INPOP Planetary ephemerides and applications in the frame of the BepiColombo mission including new constraints on the graviton mass and dilaton parameters

We present here the new results obtained with the INPOP planetary ephemerides and BepiColombo radio-science simulations. We give new constraints for the classic General Relativity tests in terms of violation of the PPN parameters $\beta$ and $\gamma$ and the time variation of the gravitational constant G. We also present new limits for the mass of the graviton and finally we obtain new acceptable intervals for the dilaton parameters $\alpha_{0}$, $\alpha_{T}$ and $\alpha_{G}$. Besides these tests of gravitation, we also study the possibility of detecting the Sun core rotation.Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2111.0449

Diseño protótipo de ejercitador para apoyo en pacientes post covid-19

In breathing problems, it is importan to provide a continuous and accurate flow of oxigen, in this study a thorough investigation of the sequelae that can presente a post Covid patient. The results shown are 3D prints of the prototyped design of the air exerciser through the Computer Assistent Design CAD software, in order to search for innovations in ergonomics and its correct funtionality, as well as to monitor, measure and control the main variables such as air flow and indicate time. A particular goal is to generate new statistical information based on the use of the alarms that will be programmed, with the purpose that the patient can have a prompt rehabilitation and above all a better way of breathing. Among the main features of the equipment is that it is portable, lightweight, compact, ergonomic and has the ability to communicate wirelessly trough a standard port such as Bluetooth and this can be connected to smartphone through an application that will be developed specifically for the device, the application will be free and can be downloaded from a public website, just by registering.En problemas de respiración es importante suministrar un flujo continuo y preciso de oxígeno, en este estudio se realiza una profunda investigación de las secuelas que puede presentar un paciente post Covid. Los resultados mostrados son impresiones en 3D del diseño prototipo de ejercitado de aire a través del software Diseño Asistido por Computadora CAD, con el objeto de buscar innovaciones en ergonomía y su correcta funcionabilidad, así como monitorear, medir y controlar las principales variables como el flujo de aire y tiempo indicado.  Un objetivo particular es generar nueva información estadística con base en uso de las alarmas que se vayan a programar, con el propósito que el paciente pueda tener una pronta rehabilitación y sobre todo una mejor forma regular de su respiración. Dentro de las principales características del equipo es que sea portátil, ligero, compacto, ergonómico y que tenga la capacidad de comunicación inalámbrica por medio de un puerto estándar como el bluetooth y de esta forma se pueda conectar a un teléfono inteligente mediante una aplicación que se desarrollará específicamente para este dispositivo, dicha aplicación será gratis y se podrá descargar desde un sitio web público, bastara solo con registrarse

Antología género

En esta Antología se reúnen textos que, desde varias disciplinas, posiciones teóricas y formas de abordar la construcción social de lo masculino y lo femenino, han contribuido a la definición de un campo de producción de conocimientos en las ciencias sociales sobre las mujeres, las identidades y las representaciones de género en el Ecuador, tomando como punto de partida los años noventa. Esta producción se origina en diversas fuentes: investigadoras extranjeras provenientes de universidades europeas y norteamericanas; centros de investigación aplicada que trabajan en el país, e investigadoras nacionales vinculadas a centros de educación superior. Los distintos artículos que conforman esta Antología intentan ilustrar estas tres vertientes de producción

Improving pregnancy outcomes in humans through studies in sheep

Experimental studies that are relevant to human pregnancy rely on the selection of appropriate animal models as an important element in experimental design. Consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of any animal model of human disease is fundamental to effective and meaningful translation of preclinical research. Studies in sheep have made significant contributions to our understanding of the normal and abnormal development of the fetus. As a model of human pregnancy, studies in sheep have enabled scientists and clinicians to answer questions about the etiology and treatment of poor maternal, placental, and fetal health and to provide an evidence base for translation of interventions to the clinic. The aim of this review is to highlight the advances in perinatal human medicine that have been achieved following translation of research using the pregnant sheep and fetus

MassCode Liquid Arrays as a Tool for Multiplexed High-Throughput Genetic Profiling

Multiplexed detection assays that analyze a modest number of nucleic acid targets over large sample sets are emerging as the preferred testing approach in such applications as routine pathogen typing, outbreak monitoring, and diagnostics. However, very few DNA testing platforms have proven to offer a solution for mid-plexed analysis that is high-throughput, sensitive, and with a low cost per test. In this work, an enhanced genotyping method based on MassCode technology was devised and integrated as part of a high-throughput mid-plexing analytical system that facilitates robust qualitative differential detection of DNA targets. Samples are first analyzed using MassCode PCR (MC-PCR) performed with an array of primer sets encoded with unique mass tags. Lambda exonuclease and an array of MassCode probes are then contacted with MC-PCR products for further interrogation and target sequences are specifically identified. Primer and probe hybridizations occur in homogeneous solution, a clear advantage over micro- or nanoparticle suspension arrays. The two cognate tags coupled to resultant MassCode hybrids are detected in an automated process using a benchtop single quadrupole mass spectrometer. The prospective value of using MassCode probe arrays for multiplexed bioanalysis was demonstrated after developing a 14plex proof of concept assay designed to subtype a select panel of Salmonella enterica serogroups and serovars. This MassCode system is very flexible and test panels can be customized to include more, less, or different markers

Updates on radiotherapy-immunotherapy combinations: Proceedings of 6(th) annual ImmunoRad conference

Focal radiation therapy (RT) has attracted considerable attention as a combinatorial partner for immunotherapy (IT), largely reflecting a well-defined, predictable safety profile and at least some potential for immunostimulation. However, only a few RT-IT combinations have been tested successfully in patients with cancer, highlighting the urgent need for an improved understanding of the interaction between RT and IT in both preclinical and clinical scenarios. Every year since 2016, ImmunoRad gathers experts working at the interface between RT and IT to provide a forum for education and discussion, with the ultimate goal of fostering progress in the field at both preclinical and clinical levels. Here, we summarize the key concepts and findings presented at the Sixth Annual ImmunoRad conference

Low T-cell proportion in the tumor microenvironment is associated with immune escape and poor survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is important in the pathogenesis and prognosis of lymphoma. Previous studies have demonstrated that features of the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) TME can be associated with prognosis, but questions remain about the mechanisms underlying these TME features, and the interplay between tumor cells and the local TME. Therefore, we performed multispectral immunofluorescence (mIF) using two 6-color panels to interrogate the cellular proportions of T-cell subsets, macrophages, and natural killer cells in 57 cases of de novo DLBCL treated with R-CHOP chemotherapy. We found that very low CD3+ T-cell proportion and low CD4+PD1+ and CD8+PD1+ T cells have poor survival compared to those with a high T-cell proportion. Also, cases with concurrently low TIM3 and PD1 have a poor prognosis. This poor prognosis with low T-cell proportion was validated using immune deconvolution of gene expression profiling data from 351 cases of DLBCL and an additional cohort of 53 cases of DLBCL using routine immunohistochemistry. In addition, cases with loss of B2M, HLA I and/or HLA II protein expression on the tumor cells also had a low T-cell proportion, providing evidence that lack of these proteins allows for immune evasion. Overall, our results show that patients with DLBCL with a low T-cell proportion in the TME have a poor survival when treated with R-CHOP and exhibit mechanisms of immune escape

Influence of HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 Alleles on IgG Antibody Response to the P. vivax MSP-1, MSP-3α and MSP-9 in Individuals from Brazilian Endemic Area

Background: the antibody response generated during malaria infections is of particular interest, since the production of specific IgG antibodies is required for acquisition of clinical immunity. However, variations in antibody responses could result from genetic polymorphism of the HLA class II genes. Given the increasing focus on the development of subunit vaccines, studies of the influence of class II alleles on the immune response in ethnically diverse populations is important, prior to the implementation of vaccine trials.Methods and Findings: in this study, we evaluated the influence of HLA-DRB1* and -DQB1* allelic groups on the naturally acquired humoral response from Brazilian Amazon individuals (n = 276) against P. vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 (MSP-1), MSP-3 alpha and MSP-9 recombinant proteins. Our results provide information concerning these three P. vivax antigens, relevant for their role as immunogenic surface proteins and vaccine candidates. Firstly, the studied population was heterogeneous presenting 13 HLA-DRB1* and 5 DQB1* allelic groups with a higher frequency of HLA-DRB1*04 and HLA-DQB1*03. the proteins studied were broadly immunogenic in a naturally exposed population with high frequency of IgG antibodies against PvMSP1-19 (86.7%), PvMSP-3 (77%) and PvMSP-9 (76%). Moreover, HLA-DRB1*04 and HLA-DQB1*03 alleles were associated with a higher frequency of IgG immune responses against five out of nine antigens tested, while HLA-DRB1* 01 was associated with a high frequency of non-responders to repetitive regions of PvMSP-9, and the DRB1*16 allelic group with the low frequency of responders to PvMSP3 full length recombinant protein.Conclusions: HLA-DRB1*04 alleles were associated with high frequency of antibody responses to five out of nine recombinant proteins tested in Rondonia State, Brazil. These features could increase the success rate of future clinical trials based on these vaccine candidates.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Yerkes National Primate Research Center BaseNational Center for Research Resources of the National Institutes of HealthNIHCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Lab Immunoparasitol, BR-20001 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilOswaldo Cruz Fdn Fiocruz, Ctr Technol Dev Hlth CDTS, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilInst Oswaldo Cruz, Lab Simulideos & Oncocercose, BR-20001 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilEmory Univ, Emory Vaccine Ctr, Atlanta, GA 30322 USAUniv Estado Rio de Janeiro, Histocompatibil & Cryopreservat Lab, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Terapia Celular & Mol CTCMol, Escola Paulista Med, São Paulo, BrazilEmory Univ, Sch Med, Div Infect Dis, Atlanta, GA USACDC Natl Ctr Infect Dis, Div Parasit Dis, Atlanta, GA USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Terapia Celular & Mol CTCMol, Escola Paulista Med, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2009/15132-4Yerkes National Primate Research Center Base: RR00165NIH: RO1 AI0555994Web of Scienc

Clinical Manifestations Associated with Neurocysticercosis: A Systematic Review

Neurocysticercosis is an infection of the brain with the flatworm Taenia solium which is normally transmitted between humans and pigs. Sometimes, humans can infect other humans and the larva of the parasite can go the brain, causing the disease neurocysticercosis. There has never been a systematic review of what clinical signs are found among people with neurocysticercosis. We conducted a thorough review of the literature to answer this question. We reviewed 1569 and 21 were of a sufficient quality to be included in the final analysis. Among neurocysticercosis patients who are seeking care in neurology clinics, about 79% have seizures/epilepsy, 38% severe headaches, 16% focal deficits and 12% signs of increased intracranial pressure. Several other symptoms were also reported in less than 10% of patients. People with neurocysticercosis who seek care in neurology clinics show a whole range of manifestations. Clinicians should be encouraged to consider neurocysticercosis in their differential diagnosis when a patient presented with one of the symptoms described in this review. This would ultimately improve the estimates of the frequency of symptoms associated with neurocysticercosis

Multilocus Sequence Typing as a Replacement for Serotyping in Salmonella enterica

Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica is traditionally subdivided into serovars by serological and nutritional characteristics. We used Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) to assign 4,257 isolates from 554 serovars to 1092 sequence types (STs). The majority of the isolates and many STs were grouped into 138 genetically closely related clusters called eBurstGroups (eBGs). Many eBGs correspond to a serovar, for example most Typhimurium are in eBG1 and most Enteritidis are in eBG4, but many eBGs contained more than one serovar. Furthermore, most serovars were polyphyletic and are distributed across multiple unrelated eBGs. Thus, serovar designations confounded genetically unrelated isolates and failed to recognize natural evolutionary groupings. An inability of serotyping to correctly group isolates was most apparent for Paratyphi B and its variant Java. Most Paratyphi B were included within a sub-cluster of STs belonging to eBG5, which also encompasses a separate sub-cluster of Java STs. However, diphasic Java variants were also found in two other eBGs and monophasic Java variants were in four other eBGs or STs, one of which is in subspecies salamae and a second of which includes isolates assigned to Enteritidis, Dublin and monophasic Paratyphi B. Similarly, Choleraesuis was found in eBG6 and is closely related to Paratyphi C, which is in eBG20. However, Choleraesuis var. Decatur consists of isolates from seven other, unrelated eBGs or STs. The serological assignment of these Decatur isolates to Choleraesuis likely reflects lateral gene transfer of flagellar genes between unrelated bacteria plus purifying selection. By confounding multiple evolutionary groups, serotyping can be misleading about the disease potential of S. enterica. Unlike serotyping, MLST recognizes evolutionary groupings and we recommend that Salmonella classification by serotyping should be replaced by MLST or its equivalents