University of A Coruña

Delivering nucleic acids across cellular membranes remains a central challenge. Although synthetic gene carriers that mimic living cells are gaining interest, creating robust and biocompatible compartments continues to be technically demanding and limited in scope. Here, we present a new class of cationic lipopeptides that self-assemble into stable, functional membrane structures, offering a versatile platform for gene-delivery applications. These lipopeptides combine the biological activity and programmability of peptides with the self-organizing behavior of lipids, yielding functional vesicular structures that emulate cellular compartments and act as powerful non-viral vectors. We demonstrate that these assemblies efficiently sequester and deliver nucleic acids, achieving high transfection efficiency with minimal cytotoxicity in HEK 293T cells. Our findings highlight the potential of self-assembling cationic lipopeptides as modular building blocks for generating robust, biocompatible, and programmable synthetic cells capable of delivering diverse nucleic acids.

El blanqueo de capitales no se realiza en un acto aislado sino en una red de transacciones. Hasta ahora, cada entidad solo veía su parte y no había acceso a la foto completa del proceso. Ahora, la IA puede dar un vuelco en la lucha global contra este delito.

Abstract The inspection of welded tubular joints in offshore jacket-type structures is crucial for ensuring structural integrity under harsh marine conditions. Traditional manual inspection using Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) presents limitations in repeatability, ergonomics, and traceability. This paper introduces a general-purpose methodology for the parametric modelling of tubular joints and the automatic generation of robotic trajectories tailored for PAUT inspections. The approach employs a MATLAB-based tool that reconstructs joint geometries parametrically, allowing for the generation of 3D models, surface intersection data, and robot-compatible motion paths. Trajectory points and orientations are exported in both KUKA .dat and .src formats, enabling full integration into robotic platforms. The system accommodates various joint configurations (Y, X, K), reducing reprogramming time and human error. Experimental implementation with a KUKA KR8 R2100 robot equipped with a Panther II PAUT sensor demonstrates the method’s flexibility, efficiency, and suitability for offshore environments applications. This parametric and automation-based solution improves inspection accuracy, repeatability, while reducing ergonomic risks for operators.

Abstract Erín Moure’s “Homenaxes á auga / Homages to Water” features the ingredients of borscht. My reading argues that poetic language can function as a criticism of capitalism (Morrison), environmental destruction, and militarism. That is, giving poetic shape to her mother’s recipe, Moure approaches herstorical memory; her focus on a vegetarian version of borscht leads to a consideration of animal abuse and food waste; the lyrical-critical allusions to armed conflicts encourage readers both to remember the past (e.g. Holodomor) and to be alert about the present and future. The poet thus offers readers alternative paradigms from feminist new materialisms (Alaimo; Barad; Bennett; Braidotti), such as the onion-fog collaboration, as a means to vindicate affection and respect. Finally, the natural world is portrayed as a model for ethics.

T he term biomicroscopy entered ophthalmology in the early 20th century with the revolutionary slit lamp, which brought microscopic examination to the living eye without tissue removal. For decades, biomicroscopy meant slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment. However, as imaging technologies such as ultrasound, confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) advanced, the term expanded to encompass any microscopic observation of living tissues.

The mobility of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is significantly limited due to the involvement of the musculoskeletal system, resulting in falls and a diminished quality of life. This study aimed to assess the risk of falls (utilizing the Downton scale) and its association with spasticity and other variables in pwMS and compare it with a group of healthy participants. This descriptive and cross-sectional observational study involved 86 subjects, divided into two groups: cases (n=41) and controls (n=45). All participants completed the Spanish version of the Downton Scale. There was a significant statistical association (p<0.05) in all dimensions of the Downton Scale, except for medications (significant in antihypertensives), showing increased levels of disability and barriers in pwMS. The case group, comprising pwMS, exhibited a significantly higher risk of falls, with a mean score of 2.37 ± 1.76, whereas the healthy subjects scored significantly lower at 0.44 ± 0.62. Additionally, the pwMS displayed notably higher association levels of spasticity compared to the healthy group. The study emphasizes that spasticity significantly increases the risk of falls in pwMS, reinforcing the Downton scale's utility in identifying high-risk individuals. However, limitations such as a non-diverse sample and the absence of comparison with other neurological conditions suggest the need for broader, more inclusive future research. This study confirms that pwMS face a greater risk of falls compared to their healthy counterparts. Factors such as spasticity, visual impairments, and hearing problems significantly contribute to this increased risk.

Bronchial sleeve resection is the preferred technique over pneumonectomy for centrally located tumours, preserving lung function and improving survival. We present a uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) technique for left main bronchus (LMB) sleeve resection with secondary carinal reconstruction in a patient with a typical carcinoid tumour. Through a single 4 cm incision, the LMB and its bifurcation were resected and reconstructed using a continuous absorbable barbed suture. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with chest drain removal and discharge on postoperative day 2. Final pathology confirmed tumour-free margins without lymph node involvement. Uniportal RATS offers a feasible and minimally invasive option for complex airway reconstruction, potentially improving postoperative recovery while maintaining oncological standards in selected patients with appropriate surgical expertise.

Complexation of U(IV) by encapsulation into the cavity of a 1,4,7‐triazacyclonane (tacn) macrocycle functionalized by phosphonated pyridyl arms affords a water‐stable and soluble [U(IV)L] complex. The coordination process was monitored by electronic UV‐Vis‐NIR absorption spectroscopy and the corresponding complex was characterized by 1H‐, 13C‐ and 31P‐NMR spectroscopy and by mass spectrometry. Density functional theory (DFT) modeling shows the cation to be embedded into the cavity of the nonadentate ligand, as confirmed by analysis of the paramagnetic contributions of U(IV) on the chemical shifts of the proton nuclei. This effective chelation enabled the observation of a broad NIR emission band centered at 1080 nm observed for the first time in addition to UV‐visible emission arising from the U(IV) cation upon electronic excitation in the UV‐blue region. The [U(IV)L] complex was shown to be hydrolytically stable for several weeks in aqueous solutions over a broad range of pH values (from 1.6 to 10) under aerobic conditions.

ABSTRACTFunctional tests commonly assess athletes' readiness to return to sports after knee surgery. Despite this, there are still more studies on clinical and patient‐reported outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine differences and combinations of various functional performances within and between athletes 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)‐reconstruction (ACLR) for the first time (ACLR‐I group) versus second ACL injury on the same knee (ACLR‐II group) versus ACLR procedures on both legs (ACLR‐III group). A total of 88 patients with ACLR performed single‐leg hop (maximum forward distance hop, SLH; side hop > 40 cm in 30 s, SH), Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and dynamic postural balance (Y Balance Test – YBT). Data were recorded during return‐to‐sport testing (6 months post‐surgery). For each variable, a mixed‐model analysis of variance, with a between‐subjects factor of group (primary ACL injury, recurrent ACL injury and bilateral ACL injury) and a within‐subjects factor of limb (involved, uninvolved), were conducted. Differences between the groups were found in different degrees of inter‐limb asymmetry in the single‐leg hop (p < 0.001) and side hop test (p < 0.02). There was a main effect of limb for the anterior and posteromedial YBT distances, and the single‐leg hop and side hop test distances (p ≤ 0.04). For each variable, performance was worse for the involved limb compared to the uninvolved limb. Individuals after recurrent ACLR showed greater functional asymmetries at 6 months of treatment. Jumping tests detected greater performance deficits compared to YBT and FMS.