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In the oceans, ecological analyses of pelagic amphipods have mainly focused on the epipelagic zone with few studies in the deep waters. In this study, a coarse-scale vertical analysis, between 0 and 1000 m depth, was performed in the southern Gulf of Mexico during summer and winter. We hypothesize greater differences between the epi-and mesopelagic zones during the summer, because of a stronger vertical gradient in environmental conditions, especially temperature. As well, we think that the zooplankton biomass (as a measure of food availability) will play a significant role in regulating the amphipod distribution and abundance. Zooplankton samples were obtained at five levels (0-200, 200-400, 400-600, 600-800, 800-1000 m) of the water column using a stratified net system during the winter of 2013 and summer of 2014 in the southern Gulf of Mexico. To probe vertical differences, the amphipod community was analyzed considering two assemblages defined a priori, the ‘epipelagic’ and the ‘mesopelagic’; and considering each of the five sampling levels as separate groups. Results indicated that assemblages were significantly different in both seasons (ANOSIM test, p < 0.05), but differences were stronger in winter, which contradicts the first hypothesis. The vertical hydrological structure during the summer was characterized by a deepening of 15-18°C temperature values towards the upper mesopelagic zone, resulting in less heterogeneity between the epi- and the mesopelagic zones. A BEST-BIOENV test was used to evaluate the degree of association between the environmental (temperature, salinity, zooplankton biomass) and biological (amphipod composition and density) matrices. As expected, the zooplankton biomass was the most important factor affecting the distribution of the amphipods, especially during the summer (rho = 0.319, p = 0.001). The dominant species was Lestrigonus bengalensis in winter and the juveniles of the genus Primno in summer. The SIMPER analysis also showed these taxa as responsible for the discrimination of the epi- and mesopelagic assemblages. In a finer analysis taking the sampling levels as a factor, results indicated that, during the summer, the 200-400 m level showed a differentiation from the other deep levels; again, the effect of the deepening of temperature values between 15 and 18°C, could be the responsible. Comparisons of day/night sampling time in the average amphipod abundance indicated that only the members of the infraorder Physosomata showed significant differences during the summer (ANOSIM test, p < 0.05), which could be indicative of a migratory process. The diversity of the assemblages in both seasons was analyzed using alpha diversity species accumulation curves and a completeness analysis, using the sampling coverage. Seasonally, the summer was more diverse, while in the vertical plane, the mesopelagic zone was more diverse than the epipelagic one. We suggest further studies in the poorly sampled mesopelagic zone of the ocean to better understand the ecology of the deep-sea pelagic amphipods.

A través de esta selección de dibujos transitamos por el itinerario creador del arquitecto intelectual, y del artista y maestro Antonio Fernández Alba. Bocetos, croquis, axonometrías, perspectivas, plantas, alzados y secciones; todos ellos son un ejemplo de su singularidad en el dominio de la técnica y de los sistemas de representación del dibujo arquitectónico. Cada dibujo nos traslada a la dimensión artística del arquitecto trascendiendo la representación del proyecto de arquitectura y, en conjunto nos muestran la identidad gráfica de un arquitecto que durante toda su trayectoria profesional se dedicó al dibujo con pasión y con profusión en todas las etapas del proyecto de arquitectura. El conjunto de dibujos que acompaña este artículo nos muestra cómo el imaginario de formas del arquitecto encuentra en el dibujo el cauce para materializarse. El itinerario del proyecto se inicia con los balbuceos de una mano vibrante explorando las geometrías que traduzcan los requerimientos funcionales del proyecto en espacios modernos, útiles y de una belleza clásica. En los planos se expresa ya la geometría conquistada con una maestría innovadora en la combinación de los sistemas de representación. El arquitecto artista nos lleva así desde el plano como fragmento del proyecto al conjunto de la arquitectura conectando en cada dibujo distintas partes del edificio; secciones que son perspectivas, plantas que son axonometrías, alzados abatidos sobre la planta o plantas de cubierta elevadas. Ninguno de ellos nos deja indiferentes, sino que nos interpelan a adentrarnos en su mundo y explorar más allá del dibujo.

La dimensión artística e intelectual del arquitecto español Antonio Fernández Alba (Salamanca 1927-Madrid 2024), catedrático de la Escuela de Arquitectura de Madrid, miembro de la Real Academia Española y de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando ha sido objeto de numerosos reconocimientos durante su trayectoria profesional, que culminaron con la concesión de la Medalla de Oro de la Arquitectura del Consejo Superior de los Colegios de Arquitectos de España en 2002 y Premio Nacional de Arquitectura de España en 2003. En este artículo se profundiza en la relación de Antonio Fernández Alba con el dibujo que fue su lenguaje para crear y expresar la arquitectura. El análisis del ingente legado gráfico de apuntes, croquis y planos de arquitectura, así como los numerosos escritos del arquitecto revelan la importancia que para él tenía el acto de dibujar en el proceso ideación de la arquitectura. Además, Fernández Alba reconocía la autonomía estética del dibujo como una forma de expresión de la arquitectura superando su condición instrumental de documento técnico necesario para el desarrollo constructivo del edificio.

Therapeutic strategies targeting non-adaptive immune cells are currently in clinical development. γδT cells are a small subtype of T cells (1-10% of total T cells) that mediate their effector function without the necessity of the antigen presenting machinery, and also share functional properties with innate cells. Among the different γδT subtypes, antibodies against Vγ9Vδ2T have reported signs of clinical efficacy in early clinical studies. In this review we describe the biology of this subtype of non-conventional T cells and provide insights into the mechanism of action of novel antibodies that activate these cells. We will focus on antibodies targeting the BTN3A ligand and bi-specific γδT cell engagers. We will review in detail the advantages of these strategies including the potential for overcoming mechanisms of resistance to check point inhibitors, or the much more adequate safety profile compared with agents activating classical T cells. Limitations identified during the first studies in humans and strategies to overcome them will be revised and discussed. Finally, clinical options for future clinical development will be suggested.

Abstract Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy that has successfully reached patient treatment in different clinical scenarios. ADCs are formed by an antibody against a specific tumor-associated antigen (TAA), a cytotoxic payload, and a chemical linker that binds both. To this regard, most efforts have been focused on target identification, antibody design and linker optimization, but other relevant aspects for clinical development have not received the necessary attention. In this article using data from approved ADCs, we evaluated all characteristics of these agents, including payload physicochemical properties, in vitro potency, drug antibody ratio (DAR), exposure–response relationships, and clinical development strategies. We suggest that compounds with best options for clinical development include those with optimal payload physicochemical properties and cleavable linkers that would lead to a bystander effect. These modalities can facilitate the development of ADCs in indications with low expression of the TAA. Early clinical development strategies including changes in the schedule of administration with more frequent doses are also discussed in the context of an efficient strategy. In conclusion, we highlight relevant aspects that are needed for the optimal development of ADCs in cancer, proposing options for improvement.

El objetivo de una revisión bibliográfica de Expresión Gráfica Arquitectónica (EGA) es ofrecer un relato divulgativo de su marco teórico referencial, las líneas de investigación vigentes y la transferencia de conocimiento que esta área aporta a la sociedad. El carácter divulgativo del texto ha condicionado que las referencias seleccionadas de la producción científica de EGA hayan sido los libros. Las monografías y publicaciones colectivas son la última fase en la divulgación de resultados de un proyecto de investigación. Tienen un contenido amplio y compendiado, sin embargo, el acceso a ese conocimiento es complejo porque muchos libros no tienen ediciones digitales y, por tanto, no están indexados como otras publicaciones científicas por el título o las palabras clave. Este texto ofrece las claves para construir una biblioteca actualizada en la cual está representada la diversidad temática de EGA que, desde su constitución en 1984, comprende la historia y teoría de Análisis de Formas, Geometría Descriptiva, Dibujo Arquitectónico, y la aplicación de sus procedimientos gráficos a estudios patrimoniales multidisciplinares.

Objective: Colonoscopy is a handy tool in preventing and diagnosing colorectal cancer. Its optimal performance requires adequate preparation for good visualization of the mucosa. In our endoscopy unit, we use the Boston scale to evaluate the quality of bowel preparation. The present work intends to assess whether or not an additional intervention with an educational video on the Internet could improve the result of preparation using the Boston scale for colonoscopy to enhance the visualization and detection of adenomas. Methods: A double-masked, randomized clinical trial. One group of patients received printed instructions on colonoscopy preparation, and another group received the same preparation plus the form contained a link and instructions to access and view a colonoscopy video posted on YouTube. Results: A highly significant difference was observed between the means of the Boston preparation score for the group that watched the video versus the group that did not (8.16 vs. 6.75; p < 0.0001). A significant difference was also found in the Boston score by segments of the colon: right (2.6 vs. 1.9; p < 0.001), transverse (2.7 vs. 2.3; p < 0.0001), and left (2.8 vs. 2.5; p < 0.0001). Concerning the adenoma detection rate, it was higher in the group that watched the video (28%) than in the group that did not (21%); however, the difference was not significant (p = 0.33). Conclusion: Watching an educational video significantly improves the quality of colonoscopy preparation through the Boston scale and the detection of adenomas; however, this difference was not significant, possibly due to a lack of a larger sample.

Este texto presenta una visión retrospectiva al dibujo de arquitectura en la obra del arquitecto español Antonio Fernández Alba (Salamanca 1927). Fernández Alba es uno de los grandes maestros de la arquitectura moderna española. Su continua experimentación en diferentes registros del lenguaje gráfico y formas de expresión de la arquitectura le otorgan además un papel crucial en nuestra historia del dibujo de arquitectura. El innovador uso de las sombras, del color, y de los sistemas de representación en los planos de sus proyectos demuestran que los documentos técnicos pueden adquirir valor estético por sí­ mismos a través de su propio lenguaje, tal y como él mismo afirmaba en sus escritos sobre el dibujo del arquitecto. Durante más de cincuenta años de carrera profesional ha reunido un ingente legado gráfico de cuadernos de apuntes, croquis y dibujos de proyectos que actualmente está depositado en instituciones como la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, la Biblioteca Nacional de España, el Colegio de Arquitectos de Madrid, la Escuela de Arquitectura de Madrid, y el Centro Pompidou en Paris.

The latex of Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) is a source of a special kind of acylsugars called resin glycosides, which are highly appreciated because of their biological activities (i.e. laxative, antimicrobial, cytotoxic etc.). Most research has been conducted in perennials with tuberous roots, where resin glycosides are stored. However, their content and variation are unknown in annual vines that lack this type of root, such as in the case of Ipomoea parasitica. This species contains research/biological and human value through its fast growth, survival in harsh environments, and employment in humans for mental/cognitive improvements. These qualities make I. parasitica an ideal system to profile resin glycosides and their variations in response to edaphoclimate. Topsoil samples (0-30 cm depth) and latex from petioles of I. parasitica were collected in two localities of central Mexico. The latex was analyzed through UHPLC-ESI-QTOF, and soil physico-chemical characteristics, the rainfall, minimum, average, and maximum temperatures were recorded. We also measured canopy (%), rockiness (%), and plant cover (%). A Principal Component Analysis was conducted to find associations between edaphoclimate and the resin glycosides. Forty-four resin glycosides were found in the latex of I. parasitica. Ten correlated significantly with three components (47.07%) and contained tetrasaccharide, pentasaccharide, and dimers of tetrasaccharide units. Five resin glycosides were considered constitutive because they were in all the plants. However, exclusive molecules to each locality were also present, which we hypothesize is in response to significant microhabitat conditions found in this study (temperature, clay content, pH, and potassium). Our results showed the presence of resin glycosides in I. parasitica latex and are the basis for experimentally testing the effect of the conditions above on these molecules. However, ecological, molecular, and biochemical factors should be considered in experiments designed to produce these complex molecules.

Studies referring the amphipod diversity have been mainly focused on the benthic environment. This study aimed to analye the epipelagic amphipod fauna composition in a sector of the southern Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Previous records in the Gulf mainly comprised the oceanic province; our dataset included both oceanic and neritic zones, off several fluvial and lagoon systems. The biological material comprised 485 data records and a total abundance of 3,802 individuals.Surveys were conducted at 21 sampling stations around the Veracruz Reef System National Marine Park, a marine protected area in the southern GoM. As a result of this research, we found 16 families, 34 genera and 78 species belonging to the suborder Hyperiidea. Our records include species from the oceanic province (up to 1,200 m depth), such as those from the genus Scinia, members of the infraorder Physosomata. In addition, Lycaeopsis zamboangae were found off the Alvarado Lagoon. Information on the habitat of 78 amphipod species (neritic, oceanic) is provided. The dataset is available at https://www.gbif.org/dataset/af18f3f8-f899-4c97-af47-8a110f856f92

Abstract Introduction Antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs) are a family of therapeutic agents that have demonstrated clinical activity in several indications. Material and methods In this article, we performed a deep analysis of their clinical landscape matched with public genomic human datasets from tumour antigen targets (TATs), to identify empty areas for clinical development. Results We observed that TATs used in haematological malignancies were more specific than the ones developed in solid cancers. Those included CD19, CD22, CD30, CD33 and CD79b. In solid tumours, we identified TATs, with approved ADCs, widely expressed in non‐explored niche indications like Enfortumab vedotin (anti‐Nectin4) in lung or cervical cancer; Tisotumab vedotin (anti‐TF) in glioblastoma or pancreatic cancer; and Sacituzumab govitecan (anti‐TROP2) in pancreatic, gastric, thyroid or endometrial cancer, among others. Similarly, niche indications for ADCs in clinical development included targets for CD71, PSMA, PTK7 or CD74, in tumours like breast, lung, stomach or colon. Some of these TATs were essential for the survival of tumour cells like CD71, PSMA and PTK7. Conclusions In summary, our study opens the door for further evaluation of ADCs in several indications not explored before.

Functional diversity measures help to understand the underlying mechanisms explaining the relationship between organisms and environment. This work examined the mesozooplankton community of an estuary under the hypothesis that the upper (< 25 psu) and lower (> 25 psu) zones are functionally different in terms of feeding strategies, trophic groups, camouflage, buoyancy, and defense against predators, due to the salinity gradient. We used the ‘community-weighted mean trait values’ (CWM) and a fuzzy correspondence analysis (FCA) in combination with three functional indices (FRic: functional richness, FEve: functional evenness, FDiv: functional divergence) to test our hypothesis. Zooplankton samples were taken in the tropical Sontecomapan estuary, southern Gulf of Mexico, in June 2018 and October 2019. A total of 21 zooplankton groups were recognized, all of them present in the lower estuary. Results showed significant differences (p< 0.05) in the FRic and FDiv values between the two zones, as well in the CWM metric. Results of the FCA showed that the lower estuary was characterized by herbivorous filter feeders that use watery bodies, flattened body forms, mucus houses, or ‘wings’ for buoyancy; highly transparent bodies (associated with gelatinous body structure) for camouflage and predators’ avoidance and, shells or carapaces as antipredator tactics. The upper estuary was characterized by omnivorous cruising predators that use their appendages or swim bladders for buoyancy, with ‘medium’ and ‘low’ levels of transparency, associated with chitinous and skin-protected body structures, which provide alternative ways for camouflage and spines or fast swimming behavior to protect from predators. These findings evidenced that the upper and lower zones of an estuary exhibit differences in the function of the zooplankton community and shed new light on the comprehension of estuaries’ ecological function.

Identification of genomic alterations that influence the immune response within the tumor microenvironment is mandatory in order to identify druggable vulnerabilities. In this article, by interrogating public genomic datasets we describe copy number variations (CNV) present in breast cancer (BC) tumors and corresponding subtypes, associated with different immune populations. We identified regulatory T-cells associated with the Basal-like subtype, and type 2 T-helper cells with HER2 positive and the luminal subtype. Using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for the Type 2 T-helper cells, the most relevant processes included the ERBB2 signaling pathway and the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) signaling pathway, and for CD8+ T-cells, cellular response to growth hormone stimulus or the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Amplification of ERBB2, GRB2, GRB7, and FGF receptor genes strongly correlated with the presence of type 2 T helper cells. Finally, only 8 genes were highly upregulated and present in the cellular membrane: MILR1, ACE, DCSTAMP, SLAMF8, CD160, IL2RA, ICAM2, and SLAMF6. In summary, we described immune populations associated with genomic alterations with different BC subtypes. We observed a clear presence of inhibitory cells, like Tregs or Th2 when specific chromosomic regions were amplified in basal-like or HER2 and luminal groups. Our data support further evaluation of specific therapeutic strategies in specific BC subtypes, like those targeting Tregs in the basal-like subtype.

Introducción: Helicobacter pylori juega un papel fundamental en la cascada de carcinogénesis del cáncer gástrico tipo intestinal; sin embargo, no existe claridad respecto a su prevalencia en condiciones preneoplásicas que generan cambio en el microambiente de la mucosa. Actualmente se recomienda la vigilancia endoscópica por protocolo de Sydney cada 2 a 3 años, pero no es clara la presencia de H. pylori en la región subcardial y el fondo gástrico. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia y localización gástrica del H. pylori en pacientes con condiciones preneoplásicas. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal en adultos con diagnóstico previo de atrofia o metaplasia intestinal que ingresaron a endoscopia de control, a quienes se les tomaron biopsias del antro, cuerpo, incisura angularis, región subcardial y fondo gástrico. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los resultados por regiones gástricas. Resultados: se recolectó la información de 160 pacientes con una prevalencia de H. pylori del 37,5 %, la cual fue en aumento de proximal a distal iniciando con una prevalencia de 12,5 % en la región subcardial hasta una prevalencia de 30,6 % en el antro; hubo un patrón similar en la prevalencia de lesiones preneoplásicas. Se observó una mayor presencia de lesiones avanzadas (displasia, carcinoma) en la incisura. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de H. pylori en condiciones premalignas evidenció una mayor presencia en las regiones distales en comparación con las proximales, y es más frecuente en la región antral y menor en la región subcardial. En cuanto a la distribución gástrica de atrofia y metaplasia, se encontró mayor compromiso en el antro y la incisura, y es baja en la región subcardial y el fondo.

Microfluidics has emerged as a versatile technology that is applied to enhance the performance of analytical techniques, among others. Pursuing this, we present a capillary-driven microfluidic device that improves the sensitivity of lateral flow immunoassay rapid tests thanks to offering an automated washing step. A novel multilevel microfluidic chip was 3D-printed with a photocurable black resin, sealed by an optically clear pressure-sensitive adhesive, and linked to the lateral flow strip. To depict the efficacy of microfluidics and the washing step, cortisol was measured quantitatively within the proposed device. Measuring cortisol levels is a way to capture physiological stress responses. Among biofluids, saliva is less infectious and easier to sample than others. However, higher sensitivity is demanded because the salivary cortisol concentrations are much lower than in blood. We carried out a competitive lateral flow immunoassay protocol with the difference that the microfluidic device applies an automated washing step after the sample is drained downstream. It washes the trapped quantum-dot-labeled antibodies out from nitrocellulose, diminishing background noise as these are bonded to cortisols and not to the immobilized receptors. Fluorescence spectroscopy, as a high-precision analysis, was successfully applied to determine clinically relevant salivary cortisol concentrations within a buffer quantitatively. The microfluidic design relied on a 3D valve that avoids reagent cross-contamination. This cross-contamination could make the washing buffer impure and undesirably dilute the sample. The proposed device is cost-effective, self-powered, robust, and ideal for non-expert users.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether progression from first drug use to crack-cocaine use differs according to gender, and whether the report of sexual or physical violence impacts the time of progression. Methods: We interviewed 896 crack-cocaine users (548 men; 348 women) from addiction treatment units. Cox regression models evaluated the time of progression from first drug use to crack use. We analyzed gender differences according to the absence or presence of sexual or physical violence, also considering whether violence, when present, had occurred before or after the onset of crack use. Results: Women presented a faster progression to crack use regardless of exposure to sexual or physical violence (p < 0.05). Compared to unexposed men, there was a similar progression for men exposed to sexual or physical violence before the first use of crack (p = 0.167 and p = 0.393, respectively). In both genders, we observed a faster progression among individuals exposed to these types of violence after the onset of crack use (p < 0.01). Conclusions: We found a faster progression to crack use among women and among individuals exposed to sexual and physical violence after the onset of crack use. These results encourage differentiated treatment strategies, focused on gender and individual characteristics.

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to evaluate the influence of market structure on the competition between banks and to determine whether competition affects their profitability in different countries in Latin America. The study also seeks to compare, between 16 countries in the continent, the levels of concentration, competition, and profitability of the respective banking sectors. This article fills the research gap regarding the structure and market power of banks in emerging countries, by comparing Brazil with the other countries in the continent. The topic is extremely important at a time of debate about the high interest rates in Brazil, the market structure observed, and the alleged effect of this on the high levels of spread between lending and borrowing rates. The research provides evidence for the debate regarding the structure of the banking industry. To evaluate competition, the Panzar-Rosse model was used. Concentration was measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman index and CR5 ratio. To verify the link between the variables, the hypotheses of the structure-conduct-performance model were tested, via a sample of 16 countries in Latin America, covering the period from 2011 to 2017, using panel data regression. This study, conducted for the banking industry in Latin America, rejected the premises of the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) model, which affirm that concentration reduces competition, causing higher profitability in the sector. In the comparison of the studied variables between the countries in the continent, Brazil presented the lowest competition index. The concentration and profitability assessments, in turn, presented results in line with the mean. The results of the research serve to elucidate the intense debate regarding the structure of the banking market. Moreover, they serve as a scientific basis for regulators’ actions, aiming to incentivize competition and reduce bank spread.