Combined laser-based X-ray fluorescence and particle-induced X-ray emission for versatile multi-element analysis.

Particle and radiation sources are widely employed in manifold applications. In the last decades, the upcoming of versatile, energetic, high-brilliance laser-based sources, as produced by intense laser-matter interactions, has introduced utilization of these sources in diverse areas, given their potential to complement or even outperform existing techniques. In this paper, we show that the interaction of an intense laser with a solid target produces a versatile, non-destructive, fast analysis technique that allows to switch from laser-driven PIXE (Particle-Induced X-ray Emission) to laser-driven XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) within single laser shots, by simply changing the atomic number of the interaction target. The combination of both processes improves the retrieval of constituents in materials and allows for volumetric analysis up to tens of microns and on cm2 large areas up to a detection threshold of ppms. This opens the route for a versatile, non-destructive, and fast combined analysis technique.

Propuesta de clasificación de insumos para la gestión de inventarios en la industria biofarmacéutica. Caso de Estudio en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular / A proposal for input classification for inventory management in the biopharmaceutical industry. Study case in the Molecular Immunology Center

El surgimiento del sector biotecnológico inició una revolución en las bases tradicionales de competencia en la industria farmacéutica en términos de desarrollo y fabricación de productos, orientados principalmente a salud humana. La gestión de inventarios en esta industria es muy compleja, con grandes volúmenes y variedad de inventario, dado por la complejidad de mantener dos procesos que tienen efecto en la gestión de inventarios, relacionados con la investigación y desarrollo, y producción. La complejidad de estos procesos exige de un sistema logístico con capacidad y flexibilidad suficiente para adaptarse a las distintas regulaciones existentes y la variación en los planes de ventas, además de un sistema informático que permita integrar las partes del sistema. El presente artículo tiene el propósito de evaluar la situación de la Gestión de Inventarios en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular a partir de la implementación de los conceptos de Insumo Proyecto e Insumo Proceso. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se emplearon diferentes métodos y herramientas como: análisis bibliográfico, entrevistas a expertos, consultas de registros, tormenta de ideas, entre otros. Entre las herramientas utilizadas se encuentran: Modelo de Referencia para la Evaluación de la Gestión de Inventarios, Microsoft Excel y Diagrama Causa-Efecto. Los resultados demuestran el impacto positivo alcanzado por la diferenciación entre los insumos utilizados en procesos productivos e investigación, por el alcance dado en distintos procesos de la Gestión de Inventarios en el orden organizativo y financiero, logrando la mejora de indicadores como rotación de inventarios, ciclo de importación y satisfacción del cliente(AU)

The emergence of the biotechnological sector started a revolution in the traditional competitive basis of the pharmaceutical industries, in terms of development and manufacture of products, especially those aimed at human health. Inventory management in this industry is very complex, with varied, high-volume inventories, given the complexity of executing two processes that have an effect on inventory management: production, and R&D. The complexity of these processes demands a logistical system with the capacity and flexibility to adapt to the many different regulations in existence and changes in sales plans, and an informatics solution that allows integration of the different parts of the system. The current article aims to evaluate the situation of Inventory Management at the Molecular Immunology Center from the implementation of the concepts of Project Input and Process Input. The research was carried out through diverse methods and tools including bibliographic analysis, expert interviews, record querying, and brainstorming. The tools used included: Reference Model for Inventory Management Evaluation, Microsoft Excel, and cause-effect diagrams. The results show a positive impact achieved by differentiating inputs used for production and inputs used for R&D, and its reach into the process of Inventory Management at the organization level, improving indicators like inventory rotation, importing cycle, and client satisfaction(AU)

Propuesta de clasificación de insumos para la gestión de inventarios en la industria biofarmacéutica. Caso de Estudio en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular / A proposal for input classification for inventory management in the biopharmaceutical industry. Study case in the Molecular Immunology Center

El surgimiento del sector biotecnológico inició una revolución en las bases tradicionales de competencia en la industria farmacéutica en términos de desarrollo y fabricación de productos, orientados principalmente a salud humana. La gestión de inventarios en esta industria es muy compleja, con grandes volúmenes y variedad de inventario, dado por la complejidad de mantener dos procesos que tienen efecto en la gestión de inventarios, relacionados con la investigación y desarrollo, y producción. La complejidad de estos procesos exige de un sistema logístico con capacidad y flexibilidad suficiente para adaptarse a las distintas regulaciones existentes y la variación en los planes de ventas, además de un sistema informático que permita integrar las partes del sistema. El presente artículo tiene el propósito de evaluar la situación de la Gestión de Inventarios en el Centro de Inmunología Molecular a partir de la implementación de los conceptos de Insumo Proyecto e Insumo Proceso. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se emplearon diferentes métodos y herramientas como: análisis bibliográfico, entrevistas a expertos, consultas de registros, tormenta de ideas, entre otros. Entre las herramientas utilizadas se encuentran: Modelo de Referencia para la Evaluación de la Gestión de Inventarios, Microsoft Excel y Diagrama Causa-Efecto. Los resultados demuestran el impacto positivo alcanzado por la diferenciación entre los insumos utilizados en procesos productivos e investigación, por el alcance dado en distintos procesos de la Gestión de Inventarios en el orden organizativo y financiero, logrando la mejora de indicadores como rotación de inventarios, ciclo de importación y satisfacción del cliente(AU)

The emergence of the biotechnological sector started a revolution in the traditional competitive basis of the pharmaceutical industries, in terms of development and manufacture of products, especially those aimed at human health. Inventory management in this industry is very complex, with varied, high-volume inventories, given the complexity of executing two processes that have an effect on inventory management: production, and R&D. The complexity of these processes demands a logistical system with the capacity and flexibility to adapt to the many different regulations in existence and changes in sales plans, and an informatics solution that allows integration of the different parts of the system. The current article aims to evaluate the situation of Inventory Management at the Molecular Immunology Center from the implementation of the concepts of Project Input and Process Input. The research was carried out through diverse methods and tools including bibliographic analysis, expert interviews, record querying, and brainstorming. The tools used included: Reference Model for Inventory Management Evaluation, Microsoft Excel, and cause-effect diagrams. The results show a positive impact achieved by differentiating inputs used for production and inputs used for R&D, and its reach into the process of Inventory Management at the organization level, improving indicators like inventory rotation, importing cycle, and client satisfaction(AU)

Selected skin diseases with systemic involvement.

The skin is often a window to systemic disease that is available to the trained eye of the dermatologist. Herein, we focus on four dermatoses with associated systemic conditions of interest: scleromyxedema and monoclonal gammopathy, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in the setting of renal insufficiency, dermatitis herpetiformis and celiac disease, and psoriasis as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Dermatologists can play a crucial role in recognizing the cutaneous manifestations linked with these conditions. Identifying the related underlying disorder will contribute to appropriate diagnosis and improved management.

Clinical efficacy of adapalene (differin(®)) 0.3% gel in Chilean women with cutaneous photoaging.

Skin photoaging is a concern for many patients today, and it is important for dermatologists to evaluate new therapeutic approaches. This 6-month open-label study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of adapalene 0.3% gel in 40 Latin American women with signs of facial photoaging. Assessments at baseline, week 12, and week 24 included clinical severity grading, measurement of transepidermal water loss, hydration, and elasticity (Cutometer MPA 850®), evaluation of general skin tone and number of wrinkles (VISIA(®) Complexion Analysis System), and ultrasonography to measure changes in skin thickness. There were significant improvements in clinical grading of wrinkles (p < 0.01) with a reduction in mean severity score of 40% in forehead wrinkles, 52% in periorbital wrinkles, and 29% in perioral wrinkles. Melanin, transepidermal water loss, and hydration were improved, as were general skin tone and the number of wrinkles (p < 0.05). Measurement of skin thickness showed a non-significant improvement in the epidermis and dermis and a significant decrease of the elastosis band (11.6% at week 12 and 15.1% at week 24). Adapalene was well tolerated overall, although three patients discontinued the study due to skin irritation in the first month. We conclude that adapalene 0.3% gel is a new safe and effective approach to photoaging.