Gold Catalyzed Multicomponent Reactions Beyond A3 Coupling

The preparation of complex architectures has inspired the search for new methods and new processes in organic synthesis. Multicomponent reactions have become an interesting approach to achieve such molecular diversity and complexity. This review intends to illustrate important gold-catalyzed examples for the past ten years leading to interesting skeletons involved in biologically active compounds

Influence of corpus callosum damage on cognition and physical disability in multiple sclerosis: a multimodal study.

Background Corpus callosum (CC) is a common target for multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. We investigated the influence of CC damage on physical disability and cognitive dysfunction using a multimodal approach. Methods Twenty-one relapsing-remitting MS patients and 13 healthy controls underwent structural MRI and diffusion tensor of the CC (fractional anisotropy; mean diffusivity, MD; radial diffusivity, RD; axial diffusivity). Interhemisferic transfer of motor inhibition was assessed by recording the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) to transcranial magnetic stimulation. We evaluated cognitive function using the Brief Repeatable Battery and physical disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the MS Functional Composite (MSFC) z-score. Results The iSP latency correlated with physical disability scores (r ranged from 0.596 to 0.657, P values from 0.004 to 0.001), and with results of visual memory (r = −0.645, P = 0.002), processing speed (r = −0.51, P = 0.018) and executive cognitive domain tests (r = −0.452, P = 0.039). The area of the rostrum correlated with the EDSS (r = −0.442, P = 0.045). MD and RD correlated with cognitive performance, mainly with results of visual and verbal memory tests (r ranged from −0.446 to −0.546, P values from 0.048 to 0.011). The iSP latency correlated with CC area (r = −0.345, P = 0.049), volume (r = −0.401, P = 0.002), MD (r = 0.404, P = 0.002) and RD (r = 0.415, P = 0.016). Conclusions We found evidence for structural and microstructural CC abnormalities associated with impairment of motor callosal inhibitory conduction in MS. CC damage may contribute to cognitive dysfunction and in less extent to physical disability likely through a disconnection mechanism

Analysis of prognostic factors associated with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to report the clinical profile and outcome of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). Methods: We prospectively studied adult patients who presented with LETM from January 2008 to December 2011. Information on demographic, clinical course, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and outcome was collected. HLA-DRB1 genotype was compared with those of 225 normal controls and patients with MS (228) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) (22). Results: In total, 23 patients (16 female) with a median age of 44.5 years (range: 20–77 years) were included. Most (74%) had moderate–severe disability at nadir (48% non-ambulatory), normal/non-multiple sclerosis (MS) brain MRI (96%) and a median MRI cord lesion of 5 vertebral segments (range: 3–19). Laboratory analysis showed cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis (45%), NMO-IgG (9%), antinuclear antibodies (70%), and genotype HLA-DRB1*13 (57%). The frequency of DRB1*13 genotype was higher compared with controls (p=0.002), MS (p=0.001) and NMO (p= 0.003) patients. After a median follow-up of 32 months, one patient converted to MS, two had relapsing LETM with NMO-IgG, and 20 remained as idiopathic with recurrences in four (20%). Twelve (52%) patients recovered with minimal disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) <2.5) and three (13%) remained wheelchair dependent. Disability at nadir was associated with the final outcome and extension of the spinal cord lesion with risk of recurrence. Recurrence was not associated with worse outcome. Conclusions: Inflammatory LETM is mostly idiopathic with a good outcome. It includes a relatively homogenous group of patients with an overrepresentation of the HLA-DRB1*13 genotype. EDSS at nadir is a predictor of the final outcome and extension of the myelitis of the recurrence risk

Main assumptions for energy pathways

© The Author(s) 2019. The aim of this chapter is to make the scenario calculations fully transparent and comprehensible to the scientific community. It provides the scenario narratives for the reference case (5.0 °C) as well as for the 2.0 °C and 1.5 °C on a global and regional basis. Cost projections for all fossil fuels and renewable energy technologies until 2050 are provided. Explanations are given for all relevant base year data for the modelling and the main input parameters such as GDP, population, renewable energy potentials and technology parameters

Randomized placebo-controlled phase II trial of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Uncontrolled studies of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in multiple sclerosis suggested some beneficial effect. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover phase II study we investigated their safety and efficacy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Efficacy was evaluated in terms of cumulative number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions (GEL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months and at the end of the study. METHODS: Patients unresponsive to conventional therapy, defined by at least 1 relapse and/or GEL on MRI scan in past 12 months, disease duration 2 to 10 years and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.0-6.5 were randomized to receive IV 1-2×10(6) bone-marrow-derived-MSCs/Kg or placebo. After 6 months, the treatment was reversed and patients were followed-up for another 6 months. Secondary endpoints were clinical outcomes (relapses and disability by EDSS and MS Functional Composite), and several brain MRI and optical coherence tomography measures. Immunological tests were explored to assess the immunomodulatory effects. RESULTS: At baseline 9 patients were randomized to receive MSCs (n = 5) or placebo (n = 4). One patient on placebo withdrew after having 3 relapses in the first 5 months. We did not identify any serious adverse events. At 6 months, patients treated with MSCs had a trend to lower mean cumulative number of GEL (3.1, 95% CI = 1.1-8.8 vs 12.3, 95% CI = 4.4-34.5, p = 0.064), and at the end of study to reduced mean GEL (-2.8±5.9 vs 3±5.4, p = 0.075). No significant treatment differences were detected in the secondary endpoints. We observed a non-significant decrease of the frequency of Th1 (CD4+ IFN-γ+) cells in blood of MSCs treated patients. CONCLUSION: Bone-marrow-MSCs are safe and may reduce inflammatory MRI parameters supporting their immunomodulatory properties. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01228266

Challenges and career development of female historians of science in Catalan-speaking territories

L’informe analitza de forma qualitativa els reptes i factors que afecten les carreres de les dones en l’àmbit de la història de la ciència en els territoris de parla catalana. Basat en la metodologia del grup de discussió, es va comptar amb la participació d’un grup representatiu d’historiadores en diferents etapes de la carrera, que treballen dins i fora de l’acadèmia, tenen diferents situacions familiars i representen la història de la salut, la ciència i la tècnica en la seva diversitat. A la introducció discutim el desenvolupament actual de la carrera científica de les dones a Espanya, marcada pels efectes tisores i pinça i pel sostre de vidre, i apuntem les polítiques públiques instaurades per redreçar la situació. Seguidament exposem la metodologia i els resultats del grup de discussió en quatre dominis: 1. Producció acadèmica: investigació, docència, administració; 2. Referents, xarxes de recolzament i formes de lideratge; 3. Conciliació de la vida personal i laboral; 4. Condicions laborals i alternatives fora de l’acadèmia. Concloem l’informe amb algunes recomanacions i accions que podem dur a terme des de la comunitat de la història de la ciència per evitar qüestions com el biaix de gènere i afavorir un desenvolupament igualitari de les carreres de les dones&nbsp;en el món universitari i de recerca.This report qualitatively analyzes the challenges and factors that affect&nbsp;women’s careers in the history of science in Catalan-speaking territories. Based on&nbsp;the method of the focus group, the participants were a representative group of female&nbsp;historians at different career stages, who work inside and outside academia, have&nbsp;different family situations and represent the history of medicine, science and technology&nbsp;in its diversity. In the introduction we discuss the current development of women’s&nbsp;scientific careers in Spain, marked by the scissors effect and the glass ceiling,&nbsp;and point out the public policies instituted to rectify the situation. We then present the&nbsp;methodology and results of the focus group in four domains: 1. Academic production:&nbsp;research, teaching, administration; 2. Role models, support networks and forms of&nbsp;leadership; 3. Work-life balance; 4. Working conditions and alternatives outside academia.&nbsp;We conclude the report with some recommendations and actions that the&nbsp;history of science&nbsp; community can implement to avoid issues such as gender bias and&nbsp;to promote an equal development of women’s careers in the university and research&nbsp;system

Gold Catalyzed Multicomponent Reactions beyond A3 Coupling

The preparation of complex architectures has inspired the search for new methods and new processes in organic synthesis. Multicomponent reactions have become an interesting approach to achieve such molecular diversity and complexity. This review intends to illustrate important gold-catalyzed examples for the past ten years leading to interesting skeletons involved in biologically active compounds

Supramolecular arrangements based on cyclohexane-5-spirohydantoin derivatives

6 páginas, 6 figuras, 3 tablas.The preparation of 8-methoxy-2,4-dioxo-1,3-diazaspiro[4.5]decane (1), 8-butoxy-2,4-dioxo-1,3-diazaspiro[4.5]decane (2), ethyl-2,4dioxo-1,3-diazaspiro[4.5]decane-8-carboxylate (3), 8-tert-butyl-2,4-dioxo-1,3-diazaspiro[4.5]decane (4) is described. The relationship between the molecular structure and crystal structure of 1, 3, 4 and 2,4-dioxo-1,3-diazaspiro[4.5]decane-8-carboxylic acid (5) is discussed. Crystallographic analysis shows that the crystals do not contain solvent molecules and highlights the role that the substituents on the cyclohexane ring play in supramolecular arrangements. Although the R22 (8) (CONH)2 hydrogen bond ring is generally retained, two types of structures have been defined as a function of the interactions between hydantoin rings, with Type I and Type II formed by dimers and ribbons, respectively.This work was supported by the Ministerio de Educaci on y Ciencia (CTQ2007-62245).Peer reviewe

Psychology in the Journal Revista Médica de Barcelona: Psychotherapy, Mental and Moral Hygiene

El presente estudio hist&oacute;rico trata de las aportaciones realizadas entre 1924 y 1936 por la Revista M&eacute;dica de Barcelona al tema del cuidado ps&iacute;quico. Con ello constatamos el protagonismo de E. Mira y L&oacute;pez y B. Rodr&iacute;guez Arias, as&iacute; como cuatro v&iacute;as diferentes buscadas por la revista para promover e incidir en la salud mental de la poblaci&oacute;n. Un primer nivel consist&iacute;a en la promoci&oacute;n de la psicolog&iacute;a como fuente de salud y campo de especializaci&oacute;n m&eacute;dica. Relacionado con esto nos encontramos, en segundo lugar, con la psicoterapia y el psicoan&aacute;lisis, aplicado tanto en el plano individual (en la consulta privada), como de forma colectiva en instituciones. En un tercer nivel situamos la campa&ntilde;a para la higiene mental. Por &uacute;ltimo, tenemos en cuenta los aspectos psicol&oacute;gicos relacionados con la criminolog&iacute;a y la higiene moral.Palabras clave: psiquiatr&iacute;a, psicoan&aacute;lisis, Emilio Mira y L&oacute;pez, Catalu&ntilde;a&nbsp;This historical study deals with the contributions made between 1924 and 1936 by the journal Revista M&eacute;dica de Barcelona to the topic of mental care. Thereby we recognized the crucial role played by E. Mira y L&oacute;pez and B. Rodr&iacute;guez Arias and four different strategies sought by the journal to promote and influence the mental health of the population. The first level consists of the promotion of psychology as a source of health and as a medical field of specialization. In connection with this we find, in the second place, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, applied both, at an individual level (in the private practice), and collectively in institutions. At a third level we situate the campaign for mental hygiene. Finally, we consider the psychological aspects of criminology and moral hygiene.Keywords: psychiatry, psychoanalysis, Emilio Mira y L&oacute;pez, Cataloni

The combination of halogen and hydrogen bonding: a versatile tool in coordination chemistry

4-Iodo-N-(4-pyridyl)benzamide (INPBA) and four derived coordination complexes were synthesized in order to explore the combination of halogen and hydrogen bonding interactions in coordination chemistry. An electron-withdrawing carbonyl group attached to the aromatic ring bearing an iodine atom has been introduced to increase its halogen bonding ability. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of INPBA, [Ag(INPBA)2]NO3 (1), [ZnBr2(INPBA)2] (2), [Zn(OCOPh)2(INPBA)2] (3) and [HgI2(INPBA)]n (4) show the versatility of the INPBA building block yielding a variety of different interesting structures. Iodine atom arrangement plays a key role by reinforcing and extending crystalline structures into diverse 3D supramolecular networks via I⋯O, I⋯N, and I⋯I halogen bonding interactions. Besides this, the overall supramolecular architecture of the coordination complexes is modulated by the N–H⋯O, N–H⋯Br, and C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds formed by the carboxamide group. The combination of both, halogen and hydrogen bonds, allows very different coordination networks to be designed.The authors give thanks to the Crystallography Service of the University of Zaragoza-CSIC (Spain), the University of Pais Vasco (Spain), the National University of Singapore and the Servicio General de Apoyo a la Investigación SAI, Universidad de Zaragoza. This work was supported by the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad under the projects PGC2018-093761-B-C31, PGC2018-097583-B-100 and MAT2017-84838-P. The authors acknowledge support from the Gobierno de Aragón-FEDER for funding the Crystal and Polymers Group (E47_20R, FEDER 2014-2020 Construyendo Europa desde Aragón).Peer reviewe