The lipopolysaccharide of Aeromonas spp: structure-activity relationships

Marine microorganisms, including Aeromonas, are a source of compds. for drug development that have generated great expectations in the last decades. Aeromonas infections produce septicemia, and ulcerative and haemorrhagic diseases in fish. Among the pathogenic factors assocd. with Aeromonas, the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)​, a surface glyconconjugate unique to Gram-​neg. bacteria consisting of lipid A (lipid anchor of the mol.)​, core oligosaccharide and O-​specific polysaccharide (O antigen)​, are key elicitors of innate immune responses. The chem. structure of these three parts has been characterized in Aeromonas. Based on the high variability of repeated units of O-​polysaccharides, a total of 97 O-​serogroups have been described in Aeromonas species, of which four of them (O:11; O:16; O:18 and O:34) account for more than 60​% of the septicemia cases. The core of LPS is subdivided into two regions, the inner (highly conserved) and the outer core. The inner core of Aeromonas LPS is characterized by the presence of 3-​deoxy-​d-​manno-​oct-​2-​ulosonic (ketodeoxyoctonic) acid (Kdo) and l-​glycero-​d-​manno-​Heptoses (l,​d-​Hep)​, which are linked to the outer core, characterized by the presence of Glc, GlcN, Gal, and GalNAc (in Aeromonas salmonicida)​, d,​d-​Hep (in Aeromonas salmonicida)​, and l,​d-​Hep (in Aeromonas hydrophila)​. The biol. relevance of these differences in the distal part of the outer core among these species has not been fully assessed to date. The inner core is attached to the lipid A, a highly conserved structure that confers endotoxic properties to the LPS when the mol. is released in blood from lysed bacteria, thus inducing a major systemic inflammatory response known as septic or endotoxic shock. In Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida the Lipid A components contain three major lipid A mols., differing in acylation patterns corresponding to tetra-​, penta- and hexa-​acylated lipid A species and comprising of 4'-​monophosphorylated β-​2-​amino-​2-​deoxy-​d-​glucopyranose-​(1→6)​-​2-​amino-​2-​deoxy-​d-​glucopyranose disaccharide. In the present review, we discuss the structure-​activity relationships of Aeromonas LPS, focusing on its role in bacterial pathogenesis and its possible applications.

Multidrug resistance protein 1 localization in lipid raft domains and prostasomes in prostate cancer cell lines

Background: One of the problems in prostate cancer (CaP) treatment is the appearance of the multidrug resistance phenotype, in which ATP-binding cassette transporters such as multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) play a role. Different localizations of the transporter have been reported, some of them related to the chemoresistant phenotype. Aim: This study aimed to compare the localization of MRP1 in three prostate cell lines (normal, androgen-sensitive, and androgen-independent) in order to understand its possible role in CaP chemoresistance. Methods: MRP1 and caveolae protein markers were detected using confocal microscopy, performing colocalization techniques. Lipid raft isolation made it possible to detect these proteins by Western blot analysis. Caveolae and prostasomes were identified by electron microscopy. Results: We show that MRP1 is found in lipid raft fractions of tumor cells and that the number of caveolae increases with malignancy acquisition. MRP1 is found not only in the plasma membrane associated with lipid rafts but also in cytoplasmic accumulations colocalizing with the prostasome markers Caveolin-1 and CD59, suggesting that in CaP cells, MRP1 is localized in prostasomes. Conclusion: We hypothesize that the presence of MRP1 in prostasomes could serve as a reservoir of MRP1; thus, taking advantage of the release of their content, MRP1 could be translocated to the plasma membrane contributing to the chemoresistant phenotype. The presence of MRP1 in prostasomes could serve as a predictor of malignancy in CaP

Multidrug resistance protein 1 localization in lipid raft domains and prostasomes in prostate cancer cell lines

Background: One of the problems in prostate cancer (CaP) treatment is the appearance of the multidrug resistance phenotype, in which ATP-binding cassette transporters such as multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) play a role. Different localizations of the transporter have been reported, some of them related to the chemoresistant phenotype. Aim: This study aimed to compare the localization of MRP1 in three prostate cell lines (normal, androgen-sensitive, and androgen-independent) in order to understand its possible role in CaP chemoresistance. Methods: MRP1 and caveolae protein markers were detected using confocal microscopy, performing colocalization techniques. Lipid raft isolation made it possible to detect these proteins by Western blot analysis. Caveolae and prostasomes were identified by electron microscopy. Results: We show that MRP1 is found in lipid raft fractions of tumor cells and that the number of caveolae increases with malignancy acquisition. MRP1 is found not only in the plasma membrane associated with lipid rafts but also in cytoplasmic accumulations colocalizing with the prostasome markers Caveolin-1 and CD59, suggesting that in CaP cells, MRP1 is localized in prostasomes. Conclusion: We hypothesize that the presence of MRP1 in prostasomes could serve as a reservoir of MRP1; thus, taking advantage of the release of their content, MRP1 could be translocated to the plasma membrane contributing to the chemoresistant phenotype. The presence of MRP1 in prostasomes could serve as a predictor of malignancy in CaP

Rcor2 underexpression in senescent mice: a target for inflammaging?

BACKGROUND: Aging is characterized by a low-grade systemic inflammation that contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little knowledge is currently available on the molecular processes leading to chronic neuroinflammation. In this context, recent studies have described the role of chromatin regulators in inflammation and longevity including the REST corepressor (Rcor)-2 factor, which seems to be involved in an inflammatory suppressive program. METHODS: To assess the impact of Rcor2 in age-related inflammation, gene expression levels were quantified in different tissues and ages of the spontaneous senescence-accelerated P8 mouse (P8) using the SAMR1 mouse (R1) as a control. Specific siRNA transfection in P8 and R1 astrocyte cultures was used to determine Rcor2 involvement in the modulation of neuroinflammation. The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment on Rcor2 levels and neuroinflammation was analyzed both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: P8 mice presented a dramatic decrease in Rcor2 gene expression compared with R1 controls in splenocytes, an alteration also observed in the brain cortex, hippocampus and primary astrocytes of these mice. Rcor2 reduction in astrocytes was accompanied by an increased basal expression of the interleukin (Il)-6 gene. Strikingly, intraperitoneal LPS injection in R1 mice downregulated Rcor2 in the hippocampus, with a concomitant upregulation of tumor necrosis factor (Tnf-α), Il1-β and Il6 genes. A negative correlation between Rcor2 and Il6 gene expression was also verified in LPS-treated C6 glioma cells. Knock down of Rcor2 by siRNA transfection (siRcor2) in R1 astrocytes upregulated Il6 gene expression while siRcor2 further increased Il6 expression in P8 astrocytes. Moreover, LPS activation provoked a further downregulation of Rcor2 and an amplified induction of Il6 in siRcor2-tranfected astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Data presented here show interplay between Rcor2 downregulation and increased inflammation and suggest that Rcor2 may be a key regulator of inflammaging

Virus en Endodoncia

La infección endodóntica es la infección que afecta al sistema de conductos radiculares y, sin duda, es el principal agente etiológico de las periodontitis apicales. Además, de las bacterias patógenas endodónticas, se ha buscado en los últimos años asociar la presencia de virus en distintos tipos de patología endodóntica. Los virus que más se han buscado y asociado son los pertenecientes a la familia herpesvirus, los cuales se han encontrado presentes en patologías periapicales principalmente. Se ha buscado además, relacionar su presencia a patologías que cursan con mayor sintomatología, o que presentan a la imagen radiográfica destrucciones óseas periapicales mayores. El rol de los virus en las lesiones apicales de origen endodóntico está aún poco claro, se habla de efectos acumulativos a los de las bacterias, además de posibles inmunosupresiones locales que favorecerían el crecimiento y el efecto de estas últimas

Achillea filipendulina Lam. nueva para Andalucía, más algunas observaciones sobre las Achillea andaluzas.

La preparación de la síntesis de Achillea L. para Flora Iberica ha llevado a examinar algunas cuestiones críticas en relación con la flora de Andalucía oriental (Blanca, 2011). Para ello, se ha revisado la información bibliográfica disponible, así como los materiales de herbario de referencia; se ha contado asimismo con la colaboración del autor de la síntesis de dicha obra. Como resultado, se plantea la adición al catálogo de la flora andaluza de una nueva especie alóctona, Achillea filipendulina Lam., así como la exclusión de A. ligustica All., a la que se habían atribuido inicialmente algunos ejemplares de A. millefolium [...].

Conocimiento y amor de sí mismo. Fundamentos de una teoría tomista de la personalidad

Estudi del coneixement i de l’amor de si mateix com a aspectes subjacents de la personalitat amb la finalitat de desenvolupar, posteriorment, una teoria tomista de la personalitat. No obstant, aquest treball es limita a exposar la relació existent entre coneixement, amor, personalitat i felicitat.

Erotisme i sensualitat en l'obra dels trobadors medievals, com a elements del realisme grotesc : Afinitats i desacords amb l'Amadís de Gaula

El present treball cerca elements eròtics i sensuals en l'obra dels principals trobadors medievals catalans i compara els resultats amb el llibre de cavalleria més famós de la literatura castellana, l'Amadís de Gaula.

Experiencias interdisciplinarias mediante las canciones para niños de Apel·les Mestres

Con este artículo queremos exponer una experiencia didáctica interdisciplinar con la intervención de las áreas de expresión visual, literaria y musical, y, al mismo tiempo, rendir homenaje a una parte pequeña, pero no por eso menos significativa, de nuestro autor: sus canciones para niños.Apel·les Mestres, figura polifacética y en estrecha comunión con su tiempo, nos dejó un amplio legado en todas las áreas o disciplinas que cultivó: la música, la literatura, el dibujo, la poesía, etc

Desigualdades geográficas en mortalidad e incidencia por cáncer de laringe en varones: factores socioeconómicos y ambientales

Diversos estudios sugieren la relación entre menor nivel socioeconómico y factores ambientales con mayor riesgo de cáncer. El objetivo del trabajo es identificar desigualdades geográficas en mortalidad e incidencia por cáncer de laringe (CL) en varones y su asociación con factores de privación y ambientales en el marco del proyecto MEDEA. Métodos: Estudio ecológico cuya población de referencia fueron loshombres residentes en el municipio de Zaragoza. El periodo de estudio fue1996-2003. Las defunciones fueron obtenidas del Registro de Mortalidad de Aragón, los casos incidentes del Registro Poblacional de Cáncer de Zaragoza y los datos socioeconómicos del Censo de 2001. Se utilizó la base de datos del Registro Europeo de Emisiones Contaminantes en lalocalización de posibles industrias contaminantes. Para cada sección censal(SC) se obtuvo un índice de privación mediante análisis de componentesprincipales. Se obtuvieron las Razones de Mortalidad e Incidencia Estandarizadas suavizadas aplicando metodología bayesiana.Resultados: Se analizaron 211 defunciones y 569 casos incidentes, con SC conocida, que correspondieron al 95% del total de casos registrados de mortalidad y el 97,8% de incidencia. Las SC que se encontraban enel cuartil superior, mayor índice de privación, tuvieron significativamentemayor riesgo, tanto de mortalidad (2,74 veces) como de incidencia (1,66 veces). Sin embargo no se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa con los indicadores ambientales utilizados. Conclusiones: Las SC con menor nivel económico presentan mayor riesgo de mortalidad e incidencia por CL. La posible exposición a focos industriales contaminantes no explica la variabilidad geográfica observada

Sociodemographic Factors and Clinical Conditions Associated to Hospitalization in Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Virus Infected Patients in Spain, 2009-2010

The emergence and pandemic spread of a new strain of influenza A (H1N1) virus in 2009 resulted in a serious alarm in clinical and public health services all over the world. One distinguishing feature of this new influenza pandemic was the different profile of hospitalized patients compared to those from traditional seasonal influenza infections. Our goal was to analyze sociodemographic and clinical factors associated to hospitalization following infection by influenza A(H1N1) virus. We report the results of a Spanish nationwide study with laboratory confirmed infection by the new pandemic virus in a case-control design based on hospitalized patients. The main risk factors for hospitalization of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 were determined to be obesity (BMI≥40, with an odds-ratio [OR] 14.27), hematological neoplasia (OR 10.71), chronic heart disease, COPD (OR 5.16) and neurological disease, among the clinical conditions, whereas low education level and some ethnic backgrounds (Gypsies and Amerinds) were the sociodemographic variables found associated to hospitalization. The presence of any clinical condition of moderate risk almost triples the risk of hospitalization (OR 2.88) and high risk conditions raise this value markedly (OR 6.43). The risk of hospitalization increased proportionally when for two (OR 2.08) or for three or more (OR 4.86) risk factors were simultaneously present in the same patient. These findings should be considered when a new influenza virus appears in the human population

Molecular Interactions of Prodiginines with the BH3 Domain of Anti-Apoptotic Bcl-2 Family Members.

Prodigiosin and obatoclax, members of the prodiginines family, are small molecules with anti-cancer properties that are currently under preclinical and clinical trials. The molecular target(s) of these agents, however, is an open question. Combining experimental and computational techniques we find that prodigiosin binds to the BH3 domain in some BCL-2 protein families, which play an important role in the apoptotic programmed cell death. In particular, our results indicate a large affinity of prodigiosin for MCL-1, an anti-apoptotic member of the BCL-2 family. In melanoma cells, we demonstrate that prodigiosin activates the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by disrupting MCL-1/BAK complexes. Computer simulations with the PELE software allow the description of the induced fit process, obtaining a detailed atomic view of the molecular interactions. These results provide new data to understand the mechanism of action of these molecules, and assist in the development of more specific inhibitors of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins.

Treball final de màster

Desenvolupament d’una unitat didàctica dissenyada per al centre d’educació secundària IES Ramon Turró i Darder de Malgrat de Mar que està basada principalment en corrents i teories psicopedagògiques com els processos de la piràmide o taxonomia de Bloom i la teoria de l’aprenentatge significatiu de David Ausubel. Per portar a terme les activitats de la unitat didàctica, des de les inicials fins a les de síntesi, s’han seguit els processos de la piràmide o taxonomia de Bloom en la qual es van superant i es va augmentant el nivell de dificultat de les activitats de l’alumnat fins a aconseguir arribar a nivells de reflexió i de creació per part dels alumnes. Per una altra banda, es destacaria la teoria de l’aprenentatge significatiu de David Ausubel en la qual els nous coneixements es van incorporant en l’alumne a partir d’una sèrie de passos i d’aspectes que s’han de tenir en compte. En relació amb la piràmide de Bloom, l’alumnat rep una informació que desconeixia fins aquell moment i que ha relacionat amb els coneixements que ja portava incorporats. Perquè els diferents passos es puguin desenvolupar cal que per part del docent es produeixi un guiatge i unes explicacions a partir d’uns materials que han d’adequar-se a les capacitats dels alumnes

Estudi estratègic del coblisme com a bé cultural

Aquest treball de final de carrera tracta sobre l’aplicació de les modernes tècniques de reflexió estratègica aplicades al sector de la cultura popular catalana, concretament la cultura popular catalana que engloba les manifestacions on el vincle comú és la formació musical pròpia: la cobla. Aprofitar aquest sector, a priori tant complex i tant allunyat en principi del món d’estratègia d’empresa com aquest, és l’excusa per veure el comportament d’aquestes eines i teories, i comprovar-ne la seva eficàcia i adaptabilitat als diferents casos de la realitat, a més de poder treballar un tema tant nou com la valoració d’intangibles. A la vegada, es produeix una síntesi de treballs orientats a l’organització d’entitats sense ànim de lucre existents en la bibliografia especialitzada, i que han tingut un inexistent ressò pràctic. Això pot ser un contrasentit en un país on l’associacionisme és tan arrelat i un dels pilars socials que ens vertebren i diferencien. En el cas de la música per a cobla, especialment destacable en un moment molt important i crític per estar en un temps de transició social molt fort. També, cal destacar vivament que té una sèrie de valors afegits de qualitat i complexitat que la situen en un interessant camí entre la cultura popular i les propostes de caràcter més comercial, en unes condicions actuals de gran desconeixement social. Les vinculacions entre estratègia, innovació, responsabilitat social i cultura del coneixement, donen a aquest treball un fort caràcter actual i adaptat a la realitat en les consideracions sobre el management en general.

Estudi per a la construcció de l'EDAR mitjançant filtres verds de la Nou de Gaià (Tarragonès)

El tractament de les aigües en nuclis menors de 2000 habitants es troba pendent de completar per part de l’Agència Catalana de l’Aigua més concretament al corresponent Pla de Sanejament d’Aigües Residuals Urbanes (PSARU). El nucli de La Nou de Gaià (al Tarragonès) es troba pendent de la construcció de la corresponent instal·lació de sanejament, projectada al 2007. Alternativament a les depuradores tradicionals basades en l’ús de formigó (o materials alternatius) i en la despesa elèctrica per assegurar una aeració i una evacuació dels fangs generats, existeixen tecnologies “toves”. Aquestes tecnologies, també conegudes com a “verdes”, es basen en imitar els sistemes naturals maximitzant el seu potencial d’autodepuració. A grans trets existeixen dos formes de depurar les aigües de forma ecològica”: llacunatges (existeix una capa d’aigua lliure) i filtres verds. El present estudi es basa en l’aplicació de filtres verds de morfologia vertical i flux subsuperficial, plantat amb canyes dels generes Scirpus o Phragmites. El resultat han estat 4 bases de 35*35 per a tractar un cabal de 150 m3/d i una població equivalent de 1272.