Histone methyltransferase activity affects metabolism in human cells independently of transcriptional regulation

The N-terminal tails of eukaryotic histones are frequently posttranslationally modified. The role of these modifications in transcriptional regulation is well-documented. However, the extent to which the enzymatic processes of histone posttranslational modification might affect metabolic regulation is less clear. Here, we investigated how histone methylation might affect metabolism using metabolomics, proteomics, and RNA-seq data from cancer cell lines, primary tumour samples and healthy tissue samples. In cancer, the expression of histone methyltransferases (HMTs) was inversely correlated to the activity of NNMT, an enzyme previously characterised as a methyl sink that disposes of excess methyl groups carried by the universal methyl donor S-adenosyl methionine (SAM or AdoMet). In healthy tissues, histone methylation was inversely correlated to the levels of an alternative methyl sink, PEMT. These associations affected the levels of multiple histone marks on chromatin genome-wide but had no detectable impact on transcriptional regulation. We show that HMTs with a variety of different associations to transcription are co-regulated by the Retinoblastoma (Rb) tumour suppressor in human cells. Rb-mutant cancers show increased total HMT activity and down-regulation of NNMT. Together, our results suggest that the total activity of HMTs affects SAM metabolism, independent of transcriptional regulation

Characterizing the degradation process of Lithium-Ion Batteries using a Similarity-Based-Modeling Approach

This article proposes a Similarity-Based-Modeling (SBM) approach capable of characterizing the degradation process of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery when discharged under different current rates and different State-of-Charge (SOC) ranges. The degradation process can be represented through a biexponential model. In this regard, it is possible to determine the equivalent cycle-by-cycle efficiency which has low values at the beginning of the degradation process until it reaches a higher and steady value. The lifespan of the batteries is analyzed through the use of Monte Carlo simulations which intends to represent a more realistic way of how the batteries are used.This article proposes a Similarity-Based-Modeling (SBM) approach capable of characterizing the degradation process of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery when discharged under different current rates and different State-of-Charge (SOC) ranges. The degradation process can be represented through a biexponential model. In this regard, it is possible to determine the equivalent cycle-by-cycle efficiency which has low values at the beginning of the degradation process until it reaches a higher and steady value. The lifespan of the batteries is analyzed through the use of Monte Carlo simulations which intends to represent a more realistic way of how the batteries are used

Is It Feasible to Use CMV-Specific T-Cell Adoptive Transfer as Treatment Against Infection in SOT Recipients?

During the last decade, many studies have demonstrated the role of CMV specific T-cell immune response on controlling CMV replication and dissemination. In fact, it is well established that transplanted patients lacking CMV-specific T-cell immunity have an increased occurrence of CMV replication episodes and CMV-related complications. In this context, the use of adoptive transfer of CMV-specific T-cells has been widely investigated and applied to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant patients and may be useful as a therapeutic alternative, to reconstitute the CMV specific T-cell response and to control CMV viremia in patients receiving a transplantation. However, only few authors have explored the use of T-cell adoptive transfer in SOT recipients. We propose a novel review in which we provide an overview of the impact of using CMV-specific T-cell adoptive transfer on the control of CMV infection in SOT recipients, the different approaches to stimulate, isolate and expand CMV-specific T-cells developed over the years and a discussion of the possible use of CMV adoptive cellular therapy in this SOT population. Given the timeliness and importance of this topic, we believe that such an analysis will provide important insights into CMV infection and its treatment/prevention.This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and University, Instituto de Salud Carlos III Grant/Award Numbers: PI17CIII-00014 (MPY110/18); DTS18CIII/00006 (MPY127/19); PI20-009 (MPY303/20). This work was supported by Plan Nacional de I + D+i 2013‐2016 and Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Subdirección General de Redes y Centros de Investigación Cooperativa, Ministry of Science, Innovation and University, Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/0016/0009), co-financed by European Development Regional Fund ‘A way to achieve Europe’. EG-R is supported by the Sara Borrell Program (CD18CIII/00007), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades. FM is supported by the PFIS Program (F18III/00013), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades. MN is supported by the FPU program (FPU19/05927), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades.S

Procedure for Selecting a Transmission Mode Dependent on the State-of-Charge and State-of-Health of a Lithium-ion Battery in Wireless Sensor Networks with Energy Harvesting Devices

Diverse methods and considerations have been proposed to manage the available energy in an efficient manner in Wireless Sensor Networks. By incorporating Energy Harvesting Devices in these type of networks it is possible to reduce the dependency of the availability of the Energy Storage Devices, particularly the lithium-ion battery. Recently, the State-of-Charge and State-of-Health of the battery have been considered as inputs for the design of the Medium- Access-Control protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks. In this article, different guidelines are proposed for the design of Medium-Access-Control protocols used in Wireless Sensor Networks with Energy Harvesting Devices considering the State-of-Charge and State-of-Health as indicators for the estimation of the transmission time of the sensor node. The proposed guidelines consider different currents used during the transmission to estimate the State-of-Charge and Stateof- Health of the battery. The incorporation of these indicators aim to improve the decision-making process of the sensor node when transmitting.Diverse methods and considerations have been proposed to manage the available energy in an efficient manner in Wireless Sensor Networks. By incorporating Energy Harvesting Devices in these type of networks it is possible to reduce the dependency of the availability of the Energy Storage Devices, particularly the lithium-ion battery. Recently, the State-of-Charge and State-of-Health of the battery have been considered as inputs for the design of the Medium- Access-Control protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks. In this article, different guidelines are proposed for the design of Medium-Access-Control protocols used in Wireless Sensor Networks with Energy Harvesting Devices considering the State-of-Charge and State-of-Health as indicators for the estimation of the transmission time of the sensor node. The proposed guidelines consider different currents used during the transmission to estimate the State-of-Charge and Stateof- Health of the battery. The incorporation of these indicators aim to improve the decision-making process of the sensor node when transmitting

Layered double hydroxides-indomethacin nanohybrids: intercalation, pH influence, stability and release properties

In this work, three pH values (8, 9 and 10) were studied for the insertion of Indomethacin (Indo) molecules into Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs). The obtained results showed that the LDH materials have been a good storage for the drug. LDHs provide thermal stability with an increase in the thermal decomposition of the drug around 100°C more. Indo into LDHs exhibited higher photostability to UV light irradiation. In vitro drug release experiments in a phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.4) have been carried out. The loading amount of intercalated Indo was increased to 66 % at pH 8, and showed a profile of sustained release of 97 % in 8h. The release profiles were fitted by mathematical models, which describe various kinetic models that served to investigate the drug release mechanism, being the Bhaskar kinetics model the most appropriate. The results showed that the nanohybrids can be used as an effective drug delivery system.Fil: Mendieta, Silvia Nazaret. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Química. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Córdoba. Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Química; ArgentinaFil: Oliva, Marcos Iván. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía y Física; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Celso Francisco. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Química. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Córdoba. Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Química; ArgentinaFil: Reyes Nuñez, Patricio. Universidad de Concepción; ChileFil: Longhi, Marcela Raquel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica; ArgentinaFil: Granero, Gladys Ester. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Tecnología Farmacéutica; ArgentinaFil: Crivello, Mónica Elsie. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Química. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Córdoba. Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Química; Argentin

Lithium-Ion Battery End-of-Discharge Time Estimation and Prognosis based on Bayesian Algorithms and Outer Feedback Correction Loops: A Comparative Analysis

Battery energy systems are currently one of the most common power sources found in mobile electromechanical devices. In all these equipment, assuring the autonomy of the system requires to determine the battery state-of-charge (SOC) and predicting the end-of-discharge time with a high degree of accuracy. In this regard, this paper presents a comparative analysis of two well-known Bayesian estimation algorithms (Particle filter and Unscented Kalman filter) when used in combination with Outer Feedback Correction Loops (OFCLs) to estimate the SOC and prognosticate the discharge time of lithium-ion batteries. Results show that, on the one hand, a PF-based estimation and prognosis scheme is the method of choice if the model for the dynamic system is inexact to some extent; providing reasonable results regardless if used with or without OFCLs. On the other hand, if a reliable model for the dynamic system is available, a combination of an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) with OFCLs outperforms a scheme that combines PF and OFCLs.Battery energy systems are currently one of the most common power sources found in mobile electromechanical devices. In all these equipment, assuring the autonomy of the system requires to determine the battery state-of-charge (SOC) and predicting the end-of-discharge time with a high degree of accuracy. In this regard, this paper presents a comparative analysis of two well-known Bayesian estimation algorithms (Particle filter and Unscented Kalman filter) when used in combination with Outer Feedback Correction Loops (OFCLs) to estimate the SOC and prognosticate the discharge time of lithium-ion batteries. Results show that, on the one hand, a PF-based estimation and prognosis scheme is the method of choice if the model for the dynamic system is inexact to some extent; providing reasonable results regardless if used with or without OFCLs. On the other hand, if a reliable model for the dynamic system is available, a combination of an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) with OFCLs outperforms a scheme that combines PF and OFCLs

Imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids for the cyclohexane/cyclohexene separation by liquid-liquid extraction

The separation of olefins/paraffins is a challenge for the petrochemical industry due to the close boiling points of these hydrocarbons. In this work we have studied the feasibility of different imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as alternative solvents in the cyclohexane/cyclohexene separation. Five ILs have been studied, namely 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tricyanomethanide ([4bmpy][TCM]), bis(1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) tetrathiocyanatocobaltate ([emim]2[Co(SCN)4]), bis(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) tetrathiocyanatocobaltate ([bmim]2[Co(SCN)4]), 1-ethyl-4-methylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([4empy][Tf2N]), and 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([4bmpy][Tf2N]). Experimental liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) data were obtained for the equimolar ternary mixtures {cyclohexane (1) + cyclohexene (2) + IL (3)} at T = (298.2, 313.2 and 328.2) K and atmospheric pressure in order to study the effect of the temperature on the extractive properties. Afterwards, LLE data for every ternary system was determined at the best temperature and for the whole cyclohexane/cyclohexene composition range. These ILs have shown promising results in terms of distribution ratio and selectivity, showing the [4bmpy][TCM] IL the best extractive properties at 298.2 K and atmospheric pressure. The Non-Random Two Liquids (NRTL) model was used to successfully correlate the experimental LLE data.publishe

Intrapartum ultrasound in maternal lateral versus semi-recumbent posture. A repeated measures study

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether intrapartum ultrasound (ITU) measurements in maternal lateral posture are superimposable to ITU measurements in semi-recumbent position. Study design: A single-center, repeated measures design was used. Women in the second stage of labor were randomized to ITU first in semi-recumbent followed by ITU in side-lying posture without and with contraction, or inversely. The angle of progression (AOP) and the head-perineum distance (HPD) between contractions (AOP1 and HPD1) and with contraction (AOP2 and HPD2) were measured in each maternal posture. The differences between AOP1 and AOP2 (dAOP), and between HPD1 and HPD2 (dHPD) were calculated. Results and conclusions: Forty-two women participated in the study. A generalized estimating equation model showed that AOP1 (-3.00°; 95 % CI −5.77 to −0.23; p = 0.03) and AOP2 (-4.14°; 95 % CI −7.20 to −1.08; p = 0.008) were lower in semi-recumbent compared to maternal lateral posture. HPD1 (+1.43 mm; 95 % CI 0.05–2.81; p = 0.042) and HPD2 (+1.53 mm; 95 % CI 0.17–2.89; p = 0.03) were higher in semi-recumbent position. Differences in the ITU measurements in maternal lateral posture compared to semi-recumbent position are small. Monitoring the second stage of labor with ITU in lateral maternal posture is possibl

La emigración internacional, las remesas y el desarrollo económico en México

La migración es un fenómeno que ocurre desde el momento en que el hombre busca nuevas alternativas para mejorar su bienestar social, su aspecto benéfico radica en el flujo de remesas captadas en las regiones expulsoras de mano de obra, las cuales se encuentran concentradas principalmente en las zonas rurales. La tendencia en el uso de las remesas está encaminada hacia la satisfacción de las necesidades básicas, así como a la adquisición de bienes de consumo y a la compra y mejora de la vivienda de las familias de los migrantes. Existen países que tienen flujos migratorios masivos, motivo por el cual reciben flujos importantes de remesas para su contabilidad nacional y en este trabajo se analizan desde la perspectiva de países expulsores y de destino de la mano de obra migrante. Por facilidad de análisis de esta obra los países se agrupan en cinco regiones, a saber; África, Asia, Europa, Latinoamérica y Oceanía. Para nuestro país la captación de divisas por concepto de las exportaciones petroleras es la más importante, pero a partir del año 2000, éstas constantemente se ven amenazadas por los flujos monetarios que ingresan al país por concepto de remesas y que desde el año 2003 se colocaron como la segunda fuente más importante de divisas para México. La necesidad de conocer los efectos de las remesas sobre la conomía mexicana se debe a que representan un flujo monetario que en más del 80% es destinado al autoconsumo y el resto a la inversión o ahorro, lo que sin duda genera burbujas inflacionarias para las regiones que mayoritariamente reciben tales ingresos como en el caso de los estados de Jalisco, Michoacán, Zacatecas, o el mismo Estado de México

Comparative Distribution of Relaxin-3 Inputs and Calcium-Binding Protein-Positive Neurons in Rat Amygdala

The neural circuits involved in mediating complex behaviors are being rapidly elucidated using various newly developed and powerful anatomical and molecular techniques, providing insights into the neural basis for anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, and dysfunctional social behaviors. Many of these behaviors and associated physiological processes involve the activation of the amygdala in conjunction with cortical and hippocampal circuits. Ascending subcortical projections provide modulatory inputs to the extended amygdala and its related nodes (or ‘hubs’) within these key circuits. One such input arises from the nucleus incertus (NI) in the tegmentum, which sends amino acid- and peptide-containing projections throughout the forebrain. Notably, a distinct population of GABAergic NI neurons expresses the highly-conserved neuropeptide, relaxin-3, and relaxin-3 signaling has been implicated in the modulation of reward/motivation and anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in rodents via actions within the extended amygdala. Thus, a detailed description of the relaxin-3 innervation of the extended amygdala would provide an anatomical framework for an improved understanding of NI and relaxin-3 modulation of these and other specific amygdala-related functions. Therefore, in this study, we examined the distribution of NI projections and relaxin-3-positive elements (axons/fibers/terminals) within the amygdala, relative to the distribution of neurons expressing the calcium-binding proteins, parvalbumin, calretinin and/or calbindin. Anterograde tracer injections into the NI revealed a topographic distribution of NI efferents within the amygdala that was near identical to the distribution of relaxin-3-immunoreactive fibers. Highest densities of anterogradely-labeled elements and relaxin-3-immunoreactive fibers were observed in the medial nucleus of the amygdala, medial divisions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and in the endopiriform nucleus. In contrast, sparse anterogradely-labeled and relaxin-3-immunoreactive fibers were observed in other amygdala nuclei, including the lateral, central and basal nuclei and the nucleus accumbens lacked any innervation. Using synaptophysin as a synaptic marker, we identified relaxin-3 positive synaptic terminals in the medial amygdala, BST and endopiriform nucleus of amygdala. Our findings demonstrate the existence of topographic NI and relaxin-3-containing projections to specific nuclei of the extended amygdala, consistent with a likely role for this putative integrative arousal system in the regulation of amygdala-dependent social and emotional behaviors