Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the main pathogens responsible for acute respiratory infec... more Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the main pathogens responsible for acute respiratory infections in children up to 5 years of age, contributing substantially to health burden. The worldwide economic and social impact of this virus is significant and must be addressed. The structural components of hMPV (either proteins or genetic material) can be detected by several receptors expressed by host cells through the engagement of pattern recognition receptors. The recognition of the structural components of hMPV can promote the signaling of the immune response to clear the infection, leading to the activation of several pathways, such as those related to the interferon response. Even so, several intrinsic factors are capable of modulating the immune response or directly inhibiting the replication of hMPV. This article will discuss the current knowledge regarding the innate and adaptive immune response during hMPV infections. Accordingly, the host intrinsic components capable of modu...
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune disorder like systemic lupus erythematosus (... more Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune disorder like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both SLE and CLE characterize autoantibody secretion and immune cell recruitment. In particular, CLE can be divided into three more frequent types, varying in the severity of the skin lesions they present. The role of type I IFN was shown to be one of the leading causes of the development of this pathology in the skin. Different treatments have been developed and tested against these different variants of CLE to decrease the increasing levels of CLE in humans. In this article, a literature revision discussing the similarities between SLE and CLE is carried out. In addition, new advances in understanding the development of CLE and the leading treatments being evaluated in animal models and clinical trials are reviewed.
Introducción: Una reciente revisión sistemática y metaanálisis demostró que la preeclampsia se en... more Introducción: Una reciente revisión sistemática y metaanálisis demostró que la preeclampsia se encuentra asociada con la infección urinaria y periodontitis. Así que es importante determinar los efectos de la intervención periodontal durante el embarazo de preeclámpticas. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la intervención periodontal sobre los parámetros clínicos periodontales como sangrado al sondeo, profundidad de bolsas y niveles de inserción clínica y el peso del recién nacido en pacientes hospitalizadas con diagnóstico de preeclampsia leve. Métodos: En un ensayo clínico piloto controlado aleatorizado se evaluaron 57 embarazadas con diagnóstico de preeclampsia leve con presión sistólica/diastólica igual o superior a 160/110 mmHg que estaban admitidas en la unidad de alto riesgo obstétrico del Hospital Universitario del Valle (Cali, Colombia). Se evaluaron las características sociodemográficas, los aspectos médicos y periodontales. Veintiséis preeclámpticas fueron aleatorizadas a...
The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tra... more The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants. Because recurrent epidemics based on reinfection occur in children and adults, hRSV has gained interest as a potential primary pathogen favoring secondary opportunistic infections. Several infection models have shown different mechanisms by which hRSV promotes immunopathology to prevent the development of adaptive protective immunity. However, little is known about the long-lasting effects of viral infection on pulmonary immune surveillance mechanisms. As a first approach, here we evaluated whether a primary infection by hRSV, once resolved, dampens the host immune response to a secondary infection with an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis (M. Bovis) strain referred as to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). We analyzed leukocyte dynamics and immunomodulatory molecules in the lungs after eleven- and twenty-one-days post-infection with Mycobacterium, using prev...
Background:Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a live attenuated vaccine mainly... more Background:Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a live attenuated vaccine mainly administered to newborns and used for over 100 years to prevent the disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). This vaccine can induce immune response polarization towards a Th1 profile, which is desired for counteracting M. tb, other mycobacteria, and unrelated intracellular pathogens. The vaccine BCG has been used as a vector to express recombinant proteins and has been shown to protect against several diseases, particularly respiratory viruses. Methods: BCG was used to develop recombinant vaccines expressing either the Nucleoprotein from SARS-CoV-2 or Andes orthohantavirus. Mice were immunized with these vaccines with the aim of evaluating the safety and immunogenicity parameters. Results: Immunization with two doses of 1 × 108 CFU or one dose of 1 × 105 CFU of these BCGs was safe in mice. A statistically significant cellular immune response was induced by both formulation...
Profesorado, Revista de Currículum y Formación del Profesorado, 2016
La traducción pedagógica tiende a infravalorarse en el contexto de la enseñanza de lenguas extran... more La traducción pedagógica tiende a infravalorarse en el contexto de la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras y su aplicación en el aula de L2 suele realizarse de manera inadecuada, desordenada y poco sistemática, dada la falta de un paradigma teórico que siente las bases de esta destreza. El uso de la traducción pedagógica resulta especialmente útil en la enseñanza del inglés con finesespecíficos, donde la lengua es vista como un utensilio de trabajo adaptado a las distintas necesidades profesionales. En concreto, el presente trabajo, que muestra los beneficios de aplicarla traducción como herramienta didáctica, tiene el objetivo de introducir y promover tareas de mediación escrita y oral en la enseñanza del inglés con fines específicos (inglés comercial). Latraducción se concibe en este trabajo como un instrumento metodológico complementario al resto de actividades lingüísticas y adaptado a las necesidades lingüísticas de los futuros trabajadoresdel sector del comercio internacional. El ...
The isotope effect on propagation rate was determined for four homogeneous ethylene polymerizatio... more The isotope effect on propagation rate was determined for four homogeneous ethylene polymerization systems. The catalytic system Cp2Ti(Et)Cl + EtAlCl2 has a kHp/kDp = 1.035 ± 0.03. This result strongly supports an insertion mechanism which does not involve a hydrogen migration during the rate determining step of propagation (Cossee mechanism). Three metal-alkyl free systems were also studied. The catalyst I2(PMe3)3Ta(neopentylidene)(H) has a kHp/kDp = 1.709. It is interpreted as a primary isotope effect involving a non-linear α-hydrogen migration during the rate determining step of propagation (Green mechanism). The lanthanide complexes Cp*2LuMe•Et2O and Cp*2YbMe•Et2O have a kHp/kDp = 1.46 and 1.25, respectively. They are interpreted as primary isotope effects due to a partial hydrogen migration during the rate determining step of propagation. The presence of a precoordination or other intermediate species during the polymerization of ethylene by the mentioned metal-alkyl free catal...
ABSTRACT PURPOSE To identify factors that predict presence of recent or active bleeding (ROAB) at... more ABSTRACT PURPOSE To identify factors that predict presence of recent or active bleeding (ROAB) at CTA performed for acute lower intestinal bleeding (ALIB). METHOD AND MATERIALS This is a prospective (IRB approved) study conducted over 24 months that included all patients with ALIB who underwent CTA as the first test. MDCT examinations were performed using a three-phase protocol: pre-contrast, arterial and portal venous phases. Two radiologists evaluated the images blinded to clinical data and determined if signs of ROAB were present. Clinical information recorded included: transfusion requirements, use of anticoagulant/anti-platelet therapy or coagulopathy and confirmed cause and location of the bleed. Data were analyzed using Mann –Withney U, Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact, and ROC curves were derived. RESULTS Study population included 130 patients (64 W, 66 M), median age 76 years. CTA findings were: active bleeding (n=53), recent bleeding only (n=17), potential cause of bled with no ROAB (n=45) and negative (n=15).Transfusions were required in 76 (58.5%). Thirty-eight patients were receiving anticoagulants, 23 anti-platelet therapy, 14 had a coagulation disorder and 55 had normal coagulation. Cause of bleeding was: colitis (n=33), neoplasms (n=19), diverticula (n=21), vascular lesion (n=28), others (n=14), systemic disease (n= 10), no identifiable cause (n=5).Lesion location was: small bowel (n=16), cecum, right or transverse colon (n=25), descending and recto-sigmoid colon (n=59) , multi-focal (n=14), stomach (n=1),no clear location (n= 15). There was a statistically significant (SS) association (p <.0,001) between the need for transfusions and the likelihood of finding ROAB on CTA.The association between anticoagulant/anti-platelet therapy or coagulation disorders and positive CTA findings was not SS..Lesions in the right colon and small bowel and vascular lesions had a higher likelihood of a positive CTA finding. There was no SSt relationship between gender or age and ROAB. CONCLUSION The need for transfusion therapy is a predictor of a positive finding of ROAB in CTA of ALIB. Vascular lesions and those located in the proximal colon or small bowel are more likely to have positive CTA findings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION CTA has been introduced as the first test for ALIB. Since bleeding is intermittentt, if clinical parameters can predict positive results at CTA this may help establish the best time to perform CT.
ABSTRACT PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate whether early use of MSCT in Acute Lower Intestinal Bl... more ABSTRACT PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate whether early use of MSCT in Acute Lower Intestinal Bleeding (ALIB) may shorten the diagnostic time compared with the current colonoscopy-based approach. METHOD AND MATERIALS 52 haemorrhagic episodes in 50 patients were studied with MSCT (Toshiba Asteion/Aquilion) in order to evaluate the diagnostic time elapsed between order entry and final CT report and compare the results with those of traditional colonoscopy-based management. Bleeding source and possible etiology were also investigated. Institutional review board approved this study and written informed consent was obtained from each patient. RESULTS Average response MSCT-time of 159 minutes compared favorably with colonoscopy (21,4 hours). The impact of MDCT on final treatment was considered positive or very positive in 23 and 21 cases and no impact was observed in 8 patients. As secondary results MDCT identified active bleeding in 12 patients and intra-luminal clots (>60 HU) in other 12 patients. MDCT reached the correct diagnosis and/or identified the source of bleeding in 44 of the 52 cases CONCLUSION Early use of MDCT in ALIB shortens the time of diagnosis compared with traditional colonoscopy-based approach and has a positive impact on the final treatment, identifying the cause and/or source of bleeding in 84'6% of patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION Time is a critical factor in the diagnosis of ALIB often limited by the availability of colonoscopy. MSCT can shorten the diagnostic time and provide information regarding the source and etiology
ABSTRACT An experimental analysis of the dynamics of avalanches for different stages of developme... more ABSTRACT An experimental analysis of the dynamics of avalanches for different stages of development and turbulent flow conditions is introduced. Experiments were conducted in a laboratory flume using clear-water conditions and a video camera placed within an acrylic cylinder. The results of a proper orthogonal decomposition of the pre-processed image sequences highlighted the existence of two types of sand avalanches: Type I corresponding to a narrow and vertically long-advancing slide, and Type II characterized by an elongated and short-advancing pattern. Temporally speaking, sand avalanches were triggered aperiodically, resembling the behaviour of the horseshoe vortex system. The frequency of occurrence of avalanches decreased with time, while the estimated volume of mobilized sand increased in the same period. The sand slide magnitudes and associated inter-avalanche time were Log-Pearson 3 distributed. Sand avalanches are an important scour mechanism, which depending on the flow intensity contribute to about 40% to 60% of the scoured volume.
The application of borehole seismic technology has been developed mainly in the oil industry, but... more The application of borehole seismic technology has been developed mainly in the oil industry, but this time it has been applied in geothermal wells in order to obtain information from structural data velocities in the area surrounding the well. The development requires log as an initial step of feasibility assessment of the acquisition under the specific conditions of the well and the geological conditions of the area. The second step is log design in which the geometry is determined using the number of sensors and source parameters by using a vibro-seismic truck. The last step is the processing and interpretation of the results. In this case the vertical seismic profile (VSP) was run by two logs (the first ZVSP and second OVSP) in injection well AZ-03 in the geothermal field of Los Azufres. The objective was to obtain a lateral image of the well and mapping of the geological structure known as El Chino. The ZVSP log was constructed based on the model of a structural section and the...
Cette invention concerne des complexes metalliques de groupe 4, du type a contrainte geometrique,... more Cette invention concerne des complexes metalliques de groupe 4, du type a contrainte geometrique, ainsi que des catalyseurs tires desdits complexes et des procedes de polymerisation utilisant lesdits complexes et catalyseurs, caracterises par une fraction aliphatique ou cycloaliphatique renfermant de l'azote qui est substituee avec un ou plusieurs groupes aryle, un groupe en pont aryle substitue silane, un ou plusieurs substituants hydrocarbyle substitues par des organometalloides de groupe 14 sur le metal.
The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is one of the leading causes of acute lower respirat... more The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is one of the leading causes of acute lower respiratory tract infections in children under five years old. Notably, hRSV infections can give way to pneumonia and predispose to other respiratory complications later in life, such as asthma. Even though the social and economic burden associated with hRSV infections is tremendous, there are no approved vaccines to date to prevent the disease caused by this pathogen. Recently, coinfections and superinfections have turned into an active field of study, and interactions between many viral and bacterial pathogens have been studied. hRSV is not an exception since polymicrobial infections involving this virus are common, especially when illness has evolved into pneumonia. Here, we review the epidemiology and recent findings regarding the main polymicrobial infections involving hRSV and several prevalent bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa...
Due to the low incidence of precipitation attributed to climate change, many high-altitude Andean... more Due to the low incidence of precipitation attributed to climate change, many high-altitude Andean lakes (HAALs) and lagoons distributed along the central Andes in South America may soon disappear. This includes La Brava–La Punta, a brackish lake system located south of the Salar de Atacama within a hyper-arid and halophytic biome in the Atacama Desert. Variations in the physicochemical parameters of the water column can induce changes in microbial community composition, which we aimed to determine. Sixteen sampling points across La Brava–La Punta were studied to assess the influence of water physicochemical properties on the aquatic microbial community, determined via 16S rRNA gene analysis. Parameters such as pH and the concentrations of silica, magnesium, calcium, salinity, and dissolved oxygen showed a more homogenous pattern in La Punta samples, whereas those from La Brava had greater variability; pH and total silica were significantly different between La Brava and La Punta. Th...
The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) are two of the lead... more The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) are two of the leading etiological agents of acute lower respiratory tract infections, which constitute the main cause of mortality in infants. However, there are currently approved vaccines for neither hRSV nor hMPV. Moreover, despite the similarity between the pathology caused by both viruses, the immune response elicited by the host is different in each case. In this review, we discuss how dendritic cells, alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, and the complement system regulate both pathogenesis and the resolution of hRSV and hMPV infections. The roles that these cells play during infections by either of these viruses will help us to better understand the illnesses they cause. We also discuss several controversial findings, relative to some of these innate immune components. To better understand the inflammation in the lungs, the role of the respira...
Keratinocytes and neutrophils are the main cellular components in wound healing during re-epithel... more Keratinocytes and neutrophils are the main cellular components in wound healing during re-epithelization and inflammation. Free fatty acids such as linoleic acid (LA) present beneficial properties for wound healing by modulating the inflammatory response. LA is a natural ligand of free fatty acids receptor 1 (FFA1), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), able to modulate inflammatory process; however, the role of FFA1 in keratinocytes and wound healing remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of FFA1 signaling in migration, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, and IL-8 expression induced by LA in keratinocytes. We confirmed that HaCaT cells, a human keratinocyte cell line, expresses the FFA1 receptor and GW1100, a selective antagonist of FFA1, decreased LA-induced migration of HaCaT cells. Also, GW9508, a synthetic agonist of FFA1, increased migration of these cells. Furthermore, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK inhibitors abolished the LA-induced increase in cell migration. Besides, HaCaT cells stimulated with LA or GW9508 increased the activity of MMP-9 and the expression of IL-8. GW1100 partially inhibited both responses. We further evaluated the effects of HaCaT cells conditioned media stimulated with LA or GW9508 on neutrophil chemotaxis. Conditioned media induced neutrophil chemotaxis. Furthermore, IL-8 secreted by HaCaT cells stimulated with LA or GW9508, contributed to neutrophil chemotaxis. In conclusion, LA increased migration, MMP-9 activity, and expression of IL-8 from HaCaT cells via FFA1. Hence, these results showed that the effects induced by LA in keratinocytes can be mediated through FFA1, thus explaining a possible mechanism by which this fatty acid could accelerate wound healing.
The road construction is one of the main responsible for resource use and has been targeted as cr... more The road construction is one of the main responsible for resource use and has been targeted as criterion development in updated versions of the Green Procurement Policy (GPP) in Europe. Although major progress was achieved in road pavements and lightning systems during the past decade, discussions on the environmental sustainability of additional road elements can advance the current understanding on how to decrease the impacts on highways. The aim of this study was to compare the potential environmental impacts of two anti-glare safety devices used on highways: the plastic (polymer-based) and the steel screen (steel-based). To this end, we applied the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology following ISO standards based on a cradle-to-grave approach. The impacts of both anti-glare devices are driven by the main raw materials. This condition means that the weight of products is a key issue when evaluating the sustainability of the anti-glare devices. The plastic anti-glare (PAG) consumes significantly less materials and thereby presents the most favourable environmental performance for all the impact categories. For the products' manufacturing analysis, the hot-dip galvanizing was the process with higher impacts for both devices, as the setup kit of the PAG is also made from galvanized steel. Adopting sustainable strategies, e.g. product's recycling at end-of-life, use of recycled materials and product's setup with Li-ion battery, may provide an average impact reduction of 19% and 6% for the PAG and the steel screen anti-glare (SAG), respectively. A break-even situation for all the environmental impact categories occurs when the steel screen weight is reduced from 8.0 kg to less than 1.80 kg. Major attention has been addressed to road pavements and lighting system when evaluating the life-cycle impacts of highways, but our results highlight that the impacts of road sector can be offset by focusing in additional elements, such as the anti-glare device.
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the main pathogens responsible for acute respiratory infec... more Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the main pathogens responsible for acute respiratory infections in children up to 5 years of age, contributing substantially to health burden. The worldwide economic and social impact of this virus is significant and must be addressed. The structural components of hMPV (either proteins or genetic material) can be detected by several receptors expressed by host cells through the engagement of pattern recognition receptors. The recognition of the structural components of hMPV can promote the signaling of the immune response to clear the infection, leading to the activation of several pathways, such as those related to the interferon response. Even so, several intrinsic factors are capable of modulating the immune response or directly inhibiting the replication of hMPV. This article will discuss the current knowledge regarding the innate and adaptive immune response during hMPV infections. Accordingly, the host intrinsic components capable of modu...
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune disorder like systemic lupus erythematosus (... more Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune disorder like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both SLE and CLE characterize autoantibody secretion and immune cell recruitment. In particular, CLE can be divided into three more frequent types, varying in the severity of the skin lesions they present. The role of type I IFN was shown to be one of the leading causes of the development of this pathology in the skin. Different treatments have been developed and tested against these different variants of CLE to decrease the increasing levels of CLE in humans. In this article, a literature revision discussing the similarities between SLE and CLE is carried out. In addition, new advances in understanding the development of CLE and the leading treatments being evaluated in animal models and clinical trials are reviewed.
Introducción: Una reciente revisión sistemática y metaanálisis demostró que la preeclampsia se en... more Introducción: Una reciente revisión sistemática y metaanálisis demostró que la preeclampsia se encuentra asociada con la infección urinaria y periodontitis. Así que es importante determinar los efectos de la intervención periodontal durante el embarazo de preeclámpticas. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos de la intervención periodontal sobre los parámetros clínicos periodontales como sangrado al sondeo, profundidad de bolsas y niveles de inserción clínica y el peso del recién nacido en pacientes hospitalizadas con diagnóstico de preeclampsia leve. Métodos: En un ensayo clínico piloto controlado aleatorizado se evaluaron 57 embarazadas con diagnóstico de preeclampsia leve con presión sistólica/diastólica igual o superior a 160/110 mmHg que estaban admitidas en la unidad de alto riesgo obstétrico del Hospital Universitario del Valle (Cali, Colombia). Se evaluaron las características sociodemográficas, los aspectos médicos y periodontales. Veintiséis preeclámpticas fueron aleatorizadas a...
The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tra... more The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants. Because recurrent epidemics based on reinfection occur in children and adults, hRSV has gained interest as a potential primary pathogen favoring secondary opportunistic infections. Several infection models have shown different mechanisms by which hRSV promotes immunopathology to prevent the development of adaptive protective immunity. However, little is known about the long-lasting effects of viral infection on pulmonary immune surveillance mechanisms. As a first approach, here we evaluated whether a primary infection by hRSV, once resolved, dampens the host immune response to a secondary infection with an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis (M. Bovis) strain referred as to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). We analyzed leukocyte dynamics and immunomodulatory molecules in the lungs after eleven- and twenty-one-days post-infection with Mycobacterium, using prev...
Background:Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a live attenuated vaccine mainly... more Background:Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a live attenuated vaccine mainly administered to newborns and used for over 100 years to prevent the disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). This vaccine can induce immune response polarization towards a Th1 profile, which is desired for counteracting M. tb, other mycobacteria, and unrelated intracellular pathogens. The vaccine BCG has been used as a vector to express recombinant proteins and has been shown to protect against several diseases, particularly respiratory viruses. Methods: BCG was used to develop recombinant vaccines expressing either the Nucleoprotein from SARS-CoV-2 or Andes orthohantavirus. Mice were immunized with these vaccines with the aim of evaluating the safety and immunogenicity parameters. Results: Immunization with two doses of 1 × 108 CFU or one dose of 1 × 105 CFU of these BCGs was safe in mice. A statistically significant cellular immune response was induced by both formulation...
Profesorado, Revista de Currículum y Formación del Profesorado, 2016
La traducción pedagógica tiende a infravalorarse en el contexto de la enseñanza de lenguas extran... more La traducción pedagógica tiende a infravalorarse en el contexto de la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras y su aplicación en el aula de L2 suele realizarse de manera inadecuada, desordenada y poco sistemática, dada la falta de un paradigma teórico que siente las bases de esta destreza. El uso de la traducción pedagógica resulta especialmente útil en la enseñanza del inglés con finesespecíficos, donde la lengua es vista como un utensilio de trabajo adaptado a las distintas necesidades profesionales. En concreto, el presente trabajo, que muestra los beneficios de aplicarla traducción como herramienta didáctica, tiene el objetivo de introducir y promover tareas de mediación escrita y oral en la enseñanza del inglés con fines específicos (inglés comercial). Latraducción se concibe en este trabajo como un instrumento metodológico complementario al resto de actividades lingüísticas y adaptado a las necesidades lingüísticas de los futuros trabajadoresdel sector del comercio internacional. El ...
The isotope effect on propagation rate was determined for four homogeneous ethylene polymerizatio... more The isotope effect on propagation rate was determined for four homogeneous ethylene polymerization systems. The catalytic system Cp2Ti(Et)Cl + EtAlCl2 has a kHp/kDp = 1.035 ± 0.03. This result strongly supports an insertion mechanism which does not involve a hydrogen migration during the rate determining step of propagation (Cossee mechanism). Three metal-alkyl free systems were also studied. The catalyst I2(PMe3)3Ta(neopentylidene)(H) has a kHp/kDp = 1.709. It is interpreted as a primary isotope effect involving a non-linear α-hydrogen migration during the rate determining step of propagation (Green mechanism). The lanthanide complexes Cp*2LuMe•Et2O and Cp*2YbMe•Et2O have a kHp/kDp = 1.46 and 1.25, respectively. They are interpreted as primary isotope effects due to a partial hydrogen migration during the rate determining step of propagation. The presence of a precoordination or other intermediate species during the polymerization of ethylene by the mentioned metal-alkyl free catal...
ABSTRACT PURPOSE To identify factors that predict presence of recent or active bleeding (ROAB) at... more ABSTRACT PURPOSE To identify factors that predict presence of recent or active bleeding (ROAB) at CTA performed for acute lower intestinal bleeding (ALIB). METHOD AND MATERIALS This is a prospective (IRB approved) study conducted over 24 months that included all patients with ALIB who underwent CTA as the first test. MDCT examinations were performed using a three-phase protocol: pre-contrast, arterial and portal venous phases. Two radiologists evaluated the images blinded to clinical data and determined if signs of ROAB were present. Clinical information recorded included: transfusion requirements, use of anticoagulant/anti-platelet therapy or coagulopathy and confirmed cause and location of the bleed. Data were analyzed using Mann –Withney U, Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact, and ROC curves were derived. RESULTS Study population included 130 patients (64 W, 66 M), median age 76 years. CTA findings were: active bleeding (n=53), recent bleeding only (n=17), potential cause of bled with no ROAB (n=45) and negative (n=15).Transfusions were required in 76 (58.5%). Thirty-eight patients were receiving anticoagulants, 23 anti-platelet therapy, 14 had a coagulation disorder and 55 had normal coagulation. Cause of bleeding was: colitis (n=33), neoplasms (n=19), diverticula (n=21), vascular lesion (n=28), others (n=14), systemic disease (n= 10), no identifiable cause (n=5).Lesion location was: small bowel (n=16), cecum, right or transverse colon (n=25), descending and recto-sigmoid colon (n=59) , multi-focal (n=14), stomach (n=1),no clear location (n= 15). There was a statistically significant (SS) association (p <.0,001) between the need for transfusions and the likelihood of finding ROAB on CTA.The association between anticoagulant/anti-platelet therapy or coagulation disorders and positive CTA findings was not SS..Lesions in the right colon and small bowel and vascular lesions had a higher likelihood of a positive CTA finding. There was no SSt relationship between gender or age and ROAB. CONCLUSION The need for transfusion therapy is a predictor of a positive finding of ROAB in CTA of ALIB. Vascular lesions and those located in the proximal colon or small bowel are more likely to have positive CTA findings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION CTA has been introduced as the first test for ALIB. Since bleeding is intermittentt, if clinical parameters can predict positive results at CTA this may help establish the best time to perform CT.
ABSTRACT PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate whether early use of MSCT in Acute Lower Intestinal Bl... more ABSTRACT PURPOSE To prospectively evaluate whether early use of MSCT in Acute Lower Intestinal Bleeding (ALIB) may shorten the diagnostic time compared with the current colonoscopy-based approach. METHOD AND MATERIALS 52 haemorrhagic episodes in 50 patients were studied with MSCT (Toshiba Asteion/Aquilion) in order to evaluate the diagnostic time elapsed between order entry and final CT report and compare the results with those of traditional colonoscopy-based management. Bleeding source and possible etiology were also investigated. Institutional review board approved this study and written informed consent was obtained from each patient. RESULTS Average response MSCT-time of 159 minutes compared favorably with colonoscopy (21,4 hours). The impact of MDCT on final treatment was considered positive or very positive in 23 and 21 cases and no impact was observed in 8 patients. As secondary results MDCT identified active bleeding in 12 patients and intra-luminal clots (>60 HU) in other 12 patients. MDCT reached the correct diagnosis and/or identified the source of bleeding in 44 of the 52 cases CONCLUSION Early use of MDCT in ALIB shortens the time of diagnosis compared with traditional colonoscopy-based approach and has a positive impact on the final treatment, identifying the cause and/or source of bleeding in 84'6% of patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION Time is a critical factor in the diagnosis of ALIB often limited by the availability of colonoscopy. MSCT can shorten the diagnostic time and provide information regarding the source and etiology
ABSTRACT An experimental analysis of the dynamics of avalanches for different stages of developme... more ABSTRACT An experimental analysis of the dynamics of avalanches for different stages of development and turbulent flow conditions is introduced. Experiments were conducted in a laboratory flume using clear-water conditions and a video camera placed within an acrylic cylinder. The results of a proper orthogonal decomposition of the pre-processed image sequences highlighted the existence of two types of sand avalanches: Type I corresponding to a narrow and vertically long-advancing slide, and Type II characterized by an elongated and short-advancing pattern. Temporally speaking, sand avalanches were triggered aperiodically, resembling the behaviour of the horseshoe vortex system. The frequency of occurrence of avalanches decreased with time, while the estimated volume of mobilized sand increased in the same period. The sand slide magnitudes and associated inter-avalanche time were Log-Pearson 3 distributed. Sand avalanches are an important scour mechanism, which depending on the flow intensity contribute to about 40% to 60% of the scoured volume.
The application of borehole seismic technology has been developed mainly in the oil industry, but... more The application of borehole seismic technology has been developed mainly in the oil industry, but this time it has been applied in geothermal wells in order to obtain information from structural data velocities in the area surrounding the well. The development requires log as an initial step of feasibility assessment of the acquisition under the specific conditions of the well and the geological conditions of the area. The second step is log design in which the geometry is determined using the number of sensors and source parameters by using a vibro-seismic truck. The last step is the processing and interpretation of the results. In this case the vertical seismic profile (VSP) was run by two logs (the first ZVSP and second OVSP) in injection well AZ-03 in the geothermal field of Los Azufres. The objective was to obtain a lateral image of the well and mapping of the geological structure known as El Chino. The ZVSP log was constructed based on the model of a structural section and the...
Cette invention concerne des complexes metalliques de groupe 4, du type a contrainte geometrique,... more Cette invention concerne des complexes metalliques de groupe 4, du type a contrainte geometrique, ainsi que des catalyseurs tires desdits complexes et des procedes de polymerisation utilisant lesdits complexes et catalyseurs, caracterises par une fraction aliphatique ou cycloaliphatique renfermant de l'azote qui est substituee avec un ou plusieurs groupes aryle, un groupe en pont aryle substitue silane, un ou plusieurs substituants hydrocarbyle substitues par des organometalloides de groupe 14 sur le metal.
The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is one of the leading causes of acute lower respirat... more The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is one of the leading causes of acute lower respiratory tract infections in children under five years old. Notably, hRSV infections can give way to pneumonia and predispose to other respiratory complications later in life, such as asthma. Even though the social and economic burden associated with hRSV infections is tremendous, there are no approved vaccines to date to prevent the disease caused by this pathogen. Recently, coinfections and superinfections have turned into an active field of study, and interactions between many viral and bacterial pathogens have been studied. hRSV is not an exception since polymicrobial infections involving this virus are common, especially when illness has evolved into pneumonia. Here, we review the epidemiology and recent findings regarding the main polymicrobial infections involving hRSV and several prevalent bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa...
Due to the low incidence of precipitation attributed to climate change, many high-altitude Andean... more Due to the low incidence of precipitation attributed to climate change, many high-altitude Andean lakes (HAALs) and lagoons distributed along the central Andes in South America may soon disappear. This includes La Brava–La Punta, a brackish lake system located south of the Salar de Atacama within a hyper-arid and halophytic biome in the Atacama Desert. Variations in the physicochemical parameters of the water column can induce changes in microbial community composition, which we aimed to determine. Sixteen sampling points across La Brava–La Punta were studied to assess the influence of water physicochemical properties on the aquatic microbial community, determined via 16S rRNA gene analysis. Parameters such as pH and the concentrations of silica, magnesium, calcium, salinity, and dissolved oxygen showed a more homogenous pattern in La Punta samples, whereas those from La Brava had greater variability; pH and total silica were significantly different between La Brava and La Punta. Th...
The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) are two of the lead... more The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) are two of the leading etiological agents of acute lower respiratory tract infections, which constitute the main cause of mortality in infants. However, there are currently approved vaccines for neither hRSV nor hMPV. Moreover, despite the similarity between the pathology caused by both viruses, the immune response elicited by the host is different in each case. In this review, we discuss how dendritic cells, alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, and the complement system regulate both pathogenesis and the resolution of hRSV and hMPV infections. The roles that these cells play during infections by either of these viruses will help us to better understand the illnesses they cause. We also discuss several controversial findings, relative to some of these innate immune components. To better understand the inflammation in the lungs, the role of the respira...
Keratinocytes and neutrophils are the main cellular components in wound healing during re-epithel... more Keratinocytes and neutrophils are the main cellular components in wound healing during re-epithelization and inflammation. Free fatty acids such as linoleic acid (LA) present beneficial properties for wound healing by modulating the inflammatory response. LA is a natural ligand of free fatty acids receptor 1 (FFA1), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), able to modulate inflammatory process; however, the role of FFA1 in keratinocytes and wound healing remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of FFA1 signaling in migration, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, and IL-8 expression induced by LA in keratinocytes. We confirmed that HaCaT cells, a human keratinocyte cell line, expresses the FFA1 receptor and GW1100, a selective antagonist of FFA1, decreased LA-induced migration of HaCaT cells. Also, GW9508, a synthetic agonist of FFA1, increased migration of these cells. Furthermore, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK inhibitors abolished the LA-induced increase in cell migration. Besides, HaCaT cells stimulated with LA or GW9508 increased the activity of MMP-9 and the expression of IL-8. GW1100 partially inhibited both responses. We further evaluated the effects of HaCaT cells conditioned media stimulated with LA or GW9508 on neutrophil chemotaxis. Conditioned media induced neutrophil chemotaxis. Furthermore, IL-8 secreted by HaCaT cells stimulated with LA or GW9508, contributed to neutrophil chemotaxis. In conclusion, LA increased migration, MMP-9 activity, and expression of IL-8 from HaCaT cells via FFA1. Hence, these results showed that the effects induced by LA in keratinocytes can be mediated through FFA1, thus explaining a possible mechanism by which this fatty acid could accelerate wound healing.
The road construction is one of the main responsible for resource use and has been targeted as cr... more The road construction is one of the main responsible for resource use and has been targeted as criterion development in updated versions of the Green Procurement Policy (GPP) in Europe. Although major progress was achieved in road pavements and lightning systems during the past decade, discussions on the environmental sustainability of additional road elements can advance the current understanding on how to decrease the impacts on highways. The aim of this study was to compare the potential environmental impacts of two anti-glare safety devices used on highways: the plastic (polymer-based) and the steel screen (steel-based). To this end, we applied the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology following ISO standards based on a cradle-to-grave approach. The impacts of both anti-glare devices are driven by the main raw materials. This condition means that the weight of products is a key issue when evaluating the sustainability of the anti-glare devices. The plastic anti-glare (PAG) consumes significantly less materials and thereby presents the most favourable environmental performance for all the impact categories. For the products' manufacturing analysis, the hot-dip galvanizing was the process with higher impacts for both devices, as the setup kit of the PAG is also made from galvanized steel. Adopting sustainable strategies, e.g. product's recycling at end-of-life, use of recycled materials and product's setup with Li-ion battery, may provide an average impact reduction of 19% and 6% for the PAG and the steel screen anti-glare (SAG), respectively. A break-even situation for all the environmental impact categories occurs when the steel screen weight is reduced from 8.0 kg to less than 1.80 kg. Major attention has been addressed to road pavements and lighting system when evaluating the life-cycle impacts of highways, but our results highlight that the impacts of road sector can be offset by focusing in additional elements, such as the anti-glare device.
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Papers by jorge soto