Revealing the Diversity of Introduced Coffea canephora Germplasm in Ecuador: Towards a National Strategy to Improve Robusta.

Genetic resources of Coffea canephora have been introduced in several tropical countries with potential for crop development. In Ecuador, the species has been cultivated since the mid-20th century. However, little is known about the diversity and genetic structure of introduced germplasm. This paper provides an overview of the genetic and phenotypic diversity of C. canephora in Ecuador and some proposals for implementing a breeding program. Twelve SSR markers were used to analyze 1491 plants of C. canephora grown in different living collections in Ecuador, compared to 29 genotypes representing the main genetic and geographic diversity groups identified within the species. Results indicated that most of the genotypes introduced are of Congolese origin, with accessions from both main subgroups, SG1 and SG2. Some genotypes were classed as hybrids between both subgroups. Substantial phenotypic diversity was also found, and correlations were observed with genetic diversity. Ecuadorian Robusta coffee displays wide genetic diversity and we propose some ways of improving Robusta in Ecuador. A breeding program could be based on three operations: the choice of elite clones, the introduction of new material from other countries (Ivory Coast, Uganda), and the creation of new hybrid material using genotypes from the different diversity groups.

Increased glycolipid storage produced by the inheritance of a complex intronic haplotype in the α-galactosidase A (GLA) gene.

BACKGROUND: Accumulation of galactosphingolipids is a general characteristic of Fabry disease, a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficient activity of α-galactosidase A encoded by the GLA gene. Although many polymorphic GLA haplotypes have been described, it is still unclear whether some of these variants are causative of disease symptoms. We report the study of an inheritance of a complex intronic haplotype (CIH) (c.-10C > T, c.369 + 990C > A, c.370-81_370-77delCAGCC, c.640-16A > G, c.1000-22C > T) within the GLA gene associated with Fabry-like symptoms and galactosphingolipid accumulation. We analysed α-Gal A activity in plasma, leukocytes and skin fibroblasts in patients, and measured accumulation of galactosphingolipids by enzymatic methods and immunofluorescence techniques. Additionally, we evaluated GLA expression using quantitative PCR, EMSA, and cDNA cloning. RESULTS: CIH carriers had an altered GLA expression pattern, although most of the carriers had high residual enzyme activity in plasma, leukocytes and in skin fibroblasts. Nonetheless, CIH carriers had significant galactosphingolipid accumulation in fibroblasts in comparison with controls, and also glycolipid deposits in renal tubules and glomeruli. EMSA assays indicated that the c.-10C > T variant in the promoter affected a nuclear protein binding site. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, inheritance of the CIH caused an mRNA deregulation altering the GLA expression pattern, producing a tissue glycolipid storage.

Influence of chloroform on crystalline products yielded in reactions of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin with HCl and copper(II) salts.

Chloroform was found to occupy the lattice of the protonated porphyrin and to promote crystallization of a different polymorphic form of a metalloporphyrin. The structure of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin-21,23-diium dichloride chloroform octasolvate, C(44)H(32)N(4)(2+)·2Cl(-)·8CHCl(3), (I), in the solid state is described and compared with related solvates. The porphyrin macrocycle displays a distorted saddle shape, with chloride anions above and below the ring. Seven chloroform molecules are bound via C-H···Cl hydrogen bonds, while the link with the eighth solvent molecule is weaker. A new monoclinic polymorph of (5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)copper(II), [Cu(C(44)H(28)N(4))], (II), crystallized from chloroform, is also presented.

Biosurfactant from Bacillus subtilis DS03: Properties and Application in Cleaning Out Place System in a Pilot Sausages Processing.

Biosurfactants (BS) are amphiphilic molecules that align at the interface reducing the surface tension. BS production is developed as an alternative to synthetic surfactants because they are biodegradable, with low toxicity and high specificity. BS are versatile, and this research proposes using a biosurfactant crude extract (BCE) as part of cleaning products. This paper reported the BCE production from Bacillus subtilis DS03 using a medium with molasses. The BCE product was characterized by different physical and chemical tests under a wide pH range, high temperatures, and emulsifying properties showing successful results. The water surface tension of 72 mN/m was reduced to 34 mN/m with BCE, achieving a critical micelle concentration at 24.66 ppm. BCE was also applied to polystyrene surface as pre-treatment to avoid microbial biofilm development, showing inhibition in more than 90% of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes above 2000 ppm BCE. The test continued using BCE as post-treatment to remove biofilms, reporting a significant reduction of 50.10% Escherichia coli, 55.77% Staphylococcus aureus, and 59.44% Listeria monocytogenes in a concentration higher than 250 ppm BCE. Finally, a comparison experiment was performed between sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) and BCE (included in commercial formulation), reporting an efficient reduction with the mixtures. The results suggested that BCE is a promising ingredient for cleaning formulations with applications in industrial food applications.

Association of steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene expression with survival among patients with invasive bladder carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? SXR and MDR1 are known as responsible for chemo and radiotherapy resistance in some cancers, like kidney cancer (MDR1). Invasive bladder cancer is an aggressive disease, with different behaviour upon its tumoral stage, and also within the same tumoral stage, therefore molecular markers are sought. This study shows a new molecular marker, which has shown as a predictor for bad prognosis cancers, therefore, allowing us for a better patient selection for aggressive therapies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic value of steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) and multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene expression in relation to survival among patients with invasive bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 67 patients diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer and treated with radical cystectomy at one of two institutions. SXR and MDR1 gene expression was assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in tumoral and normal tissue from frozen surgical specimens. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a mean of 29 months; 31 patients (46%) had progression. In univariate analysis, significant predictors of overall survival (OS) were pathological stage, lymph node (LN) status, histological grade, vascular-lymphatic invasion, and SXR expression. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of OS were LN status (odds ratio [OR], 2.96; P=0.034), vascular-lymphatic invasion (OR, 2.50; P=0.029), and SXR expression (OR, 1.05, P=0.03). Among the 51 patients with negative LNs (pN0), univariate predictors of OS were SXR expression, MDR1 expression, and pathological stage. In multivariate analysis, SXR expression (OR, 1.06; P=0.01) and MDR1 expression (OR, 3.27; P=0.03) were independently associated with survival. Within the pN0 group, patients with SXR expression had shorter progression-free survival than did those without expression (P=0.004). This association persisted in the N0 subgroup with stage pT3-pT4 disease (P=0.028). However, in the pN1 group SXR expression did not have any influence. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with invasive bladder cancer, SXR expression has value as a predictor of survival independent of the standard pathological predictors. Its maximum importance appears to be in patients with stage pT3-pT4 pN0 disease.

[Progression factors in chronic kidney disease. Immunological mechanisms]. / Factores de progresión de la enfermedad renal crónica. Mecanismos inmunológicos.

In kidney transplantation patient and graft survival are excellent in short-term and mid-term, although they remain stable in the long-term.The incidence of acute rejection has decreased to 8%-15%.Despite marked progress in understanding immunologic mechanisms involved in transplantation, new tools are required to detect early changes that could affect allograft function allowing us to anticipate histological lesions and providing a more accurate use of immunosuppressive drugs.From an immunologic point of view, efforts should be directed to avoid interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and to prevent antibody-mediated rejection.The most frequent cause of late graft loss is IF/TA.Improvement in kidney transplant results have been achieved with calcineurin inhibitors -CNI- (cyclosporin and tacrolimus), antiproliferative agents (mycophenolate mofetil and enteric-coated mycophenolic acid) and T-cell depleting antibodies. The combination of tacrolimus + mycophenolate mofetil + steroids has been the gold standard in kidney transplant immunosuppression. An adequate balance in order to maintain the appropriate immune response is essential to the patient to avoid infections or neoplasias as well to prevent rejection.In renal transplant recipients with chronic kidney disease stage 4T in which renal function remains stable,immuno-suppressive drugs can be continued at the usual maintenance doses. As GFR declines, CNI and antiproliferative drugs should be reduced.

[Definitive removal of immunosuppressors]. / Retirada definitiva de la inmunosupresión.

There's no controlled and prospective studies which show the safest and most effective way to reduce or suspend immunosuppression drugs dosage, and only few groups have published their own protocols. There are reasons to discontinue the immunosuppression therapy; the high incidence of infections is the most important. However, a fast withdrawal is not free of problems, like are residual renal function decline and graft intolerance signs, which could take to nephrectomy, a high risk intervention. Most recommended guidelines for immunosuppression use are: - Antimetabolites immediately cancellation and corticoesteroids slow drop (level C recommendation). - Calcineurin inhibitors could be discontinued but if residual renal function is still significant, it is recommended to maintain a low dosage over three to six months; then, withdrawal may be done slowly (level C recommendation). We have not found information supporting the immunosuppression use beyond six months.

Diferencia esperada de progenie para peso al destete en selección de vaquillas mestizas en Manabí / Expected progeny difference for the weaning weight in crossbred heifers selection in Manabí

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la diferencia esperada de la progenie (DEP) para el peso al destete ajustado a 205 días (PD) en hembras Brahman mestizas nacidas en el año 2016 como criterio de selección de futuras reproductoras. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron 3467 registros generados entre 1983 y 2016 en la hacienda Napo (San Vicente, Manabí, Ecuador). El modelo estadístico y animal incluyó el efecto aleatorio del padre y como efectos fijos: composición racial, sexo y año de nacimiento. El análisis de la varianza fue realizado mediante el procedimiento GLM del paquete estadístico SAS. Los componentes de la varianza entre y dentro de padre para calcular la heredabilidad (h2) del PD y los valores de cría, se utilizó el software MTDFRELM, a través del sistema de evaluación del Mejor Predictor Lineal Insesgado (BLUP). Resultados. Para las 349 hembras nacidas en 2016 se encontró un promedio para PD de 173.67±34.23 kg. Se halló diferencia altamente significativa (p<0.01) para los efectos aleatorios y fijos, h2 para PD de 0.13 ± 0.04 y las DEP variaron entre -6.13 y +5.58 kg con rango entre los valores de cría de 11.71 kg y una exactitud entre 0.50 y 0.72. Conclusión. La baja h2 encontrada para PD manifiesta la alta influencia de los factores no genéticos, sin embargo las hembras con mayor valor DEP pueden mejorar el desempeno en este parámetro; se hace necesario identificar el mejor cruce racial que se adapte a la explotación con el fin de obtener crías con alto rendimiento en el PD.

ABSTRACT Objective. Determine the progeny difference expected (DEP) for the weaning weight adjusted to 205 days (PD) in crossbreed Brahman females born in 2016 as selection criteria for future breeders. Materials and methods. It is analyzed 3467 records generated between 1983 and 2016 in the Napo farm (San Vicente, Manabí, Ecuador). The statistical model included the random effect of the father and as fixed effects: breed composition, sex and year of birth. The variance analysis was performed using the GLM procedure of the SAS statistical package. The components of the variance between and within the father to calculate the heritability (h2) of the PD and the breeding values, the MTDFRELM software was used, applying the animal model, through the evaluation system of the Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (BLUP). Results. It was found that the PD average for the 349 females born in 2016 was 173.67±34.23 kg. A highly significant difference (p<0.01) was found for the random and fixed effects. The h2 for PD was 0.13±0.04. The DEP fluctuated between -6.13 and +5.58 kg with a range between the breeding values of 11.71 kg and an accuracy between 0.50 and 0.72. Conclusion. The low h2 found for PD shows the high influence of non-genetic factors; it is necessary to identify the best crossbreed that adapts to the livestock in order to obtain high performance products in the PD.

Qué podemos aprender de la revisión de los trabajos libres enviados al XLI congreso venezolano de cardiología? / What can we learn from the rewiew of the abstracts submitted to the XLI venezuelan congress of cardiology?

Se estudió el proceso de revisión de 118 resúmenes de trabajos recibidos para el XLI Congreso Venezolano de Cardiología. Fueron evaluados independientemente por tres pares de revisores, quienes desconocían los autores y la institución de origen, usando 15 criterios ("ítem"). Expresaron su opinión sobre la aplicabilidad de cada ítem mediante una escala de Likert: totalmente en desacuerdo (TD), en desacuerdo (D), de acuerdo (A) y totalmente de acuerdo (TA). Fueron cuantificadas de 1 a 4 respectivamente, generando un puntaje por criterio, el cual fue multiplicado por un factor de proporcionalidad que asignó pesos diferentes a cada ítem. La suma de los puntajes de ítem (PIs) produjo un puntaje total (PTN) que fue normalizado como % del puntaje máximo posible. Se estudió la variabilidad entre los revisores mediante análisis de correlación / regresión (C / R) y cálculo de índice Kappa. PTN promedio (236 evaluaciones) fue 63,71 + 17% (D. S.) (mínimo 25% y máximo 92,3%). Un 20% con puntajes < 50%, y 11% obtuvieron PTN > 80%. Los resúmenes fueron clasificados en grupos I a IV mediante el promedio de los PTN asignados por los dos revisores. C / R mostró R = 0,35 y R2 = 0,12, m = 0,44 y b = 37% para todos los pares. El análisis por pares mostró valores más satisfactorios para algunos (par 2 y 3) que para otros (par 5 y 6) y 0,15 (par 1 - 4). Los resultados sugieren que el proceso de revisión de los ítem y consensuado su interpretación por los revisores.

A study was carried out of the review process applied to 118 abstracts received by the XLI Venezuelan Congress of Cardiology. Abstracts were assessed independently by pairs of reviewers, blinded as to authors and institutions of origin, using 15 criteria ("items"). Reviews expressed their option about the applicability of each item by means of a Likert scale: Total Disagreement (TD), Disagreement (D), Agreement (A) and Total Agreement (TA). Responses were graded to 1-4, generating a criterion score, which was multiplied by a Proportionality Factor (PF) to assign a weight to each criterion. The sum of item Scores generated a Total Score (NTS) which was normalized as percentage of the maximum possible score. Variability among reviewers was assessed by a correlation/regression analysis (C/R) and by calculating the Kappa index. Mean NTS for all 118 abstracts (236 assessments) was 63.71 + 17% (SD) (min. 25% and max. 92.3%). For 20% of abstracts the NTS < 50% whereas only 11% obtained a NTS > 80%. Abstracts were classified into Groups I to IV on the basis of the mean NTS assigned by two reviewers. C / R yielded R = 0.35 and R2 = 0.12, m = 0.44 and b = 37% for all pairs. Reviews pairs assigned more satisfactory results for some (Pairs 2 - 3) That for others (Pair 5 - 6). The mean Kappa for all pairs was 0.13, ranging from 0.008 (pair 5 - 6) to 0.15 (pair 1 - 4). Our results suggest that the reviews process can be improved by modifying the text of items and by building consensus on its interpretation by reviewers.

Ejercicio y nutrición / Exercise and nutrition

La práctica de ejercicio aeróbico regular, sobre todo si es de gran intensidad y/o duración, requiere que se preste la debida atención a la alimentación. La fuente más importante de energía en esta circunstancias son los carbohidratos, los cuales deben proveer la mayoría de las calorías ingeridas diariamente. Otro aspecto fundamental es el mantener una adecuada hidratación antes y durante el ejercicio, única forma de evitar los riesgos de la hipertermia. El uso de soluciones de glucosa es controvertido, y las bebidas con electrolitos no parecen ser de utilidad salvo en circunstancias excepcionales