Muc5ac mucin expression during rat skin development

Some mucin genes have been detected during human embryonic and fetal organ development; however, little is known about mucin expression in epidermal development, neither in humans nor in other species. The present research was developed to explore Muc5ac skin expression during prenatal and postnatal rat development. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting (WB) and RT-PCR were employed. By IHC, Muc5ac protein was found early in embryonic epidermis from day 13 of gestation until seven days after birth when the surface epidermis became negative and the reaction was restricted to secreting sebum cells. In coincidence with IHC findings, WB analysis showed a band at approximately 200KDa at the same periods of development. Results were also confirmed by RT-PCR. Muc5ac expression in rat embryonic epidermis suggests that Muc5ac may play a protective role in embryonic skin previous to birth which may be replaced by pile covering. To our knowledge, this is the first report which confirmed Muc5ac expression during skin development.Conclusion: Muc5ac expression in rat embryonic epidermis suggests that Muc5ac may play a protective role in embryonic skin previous to birth which may be replaced by pile covering. To our knowledge, this is the first report which confirmed Muc5ac expression during skin development.Fil: Ferretti, Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Segal Eiras, Amada. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Barbeito, Claudio Gustavo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Ciencias Básicas. Cátedra de Histología y Embriología; ArgentinaFil: Croce, María Virginia. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentin

Sensing (un)binding events via surface plasmons: Effects of resonator geometry

The resonance conditions of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) can be perturbed in any number ways making plasmon nanoresonators viable tools in detection of e.g. phase changes, pH, gasses, and single molecules. Precise measurement via LSPR of molecular concentrations hinge on the ability to confidently count the number of molecules attached to a metal resonator and ideally to track binding and unbinding events in real-time. These two requirements make it necessary to rigorously quantify relations between the number of bound molecules and response of plasmonic sensors. This endeavor is hindered on the one hand by a spatially varying response of a given plasmonic nanosensor. On the other hand movement of molecules is determined by stochastic effects (Brownian motion) as well as deterministic flow, if present, in microfluidic channels. The combination of molecular dynamics and the electromagnetic response of the LSPR yield an uncertainty which is little understood and whose effect is often disregarded in quantitative sensing experiments. Using a combination of electromagnetic finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations of the plasmon resonance peak shift of various metal nanosensors (disk, cone, rod, dimer) and stochastic diffusion-reaction simulations of biomolecular interactions on a sensor surface we clarify the interplay between position dependent binding probability and inhomogeneous sensitivity distribution. We show, how the statistical characteristics of the total signal upon molecular binding are determined. The proposed methodology is, in general, applicable to any sensor and any transduction mechanism, although the specifics of implementation will vary depending on circumstances. In this work we focus on elucidating how the interplay between electromagnetic and stochastic effects impacts the feasibility of employing particular shapes of plasmonic sensors for real-time monitoring of individual binding reactions or sensing low concentrations - which characteristics make a given sensor optimal for a given task. We also address the issue of how particular illumination conditions affect the level of uncertainty of the measured signal upon molecular binding

An agile standardized work procedure for cleaning the operating room

Purpose: This research aimed to reduce the turnover time (non-operative time) in the operating room (OR) at a US Northwestern hospital. Design/methodology/approach: Data collection consisted of observation and interviews of the aides, circulating nurses, and surgical techs to identify causes of delays and long turnovers. It was determined that the turnover could be divided into two stages: cleaning the room and setting up for the next surgery. The research team met with the staff (aides) to create a standard operating procedure for the cleaning stage. It was decided to create an agile standard procedure that would allow the process to be completed the same way effectively with any number of people ranging from 1 to 3. The flexibility accounts for the number of people who are to complete the procedure and considers that some of them are only available during portions of the cleaning stage due to multiple turnovers or duties. Findings: The agile cleaning procedure reduced the cleaning time by 2.2 minutes (15.7% of the total time) and the standard deviation by 3.30 minutes. A decrease in variability represents more consistent turnovers, creating more predictable times for scheduling surgeries in the future. Originality/value: This research proposes a novel approach to standardized work that quickly adapts to the number of workers available. The agile standardized work procedure (ASWP) allows the process to be completed the same way every time effectively with any number of peoplePeer Reviewe

A critical assessment of the calculation and analysis of thermodynamic parameters from adsorption data

Proper analysis of thermodynamic parameters obtained from adsorption data is a basic requirement for the characterization and optimization of an adsorption-dependent process like the action of organic corrosion inhibitors. Thus, this work aims at presenting a critical assessment of typical flawed examples from the literature together with alternative good practice to be considered, for preference.Proper analysis of thermodynamic parameters obtained from adsorption data is a basic requirement for the characterization and optimization of an adsorption-dependent process like the action of organic corrosion inhibitors. Thus, this work aims at presenting a critical assessment of typical flawed examples from the literature together with alternative good practice to be considered, for preference

Effects of grape seed extract on properties of type I collagen scaffolds

 To obtain a material with potential for use in tissue engineering, anionic collagen was obtained from porcine serosa (S) and bovine tendon (T) by alkaline hydrolysis for 72h. Part of this collagen was mixed with water to obtain 4 % (weight/weight) collagen suspension and part was solubilized in acetic acid pH 3.5 to obtain 1.5% (w/w) gel. The suspensions were mixed with their respective gels (2:1) (suspension: gel) and grape seed extract, whose main product is proanthocyanidin, was added at concentrations of 0.03% and 0.5%, thus obtaining the scaffolds SC (serosa collagen suspension and gel), TC (tendon collagen suspension and gel), SCP003 (SC with 0.03% extract), TCP003 (TC with 0.03% extract), SCP05 (SC with 0.5% extract added) and TCP05 (TC with 0.5% extract). The materials were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and characterized by phosphate buffered saline absorption assay and in vitro biological stability assay. By DSC it is observed that the addition of 0.5% of extract increases the denaturation temperature (Td) of collagen, indicating that at this concentration the extract acts as polymer crosslinking agent. SEM shows disorganized cross-section pores in all scaffolds, not exceeding 130 ?m. Absorption and degradation assays indicated that the addition of 0.5% extract increases the absorption of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) by the scaffolds and decreases the degradation percentage by collagenase. These results suggests that the scaffolds can be used for different applications, e.g. as hemostatic agent. 

A critical assessment of the calculation and analysis of thermodynamic parameters from adsorption data

Proper analysis of thermodynamic parameters obtained from adsorption data is a basic requirement for the characterization and optimization of an adsorption-dependent process like the action of organic corrosion inhibitors. Thus, this work aims at presenting a critical assessment of typical flawed examples from the literature together with alternative good practice to be considered, for preference.Publicado en Terceras Jornadas de Investigación, Transferencia y Extensión. La Plata : Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 2015.Facultad de Ingenierí

A critical assessment of the calculation and analysis of thermodynamic parameters from adsorption data

Proper analysis of thermodynamic parameters obtained from adsorption data is a basic requirement for the characterization and optimization of an adsorption-dependent process like the action of organic corrosion inhibitors. Thus, this work aims at presenting a critical assessment of typical flawed examples from the literature together with alternative good practice to be considered, for preference.Publicado en Terceras Jornadas de Investigación, Transferencia y Extensión. La Plata : Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 2015.Facultad de Ingenierí

Study on ammonia transport and separation in Aquivion® perfluoro sulfonated acid membranes

The present study reports the results of a series of sorption and permeation tests of pure ammonia as well as nitrogen and hydrogen carried out on Aquivion C87-05 (short-side chain perfluoro sulfonic acid ionomer). Such material is indeed of interest for possible applications in sustainable processes for ammonia production, either as base material for polymer electrolyte membranes in low-temperature electrochemical ammonia synthesis or as a membrane for effective product separation. NH3, N2, and H2 permeation tests are performed at different temperatures (20, 35, and 50 ◦C) and both in dry and humid conditions (R.H. up to 80%), aiming to assess the influence of these parameters on the resulting permeabilities, while ammonia sorption is inspected at the same temperatures, and pressures up to near saturation conditions. Pure ammonia permeability reached outstanding values around 7000 Barrer in dry Aquivion membranes, revealing an increasing trend with upstream pressure, while it decreased with temperature. The same behavior is recorded for NH3 solubility, indicating that sorption drives the ammonia transport through the membrane. The obtained separation performances are found to be significantly better than those of other polymeric membranes proposed for the same separations, as compared to a permeability-selectivity plot

Effects of feeding combinations of soybean and linseed oils on productive performance and milk fatty acid profile in grazing dairy cows

Thirty-six grazing dairy cows were used to determine the effect of combinations of soybean (SO), and linseed (LO) oils on milk production, composition and milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Treatments were a basal control diet (56% pasture, 44% concentrate) or the control diet supplemented with oils at 4% of estimated total dry matter (DM) intake. Oils were manually mixed to the concentrate in pure forms (SO100 or LO100) or in blends (%w/w) at SO75 - LO25, SO50 - LO50 and SO25 - LO75. Concentrate and oils were thoroughly consumed. Pasture intake (kg DM/cow·day) was 9.27 in control and decreased (p < 0.05) in SO25 - LO75 (8.09) and LO100 (8.98). Total DM intake (kg/cow·day) in control (16.47) increased (p < 0.05) to 17.04 in SO100 and 17.20 in SO75. Yield of fat corrected milk (4% FCM) averaged 20.73 kg in control resulting higher in SO75 (23.73 kg). Milk fat content (g/100g) in control averaged 3.40 and decreased to 2.79 in SO50-LO50 and to 3.06 in SO25 - LO75 treatments. Milk protein content was not affected and milk protein yield increased in SO100 (11%) and SO75 - LO25 (21%) over Control (0.729 kg/cow·day). Milk basal (Control) content (g/100g FA) of C12:0 (2.58), C14:0 (10.21) and C16:0 (25.69) was reduced (p < 0.05) to 1.64, 6.82 and 19.70 respectively in oil supplemented cows. Basal content of C12:0 to C16:0 averaged 38.48 g/100g FA and decreased (27.4%) after oil intake. Basal trans-10 C18:1 (0.46 g/100g FA) increased (p < 0.01) in SO100 (1.48) and SO50-LO50 (1.80). Basal level (g/100g FA) of vaccenic acid (trans-11 C18:1, VA) averaged 3.49 and increased (135%) after oil intake with maximum values observed in LO100 (8.17) and SO50 - LO50 (9.20). Rumenic acid (cis-9, trans-11 C18:2, RA) level (g/100g FA) in milk from Control cows (1.56) increased (p < 0.05) to 3.03 (SO100), 3.21 (SO75 - LO25), 3.24 (SO50 - LO50), 2.33 (SO25 - LO75) and 2.96 (LO100). Results obtained confirmed a great milk fat plasticity in response to PUFA feeding in grazing dairy cows which constitutes a very effective and easy tool in order to improve the healthy value of milk with a potential benefit to the consumer’s health. A net or conclusive response pattern over parameters that improve the healthy value of milk to soybean and linseed oils and their blends was not clearly detected. Taken together, the results suggest some advantage for the SO75:LO25 blend considering the relative costs of both oils, the positive effects on milk, fat and protein yields, the lower hypercholesterolemic FA content of milk and the increase in VA and RA content while maintaining a healthy n - 6/n - 3 ratio and very low levels of the detrimental trans-9 C18:1 and trans-10 C18:1 FA.Fil: Antonacci, Liliana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Area de Producción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Gagliostro, Gerardo Antonio. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Area de Producción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Cano, Adriana Virginia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Area de Producción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Bernal, Claudio Adrián. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biologicas; Argentin

La ampliación de un espacio público en el orden global: el establecimiento de la Corte Penal Internacional

El proceso de establecimiento de una jurisdicción penal internacional permanente iniciado a fines de la Segunda Guerra Mundial con los Tribunales de Nurember y Tokio refleja, en su evolución, las asimetrías de poder existentes entre los Estados que componen la comunidad internacional, sus respectivas percepciones sobre el significado de la propia seguridad nacional, pero a la vez el surgimiento de una diversidad de actores internacionales y fundamentalmente de un derecho internacional que, creado por los mismos Estados, va limitando su libre accionar. Así, entendemos que con la entrada en vigor del Estatuto de Roma por el cual se creó la Corte Penal Internacional nos encontramos en presencia de una ampliación de un espacio público en el orden global en el cual el derecho alcanza a individuos por acciones que violentan el ordenamiento jurídico internacional, quienes no podrían ya ampararse en la protección de sus respectivos Estados en base a un concepto, hoy cuestionado, de soberanía nacional. En el presente trabajo desarrollaremos una primera parte en la cual abordaremos las particularidades del derecho internacional, pretendiendo contribuir a la comprensión del real avance que significa la constitución del nuevo tribunal en la construcción de una sociedad internacional basada en el respeto al derecho; luego trabajaremos en los antecedentes de la Corte en el siglo XX, para concluir enunciando las principales características del Estatuto de Roma.Aula "C": Derechos Humanos.Instituto de Relaciones Internacionales (IRI