Flow Cytometry Data Preparation Guidelines for Improved Automated Phenotypic Analysis.

Advances in flow cytometry (FCM) increasingly demand adoption of computational analysis tools to tackle the ever-growing data dimensionality. In this study, we tested different data input modes to evaluate how cytometry acquisition configuration and data compensation procedures affect the performance of unsupervised phenotyping tools. An analysis workflow was set up and tested for the detection of changes in reference bead subsets and in a rare subpopulation of murine lymph node CD103+ dendritic cells acquired by conventional or spectral cytometry. Raw spectral data or pseudospectral data acquired with the full set of available detectors by conventional cytometry consistently outperformed datasets acquired and compensated according to FCM standards. Our results thus challenge the paradigm of one-fluorochrome/one-parameter acquisition in FCM for unsupervised cluster-based analysis. Instead, we propose to configure instrument acquisition to use all available fluorescence detectors and to avoid integration and compensation procedures, thereby using raw spectral or pseudospectral data for improved automated phenotypic analysis.We thank Irene Palacios, Elena Prieto, Mariano Vito´n, and Raquel Nieto for excellent technical assistance and Dr. Salvador Iborra for helpful discussion of dendritic cell studies. Editorial assistance was provided by Simon Bartlett.S

Rules, Standards, and the Internal Point of View

Large scale structure and cosmolog

COVID-19 e o olho: quanto sabemos realmente? Uma revisão das melhores evidências

To identify and classify available information regarding COVID-19 and eye care according to the level of evidence, within four main topics of interest: evidence of the virus in tears and the ocular surface, infection via the conjunctival route, ocular manifestations, and best practice recommendations. A structured review was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar on COVID-19 and ophthalmology. The Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence worksheet was used for quality assessments. 1018 items were identified in the search; 26 records were included in the qualitative synthesis, which encompassed 6 literature reviews, 10 case series or cross-sectional studies, 4 case reports, and 6 intervention descriptions. Seventeen out of 26 records (65%) were categorized as level 5 within the Oxford CBME methodology grading system, the rest were level 4. The evidence generated on COVID-19 and ophthalmology to date is limited, although this is understandable given the circumstances. Both the possible presence of viral particles in tears and conjunctiva, and the potential for conjunctival transmission remain controversial. Ocular manifestations are not frequent and could resemble viral infection of the ocular surface. Most recommendations are based on the strategies implemented by Asian countries during previous coronavirus outbreaks. There is a need for substantive studies evaluating these strategies in the setting of SARS-CoV-2. In the meantime, plans for applying these measures must be implemented with caution, taking into account the context of each individual country, and undergo regular evaluation.Identificar e classificar as informações disponíveis sobre o COVID-19 e o tratamento oftalmológico de acordo com o nível de evidência, dentro de quatro tópicos principais de interesse: evidência do vírus nas lágrimas e na superfície ocular, infecção pela via conjuntival, manifestações oculares e recomendações de melhores práticas. Foi realizada uma revisão estruturada no PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, Biblioteca Cochrane e Google Scholar no COVID-19 e oftalmologia. A planilha de Níveis de Evidência 2011 do Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine 2011 foi usada para avaliações de qualidade. Mil e dezoito itens foram identificados na busca; Foram incluídos 26 registros na síntese qualitativa, que incluiu 6 revisões de literatura, 10 séries de casos ou estudos transversais, 4 relatos de casos e 6 descrições de intervenções. Dezessete dos 26 registros (65%) foram classificados como nível 5 no sistema de classificação da metodologia Oxford CBME, o restante foi no nível 4. As evidências geradas no COVID-19 e na oftalmologia até o momento são limitadas, embora isso seja compreensível dadas as circunstâncias. Tanto a possível presença de partículas virais em lágrimas e conjuntiva quanto o potencial de transmissão conjuntival permanecem controversos. As manifestações oculares não são frequentes e podem se assemelhar a infecção viral da superfície ocular. A maioria das recomendações baseia-se nas estratégias implementadas pelos países asiáticos durante surtos anteriores de coronavírus. Há necessidade de estudos aprofundados avaliando essas estratégias no cenário da SARS-CoV-2. Enquanto isso, os planos para a aplicação dessas medidas devem ser implementados com cautela, levando em consideração o contexto de cada país e submetidos a auditorias periódicas

Caso clínico: sindrome de DRESS por hidroxicloroquina

Antecedentes: El síndrome DRESS (Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) es una reacción idiosincrática, se caracteriza por eosinofilia periférica y síntomas sistémicos: fiebre, exantema, linfadenopatía, hepatitis, linfocitos atípicos y elevación de enzimas hepáticas. La incidencia es de 1 por cada 10,000 exposiciones, mortalidad de 10 a 20%. El tratamiento se basa en la suspensión del fármaco sospechoso y en la aplicación de esteroides. Reporte de caso: Masculino de 42 años con los siguientes antecedentes de importancia. AHF: madre y padre con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. APP: Hipertensión Arterial, Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, y alergia a picadura de abeja. Padecimiento Actual: Lo inicia posterior a 8 días tras la ingesta de hidroxicloroquina por probable infección por SARS-COV-2, con cefalea, edema facial y de cuello, dermatosis descamativa en tronco y extremidades superiores, acude a clínica particular con evolución tórpida enviado a tercer nivel por aumento de edema facial y cuello, que amerito intubación orotraqueal, manejo con esteroides intravenosos y antihistamínicos. Laboratorios a su ingreso: Leucocitos 20090, plaquetas 322 mil, eosinofilia (5%), elevación de enzimas hepáticas y lesión renal aguda, cumpliendo criterios J-SCAR. Se egresa por adecuada evolución con seguimiento por Alergia e Inmunología Clínica, el paciente persiste con lesiones descamativas posterior a 4 semanas y normalización de parámetros de laboratorios. Conclusión: DRESS es una reacción adversa retardada. Es importante la presunción diagnóstica y la relación causal con los fármacos por la alta tasa de mortalidad

J-PLUS: analysis of the intracluster light in the Coma cluster

The intracluster light (ICL) is a luminous component of galaxy clusters composed of stars that are gravitationally bound to the cluster potential but do not belong to the individual galaxies. Previous studies of the ICL have shown that its formation and evolution are intimately linked to the evolutionary stage of the cluster. Thus, the analysis of the ICL in the Coma cluster will give insights into the main processes driving the dynamics in this highly complex system. Using a recently developed technique, we measure the ICL fraction in Coma at several wavelengths, using the J-PLUS unique filter system. The combination of narrow- and broadband filters provides valuable information on the dynamical state of the cluster, the ICL stellar types, and the morphology of the diffuse light. We use the Chebyshev-Fourier Intracluster Light Estimator (CICLE) to disentangle the ICL from the light of the galaxies, and to robustly measure the ICL fraction in seven J-PLUS filters. We obtain the ICL fraction distribution of the Coma cluster at different optical wavelengths, which varies from $\sim 7\%-21\%$, showing the highest values in the narrowband filters J0395, J0410, and J0430. This ICL fraction excess is distinctive pattern recently observed in dynamically active clusters (mergers), indicating a higher amount of bluer stars in the ICL compared to the cluster galaxies. Both the high ICL fractions and the excess in the bluer filters are indicative of a merging state. The presence of younger/lower-metallicity stars the ICL suggests that the main mechanism of ICL formation for the Coma cluster is the stripping of the stars in the outskirts of infalling galaxies and, possibly, the disruption of dwarf galaxies during past/ongoing mergers.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, 1 table. Accepted for publication in A&

CARWASH WASTEWATERS: CHARACTERISTICS, VOLUMES, AND TREATABILITY BY GRAVITY OIL SEPARATION

The aim of this research was to determine the characteristics, volumes and treatability of Full-service carwash wastewaters in Toluca (Mexico State). The average water use for Exterior-only wash was 50 L per small-size car and 170 L per medium-size vehicle (pick up, van or light truck). The Full-service wash (exterior, engine and chassis) required 170 L per small-size car and 300 L per light truck. Wastewaters were generally emulsified and contained high contaminant loads (in average, 1100 mg/L oil and grease, 4500 mg/L COD and 3500 mg/L Total Suspended Solids). Gravity oil separators used in the car washing facilities were able to reduce the pollutant loads (showing a 80 % efficiency) but usually not enough to meet the sewer discharge standards or reuse requirements. The data provided by the study are useful for screening the applicable technologies and setting the design capacity of the reclaim systems that are needed in the Mexican car washing sector

Improved constraints on the expansion rate of the Universe up to z~1.1 from the spectroscopic evolution of cosmic chronometers

We present new improved constraints on the Hubble parameter H(z) in the redshift range 0.15 < z < 1.1, obtained from the differential spectroscopic evolution of early-type galaxies as a function of redshift. We extract a large sample of early-type galaxies (\sim11000) from several spectroscopic surveys, spanning almost 8 billion years of cosmic lookback time (0.15 < z < 1.42). We select the most massive, red elliptical galaxies, passively evolving and without signature of ongoing star formation. Those galaxies can be used as standard cosmic chronometers, as firstly proposed by Jimenez & Loeb (2002), whose differential age evolution as a function of cosmic time directly probes H(z). We analyze the 4000 {\AA} break (D4000) as a function of redshift, use stellar population synthesis models to theoretically calibrate the dependence of the differential age evolution on the differential D4000, and estimate the Hubble parameter taking into account both statistical and systematical errors. We provide 8 new measurements of H(z) (see Tab. 4), and determine its change in H(z) to a precision of 5-12% mapping homogeneously the redshift range up to z \sim 1.1; for the first time, we place a constraint on H(z) at z \neq 0 with a precision comparable with the one achieved for the Hubble constant (about 5-6% at z \sim 0.2), and covered a redshift range (0.5 < z < 0.8) which is crucial to distinguish many different quintessence cosmologies. These measurements have been tested to best match a \Lambda CDM model, clearly providing a statistically robust indication that the Universe is undergoing an accelerated expansion. This method shows the potentiality to open a new avenue in constrain a variety of alternative cosmologies, especially when future surveys (e.g. Euclid) will open the possibility to extend it up to z \sim 2.Comment: 34 pages, 15 figures, 6 tables, published in JCAP. It is a companion to Moresco et al. (2012b, http://arxiv.org/abs/1201.6658) and Jimenez et al. (2012, http://arxiv.org/abs/1201.3608). The H(z) data can be downloaded at http://www.physics-astronomy.unibo.it/en/research/areas/astrophysics/cosmology-with-cosmic-chronometer

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride Plasticized with Natural Fatty Acid Esters

From an industrial point of view, the use of new nontoxic and biodegradable plasticizers coming from natural resources is an interesting alternative to traditional plasticizers based on phthalates. In this study, two types of epoxidized fatty acids esters (EFAE) with different molecular weights have been used in order to produce flexible PVC with low toxicity. Different amounts of EFAE 201 and 401 have been considered in this study. Mechanical and thermal properties have been determined and morphology of fracture surface has been studied by scanning electron microscopy.This work was supported by the "Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion" [Grant number IPT-310000-2010-37] and the "Universitat Politecnica de Valencia" [Grant number PAID 06-10 Ref: 003-300].Fenollar Gimeno, OÁ.; García Sanoguera, D.; Sánchez Nacher, L.; Boronat Vitoria, T.; López Martínez, J.; Balart Gimeno, RA. (2013). Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride Plasticized with Natural Fatty Acid Esters. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering. 52(8):761-767. https://doi.org/10.1080/03602559.2013.763352S761767528Zhao, R., Neighbour, G., Deutz, P., & McGuire, M. (2012). Materials selection for cleaner production: An environmental evaluation approach. Materials & Design, 37, 429-434. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2012.01.014Biedermann-Brem, S., Biedermann, M., Fiselier, K., & Grob, K. (2005). Compositional GC-FID analysis of the additives to PVC, focusing on the gaskets of lids for glass jars. Food Additives and Contaminants, 22(12), 1274-1284. doi:10.1080/02652030500309426Braun, D. (2001). PVC ? origin, growth, and future. Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology, 7(4), 168-176. doi:10.1002/vnl.10288Summers, J. W. (1997). A review of vinyl technology. Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology, 3(2), 130-139. doi:10.1002/vnl.10179Islam, R., Islam, T., Nigar, F., Saha, S., Tapash, A., Sharmin, N., … Zaman, H. U. (2011). Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Jute Fabrics: Reinforced Polyvinyl Chloride/Polypropylene Hybrid Composites. International Journal of Polymeric Materials, 60(8), 576-590. doi:10.1080/00914037.2010.531822Khan, R. A., Sharmin, N., Khan, M. A., Das, A. K., Dey, K., Saha, S., … Saha, M. (2011). Comparative Studies of Mechanical and Interfacial Properties Between Jute Fiber/PVC and E-Glass Fiber/PVC Composites. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, 50(2), 153-159. doi:10.1080/03602559.2010.531422Hassan, A., Akbari, A., Hing, N. K., & Ratnam, C. T. (2012). Mechanical and Thermal Properties of ABS/PVC Composites: Effect of Particles Size and Surface Treatment of Ground Calcium Carbonate. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, 51(5), 473-479. doi:10.1080/03602559.2011.651242Zhu, G., Liu, Y., & Wang, F. (2012). Surface Morphology and Properties of Rigid Poly(γ-benzylL-glutamate) Membrane Modified by Flexible Poly(Vinyl Chloride). International Journal of Polymeric Materials, 61(10), 737-747. doi:10.1080/00914037.2011.610044KAWAMURA, Y., KANNO, S., MUTSUGA, M., & TANAMOTO, K. (2006). Determination of Epoxidized Soybean Oil in Bottled Foods. Journal of the Food Hygienic Society of Japan (Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi), 47(6), 243-248. doi:10.3358/shokueishi.47.243Marcilla, A., Garcia, S., & Garcia-Quesada, J. C. (2008). Migrability of PVC plasticizers. Polymer Testing, 27(2), 221-233. doi:10.1016/j.polymertesting.2007.10.007Wang, Q., & Storm, B. K. (2005). Separation and analysis of low molecular weight plasticizers in poly(vinyl chloride) tubes. Polymer Testing, 24(3), 290-300. doi:10.1016/j.polymertesting.2004.12.002Llop, C., Manrique, A., Navarro, R., Mijangos, C., & Reinecke, H. (2011). Control of the migration behavior of slip agents in polyolefin-based films. Polymer Engineering & Science, 51(9), 1763-1769. doi:10.1002/pen.21963Pedersen, G. A., Jensen, L. K., Fankhauser, A., Biedermann, S., Petersen, J. H., & Fabech, B. (2008). Migration of epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) and phthalates from twist closures into food and enforcement of the overall migration limit. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 25(4), 503-510. doi:10.1080/02652030701519088Jimenez, A., Lopez, J., Iannoni, A., & Kenny, J. M. (2001). Formulation and mechanical characterization of PVC plastisols based on low-toxicity additives. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 81(8), 1881-1890. doi:10.1002/app.1621Shea, K. M. (2003). Pediatric Exposure and Potential Toxicity of Phthalate Plasticizers. PEDIATRICS, 111(6), 1467-1474. doi:10.1542/peds.111.6.1467Boudhani, H., Lainé, C., Fulchiron, R., Bounor-Legaré, V., & Cassagnau, P. (2009). Viscoelasticity and mechanical properties of reactive PVC plastisols. Polymer Engineering & Science, 49(6), 1089-1098. doi:10.1002/pen.21356Wang, M. Y., Zhou, N. Q., & Wen, S. P. (2009). The Effect of Concentrations of Modifying Agent and Plasticizer on Cell Morphology of PVC Microcellular Foam. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, 48(3), 303-309. doi:10.1080/03602550802675678Yang, B., Bai, Y., & Cao, Y. (2010). Effects of inorganic nano-particles on plasticizers migration of flexible PVC. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 115(4), 2178-2182. doi:10.1002/app.31310Kilinç, S., İyim, T. B., Emik, S., & Özgümüş, S. (2005). Recycling of Waste PET: Usage as Secondary Plasticizer for PVC. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, 44(8-9), 1379-1388. doi:10.1080/03602550500208228Audic, J.-L., Reyx, D., & Brosse, J.-C. (2003). Migration of additives from food grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films: Effect of plasticization by polymeric modifiers instead of conventional plasticizers. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 89(5), 1291-1299. doi:10.1002/app.12240Fankhauser-Noti, A., Biedermann-Brem, S., & Grob, K. (2006). PVC plasticizers/additives migrating from the gaskets of metal closures into oily food: Swiss market survey June 2005. European Food Research and Technology, 223(4), 447-453. doi:10.1007/s00217-005-0223-7Sharma, V., & Kundu, P. P. (2008). Condensation polymers from natural oils. Progress in Polymer Science, 33(12), 1199-1215. doi:10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2008.07.004Benaniba, M. ., Belhaneche-Bensemra, N., & Gelbard, G. (2001). Stabilizing effect of epoxidized sunflower oil on the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride). Polymer Degradation and Stability, 74(3), 501-505. doi:10.1016/s0141-3910(01)00170-7Atek, D., Belhaneche-Bensemra, N., & Turki, M. (2010). Migration of Epoxidized Sunflower Oil and Dioctyl Phthalate from Rigid and Plasticized Poly(vinyl chloride). International Journal of Polymeric Materials, 59(5), 342-352. doi:10.1080/00914030903478909Ghiou, N., & Benaniba, M. T. (2010). The Effect of Epoxidized Sunflower Oil on the Miscibility of Plasticized PVC/NBR Blends. 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Biomimetic Magnetic Nanocarriers Drive Choline Kinase Alpha Inhibitor inside Cancer Cells for Combined Chemo-Hyperthermia Therapy

Choline kinase a1 (ChoKa1) has become an excellent antitumor target. Among all the inhibitors synthetized, the new compound Ff35 shows an excellent capacity to inhibit ChoKa1 activity. However, soluble Ff35 is also capable of inhibiting choline uptake, making the inhibitor not selective for ChoKa1. In this study, we designed a new protocol with the aim of disentangling whether the Ff35 biological action is due to the inhibition of the enzyme and/or to the choline uptake. Moreover, we offer an alternative to avoid the inhibition of choline uptake caused by Ff35, since the coupling of Ff35 to novel biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) allows it to enter the cell through endocytosis without interacting with the choline transporter. This opens the possibility of a clinical use of Ff35. Our results indicate that Ff35-BMNPs nanoassemblies increase the selectivity of Ff35 and have an antiproliferative effect. Also, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the tandem Ff35-BMNPs and hyperthermia.This research was funded by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (CGL2013-46612 and CGL2016-76723 projects), Ramón y Cajal programme (RYC-2014-16901) and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). Also, this research was aided by the Andalusian regional government (CTS-236)