Biomarcadores etológicos no invasivos de estrés ambiental: estudio comparativo en dos teleosteos de ecosistemas de la región pampeana argentina

Mediante un dispositivo de registro automático se estudió el efecto de la exposición a soluciones subletales de Cd2+ (0.3 mg. L'1) sobre algunos parámetros etológicos de juveniles de Cyprinus carpió (carpa común) y de Astyanax fasciatus (“mojarra”). Se evaluó el efecto del metal sobre la actividad natatoria total y las preferencias altitudinales y laterales de los peces. Los tres parámetros se registraron simultáneamente mediante un dispositivo original. Se evaluaron los niveles “normales” o estándar de dichos parámetros (los peces en agua potable, control) y los alcanzados por los mismos individuos tras su exposición al tóxico de referencia (Cd). El metal provocó una depresión de la actividad natatoria total alcanzando una magnitud comparable en ambas especies. La preferencia altitudinal, también resultó modificada: C. carpió se halló con mayor frecuencia en la capa superior de los acuarios mientras que A. fasciatus se ubicó en las inferiores. En cuanto a la preferencia lateral, los individuos de ambas especies evitaron la franja vertical donde se producía el goteo de la solución de Cd; si bien esta respuesta espacial de los animales no siguió un patrón definido fue más marcada en las carpas. Todas las respuestas se pusieron de manifiesto inmediatamente después de haberse iniciado la exposición al Cd. El método resultó sensible y apto para el seguimiento de los parámetros etológicos seleccionados. Se concluye que la actividad natatoria y la ubicación espacial de las especies estudiadas, entre otros indicadores, pueden ser considerados como biomarcadores de toxicidad acuática.By means of an automatic recording device, the eífects of the exposure to sublethal Solutions of Cd2+ (0.3 mg. L2) on some ethological parameters of juvenile Cyprinus carpió (common carp) and Astyanaxfasciatus. The effect of the metal was evaluated through three parameters: the total swimming activity and the spatial (lateral and altitudinal) preferences, relative to Controls (fish kept in tap water); they were registered simultaneously by means oían original device. There were determined successively the “normal” or standard levels of those parameters in control fish and those reached by the same individuáis aftertheir exposure to thereferencetoxic (Cd). In both species the metal caused a depression of the total swimming activity in a comparable magnitude. The altitudinal preference was also modified: C. carpió was found more frequently in the superior layer of the aquaria while A. fasciatus was found in the inferior ones. For the lateral preference, the individuáis of both species showed an avoidance behavior of the site of the aquaria where the Cd Solutions was dripping. This response of the animáis didn't follow a defined pattem, but was more marked in the carps. All the evaluated responses to the toxic were detected immediately after the beginning of the exposure to Cd. The method proved to be sensitive and apt for the monitoring of the measured behavioural parameters which makes it a promising tool for biomonitoring purposes. We concluded that the swimming activity and the spatial location preferences of the studied species, among other, may be considered as biomarkers of aquatic toxicity

Dual-Band Transmitter and Receiver with Bowtie-Antenna in 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS for Gas Spectroscopy at 222 - 270 GHz

This paper presents a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX) with bowtie-antenna and silicon lens for gas spectroscopy at 222-270 GHz, which are fabricated in IHP’s 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The TX and RX use two integrated local oscillators for 222 – 256 GHz and 250 – 270 GHz, which are switched for dual-band operation. Due to its directivity of about 27 dBi, the single integrated bowtie-antenna with silicon lens enables an EIRP of about 25 dBm for the TX, and therefore a considerably higher EIRP for the 2-band TX compared to previously reported systems. The double sideband noise temperature of the RX is 20,000 K (18.5 dB noise figure) as measured by the Y-factor method. Absorption spectroscopy of gaseous methanol is used as a measure for the performance of the gas spectroscopy system with TX- and RX-modules

The Attenuation Capability ofSelected Steel Alloys for Nuclear Reactor Applications

Neutronsand gamma ray attenuation of different steel grades (SS304, SS304L, SS316L, SS430, a modified high manganese-nitrogen austenitic stainless steel, and developed cobalt-free Maraging steel) was measured to study their capability to be used as nuclear reactor materials. The hardness and microstructure of the studied steel alloys were carried out using Vickers hardness and optical microscope respectively.Neutron and gamma rays measurements were carried out using a narrow beam transmissions geometry method. Measurements and calculations of gamma ray attenuation coefficients were carried out at energies 238.63, 338.28, 583.19, 911.2, 968.97, 1173.23, 1332.49, and 2614.51 keV. The transmitted gamma rays were detected by the Hyper Pure Germanium detector (HPGe), while, the neutron flux emitted from 241Am-Be neutron source was used to measure the neutron removal cross section for both slow and total neutrons. The transmitted beam of neutrons was measured under a good geometric conditions using 3He counter.A good agreement between experimental data of mass attenuation coefficients and theoretical results calculated by the WinXcom computer program (version 3.1) was obtained

EJP18 peptide derived from the juxtamembrane domain of epidermal growth factor receptor represents a novel membrane-active cell-penetrating peptide

Membrane-active peptides have been extensively studied to probe protein–membrane interactions, to act as antimicrobial agents and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) for the delivery of therapeutic agents to cells. Hundreds of membrane-active sequences acting as CPPs have now been described including bioportides that serve as single entity modifiers of cell physiology at the intracellular level. Translation of promising CPPs in pre-clinical studies have, however, been disappointing as only few identified delivery systems have progressed to clinical trials. To search for novel membrane-active peptides a sequence from the EGFR juxtamembrane region was identified (named EJP18), synthesised, and examined in its L- and D-form for its ability to mediate the delivery of a small fluorophore and whole proteins to cancer cell lines. Initial studies identified the peptide as being highly membrane-active causing extensive and rapid plasma membrane reorganisation, blebbing, and toxicity. At lower, non-toxic concentrations the peptides outperformed the well-characterised CPP octaarginine in cellular delivery capacity for a fluorophore or proteins that were associated with the peptide covalently or via ionic interactions. EJP18 thus represents a novel membrane-active peptide that may be used as a naturally derived model for biophysical protein–membrane interactions or for delivery of cargo into cells for therapeutic or diagnostic applications

Consensus evidence-based recommendations for treat-to-target management of immunoglobulin A vasculitis

IgA vasculitis (IgAV), formerly known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura, is the most common cause of systemic vasculitis in childhood. Given its potential life-threatening systemic complications, early and accurate diagnosis as well as management of IgAV represent a major challenge for health care professionals. This study was carried out to attain an evidence-based expert consensus on a treat-to-target management approach for IgAV using Delphi technique. The preliminary scientific committee identified a total of 16 key clinical questions according to the patient, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) approach. An evidence-based, systematic, literature review was conducted to compile evidence for the IgAV management. The core leadership team identified researchers and clinicians with expertise in IgAV management in Egypt upon which experts were gathered from different governorates and health centers across Egypt. Delphi process was implemented (two rounds) to reach a consensus. An online questionnaire was sent to expert panel (n = 26) who participated in the two rounds. After completing round 2, a total of 20 recommendation items, categorized into two sections were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7–9) ranged from 91.7–100%. Consensus was reached (i.e. ⩾75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on the wording of all the 20 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee. Algorithms for the diagnosis and management have been suggested. This was an expert, consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of IgAV and IgA vasculitic nephritis, based on best available evidence and expert opinion. The guideline presented a strategy of care with a pathway to achieve a state of remission as early as possible