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Abstract Background Coronaviruses (CoVs) are major human and animal pathogens and antiviral drugs are pursued as a complementary strategy, chiefly if vaccines are not available. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal systemic disease of felids caused by FIP virus (FIPV), a virulent pathotype of feline enteric coronavirus (FeCoV). Some antiviral drugs active on FIPV have been identified, but they are not available in veterinary medicine. ERDRP-0519 (ERDRP) is a non-nucleoside inhibitor, targeting viral RNA polymerase, effective against morbilliviruses in vitro and in vivo. Results The antiviral efficacy of ERDRP against a type II FIPV was evaluated in vitro in Crandell Reese Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells. ERDRP significantly inhibited replication of FIPV in a dose-dependent manner. Viral infectivity was decreased by up to 3.00 logarithms in cell cultures whilst viral load, estimated by quantification of nucleic acids, was reduced by nearly 3.11 logaritms. Conclusions These findings confirm that ERDRP is highly effective against a CoV. Experiments will be necessary to assess whether ERDRP is suitable for treatment of FIPV in vivo.

The evolution of a bovine coronavirus (BCoV) natural infection in a calf persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was described. The infected calf developed intermittent nasal discharge, diarrhea and hyperthermia. The total number of leukocytes/mL and the absolute differential number of neutrophils and lymphocytes resulted within the normal range, but monocytes increased at T28 (time 28 post-infection). Flow-cytometry analysis evidenced that the CD8+ subpopulation increased at T7 and between T28 and T35. BCoV shedding in nasal discharges and feces was detected up to three weeks post infection and high antibody titers persisted up to T56. The RNA BCoV load increased until T14, contrary to what was observed in a previous study where the fecal excretion of BCoV was significantly lower in the co-infected (BCoV/BVDV) calves than in the calves infected with BCoV only. We can suppose that BVDV may have modulated the BCoV infection exacerbating the long viral excretion, as well as favoring the onset of mutations in the genome of BCoV detected in fecal samples at T21. An extensive study was performed to verify if the selective pressure in the S gene could be a natural mode of variation of BCoV, providing data for the identification of new epidemic strains, genotypes or recombinant betacoronaviruses.

In 2010, a HoBi-like pestivirus was isolated from clinically affected calves in Italy. This European virus reproduced a milder form of disease under experimental conditions and was genetically related to previously reported HoBi-like strains. Isolation of this novel virus from a clinical outbreak may have implications for cattle health and prophylactic programs.

Coronaviruses of potential recombinant origin with porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), referred to as a new subtype (IIb) of canine coronavirus (CCoV), were recently identified in dogs in Europe. To assess the distribution of the TGEV-like CCoV subtype, during 2001–2008 we tested fecal samples from dogs with gastroenteritis. Of 1,172 samples, 493 (42.06%) were positive for CCoV. CCoV-II was found in 218 samples, and CCoV-I and CCoV-II genotypes were found in 182. Approximately 20% of the samples with CCoV-II had the TGEV-like subtype; detection rates varied according to geographic origin. The highest and lowest rates of prevalence for CCoV-II infection were found in samples from Hungary and Greece (96.87% and 3.45%, respectively). Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the CCoV-IIb strains were related to prototype TGEV-like strains in the 5′ and the 3′ ends of the spike protein gene.

An outbreak of canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) associated to canine pneumovirus (CnPnV) infection is reported. The outbreak occurred in a shelter of the Apulia region and involved 37 out of 350 dogs that displayed cough and/or nasal discharge with no evidence of fever. The full-genomic characterisation showed that the causative agent (strain Bari/100-12) was closely related to CnPnVs that have been recently isolated in the USA, as well as to murine pneumovirus, which is responsible for respiratory disease in mice. The present study represents a useful contribution to the knowledge of the pathogenic potential of CnPnV and its association with CIRD in dogs. Further studies will elucidate the pathogenicity and epidemiology of this novel pneumovirus, thus addressing the eventual need for specific vaccines.

Background In recent years, citizens have become more interested and willing to influence health policy decision-making, and governments worldwide are more prone to citizen engagement in such processes. Prioritising which health technologies should be publicly funded is one decision that requires prudence and consideration of the values and expectations of the people who will be affected by it.Objective To identify and understand the citizens’ perceptions about which health technologies should be publicly funded in Colombia.Design Sequential exploratory mixed methods study; the first was a qualitative embedded case study, and the second was a Q methodology study.Participants 46 citizens were interviewed, and 30 citizens ordered a Q-sample of 45 statements.Analysis Interviews were content analysed. We performed a content analysis of the interviews, and, for the quantitative strand, we performed a principal component analysis and varimax rotation to identify view patterns. We also estimated the z-scores of each statement and the load to each factor. We jointly interpreted both sets of findings.Results We identified two general approaches citizens used to consider public funding of healthcare technologies. One approach endorsed full coverage of all health technologies required by every Colombian. In the second approach, public funding is conditional on the characteristics of the person who needs the technology, their disease/condition, the kind of technology required and the expectation of efficient health system performance. When integrating the results of the Q methodology, we found five patterns of points of view about the public funding of health technologies.Conclusion Colombian citizens consider and balance a range of different factors when making decisions about which health technologies are publicly funded. Citizens not only use technical criteria to decide but also provide the perspective and values of those affected by the decision.

Abstract Objectives To explore the perceptions that Colombians have about voluntary private health insurance plans (VPHI) in the health system to identify the tensions that exist between the public and private systems. Methods A qualitative case study approach with 46 semi structured interviews of patients, healthcare workers, healthcare administrators, decision-makers, and citizens. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, anonymized, digitally stored, and analyzed following grounded theory guidelines. Results We developed a paradigmatic matrix that explores how, in a context mediated by both the commodification of health and social stratification, perceptions about the failures in the public health system related to lack of timely care, extensive administrative procedures, and the search for privileged care led to positioning VPHI as a solution to these failures. The interviewees identified three consequences of using VPHI: first, the worsening of problems of timely access to care in the public system; second, higher costs for citizens translated into double payment for technologies and services to which they are entitled; third, the widening of inequity gaps in access to health services between people with similar needs but different payment capacities. Conclusions These findings can help decision makers to understand citizens´ perceptions about the implications that VPHI may have in worsening equity gaps in the Colombian health system. It also shows, how VPHI is perceived as a double payment for services covered within social security plans and suggests that the perceived lack of timely access to care in the public systems and the fear that citizens have for themselves or their family members when using suboptimal healthcare are important drivers to purchase these private insurances.

Introduction: The discovery of serine protease proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has revolutionized pharmacological lipid-lowering treatments. The first PCSK9 antagonists (PCSK9-A), evolocumab and alirocumab, were approved in 2015. Targeting PCSK9 synthesis marked a major advancement in this field, leading to the development of inclisiran, a long-acting siRNA targeting PCSK9 mRNA. However, real-world safety data on this drug are still limited. Therefore, this study aims to provide a real-world safety evaluation of inclisiran, comparing its characteristics to those of PCSK9-As. Methods: A retrospective pharmacovigilance study was conducted using EudraVigilance (EV). Inclisiran-related individual case safety reports (I-ICSRs) from 01/01/2021 to 06/30/2023 were retrieved. ICSRs for evolocumab or alirocumab from 01/01/2015 to 06/30/2023 were collected as a reference group (RG). ADRs were classified using the MedDRA dictionary. Data were evaluated using descriptive and disproportionality analyses. Crude reporting odds ratio (ROR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as disproportionality measures. Results: Of the 15,236 ICSRs, 3.7% (n = 563) involved inclisiran, with the rest in the RG. Most I-ICSRs involved female patients (51.7%) aged 18 to 64 (52.8%). The most-reported ADRs for inclisiran were “general disorders and administration site conditions” (n = 347) and “investigations” (n = 277). Significant disproportionality was found in I-ICSRs compared to the RG for “Myalgia” (ROR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.94–3.04), “Low-density lipoprotein increased” (ROR: 11.95; 95% CI: 9.10–15.52), and “Drug ineffective” (ROR: 6.37; 95% CI: 4.64–8.74). Conclusions: The inclisiran safety profile aligns with the existing literature and pre-commercial data. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the observed differences with PCSK9-As.

Abstract Obesity is the main risk factor for many non-communicable diseases. In clinical practice, unspecific markers are used for the determination of metabolic alterations and inflammation, without allowing the characterization of subjects at higher risk of complications. Circulating microRNAs represent an attractive approach for early screening to identify subjects affected by obesity more at risk of developing connected pathologies. The aim of this study was the identification of circulating free and extracellular vesicles (EVs)-embedded microRNAs able to identify obese patients at higher risk of type 2 diabetes (DM2). The expression data of circulating microRNAs derived from obese patients (OB), with DM2 (OBDM) and healthy donors were combined with clinical data, through network-based methodology implemented by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. The six circulating microRNAs overexpressed in OBDM patients were evaluated in a second group of patients, confirming the overexpression of miR-155-5p in OBDM patients. Interestingly, the combination of miR-155-5p with serum levels of IL-8, Leptin and RAGE was useful to identify OB patients most at risk of developing DM2. These results suggest that miR-155-5p is a potential circulating biomarker for DM2 and that the combination of this microRNA with other inflammatory markers in OB patients can predict the risk of developing DM2.

Aims: the aim of the study was to analyze glomerular filtration ratio (GFR) changes in diabetic patients assisted by General Practitioners (GPs) evaluating the risk factors related to glomerular function. Methods: patients with diabetes with at least three recorded values of creatinine were recruited in the study and GFR values were estimated. The quarterly percentage change in GFR for each patient was estimated. Nephrotoxic drugs were identified, and glucose-lowering drugs use was described. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify eGFR changes predictors. Results: a total of 545 patients with diabetes were selected. According to the last eGFR values 64 (11.7 %) patients were classified in G1 stage, 277 (50,8 %) in G2, 175 (32.1 %) in G3a, 25 (4.6 %) in G3b and only 4 (0.7 %) in G4. Patients treated with at least one glucose-lowering drugs were 479 (87.9 %), most of them with biguanides (67.0 %). At least one nephrotoxic drug prescription was recorded in 524 (96.1 %) patients; proton pump inhibitors (74.7 %) and NSAIDs (71.6 %) were the most prescription classes. Heart failure, diabetes duration and preserved GFR values were related to reduced eGFR values. Conclusions: patients with diabetes should be more carefully observed regardless of kidney risk factors and GFR values in clinical practice.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) represents a risk factor for cardiovascular events. The first-line treatment includes the use of compression stockings and lifestyle changes. Natural products, such as flavonoids, could be used to improve the effects of compression therapy due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a dietary supplement containing baicalin, bromeline and escin in CVI patients. A retrospective cohort study was performed by using the medical records of CVI affected outpatients. Patients treated with the dietary supplement were defined as “users”. A modified Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) was calculated, including pain, inflammation, vessels induration and skin pigmentation. All clinical variables were evaluated at baseline (T0), after 30 (T1) and 90(T2) days in “users” and “non-users”. Out of 62 patients, 30 (48.4%) were “users”. No difference was observed between groups at baseline. A lower VCSS value was recorded in “users” than that observed in “non-users” at T2 (7.0 (4.0–9.0) vs. 9.0 (5.0–10.0); p = 0.025). Vessels’ induration and pain significantly reduced in 53.3% and 43.3% of “users” and in 18.8% and 9.4% of “non-users”. Only “users” (33.3%) showed a reduction of the inflammatory signs as well as a decrease in malleolar circumference, from 29.0 (26.5–30.0) to 27.5 (26.0–28.5) (p < 000.1). A reduction of C-reactive Protein levels was found in “users” compared to “non-users” at T2 (1.0 (0.9–1.2) vs. 1.3 (1.0–1.5); p = 0.006). These findings suggest that implementation of a dietary supplement could improve the clinical outcomes of CVI patients.

Se realizó un estudio de la familia Bromeliaceae en algunas regiones de municipios en departamentos de Boyacá y Casanare, a partir de revisión de herbario y trabajo de campo. Se registraron en total 66 especies distribuidas en diez géneros, de los cuales, Tillandsia tiene 25 especies/38%, Guzmania con 11/17%, seguida de Racinaea con 9/14%, los restantes con menos de tres especies cada uno. Se registra a Guzmania goudotiana como una especie casi amenazada.

A reconstruction of the last 2,000 years BP of environmental and oceanographic changes on the western margin of Spitsbergen was performed using a multidisciplinary approach including the fossil assemblages of diatoms, planktic and benthic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils and the use of geochemistry (X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction). We identified two warm periods (2,000–1,600 years BP and 1,300–700 years BP) that were associated with the Roman Warm Period and the Medieval Warm Period that alternate with colder oceanic conditions and sea ice coverage occurred during the Dark Ages (1,600–1,300 years BP) and the beginning of the Little Ice Age. During the Medieval Warm Period the occurrence of ice-rafted debris and Aulocoseira spp., a specific diatom genus commonly associated with continental freshwater, suggests significant runoff of meltwaters from local glaciers.

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo identificar las contribuciones y aportes de los actores del sector turismo para el cumplimiento de los ODS en localidades costeras de Río Gallegos, Puerto Santa Cruz y Comandante Luis Piedrabuena, ubicadas al sur de la provincia de Santa Cruz, Argentina. Se realizó una búsqueda y análisis de información disponible y accesible sobre: actores del sector turismo en los destinos del área de estudio, objetivos de desarrollo sostenible, sus metas y posibles aportes desde el turismo, según la Organización Mundial del Turismo y la Organización de las Naciones Unidas. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a directores de turismo de las localidades y otros actores además de complementar con una salida de campo al Parque Nacional Monte León en diciembre de 2022. Como principal conclusión se destaca que aún falta concientización ambiental por parte de la sociedad, desconocimiento de los ODS, que es fundamental seguir reforzando las acciones y políticas en pos de la sustentabilidad de los recursos disponibles. Además se identifica la importancia de estas para los diferentes usos: recreación, turismo, investigación, etc.

Objetivo. Contextualizar una síntesis de evidencia sobre intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de la enfermedad por el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19, por su sigla en inglés) por medio de un diálogo deliberativo con universidades iberoamericanas. Métodos. Se realizó previamente una síntesis de evidencia y un diálogo sincrónico, que consistió en la discusión en subgrupos acerca del diseño y aplicación de las intervenciones en salud mental. Se realizó un análisis de datos dialógicos y se sintetizó por temas. Resultados. Cincuenta y siete miembros de 17 universidades iberoamericanas públicas y privadas participaron en el encuentro. En el diseño de las intervenciones, se percibe la salud mental como desatendida, y visibilizada con la pandemia. La detección de necesidades es la que orienta las intervenciones y rara vez se utiliza evidencia científica para diseñarlas. Se considera importante conformar un equipo interdisciplinario con capacitación continua para diseñar un programa específico, que cubra también familias y personal docente y administrativo. En la aplicación, existen problemas como la saturación de los servicios por la alta demanda y la falta de recursos básicos de los estudiantes. Es innegable la influencia del contexto macro e institucional por la disposición de recursos. El diálogo fue percibido como oportunidad para construir un consolidado nuevo de intervenciones. Conclusiones. Este diálogo permitió enriquecer la descripción de intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 ya descritas en la literatura, aunque llevarlas a la práctica en nuestro contexto supone hacer frente a la deuda por la desatención previa y las altas necesidades básicas insatisfechas.

‘Frailty’ has been described as ‘a state of increased vulnerability of the individual caused by an impairment of homeostasis as a result of endogenous or exogenous stress’. Frail individuals are depicted by a dramatic change in health status following an apparently minor insult and a higher risk of adverse health-related outcomes such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia, falls and disability, and fragility fractures. Frailty is a condition of increasing importance due to the global ageing of the population during the last decades. Central to the pathophysiology of frailty is a mechanism that is partially independent of ageing, but most likely evolves with ageing: the cumulative level of molecular and cellular damage in every subject. Furthermore, an uncorrected nutrition and a sedentary behaviour play a pivotal role in worsening the syndrome. In January 2020, a cluster of a genus of the family Coronaviridae was isolated as the pathogen of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Since then, this infection has spread worldwide causing one of the most dramatic pandemics of the modern era, with more than 500 million confirmed cases all over the world. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 severity ranges from asymptomatic conditions to mild symptoms, such as fever, cough, ageusia, anosmia and asthenia, up to most severe conditions, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure leading to death. Primary evidence revealed that the elderly frail subjects were more susceptible to the disease in its most intense form and were at greater risk of developing severe COVID-19. Factors contributing to the severity of COVID-19, and the higher mortality rate, are a poor immune system activity and long-standing inflammatory status of the frail subjects compared with the general population. Further recent research also suggested a potential role of sedentary behaviour, metabolic chronic disorders linked to it and uncorrected nutritional status. Thus, the aim of this review was to evaluate the different studies and evidence related to COVID-19 pandemic, both nutritional status and physical activity, and, also, to provide further information on the correct nutritional approach in this peculiar pathological condition.

Environmental and operational performance of a full-scale small and decentralized construction and demolition waste (C&DW) recycling unit (SDRU) were evaluated. The SDRU was defined as having a production capacity of up to 5 m3 per hour, occupying up to 100 m2. The operational and environmental performance indicators of the SDRU were obtained from the literature and validated by expert judgment. Subsequently, the values of these indicators were obtained from a real-scale SDRU in Bahia state, Brazil. The results showed that the SDRU presented lower levels of noise emission, very small water and energy consumption, and inhalable-particle concentration values lower than the requirements of Brazilian environmental legislation. It was observed that 90% of the C&DW in the storage area had recycling potential. The characteristics of the fine recycled aggregate make it suitable for use in road or sidewalk paving, and the coarse recycled aggregate is suitable for use in concrete without structural function. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the SDRU was also applied and it was concluded that the use of the recycled aggregate for manufacturing concrete without structural function reduced the environmental impact in all the categories considered, compared with the impact of natural sand and gravel extraction from nature. It was possible to conclude that the implementation of the SRDU in developing countries can provide an effective step towards reducing environmental impacts from the construction sector.

Background/purpose: Dental enamel defects are related to celiac disease and the dentists are in a perfect situation to identify and report suspected cases. The aim was to evaluate the symmetry of enamel defects in a pediatric Portuguese population with celiac disease and compare it with healthy controls. Materials and methods: a case-control study was performed in 80 patients with celiac disease and 80 healthy individuals aged 6–18 years old as controls. Data was collected by a questionnaire and clinical observation. Colour, type, and site of enamel defects were recorded and classified according to Aine criteria. Data analysis was performed, and any p-value

Objective: Whole-body vibration (WBV) training has been established as a useful method to improve physical fitness in obese individuals. However, the effects of WBV exercise on maximal fat oxidation (MFO) have not been examined in obese subjects yet. Method: MFO was eval­uated during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill in 12 adult obese males (BMI = 34.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2) after three different warm-up conditions: static half squat plus WBV (HSV), static half squat without WBV (HSWV), and rest (REST). Cortisol levels were evaluated before and after the warm-up, and 1 min (T1), 10 min (T10), and 30 min (T30) of the recovery phase. Results: MFO was significantly higher in HSV (p = 0.013; 569.4 ± 117.9 mg/min) and HSWV (p = 0.033; 563.8 ± 142.9 mg/min) than REST (445.5 ± 117.9 mg/min). Cortisol concentrations at T1 were significantly higher in HSV (p = 0.023) and HSWV (p = 0.015) than REST. Moreover, cortisol concentrations were significantly lower at T30 than T1 in HSWV (p = 0.04). No differences were found between T30 and T1 in HSV. Conclusions: Active warm-up increases MFO; however, vibration stimulus during half squatting does not increase MFO during a CPET in obese subjects. The lack of significant differences of cortisol concentrations in HSV during the recovery phase might suggest a long-term effect of WBV on the endocrine system.

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar los resultados de investigaciones relacionadas con la incidencia del sol en el comportamiento energético final del edificio y por lo tanto en las decisiones que el proyectista va a tomar en las diferentes etapas del diseño arquitectónico. Se presentan estudios desarrollados en el Centro de Estudios Energía, Habitabilidad y Arquitectura Sustentable (CEEHAS) de la Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo (FAU) de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), que muestran la influencia del sol en la configuración urbana, en la definición de las parcelas y del partido arquitectónico de la vivienda social, en la resolución de ventanas en aulas y la incidencia solar sobre las superficies opacas de la envolvente. Se demuestra la importancia de considerar la radiación solar como factor determinante para el acondicionamiento natural de los espacios interiores.

The study of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) provides unique opportunities to elucidate the microbiome and pathogenic mechanisms related to severe viral infection. Several immunological and genetic anomalies may contribute to the susceptibility to develop Human Papillomavirus (HPV) pathogenesis. They include different acquired immunodeficiencies, EVER1-2 or CIB1 mutations underlying epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) syndrome and multiple IEI. Whereas EV syndrome patients are specifically unable to control infections with beta HPV, individuals with IEI show broader infectious and immune phenotypes. The WHIM (warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infection, and myelokathexis) syndrome caused by gain-of-CXCR4-function mutation manifests by HPV-induced extensive cutaneous warts but also anogenital lesions that eventually progress to dysplasia. Here we report alterations of B and NK cells in a female patient suffering from cutaneous and mucosal HPV-induced lesions due to an as-yet unidentified genetic defect. Despite no detected mutations in CXCR4, B but not NK cells displayed a defective CXCR4-dependent chemotactic response toward CXCL12. In addition, NK cells showed an abnormal distribution with an expanded CD56bright cell subset and defective cytotoxicity of CD56dim cells. Our observations extend the clinical and immunological spectrum of IEI associated with selective susceptibility toward HPV pathogenesis, thus providing new insight on the immune control of HPV infection and potential host susceptibility factors.

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar los resultados de investigaciones relacionadas con la incidencia del sol en el comportamiento energético final del edificio y por lo tanto en las decisiones que el proyectista va a tomar en las diferentes etapas del diseño arquitectónico. Se presentan estudios desarrollados en el Centro de Estudios Energía, Habitabilidad y Arquitectura Sustentable (CEEHAS) de la Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo (FAU) de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), que muestran la influencia del sol en la configuración urbana, en la definición de las parcelas y del partido arquitectónico de la vivienda social, en la resolución de ventanas en aulas y la incidencia solar sobre las superficies opacas de la envolvente. Se demuestra la importancia de considerar la radiación solar como factor determinante para el acondicionamiento natural de los espacios interiores.

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar los resultados de investigaciones relacionadas con la incidencia del sol en el comportamiento energético final del edificio y por lo tanto en las decisiones que el proyectista va a tomar en las diferentes etapas del diseño arquitectónico. Se presentan estudios desarrollados en el Centro de Estudios Energía, Habitabilidad y Arquitectura Sustentable (CEEHAS) de la Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo (FAU) de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), que muestran la influencia del sol en la configuración urbana, en la definición de las parcelas y del partido arquitectónico de la vivienda social, en la resolución de ventanas en aulas y la incidencia solar sobre las superficies opacas de la envolvente. Se demuestra la importancia de considerar la radiación solar como factor determinante para el acondicionamiento natural de los espacios interiores.

A Gestão do Conhecimento contribui para tornar as organizações mais competitivas. No setor público pode aumentar a eficiência, inovar processos e melhorar a qualidade dos serviços ofertados. Porém, consultas a bases de dados demonstram que são poucos os autores especializados nesse campo e o nível de colaboração entre eles e de comparações internacionais é baixo; é pequeno também o número de publicações em revistas da América Latina que tratam do assunto e a literatura pouco contribui para implementar a Gestão do Conhecimento em organizações públicas. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar comparativamente o nível de implantação e de alcance das práticas da Gestão do Conhecimento de processos organizacionais em prefeituras de uma região do Brasil e de uma província do Equador. Este é um estudo de casos múltiplos, com abordagem quantitativa, e quanto aos objetivos caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa exploratória. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de um questionário elaborado pelo Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada. Os resultados revelam que as prefeituras do Equador possuem, na média, um maior nível de implantação e de alcance das práticas de Gestão do Conhecimento associadas a processos organizacionais do que as brasileiras. O nível de implantação dessas práticas é baixo para as prefeituras dos países analisados. O nível de alcance é médio para as prefeituras do Equador e baixo para as brasileiras. Assim, conclui-se que há necessidade de criar estratégias em ambos os países para ampliar o nível de implantação e de alcance dessas práticas.

De conformidad con el artículo 48 de la Constitución Política de Colombia, la Seguridad Social es un servicio público de carácter obligatorio que se presta bajo la dirección, coordinación y control del Estado, en sujeción a los principios de eficiencia, universalidad y solidaridad, en los términos que establezca la Ley. Es reconocida en el ordenamiento jurídico como un derecho constitucional fundamental, complementado y fortalecido por los convenios y tratados internacionales que sobre la materia ha ratificado el Estado Colombiano. Con la entrada en vigencia del Sistema General de Pensiones SGP (Ley 100 de 1993), el legislador pretendió superar los desajustes que existían entre los distintos modelos y regímenes pensionales, creando un sistema integral y general de pensiones, que permite la acumulación de tiempos y semanas trabajadas, y genera relaciones recíprocas entre las distintas entidades administradoras de pensiones con los fines de aumentar su eficiencia ejecutiva y de ampliar su cobertura.

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the variation of the premature mortality rate caused the group of the main chronic noncommunicable diseases. Method: This is a time-series ecological study, which used secondary data of the Mortality Information System, from 2006 to 2014, from the 26 federal units and from the Federal District. Deaths caused by circulatory system diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases were included. The trend of adjusted mortality rate was analyzed by segmented linear regression. Results: Premature mortality tended to be reduced in most states, except for Maranhão and Rio Grande do Norte, which presented a stable premature mortality rate. Bahia, Pernambuco, Sergipe, Roraima and all the states from the South, Southeast and Central-West Regions reached the goal of reducing 2% per year in premature mortality caused by main diseases. Conclusion: Most of the states showed a reduced mortality rate and are reaching the proposed target.

Yellow passion fruit cultivation in Colombia lacks detailed genetic studies that allow the establishment of intraspecific variability as a basis for a breeding program. The aim of this research was to establish the genetic relationships among accessions of different geographic origins through an agro-morphological characterization. This research was carried out in the municipality of Palestina (Caldas) at the Luker farm located at 1050 m a.s.l. Fifty-two accessions from Colombia (47), Ecuador (3), Brazil (1), and Costa Rica (1) were characterized with 45 agro-morphological descriptors complemented with phytosanitary evaluations. The quantitative descriptors (25) were analyzed by variance decomposition and principal components (PCA), and the qualitative descriptors (18) were analyzed with the multiple correspondence factor analysis (MCFA). The classification analysis by the neighbor-joining (NJ) method was used for both types of descriptors. PCA results showed six components explaining 71.6% of the total variance that are mainly associated with descriptors related to the size of the flower (tube, nectar camera, and operculum) and weight of the fruit (pulp, shell, and juice content). Thirteen qualitative descriptors were selected, and four factors (44.38% inertia) were identified, mainly associated with pubescence and anthocyanins in the bract, petiole, leaf, and ripe fruit color. The NJ classification analysis showed no relationship between accessions by geographic origin, and the distance between individuals of the same accession was higher than among accessions for both types of descriptors. Thrips (Neohydatothrips signifier) and scab (Cladosporium cladosporioides) were the pests with the highest incidence in the accessions. Six elite accessions were identified according to the selection index with outstanding fruit quality characteristics, yield, and tolerance to phytosanitary problems. The high intra-accession variability and traits of certain accessions are the basis for future breeding programs to obtain more productive and tolerant cultivars.

Restauratrice de peintures murales et polychromies sur support bois et toile, agréée par les Ministères des biens culturels italien et français, elle travaille depuis 1998 sur les territoires italien et français. Elle a réalisé des interventions sur des œuvres remarquables pour diverses administrations publiques, des musées, des fondations et des paroisses. Attentive à l’expérimentation critique et à la formation continue, elle a étudié de nouvelles méthodes de nettoyage des peintures selon une approche scientifique rigoureuse, et les a mises en pratique dans la chapelle Saint-Georges.The murals in the private chapel commissioned by Georges de Challant at the Saint-Ours priory in Aosta (c. 1468-1470) were the subject of a meticulous cleaning between 2009 and 2012. After having described and put back in their historical context the various panels that adorn the walls, this article discusses the cleaning protocol implemented during these three years. From a meticulous study of sources, surfaces and stratigraphy, patterns of brocade applied to the costumes of the figures have been identified. The meticulous cleaning made it possible to return to the state of the pictorial surfaces before the restorations of the 19th Century.

A Avaliação do Ciclo de Vida (ACV) é uma ferramenta que avalia de forma abrangente os potenciais impactos ambientais associados a um produto ou serviço. Este artigo é uma revisão da literatura baseada em publicações científicas dos bancos de dados internacionais, nos anos de 1998 e 2013, sendo analisados 15 artigos que aplicaram a ACV em sistemas de tratamento de esgotos. A maioria dos artigos considera a realidade europeia e conclui que quanto maior o grau de sofisticação requerido durante a operação das estações de tratamento de esgoto (ETE), maiores os impactos ambientais associados ao ciclo de vida dos sistemas de tratamento de esgotos. Assim, destaca-se a incipiente aplicação de ACV na área de tratamento de esgotos no Brasil. O uso da ACV pode auxiliar na identificação dos potenciais impactos associados ao tratamento de esgotos, além do lançamento de esgotos tratados em corpos hídricos, auxiliando na tomada de decisão quanto à definição dos arranjos tecnológicos aplicados às ETE.

Household food-waste composting is an attractive alternative for Brazilian waste management; however, there are few programs or studies regarding the implementation or management of this small-scale process. This study investigates the performance of food waste composting using a simple and small-scale domestic composter. Three composting trials were conducted using food waste and wood chips in 10 L plastic bins using different filling schemes. In the first trial, the composter was filled weekly over two months. In the second, the composter was filled once with a mixture of food waste and 100% of the used wood chips from the previous trial. In the last third trial, the composter was filled with food waste and wood chips (50% of wood chips used in the second trial and 50% of untreated wood chips). The physical chemical parameters of the compost were monitored and the total coliforms and E. coli were measured. In all trials, the temperature varied between 26.7°C and 46.2°C throughout the process. The reduction in wet mass was 58-69%, while the reduction in dry mass was 37-61%. The pH value, the contents of carbon and nitrogen and the C/N ratio were in accordance with the values recommended in norm 25 (July, 2009) adopted by Brazil's Agriculture Ministry. Only the compost from Trial 2, which had 1900 MPN g-1total solids, did not meet the E. coli standards; this was likely due to the fact that when the temperatures did not reach the thermophilic phase, the relatively long time the waste remains in the composter allows these pathogenic microorganisms to decay naturally.

Este artículo integra el resultado de una investigación que tuvo como propósito indagar por las percepciones que tienen de su cuerpo cinco mujeres de la ciudad de Medellín que han vivido violencia sexual y han sido atendidas por el Centro de Recursos Integrales para la Familia –CERFAMI– en el período comprendido entre 2010-2016, explorando los cambios que se evidencian en la relación con el propio cuerpo antes y después del hecho violento. En el estudio se realizó un proceso dialógico desde la perspectiva feminista, donde se tuvo acceso a un conjunto de experiencias del dolor y del abuso sobre la corporalidad femenina que permitieron reflexionar sobre la condición encarnada de subjetividades violentadas. Por lo tanto, cada uno de los testimonios de las mujeres que participaron en esta investigación integra el tejido sensible y el compromiso político y ético de este artículo.

Con questo lavoro si intende mettere in luce l’attenzione che il sistema d’istruzione italiano ha mostrato per lo sviluppo motorio e globale dei cittadini. Inoltre, si vuole mettere in luce quali sono i fondamenti epistemologici che sottendono la richiesta di una prassi didattica basata su un approccio psico-pedagogico. Nel mondo contemporaneo si avverte sempre più la necessità di dare spazio alla corporeità e si riscopre la valenza rigenerativa del movimento; ci si chiede dunque quale possa essere la migliore applicazione delle tecnologie nella prassi didattica quotidiana dell’educazione motoria senza trascurare la centralità della persona nel suo apprendimento.

La matriz productiva es la base fundamental del aparato productivo para el desarrollo económico de un país, innovando y creando bienes de buena calidad, con el objetivo de equilibrar la balanza de pago, generar empleo y mejorar la calidad de vida de sus habitantes, por tal razón esta investigación está enfocada en analizar los cambios de la matriz productiva y su incidencia en el sector secundario de la economía del Ecuador; para el cumplimiento de este propósito se realizó un estudio bibliográfico sobre teorías y conceptos, su importancia, los ejes estratégicos, sectores prioritarios y la evolución de los mismos, lo cual permitió obtener algunas conclusiones en referencia al tema en estudio. Para obtener esta información se realizó una revisión sistemática de artículos científicos, tesis y libros, consultando en las bases de datos como Google, Google Académico, los mismos que fueron seleccionados de una manera exhaustiva y organizada, de acuerdo a los objetivos del trabajo. Este estudio permitió determinar que la matriz productiva si ha incidido en el desarrollo económico del Ecuador, mediante un análisis cuantitativo de la evolución del PIB, exportaciones, empresas manufactureras y reportes de competitividad.

A gestão sustentável de Resíduos de Tecnologia da Informação (RTI) em Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) deve ser pautada na minimização da geração dos resíduos na fonte e na valorização dos mesmos. Neste trabalho, analisaram-se os entraves existentes, por meio de estudo de caso exploratório, descritivo e propositivo, na gestão de RTI praticada pela Universidade Federal da Bahia. Alguns dos principais entraves identificados referem-se às exigências legais para os procedimentos de desfazimento do RTI, as quais dificultam a minimização da geração de tais resíduos e a sua destinação final adequada; à falta de procedimentos visando à reutilização por doação, considerando o princípio da responsabilidade compartilhada; ao não atendimento dos requisitos legais por parte das Organizações da Sociedade Civil de Interesse Público (OSCIPs), os quais impedem a doação; e aos poucos requisitos ambientais exigidos nos processos de compra de equipamentos de Tecnologia da Informação. No entanto, observa-se que com investimentos em planejamento, controle e educação a maior parte desses entraves pode ser superada.

Esse artigo analisa a aderência do gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos (GRS) em condomínios construídos por meio do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida às diretrizes da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos (PNRS). A investigação foi realizada em oito conjuntos habitacionais na cidade de Salvador/BA por meio de análise documental, visitas técnicas e realização de entrevistas. Os condomínios investigados apresentam condições favoráveis à implantação do GRS conforme preconizado na PNRS, porque estão sendo implantados em grande número, são organizados na forma de condomínios, agrupam pessoas com renda per capita semelhantes e possuem áreas que podem ser usadas para implantação de práticas de manejo sustentável de resíduos como a compostagem. No entanto, verificou-se a existência de condições inadequadas de manejo e/ou desvio de função do Abrigo de Resíduo (AR) existente. Portanto, conclui-se que não há aderência do GRS às premissas da PNRS nos condomínios estudados, apesar das condições favoráveis.

La combinación de modelos SARIMA y redes neuronales son una aproximación común para pronosticar series de tiempo no lineales. Mientras la metodología SARIMA es usada para capturar las componentes lineales en la serie de tiempo, las redes neuronales artifi ciales son aplicadas para pronosticar las no-linealidades remanentes en los residuos del modelo SARIMA. En este artículo, se propone un modelo simple no lineal para el pronóstico de series de tiempo obtenido por la combinación de un modelo SARIMA y una neurona simple multiplicativa que usa las mismas entradas del modelo SARIMA. Para evaluar la capacidad de la nueva aproximación, la demanda mensual de electricidad en el mercado de energía de Colombia es pronosticada y comparada con los modelos SARIMA y la neurona simple multiplicativa.

The development of the central nervous system represents a very delicate period of embryogenesis. Premature interruption of neurogenesis in human preterm newborns can lead to motor deficits, including cerebral palsy, and significant cognitive, behavioral or sensory deficits in childhood. Preterm infants also have a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases later in life. In the last decade, great importance has been given to stem/progenitor cells and their possible role in the development and treatment of several neurological disorders. Several studies, mainly carried out on experimental models, evidenced that immunohistochemistry may allow the identification of different neural and glial precursors inside the developing cerebral cortex. However, only a few studies have been performed on markers of human stem cells in the embryonic period. This review aims at illustrating the importance of stem/progenitor cells in cerebral cortex during pre- and post-natal life. Defining the immunohistochemical markers of stem/progenitor cells in the human cerebral cortex during development may be important to develop an “endogenous” target therapy in the perinatal period. Proceedings of the 2nd International Course on Perinatal Pathology (part of the 11th International Workshop on Neonatology · October 26th-31st, 2015) · Cagliari (Italy) · October 31st, 2015 · Stem cells: present and future Guest Editors: Gavino Faa, Vassilios Fanos, Antonio Giordano

Our knowledge and control of the pathogenesis induced by the filariae remain limited due to experimental obstacles presented by parasitic nematode biology and the lack of selective prophylactic or curative drugs. Here we thought to investigate the role of neutrophils in the host innate immune response to the infection caused by the Litomosoides sigmodontis murine model of human filariasis using mice harboring a gain-of-function mutation of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and characterized by a profound blood neutropenia (Cxcr4(+/1013)). We provided manifold evidence emphasizing the major role of neutrophils in the control of the early stages of infection occurring in the skin. Firstly, we uncovered that the filarial parasitic success was dramatically decreased in Cxcr4(+/1013) mice upon subcutaneous delivery of the infective stages of filariae (infective larvae, L3). This protection was linked to a larger number of neutrophils constitutively present in the skin of the mutant mice herein characterized as compared to wild type (wt) mice. Indeed, the parasitic success in Cxcr4(+/1013) mice was normalized either upon depleting neutrophils, including the pool in the skin, or bypassing the skin via the intravenous infection of L3. Second, extending these observations to wt mice we found that subcutaneous delivery of L3 elicited an increase of neutrophils in the skin. Finally, living L3 larvae were able to promote in both wt and mutant mice, an oxidative burst response and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). This response of neutrophils, which is adapted to the large size of the L3 infective stages, likely directly contributes to the anti-parasitic strategies implemented by the host. Collectively, our results are demonstrating the contribution of neutrophils in early anti-filarial host responses through their capacity to undertake different anti-filarial strategies such as oxidative burst, degranulation and NETosis.

Romanticism and realism of the nineteenth century were two literary currents that were characterized by inspiration from the landscapes and customs surrounding the perpetrators of this century. Carrasquilla Tomas was one of the exponents of realism in Colombia. Through their lines we can study the social, political and cultural aspects of nineteenth Medellin. This opens the door to that literature is considered a source of historical research, as a writer of his surroundings, the context in which they lived. On the other hand, the marriage between literature and food culture enable us to understand the habits and behaviors around the table, which has a given society.

BACKGROUND: The study of platelet aggregation is essential to assess in vitro platelet function by different platelet activation pathways. OBJECTIVE: To assess aggregation and biochemical parameters of random platelet concentrates produced at the Fundação HEMOAM using the quality control tests defined by law. METHODS: Whole blood samples from 80 donors and the respective platelet concentrate units were tested. Platelet concentrates were tested (platelet count, aggregation and pH) on days 1, 3 and 5 of storage. Additionally a leukocyte count was done only on day 1 and microbiological tests on day 5 of storage. Collagen and adenosine diphosphate were used as inducing agonists for platelet aggregation testing. RESULTS: Donor whole blood had normal aggregation (aggregation with adenosine diphosphate = 67% and with collagen = 78%). The median aggregation in platelet concentrates with adenosine diphosphate was low throughout storage (18% on day 1, 7% on day 3 and 6% on day 5) and the median aggregation with collagen was normal only on day 1 and low thereafter (54.4% on day 1, 20.5% on day 3 and 9% on day 5). CONCLUSION: Although the results were within the norms required by law, platelet concentrates had low aggregation rates. We suggest the inclusion of a functional assessment test for the quality control of platelet concentrates for a more effective response to platelet replacement therapy.

La predicción de la demanda es un problema de gran importancia para el sector eléctrico, ya que a partir de sus resultados, los agentes del mercado de energía toman las decisiones más adecuadas para su labor. En este artículo se presenta un análisis de las técnicas y modelos más usados en el pronóstico de la demanda de electricidad y la problemática o dificultades a las que se enfrentan los investigadores al momento de realizar un pronóstico. El análisis muestra que las técnicas más usadas son los modelos ARIMA y las redes neuronales artifi ciales. Sin embargo, se encontró poca claridad sobre cuál modelo es más adecuado y en qué casos, adicionalmente, los estudios no presentan una recomendación específi ca para desarrollar modelos de pronóstico de demanda, específi camente en el caso colombiano. Finalmente, se propone realizar un estudio sistemático con el fi n de determinar los modelos más adecuados para predicción de demanda para el caso colombiano.

In the present study, different aerial parts from twelve Amazonian plant species found in the National Institute for Amazon Research's (INPA's) Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve (in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) were collected. Separate portions of dried, ground plant materials were extracted with water (by infusion), methanol and chloroform (by continuous liquid-solid extraction) and solvents were removed first by rotary evaporation, and finally by freeze-drying which yielded a total of seventy-one freeze-dried extracts for evaluation. These extracts were evaluated initially at concentrations of 500 and 100 µg/mL for in vitro hemolytic activity and in vitro inhibition of platelet aggregation in human blood, respectively. Sixteen extracts (23 % of all extracts tested, 42 % of all plant species), representing the following plants: Chaunochiton kappleri (Olacaceae), Diclinanona calycina (Annonaceae), Paypayrola grandiflora (Violaceae), Pleurisanthes parviflora (Icacinaceae), Sarcaulus brasiliensis (Sapotaceae), exhibited significant inhibitory activity towards human platelet aggregation. A group of extracts with antiplatelet aggregation activity having no in vitro hemolytic activity has therefore been identified. Three extracts (4 %), all derived from Elaeoluma nuda (Sapotaceae), exhibited hemolytic activity. None of the plant species in this study has known use in traditional medicine. So, these data serve as a baseline or minimum of antiplatelet and hemolytic activities (and potential usefulness) of non-medicinal plants from the Amazon forest. Finally, in general, these are the first data on hemolytic and inhibitory activity on platelet aggregation for the genera which these plant species represent.No presente estudo, partes aéreas obtidas de doze (12) espécies vegetais da Amazônia encontradas na Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke (localizada na cidade de Manaus, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil) do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia foram coletadas, secadas e moídas. Porções dos materiais vegetais em pó foram extraídas com água (por infusão), metanol e clorofórmio (por extração líquido-sólido contínua) e os solventes foram removidos por evaporação rotatória e finalmente liofilização, forneceram um total de setenta e one (71) extratos liofilizados. Esses extratos foram avaliados inicialmente para atividade hemolítica in vitro e atividade inibitória da agregação plaquetária em sangue humano in vitro em concentrações de 500 e 100 µg/mL, respectivamente. Dezesseis (16) extratos (23 % dos extratos testados, 42 % das espécies vegetais) representando as seguintes plantas, apresentaram inibição significativa frente a agregação de plaquetas humanas in vitro: Chaunochiton kappleri (Olacaceae), Diclinanona calycina (Annonaceae), Paypayrola grandiflora (Violaceae), Pleurisanthes parviflora (Icacinaceae), Sarcaulus brasiliensis (Sapotaceae). Como principal resultado, um grupo de extratos apresentando atividade inibitória da agregação plaquetária e em que não há atividade hemolítica in vitro foi identificado. Três (3) extratos (4 % do total de extratos testados), todos obtidos a partir de Elaeoluma nuda (Sapotaceae), apresentaram atividade hemolítica. Nenhuma das espécies vegetais nesse estudo tem uso medicinal conhecido. Assim, esses dados servem de linha base ou mínimas das atividades antiplaquetária e hemolítica (e utilidade potencial) de plantas da floresta Amazônica. Finalmente, em geral, esses dados são os primeiros disponíveis sobre ação hemolítica e inibição da agregação plaquetária dos gêneros representados por essas espécies de plantas.

El presente ensayo esboza una serie de reflexiones acerca del estado actual de la Educación Especial, tomando en consideración los aciertos y los factores coexistentes que debilitan y anulan el proceso hacia la educación inclusiva. Examina, dentro del ámbito de la Educación Especial, el papel de determinadas(os) funcionarias(os) y sus aportes individuales, la influencia del sistema ideológico imperante y la forma en que los proyectos de este tipo de educación han sido desarrollados en Costa Rica. Su objetivo es constituirse en un aporte a esta amplia discusión nacional hacia el esclarecimiento de metas comunes y operativas, con el propósito de tener un sistema educativo realmente inclusivo.

Tropical forests are species-rich reserves for the discovery and development of antimicrobial drugs. The aim of this work is to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of Amazon plants found within the National Institute on Amazon Research's Adolpho Ducke forest reserve, located in Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil. 75 methanol, chloroform and water extracts representing 12 plant species were tested for antimicrobial activity towards strains of Mycobacterium smegmatis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus oralis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans using the gel-diffusion method. Active extracts were further evaluated to establish minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and antimicrobial profiles using bioautography on normal-phase thin-layer chromatography plates. Diclinanona calycina presented extracts with good antimicrobial activity and S. oralis and M. smegmatis were the most sensitive bacteria. D. calycina and Lacmellea gracilis presented extracts with the lowest MIC (48.8 µg/ml). D. calycina methanol and chloroform leaf extracts presented the best overall antimicrobial activity. All test organisms were sensitive to D. calycina branch chloroform extract in the bioautography assay. This is the first evaluation of the biological activity of these plant species and significant in vitro antimicrobial activity was detected in extracts and components from two species, D. calycina and L. gracilis.

BACKGROUND:Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is frequently observed in severe asthma but the causal link between the 2 diseases remains hypothetical. The role of OSA-related systemic and airway neutrophilic inflammation in asthma bronchial inflammation or remodelling has been rarely investigated. The aim of this study was to compare hallmarks of inflammation in induced sputum and features of airway remodelling in bronchial biopsies from adult patients with severe asthma with and without OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An overnight polygraphy was performed in 55 patients referred for difficult-to-treat asthma, who complained of nocturnal respiratory symptoms, poor sleep quality or fatigue. We compared sputum analysis, reticular basement membrane (RBM) thickness, smooth muscle area, vascular density and inflammatory cell infiltration in bronchial biopsies. RESULTS:In total, 27/55 patients (49%) had OSA diagnosed by overnight polygraphy. Despite a moderate increase in apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI; 14.2 ± 1.6 event/h [5-35]), the proportion of sputum neutrophils was higher and that of macrophages lower in OSA than non-OSA patients, with higher levels of interleukin 8 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. The RBM was significantly thinner in OSA than non-OSA patients (5.8 ± 0.4 vs. 7.8 ± 0.4 μm, p

El presente artículo es uno de los resultados de un proyecto de investigación sobre gestión integral del riesgo operacional, promovido por la Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones de la Universidad de Medellín. El objetivo es presentar, sin ambiciones de exhaustividad, una descripción de los modelos que se consideran más relevantes en la amplia gama de posibilidades para la cuantificación del riesgo operacional. El artículo está estructurado en la siguiente forma: primero se hace una breve contextualización del riesgo operacional en el marco de los riesgos financieros en general, y en el ámbito de la normativa vigente a escala mundial. En la siguiente sección se describen los modelos básicos (Método del indicador básico, Método estándar y Método estándar alternativo) propuestos para la cuantificación del riesgo operacional. Luego se relacionan los mínimos requerimientos generales, cualitativos y cuantitativos que, a luz del Nuevo Acuerdo de Basilea, deben cumplir los modelos de medición avanzada que las entidades financieras pretendan someter a aprobación de los entes reguladores. Posteriormente, se presentan algunos estudios específicos recientes en los ámbitos mundial y local; y finalmente se obtienen algunas conclusiones.Its main objective is to succinctly present a description of the models considered the most relevant in the wide range of possibilities for the quantification of operational risk. The article is structured in the following form: first it briefly contextualizes operational risk in the frame of financial risks in general, and in the frame of the current regulations world-wide. In the following section the basic models (Basic Indicator Approach, Indicator Standard Approach and Alternative Standard Approach) proposed for the quantification of the operational risk are described. Then it describes the minimum general, qualitative and quantitative requirements, in the light of the New Basilea Agreement, that should be met by the advanced measurement approach that financial organizations try to submit to approval of the regulating institutions. Later, it shows some recent specific local and world-wide studies and finally some conclusions are obtained.

Periventricular leucomalacia (PVL) is traditionally considered a multifactorial lesion related to three main mechanisms: ischemia, inflammation and excitotoxicity. For years it was believed that hypoperfusion, associated with the peculiar vascular anatomy of the premature brain (border zones), was the conditio sine qua non in the pathogenesis of PVL. More recently this theory has been questioned. Many studies have stressed the importance of the association between inflammation/infection and white matter injury and have supported the multi hit hypothesis according to which several (genetic, hormonal, immune and nutritional) factors may team up in a multi-hit fashion. The emerging concept is that the fetal white cell activation together with the interaction between the innate and adaptive immune system play a main role in white matter damage. Currently there are increasing evidence that PVL is a disease of connectivity. In this article we review the news in the basics of pathogenesis, the incidence, the definition and the diagnosis of PVL. Furthermore, recent follow-up studies and neuroprotective therapies are mentioned. Proceedings of the International Course on Perinatal Pathology (part of the 10th International Workshop on Neonatology · October 22nd-25th, 2014) · Cagliari (Italy) · October 25th, 2014 · The role of the clinical pathological dialogue in problem solving Guest Editors: Gavino Faa, Vassilios Fanos, Peter Van Eyken