensis, whereas smaller size classes ate mainly cladocerans. Copepods and cladocerans were about equally represented in the average diet of adult O. ispi, but larvae contained only copepods. Analysis of egg size-frequency distributions of gill-netted and seine-netted samples suggested that both Orestias species are fractional spawners. Horizontal trawls, made at depths between 10 m and the bottom, collected mainly Orestias larvae. Echo-sounding traces suggested that the depth distribution of the Titicaca pelagic fish fauna changed little on a diel basis