The role of Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine reducing agent in the controlled formation of α,ω-Alkanedithiols Monolayers on Au(111) with monocoordinated and bicoordinated configurations

The addition of the reducing agent tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine (TCEP) during the formation of α,ω-alkanedithiols monolayers on Au(111) using the immersion method produces the assembly of monolayers with bicoordinated molecules (both S-terminal groups bound to the surface) that have a reductive desorption potential that is more positive than for monolayers with monocoordinated molecules in a standing up configuration. We show that the use of TCEP either during formation of the monolayer or as a post treatment procedure allows the controlled formation of monolayers with bicoordinated or monocoordinated configurations. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to elucidate the role of TCEP in the formation of the bicoordinated configuration. We investigated the TCEP-dithiol interaction in ethanol solvent as well as the coadsorption of trimethylphosphine with 1,2-ethanedithiol on Au(111). The Brønsted base character of the phosphine facilitates the H exchange from the −SHgroups of the dithiol to the phosphorous atom of TCEP with very low activation energy barriers, thus allowing the thiolate groups to bind to the Au(111) surface, thus yielding the bicoordinated configuration. Dithiol lifting mechanisms such as H exchange between S atoms and the formation of intra/inter layer disulfide bonds have much higher energy barriers.Fil: Euti, Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Velez, Patricio. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Matemática y Física; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Leiva, Ezequiel Pedro Marcos. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Matemática y Física; ArgentinaFil: Macagno, Vicente Antonio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Paredes Olivera, Patricia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Matemática y Física; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Patrito, Eduardo Martin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Cometto, Fernando Pablo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; Argentin

Computer surgery 3D simulations for a new teaching-learning model

Using 3D computer simulations for training surgeons is not new. Using e-learning for improving students knowledge acquisition is not new. What we propose is to use 3D computer simulations in such a versatile way that those simulations could act as learning objects designed directly by those who own the experience we want to be transmitted. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to create a model in charge of communications between the learning objects and the simulation. This model ensures that, on the one hand, the simulation offers an interface to the learning process stable enough not to be affected by every small change. On the other hand, the model also ensures that the simulation offers an interface complete enough for adopting any change in the learning process. The key to solve this contradiction is to take the behavior of the simulation objects out of their control leaving in them just their very basic behavior. This paper presents the problem and the design proposed to solve it in a more detailed wa

New correlations between ocular parameters and disease severity in Spanish patients with Gaucher’s disease Type I

Background: Gaucher’s disease is associated with a high variety of structural and functional abnormalities in the eye, which do not always affect visual acuity. The purpose of this study was to analyse ocular features in Spanish patients with Gaucher’s disease type I, and to investigate their possible correlation with phenotypic and burden parameters of this entity. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study compared parameters belonging to 18 eyes from 9 Spanish patients with Gaucher’s disease Type I with 80 eyes from 40 healthy controls. Complete ophthalmological examination included choroidal and retinal thickness maps with swept source optical coherence tomography. Systemic analysis included genotype, plasmatic biomarkers, [ferritin, chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) and chitotriosidase (ChT)] and severity scoring systems results [“Gaucher Disease Severity Score Index Type I" (GauSSI-I) and “Gaucher disease severity scoring system” (GD-DS3)]. Results: Nine subjects (18 eyes) were cases (female: 55.5%, mean age 45 years; male: 44.5%, mean age 36 years) and 40 subjects (80 eyes) were controls (female: 49%, mean age 50 years; male: 51%, mean age 55 years). There were no statistically significant differences when comparing ocular parameters (visual acuity; axial length, refractive errors, corneal parameters, lens, retinal and choroidal thickness) between case and control subjects (p>0.05). A statistically significant moderate correlation was observed between lower retinal thickness and choroidal quadrants thickness and greater disease severity scores. A lower central retinal thickness also correlates with higher biological plasmatic levels, and has a statistically significant association with the most affected patient with genotype N370S/Del 55pb. Conversely, higher pachymetry involves a more severe plasmatic concentration of biomarkers. Conclusions: Our results suggest that pachymetry, and retinal and choroidal thickness, are associated with burden biomarkers and disease severity index scores in Spanish patients with Gaucher’s disease Type I

Spatial repellents transfluthrin and metofluthrin affect the behavior of \u3cem\u3eDermacentor variabilis\u3c/em\u3e, \u3cem\u3eAmblyomma americanum\u3c/em\u3e, and \u3cem\u3eIxodes scapularis\u3c/em\u3e in an \u3cem\u3ein vitro\u3c/em\u3e vertical climb assay

Repellents serve an important role in bite protection. Tick repellents largely rely on biomechanisms that induce responses with direct contact, but synthetic pyrethroids used as spatial repellents against insects have received recent attention for potential use in tick protection systems. An in vitro vertical climb assay was designed to assess spatial repellency against Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis adult, female ticks. Climbing behavior was assessed with and without the presence of two spatial repellents, transfluthrin and metofluthrin. Repellency parameters were defined to simulate the natural questing behavior of ambushing ticks, including measures of detachment, pseudo-questing duration, climbing deterrence, and activity. Significant effects were observed within each parameter. D. variabilis showed the greatest general susceptibility to each repellent, followed by A. americanum, and I. scapularis. The most important and integrative measure of repellency was climbing deterrence–a measure of the spatial repellent’s ability to disrupt a tick’s natural propensity to climb. Transfluthrin deterred 75% of D. variabilis, 67% of A. americanum, and 50% of I. scapularis. Metofluthrin was slightly more effective, deterring 81% of D. variabilis, 73% of A. americanum, and 72% of I. scapularis. The present study poses a novel paradigm for repellency and reports a preliminary assessment of spatial repellent effect on tick behavior. Further research will assess spatial repellency in a more natural setting, scale exposure conditions, and incorporate host cues

Depresión, ansiedad, apoyo interpersonal y dolor autopercibido en pacientes con síndrome de fibromialgia

El síndrome de fibromialgia (sf) es una patología que genera gran dificultad en los movimientos, fatiga y dolor en partes del cuerpo, afectando severamente la calidad de vida. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los indicadores de depresión, ansiedad, apoyo interpersonal, dolor autopercibido y su relación, en una muestra de pacientes con sf en Colombia. A 100 pacientes se les aplicaron las siguientes pruebas: Inventario de Ansiedad Rasgo Estado, Escala de depresión de Zung, Cuestionario para evaluación del apoyo interpersonal, y la Escala analógica del dolor. Se reportaron niveles moderados de depresión y ansiedad, dificultades específicas en el apoyo social y niveles altos en dolor autopercibido. Las puntuaciones en la escala de depresión se asociaron positivamente con la ansiedad estado y rasgo, pero se asociaron negativamente con el apoyo social. En conclusión, la salud mental, el apoyo interpersonal y el dolor autopercibido se encuentran afectados en los pacientes. Se requiere ajustar los protocolos de atención clínica con el propósito de conservar y potenciar la salud integral en los afectados

Myocardial ischemic subject's thymus fat: A novel source of multipotent stromal cells

Objective Adipose Tissue Stromal Cells (ASCs) have important clinical applications in the regenerative medicine, cell replacement and gene therapies. Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT) is the most common source of these cells. The adult human thymus degenerates into adipose tissue (TAT). However, it has never been studied before as a source of stem cells. Material and Methods We performed a comparative characterization of TAT-ASCs and SAT-ASCs from myocardial ischemic subjects (n = 32) according to the age of the subjects. Results TAT-ASCs and SAT-ASCs showed similar features regarding their adherence, morphology and in their capacity to form CFU-F. Moreover, they have the capacity to differentiate into osteocyte and adipocyte lineages; and they present a surface marker profile corresponding with stem cells derived from AT; CD73+CD90+CD105+CD14-CD19-CD45-HLA-DR. Interestingly, and in opposition to SAT-ASCs, TAT-ASCs have CD14+CD34+CD133+CD45- cells. Moreover, TAT-ASCs from elderly subjects showed higher adipogenic and osteogenic capacities compared to middle aged subjects, indicating that, rather than impairing; aging seems to increase adipogenic and osteogenic capacities of TAT-ASCs. Conclusions This study describes the human TAT as a source of mesenchymal stem cells, which may have an enormous potential for regenerative medicine.Instituto de Salud Carlos III/FEDER, EU (PI10/01947, PI13/02628), CTS-7895 from the Consejer?a de Econom?a e Innovaci?n, Ciencia y Empleo, Junta de Andaluc?a/FEDER, EU. R. El Bekay is supported by fellowships from the ISCIII/FEDER, EU "Miguel Servet II" (CPII13/00041). AV-R is under a contract Proyectos de I+D+i para j?venes investigadores from the Ministerio de Econom?a y Competitividad (SAF2014-60649-JIN) and co-funded by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional-FEDER.Scopu

Experimental studies for the personalized application of boron neutron capture therapy to the treatment of cutaneous melanoma

Background: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary modality based on the nuclear reaction 10B (n, α) lithium-7 (7Li) that has been used to treat a variety of tumors, among these, cutaneous melanoma (CM). In previous boron biodistribution studies in agreement with the personalized oncology, we have demonstrated that boronophenylalanine (BPA) uptake can be correlated with the tumoral temperature and viability. The main aim of these studies was to evaluate the relationship between tumoral temperature and the response to the complete BNCT. Methods: Nude mice were implanted with human melanoma cells (Mel J) and divided into different groups (Control, NCT, BNCT I and BNCT II) and irradiated with the thermal neutron beam from RA-6 (4.96× 108/cm2/sec) during 37 and 55 minutes respectively. Tumor and body temperatures were measured by Static Infrared Imaging (SIRI), and it was performed the following up of the animals. Results: Tumor growth showed a complete growth inhibition during the first 20 days after treatment in both BNCT groups (BNCT I and BNCT II vs. Control P<0.001). Considering the analogy between the Fourier's Law of Heat Conduction and the Ohm's law of Electrical Conduction, the quantity (T_tum-T_ inf)/(T_body-T_tum) was analyzed as a function of Vf/Vi (Final volume/Initial volume) ratio. A tendency to higher values of the temperature's ratios, was observed with respect to the degree of tumor control (BNCT I with a R2 of 0.3527, BNCTII with a R2 of 0.3327) in agreement with previous boron biodistribution studies. The histology and immunohistochemical studies showed larger areas of necrosis and picnotic regions and a significant decrease of the Ki-67 antibody labeling in the BNCT II group evidencing important tumor damage. Conclusions: tumoral characteristics, especially the temperature, could be used to plan a personalized treatment for each patient. As values of correlation between temperature and tumoral response showed to be weak, we considered to explore a new model of three dimension for heat transport process.Fil: Carpano, Marina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Santa Cruz, Gustavo Alberto. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Rodriguez, Carla. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Nievas, Susana Isabel. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Olivera, María Silvina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Perona, Marina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Boggio, Esteban Fabián. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Longhino, Juan Manuel. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Pisarev, Mario Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; ArgentinaFil: Juvenal, Guillermo Juan. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Dagrosa, María Alejandra. Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

What is the biological basis of pattern formation of skin lesions?

Pattern recognition is at the heart of clinical dermatology and dermatopathology. Yet, while every practitioner of the art of dermatological diagnosis recognizes the supreme value of diagnostic cues provided by defined patterns of 'efflorescences', few contemplate on the biological basis of pattern formation in and of skin lesions. Vice versa, developmental and theoretical biologists, who would be best prepared to study skin lesion patterns, are lamentably slow to discover this field as a uniquely instructive testing ground for probing theoretical concepts on pattern generation in the human system. As a result, we have at best scraped the surface of understanding the biological basis of pattern formation of skin lesions, and widely open questions dominate over definitive answer. As a symmetry-breaking force, pattern formation represents one of the most fundamental principles that nature enlists for system organization. Thus, the peculiar and often characteristic arrangements that skin lesions display provide a unique opportunity to reflect upon – and to experimentally dissect – the powerful organizing principles at the crossroads of developmental, skin and theoretical biology, genetics, and clinical dermatology that underlie these – increasingly less enigmatic – phenomena. The current 'Controversies' feature offers a range of different perspectives on how pattern formation of skin lesions can be approached. With this, we hope to encourage more systematic interdisciplinary research efforts geared at unraveling the many unsolved, yet utterly fascinating mysteries of dermatological pattern formation. In short: never a dull pattern

Diarrea neonatal bovina en un hato del antiplano norte de Antioquia (Colombia), un estudio descriptivo

ABSTRACT: Bovine neonatal diarrhea is a disease, with etiology that can be infectious or non-infectious, which affects calves during the first three and causes serious economic losses in the dairy industry worldwide. This study describes the disease in a dairy herd in the Northern Antioquia Highlands. A cohort of 60 calves was evaluated during the first month of life through clinical examinations, haematological and serology analysis, and ELISA in fecal samples to detect Cryptosporidium parvum, bovine rotavirus type A, bovine coronavirus and E. coli K99. Additionally, the concentration of immunoglobulin in the colostrum administered and the passive transfer of immunoglobulin were estimated. Proportions of morbidity because of diarrhea were 94.92%, general mortality 17.58%, and lethality 15.79%. Among the group of sick animals 89.47%, 47.37%, 7.02% and 0% were found for each pathogenic agent respectively. A high percentage of animals with reactive lymphocytes were observed which indicates parasitic or viral infection. The results obtained from this study suggest that circulation of agents involved in bovine neonatal diarrhea can exist in the area, which generates concern because of the unknown sanitary status in the Northern Antioquia Highlands.RESUMEN: La diarrea neonatal bovina es una enfermedad cuya etiología puede ser infecciosa o no infecciosa, afecta los neonatos bovinos especialmente durante las tres primeras semanas de vida y causa serias pérdidas económicas en el sector lechero a nivel mundial. En este estudio se describió la enfermedad en un hato de producción lechera en el altiplano norte de Antioquia. Se evaluó una cohorte de 60 terneros durante su primer mes de vida mediante examen clínico, análisis hematológicos, de serología, y ELISA en materia fecal para Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus bovino tipo A, coronavirus bovino y E. coli K99. Adicionalmente, se estimó la concentración de inmunoglobulinas en el calostro suministrado y la transferencia pasiva de inmunoglobulinas. Se encontraron proporciones de morbilidad por diarrea de 94,92%, mortalidad general de 17,58% y letalidad del 15,79%. Entre los animales enfermos se encontró un porcentaje de 89,47%, 47,37%, 7,02% y 0% para cada agente patógeno respectivamente. Se evidenció un alto porcentaje de animales con linfocitos reactivos, lo que indica la infección con agentes parasitarios o virales. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio sugieren que puede existir circulación de agentes involucrados en la diarrea neonatal bovina en la zona, lo que genera preocupación por el desconocimiento del estatus sanitario del altiplano norte de Antioquia en general

Experimental studies for the personalized application of boron neutron capture therapy to the treatment of cutaneous melanoma

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