Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method for retinal image analysis implemented in a medical system with one or more processors comprising the method steps of: (a) locating an optical disk on the retinal images and establishing a plurality of circumferences centered at the disk; (b) detecting a plurality of vessels within a region defined by said circumferences' radii using a crease-based algorithm; (c) extracting a plurality of vessel segments based on a deformable models (snakes) algorithm; (d) measuring a plurality of vessel calibers; (e) classifying each vessel as a vein and an artery; and (f) computing an arteriolar-to-venular ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method for retinal image analysis implemented in a medical system with one or more processors comprising the method steps of: (a) locating an optical disk on the retinal images and establishing a plurality of circumferences centered at the disk; (b) detecting a plurality of vessels within a region defined by said circumferences' radii using a crease-based algorithm; (c) extracting a plurality of vessel segments based on a deformable models (snakes) algorithm; and d) automatically classifying the vessels and computing clinical parameters.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing follicular thyroid cancer, providing a prognosis for follicular thyroid cancer, and monitoring treatment of follicular thyroid cancer, using biomarkers that are differentially expressed in follicular thyroid cancer are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pH-sensitive PIC (polyion complex) type polymeric micelle formed by electrostatic interaction between a dendritic block copolymer and another polymer of opposite charge. The presence of a dendritic block copolymer confers high stability to the micelles in physiological conditions, while in the acid medium of tumor tissues (pH 6.5) or cell compartments, such as the endosome/lysosome (pH 5.0-5.5), the micelles tend to become destabilized, being able to selectively release drugs or macromolecules encapsulated therein. The micelles are characterized by high stability against ionic strength, dilution and temperature. They can further be lyophilized and conserved in solid state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compound of formula (I), its diastereoisomers, its enantiomers or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates, formula (I), to procedures of obtaining the same, to intermediates thereof, and use as competitive inhibitors of the third enzyme of the shikimic acid pathway, the type II dehydroquinase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugates of formula (I) having colloidal stability in a medium, wherein NP is a gold, silver or platinum nanoparticle; L is a linker selected from the group consisting of formula (II), formula (III), and a stereoisomer of any of the formulas (II) and (III), which is attached to the nanoparticle NP through sulfur atoms; wherein the meanings of X, n, p, Y and s are further specified in the description; and A is a platinum (II) biradical selected from the group consisting of formula (IV), formula (V) and formula (VI) including any of the stereoisomers of all of them, wherein the biradical is optionally in the form of a salt and is attached to the linker L through the single bonded oxygen atoms of the carboxyl groups. It also relates to a process for the preparation of the conjugates of formula (I) and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The conjugates of the invention are used for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for administering active ingredients comprising nanoparticles having an average size of less than 1 micrometer in turn comprising: (a) at least one anionic polymer; (b) a cationic cross-linking agent; and optionally (c) a cationic polymer; characterized in that the nanoparticles are cross-linked by means of electrostatic type interactions. Additionally, the invention relates to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal hygiene and nutritional compositions comprising said nanoparticle system, as well as to methods for the preparation and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to deuterated vitamin D compounds and the process for preparing and synthesizing a class of vitamin D compounds which can be isotopically substituted. These compounds can be used as internal standards in methods for the quantification of vitamin D, its metabolites and analogues by mass spectrometry. These compounds are described by means of general formula I.

Abstract: The invention relates to acrylic hydrogels with pendant cyclodextrins, the preparation and application thereof as release systems and components of contact lenses. The method for obtaining acrylic hydrogels with pendant cyclodextrins is characterized in that the hydrogels are formed by a polymer lattice obtained by polymerization of mono- and bifunctional acrylic or methacrylic monomers and monomers having glycidyl groups in their structure, to which cyclodextrin units are covalently bound once formed; and the use and applications of the compositions in the preparation of contact lenses with the capacity for incorporating drugs, active substances or demulcents useful in the treatment of pathological or physiological conditions, in the production of topical, transdermal or transmucosal release systems for medicinal products or active substances, and in the preparation of cosmetics.

Abstract: Use of bacterial cells of the genus Tenacibaculum, from the crude cellular extract or from its cultivation supernatants, capable of degrading N-acyl homoserine lactones, for quorum quenching, for treatment of infectious bacterial illnesses or to inhibit formation of biofilms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quantitative method for detecting yessotoxins in fishery products based on the activation the toxin produces on cellular phosphodiesterases and the therapeutic use of this activation. The cellular target of yessotoxin (YTX) and its analogs is the activation of phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The PDEs-YTX bond produces a measurable signal. The bond can be quantified by means of an affinity biosensor or by fluorescence. The biosensor detects biomolecular interactions and allows determining the presence of YTX due to its interaction with PDEs. The variations in the degradation rate of the fluorescent derivative anthraniloyl-cAMP are determined by means of plate fluorescence. The rate at which the PDEs degrade this molecule increases in the presence of YTX. YTX inhibits immunological activation of mastocytes in rats and induces a cytotoxic effect in human hepatocarcinoma cells, which implies two therapeutic uses of YTXs as an antiallergic and antitumor compound.

Abstract: Floating device for harnessing swell energy by lateral overflow, said device being formed by hulls which converge in plan view and have a variable freeboard between which the waves propagate. The convergence produces a gradual increase in the height of the wave as it propagates between the hulls, which, together with the reduction in the freeboard from a particular section of said hulls, gives rise to the lateral overflow of the mass of water of the crest over their rails, which is collected in tanks which are at different heights (in accordance with the reduction in the freeboard) and are connected to the corresponding turbines. The angle of convergence between the hulls can be varied in order to be adapted to the sea state. The harnessing system is supplemented with a connecting closure ramp between the sterns of the hulls in order to collect the water which has previously not managed to overflow the structure.

Abstract: A process of obtaining silicon nitride (Si3N4) surface coatings on ceramic pieces and components by impregnation of the surfaces of the ceramic pieces with silicon powder suspensions with a particle size preferably less than 200 ?m. The thickness of the coatings depends on the impregnation time and on the properties of the slip and the ceramic piece. The subsequent nitridation of the coating by thermal treatment at temperatures between 1300° C. and 1500° C. in N2 atmospheres leads to a continuous Si3N4 coating. The chemical stability and compatibility between Si3N4 and molten silicon enables its application in silicon metallurgy, in manufacturing crucibles for silicon fusion or for housing said molten silicon, in manufacturing pipes and chutes for its transport or in manufacturing different components for its subsequent purification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of obtaining taxosteroids and precursors thereof from the hydrindane bicyclic ring system. The compounds have a tetracyclic system which combines the structural characteristics of taxanes, such as the bicyclo[5.3.1]undecane system (cycles A and B), fused to a six-membered ring (C), and of steroids, such as the CD bicycle, the A ring and the side chain (Sc). The process of preparing the compounds and their application as compositions with pharmacological properties of interest are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining hydrogels based on (i) cyclodextrins, (ii) cyclodextrins and cellulose ethers or (iii) cyclodextrins and guar gum or the derivatives of same, using molecules containing two or more glycidyl ether groups in the structure thereof as a cross-linking agent. The invention also relates to the compositions thus obtained, which can include active substances and pharmaceuticals and which form inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins. The invention further relates to the use of same as components of controlled-release devices, such as transdermal pharmaceutical forms, vaginal, otic, ocular, rectal, oral or buccal transmucosal forms and parenteral implants, which are designed to administer active substances or pharmaceuticals to humans, animals or plants, or as components of cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of obtaining type II dehydroquinase enzyme inhibitors and the precursors thereof from (?)-quinic acid. The described compounds have a carboxycyclohexene structure. The process of preparing the compounds and their application as compositions with pharmacological properties and herbicides of interest are described.

Abstract: Stable atomic quantum clusters, AQCs, characterized by being composed of at least 500 metal atoms, its production process characterized by having a kinetic control and by maintaining a low concentration of reagents in the reaction medium, as well as the uses of these clusters as sensors (fluorescent, magnetic or chemical), electrocatalysts and as cytostatics and/or cytotoxics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a culture medium for the detection of Clostridium perfringens. The invention consists in: dissolving protease peptone, microbiological peptone, yeast extract, sodium bisulphite and ferric ammonium citrate in deonized water; sterilising said solution at 121° C. for 15 minutes and cooling same; and, subsequently, adding cycloserine and disodic salt of 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate, dissolved in deionized water and sterilised by means of filtration. The inventive culture medium is distributed into 150 ml nominal capacity bottles, at a proportion of 50 ml, for refrigerated storage and use within 15 days of the preparation date. The invention is suitable for use in the detection of Clostridium perfringens in water following the inoculation of a 100 ml sample in a bottle containing 50 ml of medium and incubation at 45° C. for between 18 and 20 hours in aerobic conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system comprising nanoparticles designed for the release of biologically active molecules, where the nanoparticles comprise a) at least 40% by weight of chitosan or a derivative thereof and b) less than 60% by weight of a cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof, where both components a) and b) are mixed, without any covalent bond between them. This system allows for the efficient association of biologically active molecules, as well as their subsequent release in a suitable biological environment.

Abstract: Method GEDAP (Genotyping Based on Diagnostic Amplification Products) for detecting and/or preventing genotyping errors on the basis of the amplification products of a polymorphic locus. The method is based on the joint analysis of homoduplexes and Diagnostic Additional Products (DAPs) generated from the amplification of a polymorphic locus. The method is highly effective for detecting and/or preventing genotyping errors due to total or partial non-amplifications occurring during amplification procedures such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).