Pesticides luminescent sensing by a Tb3+-doped Zn metal-organic framework with selectivity towards parathion.

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) such as parathion have extensive uses in agriculture and household applications. Chronic exposure to these pesticides can cause severe health and environmental issues. Therefore, a current ecological concern is associated with accumulating these noxious OPPs in food and water sources. In this work, a new Tb3+-doped Zn-LMOF (Zn-LMOF= (3D) {[Zn3(1,4 benzenedicarboxylate)3(EtOH)2]·(EtOH)0.6}∞) was synthesized by a solvent-free reaction between the Zn-LMOF and the salt TbCl3·6H2O using a high-speed ball milling. The Tb@Zn-LMOF was thoroughly characterized by multiple spectroscopic tools, including Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, and studied in-depth as a luminescent sensor for a series of pesticides (parathion, malathion, methalaxil, carbofuran, iprodione, captan and glyphosate) in aqueous methanol. The Tb@Zn-LMOF is a long-lived green-emitting compound with luminescence originated by an efficient antenna effect from the excited energy levels of Zn-LMOF toward the 5D state of Tb3+ ions, as it is displayed by its strong emission bands at 488, 545, 585, and 620 nm and a lifetime of 1.01 ms upon excitation at 290 nm. Additions of pesticides to a neutral methanolic dispersion of Tb@Zn-LMOF modified its green emission intensity with a pronounced selectivity toward parathion within the micromolar concentration range. The detection limit for parathion was calculated to be 3.04 ± 0.2 µM for Tb@Zn-LMOF. Based on 31P NMR and mass spectrometry studies, it is attributed to the release of lanthanide ions from Tb@Zn-LMOF with the simultaneous formation of a Tb3+-parathion complex.

Associations between dietary intake and physical activity, as behavioral indicators, with body fat in adolescents from Mexico / Asociaciones entre la ingesta dietética y la actividad física, como indicadores conductuales, con la grasa corporal en adolescentes de México

Introduction: the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases is currently a priority due to its relationship with COVID-19 complications. Unhealthy lifestyles, like inadequate diet and physical inactivity, are the cornerstone for obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Objective: to examine the association between diet and physical activity with body fat in Mexican adolescents. Methods: the study was cross-sectional. Data included socio-demographic variables, health history and smoking habit obtained through questionnaires; blood pressure and anthropometry measurements; food and nutrient intake through 24-hour recalls; and physical activities through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Univariate analyses were used and multiple models were built by stepwise forward selection (p ≤ 0.05 and biological plausibility). Results: participants were n = 230 students, 18.5 ± 0.4 years and 54.8 % men. Three models associated with body fat were obtained. In the first model, saturated fatty acids (β = 0.30, p = 0.028) were significant positive associated, while vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated as a protective factor (β = -0.007, p = 0.023). In the second model, total fat (β = 0.17, p = 0.005) was significant positive associated, and vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated (β = -0.007, p = 0.023). The third model included fruits and vegetables (β = -5.49, p = 0.092) and vigorous physical activity (β = -0.006, p = 0.058) as protective factors. Conclusions: dietary intake of total fat and saturated fatty acids, and vigorous physical activity, were significantly associated with body fat, while fruits and vegetables trended toward significance, in Mexican adolescents. Community-based programs that promote intake of protective foods and reduction of risky foods, and encourage vigorous physical activity, are needed in adolescents. (AU)

Introducción: la prevención de enfermedades cardiometabólicas es actualmente una prioridad por su relación con las complicaciones de la COVID-19. Los estilos de vida poco saludables son la piedra angular de la obesidad y el riesgo cardiometabólico. Objetivo: examinar la asociación entre dieta y actividad física con la grasa corporal en adolescentes mexicanos. Métodos: el estudio fue transversal. Los datos incluyeron variables sociodemográficas; mediciones de presión arterial y antropometría; ingesta de alimentos y nutrimentos con recordatorios de 24 horas; y actividades físicas con el cuestionario internacional de actividad física (IPAQ). Se utilizo análisis univariado y los modelos múltiples se construyeron mediante selección paso a paso hacia adelante (p ≤ 0.05 y plausibilidad biológica). Resultados: participaron n = 230 estudiantes, 18,5 ± 0,4 años y 54,8 % hombres. Se obtuvieron tres modelos asociados a la grasa corporal. En el primero, los ácidos grasos saturados (β = 0,30, p = 0,028) se asociaron significativamente de forma positiva, y la actividad física vigorosa significativamente de forma negativa como factor protector (β = -0,007, p = 0,023). En el segundo, la grasa total (β = 0,17, p = 0,005) se asoció positivamente y la actividad física vigorosa, negativamente (β = -0,007, p = 0,023). El tercer modelo incluyó frutas y verduras (β = -5,49, p = 0,092) y actividad física vigorosa (β = -0,006, p = 0,058) como factores protectores. Conclusiones: la ingesta dietética de grasas totales y saturadas y la actividad física vigorosa se asociaron significativamente con la grasa corporal, mientras que las frutas y verduras tendieron a ser significativas. Se necesitan programas comunitarios que promuevan la ingesta de alimentos protectores y la reducción de alimentos de riesgo, y fomenten la actividad física vigorosa en adolescentes. (AU)

In vitro modeling of polyclonal infection dynamics within the human airways by Haemophilus influenzae differential fluorescent labeling.

IMPORTANCE: Genomic diversity of nontypeable H. influenzae strains confers phenotypic heterogeneity. Multiple strains of H. influenzae can be simultaneously isolated from clinical specimens, but we lack detailed information about polyclonal infection dynamics by this pathogen. A long-term barrier to our understanding of this host-pathogen interplay is the lack of genetic tools for strain engineering and differential labeling. Here, we present a novel plasmid toolkit named pTBH (toolbox for Haemophilus), with standardized modules for fluorescent or bioluminescent labeling, adapted to H. influenzae requirements but designed to be versatile so it can be utilized in other bacterial species. We present detailed experimental and quantitative image analysis methods, together with proof-of-principle examples, and show the ample possibilities of 3D microscopy, combined with quantitative image analysis, to model H. influenzae polyclonal infection lifestyles and unravel the co-habitation and co-infection dynamics of this respiratory pathogen.

Associations between dietary intake and physical activity, as behavioral indicators, with body fat in adolescents from Mexico.

Introduction: Introduction: the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases is currently a priority due to its relationship with COVID-19 complications. Unhealthy lifestyles, like inadequate diet and physical inactivity, are the cornerstone for obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Objective: to examine the association between diet and physical activity with body fat in Mexican adolescents. Methods: the study was cross-sectional. Data included socio-demographic variables, health history and smoking habit obtained through questionnaires; blood pressure and anthropometry measurements; food and nutrient intake through 24-hour recalls; and physical activities through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Univariate analyses were used and multiple models were built by stepwise forward selection (p ≤ 0.05 and biological plausibility). Results: participants were n = 230 students, 18.5 ± 0.4 years and 54.8 % men. Three models associated with body fat were obtained. In the first model, saturated fatty acids (ß = 0.30, p = 0.028) were significant positive associated, while vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated as a protective factor (ß = -0.007, p = 0.023). In the second model, total fat (ß = 0.17, p = 0.005) was significant positive associated, and vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated (ß = -0.007, p = 0.023). The third model included fruits and vegetables (ß = -5.49, p = 0.092) and vigorous physical activity (ß = -0.006, p = 0.058) as protective factors. Conclusions: dietary intake of total fat and saturated fatty acids, and vigorous physical activity, were significantly associated with body fat, while fruits and vegetables trended toward significance, in Mexican adolescents. Community-based programs that promote intake of protective foods and reduction of risky foods, and encourage vigorous physical activity, are needed in adolescents.

Introducción: Introducción: la prevención de enfermedades cardiometabólicas es actualmente una prioridad por su relación con las complicaciones de la COVID-19. Los estilos de vida poco saludables son la piedra angular de la obesidad y el riesgo cardiometabólico. Objetivo: examinar la asociación entre dieta y actividad física con la grasa corporal en adolescentes mexicanos. Métodos: el estudio fue transversal. Los datos incluyeron variables sociodemográficas; mediciones de presión arterial y antropometría; ingesta de alimentos y nutrimentos con recordatorios de 24 horas; y actividades físicas con el cuestionario internacional de actividad física (IPAQ). Se utilizo análisis univariado y los modelos múltiples se construyeron mediante selección paso a paso hacia adelante (p ≤ 0.05 y plausibilidad biológica). Resultados: participaron n = 230 estudiantes, 18,5 ± 0,4 años y 54,8 % hombres. Se obtuvieron tres modelos asociados a la grasa corporal. En el primero, los ácidos grasos saturados (ß = 0,30, p = 0,028) se asociaron significativamente de forma positiva, y la actividad física vigorosa significativamente de forma negativa como factor protector (ß = -0,007, p = 0,023). En el segundo, la grasa total (ß = 0,17, p = 0,005) se asoció positivamente y la actividad física vigorosa, negativamente (ß = -0,007, p = 0,023). El tercer modelo incluyó frutas y verduras (ß = -5,49, p = 0,092) y actividad física vigorosa (ß = -0,006, p = 0,058) como factores protectores. Conclusiones: la ingesta dietética de grasas totales y saturadas y la actividad física vigorosa se asociaron significativamente con la grasa corporal, mientras que las frutas y verduras tendieron a ser significativas. Se necesitan programas comunitarios que promuevan la ingesta de alimentos protectores y la reducción de alimentos de riesgo, y fomenten la actividad física vigorosa en adolescentes.

Low prevalence of ideal levels in cardiovascular behavior metrics among Mexican adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle changes when transitioning from high-school to college expose students to unhealthy behaviors associated with high cardiovascular risk. The study aimed to assess the cardiovascular behavior metrics according to the AHA criteria, in freshman college adolescents from Northwest Mexico. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional. Demographics and health history were collected by questionnaires. Four behaviors were evaluated: diet quality using a duplicated FFQ, physical activity (PA) using the IPAQ, smoking, and body mass index (BMI) percentile; blood pressure was measured as a biological metric. Intakes were averaged and summed for each food group; sodium and saturated fat were calculated using the Mexican System of Food Equivalents or the USDA Database. Metrics were categorized into ideal, intermediate or poor level according to the AHA criteria. Diet outliers (± 3 SD) were trimmed and data was tested for normality. Mean±SD were calculated for continuous and percentages for categorical variables. Chi-square test compared the prevalence of demographic variables and levels of each cardiovascular metric by sex. Independent T-test evaluated differences in anthropometrics, dietary, and PA by sex, and the prevalence of ideal vs. non-ideal dietary intakes. RESULTS: Participants were n = 228, 55.6% men, age = 18.5±0.4 y. A higher prevalence of men indicated working, playing sports, and family history hypertriglyceridemia (p < 0.05). Men showed higher weight, height, BMI, waist, blood pressure, and lower PA and body fat (p < 0.05). Concerning diet quality, significant differences by sex were observed in nuts and seeds (1.1±0.6 and 0.9±0.6 oz/week, p = 0.042) and processed meats (749.8±639 and 503.6±300.3 g/week, p = 0.002); only fish and shellfish group reached AHA recommendations (513.1 ± 450.7 vs. 501.7 ± 428 g/week, p = 0.671) for men and women, respectively. Ideal level was reached by 70.9% participants for BMI percentile, 87% for smoking, 67.2% for blood pressure, 25.9% for PA, and 12.2% for diet score. Regarding food groups and nutrients, the lower prevalence in the ideal level was for sugar-sweetened beverages (10%, p = 0.013) and processed meats (4.8%, p = 0.208), and the highest for fish and shellfish (87.8%, p = 0.281) . CONCLUSIONS: The diet and PA patterns of Northwest Mexican freshman adolescents make them a high-risk group for developing long-term unhealthy habits and cardiovascular complications early in adulthood.

The phospholipid transporter PITPNC1 links KRAS to MYC to prevent autophagy in lung and pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of functionally relevant KRAS effectors in lung and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LUAD and PDAC) may yield novel molecular targets or mechanisms amenable to inhibition strategies. Phospholipids availability has been appreciated as a mechanism to modulate KRAS oncogenic potential. Thus, phospholipid transporters may play a functional role in KRAS-driven oncogenesis. Here, we identified and systematically studied the phospholipid transporter PITPNC1 and its controlled network in LUAD and PDAC. METHODS: Genetic modulation of KRAS expression as well as pharmacological inhibition of canonical effectors was completed. PITPNC1 genetic depletion was performed in in vitro and in vivo LUAD and PDAC models. PITPNC1-deficient cells were RNA sequenced, and Gene Ontology and enrichment analyses were applied to the output data. Protein-based biochemical and subcellular localization assays were run to investigate PITPNC1-regulated pathways. A drug repurposing approach was used to predict surrogate PITPNC1 inhibitors that were tested in combination with KRASG12C inhibitors in 2D, 3D, and in vivo models. RESULTS: PITPNC1 was increased in human LUAD and PDAC, and associated with poor patients' survival. PITPNC1 was regulated by KRAS through MEK1/2 and JNK1/2. Functional experiments showed PITPNC1 requirement for cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and tumour growth. Furthermore, PITPNC1 overexpression enhanced lung colonization and liver metastasis. PITPNC1 regulated a transcriptional signature which highly overlapped with that of KRAS, and controlled mTOR localization via enhanced MYC protein stability to prevent autophagy. JAK2 inhibitors were predicted as putative PITPNC1 inhibitors with antiproliferative effect and their combination with KRASG12C inhibitors elicited a substantial anti-tumour effect in LUAD and PDAC. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlight the functional and clinical relevance of PITPNC1 in LUAD and PDAC. Moreover, PITPNC1 constitutes a new mechanism linking KRAS to MYC, and controls a druggable transcriptional network for combinatorial treatments.

Acid-base potentiometric titration using a stainless steel electrode without oxidative treatment.

An AISI 304 stainless steel laminar electrode without oxidative treatment was investigated for the potentiometric titration of hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide. The proposed electrode was obtained from metalworking cuttings. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to study the surface morphology and chemical composition of the electrode. The electrode showed a sensitivity of 59.18 ± 0.37 mV/pH, which was reproducible under intermediate conditions. Potentiometric titration showed a curve with deviations from pH 9.5 with respect to the glass electrode. However, this did not affect the quantification as the jumps of the curves coincided. The endpoint was 9.25 mL for both electrodes and the hydrochloric acid concentration was 0.0845 mol/L, with a deviation of 0.0004 mol/L from the standard concentration of 0.0841 mol/L. The nonartificially oxidised electrode did not show any crystalline oxide phases, whereas after oxidation it showed semicrystalline phases of iron and chromium oxides and increased the crystallinity of the steel. Despite the low content of surface oxides, stainless steel electrodes can give a Nernstian response to pH, depending on the surface characteristics of the material. This leads to the need to calibrate any electrode prior to oxidative treatment to rule out a Nernstian response without surface modification.

Design and validation of a tunable inertial microfluidic system for the efficient enrichment of circulating tumor cells in blood.

The analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood is a powerful noninvasive alternative to conventional tumor biopsy. Inertial-based separation is a promising high-throughput, marker-free sorting strategy for the enrichment and isolation of CTCs. Here, we present and validate a double spiral microfluidic device that efficiently isolates CTCs with a fine-tunable cut-off value of 9 µm and a separation range of 2 µm. We designed the device based on computer simulations that introduce a novel, customized inertial force term, and provide practical fabrication guidelines. We validated the device using calibration beads, which allowed us to refine the simulations and redesign the device. Then we validated the redesigned device using blood samples and a murine model of metastatic breast cancer. Finally, as a proof of principle, we tested the device using peripheral blood from a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma, isolating more than 17 CTCs/ml, with purity/removal values of 96.03% and 99.99% of white blood cell and red blood cells, respectively. These results confirm highly efficient CTC isolation with a stringent cut-off value and better separation results than the state of the art.

CD137 (4-1BB) costimulation of CD8+ T cells is more potent when provided in cis than in trans with respect to CD3-TCR stimulation.

CD137 (4-1BB; TNFSR9) is an activation-induced surface receptor that through costimulation effects provide antigen-primed T cells with augmented survival, proliferation and effector functions as well as metabolic advantages. These immunobiological mechanisms are being utilised for cancer immunotherapy with agonist CD137-binding and crosslinking-inducing agents that elicit CD137 intracellular signaling. In this study, side-by-side comparisons show that provision of CD137 costimulation in-cis with regard to the TCR-CD3-ligating cell is superior to that provided in-trans in terms of T cell activation, proliferation, survival, cytokine secretion and mitochondrial fitness in mouse and human. Cis ligation of CD137 relative to the TCR-CD3 complex results in more intense canonical and non-canonical NF-κB signaling and provides a more robust induction of cell cycle and DNA damage repair gene expression programs. Here we report that the superiority of cis versus trans CD137-costimulation is readily observed in vivo and is relevant for understanding the immunotherapeutic effects of CAR T cells and CD137 agonistic therapies currently undergoing clinical trials, which may provide costimulation either in cis or in trans.

Sleep Phases in Crayfish: Relationship Between Brain Electrical Activity and Autonomic Variables.

In vertebrates like mammals and birds, two types of sleep have been identified: rapid eye movement and non-rapid eye movement sleep. Each one is associated with specific electroencephalogram patterns and is accompanied by variations in cardiac and respiratory frequencies. Sleep has been demonstrated only in a handful of invertebrates, and evidence for different sleep stages remains elusive. Previous results show that crayfish sleeps while lying on one side on the surface of the water, but it is not known if this animal has sleep phases. Heart rate and respiratory frequency are modified by diverse changes in the crayfish environment during wakefulness, and previously, we showed that variations in these variables are present during sleep despite that there are no autonomic anatomical structures described in this animal. Here, we conducted experiments to search for sleep phases in crayfish and the relationships between sleep and cardiorespiratory activity. We used the wavelet transform, grouping analysis with k-means clustering, and principal component analysis, to analyze brain and cardiorespiratory electrical activity. Our results show that (a) crayfish can sleep lying on one side or when it is motionless and (b) the depth of sleep (measured as the power of electroencephalographic activity) changes over time and is accompanied by oscillations in cardiorespiratory signal amplitude and power. Finally, we propose that in crayfish there are at least three phases of sleep.

Modeling the Mechanobiology of Cancer Cell Migration Using 3D Biomimetic Hydrogels.

Understanding how cancer cells migrate, and how this migration is affected by the mechanical and chemical composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to investigate and possibly interfere with the metastatic process, which is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. In this article we review the state of the art about the use of hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds as artificial platforms to model the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration. We start by briefly reviewing the concept and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the materials commonly used to recreate the cancerous ECM. Then we summarize the most relevant knowledge about the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration that has been obtained using 3D hydrogel scaffolds, and relate those discoveries to what has been observed in the clinical management of solid tumors. Finally, we review some recent methodological developments, specifically the use of novel bioprinting techniques and microfluidics to create realistic hydrogel-based models of the cancer ECM, and some of their applications in the context of the study of cancer cell migration.

Socioeconomic status and physical activity during elementary school student recess / Nível socioeconômico e atividade física durante o recreio de crianças do ensino fundamental / Nivel socioeconómico y actividad física durante el recreo de niños de la enseñanza fundamental

ABSTRACT Introduction The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and the level of physical activity (PA) at school has not been studied at length. Objective To describe the association between SES and the intensity of physical activity during recess in elementary school children as well as the space dedicated to physical activity. Methods A total of 212 children (110 boys and 102 girls) who were enrolled in the fourth, fifth and sixth grade of elementary school at the time participated in this study. The subjects were divided into 4 levels according to the marginalization index (MI). The geographical location of the schools and the available area were calculated using Google Maps Pro (GMP) software.1 Physical activity level was measured using accelerometry.2 Comparisons of different levels of PA with respect to marginalization indices and sex were investigated using one-way analysis of variance. The association between health variables and PA was determined through the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results Results indicated that the level and intensity of PA during recess are associated with socioeconomic status and the social marginalization index, as well as sex, age, and infrastructure. Conclusion The higher the level of social marginalization, the lower the level of PA and the smaller the space dedicated to PA. Level of Evidence III; Comparative retrospective study.

RESUMO Introdução A associação entre o nível socioeconômico (NSE) e o nível de atividade física (AF) no âmbito escolar tem sido pouco estudada. Objetivo Descrever a associação entre o NSE e a intensidade da AF durante o recreio em crianças de ensino fundamental e também o espaço dedicado à atividade física. Métodos Participaram 212 crianças (110 meninos e 102 meninas) que, na ocasião do estudo, estavam no quarto, quinto e sexto ano do ensino fundamental. O número de sujeitos foi dividido em quatro níveis de acordo com o índice de marginalização (IM). A localização geográfica das escolas e a área disponível foram calculadas com o software Google Maps Pro (GMP).1 O nível de atividade física foi medido por acelerometria.2 As comparações dos diferentes níveis de AF com relação aos índices de marginalização e sexo foram analisadas por variância unidirecional. A associação entre as variáveis de saúde e a AF foi determinada pela correlação de Pearson. Resultados Os resultados indicaram que o nível e a intensidade de AF durante o recreio estão associados ao nível socioeconômico e ao índice de marginalização social, bem como a sexo, idade e infraestrutura. Conclusões Quanto maior foi o nível de marginalização social, menor o espaço para praticar e o nível de AF. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

RESUMEN Introducción La asociación entre el nivel socioeconómico (NSE) y el nivel de actividad física (AF) en el ámbito escolar ha sido poco estudiada. Objetivo Describir la asociación entre el NSE y la intensidad de la AF durante el recreo en niños de enseñanza fundamental y también el espacio dedicado a la actividad física. Métodos Participaron 212 niños (110 niños y 102 niñas) que, en la ocasión del estudio, estaban en cuarto, quinto y sexto año de la enseñanza fundamental. El número de sujetos fue dividido en cuatro niveles de acuerdo con el índice de marginalización (IM). La localización geográfica de las escuelas y el área disponible fueron calculadas con el software Google Maps Pro (GMP).1 El nivel de actividad física fue medido por acelerometría.2 Las comparaciones de los diferentes niveles de AF con relación a los índices de marginalización y sexo fueron analizadas por variancia unidireccional. La asociación entre las variables de salud y la AF fue determinada por la correlación de Pearson. Resultados Los resultados indicaron que el nivel y la intensidad de AF durante el recreo están asociados al nivel socioeconómico y al índice de marginalización social, bien como a sexo, edad e infraestructura. Conclusiones Cuanto mayor sea el nivel de marginalización social, menor será el espacio para practicar y el nivel de AF. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo comparativo.

The use of mixed collagen-Matrigel matrices of increasing complexity recapitulates the biphasic role of cell adhesion in cancer cell migration: ECM sensing, remodeling and forces at the leading edge of cancer invasion.

The migration of cancer cells is highly regulated by the biomechanical properties of their local microenvironment. Using 3D scaffolds of simple composition, several aspects of cancer cell mechanosensing (signal transduction, EMC remodeling, traction forces) have been separately analyzed in the context of cell migration. However, a combined study of these factors in 3D scaffolds that more closely resemble the complex microenvironment of the cancer ECM is still missing. Here, we present a comprehensive, quantitative analysis of the role of cell-ECM interactions in cancer cell migration within a highly physiological environment consisting of mixed Matrigel-collagen hydrogel scaffolds of increasing complexity that mimic the tumor microenvironment at the leading edge of cancer invasion. We quantitatively show that the presence of Matrigel increases hydrogel stiffness, which promotes ß1 integrin expression and metalloproteinase activity in H1299 lung cancer cells. Then, we show that ECM remodeling activity causes matrix alignment and compaction that favors higher tractions exerted by the cells. However, these traction forces do not linearly translate into increased motility due to a biphasic role of cell adhesions in cell migration: at low concentration Matrigel promotes migration-effective tractions exerted through a high number of small sized focal adhesions. However, at high Matrigel concentration, traction forces are exerted through fewer, but larger focal adhesions that favor attachment yielding lower cell motility.

NMF-RI: blind spectral unmixing of highly mixed multispectral flow and image cytometry data.

MOTIVATION: Recent advances in multiplex immunostaining and multispectral cytometry have opened the door to simultaneously visualizing an unprecedented number of biomarkers both in liquid and solid samples. Properly unmixing fluorescent emissions is a challenging task, which normally requires the characterization of the individual fluorochromes from control samples. As the number of fluorochromes increases, the cost in time and use of reagents becomes prohibitively high. Here, we present a fully unsupervised blind spectral unmixing method for the separation of fluorescent emissions in highly mixed spectral data, without the need for control samples. To this end, we extend an existing method based on non-negative Matrix Factorization, and introduce several critical improvements: initialization based on the theoretical spectra, automated selection of 'sparse' data and use of a re-initialized multilayer optimizer. RESULTS: Our algorithm is exhaustively tested using synthetic data to study its robustness against different levels of colocalization, signal to noise ratio, spectral resolution and the effect of errors in the initialization of the algorithm. Then, we compare the performance of our method to that of traditional spectral unmixing algorithms using novel multispectral flow and image cytometry systems. In all cases, we show that our blind unmixing algorithm performs robust unmixing of highly spatially and spectrally mixed data with an unprecedently low computational cost. In summary, we present the first use of a blind unmixing method in multispectral flow and image cytometry, opening the door to the widespread use of our method to efficiently pre-process multiplex immunostaining samples without the need of experimental controls. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: https://github.com/djimenezsanchez/Blind_Unmixing_NMF_RI/ contains the source code and all datasets used in this manuscript. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Thallium(I) sequestration by jarosite and birnessite: Structural incorporation vs surface adsorption.

Jarosite and birnessite secondary minerals play a pivotal role in the mobility, transport and fate of trace elements in the environment, although geochemical interactions of these compounds with extremely toxic thallium (Tl) remain poorly known. In this study, we investigated the sorption behavior of Tl(I) onto synthetic jarosite and birnessite, two minerals commonly found in soils and sediments as well as in mining-impacted areas where harsh conditions are involved. To achieve this, sorption and desorption experiments were carried out under two different acidic conditions and various Tl(I) concentrations to mimic natural scenarios. In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analyses were conducted to determine the performance of both minerals for Tl(I) sequestration. Our results indicate that both phases can effectively remove aqueous Tl by different sorption mechanisms. Jarosite preferentially incorporates Tl(I) into the structure to form Tl(I)-jarosite and eventually the mineral dorallcharite (TlFe3(SO4)2(OH)6) as increasing amounts of Tl are employed. Birnessite, however, favorably uptakes Tl(I) through an irreversible surface adsorption mechanism, underlining the affinity of Tl for this mineral in the entire concentration range studied (0.5-5 mmol L-1). Lastly, the presence of Tl(I) in conditions where aqueous molar ratio Tl/Mn is ∼0.25 inhibits the formation of birnessite since oxidation of Tl(I) to Tl(III) followed by precipitation of avicennite (Tl2O3) take place. Thus, the present research may provide useful insights on the role of both jarosite and birnessite minerals in Tl environmental cycles.

Solid-phase distribution and mobility of thallium in mining-metallurgical residues: Environmental hazard implications.

Thallium (Tl) and its compounds are non-essential and highly toxic for living organisms, even at low concentrations. In this paper, we analyzed the presence and geochemical distribution of Tl in different mining-metallurgical and sediment samples collected from several mining zones of Mexico. A modified BCR sequential extraction procedure was also applied to the samples to investigate the geochemical behavior and potential environmental risk of Tl according to types of ore deposit and mineral processing method applied. Results revealed the presence of Tl in the majority of the mining-metallurgical samples, with labile concentrations reaching up to values of 184.4 mg kg-1, well above the environmental standards. A comparison of Tl partitioning in different samples showed that Tl was usually found associated with labile fractions instead of entrapped in the environmentally-passive residual fraction. Specifically, high levels of Tl were extracted from the exchangeable/acid-extractable and poorly-crystalline reducible fractions, suggesting its association with both soluble and amorphous Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides, respectively. Besides, Tl was also frequently found associated with the crystalline reducible fraction, presumably bonded to manganese oxides and jarosite-like minerals. Lastly, little amounts of Tl were extracted from the oxidizable fraction. Considering the fractionation of Tl in these mining-metallurgical samples, they may pose a significant environmental hazard. This study provides useful insights into the potential sources of Tl pollution in Mexico and emphasizes the need for further research to determine the extent of its impact and to develop effective remediation protocols to protect the environment from Tl toxicity.

Prevalence of previous diagnosis of hypertension and associated factors in the Yaqui indigenous of Sonora / Prevalencia de diagnóstico previo de hipertensión arterial y factores asociados en indígenas Yaquis de Sonora

Abstract: Introduction: The hypertension (HT) is a public health problem worldwide. This disease is a risk factor for heart diseases and, cerebrovascular and renal failure, which are considered the main causes of mortality. Objective: This study aimed to describe factors associated with a previous diagnosis of HT in a group of Yaqui adults from Sonora, Mexico. Material and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional epidemiological study in which 108 individuals ≥ 18 years of age were included. HT was considered as prior diagnosis. In addition, anthropometric assessment, medical history and sociodemographic questionnaires were also applied. The sex- and age adjusted prevalence was estimated using the direct method of standardization using the studied sample as the standard population. The factors associated with previous diagnosis of HT were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The sex- and age-adjusted prevalence of a previous diagnosis of HT was 12.0% (95% CI: 6.3-17.6) in the overall population. The age-adjusted prevalence in men was 7.1%, and it was 14.0% in women with no significant difference between genders. The independent factors associated with HT were increased waist circumference (cm) (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.14) and a previous diagnosis of diabetes (OR: 4.14, 95% CI: 1.03-16.61). Conclusions: The prevalence of a previous diagnosis of HT was high, and it could be higher after confirmation of new diagnosis cases in the population. The identification of factors associated with HT may be useful for creating programs to prevent chronic diseases in this ethnic group.(AU)

Resumen: Introducción: La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Esta enfermedad es un factor de riesgo para enfermedades del corazón, cerebrovasculares y falla renal, las cuales son consideradas entre las principales causas de mortalidad. Objetivo: Describir factores asociados con el diagnóstico previo de HTA en un grupo de adultos Yaquis de Sonora, México. Material y métodos: Llevamos a cabo un estudio epidemiológico con diseño transversal donde fueron estudiados 108 individuos ≥ 18 años de edad. La HTA fue considerada como diagnóstico previo, se hizo una evaluación antropométrica y se aplicaron cuestionarios de historial clínico y sociodemográficos. La prevalencia de HTA ajustada por edad y sexo se estimó por el método directo de estandarización utilizando la población estudiada como población estándar. Los factores asociados con el diagnóstico previo de HTA fueron obtenidos mediante análisis de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: La prevalencia de diagnóstico previo de HTA fue 12.0% (IC 95%, 6.3-17.6) en la población total. La prevalencia ajustada por edad en hombres fue 7.1 y 14.0% en mujeres; sin diferencias significativas entre sexo. Los factores asociados de manera independiente con HTA fueron una mayor circunferencia de cintura (cm) (RM: 1.07; IC 95%, 1.01-1.14) y el diagnóstico previo de diabetes (RM: 4.14; IC 95%, 1.03-16.61). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de diagnóstico previo de HTA fue alta y podría incrementar con la confirmación de diagnóstico de casos nuevos en la población. La identificación de factores asociados con HTA puede servir para crear programas de prevención de enfermedades crónicas en este grupo étnico.(AU)

Overfat Adults and Children in Developed Countries: The Public Health Importance of Identifying Excess Body Fat.

The global overfat pandemic is a serious public health crisis that places a substantial burden on economic resources in developed countries. The term overfat refers to the presence of excess body fat that can impair health, even for normal weight non-obese individuals. Excess body fat is associated with cardiometabolic dysfunction, a clinical situation that can progressively worsen, potentially leading to various common disease risk factors, chronic diseases, increased morbidity and mortality, and reduced quality of life. The prevalence of overfat populations in 30 of the world's most developed countries is substantially higher than recent global estimations, with the largest growth due to a relatively recent increased number of people with excess abdominal fat. Abdominal overfat is the most unhealthful form of this condition, so it is concerning that average waist circumference measures, generally indicative of abdominal overfat, have increased. Despite a leveling off appearance of being overweight and/or obese in some developed countries, the overfat pandemic continues to grow.