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Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Trace elements play crucial roles in cellular biology. Their improper homeostasis may contribute to the progress of eye diseases, exacerbated during ageing. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is progressively deteriorated during age-related neurodegeneration and metal homeostasis may be compromised. In this study, elemental mass spectrometry (MS) was combined with cellular and molecular biology techniques to identify changes in trace elements during the in vitro degeneration of human RPE cells. Cells were collected at 21, 91, and 133 days and processed for RNA sequencing; Ca, Na, P, Mg, and Cu quantification by flow injection analysis and inductively coupled plasma–MS; and protein analysis by immunocytochemistry. Four-month-old RPE cultures showed depigmentation, impaired barrier function, and antioxidant protection, manifesting signs of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Na and P significantly increased in the cytosol of degenerated RPE cells (from 15 ± 20 to 13495 ± 638 ng·µg−1 and from 30.6 ± 9.5 to 116.8 ± 16.8 ng·µg−1, respectively). Mg decreased in both the cytosol and insoluble fraction of cells (from 2.83 ± 0.40 to 1.58 ± 0.56 ng·µg−1 and from 247.57 ± 11.06 to 30 ± 8 ng·g−1, respectively), while P and Cu decreased in the insoluble fraction after 133 days in culture (from 9471 ± 1249 to 4555 ± 985 ng·µg−1 and from 2251 ± 79 to 1054 ± 235 ng·g−1, respectively), along with changes in metal-dependent antioxidant enzymes and Cu transporters. This RPE model reflected metal homeostatic changes, providing additional perspectives on effects of metal regulation during ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studies one type of artistic production from the Viceroyalty of New Spain during the second half of the seventeenth century and the beginning of the following century. Furniture decorated with the technique of enconchado is studied to point out the influence of Namban lacquer as well as the relationship with enconchado painting, a better known and studied corpus than furniture, and also its link to Mexican lacquer, maque. The identification and study of three pieces of furniture that feature the enconchado technique, and a cross, probably decorated with maque, offer a complementary vision of the art of enconchado and allow us to consider enconchado furniture an independent artistic genre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the causal agent behind coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease declared pandemic in 2020. Because of the zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2 and the close contact kept by domestic dogs with their owners, it became imperative to understand the role of dogs in the epidemiology of the disease and in the virus transmission. In the present study, we determined the presence of virus and described the long-term immune effects of SARS-CoV-2 in 24 dogs exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the domestic environment. Our findings highlight that only a subset of dogs, naturally exposed to SARS-CoV-2, exhibit a humoral response to the new virus (close to 17% had IgM antibodies and close to 33% has IgG antibodies). We identified for the first time SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ-secreting cells in dogs (approximately in half of our dogs). While 56% of dogs maintained humoral response 8 months, only 22% of dogs maintained cellular response after 4 and 8 months. Although some alterations in blood parameters and proinflammatory cytokines were described, there was no evidence indicating an exacerbated cytokine release process. Considering that none of the animals enrolled in this study showed viral shedding and presented specific immune responses, it is reasonable to propose that the canine immune system in certain companion dogs is effective at blocking the negative effects of viral replication, thereby suggesting that dogs would not be potential transmitters of this pathogen to the other dogs or other species and could aid in promoting collective immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín del Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino is the property of Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Worsening kidney function (WKF) is common in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) syndromes. Although WKF has traditionally been associated with worse outcomes on a population level, serum creatinine concentrations vary greatly during episodes of worsening heart failure, with substantial individual heterogeneity in terms of their clinical meaning. Consequently, interpreting such changes within the appropriate clinical context is essential to unravel the pathophysiology of kidney function changes and appropriately interpret their clinical meaning. This article aims to provide a critical overview of WKF in AHF, aiming to provide physicians with some tips and tricks to appropriately interpret kidney function changes in the context of AHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Roca: Revista Científico-Educacional de la Provincia de Granma is the property of Universidad de Granma, Departamento Editorial and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Roca: Revista Científico-Educacional de la Provincia de Granma is the property of Universidad de Granma, Departamento Editorial and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: To describe the urine collection methods used in precontinent children presenting at the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) and compare results and contamination rates. Methods: Retrospective observational cohort study that included 1678 urine cultures collected in infants <24 months of age between January 2016 and December 2019. Urine cultures were compared based on collection technique, sex and patient age. Results: In total, 60.4% of samples were collected by clean‐catch urine collection (CCUC), 26.4% by urethral catheterisation (UC) and 13.2% by urine bag (UB). Contamination rates were 2.9% (95% CI 1.3, 4.4) for UC, 11.3% (95% CI 9.3, 13.2) for CCUC and 23.4% (95% CI 17.8, 29.0) for UB. Significant differences in contamination rates were found between UC and CCUC in the 6–12‐month age group (1.9% [95% CI 0.0–4.0] versus 12.0% [95% CI 7.2–16.8] [p < 0.0009]), and between UC and UB for all ages. Conclusions: CCUC is the most common method for urine culture collection in infants <24 months of age at the PED in our centre. UC has the lowest contamination rates, but significant differences were only observed between CCUC and UC in the 6–12‐month age group. CCUC is a non‐invasive alternative for urine collection in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Cirugia is the property of Sociedad de Cirujanos de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fabry disease is a rare X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by the absence or reduction of alfa-galactosidase A activity in lysosomes, resulting in accumulation of glycosphingolipids in various tissues. The main organ affected is the heart, which frequently manifests as left ventricular hypertrophy and can ultimately lead to cardiac fibrosis, heart failure, valve disease, cardiac conduction abnormalities and sudden cardiac death. Today we know that myocyte damage starts before these signs and symptoms are detectable on routine studies, during the designated pre-clinical phase of Fabry disease. The initiation of specific therapy for Fabry disease during the early stages of the disease has a great impact on the prognosis of these patients avoiding progression to irreversible fibrosis and preventing cardiovascular complications. Cardiac imaging has become an essential tool in the management of Fabry disease as it can help physicians suspect the disorder, diagnose patients in the early stages and improve outcomes. The recent development of novel imaging techniques makes necessary an update on the subject. This review discusses the role of multimodal imaging in the diagnosis, staging, patient selection for treatment and prognosis of Fabry disease and discusses recent advances in imaging techniques that provide new insights into the pathogenesis of the disorder and the possibility of novel treatment targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early kinetics of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load (VL) in plasma determined by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was evaluated as a predictor of poor clinical outcome in a prospective study and assessed in a retrospective validation cohort. Prospective observational single‐center study including consecutive adult patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 between November 2020 and January 2021. Serial plasma samples were obtained until discharge. Quantitative RT‐PCR was performed to assess SARS‐CoV‐2 VL. The main outcomes were in‐hospital mortality, admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and their combination (Poor Outcome). Relevant viremia (RV), established in the prospective study, was assessed in a retrospective cohort including hospitalized COVID‐19 patients from April 2021 to May 2022, in which plasma samples were collected according to clinical criteria. Prospective cohort: 57 patients were included. RV was defined as at least a twofold increase in VL within ≤2 days or a VL > 300 copies/ml, in the first week. Patients with RV (N = 14; 24.6%) were more likely to die than those without RV (35.7% vs. 0%), needed ICU admission (57% vs. 0%) or had Poor Outcome (71.4% vs. 0%), (p < 0.001 for the three variables). Retrospective cohort: 326 patients were included, 18.7% presented RV. Patients with RV compared with patients without RV had higher rates of ICU‐admission (odds ratio [OR]: 5.6 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1–15.1); p = 0.001), mortality (OR: 13.5 [95% CI: 6.3–28.7]; p < 0.0001) and Poor Outcome (OR: 11.2 [95% CI: 5.8–22]; p < 0.0001). Relevant SARS‐CoV‐2 viremia in the first week of hospitalization was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality, ICU admission, and Poor Outcome. Findings observed in the prospective cohort were confirmed in a larger validation cohort. Summary: Evaluation of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load kinetics in plasma assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR as an indicator of poor prognosis in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial hypertension (AH) leads to oxidative and inflammatory imbalance that contribute to fibrosis development in many target organs. Here, we aimed to highlight the harmful effects of severe AH in the cornea. Our experimental model was established by administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME) to C57BL/6 mice, which were monitored weekly for arterial blood pressure and intraocular pressure (IOP). Morphological studies of ocular tissues were accompanied by analyses of reactive oxygen species generation, and localization/expression of NAPDH oxidase isoforms (NOX1, NOX2, NOX4) and inflammatory biomarkers (PPARα, PPARγ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and COX-2). Masson's trichrome and Sirius Red staining were used to explore the fibrotic status of the cornea. The expression of collagen isoforms (COL1α1, COL1α2, COL3α1, COL4α1, COL4α2) and relevant metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) were also quantified to evaluate the participation of collagen metabolism in AH-related corneal damage. Hypertensive animals showed an increase in IOP values, and a thinner cornea compared with normotensive controls. Moreover, AH increased NADPH oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species generation in the cornea, which was accompanied by transcriptional upregulation of NOX isoforms and inflammatory biomarkers, while reducing PPAR expression. L-NAME-treated animals also developed corneal fibrosis with overexpression of collagen isoforms and reduction of factors responsible for collagen degradation. This is the first study reporting structural changes in the cornea and elevated IOP in L-NAME-treated mice. Overexpression of the NADPH oxidase system and collagen deposition might play a substantial role in the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to ocular disturbances in a context of severe hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial hemangiomas are rare neoplastic lesions in dogs that usually appear with life-threatening symptoms. The treatment of choice is tumor resection; however, complete resection is rarely achieved. The patient's prognosis therefore usually worsens due to tumor progression, and adjuvant treatments are required to control the disease. Oncolytic viruses are an innovative approach that lyses the tumor cells and induces immune responses. Here, we report the intratumoral inoculation of ICOCAV15 (an oncolytic adenovirus) in a canine intracranial hemangioma, as adjuvant treatment for incomplete tumor resection. The canine patient showed no side effects, and the tumor volume decreased over the 12 months after the treatment, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging using volumetric criteria. When progressive disease was detected at month 18, a new dose of ICOCAV15 was administered. The patient died 31.9 months after the first inoculation of the oncolytic adenovirus. Furthermore, tumor-infiltrated immune cells increased in number after the viral administrations, suggesting tumor microenvironment activation. The increased number of infiltrated immune cells, the long survival time and the absence of side effects suggest that ICOCAV15 could be a safe and effective treatment and should be further explored as a novel therapy for canine hemangiomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The use of oncolytic virus is an innovative approach that has shown promising results as a treatment in oncology. Epithelial-derived tumors are the most frequent neoplasms in dogs, but gold standard therapies can be highly invasive procedures. Due to the accessible localization of these tumors, the intratumoral administration is feasible. Therefore, we propose to determine the safety and efficacy of intratumoral administration of oncolytic adenovirus ICOCAV15, in canine patients with epithelial-derived tumors. Eight dogs with carcinoma/adenocarcinoma were intratumorally treated with ICOCAV15. No clinically relevant changes were observed in the blood count, biochemistry and coagulation test analyzed during follow-up. The survival time of the 6/8 dogs exceeded the median survival time with chemotherapy, showing a partial response rate of 25% and 75% of stable disease. ICOCAV15 was detected in the target lesion by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Also, some of the non-treated metastasis showed an infiltration of ICOCAV15 by immunohistochemistry. The immune populations were evaluated, and an increase of CD8+, MAC387+, CD3+ and CD20+ cells was reported in some of the patients after the inoculation. These results show that intratumoral ICOCAV15 is safe and well tolerated by dogs. Also, they suggest ICOCAV15 could be a new tool in veterinary oncology for accessible carcinomas/adenocarcinomas. The use of oncolytic viruses is an innovative approach to lyse tumor cells and induce antitumor immune responses. Eight dogs diagnosed with carcinoma/adenocarcinoma were intratumorally treated with ICOCAV15, an oncolytic canine adenovirus (CAV). To evaluate the treatment's safety, a blood count, biochemistry, and coagulation test were performed before treatment and during follow-up. Immune populations were analyzed by flow cytometry. Anti-adenovirus antibodies were also determined. The immune infiltration, vascularization, and viral presence in the tumor were determined by CD3, CD4, CD20, CD31 and CAV by immunohistochemistry. All the dogs maintained a good quality of life during follow-up, and some had increased median survival time when compared with dogs treated with chemotherapy. No treatment-related adverse effects were detected. The Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors criteria were also assessed: two patients showed a partial response and the rest showed stable disease at various times during the study. ICOCAV15 was detected inside the tumor during follow-up, and antiviral antibodies were detected in all patients. Furthermore, the tumor-infiltrating immune cells increased after viral administration. Therefore, we suggest that intratumorally administered ICOCAV15 could represent as a new tool for the treatment of canine carcinoma because it is safe, well-tolerated by dogs, and shows promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some patients with COVID-19 pneumonia develop an associated cytokine storm syndrome that aggravates the pulmonary disease. These patients may benefit of anti-inflammatory treatment. The role of colchicine in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and established hyperinflammation remains unexplored. In a prospective, randomized controlled, observer-blinded endpoint, investigator-initiated trial, 240 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and established hyperinflammation were randomly allocated to receive oral colchicine or not. The primary efficacy outcome measure was a composite of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (CPAP or BiPAP), admission to the intensive care unit, invasive mechanical ventilation requirement or death. The composite primary outcome occurred in 19.3% of the total study population. The composite primary outcome was similar in the two arms (17% in colchicine group vs. 20.8% in the control group; p = 0.533) and the same applied to each of its individual components. Most patients received steroids (98%) and heparin (99%), with similar doses in both groups. In this trial, including adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and associated hyperinflammation, no clinical benefit was observed with short-course colchicine treatment beyond standard care regarding the combined outcome measurement of CPAP/BiPAP use, ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation or death (Funded by the Community of Madrid, EudraCT Number: 2020-001841-38; 26/04/2020). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravenous administration of oncolytic adenovirus (OAds) can be challenging, although various vehicles for the delivery of the virus to the tumor have been described. The efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a virus vehicle has been reported in mouse models and canine and human patients, but the actual action mechanism has never been described in patients. It is of importance to determine whether MSCs infected with OAds can reach the tumor and release the virus in a clinical setting. For this purpose, GFP-labeled MSCs were infected with an OAd and inoculated into a companion dog diagnosed with spontaneous lung carcinoma. Forty-eight hours later, the tumor was excised and analyzed microscopically by flow cytometry for GFP fluorescence detection, and a cellular culture was established. Peripheral blood samples were taken to quantify the oncolytic adenovirus by qRT-PCR. Green fluorescence cells detected in the cellular culture by microscopy and flow cytometry revealed 0.69% GFP-positive cells in the tumor. OAd in peripheral blood was confirmed by qRT-PCR during follow-up. For the first time, the tumoral-homing capacity of OAds infected-MSC has been confirmed in a clinical setting, helping to explain the clinical response mechanism, whose efficacy was previously reported in canine and human patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Quimioterapia is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Quimioterapia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Methods of urine collection used in precontinent children are a controversial issue. Definitive diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) requires an uncontaminated urine culture. We aimed to describe methods used to collect urine for culture in infants under 3 months of age and compare results and contamination rates. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study included 721 urine cultures collected from infants <3 months of age at the Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía, Madrid, between January 2016 and December 2019. Urine cultures were compared based on collection technique, sex, and patient age. Results: Median patient age was 36 days and 54.6% were male. In total, 592 (82.1%) samples were collected using clean-catch urine stimulation technique (CCUST), 77 (10.7%) by urethral catheterization (UC) and 52 (7.2%) by urine bag (UB). Positive cultures were obtained in 11.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.1, 14.3) of CCUST samples and in 28.6% (95% CI 18.5, 38.7) of UC samples (p<0.001). The contamination rate was 13.7% (95% CI 10.9, 16.4] for CCUST, 23.1% (95% CI 11.6, 34.6) for UB and 5.2% (95% CI 0.2, 10.2) for UC, with statistically significant differences (p=0.007) between UB and UC collection. Conclusions: CCUST is the most commonly used method in our hospital for collecting urine in infants younger than 3 months. The contamination rate of UC is lower but not significantly different to that of CCUST. Urine collection by CCUST serves as a non-invasive alternative to UC for diagnosis of UTI in infants under 3 months of age in routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Infections of animals with SARS-CoV-2 have recently been reported, and an increase of severe lung pathologies in domestic dogs has also been detected by veterinarians in Spain. Therefore, further descriptions of the pathological processes in those animals that show symptoms similar to those described in humans affected by COVID-19 would be highly valuable. The potential for companion animals to contribute to the continued transmission and community spread of this known human-to-human disease is an urgent issue to be considered. Forty animals with pulmonary pathologies were studied by chest X-ray, ultrasound analysis, and computed tomography. Nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs were analyzed to detect canine pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. An additional twenty healthy dogs living in SARS-CoV-2-positive households were included. Immunoglobulin detection by several immunoassays was performed. Our findings show that sick dogs presented severe alveolar or interstitial patterns with pulmonary opacity, parenchymal abnormalities, and bilateral lesions. The forty sick dogs were negative for SARS-CoV-2 but Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 26 of 33 dogs. Five healthy and one pathological dog presented IgG against SARS-CoV-2. Here we report that despite detecting dogs with α-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, we never obtained a positive RT-qPCR for SARS-SoV-2, not even in dogs with severe pulmonary disease; suggesting that even in the case of canine infection, transmission would be unlikely. Moreover, dogs living in COVID-19-positive households could have been more highly exposed to infection with SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women, particularly undocumented women, are at an increased risk for gender-based violence including intimate partner violence (IPV). Women's lack of legal immigration status is often used as a tool of dominance and control of undocumented women. The Victim of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act 2000 created the U-Visa that provides undocumented IPV victims with lawful immigration status if they are willing to assist authorities in investigating crimes. The objective of this study is to better understand the benefits of obtaining the U-Visa from the perspectives of Latina U-Visa recipients who are survivors of IPV. In this community-based qualitative research study involving IPV survivors, community leaders, service providers and academics, we collected qualitative data through interviews with 20 participants including 15 survivors of IPV who were U-Visa recipients. Interviews were digitally-recorded, transcribed and translated, and analyzed using a qualitative software to develop key themes. Women received a $20 gift card as a token of appreciation for their participation in this study. Findings highlight key benefits such as improved mental health, renewed confidence and self-esteem, self-confidence, less perceived exploitation, access to better jobs and housing, freedom to travel, and improved economic and social well-being for visa recipients and their families. Obtaining the U-Visa was a transformative and life-changing experience for Latina survivors of IPV. Social policies such as TVPA help support vulnerable women who are victims of IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Purpose: To study the changes on the metallome and transcriptome of a cellular model of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) during its in vitro degeneration after 4 months in culture. Methods: Primary cultures of human fetal RPE cells were established in P12 transwell inserts and cultured for 4 months. Cell pigmentation and barrier function was followed up using optical microscopy and measurement of the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Samples were collected at 21, 91 and 133 days in culture and analysed for gene expression, metal homeostasis of Ca, Na, P, Mg and P, and extracellular deposit formation through RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq), elemental mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and immunocytochemistry assays, respectively. Results: RPE cells formed a differentiated monolayer at 21 days in culture, expressing specific genes and proteins of RPE and giving increasing TEER values. However, after 133 days in culture, loss of tight junction proteins (i.e. CLDN19 and BEST1) and electrical resistance was seen, together with loss of pigmentation and increase of apolipoprotein E deposition in the extracellular space. Gene expression analysis showed an enrichment on apoptotic processes, biomolecule phosphorylation, and signs of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Degeneration of RPE cells concurred with an increase of Na and P content in the cytosol and decrease of Mg, while a decrease of Mg, P and Cu was determined in the insoluble fraction of cells. Time‐dependent changes of metals were accompanied with the alteration of metal transporters and antioxidant enzymes using metals as cofactors. Conclusions: Degeneration of RPE cells in culture was characterized by depigmentation of cells, improper barrier function, downregulation of antioxidant protection, loss of epithelial phenotype, and changes on the levels of Na, P, Mg and Cu, as well as of the expression of their homeostatic proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Purpose: To study transcriptomic and metabolomic changes during a 6‐month follow‐up of an in vitro model of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) producing extracellular deposits. Methods: Primary cultures of human fetal RPE cells were established in P12 transwell inserts for 6 months and harvested at 4, 12, 17 and 25 weeks. Progressive accumulation of extracellular material was determined by apolipoprotein E (APOE) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) localization. Transcriptome was analysed by RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and differential expression analysis was conducted using the platform Dr. Tom. Untargeted metabolomics was carried out by high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐IM‐QTOF) and bioinformatic analysis was performed using Mass Professional Profiler software. Results: RPE cells formed a fully differentiated monolayer at 4 weeks in culture, but tight junctions and electrical resistance decreased from 12 weeks onwards, coinciding with the formation of extracellular deposits containing APOE and HAP. RNAseq showed alterations of cell migration, adhesion and differentiation, and oxidation–reduction, lipid metabolic and apoptotic processes during RPE ageing (4 vs 25 weeks, Q‐value < 0.001). Untargeted metabolomics provided 350 non‐redundant compounds, and principal component analysis showed a clear separation between time points and good reliability within each group (55% of cumulative variance). Moderated t‐test (Benjamin‐Hochberg correction) provided 103 compounds differentially altered during RPE follow‐up (p‐value < 0.001, fold‐change > 2), belonging to trans‐sulfuration, one carbon metabolism, glutathione metabolism, Kennedy pathway for sphingolipids and cysteine and methionine catabolism. Conclusions: Time‐dependent changes were observed in the cell culture model, including progressive sub‐RPE accumulation of APOE and HAP, and alterations in cell adhesion and migration, lipid metabolism and sphingolipids pathway contributing to photoreceptor protection and calcium mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Espanola de Antropologia Americana is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Espanola de Antropologia Americana is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Oncolytic virotherapy uses oncolytic viruses that selectively replicate in cancer cells. The use of cellular vehicles with migration ability to tumors has been considered to increase their delivery to target sites. Following this approach, the antitumor efficacy of the treatment Celyvir (mesenchymal stem cells infected with the oncolytic adenovirus ICOVIR-5) has been demonstrated in patients with neuroblastoma. However, the better efficacy of syngeneic or allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells as cell carriers and the specific role of the immune system in this therapy are still unknown. In this study we use our virotherapy Celyvir with syngeneic and allogeneic mouse mesenchymal stem cells to determine their antitumor efficacy in a C57BL/6 murine adenocarcinoma model. Adoptive transfer of splenocytes from treated mice to new tumor-bearing mice followed by a secondary adoptive transfer to a third group was performed. Similar reduction of tumor growth and systemic activation of the innate and adaptive immune system was observed in groups treated with syngeneic or allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells loaded with ICOVIR-5. Moreover, a different pattern of infiltration was observed by immunofluorescence in Celyvir-treated groups. While non-treated tumors presented higher density of infiltrating immune cells in the periphery of the tumor, both syngeneic and allogeneic Celyvir-treated groups presented higher infiltration of CD45+ cells in the core of the tumor. Therefore, these results suggest that syngeneic and allogeneic Celyvir induce systemic activation of the immune system, similar antitumor effect and a higher intratumoral infiltration of leukocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates that silver (Ag+) impregnated graphene oxide (GO) reduces anion and natural organic matter (NOM) competition for bromide (Br−) adsorption sites compared with Ag+ impregnated powdered activated carbon (PAC). We impregnated two GO (Tour and Modifier Hummers [MH] method) and one PAC with silver ions. Batch studies were conducted to assess Br− removal in model waters with Br−, chloride (Cl−), bicarbonate (HCO3−), and/or NOM and natural surface waters. In buffered ultrapure water, Tour-Ag, MH-Ag, and PAC-Ag all removed >85% of Br−, while sorbents without Ag+ removed <3% of Br−. In all water matrices, Tour-Ag removed >75% of Br−, MH-Ag removed >50%, and PAC-Ag removed >30%, highlighting that GO-Ag is more effective at removing Br− from water than PAC-Ag (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis show that Br− is evenly dispersed on the surface of GO-Ag, indicating possible attachment to oxygen groups and silver on the GO surface. A leaching test of GO-Ag in buffered water showed that ∼20% of Ag+ loaded onto GO leaches into solution, of which only 1–3% remains when Br− is spiked into solution, indicating possible complexation and precipitation as AgBr. GO-Ag and PAC-Ag were introduced separately in combination with alum during coagulation and flocculation operations. Both MH-Ag and Tour-Ag showed high removal of Br−, demonstrating that GO-Ag could supplement current technologies used in water treatment facilities when Br− removal is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Estudios de Cultura Maya is the property of Instituto de Investigaciones Filologicas - UNAM and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Nanoparticles can modify the interface properties that are critical for fluid flow in porous media. The interfacial tension (IFT) between CO2 and water and the contact angle (CA) of a water droplet on a mineral surface under high CO2 pressure are critical parameters for CO2‐related applications such as CO2 geological sequestration and CO2‐enhanced resource recovery. This study investigated the IFT and CA in a water‐CO2‐quartz system and a nanofluid (water including either Al2O3 or TiO2 nanoparticles)‐CO2‐quartz system. The values of the IFT and CA were obtained by axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA) for a droplet on a quartz surface in a chamber pressurized with CO2. The effect of nanoparticles on the IFT and CA was explored by comparing the values for the pure water‐CO2‐quartz system. In addition, the effect of CO2 adsorption onto the substrate on the wettability was investigated. The results show that the values of the IFT decrease with increasing CO2 pressure, and the addition of nanoparticles to pure water lowers the IFT further (∼up to a 40% reduction in the liquid CO2 pressure range). The de‐wetting phenomenon was observed for both gaseous and liquid CO2 conditions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the summer Lake Anónima experiences important changes in salinity and lake level fluctuations. Physicochemical data and field observations indicate that evaporative processes are dominant and that the water inflow is mainly provided by snow meltwater and streams. A multiproxy analysis of data from lake bottom sediments suggests that the main surface stream located south-west of the lake controls the clastic input and the spatial variation of sediment composition. Through an integrated analysis (magnetic, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies) magnetite and greigite minerals were identified in these lake sediments. Such ferrimagnetic minerals have ultra-fine grain sizes (<0.1 μm). Magnetic parameters and non-magnetic variables analysed by multivariate statistics reveal significant differences between silt facies (e.g. mass-specific susceptibility χ=109.6×10-8 m3 kg-1, remanent coercivity Hcr=49.2 mT and total organic carbon (TOC)=1.11%) and sand facies (e.g. χ=82.1×10-8 m3 kg-1, Hcr=44.7 mT and TOC=0.70%), and four recent depositional sub-environments were identified and characterized in Lake Anónima. This multiparameter analysis contributes to the understanding of present-day lacustrine dynamic and sedimentary processes. Lake Anónima may provide a useful analogue for the interpretation of other lacustrine basins in the Antarctic region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The environmental impacts of Cu-based nanoparticles (NPs) are not well understood. In this study, cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) was germinated and grown in commercial potting mix soil amended with Cu(OH)2 (Kocide and CuPRO), nano-copper (nCu), micro-copper (μCu), nano-copper oxide (nCuO), micro-copper oxide (μCuO) and ionic Cu (CuCl2) at either 20 or 80 mg Cu per kg. In addition to seed germination and plant elongation, relative chlorophyll content and micro and macroelement concentrations were determined. At both concentrations, only nCuO, μCuO, and ionic Cu, showed statistically significant reductions in germination. Although compared with control, the relative germination was reduced by ∼50% with nCuO at both concentrations, and by ∼40% with μCuO, also at both concentrations, the difference among compounds was not statistically significant. Exposure to μCuO at both concentrations and nCu at 80 mg kg−1 significantly reduced (p≤ 0.05) shoot elongation by 11% and 12.4%, respectively, compared with control. Only μCuO at 20 mg kg−1 significantly reduced (26%) the relative chlorophyll content, compared with control. None of the treatments increased root Cu, but all of them, except μCuO at 20 mg kg−1, significantly increased shoot Cu (p≤ 0.05). Micro and macro elements B, Zn, Mn, Ca, Mg, P, and S were significantly reduced in shoots (p≤ 0.05). Similar results were observed in roots. These results showed that Cu-based NPs/compounds depress nutrient element accumulation in cilantro, which could impact human nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A soil microcosm study was performed to examine the impacts of cerium oxide nanoparticles ( nCeO) on the physiology, productivity, and macromolecular composition of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.). The plants were cultivated in soil treated with nCeO at 0, 125, 250, and 500 mg kg (control, nCeO-L, nCeO-M, and nCeO-H, respectively). Accumulation of Ce in leaves/grains and its effects on plant stress and nutrient loading were analyzed. The data revealed that nCeO-H promoted plant development resulting in 331 % increase in shoot biomass compared with the control. nCeO treatment modified the stress levels in leaves without apparent signs of toxicity. However, plants exposed to nCeO-H treatment did not form grains. Compared with control, nCeO-M enhanced grain Ce accumulation by as much as 294 % which was accompanied by remarkable increases in P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Al. Likewise, nCeO-M enhanced the methionine, aspartic acid, threonine, tyrosine, arginine, and linolenic acid contents in the grains by up to 617, 31, 58, 141, 378, and 2.47 % respectively, compared with the rest of the treatments. The findings illustrate the beneficial and harmful effects of nanoceria in barley. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Estudios de Cultura Maya is the property of Instituto de Investigaciones Filologicas - UNAM and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) induces a general dysregulation of immune system. Dysregulation of B cell compartment is generally thought to be induced by HIV-related immune activation and lymphopenia. However, a direct influence of HIV-1 particles on B cells was recently proposed as the third pathway of B cells dysregulation. Methods/Principal Findings: We evaluated the direct and specific consequences of HIV-1 contact on activation, survival, proliferation and phenotype of primary B cells in vitro. Moreover, we examined expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) mRNA that is responsible for class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation (SHM). Here, we report that changes observed in cellular proliferation, phenotypes and activation of B cells could be caused by direct contact between HIV-1 particles and primary B cells in vitro. Finally, direct HIV-1-derived B cells activation led to the increase of AID mRNA expression and its subsequent CSR function was detected in vitro. Conclusion/Significance: We showed that HIV-1 could directly induce primary B cells dysregulation triggering phenotypical and functional abilities of B cells in vitro that could explain in some extent early B-cell abnormalities in HIV disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Estudios de Cultura Maya is the property of Instituto de Investigaciones Filologicas - UNAM and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)