Development of a simple process to obtain luminescent YVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles for Fiber Optic Dosimetry

YVO4:Eu3+ is a red emitter phosphor commercially available as micrometric powder due to its high luminescence efficiency under electron-beam excitation. Although some published results have demonstrated the potential of using this micrometer material in Fiber Optic Dosimetry systems, there is no information regarding its use on a nanometric scale. In order to obtain a nanometric material with high luminescent efficiency, a simple synthetic combustion method was developed and the results were compared with both, those of a commercial material and those obtained by a typical coprecipitation synthesis. A single crystalline phase was obtained when the combustion route was employed for the preparation meanwhile two crystalline phases were obtained via coprecipitation synthesis. The particle size of YVO4:Eu3+ obtained by combustion route ranges from 55 up to 200 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis indicated that annealing at 600 °C promote the degradation of the impurities that remained adsorbed onto nanoparticles surface after the synthesis. However, to improve the Radioluminescence intensity, an annealing process at 1000 °C was required. The method allows obtaining a nanometric material with a scintillation intensity almost twice higher than that of the commercial powder.Fil: Mentasti, Luciana. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. - Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Martínez Clemente, Nahuel Facundo. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. - Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Zucchi, Ileana Alicia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Santiago, Martin Alejo. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. - Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Barreto, Gastón Pablo. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. - Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Física e Ingeniería del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Formación práctica del Psicólogo General Sanitario: presente y futuro, dificultades y retos

El título universitario oficial de Máster en Psicología General Sanitaria habilita para el ejercicio de la profesión sanitaria titulada y regulada del Psicólogo General Sanitario. En la Orden ECD/1070/2013 del Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte se señala de modo específico como competencias definitorias de la titulación lo que sigue: “Los estudiantes deben adquirir los conocimientos y las competencias necesarias para la realización de investigaciones, evaluaciones e intervenciones psicológicas sobre aquellos aspectos del comportamiento y la actividad de las personas que influyen en la promoción y mejora de su estado general de salud, siempre que dichas actividades no requieran de una atención especializada por parte de otros profesionales sanitarios”. La estructura de las enseñanzas incluye 30 créditos de prácticas externas, lo que supone un número de horas muy elevado en centros o servicios sanitarios que deben cumplir con unos requisitos ciertamente exigentes, particularmente en lo relativo a sus tasas de actividad. Esto ha conllevado la necesidad de establecer una colaboración entre las universidades y los servicios del Sistema Nacional de Salud, entre otros, para poder dar respuesta a la formación práctica del alumnado. Dicha colaboración supone un reto, habida cuenta de la actual situación de incertidumbre respecto a las competencias específicas de cada profesional, sanitario y clínico: ¿Cuándo debe derivar el primero al segundo? Si el clínico efectúa sus labores en el nivel de especialización, ¿El sanitario lo hará en el nivel primario de la atención a la salud? ¿Se diferencian ambos profesionales en el tipo de investigaciones, evaluaciones e intervenciones psicológicas que pueden efectuar? Son tan sólo algunas de las cuestiones que requieren de las respuestas que permitan establecer un marco de actuación colaborativo en el que las funciones y, por ende, la formación de ambas figuras profesionales sean complementarias.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Modulation of neuronal dynamics by sustained and activity-dependent continuous-wave near-infrared laser stimulation

Significance: Near-infrared laser illumination is a non-invasive alternative/complement to classical stimulation methods in neuroscience but the mechanisms underlying its action on neuronal dynamics remain unclear. Most studies deal with highfrequency pulsed protocols and stationary characterizations disregarding the dynamic modulatory effect of sustained and activity-dependent stimulation. The understanding of such modulation and its widespread dissemination can help to develop specific interventions for research applications and treatments for neural disorders. Aim: We quantified the effect of continuous-wave near-infrared (CW-NIR) laser illumination on single neuron dynamics using sustained stimulation and an opensource activity-dependent protocol to identify the biophysical mechanisms underlying this modulation and its time course. Approach: We characterized the effect by simultaneously performing long intracellular recordings of membrane potential while delivering sustained and closed-loop CW-NIR laser stimulation. We used waveform metrics and conductance-based models to assess the role of specific biophysical candidates on the modulation. Results: We show that CW-NIR sustained illumination asymmetrically accelerates action potential dynamics and the spiking rate on single neurons, while closed-loop stimulation unveils its action at different phases of the neuron dynamics. Our model study points out the action of CW-NIR on specific ionic-channels and the key role of temperature on channel properties to explain the modulatory effect. Conclusions: Both sustained and activity-dependent CW-NIR stimulation effectively modulate neuronal dynamics by a combination of biophysical mechanisms. Our open-source protocols can help to disseminate this non-invasive optical stimulation in novel research and clinical applicationsThis research was supported by grants PID2021-122347NB-I00, PID2020-114867RB-I00 and PID2023-149669NB-I00 (MCIN/AEI and ERDF- “A way of making Europe”

Caracterización morfológica y molecular de poblaciones de pasto banderi

Sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] is an important native species for cattle production. However, inappropriate grazing practices have reduced its genetic diversity. The morphological and genetic diversity of 51 populations of sideoats grama in Chihuahua State was explored and analyzed. Transplanting was performed under natural conditions; two years later, morphological characterization was performed. To assess genetic variability AFLP molecular markers were used. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first three components (PC) explained 73.83 % of variation. PC1 showed a significant correlation (P<0.0001) in dry matter yield (88 %), stem density (85 %), tiller diameter (83 %), height of foliage (82 %), plant height (79 %), and leaf length (65 %). An AFLP analysis with four pairs of primers detected 186 bands; 80.67 % (150 bands) had polymorphism. The highest percentage of polymorphism (93.75 %) and polymorphic bands (48) was obtained with the primer combination of EcoRI-ACT + MseI-CTG. Sideoats grama population presented a high morphological and molecular variability. Based on high forage potential, ecotypes (444, 359 y 557) were selected to be included in grassland restoration programs.El pasto banderita [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.] es una especie nativa de importancia ganadera; sin embargo, prácticas inadecuadas de pastoreo han reducido su diversidad genética. Se exploró y analizó la diversidad morfológica y genética de 51 poblaciones de pasto banderita del estado de Chihuahua. Las plantas se trasplantaron bajo condiciones de temporal. Dos años después se realizó la caracterización morfológica. Para evaluar la variabilidad genética se utilizaron marcadores moleculares AFLP. El análisis de componentes principales (ACP) mostró que los tres primeros componentes (CP), explican el 73.83 % de la variación. El CP1 presentó una correlación significativa (P<0.0001) con rendimiento de materia seca (88 %), densidad de tallos (85 %), diámetro de macollo (83 %), altura de follaje (82 %), altura de planta (79 %) y longitud de hoja (65 %). El análisis de AFLP con cuatro pares de iniciadores detectó 186 bandas; 80.67 % (150 bandas) presentó polimorfismo. El mayor porcentaje de polimorfismo (93.75 %) y bandas polimórficas (48) se obtuvo con la combinación de iniciadores EcoRI-ACT+MseI-CTG. Las poblaciones de banderita presentaron alta variabilidad morfológica y molecular. Se detectaron ecotipos (444, 359 y 557) con potencial forrajero de acuerdo a su variabilidad morfológica y molecular para ser incluidos en programas de restauración de pastizale

Caracterización morfológica y molecular de Leptochloa dubia (Poaceae) en Chihuahua, México

El gigante [Leptochloa dubia(Kunth) Nees.] es una importante gramínea forrajera nativa de México, cuyas poblaciones naturales se han reducido debido a malas prácticas de pastoreo. En este trabajo se analizó la variabilidad morfológica y genética de 32 poblaciones del gigante en el estado de Chihuahua, México. Nueve características morfológicas fueron evaluadas en estas poblaciones, después de dos años de trasplantadas y establecidos en un jardín de observación y bajo condiciones de temporal. La variabilidad genética se determinó utilizando los perfiles de amplificación de cuatro pares de iniciadores u oligonucleótidos. El análisis de componentes principales mostró que los tres primeros componentes explicaron el 75.3% de la variación morfológica. Los cuatro pares de iniciadores produjeron un total de 186 bandas, de las cuales el 56.45% presentó polimorfismo. La combinación de iniciadores EcoRI-AAC+MseI-CAG detectó el mayor porcentaje de polimorfismo (69.57%) y 32 bandas polimórficas. El coeficiente de Dice y análisis de agrupamiento generaron cinco grupos. La variabilidad genética y morfológica encontrada en las diferentes poblaciones, podrían servir de base para la selección de ecotipos de gigante para diversos propósitos como producción de semilla, retención de suelo, restauración de ecosistemas y forraje para libre pastoreo o de corte, entre otros. Así también, los resultados de este trabajo son la base para iniciar programas de mejoramiento genético en esta especie

Pulmonary transcriptomic responses indicate a dual role of inflammation in pneumonia development and viral clearance during 2009 pandemic influenza infection

Background: The interaction between influenza virus and the host response to infection clearly plays an important role in determining the outcome of infection. While much is known on the participation of inflammation on the pathogenesis of severe A (H1N1) pandemic 09-influenza virus, its role in the course of non-fatal pneumonia has not been fully addressed. Methods: A systems biology approach was used to define gene expression profiles, histology and viral dynamics in the lungs of healthy immune-competent mice with pneumonia caused by a human influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus, which successfully resolved the infection. Results: Viral infection activated a marked pro-inflammatory response at the lung level paralleling the emergence of histological changes. Cellular immune response and cytokine signaling were the two signaling pathway categories more representative of our analysis. This transcriptome response was associated to viral clearance, and its resolution was accompanied by resolution of histopathology. Discussion: These findings suggest a dual role of pulmonary inflammation in viral clearance and development of pneumonia during non-fatal infection caused by the 2009 pandemic influenza virus. Understanding the dynamics of the host's transcriptomic and virological changes over the course of the infection caused by A (H1N1) pdm09 virus may help identifying the immune response profiles associated with an effective response against influenza virus

Role of light chain clearance in the recovery of renal function in multiple myeloma: another point of view

Lay Summary This is a retrospective multicenter study that evaluated the effectiveness of intensive haemodialysis (IHD) vs standards dialysis on renal recovery in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with myeloma multiple (MM). In this paper, we demonstrated that IHD for early light chain reduction was associated with a better renal prognosis. Another finding is the importance of maintenance diuresis as a marker of good prognosis of renal function. To our knowledge few studies have been focused in the comparison between IHD vs standard dialysis in MM patients with AKI. We consider that if we manage to recover the renal function, we achieve a great clinical impact since the patient with chronic kidney disease and especially in hemodialysis, an increased risk of mortality as well as poorer quality of life. Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) requiring renal replacement treatment (RRT) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early reduction of serum free light chains (FLC) using both targeted therapy against MM and intensive hemodialysis (IHD) may improve renal outcomes. We evaluated the effectiveness of two different RRT techniques on renal recovery in an MM patient population: standard dialysis procedure vs IHD with either polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion (HFR). Methods This was a multicentric retrospective study with severe AKI related to MM, between 2011 and 2018. Twenty-five consecutive patients with AKI secondary to MM requiring RRT were included. Patients that underwent IHD received six dialysis sessions per week during the first 14 days (PMMA vs HFR). All patients were diagnosed with de novo MM or first relapsed MM. Primary outcome was renal recovery defined as dialysis-free at 6 months follow-up. Results A total of 25 patients were included. Seventeen patients received IHD and eight standard dialysis. All patients were treated with targeted therapy, 84% bortezomib-based. Of the 25 patients included, 14 (56%) became dialysis independent. We observed a higher proportion of patients who received IHD in the group who recovered kidney function compared with those who remained in HD (92.9% vs 36.4%, P = .007). In our study, the use of IHD to remove FLC had a statistically significant association with renal recovery compared with the standard dialysis group (P = .024). Conclusion Early reduction of FLC with IHD as an adjuvant treatment along with MM-targeted therapy may exert a positive impact on renal recovery

Nueva estrategia didáctica para fomentar la participación del alumnado en el proceso de aprendizaje en el ámbito de la tecnología farmacéutica (continuación)

Depto. de Farmacia Galénica y Tecnología AlimentariaFac. de FarmaciaFALSEsubmitte

Poorer Quality of Life and Treatment Satisfaction is Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes without Other Advanced Late Complications

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) may potentially cause vision loss and affect the patient's quality of life (QoL) and treatment satisfaction (TS). Using specific tools, we aimed to assess the impact of DR and clinical factors on the QoL and TS in patients with type 1 diabetes. This was a cross-sectional, two-centre study. A sample of 102 patients with DR and 140 non-DR patients were compared. The Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL-19) and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ-s) were administered. Data analysis included bivariate and multivariable analysis. Patients with DR showed a poorer perception of present QoL (p = 0.039), work life (p = 0.037), dependence (p = 0.010), and had a lower average weighted impact (AWI) score (p = 0.045). The multivariable analysis showed that DR was associated with a lower present QoL (p = 0.040), work life (p = 0.036) and dependence (p = 0.016). With regards to TS, DR was associated with a higher perceived frequency of hypoglycaemia (p = 0.019). In patients with type 1 diabetes, the presence of DR is associated with a poorer perception of their QoL. With regard to TS, these subjects also show a higher perceived frequency of hypoglycaemia.This study was supported by the Catalan Diabetes Association (Beca d’Educació Terapèutica 2015), Spain. Additional support from grants PI12/00183 and PI15/00625 from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain) to DM is acknowledged. CIBERDEM is an initiative from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Plan Nacional de I + D + I and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional). M.G.-C. holds a predoctoral fellowship from the Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte, FPU15/03005

First-Trimester Sequential Screening for Preeclampsia Using Angiogenic Factors : Study Protocol for a Prospective, Multicenter, Real Clinical Setting Study

The incidence of preeclampsia (PE) is about 2-8%, making it one of the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and maternal mortality in the world. Early prophylactic low dose administration (150 mg) of acetylsalicylic acid is associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of early-onset PE, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and neonatal mean stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). Universal implementation of a first-trimester screening system including angiogenic and antiangiogenic markers [the Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and/or soluble fms-like Tyrosine Kinase-1 (sFlt-1)] has shown a prediction rate of 90% for early-onset PE but entails a high financial cost. The aim of this study is to determine the predictive and preventive capacity of a universal PE first-trimester two-step sequential screening model, determining the PlGF only in patients previously classified as intermediate risk by means of a multivariate model based on resources already used in the standard pregnancy control, in a real clinical setting. We hypothesize that this screening model will achieve similar diagnostic performance as the universal determination of PlGF but at a lower economic cost. This is a prospective, multicentric, cohort study in a real-world clinical setting. Every singleton pregnancy will be recruited at the routine first pregnancy visit. In a first step, the first-trimester risk of PE will be calculated using a multivariate Gaussian distribution model, based on medical history, mean blood pressure, Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A), and Uterine Artery Doppler Pulsatility Index (UTPI). Patients will be classified into three risk groups for PE: (1) risk ≥ 1/50, high-risk with no further testing (blinded PlGF); (2) risk between 1/51 and 1/500, medium-risk requiring further testing; and (3) risk ≤ 1/501, low-risk with no further testing. In a second step, the PlGF will only be determined in those patients classified as intermediate risk after this first step, and then reclassified into high- or low-risk groups. Prophylactic administration of aspirin (150 mg/day) will be prescribed only in high risk patients. As a secondary objective, sFlt-1 values will be blindly determined in patients with high and intermediate risk to assess its potential performance in the screening for PE. The study will be conducted in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice. This study is approved by the Aragon Research Ethics Committee (CEICA) on 3 July 2020 (15/2020). , identifier: NCT04767438