Spatio-temporal composition of aquatic birds communityin Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Mexican Central Pacific / Composición espacio-temporal de las aves acuáticas en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano

Abstract Introduction: Aquatic birds (AB) are usually associated with wetlands, which provide refuge, food, and/or nesting sites for resident and migratory species. Despite their ecological importance, there is little knowledge on AB in some tropical environments, such as those found on the Colima coast. Objective: To investigate the spatial and temporal composition of the AB community in Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Central Mexican Pacific. Methods: Monthly counts were conducted between June 2017 and May 2018 during low-tide conditions to record habitat use by AB. Species richness and bird counts were obtained to compare sampling areas; mean richness and number of individuals were compared between seasons. Results: We detected 53 species and 5 750 individuals. The highest species richness and relative abundance values were obtained in winter at the lagoon area farthest from the connection with the marine system, where anthropogenic activity is lower. Diversity was greater in zones 2 and 3 in spring, summer, and fall. Muddy flats were the most used environment, and the most frequent activity was resting. Nesting activity was only recorded in the middle of the lagoon at the mangrove during spring. "Shorebirds" and "waders" were the most dominant groups in the bird community of the Juluapan lagoon. Conclusions: This coastal wetland is a site of great biological importance for aquatic birds; thus, conservation measures should be implemented, and there should be a continuous study of the effects of anthropogenic pressure.

Resumen Introducción: Las aves acuáticas (AA) son usualmente relacionadas a los humedales debido a que éstos funcionan como sitios de refugio, alimentación y anidación de diferentes especies residentes y migratorias. Sin embargo, el conocimiento sobre las aves acuáticas en algunos humedales es nulo. Objetivo: Investigar la composición espacio-temporal de la comunidad de AA en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano. Métodos: Entre junio de 2017 y mayo de 2018 se llevaron a cabo conteos mensuales en condiciones de marea baja para registrar el uso de hábitat de las AA. Se obtuvieron valores de riqueza de especies y número de individuos para realizar comparaciones entre zonas de muestreo, así como el promedio del número de especies y número de individuos para comparaciones entre temporadas. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 53 especies y 5 750 individuos. Los valores de riqueza de especies y densidad de individuos fueron más altos durante invierno, en la zona más alejada al ambiente marino, donde la actividad antropogénica es menor. La diversidad tuvo valores más altos en la zona 2 y 3, durante primavera, verano y otoño. El ambiente más explotado por las aves fueron las planicies lodosas; y el descanso fue la actividad más frecuente. Asimismo, la actividad de anidación sólo se registró en el manglar de la zona media durante primavera. Las "aves playeras" y "aves zancudas" fueron los grupos más predominantes en la comunidad de aves de la laguna Juluapan. Conclusiones: Este humedal costero es un sitio de gran importancia biológica para aves acuáticas, por lo que resulta necesario la implementación de medidas de conservación, así como el estudio de los efectos por la presión antropogénica.

Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor Gpr126 (Adgrg6) Expression Profiling in Diseased Mouse, Rat, and Human Kidneys.

Uncovering the function of understudied G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) provides a wealth of untapped therapeutic potential. The poorly understood adhesion GPCR Gpr126 (Adgrg6) is widely expressed in developing kidneys. In adulthood, Gpr126 expression is enriched in parietal epithelial cells (PECs) and epithelial cells of the collecting duct and urothelium. Whether Gpr126 plays a role in kidney disease remains unclear. Here, we characterized Gpr126 expression in diseased kidneys in mice, rats, and humans. RT-PCR data show that Gpr126 expression is altered in kidney disease. A quantitative RNAscope® analysis utilizing cell type-specific markers revealed that Gpr126 expression upon tubular damage is mainly increased in cell types expressing Gpr126 under healthy conditions as well as in cells of the distal and proximal tubules. Upon glomerular damage, an increase was mainly detected in PECs. Notably, Gpr126 expression was upregulated in an ischemia/reperfusion model within hours, while upregulation in a glomerular damage model was only detected after weeks. An analysis of kidney microarray data from patients with lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), hypertension, and diabetes as well as single-cell RNA-seq data from kidneys of patients with acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease indicates that GPR126 expression is also altered in human kidney disease. In patients with FSGS, an RNAscope® analysis showed that GPR126 mRNA is upregulated in PECs belonging to FSGS lesions and proximal tubules. Collectively, we provide detailed insights into Gpr126 expression in kidney disease, indicating that GPR126 is a potential therapeutic target.

Variations in inter-specific and sex-related niche partitioning in pelagic boobies during their annual cycle.

Animals that co-occur in a region (sympatry) may share the same environment (syntopy), and niche differentiation is expected among closely related species competing for resources. The masked booby (Sula dactylatra) and smaller congeneric red-footed booby (Sula sula) share breeding grounds. In addition to the inter-specific size difference, females of both species are also larger than the respective males (reversed sexual size dimorphism). Although both boobies consume similar prey, sometimes in mixed-species flocks, each species and sex may specialize in terms of their diet or foraging habitats. We examined inter- and intra-specific differences in isotopic values (δ13C and δ15N) in these pelagically feeding booby species during the incubation period at Clarion Island, Mexico, to quantify the degrees of inter- and intra-specific niche partitioning throughout the annual cycle. During incubation, both species preyed mainly on flyingfish and squid, but masked boobies had heavier food loads than red-footed boobies. There was no overlap in isotopic niches between masked and red-footed boobies during breeding (determined from whole blood), but there was slight overlap during the non-breeding period (determined from body feathers). Female masked boobies had a higher trophic position than conspecific males during breeding; however, no such pattern was detected in red-footed boobies. These results provide evidence of inter- and intra-specific niche partitioning in these tropical seabird species, particularly during the breeding period and in the more-dimorphic species. Our results suggest that these closely related species use different strategies to cope with the same tropical marine environment.

Adhesion GPCR Gpr126 (Adgrg6) Expression Profiling in Zebrafish, Mouse, and Human Kidney.

Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) comprise the second-largest class of GPCRs, the most common target for approved pharmacological therapies. aGPCRs play an important role in development and disease and have recently been associated with the kidney. Several aGPCRs are expressed in the kidney and some aGPCRs are either required for kidney development or their expression level is altered in diseased kidneys. Yet, general aGPCR function and their physiological role in the kidney are poorly understood. Here, we characterize in detail Gpr126 (Adgrg6) expression based on RNAscope® technology in zebrafish, mice, and humans during kidney development in adults. Gpr126 expression is enriched in the epithelial linage during nephrogenesis and persists in the adult kidney in parietal epithelial cells, collecting ducts, and urothelium. Single-cell RNAseq analysis shows that gpr126 expression is detected in zebrafish in a distinct ionocyte sub-population. It is co-detected selectively with slc9a3.2, slc4a4a, and trpv6, known to be involved in apical acid secretion, buffering blood or intracellular pH, and to maintain high cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, respectively. Furthermore, gpr126-expressing cells were enriched in the expression of potassium transporter kcnj1a.1 and gcm2, which regulate the expression of a calcium sensor receptor. Notably, the expression patterns of Trpv6, Kcnj1a.1, and Gpr126 in mouse kidneys are highly similar. Collectively, our approach permits a detailed insight into the spatio-temporal expression of Gpr126 and provides a basis to elucidate a possible role of Gpr126 in kidney physiology.

Probabilidad de falla cardiaca aguda en enfermedad renal crónica / Probability of acute heart failure in chronic kidney disease

Introducción: en México 130 000 personas viven con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Las afecciones cardiacas son los problemas clínicos más frecuentes; 45% de las muertes de pacientes en terapia sustitutiva tienen un origen cardiaco. Objetivo: identificar la probabilidad de presentar falla cardiaca aguda (FCA) en pacientes con ERC en el Servicio de Urgencias Adultos de un hospital de segundo nivel. Material y métodos: estudio de casos (111) y controles (103). Los casos se definieron como pacientes con ERC ingresados a Urgencias por FCA comparados con controles, pacientes con ERC que ingresaron por otro diagnóstico diferente. Se realizó regresión logística binaria y se determinaron razones de momios (RM) e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC 95%). Un valor de p ˂ 0.05 fue significativo. Resultados: la hipertensión arterial (RM 7.12, IC 95% 2.3-22.06, p = 0.01), el uso de 3 o más antihipertensivos (RM, 2.903, IC 95% 1.19-7.11, p = 0.02), empleo de inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA) (RM 4.25, IC 95% 1.78-10.09, p = 0.01), antagonistas de los receptores de angiotensina-II (ARA-II) (RM 2.41, IC 95% 1.19-4.89, p = 0.014), diuréticos (RM 42.87, IC 95% 9.02-203.63, p = 0.00), diálisis peritoneal (RM 2.48, IC 95% 1.25-4.81, p = 0.009) y hemodiálisis (RM 0.40, IC 95% 0.20-0.79, p = 0.009) tuvieron significación estadística. Conclusiones: los pacientes con ERC con hipertension arterial, empleo de IECA, ARA-II, diuréticos y en dialisis peritoneal, tuvieron mayor probabilidad de presentar falla cardiaca aguda, mientras que los pacientes que se encontraban en hemodiálisis tuvieron menor probabilidad.

Background: In Mexico 130,000 people live with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Heart conditions are the most frequent clinical problems; 45% of the deaths of patients in replacement therapy have a cardiac origin. Objective: To identify the probability of presenting acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with CKD in the Adult Emer- gency Department (AED) of a second-level hospital. Material and methods: Case-control study with 111 cases and 103 controls. Cases were defined as patients with CKD admitted to AED for AHF compared with controls: patients with CKD who were admitted for a different diagnosis. Binary logistic regression was performed and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined. A value of p ˂ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Arterial hypertension (OR 7.12, 95% CI 2.3-22.06, p = 0.01), the use of 3 or more antihypertensive drugs (OR 2.903, 95% CI 1.19-7.11, p = 0.02), the use of inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE inhibitors) (OR 4.25, 95% CI 1.78-10.09, p = 0.01), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.19-4.89, p = 0.014), diuretics (OR 42.87, 95% CI 9.02-203.63, p = 0.00), peritoneal dialysis (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.25-4.81, p = 0.009) and hemodialysis (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20-0.79, p = 0.009) had statistical significance. Conclusions: CKD patients with arterial hypertension, use of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics and peritoneal dialysis were more likely to present AHF, while patients who were on hemodialysis were less likely to presenting it.

IQGAP3, a YAP Target, Is Required for Proper Cell-Cycle Progression and Genome Stability.

Controlling cell proliferation is critical for organism development, tissue homeostasis, disease, and regeneration. IQGAP3 has been shown to be required for proper cell proliferation and migration, and is associated to a number of cancers. Moreover, its expression is inversely correlated with the overall survival rate in the majority of cancers. Here, we show that IQGAP3 expression is elevated in cervical cancer and that in these cancers IQGAP3 high expression is correlated with an increased lethality. Furthermore, we demonstrate that IQGAP3 is a target of YAP, a regulator of cell cycle gene expression. IQGAP3 knockdown resulted in an increased percentage of HeLa cells in S phase, delayed progression through mitosis, and caused multipolar spindle formation and consequentially aneuploidy. Protein-protein interaction studies revealed that IQGAP3 interacts with MMS19, which is known in Drosophila to permit, by competitive binding to Xpd, Cdk7 to be fully active as a Cdk-activating kinase (CAK). Notably, IQGAP3 knockdown caused decreased MMS19 protein levels and XPD knockdown partially rescued the reduced proliferation rate upon IQGAP3 knockdown. This suggests that IQGAP3 modulates the cell cycle via the MMS19/XPD/CAK axis. Thus, in addition to governing proliferation and migration, IQGAP3 is a critical regulator of mitotic progression and genome stability. IMPLICATIONS: Our data indicate that, while IQGAP3 inhibition might be initially effective in decreasing cancer cell proliferation, this approach harbors the risk to promote aneuploidy and, therefore, the formation of more aggressive cancers.

The Influence of Social Class on Family Participation in Children's Education: A Case Study / La Influencia de la Clase Social Sobre la Participación Familiar en la Educación de los Niños: Un Estudio de Caso

Abstract Parental involvement in children's education is commonly accepted as beneficial. However, family social class plays a crucial role in the efficacy of homework help. In a comparative case study, a low-income immigrant family from Mexico and a middle-income family in Los Angeles were observed helping their children with math homework and were asked questions about goals, tutoring strategies, and beliefs about learning. Qualitative analysis focused on two effective teaching methods: scaffolding and productive struggle. The low-income mother with little formal education provided direct help rather than a scaffold, and disapproved of hard problems. However, an older sibling with more education than her mother used scaffolding and believed that difficult problems aid learning. In these respects, she resembled the college-educated middle-income mother. The sister exemplifies how older siblings in immigrant families provide bridges to educational achievement for younger siblings. We suggest effective ways for schools to involve parents who lacked educational opportunity themselves to participate in the education of their children.

Resumen La participación de los padres en la educación de sus niños es establecida como beneficiosa. Sin embargo, la clase social de la familia tiene una fuerte influencia sobre la eficacia de su ayuda con las tareas. En un estudio de caso comparativo, una familia inmigrante de México, de bajos ingresos, y una familia de Los Ángeles, de medianos ingresos, fueron observadas ayudando a sus niñas con deberes en matemáticas. Además, el investigador hizo preguntas sobre metas, estrategias de enseñanza y creencias sobre el aprendizaje. El análisis cualitativo se centró en dos métodos efectivos de enseñanza: proporcionar el aprendizaje de manera de andamio y estimular la lucha productiva. La madre de ingresos bajos proporcionó apoyo directo a su hija en lugar de proporcionar un andamio, y ella desaprobó los problemas difíciles; sin embargo, una hermana mayor con más educación que la madre proporcionó un andamio y creyó que los problemas difíciles ayudan al aprendizaje. En estos aspectos, la hermana mayor era similar a la madre de ingresos medios con educación universitaria. La hermana demuestra cómo hermanos mayores en las familias inmigrantes proporcionan puentes al éxito educativo para los hermanos menores. Sugerimos modos efectivos para que las escuelas puedan alentar a los padres con falta de oportunidades educativas a participar en la educación de sus hijos.

[Probability of acute heart failure in chronic kidney disease]. / Probabilidad de falla cardiaca aguda en enfermedad renal crónica.

BACKGROUND: In Mexico 130,000 people live with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Heart conditions are the most frequent clinical problems; 45% of the deaths of patients in replacement therapy have a cardiac origin. OBJECTIVE: To identify the probability of presenting acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with CKD in the Adult Emergency Department (AED) of a second-level hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case-control study with 111 cases and 103 controls. Cases were defined as patients with CKD admitted to AED for AHF compared with controls: patients with CKD who were admitted for a different diagnosis. Binary logistic regression was performed and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined. A value of p ˂ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Arterial hypertension (OR 7.12, 95% CI 2.3-22.06, p = 0.01), the use of 3 or more antihypertensive drugs (OR 2.903, 95% CI 1.19-7.11, p = 0.02), the use of inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE inhibitors) (OR 4.25, 95% CI 1.78-10.09, p = 0.01), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.19-4.89, p = 0.014), diuretics (OR 42.87, 95% CI 9.02-203.63, p = 0.00), peritoneal dialysis (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.25-4.81, p = 0.009) and hemodialysis (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20-0.79, p = 0.009) had statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: CKD patients with arterial hypertension, use of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics and peritoneal dialysis were more likely to present AHF, while patients who were on hemodialysis were less likely to presenting it.

INTRODUCCIÓN: en México 130 000 personas viven con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Las afecciones cardiacas son los problemas clínicos más frecuentes; 45% de las muertes de pacientes en terapia sustitutiva tienen un origen cardiaco. OBJETIVO: Identificar la probabilidad de presentar falla cardiaca aguda (FCA) en pacientes con ERC en el Servicio de Urgencias Adultos de un hospital de segundo nivel. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Material y métodos: ingresados a Urgencias por FCA comparados con controles, pacientes con ERC que ingresaron por otro diagnóstico diferente. Se realizó regresión logística binaria y se determinaron razones de momios (RM) e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC 95%). Un valor de p ˂ 0.05 fue significativo. RESULTADOS: la hipertensión arterial (RM 7.12, IC 95% 2.3-22.06, p = 0.01), el uso de 3 o más antihipertensivos (RM, 2.903, IC 95% 1.19-7.11, p = 0.02), empleo de inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA) (RM 4.25, IC 95% 1.78-10.09, p = 0.01), antagonistas de los receptores de angiotensina-II (ARA-II) (RM 2.41, IC 95% 1.19-4.89, p = 0.014), diuréticos (RM 42.87, IC 95% 9.02-203.63, p = 0.00), diálisis peritoneal (RM 2.48, IC 95% 1.25-4.81, p = 0.009) y hemodiálisis (RM 0.40, IC 95% 0.20-0.79, p = 0.009) tuvieron significación estadística. CONCLUSIONES: los pacientes con ERC con hipertension arterial, empleo de IECA, ARA2, diuréticos y en diálisis peritoneal, tuvieron mayor probabilidad de presentar falla cardiaca aguda, mientras que los pacientes que se encontraban en hemodiálisis tuvieron menor probabilidad.

Household water quality in areas irrigated with wastewater in the Mezquital Valley, Mexico.

Wastewater for irrigation in low- and middle-income countries can recharge aquifers and potentially contaminate supply sources. The infiltration rate has increased 13-fold in Mexico's Mezquital Valley, the largest agricultural area wastewater-irrigated worldwide, thus we assume that wastewater had contaminated supply sources. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) counts were enumerated in household water of two wastewater-irrigated areas, Tula and Tlahuelilpan, and a groundwater irrigated area, Tecozautla. During 2016-2017, household water, wastewater, and groundwater were sampled, analyzing fecal coliforms, fecal enterococci, and Escherichia coli, following membrane filtration procedures, and confirming the presence of E. coli by polymerase chain reaction. Nearly 50% of household water contained fecal contamination of up to 4.62 × 104 CFU/100 mL. Significant differences between FIB counts in household water from Tula and Tecozautla were observed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunnett tests. Household water samples from Tula contained highest FIB counts. Wastewater from Tula and Tlahuelilpan contained counts of six orders-of-magnitude of FIB. Counts were high when residual chlorine was <0.2 mg L-1 and underwater storage. This research serves as a baseline to observe improvement with a newly installed wastewater treatment plant. Safe irrigation wastewater reuse should be performed under strict surveillance, considering human safety a priority.

Validation of Enthalpy-Entropy Compensation Mechanism in Partial Amide Bond Rotation.

The concept of enthalpy-entropy compensation (EEC) is one of the highly debated areas of thermodynamics. The conformational change due to restricted double-bond rotation shows a classic two-site chemical exchange phenomenon and has been extensively studied. Fifty-four analogs of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) as a model system were synthesized to study the thermodynamics of the partial amide bond character using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Line-shape analysis as a function of temperature is used to estimate the chemical exchange. Eyring analysis was then used to convert the chemical exchange rates to determine the transition state enthalpy and entropy of the molecules. The experimental design follows selective variations that perturb one aspect of the molecular system and its influence on the observed thermodynamic effect. The results of the study demonstrate that amide bond resonance in analogs of DEET follows an EEC mechanism. Simple modifications made to DEET's structural motif alter both the enthalpy and entropy of the system and were limited overall to a temperature compensation factor, T ß = 292.20 K, 95% CI [290.66, 293.73]. We suggest EEC as a model to describe the kinetic compensation seen in chemical exchange phenomena in analogs of DEET.

miR-27a/b is a posttranscriptional regulator of Gpr126 (Adgrg6).

Gpr126 (Adgrg6), a member of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor family, has been associated with a variety of human diseases. Yet, despite its clinical importance, the mechanisms regulating Gpr126 expression are poorly understood. Here, we aimed at identifying upstream regulatory mechanisms of Gpr126 expression utilizing the heart as model organ in which Gpr126 regulates trabeculation. Here, we focused on possible regulation of Gpr126 regulation by microRNAs, which have emerged as key players in regulating development, have a critical role in disease progression, and might serve as putative therapeutic targets. In silico analyses identified one conserved binding site in the 3' UTR of Gpr126 for microRNA 27a and 27b (miR-27a/b). In addition, miR-27a/b and Gpr126 expression were differentially expressed during rat heart development. A regulatory role of miR-27a/b in controlling Gpr126 expression was substantiated by reduced Gpr126 mRNA levels upon ectopic expression of miR-27a/b in HEK293T cells and miR-27b in zebrafish embryos. Regulation of Gpr126 expression by direct binding of miR-27a/b to the 3' UTR of Gpr126 was verified by luciferase reporter assays in HEK293T cells. Finally, the modulation of gpr126 expression in zebrafish by injection of either miR-27b or miR-27b inhibitor in single cell-stage embryos resulted in hypo- or hypertrabeculation, respectively. Collectively, the data indicate that Gpr126 expression is regulated by miR-27a/b.

Gpr126 (Adgrg6) is expressed in cell types known to be exposed to mechanical stimuli.

GPR126 (ADGRG6) is an adhesion G protein-coupled receptor that plays an important role in a variety of tissues/organs, such as heart, sciatic nerve, cartilage, and ear. Moreover, GPR126 (ADGRG6) mutations are associated with human diseases, like adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, lung disease, bladder cancer, and intellectual disability. Despite its clinical importance, it remains elusive how GPR126 is activated and mediates signal transduction and what cellular processes depend on GPR126 signaling. Here, we generated a lacZ reporter mouse line to determine endogenous Gpr126 (Adgrg6) expression in a cell type-specific manner during embryonic development, at postnatal day 5 and in adult animals. Our results confirm Gpr126 expression data previously obtained utilizing antibodies and in situ hybridization in embryonic heart and sciatic nerve. In addition, we provide data with cellular resolution for previously described RT-PCR-based data, including lung and bladder. Moreover, new Gpr126-expressing tissues and cell types were identified, such as ureter and acinar secretory cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the newly generated lacZ reporter mouse is a suitable model to study Gpr126 expression during development and adulthood, provide detailed insight into Gpr126 expression at the cellular level, and reveal that all identified Gpr126-expressing cells are known to be exposed to mechanical stimuli.

Human cytomegaloviral multifunctional protein kinase pUL97 impairs zebrafish embryonic development and increases mortality.

Cytomegalovirus is a worldwide-distributed human pathogen, which is the leading cause of congenital virus infection, affecting 0.5 to 2% of live births. To date, it is largely unclear which molecular mechanisms underlie the symptomatic outcomes. This is mainly due to species specificity and limited homology among cytomegalovirus genomes. As it is not possible to infect model organisms with human cytomegalovirus, the aim of this study was to develop a heterologous system allowing in the future the elucidation of the pathological role of individual viral proteins. As a model organism the zebrafish has been chosen due to its ease of manipulation and characterization as well as its large offspring. As cytomegalovirus model protein, pUL97 was characterized because it is multiply involved in virus-host interaction. Here, we show in zebrafish embryos, that (i) pUL97 can be expressed in zebrafish, (ii) increasing pUL97 expression levels quantitatively correlate with both minor and major pathological defects, (iii) pUL97 expression impairs cell cycle progression and induces cell death, (iv) active pUL97, but not an inactive mutant, induces excess mortality, and (v) co-administration of a pUL97 inhibitor reduces embryonic pathology. Collectively, these data indicate the suitability of zebrafish to elucidate the pathological role of human cytomegaloviral proteins.

Adhesion GPCRs in Kidney Development and Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents the fastest growing pathology worldwide with a prevalence of >10% in many countries. In addition, kidney cancer represents 5% of all new diagnosed cancers. As currently no effective therapies exist to restore kidney function after CKD- as well as cancer-induced renal damage, it is important to elucidate new regulators of kidney development and disease as new therapeutic targets. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the most successful class of pharmaceutical targets. In recent years adhesion GPCRs (aGPCRs), the second largest GPCR family, gained significant attention as they are present on almost all mammalian cells, are associated to a plethora of diseases and regulate important cellular processes. aGPCRs regulate for example cell polarity, mitotic spindle orientation, cell migration, and cell aggregation; all processes that play important roles in kidney development and/or disease. Moreover, polycystin-1, a major regulator of kidney development and disease, contains a GAIN domain, which is otherwise only found in aGPCRs. In this review, we assess the potential of aGPCRs as therapeutic targets for kidney disease. For this purpose we have summarized the available literature and analyzed data from the databases The Human Protein Atlas, EURExpress, Nephroseq, FireBrowse, cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics and the National Cancer Institute Genomic Data Commons data portal (NCIGDC). Our data indicate that most aGPCRs are expressed in different spatio-temporal patterns during kidney development and that altered aGPCR expression is associated with a variety of kidney diseases including CKD, diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis as well as renal cell carcinoma. We conclude that aGPCRs present a promising new class of therapeutic targets and/or might be useful as diagnostic markers in kidney disease.

Widening control of fin inter-rays in zebrafish and inferences about actinopterygian fins.

The amputation of a teleost fin rapidly triggers an intricate maze of hierarchically regulated signalling processes which ultimately reconstruct the diverse tissues of the appendage. Whereas the generation of the fin pattern along the proximodistal axis brings with it several well-known developmental regulators, the mechanisms by which the fin widens along its dorsoventral axis remain poorly understood. Utilizing the zebrafish as an experimental model of fin regeneration and studying more than 1000 actinopterygian species, we hypothesized a connection between specific inter-ray regulatory mechanisms and the morphological variability of inter-ray membranes found in nature. To tackle these issues, both cellular and molecular approaches have been adopted and our results suggest the existence of two distinguishable inter-ray areas in the zebrafish caudal fin, a marginal and a central region. The present work associates the activity of the cell membrane potassium channel kcnk5b, the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and the sonic hedgehog pathway to the control of several cell functions involved in inter-ray wound healing or dorsoventral regeneration of the zebrafish caudal fin. This ray-dependent regulation controls cell migration, cell-type patterning and gene expression. The possibility that modifications of these mechanisms are responsible for phenotypic variations found in euteleostean species, is discussed.

Health risks from exposure to untreated wastewater used for irrigation in the Mezquital Valley, Mexico: A 25-year update.

Wastewater reuse for agriculture is common worldwide; wastewater treatment, however, is rare in many countries, leading to high potential for exposure to harmful pathogens. Mexico City, one of the largest producers of untreated wastewater for agricultural use worldwide, was the site of key epidemiologic studies conducted in the 1990s. We both reviewed the literature on and conducted a cross-sectional study of diarrheal risk and wastewater contamination to provide an updated assessment of health risks and to inform an upcoming update of the 2006 WHO guidelines on wastewater reuse. We surveyed communities in the Mezquital Valley that use wastewater for irrigation and communities that use well water to compare the prevalence of self-reported diarrheal disease in children under five years old. Wastewater, well water, household environmental samples, and stool samples were collected and analyzed. Communities exposed to wastewater had a higher one-week prevalence of diarrhea (10%) compared to unexposed communities (5%). This association remained in an adjusted modified Poisson regression model (PR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.00, 5.31), but not when limited to households engaged in agriculture. Water quality indicators document differences between irrigation water from the two community groups. These results are in agreement with 25 population studies identified by our review that were conducted since or not included in the 2006 WHO guidelines and show consistent negative impacts of wastewater exposure on health. While overall diarrheal prevalence has declined when compared to studies conducted over 25 years ago in the same region, the association of diarrheal disease and wastewater exposure has remained and possibly increased. With rising urbanization worldwide, attention to these risks and wastewater treatment is becoming increasingly important.

Removal of bacteria, protozoa and viruses through a multiple-barrier household water disinfection system.

Municipal water disinfection systems in some areas are not always able to meet water consumer needs, such as ensuring distributed water quality, because household water management can be a contributing factor in water re-contamination. This fact is related to the storage options that are common in places where water is scarce or is distributed over limited time periods. The aim of this study is to assess the removal capacity of a multiple-barrier water disinfection device for protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. Water samples were taken from households in Mexico City and spiked with a known amount of protozoa (Giardia cyst, Cryptosporidium oocyst), bacteria (Escherichia coli), and viruses (rotavirus, adenovirus, F-specific ribonucleic acid (FRNA) coliphage). Each inoculated sample was processed through a multiple-barrier device. The efficiency of the multiple-barrier device to remove E. coli was close to 100%, and more than 87% of Cryptosporidium oocysts and more than 98% of Giardia cysts were removed. Close to 100% of coliphages were removed, 99.6% of the adenovirus was removed, and the rotavirus was almost totally removed. An effect of site by zone was detected; this observation is important because the water characteristics could indicate the efficiency of the multiple-barrier disinfection device.

Time-scale separation of a class of robust PD-type tracking controllers for robot manipulators.

In this paper, the trajectory tracking control of robot manipulators is studied from the theoretical and practical point of view. By using the theory of singularly perturbed systems, a class of PD-type robust controllers is introduced. Our analysis departs from parameterizing the proportional and derivative gains with a perturbing parameter. We prove that the smaller the value of perturbing parameter, the smaller the ultimate bound of the joint position tracking error. Derived from the introduced analysis, two forms of extending the proposed class of controllers are discussed. In one, error-varying PD gains are considered while in the another one, a dynamic extension to avoid joint velocity measurements is incorporated. An experimental study in a planar two degrees-of-freedom direct-drive robot is also presented. Under similar implementation conditions, four controllers are tested. The best performance is obtained for a nonlinear PD controller derived from the proposed class of controllers.

Aves acuáticas de la Laguna de Agua Dulce y el Estero El Ermitaño, Jalisco, México / Water birds from Agua Dulce lake and El Ermitaño estuary, Jalisco, Mexico

Waterbird abundance, and seasonal and spatial distribution, were studied in two natural water pools at Jalisco, México, from December 1997 through November 1998. Maximum monthly abundance in Agua Dulce lake and El Ermitaño estuary was 86 471 birds (29 686 in Agua Dulce and 56 785 in Ermitaño), with a total cummulative abundance of 179 808 individuals (66 976 in Agua Dulce and 112 832 in Ermitaño). A total of 87 waterbirds species were recorded, 78 in Agua Dulce and 73 in Ermitaño.The higher species richness and abundance was observed during winter, when migratory species arrived. Most species prefered shallow waters, except seabirds which prefered protected areas such as dunes in Agua Dulce. Other groups, like ducks and related species, prefered low salinity areas, for example in the south-east area of Ermitaño. The higher abundance of the shorebirds was found when the water level on the estuary was low. Herons were seen often at areas with high salinity and influenced by tides (e.g. mouth of Ermitaño).

Se analizó la presencia y número de aves acuáticas, así como la distribución estacional y espacial de los diferentes grupos en la laguna de Agua Dulce y el estero El Ermitaño, Jalisco, México, entre diciembre de 1997 a noviembre de 1998. Considerando únicamente el mes de máxima abundancia de cada especie hubo 86 471 aves en ambos humedales (29 686 en Agua Dulce y 56 785 en El ermitaño), y una abundancia acumulada (suma de las abundancias mensuales) de 179 808 aves (66 976 en Agua Dulce y 112 832 en Ermitaño). Se identificaron 87 especies de aves, de las cuales 78 especies estuvieron presentes en Agua Dulce y 73 especies en El Ermitaño. La riqueza y abundancia fueron influenciados por la llegada de aves migratorias por lo que el mayor número de especies e individuos se presentó durante el invierno. En general las aves mostraron preferencia por áreas someras, excepto las marinas que prefirieron áreas arenosas y protegidas por dunas como las que se encuentran en Agua Dulce. Los demás grupos como los patos y afines prefirieron las áreas con salinidades bajas, como las que se encuentran al sureste del estero El Ermitaño. La mayor abundancia de aves playeras fue observada en niveles de agua bajos, y al igual que las garzas se les observó con mayor frecuencia en sitios con salinidades altas e influenciados por las variaciones en lasmareas, como los que se encuentran cerca de la boca-barra del Ermitaño.

[Water birds from Agua Dulce lake and El Ermitaño estuary, Jalisco, Mexico]. / Aves acuáticas de la Laguna de Agua Dulce y el Estero el Ermitaño, Jalisco, México.

Waterbird abundance, and seasonal and spatial distribution, were studied in two natural water pools at Jalisco, Mexico, from December 1997 through November 1998. Maximum monthly abundance in Agua Dulce lake and El Ermitaño estuary was 86 471 birds (29 686 in Agua Dulce and 56 785 in Ermitaño), with a total cummulative abundance of 179 808 individuals (66 976 in Agua Dulce and 112 832 in Ermitaño). A total of 87 waterbirds species were recorded, 78 in Agua Dulce and 73 in Ermitaño. The higher species richness and abundance was observed during winter, when migratory species arrived. Most species prefered shallow waters, except seabirds which prefered protected areas such as dunes in Agua Dulce. Other groups, like clucks and related species. prefered low salinity areas, for example in the south-east area of Ermitaño. The higher abundance of the shorehirds was found when the water level on the estuary was low. Herons were seen often at areas with high salinity and influenced by tides (e.g. mouth of Ermitaño).