Investigating a possible solution to the Cosmic Microwave Background Anomalies

openThe Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) structure was hidden for many years due to instrumental limitations. Nowadays is no longer the case, we have strong theoretical and empirical arguments that the CMB has a wealth of scientific information on its temperature and polarization pattern. The extensive studies of this data have made possible to define the current cosmological model (LambdaCDM) with extreme precision. However, the diverse CMB measurement taken by WMAP and Planck satellite have shown some departures from our cosmological standard model, claim the presence of unexpected features (or anomalies) in the CMB at large angular scales. Even when many of these anomalies are not statistically significant (2 – 3 sigma level), many consider that their presence can open the window to explore new physics, probably related to the initial condition of the Early Universe. Motivated to find a common physical cosmological origin to these anomalies numerous detailed investigations have been carried on. A recent phenomenological model proposed by Hansen et al. 2019 which reproduces simultaneously six extensively studied anomalies and is based on the idea that non-Gaussianity may be the origin of these anomalies. Therefore, the goal of this thesis is to compute and characterise the trispectrum (the Fourier counterpart of the 4-point correlation function) associated with the toy model, there are two essential quantities that we aim to obtain the overall amplitude and the shape. Analysing these quantities allows us to associate specific information with different inflationary models or cosmological scenarios. The results of our trispectrum analysis can provide insights into primordial non-Gaussianity, which may be related to the initial conditions of the Early Universe. Additionally, it can offer further information about the physical model underlying the phenomenological model that reproduces the CMB anomalies

Relationship between Human Aging Muscle and Oxidative System Pathway

Ageing is a complex process that in muscle is usually associated with a decrease in mass, strength, and velocity of contraction. One of the most striking effects of ageing on muscle is known as sarcopenia. This inevitable biological process is characterized by a general decline in the physiological and biochemical functions of the major systems. At the cellular level, aging is caused by a progressive decline in mitochondrial function that results in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the addition of a single electron to the oxygen molecule. The aging process is characterized by an imbalance between an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species in the organism and the antioxidant defences as a whole. The goal of this review is to examine the results of existing studies on oxidative stress in aging human skeletal muscles, taking into account different physiological factors (sex, fibre composition, muscle type, and function)

On the interaction of an anticancer trisubstituted naphthalene diimide with G-quadruplexes of different topologies: a structural insight

Naphthalene diimides showed significant anticancer activity in animal models, with therapeutic potential related to their ability to strongly interact with G-quadruplexes. Recently, a trifunctionalized naphthalene diimide, named NDI-5, was identified as the best analogue of a mini-library of novel naphthalene diimides for its high G-quadruplex binding affinity along with marked, selective anticancer activity, emerging as promising candidate drug for in vivo studies. Here we used NMR, dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism and fluorescence analyses to investigate the interactions of NDI-5 with G-quadruplexes featuring either parallel or hybrid topology. Interplay of different binding modes of NDI-5 to G-quadruplexes was observed for both parallel and hybrid topologies, with end-stacking always operative as the predominant binding event. While NDI-5 primarily targets the 5′-end quartet of the hybrid G-quadruplex model (m-tel24), the binding to a parallel G-quadruplex model (M2) occurs seemingly simultaneously at the 5′- and 3′-end quartets. With parallel G-quadruplex M2, NDI-5 formed stable complexes with 1:3 DNA:ligand binding stoichiometry. Conversely, when interacting with hybrid G-quadruplex m-tel24, NDI-5 showed multiple binding poses on a single G-quadruplex unit and/or formed different complexes comprising two or more G-quadruplex units. NDI-5 produced stabilizing effects on both G-quadruplexes, forming complexes with dissociation constants in the nM range

Educación inclusiva: programa de sensibilización en una institución educativa de Sincelejo-Sucre

This paper aims to assess the effect of an awareness program on the importance of an inclusive education approach in the educational community (engaging parents, teachers, management staff and students) of Antonio Prieto Industrial and Technical Education Institution in the city of Sincelejo (Sucre) in 2019. The research study used a descriptive quantitative approach. At the outset, a number of surveys and interviews were carried out in order to know the state of the inclusion process at the institution up until that moment. Then, the awareness program was executed through talks, training sessions and an educational inclusion fair. After that, surveys were conducted to measure the degree of satisfaction and effectiveness of the activities carried out. The results showed that the progress in the field of inclusion that had been achieved in the institution before the awareness program were poor since the awareness-raising of the educational community of the institution had not yet been reached, with the teaching staff posing the greatest challenge. Finally, the study concluded that the awareness program was effective as the educational community showed greater appropriation and awareness of the inclusive education approach.El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de un programa de sensibilización frente a la importancia del enfoque de educación inclusiva en la comunidad educativa (vinculando a padres, docentes, administrativos y estudiantes) de la Institución Educativa Técnico Industrial Antonio Prieto en la ciudad de Sincelejo-Sucre en el año 2019. La metodología que se utilizó para el estudio, fue de enfoque cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo. Inicialmente se llevaron a cabo una serie de encuestas y entrevistas, para conocer cómo se encontraba hasta ese momento el proceso de inclusión en la institución, seguidamente se desarrolló el programa de sensibilización por medio de: conversatorios, capacitaciones y una feria de inclusión educativa. Posterior a ello, se realizaron las encuestas para medir el grado de satisfacción y eficacia del trabajo llevado a cabo. Los resultados evidenciaron que los adelantos en materia de inclusión que se tenían hasta ese momento en la institución, eran escasos y de no muy buena calidad; por lo cual no se había logrado sensibilizar a la comunidad educativa de este plantel, enfatizando la dificultad en el cuerpo docente. Finalmente, se concluye que el programa de sensibilización se mostró eficaz debido a que la comunidad educativa evidenció una mayor apropiación y sensibilización del enfoque de educación inclusiva

Trifunctionalized Naphthalene Diimides and Dimeric Analogues as G-Quadruplex-Targeting Anticancer Agents Selected by Affinity Chromatography

A focused library of newly designed monomeric and dimeric naphthalene diimides (NDIs) was analyzed in its ability to recognize specific G-quadruplex (G4) structures discriminating duplex DNA. The best G4 ligands—according to an affinity chromatography-based screening method named G4-CPG—were tested on human cancer and healthy cells, inducing DNA damage at telomeres, and in parallel, showing selective antiproliferative activity on HeLa cancer cells with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. CD and fluorescence spectroscopy studies allowed detailed investigation of the interaction in solution with different G4 and duplex DNA models of the most promising NDI of the series, as determined by combining the biophysical and biological assays’ data

Embarazo Adolescente en Colombia: Una Revisión Bibliográfica

Objective: To analyze the studies published on Adolescent Pregnancy from 2010 to 2021, in Colombia. Method: Systematic review of the literature, from the quantitative approach. Search engines were used: SCOPUS, PSICODOC, PROQUEST and SCIELO. Results: In the last 12 years, 42 scientific articles related to the topic of adolescent pregnancy have been published in the databases visited. The quantitative approach is the most used (N= 27), and the city of Bogotá is the one with the highest number of publications (N= 11). In addition, the most researched topic has been the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy in Colombia (N= 7). Conclusions: The present study shows the need to carry out research on Adolescent Pregnancy in the southern regions of the country, because it is in this area where there are fewer developed research studies. Similarly, it is considered important to carry out more research from a qualitative approach, since it is understood that this problem impacts the family, educational and social system of adolescents, for which it must be seen from another perspective. Finally, it is proposed to continue considering systematic reviews as a line of research, due to how useful it can be for future studies to have updated information on the subject.Objetivo: Analizar los estudios publicados sobre el Embarazo Adolescente desde 2010 a 2021, en Colombia. Método: Revisión sistemática de la literatura, desde el enfoque cuantitativo. Se usaron los motores de búsqueda: SCOPUS, PSICODOC, PROQUEST y SCIELO. Resultados: En los últimos 12 años, se han publicado 42 Artículos Científicos relacionados con el tema de Embarazo Adolescente en las bases de datos visitadas. El enfoque cuantitativo es el más utilizado (N=27), y la ciudad de Bogotá es la que tiene el mayor número de publicaciones (N=11). Además, el tema más investigado ha sido la prevalencia del Embarazo Adolescente en Colombia (N=7). Conclusiones: El presente estudio evidencia la necesidad en adelantar investigaciones frente al Embarazo Adolescente en las regiones del sur del país, debido a que en esta zona es donde existen menos estudios de investigación desarrollados. De igual forma, se considera importante realizar más investigaciones desde un enfoque cualitativo, pues se entiende que este problema impacta el sistema familiar, educativo y social de las adolescentes, por lo cual, debe ser visto bajo otra perspectiva. Finalmente, se propone seguir considerando las revisiones sistemáticas como línea de investigación, debido a lo provechoso que puede ser para futuros estudios contar con información actualizada frente al tema

Desarrollo de la Escala de Síntomas Internalizados en la Primera Infancia (ESIPI)

This study aims to design a scale that allows to know about emotional problems in children from two to five years. Fordoing so, a discourse analysis of educational agents and community mothers from the department of Atlántico was takenas point of departure. This is a qualitative study, which includes a discourse analysis design. The sample was constituted by35 individuals between 18 and 56 years old who belonged to medium-low socioeconomic level. Participants were dividedinto two focal groups. They answered a survey, participated in a workshop, and collaborated with three in-depth interviewsabout their experience in child development centers and community homes. The Early Childhood Internalizing SymptomScale (ESIPI) emerged as result. It includes three subscales: anxiety, depressive symptoms and somatic symptoms.El objetivo del presente estudio es diseñar una escala que alerte sobre los problemas emocionales en niños de dos a cincoaños a partir del análisis del discurso de agentes educativos y madres comunitarias, en el departamento del Atlántico. Elestudio es de corte cualitativo, e incluye diseño de análisis del discurso. Los participantes fueron 35 individuos de edadescomprendidas entre 18 y 56 años, principalmente de nivel socioeconómico medio-bajo. La muestra se dividió en dos gruposfocales, quienes contestaron una encuesta, participaron en un taller y colaboraron con tres entrevistas a profundidadsobre su experiencia en los centros de desarrollo infantil y hogares comunitarios. El resultado del estudio fue la creaciónde la Escala de Síntomas Internalizantes en Primera Infancia (ESIPI), la cual contiene tres subescalas: ansiedad, síntomasdepresivos y síntomas somáticos

Health Technology Assessment of Belimumab: A New Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is treated with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs and off-label biologics. Belimumab is the first biologic approved after 50 years as an add-on therapy for active disease. This paper summarizes a health technology assessment performed in Italy. Methods. SLE epidemiology and burden were assessed using the best published international and national evidences and efficacy and safety of belimumab were synthesized using clinical data. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed by a lifetime microsimulation model comparing belimumab to standard of care (SoC). Organizational and ethical implications were discussed. Results. Literature review showed that SLE affects 47 per 100,000 people for a total of 28,500 patients in Italy, 50% of whom are affected by active form of the disease despite SoC. These patients, if autoantibodies and anti-dsDNA positive with low complement, are eligible for belimumab. SLE determines work disability and a 2-5-fold increase in mortality. Belimumab with SoC may prevent 4,742 flares in three years being cost-effective with an incremental costeffectiveness ratio of C32,859 per quality adjusted life year gained. From the organizational perspective, the development of clear and comprehensive clinical pathways is crucial. Conclusions. The assessment supports the use of belimumab into the SLE treatment paradigm in Italy

Covid-19 And Rheumatic Autoimmune Systemic Diseases: Role of Pre-Existing Lung Involvement and Ongoing Treatments

The Covid-19 pandemic may have a deleterious impact on patients with autoimmune systemic diseases (ASD) due to their deep immune-system alterations

A picture of medically assisted reproduction activities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe

STUDY QUESTION: How did coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impact on medically assisted reproduction (MAR) services in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic (March to May 2020)? SUMMARY ANSWER: MAR services, and hence treatments for infertile couples, were stopped in most European countries for a mean of 7 weeks. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: With the outbreak of COVID-19 in Europe, non-urgent medical care was reduced by local authorities to preserve health resources and maintain social distancing. Furthermore, ESHRE and other societies recommended to postpone ART pregnancies as of 14 March 2020. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A structured questionnaire was distributed in April among the ESHRE Committee of National Representatives, followed by further information collection through email. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The information was collected through the questionnaire and afterwards summarised and aligned with data from the European Centre for Disease Control on the number of COVID-19 cases per country. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: By aligning the data for each country with respective epidemiological data, we show a large variation in the time and the phase in the epidemic in the curve when MAR/ART treatments were suspended and restarted. Similarly, the duration of interruption varied. Fertility preservation treatments and patient supportive care for patients remained available during the pandemic. LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Data collection was prone to misinterpretation of the questions and replies, and required further follow-up to check the accuracy. Some representatives reported that they, themselves, were not always aware of the situation throughout the country or reported difficulties with providing single generalised replies, for instance when there were regional differences within their country. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The current article provides a basis for further research of the different strategies developed in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Such conclusions will be invaluable for health authorities and healthcare professionals with respect to future similar situations.peer-reviewe