Production of many flowering crops often benefits from elevated pollinator diversity and abundance. Nevertheless, the opposite relationship may arise if bees impair fruit or seed production and/or ...quality by damaging flowers during visitation, despite transferring pollen. We assessed pollination and drupelet set (i.e. the number of drupelets per fruit) in 16 raspberry Rubus idaeus fields along a gradient of bee abundance in north‐west Patagonia, Argentina. Using pollen supplementation, we also tested whether drupelet set was pollen limited in a subset of six fields. Managed Apis mellifera and the invasive bumblebee Bombus terrestris accounted for 50% and 45% of all bee visits, respectively, to raspberry flowers. Pollen loads on stigmas increased with visit frequency of all bees combined and particularly with visitation by A. mellifera, but not by B. terrestris. Drupelet set was not pollen limited along the gradient of bee abundance. Instead, drupelet set decreased with the proportion of damaged styles, which varied more strongly with the frequency of visits by B. terrestris than by A. mellifera. In fields with the highest bee frequency of visits (~300 visits flower⁻¹ day⁻¹), ~80% of styles were damaged in flowers and these developed into fruits with ~30% fewer drupelets compared to flowers in fields with the lowest bee visitation rates (~4 visits flower⁻¹ day⁻¹). Synthesis and applications. Extreme bee visitation, particularly by Bombus terrestris, damaged the styles of raspberry flowers, precluding ovule fertilization by deposited pollen and limiting crop production by reducing drupelet set. Only a few bee visits are required to maximize fruit production in raspberry plants, therefore, pollinator management in north‐west Patagonia should focus principally on reducing the abundance of the invasive bumblebee B. terrestris and secondarily controlling the number of honeybee hives in nearby cultivated fields. Although mainstream pollinator management relies on the assumption that more visits enhance fruit set, high bee visitation rates can be detrimental for fruit development and, consequently, for crop yield.
Abstract Geometric morphometric methods are powerful tools to discriminate between closely related ostracods taxa as well as to study the relationship between their morphological variations, taxonomy ...and paleoecology. In this study, valve outline analysis allows the discrimination between the non-marine ostracod C. silvestrii and R. whatleyi juveniles, pointing out differences in the posterior valve area and surface ornamentation. Modern female specimens of C. silvestrii from 23 sites located in a spatial transect (41 to 51 °S) exhibited extensive morphological variability, on the basis of which three morphotypes (acuminated, transitional, subtruncated) were determined. Multivariate analyses showed that acuminated and transitional shapes are not arranged in groups but the subtruncated morphotype, previously described as E. cecryphalium, seems to be associated with low water conductivity (372 µS cm-1), dominant cold (5 ºC) and windy (8.6 m s-1) climatic conditions. The fossil cluster which included nine cores spanning the last 15.6 kyr, only covered acuminated and transitional shapes, which may indicate that these lineages might be older than the subtruncated morphotype. In addition, morphological differences between reproduction modes suggested that parthenogenetic females exhibit de posterior margin more acuminate than sexual females. These results set the ground for more precise ecological and paleoenvironmental studies in Patagonia.
Understanding the mechanisms structuring metacommunities is a fundamental question in community ecology. Ostracods are an ideal study group for metacommunity studies, due to their environmental ...sensitivity, high dispersal capacity and increased use as biological proxy in (paleo-)ecology studies. We studied the contribution of environmental and spatial processes in the structure of non-marine ostracod metacommunities in Northern and Southern Patagonia. A total of 37 ostracod species were found at the 105 environments studied. According to variation partitioning results, the metacommunities in Northern Patagonia were influenced by a combination of species sorting (environmental control, including non-spatial and spatial components) and spatial effects (e.g. dispersal limitation), while species sorting (environmental control, due to non-spatial components) was the principal mechanism affecting Southern Patagonia. Discrepancies between the degree of environmental and spatial control affecting ostracod metacommunity structure was associated with differences in study area extension and in sampled site distances, more than differences in Ostracoda response. Instead, the spatial extent did not influence total beta diversity and its components between the studied areas. Our study expands the understanding of the drivers affecting the non-marine ostracod metacommunities in Patagonia, Argentina, and also the variables affecting the structure of the ostracod assemblages. Increased knowledge in these aspects has important implications for (paleo-)ecology studies, allowing reliable interpretation in biological assessment programs and paleoenvironmental interpretation.
Ostracods are microcrustaceans with a calcareous carapace, very useful as paleoenvironmental indicators. Eucypris fontana (Graf, 1931) is a non-marine ostracod species, distributed in southern ...Neotropics, commonly found in living bisexual populations as well as in quaternary sequences in Patagonia. Geometry morphometric analysis offers efficient and powerful techniques to quantify, describe and analyze shape and size variations. In this study, phenotypic changes in the carapace (size and shape) of E. fontana were analyzed using geometric morphometric methods. One hundred and two valves, including males and females from surface sediments of six permanent water bodies located in Patagonia, Argentina, were analyzed. Male and female valves are spread in the morphospace and sexual dimorphism in size and shape were no perceived. Valve size (centroid size) differed between environments; larger individual were correlated with higher Mg2+, Ca2+, K+ concentrations and temperature and lower pH (∼9.1) of the host waters, whereas smaller specimens were associated with the opposite environmental extreme. The principal component analysis performed with Procrustes coordinates (shape) indicated a morphological gradient between elongated and rounded valves; major changes occurring on the dorsal margin, calcified inner lamella and in the position of the adductor muscles scars. Rounded carapaces were related whit higher Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentration and lower pH (∼8.6) environments, whereas elongated valves were associated with the opposite environmental extreme. These results highlight the importance of morphometric studies of E. fontana in ecological research and their potential use in paleoenvironmental studies in Patagonia and other regions where this taxon is found.
Geometric morphometric techniques were used to describe the morphological variations of Eucypris fontana (Crustacea, Ostracoda) in different non marine environments of Patagonia. Our results show a relationship between the valves morphology and the physical-chemical characteristics of the host waters.
Role of POLE and POLD1 in familial cancer Mur, Pilar; García-Mulero, Sandra; Del Valle, Jesús ...
Genetics in medicine,
12/2020, Letnik:
22, Številka:
12
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Germline pathogenic variants in the exonuclease domain (ED) of polymerases POLE and POLD1 predispose to adenomatous polyps, colorectal cancer (CRC), endometrial tumors, and other malignancies, and ...exhibit increased mutation rate and highly specific associated mutational signatures. The tumor spectrum and prevalence of POLE and POLD1 variants in hereditary cancer are evaluated in this study.
POLE and POLD1 were sequenced in 2813 unrelated probands referred for genetic counseling (2309 hereditary cancer patients subjected to a multigene panel, and 504 patients selected based on phenotypic characteristics). Cosegregation and case-control studies, yeast-based functional assays, and tumor mutational analyses were performed for variant interpretation.
Twelve ED missense variants, 6 loss-of-function, and 23 outside-ED predicted-deleterious missense variants, all with population allele frequencies <1%, were identified. One ED variant (POLE p.Met294Arg) was classified as likely pathogenic, four as likely benign, and seven as variants of unknown significance. The most commonly associated tumor types were colorectal, endometrial and ovarian cancers. Loss-of-function and outside-ED variants are likely not pathogenic for this syndrome.
Polymerase proofreading-associated syndrome constitutes 0.1-0.4% of familial cancer cases, reaching 0.3-0.7% when only CRC and polyposis are considered. ED variant interpretation is challenging and should include multiple pieces of evidence.
Abstract The emergence of the avian-origin influenza H7N9 virus and its pandemic potential has highlighted the ever-present need to develop vaccination approaches to induce cross-protective immunity. ...In this study, we examined the establishment of cross-reactive CD8+ T cell immunity in mice following immunization with live A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8; H1N1) influenza virus via two non-productive inoculation routes. We found that immunization via the intramuscular (IM) route established functional influenza-virus specific memory CD8+ T cell pools capable of cross-reactive recall responses. Epitope-specific primary, memory and recall CD8+ T-cell responses induced by the IM route, highly relevant to human influenza immunisations, were of comparable magnitude and quality to those elicited by the intraperitoneal (IP) priming, commonly used in mice. Furthermore, IM immunisation resulted in lower lung viral titres following heterologous challenge with A/Aichi/68 (X31; H3N2) compared to the IP route. Examining the ability of DCs from lymphoid organs to present viral antigen revealed that immune induction following IM immunization occurred in draining lymph nodes, while immunization via the IP route resulted in the priming of responses in distal lymphoid organs, indicative of a systemic distribution of antigen. No major differences in the pulmonary cytokine environment of immunized animals following X31 challenge were observed that could account for the improved heterologous protection induced by the IM route. However, while both routes induced similar levels of PR8-specific antibodies, higher levels of cross-reactive antibodies against X31 were induced following IM inoculation. Our data demonstrate how non-replicative routes of infection can induce efficient cross-reactive CD8+ T cell responses and strong strain-specific antibody responses, with the additional benefit from IM priming of enhanced heterosubtypic antibody production.
Objective. To observe the behavior, hormonal patterns, and welfare in captive mottled owl Ciccaba virgata (Strigidae). Materials and methods. The study was conducted at environmental management units ...(UMA) in Xalapa, Mexico, on six owls (two females in one enclosure, one male and one female in another, both without public display and with environmental enrichment, and two isolated individuals, kept caged or perched, with daytime public display). Behaviors were monitored in each pair or individual during 120 hours of filming (60 h during the day and 60 h at night). Concentrations of fecal metabolites of corticosterone, estradiol, and progesterone were measured, and welfare was assessed with observational indicators and surveys. Results. The paired owls showed normal behaviors and excellent welfare (95.5%), while the isolated individuals showed undesirable behaviors and regular welfare (51.4%). Of 24 behaviors considered in an ethogram, 11 were observed repeatedly in all specimens. The isolated birds had higher agonistic, feeding, and individual activity (p<0.001) than the paired birds, although it did not result in lower levels of corticosterone (p=0.09) nor estrogens (p=0.29) in females, only in progesterone (p=0.001). Conclusions. In captive mottled owls, daytime display and inadequate facilities promote the presence of undesirable behaviors that can affect their welfare. Therefore, the use of enrichment measures, such as larger enclosures, feeding at night, and pair housing (female and male, or two females) should be considered to reduce the negative effects of captivity and increase their welfare.
Objetivo. Observar el comportamiento, patrones hormonales y bienestar del búho café Ciccaba virgata (Strigidae) en cautiverio. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en unidades de manejo ambiental (UMA) en Xalapa, México, con seis búhos (dos hembras en un encierro, un macho y una hembra en otro, ambos sin exhibición al público y con enriquecimiento ambiental, y dos individuos aislados, en jaula y percha, con exhibición diurna al público). Se observaron las conductas de cada par o individuo durante 120 h de filmación (60 h diurnas y 60 h nocturnas). Se midieron concentraciones de metabolitos fecales de corticosterona, estradiol y progesterona y se evaluó el bienestar con indicadores por observación y encuestas. Resultados. Los búhos en par presentaron comportamientos normales y bienestar excelente (95.5%), mientras que los individuos aislados mostraron conductas indeseables y bienestar regular (51.4%). De 24 conductas consideradas en un etograma, se observaron 11 de forma repetida en todos los animales. Las aves aisladas tuvieron mayor actividad agonista, alimentaria e individual (p<0.001) que las aves en pares, aunque esto no se reflejó en menores niveles de corticosterona (p=0.09) ni estrógenos (p=0.29) en hembras, sólo en progesterona (p=0.001). Conclusiones. En búhos café en cautiverio, la exhibición diurna y las instalaciones inadecuadas promueven la presencia de comportamientos indeseables que pueden afectar su bienestar. Por tanto, se debe considerar la utilización de enriquecimiento como la ampliación de encierros, alimentación nocturna y alojamiento en pares (hembra y macho, o dos hembras), para disminuir los efectos negativos del cautiverio e incrementar su bienestar.
This paper approaches the relation between memory and territory through the analysis of meanings attached to space practices of Mapuche groups in northern Patagonia in contexts of subordination. The ...meanings examined emerged during a workshop conducted within the framework of the implementation of National Law 26.160, involving indigenous territorial survey in Argentina. The need to define territory and traditional occupation in order to apply a public policy highlighted the importance of Mapuche interpretation frameworks regarding gaps and continuities between present and past. Within these frameworks, territory is explained by restoring notions about "speaking well" (a way of communication anchored in reciprocity between people and with the environment) and "movement" ("in open fields"). These notions are also defined in opposition to the practices of power based on "lies" and "imposition" that produced epistemic silence and territorial spoliation respectively.
Este trabajo aborda la relación entre memoria y territorio a partir de revisar los sentidos que adquieren las prácticas del espacio de grupos mapuche en Norpatagonia en contextos de subordinación. La ...necesidad de definir territorio y ocupación tradicional para aplicar una política pública permitió dimensionar la importancia de los marcos de interpretación de estos grupos sobre los quiebres y continuidades entre presente y pasado. En estos marcos, el territorio se explica a partir de restaurar nociones de "hablar bien" (una comunicación anclada en la reciprocidad entre las personas y con el entorno) y de "movimiento" (en "campos abiertos"). Siguiendo los usos locales de estas nociones, nos proponemos mostrar cómo se va produciendo una experiencia compartida en torno al territorio, tanto al "levantar las palabras antiguas", como al recordar las "andanzas" de sus antepasados.
Introducción: Resulta indispensable el análisis de la autovaloración de los estudiantes sobre sus capacidades para brindar cuidados humanizados y relacionarse con sus pacientes, siendo un elemento ...que permite la identificación de áreas para priorizar en la formación, así como para identificar las fortalezas en este proceso. Objetivo: Evaluar la percepción de autoeficacia para brindar cuidados humanizados de los estudiantes del último año de la carrera de Licenciatura en Enfermería de una institución de educación superior de carácter privado de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo y transversal. Se encuestó a 67 estudiantes utilizando el cuestionario Caring Efficacy Scale en su versión en español. Resultados: La media de edad de los encuestados fue de 35,54 años (DE=7,89), y estos fueron mayormente de género femenino (74,63%), solteros (58,21%), con hijos (64,18%), trabajan en áreas abiertas (68,66%), tienen una antigüedad laboral de entre 6 y 10 años (34,33%), un empleo (82,09%), entre 3 y 5 pacientes a cargo por turno (46,27%) y perciben una elevada carga de trabajo (55,22%). Se identificó que la percepción de los estudiantes sobre su autoeficacia para brindar cuidados humanizados y relacionarse con el paciente fue mayormente positiva y alta en un 68,66%. Conclusión: Se identificaron relaciones entre las variables sociodemográficas y laborales y algunos ítems del instrumento. Las variables edad, género, tenencia de hijos, área de trabajo, cantidad de pacientes a cargo, percepción de la carga de trabajo y antigüedad laboral inciden sobre la percepción de autoeficacia para brindar cuidados humanizados.
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