Autonomous University of Barcelona

About: Autonomous University of Barcelona is a education organization based out in Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 37833 authors who have published 80514 publications receiving 2321142 citations. The organization is also known as: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona & Computer Vision Center.

Heterogeneous Photocatalysis for Purification, Decontamination and Deodorization of Air

Abstract: A research review of gas–solid heterogeneous photocatalysis is presented, ranging from details of pioneering works, which dealt with basic phenomena like oxygen and water vapor adsorption, to recent applications to pollutant removal in contaminated atmospheres. Special interest is taken in describing the different reactor configurations studied so far in this emerging and promising field. © 1997 SCI

Taxane-Induced Blockade to Nuclear Accumulation of the Androgen Receptor Predicts Clinical Responses in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Abstract: Prostate cancer progression requires active androgen receptor (AR) signaling which occurs following translocation of AR from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Chemotherapy with taxanes improves survival in patients with castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Taxanes induce microtubule stabilization, mitotic arrest, and apoptotic cell death, but recent data suggest that taxanes can also affect AR signaling. Here, we report that taxanes inhibit ligand-induced AR nuclear translocation and downstream transcriptional activation of AR target genes such as prostate-specific antigen. AR nuclear translocation was not inhibited in cells with acquired β-tubulin mutations that prevent taxane-induced microtubule stabilization, confirming a role for microtubules in AR trafficking. Upon ligand activation, AR associated with the minus-end-microtubule motor dynein, thereby trafficking on microtubules to translocate to the nucleus. Analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTC) isolated from the peripheral blood of CRPC patients receiving taxane chemotherapy revealed a significant correlation between AR cytoplasmic sequestration and clinical response to therapy. These results indicate that taxanes act in CRPC patients at least in part by inhibiting AR nuclear transport and signaling. Further, they suggest that monitoring AR subcellular localization in the CTCs of CRPC patients might predict clinical responses to taxane chemotherapy.

High-flow oxygen therapy in acute respiratory failure.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the comfort of oxygen therapy via high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) versus via conventional face mask in patients with acute respiratory failure. Acute respiratory failure was defined as blood oxygen saturation 0.50 via face mask. METHODS: Oxygen was first humidified with a bubble humidifier and delivered via face mask for 30 min, and then via HFNC with heated humidifier for another 30 min. At the end of each 30-min period we asked the patient to evaluate dyspnea, mouth dryness, and overall comfort, on a visual analog scale of 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest). The results are expressed as median and interquartile range values. RESULTS: We included 20 patients, with a median age of 57 (40–70) years. The total gas flow administered was higher with the HFNC than with the face mask (30 [21.3–38.7] L/min vs 15 [12–20] L/min, P < .001). The HFNC was associated with less dyspnea (3.8 [1.3–5.8] vs 6.8 [4.1–7.9], P .001) and mouth dryness (5 [2.3–7] vs 9.5 [8–10], P < .001), and was more comfortable (9 [8–10]) versus 5 [2.3–6.8], P < .001). HFNC was associated with higher PaO2 (127 [83–191] mm Hg vs 77 [64–88] mm Hg, P .002) and lower respiratory rate (21 [18–27] breaths/min vs 28 [25–32] breaths/min, P < .001), but no difference in PaCO2 . CONCLUSIONS: HFNC was better tolerated and more comfortable than face mask. HFNC was associated with better oxygenation and lower respiratory rate. HFNC could have an important role in the treatment of patients with acute respiratory failure. Key words: acute respiratory failure; respiratory insufficiency; treatment; oxygen therapy; high-flow nasal cannula. [Respir Care 2010;55(4):408– 413. © 2010 Daedalus Enterprises]