Nanopartícul·les core-shell estabilitzades en polímer amb propietats calítiques i bactericides medioambientalment segure

Aquest projecte de doctorat és un treball interdisciplinari adreçat a l’obtenció de nous nanocompòsits (NCs) funcionals sintetitzats a partir de materials polimèrics bescanviadors d’ions que són modificats amb nanopartícules metàl•liques (NPMs) de diferent composició. Els materials desenvolupats s’avaluen en funció de dues possibles aplicacions: 1) com a catalitzadors de reaccions orgàniques d’interès actual (NCs basats en pal•ladi) i, 2) la seva dedicació a aplicacions bactericides en el tractament d’aigües domèstiques o industrials (NCs basats en plata). El desenvolupament de nanomaterials és de gran interès a l’actualitat donades les seves especials propietats, l’aprofitament de les quals és la força impulsora per a la fabricació de nous NCs. Les nanopartícules metàl•liques estabilitzades en polímer (Polymer Stabilized Metal Nanoparticles, PSNPM) s’han preparat mitjançant la tècnica in-situ de síntesi intermatricial (Inter-matrix synthesis, IMS) que consisteix en la càrrega seqüencial dels grups funcionals de les matrius polimèriques amb ions metàl•lics, i la seva posterior reducció química dins de la matriu polimèrica de bescanvi iònic. L’estabilització en matrius polimèriques evita l’agregació entre elles (self-aggreagtion), un dels principals problemes coneguts de les NPs. Pel desenvolupament d’aquesta metodologia, s’han emprat diferents tipus de matrius polimèriques de bescanvi iònic: membrana Sulfonated PolyEtherEtherKetone, SPEEK, així com fibres sintètiques basades en polypropilè amb diferents tipus de grups funcionals, que ens permeten el seu ús com a filtres en la desinfecció de solucions aquoses o com a material catalitzador. Durant el projecte s’ha anat avançant en l’optimització del material nanocomposite final per a les aplicacions d’interès, en quant activitat i funcionalitat de les nanopartícules i estabilitat del nanocomposite. Així, s’ha optimitzat la síntesi de NPs estabilitzades en resines de bescanvi iònic, realitzant un screening de diferents tipus de resines i la seva avaluació en aplicacions industrials d’interès.

Assessing cardiovascular risk in hepatitis C: An unmet need.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, as a result of the progression towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, HCV seems to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) due to its association with insulin resistance, diabetes and steatosis. HCV infection represents an initial step in the chronic inflammatory cascade, showing a direct role in altering glucose metabolism. After achieving sustained virological response, the incidence of insulin resistance and diabetes dramatically decrease. HCV core protein plays an essential role in promoting insulin resistance and oxidative stress. On the other hand, atherosclerosis is a common disease in which the artery wall thickens due to accumulation of fatty deposits. The main step in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques is the oxidation of low density lipoprotein particles, together with the increased production of proinflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18 or C-reactive protein]. The advent of new direct acting antiviral therapy has dramatically increased the sustained virological response rates of hepatitis C infection. In this scenario, the cardiovascular risk has emerged and represents a major concern after the eradication of the virus. Consequently, the number of studies evaluating this association is growing. Data derived from these studies have demonstrated the strong link between HCV infection and the atherogenic process, showing a higher risk of coronary heart disease, carotid atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease and, ultimately, CVD-related mortality.

Recanalization and Collaterals Predict Outcome in Proximal MCA Occlusion, but neither Penumbra nor Core of Stroke

Data on new predictors of outcome include penumbra core or collaterals.Objective: To test the predictive value of recanalization, collaterals, penumbra and core of ischemia for functional outcome in a large group of patients with MCA occlusion. Method: Consecutive events included prospectively in the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne from April 2002 to April 2009 with an acute stroke due to proximal MCA occlusion (M1) were considered for analysis. Acute CTA were reviewed to grade the collaterals (dichotomized in poor __50% or good _50% compared to the normal side) and localization of M1 occlusion (proximal or mid-distal). Acute CTP were reviewed and reconstructed to determine penumbra, core and stroke index (penumbra/penumbra_core) of brain ischemia. Good outcome was defined by mRS 0-2 at 3 months.Results: Among 242 events (115 male, mean NIHSS 18.1, SD 5.8, mean age 66, SD 15), 42% were treated with intravenous thrombolysis, and 3% with intraarterial thrombolysis. Collateral status was rated as poor in 53% of events and proximal M1 occlusion was present in 64%. Recanalization determined at 24 hours with CTA was complete in 26% events and partial/absent in 54%.CTP was available for 212 events. Mean penumbra was 88.6 cm3 (median 84.4, SD 53.8), mean core was 54.1 cm3 (median 46.2, SD 45.7) and stroke index was 64% (median 68%, SD 25%). Good outcome was observed in 87 events (36%) and was associated in multivariate logistic regression with thrombolysis (p_0.02, OR_2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.4), recanalization (p_0.001, OR_4.1, 95% CI 1.9-8.9), lower NIHSS (p_0.001, OR_0.84, 95% CI 0.78-0.91), male gender (p_0.01, OR_2.8, 95% CI 1.3-5.9), mRS prior to stroke (p_0.02, OR_0.5, 95% CI 0.28-0.9) and good collateral status (p_0.005, OR_3, 95% CI 1.4-6.4). Nor penumbra, nor core, nor stroke index were significant in the multivariate model, even if an association was present in the univariate model between good functional outcome and penumbra (p_0.004, OR_1.008, 95% CI 1.003-1.01), core (p_0.001, OR_0.98, 95% CI 0.976-0.99) and strokeindex (p_0.001, OR_16.7, 95% CI 4.6 59.9).Conclusion: MCA recanalization is the best predictor for good functional outcome, followed by collateral status. CTP data did not predict the functional outcome in our large group of M1 occlusion. Author Disclosures: C. Odier: None. P. Michel: Research Grant; Significant; Paion, Lundbeck. Speakers; Modest; Boehringer-Ingelheim. Consultant/Advisory Board; Modest; Boehringer- Ingelheim. Consultant/Advisory Board; Significant; Servier, Lundbeck.

Regulación de la expresión del microRNA miR-21 por la proteína ZAP-70 en células de leucemia linfática crónica

La leucemia linfática crónica (LLC) está asociada a factores biológicos como la expresión de la proteína ZAP-70 y la expresión aberrante del miR-21. OBJETIVOS: Determinar la expresión de miR-21 en líneas celulares B y en células primarias de LLC y su asociación con la expresión de ZAP-70 en la LLC. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Análisis de la expresión de miR-21 en la línea celular transfectada con ZAP-70 y en células de LLC. RESULTADOS: Se observó mayor expresión de miR-21 en las células con ZAP-70 tras estimulación del BCR y una correlación positiva entre la expresión de miR-21 y la de ZAP-70.

Biosciences Path for Development: Economic and Core Competency Analyses, March 2004

Report produced by Iowa Department of Economic Development

The equity core and the Lorenz-maximal allocations in the equal division core

In this paper, we characterize the non-emptiness of the equity core (Selten, 1978) and provide a method, easy to implement, for computing the Lorenz-maximal allocations in the equal division core (Dutta-Ray, 1991). Both results are based on a geometrical decomposition of the equity core as a finite union of polyhedrons. Keywords: Cooperative game, equity core, equal division core, Lorenz domination. JEL classification: C71

Molecular mechanism of myosin Va recruitment to dense core secretory granules.

The brain-spliced isoform of Myosin Va (BR-MyoVa) plays an important role in the transport of dense core secretory granules (SGs) to the plasma membrane in hormone and neuropeptide-producing cells. The molecular composition of the protein complex that recruits BR-MyoVa to SGs and regulates its function has not been identified to date. We have identified interaction between SG-associated proteins granuphilin-a/b (Gran-a/b), BR-MyoVa and Rab27a, a member of the Rab family of GTPases. Gran-a/b-BR-MyoVa interaction is direct, involves regions downstream of the Rab27-binding domain, and the C-terminal part of Gran-a determines exon specificity. MyoVa and Gran-a/b are partially colocalised on SGs and disruption of Gran-a/b-BR-MyoVa binding results in a perinuclear accumulation of SGs which augments nutrient-stimulated hormone secretion in pancreatic beta-cells. These results indicate the existence of at least another binding partner of BR-MyoVa that was identified as rabphilin-3A (Rph-3A). BR-MyoVa-Rph-3A interaction is also direct and enhanced when secretion is activated. The BR-MyoVa-Rph-3A and BR-MyoVa-Gran-a/b complexes are linked to a different subset of SGs, and simultaneous inhibition of these complexes nearly completely blocks stimulated hormone release. This study demonstrates that multiple binding partners of BR-MyoVa regulate SG transport, and this molecular mechanism is universally used by neuronal, endocrine and neuroendocrine cells.

Core Analysis of Portland Cement Concrete Slip Formed Barriers, January 2000

Premature deterioration of slip formed portland cement concrete (PCC) barriers is an ongoing problem in the Iowa Primary and Interstate highway system. The requirement to have a concrete mix which can be sufficiently pliable to be readily molded into the barrier shape and yet be sufficiently stiff to maintain a true shape and height immediately after molding is difficult to meet. A concrete mix which is stiff enough to maintain its shape immediately after molding is usually difficult to work with. It often contains open or hidden tears and large voids. One way to minimize the molding resistance is by additional vibration. If intensive vibration is applied, the entrapped air voids and tears in the concrete can usually be eliminated, however, in that process, the essential entrained air content can also be lost. In the evaluation of slip formed PCC barriers, it is common to find large voids, tears and a low entrained air content, all contributing to premature deterioration. A study was initiated to evaluate core samples taken from good and from bad appearing areas of various median barriers. Evaluations were done covering visual appearance, construction information, air content and chloride content.

Canzonetta : mélodie : [Quanto è folle quell'amante] / Bernado Pasquini, comp.. Aria : mélodie : [Alma del core, spirto dell'alma] / Antonio Caldara, comp. ; Leila Ben-Sedira, S ; Mme Simone Gouat, p

Comprend : Canzonetta / Bernado Pasquini, comp. ; Aria / Antonio Caldara, comp.

Revisão sistemática e metanálise sobre o valor preditivo da proteína C-reativa em infecção pós-operatória

Revisão sistemática sobre a proteína C-reativa (PCR) a fim de identificar seu valor preditivo no prognóstico/diagnóstico de infecção em pacientes cirúrgicos. As fontes de busca foram: COCHRANE, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE E OVID, e referências bibliográficas dos estudos encontrados. Em todos os estudos a elevação dos níveis de PCR foi observada após a cirurgia e na presença de infecções pós-operatórias (PO), em oito estudos um pico de PCR entre o segundo e o terceiro PO foi relatado como aspecto normal da curva de PCR, declinando em pacientes sem complicações pós-operatórias, e elevando em pacientes com complicações. A metanálise revelou média de 85% (sensibilidade), 86% (especificidade), a área sob a curva SROC foi de 0,9060, e a Odds Ratio foi de 23,56. A PCR com outras intervenções clínicas apresenta alto valor no prognóstico/ diagnóstico de infecção pós-cirúrgica.

Reliability and validity of the cross-culturally adapted French version of the Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) in patients with low back pain.

PURPOSE: To conduct a cross-cultural adaptation of the Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) into French according to established guidelines. METHODS: Seventy outpatients with chronic low back pain were recruited from six spine centres in Switzerland and France. They completed the newly translated COMI, and the Roland Morris disability (RMQ), Dallas Pain (DPQ), adjectival pain rating scale, WHO Quality of Life, and EuroQoL-5D questionnaires. After ~14 days RMQ and COMI were completed again to assess reproducibility; a transition question (7-point Likert scale; "very much worse" through "no change" to "very much better") indicated any change in status since the first questionnaire. RESULTS: COMI whole scores displayed no floor effects and just 1.5% ceiling effects. The scores for the individual COMI items correlated with their corresponding full-length reference questionnaire with varying strengths of correlation (0.33-0.84, P < 0.05). COMI whole scores showed a very good correlation with the "multidimensional" DPQ global score (Rho = 0.71). 55 patients (79%) returned a second questionnaire with no/minimal change in their back status. The reproducibility of individual COMI 5-point items was good, with test-retest differences within one grade ranging from 89% for 'social/work disability' to 98% for 'symptom-specific well-being'. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the COMI whole score was 0.85 (95% CI 0.76-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the French version of this short, multidimensional questionnaire showed good psychometric properties, comparable to those reported for German and Spanish versions. The French COMI represents a valuable tool for future multicentre clinical studies and surgical registries (e.g. SSE Spine Tango) in French-speaking countries.

In-vivo magnetic resonance imaging of the structural core of the Papez circuit in humans.

Papez circuit is one of the major pathways of the limbic system, and it is involved in the control of memory and emotion. Structural and functional alterations have been reported in psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and epileptic diseases. Despite the clinical interest, however, in-vivo imaging of the entire circuit remains a technological challenge. We used magnetic resonance diffusion spectrum imaging to comprehensively picture the Papez circuit in healthy humans: (i) the hippocampus-mammillary body pathway, (ii) the connections between the lateral subiculum and the cingulate cortex, and (iii) the mammillo-thalamic tract. The diagnostic and therapeutic implications of these results are discussed in the context of recent findings reporting the involvement of the Papez circuit in neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Mapping the structural core of human cerebral cortex.

Structurally segregated and functionally specialized regions of the human cerebral cortex are interconnected by a dense network of cortico-cortical axonal pathways. By using diffusion spectrum imaging, we noninvasively mapped these pathways within and across cortical hemispheres in individual human participants. An analysis of the resulting large-scale structural brain networks reveals a structural core within posterior medial and parietal cerebral cortex, as well as several distinct temporal and frontal modules. Brain regions within the structural core share high degree, strength, and betweenness centrality, and they constitute connector hubs that link all major structural modules. The structural core contains brain regions that form the posterior components of the human default network. Looking both within and outside of core regions, we observed a substantial correspondence between structural connectivity and resting-state functional connectivity measured in the same participants. The spatial and topological centrality of the core within cortex suggests an important role in functional integration.

Mapping of the genes coding for the two major vaccinia virus core polypeptides.

We have mapped the genes coding for two major structural polypeptides of the vaccinia virus core by hybrid selection and transcriptional mapping. First, RNA was selected by hybridization to restriction fragments of the vaccinia virus genome, translated in vitro and the products were immunoprecipitated with antibodies against the two polypeptides. This approach allowed us to map the genes to the left hand end of the largest Hind III restriction fragment of 50 kilobase pairs. Second, transcriptional mapping of this region of the genome revealed the presence of the two expected RNAs. Both RNAs are transcribed from the leftward reading strand and the 5'-ends of the genes are separated by about 7.5 kilobase pairs of DNA. Thus, two genes encoding structural polypeptides with a similar location in the vaccinia virus particle are clustered at approximately 105 kilobase pairs from the left hand end of the 180 kilobase pair vaccinia virus genome.