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Volume electron microscopy analysis of synapses in primary regions of the human cerebral cortex
No full textFunctional and structural studies investigating macroscopic connectivity in the human cerebral cortex suggest that high-order associative regions exhibit greater connectivity compared to primary ones. However, the synaptic organization of these brain regions remains unexplored. In the present work, we conducted volume electron microscopy to investigate the synaptic organization of the human brain obtained at autopsy. Specifically, we examined layer III of Brodmann areas 17, 3b, and 4, as representative areas of primary visual, somatosensorial, and motor cortex. Additionally, we conducted comparative analyses with our previous datasets of layer III from temporopolar and anterior cingulate associative cortical regions (Brodmann areas 24, 38, and 21). 9,690 synaptic junctions were 3D reconstructed, showing that certain synaptic characteristics are specific to particular regions. The number of synapses per volume, the proportion of the postsynaptic targets, and the synaptic size may distinguish one region from another, regardless of whether they are associative or primary cortex. By contrast, other synaptic characteristics were common to all analyzed regions, such as the proportion of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, their shapes, their spatial distribution, and a higher proportion of synapses located on dendritic spines. The present results provide further insights into the synaptic organization of the human cerebral cortex.PID2021-127924NB-I00
MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033
CSIC Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform-Cajal Blue Brain
PRE2019-089228/MCIN/AEI/10.13039/50110001103
Tracking climate variability in the western Mediterranean during the Late Holocene: A multiproxy approach
No full textClimate variability in the western Mediterranean is reconstructed for the last 4000 yr using marine sediments recovered in the west Algerian-Balearic Basin, near the Alboran Basin. Fluctuations in chemical and mineralogical sediment composition as well as grain size distribution are linked to fluvial-eolian oscillations, changes in redox conditions and paleocurrent intensity. Multivariate analyses allowed us to characterize three main groups of geochemical and mineralogical proxies determining the sedimentary record of this region. These three statistical groups were applied to reconstruct paleoclimate conditions at high resolution during the Late Holocene. An increase in riverine input (fluvial-derived elements - Rb/Al, Ba/Al, REE/Al, Si/Al, Ti/Al, Mg/Al and K/Al ratios), and a decrease in Saharan eolian input (Zr/Al ratio) depict the Roman Humid Period and the Little Ice Age, while drier environmental conditions are recognized during the Late Bronze Age-Iron Age, the Dark Ages and the Medieval Climate Anomaly. Additionally, faster bottom currents and more energetic hydrodynamic conditions for the former periods are evidenced by enhanced sortable silt (10-63 οm) and quartz content, and by better oxygenated bottom waters - as reflected by decreasing redox-sensitive elements (V/Al, Cr/Al, Ni/Al and Zn/Al ratios). In contrast, opposite paleoceanographic conditions are distinguished during the latter periods, i.e. the Late Bronze Age-Iron Age, the Dark Ages and the Medieval Climate Anomaly. Although no Ba excess was registered, other paleoproductivity indicators (total organic carbon content, Br/Al ratio, and organometallic ligands such as U and Cu) display the highest values during the Roman Humid Period, and together with increasing preservation of organic matter, this period exhibits by far the most intense productivity of the last 4000 yr. Fluctuations in detrital input into the basin as the main process managing deposition, reflected by the first eigenvector defined by the Principal Component Analyses, point to solar irradiance and the North Atlantic Oscillation variability as the main driving mechanisms behind natural climate variability over decadal to centennial time-scales for the last 4000 yr.This work was financed by Projects CGL2009-07603, CTM2009-07715 (Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, MICCIN, EU FEDER), 200800050084447 (MARM), Project RNM 05212 and Research Group 0179 (Junta de Andalucía) and the Training-Through-Research Programme. We are grateful to CSD2006-00041 (TOPOIBERIA) and CSD2007-00067 (GRACCIE) projects, and Centre for Scientific Instrumentation (CIC-UGR), National Centre for Accelerators (Seville, Spain), Poznan Radiocarbon Laboratory (Poland), Andalusian Institute of Earth Sciences (CSIC-UGR) and Department of Mineralogy and Petrology for the analyses
The Spanish Society of Medicinal Chemistry: Promoting Pharmaceutical R&D in Spain since 1977
No full textThe Spanish Society of Medicinal Chemistry (Sociedad Española de Química Terapéutica SEQT), founded in 1977, aims to advance pharmaceutical research and education in Spain, collaborating with academia, industry, and public entities. It was initially linked with the Institute of Medicinal Chemistry from Spanish National Research Council (IQM-CSIC), emphasizing the independence of medicinal chemistry as a discipline. SEQT′s presidency rotates between representatives from universities, research institutes, and industry, ensuring diverse perspectives. With around 500 members, SEQT represents sectors including universities, CSIC, and industry, with a notable presence of early-career researchers. The Society actively participates in the European Federation for Medicinal chemistry and Chemical biology (EFMC). SEQT organizes conferences, summer schools, and mini symposia to facilitate networking and knowledge exchange among professionals. To support early-career scientists, SEQT organizes symposia and awards, recognizing achievements in drug discovery. It fosters mentorship opportunities and engages with international networks like EFMC-YSN. In 2023, SEQT established its Early Career Scientist (SEQT-ECS) group to provide tailored support and resources. With over 40 years of experience, SEQT continues to evolve, embracing social media and adapting to changes in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. It remains committed to supporting its members and advancing research to address human health challenges.The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to all current and former SEQT board members and members, as well as sponsors and supporters, for their invaluable contributions to the advancement and promotion of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology in Spain and Europ
A Comparative Study of Iron (Fe) and Trace Element Mobilization during Bioreduction of Fe-Oxide in Mine Tailings: Ensenada Chapaco (Chile) and Portman Bay (Spain)
No full textBioreduction of Fe-oxides in mine tailings deposited under marine conditions
releases Fe and associated trace elements (e.g., Ti, Ni, Cd, Pb), leading to
contamination of the marine environment. Sea-tailings disposal (STD) along the
northern coast of Chile (Ensenada Chapaco) and along the eastern coast of Spain
(Portman Bay) results in an adverse impact on the environment. This paper focuses
on bioreduction under marine conditions. To this end, two column experiments were
carried out with samples from Portman Bay and Ensenada Chapaco. Lactate (i.e.,
organic matter source) was supplied during the experiments. The results obtained
are compared with those from batch experiments performed under similar
conditions.
In the column filled with Portman Bay tailings, the high content of magnetite
(15 wt%) in contact with water gives rise to a large magnetite surface area and
abundant Fe(III), which results in a high release of Fe(II) and trace metals (TE). Since
Fe(II) adsorbs onto the magnetite surface reducing the availability of Fe(III), the
magnetite bioreduction and the consequent TE release decrease after 2000 h. By
contrast, the magnetite bioreduction lasts longer (3000 h) in the column with
Ensenada Chapaco tailings. This is because a lower magnetite content in the tailings
(1 wt%) provides a smaller reactive surface area yielding less Fe(III). Consequently,
the concentrations of Fe(II) and TE in the output solutions are lower, which slows
down the Fe(II) adsorption onto magnetite. This results in a a longer magnetite
bioreduction. Bioreduction is regulated by the availability of Fe(III) in both columns.
It is inferred that the bioreduction rate diminishes as a function of time and
increases as a function of soluble Fe(II) concentration. Moreover, the concentrations
of TE released from the two bioreduced tailings exceed the elemental concentrations
under marine conditions.We would like to thank Natàlia Moreno, Rafael Bartrolí and Mercè Cabanas (IDAEA), David Artiga, Maite Romero and Xavier LLovet (SCT-Barcelona University) for analytical assistance. This work has been financed by the CGL2017-82331-R (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness) and PID2020-119196RB-C22 (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation) projects, the 2021 SGR 00308 project (Catalan Government) and the Chilean Government through the Research Fund for Fishery and Aquaculture (Fondo de Investigación Pesquera y de Acuicultura; FIPA) of SUBPESCA (FIP 2015-11 project). IDAEA-CSIC is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Project CEX2018-000794-S funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).Peer reviewe
Crustal Characterization of the Hengill Geothermal Fields: Insights From Isotropic and Anisotropic Seismic Noise Imaging Using a 500-Node Array
No full textThe Hengill volcano and its associated geothermal fields represent Iceland's most productive harnessed high-temperature geothermal fields, where resources are fueled by cooling magmatic intrusions connected to three volcanic systems. The crustal structure in this area is highly heterogeneous and shaped by the intricate interplay between tectonic forces and magmatic/hydrothermal activities. This complexity makes detailed subsurface characterization challenging. In this study, we aim to push the current resolution limits using a 500-node temporary seismic array and perform an isotropic and, for the first time, radially-anisotropic velocity model of the area. The high-resolution isotropic velocity model reveals the characteristic N30ºE fissure swarm that crosses the area within the top 500 m and outlines a deep-seated low-velocity body composed of cooling magmatic intrusions at 5 km depth. This deeper body is located near the eastern part of the three volcanic centers and connected to a shallower body at 2–3 km depth that strikes westward toward Hengill volcano. Additionally, our study discovered that non-induced earthquakes deeper than 2 km align with velocity contrasts that reflect structural variability, indicating the potential to identify deep permeable pathways using dense array imaging. The anisotropic model indicates that the shallow crust of Hengill within the top 2 km is dominated by vertical fractures or cracks, likely attributed to overall divergent deformation from rifting in the study area. This characteristic is diminished at depths greater than 2–3 km, replaced by a layering pattern where the lava flows and/or subhorizontal intrusions become the primary factors influencing the observed anisotropy.Geophysical Instrument Pool Potsdam. Grant Number: GIPP202111; Geothermica. Grant Number: 03EE4018; European Research Council. Grant Number: 821115; Swiss National Science Foundation. Grant Number: 200021-18196; Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen ForschungPeer reviewe
Folleto DIGITAL.CSIC. Tu infraestructura CSIC para la gestión de datos
No full textFolleto informativo sobre el repositorio institucional del CSIC, DIGITAL.CSIC, y sus servicios para la gestión de datos de investigación. Acceso al póster: http://hdl.handle.net/10261/388250. Diseño y maquetación: Sofía Herranz Rodrigo.Peer reviewe
Expanding the chemical space for antiviral discovery: the potential of twistenediones
Get PDFDespite significant progress in drug discovery, there remains an urgent need to identify new structures capable of targeting drug-resistant diseases, as well as novel pathogens, to address the growing challenges in global health. This work highlights the underexplored potential of twistane-like structures as promising candidates for drug development, particularly as antiviral agents. We provide the first comprehensive study of their antiviral activity, in particular against SARS-CoV-2. We report the synthesis of a family of chiral indolyl-twistenediones, with the separation and characterization of both enantiomers via chiral semipreparative HPLC. The absolute configurations were determined using experimental and theoretical ECD techniques, supported by DFT calculations. A detailed biological study of their antiviral activity against various pathogenic RNA viruses demonstrates selective efficacy against members of the Coronaviridae family, specifically targeting a post-entry step in the viral replication cycle. Further investigation revealed a remarkable chiral distinction in the antiviral activity between the two enantiomers, opening new avenues for research in the 3D space of chiral cage compounds.We thank MICINN (Grant PID2023-146801NB-C32, PID2023-146801NB-C31, PID2020-113059GB-C22, PID2021-1248553NB-100), the Comunidad de Madrid (S2022/BMD-7403 RENIM-CM) co-financed by the European Structural and Investment Fund for financial support. This study was supported by Spanish National Research Council (PIE-RD-COVID-19 ref. E202020E079 and PIE_CNB_SC Ref. 202320E187 to the CNB-CSIC). This research work was also funded by the European Commission – NextGenerationEU (Regulation EU 2020/2094), through CSIC's Global Health Platform (PTI Salud Global). We acknowledge R. Molenkamp (Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; participant of the EU-funded EVA-GLOBAL project, grant agreement 871029) for the SARS-CoV-2 strain NL/2020 virus; Dr. Pei-Yong Shi (UTMB; Galveston, TX,USA) for the WNV (NY99) plasmid construct, Dr. Rodriguez (CNB-CSIC, Madrid, SPAIN) for the VSV-GFP virus, Dr. Volker Thiel (U. of Lausanne, CH) for the hCoV-229E-GFP virus and Dr. Enjuanes (CNB-CSIC, Madrid, SPAIN) for the MERS-CoV-EMC12 virus. Paula Bueno is supported by PIPF2022/SAL-GL-25488 fellowship from Comunidad de Madrid.Peer reviewe
Primer and probe sequences
Get PDFOligonucleotide sequences used for sequencing or (RT-)qPCRPeer reviewe
Effect of hydrogen addition on the combustion characteristics of natural gas cooktop burners
No full text4 figures.-- Work presented at the European Hydrogen Energy Conference 2024, 6-8 march, Bilbao (Spain).The injection of hydrogen (H2) to the natural gas network is currently being studied as a promising option to reduce the carbon footprint of most gas-fired combustion systems, such as gas turbines, industrial furnaces or domestic appliances [1]. The use of an existing infrastructure would enable a massive deployment of hydrogen without the need for costly investments in transportation, storage or distribution facilities, easing therefore the transition to hydrogen-based energy systems. However, the widely different combustion characteristics between hydrogen and natural gas compels to carefully analyze the tolerance of existing combustion equipment when burning these blends [2]. As a part of this effort, this work studies the main combustion behaviors of methanehydrogen mixtures in two representative domestic cooktop burners.Peer reviewe
High-Pressure Structural Study on the Effects of Pressure-Transmitting Media on Bi14MoO24 and Bi14CrO24 Compounds
No full textAn investigation of isostructural compounds BiMO, where M is either Cr or Mo, has been conducted under high-pressure (HP) conditions, reaching up to 30 and 40 GPa, respectively. In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction was employed to monitor alterations in the crystal structure induced by pressure. The compounds have been studied in two different experimental conditions, under hydrostatic conditions using He as pressure transmitting medium (PTM) or under plastic deformation without PTM. Remarkably, the use of helium gas as a PTM revealed isomorphic phase transitions unobserved previously when other PTMs were used. In the case of BiMoO, in addition to the previously documented tetragonal (I4/m) to monoclinic (C2/m) transition, two new isomorphic (monoclinic-monoclinic) phase transitions have been identified. Conversely, BiCrO exhibits two novel isomorphic (tetragonal-tetragonal) transitions preceding the tetragonal-monoclinic transformation. While analogous phase transitions were identified in experiments performed without PTM, an earlier pressure onset of phase transition was noted. Moreover, a new cubic phase coexisting with HP modification was observed in BiCrO, providing insights into the behavior of these compounds under extreme conditions of shear-stress