Aspectos inmunogenéticos del HLA-G en el aborto de primer trimestre

El objetivo del presente proyecto de tesis doctoral es investigar las moléculas del HLA-G y HLA-E desde el punto de vista inmunogenético en las detenciones espontáneas del embarazo en el primer trimestre de la gestación, puesto que ambos antígenos de histocompatibilidad, según la literatura, tienen un papel fundamental en el establecimiento de la tolerancia materno-fetal y en el mantenimiento del embarazo. Realizan funciones tan importantes como la inmunosupresión de células inmunes maternas para que el feto sea capaz de escapar del ataque del sistema inmunológico materno. Para la determinación de este objetivo utilizamos muestras de cariotipo embrionario normal, donde se desconoce la causa que llevó a la pérdida de la gestación y utilizamos como grupo de referencia las detenciones espontáneas del embarazo donde se obtiene un cariotipo embrionario anormal, suponiendo que en estos casos la causa del aborto es la anomalía cromosómica. Utilizamos también una novedosa técnica de recogida de muestras como es la histeroembrioscopia, donde la obtención del tejido se realiza de una forma pura y con la mínima contaminación materna posible, dando una mayor fiabilidad al cariotipo fetal. Por un lado quisimos determinar la distribución de determinados polimorfismos del HLA-G en nuestra población de estudio, así como la presencia o ausencia de un determinado polimorfismo en muestras de trofoblasto embrionario de pacientes con abortos espontáneos de primer trimestre de cariotipo normal y compararla con los polimorfismos de las pacientes con embarazos de cariotipo anormal. Además, puesto que se cree que es poco probable que un único polimorfismo sea capaz de producir la pérdida de la gestación, realizamos la agrupación de los diferentes polimorfismos encontrados en haplotipos con el objetivo de evaluar la distribución en nuestra población de estudio y compararla con nuestro grupo de referencia. No encontramos diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos de comparación en los distintos aspectos analizados. También, quisimos evaluar el patrón e intensidad de expresión de los antígenos de histocompatibilidad HLA-G y HLA-E en distintos tejidos como trofoblasto embrionario, líquido amniótico y sobrenadantes de medios de cultivo de trofoblasto procedentes de gestaciones detenidas de cariotipo normal y los resultados fueron comparados con los de las muestras de cariotipo anormal. No encontramos diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos de comparación en los distintos aspectos analizados. Por último, quisimos determinar la relación entre los polimorfismos analizados en la región genética del HLA-G, asociados previamente en otros estudios a la alteración de la expresión de HLA-G, así como los haplotipos generados mediante dichos polimorfismos, y la expresión proteica de esta molécula de sistema inmune en la superficie celular del trofoblasto embrionario, para intentar evaluar la influencia que un determinado polimorfismo o un haplotipo puede tener sobre la secreción proteica. No se encontró ninguna asociación entre los polimorfismos del HLA-G y la alteración de su expresión proteica. Así como no se encontró ninguna asociación entre los haplotipos generados conforme a los polimorfismos del HLA-G y la alteración de su expresión proteica.The aim of the present project of doctoral thesis is to investigate the molecules of the HLA-G and HLA-E from the point of view immunogenetic in the spontaneous detentions of the pregnancy in the first trimester of the gestation, since both antigens of histocompatibility, according to the literature, have a fundamental role in the establishment of the mother - foetal tolerance and in the maintenance of the pregnancy. They realize functions as important as the immunosuppression of immune mother cells in order that the fetus is capable of escaping of the assault/attack of the immunological mother system. For this aim we use samples of karyotype embryonic normally, where there is not known the reason that led to the loss of the gestation and we use as group of reference the spontaneous detentions of the pregnancy where there is obtained an embryonic abnormal karyotype, supposing that in these cases the reason of the abortion is the chromosomal anomaly. We use also a new technology of samples collection since it is the hysteroembrioscopic, where the obtaining of the sample is realized of a pure form and with the minimal possible mother pollution, giving a major reliability to the foetal karyotype. On the one hand we wanted to determine the distribution of determined polymorphisms of the HLA-G in our population of study, as well as the presence or absence of a certain polymorphism in samples of trophoblast embryonic of patients with spontaneous abortions of the first trimester of normal karyotype and to compare it with the polymorphisms of the patients with pregnancies of abnormal karyotype. In addition, since it is believed that it is slightly probable that an only polymorphism is capable of producing the loss of the gestation, we grouping different polymorphisms in haplotypes with the aim to evaluate the distribution in our population of study and to compare it with our group of reference. We don`t found significant differences between both groups of comparison in the different analyzed aspects. Also, we wanted to evaluate the presence and intensity of expression of the antigens of histocompatibility HLA-G and HLA-E in different types of samples as trophoblast embryonic, amniotic fluid and supernatant of culture medium of trophoblast proceeding from arrested gestations of normal karyotype and the results were compared with those of the samples of abnormal karyotype. We don`t found significant differences between both groups of comparison in the different analyzed aspects. Finally, we wanted to determine the relation between the polymorphisms analyzed in the genetic region of the HLA-G, associated before in other studies to the alteration of the expression of HLA-G, as well as the haplotypes generated by means of founded polymorphisms, and the expression of this molecule of immune system in the cellular surface of the embryonic trophoblast. That is to said, we wanted to evaluate the influence that a certain polymorphism or haplotypes can have on the superficial molecular secretion. We didn´t find any association between the polymorphisms of the HLA-G and the alteration of his expression. As well as didn´t find any association between the haplotypes generated according to the polymorphisms of the HLA-G and the alteration of his expression

Hydrogenation of furfural over supported Pd catalysts

Lignocellulosic biomass is the most abundant and economical non-fossil carbon source. Furthermore, it is not competitive with the food chain, coming from lignocellulosic wastes including agricultural and food processing, local urban solid and forestry wastes. However, these are made up of complex carbohydrates (mainly, cellulose and hemicellulose), which require to be broken down in their respective monomers. The hemicellulose is mainly composed of pentosans, which, after an initial hydrolysis step, are dehydrated to furfural. Furfural is an important platform molecule, since it has a wide range of applications, being considered the main chemical, aside from bioethanol, obtained from the sugar platform for the synthesis of chemicals, for plastics, agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. In the present work, the hydrogenation of furfural in gas phase has been studied by using Pd as active phase, and different metal oxides as support, in order to elucidate the influence of the support on the catalytic performance. Furfural can be converted into chemicals with important applications in many different industrial fields. Thus, reduction of furfural can proceed through different pathways depending on the experimental conditions, where the nature of the catalysts plays a key role. In the case of Pd-based catalysts, the main products come from the decarbonylation of furfural.The catalytic results reveals that the nature of the support exerts an important influence on furfural conversion and yield. The highest conversion (92% after 5 h of TOS at 463 K) was attained with a Pd-SiO2 catalyst, with a furan yield of 70 mol%. This catalyst is the most selective to furan and a moderate deactivation is only observed after 5 h reaction. The catalytic performance demonstrates that decarbonylation reaction was the main pathway, although the formation of furfuryl alcohol and 2-methylfuran also suggests that the hydrogenation of the carbonyl group of furfural takes place.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

Nuevos datos sobre la presencia de Coronopus navasii (Brassicaceae) en el Sistema Ibérico

New data concerning the presence of Coronopus navasii (Brassicaceae) in the Iberian System. Information on two new localities of Coronopus navasii Pau found in the Iberian System is provided. The conservation status of the species in this geographical area is discussed in the light of the last field work

Enrofloxacin-based therapeutic strategy for the prevention of endometritis in susceptible mares

Enrofloxacin (EFX) is often used empirically to prevent uterine infections in mares in order to improve efficiency on Commercial Embryo Transfer Farms. This study investigated the uterine distribution of EFX and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CFX) in mares and assessed the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of EFX against various common pathogens as a basis for establishing a rational dosing schedule. Plasma and uterine pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were performed in two groups (n = 5) of healthy mares following intravenous (i.v.) administration of EFX at either 2.5 and at 5 mg/kg bodyweight. Plasma and endometrial tissue samples, taken before for up to 48 h after treatment were analysed by Reverse Phase HPLC. MIC values for wild strains of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (β-haemolytic streptococci) ranged from 0.25-2 and 1.5-3.0 μg/mL respectively. In terms of tissue distribution, the sum of the endometrial concentrations of the parent drug (EFX) and its active metabolite (CFX) (in terms of AUC), exceeded those in plasma by 249% and 941% following administration of EFX at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg respectively. After i.v. treatment with EFX at 5 mg/kg, endometrial concentrations of EFX and CFX above the MIC value were detected for 36-48 and 22-43 h posttreatment for Gram-negative and -positive isolates respectively. Concentrations above MIC were maintained for much shorter periods at the lower (2.5 mg/kg) treatment dose. Based on these results, a conventional dose (5 mg/kg) of EFX given prebreeding followed by two further doses at 36-48 h postbreeding are proposed as a rational strategy for using of EFX as a preventative therapy against a variety of common bacterial strains associated with equine endometritis.Fil: González, C. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Farmacología; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, L.. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Fisiopatología. Laboratorio de Farmacología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Fumuso, E..Fil: García, J..Fil: Rivulgo, M..Fil: Confalonieri, A..Fil: Sparo, M..Fil: Sánchez Bruni, S.

Investigation of Cinnamic Acid Derivatives as Alternative Plasticizers for Improved Ductility of Polyvinyl Chloride Films

[EN] This study investigates the viability of cinnamic acid derivatives as alternative plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films by addressing concerns about conventional phthalate-based options that pose health and environmental risks. By theoretical modeling, this research evaluates the compatibility between various cinnamic acid-based plasticizers and the PVC matrix, which suggests their potential effectiveness. Additionally, the incorporation of these plasticizers notably enhances the tensile properties of PVC films, particularly in terms of ductility and elongation at break by surpassing the neat PVC. Moreover, cinnamic acid-based plasticizers induce a drop in the glass transition temperature and storage modulus by, thereby, enhancing flexibility and reducing brittleness in the material. Although a slight reduction in the onset degradation temperature is observed, it does not impede the industrial processing of PVC plastisols at temperatures up to 190 °C. Optically, plasticized films exhibit high transparency with minimal UV and visible light absorption, which renders them suitable for applications necessitating clarity. The water vapor transmission rate analysis indicates increased permeability, influenced by molecular volumes. Atomic force microscopy reveals a compacted, homogeneous surface structure in most plasticized films, which signifies improved film quality. Thus, utilizing cinnamic acid derivatives as PVC plasticizers offers substantial mechanical and structural benefits, while compatibility ensures effective integration by contributing to environmentally sustainable PVC formulations with enhanced performance.This research is a part of the grant PID2020-116496RB-C22, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the grant TED2021-131762A-I00, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the European Union ¿NextGenerationEU¿/PRTR. Authors also thank Generalitat Valenciana¿GVA for funding this research through grant numbers AICO/2021/025 and CIGE/2021/094.Barandiaran, A.; Montanes, N.; Sanchez-Nacher, L.; Balart, R.; Sellés, M.; Moreno-García, V. (2023). Investigation of Cinnamic Acid Derivatives as Alternative Plasticizers for Improved Ductility of Polyvinyl Chloride Films. Polymers. 15(21). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214265152

Forecasting the circum-Mediterranean firs (Abies spp., Pinaceae) distribution: an assessment of a threatened conifers’ group facing climate change in the twenty-first century

This study examines 10 different taxa within the genus Abies identified in the circum-Mediterranean area: A. alba, A. borisii-regis, A. cephalonica, A. cilicica, A. nebrodensis, A. nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani, A. nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana, A. numidica, A. pinsapo var. marocana and A. pinsapo var. pinsapo. We assess the potential distribution of these species in the Mediterranean Basin, most of Central-Northern Europe and Asia Minor through analysis of 8 bioclimatic variables. First, the potential distribution (suitability area) was calculated with Biomod2 package for R using 10 algorithms. Models were ensembled for the present period and then projected into two climate change scenarios (an intermediate and the most extreme) within two time slices (2041–2060 and 2081–2100) and two Global Circulation Models (GCMs). The analysis showed an increase in total suitable area under both forecasted scenarios. Abies spp. appeared to be resilient against climate change, showing a latitudinal and longitudinal migration trend in response to the loss of current habitats. A proposal of assisted migration (managed relocation) is suggested as an interesting alternative to guarantee the preservation of the most endangered species by promoting the establishment of new populations outside of their historical distribution area

Cyber-dating abuse in young adult couples: Relations with sexist attitudes and violence justification, smartphone usage and impulsivity

Technologies have become important for interaction in couples. However, in some cases, controlling and aggressive behaviors can occur in the context of virtual interactions in couples; this is known as cyber-dating abuse (CDA). Identifying factors linked to CDA, as perpetrator and victim, are relevant for its prevention; therefore, more research is needed in this novel field of study. To contribute to the literature, our first goal was to analyze the associations among certain risk factors for CDA perpetration and victimization of, i.e., sexist attitudes and violence justification, problematic smartphone usage and impulsivity; sex and age were also considered. The second goal was to study whether there were differences in direct aggression and control, from the perpetrator and victim perspectives, with consideration of the above-mentioned risk factors. Third, differences in the diverse range of control behaviors and direct aggression between women and men were explored. To this end, 697 young adults (aged between 18 and 35 years; 548 women) completed self-report questionnaires that allowed assessment of the above-mentioned variables. The results showed that, among the wide range of CDA behaviors, indirect ones such as control behaviors were the most common. The highest level of control was strongly associated with the inability to manage behaviors under certain emotional states, especially negative ones, along with problematic smartphone usage. Sex differences were also observed: men displayed more sexist attitudes and violence justification, and perceived that they were more controlled by their partners. Regarding CDA behaviors, men and women showed differences in control (e.g. men considered themselves to be more controlled in terms of location and status updates), and direct aggression (e.g. men used more insults and humiliations than women). The results were discussed in terms of the importance of better understanding these risk factors to attenuate the increasing prevalence of CDA in relationships.Instituto de Estudios Giennenses (Diputación de Jaén, España

Forecasting the circum-Mediterranean firs (Abies spp., Pinaceae) distribution: an assessment of a threatened conifers' group facing climate change in the twenty-first century

This study examines 10 different taxa within the genus Abies identified in the circum-Mediterranean area: A. alba, A. borisii-regis, A. cephalonica, A. cilicica, A. nebrodensis, A. nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani, A. nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana, A. numidica, A. pinsapo var. marocana and A. pinsapo var. pinsapo. We assess the potential distribution of these species in the Mediterranean Basin, most of Central-Northern Europe and Asia Minor through analysis of 8 bioclimatic variables. First, the potential distribution (suitability area) was calculated with Biomod2 package for R using 10 algorithms. Models were ensembled for the present period and then projected into two climate change scenarios (an intermediate and the most extreme) within two time slices (2041-2060 and 2081-2100) and two Global Circulation Models (GCMs). The analysis showed an increase in total suitable area under both forecasted scenarios. Abies spp. appeared to be resilient against climate change, showing a latitudinal and longitudinal migration trend in response to the loss of current habitats. A proposal of assisted migration (managed relocation) is suggested as an interesting alternative to guarantee the preservation of the most endangered species by promoting the establishment of new populations outside of their historical distribution area.The authors are grateful to the project financed by FEDER, Junta de Andalucía-Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento. Code: UHU-1262837. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Córdoba / CBUA

Improvement of the Ductility of Environmentally Friendly Poly(lactide) Composites with Posidonia oceanica Wastes Plasticized with an Ester of Cinnamic Acid

[EN] New composite materials were developed with poly(lactide) (PLA) and Posidonia oceanica fibers through reactive extrusion in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and subsequent injection molding. The effect of different amounts of methyl trans¿cinnamate (MTC) on the mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and wettability properties was studied. The results showed that the presence of Posidonia oceanica fibers generated disruptions in the PLA matrix, causing a decrease in the tensile mechanical properties and causing an impact on the strength due to the stress concentration phenomenon. Reactive extrusion with DCP improved the PO/PLA interaction, diminishing the gap between the fibers and the surrounding matrix, as corroborated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It was observed that 20 phr (parts by weight of the MTC, per one hundred parts by weight of the PO/PLA composite) led to a noticeable plasticizing effect, significantly increasing the elongation at break from 7.1% of neat PLA to 31.1%, which means an improvement of 338%. A considerable decrease in the glass transition temperature, from 61.1 °C of neat PLA to 41.6 °C, was also observed. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a loss of thermal stability of the plasticized composites, mainly due to the volatility of the cinnamate ester, leading to a decrease in the onset degradation temperature above 10 phr MTC.This research is a part of the grant PID2020-116496RB-C22 and TED2021-131762A-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union ¿NextGenerationEU¿/PRTR¿. The authors also thank Generalitat Valenciana-GVA, grant number AICO/2021/025 and CIGE/2021/094, for supporting this work.Barandiaran, A.; Lascano-Aimacaña, DS.; Montanes, N.; Balart, R.; Sellés, M.; Moreno-García, V. (2023). Improvement of the Ductility of Environmentally Friendly Poly(lactide) Composites with Posidonia oceanica Wastes Plasticized with an Ester of Cinnamic Acid. Polymers. 15(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15234534152

Estudio de los recursos de intervención psicosocial en violencia de género en Palma de Mallorca

El trabajo realiza un análisis crítico y propone alguna recomendaciones, de cara al perfeccionamiento de los recursos disponibles en Palma de Mallorca, para la atención de las victimas de violencia de Género.Se desarrolla a partir de los métodos de cualitativos de la investigación como la entrevista, la observación participante y del análisis del contenido. Los que han hecho posible profundizar en el conocimiento de las representaciones, valoraciones y vivencias de los profesionales que laboran en los recursos investigados. Como resultado se aporta un cuerpo de indicadores que dan cuenta del estado actual de estos recursos y sus perspectivas de futur