Vinculación universidad-sector productivo a través del proceso de transferencia tecnológica

The fundamental purpose of this study is to determine the connection between the university and the productive sector by reinforcing technological transfer between public universities and the productive sector on the Eastern Coast of Lake Maracaibo (ECL – COL, acronym in Spanish) in Zulia (Venezuela). Since this was a descriptive, field- type investigation, it required two universes for study, the first related to public universities on the COL and the second, related to companies that manufacture capital goods for the oil sector on the COL. The methodology developed was based in a bibliographic review and observation using surveys, applying questionnaires as research instruments directed to the two universes, which had validity in both content and construct according to results using the Cronbach Alpha method. For statistical analysis, calculations of the frequency (Fr) and percentages (%) of the questions were used. The results showed weak technological transfer between the universities and the productive sector on the COL.La presente investigación tiene como propósito fundamental, determinar la vinculación Universidad - sector productivo a través del fortalecimiento de la transferencia tecnológica entre las universidades públicas y el sector productivo de la Costa Oriental del Lago de Maracaibo (COL) del estado Zulia (Venezuela). Siendo una investigación de tipo descriptiva, de campo, requirió de dos universos de estudios, el primero relacionado con las universidades públicas de la COL y el segundo relacionado con las empresas manufactureras de bienes de capital del sector petrolero de la COL. La metodología desarrollada se fundamentó en la revisión bibliográfica y en la técnica de observación mediante encuestas, aplicando el cuestionario como instrumento de investigación dirigido a los dos universos, los cuales tienen validez de contenido y de constructo de acuerdo a los resultados del método Alfa de Cronbach. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el cálculo de frecuencias (Fr) y porcentajes (%) de las respuestas. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian débil transferencia tecnológica entre las universidades y el sector productivo de la COL

Is Deep Sea Cold Water Corals distribution constrained by CO2 distinct signatures?

conferenceObjectThe MEDWAVESThe MEDWAVES (MEDiterranean out flow WAter and Vulnerable EcosystemS) cruise was developed in the framework of the ATLAS project, with the main objective of determining areas under the influence of the Mediterranean Overflow Water within the Mediterranean and Atlantic areas. MEDWAVES cruise (LEG 1: Cadiz – Punta Delgada and LEG 2: Punta Delgada – Málaga) was completed between September-October 2016 on board the Spanish R/V Sarmiento de Gamboa. Within the specific aim of evaluating the biogeochemichal role of the Mediterranean Water, over and around the Formigas, Ormonde and Seco de los Olivos seamounts, and the Gazul Mud volcano, some CO2 system variables were measured on board (pH, total alkalinity and carbonate ion concentration) together with dissolved oxygen samples. The chemistry of the CO2 in the Mediterranean Sea is very particular, characterised by warm, salty and high alkalinity waters [1]. The Mediterranean Water goes into the Atlantic Ocean through the strait of Gibraltar, being clearly identified as the most saline water of the water column located at approximately 1000 dbar [2]. Apart from the water mass characteristic, other properties and organism characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea are spilt into the Atlantic. According to the objectives of MEDWAVES cruise and taking into account the fine scale sampling made over the 400m above the bottom, we will characterise the CO2 system of the four different areas, trying to distinguish the signature of the Mediterranean Water in each seamount. The presence of depth cold water coral in those seamounts is poorly known and we would like to connect those of Mediterranean Sea with those of the continental shelf of Portugal, the Azores and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with the CO2 variables. Hence, a second step will be to evaluate the connexion between the cold water corals and the CO2 system

Ocean Circulation over Formigas and Ormonde Seamounts

Seamounts constitute an obstacle to the free ocean flow, modifying the patter of circulation. As a result of these alterations, a variety of hydrodynamical processes and phenomena may take place in seamounts, among others, Taylor columns/caps. These oceanographic effects may turn seamounts into very productive ecosystems with high biodiversity. Under these conditions seamounts provide a particularly good environment for the settle of some organisms, acting as stepping stones and contributing to its dispersal. In this study, we verify if these oceanographic effects explain the presence of cold-water corals of Mediterranean origin in the Atlantic. To achieve this, three seamounts in the path of the Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) through the Eastern North Atlantic were selected: the Gazul mud volcano, and the Ormonde and Formigas seamounts. In order to determine the hydrographic and dynamical conditions in each one of the three locations, CTD, LADPC and biochemical observations were carried out. Taylor columns were not observed in any of the three sampled areas. Although we found suggestions of upwelling/downwelling systems, their effect was barely noticed in the circulation pattern. The oceanographic processes in those areas are more influenced by the vertical distribution of water masses, which determine the stability of the water column. Moreover, the high values of the Brunt-Väisälä frequency around the MOW halocline can lead to the formation of internal waves. These perturbations in the water column can enhance the vertical mixing, producing suspension, which, in turn, could affect the vertical distribution of cold-water corals

Tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]Pyrimidine-3-Carboxamide and N-Benzyl-6′,7′-Dihydrospiro[Piperidine-4,4′-Thieno[3,2-c]Pyran] analogues with bactericidal efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis targeting MmpL3

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a major human pathogen and the causative agent for the pulmonary disease, tuberculosis (TB). Current treatment programs to combat TB are under threat due to the emergence of multi-drug and extensively-drug resistant TB. As part of our efforts towards the discovery of new anti-tubercular leads, a number of potent tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-3-ca​rboxamide(THPP) and N-benzyl-6′,7′-dihydrospiro[piperidine-4,​4′-thieno[3,2-c]pyran](Spiro) analogues were recently identified against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG through a high-throughput whole-cell screening campaign. Herein, we describe the attractive in vitro and in vivo anti-tubercular profiles of both lead series. The generation of M. tuberculosis spontaneous mutants and subsequent whole genome sequencing of several resistant mutants identified single mutations in the essential mmpL3 gene. This ‘genetic phenotype’ was further confirmed by a ‘chemical phenotype’, whereby M. bovis BCG treated with both the THPP and Spiro series resulted in the accumulation of trehalose monomycolate. In vivo efficacy evaluation of two optimized THPP and Spiro leads showed how the compounds were able to reduce >2 logs bacterial cfu counts in the lungs of infected mice

Varicella zoster virus glycoprotein C increases chemokine-mediated leukocyte migration

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a highly prevalent human pathogen that establishes latency in neurons of the peripheral nervous system. Primary infection causes varicella whereas reactivation results in zoster, which is often followed by chronic pain in adults. Following infection of epithelial cells in the respiratory tract, VZV spreads within the host by hijacking leukocytes, including T cells, in the tonsils and other regional lymph nodes, and modifying their activity. In spite of its importance in pathogenesis, the mechanism of dissemination remains poorly understood. Here we addressed the influence of VZV on leukocyte migration and found that the purified recombinant soluble ectodomain of VZV glycoprotein C (rSgC) binds chemokines with high affinity. Functional experiments show that VZV rSgC potentiates chemokine activity, enhancing the migration of monocyte and T cell lines and, most importantly, human tonsillar leukocytes at low chemokine concentrations. Binding and potentiation of chemokine activity occurs through the C-terminal part of gC ectodomain, containing predicted immunoglobulin-like domains. The mechanism of action of VZV rSgC requires interaction with the chemokine and signalling through the chemokine receptor. Finally, we show that VZV viral particles enhance chemokine-dependent T cell migration and that gC is partially required for this activity. We propose that VZV gC activity facilitates the recruitment and subsequent infection of leukocytes and thereby enhances VZ

EHA evaluation of the ESMO—Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale version 1.1 (ESMO-MCBS v1.1) for haematological malignancies

Objective: Value frameworks in oncology have not been validated for the assessment of treatments in haematological malignancies, but to avoid overlaps and duplications it appears reasonable to build up experience on existing value frameworks, such as the European Society for Medical Oncology—Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS). Methods: Here we present the results of the first feasibility testing of the ESMO-MCBS v1.1 for haematological malignancies based on the grading of 80 contemporary studies for acute leukaemia, chronic leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes. The aims were (1) to evaluate the scorability of data, (2) to evaluate the reasonableness of the generated grades for clinical benefit using the current version and (3) to identify shortcomings in the ESMO-MCBS v1.1 that require amendments to improve the efficacy and validity of the scale in grading new treatments in the management of haematological malignancies. Results: In general, the ESMO-MCBS v1.1 was found to be widely applicable to studies in haematological malignancies, generating scores that were judged as reasonable by European Hematology Association (EHA) experts. A small number of studies could either not be graded or were not appropriately graded. The reasons, related to the differences between haematological and solid tumour malignancies, are identified and described. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, ESMO and EHA are committed to develop a version of the ESMO-MCBS that is validated for haematological malignancies. This development process will incorporate all of the usual stringencies for accountability of reasonableness that have characterised the development of the ESMO-MCBS including field testing, statistical modelling, evaluation for reasonableness and openness to appeal and revision. Applying such a scale will support future public policy decision-making regarding the value of new treatments for haematological malignancies and will provide insights that could be helpful in the design of future clinical trials

Sterile neutrino portal to Dark Matter I: the U(1) B−L case

In this paper we explore the possibility that the sterile neutrino and Dark Matter sectors in the Universe have a common origin. We study the consequences of this assumption in the simple case of coupling the dark sector to the Standard Model via a global U(1)B−L, broken down spontaneously by a dark scalar. This dark scalar provides masses to the dark fermions and communicates with the Higgs via a Higgs portal coupling. We find an interesting interplay between Dark Matter annihilation to dark scalars — the CP-even that mixes with the Higgs and the CP-odd which becomes a Goldstone boson, the Majoron — and heavy neutrinos, as well as collider probes via the coupling to the Higgs. Moreover, Dark Matter annihilation into sterile neutrinos and its subsequent decay to gauge bosons and quarks, charged leptons or neutrinos lead to indirect detection signatures which are close to current bounds on the gamma ray flux from the galactic center and dwarf galaxies

Role of PTPN22 and CSK gene polymorphisms as predictors of susceptibility and clinical heterogeneity in patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (IgA vasculitis)

INTRODUCTION: To determine whether the PTPN22 (protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor 22)/CSK (c-src tyrosine kinase) pathway is implicated in the susceptibility and clinical heterogeneity of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in the largest series of Caucasian HSP patients ever assessed for genetic studies. METHODS: A set of 329 Spanish patients diagnosed with HSP fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology and the Michel et al. classification criteria and 515 sex and ethnically matched controls were recruited in this study. Two well-known CSK (CSK rs34933034 and CSK rs1378942) and two functional PTPN22 (PTPN22 rs2476601 (R620W) and PTPN22 rs33996649 (R263Q)) polymorphisms, previously associated with autoimmunity, were genotyped with TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays. RESULTS: No significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between HSP patients and controls were observed when the CSK rs34933034, CSK rs1378942, PTPN22 rs2476601 (R620W) and PTPN22 rs33996649 (R263Q) polymorphisms were analyzed independently. In keeping with this observation, no significant differences were found when we assessed these polymorphisms combined conforming haplotypes. In addition, there were no differences in the allele or genotype frequencies when HSP patients were stratified according the age at disease onset, sex, presence of arthralgia/arthritis, nephritis or gastrointestinal manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not support association between PTPN22/CSK and HSP

Introducing high-throughput sequencing into mainstream genetic diagnosis practice in inherited platelet disorders

Inherited platelet disorders are a heterogeneous group of rare diseases, caused by inherited defects in platelet production and/or function. Their genetic diagnosis would benefit clinical care, prognosis and preventative treatments. Until recently, this diagnosis has usually been performed via Sanger sequencing of a limited number of candidate genes. High-throughput sequencing is revolutionizing the genetic diagnosis of diseases, including bleeding disorders. We have designed a novel high-throughput sequencing platform to investigate the unknown molecular pathology in a cohort of 82 patients with inherited platelet disorders. Thirty-four (41.5%) patients presented with a phenotype strongly indicative of a particular type of platelet disorder. The other patients had clinical bleeding indicative of platelet dysfunction, but with no identifiable features. The high-throughput sequencing test enabled a molecular diagnosis in 70% of these patients. This sensitivity increased to 90% among patients suspected of having a defined platelet disorder. We found 57 different candidate variants in 28 genes, of which 70% had not previously been described. Following consensus guidelines, we qualified 68.4% and 26.3% of the candidate variants as being pathogenic and likely pathogenic, respectively. In addition to establishing definitive diagnoses of well-known inherited platelet disorders, high-throughput sequencing also identified rarer disorders such as sitosterolemia, filamin and actinin deficiencies, and G protein-coupled receptor defects. This included disease-causing variants in DIAPH1 (n=2) and RASGRP2 (n=3). Our study reinforces the feasibility of introducing high-throughput sequencing technology into the mainstream laboratory for the genetic diagnostic practice in inherited platelet disorders.This study was supported by research grants from the Gerencia Regional de Salud (GRS 1370/A/16), ISCIII & Feder (PI14/01956), CIBERER CB15/00055, Fundación Séneca (19873/GERM/15) and Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia (SETH). SPW holds a British Heart Foundation chair.Peer Reviewe

Cruise Summary Report - MEDWAVES survey. MEDiterranean out flow WAter and Vulnerable EcosystemS (MEDWAVES)

The MEDWAVES (MEDiterranean out flow WAter and Vulnerable EcosystemS) cruise targeted areas under the potential influence of the MOW within the Mediterranean and Atlantic realms. These include seamounts where Cold-water corals (CWCs) have been reported but that are still poorly known, and which may act as essential “stepping stones” connecting fauna of seamounts in the Mediterranean with those of the continental shelf of Portugal, the Azores and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. During MEDWAVES sampling has been conducted in two of the case studies of ATLAS: Case study 7 (Gulf of Cádiz-Strait of Gibraltar-Alboran Sea) and Case study 8 (Azores). The initially targeted areas in the Atlantic were: the Gazul Mud volcano, in the Gulf of Cádiz (GoC) area, included in the case study 7, and the Atlantic seamounts Ormonde (Portuguese shelf) and Formigas (by Azores), both part of the case study 8. In the Mediterranean the targeted areas were The Guadiaro submarine canyon and the Seco de los Olivos (also known as Chella Bank) seamount. Unfortunately it was not possible to sample in Guadiaro due to time constraints originated by adverse meteorological conditions which obligate us to reduce the time at sea focusing only in 4 of the 5 initially planned areas. MEDWAVES was structured in two legs; the first leg took place from the 21st September (departure from Cádiz harbour in Spain) to the 13th October 2016 (arrival in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal took place the 8th of October due to the meteorological conditions that obligated to conclude the first leg earlier as planned). during the Leg 1 sampling was carried out in Gazul, Ormonde and Formigas. The second leg started the 14th October (departure from Ponta Delgada) and finished the 26th October (arrival in Málaga harbour, Spain). MEDWAVES had a total of 30 effective sampling days, being 6 days not operative due to the adverse meteorological conditions experienced during the first leg which forced us to stay in Ponta Delgada from the 08th to the 13th October. During MEDWAVES the daily routine followed a similar scheme, depending of course on the weather and sea conditions. The main activity during the day, starting early in the morning (around 08:00 AM, once the night activities were finished), was the ROV deployment. Generally a single ROV dive of around 8 hours was performed, however in several occasions two dives were carried out in the same day (see General station list, Appendix II). After the ROV (and sometimes between two dives) the Box Corer and/or Van Veen Grab and/or Multicore was deployed. After these activities, during the night CTD-Rosette deployments and MB was conducted. Accordingly to this schema the scientific personnel worked in the day or in the night watch. A total of 215 sampling stations have been covered in MEDWAVES, using the following sampling gears: Multibeam echosounder, CTD-Rosette, LADCP, Box Corer, Van Veen Grab, Multicorer and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Table 1 sumamrised the number of sampling stations conducted with each gear in each sampling zone. Additionally MB surveys have been conducted during the transits between area