Melanin-Concentrating Hormone (MCH): Role in REM Sleep and Depression.

The melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is a peptidergic neuromodulator synthesized by neurons of the lateral sector of the posterior hypothalamus and zona incerta. MCHergic neurons project throughout the central nervous system, including areas such as the dorsal (DR) and median (MR) raphe nuclei, which are involved in the control of sleep and mood. Major Depression (MD) is a prevalent psychiatric disease diagnosed on the basis of symptomatic criteria such as sadness or melancholia, guilt, irritability, and anhedonia. A short REM sleep latency (i.e., the interval between sleep onset and the first REM sleep period), as well as an increase in the duration of REM sleep and the density of rapid-eye movements during this state, are considered important biological markers of depression. The fact that the greatest firing rate of MCHergic neurons occurs during REM sleep and that optogenetic stimulation of these neurons induces sleep, tends to indicate that MCH plays a critical role in the generation and maintenance of sleep, especially REM sleep. In addition, the acute microinjection of MCH into the DR promotes REM sleep, while immunoneutralization of this peptide within the DR decreases the time spent in this state. Moreover, microinjections of MCH into either the DR or MR promote a depressive-like behavior. In the DR, this effect is prevented by the systemic administration of antidepressant drugs (either fluoxetine or nortriptyline) and blocked by the intra-DR microinjection of a specific MCH receptor antagonist. Using electrophysiological and microdialysis techniques we demonstrated also that MCH decreases the activity of serotonergic DR neurons. Therefore, there are substantive experimental data suggesting that the MCHergic system plays a role in the control of REM sleep and, in addition, in the pathophysiology of depression. Consequently, in the present report, we summarize and evaluate the current data and hypotheses related to the role of MCH in REM sleep and MD

Experience with the use of Rituximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a tertiary Hospital in Spain: RITAR study

There is evidence supporting that there are no relevant clinical differences between dosing rituximab 1000 mg or 2000 mg per cycle in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in clinical trials, and low-dose cycles seem to have a better safety profile. Our objective was to describe the pattern of use of rituximab in real-life practice conditions. Methods: Rituximab for RA in clinical practice (RITAR) study is a retrospective cohort study from 2005 to 2015. Eligibility criteria were RA adults treated with rituximab for active articular disease. Response duration was the main outcome defined as months elapsed from the date of rituximab first infusion to the date of flare. A multivariable analysis was performed to determine the variables associated with response duration. Results: A total of 114 patients and 409 cycles were described, 93.0% seropositive and 80.7% women. Rituximab was mainly used as second-line biological therapy. On demand retreatment was used in 94.6% of cases versus fixed 6 months retreatment in 5.4%. Median response duration to on demand rituximab cycles was 10 months (interquartile range, 7–13). Multivariable analysis showed that age older than 65 years, number of rituximab cycles, seropositivity, and first- or second-line therapy were associated with longer response duration. The dose administered at each cycle was not significantly associated with response duration. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that 1000 mg rituximab single infusion on demand is a reasonable schedule for long-term treatment of those patients with good response after the first cycles, especially in seropositive patients and when it is applied as a first- or second-line biological therap

Osteogenic effects of simvastatin-loaded mesoporous titania thin films

The use of statins in the field of bone regeneration is under current investigation due to the existing demand for non-toxic anabolic agents capable of enhancing bone formation in cases of substantial loss. Simvastatin, a coenzyme currently prescribed in clinics to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis, has been proven to promote osteogenic differentiation by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting osteoclasts activity. We present the loading of simvastatin in mesoporous TiO2 thin films toward combining the pro-osteogenic properties of this molecule with the demonstrated bioactivity of titania. TiO2 thin films processing and characterization were carried out, as well as evaluation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts viability when directly incubated with different concentrations of simvastatin, followed by the analysis of osteogenic activity promoted by simvastatin upon loading in the thin films. The accessible porosity of 36% quantified on the 95 ± 5 nm thick mesoporous thin films, together with pore diameters of 5.5 nm, necks between pores of 2.8 nm and interpore distances of 12 ± 2 nm allow the loading of the simvastatin molecule, as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. Simvastatin was found to promote MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts viability at concentrations ≤0.01 g l−1, with a cytotoxicity threshold of 0.05 g l−1. We additionally found that film loadings with 0.001 g l−1 simvastatin promotes statistically higher MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast proliferation whereas a higher concentration of 0.01 g l−1 leads to statistically higher osteogenic activity (ALP synthesis), after 21 days of incubation, as compared to unloaded films. These results demonstrate the potential of simvastatin local administration based on bioactive mesoporous thin films to promote pro-osteogenic properties. By focusing this strategy on the coating of metallic prostheses, the supply of simvastatin to the target tissue can be favored and risks of systemic side effects will be reduced while enhancing the osteointegration of the implants.Fil: Lopez Alvarez, Miriam. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: López Puente, Vanesa. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: Rodriguez Valencia, Cosme. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: Angelome, Paula Cecilia. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica. Centro Atómico Constituyentes; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Liz Marzan, Luis M. Ikerbasque; EspañaFil: Serra, Julia. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: Pastoriza Santos, Isabel. Universidad de Vigo; EspañaFil: Gonzalez, Pio. Universidad de Vigo; Españ

Impact of Fluid Flow on Free Radical Polymerization in a Batch Reactor

In this work, the mixing process on a batch reactor is analyzed for the thermal synthesis of poly(acrylamide-co-sodium 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonate) initiated by ammonium persulfate. The analysis is achieved by using tracer technology and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). ANSYS Fluent® software is used for numerical simulations. By studying the mixing time in the reactor, the injection point and the stirring speed are determined so that the kinetics of copolymerization is improved

A Middle Miocene (13.5–12 Ma) deformational event constrained by volcanism along the Puna-Eastern Cordillera border, NW Argentina

The features of Middle Miocene deposits in the Puna-Eastern Cordillera transition (Valles Calchaquíes) indicate that Cenozoic deformation, sedimentation and volcanism follow a complex spatiotemporal relationship. The intense volcanic activity recorded in the eastern Puna border between 14 and 11.5 Ma coincides with the occurrence of one of the most important deformation events of the Neogene tectonic evolution in the region. Studies performed across the Puna-Eastern Cordillera transition show different relationships between volcanic deposits of ca. 13.5–12.1 Ma and the Oligocene-Miocene Angastaco Formation. In this paper we describe the ash-flow tuff deposits which are the first of this type found concordant in the sedimentary fill of Valles Calchaquíes. Several analyses performed on these pyroclastic deposits allow a correlation to be made with the Alto de Las Lagunas Ignimbrite (ca. 13.5 Ma) of the Pucarilla-Cerro Tipillas Volcanic Complex located in the Puna. Outcrops of the ca. 13.5 Ma pyroclastic deposits are recognised within the Puna and the Valle Calchaquí. However, in the southern prolongation of the Valle de Hualfín (Tiopampa-Pucarilla depression) that separates the Puna from the Valle Calchaquí at these latitudes, these deposits are partially eroded and buried, and thus their occurrence is recorded only by abundant volcanic clasts included in conglomerates of the Angastaco Formation. The sedimentation of the Angastaco Formation was aborted at ca. 12 Ma in the Tiopampa-Pucarilla depression by the Pucarilla Ignimbrite, which unconformably covers the synorogenic units. On the contrary, in the Valle Calchaquí the sedimentation of the Angastaco Formation continued until the Late Miocene. The different relationships between the Miocene Angastaco Formation and the ignimbrites with ages of ca. 13.5 and ca. 12 Ma reveal that in this short period (~ 1.5 m.y.) a significant deformation event took place and resulted in marked palaeogeographic changes, as evidenced by stratigraphic-sedimentological and chronological records in the Angastaco Formation. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.This work was funded by ANPCyT (PICT 2012-0419, PICT 2011-0407 and PICT 2015-0432), CONICET (PIP 489) and CIUNSa (N°2027).Peer reviewe

El problema de la carencia de talento humano en salud : Reflexiones para el cambio: las voces del talento humano médica/o

La siguiente es la presentación de los hallazgos de un estudio interdisciplinario y multicéntrico sobre Representaciones Sociales del Talento Humano Médica/o (THM)1 realizado con el apoyo de las becas Carrillo Oñativia del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, convocatoria 2013. Es un estudio cuali-cuantitativo, que se desarrolló en el Hospital Dr. Paroissien de La Matanza, el Hospital OB Lavignolle de Morón y el Hospital Penna de CABA; en la ciudad de Rosario y en Bahía Blanca. El equipo investigador se conformó con profesionales de diferentes disciplinas, a saber, médicos, odontóloga, trabajadora social, psicóloga y socióloga con motivaciones singulares: el desarrollo de una primera experiencia de investigación en algún caso; profundizar acciones político-institucionales en otro caso; participar de un proceso de investigación local en un tercer caso. Partiendo de un viejo problema en torno de la disponibilidad de Talento Humano Médica/o (THM) para dar cobertura a las necesidades de salud de la población, se priorizó explorar las voces de estudiantes y residentes medicas/os acerca de cómo inciden el proceso de formación de grado y postgrado en la elección de especialidad, lugar de desarrollo profesional y los estímulos para migrar. (Párrafo extraído del texto a modo de resumen)Eje temático: Salud - Nuevas tensiones, viejos conflictos.Facultad de Trabajo Socia

Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS): Psychometric Properties of Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Spanish Version

The aim of this study was to develop a Spanish Version of the Trunk Measurement Scale (TCMS-S) to analyze its validity and reliability and determine the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Participants were assessed twice 7–15 days apart with the TCMS-S and once with the Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 (GMFM-88), Pediatric Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), Cerebral Palsy Quality of Life (CPQoL), and Gross Motor Classification System (GMFCS). Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, and the intraclass correlation (ICC) and kappa coefficients were used to investigate the agreement between the assessments. Finally, 96 participants with CP were included. The TCMS-S showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95 [0.93 to 0.96]); was highly correlated with the GMFM-88 (rho = 0.816) and the “mobility” subscale of the PEDI-CAT (rho = 0.760); showed a moderate correlation with the “feeling about functioning” CPQoL subscale (rho = 0.576); and differentiated between the GMFCS levels. Excellent test–retest agreement was found for the total and subscale scores (ICC � 0.94 [0.89 to 0.97). For the total TCMS-S score, an SEM of 1.86 and an MDC of 5.15 were found. The TCMS-S is a valid and reliable tool for assessing trunk control in children with CP.Sección Deptal. de Radiología, Rehabilitación y Fisioterapia (Enfermería)Fac. de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y PodologíaTRUEUniversidad Europea de Madridpu

Hydrogen Production by Formic Acid Decomposition over Ca Promoted Ni/SiO2 Catalysts: Effect of the Calcium Content

Formic acid, a major product of biomass processing, is regarded as a potential liquid carrier for hydrogen storage and delivery. The catalytic dehydrogenation of FA to generate hydrogen using heterogeneous catalysts is of great interest. Ni based catalysts supported on silica were synthesized by incipient wet impregnation. The eect of doping with an alkaline earth metal (calcium) wasstudied, and the solids were tested in the formic acid decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen.The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and programmed temperature surface reaction (TPSR).The catalyst doped with 19.3 wt.% of Ca showed 100% conversion of formic acid at 160 C, with a 92% of selectivity to hydrogen. In addition, all the tested materials were promising for their application, since they showed catalytic behaviors (conversion and selectivity to hydrogen) comparable to thoseof noble metals reported in the literature.Fil: Faroldi, Betina María Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Investigaciones en Catálisis y Petroquímica "Ing. José Miguel Parera". Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Investigaciones en Catálisis y Petroquímica "Ing. José Miguel Parera"; ArgentinaFil: Paviotti, María Aneley. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Investigaciones en Catálisis y Petroquímica "Ing. José Miguel Parera". Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Investigaciones en Catálisis y Petroquímica "Ing. José Miguel Parera"; ArgentinaFil: Camino-Manjarrés, M.. Universidad de Salamanca; EspañaFil: González-Carrazán, S.. Universidad de Salamanca; EspañaFil: López-Olmos, C.. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica; EspañaFil: Rodríguez-Ramos, I.. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica; Españ

Tolerance to ToLCNDV in Cucurbita spp

[EN] Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) is a bipartite begomovirus (Geminiviridae) firstly reported in India and neighboring countries. A severe outbreak of ToLCNDV in Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) occurred in southern Spain in 2012. Mechanical inoculation and natural infection with Bemisia tabaci, in Almeria, were used to screen part of the COMAV's Cucurbita core collection. The tolerance was assessed by symptomatology and by a PCR-based diagnostic method that allows the detection of the two viral components in a single reaction. Mechanical transmission of ToLCNDV was confirmed in all the species. Severe symptoms were found 30 and 35 days after mechanical and natural inoculation, respectively, in C. pepo, in all accessions belonging to the Zucchini morphotype and to other morphotypes of the subsp. pepo, subsp. ovifera and even in the wild relative C. fraterna. Cucurbita maxima and C. ficifolia were also highly susceptible. The only species showing tolerance was C. moschata. Instead of curling, which was typically observed in most Cucurbita species, in C. moschata we observed mosaic and mottling, which suggest a differential response of this species. Under natural infection, a few C. moschata accessions remained asymptomatic and no virus was detected in the plant apex. Under mechanical inoculation, ToLCNDV symptoms were mild and delayed in these accessions and they were PCR positive. Some of the more tolerant accessions came from India.This work was supported by Project E_RTAE2013-00020-C04-03 from the Spanish Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrarias (INIA) cofunded with FEDER funds.Sáez-Sánchez, C.; Martínez-Martínez, C.; Ferriol Molina, M.; Manzano, S.; Jamilena, M.; López Del Rincón, C.; Picó Sirvent, MB. (2017). Tolerance to ToLCNDV in Cucurbita spp. Acta Horticulturae. (1151):31-35. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1151.6S3135115