Landscapes, materiality and social memory in the middle Calchaquí Valley

En este artículo presentamos las diferentes formas que tomó la materialidad durante los procesos históricos sucedidos entre el siglo X al XVII y los modos de espacialidad que comprometen y dan cuenta de los procesos sociales sucedidos en las cuencas de Angastaco y Molinos y las quebradas subsidiarias del valle Calchaquí medio (Tacuil, Gualfín y Luracatao) en la actual provincia de Salta. Se resume el registro arqueológico conocido de las quebradas altas del Calchaquí medio y se discute el papel de un tipo especial de sitios, los pukara, partiendo del supuesto que los mismos no solo fueron espacios de refugio, resistencia y ofensiva de las poblaciones nativas durante el Período de Desarrollos Regionales y la época colonial (siglos X al XVII) sino también hitos en el terreno durante la conquista inca materializando el poder a través de su valorización como lugares sagrados. Desde esta mirada, planteamos discutir sobre la multiplicidad de paisajes que se pudieron haber generado en este sector del Calchaquí durante un rango temporal amplio, teniendo en cuenta el contexto sociopolítico general.In this article, we present the information about the different ways that materiality took shape during the historical processes between 10th and 17th centuries; how manners of spatiality involve and account for that process in settlements which inhabited Angastaco and Molinos basins, and the subsidiary quebradas of central Calchaquí valley (Tacuil, Gualfin, and Luracatao) in the current province of Salta. An archaeological review about the high quebradas is summarized, and the role of a special type of sites "pukaras" is argued, discussed, from the point of view that they were not only spaces of resistances and offensives for the native populations but also were milestones in the land during the Inca conquest. They materialized the power by valuating those as sacred places. From this view, we stand that it is necessary to think and argue about the great variety of landscapes which could have been generated in this area of Calchaquí valley in a large temporary range, considering the sociopolitical context in general.Fil: Williams, Veronica Isabel. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. Instituto de Arqueología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Castellanos, María Cecilia. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Humanidades. Centro Promocional de Investigaciones en Historia y Antropología "Dr. Guillermo B. Madrazo"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Vitamin D Induces Global Gene Transcription in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells: Implications for Corneal Inflammation

Purpose: Our previous studies show that human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) have a functional vitamin D receptor (VDR) and respond to vitamin D by dampening TLR-induced inflammation. Here, we further examined the timing of the cytokine response to combined vitamin D–TLR treatment and used genome-wide microarray analysis to examine the effect of vitamin D on corneal gene expression. Methods: Telomerase-immortalized HCEC (hTCEpi) were stimulated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly[I:C]) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) for 2 to 24 hours and interleukin (IL)-8 expression was examined by quantitative (q)PCR and ELISA. Telomerase-immortalized HCEC and SV40-HCEC were treated with 1,25D3 and used in genome-wide microarray analysis. Expression of target genes was validated using qPCR in both cell lines and primary HCEC. For confirmation of IκBα protein, hTCEpi were treated with 1,25D3 for 24 hours and cell lysates used in an ELISA. Results: Treatment with 1,25D3 increased poly(I:C)-induced IL-8 mRNA and protein expression after 2 to 6 hours. However, when cells were pretreated with 1,25D3 for 24 hours, 1,25D3 decreased cytokine expression. For microarray analysis, 308 genes were differentially expressed by 1,25D3 treatment in hTCEpi, and 69 genes in SV40s. Quantitative (q)PCR confirmed the vitamin D–mediated upregulation of target genes, including nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, α (IκBα). In addition to increased transcript levels, IκBα protein was increased by 28% following 24 hours of vitamin D treatment. Conclusions: Microarray analysis demonstrates that vitamin D regulates numerous genes in HCEC and influences TLR signaling through upregulation of IκBα. These findings are important in dissecting the role of vitamin D at the ocular surface and highlight the need for further research into the functions of vitamin D and its influence on corneal gene expression

Gene array identification of Ipf1/Pdx1-/- regulated genes in pancreatic progenitor cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The homeodomain transcription factor IPF1/PDX1 exerts a dual role in the pancreas; <it>Ipf1/Pdx1 </it>global null mutants fail to develop a pancreas whereas conditional inactivation of <it>Ipf1/Pdx1 </it>in β-cells leads to impaired β-cell function and diabetes. Although several putative target genes have been linked to the β-cell function of <it>Ipf1/Pdx1</it>, relatively little is known with respect to genes regulated by IPF1/PDX1 in early pancreatic progenitor cells.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Microarray analyses identified a total of 111 genes that were differentially expressed in e10.5 pancreatic buds of <it>Ipf1/Pdx1</it>^-/-embryos. The expression of one of these, <it>Spondin 1</it>, which encodes an extracellular matrix protein, has not previously been described in the pancreas. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses and immunohistochemical analyses also revealed that the expression of <it>FgfR2IIIb</it>, that encodes the receptor for FGF10, was down-regulated in <it>Ipf1/Pdx1</it>^-/-pancreatic progenitor cells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This microarray analysis has identified a number of candidate genes that are differentially expressed in <it>Ipf1/Pdx1</it>^-/-pancreatic buds. Several of the differentially expressed genes were known to be important for pancreatic progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation whereas others have not previously been associated with pancreatic development.</p

Interaction circuits and material evidence between the high rails of the Calchaquí Valley and the Puna (X-XVI centuries)

Investigaciones históricas, etnográficas y arqueológicas dan cuenta de una intensa interacción entre los valles calchaquíes y la Puna, en el noroeste de Argentina, al menos desde el primer milenio hasta mediados del siglo XX. En esta ocasión, se aborda el estudio de las vinculaciones entre estos espacios durante los siglos X a XVI centrándonos en un conjunto de materialidades tomadas como indicadores para construir hipótesis sobre la vinculación entre los valles calchaquíes y la Puna, a partir de la circulación de objetos y materias primas. Esto nos lleva a sostener que durante el Tardío las poblaciones de las quebradas altas del valle Calchaquí establecieron fluidas interacciones con la Puna; las cuales, con la expansión inca en la región se mantuvieron y ampliaron permitiendo la circulación de materialidades a lo largo de diversos circuitos.Historical, ethnographic and archaeological investigations show an intense interaction between the Calchaquíes valleys and the Puna, in northwestern Argentina, at least from the first millennium to the mid-twentieth century. On this occasion, the study of the links between these spaces during the 10th to 16th centuries is addressed, focusing on a set of materialities taken as indicators to build hypotheses about the link between the Calchaquíes valleys and the Puna, based on the circulation of objects and materials. This leads us to maintain that during the Late Period, the populations of the upper ravines of the Calchaquí Valley maintained fluid interactions with the Puna; which, with the Inca expansion in the region, were maintained and expanded, allowing the circulation of materials along various circuits.Sociedad Argentina de Antropologí

Climatic vulnerabilities and ecological preferences of soil invertebrates across biomes.

Unlike plants and vertebrates, the ecological preferences, and potential vulnerabilities of soil invertebrates to environmental change, remain poorly understood in terrestrial ecosystems globally. We conducted a cross-biome survey including 83 locations across six continents to advance our understanding of the ecological preferences and vulnerabilities of the diversity of dominant and functionally important soil invertebrate taxa, including nematodes, arachnids and rotifers. The diversity of invertebrates was analyzed through amplicon sequencing. Vegetation and climate drove the diversity and dominant taxa of soil invertebrates. Our results suggest that declines in forest cover and plant diversity, and reductions in plant production associated with increases in aridity, can result in reductions of the diversity of soil invertebrates in a drier and more managed world. We further developed global atlases of the diversity of these important soil invertebrates, which were cross-validated using an independent database. Our study advances the current knowledge of the ecological preferences and vulnerabilities of the diversity and presence of functionally important soil invertebrates in soils from across the globe. This information is fundamental for improving and prioritizing conservation efforts of soil genetic resources and management policies

Importancia en el sistema de salud de la infección por Treponema pallidum, la enfermedad de Chagas y el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana 1 en amerindios de Argentina: un estudio observacional

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar la prevalencia de Treponema pallidum, Trypanosoma cruzi y virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV-1) en 5 comunidades originarias de Argentina. Para ello, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en 857 individuos (112 kollas, 298 mbyá-guaraníes, 79 sagua huarpes, 368 wichis) desde el 2007 hasta el 2010. Se realizó el diagnóstico completo para T. pallidum, T. cruzi y HIV-1. En todas las comunidades se confirmaron infecciones por T. pallidum y T. cruzi con una prevalencia total del 4,2 y del 16,8%, respectivamente. Aunque no se detectó HIV-1, sífilis y Chagas, representan un desafío para el sistema de salud, teniendo que reforzarse las estrategias de salud pública teniendo en cuenta el aislamiento socio-económico que sufren estas poblaciones.The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Treponema pallidum, Trypanosoma cruzi and Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) in five Amerindian populations of Argentina. A retrospective study was conducted among 857 Amerindian populations (112 Kollas, 298 Mbyá-guaraníes, 79 Sagua Huarpes, 368 Wichis) from 2007 to 2010. Screening and confirmation of T. pallidum, T. cruzi and HIV-1 were performed. T. pallidum and T. cruzi infections were detected in all communities with an overall prevalence rate of 4.2% and 16.8%, respectively. Although HIV was not detected, syphilis and Chagas’ disease represent a challenge for the health care system and the reinforcement of public health strategies is necessary considering the socioeconomic isolation of these populations.Fil: Eirin, Maria Emilia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Biotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Delfino, Cecilia María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica; ArgentinaFil: Pedrozo, Williams René. Provincia de Misiones. Banco de Sangre Central; ArgentinaFil: Malan, Richard. Provincia de Misiones. Banco de Sangre Central; ArgentinaFil: Puca, Alberto. Laboratorio de Bioquímica "A. A. Puca"; ArgentinaFil: de Rissio, Ana María. Dirección Nacional de Instituto de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorio e Instituto de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Parasitología; ArgentinaFil: Espejo, Rogelio. Provincia de San Juan. Ministerio de Salud. Hospital Público "Dr. Guillermo Rawson". Laboratorio Central; ArgentinaFil: Gallo Vaulet, Maria Lucia. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez Fermepin, Marcelo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Biglione, Mirna Marcela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida; ArgentinaFil: Berini, Carolina Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida; Argentin

Microbial abundance and community composition in biofilms on in-pipe sensors in a drinking water distribution system

Collecting biofilm samples from drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) is challenging due to limited access to the pipes during regular operations. We report here the analysis of microbial communities in biofilm and water samples collected from sensors installed in a DWDS where monochloramine is used as a residual disinfectant. A total of 52 biofilm samples and 14 bulk water samples were collected from 17 pipe sections representing different water ages. Prokaryotic genome copies (bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes, Mycobacterium spp., ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and cyanobacteria) were quantified with droplet digital PCR, which revealed the abundance of these genes in both biofilm and water samples. Prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis was carried out for a subset of the samples (12 samples from four sites). Mycobacterium and AOB species were dominant in the DWDS sections with low water age and sufficient residual monochloramine, whereas Nitrospira species (nitrite-oxidizing bacteria) dominated in the sections with higher water age and depleted monochloramine level, suggesting the occurrence of nitrification in the studied DWDS. The present study provides novel information on the abundance and identity of prokaryotes in biofilms and water in a full-scale operational DWDS.Collecting biofilm samples from drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) is challenging due to limited access to the pipes during regular operations. We report here the analysis of microbial communities in biofilm and water samples collected from sensors installed in a DWDS where monochloramine is used as a residual disinfectant. A total of 52 biofilm samples and 14 bulk water samples were collected from 17 pipe sections representing different water ages. Prokaryotic genome copies (bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes, Mycobacterium spp., ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and cyanobacteria) were quantified with droplet digital PCR, which revealed the abundance of these genes in both biofilm and water samples. Prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis was carried out for a subset of the samples (12 samples from four sites). Mycobacterium and AOB species were dominant in the DWDS sections with low water age and sufficient residual monochloramine, whereas Nitrospira species (nitrite-oxidizing bacteria) dominated in the sections with higher water age and depleted monochloramine level, suggesting the occurrence of nitrification in the studied DWDS. The present study provides novel information on the abundance and identity of prokaryotes in biofilms and water in a full-scale operational DWDSFil: Kitajima, Masaaki. Hokkaido University; Japón. Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology; SingapurFil: Cruz, Mercedes Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones para la Industria Química; Argentina. Nanyang Technological University; SingapurFil: Williams, Rohan Benjamin Hugh. National University of Singapore; SingapurFil: Wuertz, Stefan. National University of Singapore; Singapur. Nanyang Technological University; SingapurFil: Whittle, Andrew J.. Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology; Singapur. Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Estados Unido

Global gene expression analyses of hematopoietic stem cell-like cell lines with inducible Lhx2 expression

BACKGROUND: Expression of the LIM-homeobox gene Lhx2 in murine hematopoietic cells allows for the generation of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-like cell lines. To address the molecular basis of Lhx2 function, we generated HSC-like cell lines where Lhx2 expression is regulated by a tet-on system and hence dependent on the presence of doxycyclin (dox). These cell lines efficiently down-regulate Lhx2 expression upon dox withdrawal leading to a rapid differentiation into various myeloid cell types. RESULTS: Global gene expression of these cell lines cultured in dox was compared to different time points after dox withdrawal using microarray technology. We identified 267 differentially expressed genes. The majority of the genes overlapping with HSC-specific databases were those down-regulated after turning off Lhx2 expression and a majority of the genes overlapping with those defined as late progenitor-specific genes were the up-regulated genes, suggesting that these cell lines represent a relevant model system for normal HSCs also at the level of global gene expression. Moreover, in situ hybridisations of several genes down-regulated after dox withdrawal showed overlapping expression patterns with Lhx2 in various tissues during embryonic development. CONCLUSION: Global gene expression analysis of HSC-like cell lines with inducible Lhx2 expression has identified genes putatively linked to self-renewal / differentiation of HSCs, and function of Lhx2 in organ development and stem / progenitor cells of non-hematopoietic origin