Preliminary conceptual model of the Cerro Blanco caldera-hosted geothermal system (Southern Puna, Argentina): Inferences from geochemical investigations.

The Cerro Blanco Caldera (CBC) is the youngest collapse caldera system in the Southern Central Andes (Southern Puna, Argentina). The CBC is subsiding with at an average velocity of 0.87 cm/year and hosts an active geothermal system. A geochemical characterization of emitted fluids was carried out based on the chemical and isotopic compositions of fumaroles, and thermal and cold springs discharged in this volcanic area with the aim of constructing the first hydrogeochemical conceptual model and preliminary estimate the geothermal potential. The main hydrothermal reservoir, likely hosted within the pre-caldera basement rocks, has a Na+-Clˉ(HCO3)ˉ composition with estimated temperatures ≥135 °C. The unconsolidated, fine-grained Cerro Blanco ignimbrite likely acts as the cap-rock of the hydrothermal system. The presence of phreatic eruption breccias in the surrounding area of the geothermal fumaroles supports the effectiveness of the pyroclastic deposit as sealing rocks. The isotopic data of water (δ18O and δD) indicate a meteoric recharge of the hydrothermal reservoir, suggesting as recharge areas the sectors surrounding the CBC, mainly towards the W and NW where large outcrops of the pre-caldera basement exist. A fault-controlled hydraulic connection between the hot springs and the hydrothermal reservoir is proposed for the Los Hornitos area. The fumaroles show the typical compositional features of hydrothermal fluids, being dominated by water vapor with significant concentrations of H2S, CH4 and H2. Considering the high geothermal gradient of this area (∼104 °C/km) and the relatively high fraction of mantle He (∼39%) calculated on the basis of the measured R/Ra values, the hydrothermal aquifer likely receives inputs of magmatic fluids from the degassing magma chamber. The preliminary geothermal potential at CBC was evaluated with the Volume Method, calculating up to E = 11.4*1018 J. Both the scarce presence of superficial thermal manifestations and the occurrence of an efficient cap-rock likely contribute to minimize the loss of thermal energy from the reservoir. The results here presented constitute the necessary base of knowledge for further accurate assessment of the geothermal potential and ultimately the implementation of the geothermal resource as a viable energy alternative for small localities or mining facilities isolated from the National Interconnected System due to their remote localization.Published1022136A. Geochimica per l'ambiente e geologia medicaJCR Journa

Description of a Prospective 17DD Yellow Fever Vaccine Cohort in Recife, Brazil

From September 2005 to March 2007, 238 individuals being vaccinated for the first time with the yellow fever (YF) -17DD vaccine were enrolled in a cohort established in Recife, Brazil. A prospective study indicated that, after immunization, anti-YF immunoglobulin M (IgM) and anti-YF IgG were present in 70.6% (IgM) and 98.3% (IgG) of the vaccinated subjects. All vaccinees developed protective immunity, which was detected by the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) with a geometric mean titer of 892. Of the 238 individuals, 86.6% had IgG antibodies to dengue virus; however, the presence of anti-dengue IgG did not interfere significantly with the development of anti-YF neutralizing antibodies. In a separate retrospective study of individuals immunized with the 17DD vaccine, the PRNT values at 5 and 10 years post-vaccination remained positive but showed a significant decrease in neutralization titer (25% with PRNT titers < 100 after 5 years and 35% after 10 years)

GSK3 Inhibitor-Induced Dentinogenesis Using a Hydrogel

8 p.-4 fig.Small-molecule drugs targeting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) as inhibitors of the protein kinase activity are able to stimulate reparative dentine formation. To develop this approach into a viable clinical treatment for exposed pulp lesions, we synthesized a novel, small-molecule noncompetitive adenosine triphosphate (ATP) drug that can be incorporated into a biodegradable hydrogel for placement by syringe into the tooth. This new drug, named NP928, belongs to the thiadiazolidinone (TDZD) family and has equivalent activity to similar drugs of this family such as tideglusib. However, NP928 is more water soluble than other TDZD drugs, making it more suitable for direct delivery into pulp lesions. We have previously reported that biodegradable marine collagen sponges can successfully deliver TDZD drugs to pulp lesions, but this involves in-theater preparation of the material, which is not ideal in a clinical context. To improve surgical handling and delivery, here we incorporated NP928 into a specifically tailored hydrogel that can be placed by syringe into a damaged tooth. This hydrogel is based on biodegradable hyaluronic acid and can be gelled in situ upon dental blue light exposure, similarly to other common dental materials. NP928 released from hyaluronic acid–based hydrogels upregulated Wnt/β-catenin activity in pulp stem cells and fostered reparative dentine formation compared to marine collagen sponges delivering equivalent concentrations of NP928. This drug-hydrogel combination has the potential to be rapidly developed into a therapeutic procedure that is amenable to general dental practice.The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: A. Alaohali was funded by the Medical Services Division of the Ministry of Defense in Saudi Arabia and Saudi Cultural Bureau in London. C. Salzlechner acknowledges support from the Diana Trebble Fund. E. Gentleman and C. Salzlechner received support from the Rosetrees Trust. L.K. Zaugg was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (Ref P300PB_167807). Funding from the NIHR GSTFT/KCL Biomedical Research Centre is acknowledged.Peer reviewe

Análise quantitativa das fibras mielínicas dos nervos laríngeos em humanos de acordo com a idade Quantitative analysis of myelinic fibers in human laryngeal nerves according to age

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVO: Realizar análise morfométrica das fibras mielínicas dos nervos laríngeos com a finalidade de verificar modificações quantitativas decorrentes do processo de envelhecimento. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Clínico e experimental. Material e Método: Foi coletado fragmento de 1cm dos nervos laríngeos superiores e nervos laríngeos recorrentes de 12 cadáveres do sexo masculino. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos: idade inferior a 60 anos (Adulto) e idade igual ou superior a 60 anos (Idoso). O material foi avaliado em microscópio de luz acoplado a sistema analisador de imagem. RESULTADOS: O número total de fibras mielínicas do nervo laríngeo superior foi semelhante nos dois grupos etários, mas com tendência para o maior número de fibras de 1µm no grupo adulto (p=0,0744). O grupo adulto apresentou maior número total de fibras mielínicas no nervo laríngeo recorrente (p=0,0006), e esta diferença ocorreu nas fibras com diâmetros de 1-3µm (p<0,007). O grupo adulto apresentou maior número total de fibras mielínicas nos nervos laríngeos (soma das fibras dos nervos laríngeos superiores e dos nervos laríngeos recorrentes) que o grupo idoso (p<0,0091). CONCLUSÃO: O número total de fibras mielínicas dos nervos laríngeos é maior no grupo com idade inferior a 60 anos.<br>INTRODUCTION AND AIM: To carry out a morphometric analysis of myelinic fibers in laryngeal nerves aiming to identify quantitative changes as a result of aging. Study design: Clinical and experimental. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A 1cm fragment was collected from the superior laryngeal nerves and recurrent laryngeal nerves taken from twelve male cadavers. The sample was divided into two groups: those aged below 60 years (Adult) and those aged 60 years or more (Elderly). The material was evaluated under light microscopy coupled with an image analysis system. RESULTS: The total number of myelinic fibers from the superior laryngeal nerve was similar in both age groups; there was, however, a trend for a higher number of 1&#956;m fibers in the adult group (p=0.0744). The adult group had a higher total number of myelinic fibers in the recurrent laryngeal nerve (p=0.0006), and this difference was seen in fibers with diameters betwee 1-3&#956;m (p<0.007). The adult group had a higher total number of myelinic fibers in the laryngeal nerves (sum of superior laryngeal nerves and recurrent laryngeal nerves fibers) compared to the elderly group (p<0.0091). CONCLUSION:The total number of myelinic fibers in laryngeal nerves is higher for the group aged below 60 years