Estudio genómico de la Quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd): técnicas de secuenciación e identificación genómica. Una revision. / Genomic study of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd): sequencing techniques and genomic identification. A review.

INTRODUCCIÓN. La quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), es considerado uno de los alimentos más completos debido a su alto contenido en ácidos grasos, oligoelementos y proteínas ricas en aminoácidos esenciales; sin embargo, también posee metabolitos con propiedades anti nutricionales (saponinas) que deben ser eliminados antes de su consumo. Algunos estudios realizados en el genoma de la quinua, se han basado en la identificación de genes involucrados en la producción de saponinas para inhibir su expresión y evitar los tratamientos de pos cosecha (escarificado). OBJETIVO. Establecer, mediante revisión bibliográfica, las técnicas de biología molecular aplicadas a la expresión genómica de saponinas en quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) MÉTODOS. La revisión bibliográfica, se realizó tomando en cuenta varias fuentes de información, entre ellas: tesis doctorales, artículos científicos, libros y algunas plataformas WEB (www.bbc.com, www.fao.org, www.sidalc.net y https://biología.laguía2000.com) con principal interés en: genoma de la quinua, técnicas de secuenciación, genes identificados y su posterior expresión génica. CONCLUSIONES. El descubrimiento del genoma completo de la quinua en el año 2017, aplicando la técnica SMTR u otras técnicas como la pirosecuenciación, fue el punto de partida para el estudio de genes que le proporciona su adaptabilidad a varias condiciones bióticas y abióticas. De esta manera, en relación a los factores abióticos, se documentó en dos oportunidades que la expresión génica de saponinas, estaba relacionada con genes del citocromo P450 y enzimas como las glucosil transferasas. Ahora bien, aunque los genes involucrados en la respuesta a los agentes bióticos aún no están identificados, este se mantiene como hipótesis relacionándose con el contenido de saponinas.

INTRODUCTION. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), is considered one of the most complete foods due to its high content of fatty acids, trace elements and proteins rich in essential amino acids; however, it also has metabolites with anti-nutritional properties (saponins) that must be eliminated before consumption. Some studies carried out on the quinoa genome have been based on the identification of genes involved in the production of saponins to inhibit their expression and avoid post-harvest treatments (scarification). OBJECTIVE. To establish, through bibliographic review, the molecular biology techniques applied to the genomic expression of saponins in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd). METHODS. The bibliographic review was carried out taking into account several sources of information, among them: doctoral theses, scientific articles, books and some WEB platforms (www.bbc.com, www.fao.org, www.sidalc.net and https://biología.laguía2000.com) with main interest in: quinoa genome, sequencing techniques, identified genes and their subsequent gene expression. CONCLUSIONS. The discovery of the complete genome of quinoa in 2017, applying the SMTR technique or other techniques such as pyrosequencing, was the starting point for the study of genes that provide its adaptability to various biotic and abiotic conditions. Thus, in relation to abiotic factors, it was reported on two occasions that the gene expression of saponins was related to cytochrome P450 genes and enzymes such as glucosyl transferases. Although the genes involved in the response to biotic agents have not yet been identified, this remains a hypothesis related to the content of saponins.

3,7-Dimethylpentadecane: a Novel Sex Pheromone Component from Leucoptera sinuella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae).

Leucoptera sinuella is a leaf-miner moth present in several regions in the world, which has been recently introduced into Chile. The larvae feed exclusively on the leaves of poplar and willow trees, and the damage caused by the feeding behavior poses a threat to the wood-producing industry. Besides, L. sinuella larvae invade nearby orchards for pupation, causing rejections in Chilean fresh fruit for export. Here we report the identification of the female-produced sex pheromone of L. sinuella as a first step towards the development of pheromone-based methods for pest management of this species. First, we analyzed hexane extracts of the abdominal glands of virgin females by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and identified the major compound in these extracts to be 3,7-dimethylpentadecane, while minor compounds in the extracts proved to be 3,7-dimethyltetradecane and 7-methylpentadecane. Structure assignments were carried out by comparison of retention times and mass spectra of the natural products with those of authentic reference samples. Second, we conducted field tests, which showed that traps baited with synthetic 3,7-dimethylpentadecane were significantly attractive to males in a dose-dependent response. Our results also showed that a mixture of 3,7-dimethylpentadecane, 3,7-dimethyltetradecane, and 7-methylpentadecane in proportions similar to those found in gland extracts was the most attractive lure.

Morphological, chemical and electrophysiological investigations of Telchin licus (Lepidoptera: Castniidae).

The giant sugarcane borer Telchin licus (Drury, 1773) (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) is a day-flying moth pest of sugarcane, pineapples and bananas. To better understand the chemical communication in this species, we examined the morphology of its olfactory system and the chemical composition of its body parts. The ventral surface of the clubbed antennae of T. licus has six morphological types of sensilla: sensilla trichodea, basiconica, chaetica, squamiforma, coeloconica, and auricillica. The telescopic ovipositor shows no evidence of a sexual gland, or female-specific compounds. On the other hand, the midleg basitarsus of males releases (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienol and (Z,E)-2,13-octadecadienol, which are electroantennographically active in both sexes. These compounds are known female sex pheromones in the Sesiidae family and are male-specific compounds in another castniid moth, although further investigations are necessary to elucidate their ecological role in the Castniidae family.

Thermodynamics study of biokerosene from coconut and palm kernel oils and JP-8 aircraft fuels in the gas phase by the DFT method.

In this work, we performed a theoretical density functional theory (DFT) and semi-empirical (PM3) analysis to calculate thermodynamic properties of biokerosene from coconut and palm kernel oils, Jet Propulsion Fuel 8 (JP-8), and mixtures of these fuels. All simulations were performed in thermal equilibrium and for a temperature range of 0.5-1500 K, considering the canonical ensemble model. We predicted the thermal properties energy, enthalpy, enthalpy change, Gibbs free energy, entropy, and specific heat at constant pressure with respect to temperature. In addition, we compared the performances of the DFT functional hybrid B3LYP and the basis set 6-311++G(d,p) and PM3 methods, in order to determine their accuracy for thermodynamic predictions relating to the fuels. Calculations for combustion enthalpy were carried out using the following methods: B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p), B3LYP/6-31+G(d), CBS-QB3, G3, G4, and G3/G4. The results showed good agreement with measured values, indicating that DFT may be a good method to calculate and predict thermodynamic properties of the combustion reactions of kerosene and biokerosene.

Effect of the Electric Field on DNA Bases as Pigments for Nanodevices: A First-Principles Study.

In this work we used Density Functional Theory to simulate the molecular electronics behavior of the nitrogenous bases of human DNA under electric field effects. The results can describe some internal effects in the use of DNA-based as photoconductor or semiconductor nanodevices. For this investigation, calculations were performed to predict structural deformations, HOMO and LUMO orbitals, and thermodynamic properties of each one of the following nitrogenous bases: adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine. All the quantities were calculated as functions of the electric field. This analysis allows us to verify the influence of the electric field in the molecular geometry of nitrogenous bases, enabling us to determine that adenine, thymine and guanine are those bases most susceptible to presenting substantial deformations when DNA is submitted to the action of an external electric field, while the molecular structure of cytosine is highly resistant to this effect.

Molecular Electronics Including Temperature Effects Based on Dyes Pigments.

In this work we used the Density Functional Theory to study the thermodynamic properties from Brazilein (BZE) and Brazilin (BZI) molecules, main pigments responsible for the red color from Brazil wood. We did a comparison between the two dyes to then know which dye has better resistance to temperature (T ) and external electric field (E) values, aiming their potential to possible applications in solar cells, as excitons trainers. We have found that the BZE molecule becomes less stable after a temperature known as degradation temperature, and therefore enters oxidation state. However, BZE is more stable and more resistant to high temperatures. With respect to the applied external electric field, we find that BZE is more reactive to almost all the applied electric fields, thus more easily converted into energy in the form of electrical work.

Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory Analysis of Triphenylamine-Functionalized Graphene Doped with Transition Metals for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

The electronic structures and optical properties of triphenylamine-functionalized graphene (G-TPA) doped with transition metals, using water as a solvent, were theoretically investigated to verify the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production with the use of transition metals. This study was performed by Density Functional Theory and Time-dependent Density Functional Theory through Gaussian 09W software, adopting the B3LYP functional for all structures. The 6-31g(d) basis set was used for H, C and N atoms, and the LANL2DZ basis set for transition metals using the Effective Core Potentials method. Two approaches were adopted: (1) using single metallic dopants (Ni, Pd, Fe, Os and Pt) and (2) using combinations of Ni with the other dopants (NiPd, NiPt, NiFe and NiOs). The DOS spectra reveal an increase of accessible states in the valence shell, in addition to a gap decrease for all dopants. This doping also increases the absorption in the visible region of solar radiation where sunlight is most intense (400 nm to 700 nm), with additional absorption peaks. The results lead us to propose the G-TPA structures doped with Ni, Pd, Pt, NiPt or NiPd to be novel catalysts for the conversion of solar energy for photocatalytic hydrogen production, since they improve the absorption of solar energy in the range of interest for solar radiation; and act as reaction centers, reducing the required overpotential for hydrogen production from water.

Intermolecular interactions between DNA and methamphetamine, amphetamine, ecstasy and their major metabolites.

In this work, we carried out a theoretical investigation regarding amphetamine-type stimulants, which can cause central nervous system degeneration, interacting with human DNA. These include amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (also known as ecstasy), as well as their main metabolites. The studies were performed through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, where molecular interactions of the receptor-ligand systems, along with their physical-chemical energies, were reported. Our results show that 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-Dihydroxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) present considerable reactivity with the receptor (DNA), suggesting that these molecules may cause damage due to human-DNA. These results were indicated by free Gibbs change of bind (ΔGbind) values referring to intermolecular interactions between the drugs and the minor grooves of DNA, which were predominant for all simulations. In addition, it was observed that 3,4-Dihydroxymethamphetamine (ΔGbind = -13.15 kcal/mol) presented greater spontaneity in establishing interactions with DNA in comparison to 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ΔGbind = -8.61 kcal/mol). Thus, according with the calculations performed our results suggest that the 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and 3,4-Dihydroxymethamphetamine have greater probability to provide damage to human DNA fragments.

Thermodynamic DFT analysis of natural gas.

Density functional theory was performed for thermodynamic predictions on natural gas, whose B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p), B3LYP/6-31+G(d), CBS-QB3, G3, and G4 methods were applied. Additionally, we carried out thermodynamic predictions using G3/G4 averaged. The calculations were performed for each major component of seven kinds of natural gas and to their respective air + natural gas mixtures at a thermal equilibrium between room temperature and the initial temperature of a combustion chamber during the injection stage. The following thermodynamic properties were obtained: internal energy, enthalpy, Gibbs free energy and entropy, which enabled us to investigate the thermal resistance of fuels. Also, we estimated an important parameter, namely, the specific heat ratio of each natural gas; this allowed us to compare the results with the empirical functions of these parameters, where the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and G3/G4 methods showed better agreements. In addition, relevant information on the thermal and mechanic resistance of natural gases were investigated, as well as the standard thermodynamic properties for the combustion of natural gas. Thus, we show that density functional theory can be useful for predicting the thermodynamic properties of natural gas, enabling the production of more efficient compositions for the investigated fuels. Graphical abstract Investigation of the thermodynamic properties of natural gas through the canonical ensemble model and the density functional theory.

[Deaths in children during the early twentieth and twenty-first century in Boyacá, Colombia]. / Defunciones en niños a principios de los siglos XX y XXI en Boyacá-Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Comparing and analysing crude death (CDR), child mortality (CMR) 5-year per thousand live births (LBR) and infant mortality rates (IMR) in the Boyacá department, Colombia, during the early 20th and 21st centuries. METHODS: A descriptive epidemiological comparative historical approach was adopted. Two data sources were used for deaths: parish registers 1912-1927 and the Boyacá Epidemiological Bulletin 2007 population census for 1912-1918-1927 and 2005 (Colombian Statistics Bureau - DANE); data was stored and analysed in Mysql. Crude rates, age-specific and child mortality ratios and mortality were calculated by cause. RESULTS: 7,958 deaths were recorded from 1912-1927 compared to 5,813 in the 21st century. CDR dropped from 150 to 42 deaths per 10,000 inhabitants; the IMR became significantly reduced from 231 to 17 for every 1,000 LB. Although specific rates for children under 8 years of age could be compared to children under 5, there was variability in the range and construction of the specific MR and that defined by WHO-UNICEF. CONCLUSIONS: There was a higher reduction in mortality in the 21st century due to national and international policies for controlling preventable diseases and maternal death. The 1918-19 flu pandemic significantly affected mortality in all population groups; violent causes were prominent in infant mortality in the 21st century.

Defunciones en niños a principios de los siglos XX y XXI en Boyacá-Colombia / Deaths in children during the early twentieth and twenty-first century in Boyacá, Colombia

Objetivo Comparar y analizar las Tasas Brutas de Mortalidad (TBM), la Mortalidad en Menores (MN) de 5 años por mil Nacidos Vivos (NV) y la Mortalidad Infantil (MI) en el departamento de Boyacá-Colombia, a comienzos de los siglos XX y XXI. Métodos Estudio descriptivo comparativo con enfoque histórico epidemiológico. Se utilizaron dos fuentes de datos, para las defunciones: registros parroquiales de 1912-1927 y el Boletín epidemiológico de Boyacá 2007; para la población los censos DANE 1912-1918-1927 y 2005. Se almacenaron y analizaron en Mysql®. Se calcularon tasas brutas, específicas por edad e infantil, proporciones de mortalidad y mortalidad por causas. Resultados Entre 1912-1927 se registra una media de 7 958 muertes, en comparación con 5 813 en el siglo XXI; la TBM pasó de 150 muertes a 42 por 10 mil habitantes; la TMI se redujo considerablemente pasando de 231 a 17 por cada 1 000 NV; aunque se pueden comparar las tasas especificas en menores de 8 años con las de menores de 5, existe variabilidad en el rango y en la construcción de la TM especifica y la definida por OMS- UNICEF. Conclusiones Existe un impacto en la reducción de mortalidad, mayor en el siglo XXI, debido a las políticas nacionales e internacionales de control de enfermedades inmunoprevenibles y muerte materna. La pandemia de gripa de 1918-19 afectó considerablemente la mortalidad en todos los grupos de población; las causas violentas ocupan lugares importantes en la mortalidad infantil en el siglo XXI.

Objective Comparing and analysing crude death (CDR), child mortality (CMR) 5-year per thousand live births (LBR) and infant mortality rates (IMR) in the Boyacá department, Colombia, during the early 20th and 21st centuries. Methods A descriptive epidemiological comparative historical approach was adopted. Two data sources were used for deaths: parish registers 1912-1927 and the Boyacá Epidemiological Bulletin 2007 population census for 1912-1918-1927 and 2005 (Colombian Statistics Bureau - DANE); data was stored and analysed in Mysql. Crude rates, age-specific and child mortality ratios and mortality were calculated by cause. Results 7,958 deaths were recorded from 1912-1927 compared to 5,813 in the 21st century. CDR dropped from 150 to 42 deaths per 10,000 inhabitants; the IMR became significantly reduced from 231 to 17 for every 1,000 LB. Although specific rates for children under 8 years of age could be compared to children under 5, there was variability in the range and construction of the specific MR and that defined by WHO-UNICEF. Conclusions There was a higher reduction in mortality in the 21st century due to national and international policies for controlling preventable diseases and maternal death. The 1918-19 flu pandemic significantly affected mortality in all population groups; violent causes were prominent in infant mortality in the 21st century.

A dynamic molecular study of parallel gold nanowires matrix.

We study the theoretical van der Waals interaction of parallel gold nanowires (GNs) in matrix form with free extremities using molecular mechanics. It was calculated force, velocity, efficiency, thermodynamics properties like molar heat capacity, molar entropy variation and the relation between kinetic energy and temperature in situ of the GNs. We found new information about the nanowire behavior due to the matrix form. Each nanowire has 20 atoms and distant 27.78 angstroms from each one.

La pandemia de gripe de 1918-1919 en Bogotá y Boyacá, 91 años después / The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 in Bogotá and Boyacá, 91 years later

Introducción. La pandemia de gripa de1918-1919 causó la mayor mortalidad en la historia en corto tiempo. Se estima que entre 20 millones y 50 millones de personas fallecieron en menos de un año. Los historiadores de Europa y Estados Unidos registran tres oleadas, con mayor impacto en octubre y noviembre (80% de la mortalidad), que afectaron la población económicamente activa. La gripa nos ha acompañado en América desde el segundo viaje de Colón, probablemente asociada a la importación de cerdos y caballos infectados. Materiales y métodos. Se describen las condiciones sociales y de salud en Bogotá y Boyacá, a partir de fuentes documentales de la época. Las tasas de mortalidad se calcularon a partir de los registros de la Iglesia. Resultados. Las condiciones de pobreza y hacinamiento acentuaron la letalidad. La iniciativa privada asumió el control y la atención de las víctimas, dada la ineficiencia de las autoridades. Se recolectaron 106.484 registros de defunción del periodo 1912-1927, 9,5% (10.123 muertes) por gripa. Entre octubre y noviembre de 1918, hubo 2.019 muertes en Boyacá, con una tasa de 4,8 por 1.000 habitantes, y predominio en menores de 5 años y en ancianos; no se observaron oleadas. La mayor altura sobre el nivel del mar resultó ser un factor de riesgo para la muerte por gripa. Discusión. Las condiciones actuales favorecen una nueva pandemia. Los nuevos medios de transporte podrían aumentar la velocidad de transmisión de la infección. Se hace necesario conocer el pasado y las implicaciones en la mortalidad para evitar repetir los errores en el futuro.

Introduction: The pandemic Flu of 1918-19 was the cause of the greatest mortality in history, in a very short period of time. An estimated mortality between 20 and 50 million deaths/year was calculated. The European and American researchers registered three different epidemic peaks, with a special impact between October and November (80% mortality), affecting a large proportion of the economically active population. Since Colombo’s second travel, the Flu has been within us, probably associated with the presence infected pigs and horses, brought by the Spaniards. Materials and methods: We describe the social and health conditions in Bogotá and Boyacá, from documentary sources of the time. Mortality rates were estimated from Church records. Results: Poverty and overcrowding conditions increased the epidemic lethality. As a result of the inefficiency of the authorities of that time, the control and care of victims were assumed by private organizations. We collected 106,484 records from death certificates, since 1912 until 1927; 9.5% (10,123 deaths) were caused by flu. The mortality rate attributed to the Flu was 4.8 per 1,000 people (2,019 deaths) between October and November of 1918. Children under 5 years and the elder people were mainly affected by Flu. The highest altitude above sea level was a risk factor for Flu mortality and non epidemic waves were observed. Discussion: Due to current general conditions, a new epidemic is possible. New means of transportation may increase its transmission rate. Lessons from the past can lead us to avoid repeating same mistakes in the future.

Cuba (1898-1958): modernización social y económica y descenso de la mortalidad / Cuba (1898-1958). Social and economic modernization and mortality decrease

Trata de analizar los datos cubanos sobre mortalidad, que permiten constatar la tendencia descendente de la misma. Considera una serie de variables relacionadas con el suministro y la calidad del agua, las mejoras sanitarias y alimenticias, así como la extensión del sistema educativo, sobre todo la alfabetización femenina. Mejoras que, aunque con graves diferencias, fueron llegando progresivamente a todo el país, puesto que la relativa mejoría de la situación económica trajo consigo nuevas tendencias en la modernización social y cultural y una progresiva participación de la mujer en la vida económica y social.(AU)

Rabdomioma cardiaco biventricular: reporte de un caso diagnosticado in utero por ecografía / Biventricular cardiac rhabdomyoma: report of a case diagnosed in utero by echography

Se reporta el caso de un rabdomioma cardiaco congénito múltiple biventricular, diagnosticado a un feto in utero, mediante ultrasonido prenatal en una mujer de veinte años con un embarazo de 22 semanas. El seguimiento por ecografía fetal permitió la valoración del caso, procediéndose a la interrupción de la gestación y confirmación del diagnóstico. El estudio de la madre en la Consulta de Genética concluyó que era portadora de esclerosis tuberosa