Glycosylation of glycolipids in cancer: basis for development of novel therapeutic approaches

Altered networks of gene regulation underlie many pathologies, including cancer. There are several proteins in cancer cells that are turned either on or off, which dramatically alters the metabolism and the overall activity of the cell, with the complex machinery of enzymes involved in the metabolism of glycolipids not being an exception. The aberrant glycosylation of glycolipids on the surface of the majority of cancer cells, associated with increasing evidence about the functional role of these molecules in a number of cellular physiological pathways, has received considerable attention as a convenient immunotherapeutic target for cancer treatment. This has resulted in the development of a substantial number of passive and active immunotherapies, which have shown promising results in clinical trials. More recently, antibodies to glycolipids have also emerged as an attractive tool for the targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents, thereby providing a rationale for future therapeutic interventions in cancer. This review first summarizes the cellular and molecular bases involved in the metabolic pathway and expression of glycolipids, both in normal and tumor cells, paying particular attention to sialosylated glycolipids (gangliosides). The current strategies in the battle against cancer in which glycolipids are key players are then described.Fil: Daniotti, Jose Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Vilcaes, Aldo Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Torres Demichelis, Vanina Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Ruggiero, Fernando Miguel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez Walker, Macarena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba; Argentin

Comparison of eight degree-days estimation methods in four agroecological regions in Colombia.

Eight methods were used to estimate degree-days in four Colombian localities. Four methods have been previously proposed in literature: Simple Sine, Double Sine, Simple Triangle, and Double Triangle methods. The other four methods are proposed in this research: Simple Logistic, Double Logistic, Simple Normal, and Double Normal. The estimation of the degree-days through hourly temperature values was used as the reference standard method, and the four localities from where the temperature values were taken were the municipalities of Cajicá (Cundinamarca), Santa Elena (Antioquia), Carepa (Urabá Antioqueño), and Ciudad Bolivar (Zona cafetera Antioqueña). Degree-days obtained by all methods under study were compared through linear regression to those obtained by the reference standard method. There were differences in the correlation of each method to the reference when compared within each region and among regions. The Simple Logistic and Double Logistic methods showed the best performance with acceptable R2 values and considerably lower bias than the other methods. The poorest fit was found in Cajicá, where the average R2 was 0.571. For the regions of Santa Elena and Carepa, the average R2 was 0.756 and 0.733. The best fit was found in Ciudad Bolivar, with an average R2 of 0.826

Gas phase selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol and 2-methylfuran over Cu-CeO2 coprecipitated catalysts

Furfural is an important chemical derived from lignocellulosic biomass, in particular from C5 sugars like xylose, and it is considered as a platform molecule of great potential for the synthesis of a broad spectrum of chemicals. In this sense, furfuryl alcohol and 2-methylfuran are two important chemicals which can be produced through furfural hydrogenation, either in liquid or vapor phase, although the latter is preferred because it can be carried out at atmospheric pressure. Industrially, a copper chromite catalyst is used, although this catalyst can become very toxic due to the presence of chromium. Therefore, much attention is being paid to the development of chromium-free catalysts, more sustainable and environmentally friendly, as those based on Cu or Ni which are active and selective towards the formation of furfuryl alcohol and 2-methylfuran. Furfuryl alcohol is mainly used for the production of thermostatic resins, intermediate in the manufacture of lysine, vitamin C and dispersing agents. Meanwhile, 2-methyl furan is used in the synthesis of pesticides, or in the pharmaceutical and fragrance industries. The aim of this work is the synthesis of a series of copper based catalysts, which have been synthesized by coprecipitation of copper and cerium(IV) and subsequent thermal programmed reduction. This method allows increasing the dispersion of Cu particles, while the use of a support like CeO2 can modify the electronic density of the active phase, which can influence the catalytic activity and resistance to deactivation.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. Economy and Competitiveness Ministry (Project CTQ2012-38204-C03-02), Junta de Andalucía (Project: RNM-1565) and FEDER funds of the European Unio

University-enterprises: a win-win relationship, from business to research

Teaching at University is always a difficult task because it implies too much theoretical lessons while students ask for practical knowledge and Enterprises claim for good junior professionals. Finding an equilibrium among all the interests is challenging but at the same time, it is the key of success. This work shows the experience of teaching in collaboration with companies to achieve a more practical and attractive approach to day-to-day Engineering work while meeting teaching objectives. It is a win-win relationship since it motivates students because they see the direct relationship between their studies and the future job; it also helps teachers to know the knowledge required by engineering companies and, besides, enterprises will have future engineers better trained, already familiar with process and tools. Furthermore, it also increases the collaborations between University and enterprises, which is key to innovate and develop new business modelsPostprint (published version

Liderazgo & clima organizacional de un hospital pediátrico cubano. Visión de enfermeras jefas y asistenciales

Objective: Describe experiences of nurses heads and clinical nurses on the causes that may affect the organizational climate of pediatric services in a Cuban hospital. Method: Qualitative and exploratory study done in the months of April - December, 2018 with 14 heads nurses and 11 healthcare nurses, belonging to the Pediatric University Hospital "Paquito Gonzales Cueto", Province of Cienfuegos, Cuba. The data were collected with the focus group technique; the narratives were processed through content analysis based on the theoretical framework of organizational climate with the central category of leadership. The research was evaluated by the Ethical-Scientific Committee of the reference hospital. Results: Four subcategories of content analysis emerged based on the theoretical framework. The most important was “ideology of a manager “followed by "continuous improvement" "listening for relational harmony" and "sense of belonging". Conclusions: the main causes as affecting organizational climate are related to the characteristics of the leader and the possibilities of overcoming them and the rest of the staff.describir experiencias vividas de enfermeras jefas y enfermeras asistenciales sobre las causas que pueden afectar el clima organizacional de los servicios pediátricos en un hospital cubano. Método: estudio cualitativo de tipo exploratorio realizado en los meses de abril-diciembre, año 2018 con 14 enfermeras jefas y 11 enfermeras asistenciales, pertenecientes al Hospital Pediátrico Universitario “Paquito González Cueto”, Provincia de Cienfuegos, Cuba. Los datos se recogieron con la técnica de grupo focal, las narrativas fueron procesadas mediante análisis de contenido en base al referencial teórico de clima organizacional con la categoría central de liderazgo. La investigación fue evaluada por Comité Ético-Científico de hospital de referencia. Resultados: emergieron cuatro subcategorías del análisis de contenido con base en el referencial teórico. La de mayor peso fue “ideario de un directivo” seguida de “mejoramiento continuo” “escucha para la armonía relacional” y “sentido de pertenecía”. Conclusiones: las principales causas que afectan el clima organizacional se relacionan con las características del líder y las posibilidades de superación de ellos y del resto del personal

Sulfur fertilization technology in the Argentine Pampas region : a review

Sulfur (S) deficiencies in grain crops have become increasingly frequent worldwide, including the Argentine Pampas region, located in South America. The objective of this work is to review recent research literature regarding S fertilization in the Argentine Pampas region, with emphasis on technological issues. The S fertilization in this region has grown sharply over recent years and, simultaneously, more scientific literature has been generated. A knowledge gap is recognized on field research studies related to elemental sulfur (ES) fertilization and its relative agronomic effectiveness in comparison to soluble S sources. By far, solid sulfate fertilizers are the most widespread S sources applied by farmers in the Pampas region. Nonetheless, application of liquid sources has increased over recent times. Overall, similar agronomic performance among sulfate sources has been reported. Additionally, similar effectiveness was documented between micronized ES and sulfate sources for different crops, with the exception of some site-specific conditions where effectiveness of sulfate sources may outperform ES. This review manuscript contributes to synthesize current knowledge regarding S fertilization technology and identify research needs in this matter.La frecuencia de ocurrencia de deficiencias de azufre (S) en cultivos de grano se incrementó a nivel mundial, incluyendo la Región Pampeana argentina, localizada en Sudamérica. El objetivo del trabajo es realizar una revisión de la literatura científica sobre fertilización azufrada en la Región Pampeana, con énfasis en aspectos tecnológicos. La adopción de la fertilización azufrada creció marcadamente en ésta región y simultáneamente aumentó la cantidad de publicaciones científicas en el tema. Sin embargo, existe una brecha de conocimiento sobre la fertilización con azufre elemental (AE) y su efectividad agronómica relativa a fuentes azufradas solubles. Los fertilizantes sulfatados sólidos son, con creces, las fuentes de S más utilizadas en la Región Pampeana aunque la aplicación de fuentes líquidas se incrementó en los últimos tiempos. En términos generales, se ha reportado similar efectividad agronómica entre fuentes sulfatadas. Asimismo, se ha observado similar efectividad agronómica entre el AE micronizado y fuentes sulfatadas en diferentes cultivos, con la excepción de condiciones sitio-específicas donde las fuentes sulfatadas pueden presentar una mejor performance. Esta revisión contribuye a sintetizar el conocimiento vigente sobre tecnología de fertilización azufrada y puede resultar de interés para establecer necesidades de investigación en este tema.EEA PergaminoFil: Torres Duggan, Martín. Tecnoagro; ArgentinaFil: Melgar, Ricardo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Pergamino. Departamento Suelo y Fertilidad; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez, Monica Beatriz. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Cátedra de Fertilidad y Fertilizantes; ArgentinaFil: Lavado, Raúl Silvio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Ciampitti, Ignacio Antonio. Purdue University. Agronomy Department; Estados Unido

Meningococcal group B vaccine for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major public health concern because of its high case fatality, long-term morbidity, and potential to course with outbreaks. IMD caused by Nesseira meningitidis serogroup B has been predominant in different regions of the world like Europe and only recently broadly protective vaccines against B serogroup have become available. Two protein-based vaccines, namely 4CMenB (Bexsero®) and rLP2086 (Trumenba®) are currently licensed for use in different countries against MenB disease. These vaccines came from a novel technology on vaccine design (or antigen selection) using highly specific antigen targets identified through whole-genome sequence analysis. Moreover, it has the potential to confer protection against non-B meningococcus and against other Neisserial species such as gonococcus. Real-world data on the vaccine-use are rapidly accumulating from the UK and other countries which used the vaccine for control of outbreak or as part of routine immunization program, reiterating its safety and efficacy. Additional data on real-life effectiveness, long-term immunity, and eventual herd effects, including estimates on vaccine impact for cost-effectiveness assessment are further needed. Given the predominance of MenB in Europe and other parts of the world, these new vaccines are crucial for the prevention and public health control of the disease, and should be considered.S

Valoración del cambio en la cobertura vegetal de la subcuenca del río El Salto, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Vegetation coverage provides a series of benefits for both biodiversity and human activities that take place within a hydrological basin. Despite this, historically vegetation coverage has been affected by human intervention. The objective of this project is to determine the change in the vegetation cover of the El Salto River sub-basin, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, for the 1991-2021 period. It was observed that changes in coverage throughout the mentioned period had an improving trend, 49.77% of unhealthy vegetation with values of 0.2 and 0.3 in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, which changed for 2021 raising to 0.9. The improvement in the vegetation coverage is mainly associated with institutional efforts, since in the year 1997 a new forestry law came into effect and the program of payments for environmental services began to be implemented.La cobertura vegetal provee una serie de beneficios tanto para la biodiversidad como para las actividades humanas que se desarrollan dentro de una cuenca hidrológica. A pesar de lo anterior, históricamente la cobertura vegetal se ha visto perjudicada por la intervención del ser humano. El objetivo del presente trabajo consiste en determinar el cambio en la cobertura vegetal de la subcuenca del río El Salto, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, para el periodo 1991-2021. Se observó que los cambios en la cobertura a lo largo del periodo mencionado tuvieron una tendencia de mejoría, 49,77% de vegetación insalubre con valores de 0,2 y 0,3 en el Índice de Vegetación de Diferencia Normalizada, lo cual cambió en el 2021 al llegar a valores de 0,9. La mejora de la cobertura vegetal se asocia principalmente a los esfuerzos institucionales, ya que para el año 1997 surge una nueva ley forestal y se implementa el programa de pagos por servicios ambientales

Valorization of Municipal Biowaste into Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Biopapers for Food Packaging Applications

American Chemical Society[EN] The present study reports on the production and characterization of a new biopackaging material made of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) derived from municipal biowaste (MBW) and produced by the mixed bacterial culture technology. After purification and extraction, the MBW-derived PHBV was processed by electrospinning to yield defect-free ultrathin fibers, which were thermally post-treated. Annealing at 130 degrees C, well below the biopolymer's melting temperature (T-m), successfully yielded a continuous film resulting from coalescence of the electrospun fibrillar morphology, the so-called biopaper, exhibiting enhanced optical and color properties compared to traditional melt compounding routes. The crystallinity and crystalline morphology were comprehensively studied as a function of temperature by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and combined time-resolved synchrotron small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) experiments, which clearly indicated that the molecular order within the copolyester was improved up to a maximum at 130 degrees C, and then it decreased at the biopolymer's T-m. It was hypothesized that by annealing at the temperature at which the thermally induced molecular order is maximized, the fibers generated sufficient mobility to align alongside, hence reducing surface energy and porosity. The data suggest that this material shows a good balance between enhanced mechanical and improved barrier properties to vapors and gases in comparison to traditional paper and other currently used petroleum-derived polymers, thus presenting significant potential to be part of innovative food biopackaging designs for the protection and preservation of foods in a circular bioeconomy scenario.The Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICI) project RTI2018-097249-B-C21 and EU projects H2020 YPACK (reference number 773872) and H2020 USABLE (reference number 836884) are acknowledged for funding support. B.M.-R. and S.T.-G. would also like to thank MICI for the FPI fellowship (BES-2016-077972) and the Juan de la Cierva IncorporaciOn contract (IJCI-2016-29675), respectively. The ALBA Synchrotron, Spain, is also acknowledged for the funding received through the project proposal 2018022619. The authors also thank the "Unidad Asociada CSIC-UJI in Polymers Technology".Meléndez-Rodríguez, B.; Torres Giner, S.; Lorini, L.; Valentino, F.; Sammon, C.; Cabedo, L.; Lagaron, JM. (2020). Valorization of Municipal Biowaste into Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Biopapers for Food Packaging Applications. ACS Applied Bio Materials. 3(9):6110-6123. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.0c00698S6110612339REHM, B. H. A. (2003). Polyester synthases: natural catalysts for plastics. Biochemical Journal, 376(1), 15-33. doi:10.1042/bj20031254Singh Saharan, B., Grewal, A., & Kumar, P. (2014). Biotechnological Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates: A Review on Trends and Latest Developments. Chinese Journal of Biology, 2014, 1-18. doi:10.1155/2014/802984Koller, M., Maršálek, L., de Sousa Dias, M. M., & Braunegg, G. (2017). Producing microbial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolyesters in a sustainable manner. 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Directing the self-assembly of tumour spheroids by bioprinting cellular heterogeneous models within alginate/gelatin hydrogels

"Human tumour progression is a dynamic process involving diverse biological and biochemical events such as genetic mutation and selection in addition to physical, chemical, and mechanical events occurring between cells and the tumour microenvironment. Using 3D bioprinting we have developed a method to embed MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells, and IMR-90 fibroblast cells, within a cross-linked alginate/gelatin matrix at specific initial locations relative to each other. After 7 days of co-culture the MDA-MB-231 cells begin to form multicellular tumour spheroids (MCTS) that increase in size and frequency over time. After similar to 15 days the IMR-90 stromal fibroblast cells migrate through a non-cellularized region of the hydrogel matrix and infiltrate the MDA-MB-231 spheroids creating mixed MDA-MB-231/IMR-90 MCTS. This study provides a proof-of-concept that biomimetic in vitro tissue coculture models bioprinted with both breast cancer cells and fibroblasts will result in MCTS that can be maintained for durations of several weeks.