Response of the weeping lizard to distress calls: the effect of witnessing predation.

Escaping from predation saves life, but costs energy and time. The "threat-sensitive predator-avoidance" hypothesis proposes that prey may modulate their antipredator responses, and thus the associated costs, in accordance with the magnitude of predation risk. This process requires that prey accurately assess this risk by decoding available information from various sources. For example, distress calls are uttered by prey when a predator traps them and can serve as public information on predation risk. Such is the case for the weeping lizard whose distress calls trigger immobility in conspecifics. Here, we tested whether this antipredator response of the weeping lizard is modulated by witnessing predation. We exposed lizards to distress calls alone or paired with models of a prey (conspecific), a predator (snake), or a predatory event (a snake subjugating the conspecific). Data show that the sole presence of the predator or prey paired with distress calls seems not to modulate the antipredator responses. Contrarily, witnessing a predatory event associated with calls intensified antipredator responses; lizards reduced their activity for longer and avoided proximity to the stimuli, which may decrease predation risk by reducing the likelihood of being detected by the predator. We conclude that the weeping lizard can use multisensorial public information to assess predation risk and modulate its antipredator responses.

Structural Insights into the Design of Synthetic Nanobody Libraries.

Single domain antibodies from camelids, or nanobodies, are a unique class of antibody fragments with several advantageous characteristics: small monomeric size, high stability and solubility and easy tailoring for multiple applications. Nanobodies are gaining increasing acceptance as diagnostic tools and promising therapeutic agents in cancer and other diseases. While most nanobodies are obtained from immunized animals of the camelid family, a few synthetic nanobody libraries constructed in recent years have shown the capability of generating high quality nanobodies in terms of affinity and stability. Since this synthetic approach has important advantages over the use of animals, the recent advances are indeed encouraging. Here we review over a dozen synthetic nanobody libraries reported so far and discuss the different approaches followed in their construction and validation, with an emphasis on framework and hypervariable loop design as critical issues defining their potential as high-class nanobody sources.

Structure-based design and construction of a synthetic phage display nanobody library.

OBJECTIVE: To design and construct a new synthetic nanobody library using a structure-based approach that seeks to maintain high protein stability and increase the number of functional variants within the combinatorial space of mutations. RESULTS: Synthetic nanobody (Nb) libraries are emerging as an attractive alternative to animal immunization for the selection of stable, high affinity Nbs. Two key features define a synthetic Nb library: framework selection and CDR design. We selected the universal VHH framework from the cAbBCII10 Nb. CDR1 and CDR2 were designed with the same fixed length as in cAbBCII10, while for CDR3 we chose a 14-long loop, which creates a convex binding site topology. Based on the analysis of the cAbBCII10 crystal structure, we carefully selected the positions to be randomized and tailored the codon usage at each position, keeping at particular places amino acids that guarantee stability, favoring properties like polarity at solvent-exposed positions and avoiding destabilizing amino acids. Gene synthesis and library construction were carried out by GenScript, using our own phagemid vector. The constructed library has an estimated size of 1.75 × 108. NGS showed that the amino acid diversity and frequency at each randomized position are the expected from the codon usage.

Cumplimiento de las normas de bioseguridad en laboratorios de la Universidad Técnica de Machala / Fulfillment of the biosafety norms in laboratories of the Universidad Técnica de Machala

Establecer el cumplimiento de las normas de bioseguridad por parte de los profesionales que laboran en los laboratorios de la Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y de la Salud de la Universidad Técnica de Machala. Materiales y Métodos: La presente investigación es de tipo descriptiva, con enfoque cuantitativo. La modalidad de la investigación es de campo. La población estuvo constituida por 100 estudiantes que usan los diferentes laboratorios de la Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y de la Salud de la Universidad Técnica de Machala. Resultados: El 59% de la población contestó que sí, ha recibido capacitación acerca de las normas de bioseguridad en la institución y el 41% respondieron que no. El 73% de los estudiantes cumplen con las medidas de bioseguridad en el laboratorio. Se realiza el lavado de manos, con un equivalente a un 39% para Después de tener contacto con cualquier tipo de materiales, muestras biológicas, productos sólidos, sustancias o reactivos. Sobre si se cuentan con recipientes de descarte para elementos contaminados, y están debidamente identificados el cual corresponde a un 46,9%. A la pregunta sobre qué materiales se deposita en los guardianes dando un equivalente de 43% para las Jeringuillas, bisturí, sin embargo, las Lancetas, agujas. Conclusiones: Se pudo determinar que la gran parte de la población estudiada si cumplen con las normas de bioseguridad(AU)

To establish compliance with Biosafety standards by professionals working in the laboratories of the Faculty of Chemistry and Health Sciences of the Technical University of Machala. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive research with a quantitative approach. The modality of the research is field research. The population consisted of 100 students who use the different laboratories of the Faculty of Chemistry and Health Sciences of the Technical University of Machala. Results: 59% of the population answered that they had received training on Biosafety norms in the institution and 41% answered that they had not. Seventy-three percent of the students comply with Biosafety measures in the laboratory. Hand washing is performed, with an equivalent of 39% for after having contact with any type of materials, biological samples, solid products, substances or reagents. Regarding whether there are disposal containers for contaminated items, and whether they are properly identified, this corresponds to 46.9%. To the question about what materials are deposited in the guards giving an equivalent of 43% for syringes, scapel powever, Lancets, needles. Conclusions: It could be determined that the great part of the population studied if they comply with Biosafety standards

Calidad de vida y adherencia terapéutica en un programa de hipertensión arterial / Quality of life and therapeutic adherence in a hypertension program

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar la asociación entre adherencia terapéutica (AT) y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). Materiales y Métodos Se llevó a cabo una investigación transversal en el programa de HTA de un hospital general. Se utilizó el cuestionario SF-36 y la versión española de la prueba de Morisky y Green. Se obtuvieron los puntajes de las dimensiones y componentes sumarios físico (PCS) y mental (MCS). Luego, se ejecutaron los respectivos análisis bivariante y multivariante. Resultados El 39% de los pacientes presentó AT. Los puntajes de todas las dimensiones presentaron asociación estadística con AT. La regresión de Poisson identificó las variables independientes asociadas a la obtención de un puntaje mayor de 50 en PCS [presencia de comorbilidad (factor de riesgo), estado laboral y AT (factores protectores)] y MCS (AT como factor protector). Conclusiones La AT, estado laboral y ausencia de comorbilidad presentaron asociación con una mejor calidad de vida relacionada con la salud.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine the association between treatment adherence and health-related quality of life. Methods and Materials A cross-sectional investigation was performed in an arterial hypertension program of a general hospital. The Spanish version of the Short Form-36 Health Survey and the Spanish version of the Morisky-Green test. The scores of the subscales and Physical Component (PCS) and Mental Component (MCS) summaries of the SF-36 survey were obtained, then the respective bivariate and multivariate analyzes (Poisson regression) were executed. Results 39% of patients had therapeutic adherence. All the dimensions of the SF-36 survey presented a statistical association with adherence to antihypertensive treatment. Poisson regression was executed to identify the independent variables associated with obtaining a score higher than 50 in the PCS [presence of comorbidity (risk factor), work status, and therapeutic adherence (protective factor)] and MCS (therapeutic adherence as a protective factor). Conclusions Therapeutic adherence, work status, and absence of comorbidity were associated with a better health-related quality of life.

[Quality of life and therapeutic adherence in a hypertension program]. / Calidad de vida y adherencia terapéutica en un programa de hipertensión arterial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between treatment adherence and health-related quality of life. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cross-sectional investigation was performed in an arterial hypertension program of a general hospital. The Spanish version of the Short Form-36 Health Survey and the Spanish version of the Morisky-Green test. The scores of the subscales and Physical Component (PCS) and Mental Component (MCS) summaries of the SF-36 survey were obtained, then the respective bivariate and multivariate analyzes (Poisson regression) were executed. RESULTS: 39% of patients had therapeutic adherence. All the dimensions of the SF-36 survey presented a statistical association with adherence to antihypertensive treatment. Poisson regression was executed to identify the independent variables associated with obtaining a score higher than 50 in the PCS [presence of comorbidity (risk factor), work status, and therapeutic adherence (protective factor)] and MCS (therapeutic adherence as a protective factor). CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic adherence, work status, and absence of comorbidity were associated with a better health-related quality of life.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación entre adherencia terapéutica (AT) y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una investigación transversal en el programa de HTA de un hospital general. Se utilizó el cuestionario SF-36 y la versión española de la prueba de Morisky y Green. Se obtuvieron los puntajes de las dimensiones y componentes sumarios físico (PCS) y mental (MCS). Luego, se ejecutaron los respectivos análisis bivariante y multivariante. RESULTADOS: El 39% de los pacientes presentó AT. Los puntajes de todas las dimensiones presentaron asociación estadística con AT. La regresión de Poisson identificó las variables independientes asociadas a la obtención de un puntaje mayor de 50 en PCS [presencia de comorbilidad (factor de riesgo), estado laboral y AT (factores protectores)] y MCS (AT como factor protector). CONCLUSIONES: La AT, estado laboral y ausencia de comorbilidad presentaron asociación con una mejor calidad de vida relacionada con la salud.

Características criminógenas y su relación con el modus operandi del homicidio perpetrado por mujeres detenidas en la reclusión de mujeres de Bogotá durante el año 2015 / Criminogenic characteristics and their relationship to the modus operandi of homicide perpetrated by women who are held at the Women's Prison in Bogotá in 2015 / Características criminológicas e sua relação com o modus operandi do homicídio perpetrado por mulheres detidas na Reclusão de Mulheres de Bogotá durante o ano 2015

Resumen La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar las características criminógenas asociadas al modus operandi en ocho casos de mujeres detenidas en la Reclusión de mujeres de Bogotá por el delito de homicidio. Realizando un análisis documental con base en expedientes judiciales, reportes de prensa y documentos de procesos penitenciarios, se buscó conocer las causas y rasgos criminógenos asociados al modus operandi desde la investigación criminal y la criminología interviniendo en conceptos como motivación e intención. Diversas teorías han intentado explicar el fenómeno de la criminalidad, muchas se han enmarcado en diferentes modelos a veces contradictorios, por esta razón, fue necesaria una mirada integral de diferentes preceptos teóricos, desde la criminología, la sociología criminal y la psicología. En los resultados se encontraron variables que mostraron que la conducta homicida no está, en algunos casos predeterminada. Sin embargo, algunos factores aumentaron el riesgo de violencia, como el uso de armas, presencia de otras personas en la escena, relaciones conflictivas, consumo de sustancias, entre otras causas que permitieron mostrar que la conducta punible no se da tan solo por factores externos, también, por factores intrínsecos que pudieron observarse en el modus operandi.

Abstract The objective of this study was to analyze the criminogenic characteristics related to the modus operandi in eight cases of women who are held for homicide crime at the Women's Prison in Bogotá. By undertaking a document analysis based on judicial records, press reports and penitentiary processes documents, it aimed to find out the causes and criminogenic features linked to the modus operandi starting from criminal investigation and criminology with intervention in concepts such as motivation and intent. Various theories have attempted to explain the criminality phenomenon, many of them have been outlined in different approaches, and sometimes they are contradictory. Therefore, it was necessary an integrated perspective of different theoretical precepts from criminology, criminal sociology and psychology. Variables in the results revealed that, in some cases, a killer conduct is not predetermined. However, some factors raised the risk of violence, such as weapons use, other people presence in the scene, conflict ridden relationships, illegal substances consumption, among other causes. These causes allowed demonstrating that the punishable conduct is not only devised by external circumstances, but also by intrinsic factors that could be observed on the modus operandi.

Resumo A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analizar as características criminológicas associadas ao modus operandi de oito casos de mulheres detidas na Reclusão de Mulheres de Bogotá pelo delito de homicídio. Realizando uma análise documental, com base em expedientes judiciais, recortes de imprensa e documentos de processos penitenciais, procurou-se conhecer as causas e traços criminológicos asociados ao modus operandi a partir da investigação criminal e a criminologia, intervindo em conceitos como motivação e intenção. Diversas teorias têm tentado explicar o fenómeno da criminalidade; muitas têm se enquadrado em distintos modelos, às vezes contraditórios; por essa razão, foi necessário um olhar integral de diferentes preceitos teóricos, desde a criminologia, a sociología criminal e a psicologia. Nos resultados encontraram-se variáveis que mostraram que a conduta homicida não está em alguns casos predeterminada. Não entanto, alguns fatores aumentaram o risco de violência, como o uso de armas, presença de outras pessoas na cena, relacionamentos conflitivos, consumo de sustâncias, entre outras causas que possibilitaram mostrar que a conduta punível não se dá só por circunstancias externas, mas também por fatores intrínsecos, que puderam se observar no modus operandi.

Estudio de siete casos de personas condenadas por delitos contra la administración pública en Colombia, entre el 2009 y el 2010, desde la perspectiva criminológica / Study of seven showcases of people sentenced for offenses against public administration in Colombia between 2009 and 2010, from a criminological perspective

El objetivo de la presente investigación es describir características criminológicas de un grupo de siete personas condenadas por delitos contra la administración pública. Se tuvieron en cuenta variables sociodemográficas, el modus operandi (variable criminológica) y la personalidad (variable psicológica). En esta investigación, de tipo exploratorio, con análisis descriptivo y muestreo intencional, participaron siete hombres internados en dos cárceles de Bogotá y Villavicencio, entre el 2009 y el 2010, con edad promedio de 44 años. Se utilizaron como instrumentos el cuestionario de personalidad 16 PF forma B, la entrevista semiestructurada de modus operandi, el cuestionario de variables sociodemográficas y el cuestionario de deseabilidad social de Domínguez, Salas-Menotti y Reyes (2008). Los resultados revelan que existen rasgos de personalidad comunes en al menos cinco participantes: tendencia a pensamiento concreto, inestabilidad emocional, dominancia, locus de control externo, suspicacia, nivel alto de normatividad pero asociado a dolor psicológico, estabilidad laboral y buena remuneración, estudios superiores en ciencias económicas y derecho. Son personas sin investigaciones previas, actúan solas o recurren a un mínimo de personas, sin realizar mayores conductas para encubrir los actos delictivos; cometen los delitos en un período corto de tiempo. El tiempo de condena promedio fue de 84 meses.

This research is aimed at describing criminological characteristics among a group of seven individuals sentenced for offenses against public administration. Socio-demographic variables were taken into account, as well as modus operandi (criminological variable) and personality (psychological variable). In this research of exploratory nature, with a descriptive analysis and intentional sampling, six male inmates (average age 44) of two prisons in Bogota and Villavicencio took part between 2009 and 2010. As instruments, the personality questionnaire 16 PF, form B, the semistructured interview on modus operandi, the socio-demographic variables and the social desirability questionnaire by Dominguez, Salas-Menotti and Reyes (2008) were used. The results reveal that there are personality traits commonly shared by at least five participants, such as tendency to specific, concrete thought, emotional instability, dominance, external control locus, suspiciousness, a high normativity level though associated to physical pain, work stability and good remuneration, higher education studies in economic sciences and law. These are people with no prior investigation backgrounds; they act alone or with the help of a minimum number of people, without further behaviors to cover their criminal acts. Their offenses are perpetrated in a short period of time. Average prison sentence: 84 months.

Resistance to Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in three transgenic Andean varieties of potato expressing Bacillus thuringiensis CrylAc protein.

Transgenic potato, Solanum tuberosum L., plants containing a synthetic cry1Ac gene coding for the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystalline insecticidal protein were produced and evaluated for resistance to Tecia solanivora Povolny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), the larvae of which attack potato tubers. In total, 43 transgenic lines of commercial Andean potato varieties Diacol Capiro, Pardo Pastusa, and Pandeazúcar were obtained. These transgenic lines were found to have one to four copies of cry1Ac per genome and expression levels of Cry1Ac protein varying from 0.02 to 17 microg/g fresh tuber tissue. Bioassays of T. solanivora larvae on these transgenic potato tubers showed 83.7-100% mortality, whereas the mortality levels on nontransgenic lines were 0-2.67%. Our data indicate the capability of Bt transgenic technology to control the T. solanivora while reducing the use of chemical insecticides. Further studies under controlled field conditions will be helpful in exploring the potential of CrylAc potatoes in the insect pest management strategies.