Biology subjects

Hernandez, T.

Publications and source records attributed to Hernandez, T..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Embryonic and larval development of Atelopus cruciger (Lichtenstein and Martens, 1856) (Anura: Bufonidae)

Harlequin toads (Atelopus) are one of the amphibian groups in greatest need of urgent conservation measures, Atelopus cruciger is one of the few species with known stable populations, yet basic natural history, including the embryonic and larval stages, remains largely unknown. We describe for the first time the development of its tadpole, from egg to tail resorption. The tadpole of Atelopus cruciger is gastromyzophorous with a general morphology resembling that for other congeneric species but with a distinct W-shaped whitish band that spans transversely across the midline of its dorsum. Development from egg to tail resorption takes between 110-147 days. In the wild, tadpoles live camouflaged beneath and alongside rocks in shallow sections of fast-flowing streams, with clear soft waters.

zoology↗

bioRxiv2023

A reference assembly for the legume cover crop, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa)

Vicia villosa is an incompletely domesticated annual legume of the Fabaceae family native to Europe and Western Asia. V. villosa is widely used as a cover crop and as a forage due to its ability to withstand harsh winters. A reference-quality genome assembly (Vvill1.0) was prepared from low error rate long sequence reads to improve genetic-based trait selection of this species. The Vvill1.0 assembly includes seven scaffolds corresponding to the seven estimated linkage groups and comprising approximately 68% of the total genome size of 2.03 gigabase pairs (Gbp). This assembly is expected to be a useful resource for genetic improvement of this emerging cover crop species as well as to provide useful insights into plant genome evolution.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2021

SARS-CoV-2 RBD-Tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine induces a strong neutralizing immunity in preclinical studies

Controlling the global COVID-19 pandemic depends, among other measures, on developing preventive vaccines at an unprecedented pace. Vaccines approved for use and those in development intend to use neutralizing antibodies to block viral sites binding to the hosts cellular receptors. Virus infection is mediated by the spike glycoprotein trimer on the virion surface via its receptor binding domain (RBD). Antibody response to this domain is an important outcome of the immunization and correlates well with viral neutralization. Here we show that macromolecular constructs with recombinant RBD conjugated to tetanus toxoid induce a potent immune response in laboratory animals. Some advantages of the immunization with the viral antigen coupled to tetanus toxoid have become evident such as predominant IgG immune response due to affinity maturation and long-term specific B-memory cells. This paper demonstrates that subunit conjugate vaccines can be an alternative for COVID-19, paving the way for other viral conjugate vaccines based on the use of small viral proteins involved in the infection process.

immunology↗