Exploring the Effects of an Alfalfa Leaf-Derived Adsorbent on Microbial Community, Ileal Morphology, Barrier Function, and Immunity in Turkey Poults during Chronic Aflatoxin B1 Exposure.

This article follows-up on our recently published work, which evaluated the impact of the addition of an alfalfa leaf-derived adsorbent in the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-contaminated diet in regard to the production parameters, blood cell count, serum biochemistry, liver enzymes, and liver histology of turkey poults. This paper presents complementary results on microbial community, ileal morphology, barrier function, and immunity. For this purpose, 350 1-day-old female turkey poults were randomly distributed into five groups: (1) Control, AFB1-free diet; (2) AF, AFB1-contaminated diet at 250 ng/g; (3) alfalfa, AFB1-free diet + 0.5% (w/w) adsorbent; (4) alfalfa + AF, AFB1-contaminated diet at 250 ng/g + 0.5% (w/w) adsorbent; and (5) YCW + AF, AFB1-contaminated diet at 250 ng/g + 0.5% (w/w) commercial yeast cell wall-based adsorbent (reference group). In general, in the AF group, the growth of opportunistic pathogens was promoted, which lead to gut dysbacteriosis, mainly influenced by Streptococcus lutetiensis. Conversely, a significant increase in beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium and Coprococcus catus) was promoted by the addition of the plant-based adsorbent. Moreover, the AF group had the lowest villus height and a compromised barrier function, as evidenced by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d), but these negative effects were almost reversed by the addition of the alfalfa adsorbent. Furthermore, the AF + YCW and alfalfa + AF groups exhibited a significant increase in the cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity response compared to the rest of the experimental groups. Taken together, these results pointed out that the alfalfa counteracts the adverse effects of AFB1 in poults, facilitating the colonization of beneficial bacteria and improving the barrier function of the turkey poults.

NaCl Modifies Biochemical Traits in Bacterial Endophytes Isolated from Halophytes: Towards Salinity Stress Mitigation Using Consortia.

Bacterial endophytes (120) were isolated from six halophytes (Distichlis spicata, Cynodon dactylon, Eragrostis obtusiflora, Suaeda torreyana, Kochia scoparia, and Baccharis salicifolia). These halophiles were molecularly identified and characterized with or without NaCl conditions. Characterization was based on tests such as indole acetic acid (IAA), exopolysaccharides (EPS), and siderophores (SID) production; solubilization of phosphate (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn); mineralization of phytate; enzymatic activity (acid and alkaline phosphatase, phytases, xylanases, and chitinases) and the mineralization/solubilization mechanisms involved (organic acids and sugars). Moreover, compatibility among bacteria was assessed. Eleven halophiles were characterized as highly tolerant to NaCl (2.5 M). The bacteria isolated were all different from each other. Two belonged to Bacillus velezensis and one to B. pumilus while the rest of bacteria were identified up to the genus level as belonging to Bacillus, Halobacillus, Halomonas, Pseudomonas, Nesterenkonia, and three strains of Oceanobacillus. The biochemical responses of nutrient solubilization and enzymatic activity were different between bacteria and were influenced by the presence of NaCl. Organic acids were involved in P mineralization and nutrient solubilization. Tartaric acid was common in the solubilization of P, Zn, and K. Maleic and vanillic acid were only detected in Zn and K solubilization, respectively. Furthermore, sugars appeared to be involved in the solubilization of nutrients; fructose was detected in the solubilization tests. Therefore, these biochemical bacterial characteristics should be corroborated in vivo and tested as a consortium to mitigate saline stress in glycophytes under a global climate change scheme that threatens to exacerbate soil salinity.

Catalogue of type specimens deposited in the Polychaeta Collection of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Léon (Mexico).

Background: In Mexico, there are six scientific collections of polychaetous annelids. The "Colección Poliquetológica" from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León houses one of the three most important collections of annelids in the country, based on a number of lots and number of type materials deposited, as well as geographical coverage. New information: A catalogue of type materials of polychaete annelids housed at the "Colección Poliquetológica" from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (México) is presented for the first time. The Collection contains 37 holotypes, 174 paratypes and one syntype. These type materials are grouped in 15 families, 35 genera and 54 species of marine worms. Types were described mostly from the Mexican waters, with a low number of types from Ecuador, El Salvador, Argentina, USA, Philippines, New Caledonia and Japan.

Re-description of Parasphaerosyllisindica Monro, 1937 (Annelida, Syllidae), with the establishment of a new species from western Mexico.

Background: Parasphaerosyllis Monro, 1937 is a syllid genus, currently composed of four species: P.indica Monro, 1937 from the Arabian Sea, P.uschakovi (Chlebovitsch, 1959) from the Kurile Islands, P.ezoensis Imajima & Hartman, 1964 from Japan and P.malimalii Capa, San Martín & López, 2001 from the Pacific coast of Panama. The distribution of P.indica is circum-tropical to temperate waters, but the presence of species complexes has been suggested. In order to clarify the distribution of P.indica in many areas of the world, a re-description, based on examination of the type material, is required as a first step to a better understanding of its diagnostic features. New information: Parasphaerosyllisindica is re-described, based on holotype examination, a new species is established from the Gulf of California and Parasphaerosyllismalimalii is reported for the first time since its description in 2001. Parasphaerosyllisirregulata sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by the following features: 1) Palps are free at their base; 2) Two types of dorsal cirri are present: spherical to bulbous and moniliform cirri; 3) Both types of cirri are distributed irregularly. A spherical/bulbous and moniliform cirrus may appear together within the same segment (asymmetrical segment) or only a spherical/bulbous cirrus may appear in several consecutive segments (not alternating as occurs in congeners); 4) The spherical/bulbous cirri may have distal knobs with 1-3 terminal articles; and 5) Bidentate falcigers with short, sub-triangular blades with a proximal tooth slightly larger that the distal one. A taxonomic key to species of Parasphaerosyllis species is included.

Antibacterial and osteoinductive properties of wollastonite scaffolds impregnated with propolis produced by additive manufacturing.

Biocompatible ceramic scaffolds offer a promising approach to address the challenges in bone reconstruction. Wollastonite, well-known for its exceptional biocompatibility, has attracted significant attention in orthopedics and craniofacial fields. However, the antimicrobial properties of wollastonite have contradictory findings, necessitating further research to enhance its antibacterial characteristics. This study aimed to explore a new approach to improve in vitro biological response in terms of antimicrobial activity and cell proliferation by taking advantage of additive manufacturing for the development of scaffolds with complex geometries by 3D printing using propolis-modified wollastonite. The scaffolds were designed with a TPMS (Triply Periodic Minimal Surface) gyroid geometric shape and 3D printed prior to impregnation with propolis extract. The paste formulation was characterized by rheometric measurements, and the presence of propolis was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The scaffolds were comprehensively assessed for their mechanical strength. The biological characterization involved evaluating the antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, employing Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Zone of Inhibition (ZOI), and biofilm formation assays. Additionally, SaOs-2 cultures were used to study cell proliferation (Alamar blue assay), and potential osteogenic was tested (von Kossa, Alizarin Red, and ALP stainings) at different time points. Propolis impregnation did not compromise the mechanical properties of the scaffolds, which exhibited values comparable to human trabecular bone. Propolis incorporation conferred antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The implementation of TPMS gyroid geometry in the scaffold design demonstrated favorable cell proliferation with increased metabolic activity and osteogenic potential after 21 days of cell cultures.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of a Formulation Containing Ascorbic Acid and Eudragit FS 30D Microparticles for the Controlled Release of a Curcumin-Boric Acid Solid Dispersion in Turkey Poults Infected with Salmonella enteritidis: A Therapeutic Model.

The selection of components within a formulation or for treatment must stop being arbitrary and must be focused on scientific evidence that supports the inclusion of each one. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to obtain a formulation based on ascorbic acid (AA) and Eudragit FS 30D microparticles containing curcumin-boric acid (CUR-BA) considering interaction studies between the active components carried out via Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to minimize antagonistic effects, and comprehensively and effectively treat turkey poults infected with Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis). The DSC and FTIR studies clearly demonstrated the interactions between AA, BA, and CUR. Consequently, the combination of AA with CUR and/or BA should be avoided, but not CUR and BA. Furthermore, the Eudragit FS 30D microparticles containing CUR-BA (SD CUR-BA MP) showed a limited release of CUR-BA in an acidic medium, but they were released at a pH 6.8-7.0, which reduced the interactions between CUR-BA and AA. Finally, in the S. enteritidis infection model, turkey poults treated with the combination of AA and SD CUR-BA MP presented lower counts of S. enteritidis in cecal tonsils after 10 days of treatment. These results pointed out that the use of an adequate combination of AA and CUR-BA as an integral treatment of S. enteritidis infections could be a viable option to replace the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

Selection of Salinity-Adapted Endorhizal Fungal Consortia from Two Inoculum Sources and Six Halophyte Plants.

Soil salinity is a limiting factor in crop productivity. Inoculating crops with microorganisms adapted to salt stress is an alternative to increasing plant salinity tolerance. Few studies have simultaneously propagated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate fungi (DSF) using different sources of native inoculum from halophyte plants and evaluated their effectiveness. In alfalfa plants as trap culture, this study assessed the infectivity of 38 microbial consortia native from rhizosphere soil (19) or roots (19) from six halophyte plants, as well as their effectiveness in mitigating salinity stress. Inoculation with soil resulted in 26-56% colonization by AMF and 12-32% by DSF. Root inoculation produced 10-56% and 8-24% colonization by AMF and DSF, respectively. There was no difference in the number of spores of AMF produced with both inoculum types. The effective consortia were selected based on low Na but high P and K shoot concentrations that are variable and are relevant for plant nutrition and salt stress mitigation. This microbial consortia selection may be a novel and applicable model, which would allow the production of native microbial inoculants adapted to salinity to diminish the harmful effects of salinity stress in glycophyte plants in the context of sustainable agriculture.

Insecticide resistance levels and associated mechanisms in three Aedes aegypti populations from Venezuela.

BACKGROUND: The massive use of insecticides in public health has exerted selective pressure resulting in the development of resistance in Aedes aegypti to different insecticides in Venezuela. Between 2010 and 2020, the only insecticides available for vector control were the organophosphates (Ops) fenitrothion and temephos which were focally applied. OBJECTIVES: To determine the state of insecticide resistance and to identify the possible biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in three populations of Ae. aegypti from Venezuela. METHODS: CDC bottle bioassays were conducted on Ae. aegypti collected between October 2019 and February 2020 in two hyperendemic localities for dengue in Aragua State and in a malaria endemic area in Bolívar State. Insecticide resistance mechanisms were studied using biochemical assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect kdr mutations. FINDINGS: Bioassays showed contrasting results among populations; Las Brisas was resistant to malathion, permethrin and deltamethrin, Urbanización 19 de Abril was resistant to permethrin and Nacupay to malathion. All populations showed significantly higher activity of mixed function oxidases and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) in comparison with the susceptible strain. The kdr mutations V410L, F1534C, and V1016I were detected in all populations, with F1534C at higher frequencies. MAIN CONCLUSION: Insecticide resistance persists in three Ae. aegypti populations from Venezuela even in the relative absence of insecticide application.

Influence of storage variables on the antioxidant and antitumor activities, phenolic compounds and vitamin C of an agglomerate of Andean berries.

Berry consumption is increasing worldwide due to their high content of bioactive compounds. However, such fruits have a very short shelf life. To avoid this drawback and to offer an effective alternative for its consumption at any time of the year, an agglomerated berry powder mix (APB) was developed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the stability of APB during a 6-months-period storage at 3 temperatures. The stability of APB was determined by moisture, aw, antioxidant activity, total phenolics, total anthocyanins, vitamin C, color, phenolic profiles, and MTT assay. APB showed differences in antioxidant activity between 0 and 6 months. It experimented non-enzymatic browning, which was more remarkable at 35 °C. APB at time 0 exhibited growth inhibitory effects against HT-29 human cancer cells. Most properties were significantly modified by storage temperature and time, which induces a significant decreasing of bioactive compounds.

National data linkage assessment of live births and deaths in Mexico: Estimating under-five mortality rate ratios for vulnerable newborns and trends from 2008 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Linked datasets that enable longitudinal assessments are scarce in low and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the linkage of administrative databases of live births and under-five child deaths to explore mortality and trends for preterm, small (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) in Mexico. METHODS: We linked individual-level datasets collected by National statistics from 2008 to 2019. Linkage was performed based on agreement on birthday, sex, residential address. We used the Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health software to identify the best candidate pairs based on similarity. Accuracy was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. We evaluated completeness by comparing the number of linked records with reported deaths. We described the percentage of linked records by baseline characteristics to identify potential bias. Using the linked dataset, we calculated mortality rate ratios (RR) in neonatal, infants, and children under-five according to gestational age, birthweight, and size. RESULTS: For the period 2008-2019, a total of 24,955,172 live births and 321,165 under-five deaths were available for linkage. We excluded 1,539,046 records (6.2%) with missing or implausible values. We succesfully linked 231,765 deaths (72.2%: range 57.1% in 2009 and 84.3% in 2011). The rate of neonatal mortality was higher for preterm compared with term (RR 3.83, 95% confidence interval, [CI] 3.78, 3.88) and for SGA compared with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (RR 1.22 95% CI, 1.19, 1.24). Births at <28 weeks had the highest mortality (RR 35.92, 95% CI, 34.97, 36.88). LGA had no additional risk vs AGA among children under five (RR 0.92, 95% CI, 0.90, 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the utility of linked data to understand neonatal vulnerability and child mortality. We created a linked dataset that would be a valuable resource for future population-based research.

Humic Acids Preparation, Characterization, and Their Potential Adsorption Capacity for Aflatoxin B1 in an In Vitro Poultry Digestive Model.

Vermicompost was used for humic acid (HA) preparation, and the adsorption of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was investigated. Two forms of HA were evaluated, natural HA and sodium-free HA (SFHA). As a reference, a non-commercial zeolitic material was employed. The adsorbents were characterized by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), zeta potential (ζ-potential), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and point of zero charge (pHpzc). The adsorbent capacity of the materials when added to an AFB1-contaminated diet (100 µg AFB1/kg) was evaluated using an in vitro model that simulates the digestive tract of chickens. Characterization results revealed the primary functional groups in HA and SFHA were carboxyl and phenol. Furthermore, adsorbents have a highly negative ζ-potential at the three simulated pH values. Therefore, it appears the main influencing factors for AFB1 adsorption are electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. Moreover, the bioavailability of AFB1 in the intestinal section was dramatically decreased when sorbents were added to the diet (0.2%, w/w). The highest AFB1 adsorption percentages using HA and SFHA were 97.6% and 99.7%, respectively. The zeolitic material had a considerable adsorption (81.5%). From these results, it can be concluded that HA and SFHA from vermicompost could be used as potential adsorbents to remove AFB1 from contaminated feeds.

Brain radiotoxicity-related 15CAcBRT gene expression signature predicts survival prognosis of glioblastoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma is the most common and devastating primary brain cancer. Radiotherapy is standard of care; however, it is associated with brain radiation toxicity (BRT). This study used a multi-omics approach to determine whether BRT-related genes (RGs) harbor survival prognostic value and whether their encoded proteins represent novel therapeutic targets for glioblastoma. METHODS: RGs were identified through analysis of single-nucleotide variants associated with BRT (R-SNVs). Functional relationships between RGs were established using Protein-Protein Interaction networks. The influence of RGs and their functional groups on glioblastoma prognosis was evaluated using clinical samples from the Glioblastoma Bio-Discovery Portal database and validated using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas dataset. The identification of clusters of radiotoxic and putative pathogenic variants in proteins encoded by RGs was achieved by computational 3D structural analysis. RESULTS: We identified the BRT-related 15CAcBRT molecular signature with prognostic value in glioblastoma, by analysis of the COMT and APOE protein functional groups. Its external validation confirmed clinical relevance independent of age, MGMT promoter methylation status, and IDH mutation status. Interestingly, the genes IL6, APOE, and MAOB documented significant gene expression levels alteration, useful for drug repositioning. Biological networks associated with 15CAcBRT signature involved pathways relevant to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Analysis of 3D clusters of radiotoxic and putative pathogenic variants in proteins coded by RGs unveiled potential novel therapeutic targets in neuro-oncology. CONCLUSIONS: 15CAcBRT is a BRT-related molecular signature with prognostic significance for glioblastoma patients and represents a hub for drug repositioning and development of novel therapies.

Insecticide resistance levels and associated mechanisms in three Aedes aegypti populations from Venezuela

BACKGROUND The massive use of insecticides in public health has exerted selective pressure resulting in the development of resistance in Aedes aegypti to different insecticides in Venezuela. Between 2010 and 2020, the only insecticides available for vector control were the organophosphates (Ops) fenitrothion and temephos which were focally applied. OBJECTIVES To determine the state of insecticide resistance and to identify the possible biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in three populations of Ae. aegypti from Venezuela. METHODS CDC bottle bioassays were conducted on Ae. aegypti collected between October 2019 and February 2020 in two hyperendemic localities for dengue in Aragua State and in a malaria endemic area in Bolívar State. Insecticide resistance mechanisms were studied using biochemical assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect kdr mutations. FINDINGS Bioassays showed contrasting results among populations; Las Brisas was resistant to malathion, permethrin and deltamethrin, Urbanización 19 de Abril was resistant to permethrin and Nacupay to malathion. All populations showed significantly higher activity of mixed function oxidases and glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) in comparison with the susceptible strain. The kdr mutations V410L, F1534C, and V1016I were detected in all populations, with F1534C at higher frequencies. MAIN CONCLUSION Insecticide resistance persists in three Ae. aegypti populations from Venezuela even in the relative absence of insecticide application.

Fusión de datos multimodales de neurociencias generados en estudios EEG-fMRI, un análisis temático / Fusion of Multimodal Neuroscience Data Generated in EEG-fMRI Studies, a Thematic Analysis

La actividad cerebral tiene múltiples atributos, entre ellos los eléctricos, metabólicos, hemodinámicos y hormonales. Los métodos modernos para estudiar las funciones cerebrales como el PET (Tomografía por Emisión de Positrones), fMRI (Imagen de Resonancia Magnética Funcional) y MEG (Magnetoencefalograma) son ampliamente utilizados por los científicos. Sin embargo, el EEG es una herramienta utilizada para la investigación y diagnóstico debido a su bajo costo, simplicidad de uso, movilidad y la posibilidad de monitoreo a largo tiempo de adquisición. Para detectar e interpretar las características relevantes de estas señales, se describe cada proceso por su escala temporal (EEG) y espacial (fMRI). La presente investigación se enfoca en realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre la integración de datos multimodales EEG-fMRI que propicie valorar su importancia para el desarrollo de algoritmos de fusión y su uso en el contexto cubano. Para ello se analizaron documentos con altos índices de citas en la literatura, donde se destacan autores precursores de los temas en análisis. Los estudios multimodales EEG-fMRI generan múltiples datos temporales y espaciales con alto valor para la medicina basada en evidencia. La integración de los mismos provee un valor agregado en la búsqueda de nuevos métodos diagnósticos, aplicando minería de datos, Deep learning y algoritmos de fusión. En este trabajo se pone de relieve la existencia de baja resolución temporal de fMRI y por otro lado la baja resolución espacial de EEG, por lo que la integración de ambos estudios aumentaría la calidad de su información(AU)

Brain activity has multiple attributes, including electrical, metabolic, hemodynamic, and hormonal. Modern methods for studying brain functions such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography), fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and MEG (Magnetoencephalogram) are widely used by scientists. However, the EEG is a tool used for research and diagnosis due to its low cost, simplicity of use, mobility and the possibility of long-term monitoring of acquisition. To detect and interpret the relevant characteristics of these signals, each process is described by its temporal (EEG) and spatial (fMRI) scale. The present research focuses on conducting a bibliographic review on the integration of multimodal EEG-fMRI data that favors assessing its importance for the development of fusion algorithms and their use in the Cuban context. For this, documents with high rates of citations in the literature were analyzed, where precursor authors of the topics under analysis stand out. Multimodal EEG-fMRI studies generate multiple temporal and spatial data with high value for evidence-based medicine. Their integration provides added value in the search for new diagnostic methods, applying data mining, Deep learning and fusion algorithms. This work highlights the existence of low temporal resolution of fMRI and, on the other hand, the low spatial resolution of EEG, so the integration of both studies would increase the quality of their information(AU)

MicroRNA delivery systems in glioma therapy and perspectives: A systematic review.

Gliomas are the deadliest of all primary brain tumors, and they constitute a serious global health problem. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are gene expression regulators associated with glioma pathogenesis. Thus, miRNAs represent potential therapeutic agents for treating gliomas. However, miRNAs have not been established as part of the regular clinical armamentarium. This systemic review evaluates current molecular and pre-clinical studies with the aim of defining the most appealing supramolecular platform for administering therapeutic miRNA to patients with gliomas. An integrated analysis suggested that cationic lipid nanoparticles, functionalized with octa-arginine peptides, represent a potentially specific, practical, non-invasive intervention for treating gliomas. This supramolecular platform allows loading both hydrophilic (miRNA) and hydrophobic (anti-tumor drugs, like temozolomide) molecules. This systemic review is the first to describe miRNA delivery systems targeted to gliomas that integrate several types of molecules as active ingredients. Further experimental validation is warranted to confirm the practical value of miRNA delivery systems.

El día después: comportamientos de riesgo y protección ante el COVID-19 durante los comienzos de la cuarentena / The day after: risk and protection behaviours towards COVID-19 during the early quarantine

La declaración de la pandemia (Organización Mundial de la Salud, OMS, 2020) causada por el COVID-19 ha generado, a nivel global y en tiempo récord, investigaciones y publicaciones de evidencias preliminares. En este contexto, dentro de un diseño exploratorio, correlacional y comparativo, de corte transversal, se indaga comportamientos de riesgo y de protección (resiliencia, autoeficacia y afrontamiento) ante el COVID 19, percibidos individual y colectivamente, por los encuestados durante y post cuarentena. Participaron 1.134 encuestados, 31.48% hombres y 68.52% mujeres, con edad promedio de 30.18 años, el 94.4% residentes de Paraguay. Se destaca el acatamiento de normas de bioseguridad por parte de los participantes en el distanciamiento físico (62,17%), lavado regular de manos (89,8%), uso de tapabocas (81,13%). Existe acuerdo en la efectividad de la cuarentena para frenar el contagio (92,86%), pero una baja percepción de la capacidad para manejar el estrés individual en aislamiento (m=1.88; ds= .83), baja recurrencia a profesionales de la salud por ayuda (m= .86; s= 1.02), y un bajo nivel de afrontamiento en comparación a los otros factores preventivos (m= 10.61; ds=3.25). Importante seguir esta línea de investigación para las fases de confinamiento en proceso.

The declaration of the pandemic (WHO, 2020) caused by COVID-19 has generated, at a global level and in record time, investigations and publications of preliminary evidence. In this context, risk and protective behaviours (resilience, self-efficacy and coping) were investigated, perceived individually and collectively, by respondents during and after lockdown within an exploratory, correlational, and comparative, crosssectional design. The survey considered 1,134 respondents, with 31.48% men and 68.52% women, the average age was 30.18 years, and 94.4% were Paraguay residents. The study highlights the observance of biosafety regulations by the participants in terms of physical distance (62.17%), regular handwashing (89.8%) and use of face masks (81.13%). There is agreement on the effectiveness of lockdown to stop contagion (92.86%), but a low perception of the ability to handle individual stress in isolation (m = 1.88; ds = .83), low recurrence to health professionals for help (m = .86; s = 1.02), and a low level of coping compared to the other preventive factors (m = 10.61; ds = 3.25). It is important to follow this investigation line for the current lockdown phases.

Herramienta de gestión de colas y tareas de procesamiento de neurodatos para la plataforma BrainSSys / Neurodata Processing Task and Queue Management Tool for the BrainSSys Platform

Las neurociencias constituyen un campo de la ciencia que estudia el sistema nervioso desde el funcionamiento neuronal hasta el comportamiento y cómo sus diferentes elementos interactúan. El Centro de Neurociencias de Cuba es la principal institución de investigación de neurociencia en el país, donde fueron identificadas distintas problemáticas asociadas al lanzamiento y gestión de colas de procesamiento de datasets de neurociencias. El procesamiento que se desarrolla sobre sus bases de datos se realiza de forma manual en sus servidores de HPC (High Performance Computer) debido a dificultades tecnológicas y financieras para acceder a los servicios que ofrecen las plataformas internacionales, por lo que los investigadores se ven obligados a programar instrucciones en consola para ejecutar tareas de procesamiento y análisis. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue desarrollar una herramienta que automatice el proceso de gestión de colas y tareas de procesamiento de neurodatos para la plataforma BrainSSys. Se empleó Python como lenguaje de programación, PyQt5 como marco de trabajo y se utilizó el editor de código Sublime Text 3. Se obtuvo como resultado una herramienta que permite automatizar la gestión de las colas de procesamiento en la plataforma BrainSSys. Las pruebas realizadas determinaron la aceptación y la evaluación funcional de la herramienta, siendo en ambos casos de gran valor para la calidad de la propuesta solución(AU)

Neuroscience is a field of science that studies the nervous system from neural functioning to behavior and how its different elements interact. The Cuban Neuroscience Centre is the main neuroscience research institution in the country, where different problems associated with the launch and management of neuroscience dataset processing queues has been identified. The processing of its databases is carried out manually on their HPC (High Performance Computer) servers due to technological and financial difficulties in accessing the services offered by international platforms, so researchers are forced to program instructions on the console to execute processing and analysis tasks. The aim of this research was to develop a tool that automates the queue management process and neurodata processing tasks for the BrainSSys platform. Python was used as programming language, PyQt5 and Sublime Text 3 as framework and code editor respectively. The result is a tool that automates the management of processing queues on the BrainSSys platform. The tests carried out determined the acceptance and functional evaluation of the tool, being in both cases of great value for the quality of the proposed solution(AU)

Isotretinoin and Thalidomide Down-Regulate c-MYC Gene Expression and Modify Proteins Associated with Cancer in Hepatic Cells.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. The number of cases is increasing and the trend for the next few years is not encouraging. HCC is usually detected in the advanced stages of the disease, and pharmacological therapies are not entirely effective. For this reason, it is necessary to search for new therapeutic options. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the drugs isotretinoin and thalidomide on c-MYC expression and cancer-related proteins in an HCC cellular model. The expression of c-MYC was measured using RT-qPCR and western blot assays. In addition, luciferase activity assays were performed for the c-MYC promoters P1 and P2 using recombinant plasmids. Dose-response-time analyses were performed for isotretinoin or thalidomide in cells transfected with the c-MYC promoters. Finally, a proteome profile analysis of cells exposed to these two drugs was performed and the results were validated by western blot. We demonstrated that in HepG2 cells, isotretinoin and thalidomide reduced c-MYC mRNA expression levels, but this decrease in expression was linked to the regulation of P1 and P1-P2 c-MYC promoter activity in isotretinoin only. Thalidomide did not exert any effect on c-MYC promoters. Also, isotretinoin and thalidomide were capable of inducing and repressing proteins associated with cancer. In conclusion, isotretinoin and thalidomide down-regulate c-MYC mRNA expression and this is partially due to P1 or P2 promoter activity, suggesting that these drugs could be promising options for modulating the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in HCC.