Assesing the risk of salt decay for wall paintings in historic building. Thermo-dynamic modeling and transition cycles count

Salt crystallisation is a major cause of deterioration of porous building materials, strongly related to the fluctuation of the environmental parameters. This paper explores the application of different methodologies to assess the potential damage caused by soluble salts to a series of sixteenth century frescoes with the thermo-hygrometric variations. The method of counting the transition cycles for six crystalline systems, the thermodynamic model ECOS for mixed salt solutions and a combination of both methodologies were used, in order to evaluate and compare these different approaches and to determine the risk of salt decay for this particularly sensitive case study. To this end, the temperature and relative humidity in the churches housing the wall paintings were monitored during a year and the salt content of the frescoes analysed. The seasonality of the salt crystallisation was studied and the range of relative humidity at which the transitions occurred determined. All methods identified a significant risk of salt decay, mainly related to the crystallisation of chlorides and nitrates, which corresponds well with the observations in situ. Finally, the advantages and inconveniences of each method were discussed, along with the results obtained in other published works, and the combined method was suggested as the most efficientThis work was supported by the Xunta de Galicia-Consellería de Educación e Ordenación Universitaria [INCITE program 2009] with the research project “Analysis of the risk factors of the wall paintings of A Ribeira Sacra”, by the Spanish Ministry of Education with L. Pereira-Pardo´s doctoral grant [FPU AP2009-4421] and the Barrié Foundation [Bolsas de Posgrao no estranxeiro 2013]S

A REVIEW OF THE DRIVE OPTIONS FOR OFFSHORE ANCHOR HANDLING WINCHES

This article discusses the state of the art for driving technologies of anchor handling winches for offshore operations. These systems are necessary for anchor handling operations associated with installation of many types of moored floating offshore structures. To perform these operations, it is necessary to use specialized vessels known as AHT (Anchor Handling Tug) or AHTS (Anchor Handling Tug Supply) vessel, which incorporate specific equipment such as towing winches, but with higher performance than conventional tugs both in size and in technical performance. There are nowadays two main options for driving the Anchor Handling/Towing winches: hydraulic with low or high pressure motors, and electrical with AC motors driven by Variable Frequency Drives. Additionally, a new technology is appearing in the industrial sector which is starting to be applied in the marine sector, and in some cases for anchor handing winches: the permanent magnet motor. The aim of this paper is to discuss these driving technologies and their importance in the future of this part of the marine sector

HMGB1 Protein Interactions in Prostate and Ovary Cancer Models Reveal Links to RNA Processing and Ribosome Biogenesis through NuRD, THOC and Septin Complexes

[Abstract] This study reports the HMGB1 interactomes in prostate and ovary cancer cells lines. Affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry confirmed that the HMGB1 nuclear interactome is involved in HMGB1 known functions such as maintenance of chromatin stability and regulation of transcription, and also in not as yet reported processes such as mRNA and rRNA processing. We have identified an interaction between HMGB1 and the NuRD complex and validated this by yeast-two-hybrid, confirming that the RBBP7 subunit directly interacts with HMGB1. In addition, we describe for the first time an interaction between two HMGB1 interacting complexes, the septin and THOC complexes, as well as an interaction of these two complexes with Rab11. Analysis of Pan-Cancer Atlas public data indicated that several genes encoding HMGB1-interacting proteins identified in this study are dysregulated in tumours from patients diagnosed with ovary and prostate carcinomas. In PC-3 cells, silencing of HMGB1 leads to downregulation of the expression of key regulators of ribosome biogenesis and RNA processing, namely BOP1, RSS1, UBF1, KRR1 and LYAR. Upregulation of these genes in prostate adenocarcinomas is correlated with worse prognosis, reinforcing their functional significance in cancer progression.This research was funded by the Wellcome Trust (grant no. 206194/Z/17/Z) and by Plan Estatal I+D+i, Instituto Carlos III (ISCIII, Spain) (grants no. PI14/01031 and PI18/01417) cofunded by the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional-FEDER (The European Regional Development Fund-ERDF) “A way of Making Europe”, and by Xunta de Galicia (Consolidación Grupos Referencia Competitiva grant no. ED431C 2020-08)Reino Unido. Wellcome Trust; 206194/Z/17/ZXunta de Galicia; ED431C 2020-0

Necrosis avascular idiopática del hueso grande. Reporte de caso

Introduction. Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the capitate bone is a rare disease of unknown etiology that usually appears in young people and causes chronic pain and functional impotence in the wrist. There are multiple treatments for this pathology; however, there is currently no clear consensus on the indications for these techniques. Presentation of the case. A 27-year-old woman who attended the Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology Service of a tertiary care institution for pain in the left wrist that she began eight months ago. As the only antecedent of importance, she had presented a blow in the area. No alterations were found in the X-ray presented by the patient. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was ordered, which showed an extensive trabecular fracture of the capitate with signs of pseudoarthrosis and bone edema, for which conservative management was initiated. In the follow-up MRI, performed one year later, persistence of bone edema was observed, so AVN of the capitate was suspected and a computerized axial tomography was performed, which confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated by arthroscopic resection of the proximal pole of the capitate with good short-term results. Conclusion. It is necessary to carry out new studies with long-term results that compare the different therapeutic options to clarify the best treatment for this rare disease.Introducción. La necrosis avascular (NAV) del hueso grande es una enfermedad rara y de etiología desconocida que suele aparecer en personas jóvenes y causa dolor crónico e impotencia funcional en la muñeca. Existen múltiples tratamientos para esta patología; sin embargo, actualmente no hay un consenso claro sobre las indicaciones de estas técnicas. Presentación del caso. Mujer de 27 años quien asistió al Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología de una institución de tercer nivel de atención por dolor en la muñeca izquierda que comenzó ocho meses atrás. Como único antecedente de importancia, había presentado un golpe en el área. En la radiografía que presentó la paciente no se encontraron alteraciones. Se ordenó resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) que mostró fractura trabecular extensa del hueso grande con signos de pseudoartrosis y edema óseo, por lo que se inició manejo conservador. En la RMN de control, realizada un año después, se observó persistencia de edema óseo, por lo que se sospechó NAV del hueso grande y se realizó tomografía axial computarizada que confirmó el diagnóstico. La paciente fue tratada mediante resección artroscópica del polo proximal del hueso grande con buenos resultados a corto plazo. Conclusión. Es necesario realizar nuevos estudios con resultados a largo plazo y que comparen las diferentes opciones terapéuticas para esclarecer el mejor tratamiento de esta rara enfermedad

Vaccine-induced modulation of gene expression in turbot peritoneal cells. A microarray approach

This is the accepted manuscript of the following article: Fontenla, F., Blanco-Abad, V., Pardo, B.G., Folgueira, I., Noia, M., Gómez-Tato, A., Martínez, P., Leiro, J.M. & Lamas J. (2016). Vaccine-induced modulation of gene expression in turbot peritoneal cells. A microarray approach. Molecular Immunology, 75, 188-99. doi: 0.1016/j.molimm.2016.06.001We used a microarray approach to examine changes in gene expression in turbot peritoneal cells after injection of the fish with vaccines containing the ciliate parasite Philasterides dicentrarchi as antigen and one of the following adjuvants: chitosan- PVMMA microspheres, Freund´s complete adjuvant, aluminium hydroxide gel or Matrix-Q (Isconova, Sweden). We identified 374 genes that were differentially expressed in all groups of fish. Forty-two genes related to tight junctions and focal adhesions and/or actin cytoskeleton were differentially expressed in free peritoneal cells. The profound changes in gene expression related to cell adherence and cytoskeleton may be associated with cell migration and also with the formation of cellvaccine masses and their attachment to the peritoneal wall. Thirty-five genes related to apoptosis were differentially expressed. Although most of the proteins coded by these genes have a proapoptotic effect, others are antiapoptotic, indicating that both types of signals occur in peritoneal leukocytes of vaccinated fish. Interestingly, many of the genes related to lymphocytes and lymphocyte activity were downregulated in the groups injected with vaccine. We also observed decreased expression of genes related to antigen presentation, suggesting that macrophages (which were abundant in the peritoneal cavity after vaccination) did not express these during the early inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity. Finally, several genes that participate in the inflammatory response were differentially expressed, and most participated in resolution of inflammation, indicating that an M2 macrophage response is generated in the peritoneal cavity of fish one day post vaccinationThis work was financially supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 634429 (PARAFISHCONTROL), by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Spain) under grant agreement AGL2014-57125-R and by grant GPC2014/069 from the Xunta de Galicia (Spain)S

Los especialistas del hogar

El presente trabajo de investigación tiene por finalidad el satisfacer una necesidad de nuestro mercado objetivo, el de brindar un nexo entre técnicos especialistas en solucionar problemas eléctricos y de gasfitería. Se ha detectado que la actualidad muchas personas necesitan de este servicio y no cuentan con tiempo para buscar un técnico de manera tradicional. Por ello, se vio factible un modelo de negocio como el que presentamos, que permitirá una rentabilidad idónea para los inversionistas. El proyecto Los Especialistas del hogar brindará servicios de calidad a través de su aplicación móvil. En esta los clientes podrán encontrar la información necesaria para la contratación de servicios eléctricos y de gasfitería. Además, de conocer detalles como la experiencia del técnico, antecedentes, etc. El servicio planteado está dirigido a personas de 25 años en adelante que tenga un problema domestico relacionado a la electricidad y gasfitería. Asimismo, se realizó un análisis financiero-económico proyectado a 5 años, en este Los Especialistas del hogar necesitará una inversión total de S/ 81 251.00, de la cual los accionistas financiarán el 70% y el 30% se obtendrá mediante préstamo con el banco. Se los siguientes indicadores VAN de S/ 25,374 y una TIR de 68.58%. Se espera que las ventas en el 1er año lleguen a S/ 609,009. Asimismo, se ha proyectado un incremento en nuestras ventas de 10% en todos los años venideros. De acuerdo con análisis financiero se evidencia que el proyecto es rentable para los inversionistas.The purpose of this research work is to satisfy a need in our target market, to provide a link between technical specialists in solving electrical and plumbing problems. It has been found that many people currently need this service and do not have time to find a technician in the traditional way. Therefore, a business model such as the one we present was feasible, which will allow an ideal profitability for investors. The Home Specialists project will provide quality services through its mobile application. In this, clients will be able to find the necessary information for contracting electrical and plumbing services. In addition, to know details such as the technician's experience, background, etc. Likewise, a financial-economic analysis projected for 5 years was carried out, in this Household specialists will need a total investment of S / 81 251.00, of which the shareholders will finance 70% and 30% was made through a loan with the bank. The following indicators are NPV of S / 25,374 and an IRR of 68.58%. Sales in the 1st year are expected to reach S / 609,009. Likewise, we have projected an increase in our sales of 10% in all the coming years. According to financial analysis, it is evident that the project is profitable for investors.Trabajo de investigació

Manganese Superoxide Dismutase: Guardian of the Powerhouse

The mitochondrion is vital for many metabolic pathways in the cell, contributing all or important constituent enzymes for diverse functions such as β-oxidation of fatty acids, the urea cycle, the citric acid cycle, and ATP synthesis. The mitochondrion is also a major site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the cell. Aberrant production of mitochondrial ROS can have dramatic effects on cellular function, in part, due to oxidative modification of key metabolic proteins localized in the mitochondrion. The cell is equipped with myriad antioxidant enzyme systems to combat deleterious ROS production in mitochondria, with the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) acting as the chief ROS scavenging enzyme in the cell. Factors that affect the expression and/or the activity of MnSOD, resulting in diminished antioxidant capacity of the cell, can have extraordinary consequences on the overall health of the cell by altering mitochondrial metabolic function, leading to the development and progression of numerous diseases. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which MnSOD protects cells from the harmful effects of overproduction of ROS, in particular, the effects of ROS on mitochondrial metabolic enzymes, may contribute to the development of novel treatments for various diseases in which ROS are an important component

Diversity in warning coloration: selective paradox or the norm?

Aposematic theory has historically predicted that predators should select for warning signals to converge on a single form, as a result of frequency-dependent learning. However, widespread variation in warning signals is observed across closely related species, populations and, most problematically for evolutionary biologists, among individuals in the same population. Recent research has yielded an increased awareness of this diversity, challenging the paradigm of signal monomorphy in aposematic animals. Here we provide a comprehensive synthesis of these disparate lines of investigation, identifying within them three broad classes of explanation for variation in aposematic warning signals: genetic mechanisms, differences among predators and predator behaviour, and alternative selection pressures upon the signal. The mechanisms producing warning coloration are also important. Detailed studies of the genetic basis of warning signals in some species, most notably Heliconius butterflies, are beginning to shed light on the genetic architecture facilitating or limiting key processes such as the evolution and maintenance of polymorphisms, hybridisation, and speciation. Work on predator behaviour is changing our perception of the predator community as a single homogenous selective agent, emphasising the dynamic nature of predator-prey interactions. Predator variability in a range of factors (e.g. perceptual abilities, tolerance to chemical defences, and individual motivation), suggests that the role of predators is more complicated than previously appreciated. With complex selection regimes at work, polytypisms and polymorphisms may even occur in Mullerian mimicry systems. Meanwhile, phenotypes are often multifunctional, and thus subject to additional biotic and abiotic selection pressures. Some of these selective pressures, primarily sexual selection and thermoregulation, have received considerable attention, while others, such as disease risk and parental effects, offer promising avenues to explore. As well as reviewing the existing evidence from both empirical studies and theoretical modelling, we highlight hypotheses that could benefit from further investigation in aposematic species. Finally by collating known instances of variation in warning signals, we provide a valuable resource for understanding the taxonomic spread of diversity in aposematic signalling and with which to direct future research. A greater appreciation of the extent of variation in aposematic species, and of the selective pressures and constraints which contribute to this once-paradoxical phenomenon, yields a new perspective for the field of aposematic signalling.Peer reviewe