Synthesis and Characterization of Elongated-Shaped Silver Nanoparticles as a Biocompatible Anisotropic SERS Probe for Intracellular Imaging: Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Verification

Progress in the field of biocompatible SERS nanoparticles has promising prospects for biomedical applications. In this work, we have developed a biocompatible Raman probe by combining anisotropic silver nanoparticles with the dye rhodamine 6G followed by subsequent coating with bovine serum albumin. This nanosystem presents strong SERS capabilities in the near infrared (NIR) with a very high (2.7 × 107) analytical enhancement factor. Theoretical calculations reveal the effects of the electromagnetic and chemical mechanisms in the observed SERS effect for this nanosystem. Finite element method (FEM) calculations showed a considerable near field enhancement in NIR. Using density functional quantum chemical calculations, the chemical enhancement mechanism of rhodamine 6G by interaction with the nanoparticles was probed, allowing us to calculate spectra that closely reproduce the experimental results. The nanosystem was tested in cell culture experiments, showing cell internalization and also proving to be completely biocompatible, as no cell death was observed. Using a NIR laser, SERS signals could be detected even from inside cells, proving the applicability of this nanosystem as a biocompatible SERS probe.España, Regional Ministry of Economy, Junta de Andalucía, P07-FQM-02595 (to CC), P10-FQM-06615 (to JMOM), P10-CTS-6928 (to DP) and PAIDI2020 Program (FQM319 to RFM and CTS677 to DP)Junta de Andalucía, PI-0070/2008 (to PZ) and PI-0068/2008 (to DP

Microstructural Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles for Bioimaging Applications

Junta de Andalucía FQM-6615, PI0070, FQM31

Bi-Magnetic Core-Shell CoFe2O4@MnFe2O4 Nanoparticles for In Vivo Theranostics

In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of three magnetic nanosystems, CoFe2O4, CoFe2O4@ZnFe2O4, and CoFe2O4@MnFe2O4, which were developed as potential theranostic agents for magnetic hyperthermia and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These nanosystems have been thoroughly characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Miscroscopy (TEM), Dark Field-TEM (DF-TEM), Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM), and inductive heating, in order to elucidate their structure, morphology, and magnetic properties. The bi-magnetic CoFe2O4@ZnFe2O4 and CoFe2O4@MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited a core-shell structure with a mean average particle size of 11.2 ± 1.4 nm and 14.4 ± 2.4 nm, respectively. The CoFe2O4@MnFe2O4 NPs showed the highest specific absorption rate (SAR) values (210-320 W/g) upon exposure to an external magnetic field, along with the highest saturation magnetization (Ms). Therefore, they were selected for functionalization with the PEGylated ligand to make them stable in aqueous media. After the functionalization process, the NPs showed high magnetic relaxivity values and very low cytotoxicity, demonstrating that CoFe2O4@MnFe2O4 is a good candidate for in vivo applications. Finally, in vivo MRI experiments showed that PEGylated CoFe2O4@MnFe2O4 NPs produce high T2 contrast and exhibit very good stealth properties, leading to the efficient evasion of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Thus, these bi-magnetic core-shell NPs show great potential as theranostic agents for in vivo applications, combining magnetic hyperthermia capabilities with high MRI contrast.España, MINECO CTQ2017-86655-

Procedimiento post-síntesis de modificación de la superficie de nanopartículas superparamagnéticas de óxidos de hierro

La presente invención se refiere a un procedimiento post-síntesis de modificación de la superficie de nanopartículas superparamagnéticas de óxidos de hierro con grupos hidroxilo, sin espaciador, a las nanopartículas de superficie modificada obtenidas por el mismo, así como el uso de estas nanopartículas de superficie modificada en terapia, diagnóstico y en técnicas de concentración y separación de muestras químicas y biológicas.Peer reviewedUniversidad Pablo de Olavide Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (España)B1 Patente sin examen previ

Nanopartículas metálicas funcionalizadas con el neuropéptido VIP y procedimiento de preparación

Nanopartículas metálicas funcionalizadas con el neuropéptido VIP y procedimiento de preparación. Constituye el objeto de la presente invención nanopartículas metálicas funcionalizadas con el neuropéptido VIP, así como el procedimiento de preparación de dichas nanopartículas. Las nanopartículas objeto de la presente invención presentan uniones selectivas de nanopartículas a péptidos en dos orientaciones posibles, grupo NH2 o grupo COOH. En esta última orientación, los péptidos si son reconocidos por los receptores de membranas celulares, lo que proporciona una herramienta que permite discernir efectos dependientes e independientes de receptor. El péptido empleado ha sido el VIP, mediante el cual se obtiene un amplio espectro de funciones biológicas, incluida inmunomodulación, actuando predominantemente como un potente anti-inflamatorio y un agente inhibidor de la respuesta del Th1 en el sistema inmunitario y emergiendo como un importante factor terapéutico para el tratamiento de enfermedades con componentes inflamatorias y autoinmunes.Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Universidad de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (España), Fundación Reina Mercedes para la Investigación SanitariaA1 Solicitud de patentes con informe sobre el estado de la técnic

PEGylated Terbium-Based Nanorods as Multimodal Bioimaging Contrast Agents

Diagnostic imaging strongly relies on the use of contrast agents (CAs). In general terms, current CAs present undesirable side effects that encourage researchers and pharmaceutical companies to continually search for safer and more versatile alternatives. Here, we describe the synthesis and characterization of terbium-based nanorods (TbNRs) as a potential alternative to traditional CAs for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray computed tomography (CT). The paramagnetism and high atomic number of Tb provide TbNRs with both magnetic relaxivity and X-ray attenuation capabilities. After surface functionalization with a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-derived ligand, TbNRs showed high colloidal stability in physiological media. Additionally, toxicity studies conducted in cell cultures and zebrafish embryos demonstrated the safety of the as-synthesized TbNRs, thus supporting their potential use as CAs. Lastly, in vivo imaging experiments in mice demonstrated that TbNRs produce remarkable contrast enhancement on both MRI and CT.The authors want to express special thanks to Alejandro Domínguez for his invaluable help with the in vivo toxicity experiments. The authors also thank Dr. Juan F. López for his support with the TEM experiments, Dr. Iñaki Orue for VSM measurement, Dr. John Pearson and Luisa Macías for assistance with the cell experiments and helpful discussion, Reyes Molina for assistance with animal experiments, and Maria Somoza for helping with the MRI experiments. Authors thank BIONAND’s Nanoimaging Unit. Optical microscopy, TEM, CT, and MRI experiments have been performed in the ICTS “NANBIOSIS”, more specifically in the U28 Unit at BIONAND.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA. The authors want to express special thanks to Alejandro Domínguez for his invaluable help with the in vivo toxicity experiments. The authors also thank Dr. Juan F. López for his support with the TEM experiments, Dr. Iñaki Orue for VSM measurement, Dr. John Pearson and Luisa Macías for assistance with the cell experiments and helpful discussion, Reyes Molina for assistance with animal experiments, and Maria Somoza for helping with the MRI experiments. Authors thank BIONAND’s Nanoimaging Unit. Optical microscopy, TEM, CT, and MRI experiments have been performed in the ICTS “NANBIOSIS”, more specifically in the U28 Unit at BIONAND

The synthetic molecule stauprimide impairs cell growth and migration in triple-negative breast cancer

Stauprimide, a semi-synthetic derivative of staurosporine, is known mainly for its potent differentiation-enhancing properties in embryonic stem cells. Here, we studied the effects of stauprimide in cell growth and migration of triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro, evaluating its potential antitumoral activity in an orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer in vivo. Our results from survival curves, EdU incorporation, cell cycle analysis and annexin-V detection in MDA-MB-231 cells indicated that stauprimide inhibited cell proliferation, arresting cell cycle in G2/M without induction of apoptosis. A decrease in the migratory capability of MDA-MB-231 was also assessed in response to stauprimide. In this work we pointed to a mechanism of action of stauprimide involving the modulation of ERK1/2, Akt and p38 MAPK signalling pathways, and the downregulation of MYC in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, orthotopic MDA-MB-231 xenograft and 4T1 syngeneic models suggested an effect of stauprimide in vivo, increasing the necrotic core of tumors and reducing metastasis in lung and liver of mice. Together, our results point to the promising role of stauprimide as a putative therapeutic agent in triple-negative breast cancer.MRI experiments were performed in the ICTS “NANBIOSIS”, more specifically in the U28 Unit at the Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine & Biotechnology (BIONAND). Cell cultures were performed in the Cell Culture Service at the Central Support Services of Research (SCAI) of the University of Málaga. // Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA

Matemáticas en contexto

El libro compila estrategias didácticas derivadas del programa de formación complementario escritas por instructores técnicos de diferentes regionales del país, describe la forma en que se incorpora el conocimiento matemático en campos específicos de diferentes áreas de formación laboral basado en las teorías didácticas y reflexiones pedagógicas de instructores.The book compiles the didactic strategies derived from the complementary training program by the technical instructors of the regional media of the country, describes the way in which mathematical knowledge is incorporated in the fields of different areas of work training based on theories didactic and pedagogical reflections of instructors.Consideraciones frente al aprendizaje de las matemáticas -- Perspectiva constructivista -- Teoría de las situaciones didácticas -- Modelación matemática -- Mediación tecnológica -- Pensamiento numérico variacional -- Pensamiento numérico -- Pensamiento variacional -- Diseño de modelo matemático con aplicación de costos de producción -- Modelo matemático del consumo de gas en un artefacto afectado por su presión de trabajo -- Planeación de la producción agrícola: Caso plan óptimo de siembra que permita alcanzar la máxima rentabilidad del cultivo -- Estudio del Álgebra de Boole -- Diseño de un modelo de inventarios para una pequeña empresa de calzado de dotación -- Estudio de la Ley de Ohm mediante herramienta interactiva -- Pensamiento métrico-geométrico -- Pensamiento geométrico -- Pensamiento métrico -- Caso de optimización de recursos en el sector industrial de la confección -- Optimización de espacios para huertas urbanas -- Optimización de los costos del espacio de almacenamiento en microempresas y pequeñas empresas de acuerdo con las normas de seguridad vigentes -- Unidad de medida métrica para confección de ropa exterior femenina -- Optimización de recursos aplicando el proceso administrativo -- Pensamiento aleatorio -- Estadística Básica para Articulación con la Media -- Evaluación del impacto de la accidentalidad en la implementación del Sistema de Gestión de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (sg-sst) por medio de indicadores -- Identificar los aspectos de la declaración de renta para una persona natural no obligada a llevar contabilidad -- Fortalecimiento de la estadística: caso de las unidades productivas del Centro de Biotecnología Agropecuaria -- Estadística dinámica -- Resultados preliminaresna[270 páginas

Enfermedades crónicas

Adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico y relación con el control metabólico en pacientes con DM2Aluminio en pacientes con terapia de reemplazo renal crónico con hemodiálisis en Bogotá, ColombiaAmputación de extremidades inferiores: ¿están aumentando las tasas?Consumo de edulcorantes artificiales en jóvenes universitariosCómo crecen niños normales de 2 años que son sobrepeso a los 7 añosDiagnóstico con enfoque territorial de salud cardiovascular en la Región MetropolitanaEfecto a corto plazo de una intervención con ejercicio físico, en niños con sobrepesoEfectos de la cirugía bariátrica en pacientes con síndrome metabólico e IMC < 35 KG/M2Encuesta mundial de tabaquismo en estudiantes de profesiones de saludEnfermedades crónicas no transmisibles: Consecuencias sociales-sanitarias de comunidades rurales en ChileEpidemiología de las muertes hospitalarias por patologías relacionadas a muerte encefálica, Chile 2003-2007Estado nutricional y conductas alimentarias en adolescentes de 4º medio de la Región de CoquimboEstudio de calidad de vida en una muestra del plan piloto para hepatitis CEvaluación del proceso asistencial y de resultados de salud del GES de diabetes mellitus 2Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en población universitaria de la Facsal, universidad de TarapacáImplicancias psicosociales en la génesis, evolución y tratamiento de pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencialInfarto agudo al miocardio (IAM): Realidad en el Hospital de Puerto Natales, 2009-2010Introducción de nuevas TIC y mejoría de la asistencia a un programa de saludNiños obesos atendidos en el Cesfam de Puerto Natales y su entorno familiarPerfil de la mortalidad por cáncer de cuello uterino en Río de JaneiroPerfil del paciente primo-consultante del Programa de Salud Cardiovascular, Consultorio Cordillera Andina, Los AndesPrevalencia de automedicación en mujeres beneficiarias del Hospital Comunitario de Til-TiPrevalencia de caries en población preescolar y su relación con malnutrición por excesoPrevalencia de retinopatía diabética en comunas dependientes del Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Occidente (SSMOC)Problemas de adherencia farmacológica antihipertensiva en población mapuche: Un estudio cualitativoRol biológico de los antioxidantes innatos en pacientes portadores de VIH/SidaSobrepeso en empleados de un restaurante de una universidad pública del estado de São Paul

Effects of Anacetrapib in Patients with Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease

BACKGROUND: Patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease remain at high risk for cardiovascular events despite effective statin-based treatment of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. The inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) by anacetrapib reduces LDL cholesterol levels and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. However, trials of other CETP inhibitors have shown neutral or adverse effects on cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 30,449 adults with atherosclerotic vascular disease who were receiving intensive atorvastatin therapy and who had a mean LDL cholesterol level of 61 mg per deciliter (1.58 mmol per liter), a mean non-HDL cholesterol level of 92 mg per deciliter (2.38 mmol per liter), and a mean HDL cholesterol level of 40 mg per deciliter (1.03 mmol per liter). The patients were assigned to receive either 100 mg of anacetrapib once daily (15,225 patients) or matching placebo (15,224 patients). The primary outcome was the first major coronary event, a composite of coronary death, myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization. RESULTS: During the median follow-up period of 4.1 years, the primary outcome occurred in significantly fewer patients in the anacetrapib group than in the placebo group (1640 of 15,225 patients [10.8%] vs. 1803 of 15,224 patients [11.8%]; rate ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.85 to 0.97; P=0.004). The relative difference in risk was similar across multiple prespecified subgroups. At the trial midpoint, the mean level of HDL cholesterol was higher by 43 mg per deciliter (1.12 mmol per liter) in the anacetrapib group than in the placebo group (a relative difference of 104%), and the mean level of non-HDL cholesterol was lower by 17 mg per deciliter (0.44 mmol per liter), a relative difference of -18%. There were no significant between-group differences in the risk of death, cancer, or other serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease who were receiving intensive statin therapy, the use of anacetrapib resulted in a lower incidence of major coronary events than the use of placebo. (Funded by Merck and others; Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN48678192 ; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01252953 ; and EudraCT number, 2010-023467-18 .)