Design and applications of synthetic electroactive microbial consortia / 生物工程学报

Synthetic electroactive microbial consortia, which include exoelectrogenic and electrotrophic communities, catalyze the exchange of chemical and electrical energy in cascade metabolic reactions among different microbial strains. In comparison to a single strain, a community-based organisation that assigns tasks to multiple strains enables a broader feedstock spectrum, faster bi-directional electron transfer, and greater robustness. Therefore, the electroactive microbial consortia held great promise for a variety of applications such as bioelectricity and biohydrogen production, wastewater treatment, bioremediation, carbon and nitrogen fixation, and synthesis of biofuels, inorganic nanomaterials, and polymers. This review firstly summarized the mechanisms of biotic-abiotic interfacial electron transfer as well as biotic-biotic interspecific electron transfer in synthetic electroactive microbial consortia. This was followed by introducing the network of substance and energy metabolism in a synthetic electroactive microbial consortia designed by using the "division-of-labor" principle. Then, the strategies for engineering synthetic electroactive microbial consortiums were explored, which included intercellular communications optimization and ecological niche optimization. We further discussed the specific applications of synthetic electroactive microbial consortia. For instance, the synthetic exoelectrogenic communities were applied to biomass generation power technology, biophotovoltaics for the generation of renewable energy and the fixation of CO2. Moreover, the synthetic electrotrophic communities were applied to light-driven N2 fixation. Finally, this review prospected future research of the synthetic electroactive microbial consortia.

Regulation of the Pre-metastatic Niches on Lung Cancer Metastasis and Its Clinical Application / 中国药学杂志

Lung cancer is one kind of malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality, and lung cancer metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients. Lung cancer metastasis is a complex process. A large number of studies have confirmed that lung tumors can secrete soluble molecules, mobilize and recruit related bone marrow cells or immune cells, regulate the matrix remodeling in distant organs which leads to the formation of pre-metastatic niche, therefore, promote tumor cells metastasis and implantation in distant organs. Detection of key target factor molecules and cellular components involving in pre-metastatic niche is of great clinical significance for diagnosis and prognostic evaluation. This article will summarize the progression of lung cancer metastasis modulated by the pre-metastatic niches and its clinical application status.

Los orígenes del desarrollo de la salud y de la enfermedad en Venezuela / Developmental origins of health and disease in Venezuela

La Transición Alimentaria Nutricional (TAN) acelerada que se ha producido en Venezuela producto de la rápida urbanización ha generado cambios en los estilos de vida: sedentarismo y modificaciones de la dieta tradicional. La población del país es de alto riesgo: alto porcentaje de embarazo en adolescentes, aumento de la mortalidad materna e infantil, alta prevalencia de peso bajo al nacer, incremento de prevalencias de morbimortalidad por enfermedades crónicas relacionadas con la nutrición y baja práctica de lactancia materna exclusiva. En Venezuela prevalece la doble carga nutricional: sobrepeso y desnutrición. Existen nichos obesogénicos definidos y estilos de vida que conducen a la obesidad y sus comorbilidades. Los Orígenes del Desarrollo de la Salud y la Enfermedad (ODSE) y la programación fetal y posnatal temprana (los primeros 1.000 días) son determinantes a través de mecanismos epigenéticos que alteran la actividad génica sin cambiar la secuencia del ADN conducen a modificaciones con transmisión transgeneracional. Hipótesis propuestas: alimentación materna sub-óptima (composición corporal materna alterada, dieta materna hipocalórica, inadecuada transferencia placentaria); excesivo aporte calórico intrauterino; crecimiento acelerado posnatal. Recomendaciones: optimizar estado nutricional pre y postconcepcional, la ganancia de peso gestacional y promover el control prenatal temprano; prevención del embarazo precoz; promover la lactancia materna exclusiva el primer semestre y complementaria hasta los 2 años; evitar crecimiento compensatorio acelerado; considerar la doble carga de la malnutrición en programas de intervención nutricional individualizados y nunca masivos; promover la actividad física y las comidas en familia. El pediatra debe identificar los factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos en forma temprana.

The rapid nutrition transition in Venezuela is a result of a high urbanization process with changes in life style, a rise in sedentarism and the substitution of the traditional diet. The population is at risk: a high percentage of adolescent pregnancies, a rise in child and maternal mortality, a high prevalence of low birth weight, rising prevalence of morbidity and mortality of chronic diseases related to nutrition, insufficient exclusive breast feeding practices. A double burden of under nutrition and obesity is found. Although obesogenic niches and unhealthy life styles that lead to obesity and its morbidities are evident, developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) and early nutrition programming in the first 1000 days are determinant through epigenetic mechanisms that modulate gene function without altering DNA. The mismatch or the fuel-mediated, as well as the accelerated postnatal growth hypothesis are postulated. Optimal pre and post conception nutrition status is recommended as well as appropriate weight gain during pregnancy; promotion of exclusive breast feeding through the first semester and complementary up to 2 years, also physical activity and frequent family dining; prevention of accelerated postnatal growth; the double burden should be considered in intervention programs that should be focalized. Pediatricians must identify cardio metabolic risk at an early stage.

Predicting the geographic distribution of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) and visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

To understand the geographic distribution of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), Brazil, both the climatic niches of Lutzomyia longipalpis and VL cases were analysed. Distributional data were obtained from 55 of the 79 counties of MS between 2003-2012. Ecological niche models (ENM) of Lu. longipalpis and VL cases were produced using the maximum entropy algorithm based on eight climatic variables. Lu. longipalpis showed a wide distribution in MS. The highest climatic suitability for Lu. longipalpis was observed in southern MS. Temperature seasonality and annual mean precipitation were the variables that most influenced these models. Two areas of high climatic suitability for the occurrence of VL cases were predicted: one near Aquidauana and another encompassing several municipalities in the southeast region of MS. As expected, a large overlap between the models for Lu. longipalpis and VL cases was detected. Northern and northwestern areas of MS were suitable for the occurrence of cases, but did not show high climatic suitability for Lu. longipalpis . ENM of vectors and human cases provided a greater understanding of the geographic distribution of VL in MS, which can be applied to the development of future surveillance strategies.

Distribución geográfica de la avifauna en la Sierra Madre Oriental de San Luis Potosí, México: un análisis regional de su estado de conservación / Geographic distribution of birds in the Sierra Madre Oriental of San Luis Potosí, México: a regional analysis of conservation status

The Sierra Madre Oriental region in the mexican state of San Luis Potosí is a relevant place for bird conservation at a country level. Therefore the main goal of this study was to analyze the geographic patterns of distribution and the conservation current state of the birds, to support the needs to expand the conservation areas in the future. Data was collected from various databases of zoological museums and collections, and field sampling methods conducted from January 2009 to May 2011. Potential distributions were modeled for 284 species using GARP software and then a map was developed to determine areas with favorable environmental characteristics for the distribution of species richness. Finally, the importance of conservation areas for the potential distribution of birds in the region was evaluated. A total of 359 species were recorded of which 71.4% are permanent residents, 19% are winter migrants and 4% are summer residents. From this total, 41 species were endemic, 47 were species at risk and 149 were neotropical migrants. The largest species richness correspond to oak forests, cloud forests, and tropical moist forests located at altitudes from 100m to 1 500m. Their potential distribution was concentrated towards the center and Southeast of the study area. Only 10% of areas with a high potential conservation was included in areas of priority for bird conservation (AICA) and just 3% of all potential areas were under some governmental category of protection. However, no conservation area has a management plan currently applied and monitored. The information generated is important for the development of management proposals for birds conservation in the region.

La región de la Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) en el estado de San Luis Potosí en México es considerada un sitio de relevancia para la conservación de la avifauna a nivel nacional. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la distribución geográfica de las aves en la zona para identificar las áreas con mayor concentración de la riqueza y evaluar su estado actual de conservación para fundamentar la necesidad de incrementar la superficie dedicada a las áreas naturales protegidas en el futuro. Se recolectó información proveniente de diversas bases de datos de colecciones y museos, además de realizar trabajo de campo en el periodo de enero 2009 a Mayo 2011. Se modelaron las distribuciones potenciales para 284 especies con el programa GARP y se elaboró un mapa de consenso para determinar la ubicación espacial de las áreas con condiciones ambientales para soportar el mayor número de especies. Finalmente, se evaluó la representatividad de las zonas dedicadas a la conservación para las aves. Se registraron 357 especies, de las cuales el 71.4% son residentes permanentes, 19% son migratorias de invierno y 3.9% residentes de verano. Del total, 41 especies son endémicas y 48 se encuentran en alguna categoría de riesgo; la mayor concentración de especies se presentó en las coberturas de bosques de encino, bosques mesófilos y selvas medianas y bajas caducifolias, en un intervalo altitudinal entre 100-1 500m con una más alta cantidad de nichos en la parte centro y hacia el sur y este de la región. Sólo el 10% de las zonas con alto potencial de número de especies está incluido como área de importancia para la conservación de las aves y el 3% del total de áreas potenciales está bajo alguna categoría estatal de protección; sin embargo, ninguna de las áreas tiene un plan de manejo que esté siendo aplicado y monitoreado. La información generada es importante para el desarrollo de propuestas de conservación para las aves en la región.

Climatic factors influencing triatomine occurrence in Central-West Brazil

We estimated the geographic distributions of triatomine species in Central-West Region of Brazil (CW) and analysed the climatic factors influencing their occurrence. A total of 3,396 records of 27 triatomine species were analysed. Using the maximum entropy method, ecological niche models were produced for eight species occurring in at least 20 municipalities based on 13 climatic variables and elevation. Triatoma sordida and Rhodnius neglectus were the species with the broadest geographic distributions in CW Brazil. The Cerrado areas in the state of Goiás were found to be more suitable for the occurrence of synanthropic triatomines than the Amazon forest areas in the northern part of the state of Mato Grosso. The variable that best explains the evaluated models is temperature seasonality. The results indicate that almost the entire region presents climatic conditions that are appropriate for at least one triatomine species. Therefore, it is recommended that entomological surveillance be reinforced in CW Brazil.

Effect of Human Parathyroid Hormone on Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells in NOD/SCID Mice Co-Transplanted with Human Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells

PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) on the engraftment and/or in vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells in an umbilical cord blood (UCB)-xenotransplantation model. In addition, we assessed its effect on the expression of cell adhesion molecules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female NOD/SCID mice received sublethal total body irradiation with a single dose of 250 cGy. Eighteen to 24 hours after irradiation, 1x107 human UCB-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) and 5x106 human UCB-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were infused via the tail vein. Mice were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 mice received MNCs only, Group 2 received MNCs only and were then treated with hPTH, Group 3 mice received MNCs and MSCs, and were treated with hPTH. RESULTS: Engraftment was achieved in all the mice. Bone marrow cellularity was approximately 20% in Group 1, but 70-80% in the hPTH treated groups. Transplantation of MNCs together with MSCs had no additional effect on bone marrow cellularity. However, the proportion of human CD13 and CD33 myeloid progenitor cells was higher in Group 3, while the proportion of human CD34 did not differ significantly between the three groups. The proportion of CXCR4 cells in Group 3 was larger than in Groups 1 and 2 but without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated a positive effect of hPTH on stem cell proliferation and a possible synergistic effect of MSCs and hPTH on the proportion of human hematopoietic progenitor cells, in a xenotransplantation model. Clinical trials of the use of hPTH after stem cell transplantation should be considered.

Transformaciones alrededor del discurso, prácticas educativas, actitudes y relaciones sociales de las madres comunitarias del icbf. "Pueblo Viejo" (Magdalena) y el programa "Nichos Pedagógicos" / Transformations regarding the discourse, educational practices, attitudes and social relationships of conmunity mothers from de icbf(colombian institute of family WELFARE). "Pueblo Viejo" (Magdalena) and "Pedagogical Niches" program

Este artículo presenta los resultados de un proceso de investigación que da cuenta de las transformaciones que las madres comunitarias tuvieron en torno a su discurso, práctica educativa y relaciones sociales, en el seno del programa de capacitación "Nichos Pedagógicos", orientado por el Instituto de Estudios en Educación iese, de la Universidad del Norte, bajo el patrocinio de la fundación promigas. Inicialmente, se exponen los referentes contextuales relacionados con los aspectos misionales del Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar - icbf-y con el municipio de Pueblo Viejo, Magdalena (Colombia), lugar de origen de las madres comunitarias participantes. En segunda instancia, se presentan los referentes de teóricos de las categorías de análisis: Discurso, prácticas e interacciones y, finalmente, se expone una conceptualización de "Nicho Pedagógico", denominación del Programa de Capacitación ofrecido a las madres comunitarias.

This article shows the results of a research dealing with transformations of community mothers regarding their discourse, education practices and social relationships, in the training program "Pedagogical Niches", coordinated by the Institute of Studies in Education (iese) of Universidad del Norte and sponsored by Promigas Foundation. Firstly, the article shows the contextual referents related to mission aspects of Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (Colombian Institute of Family Welfare) and that of Pueblo Viejo (Magdalena, Colombia), the village from which participants community mothers are. Secondly, it exposes the theoretical referents of the categories of analysis: discourse, practices and interactions. Finally, it discusses a conceptualization of "Pedagogical Niche", name of the Training Program offered to community mothers.

Preferential transcription of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis genes: host niche and time-dependent expression

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes infection through inhalation by the host of airborne propagules from the mycelium phase of the fungus. This fungus reaches the lungs, differentiates into the yeast form and is then disseminated to virtually all parts of the body. Here we review the identification of differentially-expressed genes in host-interaction conditions. These genes were identified by analyzing expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from P. brasiliensis cDNA libraries. The P. brasiliensis was recovered from infected mouse liver as well as from fungal yeast cells incubated in human blood and plasma, mimicking fungal dissemination to organs and tissues and sites of infection with inflammation, respectively. In addition, ESTs from a cDNA library of P. brasiliensis mycelium undergoing the transition to yeast were previously analyzed. Together, these studies reveal significant changes in the expression of a number of genes of potential importance in the host-fungus interaction. In addition, the unique and divergent representation of transcripts when the cDNA libraries are compared suggests differential gene expression in response to specific niches in the host. This analysis of gene expression patterns provides details about host-pathogen interactions and peculiarities of sites within the host.