Protocol optimization for the mild detemplation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles resulting in enhanced texture and colloidal stability

Porosity development of mesostructured colloidal silica nanoparticles is related to the removal of the organic templates and co-templates which is often carried out by calcination at high temperatures, 500-600 °C. In this study a mild detemplation method based on the oxidative Fenton chemistry has been investigated. The Fenton reaction involves the generation of OH radicals following a redox Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle that is used as catalyst and H2O2 as oxidant source. Improved material properties are anticipated since the Fenton chemistry comprises milder conditions than calcination. However, the general application of this methodology is not straightforward due to limitations in the hydrothermal stability of the particular system under study. The objective of this work is three-fold: 1) reducing the residual Fe in the resulting solid as this can be detrimental for the application of the material, 2) shortening the reaction time by optimizing the reaction temperature to minimize possible particle agglomeration, and finally 3) investigating the structural and textural properties of the resulting material in comparison to the calcined counterparts. It appears that the Fenton detemplation can be optimized by shortening the reaction time significantly at low Fe concentration. The milder conditions of detemplation give rise to enhanced properties in terms of surface area, pore volume, structural preservation, low Fe residue and high degree of surface hydroxylation; the colloidal particles are stable during storage. A relative particle size increase, expressed as 0.11%·h-1, has been determined

Annulation of phenols with methylbutenol over MOFs: The role of catalyst structure and acid strength in producing 2,2-dimethylbenzopyran derivatives

The catalytic behavior of metal-organic frameworks of different structures (Fe(BTC), MIL-100(Fe), MIL-100(Cr) and Cu-3(BTC)(2)) was investigated in annulation reaction between 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol and phenols differing in size (phenol, 2-naphthol). MIL-100(Fe) possessing intermediate Lewis acidity, perfect crystalline structure, and the highest S-BET surface area showed the highest activity (TOF = 0.7 and 1.4h(-1) for phenol and 2-naphthol, respectively) and selectivities to target benzopyran (45% and 65% at 16% of phenol and 2-naphthol conversion, respectively). The increasing strength of Lewis acid centers for MIL-100(Cr) was found to result in the dramatically decreased activity of the catalyst, while negligible conversion of phenols was found over Fe(BTC), characterized by a less ordered framework.M.O. and J.C. acknowledge the Czech Science Foundation for the support (14-07101S) and RNDr. Libor Brabec, CSc. for SEM images.Shamzhy, MV.; Opanasenko, MV.; García Gómez, H.; Cejka, J. (2015). Annulation of phenols with methylbutenol over MOFs: The role of catalyst structure and acid strength in producing 2,2-dimethylbenzopyran derivatives. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials. 202:297-302. doi:10.1016/j.micromeso.2014.10.003S29730220

PREVALENCIA DE INFECCIÓN EN LA HERIDA QUIRÚRGICA EN PACIENTE GINECOLÓGICA A LOS DIEZ Y VEINTE DÍAS DE LA INTERVENCIÓN POR LAPAROTOMÍA Y CON ALTA PRECOZ

Longitudinal study (two observations) in 109 gynecological patients that underwent laparotomy surgery and patient early check out and that had received training for self-care at check out. With the objective of knowing the prevalence of surgical wound infection ten or twenty days after the operation and to identify the impact of education for self-care. The procedure for information collection consisted of two semistructured interviews, carried out via telephone, where among other questions they were asked about the characteristics of the wound, the person and the place where the cure was received. The prevalence of the infection was found in 10 % of the patients after ten days and in 5 % after twenty days. The relationship between the variable of the infection, person and where curing took place, make us put special emphasis in valuing the conditions of treatment, and the consequences of multi-personal involvement.Estudio longitudinal (2 observaciones) en 109 pacientes ginecológicas intervenidas por laparotomia y con alta precoz y que habian recibido formación para el autocuidado al alta. Con los objetivos de conocer la prevalencia de infección en la hérida quirurgica a los 10 y 20 días de la intervención y de identificar el impacto de la educación para el autocuidado. El procedimiento de recogida de información consistió en dos entrevistas semiestructuradas, realizadas vía telefónica, donde entre otros aspectos se preguntaba sobre las características de la herida, y la persona y lugar donde se realizaba la cura. La prevalencia de infección se encontró en el 10% a los 10 días y el 5 % a los 20 días. La relación entre la variable signos de infección y persona y lugar de la cura lleva a hacer hincapié en valorar las condiciones en que se realizan la curas y en las consecuencias de la intervención de varias manos en la cura de la herida

Determinants of mRNA recognition and translation regulation by Lin28

Lin28 is critical for stem cell maintenance and is also associated with advanced human malignancies. Our recent genome-wide studies mark Lin28 as a master post-transcriptional regulator of a subset of messenger RNAs important for cell growth and metabolism. However, the molecular basis underpinning the selective mRNA target regulation is unclear. Here, we provide evidence that Lin28 recognizes a unique motif in multiple target mRNAs, characterized by a small but critical ‘A’ bulge flanked by two G:C base pairs embedded in a complex secondary structure. This motif mediates Lin28-dependent stimulation of translation. As Lin28 is also known to inhibit the biogenesis of a cohort of miRNAs including let-7, we propose that Lin28 binding to different RNA types (precursor miRNAs versus mRNAs) may facilitate recruitment of different co-factors, leading to distinct regulatory outcomes. Our findings uncover a putative yet unexpected motif that may constitute a mechanistic base for the multitude of functions regulated by Lin28 in both stem cells and cancer cells

Phosphodiesterase 3B Is Localized in Caveolae and Smooth ER in Mouse Hepatocytes and Is Important in the Regulation of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are important regulators of signal transduction processes mediated by cAMP and cGMP. One PDE family member, PDE3B, plays an important role in the regulation of a variety of metabolic processes such as lipolysis and insulin secretion. In this study, the cellular localization and the role of PDE3B in the regulation of triglyceride, cholesterol and glucose metabolism in hepatocytes were investigated. PDE3B was identified in caveolae, specific regions in the plasma membrane, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In caveolin-1 knock out mice, which lack caveolae, the amount of PDE3B protein and activity were reduced indicating a role of caveolin-1/caveolae in the stabilization of enzyme protein. Hepatocytes from PDE3B knock out mice displayed increased glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which was associated with increased expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes/enzymes including, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c and hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. In conclusion, hepatocyte PDE3B is localized in caveolae and smooth endoplasmic reticulum and plays important roles in the regulation of glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism. Dysregulation of PDE3B could have a role in the development of fatty liver, a condition highly relevant in the context of type 2 diabetes

Hepatitis C virus to hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis C virus causes acute and chronic hepatitis and can lead to permanent liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a significant number of patients via oxidative stress, insulin resistance (IR), fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and HCV induced steatosis. HCV induced steatosis and oxidative stress causes steato-hepatitis and these pathways lead to liver injury or HCC in chronic HCV infection. Steatosis and oxidative stress crosstalk play an important role in liver damage in HCV infection. This Review illustrates viral and host factors which induce Oxidative stress, steatosis and leads toward HCC. It also expresses Molecular cascade which leads oxidative stress and steatosis to HCC

Multiscale modelling for fusion and fission materials: the M4F project

The M4F project brings together the fusion and fission materials communities working on the prediction of radiation damage production and evolution and its effects on the mechanical behaviour of irradiated ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steels. It is a multidisciplinary project in which several different experimental and computational materials science tools are integrated to understand and model the complex phenomena associated with the formation and evolution of irradiation induced defects and their effects on the macroscopic behaviour of the target materials. In particular the project focuses on two specific aspects: (1) To develop physical understanding and predictive models of the origin and consequences of localised deformation under irradiation in F/M steels; (2) To develop good practices and possibly advance towards the definition of protocols for the use of ion irradiation as a tool to evaluate radiation effects on materials. Nineteen modelling codes across different scales are being used and developed and an experimental validation programme based on the examination of materials irradiated with neutrons and ions is being carried out. The project enters now its 4th year and is close to delivering high-quality results. This paper overviews the work performed so far within the project, highlighting its impact for fission and fusion materials science.This work has received funding from the Euratom research and training programme 2014-2018 under grant agreement No. 755039 (M4F project)

A20 Modulates Lipid Metabolism and Energy Production to Promote Liver Regeneration

Background: Liver Regeneration is clinically of major importance in the setting of liver injury, resection or transplantation. We have demonstrated that the NF-$\kappa$B inhibitory protein A20 significantly improves recovery of liver function and mass following extended liver resection (LR) in mice. In this study, we explored the Systems Biology modulated by A20 following extended LR in mice. Methodology and Principal Findings: We performed transcriptional profiling using Affymetrix-Mouse 430.2 arrays on liver mRNA retrieved from recombinant adenovirus A20 (rAd.A20) and rAd.$\beta$galactosidase treated livers, before and 24 hours after 78% LR. A20 overexpression impacted 1595 genes that were enriched for biological processes related to inflammatory and immune responses, cellular proliferation, energy production, oxidoreductase activity, and lipid and fatty acid metabolism. These pathways were modulated by A20 in a manner that favored decreased inflammation, heightened proliferation, and optimized metabolic control and energy production. Promoter analysis identified several transcriptional factors that implemented the effects of A20, including NF-$\kappa$B, CEBPA, OCT-1, OCT-4 and EGR1. Interactive scale-free network analysis captured the key genes that delivered the specific functions of A20. Most of these genes were affected at basal level and after resection. We validated a number of A20's target genes by real-time PCR, including p21, the mitochondrial solute carriers SLC25a10 and SLC25a13, and the fatty acid metabolism regulator, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha. This resulted in greater energy production in A20-expressing livers following LR, as demonstrated by increased enzymatic activity of cytochrome c oxidase, or mitochondrial complex IV. Conclusion: This Systems Biology-based analysis unravels novel mechanisms supporting the pro-regenerative function of A20 in the liver, by optimizing energy production through improved lipid/fatty acid metabolism, and down-regulated inflammation. These findings support pursuit of A20-based therapies to improve patients' outcomes in the context of extreme liver injury and extensive LR for tumor treatment or donation

Characterisation of age and polarity at onset in bipolar disorder

Background Studying phenotypic and genetic characteristics of age at onset (AAO) and polarity at onset (PAO) in bipolar disorder can provide new insights into disease pathology and facilitate the development of screening tools. Aims To examine the genetic architecture of AAO and PAO and their association with bipolar disorder disease characteristics. Method Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and polygenic score (PGS) analyses of AAO (n = 12 977) and PAO (n = 6773) were conducted in patients with bipolar disorder from 34 cohorts and a replication sample (n = 2237). The association of onset with disease characteristics was investigated in two of these cohorts. Results Earlier AAO was associated with a higher probability of psychotic symptoms, suicidality, lower educational attainment, not living together and fewer episodes. Depressive onset correlated with suicidality and manic onset correlated with delusions and manic episodes. Systematic differences in AAO between cohorts and continents of origin were observed. This was also reflected in single-nucleotide variant-based heritability estimates, with higher heritabilities for stricter onset definitions. Increased PGS for autism spectrum disorder (β = −0.34 years, s.e. = 0.08), major depression (β = −0.34 years, s.e. = 0.08), schizophrenia (β = −0.39 years, s.e. = 0.08), and educational attainment (β = −0.31 years, s.e. = 0.08) were associated with an earlier AAO. The AAO GWAS identified one significant locus, but this finding did not replicate. Neither GWAS nor PGS analyses yielded significant associations with PAO. Conclusions AAO and PAO are associated with indicators of bipolar disorder severity. Individuals with an earlier onset show an increased polygenic liability for a broad spectrum of psychiatric traits. Systematic differences in AAO across cohorts, continents and phenotype definitions introduce significant heterogeneity, affecting analyses