bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High levels of maternal total tri-iodothyronine, and low levels of fetal free L-thyroxine and total tri-iodothyronine, are associated with altered deiodinase expression and activity in placenta with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gutiérrez-Vega Sebastián , Armella Axel , Mennickent Daniela , Loyola Marco , Covarrubias Ambart , Ortega-Contreras Bernel , Escudero Carlos , Gonzalez Marcelo , Alcalá Martín , Ramos María del Pilar , Viana Marta , Castro Erica , Leiva Andrea , Guzmán-Gutiérrez Enrique
Published: November 2020

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is characterized by abnormal maternal D-glucose metabolism and altered insulin signaling. Dysregulation of thyroid hormones (TH) tri-iodethyronine (T3) and L-thyroxine (T4) Hormones had been associated with GDM, but the physiopathological meaning of these alterations is still unclear. Maternal TH cross the placenta through TH Transporters and their Deiodinases metabolize them to regulate fetal TH levels. Currently, the metabolism of TH in placentas with GDM is unknown, and there are no other studies that evaluate the fetal TH from pregnancies with GDM. Therefore, we evaluated the levels of maternal TH during pregnancy, and fetal TH at delivery, and the expression and activity of placental deiodinases from GDM pregnancies. Pregnant women were followed through pregnancy until delivery. We collected blood samples during 10–14, 24–28, and 36–40 weeks of gestation for measure Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T4 (FT4), Total T4 (TT4), and Total T3 (TT3) concentrations from Normal Glucose Tolerance (NGT) and GDM mothers. Moreover, we measure fetal TSH, FT4, TT4, and TT3 in total blood cord at the delivery. Also, we measured the placental expression of Deiodinases by RT-PCR, western-blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The activity of Deiodinases was estimated quantified rT3 and T3 using T4 as a substrate. Mothers with GDM showed higher levels of TT3 during all pregnancy, and an increased in TSH during second and third trimester, while lower concentrations of neonatal TT4, FT4, and TT3; and an increased TSH level in umbilical cord blood from GDM. Placentae from GDM mothers have a higher expression and activity of Deiodinase 3, but lower Deiodinase 2, than NGT mothers. In conclusion, GDM favors high levels of TT3 during all gestation in the mother, low levels in TT4, FT4 and TT3 at the delivery in neonates, and increases deiodinase 3, but reduce deiodinase 2 expression and activity in the placenta.
Predicting who responds to spinal manipulative therapy using a short-time frame methodology: Results from a 238-participant study
Authors: Hadizadeh Maliheh , Kawchuk Gregory Neil , Prasad Narasimha , Fritz Julie M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is among the nonpharmacologic interventions that has been recommended in clinical guidelines for patients with low back pain, however, some patients appear to benefit substantially more from SMT than others. Several investigations have examined potential factors to modify patients’ responses prior to SMT application. The objective of this study was to determine if the baseline prediction of SMT responders can be improved through the use of a restricted, non-pragmatic methodology, established variables of responder status, and newly developed physical measures observed to change with SMT.

Materials and methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a prior study that provided two applications of standardized SMT over a period of 1 week. After initial exploratory analysis, principal component analysis and optimal scaling analysis were used to reduce multicollinearity among predictors. A multiple logistic regression model was built using a forward Wald procedure to explore those baseline variables that could predict response status at 1-week reassessment.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-eight participants completed the 1-week reassessment (age 40.0± 11.8 years; 59.7% female). Response to treatment was predicted by a model containing the following 8 variables: height, gender, neck or upper back pain, pain frequency in the past 6 months, the STarT Back Tool, patients’ expectations about medication and strengthening exercises, and extension status. Our model had a sensitivity of 72.2% (95% CI, 58.1–83.1), specificity of 84.2% (95% CI, 78.0–89.0), a positive likelihood ratio of 4.6 (CI, 3.2–6.7), a negative likelihood ratio of 0.3 (CI, 0.2–0.5), and area under ROC curve, 0.79.

Conclusion

It is possible to predict response to treatment before application of SMT in low back pain patients. Our model may benefit both patients and clinicians by reducing the time needed to re-evaluate an initial trial of care.
In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of Cuminum cyminum essential oil against Aspergillus aculeatus causing bunch rot of postharvest grapes
Authors: Tanapichatsakul Chutima , Khruengsai Sarunpron , Pripdeevech Patcharee
Published: November 2020

Bunch rot in grapes is an aggressive disease and needs to be controlled during the postharvest period. We investigate the antifungal potential ofZanthoxylum bungeanumMaxim.,Zanthoxylum rhetsa,Cuminum cyminum,Coriandrum sativum, andZingiber montanum(J. Koenig) Link ex A. Dietr. essential oils againstAspergillus aculeatusthat cause bunch rot disease on postharvest grapes.C.cyminumessential oil exhibited stronger significantly inhibition percentage of 95.08% than other treatments inin vitroassay. Cumin aldehyde (33.94%) and α-terpinen-7-al (32.20%) were identified as major volatile compounds inC.cyminumoil. Antifungal potential ofC.cyminumoil was then tested in conidia germination andin vitrotests compared to cumin aldehyde and α-terpinen-7-al. Their EC50values against the conidial germination were also estimated. Significant reduction of conidia germination was also detected inC.cyminumessential oil and cumin aldehyde at a concentration of 1,000 and 100 μg/mL, respectively. EC50values of theC.cyminumessential oil, cumin aldehyde, and α-terpinen-7-al were 67.28 μg/mL, 9.31 μg/mL, and 13.23 μg/mL, respectively.In vivoassay, the decrease of the disease severity (0.69%) and incidence (1.48%) percentage ofA.aculeatuson grape berries treated at 1,000 μg/mL ofC.cyminumessential oil was significantly greater than that obtained from other treatments after 10 days incubation. In addition, grape berries treated withC.cyminumessential oil decreased weight loss and retained fruit firmness. The changing of total soluble solids, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity are also delayed in treated fruits. Therefore, essential oil ofC.cyminummay be applied as a biological antifungal agent to controlA.aculeatusin postharvest grapes without any negative effects on its quality.
In vitro and in vivo characterization of a recombinant rhesus cytomegalovirus containing a complete genome
Authors: Taher Husam , Mahyari Eisa , Kreklywich Craig , Uebelhoer Luke S. , McArdle Matthew R. , Moström Matilda J. , Bhusari Amruta , Nekorchuk Michael , E Xiaofei , Whitmer Travis , Scheef Elizabeth A. , Sprehe Lesli M. , Roberts Dawn L. , Hughes Colette M. , Jackson Kerianne A. , Selseth Andrea N. , Ventura Abigail B. , Cleveland-Rubeor Hillary C. , Yue Yujuan , Schmidt Kimberli A. , Shao Jason , Edlefsen Paul T. , Smedley Jeremy , Kowalik Timothy F. , Stanton Richard J. , Axthelm Michael K. , Estes Jacob D. , Hansen Scott G. , Kaur Amitinder , Barry Peter A. , Bimber Benjamin N. , Picker Louis J. , Streblow Daniel N. , Früh Klaus , Malouli Daniel
Published: November 2020

Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are highly adapted to their host species resulting in strict species specificity. Hence, in vivo examination of all aspects of CMV biology employs animal models using host-specific CMVs. Infection of rhesus macaques (RM) with rhesus CMV (RhCMV) has been established as a representative model for infection of humans with HCMV due to the close evolutionary relationships of both host and virus. However, the only available RhCMV clone that permits genetic modifications is based on the 68–1 strain which has been passaged in fibroblasts for decades resulting in multiple genomic changes due to tissue culture adaptations. As a result, 68–1 displays reduced viremia in RhCMV-naïve animals and limited shedding compared to non-clonal, low passage isolates. To overcome this limitation, we used sequence information from primary RhCMV isolates to construct a full-length (FL) RhCMV by repairing all mutations affecting open reading frames (ORFs) in the 68–1 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). Inoculation of adult, immunocompetent, RhCMV-naïve RM with the reconstituted virus resulted in significant viremia in the blood similar to primary isolates of RhCMV and furthermore led to high viral genome copy numbers in many tissues at day 14 post infection. In contrast, viral dissemination was greatly reduced upon deletion of genes also lacking in 68–1. Transcriptome analysis of infected tissues further revealed that chemokine-like genes deleted in 68–1 are among the most highly expressed viral transcripts both in vitro and in vivo consistent with an important immunomodulatory function of the respective proteins. We conclude that FL-RhCMV displays in vitro and in vivo characteristics of a wildtype virus while being amenable to genetic modifications through BAC recombineering techniques.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus VP1 target the MAVS to inhibit type-I interferon signaling and VP1 E83K mutation results in virus attenuation
Authors: Ekanayaka Pathum , Lee Seo-Yong , Herath Thilina U. B. , Kim Jae-Hoon , Kim Tae-Hwan , Lee Hyuncheol , Chathuranga Kiramage , Chathuranga W. A. Gayan , Park Jong-Hyeon , Lee Jong-Soo
Published: November 2020

VP1, a pivotal capsid protein encoded by the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), plays an important role in receptor-mediated attachment and humoral immune responses. Previous studies show that amino acid changes in the VP1 protein of cell culture-adapted strains of FMDV alter the properties of the virus. In addition, FMDV VP1 modulates host IFN signal transduction. Here, we examined the ability of cell culture-adapted FMDV VP1(83K) and wild-type FMDV VP1(83E) to evade host immunity by blocking mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS)/TNF Receptor Associated Factor 3 (TRAF3) mediated cellular innate responses. Wild-type FMDV VP1(83E) interacted specifically with C-terminal TRAF3-binding site within MAVS and this interaction inhibited binding of TRAF3 to MAVS, thereby suppressing interferon-mediated responses. This was not observed for cell culture-adapted FMDV VP1(83K). Finally, chimeric FMDV harboring VP1(83K) showed very low pathogenicity in pigs. Collectively, these data highlight a critical role of VP1 with respect to suppression of type-I IFN pathway and attenuation of FMDV by the E83K mutation in VP1.
A epígrafe latina como elemento didático (XXXVIII)
Authors: D'Encarnação José
Published: November 2020

Prossegue-se no intuito de mostrar como a análise cuidada de uma epígrafe romana pode fornecer informações válidas do ponto de vista da vivência cultural nessa época. Se um texto escrito se destinava, então, ao público seu contemporâneo, um texto gravado visava o presente e o futuro. Utiliza-se o exemplo de uma epígrafe já conhecida, da Lusitânia, para mostrar a evidência do que se pretende demonstrar.
A leitura do texto latino em sala de aula
Authors: Martins Isaltina
Published: November 2020

Como ensinar, como aprender, os problemas didáticos de sempre, na língua latina, como nas outras disciplinas. É a eterna luta entre o antigo e o novo, a procura de mudança, o desejo de adaptação aos tempos.  Tendo como referência a leitura do texto latino na sala de aula, uma leitura dos programas oficiais e das recomendações metodológicas neles presentes, passando pelos manuais utilizados,  permite-nos avaliar a evolução da ensino/aprendizagem do latim no Ensino Secundário português.
Region, Nation, and Locality: Collective Identities in Latin America
Authors: Zepeda Beatriz
Published: November 2020

This research note aims to elucidate some of the characteristics of identities in contemporary Latin America, as revealed by the results of the survey The Americas and the World 2014-2015. Resorting to the available data on Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru, this research note presents the survey’s findings regarding supranational, national, and local identities and offers an initial approach to their interpretation. As a result of this exercise, the paper outlines important points of convergence of public attitudes in Latin American societies and points out national specificities that should be kept in mind and further studied, with a view to expanding our knowledge about collective identities and their possible relationship with the various integration and regionalization processes in Latin America.
Comparative safety and efficacy of two bivalent vaccines containing Newcastle disease LaSota and avian influenza H9N2 Sidrap isolate formulated with different oil adjuvants
Authors: Cahyani Jossie Intan , Widyarini Sitarina , Wibowo Michael Haryadi
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim: Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) are two devastating diseases of poultry, which cause great economic losses to the poultry industry and disrupt food security in our country. The use of ND-AI inactive bivalent vaccine is very effective and economical to prevent and control ND and AI disease. Bivalent ND LaSota-AI H9N2 vaccine is not yet available in Indonesia. The inactivated vaccines used in poultry industry often require oil adjuvant to elicit a sufficient immune response. This study aimed to develop the bivalent inactive vaccines containing ND LaSota and AI H9N2 Sidrap isolate which are local isolates as poultry vaccine candidates, and formulated with two different commercial adjuvants, then compared.

Materials and Methods: Two vaccines bivalent were prepared by emulsifying inactivated Newcastle disease virus (LaSota strain) and AI H9N2 Sidrap isolate viruses with Marcol white mineral oil and Montanide ISA70 adjuvants. Both of bivalent vaccines were tested for safety (physical and histopathological at the injection site) and efficacy in specific-pathogen-free chickens. Parameters used for the evaluation of the efficacy were immunogenicity by hemagglutination inhibition and protection percentage.

Results: Both bivalent vaccines are safe to use. Post-vaccination (PV) immune response was observed using a hemagglutination inhibition test at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks of PV. The bivalent vaccine B gives a better immune response to ND at 2, 3, and 4 weeks of PV (p<0.05) compared to the bivalent vaccine A, but in 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks, the PV does not show differences in the immune response. The immune response to AI H9N2 showed differences at weeks 2 and 3 PV (p<0.05) with the bivalent vaccine B indicated higher immunity. A single immunization with both bivalent vaccines induces 100% protection in chickens that have been vaccinated against the deadly challenge with the virulent ND virus.

Conclusion: Both of bivalent vaccines are safe to use and provide good efficacy against virulent ND viruses, but bivalent vaccine B (with Montanide ISA70 adjuvant) shows better immune response than bivalent vaccine A (Marcol white mineral oil adjuvant).
A játékosvásárlás és az eredményesség kapcsolata a hivatásos labdarúgásban
Authors: Havran Zsolt
Published: November 2020

A hivatásos labdarúgó-csapatokat működtető vállalatok gyakran helyezik sportszakmai céljaikat a pénzügyi céljaik elé, költségvetésük jelentős részét költik játékosok szerződtetésére, fizetésére, hogy sportszakmai értelemben növeljék versenyképességüket. A dolgozat a nemzetközi szakirodalom összefoglalásával arra keresi a választ, hogy a sportvállalatok sportszakmai és pénzügyi eredményességére milyen hatással vannak a humán erőforrás fejlesztésére költött források. A vizsgált, nagy európai bajnokságokban (angol, német, olasz, spanyol) igazolták a pozitív kapcsolatot a klubok személyi jellegű kiadásai, a játékosok egyéni teljesítménye és a csapatteljesítmény között, valamint a csapat teljesítményének javulása esetében az árbevétel emelkedését is kimutatták. A játékosokra költött kiadások növelése (beleértve a vásárlást és a bérek kifizetését, de nem bevonva az utánpótlás-nevelést) tehát az árbevétel növekedésével jár, azonban a nyereség növekedését már nem eredményezik, mert a bérek további, jelentős növekedése ezt akadályozza. A sportvállalatoknak meg kell határozniuk fő stratégiai céljukat és meg kell vizsgálniuk azt a kérdést, hogy milyen sportszakmai célokat szabad kitűzniük a szűkös gazdasági lehetőségeikhez képest. A humán erőforrással való tudatos és tervezett gazdálkodás jelentheti hosszú távon a fennmaradást és a sportszakmai, pénzügyi stratégiai célok teljesíthetőségét.
Development and Validation of a Screening Instrument for Sleep Difficulties in Children with ADHD
Authors: mancini vincent , Pearcy Benjamin , Rao Pradeep , Fraser Holly
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim:ADHD is the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD symptoms can lead to impairments in other areas of functioning approximately 75% of children with ADHD also experience difficulties with sleep. Childhood sleep difficulties intensify ADHD symptom severity and cause additional impairments. There is growing support for routine assessment of sleep as part of standard ADHD management. However, assessment of sleep difficulties remains poorly addressed as they fail to account for the unique expression of sleep difficulties present in children with ADHD.
Our recently submitted systematic review identified the lack of appropriate tools to screen children with ADHD for sleep difficulties.

Research Method: This multi-phase research will address this gap in current knowledge by undertaking a comprehensive project that will develop, trial, and evaluate a fit-for-purpose screening assessment of sleep difficulties in children with ADHD. This project will: (i)
develop a purpose-built screening instrument with the aid of consumer and clinician engagement, (ii)
validate this this new measure for the assessment of sleep in children with ADHD, and (iii)
evaluate an information intervention of sleep problems for children with ADHD with the new measure.

Anticipated Results: A screening instrument will be developed through collaboration with sleep experts and parents of children with ADHD which will then be piloted and validated using best practice methods.

Implications: It is anticipated that this research will help to provide clinicians with greater accuracy in identifying sleep difficulties in children with ADHD and therefore enabling opportunities for early intervention and improved treatment outcomes.
Increasing Rates of Opioid Prescriptions for Gastrointestinal Diseases in the United States
Authors: LeBrett Wendi G. , Chen Frank W. , Yang Liu , Chang Lin
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Pain control is an important management approach for many gastrointestinal conditions. Because of the ongoing opioid crisis, public health efforts have focused on limiting opioid prescriptions. This study examines national opioid prescribing patterns and factors associated with opioid prescriptions for gastrointestinal conditions.

METHODS:

We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data from 2006 to 2016. The International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify ambulatory visits with a primary gastrointestinal diagnosis. Data were weighted to calculate national estimates for opioid prescriptions for gastrointestinal disease. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze temporal trends. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with opioid prescriptions.

RESULTS:

We analyzed 12,170 visits with a primary gastrointestinal diagnosis, representing 351 million visits. The opioid prescription rate for gastrointestinal visits was 10.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.0%–11.2%). Opioid prescription rates for gastrointestinal disease increased by 0.5% per year from 2006 to 2016 (P = 0.04). Prescription rates were highest for chronic pancreatitis (25.1%) and chronic liver disease (13.9%) visits. Seventy-one percent of opioid prescriptions were continuations of an existing prescription. Patient characteristics associated with continued opioid prescriptions included rural location (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.46; 95% CI 1.11–1.93), depression (aOR 1.83; 95% CI 1.33–2.53), and Medicaid insurance (aOR 1.57; 95% CI 1.15–2.13).

DISCUSSION:

Opioid prescription rates for gastrointestinal disease visits increased from 2006 to 2016. Our findings suggest an inadequate response to the opioid epidemic by providers managing gastrointestinal conditions. Further clinical interventions are needed to limit opioid use for gastrointestinal disease.

JOURNAL/ajgast/04.03/00000434-202104000-00033/inline-graphic1/v/2023-07-18T070751Z/r/image-tiff
Balloon Extraction of an Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm of the Bile Duct During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Sullivan Matthew J. , Grau Jillian , Shah Shashin
Published: November 2020

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the bile duct is a rare type of intraductal neoplasm of the bile duct that has mainly been described in the literature in case reports and small case series. Only within the past decade has ITPN of the bile duct been identified as its own entity and have definitive diagnostic criteria been established. Given its rarity, there is no standard of care for treatment. Here, we describe a case report of biliary ITPN diagnosed in a unique manner.
Donor-Specific Transcriptomic Analysis of Alzheimer's Disease-Associated Hypometabolism Highlights a Unique Donor, Ribosomal Proteins and Microglia
Authors: Patel Sejal , Howard Derek , Man Alana , Schwartz Deborah , Jee Joelle , Felsky Daniel , Pausova Zdenka , Paus Tomas , French Leon
Published: November 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) starts decades before clinical symptoms appear. Low-glucose utilization in regions of the cerebral cortex marks early AD. To identify these regions, we conducted a voxel-wise meta-analysis of previous studies conducted with positron emission tomography that compared AD patients with healthy controls. The resulting map marks hypometabolism in the posterior cingulate, middle frontal, angular gyrus, and middle and inferior temporal regions. Using the Allen Human Brain Atlas, we identified genes that show spatial correlation across the cerebral cortex between their expression and this hypometabolism. Of the six brains in the Atlas, one demonstrated a strong spatial correlation between gene expression and hypometabolism. Previous neuropathological assessment of this brain from a 39-year-old male noted a neurofibrillary tangle in the entorhinal cortex. Using the transcriptomic data, we estimate lower proportions of neurons and more microglia in the hypometabolic regions when comparing this donor’s brain with the other five donors. Within this single brain, signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent cotranslational protein targeting genes, which encode primarily cytosolic ribosome proteins, are highly expressed in the hypometabolic regions. Analyses of human and mouse data show that expression of these genes increases progressively across AD-associated states of microglial activation. In addition, genes involved in cell killing, chronic inflammation, ubiquitination, tRNA aminoacylation, and vacuole sorting are associated with the hypometabolism map. These genes suggest disruption of the protein life cycle and neuroimmune activation. Taken together, our molecular characterization reveals a link to AD-associated hypometabolism that may be relevant to preclinical stages of AD.
Enhancing GABAergic Tone in the Rostral Nucleus of the Solitary Tract Reconfigures Sensorimotor Neural Activity
Authors: Sammons Joshua D. , Bass Caroline E. , Victor Jonathan D. , Di Lorenzo Patricia M.
Published: November 2020

Recent work has shown that most cells in the rostral, gustatory portion of the nucleus tractus solitarius (rNTS) in awake, freely licking rats show lick-related firing. However, the relationship between taste-related and lick-related activity in rNTS remains unclear. Here, we tested whether GABA-derived inhibitory activity regulates the balance of lick- and taste-driven neuronal activity. Combinatorial viral tools were used to restrict the expression of channelrhodopsin 2-enhanced yellow fluorescent protein to GAD1+GABAergic neurons. Viral infusions were bilateral in rNTS. A fiber-optic fiber attached to a bundle of drivable microwires was later implanted into the rNTS. After recovery, water-deprived rats were presented with taste stimuli in an experimental chamber. Trials were five consecutive taste licks [NaCl, KCl, NH4Cl, sucrose, monosodium glutamate/inosine-5'-monophosphate, citric acid, quinine, or artificial saliva (AS)] separated by five AS rinse licks on a variable ratio 5 schedule. Each taste lick triggered a 1 s train of laser light (25 Hz; 473 nm; 8–10 mW) in a random half of the trials. In all, 113 cells were recorded in the rNTS, 50 cells responded to one or more taste stimuli without GABA enhancement. Selective changes in response magnitude (spike count) within cells shifted across-unit patterns but preserved interstimulus relationships. Cells where enhanced GABAergic tone increased lick coherence conveyed more information distinguishing basic taste qualities and different salts than other cells. In addition, GABA activation significantly amplified the amount of information that discriminated palatable versus unpalatable tastants. By dynamically regulating lick coherence and remodeling the across-unit response patterns to taste, enhancing GABAergic tone in rNTS reconfigures the neural activity reflecting sensation and movement.
Dopamine Transporter Localization in Medial Forebrain Bundle Axons Indicates Its Long-Range Transport Primarily by Membrane Diffusion with a Limited Contribution of Vesicular Traffic on Retromer-Positive Compartments
Authors: Bagalkot Tarique R. , Block Ethan R. , Bucchin Kristen , Balcita-Pedicino Judith Joyce , Calderon Michael , Sesack Susan R. , Sorkin Alexander
Published: November 2020

Dopamine transporter (DAT) controls dopamine neurotransmission by clearing synaptically released dopamine. However, trafficking itineraries of DAT, which determine its cell-surface concentration near synapses, are poorly characterized. It is especially unknown how DAT is transported between spatially distant midbrain somatodendritic and striatal axonal compartments. To examine this “long-range” trafficking, the localization and membrane diffusion of HA-epitope tagged DAT in the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of a knock-in mouse (both sexes) were analyzed using confocal, super-resolution and EM in intact brain and acute brain slices. HA-DAT was abundant in the plasma membrane of MFB axons, similar to the striatum, although the intracellular fraction of HA-DAT in MFB was more substantial. Intracellular HA-DAT colocalized with VPS35, a subunit of the retromer complex mediating recycling from endosomes, in a subset of axons. Late endosomes, lysosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum were abundant in the soma but minimally present in MFB axons, suggesting that biosynthesis and lysosomal degradation of DAT are confined to soma. Together, the data suggest that membrane diffusion is the main mode of long-range DAT transport through MFB, although the contribution of vesicular traffic can be significant in a population of MFB axons. Based on HA-DAT diffusion rates, plasma membrane DAT in MFB axons turns over with a halftime of ∼20 d, which explains the extremely slow turnover of DAT protein in the brain. Unexpectedly, the mean diameter of DAT-labeled MFB axons was observed to be twice larger than reported for striatum. The implications of this finding for dopamine neuron physiology are discussed.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe dopamine transporter (DAT) is a key regulator of dopamine neurotransmission and a target of abused psychostimulants. In the present study, we examined, for the first time, mechanisms of the long-range traffic of DAT in intact brain and acute brain slices from the knock-in mouse expressing epitope-tagged DAT. Using a combination of confocal, super-resolution and EM, we defined DAT localization and its membrane diffusion parameters in medial forebrain bundle axonal tracts connecting midbrain somatodendritic and striatal axonal compartments of dopaminergic neurons. In contrast to the widely accepted model of long-range axonal transport, our studies suggest that DAT traffics between midbrain and striatum, mainly by lateral diffusion in the plasma membrane with only a limited contribution of vesicular transport in recycling endosomes.
Activation of Granule Cell Interneurons by Two Divergent Local Circuit Pathways in the Rat Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Pressler R. Todd , Strowbridge Ben W.
Published: November 2020

The olfactory bulb (OB) serves as a relay region for sensory information transduced by receptor neurons in the nose and ultimately routed to a variety of cortical areas. Despite the highly structured organization of the sensory inputs to the OB, even simple monomolecular odors activate large regions of the OB comprising many glomerular modules defined by afferents from different receptor neuron subtypes. OB principal cells receive their primary excitatory input from only one glomerular channel defined by inputs from one class of olfactory receptor neurons. By contrast, interneurons, such as GABAergic granule cells (GCs), integrate across multiple channels through dendodendritic inputs on their distal apical dendrites. Through their inhibitory synaptic actions, GCs appear to modulate principal cell firing to enhance olfactory discrimination, although how GCs contribute to olfactory function is not well understood. In this study, we identify a second synaptic pathway by which principal cells in the rat (both sexes) OB excite GCs by evoking potent nondepressing EPSPs (termed large-amplitude, nondendrodendritic [LANDD] EPSPs). LANDD EPSPs show little depression in response to tetanic stimulation and, therefore, can be distinguished other EPSPs that target GCs. LANDD EPSPs can be evoked by both focal stimulation near GC proximal dendrites and by activating sensory inputs in the glomerular layer in truncated GCs lacking dendrodendritic inputs. Using computational simulations, we show that LANDD EPSPs more reliably encode the duration of principal cell discharges than DD EPSPs, enabling GCs to compare contrasting versions of odor-driven activity patterns.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe olfactory bulb plays a critical role in transforming broad sensory input patterns into odor-selective population responses. How this occurs is not well understood, but the local bulbar interneurons appear to be centrally involved in the process. Granule cells, the most common interneuron in the olfactory bulb, are known to broadly integrate sensory input through specialized synapses on their distal dendrites. Here we describe a second class of local excitatory inputs to granule cells that are more powerful than distal inputs and fail to depress with repeated stimulation. This second, proximal pathway allows bulbar interneurons to assay divergent versions of the same sensory input pattern.
Human artificial oocytes from patients’ somatic cells: past, present and future
Authors: Tesarik Jan , Mendoza Carmen , Mendoza-Tesarik Raquel
Published: November 2020

The first attempts at generating functional human oocytes by using the transfer of patients’ somatic cell nuclei, as DNA source, into donor enucleated oocytes date back to the early 2000s. After initial attempts, that gave rather encouraging results, the technique was abandoned because of adverse results with this technique in the mouse model. Priority was then given to the use of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, based on excellent results in the mouse, where mature oocytes and live healthy offspring were achieved. However, these results could not be reproduced in humans, and oogenesis with human iPS cells did not continue beyond the stage of oogonium. These data suggest that the use of enucleated donor oocytes will be necessary to achieve fertilizable human oocytes with somatic cell-derived DNA. The main problem of all these techniques is that they have to meet with two, sometimes contradictory, requirements: the haploidization of somatic cell-derived DNA, on the one hand, and the remodeling/reprogramming of DNA of somatic cell origin, so as to be capable of supporting all stages of preimplantation and postimplantation development and to give rise to all cell types of the future organism. Further research is needed to determine the optimal strategy to cope with these two requirements.

Lay summary

The recourse to artificial oocytes, generated by using the patient’s own DNA derived from cells of somatic origin, represents the ultimate opportunity for women who lack healthy oocytes of their own but yearn for genetically related offspring. Many different pathologies, such as ovarian cancer, premature ovarian failure, other ovarian diseases and natural, age-related ovarian decay can cause the absence of available oocytes. The demand for artificial oocytes is increasing continuously, mainly because of the tendency to postpone maternity to still more advanced ages, when the quantity and quality of oocytes is low. This minireview focuses on the generation of artificial oocytes using different strategies and scenarios, based on the accumulated experience in humans and experimental animals.
Expression of IL-1β and implantation serine proteases is required for mouse blastocyst hatching
Authors: Pathak Madhulika , Vani Venkatappa , Sharma Surendra , Seshagiri Polani B
Published: November 2020

Mammalian blastocyst hatching is a critically indispensable process for successful implantation. One of the major challenges in IVF clinics is to achieve superior embryonic development with intrinsically potent hatching-competent blastocyst. However, the molecular regulation of hatching phenomenon is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the expression and function of one of the cytokines, IL-1β during blastocyst hatching in the mouse. In particular, the expression of IL-1β (Interleukin-1β), IL-1ra (Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) and their functional receptor IL-1rt1 (Interleukin 1 receptor type-1) in morulae, zona intact- and hatched-blastocysts was studied. Supplementation of IL-1β to cultured embryos accelerated blastocyst development with improved hatching (treated: 89.6 ± 3.6% vs untreated: 65.4 ± 4.1%). When embryos were treated with IL-1ra, blastocyst hatching was decreased (treated: 28.8 ± 3.1% vs untreated: 67.5 ± 3.8%). Moreover, IL-1β and IL-1ra influenced the expression of hatching enzymes viz., implantation serine proteases (ISP1 and ISP2). While IL-1β increased the embryonic mRNA expression of ISPs (Isp1: 2–4; Isp2: 9- to 11-fold), IL-1ra decreased expression. The protein localization studies revealed increased nuclear presence predominantly of ISP 2 in IL-1β-treated blastocysts. This is the first report to show the functional significance of embryonic IL-1β in regulating hatching-associated proteases, particularly ISP2. These findings have implications in our understanding of molecular regulation of blastocyst hatching and implantation failure in other species including humans.
Evaluación del desempeño docente de los docentes universitarios en México, una perspectiva desde la evaluación institucional externa. VIII Congreso Iberoamericano de Investigación sobre Gobernanza
Authors: Llaudett Natividad Escalona Márquez
Published: November 2020

El presente trabajo está centrado en conocer cómo se desarrolla el proceso de evaluación del desempeño docente en la Educación Superior Mexicana. Este estudio se ubica desde la Evaluación Institucional Externa. Se hace un análisis de los indicadores y estándares que utilizan los organismos de evaluación y acreditación de Educación Superior en México, como es el caso de los CIEES y COPAES. Se realiza un análisis para constatar si los organismos de evaluación propician el acercamiento de los docentes y estudiantes universitarios o solo están enfocados en evaluar la función académica y de investigación del docente. Los resultados dan constancia que los criterios y estándares utilizados por los CIEES y el COPAES, tienen varios centrados en la evaluación del desempeño docente y las actividades que permiten el acercamiento pedagógico entre estos y los estudiantes.
Behavior analysis of maximum stresses induced in rigid pavements due to partial replacement of slabs
Authors: Guerra Rojas Rodrigo Alejandro
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study is to analyze the behavior of the maximum stresses induced in concrete slabs as a result of modifications in their geometry. This condition is due to maintenance operations that consider the partial replacement of paving slabs. The analysis is carried out by modeling finite elements of the pavement in sections that consider 2 transversal slabs and 3 longitudinal slabs. A square geometry, traditionally used in Chile, of 3,500 mm (length) x 3,500 mm (width) has been used as the base for each slab. The effect of partial replacement of the central slab by variable lengths in combination with variations in slab thickness of 150 mm, 160 mm, 180 mm and 200 mm has been studied for 3 types of subgrade. The models have been solved by means of finite element analysis and for this the EverFE 2.26 software has been used, which has been widely used for the study of rigid pavements. The maximum stresses induced by the most critical position of the load have been studied, which corresponds to the positioning of the single axle with dual tires on the edge of the slab. The results allow recommending a limit configuration in the partial replacement of slabs in order to control the maximum stresses induced and thereby avoid the reduction of their useful life. The determined increase in the stresses in the slab is between 3.63 and 7.61% and these values allow calculating by fatigue models, a decrease in the total number of load applications of 27% for slab thicknesses of 150mm (K=0.064 MPa/mm) and 14% for slabs of 200mm (K=0.064 MPa/mm) thickness, which is reflected in a reduction in its useful life.
Estimation of effort in agile software development: Study of the current state in Bogotá
Authors: Prieto Bustamante Fernando
Published: November 2020

Context: Over the years, numerous studies have been developed related to estimating effort in agile software development, which allow us to understand the advances that have been made and the need for their use in companies. Objective: To know the perspective of entrepreneurs from different organizations in Bogotá that work in the sector or are related to the development of agile software and those who have had projects related to the subject. Method: For the elaboration of the article, a bibliographic research is carried out. Results: The data obtained are from 314 respondents in the city of Bogotá, the main findings are: 1) For companies it is extremely important with (34%) the adoption of an effort estimation methodology. 2) The most used estimation technique is the use case point with (43.31%). 3) The most used effort predictor is the Code Line (38.85%) and followed by this STORY POINT with (33.76%). 4) The agile methodology adopted in companies is SCRUM with (43.95%). 5) As the most determining factor to estimate the effort, the team experience with (53.50%) is considered. 6) In the percentage of error between estimate of projected effort and real effort (26.75%) of the respondents determine that this 5% -25% is underestimated. 7) Finally, as a difficulty in your company to estimate the effort of projects through agile software development, the respondents recognize (26.11%) that the resources are the greatest. Conclusions: The estimation of effort is relatively variable, for many companies this depends on the needs of each one, on the other hand, the use of agile methodology and estimation techniques varies in its use depending on the cross between them and how they are used. complement each other.
Study on the Ideal Matching Mode of Sleep Time and High Academic Performance of High School Students in China and Its Early Warning Mechanism
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhao Liman , Du Xiaofeng , Xu Guanxing
Published: November 2020

Based on a sample survey of high schools in Province S of China, this study used quantitative statistical analysis to explore the ideal matching mode of sleep time and high academic performance and established a multi-level early warning mechanism for schools that sacrifice student sleep for high academic performance. The results showed that “students achieve the best academic performance when they sleep for eight hours or more.” This is an ideal matching mode for schools to ensure the healthy development of students and build a good educational environment. Teachers, schools, education administrators, and parents should hold correct educational values and view comprehensively the relationship between students’ sleep time and academic performance. For schools that sacrifice students' sleep time and blindly pursue high grades, a multi-level early warning mechanism should be established and their rectification should be supervised.
La publicación y difusión científica en tiempos de pandemia por el COVID-19
Authors: Guzmán-Useche Eliana , Rodríguez-Contreras Fernando
Published: November 2020

In this global pandemic, scientific production and dissemination has allowed the creation of reliable knowledge bases, in search of common purposes: eradicate the virus, prevent new infections and determine public health strategies for the immediate future.
Optimización del cultivo larvario para la producción de juveniles del pargo manchado Lutjanus guttatus en Costa Rica
Authors: Chacón-Guzmán Jonathan , Carvajal-Oses Milagro , Herrera-Ulloa Ángel
Published: November 2020

La base tecnológica para la acuicultura del Lutjanus guttatus fue desarrollada en Costa Rica desde el 2002 por el Parque Marino del Pacífico. Las primeras producciones en masa de juveniles se obtuvieron en el 2005, las granjas comerciales a pequeña escala se establecieron a partir del 2006 y la primera transferencia de tecnología al sector privado inició en el 2008. A partir de estos avances se identificó la necesidad de optimizar la producción de juveniles. Con este objetivo, se evaluaron y describieron biológicamente tres cultivos larvarios obtenidos de desoves naturales de reproductores de segunda generación (F2). Tres familias n = 8 cada una; 1,45 ± 0,21 kg; 1,33 ± 0,12 kg; y 1,28 ± 0,10 kg provenientes de una granja acuícola se aclimataron en el laboratorio hasta que desovaron. Se incubaron 100 mil huevos por desove (densidad: 520 huevos mL-1). Las larvas (90 mil/tanque) fueron sembradas con una longitud total (Lt) inicial de 2,25 mm y alimentadas con rotíferos enriquecidos, microalgas producidas en fotobiorreactores helicoidales y nauplios de artemia. El crecimiento, sobrevivencia, canibalismo, variabilidad del tamaño y deformidades presentadas fueron registradas. Un total de 22 837 juveniles fueron cosechados en el día 60 después del desove. Durante la cosecha se obtuvo una longitud total del juvenil (Lt) de 57,8 ± 7,82 mm, tasa de crecimiento absoluto (TCA) 0,93 mm d-1, tasa de crecimiento específico (TCE) 5,41 % d-1, factor de condición (K) 1,089; una sobrevivencia promedio de 8,4 % y 6,3 % de deformidades totales a la vista. Las metodologías utilizadas para obtener un desove natural de calidad, la mejora de alimento vivo producido por fotobiorreactores y la separación por tamaño fueron aspectos efectivos para el cultivo larval de la especie, aunque la inanición en los primeros días de alimentación exógena, la metamorfosis y el canibalismo siguen siendo factores que afectan la sobrevivencia final.
Participación Estudiantil, Institucionalidad Escolar y Ciudadanía Democrática: Desafíos Pendientes desde la Experiencia Peruana
Authors: Stojnic Lars
Published: November 2020

El artículo explora, para el caso peruano, el potencial de la experiencia escolar para fomentar disposiciones favorables entre las y los estudiantes hacia actitudes consideradas fundamentales para la sostenibilidad democrática. Se analiza la relación entre la organización y funcionamiento de los mecanismos de participación estudiantil y el auto reconocimiento sobre la propia capacidad para influir en la vida pública. El análisis de la información, producto de la combinación de análisis uni y bivariable y de regresiones bajo el método de Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios, surgió de la aplicación de una encuesta a estudiantes de secundaria de seis escuelas públicas peruanas. Los resultados muestran la relación entre experiencia escolar y desarrollo de actitudes democráticas; principalmente, con respecto a cómo la posibilidad efectiva de las y los estudiantes de influir sobre temas relevantes en su escuela, incidiría en un mayor reconocimiento de sí mismas(os) como ciudadanas(os) con capacidad para ejercer poder público. Así, se discute la importancia de que al interior de escuela se trascienda la aproximación electoral (procedimental) a la democracia y que se promueva una cotidianeidad institucional consistente con la apuesta por la formación de la subjetividad democrática, la ciudadanía como identidad pública.
Sostenibilidad Curricular: Una Mirada desde las Aportaciones del Profesorado de la Universidad de Málaga
Authors: Alcalá del Olmo Fernández María José , Santos Villalba María Jesús , Leiva Juan José , Matas Antonio
Published: November 2020

El propósito de este estudio ha sido conocer las percepciones y competencias de los profesionales de la educación de la Universidad de Málaga en la puesta en práctica de la Educación para el Desarrollo Sostenible. Siguiendo una metodología cualitativa, se han diseñado entrevistas semiestructuradas ad hoc fundamentadas en un paradigma interpretativo. La muestra ha estado constituida por docentes del Grado en Educación Primaria y Educación Social de la Universidad de Málaga. Las cuestiones abordadas han permitido valorar en qué medida el profesorado ha integrado el discurso de la sostenibilidad en su rol profesional, junto a las relaciones establecidas entre la universidad y la necesidad de trabajar una educación comprometida con la mejora y el respeto al entorno. De los resultados se desprenden ciertas dificultades para trabajar sistemáticamente la sostenibilidad, originadas por la carencia de una formación específica, aunque han podido apreciarse actitudes favorables en el profesorado para su integración transversal, bien sea buscando conexiones epistemológicas o enfatizando un mayor protagonismo a la adquisición de competencias prácticas en el proceso de aprendizaje del alumnado. En la misma línea que otros estudios, queda patente la relevancia otorgada al trabajo interdisciplinar, la formación permanente y la investigación
Diseño y Validación de los Cuestionarios de Representaciones de Justicia Social para Estudiantes de Educación Secundaria (CRJSES) y para Profesores (CRJSP)
Authors: Sainz Vanesa , Jacott Liliana
Published: November 2020

Se describe el proceso de construcción y validación de dos instrumentos destinados a evaluar las representaciones que estudiantes y profesorado tienen sobre la Justicia Social desde una perspectiva que toma en cuenta las tres dimensiones propuestas por Nancy Fraser (2008) de Redistribución, Reconocimiento y Representación/Participación. Para ello, se han elaborado el Cuestionario de Representaciones de Justicia Social para Estudiantes de Educación Secundaria (CRJSES) y el Cuestionario de Representaciones de Justicia Social para Profesores (CRJSP). El CRJSES consta de 30 preguntas en formato de dilemas, presentando 10 preguntas de cada una de las dimensiones de Justicia Social. El CRJSP tiene 39 preguntas, incluyendo 9 dilemas adicionales sobre temas relacionados con la Justicia Social en el ámbito educativo. En todas las preguntas se plantea un dilema con tres opciones de respuesta que plantean distintos grados de justicia social (alto, medio y bajo). Los instrumentos han seguido un doble proceso de validación: una validación de jueces expertos y un estudio piloto que ha sido aplicado a 130 profesores en formación. Los resultados indican que los dos instrumentos presentan una validez y fiabilidad adecuadas para evaluar las representaciones de Justicia Social de estudiantes de Educación Secundaria y docentes.