Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) transcriptomic analysis and neuropeptidomics

Stinkbugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are of major economic importance as pest of crops. Among the species composing the stinkbug complex, Nezara viridula is one of the most abundant in Brazil, Argentina and the Southern USA. However, this species has been poorly characterized at the genetic and physiological level. Here we sequenced and analyzed the complete transcriptome of N. viridula male and female adults. We identified neuropeptide precursor genes and G-protein coupled receptors for neuropeptides in this transcriptome. Mature neuropeptides were identified in N. viridula brain extracts by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We also analyzed the neuropeptide precursor complement in the genome sequence of Halyomorpha halys, another pentatomid of economic relevance. We compared the results in both pentatomids with the well-characterized neuropeptide repertoire from the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). We identified both group-specific features (which could be related to the different feeding habits) and similarities that could be characteristic of Heteroptera. This work contributes to a deeper knowledge of the genetic information of these pests, with a focus on neuroendocrine system characterization.Fil: Lavore, Andres Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Bioinvestigaciones (Sede Pergamino); ArgentinaFil: Pérez Gianmarco, Lucila Maité. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Bioinvestigaciones (Sede Pergamino); Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Esponda Behrens, Natalia Irene. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Palacio, Victorio Gabriel. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Bioinvestigaciones (Sede Pergamino); ArgentinaFil: Catalano, María Inés. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Bioinvestigaciones (Sede Pergamino); ArgentinaFil: Rivera Pomar, Rolando. Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Bioinvestigaciones (Sede Pergamino); Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos; ArgentinaFil: Ons, Sheila. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Recent advances in micro-electro-mechanical devices for controlled drug release applications

In recent years, controlled release of drugs has posed numerous challenges with the aim of optimizing parameters such as the release of the suitable quantity of drugs in the right site at the right time with the least invasiveness and the greatest possible automation. Some of the factors that challenge conventional drug release include long-term treatments, narrow therapeutic windows, complex dosing schedules, combined therapies, individual dosing regimens, and labile active substance administration. In this sense, the emergence of micro-devices that combine mechanical and electrical components, so called micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) can offer solutions to these drawbacks. These devices can be fabricated using biocompatible materials, with great uniformity and reproducibility, similar to integrated circuits. They can be aseptically manufactured and hermetically sealed, while having mobile components that enable physical or analytical functions together with electrical components. In this review we present recent advances in the generation of MEMS drug delivery devices, in which various micro and nanometric structures such as contacts, connections, channels, reservoirs, pumps, valves, needles, and/or membranes can be included in their design and manufacture. Implantable single and multiple reservoir-based and transdermal-based MEMS devices are discussed in terms of fundamental mechanisms, fabrication, performance, and drug release applications.Fil: Villarruel Mendoza, Luis A.. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia de Área de Investigación y Aplicaciones no Nucleares. Gerencia de Desarrollo Tecnológico y Proyectos Especiales. Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Scilletta, Natalia Antonela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia de Área de Investigación y Aplicaciones no Nucleares. Gerencia de Desarrollo Tecnológico y Proyectos Especiales. Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Bellino, Martin Gonzalo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia - Nodo Constituyentes | Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia - Nodo Constituyentes.; ArgentinaFil: Desimone, Martín Federico. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco; ArgentinaFil: Catalano, Paolo Nicolás. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia de Área de Investigación y Aplicaciones no Nucleares. Gerencia de Desarrollo Tecnológico y Proyectos Especiales. Departamento de Micro y Nanotecnología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; Argentin

Transforming an inert nanopolymer into broad-spectrum bactericidal by superstructure tuning

Poloxamer block copolymers (also known as Pluronic®) are particularly useful for drug delivery and self-assembly techniques. These nanopolymers are generally considered to be biologically inert and they were used to generate only bacteria repellent surfaces but keeps bacteria alive and as a latent threat. However, the inherent capabilities of these nanopolymers to kill bacteria have been largely overlooked. Here, we report that Pluronic shaped as superstructures (self-organized array of micelles) in fact possess a broad-spectrum bactericidal activity (capability of killing bacteria) similar to that shown for some antibiotics. This further represents the first report that shows that appropriate control of superstructured mesophase architecture is a key parameter for bactericidal efficacy. Based on this finding, we have developed a highly bactericidal coating (>99.9 % kill) against all tested Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium LT2, Escherichia coli K12 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1) bacteria which moreover allows the adhesion and proliferation of mammalian cells. The inexpensiveness and ease of production make these versatile nanopolymer structures a powerful tool for the development of a new generation of highly effective antimicrobial coatings.Fil: Scilletta, Natalia Antonela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia - Nodo Constituyentes | Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia - Nodo Constituyentes.; ArgentinaFil: Pezzoni, Magdalena. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia de Area de Aplicaciones de la Tecnología Nuclear. Gerencia de Radiobiología (Centro Atómico Constituyentes); Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Desimone, Martín Federico. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco; ArgentinaFil: Soler Illia, Galo Juan de Avila Arturo. Universidad Nacional de San Martin. Instituto de Nanosistemas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Catalano, Paolo Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia - Nodo Constituyentes | Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia - Nodo Constituyentes.; ArgentinaFil: Bellino, Gabriel Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Oficina de Coordinacion Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia - Nodo Constituyentes | Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnologia - Nodo Constituyentes.; Argentin

BPM Tools for Asset Management in Renewable Energy Power Plants

Business Process Management (BPM) is an accepted discipline and its importance in increasing automation inside industrial environment is today recognized by all players. The complexity of modern management process will lead to chaos without a well-designed and effective BPM. Several BPM Suites were compared and BPM approach was applied to the case study of process management in a renewable energy power plant. Results both in process reduction and simplification and flow optimization obtained in the real case are discussed to state efficacy and efficiency of the adopted approach

Single spot albumin to creatinine ratio: A simple marker of long-term prognosis in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

Background: Microalbuminuria is a known risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality suggesting that it should be a marker of endothelial dysfunction. Albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) is an available and rapid test for microalbuminuria determination, with a high correlation with the 24-h urine collection method. There is no prospective study that evaluates the prognostic value of ACR in patients with non ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). The purpose of our study was to detect the long-term prognostic value of ACR in patients with NSTE-ACS. Methods: Albumin to creatinine ratio was estimated in 700 patients with NSTE-ACS at admission. Median follow-up time was 18 months. The best cutoff point of ACR for death or acute myocardial infarction was 20 mg/g. Twenty-two percent of patients had elevated ACR. Results: By multivariable Cox regression analysis, ACR was an independent predictor of the clinical endpoint: odds ratio 5.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2–16), log-rank 2 p < 0.0001 in a model including age > 65 years, female gender, diabetes mellitus, creatinine clearance, glucose levels at admission, elevated cardiac markers (troponin T/CK-MB) and ST segment depression. The addition of ACR significantly improved GRACE score C-statistics from 0.69 (95% CI 0.59–0.83) to 0.77 (95% CI 0.65–0.88), SE 0.04, 2 p = 0.03, with a good calibration with both models. Conclusions: Albumin to creatinine ratio is an independent and accessible predictor of long-term adverse outcomes in NSTE-ACS, providing additional value for risk stratification

Linear stapler closure of the pharynx in laryngectomy: our experience (endoscopic closed technique)

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Hiperinfección con Strongyloides stercoralis en un paciente inmunocomprometido

Intestinal parasitosis by Strongyloides stercoralis is an endemic infection in Argentina. It produces chronic and asymptomatic infection. However, changes in immunity can lead to hyperinfection syndrome, dissemination and death. We present a 58-year-old patient, native of Corrientes (Argentina), with a history of lung cancer with central nervous system secondary treatment under holocranial radiotherapy and dexamethasone 4 mg /day for 20 days with fulminating hyperinfection by Strongyloides stercoralis, despite treatment with ivermectin.La infección por Strongyloides stercoralis es endémica de algunas zonas geográficas de Argentina. En los pacientes inmunocompetentes produce una infestación crónica y asintomática. Los cambios en la inmunidad pueden producir el síndrome de hiperinfección, la diseminación y la muerte. Se presenta un paciente de 58 años de edad, oriundo de Corrientes (Argentina), con antecedentes de cáncer de pulmón con secundarismo en sistema nervioso central en tratamiento con radioterapia holocraneana y dexametasona 4 mg/ día en los 20 días previos con una hiperinfectación fulminante por Strongyloides stercoralis, a pesar de trata- miento con ivermectina

Comparability of Hot-Wire Estimates of Liquid Water Content in SLD Conditions

Future compliance to FAA 14 CFR Part 25 and EASA CS-25 Appendix O conditions has required icing wind tunnels to expand their cloud simulation envelope, and demonstrate accurate calibration of liquid water content and droplet particle size distributions under these conditions. This has led to a renewed community interest in the accuracy of these calibrations, and the potential inter-facility bias due to the choice of instrumentation and processing methods. This article provides a comparison of the response of various hot-wire liquid water content instruments under Appendix C and supercooled large droplet conditions, after an independent similar analysis at other wind tunnel facilities. The instruments are being used, or are under consideration for use, by facilities collaborating in the ICE GENESIS program. For droplet median volume diameters (MVDs) between about 15 and 250 micrometer, cylindrical hot wire LWC sensors were found to consistently and increasingly under-read measurements from conical and trough TWC sensors as MVD increased, and were not considered further. Of the remaining TWC sensors, the specific instruments investigated were found to agree within about 20% of their average test point response for the range of conditions tested, but systematic scale differences between instruments were found to reach about a factor of 1.4. Sensitivity to increasing droplet MVD was concluded to be similar amongst different instruments given the uncertainties, except for two that exhibited notable roll-off with MVD relative to the others

Educational experience of the Pharmacognosy course in the context of the pandemic

La pandemia del Covid-19 impactó en los distintos niveles educativos, incluido el universitario. En estesentido, se adecuaron los contenidos de los seminarios y trabajos prácticos de Farmacognosia, materiadel octavo cuatrimestre de la carrera de Farmacia de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, a la instanciavirtual. A su vez, se recurrió a diversas estrategias e implementación de herramientas para fomentarla comunicación, la participación activa de los alumnos, el trabajo colaborativo y la comprensión delos contenidos. Los resultados obtenidos, referidos a la implementación de plataformas y recursos enlos temas de procesos extractivos y grupos fitoquímicos I, son alentadores y demuestran el interésy participación de los alumnos contribuyendo al proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la instanciavirtual.The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted on different educational levels, including university. In this sense, the contents of the classrooms (seminars and practical works) of Pharmacognosy, subject of the eighth semester of Pharmacy studies of the University of Buenos Aires, were adapted to the virtual instance. At the same time, various strategies and the implementation of tools were used to promote communication, active participation of students, understanding of the contents and collaborative work. The results obtained, referring to the implementation of platforms and resources on the issues of extractive processes and phytochemical groups I, are encouraging and demonstrate the interest and participation of the students contributing to the teaching-learning process in the virtual instance.Fil: Sülsen, Valeria Patricia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco; ArgentinaFil: Borgo, Jimena. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Farmacología. Cátedra de Farmacognosia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Hernández, Natalia. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Farmacología. Cátedra de Farmacognosia; ArgentinaFil: Lladró, Lucila. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Farmacología. Cátedra de Farmacognosia; ArgentinaFil: Sgarlata, Tomás. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Farmacología. Cátedra de Farmacognosia; ArgentinaFil: Iglesias, Catalina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Farmacología. Cátedra de Farmacognosia; ArgentinaFil: Ulloa, Jerónimo Luis. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Farmacología. Cátedra de Farmacognosia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ouviña, Adriana Graciela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Farmacología. Cátedra de Farmacognosia; ArgentinaFil: Catalano, Alejandra Vanina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Farmacología. Cátedra de Farmacognosia; ArgentinaFil: Redko, Flavia del Carmen. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Farmacología. Cátedra de Farmacognosia; Argentin

Sentimentos e percepções que as ações extensionistas do projeto Periferia dos Sonhos acarretam em seus integrantes

Desde 1995, são desenvolvidas atividades de ensino, extensão e pesquisa com graduandos e pós?graduandos da Escola Paulista de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp) junto à população adulta e idosa em situação de rua24 na cidade de São Paulo.O ensino e a extensão até o ano de 2009 estavam previstos no currículo do Curso de Enfermagem com o objetivo de propiciar aos estudantes o desenvolvimento de ações de educação e comunicação em saúde, bem como prestar assistência de enfermagem para esta população. No período entre 1995 e 2006 esta experiência ocorreu junto a um Centro de Convivência por meio do projeto curricular de extensão “Saúde do povo em situação de rua”, envolvendo as disciplinas curriculares: Assistência Transdisciplinar em Comunidade, Enfermagem Gerontológica e Geriátrica, Enfermagem em Saúde Mental. As pesquisas, por sua vez, respondiam às exigências dos programas de iniciação científica e da pós?graduação estrito senso, vinculada ao Programa de Pós?Graduação em Enfermagem da Unifesp.A partir de 2009, dado a estruturação político?pedagógica do currículo de graduação em Enfermagem, os equipamentos sociais destinados ao cuidado às pessoas em situação de rua deixam de ser campo de estágio para os graduandos, por outro lado, a extensão e a pesquisa se aproximam, passando a ser desenvolvidas de forma indissociável. <br /