Effect of grain size and heavy metals on As immobilization by marble particles

The effect of grain size and the interaction of heavy metals on As sorption by marble waste with different particle sizes was investigated. Acidic solutions containing only arsenic and a mixture of arsenic, lead, zinc, and cadmium were put in contact with the marble waste. The amount of metal(loid)s that were immobilized was calculated using the difference between the concentration in the acidic solution and in the liquid phase of the suspensions. Approximately 420 μg As m(-2) was sorbed onto the marble grains, both nonspecifically and specifically, where ≥ 80 % of the total arsenic in the acidic solution remained soluble, which suggests that this amendment is not effective to immobilize arsenic. However, in mixed contamination, relatively stable Pb-Ca arsenates were formed on the surface of the marble particles, and the soluble arsenic was reduced by 95 %, which indicates that marble particles can effectively immobilize arsenic and lead when both appear together.

Comparative effectiveness of ultrasonophoresis and iontophoresis in impingement syndrome: a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the effectiveness of ultrasonophoresis and iontophoresis with sodium diclofenac used in addition to an exercise program for patients with impingement syndrome.

DESIGN

Multicentre, double-blind, placebo randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

"Mancha Centro" Outpatient primary care clinic (Spain).

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 175 patients were considered, of whom 88 met criteria and agreed.

INTERVENTION

The patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a) standard treatment (supervised exercises and cryotherapy) along with placebo iontophoresis and placebo ultrasonophoresis; b) standard treatment, iontophoresis, and placebo ultrasonophoresis; and c) standard treatment, ultrasonophoresis, and placebo iontophoresis. All patients received 15 treatment sessions.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Baseline, 6-, and 12-week evaluations were carried out. Functionality, pain, range of motion, strength and quality of life were assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), Constant-Murley score, and SF-36 scale.

RESULTS

Ultrasonophoresis group experienced significant decreases in pain compared to the standard treatment group (12.7 and 13.5 points in "bodily pain" dimension of SF-36; and 1,5 and 2,2 points in "pain" dimension of Constant Murley after 6 and 12 weeks of therapy, respectively). They also reported improved range of motion compared to the exercises group (2,1 points in Constant-Murley after 6 weeks and 12 weeks), better vitality and overall health (SF-36 dimensions). Iontophoresis, however, led to no significant improvements when added to the standard treatment.

CONCLUSION

In patients with impingement syndrome, a combination of ultrasonophoresis and an exercise program are better than a combination of iontophoresis and the same exercise program or the exercise program alone.

Antimicrobial photodynamic activity of hypericin against methicillin-susceptible and resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

ABSTRACT 

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of the photodynamic therapy using hypericin (HYP) against both planktonic and biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus. Materials & methods: HYP photoactivity was evaluated against methicillin-susceptible and resistant S. aureus. Bacterial suspension or biofilm were preincubated with HYP and subjected to LED illumination. Viable bacteria were determined by colony counting. Results: Preincubation with HYP (5 min) plus light exposure (10 min) showed bactericidal effect against planktonic methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Longer preincubation times (24 h) and time light exposure (30 min) were required to reach HYP-photoactivity against S. aureus biofilms. HYP-photoactivity was correlated to the biofilm production. Conclusion: HYP could be a potential photosensitizer for the inactivation of staphylococcal biofilms forming on the surfaces accessible to visible light.

[Common bile duct stricture caused by vascular ring: a case report]

INTRODUCTION

The most common congenital malformations of the bile duct are biliary atresia and choledochal cyst. In addition, the most common liver anatomical variation is the right hepatic artery aberration. The goal of this study is to characterize a patient with this disease and propose the hepatoduodenal anastomosis as surgical treatment.

CASE REPORT

One-month-old patient with suspected congenital biliary atresia due to progressive jaundice and acholia since birth. Liver tests consistent with a cholestatic pattern and brain MRI scan consistent with biliary atresia. Periods of decreased bilirubin and sporadic slight pigmentation of depositions were described. The surgical finding was a bile duct stricture due to a vascular ring caused by aberrant right hepatic artery. Resection of bile duct and hepatic-duodenal bypass were performed. The patient evolved satisfactorily from this condition.

CONCLUSION

There are few reports of biliary obstruction due to vascular malformations. It is important to keep in mind that not all neonatal jaundice episodes are caused by biliary atresia or choledochal cyst. The clinical course, laboratory tests and imaging should be considered and in the case of suspicion, further exploration should take place.

Heterogeneous distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments and red mullet along the Spanish Mediterranean coast

The spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations was characterised in surface sediments and red mullet from eleven Iberian Mediterranean coastal areas. Mean PAH concentrations ranged from 28 to 1006 and from 3 to 40 μg kg(-1)d.w. in sediment and red mullet muscle, respectively. The highest PAH concentrations in sediments were detected close to main ports and urban nuclei. However, concentrations of PAHs in red mullet showed little correspondence with PAH concentrations of the sediments due to its metabolic capacity. Phenanthrene was the predominant homologue in red mullet, whereas fluoranthene, pyrene and benzo(b)fluoranthene were the most abundant ones in sediments. Significant correlations between PAHs and organic carbon or fine fraction in sediments were only found in some areas. PAH concentrations in sediments were lower than environmental criteria in the majority of cases, except for benzo(g,h,i)perylene in 25% of samples from the Barcelona coastal area and for several homologues close to the port of Sagunto.

[Control of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with diabetes with and without cardiovascular disease]

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence that cardiovascular goals are beneficial in diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the distribution of cardiovascular risk levels in patients with diabetes and the clinical interventions they have received.

DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional study.

SETTING

SERMAS (Madrid) 2010.

SUBJECTS

All patients with diabetes. (n=41,096).

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Patients in primary or secondary prevention, metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors control, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Patient and professional variables.

RESULTS

Around one-fifth (21.5%) (95%CI: 21.1% -21.9%) in secondary prevention (very high cardiovascular risk). HbA1c was under control in 31% (95%CI: 30.1%-32%), with 49.9% (95%CI: 48.8%-50.9%) with BP under control, and 39.4% (95% CI: 38.4%-40.4%) with LDL controlled. Only 8.9% (95%CI: 8.3%-9.5%) had a well-controlled HdA1c, BP and LDL, and in 19.8% (95%CI: 19%-20.6%) none of these were under control. Of those with an uncontrolled BP, 23.6% (95% CI: 23.2%-24%) had antihypertensive drugs. There was better control in patients older than 70 years, and those who lived in an urban center, or a lower number of patients per day.

CONCLUSION

In diabetic patients with very high cardiovascular risk (secondary prevention), just half of them had good control of cardiovascular risk factors (BP and LDL). An association was found between better control and older than 70, urban center or lower number of patients per day. This suggests developing strategies to promote a comprehensive control of cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients in secondary prevention.

Synthesis, Characterization and Molecular Structure of 2-Pyridyl-formamide N(4)-Dimethylthiosemicarbazone and Some Five-Coordinated Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II) Complexes

Sodium in dry methanol reduces 2-cyanopyridine in the presence of N(4)-dimethylthiosemicarbazide to produce 2-pyridyl-formamide N(4)-dimethylthiosemicarbazone, HAm4DM. Com­plexes with zinc(II) and cadmium(II) of formulae [M(Am4DM)(OAc)]2 and [M(HAm4DM)X2] (M = Zn or Cd, X = Cl, Br or I) have been prepared and characterized by spectro­scopic techniques. In addition, the crystal structures of HAm4DM, [Zn(HAm4DM)Br2], and [Cd(HAm4DM)l2] DMSO have been solved. HAm4DM is in the zwitterionic form with a hydrogen bonding interaction between the iminium hydrogen and the thiolato sulfur atom. Co­ ordination of the neutral thiosemicarbazone ligand is via the pyridyl nitrogen, imine nitrogen and thione sulfur atoms, while the anionic ligand in [M(Am4DM)(OAc)]2 coordinates with the same two nitrogen atoms and a thiolato sulfur atom. The [M(HAm4DM)X2] complexes are 5-coordinate with the tridentate thiosemicarbazone and two halogen ligands approaching a square pyramidal stereochemistry.

Distribution and trend of organochlorine pesticides in Galicia coast using mussels as bioindicator organisms. Possible relationship to biological parameters

Contamination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) such as DDT and its metabolites (ΣDDs), γ-HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane), HCB (hexachlorobenzene), aldrin, endrin, isodrin and trans-nonachlor were investigated in wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from Galician Rías (Rías of Ferrol, A Coruña, Muros, Arousa, Pontevedra and Vigo) during the period 1998-2012. Biological parameters, lipid content, shell length and condition index, were also studied. The OCPs levels in the wild mussel were in the order ΣDDs>γ-HCH>HCB. The other pesticides, aldrin, endrin, isodrin and trans-nonachlor, were not detected or were below the analytical detection limit. All concentrations found in these samples were below the allowable limits for human consumption (Regulation (EC) no. 396/2005). Univariate analysis confirmed that levels of some compounds presented significant relation with biological parameters. Multivariate analysis of the OCPs levels revealed significantly differences between studied Rías, samples from Ría of Ferrol had the highest levels of these compounds (values of ΣDDs ranged from 3.9 to 4.2 ng g(-1) ww) and samples from Ría of Arousa, the lowest levels (values of ΣDDs from 1.3 to 2.4 ng g(-1) ww). Temporal trends showed a decrease of OCPs levels along the studied period 1998-2012 in the Galician Rías.

[Psychosocial aspects in a cohort of vertically transmitted human immunodeficiency virus-infected adolescents]

INTRODUCTION

Thanks to advances in antiretroviral treatment, children with HIV infections through vertical transmission have improved their life expectancy. However, new challenges have emerged. We propose this study in order to determine the psychosocial aspects and knowledge of infections in a cohort of adolescents with vertically transmitted HIV infections.

METHODS

Patients with vertically-acquired HIV infection between 12 and 19 years old were included. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for emotional and behavioral disorders screening.

RESULTS

We evaluated 96 patients (58% females) with a median age of 15 years (11-19.1) and a median age at diagnosis of 1.70 years (0-12.2). The median CD4 count was 626cells/mm(3) (132-998), and the viral load was<50cp/ml in 72% of patients. Among them, 90% attended school and 60% repeated at least one course. Although 81% of them knew of their diagnosis, only 30% understood their disease, with 18.2% having discussed it with friends. Six unwanted pregnancies occurred during the study period. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire showed hyperactivity risk in 33%.

CONCLUSION

A high percentage of adolescents show difficulties in several areas (disease knowledge, peer relationship, school failure...) that can have an impact on their adult lives. Further studies are needed to evaluate their origin and development in depth, as well as interventions to modify this situation.

68Ga-labeled gold glyconanoparticles for exploring blood-brain barrier permeability: preparation, biodistribution studies, and improved brain uptake via neuropeptide conjugation

New tools and techniques to improve brain visualization and assess drug permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are critically needed. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive, noninvasive technique that allows the evaluation of the BBB permeability under normal and disease-state conditions. In this work, we have developed the synthesis of novel water-soluble and biocompatible glucose-coated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) carrying BBB-permeable neuropeptides and a chelator of the positron emitter (68)Ga as a PET reporter for in vivo tracking biodistribution. The small GNPs (2 nm) are stabilized and solubilized by a glucose conjugate. A NOTA ligand is the chelating agent for the (68)Ga, and two related opioid peptides are used as targeting ligands for improving BBB crossing. The radioactive labeling of the GNPs is completed in 30 min at 70 °C followed by purification via centrifugal filtration. As a proof of principle, a biodistribution study in rats is performed for the different (68)Ga-GNPs. The accumulation of radioactivity in different organs after intravenous administration is measured by whole body PET imaging and gamma counter measurements of selected organs. The biodistribution of the (68)Ga-GNPs varies depending on the ligands, as GNPs with the same gold core size show different distribution profiles. One of the targeted (68)Ga-GNPs improves BBB crossing near 3-fold (0.020 ± 0.0050% ID/g) compared to nontargeted GNPs (0.0073 ± 0.0024% ID/g) as measured by dissection and tissue counting.

Effect of human milk on blood and bone marrow cells in a malnourished mice model; comparative study with cow milk

INTRODUCTION

It has been demonstrated that the alterations caused by nutrient deficiency can be reverted by adequate nutritional repletion.

OBJECTIVE

To perform comparative studies between human and cow milks in order to evaluate the impact of both milks on the recovery of blood and bone marrow cells affected in malnourished mice.

METHOD

Weaned mice were malnourished after consuming a protein free diet for 21 days. Malnourished mice received cow or human milk (CM or HM) for 7 or 14 consecutive days. During the period of administration of milk, the mice consumed the protein free diet ad libitum. The malnourished control (MNC) group received only protein free diet whereas the wellnourished control (WNC) mice consumed the balanced conventional diet.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Both milks normalized serum albumin levels and improved thymus weight. Human milk was less effective than cow milk to increase body weight and serum transferrin levels. In contrast, human milk was more effective than cow milk to increase the number of leukocytes (WNC: 6.90 ± 1.60a; MNC: 2.80 ± 0.90b; CM 7d: 3.74 ± 1.10b; HM 7d: 7.16 ± 1.90a; CM 14d: 4.35 ± 1.20b; HM 14d: 6.75 ± 1.20a (109/L); p < 0.05) and lymphocytes (WNC: 5.80 ± 0.36a; MNC: 1.80 ± 0.40b; CM 7d: 2.50 ± 0.30b; HM 7d: 4.20 ± 0.50c; CM 14d: 3.30 ± 0.31d; HM 14d: 4.70 ± 0.28c (109/L); p < 0.05) in peripheral blood. Both milks induced an increment in mitotic pool cells in bone marrow and α-naphthyl butyrate esterase positive cells in peripheral blood. They also normalized phagocytic function in blood neutrophils and oxidative burst in peritoneal cells.

CONCLUSION

Both milks were equally effective to exert favorable effects on the number of the bone marrow cells and the functions of the blood and peritoneal cells involved in immune response. However, only human milk normalized the number of leukocytes and increased the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood.

Spatial distribution and temporal trends of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Iberian Mediterranean coast

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been determined in blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from several Iberian Mediterranean coastal areas through the implementation of a monitoring programme from Spain in the framework of the Mediterranean Pollution Programme (MED POL). The selected areas correspond to sites with differing degrees of exposure to the main pollution sources (hot spots, coastal and reference areas). The sampling campaigns were performed from 2004 to 2009, with samples being taken from May to June, the non-spawning period for mussels in this area. Thirteen PAHs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with specific fluorescence detection. In general, total PAHs concentration was lower than 50 μg kg(-1) d.w., except in areas close to the principal ports and cities (Barcelona, Tarragona, Valencia and Algeciras) where it varies from 75 to 390 μg kg(-1) d.w. Background concentrations have been proposed for PAHs in mussels (23.8 μg kg(-1) d.w.) from Western Mediterranean area. Temporal trends were not statistically significant for PAHs concentrations from 2004 to 2009. Longer monitoring periods would be required to detect a continuous tendency, especially for PAHs because although the efficiency of combustion engines has reduced PAHs emissions, their increasing use could alter this potential reduction. The predominant PAHs were three and four ring congeners in all cases, with the predominance of phenanthrene in mussels sited far from the main PAHs sources. The phenanthrene/anthracene (lower than 10) and fluoranthene/pyrene (higher than 1) ratios indicate that PAHs detected in Spanish Mediterranean coastal mussels are mainly of pyrolytic origin.

Glyconanoparticles as multifunctional and multimodal carbohydrate systems

The quest for the construction of multivalent carbohydrate systems, with precise geometries that are highly efficient in interacting with carbohydrate binding proteins, has been a goal of synthetic chemists since the discovery of the multivalent nature of carbohydrate-mediated interactions. However, the control of the spatial and topological requirements for these systems is still a challenge. Glyconanoparticles (GNPs) are sugar-coated gold, iron oxide or semiconductor nanoparticles with defined thiol-ending glycosides that combine the multivalent presentation of carbohydrates (glycoclusters) with the special chemico-physical properties of the nano-sized metallic core. The possibility of attaching different types of carbohydrates and other molecules (such as luminescent probes, peptides, and magnetic chelates) onto the same gold nanoparticle in a controlled way (multifunctional GNPs), as well as modifying the core in order to obtain glyconanoparticles with magnetic or fluorescence properties (multimodal GNPs) makes this multivalent glyco-scaffold suitable for carrying out studies on carbohydrate-mediated interactions and applications in molecular imaging. In this review, we focus mainly on the rational design of glyconanoparticles as scaffolds for combining different ligands and survey the most recent examples of glyconanoparticles as both multivalent carbohydrate systems and probes for molecular imaging.

Tear proteome and protein network analyses reveal a novel pentamarker panel for tear film characterization in dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction

Dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction are common ocular surface disorders. Discrimination of both conditions often may be difficult given the overlapping of signs and symptoms, and the lack of correlation with clinical parameters. A total of 144 individuals were included in this study. To search for proteome differences, tear proteins were collected by Merocel sponge and analyzed using 2D-PAGE. Comparative tear protein profile analysis indicated changes in the expression levels of fifteen proteins. Subsequent to MALDI-TOF/TOF protein identification, network analysis revealed expression/interaction connections with other proteins, thereby identifying additional putative markers. A screening validation assay demonstrated the discriminative power of six candidate biomarkers. A further validation study using multiplexed-like ELISA assays in tear samples collected with both sponge and capillary confirmed the high discriminatory power of five biomarkers: S100A6, annexin A1 (ANXA1), annexin A11 (ANXA11), cystatin-S (CST4), and phospholipase A2-activating protein (PLAA) with an area under ROC curve (AUC)≥ 97.9% (sensitivity ≥ 94.3%; specificity ≥ 97.6%) when comparing dry eye and control individuals. This panel also discriminated between dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction and control individuals, with a global correct assignment (CA) of 73.2% between all groups. Correct assignment was not found to be significantly dependent on the tear collection method.

Impact of defoliation intensities on plant biomass, nutrient uptake and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in Lotus tenuis growing in a saline-sodic soil

The impact of different defoliation intensities on the ability of Lotus tenuis plants to regrowth, mobilise nutrients and to associate with native AM fungi and Rhizobium in a saline-sodic soil was investigated. After 70 days, plants were subjected to 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% defoliation and shoot regrowth was assessed at the end of subsequent 35 days. Compared to non-defoliated plants, low or moderate defoliation up to 75% did not affect shoot regrowth. However, 100% treatment affected shoot regrowth and the clipped plants were not able to compensate the growth attained by non-defoliated plants. Root growth was more affected by defoliation than shoot growth. P and N concentrations in shoots and roots increased with increasing defoliation while Na(+) concentration in shoots of non-defoliated and moderately defoliated plants was similar. Non-defoliated and moderately defoliated plants prevented increases of Na(+) concentration in shoots through both reducing Na(+) uptake and Na(+) transport to shoots by accumulating Na(+) in roots. At high defoliation, the salinity tolerance mechanism is altered and Na(+) concentration in shoots was higher than in roots. Reduction in the photosynthetic capacity induced by defoliation neither changed the root length colonised by AM fungi nor arbuscular colonisation but decreased the vesicular colonisation. Spore density did not change, but hyphal density and Rhizobium nodules increased with defoliation. The strategy of the AM symbiont consists in investing most of the C resources to preferentially retain arbuscular colonisation as well as inoculum density in the soil.

Kikuchi disease with skin lesions mimicking lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Kikuchi disease (Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis) is a systemic illness of unkown etiology. It is characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy and fever. The skin is the most frequently affected extranodal organ. Cuta-neous Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease can mimic both clinically and histolo-gically skin lesions in lupus erythema-tosus, a disorder with which it seems to be closely related. A close follow up is required as systemic lupus erythema-tosus develop-ment has been reported.

MAIN OBSERVATION

We report a case of a 23-year-old woman, who was admitted to our depart-ment with high fever, skin lesions and arthralgia. Scaly and erythematous plaques were noted on both cheeks and earlobes. In pads of feet and hands and periungual area, multiple purple papules with a perilesional erythematous halo were evident. A thoraco-abdominal computed tomography scan revealed lateral cervical, mediastinal, paratracheal, subcarinal and submandi-bular lympha-denopathy. Excisional node biopsy was consisten with Kikuchi disease with skin involvement.

CONCLUSION

It has to be kept in mind that Kikuchi disease is a differential diag-nosis in case of fever, lymphade-nopathy and lupus-like skin lesions. Skin lesions in this disease and may resemble clinically and histologically to those of subacute lupus erythema-tosus or systemic erythema-tosus lupus.

[Epidemiological profile of late mortality in severe polytraumatisms]

OBJECTIVE

A study is made of the epidemiology, chronogramand causes of late mortality in traumatized patients.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational cohort study of adult trauma patients was carried out.

SETTINGS

Province of Guipúzcoa (Basque Country, Spain). Intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients with severe trauma (Injury Severity Score > 15), admitted to the ICU from January 1995 to December 2009, with late death (> 7 days).

VARIABLES

Epidemiological, laboratory test, hemodynamic and transfusional data were collected. Severity scores: Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) and ISS.

RESULTS

Patients: 2003; ISS: 24.3±14.2. Total deaths: 405 (20%). Late mortality (>7 days): 102 (25.2%) patients, 9 years older and with a lower (18 points) ISS score than the patients who died early (48 hours). Most frequent injuries: AIS-Head-Cervical spine ≥ 4 (52%); AIS-Abdomen ≥ 4 (19.6%); AIS-Chest ≥ 4 (11.7%); AIS-Extremities ≥ 4 (4.9%). Causes of death: 1) brain death (14.7%); 2) multiorgan failure (67.6%), in two injury contexts: a) severe brain trauma in the vegetative state and high spinal cord injuries with tetraplegia (35.3%); and b) non-neurological injuries (32.3%) with a high prevalence of hypovolemic shock, multiple transfusion and coagulopathy; 3) miscellaneous (10.7%): post-resuscitation anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, pulmonary embolism and massive stroke; 4) non-evaluable (7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, severity and type of injuries have an influence upon the time distribution and causality of late mortality. Brain death remains predominant, with multiorgan failure as the most frequent cause. This knowledge should contribute to the identification of problems, and to better organization of the structural and educational resources, thereby reducing the likely factors leading to death from trauma.

Spreading of pollutants from alkaline mine drainage. Rodalquilar mining district (SE Spain)

In the Rodalquilar mining district of SE Spain, a total of 46 soil samples that were between 0 and 20 cm in depth were taken from the tailings dump, stream sediments, and surfaces that were presumably were unaffected by mining. In each soil sample, organic carbon content, pH, particle size distribution and total and soluble trace element content were analysed. Pollutants were scattered by runoff from two source areas: tailings from Au mining (Sn, Sb, As and Se) and wastes from Pb mining (Pb, Cu and Zn). Sn, Pb, and Sb were spread mostly in the solid phase of the runoff, while Cu, Zn, As and Se were spread in both the solid and soluble phases of the runoff. The pollutants with the highest soluble concentrations were As and Se, which were scattered at greater distances from the source. Some evidence suggests that tailings from Au mining could also be scattered by wind, but no farther than 1500 m from the source.

Review of theoretical studies for prediction of neurodegenerative inhibitors

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by several pathologies, this disease is a neuropathological lesion in brain. Indeed, a wealth of evidence suggests that β-amyloid is central to the pathophysiology of AD and is likely to play an early role in this intractable neurodegenerative disorder. AD is the most prevalent form of dementia, and current indications show that twenty-nine million people live with AD worldwide, a figure expected rise exponentially over the coming decades. Clearly, blocking disease progression or, in the best-case scenario, preventing AD altogether would be of benefit in both social and economic terms. However, current AD therapies are merely palliative and only temporarily slow cognitive decline, and treatments that address the underlying pathologic mechanisms of AD are completely lacking. While familial AD (FAD) is caused by autosomal dominant mutations in either amyloid precursor protein (APP) or the presenilin (PS1, PS2) genes. First, we revised 2D QSAR, 3D QSAR, CoMFA, CoMSIA and Docking of β and γ-secretase inhibitors. Next, we review 2D QSAR, 3D QSAR, CoMFA, CoMSIA and docking for GSK-3α and GSK-3β with different compound to find out the structural requirements.

Live imaging of mouse endogenous neural progenitors migrating in response to an induced tumor

Adult neurogenesis is restricted to specific brain regions. Although involved in the continuous supply of interneurons for the olfactory function, the role of neural precursors in brain damage-repair remains an open question. Aiming to in vivo identify endogenous neural precursor cells migrating towards a brain damage site, the monoclonal antibody Nilo2 recognizing cell surface antigens on neuroblasts, was coupled to magnetic glyconanoparticles (mGNPs). The Nilo2-mGNP complexes allowed, by magnetic resonance imaging in living animals, the in vivo identification of endogenous neural precursors at their niche, as well as their migration to a lesion site (induced brain tumor), which was fast (within hours) and orderly. Interestingly, the rapid migration of neuroblasts towards a damage site is a characteristic that might be exploited to precisely localize early damage events in neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, it might facilitate the study of regenerative mechanisms through the activation of endogenous neural cell precursors. A similar approach, combining magnetic glyconanoparticles linked to appropriate antibodies could be applied to flag other small cell subpopulations within the organism, track their migration, localize stem cell niches, cancer stem cells or even track metastatic cells.

Evolution of the magnetic properties of Co10Cu90 nanoparticles prepared by wet chemistry with thermal annealing

Nanoparticles of Co10Cu90 alloy have been prepared by sonochemical wet method. According to transmission electron microscopy, bimetallic particles with typical diameter of 50-100 nm consisting of nanocrystallites with average diameter of 15-20 nm were obtained. The samples were annealed at 300 degrees C and 450 degrees C. Zero field cooled and field cooled temperature dependences of magnetization in the temperature range of 5-400 K at 50 Oe, as well as magnetization hysteresis loops at 15, 100 and 305 K were measured by vibrating sample magnetometry. Presence of antiferromagnetic phase, most probably of the oxide Co3O4, was observed in as-prepared sample. The lowest coercivity was found for the CoCu sample annealed at-300 degrees C, whereas for as prepared sample and the one annealed at 450 degrees C it was significantly higher. The samples were additionally probed by continuous wave ferromagnetic resonance at room, temperature using a standard X-band electron spin resonance spectrometer. A good correspondence between evolution of the coercivity and the microwave resonance fields with annealing temperature was observed.