We use molecular-dynamics simulation to study the migration of an individual atom on the surface ͑010͒ of a ͑12-6͒ Lennard-Jones bcc crystal. Although the Lennard-Jones potential does not describe quantitatively all crystalline features, it can give us several clues on its thermodynamical behavior. We calculate the displacement self-correlation function and the residence time for a particle deposited on the crystal surface. We show that an anomaly occurs on these quantities which can be a signature of a premelting process.

The thermal behavior of the (010), (110) and (111) copper surfaces is studied by molecular dynamics simulation. We have used a many-body potential based on the tight-binding model in order to describe the Cu-Cu interaction. The calculations we have performed correspond to simulations in the temperature range between 600 and 1800 K. The observed order in the stability follows the same order as in the packing density, i. e., (110), (010) and (111). The (110) disorder results from anharmonic effects and by vacancy-adatom formation. On the other end, the (111) surface is very stable, and remains so up to temperatures of the order of the bulk melting point. The melting proceeds by a layer-by-layer mechanism.

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Dysregulated inflammatory responses are often correlated with disease severity during viral infections. Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is an endogenous pro-resolving protein that timely regulates inflammation by activating signaling pathways that culminate with the termination of response, clearance of pathogen and restoration of tissue homeostasis. Harnessing the pro-resolution actions of AnxA1 holds promise as a therapeutic strategy to control the severity of the clinical presentation of viral infections. In contrast, AnxA1 signaling might also be hijacked by viruses to promote pathogen survival and replication. Therefore, the role of AnxA1 during viral infections is complex and dynamic. In this review, we provide an in-depth view of the role of AnxA1 during viral infections, from pre-clinical to clinical studies. In addition, this review discusses the therapeutic potential for AnxA1 and AnxA1 mimetics in treating viral infections.

Inflammation is a physiological response composed by well-defined and overlapping events that can eliminate pathogens and reestablish homeostasis of tissues. Physiological systems have an elastic capacity to deal with numerous perturbations. Infection may lead to inflammation, tissue damage and disease as consequence of breakdown of tissue resilience. The resolutive phase is a sine qua non condition to achieve homeostasis after acute inflammation. Exuberant or chronic inflammation occurs in diverse infectious diseases. Pro-resolving molecules may be useful for the treatment of certain infections, as these molecules modulate the immune response and avoid the exacerbated/misplaced inflammation unleashed by microbes. Some pro-resolving molecules may also favour pathogen clearance, in addition to decreasing tissue damage. In this review, we discuss the endogenous role and the therapeutic potential of the most relevant pro-resolving molecules in the context of bacterial and viral infections.