Proper motions of Local Group dwarf spheroidal galaxies I: First ground-based results for Fornax

In this paper we present in detail the methodology and the first results of a ground-based program to determine the absolute proper motion of the Fornax dwarf spheroidal galaxy. The proper motion was determined using bona-fide Fornax star members measured with respect to a fiducial at-rest background spectroscopically confirmed Quasar, \qso. Our homogeneous measurements, based on this one Quasar gives a value of (\mua,\mud)$= (0.64 \pm 0.08, -0.01 \pm 0.11)$ \masy. There are only two other (astrometric) determinations for the transverse motion of Fornax: one based on a combination of plates and HST data, and another (of higher internal precision) based on HST data. We show that our proper motion errors are similar to those derived from HST measurements on individual QSOs. We provide evidence that, as far as we can determine it, our motion is not affected by magnitude, color, or other potential systematic effects. Last epoch measurements and reductions are underway for other four Quasar fields of this galaxy, which, when combined, should yield proper motions with a weighted mean error of $\sim50\,\mu$as y$^{-1}$, allowing us to place important constraints on the orbit of Fornax.Comment: Accepted for publication in Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, PASP. To appear in July issue. 64 pages, 18 figure

Alterations in CD200-CD200R1 System during EAE Already Manifest at Presymptomatic Stages

In the brain of patients with multiple sclerosis, activated microglia/macrophages appear in active lesions and in normal appearing white matter. However, whether they play a beneficial or a detrimental role in the development of the pathology remains a controversial issue. The production of pro-inflammatory molecules by chronically activated microglial cells is suggested to contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative processes in neurological disease. In the healthy brain, neurons control glial activation through several inhibitory mechanisms, such as the CD200-CD200R1 interaction. Therefore, we studied whether alterations in the CD200-CD200R1 system might underlie the neuroinflammation in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis. We determined the time course of CD200 and CD200R1 expression in the brain and spinal cord of an EAE mouse model from presymptomatic to late symptomatic stages. We also assessed the correlation with associated glial activation, inflammatory response and EAE severity. Alterations in CD200 and CD200R1 expression were mainly observed in spinal cord regions in the EAE model, mostly a decrease in CD200 and an increase in CD200R1 expression. A decrease in the expression of the mRNA encoding a full CD200 protein was detected before the onset of clinical signs, and remained thereafter. A decrease in CD200 protein expression was observed from the onset of clinical signs. By contrast, CD200R1 expression increased at EAE onset, when a glial reaction associated with the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers occurred, and continued to be elevated during the pathology. Moreover, the magnitude of the alterations correlated with severity of the EAE mainly in spinal cord. These results suggest that neuronal-microglial communication through CD200-CD200R1 interaction is compromised in EAE. The early decreases in CD200 expression in EAE suggest that this downregulation might also occur in the initial phases of multiple sclerosis, and that this early neuronal dysfunction might facilitate the development of neuroinflammation. The increased CD200R1 expression in the EAE model highlights the potential use of targeted agonist molecules as therapeutic tools to control neuroinflammation. In summary, the CD200-CD200R1 system is a potential therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis, and CD200R1 agonists are molecules that may be worth developing in this context

Variable stars in the field of the Hydra II ultra-faint dwarf galaxy

We report the discovery of one RR Lyrae star in the ultra--faint satellite galaxy Hydra II based on time series photometry in the g, r and i bands obtained with the Dark Energy Camera at Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory, Chile. The RR Lyrae star has a mean magnitude of $i = 21.30\pm 0.04$ which translates to a heliocentric distance of $151\pm 8$ kpc for Hydra II; this value is $\sim 13\%$ larger than the estimate from the discovery paper based on the average magnitude of several blue horizontal branch star candidates. The new distance implies a slightly larger half-light radius of $76^{+12}_{-10}$ pc and a brighter absolute magnitude of $M_V = -5.1 \pm 0.3$, which keeps this object within the realm of the dwarf galaxies. The pulsational properties of the RR Lyrae star ($P=0.645$ d, $\Delta g = 0.68$ mag) suggest Hydra II may be a member of the intermediate Oosterhoff or Oosterhoff II group. A comparison with other RR Lyrae stars in ultra--faint systems indicates similar pulsational properties among them, which are different to those found among halo field stars and those in the largest of the Milky Way satellites. We also report the discovery of 31 additional short period variables in the field of view (RR Lyrae, SX Phe, eclipsing binaries, and a likely anomalous cepheid). However, given their magnitudes and large angular separation from Hydra II, they must be field stars not related to Hydra II.Comment: Revised version after comments from the referee. Accepted for publication in A

Diagnosis and Stratification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infected Patients by Immunochemical Quantitative Determination of Pyocyanin From Clinical Bacterial Isolates

Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Monoclonal antibody; PyocyaninPseudomonas aeruginosa; Anticuerpo monoclonal; PiocianinaPseudomonas aeruginosa; Anticòs monoclonal; PiocianinaThe development of a highly sensitive, specific, and reliable immunochemical assay to detect pyocyanin (PYO), one of the most important virulence factors (VFs) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is here reported. The assay uses a high-affinity monoclonal antibody (mAb; C.9.1.9.1.1.2.2.) raised against 1-hydroxyphenazine (1-OHphz) hapten derivatives (PC1; a 1:1 mixture of 9-hydroxy- and 6-hydroxy-phenazine-2-carobxylic acids). Selective screening using PYO and 1-OHphz on several cloning cycles allowed the selection of a clone able to detect PYO at low concentration levels. The microplate-based ELISA developed is able to achieve a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.07 nM, which is much lower than the concentrations reported to be found in clinical samples (130 μM in sputa and 2.8 μM in ear secretions). The ELISA has allowed the investigation of the release kinetics of PYO and 1-OHphz (the main metabolite of PYO) of clinical isolates obtained from P. aeruginosa-infected patients and cultured in Mueller-Hinton medium. Significant differences have been found between clinical isolates obtained from patients with an acute or a chronic infection (~6,000 nM vs. ~8 nM of PYO content, respectively) corroborated by the analysis of PYO/1-OHphz levels released by 37 clinical isolates obtained from infected patients at different stages. In all cases, the levels of 1-OHphz were much lower than those of PYO (at the highest levels 6,000 nM vs. 300 nM for PYO vs. 1-OHphz, respectively). The results found point to a real potential of PYO as a biomarker of P. aeruginosa infection and the possibility to use such VF also as a biomarker for patient stratification[2] and for an effective management of these kinds of infections.This work has been funded by the Spanish Government to M-PM through the Ministry of Science and Innovation (SAF2015-67476-R, RTI2018-096278-B-C21, PI, M-PM) and by Fundació Marató de TV3 (201825-30-31, PI, M-PM). The Nb4D group is a consolidated research group (Grup de Recerca) of the Generalitat de Catalunya and has support from the Departament d’Universitats, Recerca i Societat de la Informació de la Generalitat de Catalunya (expedient: 2017 SGR 1441). CIBER Actions are financed by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Moreover, BR-U has an FI fellowship from the AGAUR (Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris I de Recerca) of the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya) (2019FI_B00289). El Fons social Europeu Inverteix en el teu futur

Corpora amylacea in human hippocampal brain tissue are intracellular bodies that exhibit a homogeneous distribution of neoepitopes

Corpora amylacea are spherical bodies of unknown origin and function, which accumulate in the human brain during the aging process and neurodegenerative disorders. In recent work, we reported that they contain some neo-epitopes that are recognized by natural IgMs, revealing a possible link between them and the natural immune system. Here, we performed an ultrastructural study complemented with confocal microscopy in order to shed light on the formation of corpora amylacea and to precisely localize the neo-epitopes. We show that immature corpora amylacea are intracellular astrocytic structures formed by profuse cellular debris and membranous blebs entrapped in a scattered mass of randomly oriented short linear fibers. In mature corpora amylacea, the structure becomes compacted and fibrillary material constitutes the principal component. We also determined that the neo-epitopes were uniformly localized throughout the whole structure. All these observations reinforce the idea that corpora amylacea of human brain are equivalent to another type of polyglucosan bodies named PAS granules, present in mouse brain and originated from degenerative processes. All those findings support the hypothesis that corpora amylacea are involved in the entrapment of damaged materials and non-degradable products and have a role in protective or cleaning mechanisms

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation with regional hypothermia using grafts with Multiple Vessels After Extracorporeal Vascular Reconstruction: results from the European Association of Urology Robotic Urology Section Working Group

Background: Kidney transplantation using grafts with multiple vessels (GMVs) is technically demanding and may be associated with increased risk of complications or suboptimal graft function. To date, no studies have reported on robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) using GMVs. Objective: To report our experience with RAKT using GMVs from living donors, focusing on technical feasibility and early postoperative outcomes. Design, setting, and participants: We reviewed the multi-institutional, prospectively collected European Association of Urology (EAU) Robotic Urology Section (ERUS)-RAKT database to select consecutive patients undergoing RAKT from living donors using GMVs between July 2015 and January 2018. Patients undergoing RAKT using grafts with single vessels (GSVs) served as controls. In case of GMVs, ex vivo vascular reconstruction techniques were performed during bench surgery according to the case-specific anatomy. Intervention: RAKT with regional hypothermia. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Intraoperative outcomes and early (30 d) postoperative complications and functional results were the main study endpoints. Multivariable logistic regression analysis evaluated potential predictors of suboptimal renal function at 1 mo. Results and limitations: Overall, 148 RAKTs were performed during the study period. Of these, 21/148 (14.2%) used GMVs; in all cases, single arterial and venous anastomoses could be performed after vascular reconstruction. Median anastomoses and rewarming times did not differ significantly between the GMV and GSV groups. Total and cold ischemia times were significantly higher in the GMV cohort (112 vs 88 min, p = 0.004 and 50 vs 34 min, p = 0.003, respectively). Overall complication rate and early functional outcomes were similar among the two groups. No major intra-or postoperative complications were recorded in the GMV cohort. At multivariable analysis, use of GMVs was not significantly associated with suboptimal renal function at 1 mo. Small sample size and short follow-up represent the main study limitations. Conclusions: RAKT using GMVs from living donors is technically feasible and achieved favorable perioperative and short-term functional outcomes. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm our findings. Patient summary: In this study, we evaluated for the first time in literature the results of RAKT from living donors using kidneys with multiple arteries and veins. We found that, in experienced centers, RAKT using kidneys with multiple vessels is feasible and achieves optimal results in terms of postoperative kidney function with a low number of postoperative complications. (C) 2018 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Evaluation of a Clinical Decision Support System for Dyslipidemia Treatment (HTE-DLPR) by QoE questionnaire

Introduction: Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are computer systems designed to assist clinicians with patient-related decision making, such as diagnosis and treatment. CDSS have shown to improve both patient outcomes and cost of care.Methods: A multi-center observational prospective study was conducted. Ten physicians agreed to participate. Seventy-seven patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk were included. After using CDSS for dyslipidemia (HTE-DLPR) for a 3 months period, participants were asked to evaluate their experience with HTE-DLPR using a quality of experience questionnaire (QoE) tool for mHealth applications.Results: Total score on the QoE was 3.89 out of 5. The highest scores were received for precision, ease of use and content quality. The lowest scores were given to security, appearance and performance. Physicians were in strong agreement with the 1st HTEDLPR recommendation in 86.1% and the system’s use was described as comfortablein 85% of cases. Users positively evaluated the development of a new version of HTEDLPR in the future receiving a total score of 4.25 out of 5.Conclusions: A CDSS for dyslipidemia (HTE-DLP) has been positively evaluated by physicians using QoE questionnaire

Exercise-based interventions to enhance long-term sustainability of physical activity in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Older adults; Physical activity; AdherenceAdultos mayores; Actividad física; AdherenciaAdults majors; Activitat física; AdherènciaExercise is a form of physical activity (PA). PA is an important marker of health and quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess the effect of exercise-based interventions on an at least six-month follow up PA measure, and to describe the specific strategies implemented during the intervention to strengthen the sustainability of PA in community-dwelling 65+ year-old adults. We registered and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42017070892) of randomized clinical trials (RCT). We searched three electronic databases during January 2018 to identify RCT assessing any type of exercise-based intervention. Studies had to report a pre-, post-, and at least 6-month post-intervention follow-up. To be included, at least one PA outcome had to be assessed. The effect of exercise-based interventions was assessed compared to active (e.g., a low-intensity type of exercise, such as stretching or toning activities) and non-active (e.g., usual care) control interventions at several time points. Secondary analyses were conducted, restricted to studies that reported specific strategies to enhance the sustainability of PA. The intervention effect was measured on self-reported and objective measures of time spent in PA, by means of standardized mean differences. Standardized mean differences of PA level were pooled. Pooled estimates of effect were computed with the DerSimonian–Laird method, applying a random effects model. The risk of bias was also assessed. We included 12 studies, comparing 18 exercise intervention groups to four active and nine non-active control groups. Nine studies reported specific strategies to enhance the long-term sustainability of PA. The strategies were mostly related to the self-efficacy, self-control, and behavior capability principles based on the social cognitive theory. Exercise interventions compared to active control showed inconclusive and heterogeneous results. When compared to non-active control, exercise interventions improved PA time at the six-months follow up (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.30; 95%CI 0.15 to 0.44; four studies; 724 participants; I2 0%), but not at the one- or two-years follow-ups. No data were available on the mid- and long-term effect of adding strategies to enhance the sustainability of PA. Exercise interventions have small clinical benefits on PA levels in community-dwelling older adults, with a decline in the observed improvement after six months of the intervention cessation.The present study was funded by United States Department of Health & Human Services National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA, and NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA), USA, (K24 AG057728)

The ISLANDS project I: Andromeda XVI, An Extremely Low Mass Galaxy not Quenched by Reionization

Based on data aquired in 13 orbits of HST time, we present a detailed evolutionary history of the M31 dSph satellite Andromeda XVI, including its life-time star formation history, the spatial distribution of its stellar populations, and the properties of its variable stars. And XVI is characterized by prolonged star formation activity from the oldest epochs until star formation was quenched ~6 Gyr ago, and, notably, only half of the mass in stars of And XVI was in place 10 Gyr ago. And XVI appears to be a low mass galaxy for which the early quenching by either reionization or starburst feedback seems highly unlikely, and thus, is most likely due to an environmental effect (e.g., an interaction), possibly connected to a late infall in the densest regions of the Local Group. Studying the star formation history as a function of galactocentric radius, we detect a mild gradient in the star formation history: the star formation activity between 6 and 8 Gyr ago is significantly stronger in the central regions than in the external regions, although the quenching age appears to be the same, within 1 Gyr. We also report the discovery of 9 RR Lyrae stars, 8 of which belong to And XVI. The RR Lyrae stars allow a new estimate of the distance, (m-M)0= 23.72+/-0.09 mag, which is marginally larger than previous estimates based on the tip of the red giant branch.Comment: Accepted for publication on Ap