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This paper reflects on the concept of English Medium Instruction, a growing activity at Spanish universities and a consequence of the European Higher Education Area, the internationalization of universities and the gradual interest in the different CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) models. The forces behind CLIL are presented along with the benefits for institutions and practitioners involved. Special attention is given to methodological implications with the purpose of demystifying the belief that English language competence is the only requisite and benefit of bilingual programs. The paper offers an overview of the spread of this practice in Spanish Universities as well as references to sources for further information. Another section presents some of the aspects related to the implementation of bilingual programs, mainly those referring to planning. Teacher education, competences required and linguistic needs are dealt with in the final section. The main contribution of the article could be some indications for trainers or for those who may undertake autonomous training to teach through English. The paper points at three areas from which knowledge about the linguistic needs can be obtained. In addition, these areas may help the content teacher to understand the different language types used in the classroom event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The increase in fluorescence intensity with respect to carbendazim that occurs as a result of supramolecular-complex formation between carbendazim and cucurbit[7]uril has been studied. This host–guest interaction has been employed to develop a sensitive and selective method for benzoimidazole-type pesticide determination in fruit samples. The association constant and stoichiometry of the complex formed are reported herein, and the influence of experimental variables, such as the pH or ionic strength of the solution, on complex formation and the presence of interfering substances is also discussed. Under the optimal conditions found, the developed method allows the detection of carbendazim at a 5.0×10−9 M level. To test the method, matrix solid phase dispersion was employed as a sample preparation method for carbendazim determination in orange samples with an RSD (%) (n =3) value of 5%. The LOD and LOQ values calculated for real samples were 0.10 and 0.52mg/kg, respectively, thus showing that the proposed method is sensitive enough to meet legal requirements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A surface-based method for the study of the interactions of DNA with redox-active 1,10-phenantroline-5,6-dione (phen-dione) osmium complexes is described. The study was carried out using gold electrodes modified with DNA via adsorption and [Os(bpy)2(phe-dione)]3+/2+ (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridyl) or [Os(phen)2(phen-dione)]3+/2+ (phen = 1,1 0-phenantroline) as electrochemical reported molecules. The method, which is simple and reagent-saving, allows the accumulation of osmium complexes within the DNA layer. The amount of osmium complex bound by the adsorbed layer of DNA was determined from the voltam-metric charge associated with the osmium redox process of the immobilized metal complex. The quinone moiety of the phen-dione ligand was useful as an indicator for electrochemical DNA sensing because of its redox response at low potentials. A thiol-linked single-stranded Helicobacter pylori DNA probe was immobilized, through S-Au bonds on to a gold electrode (density of modification 86 pmol/ cm²). Following hybridization with the complementary DNA sequence, the osmium complex was electrochemically accumulated within the double-stranded DNA layer. Electrochemical detection was performed by differential pulse voltammetry over the potential range where the quinone moiety was redox active (i.e., at very low potentials, -0.020 V vs SSCE); with this approach, a sequence of the H. pylon could be quantified over the range from 5 to 20 pmol with a linear correlation of r = 0.9888 and a detection limit of ∼6 pmol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vav1, the 95-kDa protein encoded by the vav1 proto-oncogene, is expressed exclusively in haematopoietic cells, where it becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in response to antigen receptor ligation. Vav1 was found to act as a Rac1-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor and to activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1) in vitro and in ectopic expression systems using non-haematopoietic cells. Here, we studied the role of Vav1 in JNK1 activation in T cells versus non-haematopoietic cells. Vav1 overexpression activated JNK1 in COS7 and 293T cells but not in Jurkat T lymphocytes. In contrast, constitutively activated Rac1 efficiently stimulated JNK1 in both cell types under the same conditions. Vav1 did function in T cells because it clearly stimulated the activity of a nuclear factor of activated T-cell reporter plasmid in the same cells. Moreover, Vav1 induction of JNK1 in T cells required coexpression with calcineurin. This cooperation was cell type specific because it was not observed in COS7 or 293T cells. In contrast, Vav1 did not cooperate with calcineurin to activate either extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 or p38. These findings demonstrate that Vav1 alone is a poor activator of the JNK1 pathway in T cells and emphasize the importance of studying the physiological functions of Vav1 in haematopoietic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morbidity/mortality associated with ventral hernias continues to be a serious medical problem due to high rates of recurrence. Meshes offer a simple and effective solution and, bearing this in mind, we describe a new protocol developed in our department, which consists of dissecting the hernia to free the peritoneal space, in which the three-dimensional mesh (PHS) is lodged. From July 1999-November 2002, this technique was used in 32 adult and elderly patients: four eventrations caused by trocars, seven eventrations from laparotomy, 14 umbilical hernias, five epigastric hernias, and two spigelian hernias. The size of the hernial ring was 10 cm or less in all cases. All patients underwent surgery under spinal anaesthesia and with antibiotic prophylaxis. No patient required readmission, experienced infection of the mesh or recurrence, or required more oral analgesia than prescribed on discharge. The mean hospital stay was 30+/-15 h, and only five of 32 patients required more than 1 day of stay. No deaths occurred. Therefore, we think that the use of the PHS mesh in ventral hernia is a safe, effective, and simple technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on patients diagnosed with selective hypersensitivity to diclofenac and with good tolerance of other non-steroidal inflammatory drugs. Clinical symptoms; Cutaneous and oral challenge tests findings.

This article presents a case report on erythema-multiforme-like eruption from antibiotics. A 55-year-old woman hospitalized for post-operative necrotic pancreatitis, with fever, was treated with several antibiotics, such as tobramycin, clindamycin, cephalothin and cephalexin. An erythematopapular eruption began on the neck and spread to the limbs and trunk. Intradermal injections of clindamycin, lincomycin and cephalothin elicited positive reactions. Pencillin, amoxycillin and ciprofloxacin were administered at the usual doses with good tolerance.

The article reports on a case of allergic contact dermatitis from a beeswax nipple-protective. A 32-year-old housewife, without atopic history, was breast-feeding her 1-month-old baby, when the application of a nipple-protective, made of beeswax, was recommended. Erythema, swelling and micropapules, with burning and itching appeared on her nipples and adjacent skin after 2 weeks of such application. Inspite of not using the protective any longer, the lesions increased due to the persistence of small quantities of wax adherent in the creases.

The article presents information on allergic contact dermatitis from Verbena officinalis L. After identifying the plant as Verbena officinalis L., patch tests were carried out with parts of the fresh plant, and with aqueous and ether extracts of the whole plant. The flower, leaf and ether extract elicited positive (+ +) reactions at 4 days, while no reaction was observed to the stem or the aqueous extract. Patch tests with the fresh plant were negative in 10 controls. No cases have been observed by the authors, in spite of the frequent use of this plant among the population of this area, and the peculiar way of application with skin maceration induced by the above-mentioned verbena omelette.

The article presents information on urticaria due to pentoxyfylline. Pentoxyfylline is a purine derivative. The purines include adenine, guanine, and alkaloids-like caffeine and theophylline. Uric acid is the metabolic end-product of purine metabolism. Pentoxyfylline is used as a vasodilator to relieve symptoms in some cases of intermittent claudication. No immediate hypersensitivity reactions have been described with this product to date.

Rosemary, a plant belonging to the labiate family, is frequently used in the making of cosmetics and also for medicinal purposes. There are few reported cases of contact dermatitis due to this plant. Here we present 1 case and asses the existence of cross-reactivity with plants from the same family. 53-year-old man with several episodes of a pruritic and erythematous eruption that resulted in peeling of the skin, after applying rosemary alcohol, on the chest reported. Epicutaneous tests were done with the standard European series (GEIDC), with the commercial plant series (Bial-Aristegui) and with plants from the labiate family. Results were positive for 3 of 4 labiate species tested. we present a case of rosemary contact dermatitis, where we have found cross-reactivity with 3 of 4 species tested from the same family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine the demographic and clinical features associated with the occurrence of pleuropulmonary manifestations, the predictive factors of their occurrence and their impact on mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Materials and methods: The association of pleuropulmonary manifestations with demographic and clinical features, the predictive factors of their occurrence and their impact on mortality were examined in GLADEL patients by appropriate univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: At least one pleuropulmonary manifestation occurred in 421 of the 1480 SLE patients (28.4%), pleurisy being the most frequent (24.0%). Age at SLE onset ⩾30 years (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.10-1.83), the presence of lower respiratory tract infection (OR 3.19; 95% CI 2.05-4.96), non-ischemic heart disease (OR 3.17; 95% CI 2.41-4.18), ischemic heart disease (OR 3.39; 95% CI 2.08-5.54), systemic (OR 2.00; 95% CI 1.37-2.91), ocular (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.16-2.14) and renal manifestations (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.09-1.83) were associated with pleuropulmonary manifestations, whereas cutaneous manifestations were negatively associated (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.29-0.76). Non-ischemic heart disease (HR 2.24; 95% CI 1.63-3.09), SDI scores ⩾1 (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.10-2.17) and anti-La antibody positivity (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.39-4.57) independently predicted their subsequent occurrence. Cutaneous manifestations were protective of the subsequent occurrence of pleuropulmonary manifestations (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43-0.90). Pleuropulmonary manifestations independently contributed a decreased survival (HR: 2.79 95% CI 1.80-4.31). Conclusion: Pleuropulmonary manifestations are frequent in SLE, particularly pleuritis. Older age, respiratory tract infection, cardiac, systemic and renal involvement were associated with them, whereas cutaneous manifestations were negatively associated. Cardiac compromise, SDI scores ⩾1 and anti-La positivity at disease onset were predictive of their subsequent occurrence, whereas cutaneous manifestations were protective. They independently contributed to a decreased survival in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in DMSO containing LiPF 6 has been studied with the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) during galvanostatic cathodic and anodic pulses, chronoamperometry and cyclic voltammetry experiments. We disclose here for the first time gravimetric evidence with the EQCM of the different mechanistic models that apply to the ORR in LiPF 6 /DMSO electrolyte: (i) Surface electrochemical/chemical deposition of Li 2 O 2 (s) and (ii) solution phase disproportion of LiO 2 (soln) yields large Li 2 O 2 particles. The mass per electron detected with the EQCM depends on the respective current rates and thus on the mechanisms, i.e. 23 g/F for the formation of Li 2 O 2 thin film at high current density and much larger values for low current density due to solvent co-deposition and further degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 32 year old woman with erythematopapular lesions in the perianal area and intergluteal folds, after several days application of Ruscus-Llorens ointment for haemorrhoids. According to the report, the patient received oral and intramuscular prednisolone, with improvement of her lesions in 20 days. Moreover, the patient suffered 3 similar previous episodes without known cause.

Chronic hepatitis B and C represent a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients worldwide. New treatment options against both hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses have prompted us to update previous recommendations for the management of coinfected individuals. Fifteen topics (nine related to HCV, five to HBV and one to both viruses) were selected for this purpose. A panel of Spanish experts in the field was invited to review these areas and propose specific recommendations, which were scored according to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) grading system. These guidelines represent a comprehensive and updated overview on the management of hepatitis B and C in HIV-infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to describe the psychopharmacological treatments received by inpatients diagnosed with spectrum disorders schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders in Dr. Rodriguez Lafora Hospital. It is an observational, descriptive and retrospective study. We collected information about patients aged 18 to 64 who were hospitalized during the month of January of 2015 in the acute psychiatric hospitalization by Selene software. We reviewed treatments and number of psychiatric re-hospitalization six months later and we analyzed the results by SPSS software. From a sample of 51 inpatients, 15 of them were diagnosed with disorders of the spectrum of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Of the patients, 13.3% was treated with haloperidol, 26.7% with olanzapine, 26.7% with risperidone although it was modified by paliperidone in mental health center, 6.7% with quetiapine, 6.7% with amisulpride, 13.3% with oral paliperidone and 13.3% patients with intramuscular paliperidone. Of these, 40% are readmitted to hospital. Patients were readmitted due to ineffectiveness and adverse effects of haloperidol, olanzapine, risperidone. 73.3% of inpatients were treated with monotherapy. Of the patients, 26.7% were treated with polytherapy, who received olanzapine, risperidone and amisulpride. It would be important to use psychoactive substances that allow monotherapy to reduce adverse effects and psychiatric re-hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the case history of a 47-year-old psychologist with a one year history of widespread dermatitis, favoring the axillae and breasts, though the face was also affected. High performance liquid chromatography analysis was performed on the paint, a shampoo and 6 cleaning products used in her office. The paint, the shampoo and one of the 6 cleaning products, the furniture wax, contained methylchloro-isothiazolinone/methyl-isothiazolinone MCI/MI. The former two showed signs of degradation of MCI, as the ratio between MI and MCI was less than 3. It was estimated that the total a.i. level for the paint was 32.56 ppm and for the shampoo 2.24 ppm.

Contact dermatitis from Hedera helix L has been reviewed. A case of itchy dermatitis in a gardener has been reported in the article. Vesculation and exudation were observed on both extensor forearms, with a few erythematous lesions on the arms and hands, which subsided in 14 days with oral and topical corticosteroids. The GEIDC standard series and a plant series were patch tested. Only carrot extract elicited a positive reaction. Also, an open patch test with a fresh leaf of Hedera helix was also reported positive. Falcarinol and didehydrofalcarinol are reported to be the allergens found in Hedera helix.