NAC100 regulates silique growth during the initial phase of fruit development through the gibberellin biosynthetic pathway

The NAC transcription factor family is a large class of DNA-binding proteins found in several plant species. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, NAC transcription factors are expressed in different organs, and they are known to modulate many diverse developmental processes, such as meristem formation, flower and fruit development, leaf and fruit senescence. From a previous time-lapse transcriptomic analysis of developing siliques performed by our group, we found a NAC transcription factor, NAC100, that is upregulated during silique development. In this work, we characterized the role of the NAC100 transcription factor and demonstrated that NAC100 contributes to regulating silique growth during the initial phase of their development. nac100 mutant siliques are smaller but such defects can be rescued through the application of exogenous bioactive gibberellin. Gene expression analysis, transactivation assay and endogenous gibberellin quantification indicate that NAC100 modulates gibberellin metabolism, by both directly and indirectly regulating GA-metabolic genes expression, ultimately affecting silique elongation

The cyclic peptide G4CP2 enables the modulation of galactose metabolism in yeast by interfering with GAL4 transcriptional activity

Genetically-encoded combinatorial peptide libraries are convenient tools to identify peptides to be used as therapeutics, antimicrobials and functional synthetic biology modules. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a cyclic peptide, G4CP2, that interferes with the GAL4 protein, a transcription factor responsible for the activation of galactose catabolism in yeast and widely exploited in molecular biology. G4CP2 was identified by screening CYCLIC, a Yeast Two-Hybrid-based combinatorial library of cyclic peptides developed in our laboratory. G4CP2 interferes with GAL4-mediated activation of galactose metabolic enzymes both when expressed intracellularly, as a recombinant peptide, and when provided exogenously, as a chemically-synthesized cyclic peptide. Our results support the application of G4CP2 in microbial biotechnology and, additionally, demonstrate that CYCLIC can be used as a tool for the rapid identification of peptides, virtually without any limitations with respect to the target protein. The possible biotechnological applications of cyclic peptides are also discussed

Update on the diagnosis of tuberculosis

Background Tuberculosis remains a global public health threat, and the development of rapid and precise diagnostic tools is the key to enabling the early start of treatment, monitoring response to treatment, and preventing the spread of the disease. Objective An overview of recent progress in host- and pathogen-based tuberculosis diagnostics. Sources We conducted a PubMed search of recent relevant articles and guidelines on tuberculosis screening and diagnosis. Content An overview of currently used methods and perspectives in the following areas of tuberculosis diagnostics is provided: immune-based diagnostics, X-ray, clinical symptoms and scores, cough detection, culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and identifying its resistance profile using phenotypic and genotypic methods, including next generation sequencing, sputum- and non-sputum-based molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis and monitoring of response to treatment. Implications A brief overview of the most relevant advances and changes in international guidelines regarding screening and diagnosing tuberculosis is provided in this review. It aims at reviewing all relevant areas of diagnostics, including both pathogen- and host-based methods.PostprintPeer reviewe

Cadenas de valor y desarrollo territorial en el Norte de la Patagonia

El contenido de este libro es el resultado de los trabajos realizados en el marco del proyecto de investigación 04V109 - Cadena de valor y desarrollo territorial en el noreste de la Patagonia del Centro Universitario Regional Zona Atlántica de la Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Los diversos capítulos abordan la contribución de algunas de las cadenas de valor agropecuarias al desarrollo económico en este amplio territorio. Si bien el proyecto de investigación se centró en el noreste de la Patagonia, varios artículos se corresponden con un área geográfica más amplia, que concierne a todo el norte de la Patagonia. A su vez, se incorpora el aporte de otros autores del medio local que estudian problemáticas similares. En primer lugar, se analizan las relaciones entre el desarrollo económico, global, nacional y regional, las principales transformaciones territoriales a partir de los cambios que se observan en las actividades productivas, agropecuarias en los últimos años, los riesgos climáticos, de mercado y otros que afectan el funcionamiento de los eslabones de las diversas cadenas de valor y el aporte de las cooperativas, especialmente de las cooperativas de trabajo. Luego se describen algunas de las cadenas de valor más importantes que existen en el noreste de la Patagonia, detallando sus orígenes y crecimiento, los actores que las dinamizan, las relaciones socioeconómicas que se generan y aspectos relacionados con la competitividad y equidad. Las actividades estudiadas son la ovina y porcina en el valle inferior del río Negro, el cultivo del olivo en el noreste de la Patagonia, los frutales de pepita en el alto valle del río Negro y el análisis económico de inversiones en maquinaria agrícola en la cadena de valor bovina en el Partido de Patagones. En un apartado especial se agregan dos trabajos que abordan la situación de los nichos socio técnicos de innovación relacionados con la práctica de la agroecología y los cultivos transgénicos. Finalmente, un capítulo describe algunos aspectos del potencial productivo y principales problemáticas de la cadena de valor pecuaria en el Departamento Valcheta en la región Sur de Río Negro. La mayoría de estos artículos fueron presentados en congresos y jornadas a nivel regional y nacional y previo a su aceptación para la publicación fueron evaluados por destacados especialistas. Agrademos la participación de estos evaluadores que ha permitido enriquecer con sus sugerencias y críticas el contenido de los diversos trabajos de investigación. Por otro lado, destacamos la participación y colaboración de estudiantes y docentes investigadores de la Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, de técnicos profesionales de la Estación Experimental Agropecuaria INTA Valle Inferior Convenio Provincia de Río Negro y del Ministerio de Producción y Agroindustria (Río Negro). A los efectos de ilustrar el artículo referido a la cadena del olivo, se agregan acuarelas relacionados con el olivo y el aceite de oliva, aportados por María Emilia Villegas ([email protected]). El diseño de tapa corresponde a Carla Perello del Almacén de diseño Estudio El Zaguán de Carmen de Patagones (Bs.As.) ([email protected]), a partir de sugerencias realizadas por los compiladores. Un agradecimiento especial a la Esp. Lucrecia Avilés, Mg. Dora Bonardo y Lic. Marina Favalli, integrantes de la Secretaría de Ciencia y Técnica, en el periodo de ejecución del proyecto de investigación.Fil: Villegas Nigra, Héctor Mario. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Universitario Regional Zona Atlántica; Argentina.Fil: Tagliani, Pablo Ricardo. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Universitario Regional Zona Atlántica; Argentina.Fil: Antenao, Juan. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Valle Inferior; Argentina.Fil: Gallo, Silvia. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Valle Inferior; Argentina.Fil: Viretto, Pablo. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Valle Inferior; Argentina.Fil: Porro, Mariana. Ministerio de Producción y Agroindustria (Provincia de Río Negro); Argentina.Fil: Miñon, Daniel. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Universitario Regional Zona Atlántica; Argentina.Fil: Gilardi, Fernando. Ministerio de Producción y Agroindustria (Provincia de Río Negro):Argentina.Fil: Jocano, Guillermo. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Universitario Regional Zona Atlántica; Argentina.Fil: Gútierrez, Javier. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro; Argentina.Fil: Machuca, Andrea Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro; Argentina.Fil: Martínez, Jessica. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro; Argentina.Fil: López, Miriam. Ente de Desarrollo de la Región Sur; Argentina.Fil: Jouglard, Luis Emilio. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentina.Fil: Cariac, Germán. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Universitario Regional Zona Atlántica. Departamento Agronomía; Argentina.Fil: Cariac, Germán. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Valle Inferior; Argentina

Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections: a delphi study and consensus document about definition, diagnostic criteria, treatment and follow-up

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) are broad diagnoses that encompass a range of sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms in children, which can include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, anxiety, emotional instability, and cognitive difficulties. Unlike PANDAS, PANS is not strictly linked to group A streptococcal infections but can be triggered by various infectious or environmental factors. Lights and shadows remain upon the management of children with PANS and PANDAS and there is no clear consensus regarding definition, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and follow-up. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of agreement on PANS and PANDAS definition, diagnostic criteria, treatment and follow-up and to assess on the basis of recent studies whether there is a need to modify the current recommendations used by primary care pediatricians and hospital pediatricians in clinical practice in order to improve outcomes. Using the Delphi method, this consensus provides shared indications on PANS and PANDAS management in pediatric age, based on the most updated literature. This work represents, in our opinion, the most complete and up-to-date information on the diagnosis of PANS and PANDAS, as well as consensus statements about several aspects of clinical care. Undoubtedly, more randomized and controlled trials are needed in the pediatric population to better define the best management, also in terms of adequate follow-up examinations and period of observation

Updating the approaches to define susceptibility and resistance to anti-tuberculosis agents: implications for diagnosis and treatment

11 páginas, 2 figuras, 1 tablaInappropriately high breakpoints have resulted in systematic false-susceptible AST results to anti-TB drugs. MIC, PK/PD and clinical outcome data should be combined when setting breakpoints to minimise the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.I. Comas was supported by PID2019-104477RB-I00 from the Spanish Science Ministry and by ERC (CoG 101001038)Peer reviewe

Updating the approaches to define susceptibility and resistance to anti-tuberculosis agents: implications for diagnosis and treatment

11 páginas, 2 figuras, 1 tablaInappropriately high breakpoints have resulted in systematic false-susceptible AST results to anti-TB drugs. MIC, PK/PD and clinical outcome data should be combined when setting breakpoints to minimise the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.I. Comas was supported by PID2019-104477RB-I00 from the Spanish Science Ministry and by ERC (CoG 101001038)Peer reviewe