Context. The study of the radial variations of metallicity across the Galactic disc is a powerful method for understanding the history of star formation and chemical evolution of the Milky Way. ...Although several studies about gradients have been performed so far, the knowledge of the Galactic antincentre is still poor. Aims. This work aims to determine accurately the physical and chemical properties of a sample of H ii regions located at RG > 11 kpc and to study the radial distribution of abundances in the outermost part of the Galaxy disc. Methods. We carried out new optical spectroscopic observations of nine H ii regions with the William Herschel Telescope covering the spectral range from 3500 Å to 10 100 Å. In addition, we increased the sample by searching the literature for optical observations of regions towards the Galactic anticentre, re-analysing them to obtain a single sample of 23 objects to be processed in a homogeneous and consistent manner. The total sample distribution covers the Galactocentric radius from 11 kpc to 18 kpc. Results. Emission line ratios were used to determine accurate electron densities and temperatures of several ionic species in 13 H ii regions. These physical parameters were applied to the spectra to determine direct total chemical abundances. For those regions without direct estimations of temperature, chemical abundances were derived by performing tailor-made photoionisation models and/or by using an empirical relation obtained from radio recombination and optical temperatures. We performed weighted least-squares fits to the distribution of the derived abundances along the Galactocentric distances to study the radial gradients of metallicity across the outermost part of the MW. The distributions O/H, N/H, S/H, and Ar/H towards the anticentre can be represented by decreasing linear radial gradients, while in the case of N/O abundances the radial distribution is better fitted with a two-zone model. The He/H radial gradient is presented here for the first time; we find a slope that is not significantly different from zero. The derived gradient for oxygen shows a clear decrease with distance with a slope of −0.053 ± 0.009 dex kpc-1. Although a shallower slope at large Galactocentric distances is suggested by our data, the flattening of the distribution cannot be confirmed and more objects towards the anticentre need to be studied in order to establish the true form of the metallicity gradient.
In this work, a bibliographic analysis on artificial neural networks (ANNs) using fractional calculus (FC) theory has been developed to summarize the main features and applications of the ANNs. ANN ...is a mathematical modeling tool used in several sciences and engineering fields. FC has been mainly applied on ANNs with three different objectives, such as systems stabilization, systems synchronization, and parameters training, using optimization algorithms. FC and some control strategies have been satisfactorily employed to attain the synchronization and stabilization of ANNs. To show this fact, in this manuscript are summarized, the architecture of the systems, the control strategies, and the fractional derivatives used in each research work, also, the achieved goals are presented. Regarding the parameters training using optimization algorithms issue, in this manuscript, the systems types, the fractional derivatives involved, and the optimization algorithm employed to train the ANN parameters are also presented. In most of the works found in the literature where ANNs and FC are involved, the authors focused on controlling the systems using synchronization and stabilization. Furthermore, recent applications of ANNs with FC in several fields such as medicine, cryptographic, image processing, robotic are reviewed in detail in this manuscript. Works with applications, such as chaos analysis, functions approximation, heat transfer process, periodicity, and dissipativity, also were included. Almost to the end of the paper, several future research topics arising on ANNs involved with FC are recommended to the researchers community. From the bibliographic review, we concluded that the Caputo derivative is the most utilized derivative for solving problems with ANNs because its initial values take the same form as the differential equations of integer-order.
Abstract The immunogenicity and efficacy generated by one dose of a PCV2 sub-unit vaccine (Porcilis PCV® ) were evaluated in 3-week-old conventional piglets. Vaccination induced both humoral and ...cell-mediated responses against PCV2, which were increased after the challenge with a PCV2 genotype “b” isolate. High levels of maternally derived antibodies (IPMA ≥ 10 log2 ) at the time of vaccination were found to interfere with the active seroconversion, whereas titres below 8 log2 allowed the development of a proper antibody response. Nevertheless, the immunity induced by one dose of the product was partly protective against PCV2 infection, since viremia, shedding and viral load in tissues were significantly reduced in vaccinated pigs compared to controls.
Hydrogels of TEMPO-oxidized nanocellulose were stabilized for dry-jet wet spinning using a shell of cellulose dissolved in 1,5-diazabicyclo4.3.0non-5-enium propionate (DBNHCO2Et), a protic ionic ...liquid (PIL). Coagulation in an acidic water bath resulted in continuous core–shell filaments (CSFs) that were tough and flexible with an average dry (and wet) toughness of ∼11 (2) MJ·m–3 and elongation of ∼9 (14) %. The CSF morphology, chemical composition, thermal stability, crystallinity, and bacterial activity were assessed using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and bacterial cell culturing, respectively. The coaxial wet spinning yields PIL-free systems carrying on the surface the cellulose II polymorph, which not only enhances the toughness of the filaments but facilities their functionalization.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Mitogen-activated protein kinase-interacting kinases (MNKs) promote the expression of several ...oncogenic proteins and are overexpressed in several types of cancer. In human cells, there are four isoforms of MNKs. The truncated isoform MNK1b, first described in our laboratory, has a higher basal activity and is constitutively active. Aptamers are emerging in recent years as potential therapeutic agents that show significant advantages over drugs of other nature. We have previously obtained and characterized a highly specific aptamer against MNK1b, named apMNK2F, with a dissociation constant in the nanomolar range, which produces significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, and colony formation in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, its sequence analysis predicted two G-quadruplex structures. In this work, we show the optimization process of the aptamer to reduce its size, improving its stability. The obtained aptamer, named apMNKQ2, is able to inhibit proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion in breast cancer cells. In murine models of breast cancer, apMNKQ2 has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing tumor volume and the number of metastases. In conclusion, apMNKQ2 could be used as an anti-tumor drug in the future.
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Pinto-Díez et al. have optimized the aptamer apMNKQ2, the first specific MNK1 inhibitor. The authors have demonstrated its anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effect on breast cancer cells, also in vivo, suggesting the potential therapeutic use of apMNKQ2 in breast cancer and possibly other tumors in which MNK1 plays a relevant role.
Local relapse and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) for pT4 colon cancer is estimated in 15,6% and 36,7% for 12 months and 36 months from surgical resection respectively, achieving a 5 years overall ...survival of 6%. There are promising results using prophylactic HIPEC in this group of patients, and it is estimated that up to 26% of all T4 colon cancer could benefit from this treatment with a minimal morbidity. Adjuvant HIPEC is effective to avoid the possibility of peritoneal seeding after surgical resection. Taking into account these results and the cumulative experience in HIPEC use, we will lead a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant treatment with HIPEC vs. standard treatment in patients with colon cancer at high risk of peritoneal recurrence (pT4).
The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant HIPEC in preventing the development of PC in patients with colon cancer with a high risk of peritoneal recurrence (cT4). This study will be carried out in 15 Spanish HIPEC centres. Eligible for inclusion are patients who underwent curative resection for cT4NxM0 stage colon cancer. After resection of the primary tumour, 200 patients will be randomized to adjuvant HIPEC followed by routine adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in the experimental arm, or to systemic chemotherapy only in the control arm. Adjuvant HIPEC will be performed simultaneously after the primary resection. Mitomycin C will be used as chemotherapeutic agent, for 60 min at 42-43 °C. Primary endpoint is loco-regional control (LC) in months and the rate of loco-regional control (%LC) at 12 months and 36 months after resection.
We assumed that adjuvant HIPEC will reduce the expected absolute risk of peritoneal recurrence from 36% to 18% at 36 months for T4 colon-rectal carcinoma.
NCT02614534 ( clinicaltrial.gov ) Nov-2015.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are rare neoplasms capable of producing hormones. The development of new treatments has improved progression-free survival, albeit with ...increased toxicity. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an important endpoint in clinical research to evaluate patients’ well-being in such a contradictory scenario. In this review, we examine key reported outcomes across clinical studies exploring HRQoL in patients with GEP-NETs. We have conducted a review of the literature using PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Selection criteria for articles were (1) publication in English between 1995 and 2014, (2) patients with GEP-NET, and (3) analysis of HRQoL, including mental health and psychological symptoms. Forty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria (31 clinical trials, 14 observational studies, and 4 developments of NET-specific HRQoL instruments). The scope and nature of the literature was diverse with 27 instruments used to measure aspects of HRQoL. EORTC QLQ-C30 was the most frequently used, in 38 of the 49 studies. Standardized measures revealed that in spite of generally good HRQoL, GEP-NET patients have specific psychological and physical complaints. The clinical benefit of somatostatin analogs and sunitinib has been clearly supported by HRQoL assessment. Improvement in HRQoL scores or symptom relief over time was also reported in 14 trials of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, however the absence of randomized studies obviate definitive conclusions. We have also identified several unanswered questions that should be addressed in further research concerning chemotherapy, everolimus, surgery, local ablative therapies, and chemoembolization. Future research should incorporate GEP-NET-specific HRQoL instruments into phase III trials. This review may help both clinicians and researchers to select the most appropriate tools to assess changes in HRQoL in this population.
The main aim of this study was to not only establish the prevalence of the recently described
Spirocerca vulpis
parasite in the wild-life cycle of carnivores in western Spain but to also elaborate a ...model to explain the risk of infestation based on 16 topo-climatic and habitat variables. During the period from June 2016 to November 2017, 1644 carcasses of red foxes (
Vulpes vulpes
) and another 105 wild mammals, legally hunted or killed in car accidents, were analyzed. Parasitic nodules of
Spirocerca
were found in 6% of the foxes, and the molecular analyses established a homology of our samples with the species
S. vulpis
. There were no differences in the occurrence of the infestation between sexes, but there were differences in terms of age, such that infestation was proportionally more frequent among young individuals. In terms of temporality, a higher percentage of positive cases was observed during the late-autumn and winter months, especially between December and February. This study provides new data on the factors that predispose
S. vulpis
infection in the red fox. Model results indicate that a spatial pattern exists in the occurrence and prevalence of this species in the studied area (higher probabilities to the west), and that this pattern seems to mainly be associated with topo-climatic variables.
Background
The antineoplastic drug 5‐fluoruracil (5‐FU) is a pirimidine analog, which frequently induces potentially fatal diarrhea and mucositis. Cannabinoids reduce gastrointestinal motility and ...secretion and might prevent 5‐FU‐induced gut adverse effects. Here, we asked whether cannabinoids may prevent diarrhea and mucositis induced by 5‐FU in the rat.
Methods
Male Wistar rats received vehicle or the non‐selective cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212‐2 (WIN; 0.5 mg kg−1 injection−1, 1 injection day−1, 4 consecutive days) by intraperitoneal (ip) route; on the first 2 days, animals received also saline or 5‐FU (150 mg kg−1 injection−1, cumulative dose of 300 mg kg−1). Gastrointestinal motor function was radiographically studied after barium contrast intragastric administration on experimental days 1 and 4. Structural alterations of the stomach, small intestine and colon were histologically studied on day 4. PAS staining and immunohistochemistry for Ki67, chromogranin A and CD163 were used to detect secretory, proliferating, and endocrine cells, and activated macrophages respectively.
Key Results
As shown radiographically, 5‐FU induced significant gastric emptying delay (on days 1 and 4) and diarrhea (on day 4). WIN did not significantly alter the motility curves obtained for either control or 5‐FU‐treated animals but tended to reduce the severity of 5‐FU‐induced diarrhea and increased permanence of barium from day 1 to the beginning of day 4 in 5‐FU‐treated animals. 5‐FU‐induced mucositis was severe and not counteracted by WIN.
Conclusions and Inferences
5‐FU‐induced diarrhea, but not mucositis, was partly prevented by WIN at a low dose. Cannabinoids might be useful to prevent chemotherapy‐induced diarrhea.
In this article, we have characterized the effects of the antineoplastic drug 5‐fluorouracil using X‐rays and conventional histology in the rat, and have evaluated whether cannabinoids might be useful for treating 5‐FU‐induced diarrhea. A low dose of the non‐selective cannabinoid agonist WIN partially prevented the development of diarrhea, probably through actions on motility, but did not prevent 5‐FU‐induced mucositis. This is the first experimental study on the effects of cannbinoids on chemotherapy‐induced diarrhea.
The microwave detection capability of GaN-based asymmetric planar nanodiodes (so-called Self-Switching Diode, SSD, due to its non-linearity) has been characterized in a wide temperature range, from ...70 K up to 300 K. At low temperature, microwave measurements reveal an enhancement of the responsivity at frequencies below 1 GHz, which, together with a pronounced hysteresis in the DC curves, indicate a significant influence of the surface states. This leads to a significant variability and non-repeatability which needs to be reduced since it degrades the accuracy of the detection. For this sake, the RF characterization was repeated after applying a positive/negative voltage able to fill/empty the surface states in order to have a well-established preconditioned state. As a consequence of the positive pre-soak bias, a significant enhancement of the measured responsivity, with a × 10 increase at low temperature. The RF detection measurements after such preconditioning contains a time dependence induced by the slow discharge mechanism of the traps, so that the improved responsivity remains even after 100s of seconds. On the other hand, a negative voltage pre-soak benefits the discharge process, thus suppressing the low frequency dispersion and the important variability of the detection without the pre-conditioning step. We also show that the relation between the voltage and current responsivities in each case allows to explain the impact of the surface charges in terms of the device impedance.
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