Luttinger parameter of quasi-one-dimensional para- H2

We have studied the ground-state properties of para-hydrogen in one dimension and in quasi-one-dimensional configurations using the path-integral ground-state Monte Carlo method. This method produces zero-temperature exact results for a given interaction and geometry. The quasi-one-dimensional setup has been implemented in two forms: the inner channel inside a carbon nanotube coated with H2 and a harmonic confinement of variable strength. Our main result is the dependence of the Luttinger parameter on the density within the stable regime. Going from one dimension to quasi-one dimension, keeping the linear density constant, produces a systematic increase of the Luttinger parameter. This increase is, however, not enough to reach the superfluid regime and the system always remain in the quasicrystal regime, according to Luttinger liquid theory.Postprint (author's final draft

Specific binding of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2A insecticidal proteins to a common site in the midgut of Helicoverpa species

For a long time, it has been assumed that the mode of action of Cry2A toxins was unique and different from that of other three-domain Cry toxins due to their apparent nonspecific and unsaturable binding to an unlimited number of receptors. However, based on the homology of the tertiary structure among three-domain Cry toxins, similar modes of action for all of them are expected. To confirm this hypothesis, binding assays were carried out with 125 I-labeled Cry2Ab. Saturation assays showed that Cry2Ab binds in a specific and saturable manner to brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) of Helicoverpa armigera. Homologous-competition assays with 125 I-Cry2Ab demonstrated that this toxin binds with high affinity to binding sites in H. armigera and Helicoverpa zea midgut. Heterologous-competition assays showed a common binding site for three toxins belonging to the Cry2A family (Cry2Aa, Cry2Ab, and Cry2Ae), which is not shared by Cry1Ac. Estimation of Kd (dissociation constant) values revealed that Cry2Ab had around 35-fold less affinity than Cry1Ac for BBMV binding sites in both insect species. Only minor differences were found regarding Rt (concentration of binding sites) values. This study questions previous interpretations from other authors performing binding assays with Cry2A toxins and establishes the basis for the mode of action of Cry2A toxins

GM2-GM3 gangliosides ratio is dependent on GRP94 through down-regulation of GM2-AP cofactor in brain metastasis cells

GRP94 is an ATP-dependent chaperone able to regulate pro-oncogenic signaling pathways. Previous studies have shown a critical role of GRP94 in brain metastasis (BrM) pathogenesis and progression. In this work, an untargeted lipidomic analysis revealed that some lipid species were altered in GRP94-deficient cells, specially GM2 and GM3 gangliosides. The catalytic pathway of GM2 is affected by the low enzymatic activity of beta-Hexosaminidase (HexA), responsible for the hydrolysis of GM2 to GM3. Moreover, a deficiency of the GM2-activator protein (GM2-AP), the cofactor of HexA, is observed without alteration of gene expression, indicating a post-transcriptional alteration of GM2-AP in the GRP94-ablated cells. One plausible explanation of these observations is that GM2-AP is a client of GRP94, resulting in defective GM2 catabolic processing and lysosomal accumulation of GM2 in GRP94-ablated cells. Overall, given the role of gangliosides in cell surface dynamics and signaling, their imbalance might be linked to modifications of cell behaviour acquired in BrM progression. This work indicates that GM2-AP could be an important factor in ganglioside balance maintenance. These findings highlight the relevance of GM3 and GM2 gangliosides in BrM and reveal GM2-AP as a promising diagnosis and therapeutic target in BrM research

Avaluació de les característiques fenòliques i cromàtiques de la varietat trepat

Entre les característiques que defineixen un vi de qualitat, el color i més concretament la composició fenòlica constitueixen un factor determinant a tenir en compte en el moment de qualificar un vi. Els compostos fenòlics confereixen al vi una especificitat que està relacionada no tan sols amb les seves característiques cromàtiques, sinó també amb les seves característiques organolèptiques i la composició química. A l'INCAVI i en col·laboració amb diferents consells reguladors de denominacions d'origen (DO) catalanes, entre ells el de la DO Conca de Barberà, s'està duent a terme un projecte per tal de caracteritzar i tipificar des d'un punt de vista fenòlic els vins de cada zona. En aquesta comunicació es presenten alguns dels resultats obtinguts per als vins rosats de la Conca de Barberà elaborats amb la varietat trepat.Entre las características que definen un vino de calidad, el color y más concretamente la composición fenólica constituyen un factor determinante a tener en cuenta en el momento de la calificación de los vinos. Los compuestos fenólicos confieren al vino una especificidad que está relacionada no sólo con sus características cromáticas, sino también con sus características organolépticas y la composición química. En el INCAVI y en colaboración con diversos consejos reguladores de denominaciones de origen catalanas, entre ellos el de la DO Conca de Barberà, se está llevando a cabo un proyecto con la finalidad de caracterizar y tipificar desde un punto de vista fenólico los vinos de cada zona. En esta comunicación se resentan algunos de los resultados obtenidos para los vinos rosados de la Conca de Barberà elaborados con la variedad trepat

Family process and systemic questions: new ways of family intervention in primary health care

In the context of practices supported by the Dynamic Model for Family Assessment and Intervention (MDAIF) the assessment of this model impact suggested the deepening of “Family Process”. Systemic issues (circular and reflexive), will allow the expansion of the reflection capacity of each familymember about themselves, about others, about family history. This study a im is to identify systemic issues of intervention used by Primary Health Care nurses regarding dysfunctional family process. Methods: Qualitative study, using Focus Group as a methodological approach with nurses from health centers in the province of Tarragona–Spain, developed in 2014. For the focus group was placed the starting issue: W hat kind of systemic questions the nurses mobilize when exist one family process alteration? After obtaining informed consent, the data were submitted to content analysis, co-existing deductive and inductive procedures, supported by the matrix of analysis propose in the MDAIF. Results: No differences were identified in the intervention strategies used by nurses in the context of family communication and coping. Regarding interactions in family roles it is highlighted the mobilization of family system resources “...explain them who can help... to whom can they ask for help, right?..” E3: “How do you think you’d be better (...) will pass the decision to them...” E8. Intervention proposals emerged related to systemic issues particularly in the area of interaction of roles and dynamic relationship, which reflect a systemic view of family unit. Conclusions: Reflections on interactional practices with family, while nursing care customer, based in MDAIF allowed the development of new conceptions of family health nursing. Concerning general interventions proposed associated to “dysfunctional family process” diagnosis, the integration of new action typologies, supported by systemic issues, will maximize the health potential of fami lies by the opportunity to co-construct new stories and interactionsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Literacia dos profissionais de saúde em segurança dos cuidados e impacto da implementação do “Multiprofissional Guide”

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Amelioration of BPSD-like phenotype and cognitive decline in SAMP8 mice model accompanied by molecular changes after treatment with I2-imidazoline receptor ligand MCR5

Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), including fear-anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour, are present in Alzheimer's disease (AD), together with memory decline. I2-imidazoline receptors (I2-IRs) have been associated with neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, further, I2-IR ligands have demonstrated a neuroprotective role in the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we assessed the effect of the I2-IR ligand MCR5 on both cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms in the Senescence accelerated mice prone 8 (SAMP8) mouse model. Oral administration of I2-IR ligand MCR5 (5mg/kg/day for four weeks) in 10-month SAMP8 mice ameliorated both BPSD-like phenotype and cognitive decline by attenuating depressive-like behaviour, reducing fear-anxiety-like behaviour and improving cognitive performance using different tasks. Interaction of I2-IR ligand MCR5 with serotoninergic system did not account for behavioral or cognitive improvement, although changes in molecular pathways underlying depression and anxiety phenotype were observed. MCR5 increased levels of p-AKT, phosphorylated Glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β) at Ser9 and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) levels in SAMP8 treated mice compared to SAMP8 control. Moreover, MCR5 treatment altered NMDA2B phosphorylation, and decreased the protein levels of phosphorylated Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 (p-CDK5) and dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of Mr 32 kDa phosphorylated at Thr75 (p-DARPP32), with a parallel increase in PKA and p-CREB levels. Consistent with these changes MCR5 attenuated neuroinflammation by decreasing expression of pro-inflammatory markers such as Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Tnf-α), Interleukin 1β (Il-1β), Interleukin 6 (Il-6), and promoted synaptic plasticity by increasing levels of Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) as well as ameliorating Tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) and Nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) signalling. Collectively, these results increase the potential of highly selective I2-IR ligands as therapeutic agents in age-related BPSD and cognitive alterations

G protein-coupled receptor-effector macromolecular membrane assemblies (GEMMAs)

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest group of receptors involved in cellular signaling across the plasma membrane and a major class of drug targets. The canonical model for GPCR signaling involves three components the GPCR, a heterotrimeric G protein and a proximal plasma membrane effector that have been generally thought to be freely mobile molecules able to interact by 'collision coupling'. Here, we synthesize evidence that supports the existence of GPCR-effector macromolecular membrane assemblies (GEMMAs) comprised of specific GPCRs, G proteins, plasma membrane effector molecules and other associated transmembrane proteins that are pre-assembled prior to receptor activation by agonists, which then leads to subsequent rearrangement of the GEMMA components. The GEMMA concept offers an alternative and complementary model to the canonical collision-coupling model, allowing more efficient interactions between specific signaling components, as well as the integration of the concept of GPCR oligomerization as well as GPCR interactions with orphan receptors, truncated GPCRs and other membrane-localized GPCR-associated proteins. Collision-coupling and pre-assembled mechanisms are not exclusive and likely both operate in the cell, providing a spectrum of signaling modalities which explains the differential properties of a multitude of GPCRs in their different cellular environments. Here, we explore the unique pharmacological characteristics of individual GEMMAs, which could provide new opportunities to therapeutically modulate GPCR signaling

Reduced bone mass in 7-year-old children with asymptomatic idiopathic hypercalciuria

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Idiopathic hypercalciuria (IHC), i.e. an elevated urinary calcium excretion without concomitant hypercalcemia, is a common disorder in children and can have a range of urinary clinical presentations and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Aim:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; To assess the effect of IHC on bone mineral content in children without urological symptoms. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Calcium excretion, BMD (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and anthropometry were assessed in 175 seven-year-old children who were classified as IHC or controls. Calcium intake and physical activity were measured as confounding factors. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The prevalence of IHC was 17.7%. Both groups (controls and IHC) showed similar baseline characteristics in terms of their anthropometry, gender distribution, and protein and calcium dietary intakes as well as physical activity scores. Urinary calciuria was independent of the calcium dietary intake and anthropometry. BMD correlated with anthropometry and physical activity but not with calcium dietary intake. IHC children had lower whole-body BMD z-scores compared to controls. The role of IHC in reducing the whole-body BMD z-score was still significant even when anthropometry, physical activity, and calcium intake were included as confounders in multivariate analyses. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The prevalence of IHC in this population of 7-year-old children was about 17%. IHC diagnosis was associated with lower BMD z-scores and osteopenia in 22% of them.</jats:p