Shift Current with Gaussian Basis Sets and General Prescription for Maximally Symmetric Summations in the Irreducible Brillouin Zone.

The bulk photovoltaic effect is an experimentally verified phenomenon by which a direct charge current is induced within a non-centrosymmetric material by light illumination. Calculations of its intrinsic contribution, the shift current, are nowadays amenable from first-principles employing plane-wave bases. In this work, we present a general method for evaluating the shift conductivity in the framework of localized Gaussian basis sets that can be employed in both the length and velocity gauges, carrying the idiosyncrasies of the quantum-chemistry approach. The (possibly magnetic) symmetry of the system is exploited in order to fold the reciprocal space summations to the representation domain, allowing us to reduce computation time and unveiling the complete symmetry properties of the conductivity tensor under general light polarization.

Metabolic Profile of Supragingival Plaque Exposed to Arginine and Fluoride.

Caries lesions develop when acid production from bacterial metabolism of dietary carbohydrates outweighs the various mechanisms that promote pH homeostasis, including bacterial alkali production. Therapies that provide arginine as a substrate for alkali production in supragingival oral biofilms have strong anticaries potential. The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic profile of site-specific supragingival plaque in response to the use of arginine (Arg: 1.5% arginine, fluoride-free) or fluoride (F: 1,100 ppm F/NaF) toothpastes. Eighty-three adults of different caries status were recruited and assigned to treatment with Arg or F for 12 wk. Caries lesions were diagnosed using International Caries Detection and Assessment System II, and plaque samples were collected from caries-free and carious tooth surfaces. Taxonomic profiles were obtained by HOMINGS (Human Oral Microbe Identification using Next Generation Sequencing), and plaque metabolism was assessed by the levels of arginine catabolism via the arginine deiminase pathway (ADS), acidogenicity, and global metabolomics. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis, analysis of variance, and random forest tests were used to distinguish metabolic profiles. Of the 509 active lesions diagnosed at baseline, 70 (14%) were inactive after 12 wk. Generalized linear model showed that enamel lesions were significantly more likely to become inactive compared to dentin lesions (P < 0.0001), but no difference was found when treatment with Arg was compared to F (P = 0.46). Arg significantly increased plaque ADS activity (P = 0.031) and plaque pH values after incubation with glucose (P = 0.001). F reduced plaque lactate production from endogenous sources (P = 0.02). PCA revealed differences between the metabolic profiles of plaque treated with Arg or F. Arg significantly affected the concentrations of 16 metabolites, including phenethylamine, agmatine, and glucosamine-6-phosphate (P < 0.05), while F affected the concentrations of 9 metabolites, including phenethylamine, N-methyl-glutamate, and agmatine (P < 0.05). The anticaries mechanisms of action of arginine and fluoride are distinct. Arginine metabolism promotes biofilm pH homeostasis, whereas fluoride is thought to enhance resistance of tooth minerals to low pH and reduce acid production by supragingival oral biofilms.

Arginine Metabolism in Supragingival Oral Biofilms as a Potential Predictor of Caries Risk.

INTRODUCTION: Ammonia production via the arginine deiminase system (ADS) of oral bacteria can function to reduce the cariogenicity of oral biofilms by neutralizing glycolytic acids that cause tooth demineralization. OBJECTIVES: This cohort study investigated the relationship between ADS activity and bacterial profile changes of supragingival biofilms with caries experience among children over time. METHODS: A total of 79 children aged 2 to 7 y at baseline were assessed every 6 mo for a period of 18 mo. Children were grouped as caries free (CF), caries active with enamel lesions (CAE), or caries active with dentin lesions (CA). Supragingival plaque samples were collected from caries-free surfaces (PF) and from enamel (PE) and dentin (PD) lesions. Plaque ADS activity was measured by monitoring citrulline production from arginine and compared with ribosomal 16S rRNA-derived taxonomic profiles for the same samples. RESULTS: At baseline, 37% of the children were CF, 34% CAE, and 29% CA. At 18 mo, 26% were CF, 41% CAE, 23% CA, and 10% were caries experienced (new restorations but no caries activity). Throughout the study period, ADS activity was significantly higher in the CF group than the CA group (P < 0.0001), and ADS activity in the PF samples was significantly higher than in the PE and PD samples (P < 0.0001). Distance-based redundancy analysis showed that the bacterial communities could be differentiated when plaque samples are grouped into levels of high and low ADS activity. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between caries activity and low arginolytic capacity of the supragingival oral biofilms of children and tooth surfaces over time. Measurements of arginine metabolism via ADS may be useful to differentiate the caries risk of individuals and tooth surfaces. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Findings from this study support the development of new strategies for caries risk assessment and prevention based on modulation of the virulence of the oral microbiome through arginine metabolism in supragingival biofilms.

Syngas generation from n-butane with an integrated MEMS assembly for gas processing in micro-solid oxide fuel cell systems.

An integrated system of a microreformer and a carrier allowing for syngas generation from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for micro-SOFC application is discussed. The microreformer with an overall size of 12.7 mm × 12.7 mm × 1.9 mm is fabricated with micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technologies. As a catalyst, a special foam-like material made from ceria-zirconia nanoparticles doped with rhodium is used to fill the reformer cavity of 58.5 mm(3). The microreformer is fixed onto a microfabricated structure with built-in fluidic channels and integrated heaters, the so-called functional carrier. It allows for thermal decoupling of the cold inlet gas and the hot fuel processing zone. Two methods for heating the microreformer are compared in this study: a) heating in an external furnace and b) heating with the two built-in heaters on the functional carrier. With both methods, high butane conversion rates of 74%-85% are obtained at around 550 °C. In addition, high hydrogen and carbon monoxide yields and selectivities are achieved. The results confirm those from classical lab reformers built without MEMS technology (N. Hotz et al., Chem. Eng. Sci., 2008, 63, 5193; N. Hotz et al., Appl. Catal., B, 2007, 73, 336). The material combinations and processing techniques enable syngas production with the present MEMS based microreformer with high performance for temperatures up to 700 °C. The functional carrier is the basis for a new platform, which can integrate the micro-SOFC membranes and the gas processing unit as subsystem of an entire micro-SOFC system.

C7 deficiency and meningococcal infection susceptibility in two spanish families.

In this work, we report the genetic basis of C7 deficiency in two different Spanish families. In family 1, by using exon-specific polymerase chain reaction and sequencing, a recently described mutation was found in homozygosity in the patient; a single base change in exon 15 (C2107T) leading to a stop codon that causes truncation of the C-terminal portion of C7 (Q681X). Patient's father, mother and sister were heterozygous for this mutation. Interestingly, patient's parents were not related. In family 2, a new single base mutation in exon 2 (G90A), leading to a stop codon that causes the premature truncation of C7 (W8X), was found in the patient, mother and sister 1. Additionally, patient 2, her father and sisters, displayed a missense mutation in exon 9 (G1135C) resulting in a change of aminoacid (G357R). Although sister 1 bore the same mutations in the C7 gene that patient 2, she remains asymptomatic. Because both mutations were found in the patient and her sister, we analyse other defence mechanisms such as FcgammaR polymorphisms as well as mannose-binding lectin alleles (MBL2 gene) and MBL levels. Results showed that both siblings bore identical combinations of FcgammaR allotypes and different MBL2 alleles, exhibiting patient 2 a MBL-insufficient genotype. Normal MBL levels were found in patient 1 and in two previously studied C7-deficient siblings, suggesting the involvement of other mechanisms of immunity distinct of FcgammaR variants and the MBL pathway, for the absence of meningococcal recurrent infections in certain C7-deficient individuals.

Enfermedad de Hansen / Hansen's disease

La lepra (enfermedad de Hansen) es una enfermedad granulomatosa crónica que afecta a la piel y a los nervios, fundamentalmente, producida por Mycobacterium leprae. Se considera un proceso preerradicado en España, con una prevalencia de 0,1 casos por 10.000 habitantes. Se ha visto un discreto incremento debido al fenómeno de inmigración desde países con mayor prevalencia de este proceso. El tratamiento que se emplea es una combinación de fármacos como rifampicina, dapsona y clofazimina (AU)

Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a chronic granulomatous disease affecting the skin and nerves that is mainly produced by Mycobacterium leprae. It is considered a pre-eradicated condition in Spain, with a prevalence rate of 0.1 cases per 10,000 inhabitants. A slight increase has been observed due to the phenomenon of immigration from countries with higher prevalence of this condition. Current treatments used share a common base made up of several combined drugs, particularly rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimin (AU)

Enfermedad de Hansen / Hansen's disease

La lepra (enfermedad de Hansen) es una enfermedad granulomatosa crónica que afecta a la piel y a los nervios, fundamentalmente, producida por Mycobacterium leprae. Se considera un proceso preerradicado en España, con una prevalencia de 0,1 casos por 10.000 habitantes. Se ha visto un discreto incremento debido al fenómeno de inmigración desde países con mayor prevalencia de este proceso. El tratamiento que se emplea es una combinación de fármacos como rifampicina, dapsona y clofazimina (AU)

Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a chronic granulomatous disease affecting the skin and nerves that is mainly produced by Mycobacterium leprae. It is considered a pre-eradicated condition in Spain, with a prevalence rate of 0.1 cases per 10,000 inhabitants. A slight increase has been observed due to the phenomenon of immigration from countries with higher prevalence of this condition. Current treatments used share a common base made up of several combined drugs, particularly rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimin (AU)

WC1(+) gammadelta T cells indirectly regulate chemokine production during mycobacterium bovis infection in SCID-bo mice.

Previous studies have suggested an important role for WC1 (+)gammadelta T cells in the regulation of mycobacterial-induced inflammation in the spleen and liver of heterochimeric SCID-bovine (SCID-bo) mice. To examine the role of these cells, we investigated the levels of selected chemokines and IL12-p70 post-infection in reconstituted SCID-bo mice. Mice were treated with a monoclonal antibody specific for boWC1 to eliminate WC1-bearing cells. Isotype control treated or bovine gammadelta TCR-depleted mice were assayed in parallel. Following infection with Mycobacterium bovis, mice were examined post-infection for the expression of IL12-p70, IP-10, MIP-1alpha, lymphotactin and MIG by ELISA in plasma and from activated splenocytes. Treatment with the anti-bovine WC1 resulted in reduced serum plasma levels of IP-10, MCP-1, and IL-12p70 versus control mice. The potential of WC1 (+)gammadelta TCR-bearing cells to produce chemokines and cytokines was determined directly from peripheral blood of cattle. Our results indicate that these cells have a fairly restricted capability to produce the chemokines examined in SCID-bo mice, but may be a significant source of cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, and IFNgamma) and contribute to cytotoxicity through expression of FasL and perforin. In M.bovis-infected liver tissue, depletion of the WC1(+) subset was associated with increased numbers of CD3(+)T cells adjacent to venules and portal tracts. These results suggest that the WC1(+) subset in cattle may contribute to chemotaxis through indirect effects on chemokine levels. Further, activated WC1(+)gammadelta TCR(+) cells up-regulate cytokines with direct regulatory effects on T cell and macrophage function and express effector molecules with critical roles in cytotoxicity.

Nevus comedoniano: presentación de cinco casos / Naevus comedonicus: a report of five cases

El nevus comedoniano es un proceso infrecuente, hamartomatoso, de la unidad pilosebácea. Generalmente aparece como un grupo asintomático decomedones, que se distribuyen con un patrón lineal. Ocasionalmente se han descrito asociaciones con anomalías sistémicas. Presentamos una serie decinco pacientes con lesiones clínica y/o histología compatibles con nevus comedoniano. Se analiza la edad de los pacientes, edad de comienzo, la localizaciónde las lesiones, asociación a cuadros sistémicos y el tratamiento realizado (AU)

Naevus comedonicus represents an uncommon hamartomatous disorder of pilo-sebaceous unit. It appears as a usually asymptomatic group of comedones,wich may be arranged in a linear pattern. An occasional association with systemic abnormalities has been reported. A serie of five patients withlesions clinically and/or histologically consistent with naevus comedonicus is reported. The age of patients, the age of presentation, localization of thelesions, noncutaneous abnormalities associated treatment are analized (AU)

Enfermedad de Paget mamaria / No disponible

No disponible

Síndrome de Bazex (acroqueratosis paraneoplásica) / Bazex syndrome (acrokeratosis paraneoplastica)

El síndrome de Bazex es una dermatosis paraneoplásica caracterizada por lesiones acrales psoriasiformes que se asocia a una neoplasia subyacente. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 72 años, con lesiones queratósicas, simétricas, en los pabellones auriculares, las manos y los pies, compatibles con síndrome de Bazex. En el estudio que se le realizó, se detectó una recidiva de carcinoma epidermoide de paladar blando y carcinoma de esófago poco diferenciado

Bazex syndrome is a paraneoplastic dermatosis characterized by acral psoriasiform lesions associated with an underlying neoplasm. We present the case of a 72 year old male patient with keratosic, symmetric lesions in the auricular external ears, hands and feet, consistent with Bazex Syndrome. The study conducted detected recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of soft palate and undifferentiated esophageal carcinoma

Metástasis cutánea: una opción a tener presente / Cutaneous metastasis: an option to keep in mind

No disponible

No disponible

Infección cutánea por Microsporum nanum / Skin infection due to Microsporum nanum

Microsporum nanum es un hongo zoófilo capaz de producir enfermedad en humanos y animales, aunque en humanos se han descrito muy pocos casos. Presentamos un paciente de 35 años que mostraba una lesión pruriginosa en antebrazo izquierdo que se diagnosticó de Tinea corporis y en cuyo cultivo para hongos se aisló Microsporum nanum

Microsporun namum is a zoofilic fungi capable of causing disease in humans and animals, although it has rarely been described in humans. We present a case of a 35 year old patient. He had an itchy lesion on the left forearm and was diagnosed of Tinea corporis: Microsporum nanum was isolated in the culture for fungi

Alteraciones ungueales y lesiones cutáneas en pliegues / Nail abnormalities and cutaneous lessions

No disponible

Cordón indurado en la pared torácica anterior / Indurated cord in the anterior thoracic wall

No disponible

Complement component C7 deficiency in a Spanish family.

Different genetic mutations have been described in complement component C7 deficiency, a molecular defect which is clinically associated with an increased susceptibility to neisserial recurrent infections, although some cases remain asymptomatic. In this work we report the genetic bases of C7 deficiency in one Spanish family. Exon-specific PCR and sequencing revealed a novel point mutation at nucleotide 615 (exon 6) leading to a stop codon (UGG to UGA) in the patient, his mother, and sister. This transversion causes the premature truncation of the C7 protein (W183X). Additionally, we detected a missense mutation at position 1135 (exon 9) located in the first nucleotide of the codon GGG (CGG), resulting in an amino acid change (G357R) in the patient, his father, as well as in his sister. This latter mutation had been previously described in individuals from Moroccan Sephardic Jewish ancestry. Since both heterozygous mutations were found in the patient as well as in his asymptomatic sister, we analyse other meningococcal defence mechanisms such as polymorphisms of the opsonin receptors on polymorphonuclear cells. Results showed that the patient and his sister bore identical combinations of FcgammaRIIA-H/R131 and FcgammaRIIIB-NA1/2 allotypes. Our results provide further evidence that the molecular pathogenesis of C7 deficiency as well as susceptibility to meningococcal disease are heterogeneous, since different families carry different molecular defects, although many of the C7 defects appear to be homogeneous in individuals from certain geographical areas. The missense mutation G357R would make an interesting topic of analysis with regard to meningococcal disease susceptibility in the Spanish population.

The P2X7 purinergic receptor on bovine macrophages mediates mycobacterial death.

P2X7 is an ATP gated purinoceptor that has been linked to various immune responses. P2X7 appears to be expressed ubiquitously in the immune system and thus may be important as an effector pathway or play significant roles in cell activation/death. 2',3'-(4-Benzoyl)benzoyl ATP is the most potent agonist of this receptor and ATP in its fully dissociated form (ATP(4-)) also activates the receptor. High concentrations of ATP can cause the P2X7 receptor to induce pore formation on the surface of the cell that allows molecules of considerable size to pass and can lead to cell death. The P2X7 receptor has also been linked to various immune activities when the concentration of ATP is lower, including the release of IL-1beta. The role P2X7 receptors have on immune cell activities is just beginning to be understood. We sought to determine the role of P2X7 on bovine macrophages in eliminating the causative agent of bovine-type tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis. Because high concentrations of ATP are linked to macrophage death, we determined if this method of cell destruction also leads to reduced bacterial viability. We find that P2X7 is present on bovine macrophages from different sources, including both peripheral blood-derived as well as alveolar macrophages. In addition, P2X7 mRNA is present in B and T lymphocytes. The treatment of M. bovis-infected macrophages with ATP results in reduced macrophage viability as well as reduced M. bovis viability.