Neural Circuitry Underlying Nociceptive Escape Behavior in Drosophila

Rapid and efficient escape behaviors in response to noxious sensory stimuli are essential for protection and survival. In Drosophila larvae, the class III (cIII) and class IV (cIV) dendritic arborization (da) neurons detect low-threshold mechanosensory and noxious stimuli, respectively. Their axons project to modality-specific locations in the neuropil, reminiscent of vertebrate dorsal horn organization. Despite extensive characterization of nociceptors across organisms, how noxious stimuli are transformed to the coordinated behaviors that protect animals from harm remains poorly understood. In larvae, noxious mechanical and thermal stimuli trigger an escape behavior consisting of sequential C-shape body bending followed by corkscrew-like rolling, and finally an increase in forward locomotion (escape crawl). The downstream circuitry controlling the sequential coordination of escape responses is largely unknown. This work identifies a population of interneurons in the nerve cord, Down-and-Back (DnB) neurons, that are activated by noxious heat, promote nociceptive behavior, and are required for robust escape responses to noxious stimuli. Activation of DnB neurons can trigger both rolling, and the initial C-shape body bend independent of rolling, revealing modularity in the initial nociceptive responses. Electron microscopic circuit reconstruction shows that DnBs receive direct input from nociceptive and mechanosensory neurons, are presynaptic to pre-motor circuits, and link indirectly to a population of command-like neurons (Goro) that control rolling. DnB activation promotes activity in Goro neurons, and coincident inactivation of Goro neurons prevents the rolling sequence but leaves intact body bending motor responses. Thus, activity from nociceptors to DnB interneurons coordinates modular elements of nociceptive escape behavior. The impact of DnB neurons may not be restricted to synaptic partners, as DnB presynaptic sites accumulate dense-core vesicles, suggesting aminergic or peptidergic signaling. Anatomical analyses show that DnB neurons receive spatially segregated input from cIII mechanosensory and cIV nociceptive neurons. However, DnB neurons do not seem to promote or be required for gentle-touch responses, suggesting a modulatory role for cIII input. Behavioral experiments suggest that cIII input presented prior to cIV input can enhance nociceptive behavior. Moreover, weak co-activation of DnB and cIII neurons can also enhance nociceptive responses, particularly C-shape bending. These results indicate that timing and level of cIII activation might determine its modulatory role. Taken together, these studies describe a novel nociceptive circuit, which integrates nociceptive and mechanosensory inputs, and controls modular motor pathways to promote robust escape behavior. Future work on this circuit could reveal neural mechanisms for sequence transitions, peptidergic modulation of nociception, and developmental mechanisms that control convergence of sensory afferents onto common synaptic partners

Lo individual versus lo comunitario en tiempos de crisis sanitaria

There is a reflection on people's behaviour in times of crisis.  In this context, the importance of changing the use of the concept of traditional health to that of well-being as part of the development of a community consciousness and a global gaze of the human being is briefly addressed. The need for a socio-emotional education that promotes people's commitment to their geographical socio-partner environment. It is further concluded that human well-being must be confronted from a multidimensional view, where the different spheres involving human development contribute to promoting community life.Se presenta una reflexión respecto al comportamiento de las personas en tiempos de crisis.  En este contexto, se aborda brevemente la importancia de cambiar la utilización del concepto de salud tradicional por el de bienestar como parte del desarrollo de una conciencia comunitaria y de una mirada global del ser humano. Lo necesario de una educación socioemocional que favorezca el compromiso de las personas con su entorno socio geográfico. Se concluye, además, que el bienestar humano debe ser enfrentado desde una mirada multidimensional, donde las diferentes esferas que involucran el desarrollo del ser humano contribuyan a favorecer la vida en comunidad

Institutional mapping of open educational practices beyond use of Open Educational Resources

Many initiatives exist to increase the adoption of open educational practices (OEP) within universities, but few initiatives start by exploring the capacity of educators to adopt open approaches. This paper addresses this challenge, suggesting that in order to build OEP capacity, universities should build on the existing skills of local champions who are familiar with open approaches. The paper builds on the Open Educators’ Factory methodology to map the capacities of university teachers across four areas: open design, open content, open teaching and open assessment and presents the results of its application to a case study within an Italian university. The pilot demonstrates that by using this approach, it is possible to map universities’ existing OEP and connect them with the capability of local educators. This enables university managers to build on the expertise of open education practitioners to raise the overall capacity of their staff to adopt open approaches

MULTIPLE ROADS TOWARDS OPENNESS: EXPLORING THE USE OF OPEN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES WITHIN AN ITALIAN UNIVERSITY

This investigation was performed to determine whether and how the implementation of open educational practices (OEP) is directly influenced by lecturers' backgrounds and preferences in terms of teaching modalities. In particular, we have analysed the use of OEPs from a social perspective to understand whether the habit to work in online and blended settings is connected to the use of open teaching approaches. Exploring this relationship has evidenced common patterns that suggest how lecturers can be further motivated to explore areas of openness where they are not advanced concerning classroom diversity and increase the social impact of their teaching. This research shows two main approaches to openness: one focused on open educational resources only and another one with a broader perspective that embraces other aspects of openness, such as access or practices. This work will help understand the relevance of contextual variables and further explore enablers for building open education capacity across universities

Eventos estressantes, estratégias de enfrentamento, auto-eficácia e sintomas depressivos entre idosos residentes na comunidade

Foram investigadas relações entre eventos de vida estressantes, estratégias de enfrentamento, auto-eficácia no enfrentamento e depressão em 544 participantes de um estudo sobre envelhecimento bem-sucedido com idosos residentes na comunidade (74,6% mulheres; idade = 72,11, + 8.29; 42,1% de 60 a 69 anos; 39%, de 70 a 79 e 18,9%, 80 a 99). Os eventos estressantes foram classificados nas categorias finitude, problemas dos filhos, cuidado, crise e bem-estar psicológico. As estratégias de enfrentamento geraram cinco fatores: emoções negativas, controle ambiental, religiosidade, esquiva, inibição das emoções. Auto-eficácia no enfrentamento foi avaliada como adequada x inadequada. Na CES-D, o escore médio foi 10.24 (+8.66), para nota de corte >11, e a prevalência 32%. Maior risco para depressão foi associado a emoções negativas, eventos incontroláveis, ter de 60 a 69 anos e avaliar a auto-eficácia como inadequada. Os eventos estressantes foram menos preditivos de depressão do que a avaliação cognitiva e o enfrentamento.The relationship among stressful life events, coping strategies, self-efficacy in coping and depression in 544 participants of a study on successful aging involving elderly who reside in the community was assessed (74,6% women; age = 72.11; + 8.29; 42,1% age 60-69; 39% 70-79 and 18,9% 80-99). Stressful life events were classified into categories related to: finitude, problems concerning offspring, care, crisis and psychological well-being. Coping strategies generated five factors: negative emotions, environment control, religiosity, avoidance behaviors, and emotional inhibition. Self-efficacy of coping was evaluated between appropriate versus inappropriate. Mean score of depression assessed through CES-D was 10.24, + 8,66); prevalence was 32% to a cut-off score >11. Major risk for depression was associated with negative emotions, uncontrollable events, age 60-69 and inappropiate self-efficacy of coping. The stressful life events seemed less predictive of depression than the cognitive assessment and the coping did

Nociceptive interneurons control modular motor pathways to promote escape behavior in Drosophila.

Rapid and efficient escape behaviors in response to noxious sensory stimuli are essential for protection and survival. Yet, how noxious stimuli are transformed to coordinated escape behaviors remains poorly understood. In Drosophila larvae, noxious stimuli trigger sequential body bending and corkscrew-like rolling behavior. We identified a population of interneurons in the nerve cord of Drosophila, termed Down-and-Back (DnB) neurons, that are activated by noxious heat, promote nociceptive behavior, and are required for robust escape responses to noxious stimuli. Electron microscopic circuit reconstruction shows that DnBs are targets of nociceptive and mechanosensory neurons, are directly presynaptic to pre-motor circuits, and link indirectly to Goro rolling command-like neurons. DnB activation promotes activity in Goro neurons, and coincident inactivation of Goro neurons prevents the rolling sequence but leaves intact body bending motor responses. Thus, activity from nociceptors to DnB interneurons coordinates modular elements of nociceptive escape behavior

Nociceptive interneurons control modular motor pathways to promote escape behavior in Drosophila

Rapid and efficient escape behaviors in response to noxious sensory stimuli are essential for protection and survival. Yet, how noxious stimuli are transformed to coordinated escape behaviors remains poorly understood. In Drosophila larvae, noxious stimuli trigger sequential body bending and corkscrew-like rolling behavior. We identified a population of interneurons in the nerve cord of Drosophila, termed Down-and-Back (DnB) neurons, that are activated by noxious heat, promote nociceptive behavior, and are required for robust escape responses to noxious stimuli. Electron microscopic circuit reconstruction shows that DnBs are targets of nociceptive and mechanosensory neurons, are directly presynaptic to pre-motor circuits, and link indirectly to Goro rolling command-like neurons. DnB activation promotes activity in Goro neurons, and coincident inactivation of Goro neurons prevents the rolling sequence but leaves intact body bending motor responses. Thus, activity from nociceptors to DnB interneurons coordinates modular elements of nociceptive escape behavior

Hormonal regulation of steroidogenic enzyme gene expression in Leydig cells

In normal mouse Leydig cells, steady state levels of mRNA of CYP11A, 3[beta]-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [Delta]5- > [Delta]4-isomerase (3[beta]HSD), and CYP17 are differentially regulated. There is high basal expression of 3[beta]HSD and CYP11A mRNA, while expression of CYP17 mRNA is absolutely dependent on cAMP stimulation. cAMP is required for maximal expression of all three enzymes. The expression of CYP11A in normal mouse Leydig cells is repressed by glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids also repress both basal and cAMP-induced expression of 3[beta]HSD mRNA, but do not repress the synthesis or mRNA levels of CYP17. cAMP induction of 3[beta]HSD mRNA can be observed only when aminoglutethimide (AG), an inhibitor of cholesterol metabolism, is added to the Leydig cell cultures. The addition of AG also markedly increases cAMP induction of CYP17 mRNA levels. Addition of testosterone or the androgen agonist, mibolerone, to cAMP plus AG treated cultures reduced 3[beta]HSD and CYP17 mRNA levels to levels comparable to those observed when cells were treated with cAMP only. These data indicate that testosterone acting via the androgen receptor represses expression of both CYP17 and 3[beta]HSD. The role of protein synthesis in mediating the cAMP induction of 3[beta]HSD, CYP17 and CYP11A was examined. The addition of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, to cAMP treated cultures for 24 h completely suppressed both constitutive and cAMP-induced 3[beta]HSD mRNA levels. Cycloheximide also repressed cAMP-induced levels of CYP17 to 12% of levels observed in the absence of cycloheximide. In sharp contrast, treatment for 24 h with cycloheximide did not suppress cAMP induction of CYP11A mRNA, but reduced basal levels by approx. 50%. These data indicate that newly synthesized protein(s) are required for cAMP induction of CYP17 and 3[beta]HSD mRNA levels, but not for CYP11A mRNA.A mouse Cyp17 genomic clone containing the entire coding region plus 10 kb of 5' flanking region has been isolated. Fragments of 5' flanking sequences were subcloned into vectors containing the CAT reporter gene and transfected into MA-10 Leydig cells. Transfected cells were treated with cAMP and expression was determined by measuring CAT activity. A cAMP responsive element was identified in a region between -245 and -346 bp relative to the transcription initiation site of Cyp17. Cotransfection into MA-10 Leydig cells of constructs containing 4.5 kb of Cyp17 5' flanking sequences together with a mouse androgen receptor expression vector demonstrate a dose dependent repression of cAMP-induced Cyp17 transcription by the androgen receptor. Studies with the mouse Cyp11a gene demonstrate that the 5' flanking region of the gene contains sequences between 2.5 and 5 kb that are necessary for expression of mouse Cyp11a in Leydig cells but not in adrenal cells.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/29708/1/0000040.pd

Influencia de las publicaciones del fan page de sol tv en Perú en la formación de la opinión pública durante los eventos del niño costero 2017

En la presente investigación, se hace un estudio sobre la influencia de las publicaciones efectuadas por el fan page de Sol TV Perú, con el objetivo de determinar si estas tuvieron incidencia en la formación de la opinión pública durante los eventos del niño costero 2017; para esto se seleccionaron las publicaciones efectuadas por canal de televisión con mayor alcance en el norte del país, del periodo comprendido entre el 15 al 30 de marzo del presente año, esto por considerar los días con mayor trascendencia respecto a los daños ocasionados Desde una perspectiva cualitativa se seleccionaron a las personas que favorecieran al investigador; para conocer sus reacciones y/o actitudes adoptadas por parte de los usuarios, teniendo en cuenta que la población de estudio estuvo conformada por 528 publicaciones en el periodo mencionado. Así como de un total de 5’330,160 comentarios expresados, en el periodo mencionado, de los cuales se seleccionaron cuatro por cada tipo de publicación ya sea de alerta, informativa o preventiva, a través de diferentes técnicas: a) guía de publicaciones, b) guía de comentarios, segmentados en publicaciones y comentarios, los mismos que fueron validados por tres expertos en la línea de comunicación digital. Para el cálculo de la muestra, se utilizó un muestreo no probabilístico de tipo por conveniencia, con la finalidad de obtener resultados que revelen si hubo influencia en la formación de la opinión pública. Por último, se demostró que existió influencia significativa de las publicaciones del fan page de Sol Tv en la formación de la opinión pública durante los eventos del niño costero, usando el método estadístico del chi cuadrado y otras pruebas de análisis de contenidos.In the present investigation, a study is made on the incidence of the publications made by the fan page of Sol TV Peru, with the objective of determining if they had influence in the formation of the public opinion during the events of the coastal child 2017; for this, the publications made by television channel with greater reach were selected in the north of the country, from the period between March 15 to 30 of this year, considering the days with greater importance with respect to the damages caused. From a qualitative perspective, people were selected to favor the researcher; to know their reactions and / or attitudes adopted by the users, taking into account that the study population consisted of 528 publications, of which 3 were considered daily, between contents shared, contents generated and live transmissions. As well as a total of 5'330,160 comments expressed, in the mentioned period, of which four were selected for each type of publication, either alert, informative or preventive, through different techniques: a) observation guide, b) commentary guide, segmented in publications and comments; instruments that were validated by three experts in the line of digital communication. For the calculation of the sample, non-probabilistic type sampling was used for convenience, in order to obtain results that show if there was influence in the formation of public opinion. By using statistical methods such as Chi square, it is concluded that if there was influence of the publications of the fan page of Sol Tv in the formation of the public opinion during the events of the coastal child The research supports, among other implications, the need to achieve a greater audience of users without annoying them or bombarding them with information that generates rejection, the challenge is to know how to use the new tools offered by the web to obtain positive result

Antimutagenicity and Antiproliferative Studies of Lipidic Extracts from White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

An organic extract from fresh shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was studied for antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties using Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA98 and TA100 with metabolic activation (S9) and a cancer cell line (B-cell lymphoma), respectively. Shrimp extract was sequentially fractionated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and each fraction was tested for antimutagenic and antiproliferative activities. Crude organic extracts obtained from shrimp reduced the number of revertants caused by aflatoxina B1, showing a dose-response type of relationship. Sequential TLC fractionation of the active extracts produced several antimutagenic and/or antiproliferative fractions. These results suggested that the lipid fraction of the tested species contained compounds with chemoprotective properties that reduce the mutagenicity of AFB1 and proliferation of a cancer cell line