Search

This work describes the project submitted to the University-Society-Business 2021 call for proposals whose aim is to integrate the knowledge and university practices in the field of energy in buildings into secondary school students. The aim is to define the energy strategies to be implemented to strengthen the relationship between secondary education and university studies, by means of a "pilot project" at a secondary school, as well as to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) scientific vocations in young people, with particular emphasis on the female gender. The project will carry out an energetic study at a school developed by university research staff and secondary school students. The aim is to motivate and confirm the qualities of people in STEM teaching, to arouse interest and closeness as well as to promote education in the subject of energy efficiency in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an attempt to obtain ternary copper(II) [Cu(II)] complexes where bis(2-pyridyl) ketone (bpk) could induce the fac-O2 + N(apical) conformation in the HL2- form of two different nitrilotriacetates (HNTA2- and HDNTA2-), we obtained [Cu(bpmd)2][Cu(HNTA)2] · 2H2O (1) and [Cu(bpmd)2](H2DNTA)2 · 4H2O (2) where bpmd is di(2-pyridyl)methanediol. On this basis, the salt [Cu(bpmd)2][Cu(IDA)2] · 6H2O (3) [iminodiacetate (IDA) ligand] was also obtained. The crystallographic studies of these compounds revealed that the common cation of these salts results from aquation of bpk in the aqueous media. The aquation of bpk is unexpectedly fast in the case of 1 because crystals appeared on the same day of the synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Among other differences, naïve and memory T cells show distinct migratory patterns and susceptibility to CD95-mediated cell death. We have recently characterised in the pig two subsets of CD4+ T cells, based on the expression of the 2E3 marker, that display phenotypic and functional features of naïve (CD4+2E3+) and effector/memory (CD4+2E3−) T cells. In this study, we have analysed the expression of several chemokine receptors, as well as the distribution of CD95 antigen (APO-1/Fas) in these CD4+ T cell subsets. CD4+2E3− T cells express high levels of CXCR3 and CCR4 transcripts but not of CCR7. On the contrary, CCR7 is clearly detected in CD4+2E3+ T cells, whereas CXCR3 and CCR4 are negative or present at trace levels. These subsets also differ in the expression of CD95 antigen, being CD95 positive cells significantly more abundant in the CD4+2E3− cell subset. These findings, although based on a small number of animals, fit well with those reported for naïve and memory CD4+ T cells in humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous studies have identified swine helper memory T cells as CD4+CD8α+SLADR+. We have recently described a new porcine surface antigen (2E3) selectively expressed on CD4+ T cells that allows to divide these cells into naïve (2E3+) and effector/memory (2E3−). However, although the majority of CD4+2E3− cells are CD8α+SLADR+, a minor proportion do not express SLADR and/or CD8α. Here, we have analyzed the functional capacity of these CD4+2E3− subsets to proliferate to a recall antigen. Both SLADR− and CD8α− cells proliferated in response to lysozyme, but at lower levels compared to the whole population CD4+2E3−. Besides, after activation with PMA plus ionomycin, CD4+2E3−SLADR− T cells produced IFNγ and TNFα, although they did also in lower proportion than the whole CD4+2E3− population. Most of the IFNγ−TNFα+, IFNγ+TNFα+, IFNγ+TNFα− cells were CD8α+ and CD45RA−, while IFNγ−TNFα− cells showed a less differentiate phenotype. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We describe a novel antigen recognized by mAb 2E3 selectively expressed in the periphery by a subset of porcine CD4+ T cells. Both, CD4+CD8α− and CD4+CD8αlow T cell subpopulations express this antigen. CD4+2E3+ T cells show phenotypical and functional characteristics of naı¨ve cells. The majority of them are CD29low, CD45RAhigh, CD49dlow, CD11alow, CD18low, and SLA-II−. After mitogen activation CD4+2E3+ T cells express high levels of IL-2 mRNA, but only traces of IFN-γ or IL-4 mRNA. Indeed a minor percentage of cells stained positive for IFN-γ when assessed by flow cytometry. Moreover, CD4+2E3+ T cells did not proliferate in response to the recall antigen lysozyme, although they did efficiently to the mitogen ConA. By contrast, CD4+2E3− T cells show phenotypical and functional characteristics of primed cells. They express markers associated to a memory phenotype, respond to the recall antigen lysozyme, and produce high amounts of IFN-γ and IL-4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Maturation of T lymphocytes in the thymus is driven by signals provided by soluble factors and by the direct interaction between thymocytes and stromal cells. Although the interaction between T-cell receptor (TCR) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on stromal cells is crucial for T-cell development, other accessory molecules seem to play a role in this process. In order to better understand the role of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-l) and intercellular adhesion molecule-l (ICAM-l) molecules in thymocyte maturation, mice were treated from birth with saturating doses of non-cytolytic-specific monoclonal antibodies. The effect of this treatment on thymocyte subpopulations and the expression of CD3 and TCR-αβ by these cells was investigated by flow cytometry. Our data demonstrated that the effective saturation of LFA-1α chain in the thymus, but not ICAM-l or LFA-1α chain, selectively interfered with the maturation of CD8+ T cells, as manifested by a marked reduction in the frequency of CD-8+ thymocytes expressing high levels of CD3 and TCR-&alphal;β. This selective reduction was also observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and spleen cells. The analysis of the frequencies of various Vβ TCR showed that CD-8+ thymocytes were globally affected by the treatment. These results underline the importance of the interaction between LFA-l and its ligands in the maturation of CD8+ T cells and document the existence of different molecular requirements for the differentiation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal characterization of building components in dynamic exterior conditions is crucial for understanding their real performance, particularly if they are passive or active solar elements. In this respect, the PASLINK methodology has stood out as an effective technique for outdoor testing due to its level of development and precision. It is based on the use of a calibrated test cell with interior walls covered by heat flow meters. The accurate determination of the heat flow through the envelope of the cell is essential for the subsequent thermal analysis of the passive/active solar component being tested. Although the walls of a PASLINK cell have a high thermal resistance and minimal thermal bridges, a higher heat flux is inevitable near the inner corners because of the edge effects. This variation is partially detected by heat flow meters, requiring correction factors accordingly named 'edge effect factors'. Additional heat flow meters strategically arranged in some interior corners are used to determine these factors in a calibration test. The factors thus calculated are used as invariable values in subsequent cell tests. However, the skill and knowledge of the staff conducting the calibration test are fundamental, as human errors can affect this process. This proposal outlines a more objective and reliable new methodology to determine edge effect correction factors. It is based on applying correlations of instantaneous readings of heat flow meters. These correlations are obtained in an initial PASLINK calibration test, but are valid for all subsequent tests. The factors calculated in this way depend on instantaneous test readings and, for this reason, they are dynamic values perfectly adapted to each test. The calibration test of the cell called EGUZKI, located in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Northern Spain), is used to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method. With the current PASLINK calibration test methodology, the calibrated cell obtains a measurement error of 13%, while the proposed new dynamic methodology reduces this error to 6%. Although this new methodology is determined in the context of a PASLINK test cell, it is an extensive method applicable to the correction of heat flow measurements affected by edge effects in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Fixed-angle locked devices have been developed to improve internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures. Available low-profile precontoured locking plates and intramedullary nails with fixed-angle interlocks are currently favored by most surgeons in this setting. The aim of this study was to assess the relative stability of these two methods of fixation under torsion load. METHODS: A surgical neck osteotomy was created in six pairs of embalmed humeri. In each pair, one specimen was secured with a titanium locking-compression plate, and the contralateral was secured with a titanium nail with a proximal locked spiral blade. The specimens were first tested cyclically in internal-external rotation for 10,000 cycles to evaluate interfragmentary motion (dynamic study). At the end of the cyclic testing, the specimens were loaded to failure in external rotation to measure torque to failure and construct stiffness (static study). FINDINGS: There were no significant differences in interfragmentary motion between the two fixation devices in the dynamic study. When tested to failure, fixation with the locking plate tolerated on average 20 more degrees in torsion before failure, and demonstrated higher torsional load to failure and less torsional stiffness (P<0.05). INTERPRETATION: Both locking plates and locked intramedullary nails may provide enough stability to avoid secondary displacement of proximal humerus fractures during early physical therapy. Locking plates demonstrated superior biomechanical properties under high rotational loads than locked intramedullary nails in a cadaveric proximal humerus two-part osteotomy model, and could provide more protection against unexpected high torsion loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cDNA clone encoding a 380 a-a type 1 transmembrane protein with homology to human Siglec-3/CD33 was obtained from a swine small intestine library. An analysis of protein sequence identified two immunoglobulin-like domains, a transmembrane region, and a carboxi-terminal tail with two tyrosine-based signalling motifs. Binding assays of Siglec-3 transfected CHO cells to polyacrylamide glycoconjugates showed a preference for α2–6-linked sialic acids. Using mAbs raised against a fragment containing the two Ig-like domains, porcine Siglec-3 was found to be expressed on monocytes and granulocytes, and their bone marrow precursors. It was also detected in lymph node, splenic and alveolar macrophages. MAbs immunoprecipitated, from granulocyte lysates, a protein of 51–60 kDa under both non-reducing and reducing conditions. MAbs were also used to analyse functional activity of Siglec-3 on bone marrow and blood cells. Engagement of Siglec-3 by mAb had no apparent effect on cell proliferation or cytokine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: c-kit (CD117) plays an important role in the early stages of haematopoiesis. Previous studies of porcine haematopoietic stem cells have relied for their identification on the use of the c-kit ligand stem cell factor. Here, we describe a new mAb, 2B8/BM, that recognizes a 155-kDa protein expressed on a small subset (2–8%) of bone marrow haematopoietic cells. 2B8/BM+ cells have a blast appearance, and are mostly negative for lineage-specific markers or express low levels of CD172a or SLA-II. In in vitro colony-forming unit assays these cells were able to give rise to erythroid and myeloid colonies. Altogether these data suggested that the 2B8/BM antigen might be the porcine orthologue of the human c-kit. This specificity was confirmed by the binding of mAb 2B8/BM to CHO cells transfected with a plasmid encoding the porcine c-kit ectodomain. This antibody can facilitate the isolation and enrichment of porcine stem cells to be used in procedures aimed to induce xenograft tolerance or to test their potential to repair damaged tissues and organs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Lena virulent strain caused an increase in sera levels of IFN-γ and IL-6. • Lung viral load and PRRSV -N- protein+ cells were inversely correlated with CD163+ macrophages in the lung. • CD14+ cells infiltrated interstitium to possibly replenish macrophages subsets. • Lena-induced microscopic lung injury was linked to an increase of iNOS+ cells. • The increase of CD200R1+ and FoxP3+ cells was associated with the course of lung injury. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) plays a key role in porcine respiratory disease complex modulating the host immune response and favouring secondary bacterial infections. Pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) are the main cells supporting PRRSV replication, with CD163 as the essential receptor for viral infection. Although interstitial pneumonia is by far the representative lung lesion, suppurative bronchopneumonia is described for PRRSV virulent strains. This research explores the role of several immune markers potentially involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response and sensitisation of lung to secondary bacterial infections by PRRSV-1 strains of different virulence. Conventional pigs were intranasally inoculated with the virulent subtype 3 Lena strain or the low virulent subtype 1 3249 strain and euthanised at 1, 3, 6 and 8 dpi. Lena-infected pigs exhibited more severe clinical signs, macroscopic lung score and viraemia associated with an increase of IL-6 and IFN-γ in sera compared to 3249-infected pigs. Extensive areas of lung consolidation corresponding with suppurative bronchopneumonia were observed in Lena-infected pigs. Lung viral load and PRRSV -N- protein+ cells were always higher in Lena-infected animals. PRRSV -N- protein+ cells were linked to a marked drop of CD163+ macrophages. The number of CD14+ and iNOS+ cells gradually increased along PRRSV-1 infection, being more evident in Lena-infected pigs. The frequency of CD200R1+ and FoxP3+ cells peaked late in both PRRSV-1 strains, with a strong correlation between CD200R1+ cells and lung injury in Lena-infected pigs. These results highlight the role of molecules involved in the earlier and higher extent of lung lesions in piglets infected with the virulent Lena strain, pointing out the activation of routes potentially involved in the restraint of the local inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tadalafil and finasteride are used in combination for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Genetic variations in genes involved in the metabolism and transport of tadalafil or finasteride (i.e., pharmacogenes) could affect their pharmacokinetic processes altering their drug exposure, efficacy, and toxicity. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of variants in pharmacogenes on the pharmacokinetics of tadalafil and finasteride. An exploratory candidate gene study involving 120 variants in 33 genes was performed with 66 male healthy volunteers from two bioequivalence clinical trials after administration of tadalafil/finasteride 5 mg/5 mg under fed or fasting conditions. Afterwards, a confirmatory study was conducted with 189 male and female volunteers receiving tadalafil 20 mg formulations in seven additional bioequivalence clinical trials. Regarding tadalafil, fed volunteers showed higher area in the time-concentration curve (AUC ∞ ), maximum plasma concentration (C max ), and time to reach C max (t max ) compared to fasting volunteers; male volunteers also showed higher AUC ∞ and C max compared to female volunteers. Furthermore, fed volunteers presented higher finasteride AUC ∞ , C max and t max compared to fasting individuals. Variants in ABCC3 , CYP1A2 , CES1 , NUDT15 , SLC22A1/A2 and UGT2B10 were nominally associated with pharmacokinetic variation in tadalafil and/or finasteride but did not remain significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Genetic variation did not demonstrate to clinically impact on the pharmacokinetics of finasteride and tadalafil; however, additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to assess the effect of rare variants, such as CYP3A4*20 or *22 , on tadalafil and finasteride pharmacokinetics.

Besides its importance as a livestock species, pig is increasingly being used as an animal model for biomedical research. Macrophages play critical roles in immunity to pathogens, tissue development, homeostasis and tissue repair. These cells are also primary targets for replication of viruses such as African swine fever virus, classical swine fever virus, and porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, which can cause huge economic losses to the pig industry. In this article, we review the current status of knowledge on porcine macrophages, starting by reviewing the markers available for their phenotypical characterization and following with the characteristics of the main macrophage populations described in different organs, as well as the effect of polarization conditions on their phenotype and function. We will also review available cell lines suitable for studies on the biology of porcine macrophages and their interaction with pathogens.

In this report, we describe the characterization of a new monoclonal antibody, named 4H5CR4, against porcine CD9. Its use in combination with antibodies to CD4, CD8α, and 2E3 allows to distinguish at least five main CD4 + T cell subsets. Analysis on these subsets of CD45RA, CD27, CD29, CD95, CCR7, and SLA-DR markers depicts a progressive model of CD4 + T cell development. CD4 + 2E3 + CD8α - CD9 - cells are the least differentiated population of naïve cells, whereas the CD4 + 2E3 - CD8α + CD9 + and CD4 + 2E3 - CD8α + CD9 - cells display phenotypic features of central and effector memory T helper cells, respectively. The latter subsets were able to produce IFN-γ after polyclonal activation with PMA/Ionomycin; however, in vitro virus-specific IFN-γ production of PBMCs collected at 38-44 days after pseudorabies virus vaccination was dominated by cells with a CD9 + phenotype. Therefore, CD9 appears to be a useful marker to investigate CD4 + T cell heterogeneity in swine., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)