Functional Proteomics Characterization of the Role of SPRYD7 in Colorectal Cancer Progression and Metastasis

SPRY domain-containing protein 7 (SPRYD7) is a barely known protein identified via spatial proteomics as being upregulated in highly metastatic-to-liver KM12SM colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in comparison to its isogenic poorly metastatic KM12C CRC cells. Here, we aimed to analyze SPRYD7's role in CRC via functional proteomics. Through immunohistochemistry, the overexpression of SPRYD7 was observed to be associated with the poor survival of CRC patients and with an aggressive and metastatic phenotype. Stable SPRYD7 overexpression was performed in KM12C and SW480 poorly metastatic CRC cells and in their isogenic highly metastatic-to-liver-KM12SM-and-to-lymph-nodes SW620 CRC cells, respectively. Upon upregulation of SPRYD7, in vitro and in vivo functional assays confirmed a key role of SPRYD7 in the invasion and migration of CRC cells and in liver homing and tumor growth. Additionally, transient siRNA SPRYD7 silencing allowed us to confirm in vitro functional results. Furthermore, SPRYD7 was observed as an inductor of angiogenesis. In addition, the dysregulated SPRYD7-associated proteome and SPRYD7 interactors were elucidated via 10-plex TMT quantitative proteins, immunoproteomics, and bioinformatics. After WB validation, the biological pathways associated with the stable overexpression of SPRYD7 were visualized. In conclusion, it was demonstrated here that SPRYD7 is a novel protein associated with CRC progression and metastasis. Thus, SPRYD7 and its interactors might be of relevance in identifying novel therapeutic targets for advanced CRC.

p53 and p63 Proteoforms Derived from Alternative Splicing Possess Differential Seroreactivity in Colorectal Cancer with Distinct Diagnostic Ability from the Canonical Proteins

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The detection in plasma samples of autoantibodies against specific tumor-associated antigens has been demonstrated to be useful for the early diagnosis of CRC by liquid biopsy. However, new studies related to the humoral immune response in cancer are needed to enable blood-based diagnosis of the disease. Here, our aim was to characterize the humoral immune response associated with the different p53 and p63 proteoforms derived from alternative splicing and previously described as aberrantly expressed in CRC. Thus, here we investigated the diagnostic ability of the twelve p53 proteoforms and the eight p63 proteoforms described to date, and their specific N-terminal and C-terminal end peptides, by means of luminescence HaloTag beads immunoassays. Full-length proteoforms or specific peptides were cloned as HaloTag fusion proteins and their seroreactivity analyzed using plasma from CRC patients at stages I-IV (n = 31), individuals with premalignant lesions (n = 31), and healthy individuals (n = 48). p53γ, Δ40p53β, Δ40p53γ, Δ133p53γ, Δ160p53γ, TAp63α, TAp63δ, ΔNp63α, and ΔNp63δ, together with the specific C-terminal end α and δ p63 peptides, were found to be more seroreactive against plasma from CRC patients and/or individuals with premalignant lesions than from healthy individuals. In addition, ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves revealed a high diagnostic ability of those p53 and p63 proteoforms to detect CRC and premalignant individuals (AUC higher than 85%). Finally, electrochemical biosensing platforms were employed in POC-like devices to investigate their usefulness for CRC detection using selected p53 and p63 proteoforms. Our results demonstrate not only the potential of these biosensors for the simultaneous analysis of proteoforms’ seroreactivity, but also their convenience and versatility for the clinical detection of CRC by liquid biopsy. In conclusion, we here show that p53 and p63 proteoforms possess differential seroreactivity in CRC patients in comparison to controls, distinctive from canonical proteins, which should improve the diagnostic panels for obtaining a blood-based biomarker signature for CRC detection.

Near-optimal feedback control for postprandial glucose regulation in type 1 diabetes

This paper is focused on feedback control of postprandial glucose levels for patients with type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. There are two important limitations that make this a challenging problem. First, the slow subcutaneous insulin pharmacokinetics that introduces a significant lag into the control loop. Second, the positivity constraint on the control action, meaning that it is not possible to remove insulin from the body. In this paper, both issues are explicitly considered in the design process using the internal model control framework, to derive a near-optimal feedback controller. Optimality is understood here as minimizing the blood glucose peak after a meal intake and, at the same time, preventing glucose values below a prescribed threshold. It is shown how the proposed controller approaches the optimal closed-loop performance as a limit case. The theoretical results are supported by a numerical example and the feasibility of the overall strategy under uncertainties is illustrated using an extended version UVa/Padova metabolic simulator.

Spatial Proteomic Analysis of Isogenic Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Cells Reveals Key Dysregulated Proteins Associated with Lymph Node, Liver, and Lung Metastasis

Metastasis is the primary cause of colorectal cancer (CRC) death. The liver and lung, besides adjacent lymph nodes, are the most common sites of metastasis. Here, we aimed to study the lymph nodes, liver, and lung CRC metastasis by quantitative spatial proteomics analysis using CRC cell-based models that recapitulate these metastases. The isogenic KM12 cell system composed of the non-metastatic KM12C cells, liver metastatic KM12SM cells, and liver and lung metastatic KM12L4a cells, and the isogenic non-metastatic SW480 and lymph nodes metastatic SW620 cells, were used. Cells were fractionated to study by proteomics five subcellular fractions corresponding to cytoplasm, membrane, nucleus, chromatin-bound proteins, and cytoskeletal proteins, and the secretome. Trypsin digested extracts were labeled with TMT 11-plex and fractionated prior to proteomics analysis on a Q Exactive. We provide data on protein abundance and localization of 4710 proteins in their different subcellular fractions, depicting dysregulation of proteins in abundance and/or localization in the most common sites of CRC metastasis. After bioinformatics, alterations in abundance and localization for selected proteins from diverse subcellular localizations were validated via WB, IF, IHC, and ELISA using CRC cells, patient tissues, and plasma samples. Results supported the relevance of the proteomics results in an actual CRC scenario. It was particularly relevant that the measurement of GLG1 in plasma showed diagnostic ability of advanced stages of the disease, and that the mislocalization of MUC5AC and BAIAP2 in the nucleus and membrane, respectively, was significantly associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. Our results demonstrate that the analysis of cell extracts dilutes protein alterations in abundance in specific localizations that might only be observed studying specific subcellular fractions, as here observed for BAIAP2, GLG1, PHYHIPL, TNFRSF10A, or CDKN2AIP, which are interesting proteins that should be further analyzed in CRC metastasis.

L-Dopa release from mesoporous silica nanoparticles engineered through the concept of drug-structure-directing agents for Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, the 2nd most common after Alzheimer's disease, the main effect of which is the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Levodopa or l-Dopa is an amino acid used in the treatment of PD that acts as the immediate precursor to dopamine. However, over time the efficacy of the medication gradually decreases requiring modified delivery methods. One of the major challenges for the medication to work is to achieve a gradual continuous supply of l-Dopa to the brain to minimise symptoms. Herein, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were engineered through the concept of drug-structure-directing agents (DSDAs) with inherent therapeutic activity. The DSDA used was l-Dopa drug modified by amidation with fatty acids to build anionic surfactants that were able to form micelles as templates for the assembly of inorganic precursors to form the silica framework. This templating route produced MSNs with tunable sizes ranging from 100 nm to 1 μm and with different shapes: spherical, with either solid structures with radial mesopores and porous shells, or hollow-shells with inside large void cavities; and elongated, characterized by long hollows covered by mesoporous shells. The concept of using DSDAs to synthesize drug nanocarriers can be used to avoid the surfactant removal and subsequent drug loading steps involved in the synthesis of conventional MSNs. We hypothesized that the l-Dopa released from MSN materials is mediated by the size and solubility of the DSDAs, and the surface chemical interactions between the DSDAs and MSN hosts. Different pHs (acidic and neutral) simulating gastrointestinal tract conditions were tested, and the results showed hardly any release for gastric conditions at pH 1.2, avoiding the premature release in the stomach typical of conventional MSNs, while for intestinal conditions of pH 7.4, the release of l-Dopa occurred in a continuous and sustained manner, which is well suited to the drug's application and delivery route, and matches well with achieving a sustained l-Dopa delivery to relief symptoms. This could open up new uses for MSNs synthesized by this approach to treat PD.

Reverse remodeling of the atria in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis: impact of balloon mitral commissurotomy plus atrial fibrillation ablation

Introduction

Chronic Atrial stretch is an important determinant for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS).

Purpose

We analysed the effect of balloon mitral commissurotomy (BMC) plus atrial fibrillation ablation on the long-term occurrence of AF as compared to isolated BMC.

Methods

We prospectively included 20 patients with severe RMS undergoing BMC+AF ablation (Intervention) and compared it with a retrospective sample of 53 RMS patients that underwent BMC (Control). AF ablation consisted in pulmonary vein isolation and driver ablation identified using intracardiac basket mapping. We followed patients for 1 year after the procedure in both groups. Clinical values were evaluated in both groups. Propensity score matching was computed in order to evaluate the effect of the intervention and to analyse the impact of clinical properties of each group.

Results

At baseline, there were no statistical differences in gender (90% vs. 85%) and mitral valve area (1.2±0.18 vs. 1.17±0.18 cm2) between intervention and control groups, respectively. In contrast, there were differences in age (65±12 vs. 72±12; p=0.01) and AF incidence prior to the procedure (90% vs. 62%; p=0.001) between intervention and control groups, respectively. Patients undergoing AF ablation underwent successful pulmonary vein isolation in all cases and driver ablation at sites located in the right atrium (RA) in 7 (35%) patients. Median dominant frequency was significantly higher in the right atrium (DF RA 4.9±0.6 vs. DF LA 3.9±0.7 Hz; p=0.003) prior the intervention. After the intervention, it was significantly reduced only in the left atrium (LA) (DF RA 4.5±1 vs. DF LA 3.2±0.6 Hz; p=0.02 for Pre vs. Post DF LA). Three (15%) patients converted to sinus rhythm during ablation, the remaining were cardioverted. After 1-year follow-up, the proportion of patients in sinus rhythm was significantly higher in patients undergoing BMC+AF (90%) vs. isolated BMC (45%; p<0.001) (Graph). In the isolated BMC group, 4 patients converted to sinus rhythm and 1 patient in sinus rhythm prior to the procedure converted to AF at 1-year.

Conclusion

This observational study demonstrates that the combination of BMC+AF ablation significantly increses the proportion of patients in sinus rhythm at 1-year as compared to isolated BMC. Reverse remodelling of the atrial substrate following isolated BMC also converted to sinus rhythm a small proportion of patients with persistent AF at baseline. Thus, although reversal of atrial stretch changes by BMC could potentially terminate AF in some patients, the combined intervention with catheter ablation will successfully maintain sinus rhythm in the majority of patients in the study.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): FIS by Instituto de Salud Carlos III

Sex differences in patients with ischemia and no obstructive coronary disease subjected to intracoronary acetylcholine test in a multicenter registry

Background

Ischemia with no obstructive coronary disease (INOCA) is increasingly diagnosed because of wide performance of coronary angiography. Prevalence of INOCA is higher in women than in men, however the exact pathophysiological mechanisms which may explain this phenomenon are still not very well understood.

Objective

To evaluate differences in clinical and procedural characteristics between men and women with INOCA subjected to intracoronary acetylcholine test (Ach).

Methods

A total of 210 women and 148 men with INOCA diagnosed with coronary angiography, were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter, observational registry. Ach test was performed according to clinical indications in all included patients. After 1-year patients were re-evaluated for major cardiovascular events, angina symptoms and prescribed medical treatment.

Results

Mean age of 60.6±13.6 years old was similar in both populations, but differences were observed in the prevalence of risk factors: active smoking was more frequent among men (43% vs. 17%, p<0.001), who had also a higher number of associated risk factors (≥3 risk factors were present in 31.2% of men vs. 20.2% of women, p<0.01) and more frequent history of percutaneous coronary revascularization (14.2% vs. 6.7%, p=0.03). Women were more prone to have dyspnea than men (35.5% vs. 20.8%, p=0.01). Men had more coronary atherosclerosis in angiography (57.9% vs. 43.7%, p=0.01) and more slow flow in the left anterior descending artery (21.6% vs. 9.0%, p=0.001). Ach was positive in 36.5% of patients, similar in both sexes, with no differences in the type of induced coronary spasm. Among those with a positive Ach test, at one-year, 36% of women vs. 43.6% of men were on optimal medical treatment for vasospasm although the difference was not statistically significant. Importantly, 41.5% of women and 38.1% of men experienced severe symptoms of angina during follow-up.

Conclusions

Although men with INOCA have a higher risk profile than women and more coronary atherosclerosis, one third of patients present endothelial dysfunction, similar in both groups, indicating that probably other pathophysiological mechanisms are responsible for it in females. Treatment in these patients remains suboptimal and associated with highly impaired quality of life.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection and takotsubo syndrome: comparison of baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and in-hospital outcomes

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) constitute two relatively common non-atherosclerotic causes of acute cardiac syndrome particularly frequent in women.

Methods

Herein we compared the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of 2 large prospective registries on SCAD and TTS.

Results

A total of 318 SCAD and 106 TTS patients were included (88% women). Patients in the TTS group were older (Table) and presented a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Precipitating triggers were more frequent in TTS patients (42% vs. 56%, P=0.009) but emotional stress was more common in the SCAD group (25% vs. 15%, P=0.037). SCAD patients had higher troponin and creatine-kinase levels. The left anterior descending coronary artery was the most frequently involved vessel (44%). Left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction 57±10 vs. 40±10%, P<0.001) was more frequently in TTS patients. Major adverse cardiovascular events (including death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, development of heart failure and stroke during hospitalization) (4.7% vs. 12.3%, P<0.001) occurred more frequently in TTS patients, that also developed more frequently heart failure (<1% vs. 10%, P<0.001) and atrial fibrillation (1% vs. 11%, P<0.001). No differences were found in the rate of stroke in the 2 groups.

Conclusions

TTS patients are older and present a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors than SCAD patients. They also present a worse in-hospital prognosis with higher mortality.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Clinical profile and predictors of positivity of acetylcholine test in patients with angina and no obstructive coronary artery disease. Results of a multi-center mediterranean registry

Background

Coronary endothelial dysfunction and vasospasm are potential causes of ischemia in no obstructive coronary disease (INOCA) and are now known to be associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE) and impaired quality of life. The recent guidelines recommend the use of intracoronary acetylcholine to unravel the underlying pathophysiology of INOCA, by identifying those with endothelial dysfunction, and to guide future treatment in these patients.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical profile and prevalence of endothelial dysfunction in patients with INOCA, and to identify the predictors of positivity of the acetylcholine test.

Methods

A total of 358 patients with INOCA were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter observational study. Coronary angiography and acetylcholine test were performed according to clinical indications in all included patients. Patients were followed-up for 1-year for MACE and clinical reevaluation of symptoms.

Results

Patients' mean age was 60.6±13.5 y.o. and 58.7% were females, with no previous history of coronary heart disease in 76% of cases. Regarding clinical presentation, 56.9% had angina at rest, 59.9% exertional angina, and 29.5% dyspnea. In 39% the EKG was abnormal, and in 10.9% there was a troponin rise.

Coronary endothelial dysfunction –defined as a vasoconstriction over 30%– was observed in 129 (36%) patients, and severe vasoconstriction (>70%) in 75 (21%). Of positive cases, 47 (36%) focal vasoconstriction, and 90 (70%) diffuse. On follow-up, patients with a positive Ach test were treated differently, with a lower prescription of betablockers (12% vs. 24%, p=0.01) and a higher use of vasodilators (47% vs. 28.5%, p=0.001). Guidelines-recommended optimal treatment was prescribed to 39.2% of patients with a positive acetylcholine test. Patients with positive acetylcholine test were more prone to having worsening angina (25.6% vs. 12.8%, p<0.01) and minimal exertion angina (40% vs. 26.7%, p=0.03) on follow-up. Multivariable regression analysis showed that acetylcholine test positivity was predicted by the presence of diabetes (OR 1.7, p=0.04), exertional angina (OR 1.2, p=0.04), coronary atherosclerosis (OR 1.8, p=0.02) and coronary milking (OR 2.6, p=0.04).

Conclusions

Endothelial dysfunction detected by acetylcholine test was present in one third of patients with INOCA and was associated with more severe and worsening symptoms. Although Ach test positivity influenced the pharmacological treatment at discharge, a large room for optimization still remained.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

P5621Diagnostic accuracy of resting full-cycle ratio in the non-culprit artery of acute patients

Introduction

Resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) is a novel non-hyperemic index of coronary stenosis severity, independent of the timing within the cardiac cycle. Recent data has demonstrated good correlation between RFR and Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) in stable coronary disease (SCD). However, there are no data regarding the reliability of RFR in non-culprit arteries of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Purpose

To study the diagnostic accuracy of RFR versus FFR in the non-culprit artery in AMI compared to stable lesions.

Methods

RFR, FFR, Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR), Index of Microcirculatory Resistance (IMR), and Resistance Reserve Ratio (RRR) were calculated in 67 patients with AMI and an intermediate lesion in a non-culprit artery (median time from primary PCI to study: 48 hours). Data were compared with those of a retrospective group of 66 patients with SCD.

Results

There was a higher proportion of males among patients of the AMI group (85% vs 62%, p=0.0026). Mean age was 64.5±11 years, being AMI cohort younger at presentation [62±11 vs 67±12 years in SCD cohort (p=0.04)]. Patients with AMI had a significantly lower prevalence of hypertension (52% vs 75%, p=0.006), diabetes (10% vs 32%), p=0.002) and hyperlipemia (37% vs 79%, p=0.002).

Coronary physiology parameters showed a non-normal distribution, and are expressed as median [IQR] (Table 1). In patients with AMI, FFR was lower than in patients with SCD. In contrast, RFR showed no significant difference. Both CFR and RRR were higher in the AMI group. No significant differences in IMR were found between cohorts.

Importantly, in the AMI group the correlation between RFR and FFR was 0.84 and the overall agreement 82%, with rates of false positive and negative of 15% and 3%, respectively. In SCD the correlation was 0.81 with a lower overall agreement of 69%, due mostly to a higher rate of false positive RFR (28%) (Figure 1).

Table 1. Microcirculatory parameters in non-culprit artery (AMI) and stable coronary disease (SCD) AMI (N=66) Stable (N=67) p value FFR 0.84 [0.76–0.9] 0.84 [0.76–0.9] 0.006 RFR 0.89 [0.82–0.94] 0,9 [0.84–0.94] 0.24 CFR 2.2 [1.7–3.1] 1.8 [1.1–2.6] 0.011 IMR 17 [14–27] 25 [14–38] 0.051 RRR 2.7 [2.17 - 3.9] 2.1 [1.4–3.1] 0.005 Median [IQR].

Figure 1. Correlation between RFR and FFR valueS

Conclusions

RFR shows a good correlation with FFR in AMI. Surprisingly, overall agreement is higher in the non-culprit artery in an acute setting, with a lower percentage of false positive results.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

6115Influence of microvascular function and coronary flow in the diagnostic precision of resting full-cycle ratio

Introduction

Resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) has been recently described as a non-hyperemic index of coronary stenosis with good concordance with Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR). However, there is no information concerning the influence of microvascular function and coronary flow on RFR results.

Purpose

To determine if the accuracy of this novel parameter might be influenced by changes in microvascular function.

Methods

133 patients admitted in our center between July 2016 and December 2017 underwent coronary physiology study of an angiographically intermediate lesion. 67 subjects presented with AMI and an intermediate lesion in a non-culprit artery, and 66 subjects stable coronary disease. We performed FFR, Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR), Index of Microcirculatory Resistance (IMR) and Resistance Reserve Ratio (RRR) in all of them. We calculated RFR retrospectively from the pressure tracings.

Results

Coronary physiology parameters showed a non-normal distribution and are presented as median [IQR]: FFR 0.86 [0.79–0.92]; CFR 2.05 [1.4–2.95]; IMR 20.5 [14–32.55]; RRR 2.5 [1.85–3.63]; RFR 0.897 [0.83–0.94]. Patients with abnormal CFR displayed lower RFR values although FFR was not markedly affected (Table 1). These findings remained irrespective of the clinical scenario at presentation.

61 patients had a CFR lower than 2. Correlation between RFR and FFR was not significantly different in patients with abnormal CFR than in those with normal CFR (0,73 vs 0,88; p=0,067) (Figure 1); however, overall binary agreement between RFR and FFR was worse in patients with a low CFR (69% vs 83%; p=0,047).

48 patients had a high IMR (>25). Linear correlation between RFR and FFR was similar in patients with high and normal IMR (0,81 vs 0,83; p=0,784); likewise, binary concordance showed no significant difference between both groups (77% vs 75%, p=0,78).

The mean difference between RFR and FFR was 0,025. This was only influenced by CFR: patients with a low CFR had a smaller difference than those with a normal CFR (0,012 vs 0,035; p=0,019).

Physiology parameters by CFR group Normal CFR (≥2) Low CFR (<2) P-value FFR 0.88 [0.82–0.93] 0.84 [0.79–0.92] 0.14 RFR 0.91 [0.88–0.95] 0.86 [0.80–0.92] 0.0009 IMR 16.5 [13–27] 25 [16–45.5] 0.002 RRR 3.6 [2.7–4.9] 1.7 [1.3–2.1] <0.0001 Physiological coronary parameters (Median [IQR]) according to CFR.

Correlation between RFR and FFR by CFR

Conclusion

RFR has good overall correlation and concordance with FFR. However, RFR has a lower diagnostic accuracy in patients with a low CFR.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

AdNut study: effectiveness of a high calorie and protein oral nutritional supplement with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate in an older malnourished population in usual clinical practice

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a high calorie and protein, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate containing oral nutritional supplement (HP-HMB-ONS), on nutritional status, activities of daily living and quality of life (QoL) in old malnourished subjects.

Methods

We conducted an observational, prospective, open label, multicenter study. Participants were > 65 years, undernourished or at nutritional risk [Nutrition Risk Score (NRS) ≥ 3] and had been included on an ONS (HP-HMB-ONS twice daily for 12 weeks) per standard of care. Visits at baseline (V1), 6 weeks (V2) and 12 weeks (V3) were performed. The primary endpoints were gain of body weight, change in body mass index (BMI) and NRS 2002 index. Data from QoL (EQ-5D-3L) and activities of daily living (Katz index) were also collected.

Results

A total of 235 participants were included in the study. Of these 148 took at least a 75% of the HP-HMB-ONS and were included in the analysis (per protocol); median age was 80.0 (SD:8.3) years, 65.5% (n = 97) were female, 67.6% (n = 100) had 2 or more diseases. At V3, a statistically significant increase in weight (2.1 kg; SD: 3.8) (p < 0.001) and BMI (0.8 kg/m²; SD: 1.45) were found compared to V1, whereas NRS 2002 values decreased by 0.9 (SD: 1.2). A significant (p < 0.001) improvement in Katz index (mean change = 0.3; SD:1.4) and EQ-5D scoring (mean change = 0.5; SD:1.9) compared to V1, were also reported.

Conclusions

The results suggest that administration of a HP-HMB-ONS improve the nutritional status and may led to a significant improvement in patients' activities of daily living and QoL, independent of baseline BMI.

Enhanced extended state observer-based control for systems with mismatched uncertainties and disturbances

This paper presents an enhanced Extended State Observer (ESO)-based control strategy to deal with the disturbance attenuation problem for a class of non integral-chain systems subject to non-linear mismatched uncertainties and external disturbances. The proposed control strategy does not assume the integral-chain form and it is formed by a state-feedback plus a dynamic disturbance compensation term, which is designed to reject the disturbance effect in the system output. From a theoretical point of view, the proposed strategy is reduced to the conventional ESO when the integral chain form and the matched condition hold. In this sense, this paper is presented as an extension of the ESO principles to cover a wider class of systems. The theoretical results show that the internal zero-dynamics plays an important role in ESO-based control design. Also, the closed-loop stability is analyzed and some numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposal in comparison with previous ESO-based techniques.

A generalized smith predictor for unstable time-delay SISO systems

In this work, a generalization of the Smith Predictor (SP) is proposed to control linear time-invariant (LTI) time-delay single-input single-output (SISO) systems. Similarly to the SP, the combination of any stabilizing output-feedback controller for the delay-free system with the proposed predictor leads to a stabilizing controller for the delayed system. Furthermore, the tracking performance and the steady-state disturbance rejection capabilities of the equivalent delay-free loop are preserved. In order to place this contribution in context, some modifications of the SP are revisited and recast under the same structure. The features of the proposed scheme are illustrated through simulations, showing a comparison with respect to the corresponding delay-free loop, which is here considered to be the ideal scenario. In order to emphasize the feasibility of this approach, a successful experimental implementation in a laboratory platform is also reported.

Is the use of long-acting injectable antipsychotic extended in the outpatient treatment of bipolar disorder? A brief description

Aims

Obtain and analyze information on treatment guidelines, with particular emphasis on the use of antipsychotics, in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder I and bipolar disorder II who are treated at a mental health center in a district of Madrid (Spain) under the conditions of habitual clinical practice.

Then, compare with recently published literature.

Methods

We performed a descriptive study of a sample of 100 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (type I and type II) at any stage of the disease who receive regular treatment in a mental health center in a district of Madrid. Information regarding the treatment used, especially the use of antipsychotics (either in a single therapy or in combination with other drugs such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants, hypnotics or anxiolytics), was collected retrospectively from the data obtained from the medical record.

Results

Ninety-four percent of patients are taking mood stabilizer treatment (68% lithium, 24% valproate, 1% and 1% carbamazepine and lamotrigine). Four percent take lithium and valproate in combination. Forty-eight percent of patients are taking some antipsychotic (atypical about 90%). Of these, only 10% in injectable form, and 5% take both oral and injectable antipsychotics.

Conclusions

The diminished use of injectable antipsychotics, well below recent publications, draws the attention. You can probably explain this low proportion of injectable medication because we are generally dealing with stable patients with a long-term disorder.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Correction: Single-crystal TiO2 nanowires by seed assisted thermal oxidation of Ti foil: synthesis and photocatalytic properties

Correction for ‘Single-crystal TiO₂ nanowires by seed assisted thermal oxidation of Ti foil: synthesis and photocatalytic properties’ by E. Arcadipane et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 55490–55498.

Single-crystal TiO2 nanowires by seed assisted thermal oxidation of Ti foil: synthesis and photocatalytic properties

TiO₂ nanowires growth was investigated varying the synthesis parameters. Nanowires demonstrated improved photocatalytic activity, especially when treated in forming gas.

Hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite with uniform mesopores and improved catalytic properties

Uniform mesopores are generated in hierarchical ZSM-5 by a mesopore narrowing treatment, showing enhanced activity in the acylation of 2-methoxynaphthalene.

An investigation of the textural properties of mesostructured silica-based adsorbents for predicting CO2 adsorption capacity

The CO₂ uptake of more than 30 physisorbents was found to correlate with their textural parameters, namely the product of the available surface area (S_BET) and the affinity of the surface toward adsorptives (C parameter).

Influence of the structural and textural properties of ordered mesoporous materials and hierarchical zeolitic supports on the controlled release of methylprednisolone hemisuccinate

To alleviate the chronic inflammation, nasal obstruction, and loss of sense of smell that produces the rhinosinusitis disease, ordered mesoporous materials and hierarchical zeolites could be used for slow and sustained corticoid (methylprednisolone hemisuccinate conjugate) release. The correlations between the delivery performance of methylprednisolone hemisuccinate and the physicochemical properties of carriers' release systems, including pore mesostructure, texture and size, and surface chemistry, have been well established. Different two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) mesostructured materials (MCM-41, SBA-15, expanded SBA-15, FDU-12, and SBA-16) were employed. In addition, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, materials based on hierarchical zeolites with additional mesoporosity (h-ZSM-5 and h-BETA zeolites) were also tested. In particular, two materials (3-D cubic mesoporous silica SBA-16 and hierarchical Beta zeolite) have been probed to be potential candidates, exhibiting high drug adsorption capacities and slow drug release rates, which is the most favourable way of drug release in the particular rhinosinusitis application. Solid-state ¹H-²⁹Si HETCOR NMR analyses confirm the strong interactions of the drug with the surface of h-BETA and 3-D SBA-16 materials, via hydrogen bonding of carboxylic, ketone, and aliphatic moieties of the methylprednisolone hemisuccinate at surface silanol sites. Because of the remarkable release performance, it is expected that 3-D mesoporous silica SBA-16 and hierarchical Beta zeolite can be attractive candidates for current applications in nasal inflammation treatments. The drug release rate can be further retarded by decreasing the pH to around 4.6; at this point more attraction forces were detected as proved by zeta-potential measurements. Therefore, a slower delivery trend of methylprednisolone hemisuccinate has been observed for all the materials, which is more pronounced in the case of SBA-15 and SBA-16.

Human BRS-3 receptor: functions/role in cell signaling pathways and glucose metabolism in obese or diabetic myocytes

Several studies showed that the orphan Bombesin Receptor Subtype-3 (BRS-3) - member of the bombesin receptor family - has an important role in glucose homeostasis (v.g.: BRS-3-KO mice developed mild obesity, and decreased levels of BRS-3 mRNA/protein have been described in muscle from obese (OB) and type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients). In this work, to gain insight into BRS-3 receptor cell signaling pathways, and its implication on glucose metabolism, primary cultured myocytes from normal subjects, OB or T2D patients were tested using high affinity ligand - [d-Tyr(6),β-Ala(11),Phe(13),Nle(14)]bombesin6-14. In muscle cells from all metabolic conditions, the compound significantly increased not only MAPKs, p90RSK1, PKB and p70s6K phosphorylation levels, but also PI3K activity; moreover, it produced a dose-response stimulation of glycogen synthase a activity and glycogen synthesis. Myocytes from OB and T2D patients were more sensitive to the ligand than normal, and T2D cells even more than obese myocytes. These results widen the knowledge of human BRS-3 cell signaling pathways induced by a BRS-3 agonist, described its insulin-mimetic effects on glucose metabolism, showed the role of BRS-3 receptor in glucose homeostasis, and also propose the employing of BRS-3/ligand system, as participant in the obese and diabetic therapies.

Continuous and nanostructured TiO2 films grown by dc sputtering magnetron

The growth of Anatase nanostructured films using dc reactive magnetron sputtering and post-annealing treatment is reported. TiO2 has been deposited on Porous Anodic Alumina Films used as templates which were previously grown in phosphoric acid solution and etched to modify their pore diameters. This synthesis via results in the formation of vertically aligned and spatially ordered TiO2 nanostructures replicating the underlying template. Previously, the growth optimization of TiO2 thin films deposited by dc magnetron sputtering on flat silicon substrates was done. The crystalline structure and Ti in-depth concentration profile were determined by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, respectively. The surface morphology of the samples was explored by mean of a Field Emission Gun scanning electron microscope. Optical properties of the nanostructured samples were studied by using the reflectance spectra received in the UV-visible range. In these spectra different band gap values and complex light absorption features were observed.

Preparation and magnetic properties of cylindrical NiFe films and antidot arrays

Continuous NiFe (Permalloy) cylindrical films and arrays of cylindrical NiFe antidots 7 nm thick have been prepared by sputtering onto cylindrical aluminum wires and onto wires anodized to form a porous anodic alumina layer. The antidots are arranged in a close-packed pattern determined by the hexagonal pore arrangement in the porous alumina, with period 103 nm and diameter 42 nm. Hysteresis loops were measured at different angles with respect to the cylinder axis and indicate an easy plane normal to the radius of the wire. The antidots enhance the coercivity compared to the continuous cylindrical film.

Patterning of rutile TiO2 surface by ion beam lithography through full-solid masks

In this work we present and discuss the nanopatterning of rutile TiO(2) single crystal surfaces following their irradiation with energetic heavy ions through a stencil mask of Ni filled self-ordered porous anodic alumina. After etching in HF a corrugated surface morphology is obtained composed of parallel alternate furrows and ridges (or nanobars) 50 nm in diameter and with 100 nm pitch. In addition, isolated, but collapsed, TiO(2) nanorods are seen lying on the patterned surface. The stability of the nanopatterned surface under high temperatures treatments and crystalline properties are analyzed.

Heat shock protein 70 and cellular disturbances in cochlear cisplatin ototoxicity model

BACKGROUND

Exposure to cisplatin leads to cochlear cell death by apoptosis; these changes are most marked on the seventh day after exposure. Heat shock proteins are induced in inner ear cells in response to a variety of stimuli. This study examined the role of heat shock protein 70 in cisplatin-induced cochlear cell death.

METHODS

Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were involved. Some were injected with cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight), some with cisplatin plus the caspase inhibitor Z-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OME)-fluoromethylketone (5 mg/kg body weight) and others were left as controls (being injected only with saline). Seven days later, we examined the expression of heat shock protein 70 and several other apoptosis-related proteins within the rat cochlear cells; we also assessed total superoxide dismutase activity, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response.

RESULTS

Seven days after cisplatin injection, significantly increased expression of heat shock protein 70 was found within the rat cochleae. This correlated with increased executioner caspase levels, total superoxide dismutase activity and auditory brainstem response thresholds, and a significant elevation in auditory steady state response thresholds. Inhibition of caspase-3 activity significantly reduced cochlear heat shock protein 70 expression and total superoxide dismutase activity, and improved auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

Seven days after cisplatin exposure, we found disturbances of the cochlear cellular machinery involving heat shock protein 70, other apoptotic proteins and total superoxide dismutase.

Continuous and Localized Mn Implantation of ZnO

We present results derived from continuous and localized 35 keV (55)Mn(+) ion implantations into ZnO. Localized implantations were carried out by using self-ordered alumina membranes as masks leading to ordered arrays of implanted volumes on the substrate surfaces. Defects and vacancies in the small implantation volumes of ZnO were generated due to the implantation processes besides the creation of new phases. Rapid thermal annealing was applied in the case of continuous implantation. The samples were characterized by HRSEM, GIXRD, Raman spectroscopy and RBS/C. Magnetic characterization of the samples pointed out appreciable differences among the samples obtained by the different implantation methods. This fact was mainly attributed to the different volume/surface ratios present in the implanted zones as well as to the increase of Mn atom concentrations along the grain frontiers in the nanostructured surfaces. The samples also showed a ferromagnetic transition phase at temperature value higher than room temperature.

Determination of Viable Yeast Cells by Gravitational Field-Flow Fractionation with Fluorescence Detection

Vinification processing is largely related to yeast performance and depends on the initial cell viability. To optimize the quality of wine fermentation, control of the yeast quality is mandatory. The present paper describes a new method using gravitational field flow fractionation (GrFFF) with fluorescence detection for the determination of yeast cell viability before the fermentation process. A GrFFF calibration procedure was developed using commercial yeast to prepare standards of viable cells and propidium iodide (PI) as fluorescent probe for nonviable cells. The suitability of the new method was tested with several commercial yeast strains with a g/L content ranging from 1 to 3. The validation of the method was performed by comparing GrFFF viability values with those obtained using Coulter counter and flow cytometry techniques.