2D Cu-TCNQ Metal-Organic Networks Induced by Surface Alloying

We have studied the self-assembly of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane molecules on the (3√2 × √2)R45° reconstruction of the SnCu(001) surface alloy by means of X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. Our results show that surface alloying strongly attenuates the chemical interaction of the molecule with the surface, but it does not inhibit the charge transfer from the substrate to the molecules. The assembly mechanism of the molecules is completely modified with respect to the bare Cu(001) surface. We show that, on the SnCu(100) surface alloy, the strong CN-Cu interaction drives the formation of different coordination structures with native Cu adatoms. We found that the flexible coordination chemistry of Cu allows the formation of three different stable phases, each one with the Cu ions in a different coordination geometry (coordinations 4, 3, and 2). Moreover, we show that both the formation of lateral H bonds between adjacent molecules and the interaction of the Cu ion with the substrate play determinant roles in the stabilization of the structures.Fil: Fuhr, Javier Daniel. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Robino, L.I.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez, L.M.. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Verdini, A.. No especifíca;Fil: Floreano, L.. No especifíca;Fil: Ascolani, Hugo del Lujan. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Bariloche; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología - Nodo Bariloche | Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología - Nodo Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Gayone, Julio Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología - Nodo Bariloche | Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología. Unidad Ejecutora Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología - Nodo Bariloche; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Gerencia del Área de Energía Nuclear. Instituto Balseiro; Argentin

Prediction of large for gestational age by ultrasound at 35 weeks and impact of ultrasound-delivery interval: Comparison of 6 standards

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the predictive ability of the ultrasound estimated percentile weight (EPW) at 35 weeks to predict large for gestational age (LGA) at term delivery according to 6 growth standards, including population, population-customized, and international references. The secondary objectives were to determine its predictive ability to detect adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs) and whether the ultrasound-delivery interval influences the detection rate of LGA newborns. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 9, 585 singleton pregnancies. Maternal clinical characteristics, fetal ultrasound data obtained at 35 weeks, and pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were used to calculate EPWs to predict LGAs at delivery according to the customized and the non-customized (NC) Miguel Servet University Hospital (MSUH), the customized Figueras, the NC Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF), the NC INTERGROWTH-21st, and the NC World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Results: For a 10% false-positive rate, detection rates for total LGAs at delivery ranged from 31.2% with the WHO (area under the curve [AUC] 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-0.79) to 56.5% with the FMF standard (AUC 0.85; 95% CI, 0.84-0.86). Detection rates and values of AUCs to predict LGAs by ultrasound-delivery interval (range 1-6 weeks) show higher detection rates as the interval decreases. APO detection rates ranged from 2.5% with the WHO to 12.6% with the Figueras standard. Conclusion: The predictive ability of ultrasound estimated fetal weight at 35 weeks to detect LGA infants is significantly greater for FMF and MSUH NC standards. In contrast, the APO detection rate is significantly greater for customized standards. The shorter ultrasound-delivery interval relates to better prediction rates

Inducible nitric oxide synthase in human lymphomononuclear cells activated by synthetic peptides derived from extracellular matrix proteins.

Synthetic peptides with sequences present in extracellular matrix proteins are capable of causing the expression of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), detected by immunocytochemistry, and the release of NO by human lymphomononuclear cells incubated in their presence. Active peptides are 15-mers containing a characteristic 2-6-11 motif in which the amino acid residue at position 2 is Leu, Ile, Val, Gly, Ala or Lys; the residue at position 6 is always Pro; and residue 11 is Glu or Asp. The induction of iNOS in human monocytes and macrophages could be involved in the cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines also elicited by these peptides

Integrated study of factors affecting fetal weight in singleton pregnancies. Nomogram and development of basic and advanced fetal growth customized models

We have performed a multivariate analysis to explore the influence on birth and ultrasound fetal weight estimation of traditional factors as biochemical data and maternal characteristics in combination with non- traditionally explored predictors as paternal height, Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), single umbilical artery or Free-beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (fß- HCG). The study was performed for a Spanish population (region of Aragon) in singleton pregnancies at term (37-42 weeks). Also, we have created a nomogram and in order to predict the occurrence of SGA (small for gestational age) and LGA (large for gestational age) cases we provide a multivariate predictive model of fetal weight that have been compared with other models in the prediction of ultrasound and birth weights. After study we have created a software application for automated calculation of percentile fetal weight, adjusting the variables when they were significant

Besnoitiosis bovina: Estudio de los factores de riesgo asociados a la infección en una explotación del Pirineo aragonés (abstract)

La Besnoitiosis bovina es una enfermedad parasitaria de carácter reemergente causada por el protozoo Besnoitia besnoiti que en los últimos años ha experimentado un aumento en su prevalencia y una expansión geográfica en Europa (EFSA, 2010).Publishe

Reheating and turbulence

We show that the ''turbulent'' particle spectra found in numerical simulations of the behavior of matter fields during reheating admit a simple interpretation in terms of hydrodynamic models of the reheating period. We predict a particle number spectrum $n_{k}\propto k^{-\alpha}$ with $\alpha \sim 2$ for $k\to 0.$Comment: 10 pages, one figure included in tex

Variabilidad dentro del Registro Nacional multicéntrico en Vigilancia Activa; cuestionario a urólogos

Introducción: Nuestro objetivo principal es describir la utilización actual en España de la vigilancia activa (VA) identificando áreas de potencial mejora. Métodos: Un cuestionario generado en AEU/PIEM/2014/0001 (NCT02865330) fue remitido a todos los investigadores asociados (IA) durante los meses de enero-marzo del 2016. Incluía 7 dominios diferentes cubriendo diferentes aspectos en VA. Resultados: Treinta y tres de cuarenta y un IA respondieron el cuestionario. La VA es principalmente controlada por los Servicios de Urología (87,9%). Hubo una gran heterogeneidad en las clásicas variables clínico-patológicas como criterios de selección. La densidad de antígeno prostático específico (PSAd) solo se usaba en el 36,4% IA. La RMmp era claramente infrautilizada como estadificación inicial (6%). Solo el 27,3% reconocía un alto nivel de experiencia en RMmp de sus colegas radiólogos. Con relación a la biopsia de confirmación, la mayoría de los centros utilizaban la vía transrectal y solo 2/33 la vía transperineal/software de fusión. La mitad de los IA entrevistados pasaron a tratamiento activo ante progresión patológica a Gleason 7 (3 + 4). No existió consenso en cuanto a cuándo pasar a estrategia de observación. Conclusiones: El estudio demostró la infrautilización del consentimiento informado y de los cuestionarios de calidad de vida. El PSAd no se incluía como elemento decisor en la estrategia inicial en la mayoría. Se plasmó una desconfianza en la experiencia de los urólogos con la RMmp y una infrautilización de la vía transperineal, así como la no existencia de consenso en los protocolos de seguimiento y en los criterios de tratamiento activo., confirmando la necesidad de estudios prospectivos analizando el papel de la RMmp y los biomarcadores. Background: Our main objective was to report the current use of active surveillance in Spain and to identify areas for potential improvement. Methods: A questionnaire generated by the Platform for Multicentre Studies of the Spanish Urology Association (AEU/PIEM/2014/0001, NCT02865330) was sent to all associate researchers from January to March 2016. The questionnaire included 7 domains covering various aspects of active surveillance. Results: Thirty-three of the 41 associate researchers responded to the questionnaire. Active surveillance is mainly controlled by the urology departments (87.9%). There was considerable heterogeneity in the classical clinical-pathological variables as selection criteria. Only 36.4% of the associate researchers used prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd). Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) was clearly underused as initial staging (6%). Only 27.3% of the researchers stated that their radiology colleagues had a high level of experience in mpMRI. In terms of the confirmation biopsy, most of the centres used the transrectal pathway, and only 2 out of 33 used the transperineal pathway or fusion software. Half of the researchers interviewed applied active treatment when faced with disease progression to Gleason 7 (3+4). There was no consensus on when to transition to an observation strategy. Conclusions: The study showed the underutilisation of informed consent and quality-of-life questionnaires. PSAd was not included as a decisive element in the initial strategy for most researchers. There was a lack of confidence in the urologists’ mpMRI experience and an underutilisation of the transperineal pathway. There was also no consensus on the follow-up protocols and active treatment criteria, confirming the need for prospective studies to analyse the role of mpMRI and biomarkers

Optimizing the clinical utility of PCA3 to diagnose prostate cancer in initial prostate biopsy

Background: PCA3 has been included in a nomogram outperforming previous clinical models for the prediction of any prostate cancer (PCa) and high grade PCa (HGPCa) at the initial prostate biopsy (IBx). Our objective is to validate such IBx-specific PCA3-based nomogram. We also aim to optimize the use of this nomogram in clinical practice through the definition of risk groups. Methods: Independent external validation. Clinical and biopsy data from a contemporary cohort of 401 men with the same inclusion criteria to those used to build up the reference’s nomogram in IBx. The predictive value of the nomogram was assessed by means of calibration curves and discrimination ability through the area under the curve (AUC). Clinical utility of the nomogram was analyzed by choosing thresholds points that minimize the overlapping between probability density functions (PDF) in PCa and no PCa and HGPCa and no HGPCa groups, and net benefit was assessed by decision curves. Results: We detect 28 % of PCa and 11 % of HGPCa in IBx, contrasting to the 46 and 20 % at the reference series. Due to this, there is an overestimation of the nomogram probabilities shown in the calibration curve for PCa. The AUC values are 0.736 for PCa (C.I.95 %:0.68–0.79) and 0.786 for HGPCa (C.I.95 %:0.71–0.87) showing an adequate discrimination ability. PDF show differences in the distributions of nomogram probabilities in PCa and not PCa patient groups. A minimization of the overlapping between these curves confirms the threshold probability of harboring PCa >30 % proposed by Hansen is useful to indicate a IBx, but a cut-off > 40 % could be better in series of opportunistic screening like ours. Similar results appear in HGPCa analysis. The decision curve also shows a net benefit of 6.31 % for the threshold probability of 40 %. Conclusions: PCA3 is an useful tool to select patients for IBx. Patients with a calculated probability of having PCa over 40 % should be counseled to undergo an IBx if opportunistic screening is required

Role of the 4Kscore test as a predictor of reclassification in prostate cancer active surveillance

Background: Management of active surveillance (AS) in low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients could be improved with new biomarkers, such as the 4Kscore test. We analyze its ability to predict tumor reclassification by upgrading at the confirmatory biopsy at 6 months. Methods: Observational, prospective, blinded, and non-randomized study, within the Spanish National Registry on AS (AEU/PIEM/2014/0001; NCT02865330) with 181 patients included after initial Bx and inclusion criteria: PSA =10 ng/mL, cT1c-T2a, Grade group 1, =2 cores, and =5 mm/50% length core involved. Central pathological review of initial and confirmatory Bx was performed on all biopsy specimens. Plasma was collected 6 months after initial Bx and just before confirmatory Bx to determine 4Kscore result. In order to predict reclassification defined as Grade group =2, we analyzed 4Kscore, percent free to total (%f/t) PSA ratio, prostate volume, PSA density, family history, body mass index, initial Bx, total cores, initial Bx positive cores, initial Bx % of positive cores, initial Bx maximum cancer core length and initial Bx cancer % involvement. Wilcoxon rank-sum test, non-parametric trend test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate established differences between groups of reclassification. Results: A total of 137 patients met inclusion criteria. Eighteen patients (13.1%) were reclassified at confirmatory Bx. The %f/t PSA ratio and 4Kscore showed differences between the groups of reclassification (Yes/No). Using 7.5% as cutoff for the 4Kscore, we found a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 29%, with no reclassifications to Grade group 3 for patients with 4Kscore below 7.5% and 2 (6%) missed Grade group 2 reclassified patients. Using this threshold value there is a biopsy reduction of 27%. Additionally, 4Kscore was also associated with changes in tumor volume. Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest that the 4Kscore may be a useful tool in the decision-making process to perform a confirmatory Bx in active surveillance management