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Los GAD´s municipales en Ecuador constitucionalmente poseen autonomía financiera, pese a ello, deben mantener las condiciones que mantengan la sostenibilidad de sus cuentas públicas. El objetivo de la investigación se sustenta en un análisis de evaluación de la sostenibilidad y solvencia, bajo un método analítico dinámico sobre el cual se obtiene el superávit primario requerido de los años subsiguientes de manera de cumplir en tiempo y forma sus obligaciones financieras. Como principal resultado se encontró que la mayoría de las entidades necesitan reestructurar sus cuentas fiscales de forma gradual para poder mantener unat rayectoria de deuda sostenible.

espanolEn esta investigacion se analiza la produccion de sintagmas nominales (SN) plurales para referir a un grupo humano que incluye a hombres y mujeres y se pone a prueba el posible efecto de tres factores en la eleccion del SN masculino generico o SN con femenino explicito. Para ello, se realiza un estudio experimental en el que se elicita la descripcion de grupos humanos mixtos, presentados a traves de imagenes, poniendo a prueba el efecto del estereotipo del sustantivo (masculino, femenino o sin estereotipo de genero), el efecto de la necesidad de distinguir entre grupos mixtos y grupos exclusivamente masculinos, y el efecto de un habituamiento al uso de SN desdoblados. Los resultados encuentran que el estereotipo de genero asociado a los sustantivos influye en la distribucion de las diferentes expresiones referenciales y que las formas que hacen el femenino explicito son mas frecuentes en los SN con estereotipo femenino. EnglishThis article analyzes the production of plural noun phrases referring to a group including men and women, and tests the possible effect of three factors in the choice of masculine NPs with a generic meaning or NPs that explicitly mention the feminine gender. With this purpose, an experimental study was conducted to elicit the description of human groups including men and women, in which three factors were tested: the stereotype associated with the noun (masculine, feminine or no gender stereotype); the necessity of distinguishing between a group of men and a group of both men and women; and the exposition to a discourse with frequent NPs with explicit feminine forms. The results indicate that the gender stereotype associated to the noun has a clear effect in the choice of NPs and that NPs with an explicit reference to the feminine components are more frequent when the noun carries a feminine stereotype.

Background: Breast and prostate cancer are frequently diagnosed neoplasias in women and men around the world. The signaling of the androgen receptor (AR) influences the development of both tumors. Since therapies focused to block the receptor's activity have not been fully effective, and have shown side effects, therapies based on natural compounds are promissory complementary alternatives in its treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anthocyanins from blue corn in cancer cell lines. Methods: We analyzed the antiproliferative effect of anthocyanins from raw and alkali-processed (tortillas) Mixteco blue corn in breast and prostate cancer cell lines MDA-MB-453 (subtype: triple negative) and LNCaP using methyltiazlyl-tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry (FCM). The combination of anthocyanins and 2-amino-N-quinolin-8-yl-benzenesulfonamide (QBS) or nocodazole also were evaluated. The anthocyanins were isolated trough column chromatography (XAD-7).Results: Our results demonstrated that anthocyanin specially the ones obtained from tortillas, decreased cell viability and arrested cell cycle in G1 phase inducing apoptosis. Cytometry analysis shows an increased effect on apoptosis of MDA-MB-453 and LNCaP cells when tortilla anthocyanins and QBS were combined. Conclusions: This is the first report that suggest that anthocyanins from blue corn have an effect in cell cycle and viability so they could serve as adjuvants for breast and prostate cancer therapies and may prompt to deepen investigations to decipher its molecular properties. AbbreviationsARAndrogen ReceptorCIDIIRInterdisciplinary Center for Research on Integral Regional DevelopmentDHT5α-DihydrotestosteroneEREstrogen ReceptorPRProgesterone ReceptorQBSAmino-N-quinolin-8-yl-benzenesulfonamide.

In this study, the optimization of the processing parameters and nanoparticle additive concentration in the cutting fluid for a milling process carried by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) was performed. Machining operations commonly present high wear on the cutting inserts. This translates into a limited tool lifespan, poor surface finish of the workpiece, and high energy consumption by the process, as well as high manufacturing costs. The nanoparticle (NP) selected for this study was a montmorillonite clay (MMT) due to being naturally occurring, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. Nanolubricants were prepared with a MMT clay concentration of 0.2 and 0.3 wt%. A three level Box Behnken experimental design was performed in order to optimize the input parameters for milling of an AISI 1018 steel, such as: cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and nanoparticle concentration in the cutting fluid. A total of 27 different combinations of these parameters were done by this method. Response characteristics investigated were: spindle load (related to power consumption), cutting insert radius (wear), and surface roughness (quality of the AISI 1018 steel work-piece). For the spindle load, it was found that NP addition had a significant effect. The results of the model for this response parameter indicate that the determination coefficient (R2) was 99%. The R2 of the model for the cutting insert radius was 93% and the results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that NPs had a significant effect when combined with the parameters of cutting speed and feed rate. The optimal range of values for the four input parameters that enhanced all three response characteristics were: a cutting speed of 1145–1182 rpm, depth of cut of 0.02–0.03 in, feed rate of 7–8 in/min, and MMT clay NP concentration of 0.13–0.15 wt%. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the benefit of green nanoadditives in cutting fluids and optimization of processing parameters for enhancing the efficiency of milling processes.

This paper aims at presenting the Kantian consideration of the subject regarding the possibility of his theoretical-scientific determination and his practical-moral self-determination as well as the problematization of the relationship of these determinations. Initially, in view of the argumentation that characterizes the subject in the 1st Edition of the Critique of Pure Reason, it is argued that such determination culminates in a subjectivist stance. Then, bearing in mind the characterization of the subject in the 2nd Edition of the Critique, it is argued that Kant structures a logical approach to the subject that enables the justification of his (self) determination. It is taken into consideration, afterwards, Kant's attempts to prove the relationship of these determinations and the result, attested in the Critique of Practical Reason, of his self-sufficiency. Finally, regarding the Critique of the Power of Judgment, the systematic outcome of the approach to the relationship of these determinations in the context of reflection is considered. The conclusion reached is that, aiming at the possibility of justifying scientific knowledge and ethical acting, the Kantian theory limits the characterization of the subject to a logical approach and, therefore, that this limitation does not allow - whether in the domains of knowledge and moral acting, or in the sphere of reflection – an objectively valid philosophical proof of its necessary relationship to be established.

El objetivo del presente artículo, es efectuar una revisión de las diferentes disposiciones que han sido expedidas por la Comisión de Regulación de Comunicación, en desarrollo de sus competencias legales, identificando los criterios establecidos en materia de compartición de infraestructura de energía eléctrica para el suministro de servicios de telecomunicaciones y las ventajas que este tipo de comparticiones pueden generar para la consecución de la conectividad en el territorio nacional. Adicionalmente, el por qué el regulador de comunicaciones y no el regulador de energía cuenta con la atribución para resolver los conflictos relacionados con la compartición de la infraestructura, finalizando con la identificación de los principales conflictos que se han originado entre los operadores del sector de energía eléctrica.

38 páginas El presente artículo tiene como objetivo el estudio de la función de solución de controversias otorgada a la Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones (crc) por la Ley 1341 de 2009 y la prevalencia del ordenamiento andino y sus efectos, en particular frente a un ente especializado en el marco de la interconexión. La normatividad andina y la ley nacional otorgaron al regulador la potestad de dirimir conflictos entre partes, por su idoneidad técnica y especializada, acompañado de un procedimiento ágil previsto para su resolución, en Colombia conferido a la Comisión de Regulación de Comunicaciones. Los mecanismos que las partes acostumbraban acordar para resolver los conflictos, compartían espacios entre el arreglo directo, la mediación, la resolución del regulador, la justicia arbitral, y la justicia ordinaria, posibilidades que fueron restringidas a raíz de la sentencia del juez comunitario andino y las interpretaciones prejudiciales sobre la materia. El mandato andino y las posturas reflejadas en las interpretaciones prejudiciales, y la competencia legal del regulador colombiano para dirimir conflictos no se ha compaginado, para efecto de resolver diferencias entre operadores que vienen de años atrás, situación que ha generado incertidumbre y que ha traído consigo la necesidad de una modificación, en cuanto a competencia, estructura y funciones. Para alcanzar tal fin se abordará el marco normativo, luego un análisis de la jurisprudencia constitucional y de las interpretaciones prejudiciales y, por último, se determinarán algunos de los cuestionamientos y se hará una aproximación a un concepto reciente sobre la función, para proponer unas conclusiones sobre una posible solución.

The present research evaluated the chemical composition as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the essential oil from the bark of Ocotea quixos (Lam.) Kosterm. The major components of the essential oil were cinnamaldehyde (30.69%), methoxy cinnamaldehyde (16.29%), cinnamyl acetate (12.18%), and methyl cinnamate (5.72%). The antioxidant capacity showed to be superior to that of the essential oil of Tymus vulgaris. The results show low half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values, which means that the essential oil has a high activity: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) IC50, 2.786 ± 0.150 mg mL−1; 2,2′-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonic acid (ABTS) IC50, 0.240 ± 0.034 mg mL−1; and IC50 β-carotene test, 0.496 ± 0.017 mg mL−1. The essential oil was active with all the microorganisms evaluated, being very active against: Escherichia coli ATCC (American type culture collection) 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Listeria grayi ATCC 19120, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 4698, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533, and Trichophyton rubrum ATCC 13803. The bioautography assays showed that bergamoteno and methoxy cinnamaldehyde were the responsible molecules for the antioxidant activity and cinnamyl acetate was the molecule responsible for the antimicrobial activity.

Blackberry mash added with citric acid (0–500 mg/kg) was treated with microwaves (0–60 s), and the resulting juice was evaluated to determine the effects on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity using surface response methodology. This methodology allowed the selection of the parameters for the microwave treatment and concentrations of citric acid that yielded the highest content of total polyphenols, monomeric anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of the juice. Mash samples were sonicated (40% amplitude, 20 KHz, 10 min) and stored at 5 °C + 1 °C for a month. Then the contents of total polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanins, as well as microbiological quality were analyzed. Analysis of polyphenols was carried out by UPLC-DAD in the raw juice and the sample selected by surface response methodology and treated with ultrasound. The highest levels of polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanins in juice were obtained at a time of 60 s of microwave processing and a concentration of 500 mg/kg citric acid in the blackberry mash. Phenolic acids, flavonols and cyanidin were detected in both samples. During storage, juice processed with ultrasound retained more than 90% of monomeric anthocyanins and showed a significant microbial load reduction, agreeing with the quality parameters established by the Mexican standards. This study highlights the potential application of microwaves and ultrasound to increase the functional value of blackberry juice.

The objectives of this scoping review were: first, to pose a research question; second, to identify relevant studies to answer the research question; third, to select and retrieve the studies; fourth, to chart the critical data; and finally, to collate, summarise, and report the results from selected articles on the dental management of children affected with autism.Relevant articles (randomised controlled trials, reviews, observational studies, and clinical case reports) published over an 11-year period were identified and retrieved from five internet databases: PubMed, Embase/Ovid, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and EBSCO.By title and abstract screening and after removing duplicates, 25 articles were finally included in the present scoping review. According to the extracted data, the following four clinical issues were found to be most important: patient behavioural control, prevalence/incidence of dental caries, adverse effects and interactions with medications, and orthodontic management. Additionally, several useful clinical recommendations are provided.Paediatric dentists should bear in mind that early diagnosis and treatment, effective communication skills, and a long-term follow-up of children with autism continue to be the best approaches for achieving enhanced patient psychological well-being and consequently a better quality of life.

Life expectancy is increasing at a pace that may sustain beyond the actual age of retirement, and some people will not be ready to retire until an advanced aged. In addition, today even if recruiting all of the young people out of school, we will still have a shortage of workers.

Background Blue corn is a cereal rich in phenolic compounds used to make blue tortillas. Tortillas are an important part of the Mexican diet. Blue corn and tortilla represent an important source of the natural antioxidants anthocyanins. However, studies on their biological activity on cancer cell lines are limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of blue corn and tortilla on different cancer cell lines. Methods Total polyphenol content, monomeric anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity by the DPPH and TBARS methods of blue corn and tortilla were determined. The anthocyanin profile of tortilla was obtained by means of HPLC–ESI-MS. The antiproliferative activity of blue corn and tortilla extract on HepG2, H-460, Hela, MCF-7 and PC-3 was evaluated by the MTT assay. Results Blue corn had higher content of total polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanins as well as lower percentage of polymeric color than tortilla; however, both showed similar antioxidant activity by DPPH. In addition, although a higher degradation of anthocyanins was observed on tortilla extract, both extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation (IC50) at a similar concentration. The anthocyanin profile showed 28 compounds which are primarily derived from cyanidin, including acylated anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. Blue corn and tortilla extracts showed antiproliferative effects against HepG2, H-460, MCF-7 and PC-3 cells at 1000 μg/mL, however Hela cells were more sensitive at this concentration. Conclusion This is the first report to demonstrate anticancer properties in vitro of tortilla derived from blue corn, suggesting that this product has beneficial health effects. In addition, blue corn could be a potential source of nutraceuticals with anticancer activity.

The high cost of cellulolytic enzymes used in the ethanol production process has led to a growing interest in situ production. The evaluation of the influence of several factors in the fungus Penicillium sp. cellulase production using pretreated sugarcane bagasse is very interesting. Penicillium sp. cellulase production by using filter paper as cellulosic substrate and the use of glucose, sucrose and lactose like co-substrates was assessed. In the experiments using filter paper as a cellulosic substrate, the highest FPase enzyme activity obtained was 280 FPU.L-1 using sucrose as co-substrate. Subsequently, the study of pretreated sugarcane bagasse was conducted using Plackett-Burman experimental design with analysis of 6 factors influencing the process. The highest FPase activity was 615.1 FPU.L-1. The factors influencing FPase and β- glucosidase activity were the use of molasses and the solid loading. The successful use of molasses as co-substrate opens perspectives for future researches.

Objetivo: Este estudio pretende conocer los comportamientos sexuales y la frecuencia del consumo de drogas y alcohol, y su relación en adolescentes de secundaria de cuatro instituciones públicas de la ciudad de Manizales, Caldas, Colombia de 9° a 11° grado.Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal. Participaron 334 estudiantes, seleccionados por muestreo probabilístico estratificado por colegio de una población de 3423 estudiantes. La recolección de datos se hizo mediante una encuesta que incluyó aspectos sociodemográficos, comportamientos sexuales, consumo de alcohol y drogas.Resultados: El inicio de relaciones sexuales en promedio para hombres fue de 13.64 años y para mujeres de 14.83 años, la mayoría de participantes de género femenino 64.4% ha tenido una pareja sexual en contraste con el género masculino 21%; también se encontró un índice de consumo de alcohol de 94.9%, siendo la cerveza la más consumida en hombres; el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas fue de 45.2% siendo el popper el de mayor consumo (38.9%), estos porcentajes incluyen los bajos consumos. Se encontraron claras relaciones entre las variables de comportamiento sexual y de consumo de alcohol y drogas, en particular resalta la relación entre número de parejas sexuales y consumo de drogas.Conclusiones: Se puede concluir que el inicio de relaciones sexuales en esta población es temprano, con un amplio uso del preservativo como método de planificación (88.8%) y que el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas es frecuente. Se debe reforzar la promoción y prevención de la salud.

The identification of Granada with the icon of a pomegranate in al-Šarafī’s nautical atlases (1551, 1571) fuels an evocative image of the Naṣrid Kingdom, which also implies support to morisco refugees in the context of the Ottoman Turkish defence of Islam across the Mediterranean. The depiction of Granada and Sierra de Segura in Mediterranean chartmaking raises interesting questions of conceptualization and design but, above all, provides evidence to the interaction between the Maghrebi-Andalusian and Majorcan traditions. al-Mursī’s chart (1461) is presented here as a testimony for this., La identificación de Granada con el icono del fruto del granado en los atlas náuticos de al-Šarafī (1551, 1571) alimenta una imagen evocadora del reino nazarí, a la vez que solidaria con los exiliados moriscos en el contexto de la defensa turco-otomana del Islam en el Mediterráneo. Tanto la imagen de Granada como de la Sierra de Segura en la cartografía náutica mediterránea plantea interesantes cuestiones de tipo conceptual y estilístico pero, sobre todo, documenta la interacción entre las tradiciones magrebí-andalusí y mallorquina. La carta de al-Mursī (1461) se presenta aquí como testimonio de ello.

If we could rewind the tape of evolution and play it again, would it turn out to be similar to or different from what we know? Obviously, this key question can only be addressed by fragmentary experimental approaches. Twenty-two years ago, we described the establishment of BHK-21 cells persistently infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a system that displayed as its major biological feature a coevolution of the cells and the resident virus in the course of persistence. Now we report the establishment of two persistently infected cell lines in parallel, starting with the same clones of FMDV and BHK-21 cells used 22 years ago. We have asked whether the evolution of the two newly established cell lines and of the earlier cell line would be similar or different. The main conclusions of the study are: (i) the basic behaviour characterized by virus–cell coevolution is similar in the three carrier cell lines, despite differences in some genetic alterations of FMDV; (ii) a strikingly parallel behaviour has been observed with the two newly established cell lines passaged in parallel, unveiling a deterministic virus behaviour during persistence; and (iii) selective RT-PCR amplifications have detected imbalances in the proportion of positive- versus negative-strand viral RNA, mediated by both viral and cellular factors. The results confirm coevolution of cells and virus as a major and reproducible feature of FMDV persistence in cell culture, and suggest that rapidly evolving viruses may constitute adequate test systems to probe the influence of historical contingency on evolutionary events.

We found a 6.1% bacterial contamination rate among 198 propofol vials collected after clinical use in 12 operating rooms of a high-complexity hospital in Cali, Colombia. Some propofol vials were used for extended periods (up to 72 hours), and only 26.1% of vials were punctured once. Median time of use, although not statistically significant, was higher in positive samples (7.2 vs 3.5 hours, P = .08). Education on the topic should stress that vials are single-patient use and must be immediately discarded after use.

The study estimated the effective coverage of health services in primary care for the management of domestic violence against women in three municipalities in Mexico. We estimated the prevalence and severity of violence using a validated scale, and the effective coverage proposed by Shengelia and partners with any modifications. Quality care was considered when there was a suggestion to report it to authorities. The use and quality of care was low in the three municipalities analyzed, used most frequently when there was sexual or physical violence. Effective coverage was 29.41%, 16.67% and zero in Guachochi, Jojutla and Tizimín, respectively. The effective coverage indicator had difficulties in measuring events and responses that were not based on biomedical models. Findings suggest that the indicator can be improved by incorporating other dimensions of quality.

Rapid control of protein degradation is usually achieved through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. We recently found that the short-lived GTPase RhoB is degraded in lysosomes. Moreover, the fusion of the RhoB C-terminal sequence CINCCKVL, containing the isoprenylation and palmitoylation sites, to other proteins directs their sorting into multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and rapid lysosomal degradation. Here, we show that this process is highly specific for RhoB. Alteration of late endosome lipid dynamics produced the accumulation of RhoB, but not of other endosomal GTPases, including Rab5, Rab7, Rab9 or Rab11, into enlarged MVB. Other isoprenylated and bipalmitoylated GTPases, such as H-Ras, Rap2A, Rap2B and TC10, were not accumulated into MVB and were stable. Remarkably, although TC10, which is highly homologous to RhoB, was stable, a sequence derived from its C-terminus (CINCCLIT) elicited MVB sorting and degradation of a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-chimeric protein. This led us to identify a cluster of basic amino acids (KKH) in the TC10 hypervariable region, constituting a secondary signal potentially involved in electrostatic interactions with membrane lipids. Mutation of this cluster allowed TC10 MVB sorting and degradation, whereas inserting it into RhoB hypervariable region rescued this protein from its lysosomal degradation pathway. These findings define a highly specific structural module for entering the MVB pathway and rapid lysosomal degradation., This work was supported by grants from MiCInn SAF2009-11642 and SAF2009-08086 and by RETICS RIRAAF from ISCIII, RD07/0064/0007 and PIE201020E031 from CSIC. C. L. O. has been supported by a JAE Intro fellowship from CSIC.

During the detection of neck recurrence in patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC), sometimes it is difficult to distinguish metastatic from inflammatory neck lymph nodes. The measurement of serum thyroglobulin (sTg) under thyroid hormone suppression therapy the presence of serum thyroglobulin antibodies (sAbTg), the diagnostic whole body scan and cytology can give false negative results. Measurement of thyroglobulin in the washout fluid from fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of suspicious neck lymph nodes could improve the diagnostic accuracy.To evaluate the usefulness of detecting Tg in lymph nodes (LTg) suspicious by ultrasonography (US) and compare it to cytology.Between the years 2004 and 2007 we prospectively studied 30 patients with PTC and cervical US findings of suspicious recurrence. LTg was assayed in US guided FNAB used for cytology.Sixteen out of 30 patients underwent surgery using as selective criteria an LTg higher than sTg or a positive cytology. Surgery confirmed the presence of metastasis in all 15 patients with positive LTg (8 with positive cytology) and in 1 patient with negative LTg and positive cytology (a case with undifferentiated thyroid cancer). The sensitivity was 93.7% for LTg and 56.2% for cytology. We identified by LTg 3 of 6 patients with undetectable sTg and positive sAbTg.The presence of LTg showed a higher sensitivity than cytology for the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis. This method is useful even in the presence of sAbTg.

Background: During the detection of neck recurrence in patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC), sometimes it is difficult to distinguish metastatic from inflammatory neck lymph nodes. The measurement of serum thyroglobulin (sTg) under thyroid hormone suppression therapy, the presence of serum thyroglobulin antibodies (sAbTg), the diagnostic whole body scan and cytology can give false negative results. Measurement of thyroglobulin in the washout fluid from fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of suspicious neck lymph nodes could improve the diagnostic accuracy. Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of detecting Tg in lymph nodes (LTg) suspicious by ultrasonography (US) and compare it to cytology. Patients and Methods: Between the years 2004 and 2007 we prospectively studied 30 patients with PTC and cervical US findings of suspicious recurrence. LTg was assayed in US guided FNAB used for cytology. Results: Sixteen out of 30 patients underwent surgery using as selective criteria an LTg higher than sTg or a positive cytology. Surgery confirmed the presence of metastasis in all 15 patients with positive LTg (8 with positive cytology) and in 1 patient with negative LTg and positive cytology (a case with undifferentiated thyroid cancer). The sensitivity was 93.7% for LTg and 56.2% for cytology. We identified by LTg 3 of 6 patients with undetectable sTg and positive sAbTg. Conclusions: The presence of LTg showed a higher sensitivity than cytology for the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis. This method is useful even in the presence of sAbTg (Rev Med Chile 2008; 136: 1107-12). (Key words: Biopsy, fine-needle; Neoplasm metastasis; Thyroid neoplasms)

Quasispecies theory is providing a solid, evolving conceptual framework for insights into virus population dynamics, adaptive potential, and response to lethal mutagenesis. The complexity of mutant spectra can influence disease progression and viral pathogenesis, as demonstrated using virus variants selected for increased replicative fidelity. Complementation and interference exerted among components of a viral quasispecies can either reinforce or limit the replicative capacity and disease potential of the ensemble. In particular, a progressive enrichment of a replicating mutant spectrum with interfering mutant genomes prompted by enhanced mutagenesis may be a key event in the sharp transition of virus populations into error catastrophe that leads to virus extinction. Fitness variations are influenced by the passage regimes to which viral populations are subjected, notably average fitness decreases upon repeated bottleneck events and fitness gains upon competitive optimization of large viral populations. Evolving viral quasispecies respond to selective constraints by replication of subpopulations of variant genomes that display higher fitness than the parental population in the presence of the selective constraint. This has been profusely documented with fitness effects of mutations associated with resistance of pathogenic viruses to antiviral agents. In particular, selection of HIV-1 mutants resistant to one or multiple antiretroviral inhibitors, and the compensatory effect of mutations in the same genome, offers a compendium of the molecular intricacies that a virus can exploit for its survival. This chapter reviews the basic principles of quasispecies dynamics as they can serve to explain the behavior of viruses.

Islamic sacred geography is the notion of the world being centred on the Kaʿba, and those who followed it proposed facing the qibla by means of simple folk astronomical methods, independent of mathematical geography. The oldest known schemes appear in the geographical works of Ibn Khurradādhbih (second half of ninth century) and al-Muqaddasī (second half of tenth century). The first is a textual scheme based on the concept of counter- qibla or direction from the perspective of the Kaʿba. The second is a graphical scheme of qibla directions towards the sacred building. The Vienna manuscript is the main source for the edition of the Arabic text which is located in folios 2v-3r. The schemes of Ibn Khurradādhbih and al-Muqaddasī attest the gradual subdivision process of the sacred space of Islam from the most natural four-sector segmentation into a multiplicity of sectors. Keywords: al-Muqaddasī; Arabic text; Ibn Khurradādhbih; Islamic sacred geography; Kaʿba; Vienna manuscript

Probably the fundamental issue about the relation between art and beauty in the Critique of the Power of Judgment, of 1790, is the difficulty to recognize an object as a work of art (across a concept of art) and the judgment of taste, which when considered as pure cannot possess concepts that determine the object. Nevertheless, there does not seem to be another experience such as the experience of beauty for the recognition of beautiful artwork. Thus, it becomes necessary to explore the points of convergence between a production oriented to ends and the production of a beautiful object, considering, despite what has just been said, that the "concept" of work of art is different from any concept that could be considered to be an end of an intentional act. Along this dissertation we propose to explore the relations between the practice of genius and taste, as regulators of the artistic production, recognition and valuation of the works of art. We will consider for it, the possible rules of the genius, trying to isolate the formal and content aspects of the object. With this intention, we will depart from the classification of the works of art as forms of expressiveness, similar to the language, trying to show the weaknesses of any classic aesthetic norm in the establishment of rules of connection between forms and contents. Nevertheless, also we will evaluate the emphasis of Kant himself in supporting identifiable connections between the objects considered as works of art, specially the formal aspects of the same ones. From the previous analysis we will be forced to evaluate the relationship between beautiful art and nature. The failure of the arbitrariness, as a way for establish the artistic beauty in the assimilation to a form of language , leads us to recovering the theory of natural beauty, trying to find the points of contact between beauty and aesthetic the experience of art. Therefore, we will evaluate the consequences of the Kantian theory of art in relation to the aesthetic experience of the "Analytic of the Beauty ", distinguishing the difficulties that Kant might have had in mind when he developed his philosophy of art. The fundamental aim of this tour across Kant's text is the possibility of evaluating the current importance of the Kantian aesthetics, linking the exegesis of the text with two fundamental elements of the contemporary debate in philosophy of art: definition (or recognition) and valuation. We try to show that the aspects considered by Kant as necessary to support this balance (originality, relation between artists and public across the work, place of the work em the society, pleasure of the aesthetic experience, artistic tradition), still are relevant for the current debate in aesthetics and reflective human action. Provavelmente o principal problema da relação entre arte e beleza na Crítica da Faculdade de Julgar, de 1790, esteja na necessidade de reconhecer um objeto como obra de arte (através de um conceito de arte) e o juízo de gosto, que, considerado puro, não pode ter conceitos que determinem o objeto. Porém, não parece haver outra experiência além da experiência de beleza para o reconhecimento da obra de arte bela. Assim, faz-se necessário explorar os pontos de convergência entre uma produção orientada a fins e a produção de um objeto belo, considerando, contudo, que o conceito de obra de arte é diferente de qualquer conceito que possa ser colocado como fim de um ato intencional. No percurso do trabalho nos propomos a explorar as relações entre a prática do gênio e o gosto como regulador da produção artística e do reconhecimento e valoração das obras de arte. Consideraremos para isso as possíveis regras do gênio, tentando isolar os aspectos formais e os aspectos de conteúdo do objeto. Neste intento, partiremos da classificação das obras de arte como formas de expressividade, semelhantes à linguagem, visando mostrar as fraquezas de qualquer norma estética clássica no estabelecimento de regras de conexão entre formas e conteúdos. Porém, também avaliaremos a ênfase do próprio Kant em manter conexões identificáveis entre os objetos considerados obras de arte, sobretudo os aspectos formais dos mesmos. A partir da análise anterior estaremos obrigados a avaliar a relação entre arte bela e natureza. O fracasso da arbitrariedade, como forma de estabelecimento do belo artístico enquanto assimilação a uma forma de linguagem nos leva a recuperar a teoria da beleza natural, visando encontrar os pontos de contato entre beleza e experiência estética da arte. Destarte, avaliaremos as conseqüências que temos da teoria kantiana da arte em relação à experiência estética da Analítica do Belo , destacando as dificuldades de que o próprio Kant poderia ter sido consciente ao desenvolver sua filosofia da arte. O alvo fundamental deste percurso através do texto de Kant se encontra na possibilidade de avaliar a atualidade da estética kantiana, vinculando à exegese do texto dois elementos fundamentais do debate contemporâneo em filosofia da arte: definição (ou reconhecimento) e valoração. Pretendemos mostrar que os aspectos considerados por Kant como necessários para manter este equilíbrio (originalidade, relação entre artistas e público a través da obra, lugar da obra na sociedade, prazer da experiência estética, tradição artística), ainda são relevantes para o debate atual no que diz respeito à estética e ao agir humano reflexivo.

Studies suggest an association between obesity and asthma. This may be modified by the physiological changes of puberty. We aim to explore the relation between overweight and current asthma among Mexican adolescent females and young women and evaluate how puberty may modify this association.Adolescent females (n=6944) and young women aged 11-24 years provided data. Current asthma was defined as wheezing in the last 12 months and obesity by body mass index (BMI). Puberty was defined by age at menarche. The association of obesity and current wheezing was evaluated by using logistic regression adjusting for confounders. The impact of puberty was studied by using stratified analysis by age at menarche.The prevalence of current wheezing was 16.2% (95% CI 15-17). Compared with girls of normal weight (BMI 15 toor=85 percentile), obese girls (BMIor=95 percentile) had an increased risk of current wheezing of 19% (OR=1.19; 95% CI 0.97-1.46). After stratifying by age at menarche, we observed that this increased risk was only present in girls with menarche at 11 years old or younger (1.31%; 95% CI 1.01-1.73).The association between obesity and asthma seems to be greater among girls with early puberty, suggesting the role of female hormones.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a dimorphic fungus, is the etiologic agent of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), one of the most important systemic mycosis in Latin America. Two genes (2.2 and 1DB5) were cloned, characterized and sequenced; they showed homology with members of hsp70 gene family. By using several probe fragments derived from these genes, levels of expression for each gene were determined by Northern blot during transition to the yeast phase. The highest level of hsp70 transcript occurred between 30 min to 6 hours after temperature shift, with significant reduction after 36-48 hours. However, after 72 hours, the level of the transcription increased until yeast phase was reached. As a response to temperature increase, hsp 70 genes are expressed during the transition phase and possibly play a role in the differentiation process.

To investigate the association between serum levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), the synthesis of autoantibodies, salivary gland disease activity, clinical manifestations, and IL-10 microsatellite polymorphism in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).Serum IL-10 and autoantibody levels [IgG anti-Ro and anti-La, total and IgA rheumatoid factor (RF)] were measured by ELISA. A minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsy was performed in all patients and the focus score was determined as a measure of salivary gland disease activity. In addition, IL-10 microsatellite typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction technique.IL-10 concentration was higher in patients (n = 39) than in controls (n = 15) (21.4 +/- 6.7 vs 2.5 +/- 3.5 pg/ml; p = 0.001). We found a significant positive correlation between IL-10 levels and titers of IgA RF, anti-Ro, and anti-La antibodies, as well as focus score. In comparison with patients with low IL-10 production (9.5 pg/ml), patients producing high IL-10 had significantly more episodes of cutaneous vasculitis and a higher proportion of them carried the IL-10.G9 allele.Autoimmune response in pSS patients as well as salivary gland disease activity and cutaneous involvement appears to be mediated by IL-10 levels; in turn, there is a linkage with IL-10 gene polymorphism.

Immunofluorescence analyses of FMDV persistently infected BHK-21 cells showed that in cultures from early stages of the persistence (passage 15) only about 10% of cells displayed viral antigens, while at late stages (passage 100) no FMDV antigen-positive cells were found. Positive cells at passage 15 displayed a number of structural alterations that did not differ from those observed in lytically infected cells. In these monolayers, and remarkably, clusters of cells that exceeded confluence were associated with an enhancement of cells positive for FMDV antigens, suggesting cell density-dependent expression of viral antigens. Inhibition of virus spread by blocking endosomal acidification, or addition of neutralizing antibodies to the culture medium reduced the number of FMDV antigen-positive cells within the monolayers. These results suggest that extracellular virus transmission plays an important role during FMDV persistence in cell culture and that this process fits the characteristics of a carrier culture model.