Importancia de la polietilenimina en biomedicina y sus aplicaciones en terapia génica

Therapy is a branch of health science that deals with the means used and the manner of application in the treatment of diseases in order to relieve symptoms or produce a cure. Today there are many therapeutic tools available to combat the diverse health problems faced daily. With this evolution of medicine, it is inevitable that more and better strategies emerge leading to a more innovative therapeutic spectrum. Within the new strategies, we find that gene therapy is currently one with most potential. This type of therapy is based on using genetic material as an active substance against various pathologies and it is on which this literary review is focused. With the high demand for systems that vehiculize genetic material, diverse forms of carrying said material have emerged in the past decade. One of these forms consists of the use of non-viral vectors. The non-viral vectors act as transfectants that evade problems inherent to the use of viral structures such as immunological reactions. Polyethylenimine has emerged as the most promising polymer in this field for many reasons which will be illustrated in this paper. The objectives of this review are to give the reader an understanding of what Polyethylenimine is, why it has produced so much interest today in gene therapy, and what its applications are, with special emphasis on cancer treatment.La Terapéutica es la rama de las ciencias de la salud, que se ocupa de los medios empleados y su forma de aplicarlos en el tratamiento de las enfermedades con el fin de aliviar los síntomas o de producir la curación. Hoy en día existen al alcance multitud de herramientas terapéuticas para combatir los diversos problemas de salud a los que se hace frente día a día. Con esta evolución de la Medicina, es inevitable que vayan surgiendo cada vez más y mejores estrategias que conducen a un espectro terapéutico más innovador. Dentro de las nuevas estrategias, nos encontramos con la Terapia Génica que es una de las que más potencial tiene actualmente. Este tipo de terapia se basa en utilizar material genético como sustancia activa frente a diversas patologías y es aquí donde se encuentra el centro de atención de la presente revisión bibliográfica. Con la gran demanda de sistemas que vehiculizan el material génico han surgido en la última década, diversas formas de transportar dicho material. Una de estas formas consiste en el empleo de vectores no virales. Los cuales no son más que transfectores que eluden los problemas inherentes al empleo de estructuras víricas, como son las reacciones inmunológicas. La polietilenimina ha emergido como el polímero más prometedor en este ámbito por múltiples razones las cuales serán ilustradas en el presente trabajo. Los objetivos de la presente revisión son otorgar al lector un conocimiento sobre qué es la polietilenimina, porqué suscita tanto interés hoy en día en terapia génica, y cuáles son algunas de sus aplicaciones, haciendo especial hincapié en el tratamiento del cáncer.Proyecto FIS 11/02571 (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, España)

Preparation of multi-functionalized Fe3O4/Au nanoparticles for medical purposes

The edited version of this paper can be accessed in the following address: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.02.002In this work, we investigate a route towards the synthesis of multi-functionalized nanoparticles for medical purposes. The aim is to produce magnetite/gold (Fe3O4/Au) nanoparticles combining several complementary properties, specifically, being able to carry simultaneously an antitumor drug and a selected antibody chosen so as to improve specificity of the drug vehicle. The procedure included, firstly, the preparation of Fe3O4 cores coated with Au nanoparticles: this was achieved by using initially the layer-by-layer technique in order to coat the magnetite particles with a three polyelectrolyte (cationic-anionic-cationic) layer. With this, the particles became a good substrate for the growth of the gold layer in a well-defined core–shell structure. The resulting nanoparticles benefit from the magnetic properties of the magnetite and the robust chemistry and the biostability of gold surfaces. Subsequently, the Fe3O4/Au nanoparticles were functionalized with a humanized monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, and a chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin. Taken together, bevacizumab enhances the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy agents on some kinds of tumors. In this work we first discuss the morphology of the particles and the electrical characteristics in the successive synthesis stages. Special attention is paid to the chemical stability of the final coating, and the physical stability of the suspensions of the nanoparticles in aqueous solutions and phosphate buffer. We describe how optical absorbance and electrokinetic data provide a follow up of the progress of the nanostructure formation. Additionally, the same techniques optical absorbance and electrokinetic measurements are employed to demonstrate that the composite nanoparticles are capable of loading/releasing doxorubicin and/or bevacizumab.Financial support from Junta de Andalucía (PE2012-FQM0694), and Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (FIS2013-47666/C3-1-R), Spain

Determination of the stability of Kollicoat MAE 30D by means of differential scanning calorimetry

Se estudia la estabilidad de Kollicoat MAE 30D mediante determinaciones calorimétricas y microscópicas. Se estudian los efectos que producen pH, temperatura y agitación sobre las propiedades fi sicoquímicas de las partículas de este latex comercial. Se comprueba que el factor que mas infl uencia ejerce es el pH, siendo máxima la estabilidad a pH ácidos, y modifi cándose con un decrecimiento de la misma, a partir de pH 6. Se determina la forma y tamaño de partícula mediante medidas microfotográfi cas de SEM, realizando el recuento de 200 partículas de una muestra del latex previamente desecado. Se comprueba que la dispersión acuosa de Kollicoat MAE 30 D a su pH natural (2.5), da lugar a una población de partículas con un diámetro medio de 1.56 nm.The stability of Kollicoat MAE 30 D was studied with differential scanning calorimetric, and scanning electron microscopy. We investigated the effects of pH, temperature and shaking on physicochemical properties of the latex particles. Stability of the polymer as most strongly affected by pH; hence, we conclude that the stability of this latex reaches a maximum at acid pH values, where as stability is lost to pH 6. The particle shape and the mean diameter were determined by means of SEM microphotographs on 200 particles in a sample of dry latex. The aqueous Kollicoat MAE 30 D dispersion, at its natural pH (2.5), presented one population of particles with a mean diameter of 1.56 nm

Co-Creation of Knowledge for Ecosystem Services Approach to Spatial Planning in the Basque Country

Sustainable development has to be based on scientific knowledge, social agreements, and political decisions. This study aimed to analyse the implementation of the ecosystem services approach (ESA) in the spatial planning of the Basque Country, via the co-creation of knowledge. This paper uses a proposal for a regional green infrastructure (GI) to examine the co-creation of knowledge process. It addresses the community of practice; a process of co-creation of knowledge through workshops and meeting, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis using an online survey, and mapping and identification of the multifunctional areas that provide ecosystem services (ES) to develop a GI. Results indicate that ESA has been included in spatial planning actions at different scales (biosphere reserve, metropolitan area, and region). This subsequently created an avenue for understanding the political necessities at play, so that scientists can develop useful tools for sustainable development. The findings also draw attention to the importance of establishing a constructive and mutually comprehensible dialogue between politicians, technical experts and scientists. For ES to be part of spatial planning, ESA has to be taken into account at the beginning of the planning process. We conclude that building bridges between science and spatial planning can help establish science-based management guidelines and tools that help enhance the sustainability of the territory.This research was funded by the Department of Environment, Territorial Planning and Housing of the Basque Government, and by the Department of Sustainability and Natural Environment of the County Council of Biscay

Co-creación de conocimiento para la inclusión del enfoque de servicios de los ecosistemas en la ordenación del territorio del País Vasco

El tipo de desarrollo sostenible al que aspiramos necesita, entre otras cosas, una base de conocimiento científico, acuerdos sociales y decisiones políticas que encaminen la gestión hacia una ruta de sostenibilidad. Por lo tanto, es fundamental identificar el conocimiento necesario para la parte política y técnica, y el tipo de ciencia que se requiere desarrollar para este fin. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el trabajo desarrollado a través de una comunidad de práctica, que contribuye a una eficiente colaboración entre la investigación y la gestión. La experiencia de trabajo transdisciplinar está basada en un enfoque holístico y colaborativo entre equipos de la universidad y equipos técnicos de la administración pública a diferentes escalas. El objeto de estudio de esta comunidad de práctica es la aplicación del enfoque de los servicios de los ecosistemas a políticas de ordenación territorial. Se analiza la co-creación de conocimiento para la aplicación de políticas orientadas a la gestión sostenible del territorio. Como resultado del trabajo colaborativo se ha incluido el enfoque basado en servicios de los ecosistemas en las Directrices de Ordenación Territorial de la Comunidad Autónoma del País Vasco, lo que tiene como consecuencia que los diferentes departamentos de la Administración, y a diferentes escalas, deberán implementar acciones para el mantenimiento de los servicios de los ecosistemas y la promoción de una infraestructura verde local. Los resultados demuestran que los puentes entre ciencia y gestión pueden ser exitosos para establecer directrices de gestión con base científica.The type of sustainable development to which we aspire needs, among other things, to be based on scientific knowledge, social agreements and political decisions that direct management towards a sustainability path. Therefore, it is essential to identify the knowledge needed by the political and technical community and the type of science that is required to be developed for this purpose. The objective of this study was to analyze the work developed through a community of practice, which is contributing to an efficient collaboration between researchers and managers. The transdisciplinary work experience is based on a holistic and collaborative approach between university teams and public administration technical teams at different scales (Government, County Councils, Town-halls). The object of study of this community of practice is the application of the Ecosystem Services Approach in land management policies. The aim is the sustainable development of the territory based on the co-creation of knowledge for the application in policies. Because of the collaborative work, the approach based on ecosystem services has been included in the Guidelines for Territorial Planning of the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country. This means that all the different departments of the Administration at different scales must implement actions to maintain ecosystem services and the promotion of a local green infrastructure. The results show that the bridges between science and management can be successful in establishing scientific-based management guidelines

Recuperación de metales de las escorias de instalaciones de residuos a energía

Los autores desear agradecer al proyecto “Estudio para la recuperación de metales no férricos en la fracción fina de la escoria de incineración” (TF16-XX-002 SODERCAN/FEDER) mediante el cual se ha podido financiar el presente trabajo

Some reasons which could induce to the students to choose an academic subject

El motivo de elección de una determinada asignatura por parte de los alumnos, ha sido frecuentemente interpretado bajo diferentes puntos de vista. En esta comunicación nuestro objetivo ha sido analizar los motivos de elección en distintos tipos de asignaturas con características peculiares cada una de ellas, concretamente dos de ellas son de libre configuración, siendo una de impartición en el campus andaluz virtual –Fotoprotección- y la otra en el campus virtual de la Universidad de Granada –Aplicación de la Tecnología Farmacéutica en el tratamiento del cáncer y del dolor-. La tercera asignatura seleccionada es una optativa -Farmacia Práctica- que se imparte actualmente en la Licenciatura en Farmacia. Se ha realizado un análisis de los diferentes motivos que impulsan a un alumno a la elección de una disciplina frente a otra, para ello se ha utilizado una de las herramientas de mayor uso, la encuesta anónima a todos aquellos que estaban matriculados. Las conclusiones de este estudio son diversas pero ante todo cabe señalar en el caso de las virtuales la facilidad de acceso y realización de las asignaturas virtuales, y destacar también que un título atractivo es fundamental en su elección. En el caso de la optativa el motivo fundamental ha sido aprender algo nuevo relacionado con su licenciatura y seguido muy de cerca por la facilidad de horario. Por tanto como conclusión definitiva es interesante destacar que tanto en un caso como en otro el alumno desea aprender algo atractivo y que se acomode fácilmente a su horario de estudio.The reason why a specific subject is chosen by the students has been frequently interpreted from several points of view. The aim of this study is to analyze the reasons why different types of subjects with particular characteristics are chosen. Specifically, two of these subjects are free electives: one of them –Fotoprotección- is imparted through the Andalusian Virtual Campus, and the other one –Aplicación de la Tecnología Farmacéutica en el tratamiento del cáncer y del dolorthrough the virtual campus of the University of Granada. The third subject chosen is optional - Farmacia Práctica- and it is at present imparted within the Degree in Pharmacy. The different reasons why a student chooses one subject against other have been analyzed using one of the most used tools: an anonymous survey to all the students enrolled. The conclusions of this study are diverse, but it is mainly to be remarked in the case of the virtual subjects their accessibility and easy implementation as well as the importance of an attractive title for the selection of a subject. The main reason in the case of the optional subject is to learn something new in relation to their Degree, followed very closely by its timetable. Therefore, as final conclusion, it is interesting to remark that the students want in both cases to learn something attractive that can be easily adapted to their study schedule

Reduction in size of the calcifying phytoplankton Calcidiscus leptoporus to environmental changes between the Holocene and modern Subantarctic Southern Ocean

Unidad de excelencia María de Maeztu CEX2019-000940-MThe Subantarctic Zone of the Southern Ocean plays a disproportionally large role on the Earth system. Model projections predict rapid environmental change in the coming decades, including ocean acidification, warming, and changes in nutrient supply which pose a serious risk for marine ecosystems. Yet despite the importance of the Subantarctic Zone, annual and inter-annual time series are extremely rare, leading to important uncertainties about the current state of its ecosystems and hindering predictions of future response to climate change. Moreover, as the longest observational time series available are only a few decades long, it remains unknown whether marine pelagic ecosystems have already responded to ongoing environmental change during the industrial era. Here, we take advantage of multiple sampling efforts - monitoring of surface layer water properties together with sediment trap, seafloor sediment and sediment core sampling - to reconstruct the modern and pre-industrial state of the keystone calcifying phytoplankton Calcidiscus leptoporus, central to the global marine carbonate cycle. Morphometric measurements reveal that modern C. leptoporus coccoliths are 15% lighter and 25% smaller than those preserved in the underlying Holocene-aged sediments. The cumulative effect of multiple environmental factors appears responsible for the coccolith size variations since the Last Deglaciation, with warming and ocean acidification most likely playing a predominant role during the industrial era. Notably, extrapolation of our results suggests a future reduction in cell and coccolith size which will have a negative impact on the efficiency of the biological pump in the Southern Ocean through a reduction of carbonate ballasting. Lastly, our results tentatively suggest that C. leptoporus coccolith size could be used as a palaeo-proxy for growth rate. Future culture experiments will be needed to test this hypothesis

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