Development of CaS:Eu2+/Dy3+ Persistent and NIR Photo-Stimulated Nanophosphors

Persistent luminescent nanophosphors are nano-sized materials that have recently come into the limelight and have attracted attention as potential fluorescent imaging probes due to their attractive optical properties. The synthesis and characterization of red persistent luminescent CaS:Eu2+/Dy3+ nanophosphors were investigated. These nanophosphors are capable of energy storage due to presence of electron trap sites. This provides a new approach of avoiding exposure of biological tissue to high-energy irradiation and eliminating the generation autofluorescence since these nanophosphors are charged ex vivo with UV irradiation. Once injected in the body, in vivo images can be acquired by detection of the red persistent luminescence originating from the shallow traps present in the nanophosphor. After the persistent luminescence has subsided, energy stored in deeper traps can be released upon near infrared light (NIR) irradiation, resulting in a red photo-stimulated emission. With the goal to develop CaS:Eu2+/Dy3+ persistent and NIR photo-stimulated nanophosphors, synthesis and characterization of the optical properties of CaS nanoparticles and CaS:Eu2+ and CaS:Eu2+/Dy3+ nanophosphors were carried out. The nature of the electron trap sites and the trapping and de-trapping mechanisms were studied by wavelength resolved thermally stimulated luminescence. In addition, the generation of strong red light emission following NIR excitation of the CaS:Eu2+/Dy3+ nanophosphors is demonstrated. This basic understanding is primordial in the development of a new nano-sized photonic materials in the field of biomedical luminescent probes for applications in bioimaging. The integration of the CaS:Eu2+/Dy3+ nanophosphors as an optical bioimaging probe is limited by the hygroscopic character of the CaS nano host. Consequently, different surface modification strategies were studied to render the CaS:Eu2+/Dy3+ nanophosphors water dispersible and at the same time prevent hydrolization. Among the surface modification strategies studied, the grafting of a silica shell, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), was chosen to carry out preliminary in vivo fluorescence optical imaging experiments using TEOS-CaS:Eu2+/Dy3+ nanophosphors as the luminescent probes

Are Serotonin Alterations the Link between Thrombocytopenia and Poor Immune Status among HIV Infected Individuals?

OBJECTIVE: Thrombocytopenia (TCP<150 × 10(3) cells/mm(3)) has emerged as a relevant factor in the clinical course of HIV. However, the mechanisms mediating such observations have not been well characterized, limiting the possibility of creating targeted interventions. Notably, platelets are the storage and transporter system for serotonin and Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which recent laboratory studies associated with viral replication and lymphocyte survival. Thus, we posit that (1) TCP will be associated with reduced levels of BDNF and serotonin (2) That these alterations will lead to poor viro-immune responses to antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: To achieve this goal, a total of 400 people living with HIV were consecutively enrolled to characterize the frequency of thrombocytopenia in hazardous and non-hazardous alcohol user populations in the HAART era. Then, participants underwent immune and laboratory assessments, to determine if TCP was associated with alterations in serotonin (5-HT) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). RESULTS: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia in this antiretroviral treated cohort was 14%. Rates were significantly higher in the heavy alcohol users, HAU versus the non HAU group (Heavy: 25% versus HAU: 15% versusnon-HAU: 10%). Multivariate model analyses indicated that having TCP, low BDNF levels (<5000 pg/ml), and number of drinks per day were predictors of serotonin levels. PLWH with TCP had about 2-fold lower PPP-BDNFlevels (5037.4 ± 381 vs. 9137.5 ± 7062 pg/ml p=0.0001). Other significant predictors of BDNF levels at the last visit included receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and PPP serotonin levels. Multivariate analyses also confirmed that altered serotonin levels were associated withhigh viral loadsboth low CD4 cell counts. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia is a relatively frequent complication of HIV, andis particularly prevalent among hazardous alcohol users (HAU). These findings suggest that TCP is associated with altered levels of BDNF and serotonin, suggesting that they may be the bridge linking TCP and poor viro-immune responses observed in this group. These results could have important clinical and therapeutic implications

Counting the photons : determining the absolute storage capacity of persistent phosphors

The performance of a persistent phosphor is often determined by comparing luminance decay curves, expressed in cd/m(2). However, these photometric units do not enable a straightforward, objective comparison between different phosphors in terms of the total number of emitted photons, as these units are dependent on the emission spectrum of the phosphor. This may lead to incorrect conclusions regarding the storage capacity of the phosphor. An alternative and convenient technique of characterizing the performance of a phosphor was developed on the basis of the absolute storage capacity of phosphors. In this technique, the phosphor is incorporated in a transparent polymer and the measured afterglow is converted into an absolute number of emitted photons, effectively quantifying the amount of energy that can be stored in the material. This method was applied to the benchmark phosphor SrAl2O4: Eu, Dy and to the nano-sized phosphor CaS: Eu. The results indicated that only a fraction of the Eu ions (around 1.6% in the case of SrAl2O4: Eu, Dy) participated in the energy storage process, which is in line with earlier reports based on X-ray absorption spectroscopy. These findings imply that there is still a significant margin for improving the storage capacity of persistent phosphors

Costo de infección de vías urinarias asociada a sonda vesical en un hospital universitario de Santander, Colombia

Objetivo Estimar el exceso de costos de la infección de vías urinarias asociada al uso de catéter y las intervenciones clínicas que más influyen en los costos.Métodos Se realizó un estudio de cohortes pareadas por tiempo de aparición del evento nosocomial. Los expuestos fueron pacientes con infección de vías urinarias asociada a catéter, y los no expuestos, pacientes sin infección nosocomial, con diagnóstico de ingreso similar al expuesto. En las dos cohortes se evaluaron los costos directos de atención hospitalaria.Resultados El exceso de costo total de atención de una Infección de vías urinarias asociada a catéter fue de $2 460 168 pesos colombianos para 2009. El mayor porcentaje fue atribuido a los días de hospitalización en sala general con un 71,8$2 460 168,9 pesos (1 329 dólares de 2009)

Costo de neumonía nosocomial no asociada a ventilación en el hospital universitario de santander, 2007-2009

Objetivo Estimar el exceso de costos asociado a neumonía nosocomial no asociada a ventilación mecánica y las intervenciones clínicas que más influyen en él.Métodos Se realizó un estudio de cohortes pareadas por tiempo de aparición del evento nosocomial. Los expuestos fueron pacientes con neumonía nosocomial y los no expuestos pacientes sin infección nosocomial, con diagnóstico de ingreso similar al expuesto. El principal resultado evaluado en las dos cohortes fueron los costos directos de atención hospitalaria.Resultados El exceso de costo total de atención de una neumonía nosocomial no asociada ventilación fue de $7 771 583,50 (4 200 dólares de 2009). Los días de hospitalización en unidad de cuidado intensivo correspondieron al 39$2 980 000), los antibióticos aportaron el 33,7 % (mediana $2 571 953,60), la hospitalización en sala general el 19$1 473 760), y las valoraciones diarias 4,9 % (mediana $379 937,90). Las demás variables contribuyeron más o menos 1$7 771 583,50 pesos (4 200,80 dólares de 2009)

Propuesta Estratégica de Mejora en la Implementación de los Estándares Mínimos del Sistema de Gestión de la Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (SG-SST) en la empresa MOVILCO S.A.S para el segundo semestre del 2019 y principios del 2020.

La empresa Movilco S.A.S, venia cumpliendo muy regularmente con el decreto 1072 de 2015 y cuando inicia el proceso de transición al Decreto 052 del 12 de enero de 2017 le ha sido muy tedioso ya que ha venido contando históricamente con muchas falencias que no han permitido hacer un diagnóstico claro para así implementar planes de mejoras y cumplir con las normativas vigente.Se identifico aspectos y funciones de la salud y seguridad Ocupacional (SG-SST) en el ámbito laboral y como es el fortalecimiento a los trabajadores tanto del clima laboral como el bienestar dentro de la empresa. También son necesarias las dinámicas de presión social, de promoción política, de normalización, de control administrativo o de gestión empresarial para una efectiva aplicación de dichas formas de trabajo dentro de una empresa u organización. Al culminar el desarrollo de esta actividad práctica se logró presentar un plan de mejora para el área de talento humano de la empresa Movilco s.a. el cual se enfocó en la motivación, el reconocimiento, las capacitaciones, programas de incentivos y de seguridad laboral; para impulsar la productividad y el desarrollo integral de los empleados. El modelo de gestión por competencias es clave para poder desarrollar en las personas las habilidades necesarias para continuar con su labor, y lograr cada día mejores resultados, que se verán también reflejados en los resultados empresariales. El área de recursos humanos es clave en este proceso, ya que es allí donde se debe seleccionar las personas que posean las habilidades requeridas en la organización, para lo cual debe estar en permanente contacto con la gerencia, para poder determinar los perfiles requeridos. El gerente debe entender que para que su resultado sea óptimo y pueda cumplir con los objetivos establecidos, debe tener como base de su gerencia el modelo de gestión por competencias en el cual se implemente el desarrollo de las personas como pilar fundamental. Que debe ser experto en identificar las personas que tengan potencial para obtener excelentes desempeños, colaborar con la selección de candidatos que sean acorde con las competencias requeridas en cada cargo y debe definir planes de carrera enmarcados en las competencias de las personas.Aspects and functions of Occupational Health and Safety (SG-SST) were identified in the workplace and how is the strengthening of workers both in the work environment and well-being within the company. The dynamics of social pressure, political promotion, standardization, administrative control or business management are also necessary for an effective application of these forms of work within a company or organization. Upon completion of the development of this practical activity, an improvement plan for the human talent area of ​​Movilco s.a. which focused on motivation, recognition, training, incentive programs and job security; to boost productivity and the integral development of employees. The competency management model is key to being able to develop in people the skills necessary to continue their work, and achieve better results every day, which will also be reflected in business results. The area of ​​human resources is key in this process, since it is there where you must select the people who possess the skills required in the organization, for which you must be in permanent contact with the management, in order to determine the required profiles. The manager must understand that in order for its result to be optimal and to meet the established objectives, it must be based on its management the competence management model in which the development of people as a fundamental pillar is implemented. That he must be an expert in identifying the people who have the potential to obtain excellent performances, collaborate with the selection of candidates that are consistent with the competences required in each position and must define career plans framed in the competences of the people

Propuesta de Plan de Auditoría para el Programa de Auditoría Interna del Sistema de Gestión de Calidad Basado en el Plan HACCP para la Empresa Panificadora Daniel

El siguiente trabajo presenta una propuesta de plan de auditoria para la empresa panificadora Daniel, basada en la normatividad aplicable para el plan HACCP e ISO 19011:2018. La propuesta contiene una diseño de tablas y cronogramas de actividades para llevar a cabo la ejecución de auditorias internas; adicionalmente, se definen los criterios para las auditorías de acuerdo a los hallazgos encontrados en revisiones y verificaciones previas del sistema. De esta manera, se logra robustecer y mejorar el sistema de gestión de la calidad y programa de auditoria en la empresa, contribuyendo a la optimización de los procesos y al mantenimiento de la calidad e inocuidad de sus productos.The following work presents a proposed audit plan for the Daniel's bakery company, based on the applicable regulations for the HACCP plan and ISO 19011: 2018. The proposal contains a design of tables and schedules of activities to carry out the execution of internal audits ; Additionally, verify the audit criteria according to the findings found in the reviews and previous verifications of the system. In this way, it is possible to strengthen and improve the quality management system and the audit program in the company, contributing to the optimization of processes and the maintenance of the quality and safety of its products

Deregulated expression of Nucleophosmin 1 in gastric cancer and its clinicopathological implications

Background: the process of gastric carcinogenesis still remains to be elucidated. the identification of genes related to this process may help to reduce mortality rates through early diagnosis and the development of new anticancer therapies. Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) acts in ribosome biogenesis, centrosome duplication, maintenance of genomic stability, and embryonic development. Recently, NPM1 has been implicated in the tumorigenesis processes. Here, we evaluated NPM1 gene and protein expression in gastric tumors and in corresponding non-neoplastic gastric samples.Methods: NPM1 protein expression was determined by Western blot in 17 pairs of gastric tumors and corresponding non-neoplastic gastric tissue. the protein immunoreactivity was observed in 12 tumor samples. mRNA expression was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in 22 pairs of gastric tumors and in matched non-neoplastic gastric tissue.Results: NPM1 protein expression was significantly reduced in gastric cancer samples compared to matched non-neoplastic gastric samples (P = 0.019). the protein level of NPM1 was reduced at least 1.5-fold in 35% of tumors compared to paired non-neoplastic gastric tissue. However, NPM1 immunoreactivity was detected in neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells, including in intestinal metaplastic, gastritis and inflammatory cells. NPM1 was mainly expressed in nucleus and nucleolus subcellular compartments. the staining intensity and the percentage of immunoreactive cells varied among the studied cases. the NPM1 mRNA level was reduced at least 1.5-fold in 45.5% of samples and increased in 27.3% of samples. An inverse correlation between protein and mRNA expression was detected (r = -0.509, P = 0.037). Intestinal-type gastric cancer presented higher mRNA levels than diffuse-type (P = 0.026). However, reduced NPM1 protein expression was associated with intestinal-type gastric cancer compared to matched non-neoplastic gastric samples (P = 0.018). in addition, tumors from patients with known distant metastasis presented reduced NPM1 protein levels compared to tumors from patients without distant metastasis (P < 0.001).Conclusion: Although the expression of NPM1 is heterogeneous in gastric tumors, our results suggest that NPM1 down-regulation may have a role in gastric carcinogenesis and may help in the selection of anticancer treatment strategies.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Morphol & Genet, Div Genet, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Orthoped & Traumatol, BR-04038031 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Radiol, Expt Oncol Lab, BR-01246903 São Paulo, BrazilSão Paulo State Canc Inst, Ctr Translat Oncol, BR-01246000 São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Para, Joao de Barros Barreto Univ Hosp, Oncol Res Ctr, BR-60673000 Belem, Para, BrazilFed Univ Para, Inst Biol Sci, Human Cytogenet Lab, BR-66073000 Belem, Para, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Morphol & Genet, Div Genet, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Orthoped & Traumatol, BR-04038031 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Prohibitin Expression Deregulation in Gastric Cancer Is Associated with the 3 ' Untranslated Region 1630 C > T Polymorphism and Copy Number Variation

PHB is a reported oncogene and tumor suppressor in gastric cancer. Here, we evaluated whether the PHB copy number and the rs6917 polymorphism affect its expression in gastric cancer. Down-regulation and up-regulation of PHB were observed in the evaluated tumors. Reduced expression was associated with tumor dedifferentiation and cancer initiation. the T allele of the rs6917 polymorphism was associated with reduced PHB mRNA levels. Moreover, the up-regulation of PHB appeared to be regulated by the gain of additional gene copies. Thus, PHB copy number variation and differential expression of the rs6917 polymorphism may play a role in PHB transcriptional regulation.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Genet, Dept Morfol & Genet, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ortopedia & Traumatol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Radiol, Lab Oncol Expt, São Paulo, BrazilInst Canc Estado São Paulo, Ctr Invest Translat Oncol, São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Para, Hosp Univ Joao Barros Barreto, BR-66059 Belem, Para, BrazilFed Univ Para, Inst Ciencias Biol, Lab Citogenet Humana, BR-66059 Belem, Para, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Genet, Dept Morfol & Genet, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ortopedia & Traumatol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Fac Med, Dept Radiol, Lab Oncol Expt, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc