Interactive effects of salinity and temperature on planozygote and cyst formation of Alexandrium minutum (Dinophyceae) in culture

The factors regulating dinoflagellate life-cycle transitions are poorly understood. However, their identification is essential to unravel the causes promoting the outbreaks of harmful algal blooms (HABs) because these blooms are often associated with the formation and germination of sexual cysts. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge on the factors regulating planozygote-cyst transitions in dinoflagellates due to the difficulties of differentiating planozygotes from vegetative stages. In the present study, two different approaches were used to clarify the relevance of environmental factors on planozygote and cyst formation of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum Halim. First, the effects of changes in initial phosphate (P) and nitrate (N) concentrations in the medium on the percentage of planozygotes formed were examined using flow cytometry. Second, two factorial designs were used to determine how salinity (S), temperature (T), and the density of the initial cell inoculum (I) affect planozygote and resting-cyst formation. These experiments led to the following conclusions: 1. Low P/N ratios seem to induce gamete expression because the percentage of planozygotes recorded in the absence of added phosphate (-P) was significantly higher than that obtained in the absence of added nitrogen (-N), or when the concentrations of both nitrogen and phosphate were 20 times lower (N/20 + P/20). 2. Salinity (S) and temperature (T) strongly affected both planozygote and cyst formation, as sexuality in the population increased significantly as salinity decreased and temperatures increased. S, T combinations that resulted in no significant cyst formation were, however, favorable for vegetative growth, ruling out the possibility of negative effects on cell physiology. 3. The initial cell density is thought to be important for sexual cyst formation by determining the chances of gamete contact. However, the inoculum concentrations tested did not explain either planozygote formation or the appearance of resting cysts.Peer reviewe

Effects of Non-Circular Motions on Azimuthal Color Gradients

Assuming that density waves trigger star formation, and that young stars preserve the velocity components of the molecular gas where they are born, we analyze the effects that non-circular gas orbits have on color gradients across spiral arms. We try two approaches, one involving semi-analytical solutions for spiral shocks, and another with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) numerical simulation data. We find that, if non-circular motions are ignored, the comparison between observed color gradients and stellar population synthesis models would in principle yield pattern speed values that are systematically too high for regions inside corotation, with the difference between the real and the measured pattern speeds increasing with decreasing radius. On the other hand, image processing and pixel averaging result in systematically lower measured spiral pattern speed values, regardless of the kinematics of stellar orbits. The net effect is that roughly the correct pattern speeds are recovered, although the trend of higher measured $\Omega_p$ at lower radii (as expected when non-circular motions exist but are neglected) should still be observed. We examine the Martinez-Garcia et al. (2009) photometric data and confirm that this is indeed the case. The comparison of the size of the systematic pattern speed offset in the data with the predictions of the semi-analytical and MHD models corroborates that spirals are more likely to end at Outer Lindblad Resonance, as these authors had already found.Comment: 32 pages, 15 figures, accepted to Ap

Efficient and versatile data analytics for deep networks

Deep networks (DN) perform cognitive tasks related with image and text at human-level. To extract and exploit the knowledge coded within these networks we propose a framework which combines state-of-the-art technology in parallelization, storage and analysis. Our goal, to make DN models available to all data scientists

Suspended planar-array chips for molecular multiplexing at the microscale

A novel suspended planar‐array chips technology is described, which effectively allows molecular multiplexing using a single suspended chip to analyze extraordinarily small volumes. The suspended chips are fabricated by combining silicon‐based technology and polymer‐pen lithography, obtaining increased molecular pattern flexibility, and improving miniaturization and parallel production. The chip miniaturization is so dramatic that it permits the intracellular analysis of living cells

Resistance and inactivation kinetics of bacterial strains isolated from the Non-chlorinated and chlorinated effluents of a WWTP

The microbiological quality of water from a wastewater treatment plant that uses sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant was assessed. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria were not removed efficiently. This fact allowed for the isolation of several bacterial strains from the effluents. Molecular identification indicated that the strains were related to Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli (three strains), Enterobacter cloacae, Kluyvera cryocrescens (three strains), Kluyvera intermedia, Citrobacter freundii (two strains), Bacillus sp. and Enterobacter sp. The first five strains, which were isolated from the non-chlorinated effluent, were used to test resistance to chlorine disinfection using three sets of variables: disinfectant concentration (8, 20 and 30 mg·L−1), contact time (0, 15 and 30 min) and water temperature (20, 25 and 30 °C). The results demonstrated that the strains have independent responses to experimental conditions and that the most efficient treatment was an 8 mg·L−1 dose of disinfectant at a temperature of 20 °C for 30 min. The other eight strains, which were isolated from the chlorinated effluent, were used to analyze inactivation kinetics using the disinfectant at a dose of 15 mg·L−1 with various retention times (0, 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90 min). The results indicated that during the inactivation process, there was no relationship between removal percentage and retention time and that the strains have no common response to the treatmentsThe work of SM-H was supported by a graduate scholarship (number 217745) that was kindly provided by CONACyT, Mexico. Some chemical reagents were generously provided by the Administration of the B.A. in Biology at UAEH, Mexico. We thank the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Hidalgo campus, for allowing us to sample from its WWTP. The authors recognize Jose A. Rodriguez-Ávila for his comments on the procedure for analyzing inactivation kineticsS

Propiedades Fisicoquímicas De Suelos Cultivados Con Asparagus Officinalis En La Región Árida Del Noroeste De México

In the agriculture of arid zones, the inadequate soil management has generated changes in their quality and sustainability, affecting the structure and physicochemical conditions which reduce crop yields; based on the above, is consider as a vital importance the analyses of soil and plants because they provide information, current and accurate, which can be useful to take decisions in relation to soil fertility and plant nutrition. The inappropriate handling and amount of fertilizers in asparagus in the arid region of the Northwest of Mexico, has caused low yields. The aim of this study consisted to analyze soil in seven of the thirteen sub regions of the agricultural coast of Caborca, Sonora, where the asparagus crop has been planted for more than 10 years. The analyzes performed were: percentage of saturation, pH, electrical conductivity (CE), soil texture Nitrogen (NO3), P, K, Na, Ca, Mg and cation exchange capacity. The results showed high levels of Nitrogen and Potassium in almost all the studied sites; on contrary Phosphorus, Calcium and Magnesium, presented values below of the recommended and Electrical conductivity above 5.5. mmhos/ cm. The integration of this information allows appropriate technical advice, to achieve the balance of nutrients, such as to avoid unnecessary costs in fertilizers that the plant might can not take, in addition to the resulting contamination of soil to leach these products

Efficacy of heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis vaccine delivered to European badgers (Meles meles) through edible bait

[EN] Badgers (Meles meles) are a major tuberculosis (TB) reservoir in Europe, with the potential to transmit infection to cattle. Here we assessed whether a recently described oral tuberculosis vaccine based on heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis (HIMB), delivered as edible baits, can protect badgers from infection. Eight badgers were given individually five baits, each one consisting of a ball of peanut butter, natural peanut and oat flakes including a dose of the vaccine containing 5 × 107 colony-forming units. In parallel, a control group of seven badgers did not receive the vaccine. One month and a half later a second dose of the vaccine was offered to the vaccinated group. Ninety-four days after the second dose, all badgers were challenged with M. bovis (103 colony-forming units per animal) delivered endobronchially to the right middle lung lobe. Clinical, immunological, pathological and bacteriological variables were measured throughout the whole study to assess the efficacy of the vaccine. Two vaccinated animals showed high bacterial load of M. bovis and worsening of pathological lesions of TB. Conversely, the other six vaccinated animals showed slight improvement in bacterial load and pathology with respect to the control group. These results suggest that delivering the TB vaccine via food bait can partially protect wild badger populations, although vaccination can lead to either protection or tolerization, likely depending on the animal's immune status and general condition at the time of vaccination. Further optimization of the vaccination trial/strategy is needed to reduce the rate of tolerization, such as altering vaccine dose, number of doses, type of bait, use of adjuvants or route of administration.S

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Perianal Fistula in Crohn’s Disease

[Aim] To assess clinical healing in patients with perianal Crohn’s disease with local intrafistular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma.[Method] The pilot study was conducted at a single centre between January 2013 and December 2015. Autologous platelet-rich plasma was prepared in platelet-rich and platelet-poor fractions for local intrafistular injection in patients with proven, established perianal Crohn’s disease. Patients were permitted biological therapies, and the Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index was recorded. Patients were followed for 48 weeks for clinical signs of healing (complete, partial or non-healing), monitoring fistula drainage, closure and epithelialization.[Results] The study included 29 patients (19 males; mean age 38 ± 12.8 years) with four exclusions in the operating room because surgery was not indicated and four lost to follow-up. Five adverse events were recorded, with two requiring the drainage of abscess collections. Of the 21 patients assessable at 24 weeks, there was complete healing, partial healing and non-healing in 7 (33.3%), 8 (38.1%) and 6 (28.6%) patients, respectively. By 48 weeks, there was complete healing, partial healing and non-healing in 6 (40%), 6 (40%) and 3 (20%) patients, respectively, with a reduction in the number of visible external fistula openings at both time points (P = 0.021). By the end of the study, there was a higher trend of healing if biological therapies were continued (85.7% with biologics vs. 75% without, P = 0.527), but there were no statistically significant differences and no differences in the Perianal Crohn’s Disease Activity Index.[Conclusion]Autologous platelet-rich plasma is safe in patients with perianal Crohn’s disease, with an acceptable healing rate over a medium-term follow-up, particularly if biological therapies are used concomitantly

Uso de Biocolina® na alimentação de Ambystoma velasci pré-adultos

El anfibio Ambystoma velasci es una especie endémica de México sujeta a protección especial de acuerdo con la normatividad mexicana. Una de las estrategias de conservación es su mantenimiento en cautiverio siendo la alimentación uno de los aspectos más importantes a considerar. Por lo que, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la adición de Biocolina® en la dieta de adultos Ambystoma velasci como un promotor de crecimiento. Se emplearon cuatro tratamientos de Biocolina® (0%, 1%, 2% y 3%), para evaluar los parámetros productivos y determinar el efecto lineal y cuadrático (P<0.05) de la adición de este suplemento al alimento. Los resultados indicaron un efecto lineal en el peso de los ajolotes tratados con alimento enriquecido con 2% de Biocolina®, así mismo el consumo de alimento se redujo con la dosis del 1% (P<0.05). La Biocolina® mejoró el peso de los ajolotes y optimizó el consumo de alimento en la dosis del 1%, por lo que se considera que este suplemento podría ser una alternativa para mejorar la calidad del alimento del ajolote y reducir los costos de producción por alimentación.The amphibian Ambystoma velasci is an endemic species of Mexico subject to special protection according to Mexican regulations. One of the conservation strategies is its maintenance in captivity, being feeding one of the most important aspects to consider. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of Biocolina® in the diet of adult Ambystoma velasci as a growth promoter. Four Biocolina® treatments (0%, 1%, 2% and 3%) were used to evaluate the productive parameters and to determine the linear and quadratic (P<0.05) effect of the addition of this supplement to the feed. The results indicated a linear effect on the weight of axolotl treated with feed enriched with 2% Biocolina®, and feed consumption was reduced with the 1% dose (P<0.05). Biocolina® improved the weight of the salamanders and optimized feed consumption at the 1% dose, so it is considered that this supplement could be an alternative to improve the quality of axolotl feed and reduce production costs per feeding.O anfibio Ambystoma velasci é uma espécie endêmica do México sujeita a proteção especial de acordo com a regulamentação mexicana. Uma das estratégias de conservação é a sua manutenção em cativeiro, sendo a alimentação um dos aspetos mais importantes a ter em conta. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adição de Biocolina® na dieta de Ambystoma velasci adultos como promotor de crescimento. Quatro tratamentos Biocolina® (0%, 1%, 2% e 3%) foram utilizados para avaliar os parâmetros produtivos e determinar o efeito linear e quadrático (P<0,05) da adição deste suplemento à ração. Os resultados indicaram um efeito linear sobre o peso dos axolotes tratados com ração enriquecida com 2% de Biocolina®, assim como o consumo de ração foi reduzido com a dose de 1% (P<0,05). A Biocolina® melhorou o peso dos axolotes e otimizou o consumo de ração na dose de 1%, pelo que se considera que este suplemento poderá ser uma alternativa para melhorar a qualidade da alimentação dos axolotes e reduzir os custos de produção por ração

Different classes of genomic inserts contribute to human antibody diversity

Recombination of antibody genes in B cells can involve distant genomic loci and contribute a foreign antigen-binding element to form hybrid antibodies with broad reactivity for Plasmodium falciparum. So far, antibodies containing the extracellular domain of the LAIR1 and LILRB1 receptors represent unique examples of cross-chromosomal antibody diversification. Here, we devise a technique to profile non-VDJ elements from distant genes in antibody transcripts. Independent of the preexposure of donors to malaria parasites, non-VDJ inserts were detected in 80% of individuals at frequencies of 1 in 10(4) to 10(5) B cells. We detected insertions in heavy, but not in light chain or T cell receptor transcripts. We classify the insertions into four types depending on the insert origin and destination: 1) mitochondrial and 2) nuclear DNA inserts integrated at VDJ junctions; 3) inserts originating from telomere proximal genes; and 4) fragile sites incorporated between J-to-constant junctions. The latter class of inserts was exclusively found in memory and in in vitro activated B cells, while all other classes were already detected in naïve B cells. More than 10% of inserts preserved the reading frame, including transcripts with signs of antigen-driven affinity maturation. Collectively, our study unravels a mechanism of antibody diversification that is layered on the classical V(D)J and switch recombination