Universidad Nacional del Sur

At the end of their growth phase, Drosophila larvae remodel their bodies, glue themselves to a substrate, and harden their cuticle in preparation for metamorphosis. This process—termed pupariation—is triggered by a surge in the hormone ecdysone. Substrate attachment is achieved by a pupariation subprogram called glue expulsion and spreading behavior (GSB). An epidermis-to-CNS Dilp8-Lgr3 relaxin signaling event that occurs downstream of ecdysone is critical for unlocking progression of the pupariation motor program toward GSB, but the factors and circuits acting downstream of Lgr3 signaling remain unknown. Here, using cell-type-specific RNA interference and behavioral monitoring, we identify Myoinhibiting peptide (Mip) as a neuromodulator of multiple GSB action components, such as tetanic contraction, peristaltic contraction alternation, and head-waving. Mip is required in a pair of brain descending neurons, which act temporally downstream of Dilp8-Lgr3 signaling. Mip modulates GSB via ventral nerve cord neurons expressing its conserved receptor, sex peptide receptor (SPR). Silencing of Mip descending neurons by hyperpolarization completely abrogates GSB, while their optogenetic activation at a restricted competence time window triggers GSB-like behavior. Hence, Mip descending neurons have at least two functions: to act as GSB command neurons and to secrete Mip to modulate GSB action components. Our results provide insight into conserved aspects of Mip-SPR signaling in animals, reveal the complexity of GSB control, and contribute to the understanding of how multistep innate behaviors are coordinated in time and with other developmental processes through command neurons and neuropeptidergic signaling.

Aspirin, hydrochlorothiazide and captopril are drugs widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases which are the main cause of death in the world today. These drugs are generally administered in combination and in consequence it is important to analyze their molecular interactions. By computational calculations based on Functional Theory of Density (DFT), it has calculated global and local indices. These descriptors provide information related to the chemical reactivity of the isolated and combined drugs, that is the object of the present study, in addition to find some system properties as the relationship between the drug‐drug binding and their reactivity, and, the relation between the chemical descriptors and the adsorption energy of combined drugs. The findings present new insight for the delivery improvement of combined drugs such as the novel cardiovascular polypills.

Cliffed (and rocky) coasts are geomorphic features occurring in about 80% of the coastline of the world and are strongly influenced by a broad range of both natural and anthropogenic processes that may cause serious erosion problems. Since the sea wave motion is a fundamental driver of cliff erosion, the cliffs become sensitive to increasing of global sea levels and to extreme weather events, which are both associated with global warming. Because of its importance, a considerable amount of investigations on coastal cliff erosion (CCE) were reported during the last decades. A bibliometric analysis is an useful tool to identify patterns of a given theme from a large body of academic literature. There is no previous evidence of a global bibliometric analysis in the literature in English on themes of CCE. Therefore, the aim of this article was to carry out a bibliometric analysis from Scopus database of CCE for the period 2000-2023. Once obtained, two filtering steps for selection of documents consisting of a custom R script implementation and a careful reading of the remaining documents were applied. During the search, a dynamic approach that puts emphasis on the processes operating on rocky coasts was selected instead of an evolutionary geological perspective. The final list reached 583 documents. A second aim was to discuss the research trends and challenges based on the latest highly-cited documents. As main result, the trend of the scientific production in the theme of CCE had an increasing interest over the last years, with an average compound annual growth rate of 15.6%. On the other side, the results demonstrated that even though the USA took the second place, European countries (United Kingdom, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain and Poland) lead the ranking; therefore, there is a scarcity of knowledge about the theme in large regions such as South America and Africa where seacliffs are dominants.

Prussian‐blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) show promise in electrochemical hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensing but face operational stability challenges without complex strategies. This study introduces a simplified, polymer‐based synthesis method, enhancing their stability in a single step. Chemical polymerization of Prussian‐blue (PB) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) with gelatin as a polycationic soft template yields a self‐assembled PB‐infused Catalytic Hetero‐interface Architecture (PB‐CHIA) that remarkably improves the stability of PBNPs and offers functional groups for enzyme immobilization, supporting robust biosensing applications. The softened PEDOT rigidity extends PB‐CHIA's applicability to various carbonaceous electrode substrates, including glassy carbon and laser‐induced graphene (LIG) via simple drop‐casting. A fluidic cell module designed with the optimized LIG morphology (nano‐fibrous fringes, LIG‐F, diameter: 72.87 ± 12.24 nm) modified with PB‐CHIA and glucose oxidase enables non‐invasive urine glucose monitoring. The configuration accurately quantifies glucose within a linear range of 10–400 µM [R²: 0.991, Sensitivity: 29.88 ± 4.98 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻², Detection Limit: 4.52 ± 2.24 µM], covering medical needs. A near‐field communication potentiostat is devised for a fully integrated, batteryless, wireless point‐of‐care (POC) prototype, enabling rapid smartphone readouts in 15 s for daily home‐based use. The stable operation of PB‐CHIA allows working electrodes’ scalable production, highlighting its potential for diverse POC devices in urinary analysis reliant on H2O2 assays.

The next generation of experiments for light-dark-matter and neutrino searches based on skipper Charge Coupled Devices (skipper-CCDs) introduces new challenges for the sensor packaging and readout architecture. Scaling the active mass while simultaneously reducing the experimental backgrounds in orders of magnitude requires a novel high-density silicon-based package that must be massively produced and tested. In this work, we present a silicon multi-chip module design capable of hosting up to 16 skipper-CCDs, along with the fabrication process for the first prototypes. We thoroughly tested and characterized the assembled prototypes to build an empirical model for the video outputs signal of skipper-CCDs integrated into the silicon package. We then used this model in simulations to optimize the fabrication process and achieve the robust performance required for the full-scale array, which we validated through a new round of prototype fabrication. We outline the specifications selected for the ongoing production of 1500 silicon wafers that will ultimately add up to a 10 kg skipper-CCD array with 24000 readout channels.

Background Immunisation against COVID-19 is crucial for controlling the pandemic, yet global challenges persist in vaccine coverage and equitable distribution. A well-integrated primary health care approach can enhance vaccination programmes. Aim To explore the relationship between perceived PC (primary care)-PH (public health) integration, as well as other vaccination program implementation factors, and national COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Design and setting A convenience sample of self-identified primary care professionals completed an online survey on COVID-19 vaccination programme implementation and their perceptions of PC-PH integration. Methods Countries with ≥5 responses were included in the data analysis. COVID-19 vaccination implementation approach and perceived PC-PH integration against COVID-19 vaccination coverage was investigated using bivariate and subgroup analyses, Spearman correlation, and linear regression. Results A total of 394 responses from 32 countries were analysed. Participants included primary care providers, academics, and researchers. The median national COVID-19 vaccination coverage was 28.41% at time of study. Perceived barriers included patient hesitancy and vaccine supply shortages, while facilitators included vaccine product choices, equity, and community engagement. The study revealed a positive relationship between perceptions of PC-PH integration and national vaccination coverage in upper-middle and lower-middle income countries. Conclusion Perceived PC-PH integration increased with decreasing economic quartiles and this perception was linked to actual national vaccination coverage. Integration may be especially important for countries with lesser vaccine supply. High-income countries may benefit from increased collaboration between PC and PH to enhance vaccination efficiency. The findings contribute to understanding the role of PC-PH integration in vaccination programmes in different settings.

The design of efficient public transportation systems is one of the main concerns for city administrators. These systems are usually very costly, and cities have to devote a significant portion of their public budgets to ensure the quality of service. Thus, cost reduction is a relevant issue, in particular in the case of developing countries. On top of that, an increasingly relevant goal is the environmental sustainability of the system. In this contribution we address these two goals, studying them in the case of Bahía Blanca, a city in southern Argentina. We develop a procedure to gather data from the smart cards of users of the system to compute a system's Origin–Destination matrix (OD).

Optimizing resources is a paramount issue in engineering applications. However, traditional optimization tools often struggle to address real-world complex problems effectively. The emergence of advanced nature-inspired optimization algorithms has provided solutions to these challenges. These algorithms, drawing inspiration from natural processes such as evolution, swarm intelligence, and natural selection, have revolutionized the field by offering robust, flexible, and efficient optimization techniques. In this chapter, we present a brief discussion on the contribution of nature-inspired optimization algorithms in the history of engineering optimization. We explore key milestones and developments, showcasing how these algorithms have evolved to tackle increasingly complex problems. Additionally, we highlight the diverse range of applications where nature-inspired algorithms have proven effective, from structural optimization in civil engineering to scheduling and routing, software testing, image processing, data mining, energy management, heat transfer problems, and mechanical design. This chapter introduces the main topics discussed in this book, providing a roadmap for exploring the various applications and innovations driven by nature-inspired optimization in engineering. Through this overview, we aim to equip readers with the knowledge and insights needed to harness the power of these algorithms in their own engineering endeavors, ultimately contributing to more efficient, innovative, and practical solutions in their respective fields.

Millicharged particles, proposed by various extensions of the standard model, can be created in pairs by high-energy photons within nuclear reactors and can interact electromagnetically with electrons in matter. Recently, the existence of a plasmon peak in the interaction cross section with silicon in the eV range was highlighted as a promising approach to enhance low-energy sensitivities. The CONNIE and Atucha-II reactor neutrino experiments utilize Skipper-CCD sensors, which enable the detection of interactions in the eV range. We present world-leading limits on the charge of millicharged particles within a mass range spanning 6 orders of magnitude, derived through a comprehensive analysis and the combination of data from both experiments. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Methylxanthines and their derivatives are of great interest due to their diverse biological activities. In this work, a new series of twenty-eight semisynthetic theobromine and teophylline derived compounds was designed...

Bee populations are declining due to agricultural expansion, habitat loss, and diseases such as nosemosis caused by microsporidian Vairimorpha spp. We evaluate how agricultural intensification affects the abundance of wild (Augochloropsis spp.) and managed (Apis mellifera) bees and how landscape modification impacts bee health quality by altering their susceptibility to be infected by Vairimorpha spp. Bees were collected using pan traps in nine fields with varying management intensities from Argentina, while landscape management intensity was assessed using satellite imagery for each field. We found the abundance of one wild bee species increases as the proportion of landscapes with low intensity management increases. Vairimorpha spores were only found in managed bees. We also found that prevalence of Vairimorpha increases as the proportion of intensive management increases. Our results suggest that agricultural intensification negatively impacts the abundance of wild bee populations and makes managed bees more susceptible to Vairimorpha spp. infection.

Contribution density is not the same as labor formality; it refers to the amount or proportion of contributions per worker that can be accumulated on average in a given period. The objective of this article is to identify the determinants of contribution density to the Argentine pension system from administrative data from 1996 to 2021. An econometric model is proposed to explain the contribution density in eight cohorts based on sociodemographic factors and job characteristics, using the negative binomial regression method. It is found that the density of contributions is low and depends on the branch of economic activity, the jurisdiction where the company is located, the individual's income and gender, and the age of enrollment. The results are similar to those found by other works that study contribution density in Argentina and Latin American countries.

In the following editorial, we discuss the article by Wu et al . In this contribution, we critically review the authors’ perspective and analyze the relevance of the results obtained in the original article of clinical research by Liu et al . We consider that additional factors associated with colon cancer progression have recently been described in extensive clinical research, and should be included in this analysis to achieve a more accurate prognosis. These factors include inflammation, gut microbiota composition, immune status and nutritional balance, as they influence the post-surgical survival profile of patients with stage II colorectal cancer. We also address the clinical implementation and limitations of these analyses. Evaluation of the patient´s entire context is essential for selection of the most appropriate therapy.

Background Species ranges are shaped by a variety of ecological and environmental factors that are inherently dynamic, fluctuating in response to climatic, biotic, and anthropogenic influences. Dispersal plays a key role in range shifts, allowing species to adapt to changing habitats and exploit new regions. In this study, we examined the dispersal processes of four thrush species (Turdus amaurochalinus, T. chiguanco, T. falcklandii and T. rufiventris) that have expanded their ranges in recent decades, with a focus on the interaction between spread and seasonal movements. Methods We collected eBird records from 2003 to 2023 to create heat maps that illustrate changes in densities of reported occurrences between seasons and over the years. We also evaluated how bioclimatic and land cover variables influenced the observed variations. Results The four thrush species have shown significant range expansions, with initially distinct seasonal distributions, which became increasingly similar over time, leading to significant overlap in their breeding and non-breeding habitats. Temperature and precipitation associated with the presence of the four species varied over time and between seasons. Additionally, all four species exhibited shifts in habitat selection, both seasonally and across years. Conclusion The changes of range are likely driven by a combination of climate and land-use change, and resource availability, which also influence seasonal dispersal patterns. At the same time, thrushes perform very well in urban environments, which offer stable resources and may contribute to their reduction in seasonal movements. Overall, these findings highlight the dynamic nature of thrush species’ range shifts and their adaptation to environmental changes.

Parasitic nematodes pose a significant global socio-economic threat and contribute to neglected diseases. Current infection control relies on drug therapy, but increasing anthelmintic resistance highlights the urgent need for novel treatments. In this study, we investigate the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), a principal component of Cinnamon Essential Oil (Cinnamomum verum EO), using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Our research offers new insights into the anthelmintic effects of TCA by identifying its specific interactions with key Cys-loop receptors and detailing its inhibitory mechanisms. The anthelmintic activity of C. verum EO and TCA manifests as rapid alterations in locomotor activity and inhibition of egg hatching. TCA screening of mutant worms lacking Cys-loop receptors reveal multiple receptor targets, including the levamisole-sensitive nicotinic ACh receptor (L-AChR), GABA-activated chloride channel (UNC-49) and glutamate-activated chloride channel. The mechanism behind the egg hatching inhibition by TCA remains unclear, as none of the mutants studied were found to be resistant to TCA. Furthermore, TCA increases the paralyzing effects of the anthelmintics levamisole and monepantel in a synergistic manner, offering a route for more effective polytherapy strategies. Electrophysiological studies on C. elegans Cys-loop receptors, in both native and heterologous systems, were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of TCA-induced paralysis. TCA reduces ACh- and GABA-elicited macroscopic currents and decreases single-channel activity and open durations of native muscle L-AChR channels, indicating an inhibitory action. Thus, by acting through a different mechanism to that of classical anthelmintics, TCA may be beneficial to counteract resistance in combined anthelmintic therapies. Our findings underscore the potential of the multitarget compound TCA as a valuable tool in integrated pharmacological strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-89883-4.

Rhabdomyosarcoma, a malignant tumor commonly found in children and adolescents, often carries a poor prognosis. We conducted studies on the effects of the liposoluble extract of Nicotiana glauca (N. glauca), a plant from the Solanaceae family that is widely distributed, on the C2C12 murine myoblast cell line. We additionally investigated the antiproliferative effects of the extract on the RD rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cell line. The RD cells were pre-incubated without fetal bovine serum, followed by treatment with the liposoluble extract and the n-hexane sub-extract at specific concentrations. The effects on cell morphology were assessed using staining techniques. Cell viability, growth, and division capacities were evaluated through a wound assay. We analyzed the expression levels and subcellular localization of several proteins, including β-catenin, Notch 1, Caspase 3, and 14-3-3, using Western blotting. The extract of N. glauca induces apoptosis in C2C12 cells, suggesting that it may possess antitumor properties and could potentially be used in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders. Our findings revealed that the control cells exhibited intact and normal nuclei, while the treated cells displayed characteristic morphological changes associated with apoptosis. Also, the treatments significantly reduced cell division capacity, and potentially cell migration, compared to the control group. Moreover, the evaluation of β-catenin protein localization showed a cytoplasmic and membrane proximity in C2C12 cells, whereas RD cells exhibited nuclear localization. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic value of the extract in targeting the proliferation and spread of rhabdomyosarcoma cells.

Main conclusion This review discusses the DNA and RNA methylation pathways and their biological roles in Rosaceae developmental processes relevant for breeding and production. Abstract The Rosaceae is a plant family of great importance for human nutrition and health. Many traits and developmental processes of the Rosaceae are influenced by epigenetic methylation, functions of which are now being unravelled in several important species of this family. Methylation of DNA at the 5th position of cytosine (5mC) is a well-established epigenetic mark that affects important cellular processes such as gene expression and genome stability and is involved in a wide range of plant biological functions. Further to this, recent technological advances have uncovered other naturally occurring chemical modifications of DNA and RNA as additional layers of regulatory epigenetic information in plants. In this review we give a comprehensive summary of plant 5-methylcytosine DNA methylation mechanisms and review their components identified in species of the Rosaceae family. We detail and discuss the role of 5mC DNA methylation dynamics in Rosaceae developmental processes, including phase transition, bud development, bud dormancy, plant architecture, plant regeneration, fruit development, ripening and senescence. We then review recent advances in understanding the newly identified nucleic acid modifications, N⁶-adenosine methylation of DNA (6mA) and RNA (m⁶A) as additional epigenetic mechanisms. We summarise identified components of adenosine methylation pathways in the Rosaceae and discuss the emerging roles of this modification in plant development including recent findings in Rosaceous species. Integrating epigenetic aspects of plant development with plant genetics and physiology is crucial for understanding biological processes in Rosaceous plants.