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Abstract Recent developments have broadened our perception of SARS-CoV-2, indicating its capability to affect the body systemically beyond its initial recognition as a mere respiratory pathogen. However, the pathways of its widespread are not well understood. Employing a dual-modality approach, we integrated findings from a Murine Hepatitis Virus (MHV) infection model with corroborative clinical data to investigate the pervasive reach of Coronaviruses. The novel presence of viral particles within red blood cells (RBCs) was demonstrated via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, with computational modeling elucidating a potential heme-mediated viral entry mechanism via Spike protein affinity. Our data affirm viral localization in RBCs, suggesting heme moieties as facilitators for cellular invasion. Exacerbation of MHV pathology upon hemin administration, contrasted with chloroquine-mediated amelioration, underscoring a heme-centric pathway in disease progression. These observations extend the paradigm of Coronavirus pathogenicity to include hemoprotein interactions. This study casts new light on the systemic invasion capabilities of Coronaviruses, linking RBC hemoproteins with viral virulence. The modulation of disease severity through heme-interacting agents heralds a promising avenue for COVID-19 therapeutics. Our findings propose a paradigm shift in the treatment approach, leveraging the virus-heme interplay as a strategic hinge for intervention.

Highly pathogenic influenza A virus (HPIAV) H5N1 within the genetic clade 2.3.4.4b has emerged in wild birds in different regions of the world, leading to the death of >70 million birds. When these strains spread to pinniped species a remarkable mortality has also been observed. A detailed genetic characterization of HPIAV isolated from pinnipeds is essential to understand the potential spread of these viruses to other mammalian species, including humans. To gain insight into these matters a detailed phylogenetic analysis of HPIAV H5N1 2.3.4.4b strains isolated from pinniped species was performed. The results of these studies revealed multiple transmission events from birds to pinnipeds in all world regions. Different evolutionary histories of different genes of HPIAV H5N1 2.3.4.4b strains gave rise to the viruses infecting pinnipeds in different regions of the world. European strains isolated from pinnipeds represent a completely different genetic lineage from strains isolated from South American ones. All strains isolated from pinnipeds bear characteristics of a highly pathogenic form for of avian influenza in poultry. Amino acid substitutions, previously shown to confer an adaptive advantage for infecting mammals, were observed in different genes in all pinniped species studied.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide, with chronic infection a persistent threat. Despite the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), challenges in diagnosis and treatment remain, compounded by the lack of an effective vaccine. The HCV genome, characterized by high genetic variability, consists of eight distinct genotypes and over ninety subtypes, underscoring the complex dynamics of the virus within infected individuals. This study delves into the intriguing realm of HCV genetic diversity, specifically exploring the phenomenon of mixed infections and the subsequent detection of recombinant forms within the conserved internal ribosome entry site (IRES) region. Previous studies have identified recombination as a rare event in HCV. However, our findings challenge this notion by providing the first evidence of 1a/3a (and vice versa) inter-genotypic recombination within the conserved IRES region. Utilizing advanced sequencing methods, such as deep sequencing and molecular cloning, our study reveals mixed infections involving genotypes 1a and 3a. This comprehensive approach not only confirmed the presence of mixed infections, but also identified the existence of recombinant forms not previously seen in the IRES region. The recombinant sequences, although present as low-frequency variants, open new avenues for understanding HCV evolution and adaptation.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, can have a wide range of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic disease to potentially life-threatening complications. Convalescent plasma therapy has been proposed as an effective alternative for the treatment of severe cases. The aim of this study was to follow a two-time renal transplant patient with severe COVID-19 treated with convalescent plasma over time from an immunologic and virologic perspective. A 42-year-old female patient, who was a two-time kidney transplant recipient, was hospitalized with COVID-19. Due to worsening respiratory symptoms, she was admitted to the intensive care unit, where she received two doses of convalescent plasma. We analyzed the dynamics of viral load in nasopharyngeal swab, saliva, and tracheal aspirate samples, before and after convalescent plasma transfusion. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antibody titers were also measured in serum samples. A significant decrease in viral load was observed after treatment in the saliva and nasopharyngeal swab samples, and a slight decrease was observed in tracheal aspirate samples. In addition, we found evidence of an increase in antibody titers after transfusion, accompanied by a decrease in the levels of several cytokines responsible for cytokine storm.

Objective. To describe whether there are stereotypes towards older adults by the group of teachers in initial training. Method. The approach was quantitative and not probabilistic through a statistical study with university students preparing to become primary school teachers in the Spanish education system. This training profile includes adult and senior education as an additional professional opportunity. The sample (n=110) has been selected among students of the Primary Education Degree. We have applied the Negative Stereotype Questionnaire for the Elderly (CENVE) and the Educational Stereotype Questionnaire for the Elderly (CEEAM). Results. We suggest that the respondents present some degree of stereotypes towards older adults; the stereotype is greater when we question the deterioration of memory and cognitive impairment in general. However, the data are positive, except that in the case of the health factor we found two items in which respondents reported a higher level of stereotyping. Conclusions. Based on these results, we conclude that it is necessary to work on stereotypical perceptions, especially with students pursuing careers related to education, since their professional performance can lead them to develop their teaching careers in adult and senior education. The education professions must be involved in improving quality of life, active aging, and lifelong learning through professional practice and the elimination of personal and societal stereotypes.

Understanding transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to establish effective interventions in healthcare institutions. Although the role of surface contamination in SARS-CoV-2 transmission has been controversial, fomites have been proposed as a contributing factor. Longitudinal studies about SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination in hospitals with different infrastructure (presence or absence of negative pressure systems) are needed to improve our understanding of their effectiveness on patient healthcare and to advance our knowledge about the viral spread.We performed a one-year longitudinal study to evaluate surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 RNA in reference hospitals. These hospitals have to admit all COVID-19 patients from public health services that require hospitalization. Surfaces samples were molecular tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence considering three factors: the dirtiness by measuring organic material, the circulation of a high transmissibility variant, and the presence or absence of negative pressure systems in hospitalized patients' rooms.Our results show that: (i) There is no correlation between the amount of organic material dirtiness and SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected on surfaces; (ii) SARS-CoV-2 high transmissible Gamma variant introduction significantly increased surface contamination; (iii) the hospital with negative pressure systems was associated with lower levels of SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination and, iv) most environmental samples recovered from contaminated surfaces were assigned as non-infectious.This study provides data gathered for one year about the surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 RNA sampling hospital settings. Our results suggest that spatial dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RNA contamination varies according with the type of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variant and the presence of negative pressure systems. In addition, we showed that there is no correlation between the amount of organic material dirtiness and the quantity of viral RNA detected in hospital settings. Our findings suggest that SARS CoV-2 RNA surface contamination monitoring might be useful for the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 dissemination with impact on hospital management and public health policies. This is of special relevance for the Latin-American region where ICU rooms with negative pressure are insufficient.

We developed a genomic surveillance program for real-time monitoring of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) in Uruguay. We report on a PCR method for SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, the surveillance workflow, and multiple independent introductions and community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 VOC in Uruguay.

El objetivo del presente trabajo es examinar la relación entre las atribuciones causales de la pobreza con la participación y el sentido de comunidad. Previamente se tuvieron en cuenta la influencia de variables sociodemográficas y socioeconómicas en este tipo de atribuciones, encontrándose algunos efectos según sexo, edad y nivel educativo. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 720 participantes y los resultados indican que las explicaciones de la pobreza de tipo cultural tienen un efecto directo sobre el sentido de comunidad. Sin embargo, los datos sugieren que la relación entre atribuciones de pobreza (de tipo estructural) y el sentido de comunidad está mediada por la participación comunitaria y tiene efectos en el desarrollo comunitario. Esta aportación resulta relevante para el diseño de programas de sensibilización, intervención y cooperación en países en vías de desarrollo.

Abstract Background Direct-Acting agents (DAAs) target and inhibit essential viral replication proteins. They have revolutionized the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection reaching high levels of sustained virologic response. However, the detection of basal resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) to DAAs in naïve patients could be important in predicting the treatment outcome in some patients exhibiting failures to DAA-based therapies. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of RASs as minority variants within intra-host viral populations, and assess their relationship to response to therapy on a multiple times relapser patient infected chronically with HCV. Case presentation A male HCV infected-patient with a genotype 1a strain was evaluated. He had previously not responded to dual therapy (pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin) and was going to start a direct-acting agent-based therapy (DAAs). He showed no significant liver fibrosis (F0). Viral RNA was extracted from serum samples taken prior and after therapy with DAAs (sofosbubir/ledipasvir/ribavirin). NS5A and NS5B genomic regions were PCR-amplified and the amplicons were sequenced using Sanger and next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches. RASs were searched in in-silico translated sequences for all DAAs available and their frequencies were determined for those detected by NGS technology. Sanger sequencing did not reveal the presence of RASs in the consensus sequence neither before nor after the DAA treatment. However, several RASs were found at low frequencies, both before as well as after DAA treatment. RASs found as minority variants (particularly substitutions in position 93 within NS5A region) seem to have increased their frequency after DAA pressure. Nevertheless, these RASs did not become dominant and the patient still relapsed, despite perfect adherence to treatment and having no other complications beyond the infection (no significant fibrosis, no drug abuse). Conclusions This report shows that some patients might relapse after a DAA-based therapy even when RASs (pre- and post-treatment) are detected in very low frequencies (

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel member of the family Coronaviridae, now known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent studies revealed the emergence of virus variants with substitutions in the spike and/or nucleocapsid and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase proteins that are partly responsible for enhanced transmission and reduced or escaped anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies that may reduce the efficacy of antibodies and vaccines against the first identified SARS-CoV-2 strains. In order to gain insight into the emergence and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in the South American region, a comprehensive phylogenetic study of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in this region was performed. The results of these studies revealed sharp increase in virus effective population size from March to April of 2020. At least 62 different genotypes were found to circulate in this region. Variants of concern (VOCs) Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta co-circulate in the region, together with variants of interest (VOIs) Lambda, Mu and Zeta. Most of SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in the South American region belongs to B.1 genotypes and have substitutions in the spike and/or nucleocapsid and polymerase proteins that confer high transmissibility and/or immune resistance. 148 amino acid positions of the spike protein and 70 positions of the nucleocapsid were found to have substitutions in different variants isolated in the region by comparison with reference strain Wuhan-Hu-1. Significant differences in codon usage among spike genes of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in South America was found, which can be linked to SARS-CoV-2 genotypes.

Objetivo: Estudios realizados con pacientes adultos oncológicos revelan el efecto protector y terapéutico que la autoeficacia tiene en el afrontamiento de dicha enfermedad. No habiéndose estudiado la influencia de dicha variable en el cáncer infantil, se plantea este estudio con el objeto de evaluar la percepción de autoeficacia en estos pacientes. Método: Para ello se ha creado la Escala de Autoeficacia en Pacientes de Oncología Infantil (EAPOI) que arroja un índice de consistencia interna alfa de Cronbach de 0,889. Resultados: Los resultados evidencian que la población objeto de estudio manifiesta una adecuada percepción de autoeficacia al situarse el 85% entre los niveles medio y muy alto; tan solo un 15% se sitúa en el nivel bajo. Conclusión: Estos resultados confirman la tendencia observada en los estudios de los últimos años que muestran una adecuada adaptación psicosocial del niño oncológico ante la enfermedad y sus tratamientos.

Live-attenuated vaccines have been historically used to successfully prevent numerous diseases caused by a broad variety of RNA viruses due to their ability to elicit strong and perdurable immune-protective responses. In recent years, various strategies have been explored to achieve viral attenuation by rational genetic design rather than using classic and empirical approaches, based on successive passages in cell culture. A deeper understanding of evolutionary implications of distinct viral genomic compositional aspects, as well as substantial advances in synthetic biology technologies, have provided a framework to achieve new viral attenuation strategies. Herein, we will discuss different approaches that are currently applied to modify compositional features of viruses in order to develop novel live-attenuated vaccines.

Since January 2020, the world is facing the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. In a big effort to cope with this outbreak, two Uruguayan institutions, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo and Universidad de la República, have developed and implemented a diagnosis pipeline based on qRT-PCR using entirely local resources. In this context, we performed comparative quantitative proteomic analysis from oro- and naso-pharyngeal swabs used for diagnosis. Tryptic peptides obtained from five positive and five negative samples were analysed by nano-LC-MS/MS using a Q-Exactive Plus mass spectrometer. Data analysis was performed using PatternLab for Proteomics software. From all SARS-CoV-2 positive swabs we were able to detect peptides of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein that encapsulates and protect the RNA genome. Additionally, we detected an average of 1100 human proteins from each sample. The most abundant proteins exclusively detected in positive swabs were “Guanylate-binding protein 1”, “Tapasin” and “HLA class II histocompatibility antigen DR beta chain”. The biological processes overrepresented in infected host cells were “SRP-dependent cotranslational protein targeting to membrane”, “nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process, nonsense-mediated decay”, “viral transcription” and “translational initiation”. Data is available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD020394. We expect that this data can contribute to the future development of mass spectrometry based approaches for COVID-19 diagnosis. Also, we share this preliminary proteomic characterization concerning the host response to infection for its reuse in basic investigation.

Este artículo utiliza el marco analítico de las cadenas de valor globales para examinar el papel y la dinámica de las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMEs) turísticas y las perspectivas de desarrollo de los países donde estas empresas están ubicadas. Primero, se realiza una revisión de la literatura sobre la contribución del turismo al desarrollo. Segundo, se analiza la actual configuración de las cadenas de valor globales (CVGs) en la industria turística. Tercero, se plantea la hipótesis de cómo puede utilizarse el enfoque metodológico de las CVGs para el papel que las PYMEs turísticas pueden desempeñar en el actual contexto de globalización. Ello puede constituir una nueva forma de análisis de la contribución al desarrollo económico de la actividad turística y, en particular, un nuevo instrumento para el reconocimiento de la importancia de las PYMEs.

Los estudios actuales de evaluación paisajística estiman la calidad y fragilidad del paisaje, empleando herramientas de análisis espacial para su valoración, caracterizando aspectos tanto ecológicos como estéticos y valorando óptimamente la vegetación como elemento crucial del paisaje. En esta línea, la presente investigación desarrolla una metodología de caracterización paisajística, diferenciando los elementos naturales y no naturales que lo conforman y valorándolos a través de dos escalas numéricas, una escala de adecuación y una escala de conservación, identificando qué elementos vulneran más o menos al paisaje y qué zonas del entorno natural deben ser remodeladas paisajísticamente. El resultado de este tipo de investigaciones puede ser utilizado por diferentes niveles de gestión pública: en primer lugar, los ayuntamientos pueden identificar cuáles son los elementos más conflictivos que presenta el área de estudio y, en segundo lugar, las comunidades autónomas podrían incluir esta información en los Planes de Ordenación de los Recursos Naturales.

Abstract Background Host single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the interleukin 28B (IL28B) locus are associated with sustained virological response to antiviral therapy and with spontaneous Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) clearance. Prevalence of these SNPs varies depending on ethnicity. The impact of IL28B SNPs in HCV-infected patients is currently unknown in Uruguay. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the distribution of polymorphisms in the IL28B gene (rs12979860 and rs8099917) among HCV-infected patients and healthy individuals in Uruguay and thus assess their possible association with the establishment of HCV infection. Methods DNA was recovered from 92 non-infected individuals and 78 HCV-infected patients and SNPs were determined by RFLP and allelic discrimination by real-time PCR. Results The distribution of rs12979860 genotypes for the infected population was 29.5%-CC, 47.4%-CT and 23.1%-TT and for the control group 45.7%, 42.4% and 11.9%, respectively. Prevalence in both infected and uninfected individuals is similar to that reported in other countries with admixed populations. The distribution of rs8099917 genotypes for the infected population was 57.7%-TT, 27.2%-TG and 14.1%-GG and for the control group 60.9%, 33.7% and 5.4%, respectively. The comparison of rs12979860 genotype distribution between the two populations evidenced a higher prevalence of the favourable genotype (CC) in the uninfected control group (p

Esta investigación presenta los hábitos de uso y consumo tecnológico que el alumnado de primer curso del Grado en Magisterio de Educación Infantil de la Universidad de Huelva declara tener. Se ha realizado un estudio descriptivo-interpretativo para el que se ha elaborado un cuestionario de seis preguntas de opción múltiple que se ha pasado a 56 sujetos de una misma clase. En el cuestionario se han detallado, tanto los dispositivos como las herramientas y los recursos digitales que pueden ser de uso habitual entre los alumnos universitarios. Los resultados muestran que los dispositivos más utilizados, en general, son el portátil, el teléfono móvil y la Tablet. Por su parte, las herramientas más utilizadas son apps de comunicación, redes sociales y correo electrónico. Entre las conclusiones, destacamos la necesidad de ir tejiendo nuevas posibilidades en los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la Educación Superior, aprovechando los caminos abiertos por las TIC en los hábitos de utilización del alumnado.

Resumen: La Ciudad de las Niñas y los Niños es un proyecto internacional que pretende fomentar la autonomía y la participación infantil plena en la construcción de la ciudad. Tras aprobarse en 2011 en el pleno del Ayuntamiento de Huesca, se crearon el Consejo de las Niñas y los Niños y el Laboratorio de la Ciudad, órganos en los que hay representación de todos los colegios de Huesca. Para hacer explícito el trabajo sobre la salud se han incorporado actividades como «Caminos saludables», en la que se utiliza la técnica del mapeo de activos. Además del trabajo interdisciplinario entre distintas áreas del ayuntamiento, profesionales de los sectores educativo (colegios y universidad), sanitario y social, se observan impactos en el entorno físico urbano, con la remodelación de un parque, una calle y una plaza; y en los estilos de vida de los escolares, al aumentar el número de aquellos que van andando solos al colegio. Abstract: The City of Girls and Boys of Huesca (Spain) is an international project that seeks to foster children's autonomy and full participation in the construction of the city. Following its formal approval at the City Council of Huesca, the Girls and Boys Board and the City Laboratory were created, both of which include children from all the schools of Huesca. To highlightthe work on health, activities such as “Healthy School Paths”, in which the asset mapping technique is used, were incorporated. Besides the interdisciplinary work among different areas of the city council, professionals from education (schools and university), health and social services, effects on the urban physical environment, with one street, park and square remodelled; and on the children's lifestyles, with more children walking to school alone, have been observed. Palabras clave: Participación comunitaria, Políticas públicas, Diseño del entorno, Keywords: Community participation, Public policy, Environment design

Uruguay controlled the viral dissemination during the first nine months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Unfortunately, towards the end of 2020, the number of daily new cases exponentially increased. Herein, we analyzed the country-wide genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 between November 2020 and April 2021. We identified that the most prevalent viral variant during the first epidemic wave in Uruguay (December 2020–February 2021) was a B.1.1.28 sublineage carrying Spike mutations Q675H + Q677H, now designated as P.6, followed by lineages P.2 and P.7. P.6 probably arose around November 2020, in Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital department, and rapidly spread to other departments, with evidence of further local transmission clusters; it also spread sporadically to the USA and Spain. The more efficient dissemination of lineage P.6 with respect to P.2 and P.7 and the presence of mutations (Q675H and Q677H) in the proximity of the key cleavage site at the S1/S2 boundary suggest that P.6 may be more transmissible than other lineages co-circulating in Uruguay. Although P.6 was replaced by the variant of concern (VOC) P.1 as the predominant lineage in Uruguay since April 2021, the monitoring of the concurrent emergence of Q675H + Q677H in VOCs should be of worldwide interest.

Objetivo: Conocer, interpretar y comprender las necesidades de información sobre salud y enfermedad en usuarios de servicios sanitarios de atención primaria urbana de Salamanca. Diseño: Investigación cualitativa. Diseño exploratorio desde la perspectiva cualitativa-estructural. Emplazamiento: Atención primaria. Área urbana de Salamanca en 2007. Participantes y/o contextos: Diez grupos de discusión: 2 integrados por miembros de asociaciones relacionadas con la salud y 8 por usuarios de atención primaria, participando un total de 83 personas. Las variables estructurales consideradas son: género, edad, nivel de estudios y pertenencia o no a asociaciones. Método: Generar información hasta alcanzar la saturación informativa en los grupos de discusión. Previo compromiso de confidencialidad y consentimiento informado, se procedió a la grabación y transcripción literal de la conversación grupal. Cuatro investigadores categorizaron los contenidos, la intencionalidad del discurso y elaboraron el mapa conceptual. Después de triangular los resultados y codificar los párrafos se analizaron con el programa Nudist6.0. Resultados: Los contenidos informativos señalan 4 necesidades de información: salud y prevención, diagnóstico precoz, primeros auxilios y enfermedad. Se detectan diferentes intencionalidades (necesidad, observación, reivindicación y mejora) y perfiles según las variables estructurales analizadas. Las principales necesidades informativas se refieren al diagnóstico, pronóstico y opciones terapéuticas del motivo de consulta. Existe concordancia entre los grupos en que la información transmitida al paciente debe ser inteligible, actualizada y coordinada entre los diferentes profesionales y niveles asistenciales. Conclusiones: Los participantes demandan información de carácter clínico para ejercer su derecho de autonomía traduciendo la tendencia al empoderamiento de los usuarios como parte del cambio social.

Resumen: El objetivo de este artículo es ofrecer una introducción sobre el proceso de envejecimiento, aclarar las diversas concepciones y teorías desde las que podemos abordar el análisis del envejecimiento, estudiar los conceptos de calidad de vida y envejecimiento activo, así como la relación que se mantiene entre calidad de vida, envejecimiento activo y educación permanente. En este sentido profundizamos en los programas universitarios para personas mayores como ejemplo práctico de intervención socioeducativa orientada al envejecimiento activo. Igualmente analizamos el caso concreto del Aula Abierta de Mayores de la Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Dicho programa consta de la versatilidad suficiente para adaptarse a las necesidades socioeducativas de los adultos mayores que son protagonistas de su propio aprendizaje. Se crean espacios de aprendizaje y vivencias, que propician las relaciones intergeneracionales. Abstract: The objective of this article is to offer an introduction about the aging process, to clarify the different conceptions, theories and ages from which we can approach the analysis of aging, to study the concepts of quality of life and active aging, as well as the relation that is maintained between quality of life, active aging and lifelong learning. In this sense, we deepen the university programs for older people as a practical example of socio-educational intervention oriented to active aging. We also analyze the specific case of the Elderly’s Open Room of the Pablo de Olavide University. This program has the versatility enough to adapt to the socio-educational needs of the elderly who are protagonists of their own learning. They create spaces of learning and experiences, which foster intergenerational relationships.

The European Higher Education aims to connect the labor market with a competency-based education of students. In this context, there has been a project is part of the Proper Plan Faculty Development & Innovation University Pablo de Olavide, whose main objective is that students of Social Education degree, and future Social Educators, learn, become involved, and reflect on their professional functions, enabling scientists to develop and disseminate research results. We opted for a flexible supported by various resources. His assessment was conducted in two phases. We conclude by stressing the need for methodological changes benefiting from the real needs of teachers and students.

Resumen: Se presenta un estudio exploratorio sobre el uso del portafolio digital como herramienta educativa. La experiencia se centró en valorar las debilidades, amenazas, fortalezas y oportunidades de esta herramienta a partir de las apreciaciones de los participantes. De igual modo, se pretende conocer hasta qué punto su utilización potencia habilidades y competencias relevantes en el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior, tanto a nivel individual como grupal. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un estudio de naturaleza descriptiva a través de la técnica de la encuesta (cuestionario). Los resultados muestran que se trata de una herramienta de aprendizaje valorada positivamente que favorece cuestiones como la accesibilidad al aprendizaje cooperativo o el ahorro económico y medioambiental. A partir de estas valoraciones concluimos que el portafolio digital contribuye al proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, favoreciendo que el alumnado sea consciente de éste, y acercándole progresivamente a un aprendizaje más autónomo y responsable. Abstract: An exploratory study on the use of the digital portfolio as an educational tool is presented. The experience focused on assessing the weaknesses, threats, strengths and opportunities of this tool based on the participants' assessments. Likewise, it seeks to know to what extent its use enhances skills and competences relevant in the European Higher Education Area, both individually and as a group. To do this, we conducted a study of descriptive nature through technical survey (questionnaire). The results show that this is a positively valued learning tool that favors issues such as accessibility to cooperative learning or economic and environmental cost savings without printing paper. We conclude therefore that the digital portfolio contributes to the process of teaching and learning, encouraging the students to be aware of this, and progressively bringing you to a more autonomous and responsible learning.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae) closely related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses. ZIKV remained neglected, confined to enzootic transmission cycles in Africa and Asia, until the first significant outbreak was reported in Micronesia in 2007. Subsequent epidemics of growing incidence occurred in French Polynesia and other South Pacific Islands, and recently, in the Americas. The latter and currently ongoing outbreak of unprecedented incidence revealed the association of ZIKV infection with the occurrence of severe congenital malformations and neurological diseases, leading to a widespread concern about its potential to pose a global public health threat. Serological and molecular data suggest that the genetic and geographic diversification of ZIKV may be greatly underestimated. Here we discuss several ecological and epidemiological aspects, together with the evolutionary processes that may have driven the emergence and abrupt spread of ZIKV in the Americas.

El presente trabajo es un análisis de la estructura productiva de la investigación española catalogada con el descriptor “sector de la educación” a través de los datos extraídos de las tesis doctorales en España en el período 1976/2014. Para ello se ha aplicado el análisis bibliométrico, utilizando la base de datos bibliográfica TESEO para localizar las tesis doctorales. Los resultados describen la producción según quinquenios, universidades, directores, evaluadores, así como el idioma de los trabajos, el sexo de los doctorandos y la mención europea/internacional del título. El número total de tesis producidas en el período estudiado es de 485 títulos. La tendencia general indica un incremento constante, con un crecimiento exponencial en los últimos 15 años, con una alta presencia de trabajos relacionados con la Economía de la Educación en la primera mitad del período estudiado que pasa a inclinarse posteriormente por los trabajo en Ciencias de la Educación.

The human genome contains a large number of endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Their reactivation has frequently been observed in patients with cancer. Considering their role in the carcinogenesis process, we aimed to study the possible relationship between HERVs gene expression and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). We focused on two viral genes gag and np9, the latter presumably an oncogene. We found that the transcriptional activity of HERV-K np9 gene was greater in CLL patients than in healthy donors. However, gag expression was not significantly increased. These findings suggest a noteworthy relationship between CLL disease and HERV-K np9 expression.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging pathogen member of the Flaviviridae family. ZIKV has spread rapidly in the Latin American region, causing hundreds of thousands of cases of ZIKV disease, as well as microcephaly in congenital infections. Detailed studies on the pattern of evolution of ZIKV strains have been extremely important to our understanding of viral survival, fitness, and evasion of the host’s immune system. For these reasons, we performed a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of ZIKV strains recently isolated in the Americas. The results of these studies revealed evidence of diversification of ZIKV strains circulating in the Latin American region into at least five different genetic clusters. This diversification was also reflected in the different trends in dinucleotide bias and codon usage variation. Amino acid substitutions were found in E and prM proteins of the ZIKV strains isolated in this region, revealing the presence of novel genetic variants circulating in Latin America.

Aim: To describe the welfare activities of the Psycho-oncology Unit, of the Oncology and Hematology Service, University Clinic Hospital Valencia, during the period 2005-2007. Method: Patients were referred by their specialist. Data were collected daily, using a specifically-designed form, and incorporated into the hospital database. Results: 450 patients at all stages of disease, representing 7.03% of patients, and 103 relatives were referred. The mean age of the cancer patients was 52.73 years, (range 17-81 years). 43% of referred patients had breast cancer, representing 1.52% of patients seen at the breast cancer unit. However, the most frequent disease among referred patients was: gastric cancer 8.51%, head and neck cancer 8.08%, and lung cancer 7.48%. Regarding relatives, 23% were family members of a lung cancer patient, 15% breast, 12% genitourinary and leukemia, and 8% colon. With respect to psychological diagnoses, 39.1% were DSM-IV, adjustment disorder represented 48.5%. Relatives principally required counseling and management advice (75% of cases). Conclusions: Patients with difficult tumor to treat and worse prognosis such as gastric, head and neck, and lung cancer were those most referred to the Psychooncology Unit. Adjustment disorder was the most frequent. Relatives of patients with basically femalerelated disease had least demand.

In the last years, bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has become a common medical practice for great number of hematologic and oncologic diseases. This has meant the specialization of patient care from a multidisciplinary approach. Bone marrow transplantation is a therapeutic process that consists of several phases and each one of them causes patients and their families, different needs and psychological and emotional reactions. The aim of this article is to conduct a bibliographical review we have based our research from Medline and PsycINFO computerized databases. Furthermore, we describe an assessment and psychological intervention program that allows the adjustment of the patient to the diagnosis and treatment process, so that it can be achieved an optimum maintenance of the psychological well-being and the quality of life. Currently, psychology has a variety of techniques to favour patient’s resources and potential. This intervention includes several approaches: psychoeducational groups, counselling, self-help groups and cognitive-behavioral interventions. In short, due to the complexity of the treatment and the needs of patients and their families, it is necessary the existence of assessment and intervention programs where psychological multicomponent therapy could be included with effective therapy components in cancer patients: relaxation training, information about the disease and treatment, an emotionally supportive context, behavioural and cognitive coping strategies, focused interventions for disease-specific problems and social support.

En este trabajo evaluamos una muestra de 44 pacientes tratadas en el Servicio de Hematología y Oncología Médica del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, durante los años 1999-2000, todas ellas diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama que iban a iniciar tratamientos de quimioterapia adyuvante. Nuestro objetivo se centró en discriminar aquellas variables que pueden ayudar a prevenir el sufrimiento emocional durante todo el proceso de enfermedad. Para ello, valoramos mediante entrevista estructurada los cinco momentos del proceso de enfermedad que consideramos especialmente problemáticos provocando mayor demanda de recursos de afrontamiento. Tratamos, a su vez, de analizar la importancia de la posible relación entre algunas variables médicas y psicológicas y el afrontamiento, la percepción del paso del tiempo en las pacientes y el apoyo familiar/social percibido. Encontramos diferencias significativas entre diferentes momentos de evaluación. Podemos concluir que el periodo desde el diagnóstico, el paso por la cirugía (radical o conservadora) y antes de iniciar la quimioterapia, es el momento más difícil donde necesitan más atención especializada. En la primera revisión las pacientes han conseguido adaptarse, asimilar la situación vivida y han dejado atrás las consecuencias de los tratamientos de quimioterapia, mejoría que se mantiene en la segunda revisión. No ocurre lo mismo con los efectos adversos de la cirugía ni con aquellas pacientes que tienen alteraciones psicológicas previas.

El ser humano pasa por diferentes etapas en su vida marcadas por el tiempo. Algunas de estas etapas se caracterizan por acontecimientos en su vida que pueden marcar el paso de una etapa a otra, o influir en la adaptación a las mismas. Todas estas etapas suponen enfrentarnos a un nuevo ciclo, con características determinadas para su nuevo rol, que suponen pérdidas y ganancias. La jubilación se convierte así en una etapa fundamental de la vida que, en el peor de los casos, supone una ruptura brusca del desarrollo vital de la persona hasta ese momento, así como el enfrentamiento a un periodo cargado de connotaciones negativas, en donde sería necesaria una preparación que nos permitiera afrontarlo con éxito. Poniendo en juego los aspectos relativos a la jubilación y la preparación para la jubilación surge nuestra experiencia de innovación docente con alumnado de la Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Sevilla, España).

Nos encontramos en el proceso de metamorfosis de la pirámide poblacional a punta de lanza, que previsiblemente aumentará en altura y supondrá un reto para la sociedad. Estamos presenciando un incrementado del interés en la promoción de la calidad de vida para este sector poblacional, prueba de lo cual son la edición del Libro blanco del envejecimiento activo (Junta de Andalucía, 2010; IMSERSO, 2011) y la declaración del año 2012 como Año Europeo del Envejecimiento Activo y la Solidaridad Intergeneracional.

Hemos estudiado 109 pacientes esquizofrénicos atendidos durante un año en el CSM de Getafe. De sus historias clínicas hemos CSM recogido la dosis de mantenimiento con neurolépticos, datos sociodemográficos y las recaídas en el último año. La dosis de mantenimiento con neurolépticos mayoritariamente empleada se cuentra dentro del rango considerado como dosis baja por diferentes autores. El uso de estas bajas dosis no determina un mayor número de recaídas.

Ens trobem en el procés de metamorfosi de la piràmide poblacional a punta de llança, que previsiblement augmentarà en alçada i suposarà un repte per a la societat. Estem presenciant un incrementat l'interès en la promoció de la qualitat de vida per a aquest sector poblacional, prova de la qual cosa són l'edició del Llibre blanc de l'envelliment actiu (Junta d'Andalusia, 2010; IMSERSO, 2011) i la declaració de l'any 2012 com a Any Europeu de l'Envelliment Actiu i la Solidaritat intergeneracional.

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In 2011, the Cherán community carried out an uprising “for the defense of the forest and life”, in response to the looting of its community forests by criminal groups and violence towards its population. This process resulted in the legal recognition of their right to be governed by uses and customs, in accordance with the human rights of self-determination and autonomy recognized for indigenous peoples, which opens different questions in relation to the exercise, conception and construction of these rights. How is autonomy conceived by the political subjects themselves? Under what forms is it specified and how is it related to the state and/or other territorial actors? In this case, the exercise of direct democracy that allows public discussion on the use of resources and the creation of their own institutions, including armed forces for citizen security and forest surveillance, have been fundamental. Likewise, there is an understanding of power as part of an ethic and politics within their p’urhépecha worldview. The case of Cherán is about a de jure autonomy that accompanies a community process, within its own history and with different repertoires for confrontation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]