In vivo screening of mangrove plants for anti WSSV activity in Penaeus monodon, and evaluation of Ceriops tagal as a potential source of antiviral molecules

The objective of the study was to find out a natural way to fight white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in cultured shrimps, as the present scenario necessitated an organic remedy for the devastating pathogen in crustaceans. Under this research programme seven mangrove plants were collected, identified and aqueous extracts screened for their protective effect on the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon against WSSV. The experimental design consisted two modes of application, such as exposure of the virus to the extract and injection challenge, and oral administration of the extract coated feed followed by oral challenge. All experimental animals were monitored through a nested diagnostic PCR analysis. Of the seven mangrove extracts screened aqueous extract from Ceriops tagal imparted total protection to shrimp from WSSV when challenged by both methods. Shrimps administered with the aqueous extract from C. tagal were devoid of virions. The HPLC fingerprint of the aqueous extracts from C. tagal showed more than 25 peaks and 7 of them were larger and well separated. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenolics, cardiac glycosides, saponins and sterols. The study indicated suitability of the aqueous extract of C. tagal as a possible prophylaxis for WSSV infection in shrimp. This is the first report on the anti WSSV property of the mangrove plant C. tagal

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factor and crustin-III, the anti-white spot virus peptides in Penaeus monodon: Control of viral infection by up-regulation

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is the most devastating disease affecting shrimp culture around the world. Though, considerable progress has been made in the detection and molecular characterization of WSSV in recent years, information pertaining to immune gene expression in shrimps with respect to WSSV infection remains limited. In this context, the present study was undertaken to understand the differential expression of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes in the haemocytes of Penaeus monodon in response to WSSV infection on a time-course basis employing semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The present work analyzes the expression profile of six AMP genes (ALF, crustin-1, crustin-2, crustin-3, penaeidin-3 and penaeidin-5), eight WSSV genes (DNA polymerase, endonuclease, immediate early gene, latency related gene, protein kinase, ribonucleotide reductase, thymidine kinase and VP28) and three control genes (18S rRNA, β-actin and ELF) in P. monodon in response to WSSV challenge. Penaeidins were found to be up-regulated during early hours of infection and crustin-3 during late period of infection. However, ALF was found to be up-regulated early to late period of WSSV infection. The present study suggests that AMPs viz. ALF and crustin-3 play an important role in antiviral defense in shrimps. WSSV gene transcripts were detected post-challenge day 1 itself and increased considerably day 5 onwards. Evaluation of the control genes confirmed ELF as the most reliable control gene followed by 18S rRNA and β-actin for gene expression studies in shrimps. This study indicated the role of AMPs in the protection of shrimps against viral infection and their possible control through the up-regulation of AMPs

A new isoform of anti-lipopolysaccharide factor identified from the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus: Molecular characteristics and phylogeny

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors are small proteins that bind and neutralize lipopolysaccharide and exhibit potent antimicrobial activities. This study presents the molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the first ALF isoform (Pp-ALF1; JQ745295) identified from the hemocytes of Portunus pelagicus. The full length cDNA of Pp-ALF1 consisted of 880 base pairs encoding 293 amino acids with an ORF of 123 amino acids and contains a putative signal peptide of 24 amino acids. Pp-ALF1 possessed a predicted molecular weight (MW) of 13.86 kDa and theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 8.49. Two highly conserved cysteine residues and putative LPS binding domain were observed in Pp-ALF1. Peptide model of Pp-ALF1 consisted of two α-helices crowded against a four-strand β-sheet. Comparison of amino acid sequences and neighbor joining tree showed that Pp-ALF1 has a maximum similarity (46%) to ALF present in Portunus trituberculatus followed by 39% similarity to ALF of Eriocheir sinensis and 38% similarity to ALFs of Scylla paramamosain and Scylla serrata. Pp-ALF1 is found to be a new isoform of ALF family and its characteristic similarity with other known ALFs signifies its role in protection against invading pathogens.

Two isoforms of anti-lipopolysaccharide factors identified and characterized from the hemocytes of portunid crabs, Portunus pelagicus and Scylla tranquebarica

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs), a type of cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and their derivatives are becoming predominant candidates for potential drugs in viral and bacterial diseases. This study reports the first ALF from the mud crab Scylla tranquebarica (StALF, JQ899453) and the second ALF isoform from the blue swimmer crab Portunus pelagicus (PpALF2, JQ899452). Both sequences encoded for precursor molecules, starting with a signal peptide containing 26 amino acid residues, followed by a highly cationic mature peptide, containing two conserved cysteine residues flanking a putative lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding domain. BLAST analysis revealed that both PpALF2 and StALF exhibited significant similarity with crustacean ALF sequences. The predicted molecular mass of the mature ALFs was 11.2 kDa with an estimated pI of 10.0. PpALF2 and StALF also showed the typical pattern of alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues in their putative disulphide loop, suggesting that they comprise the same functional domain. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PpALF2 and StALF have similar evolutionary status and they were phylogenetically ancient immune effector molecules which may play an essential role in the host defense mechanism. The spatial structures of PpALF2 and StALF possessed four beta-strands and two alpha-helices. The results indicated that there were more than one ALF involved in crab immunity against various pathogens. ALFs would provide candidate promising therapeutic or prophylactic agents in health management and diseases control in crustacean aquaculture

In vivo screening of mangrove plants for anti WSSV activity in Penaeus monodon, and evaluation of Ceriops tagal as a potential source of antiviral molecules

The objective of the study was to find out a natural way to fight white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in cultured shrimps, as the present scenario necessitated an organic remedy for the devastating pathogen in crustaceans. Under this research programme seven mangrove plants were collected, identified and aqueous extracts screened for their protective effect on the giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon against WSSV. The experimental design consisted two modes of application, such as exposure of the virus to the extract and injection challenge, and oral administration of the extract coated feed followed by oral challenge. All experimental animals were monitored through a nested diagnostic PCR analysis. Of the seven mangrove extracts screened aqueous extract from Ceriops tagal imparted total protection to shrimp from WSSV when challenged by both methods. Shrimps administered with the aqueous extract from C. tagal were devoid of virions. The HPLC fingerprint of the aqueous extracts from C. tagal showed more than 25 peaks and 7 of them were larger and well separated. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenolics, cardiac glycosides, saponins and sterols. The study indicated suitability of the aqueous extract of C. tagal as a possible prophylaxis for WSSV infection in shrimp. This is the first report on the anti WSSV property of the mangrove plant C. tagal

Análisis de la política anti-narcóticos en la República del Perú y la influencia de la cooperación estadounidense (2006-2011)

En este estudio de caso se presenta un repaso histórico de las políticas anti-narcóticos en el Perú así como la influencia que ha ejercido EE. UU en ésta a través de la cooperación bilateral. Se analizan igualmente los programas de cooperación en el gobierno de Alan García(2006 - 2011) y sus resultados

Anti-c1q y anti-nucleosoma en lupus eritematoso sistémico – relación con actividad

ntroducción : La mortalidad de los pacientes con Lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es 3 a 5 veces comparada con la población general. Detect ar oportunam ente la actividad del LES reduc e morbi - mortalidad. Las pruebas disponibles actualmente no son eficientes. Se requieren nuevos biomarcadores

Un viatge d'anada amb o sense tornada : població i migracions al món. 'Un viaje de ida con o sin vuelta : población y migraciones en el mundo'.

Resumen basado en el del documento en catalán

Algunas reflexiones sobre la influencia de la clase social y el género en el rechazo a la escuela : análisis etnográfico del colectivo anti-escuela en el primer curso de Formación Profesional.

Resaltar la ineficacia del aspecto compensatorio de las políticas educativas de carácter comprensivo, basándose en el alto porcentaje de fracaso escolar del alumnado que proviene de clases sociales más desfavorecidas; analizar las actitudes hacia el sistema educativo de un grupo de alumnos/as de primero de Formación Profesional que se autoexcluyen y fracasan en la escuela, así como de un grupo que se enfrenta a la experimentación del nuevo sistema educativo, con características opuestas al anterior en cuanto a actitudes hacia la escuela y distribución por sexos, pero de procedencia sociocultural muy similar; plantear alternativas para su integración. Dos grupos de alumnos de primero de Formación Profesional de los institutos IFP Galileo y IFP Ramón y Cajal, de Valladolid. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de casos de carácter etnográfico. Se destaca el fuerte rechazo hacia la institución escolar del alumnado que pertenece a familias obreras que viven en un barrio periférico de Madrid, y el hecho de que las chicas obtienen mejores resultados escolares y una mayor disposición hacia el estudio que los chicos. Se propone como alternativa la necesidad de otorgar a la Formación Profesional un carácter más práctico que incluya en su currículum una parte de trabajo productivo.

Alumnos anti-escuela : un análisis cualitativo del abandono y rechazo escolares.

Averiguar las causas que conducen a un preocupante número de alumnos a abandonar la escuela sin concluir la Enseñanza Secundaria, o mejor, captar las pautas culturales del fenómeno del fracaso escolar. Alumnos anti-escuela (que se oponen abiertamente a la escuela y a los profesores) de 3 Institutos públicos de EEMM, uno de BUP (mixto) y dos de FP (uno de chicas y otro de chicos). También se incluyen en la muestra a los profesores y padres de estos alumnos. Partiendo de la justificación del estudio y de la metodología a utilizar y tras definir los escenarios de la investigación, el autor reflexiona y profundiza en los grandes temas relacionados con el rechazo y abandono escolares (hegemonía de la escuela, currículum, sub-culturas juveniles, mercado de trabajo, desempleo juvenil...), citando autores y experiencias e intercalando resultados del trabajo de campo realizado. Observación participante. Entrevistas y grupos de discusión, con alumnos, profesores y algunos padres. Investigación etnográfica. Cuanto la escuela enseña está profundamente alejado de la realidad. Esto es más grave para los chicos procedentes de ambientes obreros porque la escuela no sólo está alejada sino que rechaza su realidad cultural. En general, la escuela tiene un prototipo de buen alumno que no se ajusta a las características de la mayor parte de la población de este país. Los profesores mantienen esta situación, la mayor parte no ha conocido más mundo que la enseñanza, y lo que es más grave, carecen de conocimientos del mundo de la infancia y de la adolescencia. Esta escuela genera rechazo y abandono; ello a su vez conduce a ocupar malos empleos y a la aparición de ciudadanos menos participativos en su sociedad. Hay que hacer todo lo posible para que la escuela empiece a parecer interesante a todos los chicos que abandonan el Sistema Educativo. Sugiere que se rejuvenezca a los profesores, no sólo en edad sino en conocimientos psicológicos y pedagógicos (formación permanente del profesorado).

Tecnologia dels materials: amb qüestions i exercicis 2a edició [versió html]

Dins de la disciplina de Ciència i Enginyeria dels Materials, en la qual s’estudia la interrelació entre l’estructura, el processament, les propietats i les aplicacions dels materials, aquest llibre intenta descriure com les tècniques de processament industrial afecten l’estructura dels materials. L’enfocament del text se centra en el material, no pas en les tècniques emprades, temàtica més propera a les tecnologies de fabricació. El temari s’ha organitzat en cinc grans temes. Els quatre primers intenten donar els fonaments d’una tecnologia de processament (colament dels metalls, conformació per deformació, conformació per sinterització, tractaments tèrmics) mentre que el cinquè es dedica a la corrosió. El temari no inclou la tecnologia dels materials polímers que mereixeria un temari específic

Dzieje współpracy amerykańskich i polskich związkowców, 1918-1989

Wydział Historyczny

Las actuales insurgencias políticas-epistémicas en las Américas: giros a la izquierda, giros anti imperiales, giros de-coloniales (Tema Central)

Este artículo esboza, a grosso modo, un análisis de la coyuntura actual mundial, haciendo un sondeo general de las insurgencias político espistémicas más importantes en América Latina. El autor hace una serie de preguntas claves a las cuales se debe hacer referencia en la tarea colectiva de construir el giro decolonial como alternativa tanto epistémica como ético-política.

The effect of drying and urea treatment on nutritional and anti-nutritional components of browses collected during wet and dry seasons

Fibre, crude protein and tannin concentrations were measured in browse species from the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil during the dry and wet seasons. The effects of oven-, sun- and shade-drying and of urea treatment were also determined. Crude protein (CP) content varied from 103 to 161 g/kg dry matter (DM) and the browses had similar CP content in the two seasons (during 2002) (102-161 and 107-153 g/kg DM in the wet and dry seasons, respectively). Total tannin concentrations ranged from 13 to 201 g/kg DM amongst the browses and were higher in the dry season. A 30-d treatment with urea reduced extractable tannins significantly (P < 0.05). The urea treatment was also most effective at reducing the in vitro effects of tannins compared to the other drying treatments. This was demonstrated by measuring the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on gas production. Addition of PEG increased gas production of oven- (81.4%), sun- (78.5%) and shade-dried (76.7%) samples much more compared to urea treated samples (10.9%). (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV on the anti-HCV specific humoral immune response

The effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on HCV replication is controversial, with some studies reporting no effect and others increases, reductions and even clearances of HCV RNA after treatment. In this study, the effect of HAART was investigated on the titre of anti-HCV specific antibodies and on the relationship between these antibodies and HCV RNA level in a cohort of 24 patients with inherited bleeding disorders. A significant inverse correlation between antibodies to both total HCV proteins and HCV RNA (R = -0.42, P = 0.05) and between antibodies to HCV envelope glycoproteins and HCV RNA (R = -0.54, P = 0.01) was observed pre-HAART. The relationship disappeared or was obscured after therapy (R = 0.24, P = 0.30 and R = 0.16, P = 0.50, respectively). Thus, we show that HAART affects the HCV specific humoral immune responses without affecting the HCV RNA level. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.