A novel approach for low-temperature synthesis of nanostructured rutile-like Ti1-x Fe x O2 solid solutions.

We present a straightforward method for synthesizing rutile-like Ti1-x Fe x O2 solid solutions at 90 °C, with x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08. Additionally, for reference, we synthesized Fe-free rutile under identical conditions. All samples were characterized using XRPD, Rietveld refinement, elemental analysis, and specific surface area. Further characterization of the pure rutile and the solid solution with x = 0.04 was conducted using HRTEM, SEM-EDS, Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis DRS, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results indicated that Fe atoms incorporated into the crystalline structure of rutile, replacing Ti atoms. All phases exhibited a tetragonal crystalline structure with lattice parameters that increased with Fe content. Rietveld refinement and the electron microscopy revealed that the crystallites had a morphology elongated along the c-axis. Experimental evidence showed that the incorporation of iron into the crystalline structure altered the optical properties, as corroborated through DFT calculations on a Fe-free rutile cluster and one doped with Fe. These calculations also suggest enhancement of the stability of the solid solutions.

Doble synergetic anticancer activity through a combined chemo-photodynamic therapy and bioimaging of a novel Cas-ZnONPs all-in-one system.

A strategy for cancer treatment was implemented, based on chemo-photodynamic therapy, utilizing a novel formulation, low-cost system called Cas-ZnONPs. This system consisted of the incorporation of Casiopeina III-ia (CasIII-ia), a hydrophilic copper coordination compound with well-documented anti-neoplastic activity, on Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) with apoptotic activity and lipophilicity, allowing them to permeate biological barriers. Additionally, ZnONPs exhibited fluorescence, with emission at different wavelengths depending on their agglomeration and enabling real-time tracking biodistribution. Also, ZnONPs served as a sensitizer, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ. In in vitro studies on HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, a synergistic effect was observed with the impregnated CasIII-ia on ZnONPs. The anticancer activity had an increase in cellular inhibition, depending on the dose of exposure to UV-vis irradiation. In in vivo studies utilized zebrafish models for xenotransplanting stained MDA-MB-231 cells and testing the effectiveness of Cas-ZnONPs treatment. The treatment successfully eliminated cancer cells, both when combined with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and when used alone. However, a significantly higher concentration (50 times) of Cas-ZnONPs was required in the absence of PDT. This demonstrates the potential of Cas-ZnONPs in cancer treatment, especially when combined with PDT.

Estilos de liderazgo en profesionales sanitarios peruanos

Fundamento: el liderazgo representa un rasgo importante que debe poseer toda persona encargada de dirigir un grupo. Los cambios organizacionales generados en las oficinas farmacéuticas deben ser asumidos mediante un estilo de liderazgo que permita alcanzar los objetivos y metas planteadas, con el fin de asegurar y optimizar la atención sanitaria. Objetivo: determinar los estilos de liderazgo en profesionales Químico-Farmacéuticos que laboran en establecimientos públicos y privados de la ciudad de Trujillo (Perú). Métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que incluyó 94 profesionales colegiados que se desempeñan como directores técnicos. En la recolección de datos se empleó como técnica la encuesta y como instrumento al cuestionario Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire , que constó de 36 preguntas en escala de Likert, distribuidas en tres dimensiones: liderazgo transformacional, transaccional y correctivo/pasivo/evitador. Resultados: el 82, 9 % de los profesionales laboran como directores técnicos en el sector privado; el 57, 4 % son del género femenino y más del 60 % presentan un nivel alto de liderazgo. Unidos ambos sectores, los estilos de liderazgo transformacional y transaccional de nivel alto estuvieron presente en un 28,7 % y 61, 7 %, respectivamente; el liderazgo correctivo/pasivo/evitador de nivel medio estuvo presente en 72, 3 % de los profesionales. Asimismo, el liderazgo transformacional de nivel alto estuvo presente en 62, 5 % de los que trabajan en el sector público y en 56, 4 % de los del sector privado; el estilo de liderazgo correctivo/pasivo/evitador en un nivel medio estuvo presente en más del 60 % de los profesionales de ambos sectores. Conclusiones: el estilo de liderazgo más predominante fue el transaccional.

Foundation: leadership represents an important trait that must be presented by every person in charge of directing a group of people. The organizational changes generated in pharmaceutical offices must be assumed through a leadership style that allows achieving the objectives and goals set, in order to ensure and optimize health care. Objective: to determine the Chemist-Pharmaceutical professionals' leadership styles who work in public and private establishments in the city of Trujillo (Peru). Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study that included 94 collegiate professionals who work as technical directors. In data collection, the survey was used as a technique and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) as an instrument, which consisted of 36 questions on a Likert scale, distributed in three dimensions: transformational, transactional, and corrective/avoidant leadership. Results: 82.9 % of the professionals work as technical directors in the private sector; 57.4 % are female and more than 60 % have a high level of leadership. Together both sectors, the high-level transformational and transactional leadership styles were present in 28.7 % and 61.7 %, respectively; mid-level corrective/passive/avoidant leadership was present in 72.3 % of the professionals. Likewise, high-level transformational leadership was present in 62.5 % of those who work in the public sector and in 56.4 % of those in the private sector; the corrective/passive/avoidant leadership style at a medium level was present in more than 60 % of the professionals in both sectors. Conclusions: the most predominant leadership style was transactional.

Medicamentos intercambiables en Perú. Un estudio de revisión

La intercambiabilidad de medicamentos representa una necesidad en países en vías de desarrollo, porque brinda la posibilidad de acceder a productos de menor costo, además, permite asegurar eficacia y seguridad en los tratamientos farmacoterapéuticos. El estudio recolectó investigaciones realizadas en el estado peruano, publicadas en bases de datos de alto impacto como Scielo, Sciencedirect, Scopus y Pubmed. De las 553 investigaciones encontradas, sólo diez artículos cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se identificaron medicamentos como diazepam, prednisona, amoxicilina, doxiciclina, fluconazol, fenitoína sódica, alprazolam, amlodipino, carbamazepina sódica, glibenclamida, moxifloxacino y ácido acetilsalicílico. Todos los artículos analizaron el perfil de disolución mediante el cálculo del factor de similitud f2, mientras, en otros casos, estimaron parámetros como variación de peso, friabilidad, dureza, cuantificación, uniformidad de contenido y perfil de disolución. Los resultados evidencian que nueve medicamentos incluidos en el estudio fueron analizados mediante estudios in vitro a diferentes pH (1,2; 4,5 y 6,8), y cumplieron con presentar un factor de similitud f2 mayor a 50. Se concluye que aún se encuentra en proceso la intercambiabilidad de medicamentos en el estado peruano, y que, mediante alianzas estratégicas con el sector privado, se podría tener una mayor cantidad de alternativas farmacéuticas en la recuperación del paciente.

The medicines' interchangeability represents a necessity in developing countries, because it offers the possibility of accessing lower cost products, it allows to ensure efficacy and safety in pharmacotherapeutic treatments. The study gather researches carried out in the Peruvian state published in high-impact databases such as Scielo, Sciencedirect, Scopus and Pubmed. Of the 553 researches found, only 10 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, drugs such as diazepam, prednisone, amoxicillin, doxycycline, fluconazole, phenytoin sodium, alprazolam, amlodipine, carbamazepine sodium, glibenclamide, moxifloxacin and acetylsalicylic acid were identified. All the articles analyzed the dissolution profile by calculating the similarity factor f2, while, in other cases, they estimated parameters such as weight variation, friability, hardness, quantification, content uniformity, and dissolution profile. The results show that 9 drugs included in the study were analyzed by in vitro studies at different pH (1.2; 4.5 and 6.8), and complied with presenting a similarity factor f2 greater than 50. It is concluded that, the interchangeability of medicines in the Peruvian state is still in process, and that, through strategic alliances with the private sector, a greater number of pharmaceutical alternatives could be had in the patient's recovery.

A comprehensive study of product distributions and coke deposition during catalytic cracking of vacuum gas oil over hierarchical zeolites.

In this study, zeolites (Z) were used as catalysts in the cracking of a Colombian vacuum gas oil (VGO), with a focus on product distribution and coke deposition. The catalytic tests were carried out in a MAT-type reactor under typical conditions. The zeolites were subjected to alkaline treatment with NaOH at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.4 mol/L, resulting in the creation of several samples (Z-0.05, Z-0.10, Z-0.20, Z-0.30 and Z-0.40) that were then hydrothermally stabilized (Z-0.05-M, Z-0.10-M, Z-0.20-M, Z-0.30-M and Z-0.40-M) to increase mesoporosity and reduced crystallinity. The increase in mesoporosity was accompanied by an improvement in acidity. Despite Z-0.30-M having higher acidity, Z-0.00-M and Z-0.10-M exhibited the highest activity due to their high crystallinity and microporosity, yielding the highest gas yields. Gasoline was the main product, with maximum yields exceeding 30%. Z-0.20-M produced more aromatic and olefin compounds than the others, resulting in higher quality gasoline. Coke formation followed the trend: Z-0.00-M < Z-0.10-M < Z-0.20-M < Z-0.30-M. The higher intracrystalline mesoporosity in the zeolites favored the formation of a more condensed coke.

ZnO nanoparticles-modified polycaprolactone-gelatin membranes for guided/bone tissue regeneration, antibacterial and osteogenic differentiation properties.

Periodontitis is a highly prevalent infectious disease that causes the progressive destruction of the periodontal supporting tissues. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss impairing oral function, aesthetics, and the patient's overall quality of life. Guided and Bone Tissue Regeneration (GTR/BTR) are surgical therapies based on the placement of a membrane that prevents epithelial growth into the defect, allowing the periodontal/bone cells (including stem cells) to regenerate or restore the affected tissues. The success of these therapies is commonly affected by the local bacterial colonization of the membrane area and its fast biodegradation, causing postoperative infections and a premature rupture of the membrane limiting the regeneration process. This study presents the antibacterial and osteogenic differentiation properties of polycaprolactone-gelatin (PCL-G) electrospun membranes modified with ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The membranes´ chemical composition, surface roughness, biodegradation, water wettability, and mechanical properties under simulated physiological conditions, were analyzed by the close relationship with their biological properties. The PCL-G membranes modified with 1, 3, and 6% w/w of ZnO-NPs showed a significant reduction in the planktonic and biofilm formation of four clinically relevant bacteria;A. actinomycetemcomitansserotype b, P. gingivalis,E. coli, andS. epidermidis. Additionally, the membranes presented appropriate mechanical properties and biodegradation rates to be potentially used in clinical treatments. Notably, the membranes modified with the lowest concentration of ZnO-NPs (1% w/w) stimulated the production of osteoblast markers and calcium deposits in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) and were biocompatible to human osteoblasts cells (hFOB). These results suggest that the PCL-G membranes with 1% w/w of ZnO-NPs are high-potential candidates for GTR/BTR treatments, as they were the most effective in terms of better antibacterial effectiveness at a lower NPs-concentration while creating a favorable cellular microenvironment for bone growth.

18O labeling on Ser45 but not on Ser35 supports the cooperative phosphorylation mechanism on tarantula thick filament activation.

Thick filaments from some striated muscles are regulated by phosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chains (RLCs). A tarantula thick filament quasi-atomic model achieved by cryo-electron microscopy has advanced our understanding on how this regulation occurs. In native thick filaments, an asymmetric intramolecular interaction between the actin-binding region of one myosin head ("blocked") and the converter region of the other head ("free") switches both heads off, establishing the myosin interacting-heads motif (IHM). This structural finding, together with motility assays, sequence analysis, and mass spectrometry (MS) observations have suggested a cooperative phosphorylation activation (CPA) mechanism for thick filament activation. In the CPA mechanism, some myosin free heads are phosphorylated constitutively in Ser35 by protein kinase C (PKC) and -under Ca2+ control - others (free or blocked) heads temporally on Ser45 by myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), in a way that explains both force development and post-tetanic potentiation in tarantula striated muscle. We tested this model using MS to verify if Ca2+-activation phosphorylates de novo un-phosphorylated Ser35 heads. For this purpose, we standardized an approach based on 18O isotopic ATP labeling to accurately detect by MS-MS the RLC phosphorylation under Ca2+-activation. MS spectra showed de novo18O incorporation only on Ser45 but not on Ser35. As the constitutive Ser35 phosphorylation cannot be dephosphorylated, this result suggests that the number of RLCs on free heads with constitutively phosphorylated Ser35 does remain constant on Ca2+-activation supporting that the myosin has a basal activation and force modulation or potentiation is controlled by MLCK Ser45 phosphorylation.

An invertebrate smooth muscle with striated muscle myosin filaments.

Muscle tissues are classically divided into two major types, depending on the presence or absence of striations. In striated muscles, the actin filaments are anchored at Z-lines and the myosin and actin filaments are in register, whereas in smooth muscles, the actin filaments are attached to dense bodies and the myosin and actin filaments are out of register. The structure of the filaments in smooth muscles is also different from that in striated muscles. Here we have studied the structure of myosin filaments from the smooth muscles of the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. We find, surprisingly, that they are indistinguishable from those in an arthropod striated muscle. This structural similarity is supported by sequence comparison between the schistosome myosin II heavy chain and known striated muscle myosins. In contrast, the actin filaments of schistosomes are similar to those of smooth muscles, lacking troponin-dependent regulation. We conclude that schistosome muscles are hybrids, containing striated muscle-like myosin filaments and smooth muscle-like actin filaments in a smooth muscle architecture. This surprising finding has broad significance for understanding how muscles are built and how they evolved, and challenges the paradigm that smooth and striated muscles always have distinctly different components.

Preparation of functionalized porous nano-γ-Al2O3 powders employing colophony extract.

This study reports the synthesis of porous nano alumina employing carboxylato-alumoxanes [Al(O) x (OH) y (O2CR) z ] n as precursors for controlling the pore size, pore size distribution and porosity of the alumina, using a new process ecofriendly. The carboxylato-alumoxanes was prepared by the reaction of boehmite with carboxylic acids. The boehmite was obtained by the hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxide in an aqueous solution. The colophony extract is employed as a source of carboxylic acids. The materials were characterized, using XRD, TGA, N2 physical adsorption, SEM, TEM, NMR and FTIR. A mechanism was proposed for the formation of the synthesized structures. TEM measurements confirmed particle size ranged from 5 to 8 nm.

Different head environments in tarantula thick filaments support a cooperative activation process.

Myosin filaments from many muscles are activated by phosphorylation of their regulatory light chains (RLCs). Structural analysis of relaxed tarantula thick filaments shows that the RLCs of the interacting free and blocked myosin heads are in different environments. This and other data suggested a phosphorylation mechanism in which Ser-35 of the free head is exposed and constitutively phosphorylated by protein kinase C, whereas the blocked head is hidden and unphosphorylated; on activation, myosin light chain kinase phosphorylates the monophosphorylated free head followed by the unphosphorylated blocked head, both at Ser-45. Our goal was to test this model of phosphorylation. Mass spectrometry of quickly frozen, intact muscles showed that only Ser-35 was phosphorylated in the relaxed state. The location of this constitutively phosphorylated Ser-35 was analyzed by immunofluorescence, using antibodies specific for unphosphorylated or phosphorylated Ser-35. In the relaxed state, myofibrils were labeled by anti-pSer-35 but not by anti-Ser-35, whereas in rigor, labeling was similar with both. This suggests that only pSer-35 is exposed in the relaxed state, while in rigor, Ser-35 is also exposed. In the interacting-head motif of relaxed filaments, only the free head RLCs are exposed, suggesting that the constitutive pSer-35 is on the free heads, consistent with the proposed mechanism.

Novel MoO2/carbon hierarchical nano/microcomposites: synthesis, characterization, solid state transformations and thiophene HDS activity.

Novel MoO(2)/C nano/microcomposites were prepared via a bottom-up approach by hydrothermal carbonization of a solution of glucose as a carbon precursor in the presence of polyoxometalates (POMs: phosphomolybdic acid [H(3)PMo(12)O(40)] and ammonium heptamolybdate tetrahydrate [(NH(4))(6)Mo(7)O(24)]·4H(2)O). The structural characterization by FT-IR, XRPD, SEM and TEM analyses revealed the controlled formation of hierarchical MoO(2)/C composites with different morphologies: strawberry-like, based on carbon microspheres decorated with MoO(2) nanoparticles; MoO(2)/C core-shell composites; and irregular aggregates in combination with ring-like microstructures bearing amorphous Mo species. These composites can be fine-tuned by varying reaction time, glucose/POM ratio and type of POM precursor. Subsequent transformations in the solid state through calcinations of MoO(2)/C core-shell composites in air lead to hollow nanostructured molybdenum trioxide microspheres together with nanorods and plate microcrystals or cauliflower-like composites (MoO(2)/C). In addition, the MoO(2)/C composite undergoes a morphology evolution to urchin-like composites when it is calcined under nitrogen atmosphere (MoO(2)/C-N(2)). The MoO(2)/C strawberry-like and MoO(2)/C-N(2) composites were transformed into Mo carbide and nitride supported on carbon microspheres (Mo(2)C/C, MoN/C, and MoN/C-N(2)). These phases were tested as precursors in thiophene hydrodesulphurization (HDS) at 400 °C, observing the following trend in relation to the thiophene steady-state conversion: MoN/C-N(2) > MoN/C > Mo(2)C/C > MoO(2)/C-N(2) > MoO(2)/C. According to these conversion values, a direct correlation was observed between higher HDS activity and decreasing crystal size as estimated from the Scherrer equation. These results suggest that such composites represent interesting and promising precursors for HDS catalysts, where the activity and stability can be modified either by chemical or structural changes of the composites under different conditions.