Preparation and characterization of a tumor-targeting dual-image system based on iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with folic acid and rhodamine

Cancer is one of the diseases with most deaths worldwide, around 8.2 million annually. For this reason, several treatments and diagnostic tools have been investigated and developed over the past decades. Among them, a dual-image system has been developed to achieve and enhance the detection of cancer, which has not been done with systems currently available. The present study describes the preparation of a dual-image targeting system composed of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with folic acid and rhodamine; nanoparticles synthesis was achieved by a coprecipitation method; the functionalization was carried out by a carbodiimide with folic acid and/or the rhodamine isothiocyanate; conjugates were characterized by spectrometric techniques; toxicity was measured by cell proliferation assay on HeLa cells using progressive concentrations of functionalized nanoparticles. Cellular uptake assay was carried out by competitive assay on HeLa cells. Iron oxide magnetite nanoparticles, modified with folic acid and rhodamine, were successfully synthetized with a particle size lower than 20nm (TEM), EDS, HRTEM, and XDR showed highly crystalline Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Folic acid and rhodamine were conjugated with high efficiency. A significant selectivity and uptake, facilitated by surface modification of iron oxide nanoparticles with folic acid, were demonstrated.The multifunctional system showed suitable physicochemical and biological properties for cell targeting through folate receptors.This study was supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (CRP-F22064, Contract no. 18358) and the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, through Project no. 3543/2013CHT

Academia Preuniversitaria Virtual PostulaYa.pe

Mediante entrevistas a profundidad de carácter exploratorio realizadas a dos grupos de segmentos, se pudo evidenciar que el segmento uno, estudiantes entre las edades de 15 a 20 años que deciden postular a universidades tanto públicas como privadas, indicaron principalmente que, no cuentan con conocimientos básicos, los cuales son requeridos para rendir un examen de admisión. Por otro lado, el segmento dos, docentes que se encuentren trabajando y requieran de un ingreso extra brindando clases de preparación preuniversitaria, mencionaron que su principal problema es la insatisfacción de remuneración percibida. Después de analizar dichas entrevistas, se evaluó la creación de “PostulaYa.pe” una academia preuniversitaria virtual, en la cual, se brindarán clases con horarios flexibles que se ajusten a la disponibilidad de tiempo tanto para el alumno como para el docente. Asimismo, la metodología de enseñanza será interactiva y la cantidad de alumnos por clase será reducida. Lo que diferencia a esta empresa de la competencia es el modelo de negocio pues, se brindará un servicio de calidad con baja inversión por parte de los estudiantes, ya que, los clientes no necesitarán estar físicamente en el aula de clase, sino que, podrán acceder a la plataforma virtual desde cualquier lugar y dispositivo, así como recibir educación en grupos pequeños el cual facilitará otorgar una educación personalizada. Como conclusión, se puede mencionar que ¨PostulaYa.pe¨ es un modelo de negocio rentable ya que, después de realizar el análisis financiero, los indicadores VAN y TIR resultaron ser positivos.Through in-depth exploratory interviews carried out with two groups of segments, it was shown that segment one, students between the ages of 15 and 20 who decide to apply to both public and private universities, mainly indicated that they do not have basic knowledge, which are required to sit an entrance exam. On the other hand, segment two, teachers who are working and require an extra income by providing pre-university preparation classes, mentioned that their main problem is dissatisfaction with perceived remuneration. After analyzing these interviews, the creation of “PostulaYa.pe” was evaluated, a virtual pre-university academy, in which classes will be offered with flexible schedules that adjust to the availability of time for both the student and the teacher. Likewise, the teaching methodology will be interactive and the number of students per class will be reduced. What differentiates this company from the competition is the business model, since a quality service will be provided with low investment by the students, since the clients will not need to be physically in the classroom, but will be able to access the virtual platform from any place and device, as well as receive education in small groups which will facilitate the provision of a personalized education. In conclusion, it can be mentioned that ¨PostulaYa.pe¨ is a profitable business model since, after carrying out the financial analysis, the NPV and IRR indicators turned out to be positive.Trabajo de investigació

Natural carriers in bioremediation: a review

Bioremediation of contaminated groundwater or soil is currently the cheapest and the least harmful method of removing xenobiotics from the environment. Immobilization of microorganisms capable of degrading specific contaminants significantly promotes bioremediation processes, reduces their costs, and also allows for the multiple use of biocatalysts. Among the developed methods of immobilization, adsorption on the surface is the most common method in bioremediation, due to the simplicity of the procedure and its non-toxicity. The choice of carrier is an essential element for successful bioremediation. It is also important to consider the type of process (in situ or ex situ), type of pollution, and properties of immobilized microorganisms. For these reasons, the article summarizes recent scientific reports about the use of natural carriers in bioremediation, including efficiency, the impact of the carrier on microorganisms and contamination, and the nature of the conducted research

Izloženost genotoksičnim agensima iz životnog okoliša tijekom prenatalnog razvoja i djetinjstva

Health disorders and diseases related to environmental exposure in children such as cancer and immunologic disturbances (asthma, allergies) are on the rise. However, complex transplacental and prepubertal genotoxicology is given very limited consideration, even though intrauterine development and early childhood may be critical for elucidating the cancer aetiology. The foetus is transplacentally exposed to contaminants in food and environment such as various chemicals, drugs, radiochemically contaminated water and air. Target organs of xenobiotic action may differ between the mother and the foetus due to specific stage of developmental physiology and enzyme distribution. This in turn may lead to different levels of clastogenic and aneugenic metabolites of the same xenobiotic in the mother and the foetus. Adult’s protective behaviour is not sufficient to isolate children from radioisotopes, pesticides, toxic metals and metalloids, environmental tobacco smoke, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and various food contaminants, which are just a part of the stressors present in a polluted environment. In order to improve legislation related to foetus and child exposure to genotoxic and possibly carcinogenic agents, oncologists, paediatricians, environmental health specialists, and genotoxicologists should work together much more closely to make a more effective use of accumulated scientific data, with the final aim to lower cancer incidence and mortality.Unatoč velikim naporima da se smanji okolišna izloženost u djece se dalje bilježi trend porasta pojavnosti karcinoma i imunosnih poremećaja (astma, alergije). Premda su intrauterini razvoj i rano djetinjstvo kritično razdoblje za tumačenje etiologije nastanka karcinoma, transplacentalna i prepubertetna genotoksikologija do danas su slabo istražene. Fetus je transplacentalno izložen brojnim fizikalnim i kemijskim čimbenicima: kontaminantima iz hrane i okoliša, radiokemijski kontaminiranoj vodi, zraku te lijekovima. Ciljna tkiva za djelovanje ksenobiotika mogu biti različita u majke i fetusa zbog različitosti u razvojnoj fiziologiji i distribuciji enzima. Zbog toga u organizmu majke i fetusa mogu nastati različite razine klastogenih i aneugenih metabolita istog ksenobiotika. Zaštitna uloga odraslih u namjeri da spriječe negativne utjecaje onečišćenog okoliša na djetetovo zdravlje često je ograničena jer su radioizotopi, olovo, PCB, pasivno pušenje, živa, endokrino aktivne tvari, pesticidi i kontaminanti prisutni u svim životnim područjima tijekom razvoja i rasta djeteta. Kako bi se poboljšalo zakonodavstvo vezano uz izloženost djece genotoksičnim i vjerojatno kancerogenim tvarima, tijekom razvoja potrebna je bolja suradnja onkologa, pedijatara, stručnjaka zdravstvene ekologije i genotoksikologa. Na taj način ostvarilo bi se uspješnije iskorištavanje postojećih znanstvenih podataka u cilju smanjenja incidencije karcinoma i mortaliteta

Tratamiento de periodontitis agresiva localizada con plasma rico en plaquetas y aloinjerto óseo. Un caso clínico

ResumenIntroducciónEl plasma rico en plaquetas ha emergido como una alternativa en la terapia periodontal. Hoy tenemos una curva de aprendizaje basada en la evidencia que nos muestra una primera etapa donde se utilizó como biomaterial cementante y como estimulante de la regeneración de tejido óseo. En una segunda etapa actual se aplica para la curación de heridas en tejidos blandos basado y fundamentado en la evidencia biológica, lo que ha generado grandes expectativas en varias especialidades médicas, entre las que se encuentra la odontología. Método: Se presenta un caso clínico de una paciente de 29 años de edad, no fumadora y sin enfermedad sistémica, la cual fue captada en la DEPeI de la UNAM. El diagnóstico fue una periodontitis agresiva localizada. Después de la fase I se le realizó una cirugía por colgajo con PRP y aloinjerto óseo. Resultados: Se valoró a la paciente a los 6 y 12 meses después del tratamiento y se clasificó como paciente de bajo riesgo a la recurrencia de enfermedad periodontal durante el mantenimiento con base en los seis parámetros del Dr. Lang y Tonetti. Conclusiones: El clínico de hoy entiende cada vez más la necesidad de tomar decisiones basadas en la evidencia científica. Hasta este momento, sabemos que biológicamente es posible que una concentración más alta de plaquetas puede ayudar en la cicatrización.AbstractIntroductionPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as an alternative in periodontal therapy. Presently, there is an evidencebased learning curve showing a first stage when it was used as cementing biomaterial as well as bone tissue regeneration stimulant. In a second current stage based and substantiated on biological evidence, it is applied for soft tissue wounds healing. This has elicited great expectations in several medical specialties, including dentistry. Method: The case here presented is of a healthy, nonsmoker, 29 year old female patient who attended the Graduate and Research School, National School of Dentistry, National University of Mexico (UNAM). Diagnosis emitted was localized aggressive periodontitis. After phase I, the patient was subjected to flap surgery with PRP and bone allograft. Results: The patient was assessed 6 and 12 months after treatment. Based on the six maintenance parameters established by Drs. Lang and Tonetti, she was classified as presenting low risk of periodontal disease recurrence. Conclusions: Today's clinical operator increasingly understands the need of making decisions based upon scientific evidence. To the present date we recognize that it is biologically possible for a higher platelet concentration to foster healing

ABONO ORGÁNICO ELABORADO CON LODO RESIDUAL Y ESTIERCOL EQUINO A TRAVÉS DE VERMICOMPOSTEO: UNA PROPUESTA COMO MEJORADOR DE SUELOS

Las actividades humanas producen toneladas de residuos sólidos orgánicos que causan problemas al ambiente, como la contaminación de suelo, agua y mantos freáticos. Ante esto, se han desarrollado estrategias como el vermicomposteo, proceso de estabilización de residuos sólidos orgánicos. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo probar mezclas de lodo residual y estiércol equino en diferentes porcentajes, por medio de vermicomposteo, para conocer su estabilidad y proponerlo como mejorador de suelo. Para su elaboración se utilizaron cuatro porcentajes de estiércol equino y lodo residual: E100, E85-LR15, E70-LR30 y E55-LR45 y se dio un seguimiento durante 90 días bajo condiciones de invernadero. El producto mostró disminución gradual en el porcentaje de C orgánico, relación C:N y pH. Se incrementó el contenido de N total a los 30 días y la conductividad eléctrica a los 75 días. El P aumentó para E70-LR30 (57.3 ± 8.3 mg/kg a 1369.8 ± 114.8 mg/kg) al final. A los 45 días se alcanzó la estabilidad de las vermicompostas en cuanto a la relación C:N: E100 (11.4); E85-LR15 (10.8); E70-LR30 (12.6) y E55-LR45 (11.2). La mejor relación es E70-LR30, ya que presenta un balance en el aporte de N y C, la concentración de metales pesados disminuyó para Cu, Zn, Ni y Cd, además el pH que presentó (7.24 ± 0.1) fue neutro, la concentración de P se incrementó considerablemente y el número de lombrices fue mayor (1790) con respecto a los otros tratamientos, por lo que esta relación es adecuada para su uso como abono orgánico

Impact of Tillage and Fertilization on CO₂ Emission from Soil under Maize Cultivation

Agriculture is in a constant state of change. Its new practices and technologies represent impacts that are difficult to predict. The transition from animal traction to tractors and the substitution of manure for synthetic fertilizers are changes that are taking place particularly in developed countries, yet they are increasing in developing ones. However, the effect of these changes on agriculture and soil CO2 emissions remains controversial. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of two tillage systems and fertilization on the CO2 emissions from the soil under maize cultivation. Therefore, it consisted of two tillage systems, namely tractor (T) and animal (A) traction, and four fertilization methods. The fertilization treatments tested were: (CH) application of N, P, K chemical fertilizer; (HM) application of horse manure; (CM) application of chicken manure; and (CT) unfertilized control. We found that the soil CO2 emission rates in the maize growing season was higher than those in the tillage before the harvest season. Soil respiration peaked in June after the second fertilizer application (9394.59–12,851.35 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 at tractor and 7091.89–12,655.86 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 at animal traction). The production of corn grain only presented differences between the treatments with and without application of fertilizers

Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Is Determinant for ABCB1 and ABCG2 Drug-Efflux Transporters Function.

To compare drug efflux function of ABCB1 and ABCG2 transporters in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with active disease and in remission.Twenty two active RA patients (DAS28 ≥3.2) and 22 patients in remission (DAS28<2.6) were selected from an early RA clinic. All patients were evaluated at study inclusion and six months later. ABCB1 and ABCG2 functional activity was measured in peripheral lymphocytes by flow cytometry. The percentage of cells able to extrude substrates for ABCB1 and ABCG2 was recorded.Active patients had higher ABCB1 and ABCG2 activity compared with patients in remission (median [interquartile range]): 3.9% (1.4-22.2) vs (1.3% (0.6-3.2), p = 0.003 and 3.9% (1.1-13.3) vs 0.9% (0.5-1.9) p = 0.006 respectively. Both transporters correlated with disease activity assessed by DAS28, rho = 0.45, p = 0.002 and rho = 0.47, p = 0.001 respectively. Correlation was observed between the time from the beginning of treatment and transporter activity: rho = 0.34, p = 0.025 for ABCB1 and rho = 0.35, p = 0.018 for ABCG2. The linear regression model showed that DAS28 and the time from the onset of treatment are predictors of ABCB1 and ABCG2 functional activity, even after adjustment for treatment. After six months we calculated the correlation between change in DAS28 and change in the functional activity in both transporters and found a moderate and significant correlation for ABCG2 (rho = 0.28, p = 0.04) and a non-significant correlation for ABCB1 (rho = 0.22, p = 0.11).Patients with active RA have an increased function of ABCB1 and ABCG2, and disease activity is the main determinant of this phenomena

Densidad poblacional de actinomicetos en suelos florícolas, enmendados con vermicomposta

"La aplicación de agroquímicos en la floricultura, disminuye gradualmente la fertilidad y poblaciones de microorganismos benéficos del suelo, siendo los actinomicetos indicadores biológicos de la calidad edáfica. En el presente artículo se propuso como o