Ultraconfined Plasmons in Atomically Thin Crystalline Silver Nanostructures

The ability to confine light down to atomic scales is critical for the development of applications in optoelectronics and optical sensing as well as for the exploration of nanoscale quantum phenomena. Plasmons in metallic nanostructures with just a few atomic layers in thickness can achieve this type of confinement, although fabrication imperfections down to the subnanometer scale hinder actual developments. Here, narrow plasmons are demonstrated in atomically thin crystalline silver nanostructures fabricated by prepatterning silicon substrates and epitaxially depositing silver films of just a few atomic layers in thickness. Specifically, a silicon wafer is lithographically patterned to introduce on-demand lateral shapes, chemically process the sample to obtain an atomically flat silicon surface, and epitaxially deposit silver to obtain ultrathin crystalline metal films with the designated morphologies. Structures fabricated by following this procedure allow for an unprecedented control over optical field confinement in the near-infrared spectral region, which is here illustrated by the observation of fundamental and higher-order plasmons featuring extreme spatial confinement and high-quality factors that reflect the crystallinity of the metal. The present study constitutes a substantial improvement in the degree of spatial confinement and quality factor that should facilitate the design and exploitation of atomic-scale nanoplasmonic devices for optoelectronics, sensing, and quantum-physics applications.

Enhanced fatty acid oxidation through metformin and baicalin as therapy for COVID-19 and associated inflammatory states in lung and kidney

Progressive respiratory failure is the primary cause of death in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It is the final outcome of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by an initial exacerbated inflammatory response, metabolic derangement and ultimate tissue scarring. A positive balance of cellular energy may result crucial for the recovery of clinical COVID-19. Hence, we asked if two key pathways involved in cellular energy generation, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) signaling and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) could be beneficial. We tested the drugs metformin (AMPK activator) and baicalin (CPT1A activator) in different experimental models mimicking COVID-19 associated inflammation in lung and kidney. We also studied two different cohorts of COVID-19 patients that had been previously treated with metformin. These drugs ameliorated lung damage in an ARDS animal model, while activation of AMPK/ACC signaling increased mitochondrial function and decreased TGF-β-induced fibrosis, apoptosis and inflammation markers in lung epithelial cells. Similar results were observed with two indole derivatives, IND6 and IND8 with AMPK activating capacity. Consistently, a reduced time of hospitalization and need of intensive care was observed in COVID-19 patients previously exposed to metformin. Baicalin also mitigated the activation of pro-inflammatory bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and reduced kidney fibrosis in two animal models of kidney injury, another key target of COVID-19. In human epithelial lung and kidney cells, both drugs improved mitochondrial function and prevented TGF-β-induced renal epithelial cell dedifferentiation. Our results support that favoring cellular energy production through enhanced FAO may prove useful in the prevention of COVID-19-induced lung and renal damage.

Time Interval Between the End of Neoadjuvant Therapy and Elective Resection of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer in the CRONOS Study

Importance

The treatment for extraperitoneal locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Robust evidence on the optimal time interval between NAT completion and surgery is lacking.

Objective

To assess the association of time interval between NAT completion and TME with short- and long-term outcomes. It was hypothesized that longer intervals increase the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate without increasing perioperative morbidity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included patients with LARC from 6 referral centers who completed NAT and underwent TME between January 2005 and December 2020. The cohort was divided into 3 groups depending on the time interval between NAT completion and surgery: short (≤8 weeks), intermediate (>8 and ≤12 weeks), and long (>12 weeks). The median follow-up duration was 33 months. Data analyses were conducted from May 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022. The inverse probability of treatment weighting method was used to homogenize the analysis groups.

Exposure

Long-course chemoradiotherapy or short-course radiotherapy with delayed surgery.

Main outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was pCR. Other histopathologic results, perioperative events, and survival outcomes constituted the secondary outcomes.

Results

Among the 1506 patients, 908 were male (60.3%), and the median (IQR) age was 68.8 (59.4-76.5) years. The short-, intermediate-, and long-interval groups included 511 patients (33.9%), 797 patients (52.9%), and 198 patients (13.1%), respectively. The overall pCR was 17.2% (259 of 1506 patients; 95% CI, 15.4%-19.2%). When compared with the intermediate-interval group, no association was observed between time intervals and pCR in short-interval (odds ratio [OR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55-1.01) and long-interval (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.73-1.61) groups. The long-interval group was significantly associated with lower risk of bad response (tumor regression grade [TRG] 2-3; OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24-0.91), systemic recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.96), higher conversion risk (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.62-6.07), minor postoperative complications (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.04-1.97), and incomplete mesorectum (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.02-3.50) when compared with the intermediate-interval group.

Conclusions and Relevance

Time intervals longer than 12 weeks were associated with improved TRG and systemic recurrence but may increase surgical complexity and minor morbidity.

Tuning the carrier injection barrier of hybrid metal-organic interfaces on rare earth-gold surface compounds

Magnetic hybrid metal-organic interfaces possess a great potential in areas such as organic spintronics and quantum information processing. However, tuning their carrier injection barriers on-demand is fundamental for the implementation in technological devices. We have prepared hybrid metal-organic interfaces by the adsorption of copper phthalocyanine CuPc on REAu₂ surfaces (RE = Gd, Ho and Yb) and studied their growth, electrostatics and electronic structure. CuPc exhibits a long-range commensurability and a vacuum level pinning of the molecular energy levels. We observe a significant effect of the RE valence of the substrate on the carrier injection barrier of the hybrid metal-organic interface. CuPc adsorbed on trivalent RE-based surfaces (HoAu₂ and GdAu₂) exhibits molecular level energies that may allow injection carriers significantly closer to an ambipolar injection behavior than in the divalent case (YbAu₂).

Surgical treatment for recurrent cholangiocarcinoma: a single-center series

Purpose

The present study aims to assess the results obtained after surgical treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) recurrences.

Methods

We carried out a single-center retrospective study, including all patients with recurrence of CC. The primary outcome was patient survival after surgical treatment compared with chemotherapy or best supportive care. A multivariate analysis of variables affecting mortality after CC recurrence was performed.

Results

Eighteen patients were indicated surgery to treat CC recurrence. Severe postoperative complication rate was 27.8% with a 30-day mortality rate of 16.7%. Median survival after surgery was 15 months (range 0-50) with 1- and 3-year patient survival rates of 55.6% and 16.6%, respectively. Patient survival after surgery or CHT alone, was significantly better than receiving supportive care (p< 0.001). We found no significant difference in survival when comparing CHT alone and surgical treatment (p=0.113). Time to recurrence of <1 year, adjuvant CHT after resection of the primary tumor and undergoing surgery or CHT alone versus best supportive care were independent factors affecting mortality after CC recurrence in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Surgery or CHT alone improved patient survival after CC recurrence compared to best supportive care. Surgical treatment did not improve patient survival compared to CHT alone.

Assessment of humoral immune response to two mRNA SARS-CoV-2 VACCINES (Moderna and Pfizer) in healthcare workers fully vaccinated with and without a history of previous infection

Aims

Presence of anti‐S1 region of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein was analysed, at two and eight months, in 477 immunocompetent healthcare workers in Zaragoza, Spain, vaccinated with mRNA‐1273 (Moderna) or BNT162b2 (Pfizer).

Methods and results

Antibody analysis was performed with Alinity i System (Abbott). At 2 months, 100% of vaccinated had anti‐S1 IgG (mean = 13,285 AU ml⁻¹). This value was significantly higher with Moderna (18,192 AU ml⁻¹) than with Pfizer (10,441 AU ml⁻¹). The mean value of anti‐S1 IgG after vaccination was significantly higher in patients with than without previous infection (18,539 vs. 7919 AU ml⁻¹); in both groups was significantly higher with Moderna than with Pfizer (21,881 vs. 15,733 AU ml⁻¹ and 11,949 vs. 6387 AU ml⁻¹), respectively. At 8 months, 100% of patients were IgG positive, with higher levels with Moderna than with Pfizer. Nevertheless, in ensemble of cases, a mean decrease of antibody levels of 11,025 AU ml⁻¹ was observed.

Conclusion

At 2 and 8 months after vaccination, IgG response persists with both vaccines but with important decrease which suggests the need for revaccination.

Significance and impact of study

The study contributes to know the immune status after vaccination with two of more used anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. This knowledge is important for establishing the best vaccination strategy

An Update on Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Activities of the Genus Persicaria and Polygonum

The discovery of new pharmaceutical identities, particularly anti-infective agents, represents an urgent need due to the increase in immunocompromised patients and the ineffectiveness/toxicity of the drugs currently used. The scientific community has recognized in the last decades the importance of the plant kingdom as a huge source of novel molecules which could act against different type of infections or illness. However, the great diversity of plant species makes it difficult to select them with probabilities of success, adding to the fact that existing information is difficult to find, it is atomized or disordered. Persicaria and Polygonum constitute two of the main representatives of the Polygonaceae family, which have been extensively used in traditional medicine worldwide. Important and structurally diverse bioactive compounds have been isolated from these genera of wild plants; among them, sesquiterpenes and flavonoids should be remarked. In this article, we firstly mention all the species reported with pharmacological use and their geographical distribution. Moreover, a number of tables which summarize an update detailing the type of natural product (extract or isolated compound), applied doses, displayed bioassays and the results obtained for the main bioactivities of these genera cited in the literature during the past 40 years. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anticancer, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-diabetic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, gastroprotective and neuropharmacological activities were explored and reviewed in this work, concluding that both genera could be the source for upcoming molecules to treat different human diseases.

High-flow nasal oxygen reduces endotracheal intubation: a randomized clinical trial

Background:

The benefits of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as primary intervention in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) are still a matter in debate. Our objective was to compare HFNC therapy versus conventional oxygen therapy (COT) in the prevention of endotracheal intubation in this group of patients.

Methods:

An open-label, controlled and single-centre clinical trial was conducted in patients with severe AHRF, defined by a PaO₂/FIO₂ ratio ⩽200, to compare HFNC with a control group (CG) treated by COT delivered through a face mask, with the need to perform intubation as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included tolerance of the HFNC device and to look for the predictive factors for intubation in these patients.

Results:

A total of 46 patients were included (22 in the COT group and 24 in the HFNC group) 48% of whom needed intubation: 63% in the COT group and 33% in the HFNC group, with significant differences both in intention to treat [χ² = 4.2; p = 0.04, relative risk (RR) = 0.5; confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.3–1.0] and also in treatment analysis (χ² = 4.7; p = 0.03; RR = 0.5; IC 95%: 0.3–0.9) We obtained a number needed to treat (NNT) = 3 patients treated to avoid an intubation. Intubation occurred significantly later in the HFNC group. Estimated PaO₂/FIO₂, respiratory rate and dyspnea were significantly better in the HFNC group. Patients treated with HFNC who required intubation presented significant worsening after the first 8 h, as compared with non-intubated HFNC group patients. Mortality was 22% with no differences. The HFNC group patients were hospitalized for almost half of the time in the intensive care unit (ICU) and in the ward, with significantly less hospital length of stay. A total of 14 patients in the HFNC group (58%) complained of excessive heat and 17% of noise; 3 patients did not tolerate HFNC.

Conclusion:

Patients with severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure who tolerate HFNC present a significantly lower need for endotracheal intubation compared with conventional oxygen therapy.

Clinical Trial Register

EUDRA CT number: 2012-001671-36

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Atomically-Precise Texturing of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanostripes

Monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is attracting considerable attention because of its potential applications in areas such as nano- and opto-electronics, quantum optics and nanomagnetism. However, the implementation of such functional hBN demands precise lateral nanostructuration and integration with other two-dimensional materials, and hence, novel routes of synthesis beyond exfoliation. Here, a disruptive approach is demonstrated, namely, imprinting the lateral pattern of an atomically stepped one-dimensional template into a hBN monolayer. Specifically, hBN is epitaxially grown on vicinal Rhodium (Rh) surfaces using a Rh curved crystal for a systematic exploration, which produces a periodically textured, nanostriped hBN carpet that coats Rh(111)-oriented terraces and lattice-matched Rh(337) facets with tunable width. The electronic structure reveals a nanoscale periodic modulation of the hBN atomic potential that leads to an effective lateral semiconductor multi-stripe. The potential of such atomically thin hBN heterostructure for future applications is discussed.

Safety and efficacy of coronary laser ablation as an adjunctive therapy in percutaneous coronary intervention: a single-centre experience

BACKGROUND

Coronary laser is a long-established coadjuvant therapy in interventional cardiology. This study aimed to present our experience regarding the safety and efficacy of laser assistance to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in different scenarios of coronary artery disease.

METHODS

We used coronary laser as an adjunctive therapy for PCI between May 2014 and March 2020. The safety of laser ablation was evaluated by studying any complication associated with the laser application. Besides, the laser contribution to PCI and 1 year of follow-up for adverse cardiac events was studied.

RESULTS

Coronary laser was performed in 81 lesions and 75 patients in different scenarios to assist PCI. The average age was 66 ± 11.7 years and 72 (88.9%) were men. Coronary laser was used in 30 (37%) cases for in-stent-material debulking; 26 (32.1%) in primary angioplasty, 19 (23.4%) in chronic total occlusion and 5 (6.2%) in saphenous vein grafts. Procedural success was achieved in 77 (95.1%) with 1 (1.2%) type III coronary perforation. One year of follow-up for combined adverse cardiac events consisting of death due to any cause, myocardial infarction or target vessel failure showed an event-free rate of 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary experience reveals the safety and efficacy of the current modality of coronary laser as a coadjuvant therapy in PCI with a low rate of adverse cardiac events in 1-year of follow-up. Further studies are needed to establish more precisely the contribution of laser application in different contexts of coronary artery disease.

Colchicine treatment in children with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome: A multicenter study in Spain

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of colchicine therapy in pediatric patients with PFAPA syndrome who present with an incomplete response to the standard treatment or with frequent episodes (an interval of less than 14 days between two disease flares).

METHODS

A multicenter cohort study of children diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome and treated with colchicine was performed in three separate hospitals located in Spain. The patients clinical and laboratory data were reviewed by accessing their medical records. Response to colchicine was evaluated after 12 months of treatment for frequency, duration, and intensity of PFAPA episodes.

RESULTS

A total of 13 children were included in our study, 43% of whom were boys. Median age of the colchicine therapy initiation was 6 years (interquartile range (IQR)=3-9.5). Following a 12-month period of colchicine therapy (median dosage of 0.02 mg/kg/day; IQR=0.02-0.03), a significant decrease in the median number of flares (median 8; IQR=7-14 vs 3; IQR=2-4; p=0.005) and the duration of disease episodes (median 4 days; IQR=3.25-5.125 vs 1 day; IQR=1-2; p=0.003) was observed. Furthermore, the highest degree of fever during disease flares was reduced from median 40ºC (IQR=39.5-40) to 38.5ºC (IQR=37.7-38.9) (p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

Colchicine therapy decreased the frequency and intensity of PFAPA. The use of colchicine could be an effective treatment in pediatric patients with PFAPA syndrome who present with frequent or severe relapses.

The relationship between the phageome and human health: are bacteriophages beneficial or harmful microbes?

In the context of the global antibiotic resistance crisis, bacteriophages are increasingly becoming promising antimicrobial agents against multi-resistant bacteria. Indeed, a huge effort is being made to bring phage-derived products to the market, a process that will also require revising the current regulations in order to facilitate their approval. However, despite the evidence supporting the safety of phages for humans, the general public would still be reluctant to use 'viruses' for therapeutic purposes. In this scenario, we consider that it is important to discuss the role of these microorganisms in the equilibrium of the microbiota and how this relates to human health. To do that, this review starts by examining the role of phages as key players in bacterial communities (including those that naturally inhabit the human body), modulating the species composition and contributing to maintain a 'healthy' status quo. Additionally, in specific situations, e.g. an infectious disease, bacteriophages can be used as target-specific antimicrobials against pathogenic bacteria (phage therapy), while being harmless to the desirable microbiota. Apart from that, incipient research shows the potential application of these viruses to treat diseases caused by bacterial dysbiosis. This latter application would be comparable to the use of probiotics or prebiotics, since bacteriophages can indirectly improve the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract by removing undesirable competitors. On the other hand, possible adverse effects do not appear to be an impediment to promote phage therapy. Nonetheless, it is important to remember their potentially negative impact, mainly concerning their immunogenicity or their potential spread of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, especially by temperate phages. Overall, we believe that phages should be largely considered beneficial microbes, although it is paramount not to overlook their potential risks.

Understanding the natural selection of human embryos: blastocyst quality modulates the inflammatory response during the peri-implantation period

PROBLEM

Decidualized cells display an active role during embryo implantation sensing blastocyst quality, allowing the implantation of normal developed blastocysts and preventing the invasion of impaired developed ones. Here, we characterized the immune microenvironment generated by decidualized cells in response to soluble factors secreted by blastocysts that shape the receptive milieu.

METHOD OF STUDY

We used an in vitro model of decidualization based on the Human Endometrial Stromal Cells line (HESC) differentiated with medroxiprogesterone and dibutyryl-cAMP, then treated with human blastocysts-conditioned media (BCM) classified according to their quality.

RESULTS

Decidualized cells treated with BCM from impaired developed blastocysts increased IL-1β production. Next, we evaluated the ability of decidualized cells to modulate other mediators associated with menstruation as chemokines. Decidualized cells responded to stimulation with BCM from impaired developed blastocysts increasing CXCL12 expression and CXCL8 secretion. The modulation of these markers was associated with the recruitment and activation of neutrophils, while regulatory T cells recruitment was restrained. These changes were not observed in the presence of BCM from normal developed blastocysts.

CONCLUSION

Soluble factors released by impaired developed blastocysts induce an exacerbated inflammatory response associated with neutrophils recruitment and activation, providing new clues to understand the molecular basis of the embryo-endometrial dialogue.

Iron oxide-mediated photo-Fenton catalysis in the inactivation of enteric bacteria present in wastewater effluents at neutral pH

The pressure on natural water resources associated with increasing water scarcity highlights the value of using reclaimed water through the development of efficient and environmentally friendly treatment technologies. In this work, the use of magnetic nanoparticles in photo-Fenton catalysis for water disinfection was considered to inactivate natural enteric bacteria present in municipal wastewater effluents under white light and neutral pH. The most recommended ranges were evaluated in key variables such as the loading and composition of nanoparticles (NPs), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration, the light source (UV and visible) and treatment time were evaluated in wastewater disinfection expressed in terms of total coliforms and Escherichia coli colony forming units (CFU). The magnetic separation of NPs allowed the disinfection process to be carried out in different cycles, facilitating the recovery of the nanocatalyst and avoiding its discharge with the treated effluent.

VIP conditions human endometrial receptivity by privileging endoplasmic reticulum stress through ATF6α pathway

Endometrial stromal cells undergo endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) during the decidualization linked with the inflammation and angiogenesis processes. Considering VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) induces the decidualization program, we studied whether modulates the ER/UPR pathways to condition both processes for embryo implantation. When Human Endometrial Stromal Cell line (HESC) were decidualized by VIP we observed an increased expression of ATF6α, an ER stress-sensor, and UPR markers, associated with an increase in IL-1β production. Moreover, AEBSF (ATF6α -inhibitor pathway) prevented this effect and decreased the expansion index in the in vitro model of implantation. VIP-decidualized cells also favor angiogenesis accompanied by a strong downregulation in thrombospondin-1. Finally, ATF6α, VIP and VPAC2-receptor expression were reduced in endometrial biopsies from women with recurrent implantation failures in comparison with fertile. In conclusion, VIP privileged ATF6α-pathway associated with a sterile inflammatory response and angiogenesis that might condition endometrial receptivity.

Decidualization Process Induces Maternal Monocytes to Tolerogenic IL-10-Producing Dendritic Cells (DC-10)

Decidualization is a process that involves phenotypic and functional changes of endometrial stromal cells to sustain endometrial receptivity and the participation of immunoregulatory factors to maintain immune homeostasis. In this context, tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) can induce regulatory T cells, which are essential to manage the pro- to anti-inflammatory transition during embryo implantation. Recently, Myeloid Regulatory Cells (MRCs) were proposed as immunosuppressants and tolerance-inducer cells, including the DC-10 subset. This novel and distinctive subset has the ability to produce IL-10 and to induce type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1) through an HLA-G pathway. Here we focus on the impact of the decidualization process in conditioning peripheral monocytes to MRCs and the DC-10 subset, and their ability to induce regulatory T cells. An in vitro model of decidualization with the human endometrial stromal cell line (HESC), decidualized by medroxyprogesterone and dibutyryl-cAMP was used. Monocytes isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy women were cultured with rhGM-CSF + rhIL-4 and then, the effect of conditioned media from decidualized (Dec-CM) and non-decidualized cells (Non-dec-CM) was tested on monocyte cultures. We found that Dec-CM inhibited the differentiation to the CD1a⁺CD14^– immature DC profile in a concentration-dependent manner. Dec-CM also significantly increased the frequency of CD83⁺CD86^low and HLA-DR⁺ cells in the monocyte-derived culture. These markers, associated with the increased production of IL-10, are consistent with a MRCs tolerogenic profile. Interestingly, Dec-CM treatment displayed a higher expression of the characteristic markers of the tolerogenic DC-10 subset, HLA-G and ILT2/CD85j; while this modulation was not observed in cultures treated with Non-dec-CM. Moreover, when monocyte cultures with Dec-CM were challenged with LPS, they sustained a higher IL-10 production and prevented the increase of CD83, CD86, IL-12p70, and TNF-α expression. Finally, the DC-10 subset was able to induce a CD4⁺HLA-G⁺ regulatory T cells subset. These results suggest that the decidualization process might induce different subsets of MRCs, like DC-10, able to induce regulatory T cells as a novel CD4⁺HLA-G⁺ subset which might play an immunoregulatory role in embryo implantation.

Immunoregulation of the decidualization program: focus on the endoplasmic reticulum stress

Decidualization denotes the reprogramming of endometrial stromal cells that includes the secretion of different mediators like cytokines, chemokines, and the selective recruitment of immune cells. This physiological process involves changes in the secretome of the endometrial stromal cells leading to the production of immunomodulatory factors. The increased amount of protein secretion is associated with a physiological endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the resulting unfolded protein response (UPR), allowing the expansion of ER and the machinery to assist the protein folding. Notably, the signaling pathways involved in the ER stress and the UPR are interconnected with the onset of a sterile inflammatory response, as well as with angiogenesis. Both of these processes have a key role in decidualization and placentation, therefore, alterations in them could lead to pregnancy complications. In this review, we will discuss how the induction of ER stress and the UPR processes that accompanies the decidualization are associated with embryo implantation and whether they might condition pregnancy outcome. The ER stress activates/triggers sensing proteins which, among others, induces kinase/RNAse-TXNIP expression, activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. This multiprotein system allows caspase-1 activation, which catalyzes the cleavage of the inactive IL-1β proform toward the mature secretory form, with pro-implantatory effects. However, the sterile inflammatory response should be later controlled in favor of a tolerogenic microenvironment to sustain pregnancy. In accordance, alterations of the ER stress and UPR processes can be reflected in recurrent implantation failures (RIF), recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), or complications associated with deficient placentation, such as preeclampsia (PE).

VIP Promotes Recruitment of Tregs to the Uterine-Placental Interface During the Peri-Implantation Period to Sustain a Tolerogenic Microenvironment

Uterine receptivity and embryo implantation are two main processes that need a finely regulated balance between pro-inflammatory and tolerogenic mediators to allow a successful pregnancy. The neuroimmune peptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a key regulator, and it is involved in the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are crucial in both processes. Here, we analyzed the ability of endogenous and exogenous VIP to sustain a tolerogenic microenvironment during the peri-implantation period, particularly focusing on Treg recruitment. Wild-type (WT) and VIP-deficient mice [heterozygous (HT, +/-), knockout (KO, -/-)], and FOXP3-knock-in-GFP mice either pregnant or in estrus were used. During the day of estrus, we found significant histological differences between the uterus of WT mice vs. VIP-deficient mice, with the latter exhibiting undetectable levels of FOXP3 expression, decreased expression of interleukin (IL)-10, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)c, and increased gene expression of the Th17 proinflammatory transcription factor RORγt. To study the implantation window, we mated WT and VIP (+/-) females with WT males and observed altered FOXP3, VEGFc, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)β gene expression at the implantation sites at day 5.5 (d5.5), demonstrating a more inflammatory environment in VIP (+/-) vs. VIP (+/+) females. A similar molecular profile was observed at implantation sites of WT × WT mice treated with VIP antagonist at d3.5. We then examined the ability GFP-sorted CD4+ cells from FOXP3-GFP females to migrate toward conditioned media (CM) obtained from d5.5 implantation sites cultured in the absence/presence of VIP or VIP antagonist. VIP treatment increased CD4+FOXP3+ and decreased CD4+ total cell migration towards implantation sites, and VIP antagonist prevented these effects. Finally, we performed adoptive cell transfer of Tregs (sorted from FOXP3-GFP females) in VIP-deficient-mice, and we observed that FOXP3-GFP cells were mainly recruited into the uterus/implantation sites compared to all other tested tissues. In addition, after Treg transfer, we found an increase in IL-10 expression and VEGFc in HT females and allowed embryo implantation in KO females. In conclusion, VIP contributes to a local tolerogenic response necessary for successful pregnancy, preventing the development of a hostile uterine microenvironment for implantation by the selective recruitment of Tregs during the peri-implantation period.

[Identification of ICF categories representative of functioning problems in adult cancer patients at hospital discharge: National expert consensus]

INTRODUCTION

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a standardised language and conceptual framework for health and health-related conditions, aiming to unify communication between different disciplines.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the process of selecting (through national expert consensus) ICF categories representative of functioning problems in cancer patients at hospital discharge.

METHOD

We conducted a descriptive qualitative and quantitative study that used the expert consensus method to design a clinical instrument. The study included 21 experts, consisting of 2 patients and 19 health professionals from different disciplines. A total of 208 ICF categories obtained in a previous stage through a systematic review and linking process were evaluated in 3 rounds. Participants evaluated each code and classified it as: highly relevant, relevant, slightly relevant, and not relevant at all. Only those codes assessed as «highly relevant» by more than 50% of the experts were included (cut off). In addition, another 143 ICF categories were evaluated in the second round.

RESULTS

In all, 24 ICF categories were obtained: 10 corresponded to the body function component, 11 to activities and participation, and 3 to environmental factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Consensus using the common language of the ICF resulted in the selection of 24 representative categories of the main health problems related to functioning at hospital discharge in adults treated for cancer.

[Secondary glomerulonephritis in neurofibromatosis type 1. Two case reports]

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder with systemic clinical manifestations. There are few publications about the renal effects of this disease, with renal vascular disease and adrenal tumors being the most frequent forms of renal involvement, while cases describing glomerular effects are exceptional. Despite the lack of published information, common molecular mechanisms in both NF-1 and nephrotic syndrome, involving the mTOR pathway, were suggested to explain a possible association between both pathologies. We present two cases of renal involvement in the form of nephrotic syndrome in patients diagnosed with NF1. A 41-year-old female was diagnosed of NF-1 in the context of a nephrotic syndrome with resistance to steroid treatment; the renal biopsy revealed a diagnosis of minimal changes disease. The second case is other 71-year-old woman with a history of NF-1, who presented a nephrotic syndrome and secondary renal amyloidosis.

Use of physiological information based on grayscale images to improve mass spectrometry imaging data analysis from biological tissues

The characterization of cancer tissues by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry images (MALDI-MSI) is of great interest because of the power of MALDI-MS to understand the composition of biological samples and the imaging side that allows for setting spatial boundaries among tissues of different nature based on their compositional differences. In tissue-based cancer research, information on the spatial location of necrotic/tumoral cell populations can be approximately known from grayscale images of the scanned tissue slices. This study proposes as a major novelty the introduction of this physiologically-based information to help in the performance of unmixing methods, oriented to extract the MS signatures and distribution maps of the different tissues present in biological samples. Specifically, the information gathered from grayscale images will be used as a local rank constraint in Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) for the analysis of MALDI-MSI of cancer tissues. The use of this constraint, setting absence of certain kind of tissues only in clear zones of the image, will help to improve the performance of MCR-ALS and to provide a more reliable definition of the chemical MS fingerprint and location of the tissues of interest. The general strategy to address the analysis of MALDI-MSI of cancer tissues will involve the study of the MCR-ALS results and the posterior use of MCR-ALS scores as dimensionality reduction for image segmentation based on K-means clustering. The resolution method will provide the MS signatures and their distribution maps for each tissue in the sample. Then, the resolved distribution maps for each biological component (MCR scores) will be submitted as initial information to K-means clustering for image segmentation to obtain information on the boundaries of the different tissular regions in the samples studied. MCR-ALS prior to K-means not only provides the desired dimensionality reduction, but additionally resolved non-biological signal contributions are not used and the weight given to the different biological components in the segmentation process can be modulated by suitable preprocessing methods.

Plasmonics in Atomically Thin Crystalline Silver Films

Light-matter interaction at the atomic scale rules fundamental phenomena such as photoemission and lasing while enabling basic everyday technologies, including photovoltaics and optical communications. In this context, plasmons, the collective electron oscillations in conducting materials, are important because they allow the manipulation of optical fields at the nanoscale. The advent of graphene and other two-dimensional crystals has pushed plasmons down to genuinely atomic dimensions, displaying appealing properties such as a large electrical tunability. However, plasmons in these materials are either too broad or lying at low frequencies, well below the technologically relevant near-infrared regime. Here, we demonstrate sharp near-infrared plasmons in lithographically patterned wafer-scale atomically thin silver crystalline films. Our measured optical spectra reveal narrow plasmons (quality factor of ∼4), further supported by a low sheet resistance comparable to bulk metal in few-atomic-layer silver films down to seven Ag(111) monolayers. Good crystal quality and plasmon narrowness are obtained despite the addition of a thin passivating dielectric, which renders our samples resilient to ambient conditions. The observation of spectrally sharp and strongly confined plasmons in atomically thin silver holds great potential for electro-optical modulation and optical sensing applications.

Insight into antibiotics removal: Exploring the photocatalytic performance of a Fe3O4/ZnO nanocomposite in a novel magnetic sequential batch reactor

The purpose of this research was the preparation and photocatalytic evaluation of a novel nanocomposite (NC) based on Fe₃O₄/ZnO, to eliminate four persistent antibiotics in surface waters: sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, erythromycin and roxithromycin. Prior to the operation of the photocatalytic reactor, the influence of pH (3-9), catalyst concentration (50-800 mg L^-1), oxidant dose (0-100 mg L^-1) and concentration of different targets (10-100 μg L^-1) on the catalytic efficiency was evaluated. The analysis of reaction kinetics showed that degradation processes of the four antibiotics followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Antibiotics adsorption onto the nanocomposite surface depended on their electrostatic nature and played an important role when decreasing the initial concentration of antibiotics. In this context, kinetic rates were higher at lower initial levels of organic pollutants, which is a favourable effect from a practical application perspective. On the other hand, a synergistic effect of the available Fe in the nanocomposite was found, contributing to the oxidation of antibiotics by photo-Fenton as a secondary reaction. Then, a magnetic photocatalytic reactor was operated under optimal conditions. The enhanced photonic efficiency of Fe₃O₄/ZnO in the system, as well as the ease of the magnetic separation and catalyst reusability, indicate the viability of this reactor configuration.

Thermal stability and interlayer exchange processes in heterolayers of TiOPc and PTCDA on Ag(1 1 1)

Organic-organic interfaces, in particular donor-acceptor type heterointerfaces, represent central elements of organic electronic devices. Understanding and controlling their physical properties is key to improve and modify their performance. For this purpose we have investigated the structural properties and thermal evolution of molecular heterointerface model systems. Specifically, various stacked titanyl-phthalocyanine (TiOPc)-3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA) heterolayers grown on Ag(1 1 1) have been examined using Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy and spot-profile analysis low-energy electron diffraction. An accurate description of the thermal evolution and prevalence of the various phases of TiOPc and PTCDA is derived from the spectral signatures of the two molecular species explored in previous studies. Exceptionally high thermal stability is found for stacked heterolayers comprising TiOPc double layers with characteristic up-down arrangement of its axial Ti-O unit and single layers of PTCDA. Thereby, interlayer exchange is negligible in a wide temperature range ([Formula: see text] K). This is ascribed to attractive intermolecular interaction (dipole-dipole interaction, hydrogen bonding) among the TiOPc molecules oriented face-to-face within the TiOPc bilayer sheet. Stacked layers of comprising single layers of TiOPc and of PTCDA turn out to be thermally much less stable and more heterogeneous. In the course of their thermal evolution, a number of processes such as interlayer exchange, TiOPc double-layer formation and dewetting are encountered.

Influence of medium viscosity and intracellular environment on the magnetization of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in silk fibroin solutions and 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell cultures

Biomedical applications based on the magnetic properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) may be altered by the mechanical attachment or cellular uptake of these nanoparticles. When nanoparticles interact with living cells, they are captured and internalized into intracellular compartments. Consequently, the magnetic behavior of the nanoparticles is modified. In this paper, we investigated the change in the magnetic response of 14 nm magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) in different solutions, both as a stable liquid suspension (one of them mimicking the cellular cytoplasm) and when associated with cells. The field-dependent magnetization curves from inert fluids and cell cultures were determined by using an alternating gradient magnetometer, MicroMagTM 2900. The equipment was adapted to measure liquid samples because it was originally designed only for solids. In order to achieve this goal, custom sample holders were manufactured. Likewise, the nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion profiles for the inert fluid were also measured by fast field cycling nuclear magnetic relaxation relaxometry. The results show that SPION magnetization in inert fluids was affected by the carrier liquid viscosity and the concentration. In cell cultures, the mechanical attachment or confinement of the SPIONs inside the cells accounted for the change in the dynamic magnetic behavior of the nanoparticles. Nevertheless, the magnetization value in the cell cultures was slightly lower than that of the fluid simulating the viscosity of cytoplasm, suggesting that magnetization loss was not only due to medium viscosity but also to a reduction in the mechanical degrees of freedom of SPIONs rotation and translation inside cells. The findings presented here provide information on the loss of magnetic properties when nanoparticles are suspended in viscous fluids or internalized in cells. This information could be exploited to improve biomedical applications based on magnetic properties such as magnetic hyperthermia, contrast agents and drug delivery.

Cerebral Microbleeds in Advanced Dementia: Clinical and Pathological Correlates

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a longitudinal study to explore the clinical and pathological correlates of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in institutionalized patients with dementia.

METHODS

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were extracted from 182 nursing home patients (mean age [standard deviation]: 81.3 [6.9], 78.0% female, and 83.4% moderate to severe dementia), which were divided according to the CMBs number and location. One-year follow-up data were obtained from 153 patients, and postmortem pathological diagnosis was available in 40 patients.

RESULTS

Cerebral microbleeds were observed in 42.9% of patients and were associated with MRI ischemic lesions ( P < .0005). In the adjusted analysis, lobar CMB predicted worsening of parkinsonism (standardized β: 0.43) and gait (standardized β: 0.24). A pathological diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease was less frequent in the brains of patients with lobar and deep CMB (33.3% vs 85.3%; P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Cerebral microbleeds were linked to cerebrovascular disease and predicted motor deterioration in institutionalized people with advanced dementia.

Impact of the Reticular Stress and Unfolded Protein Response on the inflammatory response in endometrial stromal cells

During decidualization, endometrial stromal cells undergo reticular stress (RS) and unfolded protein response (UPR), allowing the endoplasmic reticulum-expansion and immunomodulators production. Physiological RS generates the activation of sensing proteins, inflammasome activation and mature-IL-1β secretion, associated with pro-implantatory effects. We focus on the impact of RS and UPR on decidualized cells and whether they induce a physiological sterile inflammatory response through IL-1β production. Human endometrial stromal cell line (HESC) after decidualization treatment with MPA + dibutyryl-cAMP (Dec) increased the expression of RS-sensors (ATF6, PERK and IRE1α) and UPR markers (sXBP1 and CHOP) in comparison with Non-dec cells. Then we found increased NLRP3 expression in Dec cells compared with Non-dec cells. In fact STF-083010 (an IRE1α inhibitor) prevented this increase. Downstream, increased levels of active caspase-1 on Dec cells were detected by FAM-Flica Caspase-1 associated with an increase in IL-1β production. Moreover, the treatment with STF-083010 decreased the invasion index observed in Dec cells, evaluated by an in vitro model of implantation. In endometrial biopsies from recurrent spontaneous abortion patients an increased expression of IRE1α was found in comparison with fertile women; while recurrent implantation failure samples showed a lower expression of sXBP1, TXNIP and NLRP3 than fertile women, suggesting that RS/UPR tenors might condition endometrial receptivity.

Towards microbiome-informed dietary recommendations for promoting metabolic and mental health: Opinion papers of the MyNewGut project

The gut microbiota coexists in partnership with the human host through adaptations to environmental and physiological changes that help maintain dynamic homeostatic healthy states. Break-down of this delicate balance under sustained exposure to stressors (e.g. unhealthy diets) can, however, contribute to the onset of disease. Diet is a key modifiable environmental factor that modulates the gut microbiota and its metabolic capacities that, in turn, could impact human physiology. On this basis, the diet and the gut microbiota could act as synergistic forces that provide resilience against disease or that speed the progress from health to disease states. Associations between unhealthy dietary patterns, non-communicable diseases and intestinal dysbiosis can be explained by this hypothesis. Translational studies showing that dietary-induced alterations in microbial communities recapitulate some of the pathological features of the original host further support this notion. In this introductory paper by the European project MyNewGut, we briefly summarize the investigations conducted to better understand the role of dietary patterns and food components in metabolic and mental health and the specificities of the microbiome-mediating mechanisms. We also discuss how advances in the understanding of the microbiome's role in dietary health effects can help to provide acceptable scientific grounds on which to base dietary advice for promoting healthy living.

Antigenicity of Leishmania-Activated C-Kinase Antigen (LACK) in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, and Protective Effect of Prime-Boost Vaccination With pCI-neo-LACK Plus Attenuated LACK-Expressing Vaccinia Viruses in Hamsters

Leishmania-activated C-kinase antigen (LACK) is a highly conserved protein among Leishmania species and is considered a viable vaccine candidate for human leishmaniasis. In animal models, prime-boost vaccination with LACK-expressing plasmids plus attenuated vaccinia viruses (modified vaccinia Ankara [MVA] and mutant M65) expressing LACK, has been shown to protect against cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Further, LACK demonstrated to induce the production of protective cytokines in patients with active CL or cured visceral leishmaniasis, as well as in asymptomatic individuals from endemic areas. However, whether LACK is capable to trigger cytokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients cured of CL due to Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) or induce protection in L. infantum-infected hamsters [visceral leishmaniasis (VL) model], has not yet been analyzed. The present work examines the ex vivo immunogenicity of LACK in cured VL and CL patients, and asymptomatic subjects from an L. infantum area. It also evaluates the vaccine potential of LACK against L. infantum infection in hamsters, in a protocol of priming with plasmid pCI-neo-LACK (DNA-LACK) followed by a booster with the poxvirus vectors MVA-LACK or M65-LACK. LACK-stimulated PBMC from both asymptomatic and cured subjects responded by producing IFN-γ, TNF-α, and granzyme B (Th1-type response). Further, 78% of PBMC samples that responded to soluble Leishmania antigen showed IFN-γ secretion following stimulation with LACK. In hamsters, the protocol of DNA-LACK prime/MVA-LACK or M65-LACK virus boost vaccination significantly reduced the amount of Leishmania DNA in the liver and bone marrow, with no differences recorded between the use of MVA or M65 virus vector options. In summary, the Th1-type and cytotoxic responses elicited by LACK in PBMC from human subjects infected with L. infantum, and the parasite protective effect of prime/boost vaccination in hamsters with DNA-LACK/MVA-LACK and DNA-LACK/M65-LACK, revealed the significance of LACK in activating human and hamster immune responses and support LACK to be a valuable candidate for inclusion in a vaccine against human VL.

VIP induces the decidualization program and conditions the immunoregulation of the implantation process

The decidualization process involves phenotype and functional changes on endometrial cells and the modulation of mediators with immunoregulatory properties as the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). We investigate VIP contribution to the decidualization program and to immunoregulation throughout the human embryo implantation process. The decidualization of Human endometrial stromal cell line (HESC) with Medroxyprogesterone-dibutyryl-cAMP increased VIP/VPAC-receptors system. In fact, VIP could induce decidualization increasing differentiation markers (IGFBP1, PRL, KLF13/KLF9 ratio, CXCL12, CXCL8 and CCL2) and allowing Blastocyst-like spheroids (BLS) invasion in an in vitro model of embryo implantation. Focus on the tolerogenic effects, decidualized cells induced a semi-mature profile on maternal dendritic cells; restrained CD4⁺ cells recruitment while increased regulatory T-cells recruitment. Interestingly, the human blastocyst conditioned media from developmentally impaired embryos diminished the invasion and T-regulatory cells recruitment in these settings. These evidences suggest that VIP contributes to the implantation process inducing decidualization, allowing BLS invasion and favoring a tolerogenic micro-environment.

Swimming championship finalist positions on success in international swimming competitions

The primary goal was to determine whether the achievement of finalist positions in the Junior Championship was associated with the achievement of success in the International Swimming Federation (FINA) World Championship (WC). Secondary goals included analyzing the effect of various factors (gender, age, country, etc) on swimmers’ performances. Data were obtained from FINA information about the finalists from 2007 to 2015 WCs and finalists from 2006 to 2013 Junior-WCs (2400 entries). Final filtered database just included swimmers who participated in both junior and senior WCs (719 entries). A univariate general linear model (GLM) was used to examine the association between time; origin (swimmer who participated in Junior WC or not); maintenance years (number of years achieving finalist positions); country; and age, adjusting for year of competition. An ordinal logistic regression (OLR) model was used to identify predictors of achieving the top positions. The origin variable was not significant in either the GLM or the OLR. The only significant variables in the GLM were maintenance years (F_4,706 = 7.689; p < .05) and year of competition (F_4,706 = 23.239; p < .05). The OLR revealed a strong association (p < .001) between the position variable and maintenance years, getting better positions as you get more WCs (odds = 1.85). In conclusion, no evidence was obtained to conclude finalist position in Junior WC have influence in achieve success in FINA WC. Maintenance years in WCs have a positive impact to achieve better positions.

Pre-clinical antigenicity studies of an innovative multivalent vaccine for human visceral leishmaniasis

The notion that previous infection by Leishmania spp. in endemic areas leads to robust anti-Leishmania immunity, supports vaccination as a potentially effective approach to prevent disease development. Nevertheless, to date there is no vaccine available for human leishmaniasis. We optimized and assessed in vivo the safety and immunogenicity of an innovative vaccine candidate against human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), consisting of Virus-Like Particles (VLP) loaded with three different recombinant proteins (LJL143 from Lutzomyia longipalpis saliva as the vector-derived (VD) component, and KMP11 and LeishF3+, as parasite-derived (PD) antigens) and adjuvanted with GLA-SE, a TLR4 agonist. No apparent adverse reactions were observed during the experimental time-frame, which together with the normal hematological parameters detected seems to point to the safety of the formulation. Furthermore, measurements of antigen-specific cellular and humoral responses, generally higher in immunized versus control groups, confirmed the immunogenicity of the vaccine formulation. Interestingly, the immune responses against the VD protein were reproducibly more robust than those elicited against leishmanial antigens, and were apparently not caused by immunodominance of the VD antigen. Remarkably, priming with the VD protein alone and boosting with the complete vaccine candidate contributed towards an increase of the immune responses to the PD antigens, assessed in the form of increased ex vivo CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation against both the PD antigens and total Leishmania antigen (TLA). Overall, our immunogenicity data indicate that this innovative vaccine formulation represents a promising anti-Leishmania vaccine whose efficacy deserves to be tested in the context of the "natural infection".

Dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves seminal antioxidant status and decreases sperm DNA fragmentation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) dietary supplementation on semen quality, fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacity, and DNA fragmentation. In this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 74 subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n=32) or to the DHA group (n=42) to consume three 500-mg capsules of oil per day over 10 weeks. The placebo group received 1,500 mg/day of sunflower oil and the DHA group 1,500 mg/day of DHA-enriched oil. Seminal parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and vitality), total antioxidant capacity, deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation, and lipid composition were evaluated prior to the treatment and after 10 weeks. Finally, 57 subjects were included in the study with 25 in the placebo group and 32 in the DHA group. No differences were found in traditional sperm parameters or lipid composition of the sperm membrane after treatment. However, an increase in DHA and Omega-3 fatty acid content in seminal plasma, an improvement in antioxidant status, and a reduction in the percentage of spermatozoa with deoxyribonucleic acid damage were observed in the DHA group after 10 weeks of treatment.

Dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves seminal antioxidant status and decreases sperm DNA fragmentation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) dietary supplementation on semen quality, fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacity, and DNA fragmentation. In this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 74 subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n=32) or to the DHA group (n=42) to consume three 500-mg capsules of oil per day over 10 weeks. The placebo group received 1,500 mg/day of sunflower oil and the DHA group 1,500 mg/day of DHA-enriched oil. Seminal parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and vitality), total antioxidant capacity, deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation, and lipid composition were evaluated prior to the treatment and after 10 weeks. Finally, 57 subjects were included in the study with 25 in the placebo group and 32 in the DHA group. No differences were found in traditional sperm parameters or lipid composition of the sperm membrane after treatment. However, an increase in DHA and Omega-3 fatty acid content in seminal plasma, an improvement in antioxidant status, and a reduction in the percentage of spermatozoa with deoxyribonucleic acid damage were observed in the DHA group after 10 weeks of treatment.

The role of CDKN2A/B deletions in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The CDKN2A/B genes in the 9p21 chromosomal region are frequently involved in human cancer, including pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). These genes encode 3 proteins that belong to the RB1 and TP53 pathways and act as tumor suppressors by regulating the G1/S checkpoint of the cell cycle. The prognostic value of deletions in the CDKN2A/B locus in ALL is controversial in part due to the limitations of the methodologies used. Further studies with advanced technologies are needed for elucidation. Future studies would also highlight whether CDK4/CDK6 selective inhibitors might be useful therapies for children with these genetic aberrations.

Growth of Co Nanomagnet Arrays with Enhanced Magnetic Anisotropy

A trigon structure formed by submonolayer gadolinium deposition onto Au(111) is revealed as a robust growth template for Co nanodot arrays. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and X-Ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism measurements evidence that the Co nanoislands behave as independent magnetic entities with an out-of-plane easy axis of anisotropy and enhanced magnetic anisotropy values, as compared to other self-organized Co nanodot superlattices. The large strain induced by the lattice mismatch at the interface between Co and trigons is discussed as the main reason for the increased magnetic anisotropy of the nanoislands.