Differential prefrontal-like deficit in children after cerebellar astrocytoma and medulloblastoma tumor

Background: This study was realized thanks to the collaboration of children and adolescents who had been resected from cerebellar tumors. The medulloblastoma group (CE+, n = 7) in addition to surgery received radiation and chemotherapy. The astrocytoma group (CE, n = 13) did not receive additional treatments. Each clinical group was compared in their executive functioning with a paired control group (n = 12). The performances of the clinical groups with respect to controls were compared considering the tumor's localization (vermis or hemisphere) and the affectation (or not) of the dentate nucleus. Executive variables were correlated with the age at surgery, the time between surgery-evaluation and the resected volume. Methods: The executive functioning was assessed by means of WCST, Complex Rey Figure, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (letter and animal categories), Digits span (WISC-R verbal scale) and Stroop test. These tests are very sensitive to dorsolateral PFC and/or to medial frontal cortex functions. The scores for the non-verbal Raven IQ were also obtained. Direct scores were corrected by age and transformed in standard scores using normative data. The neuropsychological evaluation was made at 3.25 (SD = 2.74) years from surgery in CE group and at 6.47 (SD = 2.77) in CE+ group. Results: The Medulloblastoma group showed severe executive deficit (</= 1.5 SD below normal mean) in all assessed tests, the most severe occurring in vermal patients. The Astrocytoma group also showed executive deficits in digits span, semantic fluency (animal category) and moderate to slight deficit in Stroop (word and colour) tests. In the astrocytoma group, the tumor's localization and dentate affectation showed different profile and level of impairment: moderate to slight for vermal and hemispheric patients respectively. The resected volume, age at surgery and the time between surgery-evaluation correlated with some neuropsychological executive variables. Conclusion: Results suggest a differential prefrontal-like deficit due to cerebellar lesions and/or cerebellar-frontal diaschisis, as indicate the results in astrocytoma group (without treatments), that also can be generated and/or increased by treatments in the medulloblastoma group. The need for differential rehabilitation strategies for specific clinical groups is remarked. The results are also discussed in the context of the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome.4:18; pags: 1-16 doi: 10.1186/1744-9081-4-18

Starburst radio galaxies: General properties, evolutionary histories and triggering

In this paper we discuss the results of a programme of spectral synthesis modelling of a sample of starburst radio galaxies in the context of scenarios for the triggering of the activity and the evolution of the host galaxies. New optical spectra are also presented for a subset of the objects discussed. The starburst radio galaxies - comprising ∼15-25 per cent of all powerful extragalactic radio sources - frequently show disturbed morphologies at optical wavelengths, and unusual radio structures, although their stellar masses are typical of radio galaxies as a class. In terms of the characteristic ages of their young stellar populations (YSPs), the objects can be divided into two groups: those with YSP ages tYSP≤ 0.1 Gyr, in which the radio source has been triggered quasi-simultaneously with the main starburst episode, and those with older YSP in which the radio source has been triggered or re-triggered a significant period after the starburst episode. Most of the former group are associated with a large mid- to far-IR (MFIR) continuum and [Oiii] emission-line luminosities (LIR > 1011L⊙, W), while most of the latter have lower luminosities. Combining the information on the YSP with that on the optical morphologies of the host galaxies, we deduce that the majority of the starburst radio galaxies have been triggered in galaxy mergers in which at least one of the galaxies is gas rich. However, the triggering (or re-triggering) of the radio jets can occur immediately before, around or a significant period after the final coalescence of the merging nuclei, reflecting the complex gas infall histories of the merger events. Although ∼25 per cent of starburst radio galaxies are sufficiently bright at MFIR wavelengths to be classified as ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs), we show that only the most massive ULIRGs are capable of evolving into radio galaxies. Finally, for a small subset of starburst radio galaxies in rich clusters of galaxies, cooling flows associated with the hot X-ray haloes offer a viable alternative to mergers as a trigger for the radio jet activity. Overall, our results provide further evidence that a powerful radio jet activity can be triggered via a variety of mechanisms, including different evolutionary stages of major galaxy mergers; clearly, radio-loud AGN activity is not solely associated with a particular stage of a unique type of gas accretion event. © 2011 The Authors Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society © 2011 RAS.This research has made use of the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Data base (NED) which is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Based on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the La Silla and Paranal observatories under programmes 70.B-0663(A), 71.B-0320(A), 078B-0660(A).Peer Reviewe

Organic matter sources for tidal marsh sediment over the past two millennia in the Minho River estuary (NW Iberian Peninsula)

Environmental changes during the last 2 millennia in the Minho River tidal marsh (NW Portugal-Spain border) were reconstructed. Changes in the sources of organic matter (OM) delivered to the marsh were evaluated from elemental, isotopic and molecular composition using a 1 m sediment core. Carbon isotopic composition (delta13C) and organic carbon to total nitrogen ratio (Corg/N) provided valuable information concerning the origin of the OM. These parameters indicated a major input from land plants, reaching a maximum at 1100–1200 and 1750–1850 AD. These periods match with major flood events in the NW of the Iberian Peninsula, as reported by several authors. A significant reduction in the terrestrial signature occurred at 6–4 cm (ca. 1960–1985 AD), which is contemporaneous with the construction of several major dams on the Minho River. The distribution of selected lipid biomarkers, including n-alkanes, n-fatty acids and n-alkan-2-ones and specific parameters derived from the molecular distributions, were useful for refining bulk geochemical results. Long chain n- alkanes with an odd number of carbons are indicators of soil-and vascular plant derived terrestrial OM and were dominant throughout the core. In addition, a greater contribution of plankton-derived lipids was observed in the sections corresponding to ca. 1960–1985 AD (6–4 cm) and ca. 100–200 AD (96–94 cm). Although different degradation rates for individual compounds might have partly affected biomarker assemblages, the variations could be attributed to a sharp decrease in the freshwater contribution to the Minho River Estuary (dam construction) and a possible marine highstand, respectively. In addition, several parameters suggested changes in land use (including deforestation and farming) and probably the effects of mining exploitation during the Roman occupation of the area.We acknowledge the funding by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) of Portugal for J.M. M’s PhD. Grant (SFRH/BD/45528/2008) and for the WestLog Project (PTDC/CTE-GIX/105370/2008). E.L. was awarded a Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. This is a contribution to the IGCP Project 588 and to the Geo-Q Research Unit (Aranzadi).Peer reviewe

Plant catalases as NO and H2S targets

Catalase is a powerful antioxidant metalloenzyme located in peroxisomes which also plays a central role in signaling processes under physiological and adverse situations. Whereas animals contain a single catalase gene, in plants this enzyme is encoded by a multigene family providing multiple isoenzymes whose number varies depending on the species, and their expression is regulated according to their tissue/organ distribution and the environmental conditions. This enzyme can be modulated by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) as well as by hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Catalase is the major protein undergoing Tyr-nitration [post-translational modification (PTM) promoted by RNS] during fruit ripening, but the enzyme from diverse sources is also susceptible to undergo other activity-modifying PTMs. Data on S-nitrosation and persulfidation of catalase from different plant origins are given and compared here with results from obese children where S-nitrosation of catalase occurs. The cysteine residues prone to be S-nitrosated in catalase from plants and from bovine liver have been identified. These evidences assign to peroxisomes a crucial statement in the signaling crossroads among relevant molecules (NO and H2S), since catalase is allocated in these organelles. This review depicts a scenario where the regulation of catalase through PTMs, especially S-nitrosation and persulfidation, is highlighted

Identificación inicial de genes en Babesia bigemina mediante análisis de Etiquetas de Secuencia Expresadas en el estadio intraeritrocítico del parásito

In this study, Expressed Sequence Tags (EST) were obtained and analyzed from 2208 randomly selected clones containing plasmids with cDNA inserts derived from a Babesia bigemina library. The obtained sequences were extracted and subject to Blast homology search in the Genbank databases. Sequence homology analysis resulted in the identification of 470 clones (grouped in 267 distinct clusters) which contained EST with no significant sequence identity with Babesia sp genes or other Apicomplexan parasites. Presumably, these EST would correspond either to new, unreported B. bigemina transcribed genes present in the erythrocyte stages of the parasite, or to non-translated sequences of the putative genes. 21 clones were identified which contained EST corresponding to 6 genes coding for B. bigemina antigens already reported in the literature; 1285 clones (grouped in 159 clusters of distinct sequences) had significant sequence identity with genes coding for hypothetical proteins previously identified in the Babesia bovis genome. Moreover, 32 clones had EST corresponding to 16 different Theileria sp. genes; 51 clones (26 distinct sequences) showed EST with sequence similarity to genes of Plasmodium sp., 25 EST had low identity with 13 different Toxoplasma gondii genes; and 4 clones with EST for 4 different Cryptosporidium sp genes. The results obtained, in addition to EST analysis of a larger number of B. bigemina cDNA clones, will allow the characterization and, eventually, the manipulation of gene coding regions, essential for the establishment of improved control strategies for cattle babesiosis caused by B. bigemina.En este estudio se realizó el análisis de Etiquetas de Secuencias Expresadas (EST) obtenidas a partir de 2208 clonas de Escherichia coli, con plásmidos recombinantes conteniendo insertos de cDNA de Babesia bigemina. Las secuencias se analizaron mediante búsqueda de homología en las bases de datos de genes. El análisis de homología en secuencia permitió identificar 470 clonas (agrupadas en 267 clusters) conteniendo EST con similitud de secuencia estadísticamente no significativa con algún gen de Babesia spp o de otro organismo Apicomplexa, sugiriendo la presencia de genes nuevos de B. bigemina; Se identificaron 21 clonas con EST correspondientes a 6 secuencias de genes previamente reportados para B. bigemina; además de 1285 clonas (conformando 159 clusters de genes distintos) de identidad significativa con proteínas hipotéticas o correspondientes a genes ya reportados en el genoma secuenciado de Babesia bovis; 32 clonas con EST homólogas a 16 genes distintos de Theileria spp; 51 clonas (26 genes distintos) con similitud en secuencia a genes de Plasmodium spp; 25 clonas con EST de moderada similitud con 13 genes distintos genes de Toxoplasma gondii; y 4 clonas con EST de mayor identidad con 4 genes diferentes de Cryptosporidium spp. Los resultados obtenidos permiten elaborar una base de datos sobre EST del estadio intraeritrocítico de Babesia bigemina, información básica esencial para la caracterización molecular del parásito, que permite llevar a cabo la identificación y regulación de nuevas regiones génicas codificadoras y, eventualmente el establecimiento de nuevas estrategias de control de la babesiosis bovina causada por B. bigemina

Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain in Primary Progressive Aphasia and Related Disorders: Clinical Significance and Metabolic Correlates

Background: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a heterogeneous syndrome that is difficult to diagnose at early stages. Plasma neurofilament light chain (NFL) has been proposed as a potential biomarker for PPA. Objective: To examine the diagnostic properties of plasma NFL in PPA and to evaluate its association with clinical stages of the disease and brain metabolism. Methods: Our study included 80 participants (13 with non-fluent, 12 with semantic, and 16 with logopenic variant PPA; 13 with amnestic Alzheimer's disease [AD]; 13 with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia; and 13 healthy controls). Plasma NFL concentration was measured using a high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. PET imaging was performed in a subgroup of patients. Results: NFL discriminated patients from controls with an area under the curve of 0.914 (95% CI, 0.843-0.984; p < 0.001) (cut-off: 76.46 pg/mL; 94% sensitivity, 76.9% specificity). There were no significant differences between clinical syndromes (PPA subtypes), the main clinical forms of dementia (frontotemporal dementia and AD), or the expected pathological groups (frontotemporal lobar degeneration-tau [FTLD-tau], FTLD-TDP43, and AD). NFL levels showed weak to moderate correlations with age and functional scale score. We found no significant correlation with the extent of hypometabolism observed on FDG-PET images. Conclusion: Plasma NFL is a non-specific marker of neurodegeneration, and may be helpful in the diagnosis of PPA. However, NFL does not permit differential diagnosis between PPA subtypes and is not correlated with the extent of neurodegeneration.72(3):773-782. doi: 10.3233/JAD-19083

Catalytic activity of iridium NHC complexes covalently bonded to carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide

Trabajo presentado a la Annual World Conference on Carbon, celebrada en Dresden (Alemania) del 12 al 17 de julio de 2015.Carbon nanotubes and graphene have been extensively applied as proactive supports to generate heterogeneous catalysts. Both exhibit a carbon structure composed by carbon atoms with sp2 hybridization and both are used in similar applications, as in catalysis. However, the role of each particular substrate, determined by its structural peculiarities, can be differentvshould be studied for each particular catalytic reaction and in their structure.The aim of this work is to study the differences between oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene oxides (GO) as proactive supports of iridium Nheterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst. The effect of their inherent structure in the catalytic activity in hydrogen transfer reactions was studied in detail.The authors thank MINECO/MECD (Projects CONSOLIDER INGENIO 2010 CSD2009-00050, CTQ 2010-15221, Ramón y Cajal contract of P. Alvarez and fellowship of M. Blanco) and the Diputación General de Aragón (E07) for their financial support.Peer Reviewe

Catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) over Pd-Ru/FAU zeolite catalysts.

We present this study on FAU-type zeolites were prepared varying the Si/Al ratio (4, 5 and 6) and crystallization time (4, 6 and 8 h) to produce a highly pure and homogeneous material with enhanced surface area values. Bimetallic Pd-Ru and Pt-Ru (0.5 wt.% of each metal) were impregnated onto the zeolites matrix by the incipient wetness impregnation method. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physisorption, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scattering Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Scattering and Transmission Microscopy (STEM), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), temperature-programmed desorption (TPR) and Inductively Couples Plasma- Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Results indicated that using lower Si/Al ratios favored the catalytic activity. Also, the longest crystallization time had a positive effect on surface area, homogeneous particle size distribution and crystallinity. The catalytic performance in the esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) to produce 5-acetoxymethylfurfural (AcMF) was investigated. The maximum 5-HMF conversion of 87.28 % was achieved using pure zeolite with relation Si/Al = 5, and 8 h of crystallization. Pd-Ru supported onto same zeolite showed a conversion of 84.22 %. The highest selectivity towards AcMF of 71.29 % with pure zeolite Si/Al = 5 and 8 h of crystallization was achieved, followed by Pd-Ru/FAU with Si/Al = 5 and 8 h of crystallization, achieving 60.42 %. Finally, results shown that the interaction between the properties of zeolitic support and the metallic species, specifically Pd, had a positive effect in the catalytic process the pristine zeolite showed improved catalytic characteristics related to its acid strength

Diastolic dysfunction following anthracycline-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: incidence and predictors

[Abstract] INTRODUCTION: Cardiotoxicity represents a major limitation for the use of anthracyclines or trastuzumab in breast cancer patients. Data from longitudinal studies of diastolic dysfunction (DD) in this group of patients are scarce. The objective of the present study was to assess the incidence, evolution, and predictors of DD in patients with breast cancer treated with anthracyclines. METHODS: This analytical, observational cohort study comprised 100 consecutive patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy (CHT) for breast cancer. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, echocardiogram, and measurement of cardiac biomarkers at baseline, end of anthracycline-based CHT, and at 3 months and 9 months after anthracycline-based CHT was completed. Fifteen patients receiving trastuzumab were followed with two additional visits at 6 and 12 months after the last dose of anthracycline-based CHT. A multivariate analysis was performed to find variables related to the development of DD. Fifteen of the 100 patients had baseline DD and were excluded from this analysis. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up (median: 12 months, interquartile range: 11.1-12.8), 49 patients (57.6%) developed DD. DD was persistent in 36 (73%) but reversible in the remaining 13 patients (27%). Four patients developed cardiotoxicity (three patients had left ventricular systolic dysfunction and one suffered a sudden cardiac death). None of the patients with normal diastolic function developed systolic dysfunction during follow-up. In the logistic regression model, body mass index (BMI) and age were independently related to the development of DD, with the following odds ratio values: BMI: 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.36), and age: 1.12 (95% CI: 1.03-1.19). Neither cardiac biomarkers nor remaining clinical variables were predictors of DD. CONCLUSION: Development of diastolic dysfunction after treatment with anthracycline or anthracycline- plus trastuzumab chemotherapy is common. BMI and age were independently associated with DD following anthracycline chemotherapy.Instituto de Salud Carlos III; RD06/0014/002Instituto de Salud Carlos III; RD12/0042/006