Search

Child behavior problems are associated with an array of negative outcomes that can continue into adulthood. Because much of the social development and adjustment for children in early to middle childhood takes place in the home, families are of special interest in understanding child behavioral problems. Past research suggests an association between more stable family structures and healthier child behavioral outcomes. However, much of the research assessing behavioral outcomes has overlooked more complex family structure types and trajectories or has not considered how finer measures of family structure may clarify the connection between family structure and child behavior. Using the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), a longitudinal study of children in the United Kingdom, we examine the relationships between various types of family structure stability and instability on child internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Our results suggest that internalizing behavioral problems differ only slightly across all eight family structure trajectories and are instead explained by differences in other family characteristics such as stress and parental selectivity. Conversely, we find that family structure and trajectories of family structure change are associated with child externalizing problems, independent of other family characteristics. Despite the increase in frequency and normalization of non-traditional family structures in the UK, such as cohabitation, single parent and stepparent families, we find that children in stable married families experience fewer externalizing behavior problems compared to children in other family structures.

There is currently a constant search for ecofriendly bioproducts, which could contribute to various biomedical applications. Among bioproducts, exopolysaccharides are prominent contemporary extracellular biopolymers that are produced by a great variety of bacterial species. These homo- or heteropolymers are composed of monomeric sugar units linked by glycosidic bonds, which are secreted to the external medium. Bacillus spp. are reported to be present in different ecosystems and produce exopolysaccharides with different biological properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral anti-inflammatory, among others. Since a great diversity of bacterial strains are able to produce exopolysaccharides, a great variation in the molecular composition is observed, which is indeed present in some of the chemical structures predicted until date. These molecular characteristics and their relations with different biological functions are discussed in order to visualize future applications in biomedical section.

The Andean tree Schinus areira L. has multiple traditional uses, from the treatment of bronchitis and rheumatic diseases to menstrual cycle regulation and wound healing. With reported hypotensive, analgesic, antitumoral and anti-inflammatory properties, it acts predominantly against diseases related to oxidative stress. This study focuses on the antioxidant activity and phytochemical profile of the extracts of Schinus areira L. Serial extraction of the fruits was performed both by maceration and by Soxhlet. Total phenols and flavonoids were measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and AlCl3, respectively. In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by FRAP and DPPH. Results were similar for both extraction methods. Primary metabolites detected included carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids; secondary metabolites included tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and triterpenes. Antioxidant activity was confirmed for ethyl acetate, methanolic and aqueous extracts. The methanolic extract had both the highest polyphenol content (>195 mg GAE/ g dry weight) and the highest antioxidant activity [EC50 > 476 μg/mL; > 273 mg AA/g dry weight (DPPH); > 301 mg AA/ g dry weight (FRAP)]. The extract does not produce macrophage cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7, which is indicated by an average cytotoxicity of 2% over 24 h. Our study serves as a starting point for future research on the pharmacological properties of Schinus areira L.

Food contamination with microorganisms is responsible for food spoilage, deterioration and change of organoleptic properties of foods. Besides, the growth of pathogenic microorganisms can provoke serious health problems if food is consumed. Innovative packaging, such as active packaging, is increasing rapidly in the food industry, especially in applying antimicrobials into delivery systems, such as sachets. Chile is a relevant hotspot for biodiversity conservation and a source of unique bio-resources with antimicrobial potential. In this review, fifteen native plants with antimicrobial properties are described. Their antimicrobial effects include an effect against human pathogens. Considering the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, searching for new antimicrobials to design new strategies for food pathogen control is necessary. Chilean flora is a promising source of antimicrobials to be used in active packaging. However, further studies are required to advance from laboratory tests of their antimicrobial effects to their possible effects and uses in active films.

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi. These compounds have different structures and target different organs, acting at different steps of biological processes inside the cell. Around 32 mycotoxins have been identified in fungal Penicillium spp. isolated from food and feed. Some of these species are important pathogens which contaminate food, such as maize, cereals, soybeans, sorghum, peanuts, among others. These microorganisms can be present in different steps of the food production process, such as plant growth, harvest, drying, elaboration, transport, and packaging. Although some Penicillium spp. are pathogens, some of them are used in elaboration of processed foods, such as cheese and sausages. This review summarises the Penicillium spp. mycotoxin toxicity, focusing mainly on the subgenus Penicillium, frequently found in food and feed. Toxicity is reviewed both in animal models and cultured cells. Finally, some aspects of their regulations are discussed.

Searching for adequate and effective compounds displaying antimicrobial activities, especially against Gram-positive bacteria, is an important research area due to the high hospitalization and mortality rates of these bacterial infections in both the human and veterinary fields. In this work, we explored (E)-4-amino-3-((3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino) benzoic acid (SB-1, harboring an intramolecular hydrogen bond) and (E)-2-((4-nitrobenzilidene)amino)aniline (SB-2), two Schiff bases derivatives. Results demonstrated that SB-1 showed an antibacterial activity determined by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus (Gram-positive bacteria involved in human and animal diseases such as skin infections, pneumonia, diarrheal syndrome, and urinary tract infections, among others), which was similar to that shown by the classical antibiotic chloramphenicol. By contrast, this compound showed no effect against Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica). Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive physicochemical and theoretical characterization of SB-1 (as well as several analyses for SB-2), including elemental analysis, ESMS, 1H and 13C NMR (assigned by 1D and 2D techniques), DEPT, UV-Vis, FTIR, and cyclic voltammetry. We also performed a computational study through the DFT theory level, including geometry optimization, TD-DFT, NBO, and global and local reactivity analyses.

NOD1 is an intracellular receptor that, when activated, induces gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors promoting macrophages and neutrophils recruitment at the infection site. However, iE-DAP, the dipeptide agonist that promotes this receptor's activation, cannot permeate cell membranes. To develop a nanocarrier capable of achieving a high and prolonged activation over time, iE-DAP was encapsulated in nanoparticles (NPs) made of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). The physicochemical properties, colloidal stability, encapsulation efficiency, and cellular uptake of iE-DAP-loaded PHVB NPs were analyzed. Results evidenced that physicochemical properties of iE-DAP-loaded NPs remained stable over time, and NPs were efficiently internalized into cells, a process that depends on time and concentration. Moreover, our results showed that NPs elicited a controlled cargo release in vitro, and the encapsulated agonist response was higher than its free form, suggesting the possibility of activating intracellular receptors triggering an immune response through the release of NOD1 agonist.

To determine whether circulating endothelial cells from septic shock patients and from nonseptic shock patients are transformed in activated fibroblast by changing the expression level of endothelial and fibrotic proteins, whether the level of the protein expression change is associated with the amount of administered resuscitation fluid, and whether this circulating endothelial cell protein expression change is a biomarker to predict sepsis survival.Prospective study.Medical-surgical ICUs in a tertiary care hospital.Forty-three patients admitted in ICU and 22 healthy volunteers.None.Circulating mature endothelial cells and circulating endothelial progenitor cells from septic shock and nonseptic shock patients showed evidence of endothelial fibrosis by changing the endothelial protein expression pattern. The endothelial proteins were downregulated, whereas fibroblast-specific markers were increased. The magnitude of the expression change in endothelial and fibrotic proteins was higher in the septic shock nonsurvivors patients but not in nonseptic shock. Interestingly, the decrease in the endothelial protein expression was correlated with the administered resuscitation fluid better than the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores in the septic shock nonsurvivors patients but not in nonseptic shock. Notably, the significant difference between endothelial and fibrotic protein expression indicated a nonsurvival outcome in septic shock but not in nonseptic shock patients. Remarkably, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that endothelial protein expression levels predicted the survival outcome better than the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores in septic shock but not in nonseptic shock patients.Circulating endothelial cells from septic shock patients are acutely converted into fibroblasts. Endothelial and fibrotic protein expression level are associated with resuscitation fluid administration magnitude and can be used as biomarkers for an early survival diagnosis of sepsis.

cis-Ru(deeb) 3 2+ (R1; where deeb is 4,4′-diethanoate-2,2′-bipyridine) and cis-Ru(phen) 3 2+ (R2; where phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized. Although the presence of the cell wall (a structure that is present in yeasts and bacteria,) was previously described as a natural barrier that hampers the uptake of d6-based luminescent complexes, we previously demonstrated that rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes were useful to stain both yeasts and bacteria. Even though several studies of classical ruthenium(II) complexes can be found, none of those studies aimed to determine the potential of these compounds as biomarkers for walled cells, testing only cell lines that lack this permeability barrier. Walled cells exhibit a relatively rigid structure, mainly constituted by carbohydrates and proteins, and surround the plasma membrane. In this manuscript, we observed that both R1 and R2 exhibited very low cytotoxicity in different walled-cell models (including bacteria and yeasts). More importantly, we found that both R1 and R2 were able to fluorescently stain Candida albicans (yeast), with a simple and fast procedure, without the need of additional permeabilizer molecules and antibodies. Interestingly, R1 remained retained in a discrete central structure consistent with the cell nucleus, whereas R2 seemed to be accumulated in the cell wall. These results show that these two complexes can be used as biomarkers for walled cells as differential staining, supporting the fact that, as well as with rhenium(I) complexes, biomarkers properties can be modulated by changing the substituents in ruthenium(II)-derivative luminescent stains, even for walled cells.

Peumus boldus is an endemic tree species from Chile whose leaves have been the focus of study for decades given that their infusions are reported to relieve rheumatic symptoms, headache, dyspepsia, urinary tract inflammation, and symptoms of other illnesses. These health properties have been studied mainly using leaves and bark, then it is relevant to know more about these properties in different parts of the plant. Considering the importance of P. boldus fruits in the diet of some rural populations, we analyzed their properties to explore its impact on the Chilean population health. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids such as boldine, although aporphine N-methyl-laurotetanine was the most abundant. In addition, flavonoids catechin, chrysin and quercetin were also found in the extract. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activities of the fruit extract were invitro tested by using a murine macrophage cell model, observing that a diluted fraction of the extract was not cytotoxic, but showed anti-inflammatory activity, which is likely attributed to antioxidants activities. By means of quantum chemical calculations, we calculated the redox potential of the respective alkaloids and flavonoids found in the extract. Results suggest a synergistic effect between alkaloids and flavonoids, where boldine and N-methyl-laurotetanine showed similar antioxidant properties. Finally, we present a description of the oxidation mechanisms for both groups of molecules which will sustain P. boldus fruit biological properties, in order to give this kind of fruits scientific value focusing on human health.

Non-cell-autonomous mechanisms contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), in which astrocytes release unidentified factors that are toxic to motoneurons (MNs). We report here that mouse and patient iPSC-derived astrocytes with diverse ALS/FTD-linked mutations (SOD1, TARDBP, and C9ORF72) display elevated levels of intracellular inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a ubiquitous, negatively charged biopolymer. PolyP levels are also increased in astrocyte-conditioned media (ACM) from ALS/FTD astrocytes. ACM-mediated MN death is prevented by degrading or neutralizing polyP in ALS/FTD astrocytes or ACM. Studies further reveal that postmortem familial and sporadic ALS spinal cord sections display enriched polyP staining signals and that ALS cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exhibits increased polyP concentrations. Our in vitro results establish excessive astrocyte-derived polyP as a critical factor in non-cell-autonomous MN degeneration and a potential therapeutic target for ALS/FTD. The CSF data indicate that polyP might serve as a new biomarker for ALS/FTD.

Schiff bases exhibit a broad range of applications, including their use as catalysts, stabilizers, dyes, and intermediates in organic synthesis; and biological activities, such as antifungal properties. In this work, we synthesized and characterized three new pyridine Schiff bases L3 ((E)-2-{[(3-aminopyridin-4-yl)imino]-methyl}-4,6-di-chloro-phenol), L4 ((E)-2-{[(3-aminopyridin-4-yl)imino]-methyl}-6-chloro-phenol), and L5 ((E)-2-{[(3-aminopyridin-4-yl)imino]-methyl}-4-methyl-phenol) to explore their structure–bioactivity relationship as antifungal agents. We also synthesized and characterized a diamine-derived Schiff base (L6) that is similar to (E)-2-{[(3-aminopyridin-4-yl)imino]-methyl}-4,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol (L2, which previously demonstrated antifungal activity), but lacks the pyridine ring, to assess the impact of this structural modification on the biological properties. All the Schiff bases were characterized by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR, DEPT, HHCOSY, TOCSY, UV-vis, MS, cyclic voltammetry, DFT calculations, and NBO to assess the stability of the intramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB). In addition, we determined the antimicrobial properties by obtaining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Cryptococcus spp. (yeast) and Salmonella enterica (bacteria), and growth inhibition of Botrytis cinerea (mold). We found that the antifungal activity of these Schiff bases relied on the nitrogen atom in the pyridine ring, and the antifungal activity can be modulated by different substituents in the phenolic ring. In this work we provide data supporting a correlation between the structure and bioactivity in this kind of Schiff base. The understanding of the structural prerequisites for antimicrobial activity could contribute to designing new drugs.

Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes with heteroaromatic ligands have been intensely investigated with respect to their properties as imaging probes, although they have only recently been tested in vivo. In this context, fac-Re(CO)3(N,N)L complexes (N,N: substituted bidentate ligand; L: ancillary ligand) are the most studied complexes due to their photophysical properties. However, the role of the N,N bidentate ligand in classical fac-Re(CO)3(N,N)L complexes (i.e. where L is a halogen such as Br) has not been explored regarding cytotoxicity and staining capabilities in walled cells (i.e. yeasts and bacteria). In the present study, we tested different rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes of type fac-Re(CO)3(N,N)Br [where N,N are 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (C1); 5,6-dione-1,10-phenanthroline (dione) (C2); 2,2′-bpy (bpy) (C3); 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bpy (dmb) (C4); and 4,4′-diethanoate-2,2′-bpy (deeb) (C5)] in order to characterize the properties of the N,N bidentate ligand in cellular biomarkers. We also compared these classical rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes (C1 to C5) with a fac-Re(CO)3(deeb)L+ complex, where L is the Schiff base (E)-2-((3-amino-pyridin-4-ylimino)-methyl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, with respect to its potential for cell labelling. In our study, we found that both the N,N substituted bidentate ligand and the ancillary ligand L contributed to modulating the suitability in cell bioimaging, showing that it is possible to perform molecular engineering design to obtain improved biomarkers for walled cells, and eventually for other cell types.

Re(I) complexes have exposed highly suitable properties for cellular imaging (especially for fluorescent microscopy) such as low cytotoxicity, good cellular uptake, and differential staining. These features can be modulated or tuned by modifying the ligands surrounding the metal core. However, most of Re(I)-based complexes have been tested for non-walled cells, such as epithelial cells. In this context, it has been proposed that Re(I) complexes are inefficient to stain walled cells (i.e., cells protected by a rigid cell wall, such as bacteria and fungi), presumably due to this physical barrier hampering cellular uptake. More recently, a series of studies have been published showing that a suitable combination of ligands is useful for obtaining Re(I)-based complexes able to stain walled cells. This review summarizes the main characteristics of different fluorophores used in bioimage, remarking the advantages of d6-based complexes, and focusing on Re(I) complexes. In addition, we explored different structural features of these complexes that allow for obtaining fluorophores especially designed for walled cells (bacteria and fungi), with especial emphasis on the ligand choice. Since many pathogens correspond to bacteria and fungi (yeasts and molds), and considering that these organisms have been increasingly used in several biotechnological applications, development of new tools for their study, such as the design of new fluorophores, is fundamental and attractive.

Botrytis cinerea is a ubiquitous necrotrophic filamentous fungal pathogen, causing the “grey mold” disease in a wide range of plants, including species of importance in the food industry. Recently, we reported the use of fac -[Re(I)(CO)3(2,2’-bpy) L ]PF6 ( C3 ) and fac -[Re(I)(CO)3(4,4’-dimethyl-2,2’-bpy) L ]PF6 ( C4 ) complexes as biomarkers for yeasts and bacteria. Nevertheless, the use of these complexes to stain filamentous fungi, such as Botrytis cinerea , has not been explored so far. Since Botrytis cinerea exhibits a dynamic multilayer cell wall that changes the composition during normal growth, in both their hyphae and conidia, is not possible to directly extrapolate the use of both C3 and C4 as biomarkers for Botrytis cinerea without an experimental approach. In this work, we explored new features of the luminescent compounds C3 and C4 as biomarkers for the higher filamentous fungi Botrytis cinerea , including conidia and juvenile hyphae. We found that, with the new protocol proposed, both C3 and C4 were suitable to stain conidia with a simple procedure since no cell permeabilization is required. Additionally, these results suggest that C3 and C4 can selectively stain living conidia, allowing the differentiation from non-germinating conidia. This point opens a new focus of development for rhenium (I) tricarbonyl complexes as new fluorescent biomarkers for Botrytis cinerea with potential properties as vital staining.

Background: Indiana is ranked 43/50 for infant mortality in America. WeCare employs lay Community Health Coaches (CHCs) to promote positive behavioral changes in pregnant, postpartum and women of child-bearing age living in low-income, high-risk communities in order to reduce the risk of infant mortality. Infant mortality can be reduced in communities where birth spacing and family planning education are available. Project Methods: The goal was to address the knowledge gaps in patient handouts and CHC training regarding birth spacing and family planning. Through extensive literature searches, case conferences with CHCs, and review of current training materials, five gaps in training were identified: (1) comprehensive knowledge of rapid repeat pregnancies (2) resources regarding contraceptive methods (3) contraceptive counseling in the antenatal and postpartum periods (4) joint decision-making models and (5) father involvement in family planning. Results: With comprehensive literature reviews and collaboration with fellow WeCare members, the gaps in training were appropriately filled. The WeCare training manual for CHCs is updated with information regarding birth spacing and family planning, as well as with counseling techniques for contraceptive method decision-making. A gap in existing literature regarding father involvement in family planning was identified. Conclusion and Potential Impact: By enhancing CHC education on birth spacing, family planning, and counseling techniques, we may begin to close the knowledge gap for women in low-income, high-risk populations. This has the potential to reduce the rate of rapid repeat pregnancies and unintended pregnancies. We have also opened a new avenue of research about father involvement in family planning in the US.

Electrodeionization (EDI) is an advantageous technology for desalination of waters with the range of salinity found in brackish water. Although modeling can help to understand the behavior of EDI cells, no reliable models connecting relevant operational variables have been published so far. Thus, this paper presents the experimental study and the mathematical modeling of an electrodeionization process used for the desalination of brackish water. The desalination process was carried out in a 4-compartment laboratory EDI cell. The model developed proposes an approach to the transport of ions in the liquid flowing in the mixed-bed resin's interstitial space. This transport is driven by the potential gradient in the liquid phase, formed by the different electric potential of cation- and anion-exchange resin particles and the Donnan potential at the interface. The model is used to analyze the current density distribution in the EDI cell and its effect on ion removal and performance to identify ineffective regions of the cell. The comparison of model calculation with experimental data shows the model to be capable of describing the effect of concentration (0.01 and 0.02 M) and cell voltage (7, 10.5 and 14 V) changes on current density and desalination rate.

Indexación Scopus The transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) subfamily belongs to the TRP cation channels family. Since the first cloning of TRPM1 in 1989, tremendous progress has been made in identifying novel members of the TRPM subfamily and their functions. The TRPM subfamily is composed of eight members consisting of four six-transmembrane domain subunits, resulting in homomeric or heteromeric channels. From a structural point of view, based on the homology sequence of the coiled-coil in the C-terminus, the eight TRPM members are clustered into four groups: TRPM1/M3, M2/M8, M4/M5 and M6/M7. TRPM subfamily members have been involved in several physiological functions. However, they are also linked to diverse pathophysiological human processes. Alterations in the expression and function of TRPM subfamily ion channels might generate several human diseases including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative alterations, organ dysfunction, cancer and many other channelopathies. These effects position them as remarkable putative targets for novel diagnostic strategies, drug design and therapeutic approaches. Here, we review the current knowledge about the main characteristics of all members of the TRPM family, focusing on their actions in human diseases. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/9/12/2604

Research in fluorescence microscopy presents new challenges, especially with respect to the development of new metal-based fluorophores. In this work, new fac-[Re(CO)3(bpy)L]PF6 (C3) and fac-[Re(CO)3(dmb)L]PF6 (C4) complexes, where L is an ancillary ligand, E-2-((3-amino-pyridin-4-ylimino)-methyl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol, both exhibiting an intramolecular hydrogen bond, have been synthesized for use as preliminary probes for fluorescence microscopy. The complexes were characterized using chemical techniques such as UV-vis, 1H-NMR, TOCSY, FT-IR, cyclic voltammetry, mass spectrometry (EI-MS 752.22 M+ for C3 and 780.26 M+ for C4) and DFT calculations including spin–orbit effects. The electron withdrawing nature of the ancillary ligand L in C3 and C4 explains their electrochemical behavior, which shows the oxidation of ReI at 1.84 V for C3 and at 1.88 V for C4. The UV-vis absorption and emission properties have been studied at room temperature in acetonitrile solution. The complexes show luminescent emission with a large Stokes shift (λex = 366 nm, λem = 610 nm for C3 and λex = 361 nm, λem = 560 nm for C4). The TDDFT calculations suggest that an experimental mixed absorption band at 360 nm could be assigned to MLCT (d(Re) → π*(dmb)) and LLCT (π(L) → π*(dmb)) transitions. We have also assessed the cytotoxicity of C3 and C4 in an epithelial cell line (T84). We found that 12.5 μg ml−1 of C3 or C4 is the minimum concentration needed to kill 80% of the cell population, as determined by neutral red uptake. Finally, the potential of C3 and C4 as biological dyes for use in fluorescent microscopy was assessed in bacteria (Salmonella enterica) and yeasts (Candida albicans and Cryptococcus spp.), and in an ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-3). We found that in all cases, both C3 and C4 are suitable compounds to be used as fluorescent dyes for biological purposes. In addition, we present evidence suggesting that these rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes may be also useful as differential fluorescent dyes in yeasts (Candida albicans and Cryptococcus spp.), without the need for antibodies.

Benzimidazoles presenting intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions have been normally used to better understand the role of H-bonding in biological processes. Here, we present an experimental and theoretical study of a new compound [2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(3H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2-yl)phenol]; (B2), a benzimidazole derivate, exhibiting an intramolecular hydrogen bond. B2 was synthesized and characterized by its 1H, HHCOSY, FT-IR and mass spectra (EI-MS 323 M+). The electronic and optical properties of B2 were studied with theoretical calculations using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT). B2 showed luminescent emission at room temperature in different solvents, with a large Stokes shift (e.g.; λex = 335 nm; λem = 510 nm in acetonitrile). Also, the quantum yield (φ = 0.21) and theoretical band emission are reported. We found that B2 exhibited a fluorescence emission at around 500 nm in ethanol and in acetonitrile that could be quenched by aqueous solutions of Hg(NO3)2 in the range of micro molar concentrations. Cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile showed a strong anodic response due to a quasireversible process, with reduction and oxidation waves at −1.28 and −0.47 V vs. SCE. Regarding the biological properties, we assessed the antimicrobial activity of B2 in Salmonella enterica (bacteria), Cryptococcus spp. (yeast), Candida albicans (yeast), Candida tropicalis (yeast) and Botrytis cinerea (mold). To this end, we determined the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (for bacteria and yeasts), the growth inhibition halos (for yeasts), and the inhibition of mycelial growth (for the mold). We observed that B2 exerted an antifungal effect against Cryptococcus spp. and Botrytis cinerea. In addition, due to its fluorescence properties, B2 has proven to be a suitable marker to observe bacteria (Salmonella enterica and an Escherichia coli derivative), yeasts (Candida albicans), and even human cells (SKOV-3 and HEK-293) by confocal microscopy.

Objective: The aim of this work was to validate educative materials that promote the oral hygienic in five to seven years old scholar.Material and Methods: A qualitative investigation with base in the founded theory was made and five focus groups integrate by six children between six to seven years old were done. Previous to collected data, an initial theoretical boarding became was come to the harvesting. The information was compiled in audio archives, transcribed, codified, categories, analyzed and interpreted.Results: From the obtained results, theoretical relations settled down and oriented suggestions were made improve the educative material. It was managed to conclude that the evaluated educative material must reframe aspects related to the messages that the children perceive on the dependency which they have of the dentist and to foment selfcare towards their oral hygiene. One is due to reduce or to control the violent scenes.Conclusions: It must be procured that the basic message be clearly perceived by the receivers of the educative element. Objetivo: Validar un material educativo orientado a promover la higiene oral en escolares entre los 5 y 7 años de edad. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo con base en la teoría fundada y soportado en la recolección de la información mediante la técnica de grupos focales, que incluyó el trabajo con 5 grupos integrado cada uno por 6 niños entre los 5 y 7 años de edad vinculados a instituciones públicas de Bucaramanga. Previa a la recolección de los datos se hizo un abordaje teórico inicial, se procedió a la recolección. La información se recopiló en archivos de audio, se transcribió, codificó, categorizó, analizó e interpretó.Resultados: Se establecieron relaciones teóricas y se hicieron sugerencias orientadas a mejorar el material educativo. Se logró concluir que el material educativo evaluado debe replantear aspectos relacionados con los mensajes que los niños perciben sobre la dependencia que tienen del odontólogo y fomentar la autoeficacia hacia su higiene oral. Se debe reducir o controlar las escenas violentas. Conclusiones: Debe procurarse que el mensaje básico de cuidado sea claramente percibido por los receptores del elemento educativo.[Prieto MT, Otero DC, Sierra SE, Camargo S. Concha SC. Validación de un material educativo orientado a promover la higiene oral dirigida a escolares entre 5 y 7 años de edad. Revista Ustasalud Odontología 2007; 6: 37 - 44]

Indexación: Scopus. Funding:Thisworkwassupportedby"Fondo NacionaldeCienciayTecnologia"FONDECYT Grants#1120384and#1160315(toCPS),Grant PFB-16(toRP)from"Comisio ´nNacionalde Investigacio ´ n Cientı ´ fica y Tecnolo ´ gica de Chile" (CONICYT)andUniversidadAndresBelloNucleo GrantDI-3-17/N(toCPS),andDoctoral Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is an intracellular bacterium that overcomes host immune system barriers for successful infection. The bacterium colonizes the proximal small intestine, penetrates the epithelial layer, and is engulfed by macrophages and neutrophils. Intracellularly, S. Typhimurium encounters highly toxic reactive oxygen species including hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid. The molecular mechanisms of Salmonella resistance to intracellular oxidative stress is not completely understood. The ArcAB two-component system is a global regulatory system that responds to oxygen. In this work, we show that the ArcA response regulator participates in Salmonella adaptation to changing oxygen levels and is also involved in promoting intracellular survival in macrophages and neutrophils, enabling S. Typhimurium to successfully establish a systemic infection. © 2018 Pardo-Esté et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0203497

Background Nanotechnology is a science that involves imaging, measurement, modeling and a manipulation of matter at the nanometric scale. One application of this technology is drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles obtained from natural or synthetic sources. An example of these systems is synthetized from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), which is a biodegradable, biocompatible and a low production cost polymer. The aim of this work was to investigate the uptake mechanism of PHBV nanoparticles in two different epithelial cell lines (HeLa and SKOV-3). Results As a first step, we characterized size, shape and surface charge of nanoparticles using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Intracellular incorporation was evaluated through flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy using intracellular markers. We concluded that cellular uptake mechanism is carried out in a time, concentration and energy dependent way. Our results showed that nanoparticle uptake displays a cell-specific pattern, since we have observed different colocalization in two different cell lines. In HeLa (Cervical cancer cells) this process may occur via classical endocytosis pathway and some internalization via caveolin-dependent was also observed, whereas in SKOV-3 (Ovarian cancer cells) these patterns were not observed. Rearrangement of actin filaments showed differential nanoparticle internalization patterns for HeLa and SKOV-3. Additionally, final fate of nanoparticles was also determined, showing that in both cell lines, nanoparticles ended up in lysosomes but at different times, where they are finally degraded, thereby releasing their contents. Conclusions Our results, provide novel insight about PHBV nanoparticles internalization suggesting that for develop a proper drug delivery system is critical understand the uptake mechanism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12951-016-0241-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Since its discovery, cAMP has been proposed as one of the most versatile second messengers. The remarkable feature of cAMP to tightly control highly diverse physiological processes, including metabolism, homeostasis, secretion, muscle contraction, cell proliferation and migration, immune response, and gene transcription, is reflected by millions of different articles worldwide. Compartmentalization of cAMP in space and time, maintained by mainly phosphodiesterases, contributes to the maintenance of equilibrium inside the cell where one signal can trigger many different events. Novel cAMP sensors seem to carry out certain unexpected signaling properties of cAMP and thereby to permit delicate adaptations of biologic responses. Measuring space and time events with biosensors will increase our current knowledge on the pathophysiology of diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cognitive impairment, cancer, and renal and heart failure. Further insights into the cAMP dynamics will help to optimize the pharmacological treatment for these diseases.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203497.].

Indexación: Web of Science. Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers are the most recognized class of dendrimer. Amino-terminated (PAMAM-NH2) and hydroxyl-terminated (PAMAM-OH) dendrimers of generation 4 are widely used, since they are commercially available. Both have different properties, mainly based on their different overall charges at physiological pH. Currently, an important function of dendrimers as carriers of short single-stranded DNA has been applied. These molecules, known as antisense oligonucleotides (asODNs), are able to inhibit the expression of a target mRNA. Whereas PAMAM-NH2 dendrimers have shown to be able to transfect plasmid DNA, PAMAM-OH dendrimers have not shown the same successful results. However, little is known about their interaction with shorter and more flexible molecules such as asODNs. Due to several initiatives, the use of these neutral dendrimers as a scaffold to introduce other functional groups has been proposed. Because of its low cytotoxicity, it is relevant to understand the molecular phenomena involving these types of dendrimers. In this work, we studied the behavior of an antisense oligonucleotide in presence of both types of dendrimers using molecular dynamics simulations, in order to elucidate if they are able to form stable complexes. In this manner, we demonstrated at atomic level that PAMAM-NH2, unlike PAMAM-OH, could form a well-compacted complex with asODN, albeit PAMAM-OH can also establish stable interactions with the oligonucleotide. The biological activity of asODN in complex with PAMAM-NH2 dendrimer was also shown. Finally, we revealed that in contact with PAMAM-OH, asODN remains outside the cells as TIRF microscopy results showed, due to its poor interaction with this dendrimer and cell membranes. http://nanoscalereslett.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s11671-016-1260-9

The chemokine receptor CCR7 is essential for lymphocyte and dendritic cell homing to secondary lymphoid organs. Owing to the ability to induce directional migration, CCR7 and its ligands CCL19 and CCL21 are pivotal for the regulation of the immune system. Here, we identify a novel function for receptor ubiquitylation in the regulation of the trafficking process of this G-protein-coupled seven transmembrane receptor. We discovered that CCR7 is ubiquitylated in a constitutive, ligand-independent manner and that receptor ubiquitylation regulates the basal trafficking of CCR7 in the absence of chemokine. Upon CCL19 binding, we show that internalized CCR7 recycles back to the plasma membrane via the trans-Golgi network. An ubiquitylation-deficient CCR7 mutant internalized normally after ligand binding, but inefficiently recycled in immune cells and was transiently retarded in the trans-Golgi network compartment of HEK293 transfectants. Finally, we demonstrate that the lack of CCR7 ubiquitylation profoundly impairs immune cell migration. Our results provide evidence for a novel function of receptor ubiquitylation in the regulation of CCR7 recycling and immunecell migration.

The development of safe and effective liberation mechanisms is the most important requirements for the clinical implementation of drug-delivery vectors. Among non-viral delivery systems, the most popular ones are members of the groups of cationic lipids and polymers. Both subgroups are able to transport nucleic acids, protect them against environmental influences and deliver them to the cells. Without a doubt, these systems bear certain disadvantages as well, among these, high toxicities for in vitro/in vivo applications in the case of liposomes and an almost infinite inherent structural complexity for polymers. From this point of view, an ideal transfection system would combine the characteristic advantages of cationic lipids and polymers, while at the same time minimizing their limitations. Recently, a hybrid structure consisting of a lipid and a spherical polymer (dendrimer) was reported, which was consequently named amphiphilic dendrimer (AD). Gratifyingly, these molecules have shown both excellent delivery properties and payload-liberation as well as low toxicity, mainly due to their chimeric structure, bearing a hydrophobic alkylic chain and a hydrophilic dendron as head group.To gain insight into these nanoparticles we studied them using a molecular simulation approach. Specifically, we studied the structural properties that govern the self-assembly organization and how these complexes interact with DNA. Since the computational cost for this kind of studies at atomic level are very high, a coarse-grained approach was used. All the calculations were performed using Martini force-field. Using this approach, a large number of dendrimeric systems were studied using large-scale molecular simulation, which allow us to explore a large number of configurational and conformational states of the self-assembly process, obtaining significant statistical results.

Correction for ‘Substituted bidentate and ancillary ligands modulate the bioimaging properties of the classical Re(i) tricarbonyl core with yeasts and bacteria’ by Alexander Carreño et al., New J. Chem., 2017, 41, 2140–2147.