La industria metálica del depósito sepulcral de Pico Ramos (Muskiz, Biscay).

Los materiales metálicos del conjunto calcolítico de la cueva sepulcral de Pico Ramos son un punzón biapuntado y una punta de cobre. Además, existe una pieza laminar que podría pertenecer a este momento a pesar de que cuenta con impurezas más frecuentes en épocas posteriores. El análisis de Fluorescencia de Rayos X de las dos primeras piezas citadas indica que ambas cuentan con un   contenido similar de cobre, bajo en níquel y alto en arsénico, en comparación con otros materiales del País Vasco. Se apunta la posibilidad de que el material de Pico Ramos corresponda a una primera fase de la metalurgia, quizá producto de intercambios previos al desarrollo local del proceso productivo metalúrgico

Expansion of different subpopulations of CD26−/low T cells in allergic and non-allergic asthmatics

Asthma; Allergy; CD26Asma; Al·lèrgia; CD26Asma; Alergia; CD26CD26 displays variable levels between effector (TH17 ≫ TH1 > TH2 > Treg) and naïve/memory (memory > naïve) CD4+ T lymphocytes. Besides, IL-6/IL-6R is associated with TH17-differentiation and asthma severity. Allergic/atopic asthma (AA) is dominated by TH2 responses, while TH17 immunity might either modulate the TH2-dependent inflammation in AA or be an important mechanism boosting non-allergic asthma (NAA). Therefore, in this work we have compared the expression of CD26 and CD126 (IL-6Rα) in lymphocytes from different groups of donors: allergic (AA) and non-allergic (NAA) asthma, rhinitis, and healthy subjects. For this purpose, flow cytometry, haematological/biochemical, and in vitro proliferation assays were performed. Our results show a strong CD26-CD126 correlation and an over-representation of CD26- subsets with a highly-differentiated effector phenotype in AA (CD4+CD26-/low T cells) and NAA (CD4-CD26- γδ-T cells). In addition, we found that circulating levels of CD26 (sCD26) were reduced in both AA and NAA, while loss of CD126 expression on different leukocytes correlated with higher disease severity. Finally, selective inhibition of CD26-mRNA translation led to enhanced T cell proliferation in vitro. These findings support that CD26 down-modulation could play a role in facilitating the expansion of highly-differentiated effector T cell subsets in asthma

Modelado específico de una célula individual mediante elementos finitos para la obtención de las fuerzas de tracción

El estudio del entorno celular desde el punto de vista de la biomecánica es un área de investigación muy desarrollada hoy en día. Pese a que todavía hay un gran número de incógnitas, ha quedado demostrado en los últimos años que las propiedades mecánicas de las células y su entorno, así como las solicitaciones mecánicas que han de soportar, tienen un papel primordial en muchos procesos celulares de diversos tipos como por ejemplo la contracción, migración, desarrollo, diferenciación o incluso la muerte celular. Por tanto, unas condiciones mecánicas inadecuadas pueden llegar a ser la causa de la aparición de numerosas consecuencias y patologías, de ahí la importancia de su estudio. Por ello, en los últimos años, han ido apareciendo una gran cantidad de trabajos enfocados a utilizar recursos ingenieriles para generar modelos computacionales que simulen escenarios biológicos reales y así poder entender mejor estos procesos. Un claro ejemplo de ello es la aplicación de modelos de elementos finitos para simular interacciones mecánicas de ámbito biológico. El objetivo de este trabajo es continuar esta línea de investigación para crear un modelo computacional, basado en geometrías y cargas reales, que sea capaz de simular de forma solvente diferentes escenarios mecánicos y que además continúe la tendencia de esta línea de investigación de generar modelos cada vez más realistas. Para ello, se han utilizado diversos software para poder reconstruir un modelo tridimensional basado en datos obtenidos experimentalmente y realizar diferentes simulaciones mecánicas donde se han ido variando parámetros mecánicos para estudiar su influencia. A la vista de los resultados obtenidos, se ha demostrado que la metodología utilizada es capaz de realizar de manera eficiente todos los cálculos exigidos y que podrá ser utilizada para crear modelos celulares aun más complejos y estudiarlos de forma solvente

Potential of solid-state fermentation to enhance the nutritional value of oilseed cakes for poultry

[EN] The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to enhance the nutritional value of oilseed cakes (OC) for poultry. To this end, firstly, we characterized the main nutrients and antinutritional factors in non-fermented OC and fermented OC, as well as in fermented and extracted OC, from where enzymatic extracts were recovered. The fermented and extracted OC represented the fermented residue obtained after SSF and extracted with distilled water. Secondly, we assessed the in vitro digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) from these products using a poultry in vitro digestion model. The in vitro procedure used a two-stage sequential protocol simulating gastric digestion (proventriculus and gizzard - using pepsin in hydrochloric acid) and small intestinal digestion with pancreatin solution. Additionally, raw OC were supplemented with enzymatic concentrated extracts generated during SSF and their effect on nutrient digestibility was also evaluated. Solidstate fermentation exhibited a potential to reduce fiber fractions (except for lignin), decrease certain antinutritional factors, and enhance CP and mineral content in OC mixtures. However, this process concurrently diminished protein availability, through lower amino acid content, lower soluble protein, higher protein dispersibility and lower available lysine in the fermented product. The aqueous extractions led to the obtainment of a concentrated protein fraction with highly undigestible fibre. The likely effect of SSF on tannins and erucic acid content in OC should be further investigated, as SSF may not effectively reduce these antinutritional factors in the substrate, negatively affecting the overall nutritional quality of the final product. Solid-state fermented mixtures significantly increased the DM (by 12 %), OM (by 8 %), and CP (by 11 %) in vitro digestibility coefficients compared with non-fermented. Enzymatic supplementation did not statistically modify digestibility parameters. This study demonstrated that SSF is an effectiveProject funding was provided by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) , Portugal under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/BIO/04469/2020 (Braga, Portugal) and UIDB/04033/2020 (Vila Real, Portugal) units, and by national funds through FCT (PD/BD/135328/2017) , under the Doctoral Program "Agricultural Production Chains - from fork to farm" (PD/00122/2012) and from the European Social Funds and the Regional Operational Programme Norte 2020.Sousa, D.; Moset, V.; López-Luján, MDC.; Salgado, JM.; Dias, A.; Belo, I.; Pascual Amorós, JJ.... (2024). Potential of solid-state fermentation to enhance the nutritional value of oilseed cakes for poultry. Animal Feed Science and Technology. 316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2024.11605631

Efficacy and safety study of an eyelid gel after repeated nocturnal application in healthy contact lens users and non-users

Purpose: To evaluate skin biocompatibility of a nighttime hydrating eyelid gel and possible ocular surface effects in contact lens users (CLU) and non-contact lens users (NCLU). The formulation is registered as a medical device as Tridocosahexaenoine-AOX® (TDHA-AOX) (a concentrated DHA triglyceride), containing also hyaluronic acid (HA). Methods: A prospective, randomized, masked clinical trial was performed with 62 participants of both sexes, aged 20–70 years, split into: (1) CLU (n = 30) and (2) NCLU (n = 32). All participants were instructed to apply a single dose of the moisturizing gel (containing TDHA-AOX and HA) nightly to the upper and inner eyelids of their right eye (RE) only, and during 2 consecutive weeks. Personal interviews, questionnaires, ophthalmic examinations and reflex tear collection were performed. Ophthalmological parameters included ocular surface response and contact lens status. Levels of satisfaction/adverse events were also recorded. Biochemical parameters included basal and final determination of pro-inflammatory mediator molecules in tear samples by multiplex analyses. Statistics were done by the SPSS 24.0 program. Results: The CLU group had higher OS dysfunction than NCLU, but overall clinical parameters (corneal staining, and Schirmer/FBUT tests) and OSDI scores showed significant improvement in CLU individuals as compared to the NCLU participants, at the end of study. CLDEQ-8 scores pinpointed significant amelioration in initial risk of developing DEs by applying eyelid gel. Multiplex analyses demonstrated significantly lower VEGF expression levels (p < 0,05) in tears among the CLU compared to NCLU after nightly application of eyelid gel. Conclusions: Eyelid gel appeared to safely and efficiently provide hydration and decongestion of the skin and amelioration of the ocular surface during sleep

Synthesis of Fluorogenic Arylureas and Amides and Their Interaction with Amines: A Competition between Turn-on Fluorescence and Organic Radicals on the Way to a Smart Label for Fish Freshness

We describe the synthesis of fluorogenic arylureas and amides and their interaction with primary or secondary amines under air and light in organic-aqueous mixtures to give rise to a new class of persistent organic radicals, described on the basis of their electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), as well as UV–vis, fluorescence, NMR, and quantum mechanics calculations, and their prospective use as multi-signal reporters in a smart label for fish freshness.Funded by the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme (Grant SPS G5536), the Junta de Castilla y León, Consejería de Educación y Cultura y Fondo Social Europeo (Grant BU263P18), and the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Grant PID2019-111215RB-100

Barley-ß-glucans reduce systemic inflammation, renal injury and aortic calcification through ADAM17 and neutral-sphingomyelinase2 inhibition

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperphosphatemia-induced inflammation aggravates vascular calcification (VC) by increasing vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) osteogenic differentiation, ADAM17-induced renal and vascular injury, and TNFα-induction of neutral-sphingomyelinase2 (nSMase2) to release pro-calcifying exosomes. This study examined anti-inflammatory β-glucans efficacy at attenuating systemic inflammation in health, and renal and vascular injury favoring VC in hyperphosphatemic CKD. In healthy adults, dietary barley β-glucans (Bβglucans) reduced leukocyte superoxide production, inflammatory ADAM17, TNFα, nSMase2, and pro-aging/pro-inflammatory STING (Stimulator of interferon genes) gene expression without decreasing circulating inflammatory cytokines, except for γ-interferon. In hyperphosphatemic rat CKD, dietary Bβglucans reduced renal and aortic ADAM17-driven inflammation attenuating CKD-progression (higher GFR and lower serum creatinine, proteinuria, kidney inflammatory infiltration and nSMase2), and TNFα-driven increases in aortic nSMase2 and calcium deposition without improving mineral homeostasis. In VSMC, Bβglucans prevented LPS- or uremic serum-induced rapid increases in ADAM17, TNFα and nSMase2, and reduced the 13-fold higher calcium deposition induced by prolonged calcifying conditions by inhibiting osteogenic differentiation and increases in nSMase2 through Dectin1-independent actions involving Bβglucans internalization. Thus, dietary Bβglucans inhibit leukocyte superoxide production and leukocyte, renal and aortic ADAM17- and nSMase2 gene expression attenuating systemic inflammation in health, and renal injury and aortic calcification despite hyperphosphatemia in CKD.A grant to A.S.D. and M.J.M. from IRBLleida and Agrotecnio Research collaborative projects from the Consell Social at Lleida University supported initial work, Instituto de Salud Carlos III and co-funded by European Union (ERDF/FEDER) (FIS PI11/00259, PI14/01452, PI17/02181), Plan de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación 2013–2017 y 2018–2022 del Principado de Asturias (GRUPIN14-028, IDI-2018-000152), RedInRen from ISCIII (ISCIII-RETIC REDINREN RD16/0009). Investigator support included: NC-L by GRUPIN14-028 and IDI-2018-000152, LM-A by GRUPIN14-028, SP by FICYT; MVA and PV by Educational Grant 2 A/2015 from ERA-EDTA CKD-MBD Working Group; PV and AC by ERA-EDTA fellowships 2011 and 2012; JR-C by MINECO (“Juan de la Cierva” program, FJCI-2015-23849); A.S.D. by Asociación Investigación de Fisiología Aplicada. A.S.D. and M.J.M. are members of the Campus Iberus (Ebro Valley Campus of International Excellence)

Villasviejas del Tamuja (Botija, Cáceres). Desvelamiento del paisaje urbano de un Castro de la Edad del Hierro

Editor: Victorino Mayoral Herrera.El objetivo de la presente monografía es dar a conocer a la comunidad científica y al conjunto de la ciudadanía, los resultados de las últimas investigaciones desarrolladas en el castro de Villasviejas del Tamuja (Botija, provincia de Cáceres). Se reúnen en ella las aportaciones de un amplio grupo de profesionales que han trabajado de manera coordinada durante tres años en este sitio arqueológico emblemático de la Protohistoria peninsular. Se trata, no obstante, del fruto de una colaboración científica mucho más larga, cuyos ejes temáticos responden a dos grandes líneas de investigación potenciadas desde el Instituto de Arqueología-Mérida (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Junta de Extremadura, IAM en lo sucesivo). Por un lado, el estudio de las comunidades de la Segunda Edad del Hierro y el impacto provocado por la conquista romana, con un especial énfasis en su dimensión territorial y socioeconómica. Por otro, la experimentación y aplicación de los métodos no destructivos en Arqueología, como una vía para obtener un conocimiento extensivo de las transformaciones en paisajes y asentamientos a través del tiempo.Esta monografía ha sido realizada dentro del proyecto de investigación Desarrollo de métodos de mínima invasión para la revalorización socio-cultural de zonas arqueológicas (Ref. IB16150) financiado por la Consejería de Economía, Comercio e Innovación de la Junta de Extremadura.Peer reviewe

Distinct mutational pattern of myelodysplastic syndromes with and without 5q– treated with lenalidomide

Financial support: This work was supported in part by a grant from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Economia y Competividad, Spain (PI/14/00013; PI/17/0575); 2017 SGR288 (GRC) Generalitat de Catalunya, economical support from CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya, Fundació Internacional Josep Carreras and from Celgene Spain. The research leading to this invention has received funding from ‘la Caixa’ Foundation. Laura Palomo and Jesus Maria Hernandez‐Sanchez are supported with a research grant by FEHH (Fundación Española de Hematología y Hemoterapia).Peer reviewe

Trends in the epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections; towards a paradigm shift, Spain, 2007 to 2019

Altres ajuts: Departament de Salut. Generalitat de Catalunya ("Pla estratègic de recerca i innovació en salut (PERIS) 2019-2021"); Ministerio de Asuntos Económicos y Transformación Digital; Red Española de Investigación en Patología Infecciosa (REIPI).Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are frequent healthcare-associated infections and an important cause of death. Aim: To analyse changes in CRBSI epidemiology observed by the Infection Control Catalan Programme (VINCat). Methods: A cohort study including all hospital-acquired CRBSI episodes diagnosed at 55 hospitals (2007-2019) in Catalonia, Spain, was prospectively conducted. CRBSI incidence rates were adjusted per 1,000patientdays. To assess the CRBSI rate trend per year, negative binomial models were used, with the number of events as the dependent variable, and the year as the main independent variable. From each model, the annual rate of CRBSI diagnosed per 1,000patientdays and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) with its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results: During the study, 9,290 CRBSI episodes were diagnosed (mean annual incidence rate:0.20episodes/1,000patientdays). Patients' median age was 64.1years; 36.6% (3,403/9,290) were female. In total, 73.7% (n=6,845) of CRBSI occurred in non-intensive care unit (ICU) wards, 62.7% (n=5,822) were related to central venous catheter (CVC), 24.1% (n=2,236) to peripheral venous catheters (PVC) and 13.3% (n=1,232) to peripherally-inserted central venous catheters (PICVC). Incidence rate fell over the study period (IRR:0.94;95%CI:0.93-0.96), especially in the ICU (IRR:0.88;95%CI:0.87-0.89). As a whole, while episodes of CVC CRBSI fell significantly (IRR:0.88;95%CI:0.87-0.91), peripherally-inserted catheter CRBSI (PVC and PICVC) rose, especially in medical wards (IRR PICVC:1.08;95%CI:1.05-1.11; IRR PVC: 1.03; 95% 1.00-1.05). Conclusions: Over the study, CRBSIs associated with CVC and diagnosed in ICUs decreased while episodes in conventional wards involving peripherally-inserted catheters increased. Hospitals should implement preventive measures in conventional wards