Some inferences on the mechanism of atmospheric gas/particle partitioning of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) at Zaragoza (Spain)

Gas-particle partitioning of pollutants is an important mechanism determining atmospheric processing and its impact to environmental and human health. In this paper, the gas-particle partitioning of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) has been studied with the aim of determining the main mechanism of PAH partitioning in Zaragoza (Spain) aerosols. To reach this goal, the ambient concentrations of PAH (gas and particle phase) collected in this city for one year period (2003-2004) have been analyzed. The partitioning between the particle and gas phases was studied according to three different models: the Junge adsorption model, the absorption into the organic matter model using the octanol-air (KOA) partition coefficient and the absorption into the organic matter plus the adsorption onto the soot carbon model using the soot-air (KSA) partition coefficients. Experimental gas/particle partition coefficients (KP) correlated well with the subcooled liquid vapour pressures (P0 L) of PAH but with slopes higher than the expected value of - 1. Experimental Kp values were well fit to the modelled ones when, in addition to absorption into organic matter, adsorption onto the soot carbon was considered. It could be concluded that the main partition mechanism in Zaragoza aerosols was explained by adsorption onto the soot carbon. However, Kp modelled values were affected by the different thermodynamic parameters related to soot types. The influence of the organic matter and elemental carbon fractions on the Kp modelling was also studied. The different particle characteristics, local factors, the presence of non exchangeable fraction and non equilibrium were considered like main keys to explain deviations of the experimental Kp values from predictions according to models.Authors would like to thank the Government of Aragón (DGA) for the grant to M.T.C and the Spanish Government for the JAE doctoral contract to J.M.L and for the Juan de la Cierva contract to M.V.N.Peer reviewe

Microbiota-liver-bile salts axis, a novel mechanism involved in the contrasting effects of sodium selenite and selenium-nanoparticle supplementation on adipose tissue development in adolescent rats

Adolescence is a period during which body composition changes deeply. Selenium (Se) is an excellent antioxidant trace element related to cell growth and endocrine function. In adolescent rats, low Se supplementation affects adipocyte development differently depending on its form of administration (selenite or Se nanoparticles (SeNPs). Despite this effect being related to oxidative, insulin-signaling and autophagy processes, the whole mechanism is not elucidated. The microbiota–liver–bile salts secretion axis is related to lipid homeostasis and adipose tissue development. Therefore, the colonic microbiota and total bile salts homeostasis were explored in four experimental groups of male adolescent rats: control, low-sodium selenite supplementation, low SeNP supplementation and moderate SeNPs supplementation. SeNPs were obtained by reducing Se tetrachloride in the presence of ascorbic acid. Supplementation was received orally through water intake; low-Se rats received twice more Se than control animals and moderate-Se rats tenfold more. Supplementation with low doses of Se clearly affected anaerobic colonic microbiota profile and bile salts homeostasis. However, these effects were different depending on the Se administration form. Selenite supplementation primarily affected liver by decreasing farnesoid X receptor hepatic function, leading to the accumulation of hepatic bile salts together to increase in the ratio Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. In contrast, low SeNP levels mainly affected microbiota, moving them towards a more prominent Gram-negative profile in which the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Muribaculaceae was clearly enhanced and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased. This bacterial profile is directly related to lower adipose tissue mass. Moreover, low SeNP administration did not modify bile salts pool in serum circulation. In addition, specific gut microbiota was regulated upon administration of low levels of Se in the forms of selenite or SeNPs, which are properly discussed. On its side, moderate-SeNPs administration led to great dysbiosis and enhanced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, being considered toxic. These results strongly correlate with the deep change in adipose mass previously found in these animals, indicating that the microbiota–liver–bile salts axis is also mechanistically involved in these changes.Junta de Andalucía y proyectos FEDER Andalucía de la Unión Europea - US-1380878Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades de Epaña - PID2019-109371GB-I00VII Plan Propio de Investigación y Transferencia de la Universidad de Sevilla US 2022 - 2022/00000332 y 2022/0000027

Caracterización molecular con microsatélites aleatorios rams de la colección de mora, rubus spp, de la universidad nacional de colombia sede palmira

Se estudiaron 36 accesiones, 31 de Rubus glaucus, 3 de R. urticifolius y 2 de R. robustus, mediante marcadores Microsatélites Aleatorios RAMs. Los seis cebadores produjeron 43 bandas polimórficas con pesos moleculares entre 260 y 1500 Kb. El análisis RAMs a un nivel de similitud del 55% diferenció la población en seis grupos de acuerdo con la especie, y relacionó el origen geográfico de R. glaucus e identificó materiales similares de R. robustus. Se encontró un valor de 0.40 de similitud entre materiales silvestres de R. urticifolius y los de R. glaucus; R. robustus presentó el nivel más bajo de similitud 0.25. Según el agrupamiento de las accesiones de acuerdo con el sitio de colecta, el corregimiento de Juntas, vereda La Cecilia (Valle del Cauca), exhibió amplia diversidad y variación entre individuos dentro de las procedencias. ABSTRACT Molecular characterization with random microsatellites rams of the collection of Rubus spp, of the national university of Colombia- Palmira. 36 accesions were studied, 31 belong to the Rubus glaucus species, 3 at R. urticifolius and 2 to R. robustus, by means of markers Random Microsatellite RAMs. The six primers produced 43 polymorphics bands with molecular weights between 260 and 1500 Kb. The RAMs analysis allowed at a level of similarity of 55% differentiating the population in six groups agree with the specie, and to relate the geographical origin of R. glaucus in the group in which they are, and it also identified materials of R. robustus very similar inside the collection. It was a value of 0.40 of similar between the wild materials of R. urticifolius and those belonging to the species R. glaucus, as long as the species R. robustus presented the lowest level in similarity 0.25. The clusters with the collection place suggests that Juntas, Cecilia (Valle del Cauca) it is place that exhibits wide diversity, also evidencing variation among individuals inside the origins. Key words: Rubus glaucus, R. urticifolius, R. robustus, biodiversity, genetic markers, RAMs

Association of myostatin, a cytokine released by muscle, with inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Fondo de Investigacion en Salud, FIS/IMSS/PROT/MD16/1565Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Myostatin is a cytokine produced and released by myocytes that might have an outstanding role not only in muscle wasting during cachexia but also in inflammation. Herein we explore the association between myostatin levels and inflammatory parameters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One hundred twenty-seven women without rheumatic diseases and 84 women with a diagnosis of RA were assessed in a cross-sectional study. Outcomes reflecting the activity of the arthritis including Disease Activity Score (DAS28-ESR) and impairment in functioning by the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index were assessed in RA. We obtained Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and fat mass index using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Serum myostatin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Myostatin levels were correlated with disease activity and parameters of muscle mass. The SMI was lower and concentration of myostatin was higher in RA patients than in controls (P = .008 and P < .001, respectively). Myostatin significantly positively correlated with C-reactive protein (rho = 0.48, P < .001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (rho = 0.28, P = .009), and DAS28-ESR (rho = 0.22, P = .04), and negatively correlated with SMI (rho = −0.29, P = .008), (FFMI) (rho = −0.24, P = .027). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, levels of myostatin remained associated with disease activity in RA (P = .027). In our study, myostatin was associated with disease activity in RA patients, suggesting a mechanistic link between myostatin, muscle wasting and inflammation in RA

PLAN ESTRATÉGICO DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES Y USO DE LAS HERRAMIENTAS DE EVALUACIÓN

El plan estratégico es esencial para que las organizaciones definan sus objetivos, optimicen recursos y establezcan un camino claro hacia sus metas. La planificación estratégica permite anticipar cambios en el entorno, aprovechar oportunidades y mitigar riesgos, proporcionando una guía para la innovación y adaptabilidad. En un entorno empresarial competitivo, contar con herramientas de evaluación adecuadas es crucial para medir el desempeño, identificar áreas de mejora y ajustar estrategias efectivamente.El objetivo principal del estudio fue analizar la implementación y efectividad de las herramientas de evaluación en el proceso de planificación estratégica en diversas organizaciones, identificando mejores prácticas y desafíos comunes en su integración. Se accedió a bases de datos académicas para realizar un análisis comparativo de estrategias y herramientas de evaluación utilizadas por diferentes empresas, identificando patrones y resultados en términos de cuota de mercado, márgenes de beneficio y calidad de productos

The registry of home artificial nutrition and ambulatory of the Spanish society of parenteral and enteral nutrition: Swot analysis

Objetivo: Evidenciar mediante un análisis DAFO-R realizado por consenso de expertos las características más acuciantes del registro de Nutrición Artificial Domiciliaria y Ambulatoria. Material y método: Análisis DAFO-R por consenso de expertos. Se solicitó la participación de los miembros del grupo NADYA activos en los últimos 5 años bajo la premisa de estructurar el DAFO-R sobre las características del registro NADYA desde su inicio. Resultados: Han participado 18 expertos de diferentes hospitales de la geografía española. El análisis interno se inclina positivamente presentando al registro con recursos importantes. En el análisis externo no son numerosas las amenazas, hay factores de gran potencia, “la voluntariedad del registro” y la “dependencia externa de financiación”. Las oportunidades identificadas son importantes. Las recomendaciones se dirigen a la estabilización del sistema disminuyendo las amenazas como foco principal de las estrategias a desarrollar al mismo tiempo que se debe potenciar los puntos identificados en oportunidades y fortalezas. Conclusiones: El registro NADYA se muestra en el análisis con gran potencialidad de mejora. Las recomendaciones propuestas deberán estructurarse para continuar la tendencia de desarrollo y perfeccionamiento de la calidad que ha caracterizado al registro NADYA desde su inicio.Objective: To evidence by means of a SWOT-R analysis performed by an expert consensus the most worrying characteristics of the register on Home-based and Outpatient Artificial Nutrition. Material and methods: SWOT-R analysis with expert consensus. We requested the participation of the active members of the NADYA group within the last 5 years with the premise of structuring the SWOT-R based on the characteristics of the NADYA registry from its beginning. Results: 18 experts from hospitals all over Spain have participated. The internal analysis seems to be positive, presenting the registry as having important resources. The external analysis did not show a great number of threats, there are very potent factors, “the voluntariness” of the registry and the “dependence on external financing”. The opportunities identified are important. The recommendations are aimed at stabilizing the system by decreasing the threats as one of the main focus of the strategies to develop as well as promoting the items identified as opportunities and strengths. Conclusions: The analysis shows that the NADYA register shows a big potentiality for improvement. The proposed recommendations should be structured in order to stay on the track of development and quality improvement that has characterized the NADYA register from the beginnin

Production of renewable fuel and value-added bioproducts using pineapple leaves in Costa Rica

Pineapple, Ananas comosus, is one of the most important cash crops in Costa Rica with more than 44,500 ha of plantation. The pineapple industry contributes approximately 1.7% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of Costa Rica. Pineapple cultivation generates a large amount of plant residues (250 metric tons per hectare of wet plant residues mainly leaves). Current practices of the field residue handing include direct burning, in situ decomposition and removal of residue before planting, which are neither economically sound nor environmentally friendly. New approaches are urgently needed to utilize the residues and improve sustainability of pineapple production in Costa Rica. This study developed a simple, efficient process to convert the pineapple plant leaves into bioethanol, spent yeast proteins, and fibrous material (pulp). The residue was first treated by a mechanical extruder to generate juice and fibrous material. The juice was fermented by a yeast, Kluyveromyces marxianus, to produce ethanol and spent yeast proteins. Under the selected process conditions, the plant leaves (125 tons fresh weight per year) from 1 ha can generate 2.1 tons of bio-ethanol, 1.55 tons of spent yeast biomass, and 11.65 tons of dry fibrous material. The mass and energy balance analysis concluded that using the studied process, the pineapple plant leaves from 44,500 ha of pineapple plantation in Costa Rica can produce 93,043, 68,975, and 518,425 tons of bioethanol, spent yeast, and fibrous material per year, respectively. The amount of bioethanol is able to replace approximately 8.51% of transportation fossil fuel consumption in Costa Rica.Michigan State University/[]/MSU/Estados UnidosNational Natural Science Foundation of China/[31701533]/NSFC/ChinaProgram of Study Abroad for Young Scholars/[gxgwfx 2018036]//Estados UnidosUCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ingeniería::Facultad de Ingeniería::Escuela de Ingeniería de Biosistema

Performance of standardised colposcopy to detect cervical precancer and cancer for triage of women testing positive for human papillomavirus : results from the ESTAMPA multicentric screening study

Correspondence to: Dr Joan Valls, Early Detection, Prevention and Infections Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon 69366, France. [email protected]. Colposcopy, currently included in WHO recommendations as an option to triage human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive women, remains as the reference standard to guide both biopsy for confirmation of cervical precancer and cancer and treatment approaches. We aim to evaluate the performance of colposcopy to detect cervical precancer and cancer for triage in HPV-positive women. Methods. This cross-sectional, multicentric screening study was conducted at 12 centres (including primary and secondary care centres, hospitals, laboratories, and universities) in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). Eligible women were aged 30–64 years, sexually active, did not have a history of cervical cancer or treatment for cervical precancer or a hysterectomy, and were not planning to move outside of the study area. Women were screened with HPV DNA testing and cytology. HPV-positive women were referred to colposcopy using a standardised protocol, including biopsy collection of observed lesions, endocervical sampling for transformation zone (TZ) type 3, and treatment as needed. Women with initial normal colposcopy or no high-grade cervical lesions on histology (less than cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] grade 2) were recalled after 18 months for another HPV test to complete disease ascertainment; HPV-positive women were referred for a second colposcopy with biopsy and treatment as needed. Diagnostic accuracy of colposcopy was assessed by considering a positive test result when the colposcopic impression at the initial colposcopy was positive minor, positive major, or suspected cancer, and was considered negative otherwise. The main study outcome was histologically confirmed CIN3+ (defined as grade 3 or worse) detected at the initial visit or 18-month visit. Findings. Between Dec 12, 2012, and Dec 3, 2021, 42 502 women were recruited, and 5985 (14·1%) tested positive for HPV. 4499 participants with complete disease ascertainment and follow-up were included in the analysis, with a median age of 40·6 years (IQR 34·7–49·9). CIN3+ was detected in 669 (14·9%) of 4499 women at the initial visit or 18-month visit (3530 [78·5%] negative or CIN1, 300 [6·7%] CIN2, 616 [13·7%] CIN3, and 53 [1·2%] cancers). Sensitivity was 91·2% (95% CI 88·9–93·2) for CIN3+, whereas specificity was 50·1% (48·5–51·8) for less than CIN2 and 47·1% (45·5–48·7) for less than CIN3. Sensitivity for CIN3+ significantly decreased in older women (93·5% [95% CI 91·3–95·3] in those aged 30–49 years vs 77·6% [68·6–85·0] in those aged 50–65 years; p<0·0001), whereas specificity for less than CIN2 significantly increased (45·7% [43·8–47·6] vs 61·8% [58·7–64·8]; p<0·0001). Sensitivity for CIN3+ was also significantly lower in women with negative cytology than in those with abnormal cytology (p<0·0001). Interpretation. Colposcopy is accurate for CIN3+ detection in HPV-positive women. These results reflect ESTAMPA efforts in an 18-month follow-up strategy to maximise disease detection with an internationally validated clinical management protocol and regular training, including quality improvement practices. We showed that colposcopy can be optimised with proper standardisation to be used as triage in HPV-positive women.Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y TecnologíaPrograma Paraguayo para el Desarrollo de la Ciencia y Tecnología. Proyectos de investigación y desarrollo14-INV-036PINV18-25

Innovación, Inclusión Social y Prospectiva en la Gestión Gerencial: Tomo 1

PublishedLa presente publicación recoge resultados preliminares y finales de algunas de las investigaciones que vienen desarrollando los profesores y estudiantes vinculados a los grupos de investigación del Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Desarrollo Regional CEIDER, de la Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales de la Universidad Santiago de Cali, en trabajo colaborativo con investigadores nacionales e internacionales, cofinanciados con recursos de la Universidad y de otras instituciones mediante convocatorias de investigación. La diversidad y riqueza de las temáticas en ciencias económicas y empresariales lleva a tópicos como: el sector de la salud, las nuevas formas de empleabilidad, la innovación social, los impactos medioambientales, la inmersión en los mercados globalizados y la vivienda de interés social; los cuales se abordan en cada uno de los capítulos de este libro