Flashing LEDs for microalgal production

Flashing lights are next-generation tools to mitigate light attenuation and increase the photosynthetic efficiency of microalgal cultivation systems illuminated by light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Optimal flashing light conditions depend on the reaction kinetics and properties of the linear electron transfer chain, energy dissipation, and storage mechanisms of a phototroph. In particular, extremely short and intense light flashes potentially mitigate light attenuation in photobioreactors without impairing photosynthesis. Intelligently controlling flashing light units and selecting electronic components can maximize light emission and energy efficiency. We discuss the biological, physical, and technical properties of flashing lights for algal production. We combine recent findings about photosynthetic pathways, self-shading in photobioreactors, and developments in solid-state technology towards the biotechnological application of LEDs to microalgal production.Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) [CCMAR/Multi/04326/2013]Nord UniversityNordland County Government (project Bioteknologi en framtidsrettet naering)INTERREG V-A Espana-Portugal project [0055 ALGARED + 5E]Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [SFRH/BD/105541/2014, SFRH/BD/115325/2016]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Chromosomal mapping of rRNA genes, core histone genes and telomeric sequences in Brachidontes puniceus and Brachidontes rodriguezi (Bivalvia, Mytilidae)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chromosome rearrangements are an important part of the speciation process in many taxa. The study of chromosome evolution in bivalves is hampered by the absence of clear chromosomal banding patterns and the similarity in both chromosome size and morphology. For this reason, obtaining good chromosome markers is essential for reliable karyotypic comparisons. To begin this task, the chromosomes of the mussels <it>Brachidontes puniceus </it>and <it>B. rodriguezi </it>were studied by means of fluorochrome staining and fluorescent <it>in situ </it>hybridization (FISH).</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>Brachidontes puniceus </it>and <it>B. rodriguezi </it>both have 2n = 32 chromosomes but differing karyotype composition. Vertebrate-type telomeric sequences appear at both ends of every single chromosome. <it>B. puniceus </it>presents a single terminal major rRNA gene cluster on a chromosome pair while <it>B. rodriguezi </it>shows two. Both mussels present two 5S rDNA and two core histone gene clusters intercalary located on the long arms of two chromosome pairs. Double and triple-FISH experiments demonstrated that one of the 5S rDNA and one of the major rDNA clusters appear on the same chromosome pair in <it>B. rodriguezi </it>but not in <it>B. puniceus</it>. On the other hand, the second 5S rDNA cluster is located in one of the chromosome pairs also bearing one of the core histone gene clusters in the two mussel species.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Knowledge of the chromosomal distribution of these sequences in the two species of <it>Brachidontes </it>is a first step in the understanding of the role of chromosome changes on bivalve evolution.</p

Effects of LED lighting on Nannochloropsis oceanica grown in outdoor raceway ponds

Growth in most microalgal mass cultivation systems is light-limited, particularly in raceway ponds (RWP) where the light path is higher. Artificial lighting can be a promising solution to diminishing dark zones and enhance microalgal productivity. Therefore, our goal was to prevent the cell shift from photosynthesis to a respiration-only stage by resorting to LED illumination. Nannochloropsis oceanica cultures were accordingly grown out-doors in a preliminary small-scaleexperiment, followed by pilot-scale trials. In the former, three 3.0-m(2) RWP were set up under three distinct conditions: 1) without LEDs (control); 2) LEDs turned on during the night; and 3) LEDs turned on for 24 h. In the pilot-scale trial, one of two 28.9-m(2) pilot-scale RWPs was coupled to the best LED setup - determined in the small-scale preliminary experiment - using the same light intensity (normal mode) and half of the intensity (economy mode), with the second RWP serving as a control. In the preliminary experiment, the use of LEDs for 24 h was deemed as not helpful during daytime, before the culture reached asymptotic to 0.5 g DW L-1 - when dark zones appeared during the day due to sunlight attenuation in the 0.1 m-deep cultures. Overall, use of LEDs increased biomass growth chiefly by increasing nighttime productivities - materialized in higher chlorophyll, protein, and carbohydrate productivities in LED-lit cultures. A higher impact of LED lighting was observed under lower sunlight irradiances. A preliminary economic analysis indicates that use of LEDs in RWPs outdoors should be considered for high-value metabolites only.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Glycosylated Cell Penetrating Peptides, GCPPs

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Gallego, I. , Rioboo, A. , Reina, J. ., Díaz, B. , Canales, Á., Cañada, F. ., Guerra-Varela, J. , Sánchez, L. and Montenegro, J. (2019), Glycosylated Cell Penetrating Peptides, GCPPs. ChemBioChem. doi:10.1002/cbic.201800720, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.201800720. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived VersionsThe cell membrane regulates the exchange of molecules and information with the external environment. However, this control barrier hinders the delivery of exogenous bioactive molecules that can be applied to correct cellular malfunctions. Therefore, the traffic of macromolecules across the cell membrane represents a great challenge for the development of the next generation of therapies and diagnostic methods. Cell penetrating peptides are short peptide sequences capable of delivering a broad range of biomacromolecules across the cellular membrane. However, penetrating peptides still suffer from limitations mainly related with their lack of specificity and potential toxicity. Glycosylation has emerged as a potential promising strategy for the biological improvement of synthetic materials. In this work we have developed a new convergent strategy for the synthesis of penetrating peptides functionalized with glycan residues by an oxime bond connection. We have systematically characterized the uptake efficiency and the intracellular distribution of these glycopeptides by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and in zebrafish animal models. The incorporation of these glycan residues into the peptide structure influenced the internalization efficiency and the cellular toxicity of the resulting glycopeptide hybrids in the different cell lines tested. The results reported here highlight the potential of the glycosylation of penetrating peptides to modulate their activityWe acknowledge funding from the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) [CTQ2014-59646-R, SAF2017-89890-R, CTQ2016-76263-P, CTQ2015-64597-C2-2P], the Xuntade Galicia (ED431G/09, ED431C 2017/25 and 2016-AD031) and the ERDF. I. G. received a predoctoral fellowship from the Xunta de Galicia (ED481A-2018/116). A. R. received a predoctoral fellowship from the Fundación Segundo Gil Dávila. J.G.-V. and L.S. acknowledge the financial support received from the Xunta de Galicia (Galicia, Spain) under the Grupos de Referencia Competitiva Programme: Project GRC2014/010. J. M. received a Ramón y Cajal (RYC-2013-13784), an ERC Starting Investigator Grant (DYNAP-677786) and a Young Investigator Grant from the HFSP (RGY0066/2017)S

A modular RNA delivery system comprising spherical nucleic acids built on endosome-escaping polymeric nanoparticles

Nucleic acid therapeutics require delivery systems to reach their targets. Key challenges to be overcome include avoidance of accumulation in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system and escape from the endosomal pathway. Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs), in which a gold nanoparticle supports a corona of oligonucleotides, are promising carriers for nucleic acids with valuable properties including nuclease resistance, sequence-specific loading and control of receptor-mediated endocytosis. However, SNAs accumulate in the endosomal pathway and are thus vulnerable to lysosomal degradation or recycling exocytosis. Here, an alternative SNA core based on diblock copolymer PMPC25–PDPA72 is investigated. This pH-sensitive polymer self-assembles into vesicles with an intrinsic ability to escape endosomes via osmotic shock triggered by acidification-induced disassembly. DNA oligos conjugated to PMPC25–PDPA72 molecules form vesicles, or polymersomes, with DNA coronae on luminal and external surfaces. Nucleic acid cargoes or nucleic acid-tagged targeting moieties can be attached by hybridization to the coronal DNA. These polymeric SNAs are used to deliver siRNA duplexes against C9orf72, a genetic target with therapeutic potential for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, to motor neuron-like cells. By attaching a neuron-specific targeting peptide to the PSNA corona, effective knock-down is achieved at doses of 2 particles per cell

SEOM clinical guideline in ovarian cancer (2020)

Despite remarkable advances in the knowledge of molecular biology and treatment, ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer. In the last decade, there have been important advances both in systemic and surgical treatment. However, there is no doubt that the incorporation of PARP inhibitors as maintenance after the response to platinum-based chemotherapy, first in recurrent disease and recently also in first line, will change the natural history of the disease. The objective of this guide is to summarize the current evidence for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of ovarian cancer, and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice

Evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of ruthenium polypyridyl compounds against breast cancer

[Abstract] The clinical success of cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin has sparked the interest of medicinal inorganic chemistry to synthesize and study compounds with non-platinum metal centers. Despite Ru(II)–polypyridyl complexes being widely studied and well established for their antitumor properties, there are not enough in vivo studies to establish the potentiality of this type of compound. Therefore, we report to the best of our knowledge the first in vivo study of Ru(II)–polypyridyl complexes against breast cancer with promising results. In order to conduct our study, we used MCF7 zebrafish xenografts and ruthenium complexes [Ru(bipy)2(C12H8N6-N,N)][CF3SO3]2Ru1 and [{Ru(bipy)2}2(μ-C12H8N6-N,N)][CF3SO3]4Ru2, which were recently developed by our group. Ru1 and Ru2 reduced the tumor size by an average of 30% without causing significant signs of lethality when administered at low doses of 1.25 mg·L−1. Moreover, the in vitro selectivity results were confirmed in vivo against MCF7 breast cancer cells. Surprisingly, this work suggests that both the mono- and the dinuclear Ru(II)–polypyridyl compounds have in vivo potential against breast cancer, since there were no significant differences between both treatments, highlighting Ru1 and Ru2 as promising chemotherapy agents in breast cancer therapy.Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2018/39Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; PEst 2015-2020Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UID/Multi/04349/2013Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; RECI/QEQ-QIN/0189/2012Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UID/QUI/00100/2020Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UIDP/04378/2020Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; UIDB/04378/2020Portugal. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia; LA/P/0140/202

<i>Gaia</i> Data Release 1. Summary of the astrometric, photometric, and survey properties

Context. At about 1000 days after the launch of Gaia we present the first Gaia data release, Gaia DR1, consisting of astrometry and photometry for over 1 billion sources brighter than magnitude 20.7. Aims. A summary of Gaia DR1 is presented along with illustrations of the scientific quality of the data, followed by a discussion of the limitations due to the preliminary nature of this release. Methods. The raw data collected by Gaia during the first 14 months of the mission have been processed by the Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) and turned into an astrometric and photometric catalogue. Results. Gaia DR1 consists of three components: a primary astrometric data set which contains the positions, parallaxes, and mean proper motions for about 2 million of the brightest stars in common with the HIPPARCOS and Tycho-2 catalogues – a realisation of the Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) – and a secondary astrometric data set containing the positions for an additional 1.1 billion sources. The second component is the photometric data set, consisting of mean G-band magnitudes for all sources. The G-band light curves and the characteristics of ∼3000 Cepheid and RR-Lyrae stars, observed at high cadence around the south ecliptic pole, form the third component. For the primary astrometric data set the typical uncertainty is about 0.3 mas for the positions and parallaxes, and about 1 mas yr−1 for the proper motions. A systematic component of ∼0.3 mas should be added to the parallax uncertainties. For the subset of ∼94 000 HIPPARCOS stars in the primary data set, the proper motions are much more precise at about 0.06 mas yr−1. For the secondary astrometric data set, the typical uncertainty of the positions is ∼10 mas. The median uncertainties on the mean G-band magnitudes range from the mmag level to ∼0.03 mag over the magnitude range 5 to 20.7. Conclusions. Gaia DR1 is an important milestone ahead of the next Gaia data release, which will feature five-parameter astrometry for all sources. Extensive validation shows that Gaia DR1 represents a major advance in the mapping of the heavens and the availability of basic stellar data that underpin observational astrophysics. Nevertheless, the very preliminary nature of this first Gaia data release does lead to a number of important limitations to the data quality which should be carefully considered before drawing conclusions from the data

Clinical Presentation, Management, and Evolution of Lymphomas in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An ENEIDA Registry Study

Simple Summary An increased risk of hematological malignancies, mainly lymphomas, has been described in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because there are scarce data about the management and evolution of lymphomas in patients with IBD, the aim of our study was to analyze these points in those patients with IBD and lymphoma diagnosis included in the prospectively maintained ENEIDA registry of GETECCU. We identified 52 patients (2.4 cases of lymphoma/1000 patients with IBD). We found that most IBD patients had been treated with thiopurines and/or anti-TNF agents before lymphoma diagnosis, and these patients were younger at diagnosis of lymphoma than those not treated with these drugs. Relapse and mortality of lymphoma were not related with these therapies. The five-year survival rate was 85% for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 84% in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. An increased risk of lymphoma has been described in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aims of our study were to determine the clinical presentation, the previous exposure to immunosuppressive and biologic therapies, and the evolution of lymphomas in patients with IBD. IBD patients with diagnosis of lymphoma from October 2006 to June 2021 were identified from the prospectively maintained ENEIDA registry of GETECCU. We identified 52 patients (2.4 cases of lymphoma/1000 patients with IBD; 95% CI 1.8-3.1). Thirty-five were men (67%), 52% had ulcerative colitis, 60% received thiopurines, and 38% an anti-TNF drug before lymphoma diagnosis. Age at lymphoma was lower in those patients treated with thiopurines (53 +/- 17 years old) and anti-TNF drugs (47 +/- 17) than in those patients not treated with these drugs (63 +/- 12; p < 0.05). Five cases had relapse of lymphoma (1.7 cases/100 patient-years). Nine patients (17%) died after 19 months (IQR 0-48 months). Relapse and mortality were not related with the type of IBD or lymphoma, nor with thiopurines or biologic therapies. In conclusion, most IBD patients had been treated with thiopurines and/or anti-TNF agents before lymphoma diagnosis, and these patients were younger at diagnosis of lymphoma than those not treated with these drugs. Relapse and mortality of lymphoma were not related with these therapies