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In this study, we developed gelatin-based films for active packaging with the ability to inhibit E. coli. We created these novel biodegradable gelatin-based films with a nisin-EDTA mix. FT-IR, TGA, and SEM analysis showed that nisin interacted with the gelatin by modifying its thermal stability and morphology. The use of nisin (2,500 IU/mL) with concentrations of Na-EDTA (1.052 M stock solution) distributed in the polymer matrix generated a significant decrease in the growth of E. coli when compared to the control. In freshly made films (t0), the growth of E. coli ATCC 25922 was reduced by approximately 3 logarithmic cycles. Two weeks after the films were made, a reduction in antimicrobial activity was observed in approximately 1, 1 and 3 logarithmic cycles of the films with 5%, 10% and 20% of the compound (nisin/Na-EDTA) distributed in the polymer matrix, respectively. This evidences an antimicrobial effect over time. Also, biodegradation tests showed that the films were completely degraded after 10 days. With all these results, an active and biodegradable packaging was successfully obtained to be potentially applied in perishable foods. These biodegradable, gelatin-based films are a versatile active packaging option. Further research on the barrier properties of these films is needed.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common and deadly disease in men. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages, at which point patients are treated mainly with docetaxel (DTX), which is effective but limited by resistance and side effects. Overactivation of the transcription factors NF-κB and STAT-3 plays a critical role in the development, progression, and chemoresistance of PCa. In this regard, the blockade of NF-κB with pentoxifylline (PTX) or STAT-3 with Stattic (STT) is known to increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy in both in vitro and in vivo models. We investigated whether simultaneous blockade with PTX and STT increases the efficacy of the DTX treatment in inducing apoptosis in metastatic castration-resistant PCa DU-145 cells. Our results showed that the combination of PTX + STT led to higher levels of apoptosis, regardless of whether or not DTX was present in the treatment. Determining caspases and ΔΨm indicates that the intrinsic caspase pathway of apoptosis is principally favored. In addition, this combination inhibited proliferation and colony formation and arrested the cell cycle in the G1 phase. These results indicate that the combination of the PTX + STAT-3 inhibitor could potentiate DTX effectively, opening the possibility of effective treatments in PCa.

Abstract Paspalum notatum Flüggé is an economically important subtropical fodder grass that is widely used in the Americas. Here, we report a new chromosome-scale genome assembly and annotation of a diploid biotype collected in the center of origin of the species. Using Oxford Nanopore long reads, we generated a 557.81 Mb genome assembly (N50 = 56.1 Mb) with high gene completeness (BUSCO = 98.73%). Genome annotation identified 320 Mb (57.86%) of repetitive elements and 45,074 gene models, of which 36,079 have a high level of confidence. Further characterisation included the identification of 59 miRNA precursors together with their putative targets. The present work provides a comprehensive genomic resource for P. notatum improvement and a reference frame for functional and evolutionary research within the genus.

Purpose of reviewThe thick ascending limb (TAL) of loop of Henle is essential for NaCl, calcium and magnesium homeostasis, pH balance and for urine concentration. NKCC2 is the main transporter for NaCl reabsorption in the TAL and its regulation is very complex. There have been recent advancements toward understanding how NKCC2 is regulated by protein trafficking, protein-protein interaction, and phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Here, we update the latest molecular mechanisms and players that control NKCC2 function, which gives an increasingly complex picture of NKKC2 regulation in the apical membrane of the TAL.Recent FindingsProtein-protein interactions are required as a regulatory mechanism in many cellular processes. A handful of proteins have been recently identified as an interacting partner of NKCC2, which play major roles in regulating NKCC2 trafficking and activity. New players in NKCC2 internalization and trafficking have been identified. NKCC2 activity is also regulated by kinases and phosphatases, and there have been developments in that area as well.SummaryHere we review the current understanding of apical trafficking of NKCC2 in the thick ascending limb (TAL) which is tightly controlled by protein-protein interactions, protein turnover and by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. We discuss new proteins and processes that regulate NKCC2 that have physiological and pathological significance.

IntroductionDespite the improvement in survival in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), there are still cases with evasion of chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. The IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway contributes to antiapoptotic gene expression. Pentoxifylline (PTX) inhibits IkB phosphorylation, blocking NF-κB and antiapoptotic activity. MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial on pediatric ALL patients undergoing induction therapy, assigning them to PTX or placebo group. Bone marrow aspirates were obtained on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Apoptosis was assessed using Annexin-V/propidium iodide. ResultsResults indicated that the PTX group exhibited higher apoptosis on day-8 (41.3% vs. 19.4%, p =0.029) and day-15 (35.0% vs. 14.2%, p

IntroductionMayaro Fever (MF) is a tropical disease caused by the Mayaro virus (MAYV), with outbreaks documented in Latin America.MethodsA hospital-based fever surveillance in Leticia, Colombian Amazon, collected sera from 1,460 patients aged 5-89 between December 2020 and April 2023.ResultsDengue and malaria were the main diagnoses (19.4 and 5.8%, respectively), leaving 71.4% of cases unidentified after testing. Metagenomic sequencing and real-time RT-qPCR testing identified MAYV in two patients (25-year-old male and an 80-year-old female) exhibiting typical symptoms, of MF including rash, joint pain, and fever. Phylogenetics analysis of these two viruses revealed a close relationship to Peruvian strains within the MAYV D genotype.DiscussionThe study of AFI in Leticia, Colombia, identified dengue as prevalent, with malaria, COVID-19, Influenza, and Zika viruses also detected. Despite extensive testing, most cases remained unexplained until metagenomic sequencing revealed MAYV, previously unseen in Colombia but known in neighboring countries.ConclusionThis study presents the first near full-length genomes of MAYV in Colombia, highlighting the need for further seroprevalence studies and enhanced surveillance to understand and control the spread of the virus in the region.

En este texto me enfoco en las agencias de los instrumentos musicales en las trayectorias de vida de tres estudiantes de la licenciatura en música de la Universidad Pedagógica Nacional; tomo como punto de partida la propuesta latouriana de agencia como la capacidad de gestar transformaciones en las redes de actores y actantes al impulsarlos a la acción; en este orden de ideas, no es necesariamente consciente o intencional y se presenta dispersa en los múltiples relacionamientos. En los estudios sociales de la música deben cobrar importancia los instrumentos musicales, en tanto los performances se producen en el constante ensamblaje de estos con el cuerpo de los intérpretes, dejando rastros en las experiencias cotidianas, las relaciones sociales o las experiencias físicas del cuerpo.

Metazoan immunity is mainly associated with specialized cells that are directly involved with the immune response. Nevertheless, both in vertebrates and invertebrates other organs might respond to immune activation and participate either directly or indirectly in the ongoing immune process. However, most of what is known about invertebrate immunity has been restricted to immune effector cells and little information is available on the immune responses of other tissues or organs. We now focus on the immune reactions of the intestinal tissue of an echinoderm. Our study employs a non-conventional model, the echinoderm Holothuria glaberrima, to identify intestinal molecules expressed after an immune challenge presented by an intra-coelomic injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The expression profiles of intestinal genes expressed differentially between LPS-injected animals and control sea water-injected animals were determined using a custom-made Agilent microarray with 7209 sea cucumber intestinal ESTs. Fifty (50) unique sequences were found to be differentially expressed in the intestine of LPS-treated sea cucumbers. Seven (7) of these sequences represented homologues of known proteins, while the remaining (43) had no significant similarity with any protein, EST or RNA database. The known sequences corresponded to cytoskeletal proteins (Actin and alpha-actinin), metabolic enzymes (GAPDH, Ahcy and Gnmt), metal ion transport/metabolism (major yolk protein) and defense/recognition (fibrinogen-like protein). The expression pattern of 11 genes was validated using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Nine of these corroborated the microarray results and the remaining two showed a similar trend but without statistical significance. Our results show some of the molecular events by which the holothurian intestine responds to an immune challenge and provide important information to the study of the evolution of the immune response.

Recently, hydrogen has been explored as an aviation energy carrier to support various critical energy challenges for the upcoming decades. Thus, conventional and non-conventional hydrogen production methods have been developed worldwide. This paper investigates Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) and Alkaline Electrolysis (AWE) hydrogen production as primary processes from an energy requirement and life cycle perspective. Besides, It also considers hydrogen liquefaction for aviation use. In this context, an attributional, Cradle-to-Gate life cycle assessment was carried out to compare the environmental impact of SMR and AWE hydrogen production processes under four German energy mix scenarios. The assessment method selected was ReCiPe 2016, and the main impact categories were climate change and acidification potential. The results show that greenhouse gas emissions from each production method highly depend on energy sources. The CO2 emissions from SMR and AWE processes in a base case scenario are 12 and 51 kgCO2eq/kgH2, respectively, and these values decrease to 7 (SMR) and 22 kgCO2eq./kgH2 (AWE) in a 2050 renewable energy scenario. Concerning the energy requirements, each process requires different energy amounts to produce 1 kgH2 (functional unit). SMR requires 11.3 kWh, AWE 61.8 kWh, and hydrogen liquefaction 5.1 kWh. In brief, hydrogen is widely promoted as an alternative energy carrier in Germany; however, depending on the production process and technical considerations, further studies are required to support and explore its applications.

Abstract Background Few studies have explored the impact of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and compared it to other patients with cancer. Objectives The primary objective of the study was to assess the QoL of patients diagnosed with the mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) types of CTCL in Spain. Methods A cross‐sectional observational study was completed recruiting adult patients with MF and SS, exploring the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Core Quality of Life Questionnaire, version 3 (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30v3) and Skindex‐29 HRQoL and itching intensity. Results A total of 141 patients [81 males (57.4%) and mean age of 63.6 years (95% CI: 61.4–65.7)], were included. EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 global health status showed worse scores in CTCL patients compared to healthy population (p

Arbovirus infections are frequent causes of acute febrile illness (AFI) in tropical countries. We conducted health facility based AFI surveillance at four sites in Colombia (Cucuta, Cali, Villavicencio, Leticia) during 2019-2022. Demographic, clinical and risk factor data were collected from persons with AFI that consented to participate in the study (n=2,967). Serologic specimens were obtained and tested for multiple pathogens by RT-PCR and rapid test (Antigen/IgM), with 20.7% identified as dengue positive from combined testing. Oropouche virus (OROV) was initially detected in serum by metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) and virus target capture in a patient from Cúcuta. Three additional infections from Leticia were confirmed by conventional PCR, sequenced, and isolated in tissue culture. Phylogenetic analysis determined there have been at least two independent OROV introductions into Colombia. To assess OROV spread, a RT-qPCR dual-target assay was developed which identified 87/791 (10.9%) viremic cases in AFI specimens from Cali (3/53), Cucuta (3/19), Villavicencio (38/566), and Leticia (43/153). In parallel, an automated anti-nucleocapsid antibody assay detected IgM in 27/503 (5.4%) and IgG in 92/568 (16.2%) patients screened, for which 24/68 (35.3%) of PCR positives had antibodies. Dengue was found primarily in people aged

While Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes libraries were once a key resource for the genomic community, they have been obviated, for sequencing purposes, by long-read technologies. Such libraries may now serve as a valuable resource for manipulating and assembling large genomic constructs. To enhance accessibility and comparison, we have developed a BAC restriction map database. Using information from the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s cloneDB FTP site, we constructed a database containing the restriction maps for both uniquely placed and insert-sequenced BACs from 11 libraries covering the recognition sequences of the available restriction enzymes. Along with the database, we generated a set of Python functions to reconstruct the database and more easily access the information within. This data is valuable for researchers simply using BACs, as well as those working with larger sections of the genome in terms of synthetic genes, large-scale editing, and mapping.

IntroductionB cell activating factor (BAFF) has an important role in normal B cell development. The aberrant expression of BAFF is related with the autoimmune diseases development like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) for promoting self-reactive B cells survival. BAFF functions are exerted through its receptors BAFF-R (BR3), transmembrane activator calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) that are reported to have differential expression on B cells in SLE. Recently, atypical B cells that express CD11c have been associated with SLE because they are prone to develop into antibody-secreting cells, however the relationship with BAFF remains unclear. This study aims to analyze the BAFF system expression on CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subsets double negative 2 (DN2), activated naïve (aNAV), switched memory (SWM) and unswitched memory (USM) B cells.MethodsForty-five SLE patients and 15 healthy subjects (HS) were included. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the expression of the receptors in the B cell subpopulations. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to quantify the soluble levels of BAFF (sBAFF) and IL-21.ResultsWe found increased frequency of CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subpopulations DN2, aNAV, SWM and USM B cells in SLE patients compared to HS. SLE patients had increased expression of membrane BAFF (mBAFF) and BCMA receptor in classic B cell subsets (DN, NAV, SWM and USM). Also, the CXCR5+ CD11c- DN1, resting naïve (rNAV), SWM and USM B cell subsets showed higher mBAFF expression in SLE. CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subpopulations DN2, SWM and USM B cells showed strong correlations with the expression of BAFF receptors. The atypical B cells DN2 in SLE showed significant decreased expression of TACI, which correlated with higher IL-21 levels. Also, lower expression of TACI in atypical B cell DN2 was associated with high disease activity.DiscussionThese results suggest a participation of the BAFF system in CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subsets in SLE patients. Decreased TACI expression on atypical B cells DN2 correlated with high disease activity in SLE patients supporting the immunoregulatory role of TACI in autoimmunity.

La radioterapia, hormonoterapia y quimioterapia son pilares importantes en el tratamiento del cáncer de próstata, sin embargo su eficacia se ve limitada por el desarrollo de resistencia. La inflamación crónica tiene un rol importante en el proceso de carcinogénesis, además existe una supresión de la respuesta inmunitaria en cáncer de próstata. Por lo cual, la inmunoterapia representa una herramienta terapéutica prometedora, ya que es capaz de potenciar la respuesta inmunitaria contra tumor. Diferentes ensayos clínicos evalúan la eficacia y utilidad clínica de la inmunoterapia en este cáncer, lo cual será discutido en esta revisión.

Objectives: Exosomes are the smallest of the extracellular vesicles and can contain a variety of different cargos, including nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. Ultracentrifugation followed by electron microscopy has historically been used for the isolation and visualization of exosomes; Western blot and ELISA have also been used, but these techniques are only semiquantitative and are unable to distinguish different exosome markers in the same sample. To resolve some of these issues, we propose a modification of a bead-based flow cytometry method. Methods: Peripheral blood serum was mixed with a commercial exosome separation reagent and incubated for 30 min at 4°, centrifuged, exosome pellet was isolated and resuspended in PBS. Exosomes were then added to magnetic beads, incubated 18 h, then incubated with exosome-specific antibodies for 1 h. The resulting bead:exosome complexes were centrifuged and then washed, then washed again using a magnetic separator, resuspended in PBS, and analyzed via flow cytometry. Results: Using commercial magnetic beads bound with anti-CD63, our protocol modifies starting conditions, washing steps, and magnetic separation and uses the FSC and SSC determination of the flow cytometer to result in increased yield and identification of the exosome populations of interest. Our modified protocol increased the yield of specific populations approximately 10-fold. Conclusion: The new protocol was used to identify exosomes positive for 2 immune checkpoint ligands in serum-derived exosomes from cervical cancer patients. We suspect that this protocol can also be used for the identification of other exosome proteins since we also quantified the exosome membrane-enriched tetraspanins CD9 and CD81. Identification of proteins rarely expressed in exosomes is complicated in this technique as serum is an inherently dirty source of exosomes, and great care must be taken in the washing and gating of the exosome:bead populations.

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto exponer la necesidad de reformular la figura del caso fortuito en el ámbito laboral, teniendo en consideración el nuevo carácter global que ostenta la morfología de los fenómenos actuales. Esta nueva morfología está presente en fenómenos como la pandemia por la COVID-19, lo que ha implicado que la invocación del caso fortuito genere una serie de problemáticas o falencias en un contexto laboral que conlleva la exigencia de que esta figura dialogue coherentemente con la narrativa de esta rama especial del derecho. Considerando esta problemática, los autores pretenden dar cuenta de la necesidad de replantear la figura del caso fortuito a la luz de la narrativa y de los principios que inspiran al derecho del trabajo, generando así un instituto jurídico que reconozca la nueva naturaleza global de los fenómenos. La intención de los autores es generar un debate que permita evitar una aplicación irrestricta y general de la figura, limitando sus supuestos de procedencia y constriñendo los efectos del mismo.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) hydrolyzes N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) into inactive fragments through its N-terminal site (ACEN). We previously showed that Ac-SDKP mediates ACE inhibitors' cardiac effects. Whether increased bioavailability of endogenous Ac-SDKP caused by knocking out ACE-N also improves cardiac function in myocardial infarction (MI)-induced heart failure (HF) is unknown. Wild-type (WT) and ACE-N knockout (ACE-NKO) mice were subjected to MI by ligating the left anterior descending artery and treated with vehicle or Ac-SDKP (1.6 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for 5 weeks, after which echocardiography was performed and left ventricles (LV) were harvested for histology and molecular biology studies. ACE-NKO mice showed increased plasma Ac-SDKP concentrations in both sham and MI group compared to WT. Exogenous Ac-SDKP further increased its circulating concentrations in WT and ACE-NKO. Shortening (SF) and ejection (EF) fractions were significantly decreased in both WT and ACE-NKO mice post-MI, but ACE-NKO mice exhibited significantly lesser decrease. Exogenous Ac-SDKP ameliorated cardiac function post-MI only in WT but failed to show any additive improvement in ACE-NKO mice. Sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA2), a marker of cardiac function and calcium homeostasis, was significantly decreased in WT post-MI but rescued with Ac-SDKP, whereas ACE-NKO mice displayed less loss of SERCA2 expression. Our study demonstrates that gene deletion of ACE-N resulted in improved LV cardiac function in mice post-MI, which is likely mediated by increased circulating Ac-SDKP and minimally reduced expression of SERCA2. Thus, future development of specific and selective inhibitors for ACE-N could represent a novel approach to increase endogenous Ac-SDKP toward protecting the heart from post-MI remodeling.

Summary: Intracellular long-chain acyl-coenzyme As (LC-acyl-CoAs) are thought to be under tight spatial and temporal controls, yet the ability to image LC-acyl-CoAs in live cells is lacking. Here, we developed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor for LC-acyl-CoAs based on the allosterically regulated interaction between α/β hydrolase domain-containing 5 (ABHD5) and Perilipin 5. The genetically encoded sensor rapidly detects intracellular LC-acyl-CoAs generated from exogenous and endogenous fatty acids (FAs), as well as synthetic ABHD5 ligands. Stimulation of lipolysis in brown adipocytes elevated intracellular LC-acyl-CoAs in a cyclic fashion, which was eliminated by inhibiting PNPLA2 (ATGL), the major triglyceride lipase. Interestingly, inhibition of LC-acyl-CoA transport into mitochondria elevated intracellular LC-acyl-CoAs and dampened their cycling. Together, these observations reveal an intimate feedback control between LC-acyl-CoA generation from lipolysis and utilization in mitochondria. We anticipate that this sensor will be an important tool to dissect intracellular LC-acyl-CoA dynamics as well to discover novel synthetic ABHD5 ligands. Motivation: Intracellular long-chain acyl-coenzyme As (LC-acyl-CoAs) are thought to be under tight spatial and temporal controls, yet the ability to image LC-acyl-CoAs in live cells is lacking. We sought to create a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor of LC-acyl-CoAs and synthetic ABHD5 ligands based on the reversible interactions between ABHD5 and PLIN5. The sensor allows dynamic imaging of intracellular LC-acyl-CoA levels in targeted subcellular compartments. In addition, since ABHD5 has emerged as a therapeutic target for metabolic disease and cancer, a robust FRET-based sensor could aid in the identification of novel synthetic and natural ABHD5 ligands.

Se conoce como enfermedad de Gibbus al colapso de la porción anterior de uno o más cuerpos vertebrales que provoca una cifosis segmentaria de ángulo agudo. En general, este tipo de deformidades son producto de infecciones tuberculosas. Uno de los principales problemas que trae apareado esta deformidad es la compresión medular. En el caso presentado, el paciente sufrió esta enfermedad como consecuencia de una infección no tuberculosa, con cifosis angular pososteomielitis, tratado con doble vía de abordaje, utilizando implantes recubiertos con nanopartículas de plata. Los resultados clínico-radiológicos fueron muy satisfactorios. Este caso presenta la conjugación de dos temas poco frecuentes en la medicina actual; por un lado, un tipo de deformidad de la columna que, rara vez, se debe a una infección no tuberculosa y, por otro lado, el implante utilizado, recubierto con nanopartículas de plata que, pese a las controversias, ofrece una nueva posibilidad de tratamiento para pacientes con un riesgo aumentado de infección asociada a implantes, y resulta de interés que sea reconocido por los cirujanos ortopedistas, puesto que existe evidencia suficiente para afirmar su capacidad para reducir la formación de biopelículas.

Después de lo trans. Sexo y género entre la izquierda y lo identitario, de Elizabeth Duval (2021), es el resultado de una investigación inseparable de la experiencia personal y el perfil público de la autora, que aprovecha sus páginas para reflexionar sobre los conceptos de género, feminismo, mujer, sexo o trans. Se trata de un libro publicado por una editorial comercial (La Caja Books) que no elude el rigor académico, pero sí rechaza de base el discurso academicista. Escrito en primera persona, en sus páginas encontramos trazos de crítica cultural y de actualidad política, sin perder las preguntas esenciales: ¿qué es ser trans? y ¿cuál es el horizonte de emancipación del feminismo?

Abstract Most species of Plicatula are important native forages. This work aimed to build framework cosegregation groups of the apomictic tetraploid race of Paspalum guenoarum cv. Rojas and localize the locus controlling apomixis in the species. An interspecific population derived from crossing a completely sexual tetraploid plant of P. plicatulum and an apomictic tetraploid individual of P. guenoarum cv. Rojas was used. Both, disomic and tetrasomic inheritance were detected in both parental genotypes. In P. guenoarum, ten cosegregation groups were built, including 50 markers expanding for 583 cM. The estimated genome coverage was 63.95%. The apomixis locus was located in the linkage group M8, together with seven other loci (four paternal and three biparental markers). The group extended for 59 cM. The four paternal markers showed strong linkage to apomixis, and two of them mapped at 4 and 7 cM at both sides of the locus. Five female linkage groups were constructed with markers segregating from P. plicatulum. One of them (F3) being homologous to the male group carrying apomixis. The linkage groups presented here constitute the first genetic frame for species of Plicatula group. Moreover, molecular markers linked to apomixis in P. guenoarum can assist fundamental research and breeding programs.

Introducción: La calidad de vida en el trabajo (CVT) o calidad de vida laboral (CVL) expresa la satisfacción de los trabajadores, en este caso enfermeras, que está directamente relacionada con la seguridad y calidad del cuidado del paciente. Objetivo: Identificar, desde la literatura científica, niveles de satisfacción con la calidad de vida en el trabajo de las enfermeras latinoamericanas, factores de riesgo asociados y repercusiones en la salud. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión integrativa en bases de datos PubMed, SciELO, BVS y Google Académico relacionado con estudios publicados en el período enero 2011 - agosto 2021, en inglés, portugués y español. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 13 artículos que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, realizados en personal de salud que incluyeron a enfermeras. Se establecieron tres categorías de análisis: Satisfacción e insatisfacción con la calidad de vida en el trabajo por niveles, dimensiones y dominios; Factores sociolaborales asociados a la CVT, y Calidad de vida en el trabajo y sus repercusiones en salud. Conclusión: La revisión permitió identificar aun de forma limitada que la calidad de vida en el trabajo de las enfermeras latinoamericanas mayoritariamente alcanzó niveles medio a bajo, con influencia de factores sociodemográficos y laborales, y con repercusiones en la salud de las enfermeras. Por lo tanto, es emergente profundizar en el estudio del tema, considerando que la insatisfacción con la calidad de vida en el trabajo de estas profesionales puede repercutir tanto en su propia salud como en la calidad del cuidado. Palabras claves: Calidad de vida, trabajo, enfermera, personal de salud

Objectives We aimed to explore the influence of mental disorders on the risk of developing complications and in-hospital mortality after trauma.Methods We conducted an institutional review board-approved cohort study of 23 500 adult patients admitted to the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital from 2002 to 2019. Participants were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of psychiatric illnesses. Logistic regressions were employed to investigate the effect of mental illness on study outcomes.Results Psychiatric illness was associated with higher risk of complications; this risk increased with age. The pattern was accentuated for those with substance use disorders (SUD) and attenuated for those with non-substance-related diagnoses (NSRD). Psychiatric patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 15 had a 42% (95% CI 1.17 to 1.73) higher risk of dying, while the opposite was seen for those with scores

Abstract The vertebrate fossil record of the Pampean Region of Argentina occupies an important place in South American vertebrate paleontology. An abundance of localities has long been the main basis for constructing the chronostratigraphical/geochronological scale for the late Neogene–Quaternary of South America, as well as for understanding major patterns of vertebrate evolution, including the Great American Biotic Interchange. However, few independently-derived dates are available for constraining this record. In this contribution, we present new 40Ar/39Ar dates on escorias (likely the product of meteoric impacts) from the Argentinean Atlantic coast and statistically-based biochronological analyses that help to calibrate Late Miocene–Pliocene Pampean faunal successions. For the type areas of the Montehermosan and Chapadmalalan Ages/Stages, our results delimit their age ranges to 4.7–3.7 Ma and ca. 3.74–3.04 Ma, respectively. Additionally, from Buenos Aires Province, dates of 5.17 Ma and 4.33 Ma were recovered for “Huayquerian” and Montehermosan faunas. This information helps to better calibrate important first appearances of allochthonous taxa in South America, including one of the oldest records for procyonids (7.24–5.95 Ma), cricetids (6.95–5.46 Ma), and tayassuids (> 3.74 Ma, oldest high-confidence record). These results also constrain to ca. 3 Ma the last appearances of the autochthonous sparassodonts, as well as terror birds of large/middle body size in South America. South American faunal turnover during the late Neogene, including Late Pliocene extinctions, is interpreted as a consequence of knock-on effects from global climatic changes and initiation of the icehouse climate regime.

Due to the number of polyphenols with multiple biological activities, propolis has high potential to be used as an active agent in food protective films. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and characterize a sodium alginate film with ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) for its potential use as protective active packaging against filamentous fungi in ripened cheese. Three different concentrations of EEP were analyzed: 0, 5 and 10% w/v. The films obtained were characterized, assessing thermal and physicochemical properties, as well as the concentration of polyphenols in the EEP and antifungal activity of the active films. The incorporation of EEP in the films generated thermal stability with respect to the loss of mass. Total color values (ΔE) of the films were affected by the incorporation of the different concentrations of EEP, showing a decrease in luminosity (L*) of the films, while the chromatic parameters a* and b* increased in direct proportion to the EEP concentration. Antifungal activity was observed with a fungistatic mode of action, stopping the growth of the fungus in cheeses without development of filamentous molds, thus increasing the shelf life of the ripened cheese under the analytical conditions, over 30 days at room temperature. Overall, EEP can be used to prevent growth and proliferation of spoilage microorganisms in cheese.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed types of cancers worldwide. In its initial period, the tumor is hormone-sensitive, but in advanced states, it evolves into a metastatic castration-resistant tumor. In this state, chemotherapy with taxanes such as Docetaxel (DTX) comprises the first line of treatment. However, the response is poor due to chemoresistance and toxicity. On the other hand, Pentoxifylline (PTX) is an unspecific inhibitor of phosphodiesterases; experimental, and clinically it has been described as sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy, increasing apoptosis and decreasing senescence. We study whether the PTX sensitizes prostate cancer cells to DTX for greater effectiveness. Methods PC3 human prostate cancer cells were treated in vitro at different doses and times with PTX, DTX, or their combination. Viability was determined by the WST-1 assay by spectrophotometry, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, generic caspase activation and senescence by flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation and caspases-3, -8, and -9 activity by ELISA. Results We found that PTX in PC3 human prostate cancer cells induces significant apoptosis per se and increases that generated by DTX, while at the same time it reduces the senescence caused by the chemotherapy and increases caspases-3,-8, and -9 activity in PTX + DTX-treated cells. Both treatments blocked the PC3 cell in the G1 phase. Conclusions Our results show that PTX sensitizes prostate tumor cells to apoptosis induced by DTX. Taken together, the results support the concept of chemotherapy with rational molecular bases.

Abstract Background Apomixis, an asexual mode of plant reproduction, is a genetically heritable trait evolutionarily related to sexuality, which enables the fixation of heterozygous genetic combinations through the development of maternal seeds. Recently, reference floral transcriptomes were generated from sexual and apomictic biotypes of Paspalum notatum, one of the most well-known plant models for the study of apomixis. However, the transcriptome dynamics, the occurrence of apomixis vs. sexual expression heterochronicity across consecutive developmental steps and the orientation of transcription (sense/antisense) remain unexplored. Results We produced 24 Illumina TruSeq®/ Hiseq 1500 sense/antisense floral transcriptome libraries covering four developmental stages (premeiosis, meiosis, postmeiosis, and anthesis) in biological triplicates, from an obligate apomictic and a full sexual genotype. De novo assemblies with Trinity yielded 103,699 and 100,114 transcripts for the apomictic and sexual samples respectively. A global comparative analysis involving reads from all developmental stages revealed 19,352 differentially expressed sense transcripts, of which 13,205 (68%) and 6147 (32%) were up- and down-regulated in apomictic samples with respect to the sexual ones. Interestingly, 100 differentially expressed antisense transcripts were detected, 55 (55%) of them up- and 45 (45%) down-regulated in apomictic libraries. A stage-by-stage comparative analysis showed a higher number of differentially expressed candidates due to heterochronicity discrimination: the highest number of differential sense transcripts was detected at premeiosis (23,651), followed by meiosis (22,830), postmeiosis (19,100), and anthesis (17,962), while the highest number of differential antisense transcripts were detected at anthesis (495), followed by postmeiosis (164), meiosis (120) and premeiosis (115). Members of the AP2, ARF, MYB and WRKY transcription factor families, as well as the auxin, jasmonate and cytokinin plant hormone families appeared broadly deregulated. Moreover, the chronological expression profile of several well-characterized apomixis controllers was examined in detail. Conclusions This work provides a quantitative sense/antisense gene expression catalogue covering several subsequent reproductive developmental stages from premeiosis to anthesis for apomictic and sexual P. notatum, with potential to reveal heterochronic expression between reproductive types and discover sense/antisense mediated regulation. We detected a contrasting transcriptional and hormonal control in apomixis and sexuality as well as specific sense/antisense modulation occurring at the onset of parthenogenesis.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to world-wide restrictions on social activities to curb the spread of this disease. Very little is known about the impact of these restrictions on trauma centers. Our objective was to determine the effect of the pandemic-associated lockdown on trauma admissions, patient’s demographics, mechanisms of injury, injury severity, and outcomes in the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital. Methods An IRB-approved quasi-experimental study was performed to assess the impact of the restrictions by comparing trauma admissions during the lockdown (March 15, 2020 – June 15, 2020) with a control period (same period in 2017–2019). Comparisons were done using the Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher exact test, or Mann-Whitney U test, as appropriate. A negative binomial model was fitted to estimate the incidence rate ratio for overall admissions among pre-lockdown and during-lockdown periods. Statistical significance was set at p 15 (37.3% vs. 26.8%; p = 0.014); while there were no differences in the median hospital length of stay and the mortality rate between the comparison groups. Finally, the decrease in overall admissions registered during the lockdown accounts for a 59% (IRR 0.41; 95% CI 0.31–0.54) change compared to the pre-lockdown period, when controlling for sex, age, mechanism of injury, and ISS. Conclusions Following periods of social isolation and curfews, trauma centers can expect drastic reductions in their overall patient volume with associated changes in trauma patterns. Our findings will help inform new interventions and improve healthcare preparedness for future or similar circumstances.

This work presents the notion of employer in Chilean labour law. It begins with a brief introduction of the context of the Chilean overregulated legislation. Then, it is studied the definition of employer and some basic concepts of the Labour Code. The phenomena of subcontracting, multi RUT and temporary agency of work are analysed. A final section contains some reflections on these aspects.

Since the zoonotic event from which SARS-CoV-2 started infecting humans late in 2019, the virus has caused more than 5 million deaths and has infected over 500 million people around the world. The pandemic has had a severe impact on social and economic activities, with greater repercussions in low-income countries. South America, with almost 5% of the world’s population, has reckoned with almost a fifth of the total people infected and more than 26% (>1/4) of the deceased. Fortunately, the full genome structure and sequence of SARS-CoV-2 have been rapidly obtained and studied thanks to all the scientific efforts and data sharing around the world. Such molecular analysis of SARS-CoV-2 dynamics showed that rates of mutation, similar to other members of the Coronaviridae family, along with natural selection forces, could result in the emergence of new variants; few of them might be of high consequence. However, this is a serious threat to controlling the pandemic and, of course, enduring the process of returning to normalization with the implicit monetary cost of such a contingency. The lack of updated knowledge in South America justifies the need to develop a structured genomic surveillance program of current and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The modeling of the molecular events and microevolution of the virus will contribute to making better decisions on public health management of the pandemic and developing accurate treatments and more efficient vaccines.

In this work, the techno-economic and exergy analyses of two gasification technologies with integration into heat and power combined cycles are presented: i). Circulating fluidized bed (CFB) and ii). Dual fluidized bed (DFB) systems. As feedstock, lignocellulosic biomass (sugarcane bagasse, SCB) was considered. The gasification process of the fluidized-bed systems (circulating and dual bed) and the syngas conversion were performed using Aspen Plus® software. The process design includes biomass drying and gasification, syngas cleaning, combustion, power generation, and heat recovery. The SCB-DFB system has the lowest irreversibility rate and, as a result, the highest overall performance and power generation (achieving 32% in the gasification system and 53% of exergy efficiency when coupled with the combined cycle). From the techno-economic assessment, the SCB-DFB system has the lowest total production costs per unit of energy. Hence, the dual fluidized bed systems could be a more competitive technology for the agro-industrial sector to generate power from lignocellulosic materials.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children or adults is characterized by structural and numeric aberrations in chromosomes; these anomalies strongly correlate with prognosis and clinical outcome. Therefore, this work aimed to identify the genes present in chromosomal gain regions found more frequently in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and ALL-derived cell lines using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). In addition, validation of the genes found in these regions was performed utilizing RNAseq from JURKAT, CEM, and SUP-B15 cell lines, as well as expression microarrays derived from a MILE study. Chromosomes with common gain zones that were maintained in six or more samples were 14, 17, and 22, in which a total of 22 genes were identified. From them, NT5C3B, CNP, ACLY, and GNB1L maintained overexpression at the mRNA level in the cell lines and in patients with ALL. It is noteworthy that SALL2 showed very high expression in T-ALL, while JUP was highly expressed in B-ALL lineages. Interestingly, the latter correlated with worse survival in patients. This provided evidence that the measurement of these genes has high potential for clinical utility; however, their expressions should first be evaluated with a sensitive test in a more significant number of patients.

En el campo de la salud pública existe la necesidad de alcanzar nuevos logros y realizar mejoras en el cuidado de las personas, no solo para aumentar la satisfacción de los usuarios, sino también para aumentar la satisfacción de los propios trabajadores, con respecto a su productividad como empleados de instituciones de salud pública. La mejora en ámbitos del comportamiento organizacional, puede afectar y beneficiar la productividad de funcionarios del área de la salud, incluyendo una reducción en los índices de ausentismo y mejoras en la calidad de atención otorgada a los usuarios. Esta investigación analizó un hospital de alta complejidad, con el objetivo de determinar si existe una relación de la satisfacción laboral y la confianza interpersonal con el clima organizacional. El estudio es transversal y correlacional. El instrumento de medición es una encuesta que consta de cuatro cuestionarios, la muestra quedó conformada por 344 funcionarios. Se aplicaron modelos de ecuaciones estructurales y se generaron dos modelos: modelo original (Clima organizacional = B1 Satisf. Laboral + B2x Conf. Interpersonal + Error) y modelo alternativo (Clima Organizacional = B1x Satisfacción Laboral + Error). Se concluye que la satisfacción laboral tiene una relación positiva y estadísticamente significativa sobre el clima organizacional, aquí se privilegian la satisfacción con el grupo de trabajo y la oportunidad de desarrollo. La percepción de confianza interpersonal no fue estadísticamente relevante en el contexto estudiado.

Abstract Background Apomixis is considered an evolutionary deviation of the sexual reproductive pathway leading to the generation of clonal maternal progenies by seeds. Recent evidence from model and non-model species suggested that this trait could be modulated by epigenetic mechanisms involving small RNAs (sRNAs). Here we profiled floral sRNAs originated from apomictic and sexual Paspalum notatum genotypes in order to identify molecular pathways under epigenetic control that might be involved in the transition from sexuality to agamospermy. Results The mining of genes participating in sRNA-directed pathways from floral Paspalum transcriptomic resources showed these routes are functional during reproductive development, with several members differentially expressed in apomictic and sexual plants. Triplicate floral sRNA libraries derived from apomictic and a sexual genotypes were characterized by using high-throughput sequencing technology. EdgeR was apply to compare the number of sRNA reads between sexual and apomictic libraries that map over all Paspalum floral transcripts. A total of 1525 transcripts showed differential sRNA representation, including genes related to meiosis, plant hormone signaling, biomolecules transport, transcription control and cell cycle. Survey for miRNA precursors on transcriptome and genome references allowed the discovery of 124 entities, including 40 conserved and 8 novel ones. Fifty-six clusters were differentially represented in apomictic and sexual plants. All differentially expressed miRNAs were up-regulated in apomictic libraries but miR2275, which showed different family members with opposed representation. Examination of predicted miRNAs targets detected 374 potential candidates. Considering sRNA, miRNAs and target surveys together, 14 genes previously described as related with auxin metabolism, transport and signaling were detected, including AMINO ACID/AUXIN PERMEASE 15, IAA-AMIDO SYNTHETASE GH3–8, IAA30, miR160, miR167, miR164, miR319, ARF2, ARF8, ARF10, ARF12, AFB2, PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR 6 and NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1.1. Conclusions This work provides a comprehensive survey of the sRNA differential representation in flowers of sexual and apomictic Paspalum notatum plants. An integration of the small RNA profiling data presented here and previous transcriptomic information suggests that sRNA-mediated regulation of auxin pathways is pivotal in promoting apomixis. These results will underlie future functional characterization of the molecular components mediating the switch from sexuality to apomixis.

The capacity for apomixis in Paspalum notatum is controlled by a single-dominant genomic region, which shows strong synteny to a portion of rice chromosome 12 long arm. The locus LOC_Os12g40890, encoding the Auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid (Aux/IAA) family member OsIAA30, is located in this rice genomic segment. The objectives of this work were to identify transcripts coding for Aux/IAA proteins expressed in reproductive tissues of P. notatum, detect the OsIAA30 putative ortholog and analyze its temporal and spatial expression pattern in reproductive organs of sexual and apomictic plants. Thirty-three transcripts coding for AUX/IAA proteins were identified. Predicted protein alignment and phylogenetic analysis detected a highly similar sequence to OsIAA30 (named as PnIAA30) present in both sexual and apomictic samples. The expression assays of PnIAA30 showed a significant down-regulation in apomictic spikelets compared to sexual ones at the stages of anthesis and post-anthesis, representation levels negatively correlated with apospory expressivity and different localizations in sexual and apomictic ovules. Several PnIAA30 predicted interactors also appeared differentially regulated in the sexual and apomictic floral transcriptomes. Our results showed that an auxin-response repressor similar to OsIAA30 is down-regulated in apomictic spikelets of P. notatum and suggests a contrasting regulation of auxin signaling during sexual and asexual seed formation.

BackgroundCervical cancer continues to be a major public health problem worldwide, and Cisplatin is used as first-line chemotherapy for this cancer; however, malignant cells exposed to CISplatin (CIS) become insensitive to the effects of this drug. PenToXifylline (PTX) is a xanthine that sensitizes several types of tumor cells to apoptosis induced by antitumor drugs, such as Adriamycin, Carboplatin, and CIS. The effects of PTX on tumor cells have been related to the disruption of the NF-κB pathway, thus preventing the activation of cell survival mechanisms such as the expression of anti-apoptotic genes, the secretion of proinflammatory interleukins, and growth factors.ObjectiveIn this work, we studied the antitumor proprieties of PTX in human SiHa cervical carcinoma cells resistant to CIS.Materials and MethodsSiHa and HeLa cervical cancer cells and their CIS-resistant derived cell lines (SiHaCIS-R and HeLaCIS-R, respectively) were used as in-vitro models. We studied the effects of PTX alone or in combination with CIS on cell viability, apoptosis, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activity, cleaved PARP-1, anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) levels, p65 phosphorylation, cadmium chloride (CdCl2) sensitivity, Platinum (Pt) accumulation, and glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as on the gene expression of GSH and drug transporters (influx and efflux).ResultsPTX sensitized SiHaCIS-R cells to the effects of CIS by inducing apoptosis, caspase activation, and PARP-1 cleavage. PTX treatment also decreased p65 phosphorylation, increased Pt levels, depleted GSH, and downregulated the expression of the ATP7A, ATP7B, GSR, and MGST1 genes.ConclusionPTX reverses the acquired phenotype of CIS resistance close to the sensitivity of parental SiHa cells.

Literature regarding the effect of biologics on the course of mycosis fungoides (MF) is scarce. This multicentre study analysed retrospective data on 19 patients with MF, who were treated with biologics; 12 for inflammatory conditions coexisting with MF, and 7 for MF misdiagnosed as an inflammatory skin disease. Eight patients were treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor-α-monotherapy; 6 had early-stage MF, in 3 patients MF preceded and in 3 MF was diagnosed after initiation of biologics, with no stage-progression or with stable disease, respectively (median treatment time concurrent with MF 57 months). Two patients had advanced stage MF: IIB, treated for 15 months with no stage-progression, and IVA1, treated for 8 months, died of disease 10 months later. The other 11/19 patients received anti-interleukin-17A and/or anti-interleukin-12/23 or anti-interleukin-23 (with/without anti-tumour necrosis factor-α/anti-interleukin-4/13), with stage-progression in 8 patients after a median of 8 months’ treatment. Although, in general, biologics should be avoided in patients with MF, these results indicate that anti-tumour necrosis factor-α-monotherapy might not aggravate the disease course in early-stage patients. Interleukin-17A, interleukin-12/23 and interleukin-23 pathway-blockers may prompt progression of MF.