1,720,965 research outputs found
Protocol for in vivo tracking of lipoproteins in developing oocytes of multiple species of Chagas disease vectors using fluorescent probes
Full text linkFil: Fruttero, Leonardo L. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Fruttero, Leonardo L. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Leyria, Jimena. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Leyria, Jimena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Paglione, Pedro A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Paglione, Pedro A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Canavoso, Lilián E. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Canavoso, Lilián E. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.In insects, the circulating lipoproteins vitellogenin and lipophorin function as yolk protein precursors during oogenesis. Here, we present a protocol for tracing vitellogenin and lipophorin pathways during egg development in three species of Chagas disease vectors (Triatominae, Hemiptera: Reduviidae). We describe steps for purifying and fluorescent labeling of lipoproteins, their injection into vitellogenic females, and analysis using confocal microscopy. This approach enables the fate of lipoprotein particles and their lipid cargo in ovarian tissues to be tracked at the subcellular level. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, refer to Fruttero et al.¹ and Leyria et al.²info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersionFil: Fruttero, Leonardo L. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Fruttero, Leonardo L. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Leyria, Jimena. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Leyria, Jimena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Paglione, Pedro A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Paglione, Pedro A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Canavoso, Lilián E. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Canavoso, Lilián E. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina
How insects balance reproductive output and immune investment
Full text linkFil: Leyria, Jimena. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Leyria, Jimena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Fruttero, Leonardo L. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Fruttero, Leonardo L. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Paglione, Pedro A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Paglione, Pedro A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Canavoso, Lilián E. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Canavoso, Lilián E. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Insects face the constant challenge of balancing energy allocation between reproduction and immune responses, both of which are highly energy-demanding processes. Immune challenges frequently result in decreased fecundity, reduced egg viability, and delayed ovarian development. Conversely, heightened reproductive activity often suppresses immune functions. This trade-off has profound ecological and evolutionary consequences, shaping insects’ survival, adaptation, and population dynamics. The intricate interplay between reproduction and immunity in insects is regulated by the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, which orchestrate resource distribution alongside other biological processes. Key hormones, such as juvenile hormone and ecdysteroids, serve as central regulators, influencing both immune responses and reproductive activities. Additionally, macromolecules like vitellogenin and lipophorin, primarily known for their functions as yolk protein precursors and lipid carriers, play crucial roles in pathogen recognition and transgenerational immune priming. Advancements in molecular and omics tools have unveiled the complexity of these regulatory mechanisms, providing new insights into how insects dynamically allocate resources to optimize their fitness. This delicate balance underscores critical evolutionary strategies and the integration of physiological systems across species. This review synthesizes insights from life history theory, oogenesis, and immunity, offering new perspectives on the trade-offs between reproductive output and immune investment.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersionFil: Leyria, Jimena. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Leyria, Jimena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Fruttero, Leonardo L. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Fruttero, Leonardo L. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Paglione, Pedro A. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Paglione, Pedro A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Canavoso, Lilián E. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Canavoso, Lilián E. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina
A UDP-N-acetilglicosamina pirofosforilase de Rhodnius prolixus como possível alvo da ação do jaburetox
Full text linkJaburetox (Jbtx) é um peptídeo de 10 kDa derivado de uma das isoformas de urease de Canavalia ensiformis. Em um estudo anterior realizado com o triatomíneo vetor da doença de Chagas Triatoma infestans, esse peptídeo foi encontrado interagindo com a proteína UDP-N-acetilglicosamina pirofosforilase (UAP), alterando também sua atividade enzimática no sistema nervoso central, in vivo e in vitro. A UAP já foi encontrada em eucariotos, bactérias e vírus, estando relacionada com as rotas de produção de quitina, N-glicosilação e síntese de glicoinositolfosfolipídeos. Assim, o presente trabalho tem três objetivos: i) investigar o efeito de Jbtx sobre a atividade enzimática e a expressão gênica da UAP do inseto modelo Rhodnius prolixus, ii) clonar e expressar a UAP e iii) estudar a UAP filogeneticamente. Para a primeira parte, foram avaliados, no triatomíneo R. prolixus, a atividade enzimática da UAP e o perfil de expressão dessa enzima e da quitina sintase em insetos controles e alimentados com Jbtx. Para a segunda, o cDNA da enzima de R. prolixus foi clonado em vetor pET-15b e expressado em Escherichia coli Rosetta 2. A purificação da enzima recombinante foi feita por cromatografia de afinidade a níquel. Para a terceira parte, foram buscadas sequências de aminoácidos homólogas às da UAP de R. prolixus no servidor pHmmer e foi construída uma árvore filogenética com o método de Máxima Verossimilhança. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o Jbtx aumenta a atividade enzimática da UAP em glândulas salivares, corpo gorduroso e epiderme, enquanto diminui a expressão da UAP em intestino médio anterior, túbulos de Malpighi, glândulas salivares, corpo gorduroso, epiderme e sistema nervoso central, assim como a expressão da quitina sintase nos mesmos órgãos e no intestino médio posterior. Foi obtida uma UAP recombinante de 56 kDa, compatível com peso molecular previsto in silico. A árvore filogenética construída contém 40 sequências, sendo 38 de insetos e 2 sequências de grupo externo. A árvore segue o padrão de evolução dos insetos e foi identificado um novo organismo com potenciais dois genes codificantes de UAP. Esse trabalho apresenta a primeira evidência de que Jbtx altera a expressão gênica em R. prolixus. O resultado obtido pela análise filogenética indica que a UAP é uma enzima ancestral à diversificação em Insecta.Jaburetox (Jbtx) is a 10 kDa peptide derived from a urease isoform of Canavalia ensiformis. In a previous work with the triatomine vector of Chagas’ disease Triatoma infestans, this peptide was found interacting with the protein UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP), also increasing the UAP enzymatic activity in the central nervous system in vivo and in vitro. UAP has been described in eukaryotes, bacteria and virus, and is involved in chitin production, N-linked glycosylation and glyco inositol phospholipids synthesis pathway. Thus, the present work has three main aims: i) to understand the effect of Jbtx on this enzyme on the model insect Rhodnius prolixus, ii) to clone and express UAP and iii) to study UAP from a phylogenetic point of view. Firstly, UAP enzymatic activity and its expression profile, as well as the chitin synthase expression, were analysed in the triatomine R. prolixus in saline- or Jbtx-fed insects. Secondly, the cDNA from R. prolixus’ UAP was cloned into the pET-15b vector and expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta 2. The recombinant enzyme was purified through a nickel affinity chromatography. Thirdly, homolog sequences to R. prolixus’ UAP were searched in pHmmer database and a phylogenetic tree was built using the Maximmum Likelihood method. The results obtained indicate that Jbtx increases UAP enzymatic activity in salivary glands, fat body and epidermis, while decreasing UAP’s expression in the anterior and posterior midgut, Malpighian tubules, salivary glands, fat body, epidermis and central nervous system, as well as the chitin synthase expression in the same organs and the posterior midgut. A 56 kDa recombinant UAP was obtained, in agreement with the in silico estimated size. The phylogenetic tree built has 40 sequences, from which 38 are from insects and 2 are from mammals (external group). The tree follows the insect evolution patterns and a new organism containing two potential UAP coding genes was identified. This work presents the first evidence that Jbtx is able to interfere in the gene expression in R. prolixus. The results obtained through phylogenetic analysis shows that UAP is an enzyme ancestral to the diversification in Insecta
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Full text linkWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
Dispelling the Myths Behind First-author Citation Counts
Full text linkWe conducted a full-scale evaluative citation analysis study of scholars in the XML research field to explore just how different from each other author rankings resulting from different citation counting methods actually are, and to demonstrate the capability of emerging data and tools on the Web in supporting more realistic citation counting methods. Our results contest some common arguments for the continued
use of first-author citation counts in the evaluation of scholars, such as high correlations between author rankings by first-author citation counts and other citation
counting methods, and high costs of using more realistic citation counting methods that are not well-supported by the ISI databases. It is argued that increasingly available digital full text research papers make it possible for citation analysis studies to go beyond what the ISI databases have directly supported and to employ more
sophisticated methods
koamabayili/VECTRON-author-checklist: VECTRON author checklist
No full textWe have done our best to complete the author checklist relating to the use of animals in the hut study. Note that the objective for the hut study was to evaluate the IRS treatment applications for residual efficacy against Anopheles mosquitoes, including the local An. coluzzii mosquito population. Cows were only used to attract mosquitoes into the huts and no tests were carried out directly on the cows. The author checklist is intended for use with studies where experiments are carried out on animals, which is why we have had such difficulty in completing this for the hut study, as many of the questions do not relate to how the cows were used
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