Exploring the Application of the Negishi Reaction of HaloBODIPYs: Generality, Regioselectivity, and Synthetic Utility in the Development of BODIPY Laser Dyes

The generality of the palladium-catalyzed C-C coupling Negishi reaction when applied to haloBODIPYs is demonstrated on the basis of selected starting BODIPYs, including polyhalogenated and/or asymmetrical systems, and organozinc reagents. This reaction is an interesting synthetic tool in BODIPY chemistry, mainly because it allows a valuable regioselective postfunctionalization of BODIPY chromophores with different functional groups. In this way, functional patterns that are difficult to obtain by other procedures (e.g., asymmetrically functionalized BODIPYs involving halogenated positions) can now be made. The regioselectivity is achieved by controlling the reaction conditions and is based on almost-general reactivity preferences, and the nature of the involved halogens and their positions. This ability is exemplified by the preparation of a series of new BODIPY dyes with unprecedented substitution patterns allowing noticeable lasing properties.

Transcriptomic Analysis Using Olive Varieties and Breeding Progenies Identifies Candidate Genes Involved in Plant Architecture

Plant architecture is a critical trait in fruit crops that can significantly influence yield, pruning, planting density and harvesting. Little is known about how plant architecture is genetically determined in olive, were most of the existing varieties are traditional with an architecture poorly suited for modern growing and harvesting systems. In the present study, we have carried out microarray analysis of meristematic tissue to compare expression profiles of olive varieties displaying differences in architecture, as well as seedlings from their cross pooled on the basis of their sharing architecture-related phenotypes. The microarray used, previously developed by our group has already been applied to identify candidates genes involved in regulating juvenile to adult transition in the shoot apex of seedlings. Varieties with distinct architecture phenotypes and individuals from segregating progenies displaying opposite architecture features were used to link phenotype to expression. Here, we identify 2252 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated to differences in plant architecture. Microarray results were validated by quantitative RT-PCR carried out on genes with functional annotation likely related to plant architecture. Twelve of these genes were further analyzed in individual seedlings of the corresponding pool. We also examined Arabidopsis mutants in putative orthologs of these targeted candidate genes, finding altered architecture for most of them. This supports a functional conservation between species and potential biological relevance of the candidate genes identified. This study is the first to identify genes associated to plant architecture in olive, and the results obtained could be of great help in future programs aimed at selecting phenotypes adapted to modern cultivation practices in this species.

[Clinical usefulness of IDEA and CARS: concordance with DSM-IV-TR in children and adolescents with suspicion of PDD]

INTRODUCTION

Observational scales are useful to estimate the severity of symptoms in PDD as well as to monitor their evolution.

OBJECTIVES

a) To analyze the concordance between diagnoses based on the Autism Spectrum Inventory (Inventario del Espectro Autista, IDEA)) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), compared to DSM-IV-TR criteria, in subjects with a suspicion of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and b) to study the discrimination power of both scales to differentiate between a clinical diagnosis situated in the autism spectrum.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-six children and adolescents, between 2 and 20 years-old, who attended our Neuropediatric Unit due to suspicion of PDD. Independently, two clinicians evaluated the presence of PDD symptoms; one of them according to DSM-IV-TR criteria and the other one based on the application of IDEA and CARS.

RESULTS

The concordance of IDEA and CARS when compared to DSM-IV-TR classification was 73 and 82%, respectively, with a sensitivity of 1 and 0,83 and a specificity of 0,61 and 0,82, respectively. Both scales correctly discriminated between autistic disorder and other clinical diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Both IDEA and CARS are useful instruments to detect and monitor autism symptoms in the context of routine clinical practice.

Role of IGF2 in the Study of Development and Evolution of Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer (PC) is commonly known as one of the most frequent tumors among males. A significant problem of this tumor is that in early stages most of the cases course as indolent forms, so an active surveillance will anticipate the appearance of aggressive stages. One of the main strategies in medical and biomedical research is to find non-invasive biomarkers for improving monitoring and performing a more precise follow-up of diseases like PC. Here we report the relevant role of IGF2 and miR-93-5p as non-invasive biomarker for PC. This event could improve current medical strategies in PC.

Evaluation of the Uncertainty of Surface Temperature Measurements in Photovoltaic Modules in Outdoor Operation

Faults in photovoltaic modules in operation can lead to power losses. By determining the module surface temperature, hot spots that can potentially cause this power loss can be detected. Temperature measurement by radiation allows a complete, reliable, and fast qualitative determination of hot spots on PV modules in outdoor operation. However, to obtain quantitative values, it is necessary to consider multiple factors: emissivity, reflected radiation, wind speed, intensity, shading, etc. Temperature quantitative measurement evaluation by contact is more studied, although by this technique it is impossible to examine the temperature of the entire module to detect hot spots because it is a point measurement and due to shading caused by the measurement probe on the surface. In this work, a method of temperature measurement by radiation is described, evaluating the uncertainty components, and a comparison is made with temperature measurement by contact on the module rear side points where module heating has been detected, also evaluating the uncertainty components. This comparison of both methods and uncertainty determination allows establishing a methodology in quantitative temperature measurement by radiation in photovoltaic modules in outdoor operation.

Methodology for Calculating the Damaged Surface and Its Relationship with Power Loss in Photovoltaic Modules by Electroluminescence Inspection for Corrective Maintenance

Photovoltaic panels are exposed to various external factors that can cause damage, with the formation of cracks in the photovoltaic cells being one of the most recurrent issues affecting their production capacity. Electroluminescence (EL) tests are employed to detect these cracks. In this study, a methodology developed according to the IEC TS 60904-13 standard is presented, allowing for the calculation of the percentage of type C cracks in a PV panel and subsequently estimating the associated power loss. To validate the methodology, it was applied to a polycrystalline silicon module subjected to incremental damage through multiple impacts on its rear surface. After each impact, electroluminescence images and I-V curves were obtained and used to verify power loss estimates. More accurate estimates were achieved by assessing cracks at the PV cell level rather than by substring or considering the entire module. In this context, cell-level analysis becomes indispensable, as the most damaged cell significantly influences the performance of the photovoltaic model. Subsequently, the developed methodology was applied to evaluate the conditions of four photovoltaic panels that had been in operation, exemplifying its application in maintenance tasks. The results assisted in decision making regarding whether to replace or continue using the panels.

[Ectopic relapse of an operated craniopharyngioma. Case report and review of the literature]

INTRODUCTION. Craniopharyngioma is an embrionary tumor of the sellar and/suprasellar region derived from fusiform cells of Rathke´s cleft. Although locoregional relapse is the way classically proposed for relapse after treatment, it has been described, in a few cases, the possibility of ectopic relapse out of the sellar-suprasellar region, by direct seeding of cells during surgery on the surgical field, or by cell dissemination in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is proposed to report the case of a patient with relapse of a craniopharyngioma in the frontal lobe, who was previously operated ten years after, as well as to review the similar cases reported in the literature to the date. RESULTS. A systematic review of the literature has allowed to find 21 cases previously reported. Direct cellular seeding was the most frequent implantation mechanism. In all cases, the preferred treatment was radical surgical removal when this was possible. The time of latency between first surgery and relapse differed from 1 to 21 years. CONCLUSIONS. It is interesting, in the differential diagnosis, to bear in mind the possibility of ectopic relapse of craniopharyngioma in patients who have been operated because of this type of tumor and who present a new mass in nervous central system (CNS). In view of the long time of latency that can pass between the resection of a craniopharyngioma and his relapse, there becomes necessary a long follow-up of these patients by periodic imaging tests.