Bicyclic RGD peptides enhance nerve growth in synthetic PEG-based Anisogels

Nerve regeneration scaffolds often consist of soft hydrogels modified with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins or fragments, as well as linear and cyclic peptides. One of the commonly used integrin-mediated cell adhesive peptide sequences is Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD). Despite its straightforward coupling mechanisms to artificial extracellular matrix (aECM) constructs, linear RGD peptides suffer from low stability towards degradation and lack integrin selectivity. Cyclization of RGD improves the affinity towards integrin subtypes but lacks selectivity. In this study, a new class of short bicyclic peptides with RGD in a cyclic loop and 'random screened' tri-amino acid peptide sequences in the second loop is investigated as a biochemical cue for cell growth inside three-dimensional (3D) synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based Anisogels. These peptides impart high integrin affinity and selectivity towards either αvβ3 or α5β1 integrin subunits. Enzymatic conjugation of such bicyclic peptides to the PEG backbone enables the formulation of an aECM hydrogel that supports nerve growth. Furthermore, different proteolytic cleavable moieties are incorporated and compared to promote cell migration and proliferation, resulting in enhanced cell growth with different degradable peptide crosslinkers. Mouse fibroblasts and primary nerve cells from embryonic chick dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) show superior growth in bicyclic RGD peptide conjugated gels selective towards αvβ3 or α5β1, compared to monocyclic or linear RGD peptides, with a slight preference to αvβ3 selective bicyclic peptides in the case of nerve growth. Synthetic Anisogels, modified with bicyclic RGD peptides and containing short aligned, magneto-responsive fibers, show oriented DRG outgrowth parallel to the fibers. This report shows the potential of PEG hydrogels coupled with bicyclic RGD peptides as an aECM model and paves the way for a new class of integrin selective biomolecules for cell growth and nerve regeneration

Números cromosómicos para tres especies de Cosmos sección Discopoda (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae), con notas citogeográficas

Background and Aims: Cosmos section Discopoda (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae) is a model for studying polyploidy and aneuploidy. This section is monophyletic, including 24 herbaceous perennials with some polyploid species and others aneuploids. However, the chromosome numbers of some species are still unknown and their cytogeography has not been studied. Here the chromosome counts for three species are revealed and the ancestral levels of ploidy as well as geographical distributions of the different ploidy levels are compared.Methods: Previously known chromosome counts were retrieved and chromosome counts were made from vegetative parts of three species. After designating a ploidy level to each of 810 registers, including all species and through the use of a geographic information system, their distributions were analyzed based on those ploidy levels. In addition, using a maximum likelihood model, a reconstruction of ancestral ploidy was made.Key results: Cosmos nitidus and C. ramirezianus are diploids (2n=2x=24) while C. pseudoperfoliatus is tetraploid (2n=4x=48). To date, chromosome counts for the 20 species of Cosmos section Discopoda are known, of which 12 are diploids (2n=2x), six are exclusively polyploids (2n=4x, 6x, 8x), four are diploids and polyploids and there are two independent events of aneuploidy. The reconstruction of ancestral ploidy levels revealed that x=12 is the basic number of chromosomes in this section of Cosmos.Conclusions: A correlation between the ploidy levels and geographical ranges of the species of Cosmos section Discopoda does not seem apparent. In contrast, there does seem to be an increase in ploidy levels from south to north, with a concentration of polyploids in the northern area of the Sierra Madre Occidental.Antecedentes y Objetivos: Cosmos secc. Discopoda (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae) es un modelo de estudio sobre poliploidía y aneuploidía. La sección es monofilética, agrupa 24 especies herbáceas perennes y existen especies poliploides y aneuploides. Sin embargo, no se conocen los números cromosómicos para todas las especies y su citogeografía no ha sido estudiada. El propósito de la presente comunicación es dar a conocer conteos cromosómicos para tres especies y discutir sobre el nivel de ploidía ancestral y patrones de distribución geográfica de los niveles de ploidía en la sección.Métodos: Se realizó una recopilación de los registros cromosómicos y se realizaron conteos cromosómicos para tres especies a partir de la preparación de estructuras vegetativas. Mediante un sistema de información geográfica y una base de datos geográficos con 810 registros, se analizó la distribución geográfica de niveles de ploidía asignando un nivel de ploidía a cada registro por especie. Además, se realizó una reconstrucción del nivel de ploidía ancestral mediante análisis empleando un modelo de máxima verosimilitud.Resultados clave: Cosmos nitidus y C. ramirezianus son diploides (2n=2x=24) y C. pseudoperfoliatus es tetraploide (2n=4x=48). En Cosmos secc. Discopoda actualmente se conoce el número cromosómico de 20 especies, 12 son diploides (2n=2x), seis taxa son exclusivamente poliploides (2n=4x, 6x, 8x), cuatro son diploides y poliploides y existen dos eventos independientes de aneuploidía. La reconstrucción del nivel de ploidía ancestral permite reconocer que x=12 es el número cromosómico básico en la sección.Conclusiones: Las especies de Cosmos secc. Discopoda no muestran una correlación entre los niveles de ploidía y sus rangos de distribución geográfica. En contraste, existe un aumento del nivel de ploidía de sur a norte, con una concentración de poliploides en el norte de la Sierra Madre Occidental

Actualidad y prospectiva de la investigación científica en el Centro Universitario Amecameca de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México

Con responsabilidad, se organizó un programa cuya finalidad fuera publicitar con transparencia dichos avances, a través de un esfuerzo de rendición de cuentas a la comunidad inmediata, la universitaria, y a la comunidad abierta, la sociedad que la principal referencia para tal efecto. El programa se concretiza a través del presente libro, conformado con una inspiración de investigación multidisciplinaria; sin embargo, para llegar a tal fin, el reto es realizar el proceso de búsqueda y generación de conocimiento transitando hacia la colaboración de los cuerpos académicos, que puedan construir nuevos conocimientos fortalecidos por la convergencia de diferentes campos del saber. En consecuencia, la primera etapa de esta estrategia es la publicidad de los trabajos investigativos ejercidos, para hacer un balance al día, pero también proyectar el futuro de cada campo y área del conocimiento. La organización explicativa está organizada por tres bloques representativos del quehacer en la generación de conocimiento del Centro Universitario, un primer bloque centra el interés en las humanidades, educación y sustentabilidad; el segundo bloque lo integra la reflexión científica sobre la construcción democrática, derechos humanos y equidad de género; en el tercer segmento se destina a la seguridad alimentaria, salud pública y sistemas agropecuarios. La actualidad de la investigación eleva la producción lograda y lo que en el momento se encuentra en construcción y los alcances que produce para la docencia, la investigación misma, y para la sociedad en general. La prospectiva es un área que todos los capítulos desarrollan con el propósito de delinear los alcances innovadores por andar en teoría, metodología e incluso en los saberes mismo

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Números cromosómicos para tres especies de Cosmos sección Discopoda (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae), con notas citogeográficas

Background and Aims: Cosmos section Discopoda (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae) is a model for studying polyploidy and aneuploidy. This section is monophyletic, including 24 herbaceous perennials with some polyploid species and others aneuploids. However, the chromosome numbers of some species are still unknown and their cytogeography has not been studied. Here the chromosome counts for three species are revealed and the ancestral levels of ploidy as well as geographical distributions of the different ploidy levels are compared. Methods: Previously known chromosome counts were retrieved and chromosome counts were made from vegetative parts of three species. After designating a ploidy level to each of 810 registers, including all species and through the use of a geographic information system, their distributions were analyzed based on those ploidy levels. In addition, using a maximum likelihood model, a reconstruction of ancestral ploidy was made. Key results: Cosmos nitidus and C. ramirezianus are diploids (2n=2x=24) while C. pseudoperfoliatus is tetraploid (2n=4x=48). To date, chromosome counts for the 20 species of Cosmos section Discopoda are known, of which 12 are diploids (2n=2x), six are exclusively polyploids (2n=4x, 6x, 8x), four are diploids and polyploids and there are two independent events of aneuploidy. The reconstruction of ancestral ploidy levels revealed that x=12 is the basic number of chromosomes in this section of Cosmos. Conclusions: A correlation between the ploidy levels and geographical ranges of the species of Cosmos section Discopoda does not seem apparent. In contrast, there does seem to be an increase in ploidy levels from south to north, with a concentration of polyploids in the northern area of the Sierra Madre Occidental.Antecedentes y Objetivos: Cosmos secc. Discopoda (Asteraceae, Coreopsideae) es un modelo de estudio sobre poliploidía y aneuploidía. La sección es monofilética, agrupa 24 especies herbáceas perennes y existen especies poliploides y aneuploides. Sin embargo, no se conocen los números cromosómicos para todas las especies y su citogeografía no ha sido estudiada. El propósito de la presente comunicación es dar a conocer conteos cromosómicos para tres especies y discutir sobre el nivel de ploidía ancestral y patrones de distribución geográfica de los niveles de ploidía en la sección. Métodos: Se realizó una recopilación de los registros cromosómicos y se realizaron conteos cromosómicos para tres especies a partir de la preparación de estructuras vegetativas. Mediante un sistema de información geográfica y una base de datos geográficos con 810 registros, se analizó la distribución geográfica de niveles de ploidía asignando un nivel de ploidía a cada registro por especie. Además, se realizó una reconstrucción del nivel de ploidía ancestral mediante análisis empleando un modelo de máxima verosimilitud. Resultados clave: Cosmos nitidus y C. ramirezianus son diploides (2n=2x=24) y C. pseudoperfoliatus es tetraploide (2n=4x=48). En Cosmos secc. Discopoda actualmente se conoce el número cromosómico de 20 especies, 12 son diploides (2n=2x), seis taxa son exclusivamente poliploides (2n=4x, 6x, 8x), cuatro son diploides y poliploides y existen dos eventos independientes de aneuploidía. La reconstrucción del nivel de ploidía ancestral permite reconocer que x=12 es el número cromosómico básico en la sección. Conclusiones: Las especies de Cosmos secc. Discopoda no muestran una correlación entre los niveles de ploidía y sus rangos de distribución geográfica. En contraste, existe un aumento del nivel de ploidía de sur a norte, con una concentración de poliploides en el norte de la Sierra Madre Occidental

New record of Myotis ciliolabrum (Merriam, 1886) (Mammalia, Chiroptera) from the State of Mexico, Mexico

Myotis ciliolabrum (Merriam, 1886) is an insectivorous bat of the family Vespertilionidae and has a wide distribution from British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Canada, most of the western and central United States of America to central Mexico. In this study, we report one of the southernmost records from State of Mexico, based on two females collected in 1980 and stored in the Mammals Collection of the Universidad Autonóma Metropolitana. These records increases the knowledge on the distribution of this rare bat in Mexico