Patrones de transcripción y metabolitos de óvulos fecundados de maíz (Zea mays) involucrados en los mecanismos de aborto en función de la densidad del cultivo

Tesis (Maestría en Estadística Aplicada)La expresión génica es el proceso mediante el cual las células son capaces de decodificar la información contenida dentro del material genético (ácidos nucleicos) para la elaboración del producto génico necesario para el buen funcionamiento del organismo. El proceso más utilizado para revelar estos productos génico es la secuenciación de ARN. Mediante técnicas de microarreglos de ARN, se puede estudiar el nivel de expresión génica (transcriptoma) de un gran conjunto de genes al mismo tiempo. Esta técnica, genera un gran volumen de datos, y con ello, la necesidad de desarrollar nuevas herramientas, tanto informáticas como estadísticas, para su procesamiento, análisis e interpretación. En el presente trabajo, se usaron dos estrategias para analizar los patrones de transcripción y metabolitos de óvulos fecundados de maíz. Redes de co-expresión, que tienen como objetivo identificar grupos de genes o metabolitos altamente correlacionados entre sí (módulos). Y un modelo logístico, para realizar un análisis de ontología-funcional e identificar aquellos términos de ontologías génicas que fueron modificadas en las distintas prácticas. Luego de la construcción de la red de expresión génica se determinaron nueve módulos, cuatro de los cuales presentaban perfiles de expresión de interés, ya que los cambios observados en estos perfiles eran más destacados en comparación con los restantes y debidos a las diferentes zonas de la espiga o las densidades de siembra distintas. Además, se detectaron como centros de estos módulos genes que cumplen funciones relacionadas a “metabolismo de carbohidratos”, “pared celular” y “señalización celular”, que son funciones que se identificaron correlacionadas con aborto de granos. En uno de los cuatro módulos de interés, el gen más conectado fue un factor de transcripción perteneciente a la familia MYB reportada ampliamente como sobre expresado en distintos tipos de estrés (bióticos y abióticos). Los modelos mixtos ajustados para los genes identificados como centros de modulo en los cuatro módulos de interés, mostraron que sólo el gen más conectado para uno de estos módulos fue sensible tanto al efecto principal de zona como de densidad, esto sugiere que este gen puede ser propuesto y estudiado como un biomarcador asociado a procesos de aborto de granos desencadenados por densidad de siembra. Los restantes, sólo fueron sensibles al efecto principal de la zona de la espiga, que se sabe es una región propensa al aborto de granos. El análisis ontológico funcional mediante el ajuste de una regresión logística, permitió profundizar el análisis de los módulos encontrados. Mediante este análisis se detectaron los términos GO más representados dentro de cada módulo, y sus enriquecimientos bajo las distintas condiciones ensayadas.Fil: Pierotti, Silvia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas; Argentina

FATORES ASSOCIADOS À CRIMINALIDADE VIOLENTA NO BRASIL

The objective of the present study was to evaluate which factors are associated with violent crime in Brazil. The categories of crimes were selected homicide, robbery and willful corporal lesion followed by death. For this study we used the econometric model in the data structure in panel for all Brazilian federal units. The results indicated that the fixed effects model is the most suitable. In addition, it was found that the drug market and the unemployment rate positively influence analyzed crime rates. On the other hand, social assistance policies offered by Social Assistance Reference Centres have contributed to improving the quality of life of many Brazilian families living in situation socioeconomic vulnerability and, therewith, such a government measure has contributed to the fight against violent criminality in the country.Objetiva-se neste estudo avaliar quais fatores estão associados à criminalidade violenta no Brasil. As categorias de crimes selecionadas foram as de homicídios, latrocínio e lesão corporal dolosa seguida de morte. Para a realização deste estudo é utilizado o modelo econométrico na estrutura de dados em painel para todas as unidades federativas brasileiras. Os resultados indicam que o modelo de efeitos fixos é o mais adequado. Além disso, constata-se que o mercado de drogas e a taxa de desemprego influenciam positivamente as taxas de crimes analisadas. Por outro lado, as políticas socioassistenciais ofertadas pelos Centros de Referência de Assistência Social (Cras) têm contribuído para a melhoria da qualidade de vida de diversas famílias brasileiras que vivem em situação de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, e, com isso, tal medida governamental tem colaborado para o combate da criminalidade violenta no país

Surveillance of healthcare acquired infections in hospital and community: a retrospective study in Local Healthcare Organization of Rovigo

Background: antimicrobial resistance is recognized as one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide. Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are associated with higher incidences of mortality, morbidity, prolonged hospital stay and increase of costs. Surveillance of alert organism/conditions and bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is a systematic and dynamic system of data collection that analyses and monitors trends of bacterial resistance. This study was conducted to detect antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in order to inform treatment choices and generate hospital-wide baseline data. Methods: the Local Healtcare Oganization of Rovigo has started a program of surveillance on antimicrobial resistance in hospital and community. In this work some results of the surveillance of microorganism isolated and related antimicrobial resistance are reported, collected in the period 2009-2010 in Rovigo and Trecenta Hospitals, Territorial Nursing Homes (TNH) and community from patients’ blood, urine and respiratory samples. Results: data show a significant difference in the level of antibiotic resistance between the two Hospitals. High rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms are detected and carbapenems are the only reliable agents for the treatment of many infections in the Hospital of Trecenta and TNH. Conclusions: because ESBL producing bacteria are emerging pathogens in the community, the rational use of available antibiotics or the appropriate antimicrobial prescribing are imperative. Local surveillance is a powerful tool to detect and monitor hospital and community infections and provides information useful as a guide to medical practice, including therapeutics and disease-control activities

Novel pathogenic mechanisms of congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis genetic disorder unveiled by functional analysis of neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase type 1/nerve growth factor receptor mutations.

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) is a rare genetic disease characterized by absence of reaction to noxious stimuli and anhidrosis. The genetic bases of CIPA have remained long unknown. A few years ago, point mutations affecting both coding and noncoding regions of the neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase type 1 (NTRK1)/nerve growth factor receptor gene have been detected in CIPA patients, demonstrating the implication of the nerve growth factor/NTRK1 pathway in the pathogenesis of the disease. We have previously shown that two CIPA mutations, the G571R and the R774P, inactivate the NTRK1 receptor by interfering with the autophosphorylation process. We have extended our functional analysis to seven additional NTRK1 mutations associated with CIPA recently reported by others. Through a combination of biochemical and biological assays, we have identified polymorphisms and pathogenic mutations. In addition to the identification of residues important for NTRK1 activity, our analysis suggests the existence of two novel pathogenic mechanisms in CIPA: one based on the NTRK1 receptor processing and the other acting through the reduction of the receptor activity

O manhês: costurando laços

The paper intends to discuss a particular form of communication between the mother and her baby, entitled "motherese". The paper emphasizes the different forms of non -verbal communication established between the mother and the baby, particularly the music of the maternal language. The baby is initiated into the different modes of interaction through the mother's affective responses, more than from the content of her discourse. Considering that the maternal role is not always carried by the biological mother, one of the questions of this paper refers to the possibilities of emotional development of institutionalized infants and children.En este estudio, hemos partido de la manera peculiar de comunicación que existe entre madre e hijo recién nacido llamada de "maternés". Hemos destacado la importancia de la musicalidad de la lengua materna, de los diferentes tipos de comunicación no verbal. La fuerza libidinal de las palabras utilizadas, más allá de su contenido, destaca al niño y da sentido a sus manifestaciones. Considerándose que el ejercicio de la función materna no es necesariamente cumplido por la madre biológica, nos preguntamos como niños, institucionalizados precozmente, son marcados o no por la voz de sus cuidadores.Neste trabalho, partimos da forma particular de comunicação existente entre a mãe e o bebê denominada de "manhês". Ressaltamos a importância da musicalidade da língua materna, dos diferentes tipos de comunicação não-verbal. A força libidinal das palavras utilizadas, mais do que seu conteúdo, marca a criança e dá sentido às suas manifestações. Considerando que o exercício da função materna não é necessariamente realizado pela mãe biológica, nos perguntamos como crianças, institucionalizadas precocemente, são marcadas ou não pela voz de seus cuidadores

Impact of biospecimens handling on biomarker research in breast cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Gene expression profiling is moving from the research setting to the practical clinical use.</p> <p>Gene signatures able to correctly identify high risk breast cancer patients as well as to predict response to treatment are currently under intense investigation. While technical issues dealing with RNA preparation, choice of array platforms, statistical analytical tools are taken into account, the tissue collection process is seldom considered.</p> <p>The time elapsed between surgical tissue removal and freezing of samples for biological characterizations is rarely well defined and/or recorded even for recently stored samples, despite the publications of standard operating procedures for biological sample collection for tissue banks.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Breast cancer samples from 11 patients were collected immediately after surgical removal and subdivided into aliquots. One was immediately frozen and the others were maintained at room temperature for respectively 2, 6 and 24 hrs. RNA was extracted and gene expression profile was determined using cDNA arrays. Phosphoprotein profiles were studied in parallel.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Delayed freezing affected the RNA quality only in 3 samples, which were not subjected to gene profiling. In the 8 breast cancer cases with apparently intact RNA also in sample aliquots frozen at delayed times, 461 genes were modulated simply as a function of freezing timing. Some of these genes were included in gene signatures biologically and clinically relevant for breast cancer. Delayed freezing also affected detection of phosphoproteins, whose pattern may be crucial for clinical decision on target-directed drugs.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Time elapsed between surgery and freezing of samples appears to have a strong impact and should be considered as a mandatory variable to control for clinical implications of inadequate tissue handling.</p

Androgen modulation of pro-inflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines during preadipocyte differentiation

Background: Macrophages and adipocytes contribute to release of cytokines resulting in the chronic inflammatory profile of the metabolic syndrome. The local increase of proinflammatory cytokines impairs adipogenesis, resulting in formation of dysfunctional adipocytes that are unable to store and handle lipids. The altered lipid fluxes in/from adipocytes affect whole-body metabolism. We investigated the role of androgens on adipocyte-derived proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines during preadipocyte differentiation. Materials and methods: Various differentiation methods were used to obtain full conversion of 3T3-L1 into mature adipocytes. The degree of adipocyte conversion in the presence/absence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was analyzed by measuring intracellular triglycerides (Oil Red O staining). The effects of DHT administration on interleukin 1Β (IL-1Β), IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, interferon γ (IFNΓ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) secretion was measured at days 0, 4, 6 and 8 of differentiation using the SearchLight multiplex protein array. Results: DHT regulates a number of cytokines in committed and mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes. IL-1Β and TNFα were readily suppressed at the very early stages of differentiation. IFNΓ release was inhibited at day 4, but the effect was no longer detectable on day 8. IL-6 and IL-12 were significantly reduced at day 8 of differentiation. Conversely, the differentiation-dependent increase of IL-2 and IL-10 was further stimulated by DHT since day 0. Conclusions: We provide evidence that androgens promote an anti-inflammatory profile that parallels the acquisition of a functional adipocyte phenotype. The crosstalk between androgens, adipocyte-derived mediators of inflammation and intracellular lipid fluxes could have profound implications on metabolism of men with obesity and metabolic syndrome. © 2010, by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York. All rights reserved

Stress-induced vulnerability to develop cocaine addiction depends on cofilin modulation

Actin dynamics in dendritic spines can be associated with the neurobiological mechanisms supporting the comorbidity between stress exposure and cocaine increase rewards. The actin cytoskeleton remodeling in the nucleus accumbens (NA) has been implicated in the expression of stress-induced cross-sensitization with cocaine. The present study evaluates the involvement of cofilin, a direct regulator of actin dynamics, in the impact of stress on vulnerability to cocaine addiction. We assess whether the neurobiological mechanisms that modulate repeated-cocaine administration also occur in a chronic restraint stress-induced cocaine self-administration model. We also determine if chronic stress induces alterations in dendritic spines through dysregulation of cofilin activity in the NA core. Here, we show that the inhibition of cofilin expression in the NA core using viral short-hairpin RNA is sufficient to prevent the cocaine sensitization induced by chronic stress. The reduced cofilin levels also impede a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor surface expression enhancement and promote the reduction of head diameter in animals pre-exposed to stress after a cocaine challenge in the NA core. Moreover, downregulation of cofilin expression prevents facilitation of the acquisition of cocaine self-administration (SA) in male rats pre-exposed to chronic stress without modifying performance in sucrose SA. These findings reveal a novel, crucial role for cofilin in the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning the comorbidity between stress exposure and addiction-related disorders.Fil: Rigoni, Daiana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Avalos, Maria Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Boezio, María Julieta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Guzmán, Silvia Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Calfa, Gaston Diego. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Perassi, Eduardo Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Teórica y Computacional; ArgentinaFil: Pierotti, Silvia M.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Departamento de Matemáticas; ArgentinaFil: Bisbal, Mariano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Keller, Constanza. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Medical University of South Carolina; Estados UnidosFil: Cancela, Liliana Marina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Bollati, Flavia Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Farmacología; Argentin

Probabilidad y estadística. Guía de Estudio 2020

La Guía de Estudio de Probabilidad y Estadística se orienta a lograr un mayor protagonismo del alumno dentro del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, a través de una metodología centrada en las siguientes estrategias: trabajo en equipo, exploración bibliográfica y resolución de problemas. Con este enfoque se busca priorizar el desarrollo de la aptitud del estudiante para llevar a la práctica los conocimientos adquiridos, en vez de limitarse a recordar conceptos. La Guía posee, en cada unidad temática, los siguientes elementos: Introducción al tema a considerar. Esquema conceptual. Objetivos mínimos a alcanzar. Planteo de un problema concreto usado como eje para el desarrollo del tema. Preguntas de apoyo que sirven para orientar el estudio independiente. Ejercitación adicional en aspectos críticos. Además, la Guía cuenta con varios Anexos, a saber: Anexo 1. Importancia y consecuencias del teorema del límite central (TLC) Anexo 2. Análisis de datos con Infostat Anexo 3. Situación problemática para abordar en clase Anexo 4. Aspectos que se tendrán en cuenta al evaluar los trabajos prácticos grupales Anexo 5. Ejemplo de regresión – usando Excel Anexo 6. Tablas estadísticasUniversidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, ArgentinaBoaglio, Laura ,Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, ArgentinaDimitroff, Magdalena, Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, ArgentinaGonzález, Analía , Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, ArgentinaIngaramo, Ricardo. Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, ArgentinaLuczywo, Nadia. Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, ArgentinaNepote, Valeria. Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, ArgentinaPierotti, Silvia. Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Argentina.Zanazzi, José Francisco. Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, ArgentinaZanazzi, José Luis. Universidad de Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Argentin

HIV-1 prevalence and factors associated with infection in the conflict-affected region of North Uganda

BACKGROUND: Since 1986, northern Uganda has been severely affected by civil strife with most of its population currently living internally displaced in protected camps. This study aims at estimating the HIV-1 prevalence among this population and the factors associated with infection. METHODS: In June-December 2005, a total of 3051 antenatal clinics attendees in Gulu, Kitgum and Pader districts were anonymously tested for HIV-1 infection as part of routine sentinel surveillance. Factors associated with the infection were evaluated using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The age-standardised HIV-1 prevalence was 10.3%, 9.1% and 4.3% in the Gulu, Kitgum and Pader district, respectively. The overall prevalence in the area comprised of these districts was 8.2% when data was weighted according to the districts' population size. Data from all sites combined show that, besides older women [20–24 years: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29–2.97; 25–29 years: AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.30–3.11; ≥ 30 years: AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.23–2.97], unmarried women (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.06–2.04), and those with a partner with a non-traditional occupation (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.18–2.21), women living outside of protected camps for internally displaced persons have a higher risk of being HIV-1 infected than internally displaced women (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.15–2.08). CONCLUSION: Although published data from Gulu district show a declining HIV-1 prevalence trend that is consistent with that observed at the national level since 1993, the prevalence in North Uganda is still high. Internally displaced women have a lower risk of being infected probably because of their reduced mobility and accessibility, and increased access to health prevention services