Identification of catastrophic events recorded as resedimented deep marine deposits can be challenging because of multiple possible triggering mechanisms. This study investigates seismo‐turbidites ...(STs) deposited in the Ionian Sea as a consequence of major historical earthquakes related to the Calabrian Arc subduction system. Taking advantage of the available sedimentological reconstructions, we focused our analysis on high‐resolution X‐ray fluorescence core scanner (XRF‐CS), organic carbon and isotopic data to define geochemical signatures characterizing the ST units. The relationships between geochemical and sedimentological proxies were statistically tested using Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA). Up to ∼78% of the total variance in the data set can be reduced to three principal components which identified four elemental ratio groups associated to the degree of terrestrial/coastal influence in each major depositional unit (i.e., pelagic, ST sandy stacked units, homogenites, tsunamite‐seiche laminites, and tsunamite backwash). The sample score results were evaluated together with organic carbon data in order to assess geochemical variability throughout the composite turbidite structure in different basins settings. The basal parts of the ST contain coarse‐grained sediment stacks whose sources can be traced back and sedimentary processes (surficial sediment erosion/massive slope failures) can be defined using geochemical data. The topmost parts of the STs exhibit a mixed compositional character suggesting basin‐wide processes such as seiche oscillations and tsunami wave erosion/backwashing. The application of selected XRF‐CS based elemental ratios as proxies in paleoseismological studies can help reconstruct the seismic history of a continental margin.
Plain Language Summary
Submarine paleoseismology is a widely applied method to reconstruct seismicity back in time in tectonically active regions. The Calabrian Arc in the Ionian Sea is a subduction system related to the convergence between Africa and Eurasia plates which produces uplifting coastal mountains, enhances discharge of sediments on the continental shelf and induces the frequent occurrence of earthquakes. Seismic shaking is often associated with submarine slope failures, tsunamis and deposition of seismo‐turbidites which represent more than 90% of total sedimentation in the deep Mediterranean basins. We analyzed physical and geochemical data of sediment samples through a statistical approach to identify elemental ratio groups bringing information on the difference between the interseismic and co‐seismic sedimentary processes, as well as the degree of terrestrial/coastal influence in marine sediments. The proposed statistical approach can be used for sediment characterization, in absence of other analytical data, providing fast information on sedimentary processes and ultimately on the seismic history of the continental margin.
Key Points
Analysis of elemental, organic carbon, and isotopic data from seismo‐turbidites provides information on source to sink processes
Statistical analysis of physical and geochemical variables enhances correlation of earthquake‐triggered deposits
The application of selected geochemical proxies in paleoseismological studies can be very effective in reconstructing past seismicity
IVF embryos have historically been evaluated by morphological characteristics. The time-lapse system (TLS) has become a promising tool, providing an uninterrupted evaluation of morphological and ...dynamic parameters of embryo development. Furthermore, TLS sheds light on unknown phenomena such as direct cleavage and incomplete morula compaction. We retrospectively analyzed the morphology (Gardner Score) and morphokinetics (KIDScore) of 835 blastocysts grown in a TLS incubator (Embryoscope+), which were biopsied for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Only the embryos that reached the blastocyst stage were included in this study and time-lapse videos were retrospectively reanalysed. According to the pattern of initial cleavages and morula compaction, the embryos were classified as: normal (NC) or abnormal (AC) cleavage, and fully (FCM) or partially compacted (PCM) morulae. No difference was found in early cleavage types or morula compaction patterns between female age groups (< 38, 38-40 and > 40 yo). Most of NC embryos resulted in FCM (≅ 60%), while no embryos with AC resulted in FCM. Aneuploidy rate of AC-PCM group did not differ from that of NC-FCM group in women < 38 yo, but aneuploidy was significantly higher in AC-PCM compared to NC-FCM of women > 40 yo. However, the quality of embryos was lower in AC-PCM blastocysts in women of all age ranges. Morphological and morphokinetic scores declined with increasing age, in the NC-PCM and AC-PCM groups, compared to the NC-FCM. Similar aneuploidy rates among NC-FCM and AC-PCM groups support the hypothesis that PCM in anomalous-cleaved embryos can represent a potential correction mechanism, even though lower morphological/morphokinetic scores are seen on AC-PCM. Therefore, both morphological and morphokinetic assessment should consider these embryonic development phenomena.
The Mediterranean Sea hosts two subduction systems along the convergent Africa-Eurasia plate boundary that have produced strong ground shaking and generated tsunamis. Based on historical descriptions ...and sedimentary records, one of these events, in 365 CE, impacted a broad geographical area, including tsunami evidence for distances of 700-800 km from the source event, qualifying it as a 'megatsunami'. Understanding how megatsunamis are produced, and where they are more likely, requires a better understanding of the different secondary processes linked to these events such as massive slope failures, multiple turbidity current generation, and basin seiching. Our sedimentary records from an extensive collection of cores located in distal and disconnected basins, identify turbidites which are analyzed using granulometry, elemental (XRF), micropaleontological, and geochemical data in order to reconstruct their coastal or marine source. The results show that the 365 CE basin floor sediments are a mixture of inner shelf and slope materials. The tsunami wave produced multiple far-field slope failures that resulted in stacked basal turbidites. It also caused transport of continent-derived organic carbon and deposition over basal turbidites and into isolated basins of the deep ocean. The composition of sediment in isolated basins suggests their deposition by large-scale sheet like flows similar to what has been caused by the Tohoku earthquake associated tsunamis. This is significant for rectifying and resolving where risk is greatest and how cross-basin tsunamis are generated. Based on these results, estimates of the underlying deposits from the same locations were interpreted as possible older megatsunamis.
Intense sunlight is dangerous for photosynthetic organisms. Cyanobacteria, like plants, protect themselves from light-induced stress by dissipating excess absorbed energy as heat. Recently, it was ...discovered that a soluble orange carotenoid protein, the OCP, is essential for this photoprotective mechanism. Here we show that the OCP is also a member of the family of photoactive proteins; it is a unique example of a photoactive protein containing a carotenoid as the photoresponsive chromophore. Upon illumination with blue-green light, the OCP undergoes a reversible transformation from its dark stable orange form to a red "active" form. The red form is essential for the induction of the photoprotective mechanism. The illumination induces structural changes affecting both the carotenoid and the protein. Thus, the OCP is a photoactive protein that senses light intensity and triggers photoprotection.
The continuous monitoring of the physical, chemical and biological parameters of pond, effluent and inlet waters helps not only to predict and control negative conditions for shrimp farming, but also ...avoids environmental damages and collapse of the production process. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the importance of implementing a Water Quality Index (WQI) as a tool to manage shrimp farms and the surrounding natural environments, further to understand the main factors affecting water quality to prevent disease outbreaks. Water quality parameters of shrimp pond and inlet waters were monitored and measured monthly in a shrimp farm and in two other natural sites in northern Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The study was carried out between October, 2007 and October, 2008. Physical and chemical parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, silica) and biological parameters (chlorophyll-a, fecal coliforms,
Vibrio and bacteria counts) were analyzed. To assess the dependency relationship between the variables the non-parametric correlation test of Spearman was applied. The Hydrological Index (HI)
c was applied to evaluate the potential use of the two coastal areas for shrimp culture. The Canadian Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) was applied to compare the water quality parameters between the shrimp farm water supply lagoon and those two coastal environments. Results indicate water quality parameters and times of the year are related to environmental stress. Considering the amplitude of the variables monitored, i.e., temperature, salinity, pH, alkalinity, hardness, nitrate and silica, autumn may be associated with increased environmental stress. The (HI)
c indicated that pumping water into the shrimp farm in spring and summer should be restricted, and during the rest of the year the supply water quality ranged from “suitable with medium restriction” (5.5
<
(IH)
c
<
7.5) to “suitable with low restriction” (7.5
<
(IH)
c
<
9.0). No difference was detected in the water quality parameters of the three study sites according to the CCME WQI. The application of a Water Quality Index adapted to the different production activities is useful to monitor water quality parameters. The WQI is practical, with easy and fast interpretation of data, and an important management tool for aquaculture enterprises.
We hypothesized that p27
kip1
overexpression can regulate endometriosis cell proliferation, apoptosis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the endometrium. The overexpression ...of p27
kip1
was obtained by transduction of p27
kip1
in primary cultures of endometrium obtained from women with endometriosis tissue with gene therapy technology. First generation bicistronic adenovirus: AdCMVhp27IRESEGFP (Adp27) and AdCMVNull (AdNull) were engineered in order to induce p27
kip1
expression in endometrial cells primary culture. The effect of p27
kip1
overexpression was elucidated through the cell proliferation evaluation and the expression of the cell cycle-related proteins p16, p21, p27, and p53. Cell cycle and apoptosis in endometrial cells from women with and without endometriosis were also evaluated. The VEGF levels were evaluated 1 and 7 days after transduction. The experiments were performed using Immunofluorescence stainings and flow cytometry technique. The cell proliferation statistically diminished markedly following p27
kip1
overexpression in the endometriosis group. This process was accompanied, however, by a statistically significant modulation of the cell cycle-related proteins p16, p21, p27 and p53 markedly increase following p27
kip1
overexpression in the endometriosis group (p < 0.001) and an increase in apoptotic cells was observed. In the endometriosis group, significant downregulation of VEGF expression was observed 7 days after p27
kip1
overexpression, attaining levels strikingly similar to those observed in the control endometrial cells. The findings of this study showed a link between the cell cycle control protein (p27
kip1
) and angiogenesis (VEGF). Our results, also reinforces the background of endometrial dysfunction as part of the origin of endometriosis. We believe that better knowledge of endometrium milieu and the establishment of the link between different, previously describe, altered pathways in this tissue can facilitate future genetic cell therapy.
Es un gran honor para mí esta invitación para compartir con ustedes las palabras de apertura deestas XVII Jornadas de Investigación Científica Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola que se realizanen ...este año muy particular: estamos transitando una Pandemia que implica -entre otras cosas- unametamorfosis singular de la educación superior atravesando todas sus funciones, entre ellas la deinvestigación. Por eso, celebro que puedan concretar estas jornadas remotas porque viendo elexcelente programa que han preparado, estimo que podrán compartir y generar instancias dediálogo e intercambio para profundizar las propuestas que aquí se presentan o analizarposibilidades de nuevas investigaciones. Gran parte de las soluciones en la investigación sobreesta pandemia, seguramente está en los claustros universitarios.
Abstract The aneuploidy rates in expanded blastocysts biopsied on days 5 and 6 development were assessed in women undergoing IVF followed by array comparative genomic hybridization. This study ...included 1171 expanded blastocysts from 465 patients. Among the 465 patients, 215 and 141 underwent embryo biopsy on day 5 and day 6 (46.2% and 30.3%, respectively), and 109 underwent biopsy on both days 5 and 6 (23.4%). The cycles of 206 women were cancelled because only aneuploidy embryos were present (44.3%). The aneuploid embryos were classified according to the type as single, double or complex aneuploidy. No differences were observed in the distributions of these three categories according to the day of the biopsy. The aneuploidy rate was also evaluated according to maternal age, and was found to be higher in older patients; however, no differences in this rate were detected between embryos biopsied on days 5 and 6 according to maternal age. Biopsy was carried out when blastocysts reached the expanded stage. The embryos biopsied on day 6 had a higher rate of aneuploidy (69.9%) than those biopsied on day 5 (61.4%); however, the euploid embryos transferred had similar chances for successful and healthy gestation.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was originally developed to diagnose embryo-related genetic abnormalities for couples who present a high risk of a specific inherited disorder. Because this ...technology involves embryo selection, the medical, bioethical, and legal implications of the technique have been debated, particularly when it is used to select features that are not related to serious diseases. Although several initiatives have attempted to achieve regulatory harmonization, the diversity of healthcare services available and the presence of cultural differences have hampered attempts to achieve this goal. Thus, in different countries, the provision of PGD and regulatory frameworks reflect the perceptions of scientific groups, legislators, and society regarding this technology. In Brazil, several texts have been analyzed by the National Congress to regulate the use of assisted reproduction technologies. Legislative debates, however, are not conclusive, and limited information has been published on how PGD is specifically regulated. The country requires the development of new regulatory standards to ensure adequate access to this technology and to guarantee its safe practice. This study examined official documents published on PGD regulation in Brazil and demonstrated how little direct oversight of PGD currently exists. It provides relevant information to encourage reflection on a particular regulation model in a Brazilian context, and should serve as part of the basis to enable further reform of the clinical practice of PGD in the country.
Methods:
This is a cohort study, conducted at a university-based reproductive medicine center and private reproductive medicine center that aimed to evaluate granulosa cumulus cell gene expression in ...the insulin signaling pathway in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and to compare the cumulus gene expression between normal weight and obese women without clinical insulin resistance. Fifteen PCOS patients, nine normal weight patients and six obese patients presenting normal HOMA IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment–Insulin Resistance), participated. Patients underwent oocyte retrieval for IVF and after the procedure, granulosa cumulus cells were removed from the oocytes for RNA extraction. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array analysis of 84 genes from insulin signaling pathway was conducted. The results were expressed as fold up- or fold down-expression in obese patients compared with normal weight patients. Any fold change ⩾3 or ⩽3 and any p ⩽ 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results:
There were 10 genes that were overexpressed in obese compared with normal weight women, BCL2L1, BRAF, CBL, DOK1, FBP1, FRS2, MTOR, PCK2, RPS6KA1, and SORBS1, that had a fold change ⩾3 and p ⩽ 0.05.
Discussion:
In the obese group, the overexpressed genes are mainly responsible for the proliferation and differentiation of cumulus cells during oocyte maturation, insulin resistance, apoptosis regulation, and glucose metabolism during early embryogenesis, suggesting that in the follicular environment, insulin resistance is present even in the absence of clinical signs.
Conclusion:
Together, our findings and the related literature suggest that those alterations may be associated with the worse prognosis of follicular development and oocyte maturation observed in PCOS obese women.
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