Convergence on reduced aggression through shared behavioral traits in multiple populations of Astyanax mexicanus.

BACKGROUND: Aggression is observed across the animal kingdom, and benefits animals in a number of ways to increase fitness and promote survival. While aggressive behaviors vary widely across populations and can evolve as an adaptation to a particular environment, the complexity of aggressive behaviors presents a challenge to studying the evolution of aggression. The Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus exists as an aggressive river-dwelling surface form and multiple populations of a blind cave form, some of which exhibit reduced aggression, providing the opportunity to investigate how evolution shapes aggressive behaviors. RESULTS: To define how aggressive behaviors evolve, we performed a high-resolution analysis of multiple social behaviors that occur during aggressive interactions in A. mexicanus. We found that many of the aggression-associated behaviors observed in surface-surface aggressive encounters were reduced or lost in Pachón cavefish. Interestingly, one behavior, circling, was observed more often in cavefish, suggesting evolution of a shift in the types of social behaviors exhibited by cavefish. Further, detailed analysis revealed substantive differences in aggression-related sub-behaviors in independently evolved cavefish populations, suggesting independent evolution of reduced aggression between cave populations. We found that many aggressive behaviors are still present when surface fish fight in the dark, suggesting that these reductions in aggression-associated and escape-associated behaviors in cavefish are likely independent of loss of vision in this species. Further, levels of aggression within populations were largely independent of type of opponent (cave vs. surface) or individual stress levels, measured through quantifying stress-like behaviors, suggesting these behaviors are hardwired and not reflective of population-specific changes in other cave-evolved traits. CONCLUSION: These results reveal that loss of aggression in cavefish evolved through the loss of multiple aggression-associated behaviors and raise the possibility that independent genetic mechanisms underlie changes in each behavior within populations and across populations. Taken together, these findings reveal the complexity of evolution of social behaviors and establish A. mexicanus as a model for investigating the evolutionary and genetic basis of aggressive behavior.

Pooled analysis of safety data from pediatric Phase II RTS,S/AS malaria candidate vaccine trials.

Prior to progression to Clinical Development Phase III, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals performed a pooled analysis of phase two safety data following administration of 8860 doses of RTS,S/AS to 2981 children under 5 years old. RTS,S/AS was associated with increased rates of non-serious URTI, rash and diaper dermatitis graded mild or moderate. There was no significant increased rate of overall or single SAEs. Two episodes of simple febrile seizure were estimated to be related to vaccination. Significant decreased relative risks of death, any SAE, any SAE excluding malaria and pneumonia were observed. The results suggest a favourable risk-benefit balance which is to be confirmed in the ongoing Phase III trials.

The human rotavirus vaccine RIX4414 in infants: a review of safety and tolerability.

BACKGROUND: An oral, live attenuated human rotavirus vaccine, RIX4414 has been developed to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis. An integrated safety summary of 8 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase II and III trials of vaccine at potency licensed for use worldwide was performed. METHODS: Healthy 1- to 18-week-old infants (N = 71209) were enrolled to receive 2 doses of RIX4414/placebo according to 0, 1 or 0, 2 month schedules. Solicited (fever, fussiness/irritability, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, cough/rhinorrhea) and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) were recorded for 8 days and 31 days, respectively, after each dose. Serious adverse events (SAEs) including intussusception and death were collected throughout the entire study periods. Potential imbalances were defined as the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the relative risk (RR) stratified by trials excluding "1." RESULTS: Solicited AEs were evaluated in 3286 RIX4414 vaccinees and 2015 placebo recipients. Among solicited AEs, no imbalance was noted between groups. SAEs, including death and intussusception, were evaluated in 36755 RIX4414 and 34454 placebo recipients. Within 31 days after each dose, no imbalances were noted between the groups for all SAEs (RR = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.81, 1.01), deaths (RR = 1.64; 95% CI: 0.92, 3.02), and intussusception (RR 1.23; 95% CI: 0.41, 3.90). SAEs because of gastrointestinal diseases including diarrhea, gastroenteritis (all cause and due to rotavirus), dehydration, and intestinal ileus occurred significantly less often in RIX4414 than placebo recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Across the phase II and III clinical trials, the reactogenicity and safety profile between RIX4414 and placebo was similar, in particular with no increased risk of intussusception.

Safety of the malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S/AS01E in 5 to 17 month old Kenyan and Tanzanian Children.

The malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S/AS01(E), showed promising protective efficacy in a trial of Kenyan and Tanzanian children aged 5 to 17 months. Here we report on the vaccine's safety and tolerability. The experimental design was a Phase 2b, two-centre, double-blind (observer- and participant-blind), randomised (1∶1 ratio) controlled trial. Three doses of study or control (rabies) vaccines were administered intramuscularly at 1 month intervals. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were collected for 7 days after each vaccination. There was surveillance and reporting for unsolicited adverse events for 30 days after each vaccination. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded throughout the study period which lasted for 14 months after dose 1 in Korogwe, Tanzania and an average of 18 months post-dose 1 in Kilifi, Kenya. Blood samples for safety monitoring of haematological, renal and hepatic functions were taken at baseline, 3, 10 and 14 months after dose 1. A total of 894 children received RTS,S/AS01(E) or rabies vaccine between March and August 2007. Overall, children vaccinated with RTS,S/AS01(E) had fewer SAEs (51/447) than children in the control group (88/447). One SAE episode in a RTS,S/AS01(E) recipient and nine episodes among eight rabies vaccine recipients met the criteria for severe malaria. Unsolicited AEs were reported in 78% of subjects in the RTS,S/AS01(E) group and 74% of subjects in the rabies vaccine group. In both vaccine groups, gastroenteritis and pneumonia were the most frequently reported unsolicited AE. Fever was the most frequently observed solicited AE and was recorded after 11% of RTS,S/AS01(E) doses compared to 31% of doses of rabies vaccine. The candidate vaccine RTS,S/AS01(E) showed an acceptable safety profile in children living in a malaria-endemic area in East Africa. More data on the safety of RTS,S/AS01(E) will become available from the Phase 3 programme.

Ley, jurisprudencia y eutanasia. Introducción al estudio de la normatividad comparada a la luz del caso colombiano / Law, jurisprudence and euthanasia. Introduction to the study of comparative legislation in the light of the colombian case / Lei, jurisprudência e eutanásia. Introdução ao estudo das normas comparativas à luz do caso colombiano

Este artículo trata el tema de la eutanasia, como resultado de una investigación de carácter documental comparativo en el cual se analizan las legislaciones, así como la historia de la eutanasia con el fin de procurar arrojar luces a un enredo jurídico, por supuesto bioético, que se presenta en Colombia, en donde la normatividad (artículos 106 y 107 del Código Penal) sanciona con prisión el suicidio asistido, así como la eutanasia; y la jurisprudencia (Sentencia C- 239-97) lo despenaliza. Los subtemas que trata el artículo son: introducción, mapa de eutanasia en el mundo, definiciones, dilemas éticos del final de la vida, historia, eutanasia en Colombia, antecedentes de la sentencia C- 239/97; la práctica colombiana, la sentencia, Derecho comparado, casos relevantes de eutanasia y conclusiones. El vacío jurídico actualmente existente en Colombia ha llevado a generar incertidumbre en la práctica de la eutanasia (activa, pasiva, distanasia, ortotanasia, suicidio asistido y eugenesia). En una investigación realizada por la autora, las entidades que en Colombia propenden por una muerte "digna" manifiestan que no cuentan con estadísticas sobre las eutanasias practicadas después de que saliera la sentencia en comento, hace más de 16 años; ello debido a que temen que sea el Código Penal el que prima por encima de una jurisprudencia que no tiene la misma fuerza vinculante, porque pueden observarse consecuencias negativas (prisión) para quien ejerza la eutanasia en Colombia. El país está inmerso en un mar de confusión en lo atinente a eutanasia, causado principalmente por el conflicto de intereses y de poderes que la sentencia que lo despenaliza ha causado. ¿Qué hacer? ¿Qué elementos deben tenerse en cuenta en cada caso? Este artículo espera hacer un aporte académico y humano sobre el asunto planteado.

This article is about eutanasia, as a result of an investigation of comparative documentary type which analyzes the laws and history of euthanasia in order to shed light to a legal tangle and bioethical that occurs in Colombia, where the standard law (Articles 106 and 107 of the Penal Code) punish with imprisonment the assisted suicide, and euthanasia, while case law (Sentence C-239-97) decriminalize it. The sub-themes of the article are: introduction, map of euthanasia in the world, definitions, ethical dilemmas of the end of life, history, euthanasia in Colombia, the background of the judgment C-239/97, the Colombian practice, the sentence, comparative law, relevant cases of euthanasia and conclusions. The legal vacuum in Colombia has led to create uncertainty in the practice of euthanasia (active, passive, dysthanasia, orthothanasia, assisted suicide and eugenics). In an investigation by the author, the Colombian organizations that defend a death "worthy" say they do not have statistics on euthanasia practiced after that judgment was published, more than 16 years ago. This is because they are afraid that the Criminal Code is above a jurisprudence that does not have the same binding force, and may cause negative consequences (prison) for those who apply euthanasia in Colombia. There is a huge confusion in the country about euthanasia, mainly due to conflict of interest and of power produced by the judgment that decriminalized it. So what to do? What elements should be considered in each case? This article hopes to make an academic and humane contribution on the issue raised.

Este artigo aborda a eutanásia, como resultado de uma investigação de caráter documental comparativo que analisa as leis e a história da eutanásia a fim de lançar luz a um emaranhado legal e também bioético decorrentes na Colômbia, em onde a norma (artigos 106 e 107 do Código Penal) pune com prisão o suicídio assistido, assim como a eutanásia, enquanto a jurisprudência (Sentença C-239-97) descriminaliza-lo. Os subtópicos desse artigo são: introdução, mapa de eutanásia no mundo, definições, dilemas éticos no final da vida, a história, a eutanásia na Colômbia, os antecedentes da Sentença referida, a prática colombiana, a sentença, o direito comparado, casos relevantes de eutanásia e conclusões. O vazio jurídico na Colômbia levou para criar incerteza na prática da eutanásia (ativa, passiva, distanásia, ortotanasia, suicídio assistido e eugenesia). Em uma investigação levada a cabo pela autora, as organizações colombianas que defendem uma morte "digna" manifestam que não têm dados de estatísticas sobre as eutanásias praticadas uma vez que publicara-se a Sentença, há mais de 16 anos. Isto é porque eles temem que o Código Penal é acima de uma jurisprudência que não tem a mesma força de ligação, e pode ter consequências negativas (prisão) para quem aplica a eutanásia na Colômbia. No país há uma enorme confusão sobre eutanásia, principalmente devido ao conflito de interesses e poderes produzidos pela decisão descriminalizante. Então o que fazer? Que elementos devem ser tidos em conta em cada caso? Este artigo pretende dar um contributo humano e acadêmico sobre a questão levantada.

A formação profissional frente aos desafios da intervenção e das atuais configurações do ensino público, privado e a distância / The professional background facing the challenges of both intervention and configurations of public, private and distance education

A crise atual do capital, com suas novas e antigas determinações, impõe metamorfoses ao mundo do trabalho, o que exige um perfil de profissional funcional a essa etapa do capitalismo. Parto da hipótese de que as atuais configurações do ensino respondem às exigências da atual fase do capitalismo e se orienta pelas demandas do mercado de trabalho. Nesta direção, a formação profissional tem um duplo desafio: desvelar e enfrentar a crise do capital e nela as diversas formas de precarização das relações e condições de trabalho, flexibilização dos direitos e focalização das políticas sociais, que, como parte da mesma racionalidade, se expressam e condicionam exercício e formação profissionais.

The current crisis of the capital, together with its new and old determinations, demands metamorphoses from the world of work, which requires a professional profile that serves to this phase of capitalism. My hypothesis is that the current configurations of education are adequate to the demands of the present phase of capitalism, and that such education is guided by the requirements of the labor market. So, the professional background has a double challenge: to unveil and to face the crisis of the capital, as well as the several ways making the working relations and conditions precarious, the flexibility of rights and the emphasis of the social policies that, as a part of the same reasoning, express and influence the professional activity and background.

Legislación comparada en bioética India, La tierra de los paradigmas / Compared lgislattion in bioethics / Legislaçã comparrada em bioética

Este artículo presenta una visión breve sobre algunos temas relevantes de bioética en la India, que como todos saben es de los países que ocupan los primeros puestos en tráfico de órganos del mundo. Trataremos temas de relevancia como la eutanasia, el aborto y la legislación en biotecnología, entre otros temas. India es un país de contradicciones debido a la exhuberancia y belleza de sus tierras, así como a sus tradiciones espirituales milenarias. En contraste, la enorme pobreza de sus millones de habitantes, que su gran mayoría viven en condiciones de indigencia extrema, lleva a que muchos de ellos sirvan de "conejillos de indias" para experimentos de multinacionales a cambio de unas cuantas rupias.

This article presents an overview of some of the most significant aspects of the development of the bioethical issues in India such as abortion, euthanasia, biotechnology legislation and others. India is a country of contradictions, wherein you might be transported to the most beautiful spiritual experiences. This contrast unified with the condition of poverty of its millions of citizen who sell their bodies in exchange for a few rupees to feed their families.

Este artigo apresenta um breve panorama sobre alguns temas importantes de bioética em Índia, um dos países que ocupam os primeiros lugares no tráfego mundial de órgãos. Analisam-se temas de relevância como a eutanasia, o aborto e a legislação em matéria de biotecnologia, entre outros. A Índia é um país de contradições, devido à exuberância e beleza de suas terras, assim como a suas tradições espirituais antigas, em contraste com a pobreza massiva de seus milhões de habitantes. Como a maioria vive em condições de extrema indigencia, muitos servem como porquinho da índia para experimentos de multinacionais em troca de algumas rupias.

Niveles de colesterol total y HDL-colesterol en una población cautiva

En la ultima década se han incrementado en Ecuador los índices de morbi-mortalidad de enfermedades relacionables con aterosclerosis. Se presentan ahora, por grupos de edad y sexo, los niveles de colesterol total (CT) y HDL-colesterol (HDL) de una población cautiva de Quito (N=1064) considerada como de estrado medio-superior. Las medias de CT se sitúan algo por debajo y las HDL por encima de los reportes para sociedades com mayor desarrollo económico, con un promedio para la población masculina de 207,2 y 40.0, y femenina de 194.0 y 45.5 mgs/dl, respectibamente. Las proporciones de la población con niveles de CT Y HDL de riesgo alcanzan el 54 y 31 por ciento eb el caso de los hombres, y 43 y 55 por ciento en el de las mujeres. Estos hallazgos se relacionrían directamente con los índices epidemiológicos ecuatorianos de enfermedad aterosclerótica.