Global Situation of Bioremediation of Leachate-Contaminated Soils by Treatment with Microorganisms: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review presents the current state of research in the last five years on contaminants in soils, especially in leachates from solid waste landfills, with emphasis on biological remediation. In this work, the pollutants that can be treated by microorganisms and the results obtained worldwide were studied. All the data obtained were compiled, integrated, and analyzed by soil type, pollutant type, bacterial type, and the countries where these studies were carried out. This review provides reliable data on the contamination of soils worldwide, especially soils contaminated by leachate from municipal landfills. The extent of contamination, treatment objectives, site characteristics, cost, type of microorganisms to be used, and time must be considered when selecting a viable remediation strategy. The results of this study can help develop innovative and applicable methods for evaluating the overall contamination of soil with different contaminants and soil types. These findings can help develop innovative, applicable, and economically feasible methods for the sustainable management of contaminated soils, whether from landfill leachate or other soil types, to reduce or eliminate risk to the environment and human health, and to achieve greater greenery and functionality on the planet.

Use of Formal and Informal Food Resources by Food Insecure Families in Lima, Peru: A Mixed-Methods Analysis.

The goal of this study was to measure food insecurity among families with children in a low-income district of Lima, Peru and to identify the formal and informal food resources available to them that may affect their food security status. In June-July 2019, we collected data from 329 randomly selected households in Villa El Salvador (Lima, Peru). Following a mixed methods approach, we found that the percentage of households using food assistance programs (FAPs) increased with increasing levels of food insecurity, but two FAPs were heavily used by households regardless of food (in)security. The main reasons for using FAPs included financial need, already being signed up in the program, and believing that the food was of nutritional value; the main reasons for non-use were finding the program unnecessary, dislike or poor perceived quality of the food, and not being able to sign up for the program. Similarly, informal food resources, such as buying food on credit or receiving food from someone outside the household, were incrementally used with increased levels of food insecurity. Our study clarifies the relationship between level of household food insecurity and FAP use - FAPs more commonly used by food insecure households were used because of financial need, whereas the FAPs most commonly used by food secure households were those with automatic enrollment. At a programmatic level, our research highlights the need for making nutritious and preferred foods available in FAPs and standardizing the application of enrollment criteria.

SERS activity of hybrid nano/microstructures Ag-Fe3O4 based on Dimorphotheca ecklonis pollen grains as bio-template.

Nature provides remarkable examples of mass-produced microscale particles with structures and chemistries optimized by evolution for particular functions. Synthetic chemical tailoring of such sustainable biogenic particles may be used to generate new multifunctional materials. Herein, we report a facile method for the synthesis of hybrid nano/microstructures Ag-Fe3O4 based on Dimorphotheca ecklonis pollen grains as bio-template. Silver nanoparticles was biosynthesized using pollen grains as a reduction and stabilization agent as well as a bio-template promoting the adhesion of silver nanoparticles to pollen surface. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method from FeSO4. Hybrid nano/microstructures Ag-Fe3O4 based on Dimorphotheca ecklonis pollen grains as bio-template were obtained and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy to study the morphology and structure; Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition distribution; and Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy to demonstrate the fluorescence properties of hybrid nano-microstructures. Furthermore, these hybrid nano-microstructures have been studied by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), using methylene blue as a target molecule; the hybrid nano-microstructures have shown 14 times signal amplification.

Feasibility of Using a Novel 2.45 GHz Double Short Distance Slot Coaxial Antenna for Minimally Invasive Cancer Breast Microwave Ablation Therapy: Computational Model, Phantom, and In Vivo Swine Experimentation.

Microwave ablation (MWA) by using coaxial antennas is a promising alternative for breast cancer treatment. A double short distance slot coaxial antenna as a newly optimized applicator for minimally invasive treatment of breast cancer is proposed. To validate and to analyze the feasibility of using this method in clinical treatment, a computational model, phantom, and breast swine in vivo experimentation were carried out, by using four microwave powers (50 W, 30 W, 20 W, and 10 W). The finite element method (FEM) was used to develop the computational model. Phantom experimentation was carried out in breast phantom. The in vivo experimentation was carried out in a 90 kg swine sow. Tissue damage was estimated by comparing control and treated micrographs of the porcine mammary gland samples. The coaxial slot antenna was inserted in swine breast glands by using image-guided ultrasound. In all cases, modeling, in vivo and phantom experimentation, and ablation temperatures (above 60°C) were reached. The in vivo experiments suggest that this new MWA applicator could be successfully used to eliminate precise and small areas of tissue (around 20-30 mm2). By modulating the power and time applied, it may be possible to increase/decrease the ablation area.

Caracterización de la Lámpara Flash-LED: EBNeuro Usada para Adquirir Potenciales Evocados Visuales en Ratas / Characterization of the Flash-LED Lamp: EBNeuro Used to Acquired Visual Evoked Potentials in Rats

Resumen: La señal de la amplitud en análisis de Potenciales Evocados Visuales (PEVs) es una variable que depende del tipo y posición de los electrodos, de la fuente, del estímulo y por consecuente, de la intensidad luminosa por lo que es fundamental reportarla para cada diseño experimental y así, garantizar su reproducibilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar una lámpara con 96 LEDs para la adquisición de PEVs en ratas. Se midió la iluminancia y la intensidad luminosa promedio en un sistema espacial XYZ de 8 cm3 aplicable a un sistema estereotáxico para la fijación de ratas. Se realizaron desplazamientos cada 2 cm en cada plano. Se observó que debido a la distribución geométrica de los LEDs la distribución de la iluminancia no sigue la ley del inverso cuadrado, ya que aumenta conforme la lámpara se aleja. Finalmente, se seleccionó una coordenada para la colocación del ojo de la rata empleando una intensidad luminosa promedio para la adquisición del PEV de 1.043 cd e iluminancia de 128.77 luxes a una distancia ojo-lámpara de 9 cm. Una vez caracterizada la intensidad luminosa y de acuerdo con los PEVs obtenidos, esta lámpara puede utilizarse para estudios PEV en ratas en investigaciones posteriores.

Abstract: Signal amplitude for recordings of Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) is a variable dependent on the type and position of the electrodes, the source, the stimulus and consequently the luminous intensity; therefore, it is relevant to report it to assure experimental reproducibility. The objective of this work is to characterize flash lamp with 96 LEDs in order to perform the acquisition of VEPs in rats. We measure the illuminance and mean light intensity on space system XYZ of 8 cm3 corresponding to a stereotaxic frame for rodents. Displacements were performed every 2 cm in each plane. Because of the geometric distribution of the LEDs in the EBNeuro lamp the spatial distribution of illuminance does not follow the law of the inverse square, because the illuminance increases as the lamp goes away. Finally a spatial coordinate was selected for the rat eye positioning were the mean luminous intensity was 1.043 cd and 128.77 luxes of illuminance at an eye-lamp distance of 9 cm. According to the obtained VEPs and spatial characterization this lamp can be used for acquire of recordings PEV in rats for further investigations.

Análisis de los espectros de absorción de las películas radiocrómicas EBT2 y EBT3 / Analysis of the absorption spectra of EBT2 and EBT3 radiochromic films

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar los espectros de absorción neta de las películas radiocrómicas EBT2 y EBT3 para describir su influencia en el comportamiento de las curvas de dosis-respuesta. Metodología: Las películas se irradiaron en un acelerador lineal de 6 MV. La obtención de los espectros de absorción neta se realizó con espectrofotómetro UV/VIS. Las curvas de dosis-respuesta se obtuvieron con un escáner, un láser He-Ne y un espectrofotómetro. Resultados: El espectro de absorción de las EBT2 muestra tres bandas de absorción centradas que conservan la posición y aumentan su intensidad en función de la dosis, sin embargo, este comportamiento no se observa en las películas EBT3. La curva dosis-respuesta muestra la máxima sensibilidad utilizando el espectrofotómetro, pero no muestra un comportamiento definido. Implicaciones: Generación de nuevos conocimientos para la creación de nuevos sistemas ópticos capaces de amplificar la sensibilidad de la respuesta de las películas. Originalidad: Mostrar la correlación entre los espectros de absorción neta y su influencia en las curvas dosis-respuesta en tres diferentes sistemas ópticos. Conclusiones: El comportamiento de los espectros de absorción aunado al comportamiento de las curvas dosis-respuesta nos ayuda a descartar el uso de sistemas ópticos que no garanticen un uso clínico confiable.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the net absorption spectra of EBT2 and EBT3 radiochromic films to describe their influence on the behavior of dose-response curves. Methodology: The films were irradiated in a linear accelerator of 6 MV. The net absorption spectra were obtained with a UV / VIS spectrophotometer. Dose-response curves were obtained with a scanner, a He-Ne laser and a spectrophotometer. Results: The absorption spectrum of the EBT2 shows three focused absorption bands that retain position and increase their intensity as a function of dose, however, this behavior is not observed in EBT3 films. The dose-response curve shows maximum sensitivity using the spectrophotometer, but does not show a defined behavior. Implications: Generation of new knowledge for the creation of new optical systems capable of amplifying the responsiveness of the films. Originality: Show the correlation between net absorption spectra and their influence on dose-response curves in three different optical systems. Conclusions: The behavior of absorption spectra combined with the behavior of the dose-response curves helps to discard the use of optical systems that do not guarantee a reliable clinical use.

Preparation of Modified Films with Protein from Grouper Fish.

A protein concentrate (PC) was obtained from Grouper fish skin and it was used to prepare films with different amounts of sorbitol and glycerol as plasticizers. The best performing films regarding resistance were then modified with various concentrations of CaCl2, CaSO4 (calcium salts), and glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) with the purpose of improving their mechanical and barrier properties. These films were characterized by determining their mechanical properties and permeability to water vapor and oxygen. Formulations with 5% (w/v) protein and 75% sorbitol and 4% (w/v) protein with a mixture of 15% glycerol and 15% sorbitol produced adequate films. Calcium salts and GDL increased the tensile fracture stress but reduced the fracture strain and decreased water vapor permeability compared with control films. The films prepared represent an attractive alternative for being used as food packaging materials.

Continuidad de cuidados para la adherencia terapéutica en la persona con diabetes tipo 2 / Fostering therapeutical adherence among persons with diabetes type 2 through care continuity / Continuidade de cuidados para a aderência terapêutica na pessoa com diabetes tipo 2

En México existen 8.7 millones de personas con diabetes tipo 2 (DT2), lo que ha generado un costo por sus complicaciones de 834 dólares al año por persona y 70,281 defunciones. En estas cifras quizá influya la falta de adherencia terapéutica. Estudios recientes han encontrado que la continuidad de cuidados puede generar un impacto positivo en la salud de las personas con DT2. Descripción del caso: Los señores M de 40 años y P de 44 años fueron diagnosticados con DT2 hace más de un año; la señora M se encuentra con niveles de glucemia estable; el señor P, a causa del descontrol glucémico, en 2013 fue hospitalizado. Objetivo: Evaluar, en 2 adultos con DT2, la capacidad de adherencia terapéutica, que se fortaleció mediante la continuidad de cuidados realizada en su domicilio con base en intervenciones educativas de enfermería, fundamentadas en el Modelo de Adaptación de Sor Callista Roy. Metodología: Estudio de caso. Se realizó valoración física y control glucémico. Se diseñaron 3 intervenciones educativas de enfermería. Resultados En el pretest de adherencia terapéutica se obtuvieron percentiles bajos del 33% y medios del 66%. Después de las intervenciones se encontró un incremento respecto al ejercicio físico (70 y 75%), valoración de la condición física (23 y 75%) y dieta (86 y 87%), evidenciada por la mejora en sus niveles glucémicos (postest). Conclusiones: El modelo teórico de enfermería permitió comprender y desarrollar de mejor manera la continuidad de cuidados en el contexto familiar, al favorecer la adaptación de la DT2 mediante la adherencia terapéutica, lo que muestra una estrategia adecuada para mejorar la salud de esta población.

In Mexico, approximately 8.7 million persons are living with diabetes type 2 (DT2). This illness caused in a single year 70,281 deaths as well as complications-costs of around 834 dollars per person. A possible factor could be the patient's lack of therapeutical adherence. Recent studies have reported that care continuity can produce a positive impact on the health of persons with DT2. Case description Persons M and P of 40 and 44 year old respectively were diagnosed with DT2 more than a year ago; while person M has been stable, person P was hospitalized in 2013 due to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Objective: To assess the therapeutical adherence capacity of these 2 adults with DT2 after care continuity nursing educational interventions based on Callista Roy Adaptation Model of Nursing were given at their homes. Metodology: The case study, Physical examination and TA glycemic control were done. Three educational nursing interventions were designed. Results In the therapeutical adherence pre-test, low and medium percentiles of 33% and 66% were obtained. After the interventions, improvements in physical exercise (70% and 75%), physical condition (23% and 75%) and diet (86% and 87%), as well as in glucose indexes were found. Conclusions: By favoring therapeutical adherence, the nursing theoretical model allowed the understanding and development of care continuity within the family-context, suggesting that it is an adequate strategy to improve the health of populations with DT2.

No México existem 8.7 milhões de pessoas com diabetes tipo 2 (DT2), o que tem gerado um custo por suas complicações de 834 dólares no ano por pessoa e 70,281 mortes. O anterior, é possível que influencie a falta de aderência terapêutica. Estudos recentes têm encontrado que a continuidade de cuidados pode gerar um impacto positivo na saúde das pessoas com DT2. Descrição do caso: Os senhores M de 40 anos e P de 44 anos, foram diagnosticados com DT2 há mais de um ano, a senhora M encontra-se com níveis de glicemia estável, o senhor P, a causa do descontrolo glicêmico em 2013 foi hospitalizado. Objetivo: Avaliar, em 2 adultos com DT2, a capacidade de aderência terapêutica, que se fortaleceu mediante a continuidade de cuidados realizada na sua moradia com base em intervenções educativas de enfermagem, fundamentadas no Modelo de Adaptação de Sor Callista Roy. Metodologia: Estudo de caso. Realizou-se uma apreciação física e controle glicémico. Desenharam-se 3 intervenções educativas de enfermagem. Resultados: No pré-teste de AT obtiveram-se percentis baixos de 33% e médios de 66%. Depois das intervenções encontrou-se um incremento no que respeita ao exercício físico (70% e 75%), avaliação da condição física (23% e 75%) e regime (86% e 87%), evidenciado pela melhora nos seus níveis glicêmicos (post-teste). Conclusões: O modelo teórico de enfermagem permitiu compreender e desenvolver de melhor maneira a continuidade de cuidados no contexto familiar, favorecendo a adaptação da DT2 mediante a aderência terapêutica, o que sugere uma estratégia adequada para melhorar a saúde desta população.

Quantitative distribution of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli on beef carcasses and raw beef at retail establishments.

Salmonella is a foodborne pathogen that commonly inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of a healthy feedlot cattle and can be transferred to the carcass surface during hide removal and evisceration procedures. Numerous investigations on Salmonella prevalence throughout different stages of the beef chain have been conducted. In contrast, limited studies are available on quantitative determinations of Salmonella at different steps in raw meat production. Quantitative data, particularly for pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella are important for quantitative risk assessment. Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli populations were enumerated on beef carcass samples collected at abattoirs and also in beef chunks and ground beef samples collected from butcher's shops at retail in Jalisco State, Mexico. Sponge samples from beef carcass sides (n=142) were collected immediately after final water wash and before chilling at three non-federally inspected abattoirs following USDA-FSIS sampling protocols. Beef chunks (n=84) and ground beef (n=65) samples were obtained from 86 butcher's shops. Salmonella enumeration was conducted by the Most Probable Number method and E. coli counts were determined using Petrifilm plates. Salmonella was isolated from 18% of beef carcasses, 39% of beef chunks and 71% of ground beef samples. Salmonella mean counts were 1.3±0.9 Log MPN/300 cm(2) on beef carcasses, 1.9±0.9 and 2.3±1.1 Log MPN/25 g in beef chunks and ground beef samples, respectively. Twenty-six Salmonella serotypes and 11 serogroups were identified among 432 isolates recovered. Salmonella typhimurium (14%), Salmonella sinstorf (12%) and S. Group E1 monophasic (10%) were the most frequent. Escherichia coli was present on 97, 84 and 100% of beef carcasses, beef chunks and ground beef samples, respectively. Escherichia coli mean counts were 3.2±0.7 Log CFU/300 cm(2), 3.9±1.1 and 4.5±1.2 Log CFU/25 g on beef carcasses, beef chunks and ground beef, respectively. Salmonella prevalence and mean counts found in raw beef were higher than previously reported in studies from other countries. The data collected in this study show a trend in the prevalence of Salmonella to be higher as meat processing is extended at retail. This, together with the diversity of serotypes found, indicates that raw meat is exposed to multiple contamination sources during slaughter and retail processing and highlights the necessity to implement Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures for those establishments. Finally, this study provides quantitative information for future risk assessments associated with the risk of human salmonellosis.

Tracheal and bronchial polymeric immunoglobulin secretory immune system (PISIS) development in a porcine model.

Polymeric immunoglobulins (pIgs) mucosal secretion is mediated by the pIg secretory immune system (PISIS), which is composed of J-chain (JC) and antibody (IgM/IgA) producing cells (JC-AbPC), pIg receptor (pIgR) epithelial cell expression and the efficient release of secretory Igs (SIgs) to the mucosal lumen. A poor development or disturbances in this system may cause higher infection susceptibility, as observed in young and elderly people. In spite of this system's importance, few detailed studies regarding its development have been described in the lower respiratory tract of humans. Because the porcine model has been reported as an option for translational medicine to humans, we studied the tracheal and bronchial PISIS development in healthy, non-vaccinated, SPF, miniature Vietnamese pigs from birth to adulthood using immunohistochemistry and ELISAs. Our results demonstrated that pIgR was present at birth, and its expression increased with age. In contrast, JC-AbPC were low in neonatal pigs; however, colostrum was a source of IgM, SIgA, total IgA and IgG in respiratory secretions (trachea and bronchoalveolar lavages, nasal secretion and saliva) in piglets. JC-AbPC steadily increased in post-weaned, young and adult pigs, correlating with considerable increases in secretory and total Igs in the trachea and bronchi. These data suggest a compensatory role of maternal Igs at the respiratory mucosa in the absence of a structured PISIS before weaning. Furthermore, monomeric Igs (IgG and IgA) may also play an important role in respiratory protection and deserves a more thorough study.

Partial protection and abomasal cytokine expression in sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and pre-treated with Taenia hydatigena vesicular concentrate.

The abomasal expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IFNγ in lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and its relationship to protection induced by a Taenia hydatigena larvae vesicular concentrate (ThLVC) were evaluated. The lambs that were only infected with H. contortus larvae showed a worm burden greater (p<0.05) than the lambs that received ThLVC prior to infection. Moreover, the lambs that received ThLVC showed a greater (p<0.05) number of blood eosinophils than the lambs that did not receive the ThLVC. In general, the lambs that received ThLVC prior to infection had a greater amount of eosinophils and mast cells and higher in situ expression of IFNγ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in the abomasal wall than the lambs that were infected with H. contortus only or that received ThLVC (p<0.05) only. A higher expression of IL-2 and IFNγ in the submucosa compared to the abomasal mucosa and a higher expression of IL-4 in the abomasal mucosa compared to the submucosa was observed (p<0.05). These results suggest that there is a Th1 type response in the abomasal submucosa and a Th2 type response in in the abomasal mucosa. The amount of eosinophils and mast cells and the in situ expression of IFNγ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-6 in the abomasal walls were negatively correlated with the worm burden (p<0.05). These results suggest that ThLVC is a non-specific immune stimulator for the abomasal immune response, and it is likely that the protection observed is the result of this effect.

Proceso de Atención de Enfermería a una lactante con neumonía basado en patrones funcionales de Marjory Gordon / Nursing Care Process on an infant suffering from pneumonia based on the Marjory Gordon Functional Patterns

El Proceso de Atención de Enfermería (PAE) que se presenta tiene como objetivo: Identificarlas necesidades alteradas, corregir, mantener y rehabilitar al paciente por medio de la aplicación de conocimientos y procedimientos, con la finalidad de que este recobre en el menor tiempo posible su salud, en este caso una lactante con neumonía. Hoy en día, la neumonía es la causa principal de muerte de niños menores de 5 años en todo el mundo, su principal afectación son los alvéolos pulmonares, lo que compromete el patrón respiratorio. Esta enfermedad si no es tratada oportunamente puede tener complicaciones como: fallo respiratorio agudo, absceso pulmonar, insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva. Es entonces cuando el personal de Enfermería juega un papel importante en la ejecución de intervenciones, que ayuden a mantener la permeabilidad y la estabilidad de la vía aérea. Se identificaron las necesidades prioritarias con base en los 11 patrones funcionales de Marjory Gordon; se diseñó un plan de cuidados individualizado encaminado al mantenimiento del patrón respiratorio, para este se utilizaron las taxonomías: NANDA, NIC y NOC. Los resultados obtenidos fueron satisfactorios, se logró disminución de la dificultad respiratoria, mejoría en la permeabilidad de la vía aérea, mantenimiento de la frecuencia cardiaca y prolongación de periodos de sueño; sin embargo debido a que la paciente presentaba una desnutrición severa con evolución de 6 meses, no pudo modificarse ese patrón y aunado a la gravedad del padecimiento falleció.

The Nursing Attention Process (NAP) aims to identify altered needs, and correct, maintain and rehabilitate the patient through the use of knowledge and procedures, so that he/she can be healthy as soon as possible. In this study, the patient was an infant suffering from pneumonia. Currently, pneumonia is the world's principal cause of death in children younger than 5 years old. Indeed, consequences of not treating this illness on time include acute respiratory arrest, lung abscesses, and congestive cardiac insufficiency. Here, is when the nursing staff has a crucial role at maintaining the permeability and stability of the respiratory airways of these patients. Priority needs were identified through the 11 functional pattern of Marjory Gordon. An individualized care plan was designed and aimed to the maintenance of the child's respiratory patterns. NANDA, NIC and NOC taxonomies were used. Satisfactory results included a decrease in the respiratory difficulty, an improvement in the airway permeability, the maintenance of the cardiac rate, and the improvement of sleep time. However, due to a 6 month previous malnutrition, and the complications of this illness, unfortunately this patient died.

Electrical characterization of conductive textile materials and its evaluation as electrodes for venous occlusion plethysmography.

The ambulatory monitoring of biosignals involves the use of sensors, electrodes, actuators, processing tools and wireless communication modules. When a garment includes these elements with the purpose of recording vital signs and responding to specific situations it is call a 'Smart Wearable System'. Over the last years several authors have suggested that conductive textile material (e-textiles) could perform as electrode for these systems. This work aims at implementing an electrical characterization of e-textiles and an evaluation of their ability to act as textile electrodes for lower extremity venous occlusion plethysmography (LEVOP). The e-textile electrical characterization is carried out using two experimental set-ups (in vitro evaluation). Besides, LEVOP records are obtained from healthy volunteers (in vivo evaluation). Standard Ag/AgCl electrodes are used for comparison in all tests. Results shown that the proposed e-textiles are suitable for LEVOP recording and a good agreement between evaluations (in vivo and in vitro) is found.

Hydrodynamic interactions between colloidal particles in a planar pore.

The correlation between the motion of pairs of colloidal particles confined in a planar pore is measured using optical microscopy. The systems studied here are aqueous suspensions of polystyrene spheres of diameter 1.9 µm, interacting as effective hard spheres, confined between two parallel planar plates separated by 2.9 µm. The lateral motion, along the plane parallel to the plates, of the particles is recorded with a time resolution of 30 frames s(-1). From the short-time motion, the hydrodynamic diffusion coefficients are determined as functions of the interparticle distance for various particle concentrations. At low concentrations, when the static correlation between particles is also low, the diffusion coefficients exhibit some symmetry, and at higher concentrations they are modulated by the structure of static correlation.

Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation during the Induction and Progression of Osteoarthritis in a Rat Model.

Epidemiological studies correlate low levels of vitamin D with the osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Cytokines and metalloproteases play a major role in OA promoting the inflammation and degradation of the cartilage and can be induced through the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of vitamin D supplementation on the development of osteoarthritis (OA) through examining the genetic regulation of TLRs, cytokines, and metalloproteases in chondrocytes as well as the wideness of cartilage in rats with OA. Our results demonstrate that the signaling through TLR-4 is a proinflammatory mechanism in osteoarthritis that drives the upregulation of MMP-3, IL-1ß, and TNF-α gene expression, leading to cartilage degradation and inflammation. Vitamin D supplementation had a protective effect during the onset but not during the chronic stage of OA in the rat model.

Colloidal diffusion inside a spherical cell.

The hydrodynamic hindering of a single-particle dynamics under total confinement is measured by optical microscopy. The three-dimensional trajectories of single-colloidal particles confined in spherical water globules of sizes only a few times the particle's diameter are tracked as they sample the entire volume of the globule. The hydrodynamic interactions between the particle and the spherical wall produce a dependence of the short-time diffusion on the particle's distance to the surface and an asymmetry in the radial and tangential components of the local diffusion coefficient, with the diffusion along the tangential direction being faster than along the radial direction. The latter decreasing close to the wall while the former being practically constant.