A new approach for characterizing atmospheric aerosols from spectral values of their optical depth. A simulated case study.

We are developing a new method to determine the spectral contribution to the aerosol optical depth due to each aerosol type. An aerosol type depends directly on the procedence of the particles (marine, continental, artic, etc) and it is formed by some different pure components (mineral, soot, soluble and insoluble particles, sulphate, etc). In order to separate these contributions it is necessary to have the spectral aerosol optical thickness and aerosol size distribution. We use this distribution function to identify the different components of aerosols allowing us to reconstruct the aerosol optical depth taking into account the contribution of each type of aerosol. The validation of the method will be carried out by verifying that the spectral aerosol optical depth corresponds to the sum of the optical depths obtained for each identified aerosol type

1,4-Cyclohexanedicarboxylato-bridged cobalt coordination polymers: Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties

1,4-Cyclohexanedicarboxylato-bridged cobalt coordination polymers: Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic propertiesThree coordination polymers have been synthesized, using self-assembly solution reactions at ambient conditions, combining Co(II) ion with 1,4-ciclohexanedicarboxylic acid, in the presence of 1,10-phenantrolione and two different 2,20-bipyridines, as co-ligands: [Co(H2O)(cdc)(phen)]n (1); {[Co(H2O)(cdc)(4dmb)] 2H2O}n (2); {[Co(H2O)(cdc)(5dmb)] 3H2O}n (3), where cdc = e,a-cis-1,4-ciclohexanedicarboxylato, phen = 1,10-phenantroline, 4dmb = 4,40-dimethyl-2,20-bipyridine, and 5dmb = 5,50-dimethyl-2,20-bipyridine. Crystallographic studies show that these compounds have one-dimensional (1D) structures; Co(II) in 1–3 is six-coordinated with a distorted-octahedral coordination sphere. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit a novel bridging motif of the cdc ligand in its equatorial, axial cis configuration. In addition, the solid-state self-assembly of the polymeric structure of 1 gives rise to a 2D supramolecular framework, mainly through hydrogen bonding. In contrast, complex 2 forms an infinite 1D supramolecular array, made of double Co ion rows bridged by hydrogen bonding interactions. Complex 3 generates an intricate 2D supramolecular framework also throughout hydrogen bonding. The thermal stabilities of the three coordination polymers were investigated. Magnetic properties measurements reveal that complexes 1–3 exhibit weak antiferromagnetic ordering with h(C-W) = 9.6, 5.8 and 7.5 K, and E2 = 0.51, 0.16 and 0.28 cm 1, accordingly to Curie-Weiss model and Rueff phenomenological approach, respectively

A comparison of Microtops II and satellite ozone measurements in the period 2001-2011

Daily average total ozone Microtops measurements obtained during several campaigns conducted from 2001 to 2011 at latitudes from 31 to 68°N and in different seasons are compared with satellite observations. The Microtops ozone is derived using different wavelength combinations (Channel I, 305.5/312.5 nm; Channel II, 312.5/320 nm; and Channel III, 305.5/312.5/320 nm). Satellite data from TOMS, OMI, GOME, and GOME-2 are used in the comparison. The three Microtops channels show a high correlation with the satellite retrievals. Channel I shows the best results and produces a mean bias deviation (MBD) less than 2.14% with respect to TOMS, OMI and GOME. The MBD increases to 3% in the comparison against GOME-2, due to the small number of available data. In addition, the total ozone content provided by Channel I displays the more stable behavior during the ten-year period. The Channel III total ozone shows MBD values smaller than those observed for Channel I. However the Channels II and III present a larger variability and show a larger spread of the data. Consequently, Channel I appears as the best option for long term measurements with Microtops

Operational considerations to improve total ozone measurements with a Microtops II ozone monitor

A Microtops II 'ozone monitor' with UV channels centered at 305.5, 312.5, and 320 nm has been used routinely in six experimental campaigns carried out in several geographic locations and seasons, covering latitudes from 35 to 68° N during the last ten years (2001-2011). The total ozone content is retrieved by Microtops II by using different combinations (Channel I, 305.5/312.5 nm; Channel II, 312.5/320 nm; and Channel III, 305.5/312.5/320 nm) of the signals at the three ultraviolet wavelengths. The long-term performance of the total ozone content determination has been studied taking into account the sensitivities to the calibration, airmass, temperature and aerosols. When a calibration was used and the airmass limit was fixed to 3, the root mean square deviations of the relative differences produced by Microtops II with respect to several Brewers are 0.9, 2, and 2% respectively for the Channel I, Channel II, and Channel III retrieval. The performance of the Microtops retrieval has been stable during the last ten years. Channel I represents the best option to determine the instantaneous total ozone content. Channels II and III values appear weakly sensitive to temperature, ozone content, and aerosols. Channel II is more stable than Channel I for airmasses larger than 2.6. The conclusions do not show any dependence on latitude and season

Altered T-cell subset distribution in the viral reservoir in HIV-1-infected individuals with extremely low proviral DNA (LoViReTs)

HIV cure strategies aim to eliminate viral reservoirs that persist despite successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). We have previously described that 9% of HIV-infected individuals who receive ART harbor low levels of provirus (LoViReTs). We selected 22 LoViReTs matched with 22 controls ART suppressed for more than 3 years with fewer than 100 and more than 100 HIV-DNA copies/10 6 CD4 + T cells, respectively. We measured HIV reservoirs in blood and host genetic factors. Fourteen LoViReTs underwent leukapheresis to analyze replication-competent virus, and HIV-DNA in CD4 + T-cell subpopulations. Additionally, we measured HIV-DNA in rectum and/or lymph node biopsies from nine of them. We found that LoViReTs harbored not only lower levels of total HIV-DNA, but also significantly lower intact HIV-DNA, cell-associated HIV-RNA, and ultrasensitive viral load than controls. The proportion of intact versus total proviruses was similar in both groups. We found no differences in the percentage of host factors. In peripheral blood, 71% of LoViReTs had undetectable replication-competent virus. Minimum levels of total HIV-DNA were found in rectal and lymph node biopsies compared with HIV-infected individuals receiving ART. The main contributors to the reservoir were short-lived transitional memory and effector memory T cells (47% and 29%, respectively), indicating an altered distribution of the HIV reservoir in the peripheral T-cell subpopulations of LoViReTs. In conclusion, LoViReTs are characterized by low levels of viral reservoir in peripheral blood and secondary lymphoid tissues, which might be explained by an altered distribution of the proviral HIV-DNA towards more short-lived memory T cells. LoViReTs can be considered exceptional candidates for future interventions aimed at curing HIV

Extremely low viral reservoir in treated chronically HIV-1-infected individuals

Altres ajuts: This research was sponsored in part by Grifols and by Merck Sharp & Dohme España, S.A. (IISP 54925). The funding organizations had no input in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of the data; writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to submit the study for publication. NH received a post-doctoral grant from the Jaqueline Beytout Foundation. FG received the support of "José María Segovia de Arana" contracts (2019) and MMT from the NIH (R01AI143457).Small viral reservoirs are found predominantly in HIV-1 controllers and individuals treated during acute/early HIV-1 infection. However, other HIV + individuals could naturally also harbour low viral reservoirs. We screened 451 HIV-1-infected treated-individuals with suppressed plasma viremia for at least 3 years and stored cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Total HIV-DNA was analysed in PBMCs with ddPCR. Individuals with 50 HIV-DNA copies/10 6 PBMCs) to analyse total HIV-DNA, T-cell and NK-cell populations, HIV-1 specific antibodies, and plasma inflammation markers. We found that 9.3% of the individuals screened had <50 HIV-DNA copies/10 6 PBMCs. At least 66% initiated cART during the chronic phase of HIV-1 infection (cp-LoViReT). Cp-LoViReT harboured lower levels of HIV-DNA before cART and after treatment introduction the decays were greater compared to controls. They displayed a marked decline in quantity and avidity in HIV-specific antibodies after initiation of cART. Cp-LoViReT had fewer CD8 + T and T in the absence of cART, and higher CD8 + T after 18 months on therapy. Treated chronically HIV-1-infected LoViReT represent a new phenotype of individuals characterized by an intrinsically reduced viral reservoir, less impaired CD8 + T-cell compartment before cART, and low circulating HIV-1 antigens despite being treated in the chronic phase of infection. The identification of this unique group of individuals is of great interest for the design of future eradication studies. MSD Spai

Plasmapheresis as a therapeutic option in COVID-19 infection

Introduction: COVID-19 is a pneumonia caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which can present with severe symptoms, acute respiratory distress (ARDS), multiple organ dysfunction and death; as a consequence of a dysregulated inflammatory response called "cytokine storm". Plasmapheresis is proposed as a promising treatment strategy for the management of this type of complications. Objective: our main objective is to show all the available bibliography, referring to the utility of plasmapheresis in the management of cytokine storm in patients with severe COVID-19; evaluate its possible benefit and propose new clinical trials to support the routine use of this therapy. Methodology: An advanced search was performed with the DeSC terms “Coronavirus Infections; SARS-CoV; Plasmapheresis; Plasma exchange; Multiple organic dysfunction; Sepsis; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome; Acute kidney injury ”. Through the search engines Clinical Key, Embase, PubMed and Ovid, obtaining a total of 156 results, among original articles, case reports, case series and literature reviews, a total of 54 articles were selected and used for the preparation of this literature review. Conclusions: Plasma replacement therapy could be used as a complementary treatment, with the aim of reducing inflammatory and viral loads, thus reducing target organ damage. However, it is necessary to carry out controlled clinical trials with good methodological designs that help us demonstrate the effectiveness of this type of therapy in patients with severe COVID-19.Introducción: La COVID-19, es una neumonía ocasionada por el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, que se puede presentar con cuadros severos, distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA), disfunción orgánica múltiple y muerte; como consecuencia de una respuesta inflamatoria alterada denominada “tormenta de citoquinas”. La plasmaféresis se propone como una estrategia de tratamiento prometedora para el manejo de este tipo de complicaciones. Objetivo: nuestro objetivo principal es mostrar toda la bibliografía disponible, referente a la utilidad de la plasmaféresis en el manejo de la tormenta de citoquinas en pacientes con COVID-19 grave; evaluar su posible beneficio y proponer realizar nuevos ensayos clínicos que avalen el uso rutinario de esta terapia. Metodología: se realizó una búsqueda avanzada con los términos DeSC “Infecciones por Coronavirus; SARS-CoV; Plasmaféresis; Recambio plasmático; Disfunción orgánica múltiple; Sepsis; Síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica; Lesión renal aguda”. A través de los motores de búsqueda Clinical Key, Embase, PubMed y Ovid, obteniendo un total de 156 resultados, entre artículos originales, reportes de casos, series de casos y revisiones de la literatura, se seleccionaron un total de 54 artículos que fueron utilizados para la elaboración de la presente revisión de la literatura. Conclusiones: la terapia de recambio plasmático se podría utilizar como tratamiento complementario, con el objetivo de reducir carga inflamatoria y viral, reduciendo así el daño de órgano blanco. Sin embargo, hace falta la realización de ensayos clínicos controlados y con buenos diseños metodológicos, que nos ayuden a demostrar la efectividad de este tipo de terapias en pacientes con COVID-19 grave.Introdução: COVID-19 é uma pneumonia causada pelo novo coronavírus SARS-CoV-2, que pode apresentar sintomas graves, dificuldade respiratória aguda (SDRA), disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e morte; como consequência de uma resposta inflamatória alterada chamada "tempestade de citocinas". A plasmaférese é proposta como uma estratégia de tratamento promissora para o manejo deste tipo de complicações. Objetivo: nosso principal objetivo é mostrar toda a literatura disponível, referindo-se à utilidade da plasmaférese no tratamento da tempestade de citocinas em pacientes com COVID-19 grave; avalie seu possível benefício e proponha novos ensaios clínicos para apoiar o uso rotineiro dessa terapia. Metodologia: foi realizada uma pesquisa avançada com os termos do DeSC “Infecções por Coronavírus; SARS-CoV; Plasmaferese; Troca de plasma; Disfunção orgânica múltipla; Sepse; Síndrome de resposta inflamatória sistêmica; Lesão renal aguda”. Através dos motores de busca Clinical Key, Embase, PubMed e Ovid, obtendo um total de 156 resultados, entre artigos originais, relatos de casos, séries de casos e revisões de literatura, um total de 54 artigos foram selecionados e utilizados para a preparação desta revisão de literatura. Conclusões: a terapia de reposição plasmática poderia ser utilizada como tratamento complementar, com o objetivo de reduzir as cargas inflamatórias e virais, reduzindo os danos nos órgãos-alvo. No entanto, é necessário realizar ensaios clínicos controlados com bons desenhos metodológicos que nos ajudem a demonstrar a eficácia desse tipo de terapia em pacientes com COVID-19 grave

Diagnóstico rápido y efectivo de brucelosis bovina en sangre, mediante una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa doble

Brucellosis is a major infectious disease of cattle. It is also an international trade barrier for the import and export of dairy and beef products. In Mexico, bovine brucellosis is diagnosed using the card, rivanol, and complement fixation serological tests. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are rapid, specific diagnostic tools for brucellosis. This research developed a duplex PCR assay for the diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle blood samples, using the omp2 and BSCP31 genes. Fifty three (53) blood samples with rivanol titers of 1:400, and 60 serologically-negative samples were used. The optimum concentrations of both primers and magnesium chloride for specific fragment amplifications were 100 nM and 0.5 mM, respectively. The analytical sensitivity of duplex PCR was 100 fg/μ,,,,l DNA, while the optimum amplification concentration was 1 ng/μ,,,,l DNA. Analytical specificity was 100%. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 96.3% and 100%, respectively. The results of this study provide evidence for the routine use of duplex PCR in the diagnosis of bovine brucellosis directly on blood samples, as a highly safe, sensitive, specific method.La brucelosis es una de las enfermedades infecciosas más importantes del ganado y representa una barrera para la importación y exportación de productos lácteos y cárnicos. En México, el diagnóstico se realiza mediante las pruebas serológicas de tarjeta, rivanol y fijación del complemento. Los métodos moleculares, como la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), son herramientas rápidas y especí­ficas para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. En el presente trabajo se desarrolló el diagnóstico de brucelosis por PCR doble, a partir de muestras de sangre, utilizando los genes omp2 y BSCP31. Para este estudio se utilizaron 53 muestras de sangre con tí­tulos de rivanol de 1:400 y 60 muestras con resultados negativos a las pruebas serológicas. Las concentraciones óptimas de iniciadores y cloruro de magnesio para lograr la amplificación especí­fica de los dos fragmentos, fueron de 100 nM y 0.5 mM respectivamente. La sensibilidad analí­tica alcanzada para la PCR doble fue de 100 fg/μ,,,,l de ADN, mientras que la concentración óptima de amplificación fue de 1 ng/μ,,,,l de ADN. La especificidad analí­tica obtenida fue del 100 %, mientras que la sensibilidad y la especificidad diagnóstica fueron del 96.3 % y 100 % respectivamente. Los resultados de este estudio aportan evidencia para el uso rutinario de la PCR doble para el diagnóstico de la brucelosis bovina directamente de muestras de sangre, ya que es un método altamente seguro, sensible y especí­fico

Seminario Permanente de Estudios LGBTIQ+

Seminario de periodicidad mensual en el que exponer y someter a discusión interdisciplinar trabajos de investigación actualmente en curso principalmente en la UCM, tanto en el marco del Máster Oficial de Estudios LGBTIQ+ como en distintos programas de doctorado