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BackgroundBasal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer with major impact in health-related quality of life. The use of the formulation based on the combination of IFN-alpha 2b and IFN-gamma (HeberFERON) is an effective alternative in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, immunogenic tumor, potentially responsible to immunotherapies. The aim of this report is to record, retrospectively, the effect of HeberFERON patients with BCC in the Cuban real word condition.MethodsThis is a retrospectively study of the use of HeberFERON in real world conditions. Eligible patients were adults with histologic diagnosis of single or multiple basal cell carcinoma of any skin phototype, lesions of any size, subtype, location, recurrent or not, with or without specific prior treatments. Adult patients, who signed the informed consent to receive the treatment with HeberFERON, were identified from the data bases. The evaluation of clinical effectiveness was carried out according to RECIST 1.1. Ethical committee of participating institutions approved the study.ResultsIn clinical practice evaluated patients the nose was the region of higher frequency of tumors (36.3%) and the nodular clinical subtype was the predominant (45.3%). Clinical response rate differences (p=0. 000) were found, with complete response of 61.9%, and partial response of 32.7%; with an overall response rate of 94.2% The HeberFERON exerted a 100% disease control, with no progression reported in 640 treated patients. The best responder tumor subtypes to HeberFERON were the more aggressive tumors, morpheaform with complete response of 72% (overall response=96%), followed by the infiltrative with complete response of 66.7% (overall response=100%). Tumor with larger size and patients with more than four tumors had lesser response to the anti-tumor effect of HeberFERON.ConclusionsHeberFERON was highly effective in basal cell carcinomas in real world conditions. In the context of resistance of skin tumors to hedgehog and immune check point inhibitors the combination of IFNs alpha 2b and IFN gamma appears as a plausible therapeutic option for a wide number of basal cell carcinomas.

This article explains some technical aspects related to smart houses, as a group of new technologies is being incorporated to Spanish homes. It must not be forgotten that they should be adapted to users, as without them they would not have any meaning. It should also be reminded that automation is just another step in the evolution of houses. The different technical concepts included in this term are exposed in this context; this could help to determine precisely and exactly its definition , recently included by the Spanish Royal Academy of Language in its dictionary, and it may be applied to a classification of materials and products used in home systems, to check their performances. At the end, some of the possibilities and limitations of smart house’s technologies in Spain are explained.Este artículo va a abordar brevemente algunos aspectos técnicos de la «Domótica», un conjunto de nuevas tecnologías que se están incorporando ya a los hogares en España, sin olvidar que deben adecuarse a unos usuarios sin los que no tendrían mucho sentido y recordando que la automatización de la vivienda es sólo un paso más en su evolución. Desde este contexto, se plantea una visión de los distintos conceptos técnicos incluidos en este nuevo término, incorporado recientemente por la Real Academia Española a su diccionario, que podrían ayudar a precisar y delimitar su definición, y que puede aplicarse a la clasificación de tipos de materiales y productos para su estudio, que permitiría posteriormente comprobar su integración en distintos sistemas domóticos. Finalmente se plantean algunas de las posibilidades y limitaciones de la domótica en España.

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of three laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of Giardia intestinalis. Materials and Methods: 31 fecal samples from preschoolers were submitted to microscopic examination with SSF-Lugol, the Ritchie concentration method and the “Giardia-Strip” immunological method. The Ritchie technique was considered the “gold standard. “Results: G. intestinalis cysts were identified in 6 samples (19.35%) using the Ritchie technique. The fresh test identified 5 cases of protozoan cysts (16.1%), showing a sensitivity of 83 % and specificity of 100 %. The Giardia-Strip identified cysts in 4 samples (12.9%) with 66.66 % sensitivity and 100% specificity. The positive predictive value for the “Giardia Strip” method was 14% and the negative predictive value was 93%. The fresh test showed a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 96 %. Conclusions: Ritchie concentrate and the fresh test showed higher sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of Giardia intestinalis, when samples contain only cysts. However, the Giardia-Strip method proved faster in obtaining results. Resumen: Evaluar la sensibilidad y especificidad de tres técnicas de laboratorio para el diagnóstico de Giardia intestinalis. Materiales y Métodos: 31 muestras de heces provenientes de niños en edad preescolar, se procesaron a través del examen microscópico con SSF-lugol, método de concentración de Ritchie y método inmunológico “Giardia-Strip”. La Técnica de Ritchie fue considerada como “Gold Standard”. Resultados: Se identificaron quistes de Giardia intestinalis en 6 muestras (19,35%) a través de la técnica de Ritchie. La técnica del examen al fresco identificó en 5 de ellas quistes del protozoario (16,1%), mostrando una sensibilidad de 83% y especificidad del 100%. La técnica Giardia-Strip identificó quistes en 4 muestras (12,9%) con sensibilidad de 66,66% y especificidad del 100%. El valor predictivo positivo para el método de “Giardia-Strip” fue 14% y valor predictivo negativo de 93%. El examen al fresco mostró valor predictivo positivo del 100% y valor predictivo negativo de 96%. Conclusiones: El concentrado de Ritchie y el examen al fresco mostraron mayor sensibilidad y especificidad en el diagnóstico de Giardia intestinalis, cuando las muestras contienen solo quistes. Sin embargo, el método Giardia-Strip, demostró mayor rapidez en la obtención de los resultados.

In this work we study the optimization of laser-fired contact (LFC) processing parameters, namely laser power and number of pulses, based on the electrical resistance measurement of an aluminum single LFC point. LFC process has been made through four passivation layers that are typically used in c-Si and mc-Si solar cell fabrication: thermally grown silicon oxide (SiO2), deposited phosphorus-doped amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiCx/H(n)), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon nitride (SiNx/H) films. Values for the LFC resistance normalized by the laser spot area in the range of 0.65–3 mΩ cm2 have been obtained.

Un grupo de investigadores de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) han desarrollado un proceso de fabricación que permite obtener rendimientos de conversión fotovoltaicos del 20,5%. Esto supone una mejora sustancial con respecto a los rendimientos habituales en células comerciales que sitúa en un 15%, y la cuota más elevada a la que se ha llegado hasta ahora en España. En estos momentos trabajan en mejoras que las hagan accesibles industrialmente. El avance, tras años de investigación, consiste en minimizar los diferentes mecanismos de pérdidas que influyen en el cómputo de la eficiencia de conversión fotovoltaica.

—This paper describes a fabrication process to obtain high efficiency c-Si cells (> 20%) based on the Laser Fired Contact Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (LFC-PERC) concept. Photovoltaic efficiencies beyond 20% have been achieved using thermal SiO2 as a rear passivation layer on 2 cm x 2 cm solar cells with 0.45 cm Fz c-Si substrates. Efficiencies up to 22% are expected for material resistivities in the 0.4–5 cm using an optimized rear contact grid

24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, 21-25 September 2009, Hamburg, Germany; 1798-1802, Punctual phosphorus diffused emitters were achieved by laser patterning phosphorus doped a-SiCx:H films deposited by PECVD as a doping source. Two different lasers at wavelengths of 1064 nm and 532 nm were used. Phosphorus diffusion was confirmed by Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy. We explored the effect of pulse energy and number of pulses per diffused point. The results show that a fine tune of the energy pulse is critical while the number of pulses has minor effects. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) pictures and optical profilometry showed a laser affected area where the c-Si is melted, ejected and solidified quickly again. Typically, the diameter of the affected area for 1064 nm laser is between two and four times greater than for 532 nm laser. Optimum parameters for both lasers were determined to obtain best J-V curves nearly to ideal diode behavior. Comparing best J-V results, lower emitter saturation current density (Jo) and contact resistance are obtained with 532 nm laser. The improvement in Jo can be related mainly to the smaller affected areas observed by SEM while lower contact resistance can be attributed to that 532 nm laser has a more superficial action resulting in higher phosphorus concentration at the surface. The expected open voltage circuit for finished solar cells using these emitters is in the range of 640 mV for 532 nm laser and 620 mV for 1064 nm one.

The antifibrotic activity of Liver Growth Factor (LGF), a liver mitogen, was previously demonstrated in several models of rat liver fibrosis and even in extrahepatic sites, such as carotid artery in hypertensive rats and rat CdCl2-induced lung fibrosis. In the present study, we have attempted to examine in depth its mechanism of antifibrotic action in bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats, with special emphasis on its activity in fibrogenic liver cells. BDL rats received either LGF 9 μg/week for 2 or 3 weeks (BDL+LGF, n=20/group) or saline (BDL+S, n=20/group), at times 0, week 2, or week 5 after operation. Groups were compared in terms of liver a- smooth muscle actin (SMA) content (western blotting and immunohistochemistry), hepatic apoptosis, liver desmin content (western blotting), and serum endothelin-1 (ELISA). LGF produced a marked decrease in liver a-SMA content compared with saline-injected rats, especially evident at longer times (5w and 8w; p

23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, 1-5 September 2008, Valencia, Spain; 2360-2366, The fabrication of thin-film photovoltaic modules involves the use of laser ablation processes to carry out both the division of the module into individual cells and the serial connexion between them. Despite its wide industrial application, there is still room for improvement regarding the laser parameters that lead to optimal devices. Numerical simulation of the ablation process constitutes a powerful tool, not only to understand the physical process itself, but also for the prediction of possible changes that could negatively affect the treated material. The two-temperature model for thermal diffusion was numerically solved in this paper. Laser pulses of 1064 nm, 532 nm or 248 nm with duration of 35 ns, 26 ns or 10 ns were considered as the thermal source leading to the material ablation. The materials analyzed in the simulation were aluminium (Al) and silver (Ag), which are commonly used as metallic electrodes in thin-film photovoltaic modules. Moreover, thermal diffusion was also simulated for crystalline silicon (c-Si) as a first approximation to the study of amorphous silicon (a-Si) ablation, this material being used in silicon thin-film photovoltaic technology as the photosensitive one. For each material, the ablation depth dependence on laser pulse parameters (wavelength, pulse duration and fluence) was determined by means of an ablation criterion. Thus, after the laser pulse, the maximum depth for which the total energy stored in the material is equal to the vaporization enthalpy was considered as the ablation depth. Finally, the experimental validation of the simulation results was carried out and the ability of the model to closely fit experimental results was confirmed.

23rd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, 1-5 September 2008, Valencia, Spain; 2438-2442, In this paper we present recent results in laser ablation of photovoltaic materials using excimer and UV wavelengths of Diode-Pumped Solid-State Laser Sources (DPSS). We discuss results concerning UV ablation of different TCO and thin-film silicon (a-Si:H and nc-Si:H), focussing our study on ablation threshold measurements and process-quality assessment using advanced optical microscopy techniques. Additionally we present preliminary results for Heat affected zone estimation using refractive index measurements. We include a comparison of ablation thresholds for different materials of interest as well. In that way we show the advantages of using UV wavelengths for minimizing the characteristic material thermal affection of laser irradiation in the ns regime at higher wavelengths. Additionally we include preliminary results of selective ablation of film on film structures irradiating from the film side (direct writing configuration) including the problem of selective ablation of ZnO films on a-Si;H layers. In that way we demonstrate the potential use of UV wavelengths of fully commercial lasers sources as an alternative to standard backscribing process in device fabrication.

Objective: The syndrome of Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, osteitis (SAPHO) is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. The aim of the current study was to study whether SAPHO syndrome was associated with PSTPIP2, LPIN2, PSTPIP1, NOD2 and PTPN22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Methods: From a previously published clinical report, a sample of 58 SAPHO patients was selected. SNPs were tested for association with SAPHO syndrome in a case control design. Results: Allelic association was significant in PTPN22 for SNPs rs3811021 (p=0.006; OR=2.33[1.25-4.32]) and rs2476601 (p=0.43; OR=0.23[0.56-1.06]); in LPIN2 for SNP rs16944040 (p=0.04; OR=0.40[0.17-0.92]) and only marginally for SNP rs607549 (p=0.07; OR=0.62[0.37-1.04]). Rs3811021, rs16944040 and rs607549 genotypes were significantly associated under a dominant model (p=0.01,0.24,0.41 respectively). A common PTPN22 haplotype was significantly associated (p=0.0157). Conclusions: SNPs in PTPN22 and LPIN2 were associated with SAPHO syndrome. A protective role can be postulated for LPIN2. The probable implication of PTPN22 in a R620W independent manner emerges as the most relevant result of this work.

Liver growth factor (LGF), a mitogen for liver cells, behaves as an anti-fibrotic agent even in extrahepatic sites, but its mechanistic basis is unknown. We aimed to determine the intrahepatic expression pattern of key modulators of liver fibrosis in bile ductligated rats (BDL) after injection of LGF. BDL rats received either LGF (4.5 μg/ratXdose, two doses/week, at time 0 or 2 or 5w after operation, depending on the group (BDL+LGF groups, n=20) or saline (BDL+S groups, n=20). Groups were compared in terms of fibrosis (histomorphometry), liver function (aminopyrine breath test), matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) and liver endoglin content (Western blotting), and serum tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) levels (ELISA). In BDL+LGF rats, the fibrotic index was significantly lower at 5w, p=0.006, and at 8w, p=0.04, than in BDL+S rats. Liver function values in BDL+LGF rats were higher than those obtained in BDL+S rats (80% at 5w and 79% at 8w, versus 38% and 29%, p

This article explains some technical aspects related to smart houses, as a group of new technologies is being incorporated to Spanish homes. It must not be forgotten that they should be adapted to users, as without them they would not have any meaning. It should also be reminded that automation is just another step in the evolution of houses. The different technical concepts included in this term are exposed in this context; this could help to determine precisely and exactly its definition , recently included by the Spanish Royal Academy of Language in its dictionary, and it may be applied to a classification of materials and products used in home systems, to check their performances. At the end, some of the possibilities and limitations of smart house’s technologies in Spain are explained., Este artículo va a abordar brevemente algunos aspectos técnicos de la «Domótica», un conjunto de nuevas tecnologías que se están incorporando ya a los hogares en España, sin olvidar que deben adecuarse a unos usuarios sin los que no tendrían mucho sentido y recordando que la automatización de la vivienda es sólo un paso más en su evolución. Desde este contexto, se plantea una visión de los distintos conceptos técnicos incluidos en este nuevo término, incorporado recientemente por la Real Academia Española a su diccionario, que podrían ayudar a precisar y delimitar su definición, y que puede aplicarse a la clasificación de tipos de materiales y productos para su estudio, que permitiría posteriormente comprobar su integración en distintos sistemas domóticos. Finalmente se plantean algunas de las posibilidades y limitaciones de la domótica en España.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercialNoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.-- et al., The pathogenic mechanisms underlying the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy in human and mouse hepatocytes during NAFLD. ER stress and autophagy markers were analyzed in livers from patients with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic steatosis (NAS) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) compared with livers from subjects with histologically normal liver, in livers from mice fed with chow diet (CHD) compared with mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) or methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet and in primary and Huh7 human hepatocytes loaded with palmitic acid (PA). In NASH patients, significant increases in hepatic messenger RNA levels of markers of ER stress (activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)) and autophagy (BCN1) were found compared with NAS patients. Likewise, protein levels of GRP78, CHOP and p62/SQSTM1 (p62) autophagic substrate were significantly elevated in NASH compared with NAS patients. In livers from mice fed with HFD or MCD, ER stress-mediated signaling was parallel to the blockade of the autophagic flux assessed by increases in p62, microtubule-associated protein 2 light chain 3 (LC3-II)/LC3-I ratio and accumulation of autophagosomes compared with CHD fed mice. In Huh7 hepatic cells, treatment with PA for 8 h triggered activation of both unfolding protein response and the autophagic flux. Conversely, prolonged treatment with PA (24 h) induced ER stress and cell death together with a blockade of the autophagic flux. Under these conditions, cotreatment with rapamycin or CHOP silencing ameliorated these effects and decreased apoptosis. Our results demonstrated that the autophagic flux is impaired in the liver from both NAFLD patients and murine models of NAFLD, as well as in lipid-overloaded human hepatocytes, and it could be due to elevated ER stress leading to apoptosis. Consequently, therapies aimed to restore the autophagic flux might attenuate or prevent the progression of NAFLD., We acknowledge the following grant support: SAF2012-33283 (MINECO, Spain), Comunidad de Madrid S2010/BMD-2423, EFSD and Amylin Paul Langerhans Grant and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM, ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain) to AMV.; SAF2010-16037, SAF2013-43713-R (MINECO) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD, ISCIII) to PMS. RD12/0042/0019 (ISCIII) and S2010/BMD-2478 (Comunidad de Madrid) to LB, PI 13/01299 and Fundación Mutua Madrileña 2012 to C G-M and AIRC IG-2012 to GMF.