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Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease has a wide range of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to severe. Ancestral contribution, sex, immune response, and genetic factors influence the presentation of the disease. The objective of the present study was to validate these genetic variants in patients with severe COVID-19 who died and in survivor patients. Methods: Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in six genes: ATPase plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting 2 (ATP2B2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2), (interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 2) IFNAR2, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 1A (TNFRSF1A), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 1B (TNFRSF1B), were explored in two groups: the first consisted of severe COVID-19-related patients (familial cases from 58 families, n = 130), and the second group of unrelated severe COVID-19 patients (n = 1045). In each study group, death was evaluated as the outcome. Results: In non-related patients with severe COVID-19, carriers of GG genotype (rs2289274) in the ATP2B2 gene showed a high-risk probability of non-surviving (OR = 1.43). Survival analysis to 75 days indicates that carriers of GG have a higher risk than GA or AA genotypes (p = 0.0059). The haplotype GG (rs2289273-rs2289274) in ATP2B2 was found to be associated with a high risk of death in severe non-related COVID-19 patients. No significant associations were found between severe COVID-19-related patients and SNVs in ATP2B2, TMPRSS2, DOCK2, IFNAR2, TNFRSF1A, or TNFRSF1B. Conclusions: Unrelated patients with severe COVID-19 that carry the GG genotype (rs2289274) in ATP2B2 showed a high death risk. Survival analysis to 75 days indicates that carriers of GG have a higher risk of non-survival compared to GA or AA genotypes.

Lymphadenitis is a commonly occurring and contagious disease in guinea pigs caused by different pathogens, including Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Corynebacterium sp. This study aimed to characterize the bacteria isolated from pus extracted from abscessed mandibular lymph nodes of diseased guinea pigs in Ecuador in 2019 and evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of the total extracts of three plant species. Isolates were recovered from three diseased guinea pigs with Lymphadenitis on a farm in Imbabura, Ecuador province. The bacteria were characterized through microbiological, biochemical, and molecular tests as Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Furthermore, the susceptibility of S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus to three plant extracts belonging to the Asteraceae family, Acmella ciliata, Bidens andicola, and Gazania splendens collected in Ecuador, were assessed in vitro by the microdilution method. Our data indicate that all the evaluated extracts showed activity, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 22.50 mg/mL for Acmella ciliata, 11.25 mg/mL for Bidens andicola, and 5.60 mg/mL for Gazania splendens. Bidens andicola extract showed the highest efficacy with a % inhibition of 63.90 at the highest tested concentration (45 mg/mL). This is the first report on the bioactivity of these plant species against S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus.

Endometriosis is a chronic proinflammatory pathology characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the endometrium outside the uterus, affecting approximately 5 to 15% of women worldwide. Suffering from endometriosis entails a complex pathophysiological process, significantly impacting the quality of life and reproductive function of affected women; therefore, it must be addressed in a personalized and comprehensive manner, as its management requires a multidisciplinary approach. This article aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review of endometriosis, not only as a pathophysiological condition but also as a significant factor impacting the social, nutritional, and mental well-being of those who experience it. Emphasis is placed on the importance of understanding and assessing the impact of the pathology to provide a better and more comprehensive approach, integrating various alternatives and strategic treatments for the factors involved in its development. The aim is to provide a complete overview of endometriosis, from its pathophysiology to its impact on the quality of life of patients, as well as a review of current treatment options, both pharmacological and alternative, in order to broaden the perspective on the pathology to improve the care of patients with this disease.

Dendroctonus-bark beetles are natural components and key ecological agents of coniferous forests. They spend most of their lives under the bark, where they are exposed to highly toxic terpenes present in the oleoresin. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) is a multigene family involved in the detoxification of these compounds. It has been demonstrated that CYP6DE and CYP6DJ subfamilies hydroxylate monoterpenes, whose derivatives can act as pheromone synergist compounds or be pheromones themselves in these insects. Given the diversity and functional role of CYPs, we investigated whether these cytochromes have retained their function throughout the evolution of these insects. To test this hypothesis, we performed a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis to determine phylogenetic subgroups of cytochromes in these subfamilies. Subgroups were mapped and reconciled with the Dendroctonus phylogeny. Molecular docking analyses were performed with the cytochromes of each subgroup and enantiomers of α-pinene and β-pinene, (+)-3-carene, β-myrcene and R-(+)-limonene. In addition, functional divergence analysis was performed to identify critical amino acid sites that influence changes in catalytic site conformation and/or protein folding. Three and two phylogenetic subgroups were recovered for the CYP6DE and CYP6DJ subfamilies, respectively. Mapping and reconciliation analysis showed different gain and loss patterns for cytochromes of each subgroup. Functional predictions indicated that the cytochromes analyzed are able to hydroxylate all monoterpenes; however, they showed preferential affinities to different monoterpenes. Functional divergence analyses indicated that the CYP6DE subfamily has experimented type I and II divergence, whereas the CYP6DJ subfamily has evolved under strong functional constraints. Results suggest cytochromes of the CYP6DE subfamily evolve to reinforce their detoxifying capacity hydroxylating mainly α- and β-pinene to (+) and (−)-trans-verbenol, being the negative enantiomer used as a pheromone by several Dendroctonus species; whereas cytochromes of the CYP6DJ subfamily appear to retain their original function related to the detoxification of these compounds.

Host genetic factors significantly influence susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity. Among these genetic factors are single-nucleotide variants (SNVs). IFNAR2 and IFNAR1 genes have been associated with severe COVID-19 in populations from the United Kingdom, Africa, and Latin America. IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 are subunits forming the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR). SNVs in the IFNAR genes impact protein function, affecting antiviral response and disease phenotypes. This systematic review aimed to describe IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 variants associated with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Accordingly, the current review focused on IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 studies published between January 2021 and February 2023, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol. The electronic search was conducted in PubMed databases using Boolean operators and inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 170 literature pieces, 11 studies were included. We include case reports of rare SNVs, defined by minor allele frequency (MAF) < 1%, and genome-wide associated studies (GWAS). Variants in IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 could potentially be new targets for therapies that limit the infection and the resulting inflammation by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Species belonging to the genus Rahnella are dominant members of the core gut bacteriome of Dendroctonus-bark beetles, a group of insects that includes the most destructive agents of pine forest in North and Central America, and Eurasia. From 300 isolates recovered from the gut of these beetles, 10 were selected to describe an ecotype of Rahnella contaminans. The polyphasic approach conducted with these isolates included phenotypic characteristics, fatty acid analysis, 16S rRNA gene, multilocus sequence analyses (gyrB, rpoB, infB, and atpD genes), and complete genome sequencing of two isolates, ChDrAdgB13 and JaDmexAd06, representative of the studied set. Phenotypic characterization, chemotaxonomic analysis, phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene, and multilocus sequence analysis showed that these isolates belonged to Rahnella contaminans. The G + C content of the genome of ChDrAdgB13 (52.8%) and JaDmexAd06 (52.9%) was similar to those from other Rahnella species. The ANI between ChdrAdgB13 and JaDmexAd06 and Rahnella species including R. contaminans, varied from 84.02 to 99.18%. The phylogenomic analysis showed that both strains integrated a consistent and well-defined cluster, together with R. contaminans. A noteworthy observation is the presence of peritrichous flagella and fimbriae in the strains ChDrAdgB13 and JaDmexAd06. The in silico analysis of genes encoding the flagellar system of these strains and Rahnella species showed the presence of flag-1 primary system encoding peritrichous flagella, as well as fimbriae genes from the families type 1, α, β and σ mainly encoding chaperone/usher fimbriae and other uncharacterized families. All this evidence indicates that isolates from the gut of Dendroctonus-bark beetles are an ecotype of R. contaminans, which is dominant and persistent in all developmental stages of these bark beetles and one of the main members of their core gut bacteriome.

Dendroctonus bark beetles are the most destructive agents in coniferous forests. These beetles come into contact with the toxic compounds of their host's chemical defenses throughout their life cycle, some of which are also used by the insects as kairomones to select their host trees during the colonization process. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which the insects counteract the toxicity of these compounds. Here, two sibling species of bark beetles, D. valens and D. rhizophagus, were stimulated with vapors of a blend of their main kairomones (α-pinene, β-pinene and 3-carene), in order to compare the transcriptional response of their gut. A total of 48 180 unigenes were identified in D. valens and 43 704 in D. rhizophagus, in response to kairomones blend. The analysis of differential gene expression showed a transcriptional response in D. valens (739 unigenes, 0.58–10.36 Log2FC) related to digestive process and in D. rhizophagus (322 unigenes 0.87–13.08 Log2FC) related to xenobiotics metabolism. The expression profiles of detoxification genes mainly evidenced the up-regulation of COEs and GSTs in D. valens, and the up-regulation of P450s in D. rhizophagus. Results suggest that terpenes metabolism comes accompanied by an integral hormetic response, result of compensatory mechanisms, including the activation of other metabolic pathways, to ensure the supply of energy and the survival of organisms which is specific for each species, according to its life history and ecological strategy.

La procrastinación académica en los estudiantes de nivel superior toma una vital relevancia al considerar su impacto en el desempeño académico y el bienestar físico y mental. El objetivo fue determinar el nivel de procrastinación académica en estudiantes de enfermería de una universidad de México. Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, correlacional y transversal en una muestra de 113 estudiantes, se utilizó la escala Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students y las pruebas U de Mann Whitney y el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman. El 55.8% de los estudiantes presentaron alto nivel de procrastinación académica, las actividades que más se postergan son las de escribir un trabajo de final de curso (X=9.45, DE=2.52) y estudiar para los exámenes (X=9.12, DE=2.77), se observó baja tendencia para dejar de procrastinar (X=20.57, DE=6.48), las principales razones para procrastinar son la falta de energía y autocontrol (X= 22.87, DE=8.11), la falta de asertividad y confianza (X=14.18, DE=5.16), existe relación significativa entre la postergación de estudiar para los exámenes y la falta de asertividad y confianza (rs=.279, p=.01). La procrastinación académica es una conducta presente entre los estudiantes de enfermería y en actividades referentes al final de curso o evaluación de conocimientos, la principal causa es la falta de energía y autocontrol de la conducta, a pesar de esto, los estudiantes muestran poca intención para dejar de procrastinar.

Three new species of Lepanthes from Ecuador are described and illustrated. These additions to the Ecuadorean flora were recorded in evergreen montane forest and páramo as part of three different research projects conducted during the last five years (2016–2021). Lepanthes oro-lojaensis was discovered in the southwest of El Oro province and is similar to L. jimburae, differing mainly in the much smaller plants, inflorescences and floral parts. Lepanthes microprosartima from the western slopes of Pichincha volcano in northern Ecuador resembles L. obandoi but differs in the coloration of the leaves, the inflorescence that are shorter than the leaves and the smaller floral appendix. Lepanthes caranqui, found in eastern Pichincha and Imbabura, is most similar to L. pachychila but differs from it in its much larger plants and different shape of the petals and the floral appendix. Preliminary assessments of the conservation status of the three taxonomic novelties are provided, using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

The interest in studying the neural circuits related to mating behavior and mate choice in monogamous species lies in the parallels found between human social structure and sexual behavior and that of other mammals that exhibit social monogamy, potentially expanding our understanding of human neurobiology and its underlying mechanisms. Extensive research has suggested that social monogamy, as opposed to non-monogamy in mammals, is a consequence of the neural encoding of sociosensory information from the sexual partner with an increased reward value. Thus, the reinforced value of the mate outweighs the reward value of mating with any other potential sexual partners. This mechanism reinforces the social relationship of a breeding pair, commonly defined as a pair bond. In addition to accentuated prosocial behaviors toward the partner, other characteristic behaviors may appear, such as territorial and partner guarding, selective aggression toward unfamiliar conspecifics, and biparental care. Concomitantly, social buffering and distress upon partner separation are also observed. The following work intends to overview and compare known neural and functional circuits that are related to mating and sexual behavior in monogamous mammals. We will particularly discuss reports on Cricetid rodents of the Microtus and Peromyscus genus, and New World primates (NWP), such as the Callicebinae subfamily of the titi monkey and the marmoset (Callithrix spp.). In addition, we will mention the main factors that modulate the neural circuits related to social monogamy and how that modulation may reflect phenotypic differences, ultimately creating the widely observed diversity in social behavior.

Rahnella sp. ChDrAdgB13 is a dominant member of the gut bacterial core of species of the genus Dendroctonus, which is one of the most destructive pine forest bark beetles. The objectives of this study were identified in Rahnella sp. ChDrAdgB13 genome the glycosyl hydrolase families involved in carbohydrate metabolism and specifically, the genes that participate in xylan hydrolysis, to determine the functionality of a putative endo-1,4-β-D-xylanase, which results to be bifunctional xylanase–ferulic acid esterase called R13 Fae and characterize it biochemically. The carbohydrate-active enzyme prediction revealed 25 glycoside hydrolases, 20 glycosyl transferases, carbohydrate esterases, two auxiliary activities, one polysaccharide lyase, and one carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). The R13 Fae predicted showed high identity to the putative esterases and glycosyl hydrolases from Rahnella species and some members of the Yersiniaceae family. The r13 fae gene encodes 393 amino acids (43.5 kDa), containing a signal peptide, esterase catalytic domain, and CBM48. The R13 Fae modeling showed a higher binding affinity to ferulic acid, α-naphthyl acetate, and arabinoxylan, and a low affinity to starch. The R13 Fae recombinant protein showed activity on α-naphthyl acetate and xylan, but not on starch. This enzyme showed mesophilic characteristics, displaying its optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 25°C. The enzyme was stable at pH from 4.5 to 9.0, retaining nearly 66–71% of its original activity. The half-life of the enzyme was 23 days at 25°C. The enzyme was stable in the presence of metallic ions, except for Hg2+. The products of R13 Fae mediated hydrolysis of beechwood xylan were xylobiose and xylose, manifesting an exo-activity. The results suggest that Rahnella sp. ChDrAdgB13 hydrolyze xylan and its products could be assimilated by its host and other gut microbes as a nutritional source, demonstrating their functional role in the bacterial-insect interaction contributing to their fitness, development, and survival.

Para contrastar longitudinalmente los efectos de factores estructurales, poblacionales y políticos que en la literatura se han asociado a la alternancia política, el presente artículo analiza el caso de Zacatecas, una entidad que, además de describir patrones cambiantes en el porcentaje de alternancias municipales, muestra variaciones temporales importan-tes en sus índices de migración, sus niveles de des-igualdad económica y las relaciones políticas en su interior. Se revisan las consideraciones teóricas con respecto de la alternancia política, se realiza una re-visión histórica de la sucesión partidista en el poder en dicha entidad, y se examina el caso zacatecano mediante un modelo estadístico a partir de las variables estructurales, poblaciones y políticas sobre una base de datos con los 58 municipios del estado, en las elecciones de entre 2010 y 2018. Al final, se obtuvieron 232 observaciones que permitieron periodizar distintos momen-tos políticos en la historia de Zacatecas, y se concluye que la alternancia está altamente determinada por el contexto estatal en que ésta se efectúa. / The substitution of citizen representation structured through elector-al means has drawn the attention of specialists in democracy for many years. However, electoral studies still lack robust evidence to ascertain the causes associated to alternations understood as dynamic events that occur throughout time. In order to longitudinally contrast the effects of structural, population and political factors, which the literature has related such events to, this research analyzes alternation processes in Zacatecas, a state in which the percentage of municipal alternations have experienced changing patterns, which also reflects important temporary variations regarding migration, economic inequality and political relationships.

La turistificación es un fenómeno que refiere a la afectación del tejido social y comercial de una ciudad o barrio, al reorientarse el espacio urbano y residencial para el uso y disfrute del turista. En este trabajo, a partir de una revisión histórica del barrio, así como de información estadística, se analiza el impacto de la turistificación en Lavapiés, producido tras las obras de renovación urbana llevadas a cabo entre 1998 y 2012. La popularización del barrio madrileño como atractivo turístico se fundamentó en las características socioculturales de una parte de su población: migrantes y okupas. Estas intervenciones, que tuvieron por objeto revertir su degradación, no consideraron, sin embargo, su realidad histórica y social, lo que produjo una paulatina homogenización del barrio, así como la expulsión de sus habitantes originarios que hacen de Lavapiés un sitio único.

El artículo introduce una perspectiva geográfica para el estudio de la relación entre economía y territorios rurales latinoamericanos, a través de los conceptos de Milton Santos de horizontalidades y verticalidades. Se discuten dos aristas de esa relación: las dinámicas económicas que se materializan en los territorios, en el contexto de los impulsos espacio-temporales globales y la producción de escalas geográficas que resulta de esa materialización, a través de la relación entre actores y economías de base territorial. El análisis se organiza en cuatro líneas: 1) las políticas estatales y la reconfiguración económico-productiva territorial, 2) el extractivismo y las inequidades territoriales, 3) las nuevas formas espaciales de la fuerza de trabajo rural y 4) la espacialidad de la agricultura familiar. Se argumenta que las dinámicas económicas en los territorios rurales no están limitadas exclusivamente a la esfera de la producción, sino que abarcan procesos de reproducción y cuidado de la vida, en su sentido más amplio. Adicionalmente, en un contexto donde la movilidad, los ensambles y las redes son elementos distintivos de la nueva geografía rural, aparecen escalas híbridas con mayor flexibilidad, maleabilidad y vínculos amorfos entre espacios y lugares diversos. Abstract Through Milton Santos' concepts of horizontalities and verticalities, this article introduces a geographical perspective for studying the relationship between economy and rural territories in Latin America. Two dimensions of that relationship are approached: the spatio-temporal global impulses that take a material grounding at particular locations, and the production of scales of that grounding through the relationship between agents and localized economies. The analysis is organized into four themes: 1) state policies and economic-productive territorial restructuring, 2) extractivism and territorial inequities, 3) new spatial dynamics of the rural labor force, 4) spatiality of family farming. We argue that rural dynamics are not limited exclusively to the sphere of production, but encompass processes of reproduction and care of life, in its broadest sense. In addition, mobility, assemblages and networks are distinctive elements of current territorial dynamics, creating hybrid scales with greater flexibility, malleability and amorphous linkages between spaces and places.

The COVID-19 pandemic had imposed a variety of containment measures on the general population for prolonged periods. Confinement has had, and still has, social, economic, educational, health, and psychological consequences on the entire population. Objective: In this article, a systematic search has been performed based on studies carried out since the beginning of the pandemic, regarding the impact of these containment measures on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population and their caregivers. Method: We consulted six databases (i.e., PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct) and selected ten studies that met the inclusion criteria. The chosen studies have been classified according to their theoretical focus, methodology, and target population. Results: We found an increase in stress and a decrease in psychological well-being among individuals diagnosed with ASD (i.e., parents and caregivers). Additionally, in studies focused on children, youth, and adults with ASD diagnosis, the results are contradictory depending on variables such as age, ASD severity, or type of family structure. Conclusions: The results show that the consequences of quarantine and social confinement are quite contradictory and depend on variables such as age, ASD severity, and family features.

Large studies in von Willebrand disease patients, including Spanish and Portuguese registries, led to the identification of >250 different mutations. It is a challenge to determine the pathogenic effect of potential splice site mutations on VWF mRNA. This study aimed to elucidate the true effects of 18 mutations on VWF mRNA processing, investigate the contribution of next-generation sequencing to in vivo mRNA study in von Willebrand disease, and compare the findings with in silico prediction. RNA extracted from patient platelets and leukocytes was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced using Sanger and next generation sequencing techniques. Eight mutations affected VWF splicing: c.1533+1G>A, c.5664+2T>C and c.546G>A (p.=) prompted exon skipping; c.3223-7_3236dup and c.7082-2A>G resulted in activation of cryptic sites; c.3379+1G>A and c.7437G>A) demonstrated both molecular pathogenic mechanisms simultaneously; and the p.Cys370Tyr missense mutation generated two aberrant transcripts. Of note, the complete effect of three mutations was provided by next generation sequencing alone because of low expression of the aberrant transcripts. In the remaining 10 mutations, no effect was elucidated in the experiments. However, the differential findings obtained in platelets and leukocytes provided substantial evidence that four of these would have an effect on VWF levels. In this first report using next generation sequencing technology to unravel the effects of VWF mutations on splicing, the technique yielded valuable information. Our data bring to light the importance of studying the effect of synonymous and missense mutations on VWF splicing to improve the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind von Willebrand disease. clinicaltrials.gov identifier:02869074.

El presente artículo analiza la situación del trabajo femenino en los hogares de Miazi y Shaime, dos comunidades shuar en la Amazonía sur ecuatoriana, en un contexto de colonización y de reciente apertura a mercados locales. Se observan además las implicaciones del trabajo de las mujeres en la agro-biodiversidad y en la alimentación de sus familias, así como la valoración subjetiva sobre su participación. Los resultados muestran principalmente dos espacios de producción agrícola en las fincas familiares de los entrevistados: el aja o huerta para autoconsumo y los cultivos de comercialización. Esta caracterización se hace en función del rol que las mujeres cumplen en cada espacio y de la carga de trabajo que tienen en el proceso productivo. Además, se presentan algunos extractos de entrevistas de varios actores locales y comunitarios que contextualizan las condiciones desiguales y de sobre-explotación sobre las cuales se desarrolla el trabajo femenino. Este análisis revela que, aunque invisible, el trabajo de las mujeres es central en una economía agrícola de mercado en desarrollo en estos ecosistemas ecológicamente sensibles.

This study aims to develop a clinical trial to test the efficacy of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) program on self-reported values of anxiety, depression, and stress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in primary school, in order to assess their integration into the framework of community intervention programs in Spain. Methods: A brief 8-week training program using mindfulness-based intervention (MBSR) and self-compassion (SC) has been applied to twelve Valencian ASD parents, ten of whom completed the program. Participants were assigned to two groups; both groups received the same treatment but at two different measurement moments. Depression, anxiety, stress, satisfaction with life and mindful attention awareness measurements were performed, in all participants, in three testing stages. Results: Analysis of variance results suggested that MBSR and SC training reduces stress and anxiety and increases mindful attention awareness. No significant changes were found in life satisfaction measurements. Conclusions: The small number of participants prevents us from generalizing the results found. More MBSR and SC clinical trials are needed in parents of ASD with results on anxiety, depression and stress in order to demonstrate the relevance of the inclusion of these programs in community-based early intervention services.

Dendroctonus-bark beetles are natural agents contributing to vital processes in coniferous forests, such as regeneration, succession, and material recycling, as they colonize and kill damaged, stressed, or old pine trees. These beetles spend most of their life cycle under stem and roots bark where they breed, develop, and feed on phloem. This tissue is rich in essential nutrients and complex molecules such as starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which apparently are not available for these beetles. We evaluated the digestive capacity of Dendroctonus rhizophagus to hydrolyze starch. Our aim was to identify α-amylases and characterize them both molecularly and biochemically. The findings showed that D. rhizophagus has an α-amylase gene (AmyDr) with a single isoform, and ORF of 1452 bp encoding a 483-amino acid protein (53.15 kDa) with a predicted signal peptide of 16 amino acids. AmyDr has a mutation in the chlorine-binding site, present in other phytophagous insects and in a marine bacterium. Docking analysis showed that AmyDr presents a higher binding affinity to amylopectin compared to amylose, and an affinity binding equally stable to calcium, chlorine, and nitrate ions. AmyDr native protein showed amylolytic activity in the head-pronotum and gut, and its recombinant protein, a polypeptide of ~53 kDa, showed conformational stability, and its activity is maintained both in the presence and absence of chlorine and nitrate ions. The AmyDr gene showed a differential expression significantly higher in the gut than the head-pronotum, indicating that starch hydrolysis occurs mainly in the midgut. An overview of the AmyDr gene expression suggests that the amylolytic activity is regulated through the developmental stages of this bark beetle and associated with starch availability in the host tree.

According to the All or None Hypothesis (Diamond, 2009), the cognitive system can operate in a global manner that is not very discriminate or in a more discriminate mode that demands greater precision, control, and cognitive effort. There are five corollaries to this hypothesis that describe, in an operative way, the conditions under which the controlled mode of functioning in the cognitive domain can be activated and thus tested. Given the impact this theory has generated and the absence of studies analyzing the corollaries in a collective and systematic way at different stages of development, this study was proposed, first of all, to test three of these corollaries in children, adolescents and adults and, secondly, to analyze the changes in the controlled mode of functioning during these three stages of development. To this end, the Fingers Task, a modified version of Arrows Task (with two rules: response ipsilateral where the stimulus is presented, symmetry; and response contralateral, asymmetry), was administered to a sample of 123 participants (43 children, 44 adolescents, and 36 adults). In general, the results verify the corollaries and identify the changes that the controlled mode of functioning experiences at different stages of development.

In Northern Patagonia, the mating season starts on March 15th, when rams are submitted to summer temperatures. Exposure of rams to heat stress increases the prevalence of microscopic damage to spermatozoa, morphological abnormalities, and reductions in fertility. This study assesses the adaptive capabilities of six unshorn and six shorn Australian Merino rams, half of which were treated in a heat chamber for eight hours for five days, gradually reaching a temperature of up to 40 °C. Microscopic damage, abnormalities and ultramicroscopic alterations of the plasma membrane and the acrosome of sperm head were analysed. There were significant differences in the percentage of tailless spermatozoa and proximal cytoplasmic droplets between post-treatment periods. Temperature primarily affected the shorn rams and the sperm heads during spermiogenesis. Submicroscopic alterations were observed when the plasma membrane was present in the anterior segment. These alterations can be intact, waved, or dilated. When the plasma membrane was absent, the acrosome might be intact, dilated, and waved. In addition, the outer acrosomal membrane may completely lose its contents or have a nude nucleus. The plasma membrane assumes a waved shape as a result of the effect of temperature on the epididymis. According to this study, the tailless head, proximal cytoplasmic droplets, and the ultramicroscopic categories studied were robust indicators of semen heat stress. After ten weeks, the sperm head recovered its normal shape. Unshorn rams are better adapted to summer heat stress than shorn ones. Microscopy and transmission electron microscopy alterations have been shown to be excellent indicators of thermal stress in Australian Merino rams and may be useful tools to help sheep farmers choose when to begin the mating season, which will vary depending on the environmental conditions of the summer.

The multimeric analysis (MA) of plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) evaluates structural integrity and helps in the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD). This assay is a matter of controversy, being considered by some investigators cumbersome and only slightly informative. The centralised study 'Molecular and Clinical Profile of von Willebrand Disease in Spain (PCM-EVW-ES)' has been carried out by including the phenotypic assessment and the genetic analysis by next generation sequencing (NGS) of the VWF gene (VWF). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of MA to the diagnosis of these patients and their potential discrepancies. Two hundred and seventy out of 480 patients centrally diagnosed with VWD had normal multimers, 168 had abnormal multimers and 42 a total absence of multimers. VWF MA was of great significance in the diagnosis of 83 patients (17.3%), it was also of help in the diagnosis achieved in 365 additional patients (76%) and was not informative in 32 cases (6.7%). With regard to discrepancies, 110 out of 480 (23%) patients centrally diagnosed with VWD presented some kind of discordance between VWF:RCo/VWF:Ag and/or VWF:CB/VWF:Ag ratios, multimeric study and/or genetic results. The VWF MA was key in the presence of novel mutations as well as in cases with phenotypic discrepancies. A comparison between the contribution of MA and VWF:CB showed a clearly higher contribution of the former in the diagnostic process. These data seem to reinforce the relevance of the VWF MA in VWD diagnosis, despite all its limitations.

Molecular diagnosis of patients with von Willebrand disease is pending in most populations due to the complexity and high cost of conventional molecular analyses. The need for molecular and clinical characterization of von Willebrand disease in Spain prompted the creation of a multicenter project (PCM-EVW-ES) that resulted in the largest prospective cohort study of patients with all types of von Willebrand disease. Molecular analysis of relevant regions of the VWF, including intronic and promoter regions, was achieved in the 556 individuals recruited via the development of a simple, innovative, relatively low-cost protocol based on microfluidic technology and next-generation sequencing. A total of 704 variants (237 different) were identified along VWF, 155 of which had not been previously recorded in the international mutation database. The potential pathogenic effect of these variants was assessed by in silico analysis. Furthermore, four short tandem repeats were analyzed in order to evaluate the ancestral origin of recurrent mutations. The outcome of genetic analysis allowed for the reclassification of 110 patients, identification of 37 asymptomatic carriers (important for genetic counseling) and re-inclusion of 43 patients previously excluded by phenotyping results. In total, 480 patients were definitively diagnosed. Candidate mutations were identified in all patients except 13 type 1 von Willebrand disease, yielding a high genotype-phenotype correlation. Our data reinforce the capital importance and usefulness of genetics in von Willebrand disease diagnostics. The progressive implementation of molecular study as the first-line test for routine diagnosis of this condition will lead to increasingly more personalized and effective care for this patient population.

Comprender el pasado…es un libro que, además de representar un estimulante recorrido a lo largo de la escritura de la historia, constituye toda una definición de cómo buena parte de los historiadores contemporáneos entienden la historiografía hoy.

In the megadiverse tropical mountain forest in the Andes of southern Ecuador, a global biodiversity hotspot, the use of fire to clear land for cattle ranching is leading to the invasion of an aggressive weed, the bracken fern, which is threatening diversity and the provisioning of ecosystem services. To find sustainable land use options adapted to the local situation, a profound knowledge of the long-term spatiotemporal patterns of land cover change and its drivers is necessary, but hitherto lacking. The complex topography and the high cloud frequency make the use of remote sensing in this area a challenge. To deal with these conditions, we pursued specific pre-processing steps before classifying five Landsat scenes from 1975 to 2001. Then, we quantified land cover changes and habitat fragmentation, and we investigated landscape changes in relation to key spatial elements (altitude, slope, and distance from roads). Good classification results were obtained with overall accuracies ranging from 94.5% to 98.5% and Kappa statistics between 0.75 and 0.98. Forest was strongly fragmented due to the rapid expansion of the arable frontier and the even more rapid invasion by bracken. Unexpectedly, more bracken-infested areas were converted to pastures than vice versa, a practice that could alleviate pressure on forests if promoted. Road proximity was the most important spatial element determining forest loss, while for bracken the altitudinal range conditioned the degree of invasion in deforested areas. The annual deforestation rate changed notably between periods: ~1.5% from 1975 to 1987, ~0.8% from 1987 to 2000, and finally a very high rate of ~7.5% between 2000 and 2001. We explained these inconstant rates through some specific interrelated local and national political and socioeconomic drivers, namely land use policies, credit and tenure incentives, demography, and in particular, a severe national economic and bank crisis.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of severe extreme thermal stress on the respiratory rate (panting) of unsheared and sheared rams in standing and lying position, and to analyse two temperature-humidity indices (THIs). Six mature Australian Merino rams from Northern Patagonia, three unshorn and three shorn, were subjected to 40 hours (8 hours each day for five days) of gradual increase in temperature from 25°C to 40°C, guaranteeing 4h daily at 40°C in a heat chamber. Respiratory rate (RR) was registered continuously by counting flank movements, and the ambient air temperature and relative humidity were recorded every five minutes inside the heat chamber. From 1413 RR measurements, descriptive and modelling analyses were performed. Panting as a response variable was distributed into five categories, and fixed effects such as THI, wool (unshorn/shorn), and position (standing/lying) were considered. No significant differences were observed between the panting score in the unshorn (standing or lying) and standing (unshorn or shorn) sheep, but significant differences were observed in shorn and lying rams. The explanations could be that heat production from muscle activity was lower and the transfer and heat lost by conduction to the floor was easier in the rams with shorter fleece (at least 0.7 inches long). However, in the unshorn rams, their wool acted as an insulator, both with air as well as the floor. Australian Merino rams from Northern Patagonia are heat tolerant to an environment between 31.5°C and 42°C, and 32% to 48% humidity for 40 hours over five days. The rams were in the first phase of panting, and the normal rectal temperatures registered daily when leaving the heat chamber confirmed that regulation of body temperature was possible. The LPHSI’s THI was adjusted to improve the analysis of the RR more than the National Research Council’s THI.

Bark beetles commonly produce de novo terpenoid pheromones using precursors synthesized through the mevalonate pathway. This process is regulated by Juvenile Hormone III (JH III). In this work, the expression levels of mevalonate pathway genes were quantified after phloem feeding—to induce the endogenous synthesis of JH III—and after the topical application of a JH III solution. The mevalonate pathway genes from D. rhizophagus were cloned, molecularly characterized, and their expression levels were quantified. Also, the terpenoid compounds produced in the gut were identified and quantified by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The feeding treatment produced an evident upregulation, mainly in acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (AACT), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGS), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK), and isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IPPI) genes, and males reached higher expression levels compared to females. In contrast, the JH III treatment did not present a clear pattern of upregulation in any sex or time. Notably, the genes responsible for the synthesis of frontalin and ipsdienol precursors (geranyl diphosphate synthase/farnesyl diphosphate synthase (GPPS/FPPS) and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS)) were not clearly upregulated, nor were these compounds further identified. Furthermore, trans-verbenol and myrtenol were the most abundant compounds in the gut, which are derived from an α-pinene transformation rather than de novo synthesis. Hence, the expression of mevalonate pathway genes in D. rhizophagus gut is not directed to the production of terpenoid pheromones, regardless of their frequent occurrence in the genus Dendroctonus.

After several exploratory surveys to the states of Jalisco and Zacatecas in the Sierra Madre Occidental (SMOC), the bark beetle Dendroctonus rhizophagus Thomas and Bright, 1970 was recorded in 2 geographic localities of Villa Guerrero, Jalisco. These new records extend the range of distribution of this beetle a further 250 km south along the SMOC from the southernmost site recorded in the state of Durango. These records indicate that this species may be present in almost any area of the SMOC where conditions are suitable for its development.Después de varios viajes de exploración a los estados de Jalisco y Zacatecas en la sierra Madre Occidental (SMOC), se registró la presencia del descortezador Dendroctonus rhizophagus Thomas y Bright, 1970 en 2 localidades en el Municipio de Villa Guerrero, Jalisco. Estos nuevos registros amplían el área de distribución del descortezador 250 km hacia el sur de la SMOC, a partir del punto más sureño registrado en el estado de Durango. Asimismo, estos registros indican que esta especie puede estar presente en prácticamente cualquier área de la SMOC que reúna las condiciones adecuadas para su desarrollo.

A raíz de la vigencia de la última Constitución en el Ecuador, desde 2008, se desarrolla el primer sistema nacional de planificación. Este, de manera pionera en el país, incorpora el ordenamiento territorial como política de Estado a aplicarse de manera coordenada en todas las unidades de administración territorial. En este contexto, el artículo expone los fundamentos políticos que han servido para introducir al ordenamiento territorial en la planificación del desarrollo: el Buen Vivir, la transformación de la matriz productiva y la descentralización. En una segunda parte, se presentan algunos resultados de la implementación del Sistema Nacional Descentralizado de Planificación Participativa y las respuestas desde los gobiernos subnacionales a los procesos de planificación y ordenamiento territorial impulsados desde el gobierno central. Uno de los aspectos de mayor discusión es el de la implementación de los proyectos estratégicos a través de la gestión territorial en espacios locales. Se hace una síntesis sobre el rol del ordenamiento territorial instrumentalizado como estrategia de los estados nacionales.

Using the ENNViH 2002 survey, a switching model shows that signifi- cant differences exist in the formation of infant cognitive ability across Mexican social strata. Public policy variables and local economic characteristics are sufficient to detect an important gradient in cognitive abilities and their family determinants in children. Children from lower strata acquire lower cognitive abilities and depend on the satisfaction of more basic needs than children in higher strata. Coefficients for the lower strata are consistent with the existence of wealth restrictions that impede optimal investment in child development.

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las relaciones existentes entre el aprendizaje implícito (AI), el aprendizaje explícito (AE) y la edad en niños de 7 a 12 años. Se trabajó con un diseño cuasi-experimental. Se administraron dos pruebas de aprendizaje: una prueba de AI de gramáticas artificiales con un diseño lúdico y figurativo diseñado para niños, y una prueba de AE figurativa. Se trabajó con una muestra de 49 niños de 7 a 12 años de la ciudad de Mar del Plata, Argentina. Los resultados obtenidos brindaron apoyo empírico a la afirmación de Reber sobre la independencia del AI con respecto a la edad de los sujetos. Se discute la importancia del AI como un mecanismo temprano de abstracción de regularidades que desempeña un destacado rol en la edad escolar y que permanece más estable que el aprendizaje explícito.

Presentamos la experiencia realizada en un Programa de Alfabetización Municipal (PAM) en la ciudad de Esquel, una comunidad de 35.000 habitantes ubicada en la zona cordillerana de la provincia del Chubut, en la República Argentina. El programa intenta ser una experiencia de participación comunitaria voluntaria, impulsada y articulada por el Estado municipal, a través de la provisión del equipo técnico [del PAM y el Servicio de Promoción del Trabajo Voluntario (SEPROTV)] y de los insumos necesarios para desarrollarla. En términos generales, se trata de una acción educativa en la que la lectura y la escritura son concebidas "apenas" como el medio, el puente, el pretexto -en su acepción técnica- para aprender cuestiones que tienen que ver con el ser y con el poder hacer de alfabetizadores y alfabetizandos. Un mundo como el nuestro -que sigue siendo ancho pero cada vez menos ajeno- exige, creemos, un incremento en la conciencia de que somos todos los que estamos y de que el bienestar individual genuino no está lejos del bienestar común. Consideramos que puede significar una aportación empírica de relevancia, por cuanto constituye un trabajo de política pública e innovación educativa que incluye a jóvenes alfabetizadores voluntarios y moviliza, al mismo tiempo, la participación comunitaria de un modo sistemático y organizado, conjugando el desarrollo dialéctico de respuestas promisorias a exigencias sociales y problemas teóricos (epistemológicos y metodológicos).

El objetivo del presente artículo es contribuir a la integración teórica entre dos perspectivas de amplia difusión y desa - rrollo actual: las teorías sobre el aprendizaje implícito (AI) y el programa de investigación conocido como Psicología Evolucionista (PE). Se propone la existencia de una base teórica común entre el AI y la PE que incluye: una perspectiva adaptacionista, que sostiene que las estructuras y mecanismos, procesos y conductas necesitan ser integrados dentro de un marco evolucionista y evaluados en términos de los roles que cada uno juega en las especies que los poseen; un innatismo moderado, que admite la existencia de una estructura considerable no dependiente del ambiente y por último, un acuerdo acerca del carác ter adaptativo y no reductible de la conciencia. Por el con trario, se considera que no forma parte de los compromisos compartidos la tesis del carácter masivamente modular de la mente.

En el estudio que se informa se exploraron las relaciones entre las siguientes mediciones cognitivas en niños de 8 a 12 años: (a) la capacidad de aprendizaje implícito (AI) de reglas abstractas, (b) la capacidad de aprendizaje explícito (AE) de reglas abstractas y (c) la medición psicométrica de inteligencia general (IG). Además, se analizó el efecto de tales relaciones con respecto al desarrollo cognitivo en diferentes edades cronológicas. Por último, se exploraron las diferencias en el formato de presentación utilizado en las pruebas comparando dos formatos: alfabético (CA) y figurativo (CF). Se trabajó con una muestra de 64 alumnos de tres escuelas provinciales de la ciudad de Mar del Plata (Prov. de Buenos Aires). La muestra estuvo conformada por 32 niños de tercer año y 32 niños de quinto año de Enseñanza General Básica (EGB). Se verificó la ocurrencia de una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre el AE y la IG (en la CF). Al comparar los resultados obtenidos por los niños de quinto año con los niños de tercero, se obtuvieron diferencias significativas en las puntuaciones obtenidas en la prueba de AE. Los resultados observados sustentan la hipótesis de la independencia del AI de reglas abstractas con respecto a la edad de los sujetos y al CI, y la asociación del AE de reglas abstractas con respecto a la edad de los sujetos y al CI. Los resultados sugieren que el formato figurativo es más sencillo y accesible para la edad de los sujetos comprendidos en la muestra.

Este artículo trata sobre la figura del defensor interamericano establecida en la reforma del Reglamento de la Corte IDH de 2009, dando cuenta de suámbito y vicisitudes de actuación y, su relación con las previsiones de otros tribunales internacionales. Así, refiere a los acuerdos institucionales entre la Corte IDH y la Asociación Interamericana de Defensorías Públicas (AIDEF) que posibilitaron la provisión de defensores públicos en procedimientos ante la Corte IDH, sus criterios de selección y los mecanismos para la asignación de casos, conalusión a las primeras intervenciones. Finalmente, se mencionan los principales desafíos de la figura en el sistema interamericano de derechos humanos.