Las alianzas como factor clave de internacionalización en la investigación universitaria

Las políticas europeas actuales en materia de promoción de la investigación y la cultura de los emprendedores están sentando las bases para el establecimiento de nuevas alianzas estratégicas, a través de las cuales entidades que compiten entre sí puedan establecer fórmulas de colaboración conjunta para incrementar su actividad y ser más competitivas a escala global. Este artículo pretende poner de relieve el papel de las alianzas en el contexto universitario, en especial de aquellas que promueven el impulso de la investigación excelente, la internacionalización y la transferencia del conocimiento como instrumentos para impulsar el crecimiento económico y la competitividad. Para ello, se hacer referencia a la Alianza 4Universidades, en la que participan las universidades: Autónoma de Madrid, Autónoma de Barcelona, Pompeu Fabra y Carlos III de Madrid, y a sus actuaciones conjuntas a nivel internacional en colaboración con los Parques Científico-Tecnológicos vinculados a estas universidades, con la misión de contribuir a la consolidación de un entorno competitivo capaz de poner en valor la I+D+i universitaria en el marco de las políticas europea

Micropatterned 3D-printed PLLA/PLCL bioresorsable stents: degradation and influence of sterilization

Bioresorbable stents (BRS) are cylindrical scaffolds designed to provide a temporary support to the vessel wall while the structure slowly degrades until completely resorbed [1]. Current stent fabrication technology hinders local modification of the surface topography. This work presents a novel solvent-cast direct-write (SC-DW) 3D printing system to manufacture inner patterned BRS. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly(lactic-co-caprolactone) (PLCL) stents were obtained by cylindrical printing onto a Ø 3 mm rotating mandrel (Figure 1a) [2]. The ink consisted in a solution of high Mw PLLA or PLCL copolymer (95:5) in chloroform at 10% w/v and 12.5% w/v, respectively. Steel mandrels were modified by direct laser interference patterning with a femtosecond laser to obtain a linear micropatterning with a periodicity of 10 μm, which was transferred onto stents' luminal surface (Figure 1b). Stents biodegradation was characterized by an accelerated degradation assay in PBS at 50oC over 4 months and characterized in terms of mass loss, SEM, DSC, mechanical tests, GPC and 1 H-NMR. PLLA and PLCL stents underwent bulk degradation, with a sustained decrease in molecular weight and an increase in crystallinity as degradation proceeded. PLCL stents degraded 1.5 times faster than PLLA stents due to higher water penetration in amorphous regions. Finally, two sterilization methods were evaluated: γ-irradiation (8 kGy) and ethylene oxide (EtO). Whereas γ- irradiation induced chain scission and a marked decrease in molecular weight, no structural or chemical alterations were found after EtO sterilization (Figure 1c). In conclusion, customizable PLLA and PLCL BRS were successfully fabricated through SC-DW technique, showing luminal micropatterning for enhanced endothelialization and adequate degradation timeframe for resorption

Evaluation of the Nanodomain Structure in In-Zn-O Transparent Conductors

The optimization of novel transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) implies a better understanding of the role that the dopant plays on the optoelectronic properties of these materials. In this work, we perform a systematic study of the homologous series ZnkIn2Ok+3 (IZO) by characterizing the specific location of indium in the structure that leads to a nanodomain framework to release structural strain. Through a systematic study of different terms of the series, we have been able to observe the influence of the k value in the nano-structural features of this homologous series. The stabilization and visualization of the structural modulation as a function of k is discussed, even in the lowest term of the series (k = 3). The strain fields and atomic displacements in the wurtzite structure as a consequence of the introduction of In3+ are evaluated.Depto. de Química InorgánicaFac. de Ciencias QuímicasTRUEMinisterio de Ciencia, Innovación y Tecnología /Ministerio de EconomíaComunidad de Madridpu

Solvent-cast direct-writing and electrospinning as a dual fabrication strategy for drug-eluting polymeric bioresorbable stents

Bioresorbable stents (BRS) are conceived to retain sufficient radial strength after implantation while releasing an antiproliferative drug in order to prevent vessel restenosis until complete resorption. Ongoing research trends involve the use of innovative manufacturing techniques to achieve thinner struts combined with optimized local drug delivery. This work presents a combination of solvent-cast direct-writing (SC-DW) and electrospinning (ES) using poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly(l-lactic-co-¿-caprolactone) (PLCL) as a new approach to generate everolimus-eluting BRS for cardiovascular applications. A Design of Experiment (DoE) was conducted to determine the optimal parameters to obtain a homogeneous coating with high specific surface. Manufactured stents were characterized by means of mechanical tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with everolimus release in accelerated conditions quantified through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Drug loading was achieved either encapsulated in the struts of the stent or in an electrospun PLCL membrane covering the stent. In the former case, everolimus release was found to be insufficient, less than 3% of total drug loading after 8 weeks. In the latter, everolimus release considerably increased with respect to drug-loaded 3D-printed stents, with over 50% release in the first 6 hours of the test. In conclusion, everolimus release from PLCL-coated 3D-printed stents would match the dose and timeframe required for in vivo applications, while providing thinner struts than SC-DW drug-loaded stents.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Solvent-cast direct-writing as a fabrication strategy for radiopaque stents

Bioresorbable stents (BRS) potential in treating coronary heart disease is still to be further developed. Current trends include research with new polymeric materials, the need for thinner struts combined with appropriate mechanical properties, radiopacity and optimized local drug delivery. This work presents a novel solvent-cast direct-write (SC-DW) printing system to manufacture BRS onto a rotating cylinder with poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly(l-lactic-co- ¿ -caprolactone) (PLCL) inks. Printed stents were characterized in terms of mechanical, thermal and biological properties with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Expansion assays showed that stents withstood pressures of at least 16 atm and the indirect cytotoxicity test indicated that stents were biocompatible. Polymeric inks were further modified with the addition of 3 radiopaque agents, namely iodine, triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) and barium sulfate (BaSO) to render stents radiopaque. Subsequent characterization showed a general increase in strut thickness with respect to control PLLA or PLCL stents, which in turn resulted in higher resistance to compression. Microcomputed tomography was used to assess stents’ radiopacity, showing that TIBA and BaSO-containing stents presented high X-ray attenuation values and maintained their radiopacity after 3 months incubation time.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Guia d’identificació del plàncton

68 pages, figuresSota les onades de l’oceà es belluguen una immensitat d’organismes. Molts els coneixem però, t’has imaginat mai que alguns arribin a ser tan petits que no poden ser vistos a ull nu? Submergeix-te en el mar d’espècies que es deixen portar pel vaivé de les onades. Descobriràs el plàncton, un món fascinant!Un projecte de l’Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) i l’Escola del Mar (Ajuntament de Badalona), amb la col·laboració de la Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (FECYT) - Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, i amb el suport institucional de l’acreditació AEI ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ (CEX2019-000928-S)Peer reviewe

Single-cell sequencing reveals Hippo signaling as a driver of fibrosis in hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by abscesses, nodules, dissecting/draining tunnels, and extensive fibrosis. Here, we integrate single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and immunostaining to provide an unprecedented view of the pathogenesis of chronic HS, characterizing the main cellular players and defining their interactions. We found a striking layering of the chronic HS infiltrate and identified the contribution of 2 fibroblast subtypes (SFRP4+ and CXCL13+) in orchestrating this compartmentalized immune response. We further demonstrated the central role of the Hippo pathway in promoting extensive fibrosis in HS and provided preclinical evidence that the profibrotic fibroblast response in HS can be modulated through inhibition of this pathway. These data provide insights into key aspects of HS pathogenesis with broad therapeutic implications.</p

Single-cell sequencing reveals Hippo signaling as a driver of fibrosis in hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by abscesses, nodules, dissecting/draining tunnels, and extensive fibrosis. Here, we integrate single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and immunostaining to provide an unprecedented view of the pathogenesis of chronic HS, characterizing the main cellular players and defining their interactions. We found a striking layering of the chronic HS infiltrate and identified the contribution of 2 fibroblast subtypes (SFRP4+ and CXCL13+) in orchestrating this compartmentalized immune response. We further demonstrated the central role of the Hippo pathway in promoting extensive fibrosis in HS and provided preclinical evidence that the profibrotic fibroblast response in HS can be modulated through inhibition of this pathway. These data provide insights into key aspects of HS pathogenesis with broad therapeutic implications.</p

Early-Career Coordinated Distributed Experiments: Empowerment Through Collaboration

Este artículo contiene 7 páginas, 1 tabla, 3 figuras.Coordinated distributed experiments (CDEs) enable the study of large-scale ecological patterns in geographically dispersed areas, while simultaneously providing broad academic and personal benefits for the participants. However, the effective involvement of early-career researchers (ECRs) presents major challenges. Here, we analyze the benefits and challenges of the first CDE exclusively led and conducted by ECRs (i.e. ECR-CDE), which sets a baseline for similar CDEs, and we provide recommendations for successful CDE execution. ECR-CDEs achieve most of the outcomes identified in conventional CDEs as well as extensive benefits for the young cohort of researchers, including: (i) receiving scientific credit, (ii) peer-training in new concepts and methods, (iii) developing leadership and communication skills, (iv) promoting a peer network among ECRs, and (v) building on individual engagement and independence. We also discuss the challenges of ECR-CDEs, which are mainly derived from the lack of independence and instability of the participants, and we suggest mechanisms to address them, such as resource re-allocation and communication strategies. We conclude that ECR-CDEs can be a relevant tool to empower ECRs across disciplines by fostering their training, networking and personal well-being.The authors were supported by the following founding: NC the support of the Beatriu de Pinós postdoctoral program of the Government of Catalonia’s Secretariat for Universities and Research of the Ministry of Economy and Knowledge (BP2016- 00215), EE by a predoctoral grant from the Basque Government (2014-2017), AB by a Generalitat de Catalunya—Beatriu de Pinós (BP-00385-2016), AMG-F by a predoctoral research grant (BES-2013-065770) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, MAr by a postdoctoral grant from the Basque Government, MIA by a Juan de la Cierva postdoctoral grant (FJCI-2015-26192), PR-L by a Margalida Comas postdoctoral contract (PD/031/2018) funded by the Government of the Balearic Islands and the European Social Fund, AP by a Ramón Areces Foundation Postdoctoral Scholarship, and AL by a Kempe Foundation stipend. DOMIPEX project was founded by the First Call of Collaborative Projects among Young Researchers of the Iberian Association of Limnology (AIL; 2013-2015).Peer reviewe