Epithelial Barrier: Protector and Trigger of Allergic Disorders.

The epithelial barrier has classically been considered as the only first line of defense against irritants, pathogens, and allergens. However, it is now known to play an essential role in the immune response to exogenous agents. In fact, recent reports postulate the epithelial barrier hypothesis as a possible explanation for the increasing incidence and severity of allergic diseases. The epithelial barrier preserves the isolation of internal tissues from potential external threats. Moreover, a coordinated interaction between epithelial and immune cells ensures the unique immune response taking place in mucosal tissues, which is reported to be dysregulated in allergic diseases. We and others have demonstrated that in severe allergic phenotypes, the epithelial barrier undergoes several histological modifications, with increased infiltration of immune cells, leading to dysfunction. This is common in atopic dermatitis, asthma, and food allergy. However, the precise role of the epithelial barrier in mucosal biology during progression of allergic diseases is not well understood. In this review, we aim to compile recent knowledge regarding the histological structure and immunological function of the epithelial barrier and to shed light on the role of this compartment in the onset and progression of allergic diseases.

Epithelial Barrier: Protector and Trigger of Allergic Disorders

The epithelial barrier has classically been considered as the only first line of defense against irritants, pathogens, and allergens. However,it is now known to play an essential role in the immune response to exogenous agents. In fact, recent reports postulate the epithelialbarrier hypothesis as a possible explanation for the increasing incidence and severity of allergic diseases.The epithelial barrier preserves the isolation of internal tissues from potential external threats. Moreover, a coordinated interaction betweenepithelial and immune cells ensures the unique immune response taking place in mucosal tissues, which is reported to be dysregulatedin allergic diseases.We and others have demonstrated that in severe allergic phenotypes, the epithelial barrier undergoes several histological modifications,with increased infiltration of immune cells, leading to dysfunction. This is common in atopic dermatitis, asthma, and food allergy. However,the precise role of the epithelial barrier in mucosal biology during progression of allergic diseases is not well understood.In this review, we aim to compile recent knowledge regarding the histological structure and immunological function of the epithelialbarrier and to shed light on the role of this compartment in the onset and progression of allergic diseases (AU)

La barrera epitelial se ha considerado clásicamente sólo como la primera línea de defensa contra los irritantes, patógenos y alérgenos,pero ahora sabemos que el epitelio también desempeña un papel esencial en la respuesta inmunológica frente los agentes exógenos.De hecho, informes recientes postulan la hipótesis de la barrera epitelial como una posible explicación de la creciente incidencia y lagravedad de las enfermedades alérgicas.La barrera epitelial preserva el aislamiento de los tejidos internos de las posibles amenazas exteriores. Se sabe que las células epiteliales,además de un papel meramente protector, también tienen una función esencial en el desarrollo de la respuesta inmune en las mucosas,favoreciendo un ambiente tolerogénico. Sin embargo, en enfermedades alérgicas, estas características se ven afectadas como demuestrauna repuesta exagerada ante antígenos inocuos. De hecho, en los fenotipos alérgicos graves, la barrera epitelial experimenta variasmodificaciones histológicas que se asocian con pérdida de integridad y aumento de los infiltrados celulares, lo que conduce a una disfunciónde la misma. Este proceso es común en la dermatitis atópica, el asma y/o la alergia alimentaria. Aunque todavía no se conoce bien lafunción exacta de la barrera epitelial en la biología de la mucosa durante las enfermedades alérgicas.En esta revisión, pretendemos recopilar los conocimientos recientes sobre la estructura histológica y la función inmunológica de la barreraepitelial, y arrojar luz sobre el papel de este compartimento en la aparición y la progresión de las enfermedades alérgicas (AU)

[A systematic review of interventions to empower patient with chronic heart failure in hospital environment].

The empowerment of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is key to improving their quality of life, autonomy, self-esteem, level of satisfaction and healthcare costs. The aim was to identify the most effective nursing interventions to promote the empowerment of patients with CHF in the hospital context. Eight articles were selected for review (four experimental, two quasi-experimental and two systematic reviews). From their analysis, three types of interventions were identified: educational, cognitive-behavioral and combined, the latter being the most effective. The use of the Empowerment Questionnaire is recommended as a valid and reliable instrument to measure the empowerment of chronic hospitalized patients. Given the lack of studies on the phenomenon of interest, this review advocates for future research including combined interventions to empower hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure using a valid, reliable and specific scale.

Portero-jugador en situaciones de inferioridad numérica ofensiva en balonmano: ¿penalización o ventaja? / Goalkeeper-field player in situations of offensive numerical inferiority in handball: penalty or advantage?

El objetivo principal fue analizar el resultado final de la acción ofensiva entre los equipos que utilizan, o no, el portero-jugador en situaciones de inferioridad numérica ofensiva en balonmano. Los objetivos secundarios se centran en analizar cómo es la utilización y el comportamiento del portero-jugador y su relación con el resultado final ofensivo y la posterior acción con respecto al contraataque del equipo contrario. Se analizaron las actas oficiales de 86 partidos del 22º Campeonato del Mundo de Balonmano Femenino (Dinamarca 2015) y se realizó el visionado, análisis y registro de las 927 situaciones de inferioridad numérica ofensiva, así como el estudio estadístico pertinente con SPSS v.24. Los resultados demuestran que el uso del recurso táctico o estratégico del portero-jugador favorece la obtención de gol en situaciones de inferioridad numérica ofensiva y no penaliza al equipo que lo utiliza, al no existir diferencia significativa en la probabilidad de recibir gol en contraataque

The main goal was to analyze the end results in offensive actions between teams that do or do not employ the goalkeeper-field player in situations of offensive numerical inferiority in handball. The secondary objectives focus on analyzing the use and behavior of the goalkeeper-field player, as well as its role in the final offensive result and following actions in terms of the opposing team's counterattack. 86 official match reports from the 22nd Women's Handball World Championship (Denmark 2015) were analyzed, and the viewing, analysis and registration of the 927 situations of offensive numerical inferiority were carried out, as well as the pertinent statistical study with SPSS v.24. The results show that the tactical or strategic use of the goalkeeper-field player favors goal scoring in situations of offensive numerical inferiority and does not punish the team which employs it, since there's no significant difference in the probability of conceding a goal in counterattack

Combined Flush With Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate and University of Wisconsin Solutions in Liver Transplantation: Preliminary Results.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is the main cause of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and subsequent primary allograft failure (PAF). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare IRI, EAD, and PAF in liver transplantation in a cohort of patients perfused with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution and University of Wisconsin (UW) solution versus HTK alone. METHODS: A randomized trial was performed to compare outcomes in liver recipients who underwent transplantation surgery in the University Regional Hospital of Malaga, Spain. Forty patients were randomized to two groups. Primary endpoints included IRI, EAD, PAF, re-intervention, acute cellular rejection, retransplantation, arterial complications, and biliary complications at postoperative day 90. RESULTS: Postoperative glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (1869.15 ± 1559.75 UI/L vs. 953.15 ± 777.27 UI/L; P = .004) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (1333.60 ± 1115.49 U/L vs. 721.70 ± 725.02 U/L; P = .023) were significantly higher in patients perfused with HTK alone. A clear tendency was observed in recipients perfused with HTK alone to present moderate to severe IRI (7 patients in the HTK + UW solution group vs. 15 patients in the HTK-alone solution group; P = .06), EAD (0 patients in the HTK + UW solution group vs. 0 patients in the HTK-alone solution group; P = .76), and PAF (3 patients in the HTK + UW solution group vs. 8 patients in the HTK-alone solution group; P = .15). CONCLUSIONS: Initial perfusion with HTK solution followed by UW solution in liver transplantation improves early liver function as compared to perfusion with HTK alone.

A calibrated UV-LED based light source for water purification and characterisation of photocatalysis.

Photocatalysis has a potential to become a cost effective industrial process for water cleaning. One of the most studied photocatalysts is titanium dioxide which, as a wide band gap semiconductor, requires ultraviolet (UV) light for its photoactivation. This is at the wavelengths where the efficiency of present-day light emitting diodes (LEDs) decreases rapidly, which presents a challenge in the use of UV-LEDs for commercially viable photocatalysis. There is also a need for accurate photocatalysis measurement of remediation rates of water-borne contaminants for determining optimum exposure doses in industrial applications. In response to these challenges, this paper describes a UV-LED based photocatalytic test reactor that provides a calibrated adjustable light source and pre-defined test conditions to remove as many sources of uncertainty in photocatalytic analysis as possible and thereby improve data reliability. The test reactor provides a selectable intensity of up to 1.9 kW m-2 at the photocatalyst surface. The comparability of the results is achieved through the use of pre-calibration and control electronics that minimize the largest sources of uncertainty; most notably variations in the intensity and directionality of the UV light emission of LEDs and in LED device heating.

Papel de la embolización selectiva intraarterial en los tumores hepáticos benignos / Role of selective intra-arterial embolization in benign liver tumors

Objetivo. Presentar los casos de tumores hepáticos benignos sintomáticos diagnosticados y tratados con embolización intraarterial previa a la cirugía. Describimos la técnica y analizamos los resultados obtenidos. Material y métodos. Presentamos 7 pacientes diagnosticadas de tumores benignos sintomáticos que requirieron tratamiento: 1 hiperplasia nodular focal, 2 hemangiomas cavernosos gigantes, 1 adenomatosis hepática y 3 adenomas hepáticos. Una vez identificadas las arterias nutricias de cada tumor se embolizaron con partículas de PVA de 500 a 700 micras y posteriormente se cerró la arteria nutricia con coils si presentaban pedículo arterial para asegurar la exclusión vascular total del tumor. La intervención quirúrgica se realizó de 4 a 7 días después de la embolización. Resultados. Los 7 casos eran mujeres con un rango de edad de 23 a 74 años. En 6 pacientes se realizó la embolización intraarterial prequirúrgica. En 1 caso, de adenomatosis, la embolización fue para control de una hemorragia intraparenquimatosa hepática. En las 6 pacientes intervenidas se realizó una exéresis tumoral completa y no tuvieron eventos hemorrágicos intraoperatorios ni ulteriores complicaciones. Conclusiones. La embolización de los tumores hepáticos benignos gigantes y/o sintomáticos es una opción terapéutica útil para el manejo perioperatorio, siempre consensuado en un comité multidisciplinar (AU)

Objective. To present cases of symptomatic benign liver tumors diagnosed and treated with intra-arterial embolization before surgery. Material and methods. We present the cases of 7 patients diagnosed with symptomatic benign liver tumors that required treatment: 1 focal nodular hyperplasia, 2 giant cavernous hemangiomas, 1 hepatic adenomatosis, and 3 hepatic adenomas. Once the feeding arteries were identified, tumors were embolized with polyvinyl alcohol particles (500μm–700μm) and then the feeding artery was plugged with coils if there was an arterial pedicle to ensure the total vascular exclusion of the tumor. The surgical intervention took place 4 to 7 days after embolization. Results. All 7 patients were women (age range, 23-74 years); presurgical intra-arterial embolization was done in 6. In 1 patient with adenomatosis, embolization was done to control intraparenchymal hepatic hemorrhage. In the 6 patients who underwent surgery, the tumor was completely excised and no intraoperative bleeding events or postoperative complications occurred. Conclusions. Provided there is a consensus among the multidisciplinary team, embolization is a useful option in the perioperative management of giant and/or symptomatic benign liver tumors (AU)

Mechanisms underlying induction of allergic sensitization by Pru p 3.

BACKGROUND: Recently, the nature of the lipid-ligand of Pru p 3, one of the most common plant food allergens in southern Europe, has been identified as a derivative of the alkaloid camptothecin bound to phytosphingosine. However, the origin of its immunological activity is still unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the role of the Pru p 3 lipid-ligand in the immunogenic activity of Pru p 3. METHODS: In vitro cultures of different cell types (monocyte-derived dendritic cells [moDCs], PBMCs [peripheral blood mononuclear cells] and epithelial and iNKT-hybridoma cell lines) have been used to determine the immunological capacity of the ligand, by measuring cell proliferation, maturation markers and cytokine production. To study the capacity of the lipid-ligand to promote sensitization to Pru p 3 in vivo, a mouse model of anaphylaxis to peach has been produced and changes in the humoral and basophil responses have been analysed. RESULTS: The lipid-ligand of Pru p 3 induced maturation of moDCsc and proliferation of PBMCs. Its immunological activity resided in the phytosphingosine tail of the ligand. The adjuvant activity of the ligand was also confirmed in vivo, where the complex of Pru p 3-ligand induced higher levels of IgE than Pru p 3 alone. The immunological capacity of the Pru p 3 ligand was mediated by CD1d, as maturation of moDCs was inhibited by anti-CD1d antibodies and Pru p 3-ligand co-localized with CD1d on epithelial cells. Finally, Pru p 3-ligand presented by CD1d was able to interact with iNKTs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Pru p 3 lipid-ligand could act as an adjuvant to promote sensitization to Pru p 3, through its recognition by CD1d receptors. This intrinsic adjuvant activity of the accompanying lipid cargo could be a general essential feature of the mechanism underlying the phenomenon of allergenicity.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone is produced by adipocytes and regulates lipolysis through growth hormone receptor.

BACKGROUND: Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) has a crucial role in growth hormone (GH) secretion, but little is known about its production by adipocytes and its involvement in adipocyte metabolism. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether GHRH and its receptor (GHRH-R) are present in human adipocytes and to study their levels in obesity. Also, to analyze the effects of GHRH on human adipocyte differentiation and lipolysis. METHODS: GHRH/GHRH-R and GH/GH-R mRNA expression levels were analyzed in human mature adipocytes from non-obese and morbidly obese subjects. Human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSC) were differentiated to adipocytes with GHRH (10-14-10-8 M). Adipocyte differentiation, lipolysis and gene expression were measured and the effect of GH-R silencing was determined. RESULTS: Mature adipocytes from morbidly obese subjects showed a higher expression of GHRH and GH-R, and a lower expression of GHRH-R and GH than non-obese subjects (P<0.05). A total of 10-14-10-10 M GHRH induced an inhibition of lipid accumulation and PPAR-γ expression (P<0.05), and an increase in glycerol release and HSL expression (P<0.05) in human differentiated adipocytes. A total of 10-12-10-8 M GHRH decreased GHRH-R expression in human differentiated adipocytes (P<0.05). A total of 10-10-10-8 M GHRH increased GH and GH-R expression in human differentiated adipocytes (P<0.05). The effects of GHRH at 10-10 M on adipocyte differentiation and lipolysis were blocked when GH-R expression was silenced. CONCLUSIONS: GHRH and GHRH-R are expressed in human adipocytes and are negatively associated. GHRH at low doses may exert an anti-obesity effect by inhibiting HMSC differentiation in adipocytes and by increasing adipocyte lipolysis in an autocrine or paracrine pathway. These effects are mediated by GH and GH-R.

The role of premorbid personality and social cognition in suicidal behaviour in first-episode psychosis: A one-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: High suicide attempt (SA) rates have been reported in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients, particularly during the first year after the illness onset. Despite previous studies establishing several risk factors for suicidal behaviour in FEP, premorbid personality and social cognition have not been sufficiently investigated to date. OBJECTIVE: To test whether personality traits and social cognition are associated with SAs in FEP over a 12-month follow-up. METHOD: Sixty-five FEP patients were evaluated at first contact with mental health services. The presence of SAs was recorded at six and twelve months after first presentation. Bivariate and multivariate analyses explored the influence of a range of sociodemographic and clinical variables, including premorbid personality and social cognition-related Theory of Mind (ToM) measures, on SAs. RESULTS: SAs were associated with greater severity of symptoms at first hospitalization with psychotic symptoms (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.25-3.82), schizoid personality traits (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.02-2.57) and impairment in a first-order false belief task (OR = 4.26, 95% CI = 1.05-17.31) in the multivariate models. CONCLUSIONS: Symptom severity at illness onset, premorbid schizoid personality traits and ToM impairment emerged as predictors of SA in this FEP sample, which, if replicated, may be useful in identifying high-risk groups and implementing more targeted suicide prevention programs in FEP.

Effectiveness and safety of two 18-gauge needle types on native and allograft renal biopsies.

Percutaneous biopsy is a key diagnostic tool for both native and allograft kidney diseases. Adequacy criteria vary, but at a minimum, a biopsy should allow the pathologist to reach a diagnosis and provide prognostic information such as the degree of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and percentage of glomerulosclerosis. Whereas most studies use glomerular counts as a surrogate for biopsy adequacy, the amount and preservation of tubulointerstitium is equally important, considering IF/TA is a major prognostic parameter for most medical renal diseases. Many studies have compared the diagnostic adequacy of different gauge needles; however few have investigated performance differences between same gauge needles. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 235 renal biopsies performed at a single center in Canada over 2years to compare the utilization, safety, diagnostic and prognostic performance of two 18-gauge needles in native and allograft kidney biopsies. We found no significant difference in needle utilization between native and allograft kidneys, or between trainees and staff radiologists. The total tissue yielded area, glomerular counts, percentage of inadequate biopsies and number of passes were similar; however the number of cases in which IF/TA evaluation was deemed not possible was higher for biopsies using disposable instrument needles (4.3% vs. 0%; p=0.01). These also showed greater number of tissue fragments (median 4 for reusable vs 3 for disposable; p=0.04). We postulate that the increased tissue fragmentation might have impaired the pathologists ability to accurately assess interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in biopsies obtained with the disposable instrument needles.

Role of selective intra-arterial embolization in benign liver tumors. / Papel de la embolización selectiva intraarterial en los tumores hepáticos benignos.

OBJECTIVE: To present cases of symptomatic benign liver tumors diagnosed and treated with intra-arterial embolization before surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present the cases of 7 patients diagnosed with symptomatic benign liver tumors that required treatment: 1 focal nodular hyperplasia, 2 giant cavernous hemangiomas, 1 hepatic adenomatosis, and 3 hepatic adenomas. Once the feeding arteries were identified, tumors were embolized with polyvinyl alcohol particles (500µm-700µm) and then the feeding artery was plugged with coils if there was an arterial pedicle to ensure the total vascular exclusion of the tumor. The surgical intervention took place 4 to 7 days after embolization. RESULTS: All 7 patients were women (age range, 23-74 years); presurgical intra-arterial embolization was done in 6. In 1 patient with adenomatosis, embolization was done to control intraparenchymal hepatic hemorrhage. In the 6 patients who underwent surgery, the tumor was completely excised and no intraoperative bleeding events or postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Provided there is a consensus among the multidisciplinary team, embolization is a useful option in the perioperative management of giant and/or symptomatic benign liver tumors.

Up-to-7 Criteria for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Analysis of Experiences.

INTRODUCTION: The expansion of criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver transplantation should produce satisfactory outcomes in terms of survival and recurrence. OBJECTIVES: To investigate if the up-to-7 criteria are applicable to liver transplantation for HCC. METHODS: A review of all liver transplantations performed at our unit between January 2002 and December 2010 was conducted (645 patients). The 91 patients of the sample who had HCC were divided into 3 groups: in Milan criteria (MC; n = 74), in up-to-7 criteria (UTSC; n = 12), and outside of up-to-7 criteria (OUTSC; n = 5). A descriptive retrospective study was carried out to analyze the characteristics of liver tumors and recipients and to estimate recurrence and survival rates for this population of patients. RESULTS: The characteristics of transplant recipients of the 3 groups were comparable. Statistically significant differences were observed in the number of tumors (1 ± 0.65 for MC, 3 ± 1.05 for UTSC, 6 ± 4.10 for OUTSC; P < .001), largest tumor size (2.47 ± 1.12 cm for MC, 3.78 ± 0.04 cm for UTSC, 4.04 ± 1.73 cm for OUTSC; P < .001), and recurrence (5.4% for MC; 33.3% for UTSC; 20% for OUTSC; P = .008). Survival rates (MC, UTSC, and OUTSC) at 3 and 5 years were 71.6%, 66.7%, and 60%, and 58.1%, 58.3%, and 40%, respectively, whereas tumor-free survival rates were 70.3%, 58.3%, and 60%, and 58.1%, 50%, and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Survival in patients with HCC transplanted under up-to-7 criteria is acceptable. However, the expansion of criteria involves an increase in the number of patients included in the waiting list and a higher probability of relapse.

Impact of Liver Graft Transport on Postoperative Results and Short-Term Liver Survival.

BACKGROUND: The Andalusian community has a specific management model of liver transplantation with a common waiting list, forcing transportation of 45% of hepatic grafts. These trips within the community have been made exclusively via expressway since 2012, sometimes surpassing 400 km in distance. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of graft transportation on our community regarding postoperative results, primary dysfunction, and short-term graft survival. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational cohort study that included 110 patients recipients of liver transplants from 2009 to 2012. Group A (n = 53) were patients transplanted with grafts removed in Malaga, and group B (n = 57) were patients with transported grafts. RESULTS: In group B, significant increments in total and cold ischemia time (TIT and CIT) were found. We found a significant higher increase, mostly in 2012, in TIT and CIT in the greater transportation distance subgroup (>150 km). In postoperative variables analysis, differences were found in the bilirubin levels the 1st postoperative day, alkaline phosphatase levels the 1st and 3rd days, and factor V in the 1st day in favor of the nontransported grafts. In the multivariable analysis transport and distance travelled in km presented a relationship with the 1st day bilirubin levels and the primary dysfunction of the graft. CONCLUSIONS: Our results point to graft transportation having an influence on primary dysfunction and graft survival. This relationship can be multifaceted and influenced by currently unknown factors. This is a factor to consider regarding liver transplant management strategy decisions.

Results of Liver Transplantation With Donors Older than 75 Years: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The inclusion of elderly donors can increase the pool of organs available for transplantation. The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and survival rates of patients who received livers from donors aged ≥75 years versus younger donors. METHODS: We considered all liver transplantations performed in our unit from January 2006 to January 2015. Thirty-two patients received a liver from a cadaveric donor aged ≥75 years (study group), and their outcomes were compared with those of patients who received a liver from a younger donor (control group) immediately before and after each transplantation in the study group. This is a descriptive, retrospective, case-control study carried out to analyze the characteristics of donors and recipients as well as the clinical course and survival of recipients of older and younger donors. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed according to donors' age (53.3 ± 13.6 vs 79 ± 3.4 years; P < .001). In total, 6.2% of the recipients of a liver from a donor aged <75 years required retransplantation versus 15.6% of recipients of donors ≥75 years. Patient survivals at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, were 89%, 78.6%, and 74.5% for recipients of donors <75 years versus 83.4%, 79.4%, and 59.6% for the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Livers from older donors can be safely used for transplantation with acceptable survival rates. However, survival rates are lower for recipients of livers from older donors compared with younger donors, and survival only increased with retransplantation.

An immunomagnetic separation/loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for rapid direct detection of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. during poultry production.

AIMS: To develop a rapid test for thermotolerant Campylobacter in poultry faeces. METHODS AND RESULTS: The reported method is based on immunomagnetic separation and loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (IMS/LAMP). This LAMP assay is specific (demonstrated using 10 Campylobacter strains and 13 non-Campylobacter bacterial species) and sensitive (95% probability of detecting 22 genome copies). A competitive internal amplification control (IAC) has been incorporated to give unambiguous determination of negative results. Immunoseparation of Campylobacter allows direct LAMP detection from poultry boot swab samples in 90 min without enrichment or DNA purification (74% probability of detecting 10(4) CFU ml(-1) of a boot swab suspension). The analysis of 17 samples from commercial turkey farms showed 100% correlation with parallel results obtained by standard microbiological methods. CONCLUSIONS: A rapid test has been developed for direct detection of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in boot swab samples, thus bypassing culture enrichment or DNA extraction. The test has potential to be carried out by farm personnel on site. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The method offers an inexpensive approach to monitor poultry infection in near real time, assisting flock management and controls to prevent introduction of Campylobacter into the food chain.

Fluorescent sensor for Cr(VI) based in functionalized silicon quantum dots with dendrimers.

Highly luminescent nanoparticles based in Silicon quantum dots, coated by hydroxyl PAMAM dendrimer (PAMAM-OH) of 5th generation, were obtained by one step process by hydrothermal treatment of 3-Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) in aqueous solution. Previous to the optimization of the synthesis procedure, different dendritic molecules of 5th generation were tested to obtain the most intense fluorescence signal. The influence of different parameters such ratio APTES/PAMAM-OH, pH and ionic strength on the fluorescence intensity was studied. The fluorescence spectra showed maximum excitation and emission wavelengths at 370 and 446 nm, respectively. The obtained silicon nanoparticles (SiQDs@PAMAM-OH) were characterized by TEM, DLS and XPS, and were found to detect selectively Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions at 2.7 µM level of detection, sensitivity of 0.2 µM with a RSD of 0.16% (n=10). To study the feasibility of the proposed system for Cr(VI) detection, it was tested in real electrochemical solution bath and a tanning effluent obtained from electrochemical industry and with two certified waters, demonstrating promising outcomes as nano-sensor.

Immune Polarization in Allergic Patients: Role of the Innate Immune System.

Allergens come into contact with the immune system as components of a very diverse mixture. The most common sources are pollen grains, food, and waste. These sources contain a variety of immunomodulatory components that play a key role in the induction of allergic sensitization. The way allergen molecules bind to the cells of the immune system can determine the immune response. In order to better understand how allergic sensitization is triggered, we review the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of allergy and the role of immunomodulators in allergen recognition by innate cells.