Maf1 phosphorylation is regulated through the action of prefoldin-like Bud27 on PP4 phosphatase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Bud27 is a prefoldin-like protein that participates in transcriptional regulation mediated by the three RNA polymerases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Lack of Bud27 significantly affects RNA pol III transcription, although the involved mechanisms have not been characterized. Here, we show that Bud27 regulates the phosphorylation state of the RNA pol III transcriptional repressor, Maf1, influences its nuclear localization, and likely its activity. We demonstrate that Bud27 is associated with the Maf1 main phosphatase PP4 in vivo, and that this interaction is required for proper Maf1 dephosphorylation. Lack of Bud27 decreases the interaction among PP4 and Maf1, Maf1 dephosphorylation, and its nuclear entry. Our data uncover a new nuclear function of Bud27, identify PP4 as a novel Bud27 interactor and demonstrate the effect of this prefoldin-like protein on the posttranslational regulation of Maf1. Finally, our data reveal a broader effect of Bud27 on PP4 activity by influencing, at least, the phosphorylation of Rad53.

Efecto de una intervención cognitivo-conductual en cuidadores de niños con TEA: depresión, ansiedad, estrés y calidad de vida / Effect of a cognitive-behavioral intervention on caregivers of children with ASD: depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de una intervención cognitivo conductual en la sintomatología de depresión, ansiedad y estrés, la sobrecarga percibida y la calidad de vida en cuidadores de niños con trastorno del espectro autista. Se realizó un estudio experimental con grupo intervención y control, con mediciones de autorreporte pretest-postest. Participaron en el estudio un total de 53 cuidadores: 22 en el grupo experimental y 31 en el grupo control en lista de espera. La mayoría de los participantes fueron mujeres de entre 35 y 64 años, casadas o en una relación formal, con estudios profesionales o superiores y que realizaban alguna actividad remunerada. Los resultados del análisis intergrupal mostraron una disminución de la sintomatología asociada al estrés y sobrecarga percibida y un aumento en la calidad de vida en el grupo experimental. Los datos intragrupales dan cuenta de que, los sujetos del grupo control no tuvieron cambios en ninguna variable, por el contrario, en el grupo experimental se observa una disminución significativa en los índices de ansiedad, estrés y sobrecarga percibida y un aumento en la calidad de vida. Todos estos cambios ocurrieron con tamaños de efecto mediano y grande. Se analizan los mecanismos de cambio y se discuten los hallazgos del estudio a la luz de sus limitaciones. Se concluye que una intervención cognitivo conductual es una estrategia con efectos positivos para brindar apoyo psicológico a los cuidadores de niños con autismo. (AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a cognitive behavioral intervention on symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, perceived overload and quality of life in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder. An experimental study was conducted out with an intervention and control group, with self-report pretest-posttest measurements. A total of 53 caregivers participated in the study: 22 in the experimental group and 31 in the waiting list control group. The majority of participants were women between 35 and 64 years old, married or in a formal relationship, with professional or higher education and who carried out some paid activity. The results of the intergroup analysis showed a decrease in the symptoms associated with stress and perceived overload and an increase in the quality of life in the experimental group. Intra-group data showed that the subjects of the control group had no change in any variable, in contrast, in the experimental group there was a significant decrease in anxiety, stress and perceived overload indices and an increase in the quality of life. All these changes occurred with medium and large effect sizes. The mechanisms of change are analyzed and the study's findings are discussed in light of its limitations. It is concluded that a cognitive behavioral intervention is a strategy with positive effects for providing psychological support to caregivers of children with autism. (AU)

Transcription by the Three RNA Polymerases under the Control of the TOR Signaling Pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Ribosomes are the basis for protein production, whose biogenesis is essential for cells to drive growth and proliferation. Ribosome biogenesis is highly regulated in accordance with cellular energy status and stress signals. In eukaryotic cells, response to stress signals and the production of newly-synthesized ribosomes require elements to be transcribed by the three RNA polymerases (RNA pols). Thus, cells need the tight coordination of RNA pols to adjust adequate components production for ribosome biogenesis which depends on environmental cues. This complex coordination probably occurs through a signaling pathway that links nutrient availability with transcription. Several pieces of evidence strongly support that the Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway, conserved among eukaryotes, influences the transcription of RNA pols through different mechanisms to ensure proper ribosome components production. This review summarizes the connection between TOR and regulatory elements for the transcription of each RNA pol in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It also focuses on how TOR regulates transcription depending on external cues. Finally, it discusses the simultaneous coordination of the three RNA pols through common factors regulated by TOR and summarizes the most important similarities and differences between S. cerevisiae and mammals.

Understanding the natural expansion of white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) in an ephemeral inlet based on geomorphological analysis and remote sensing data.

The interactions between local tides and river discharges are crucial in the processes related to the recruitment of mangrove propagules in estuarine systems. This investigation aimed to determine the causes of the recent natural recruitment and expansion of Laguncularia racemosa in mudflats within an ephemeral inlet in Mexico. We conducted a fluvial and coastal geomorphology assessment with spaceborne and UAV-based images. We deployed and recorded continuous data loggers in the estuarine system to assess water level and salinity. Depending on the available data, we used a combination of cloud-computing Google Earth Engine, UAV-Digital Surface Models, LiDAR, Google Earth images, and biophysical variables to monitor mangrove forests from 2005 to 2022. When the inlet is open, the estuarine system presents a full tidal range (∼1-1.5 m) with a strong salinity gradient (0-35 mS/cm), in contrast to the strong freshwater influence and minimal water level variability (<10 cm) that prevails for three months when the inlet is closed. Once the mouth of the river closes, there is considerable sediment accumulation, creating mudflat areas adjacent to the mangrove forests where Laguncularia racemosa propagules begin to establish under minimal water level variability and oligohaline conditions. After 16 years, the new forest expanded by 12.3 ha, presenting a very high density (10000 stems/ha), a considerable basal area (54-63 m2/ha), and a maximum canopy height of 15.8 m, which largely surpasses that of other semiarid Laguncularia racemosa forests within permanent open-inlet systems or even in ephemeral inlets with different hydrological conditions. Our study will help to understand the causes of natural Laguncularia racemosa recruitment in extremely dynamic systems.

Emerging Role of Plant-Based Dietary Components in Post-Translational Modifications Associated with Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Its main modifiable risk factors are diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Thus, the right approach through lifestyle changes may lead to its prevention. In fact, some natural dietary components have exhibited chemopreventive activity through modulation of cellular processes involved in CRC development. Although cancer is a multi-factorial process, the study of post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins associated with CRC has recently gained interest, as inappropriate modification is closely related to the activation of cell signalling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Therefore, this review aimed to collect the main PTMs associated with CRC, analyse the relationship between different proteins that are susceptible to inappropriate PTMs, and review the available scientific literature on the role of plant-based dietary compounds in modulating CRC-associated PTMs. In summary, this review suggested that some plant-based dietary components such as phenols, flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, and alkaloids may be able to correct the inappropriate PTMs associated with CRC and promote apoptosis in tumour cells.

Air circulation study inside and outside of urban buses induced by the opening of windows.

In this work, the external and internal airflow analysis in an urban bus is carried out through computational fluid dynamics. The research addresses the study of the internal flow to estimate the air change rate caused by the opening of windows. Two cases are considered: fully opening and partially opening the windows, and three bus speeds of 20, 40, and 60 km/h are assessed. The quantification of the air flow rate through the windows clearly displays that air enters through the rear windows and exits the bus through the front windows. This effect is explained by the pressure distribution in the outer of the bus, which causes the suction of the indoor air. At low bus speeds, the incoming air flow rate increases linearly with the speed, but the improvement is lower for high speeds. The theoretical air change time at 20 km/h is around 25.7 s, which is 9 times lower than expected by using HVAC systems. On the other hand, the estimation of the real air renewal time by solving a concentration shows that 40 s are needed to exchange 85% of the internal air of the bus. The research also assesses the effect of different levels of occupation inside the bus. Results are conclusive to recommend the circulation with full or partial window opening configurations in order to reduce the risk of airborne disease transmission.

Meaning in life, goals, and adherence to antiretroviral treatment in people living with HIV.

Patients living with HIV who do not adhere to antiretroviral treatment (ART) have a high viral load, increasing the risk of developing AIDS, as well as new treatment-resistant strains. There are several psychological factors that must be studied to understand the reasons for non-adherence to ART. We studied whether the goals reported by patients with HIV, as well as their sense of meaning in life, influence ART adherence in a sample of adult patients attending HIV outpatient care in Mexico. Participants completed the Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence Assessment Questionnaire, the Dimensional Scale of Meaning in Life and were asked to write both short-term and long-term goals. The most frequent goals reported were those categorized as "personal development," followed by "being healthy." Participants with the highest adherence had more short-term "personal development" goals. Moreover, they showed the lowest levels of existential vacuum (lack of meaning in life). These variables predicted treatment adherence. We conclude that the design of programs to improve ART adherence should promote the establishment of personal development goals and offer tools that allow having a sense of meaning in life to reduce AIDS-related complications.

Knowledge and attitudes towards organ donation in a sample of physicians from two hospitals in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: For many patients, organ transplantation is the only life-saving treatment. There is a severe shortage of organs for transplantation, and Mexico has one of the lowest organ donation rates. Health professionals are the link between society and the health system, and can promote and increase organ donation. OBJECTIVE: To explore general knowledge and attitudes of Mexican physicians with regard to cadaveric organ donation. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational study. Two questionnaires were applied to 219 physicians either from an institution where transplants are carried out or from a hospital where the procedure is not performed. RESULTS: Most participants had not received any training on organ donation. The main deficits in their knowledge were related to the criteria for being a donor and to the position of the Church on organ donation. Knowledge predicted attitudes towards organ donation: it was negatively associated with unfavorable and mistrust attitudes, whereas it was positively associated with favorable attitudes and willingness to be a donor. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to implement programs aimed at physicians in order to provide them with tools that help promote organ donation culture.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Para numerosos pacientes, el trasplante de órganos es el único tratamiento para sobrevivir. Hay una grave escasez de órganos para trasplantes y México tiene una de las tasas más bajas de donación de órganos. Los profesionales de la salud son el vínculo entre la sociedad y el sistema de salud, y pueden promover e incrementar la donación de órganos. OBJETIVO: Explorar los conocimientos generales y las actitudes de médicos mexicanos respecto a la donación de órganos provenientes de cadáveres. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional transversal. Se aplicaron dos cuestionarios a 219 médicos de una institución donde se realizan trasplantes y de un hospital en donde no se llevan a cabo. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los participantes no había recibido entrenamiento sobre donación de órganos. Las principales deficiencias en sus conocimientos estuvieron relacionadas con los criterios para ser donador y la postura de la iglesia sobre la donación de órganos. El conocimiento predijo las actitudes hacia la donación de órganos; este se asoció negativamente a actitudes desfavorables y de desconfianza, mientras que se asoció positivamente a actitudes favorables y la disposición a ser donador. CONCLUSIÓN: Es necesario implementar programas dirigidos a los médicos para dotarlos de herramientas que ayuden a fomentar la cultura de donación de órganos.

Conocimientos y actitudes hacia la donación de órganos en una muestra de médicos de dos hospitales en México / Knowledge and attitudes towards organ donation in a sample of physicians from two hospitals in Mexico

Resumen Introducción: Para numerosos pacientes, el trasplante de órganos es el único tratamiento para sobrevivir. Hay una grave escasez de órganos para trasplantes y México tiene una de las tasas más bajas de donación de órganos. Los profesionales de la salud son el vínculo entre la sociedad y el sistema de salud, y pueden promover e incrementar la donación de órganos. Objetivo: Explorar los conocimientos generales y las actitudes de médicos mexicanos respecto a la donación de órganos provenientes de cadáveres. Métodos: Estudio observacional transversal. Se aplicaron dos cuestionarios a 219 médicos de una institución donde se realizan trasplantes y de un hospital en donde no se llevan a cabo. Resultados: La mayoría de los participantes no había recibido entrenamiento sobre donación de órganos. Las principales deficiencias en sus conocimientos estuvieron relacionadas con los criterios para ser donador y la postura de la iglesia sobre la donación de órganos. El conocimiento predijo las actitudes hacia la donación de órganos; este se asoció negativamente a actitudes desfavorables y de desconfianza, mientras que se asoció positivamente a actitudes favorables y la disposición a ser donador. Conclusión: Es necesario implementar programas dirigidos a los médicos para dotarlos de herramientas que ayuden a fomentar la cultura de donación de órganos.

Abstract Introduction: For many patients, organ transplantation is the only life-saving treatment. There is a severe shortage of organs for transplantation, and Mexico has one of the lowest organ donation rates. Health professionals are the link between society and the health system, and can promote and increase organ donation. Objective: To explore general knowledge and attitudes of Mexican physicians with regard to cadaveric organ donation. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study. Two questionnaires were applied to 219 physicians either from an institution where transplants are carried out or from a hospital where the procedure is not performed. Results: Most participants had not received any training on organ donation. The main deficits in their knowledge were related to the criteria for being a donor and to the position of the Church on organ donation. Knowledge predicted attitudes towards organ donation: it was negatively associated with unfavorable and mistrust attitudes, whereas it was positively associated with favorable attitudes and willingness to be a donor. Conclusion: It is necessary to implement programs aimed at physicians in order to provide them with tools that help promote organ donation culture.

Monitoring detailed mangrove hurricane damage and early recovery using multisource remote sensing data.

Due to their location in tropical latitudes, mangrove forests are susceptible to the impact of hurricanes and can be vastly damaged by their high-speed winds. Given the logistic difficulties regarding field surveys in mangroves, remote sensing approaches have been considered a reliable alternative. We quantified trends in damage and early signs of canopy recovery in a fringe Rhizophora mangle area of Marismas Nacionales, Mexico, following the landfall of Hurricane Willa in October 2018. We monitored (2016-2021) broad canopy defoliation using 21 vegetation indices (VI) from the Google Earth Engine tool (GEE). We also mapped a detailed canopy fragmentation and developed digital surface models (DSM) during five study periods (2018-2021) with a consumer-grade unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) over an area of 100 ha. Based on optical data from the GEE time series, results indicated an abrupt decline in the overall mangrove canopy. The VARI index was the most reliable VI for the mangrove canopy classification from a standard RGB sensor. The impact of the hurricane caused an overall canopy defoliation of 79%. The series of UAV orthomosaics indicate a gradual recovery in the mangrove canopy, while the linear model predicts at least 8.5 years to reach pre-impact mangrove cover conditions. However, the sequence of DSM estimates that the vertical canopy configuration will require a longer time to achieve its original structure.

A High-Copy Suppressor Screen Reveals a Broad Role of Prefoldin-like Bud27 in the TOR Signaling Pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Bud27 is a prefoldin-like, a member of the family of ATP-independent molecular chaperones that associates with RNA polymerases I, II, and III in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Bud27 and its human ortholog URI perform several functions in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Both proteins participate in the TOR signaling cascade by coordinating nutrient availability with gene expression, and lack of Bud27 partially mimics TOR pathway inactivation. Bud27 regulates the transcription of the three RNA polymerases to mediate the synthesis of ribosomal components for ribosome biogenesis through the TOR cascade. This work presents a high-copy suppression screening of the temperature sensitivity of the bud27Δ mutant. It shows that Bud27 influences different TOR-dependent processes. Our data also suggest that Bud27 can impact some of these TOR-dependent processes: cell wall integrity and autophagy induction.

Comparison of four strategies of ram management in a semen collection centre.

Thirty Merino rams were used to determine the effect of four management systems of rams on semen quality during the anoestrous season. Animals were divided into four groups: Artificial-Photoperiod group (AP; n = 8), which were isolated from females and exposed to artificial long days (16 hr/d) from 1 Feb to 15 Mar; Natural-Photoperiod (NP; n = 8), isolated from females and exposed to the natural photoperiod throughout the experiment; Oestrous-Ewe group (EE; n = 7), housed in a pen adjacent to another pen that housed three ewes in oestrus, and Anestric-Ewe group (AE; n = 7), housed adjacent to another pen that housed three ovariectomized ewes. From 20 Mar to the end of May (10 weeks), semen samples were collected weekly, and blood samples were collected to determine plasma testosterone concentrations. Mean plasma testosterone concentrations, ejaculate volume and reaction time were not affected either by treatment or week. There was a significant effect (p < .01) of ram treatment on sperm concentration, and both TM y PM, and their interaction, were significantly affected by group and week (p < .001). Rams exposed to ewes in oestrus presented the largest sperm concentration (p < .05) compared with the other three groups, although they had the lowest total and progressive motilities (p < .01). In conclusion, management strategy in spring affects semen quality of rams, with the presence of ewes in oestrus being the best plan to increase sperm concentration.

The Association of Rpb4 with RNA Polymerase II Depends on CTD Ser5P Phosphatase Rtr1 and Influences mRNA Decay in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Rtr1 is an RNA polymerase II (RNA pol II) CTD-phosphatase that influences gene expression during the transition from transcription initiation to elongation and during transcription termination. Rtr1 interacts with the RNA pol II and this interaction depends on the phosphorylation state of the CTD of Rpb1, which may influence dissociation of the heterodimer Rpb4/7 during transcription. In addition, Rtr1 was proposed as an RNA pol II import factor in RNA pol II biogenesis and participates in mRNA decay by autoregulating the turnover of its own mRNA. Our work shows that Rtr1 acts in RNA pol II assembly by mediating the Rpb4/7 association with the rest of the enzyme. RTR1 deletion alters RNA pol II assembly and increases the amount of RNA pol II associated with the chromatin that lacks Rpb4, decreasing Rpb4-mRNA imprinting and, consequently, increasing mRNA stability. Thus, Rtr1 interplays RNA pol II biogenesis and mRNA decay regulation. Our data also indicate that Rtr1 mediates mRNA decay regulation more broadly than previously proposed by cooperating with Rpb4. Interestingly, our data include new layers in the mechanisms of gene regulation and in the crosstalk between mRNA synthesis and decay by demonstrating how the association of Rpb4/7 to the RNA pol II influences mRNA decay.

Synergistic Effect of Squalene and Hydroxytyrosol on Highly Invasive MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells.

Several studies relate Mediterranean diet and virgin olive oil (VOO) intake with lower risk of several chronic diseases, including breast cancer. Many of them described antitumor properties of isolated minor compounds present in VOO, but beneficial properties of VOO arise from the effects of all its compounds acting together. The aim of the present study was to test the antitumor effects of two minor compounds from VOO (hydroxytyrosol (HT) and squalene (SQ)) on highly metastatic human breast tumor cells (MDA-MB-231) when acting in combination. Both isolated compounds were previously analyzed without showing any antitumoral effect on highly invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, but the present results show that HT at 100 µM, combined with different concentrations of SQ, could exert antitumor effects. When they are combined, HT and SQ are able to inhibit cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis and DNA damage in metastatic breast cancer cells. Therefore, our results suggest that the health-promoting properties of VOO may be due, at least in part, to the combined action of these two minor compounds.

Stress, coping, and preventing contagion during the SARS-COV2 epidemic in a sample of Mexican adults.

Given the lack of an effective treatment for COVID-19, it is essential to explore the psychological variables involved in the development and maintenance of preventive behaviors during the current epidemic. In this study, we analyze the predictive value of perceived stress (measured with the Perceived Stress Scale) and coping styles (measured with the Extreme Risks Coping Scale) for adhering to infection prevention behavior in a sample of 1132 Mexican adults aged between 18 and 84. A logistic regression analysis showed that Active Coping and Cognition-Focused Coping, in addition to age and being a student, proved to be predictors of adhering to SARS COV2 preventive behaviors (R2 = 0.282). The findings from this study can be used to design strategies to promote potentially effective epidemic mitigation behaviors.

Combining Modulated Techniques for the Analysis of Photosensitive Devices.

Small-perturbation techniques such as impedance spectroscopy (IS), intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS), and intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS) are useful tools to characterize and model photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices. While the analysis of the impedance spectra is generally carried out using an equivalent circuit, the intensity-modulated spectroscopies are often analyzed through the measured characteristic response times. This makes the correlation between the two methods of analysis generally unclear. In this work, by taking into consideration the absorptance and separation efficiency, a unified theoretical framework and a procedure to combine the spectral analysis of the three techniques are proposed. Such a joint analysis of IS, IMPS, and IMVS spectra greatly reduces the sample space of possible equivalent circuits to model the device and allows obtaining parameters with high reliability. This theoretical approach is applied in the characterization of a silicon photodiode to demonstrate the validity of this methodology, which shows great potential to improve the quality of analysis of spectra obtained from frequency domain small-perturbation methods.

Dolor torácico y fiebre. Hay vida más allá de la COVID-19 / Chest pain and fever. There is life beyond COVID-19

El timoma es un tumor infrecuente que se presenta habitualmente con clínica secundaria a compresión local como dolor torácico, tos o disnea y que en ocasiones puede manifestarse con síntomas sistémicos como la fiebre. Es un desafío para el médico de familia el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes con síntomas respiratorios en la época de la COVID-19. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente con timoma y la atención que le prestamos durante la pandemia mundial.(AU)

Thymoma is a rare tumour. It usually appears with symptoms related to local compression such as chest pain, cough or dyspnoea and sometimes systemic symptoms such as fever. Diagnosis and treatment of patients with respiratory symptoms becomes a challenge for Primary Care physicians during the COVID-19 period. We report a case study of a patient diagnosed with thymoma and the treatment provided during the global pandemic.(AU)

Biogenesis of RNA Polymerases in Yeast.

Eukaryotic RNA polymerases (RNA pols) transcriptional processes have been extensively investigated, and the structural analysis of eukaryotic RNA pols has been explored. However, the global assembly and biogenesis of these heteromultimeric complexes have been narrowly studied. Despite nuclear transcription being carried out by three RNA polymerases in eukaryotes (five in plants) with specificity in the synthesis of different RNA types, the biogenesis process has been proposed to be similar, at least for RNA pol II, to that of bacteria, which contains only one RNA pol. The formation of three different interacting subassembly complexes to conform the complete enzyme in the cytoplasm, prior to its nuclear import, has been assumed. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, recent studies have examined in depth the biogenesis of RNA polymerases by characterizing some elements involved in the assembly of these multisubunit complexes, some of which are conserved in humans. This study reviews the latest studies governing the mechanisms and proteins described as being involved in the biogenesis of RNA polymerases in yeast.

Insecure Attachment as a Risk Factor for the Development of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in a Sample of Mexican Adults.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the risk posed by attachment type in the development of anxiety or depression symptomatology in Mexican adults. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was case-control study in which anxiety and depression symptomatology levels were compared according to the attachment type reported by 3,666 participants. FINDINGS: It was found that insecure attachment is a risk factor (p≤.001) for the development of severe levels of depression (OR = 2.12, CI 95%: 1.66-2.70) and anxiety symptomatology (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.30-1.77). Findings are discussed based on their implications for psychiatric nursing practice. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this study enable nurses to consider the empirical validity of attachment theory for studying psychosocial aspects of mental health and to design intervention strategies that promote secure attachment in populations without psychiatric diagnoses to prevent anxiety and depression symptomatology.