Publications by authors named "Maria Fernanda Lopez"

Introduction: Diagnosing moderate haemophilia A (MHA) solely based on deficient FVIII protein levels limits its optimal management and delays the initiation of prophylaxis. Updating protocols and incorporating new variables into its diagnosis could prevent underestimating disease severity, avoiding early arthropathies and impairing patients' quality of life.

Aim: To propose recommendations to improve the comprehensive management of people with MHA.

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Lymphadenitis is a commonly occurring and contagious disease in guinea pigs caused by different pathogens, including sp., sp., and sp.

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  • * The study focused on the evolutionary functions of CYP6DE and CYP6DJ subfamilies, utilizing phylogenetic analysis and molecular docking to examine how these enzymes interact with various monoterpenes.
  • * Findings revealed multiple phylogenetic subgroups with distinct evolutionary patterns; CYP6DE exhibits type I and II divergence, enhancing detoxification abilities, while CYP6DJ operates under strong constraints, highlighting the specialization and adaptability of these enzymes in bark beetles.
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  • - Species from a specific genus are key components of the gut microbiome of bark beetles, significant pests affecting pine forests in North America and Eurasia.
  • - Researchers examined 300 bacterial isolates from the beetle gut, ultimately focusing on 10 which underwent detailed analysis including genome sequencing and phylogenetic studies to confirm their classification.
  • - Findings indicated that two bacterial strains, ChDrAdgB13 and JaDmexAd06, possess unique features like peritrichous flagella and fimbriae, confirming they form a dominant ecotype within the beetles' gut, crucial throughout all their life stages.
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Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is being actively explored as a treatment for multiple conditions as part of bioelectronic medicine research. Reliable and safe VNS in mouse models is a critical need for understanding mechanisms of these. We report on the development and evaluation of a microfabricated cuff electrode (MouseFlex) constructed of polyimide (PI) and with iridium oxide (IrOx) electrodes that is thermoformed to 86 µm ± 12 µm radius to interface the mouse cervical vagus nerve (r ≈ 50 µm).

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bark beetles are the most destructive agents in coniferous forests. These beetles come into contact with the toxic compounds of their host's chemical defenses throughout their life cycle, some of which are also used by the insects as kairomones to select their host trees during the colonization process. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which the insects counteract the toxicity of these compounds.

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  • Sp. ChDrAdgB13, a gut bacteria associated with destructive bark beetles, was studied for its enzyme capabilities related to carbohydrate metabolism, specifically focusing on xylan hydrolysis.
  • The study identified and characterized a bifunctional enzyme called R13 Fae, which involves glycosyl hydrolases that show activity on xylan and ferulic acid, demonstrating its nutritional potential for the beetle and gut microbes.
  • Biochemical analysis revealed that R13 Fae operates best at pH 6.0 and 25°C, has a long half-life of 23 days, and is stable in the presence of most metal ions, indicating its importance for the beetle's survival and interaction with gut microbi
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Three new species of from Ecuador are described and illustrated. These additions to the Ecuadorean flora were recorded in evergreen montane forest and páramo as part of three different research projects conducted during the last five years (2016-2021). was discovered in the southwest of El Oro province and is similar to , differing mainly in the much smaller plants, inflorescences and floral parts.

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-bark beetles are natural agents contributing to vital processes in coniferous forests, such as regeneration, succession, and material recycling, as they colonize and kill damaged, stressed, or old pine trees. These beetles spend most of their life cycle under stem and roots bark where they breed, develop, and feed on phloem. This tissue is rich in essential nutrients and complex molecules such as starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which apparently are not available for these beetles.

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Bisphenol A (BPA) is an emerging pollutant of global concern. Viviparous fish is endemic to the Central Mexican Plateau where BPA was detected; however, few studies examined the influence of this chemical on native viviparous fish. The effects of BPA (sublethal dose) were determined on DNA integrity and expression in gonads, and interactions of BPA with FOXL2 protein.

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Bark beetles commonly produce de novo terpenoid pheromones using precursors synthesized through the mevalonate pathway. This process is regulated by Juvenile Hormone III (JH III). In this work, the expression levels of mevalonate pathway genes were quantified after phloem feeding-to induce the endogenous synthesis of JH III-and after the topical application of a JH III solution.

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The death of trees is an ecological process that promotes regeneration, organic matter recycling, and the structure of communities. However, diverse biotic and abiotic factors can disturb this process. Dendroctonus bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are natural inhabitants of pine forests, some of which produce periodic outbreaks, killing thousands of trees in the process.

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Isolated microspores are reprogrammed in vitro by stress, becoming totipotent cells and producing embryos and plants via a process known as microspore embryogenesis. Despite the abundance of data on auxin involvement in plant development and embryogenesis, no data are available regarding the dynamics of auxin concentration, cellular localization and the expression of biosynthesis genes during microspore embryogenesis. This work involved the analysis of auxin concentration and cellular accumulation; expression of TAA1 and NIT2 encoding enzymes of two auxin biosynthetic pathways; expression of the PIN1-like efflux carrier; and the effects of inhibition of auxin transport and action by N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) and α-(p-chlorophenoxy) isobutyric acid (PCIB) during Brassica napus microspore embryogenesis.

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  • Bark beetles, particularly the red turpentine beetle (RTB), are significant contributors to the death of woody plants worldwide, using specific chemical cues from trees to identify suitable hosts for colonization.
  • This study identified and analyzed eleven cytochrome P450 genes in the antennae and gut of RTB that are likely involved in metabolizing monoterpenes, which are volatile compounds from pine trees that serve as kairomones for the beetles.
  • The research also found that the expression of these genes varies between male and female RTBs and is influenced by the type of monoterpene and the duration of exposure, suggesting a role in detoxifying these compounds during tree colonization.
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  • Bark beetles use cytochrome P450 enzymes to oxidize defensive compounds in their host trees, both to detoxify them and to create components for their pheromones.
  • Research identified ten new CYP genes in the pine beetle Dendroctonus rhizophagus, found in the gut and antennae, that respond to specific host tree compounds.
  • The study showed that CYP gene expression varies by sex and is affected by time and exposure to host monoterpenes, indicating their role in detoxifying these chemicals.
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Antithrombin is the main endogenous anticoagulant. Impaired function or deficiency of this molecule significantly increases the risk of thrombosis. We studied the genetic variability of SERPINC1 , the gene encoding antithrombin, to identify mutations affecting regulatory regions with functional effect on its levels.

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