Personal values and immigrant group appraisal as predictors of voluntary contact with immigrants among majority students in Israel.

What predicts whether young people will establish contacts with immigrants? Students are at a pivotal point in which the campus environment can enable substantial contact with immigrants, and where world views and behavioural patterns are formed which can follow through their adult lives. Through a value-attitude-behavior paradigm we examine a conceptual model in which appraisal of an immigrant group as a threat and/or benefit to the host society mediates the relationship between personal values and contact. Findings among 252 students in Israel showed that (1) threat/benefit appraisal of immigrants predicted voluntary contact; (2) personal values of self-direction and hedonism directly predicted voluntary contact; and (3) Threat/benefit appraisal mediated the relationship between self-direction and power and contact. Results suggest that increasing awareness of benefits of immigrants can promote positive inter-group relations.

Caracterización de los factores de riesgo químico y biológico, en los laboratorios de morfología y micronilogía de una universidad / Chemical and biological risk factors characterization at morphology and microbiology laboratoriesA UNIVERSITY

Introducción: La exposición a agentes biológicos y químicos, en laboratorios, representan un alto nivel de riesgo para la salud e integridad de las personas y constituyen un aspecto importante en el establecimiento de un adecuado Programa de Bioseguridad. Objetivos: la presente investigación es caracterizar los factores de riesgo químico y biológico en los laboratorios de morfología y microbiología de una Universidad, mediante un estudio de enfoque empírico analítico de tipo descriptivo y transversal, donde se identificó los factores de riesgo y las condiciones de bioseguridad de los laboratorios, implementando las directrices de la GTC 45: 2012, a fin de evaluar los niveles de riesgo del factor químico y biológico, empleando la metodología de la OMS y Normas Técnicas del INSHT de España, para categorizar los agentes patógenos por grupos de riesgo, establecer los niveles de contención actual de los laboratorios y definir los efectos de mayor prevalencia en la salud y/o el medio ambiente. Resultados: Se identificaron 36 factores de riesgo biológico (FRB) y 63 Factores de Riesgo Químico (FRQ). El laboratorio de Microbiología presentó 2 agentes con Nivel de Riesgo (NR) I y 10 NR II, del cual 10.1% son no aceptables y 21.3% aceptables con controles, 96% de los agentes biológicos pertenecen al Grupo de Riesgo (GR) 2 y 4% al GR 3. El laboratorio de Morfología mostró 16.67% de factores en NR I y II, el 10% corresponde a FRQ, 40% son no aceptables, 67%

Introduction: Human exposure to biological and chemical agents represent a high level of risk to the health and integrity at laboratories facilities, also constitute an important aspect in the establishment of an adequate Biosecurity Program. Objetive: the purpose of this research is to characterize the chemical and biological risk factors at the morphology and microbiology laboratories of a University, using a descriptive transversal analytical and empirical study, where the risk levels and biosafety conditions of the laboratories were diagnosed implementing the guidelines of the GTC 45: 2012, in order to evaluate the risk levels of the chemical and biological factors, in conjunction with the methodology of the WHO and Technical Standards of the INSHT of Spain, to categorize the pathogenic agents by risk groups, establish the levels of current containment of laboratories and define the effects of higher prevalence on health and/or the environment. Results: 36 Biological Risk Factors (BRF) and 63 Chemical Risk Factors (CRF) were found. Microbiological Laboratory showed 2 agents with Risk Level (RL) I and RL II, in which a 10.1% were Not Acceptable and 21.3% were Acceptable With Controls, 96% of Biological Agents belong to Risk Group (RG) 2 and 4% to RG 3. Morphology Laboratory revealed 16.67% between RL I and II, 10% belong to CRF, 40% were Not Acceptable, 67% of the agents were categorized as RG 2 and 33% as RG 3.

Medidas de intervención prioritaras para mantener la salud y seguridad de la comunidad en una institución educativa / Priority intervention measures to keep the healt and security of the community in an educational institution

Objetivo: Diseñar medidas de intervención prioritarias para mantener la Salud y Seguridad de la comunidad en la Institución educativa Josefa Donado en Soledad Atlántico. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con una muestra de 535 estudiantes. Para la recolección de datos fue necesario realizar inspecciones técnicas en la institución, entrevistas al personal, revisión documental, y aplicación de los GTC 45 como instrumento. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: Los riesgos prioritarios en la institución educativa Josefa Donado son eléctricos biomecánicos, locativos, tecnológicos, físicos y biológicos, mientras que las principales medidas de intervención consisten en la realización de reparaciones, elaboración de cronogramas de mantenimientos preventivos, estructuración de programa de pausas activas, sensibilizaciones y dotación de mobiliarios y equipos adecuados a las necesidades de los puestos de trabajo. Conclusión: La institución educativa Josefa Donado presenta un avanzado estado de deterioro en su estructura física, tal y como se verificó en las inspecciones realizadas y corroboró por noticias emitidas en medios de comunicación de alta circulación regional. Por lo anterior se concluye que las medidas de intervención propuestas deberían ser implementadas a la mayor brevedad posible para mejorar las condiciones de seguridad y salud de la comunidad educativa.

Objective: Design priority intervention measures to keep the health and security of the community in the "institución educativa Josefa Donado de Soledad". Methods and materials: Descriptive studio cross-sectional with a sample population of 535 students. For the data collection it was necessary to realize technical inspections in the institution, interview the workers, review documents and the application of the GTC 45 as an instrument. The data obtained were statistically analyzed. Results: The priority risks in the educational institution Josefa Donado are of kind electrical, biomechanical, locative, technological, physical and biological, meanwhile the principal intervention measurements are about the realization of reparations, the elaboration of chronograms of maintenance, programming active breaks, sensitization and endowment of furniture and equipment adapted to the needs of the working places. Conclusion: The educational institution Josefa Donado presents an outpost level of deterioration in his physical structure, as verified during the inspections that we made, and being confirmed by several media of the region. By the previous thing there is concluded that the intervention measurements proposed should be implemented as soon as possible, in order to improve the conditions of safety and health of the educational community.

Síntomas Osteomusculares y factores Individuales presentes En Los trabajadores de la bodega De En Una empresa de La Industria textil En Barranquilla / Osteomuscular Symptomsand Individual Factors Present in the Workers of the Warehouse of a Textile Industry Company in Barranquilla

Introducción: El síntoma osteomuscular se puedepresentar en cualquier momento de la vida ya que son algo inmanente al ser humano; sin embargo,estas molestias pueden aumentarse y permanecer pormás tiempo en el individuo debido a múltiples factores individuales. Objetivo: Determinar los síntomas osteomusculares y factores individuales presentes en los trabajadores de la bodega de unaempresa de industria textil en Barranquilla en el periodo comprendido de febrero a diciembre, 2017.Metodología: El método que se utilizo fue deductivo, con una población de 21 trabajadores en el año 2017. Se recolectaron datos socio-demográficos (sexo, edad y tiempo en el cargo) y factores individuales (IMC). Los síntomas osteomusculares fueron evaluados por mediode una encuestade síntomas y factores individuales. Resultados:Se observó que el 47,6% de la población presenta sobrepesoy el 19% restante se encuentra en obesidad tipo 1, Se destaca que el 66,66% de los trabajadores encuestados, tienen problemas con su peso. la población estudio se identificó que las edades prevalentes están 85,7% representa por edad adulta, mayores de 26 años y el 14,3% son jóvenes menores a 26 años. Conclusión: A partir de lo mencionado y evidenciado anteriormente escrito se encontróque la frecuencia de los síntomas es baja y prevalece la respuesta casi nunca o nunca. Síntomas específicos como Dolor de cabeza, cuello, muñeca izquierda, abdomen, lumbar y pierna derecha, son los que más variabilidad presentan en cuanto a su frecuencia.En general los trabajadores refieren que lleven un estilo de vida saludable, no fuman, ni consumen bebidas alcohólicas, duermen más de 6 horas diarias y no tienen antecedentes de cáncer. Se observó en particular que el 57,14% consume café diariamente, mientras que el 42,86% no consume café. El 19,05% manifiesta llevar hábitos de vida sedentarios

Introduction: Osteomuscularsymptoms can occur at any time in life since they are something immanent to the human being; however, these discomforts can be increased and remain longer in the individual due to multiple individual factors.Objective:To determine the osteomuscular symptoms and individual factors present in the workers of the winery of a textile industry company in Barranquilla in the period from February to December, 2017. Methodology:The method I used was deductive, with a population of 21 workers in 2017. Socio-demographic data (sex, age and time in office) and individual factors (BMI) were collected. Osteomuscular symptoms were evaluated by means of a survey of syphilis and individual factors.Results:It was observed that 47.6% of the population is overweight and the remaining 19% is in type 1 obesity. It is noted that 66.66% of the workers surveyed have problems with their weight. The study population identified that the prevailing ages are 85.7% represented by adult age, older than 26 years and 14.3% are younger than 26 years.Conclusions:From the aforementioned and evidenced previously written it was found that the frequency of symptoms is low and the answer prevails almost never or never. Specific symptoms such as headache, neck, left wrist, abdomen, lumbar and right leg are the most variable in their frequency. In general, workers report that they lead a healthy lifestyle, do not smoke, or consume alcoholic beverages, sleep more than 6 hours a day, and do not have a history of cancer. It was observed in particular that 57.14% consume coffee daily, while 42.86% do not consume coffee. 19.05% manifest sedentary lifestyle habits

Incidentes relacionados con resbalos, tropiezos y caídas en una fábrica pulverizadora de leche en el municipio de Valledupar, Cesar / Incidents related to slips, trips and falls in a Milkpulverizer factory in the municipality of Valledupar, Cesar

Introducción: Los incidentes relacionados con resbalos, tropiezos y caídas requieren un enfoque de prevención integral y constante para un desempeño sostenible a largo plazo, enfocado hacia la identificación, evaluación y control, para generar una mejora continua. Objetivo: Determinar las causas de incidentesrelacionados con resbalos, tropiezos y caídas en una fábrica pulverizadora de leche en Valledupar, Cesar. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal; se utilizaron como instrumentos, la matriz de riesgos de la Guía Técnica Colombiana 45/2012 y lista de chequeo Anexo1 de Instrucción Técnica Gu-18.007,06/2016. Resultados: Los mayores reportes estuvieron relacionados con desnivel, hueco, rejillas, tapas de registro en piso, escaleras, objeto prominente en rutas peatonales, sustancias derramadas y rampa/Plataforma. El área con mayor número de hallazgos asociados fue condensación con 19%, con 34% Riesgos Altos y 39% Riesgos Medios. Los agentes causales: Suelo arrojó: riesgo Alto 87.4% y riesgo medio 10.3%; Escaleras: riesgo Alto 85.7%, riesgo bajo 14.3%; Rampas/plataformas: riesgo Alto 60% y riesgo medio 33.3% y para Limpieza y señalización: riesgo Alto 52% yriesgomedio48%.Siendo598RiesgosAltos,145RiesgosMediosy28Riesgos Bajos evaluados en la lista de chequeo del Anexo1 de la Guía Técnica Gu-18.007,06/2016. Para valoración y priorización según Guía Técnica Colombiana 45/2012 fue de 16 Riesgos Muy Altos, 116 Riesgos Altos, 122 Riesgos Medios y 57 Riesgos Bajos. Conclusiones: Se concluye que las principales causas de resbalos, tropiezos y caídas están relacionada con Suelo, Escalera, Limpieza y señalización.

Introduction: The incidents related to slips, trips and falls require acomprehensive and constant preventionapproach for long-term sustainable performance, with an effortfocusedonidentifying,evaluatingandcontrollingthemtogenerateasignificant improvement. Objective: Determine the causes of incidents related to slips, trips and falls in a milk pulverizer factory in Valledupar, Cesar. Design: Descriptive type and cross section. Methodology: Instruments: Risk matrix of the Colombian TechnicalGuide45/2012andChecklistAnnex1ofTechnicalInstructionGu-18.007, 06 / 2016. Results: The biggest reports were related to unevenness, gaps, grids, floor registration caps, stairs, prominent object in pedestrian routes, spilled substances and ramp / Platform. The area with the highest number of associated findings was 19% condensation, with 34% High Risksand 39% Average Risks.The causal agents: Soil showed: High risk 87.4% and medium risk 10.3%, Stairs: High risk85.7%,lowrisk14.3%,Ramps/platforms:Highrisk60%andmediumrisk33.3% and for Cleaning and signaling: High risk 52% and medium risk 48%. For a total of 598 High Risks, 145 Medium Risks and 28 Low Risks evaluated in the checklist of Annex 1 of Technical Guide Gu-18.007,06 / 2016. For valuation and prioritization according to the Colombian Technical Guide 45/2012, it was 16 Very High Risks, 116 High Risks, 122 Medium Risks and 57 Low Risks. Conclusions:Conclusions: It is concluded that the main cause of slips, trips and falls is related to Soil, Ladder, Cleaning andsignaling

Factores asociados a malformaciones congénitas: En un centro de tercer nivel región centro occidental - Colombia (ECLAMC) / Risk Factors associated with congenital malformations: in a center of high complexity in a coffee region area in Colombia

Resumen: determinar la asociación entre factores sociodemográficos, exposición a teratógenos y enfermedad materna, con la presencia de malformaciones congénitas en un centro de tercer nivel de la región centro occidental de Colombia durante el año 2013. Métodos: se realizó un estudio analítico tipo casos y controles. Se analizaron variables maternas y del recién nacido, las cuales se presentaron como frecuencias y proporciones y se evaluaron usando las pruebas de Chi2(x2) y exacta de Fisher. Para determinar la asociación entre cada variable se calculó el Odds Ratio (OR) crudo, y Odds Ratio (ORa) ajustado para las variables que presentaron una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, posterior a esto se encontró mediante test de razón de verosimilitud que no habían diferencias importantes entre el modelo completo y el reducido, mostrando entonces valores de un modelo más parsimonioso, con un test de bondad de ajuste Hosmer-Lemeshow 0.19. Resultados: Las variables sociodemográficas edad y ocupación materna, se hallaron como factor de riesgo para desarrollar malformaciones congénitas OR=7.7 (2.4 - 24.5) y OR=2,01 (1,1-3,7) respectivamente. Además en la historia obstétrica se encontró mayor riesgo al tener ganancia de peso mayor al ideal con OR=3.0a (1.3-6.7) y una ganancia de peso menor a lo ideal OR= 2.3a(1.1-4.5) y como factores protectores ser hijo del mismo padre y fácil concepción con OR=0,37C (0,2-0.8) P=0.007 y OR=0,20a (0,1-0,7), Conclusión: la edad mayor de 35 años, trabajar fuera y ganancias de peso mayores o inferiores a lo ideal, fueron los principales factores de riesgo para malformaciones congénitas en este estudio y la fácil concepción se encontró como factor protector para dicha condición del neonato.

Objective: to determine the association between sociodemographic factors, exposure to teratogens and maternal disease, with the presence of congenital malformations in a third-level center in the central western region of Colombia during the year 2013. Methods: An analytical case-control study was conducted And controls. We analyzed maternal and newborn variables, which were presented as frequencies and proportions and were evaluated using Chi2 (x2) and Fisher’s exact tests. To determine the association between each variable we calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) crude, and Odds Ratio (ORa) adjusted for the variables that presented a statistically significant difference, after this it was found by test of likelihood ratio that no differences were found Important between the complete and the reduced model, showing values of a more parsimonious model, with a goodness-of-fit test Hosmer-Lemeshow 0.19. Results: sociodemographic variables age and maternal occupation were found to be a risk for developing congenital malformations OR= 7.7 (2.4-24.5) and OR=2.01 (1.13-3.69), respectively. In the obstetric history, greater risk was found to have greater weight gain than the ideal with OR = 3.0a (1.3-6.7) and a weight gain lower than the ideal OR = 2.3a (1.1-4.9) and as protective factors being Child of the same father and conceive easy OR = 0.37C (0.2-0.8) P = 0.007 and OR = 0.20a (0.1-0.7), Conclusion: Age over 35 years, work outside and A weight gain greater than ideal, or weight gain less than ideal, are major risk factors for congenital malformations found in this study, easy conception is found as a protective factor for congenital malformations.

CONDICIONES DE SALUD Y TRABAJO ASOCIADAS AL DOLOR LUMBAR EN LOS OPERARIOS DEL ÁREA DE PRODUCCIÓN DE UNA EMPRESA DE LÁCTEOS EN BARRANQUILLA / CONDITIONS OF HEALTH AND WORK ASSOCIATED WITH LUMBAR PAIN IN THE OPERATORS OF THE PRODUCTION AREA OF A LACTEOS COMPANY IN BARRANQUILLA

Introducción: El dolor lumbar de origen laboral, es considerado unode los problemas más comunes en salud pública, afectando de tal forma el bienestar y la calidadde vida de los trabajadores. Objetivo:Identificar las condiciones de salud y trabajo asociadas aldolor lumbaren los operarios del área de producción de una empresa de lácteos en la ciudad de Barranquilla. Metodología:El tipo de estudio que se realizó es descriptivode corte transversal. Se tomó una muestra aleatoria de 80 individuosdel área de producción, quienes a través de un consentimiento informado dieron el aval para que seaplicara elCuestionario Nórdico de autorreporte de molestias o síntomas, instrumento diseñado y validado por Kuorinka.Resultados:Seidentificó que el 59% deltotal de los trabajadores encuestados reportaron dolor lumbar durante el último año, seguido de dolor en muñecas con un 40% del total.El 43% de los trabajadores reporta que el dolor en la columna lumbar les ha impedido realizar actividades en casa o en el trabajo.El 82% de los síntomas reportados por los trabajadores están localizados en la columna lumbar. De los 31 operarios sintomáticos de columna lumbar, el 67.74% este en sobrepeso con IMC igual o mayor a 25.Conclusiones:Los resultados del estudio demuestran que el dolor lumbar es un problema de gran impacto,por endese deben realizar intervenciones preventivas, enfocadas en mejorar el sistema de trabajo a través del diseño de herramientas y equipos que disminuyan el esfuerzo físico de los trabajadores

Introduction:Labor-related back pain is considered one of the most common problems in public health, affecting the well-being and quality of life of workers.Objective:To identify the health and work conditions associated with back pain in the operatives of the production area of a dairy company in the city of Barranquilla.Methodology:The type of study that was carried out is descriptive of cross section. A random sample of 80 individuals from the production area was taken, who through an informed consent gave the endorsement to apply the Nordic Questionnaire self-report of discomfort or symptoms, instrument designed and validated by Kuorinka. Results:It was identified that 59% of the total workers surveyed reported lumbar pain during the last year, followed by pain in dolls with 40% of the total. 43% of workers report that pain in the lumbar spine has prevented them from doing activities at home or at work. 82% of the symptoms reported by workers are located in the lumbar spine. Of the 31 symptomatic workers of the lumbar spine, 67.74% were overweight with a BMI equal to or greater than 25.Conclusions:The results of the study show that back pain is a problem of great impact, therefore preventive interventions should be made, focused on improving the work system through the design of tools and equipment that reduce the physical effort of workers

Base de datos clínica de terapia electroconvulsiva: influencia de edad y género en la carga eléctrica / Electroconvulsive therapy clinical database: Influence of age and gender on the electrical charge

Introducción. A partir de una base de datos clínica de terapia electroconvulsiva (TEC) se pretende corroborar la influencia de la edad y el género en la carga eléctrica administrada en una población determinada. Material y método. Estudio observacional, prospectivo y longitudinal, con análisis descriptivo, de una base de datos que incluye el total de sesiones de TEC bilaterales frontotemporales realizadas con la Mecta spECTrum 5000Q(R) entre 2006 y 2012. Es una muestra de 4.337 sesiones de TEC realizadas a 187 pacientes. Mediante regresión lineal de efectos mixtos se realiza un análisis ponderado por el inverso del número de sesiones de TEC realizadas por cada paciente y por año de tratamiento. Resultados. Los resultados indican que la edad está relacionada con cambios en la carga requerida (p=0,031): a mayor edad, mayor aumento de carga. El género también se relaciona con cambios en la carga (p=0,014): las mujeres requerirían 87,3mC menos de media que los hombres. Incluyendo los efectos de edad y género en el mismo modelo, ambos resultan significativos (p=0,0080 y p=0,0041), de modo que a igualdad de edad, las mujeres requieren 99,0mC menos de carga que los hombres, y en ambos géneros aumenta la carga 2,3mC por año de edad. Conclusiones. Del análisis se obtiene que el efecto de la edad en la dosificación de la carga eléctrica es todavía más significativo cuando se tiene en cuenta el género. Es de interés promover la recogida sistemática de datos para un mejor conocimiento y aplicación de la técnica (AU)

Introduction. The influence of age and gender in the electrical charge delivered in a given population was analysed using an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) clinical database. Material and method. An observational, prospective, longitudinal study with descriptive analysis was performed using data from a database that included total bilateral frontotemporal ECT carried out with a Mecta spECTrum 5000Q(R) in our hospital over 6 years. From 2006 to 2012, a total of 4,337 ECT were performed on 187 patients. Linear regression using mixed effects analysis was weighted by the inverse of the number of ECT performed on each patient per year of treatment. Results. The results indicate that age is related with changes in the required charge (P=.031), as such that the older the age a higher charge is needed. Gender is also associated with changes in charge (P=.014), with women requiring less charge than men, a mean of 87.3mC less. When the effects of age and gender are included in the same model, both are significant (P=.0080 and P=.0041). Thus, for the same age, women require 99.0mC less charge than men, and in both genders the charge increases by 2.3mC per year. Conclusions. From our study, it is concluded that the effect of age on the dosage of the electrical charge is even more significant when related to gender. It would be of interest to promote the systematic collection of data for a better understanding and application of the technique (AU)

Electroconvulsive therapy clinical database: Influence of age and gender on the electrical charge. / Base de datos clínica de terapia electroconvulsiva: influencia de edad y género en la carga eléctrica.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of age and gender in the electrical charge delivered in a given population was analysed using an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) clinical database. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational, prospective, longitudinal study with descriptive analysis was performed using data from a database that included total bilateral frontotemporal ECT carried out with a Mecta spECTrum 5000Q® in our hospital over 6 years. From 2006 to 2012, a total of 4,337 ECT were performed on 187 patients. Linear regression using mixed effects analysis was weighted by the inverse of the number of ECT performed on each patient per year of treatment. RESULTS: The results indicate that age is related with changes in the required charge (P=.031), as such that the older the age a higher charge is needed. Gender is also associated with changes in charge (P=.014), with women requiring less charge than men, a mean of 87.3mC less. When the effects of age and gender are included in the same model, both are significant (P=.0080 and P=.0041). Thus, for the same age, women require 99.0mC less charge than men, and in both genders the charge increases by 2.3mC per year. CONCLUSIONS: From our study, it is concluded that the effect of age on the dosage of the electrical charge is even more significant when related to gender. It would be of interest to promote the systematic collection of data for a better understanding and application of the technique.

Nivel de actividad física en niños de edades de 6 a 12 años en algunos colegios de Barranquilla-Colombia, en el año 2014-2015 / Physical activity level in children 6 to 12 years in several Barranquilla ­ Colombia schools, in 2014-2015

Promover la actividad física es una estrategia esencial para mantener la salud y prevenir la enfermedad en la población global. La promoción de los estilos de vida saludable con énfasis en la actividad física en edades tempranas aprovechando el ámbito escolar favorecerá la adopción de los estilos de vida saludable y garantizará la salud del adulto futuro. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue caracterizar el nivel de actividad física en población escolar. Metodologia: es un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, el instrumento para recolección de la información fuè el PAQ-C, se le aplicò a una muestra de 247 escolares en edades comprendidas entre 6 y 12 años. Los resultados indican que la población practica actividad física.

Promoting physical activity is an essential strategy for maintaining health and preventing disease in the global population. The promotion of healthy lifestyles with emphasis on physical activity at an early age, taking advantage of the school environment will favor the adoption of healthy lifestyles and will guarantee the health of the future adult. The aim of the present study was to characterize the level of physical activity in the school population. Methodology: a cross-sectional descriptive study, the instrument for data collection was PAQ-C, it was applied to a sample of 247 students aged between 6 and 12 years. The results indicate that the population practices physical activity.

Chemokines induce axon outgrowth downstream of Hepatocyte Growth Factor and TCF/ß-catenin signaling.

Axon morphogenesis is a complex process regulated by a variety of secreted molecules, including morphogens and growth factors, resulting in the establishment of the neuronal circuitry. Our previous work demonstrated that growth factors [Neurotrophins (NT) and Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)] signal through ß-catenin during axon morphogenesis. HGF signaling promotes axon outgrowth and branching by inducing ß-catenin phosphorylation at Y142 and transcriptional regulation of T-Cell Factor (TCF) target genes. Here, we asked which genes are regulated by HGF signaling during axon morphogenesis. An array screening indicated that HGF signaling elevates the expression of chemokines of the CC and CXC families. In line with this, CCL7, CCL20, and CXCL2 significantly increase axon outgrowth in hippocampal neurons. Experiments using blocking antibodies and chemokine receptor antagonists demonstrate that chemokines act downstream of HGF signaling during axon morphogenesis. In addition, qPCR data demonstrates that CXCL2 and CCL5 expression is stimulated by HGF through Met/b-catenin/TCF pathway. These results identify CC family members and CXCL2 chemokines as novel regulators of axon morphogenesis downstream of HGF signaling.

Wnt-3a and Wnt-3 differently stimulate proliferation and neurogenesis of spinal neural precursors and promote neurite outgrowth by canonical signaling.

Wnt factors regulate neural stem cell development and neuronal connectivity. Here we investigated whether Wnt-3a and Wnt-3, expressed in the developing spinal cord, regulate proliferation and the neuronal differentiation of spinal cord neural precursors (SCNP). Wnt-3a promoted a sustained increase of SCNP proliferation and decreased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. In contrast, Wnt-3 transiently enhanced SCNP proliferation and increased neurogenesis through ß-catenin signaling. Furthermore, both Wnt-3a and Wnt-3 stimulated neurite outgrowth in SCNP-derived neurons through ß-catenin- and TCF4-dependent transcription. Glycogen synthase kinase-3ß inhibitors mimicked Wnt signaling and promoted neurite outgrowth in established cultures. We conclude that Wnt-3a and Wnt-3 factors signal through the canonical Wnt/ß-catenin pathway to regulate different aspects of SCNP development. These findings may be of therapeutic interest for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and nerve injury.

Signalling by neurotrophins and hepatocyte growth factor regulates axon morphogenesis by differential beta-catenin phosphorylation.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of beta-catenin, a component of adhesion complexes and of the Wnt pathway, affects cell adhesion, migration and gene transcription. By reducing beta-catenin availability using shRNA-mediated gene silencing or expression of intracellular N-cadherin, we show that beta-catenin is required for axon growth downstream of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signalling. We demonstrate that the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) Trk and Met interact with and phosphorylate beta-catenin. Stimulation of Trk receptors by neurotrophins (NTs) results in phosphorylation of beta-catenin at residue Y654, and increased axon growth and branching. Conversely, pharmacological inhibition of Trk or expression of a Y654F mutant blocks these effects. beta-catenin phosphorylated at Y654 colocalizes with the cytoskeleton at growth cones. However, HGF, which also increases axon growth and branching, induces beta-catenin phosphorylation at Y142 and a nuclear localization. Interestingly, dominant-negative DeltaN-TCF4 abolishes the effects of HGF in axon growth and branching, but not that of NTs. We conclude that NT- and HGF-signalling differentially phosphorylate beta-catenin, targeting this protein to distinct compartments to regulate axon morphogenesis by TCF4-transcription-dependent and -independent mechanisms. These results place beta-catenin downstream of growth-factor-RTK signalling in axon differentiation.