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A pesar de las rotundas recomendaciones a favor de la medicina china por parte de la Organización Mundial de la Salud desde 1979, nos enfrentamos a uno de los momentos en los que se pone en tela de juicio con mayor severidad las herramientas terapéuticas de la medicina china y todo su cuerpo de conocimiento. Realizando una breve comparación del recorrido histórico al que han sido sometidas tanto la medicina occidental como la medicina china, y el análisis de la situación actual de la medicina china en los sistemas de salud de China y otros países asiáticos así como en occidente, se pretende establecer una observación en las diferencias del desarrollo del conocimiento que han dado lugar a enfoques tan dispares. Los intentos de acercamiento de dichos enfoques en la actualidad desde la hegemonía de uno de los puntos de vista sobre el otro, son pretexto de discordia y lucha, en lugar de constituir los horizontes del nuevo reto en términos de ampliación de los propios límites de la ciencia llamada a su evolución. Despite the resounding recommendations in favor of Chinese medicine by the World Health Organization from 1979, we face one of the moments in which the therapeutic tools of Chinese medicine and its whole body of knowledge are questioned with greater severity. Making a brief comparison of the historical path to which both Western and Chinese medicine have been subjected, and the analysis of the current situation of Chinese medicine in the health systems of China and other Asian countries as well as in the West, it is intended establish an observation on differences in knowledge development that have resulted in such disparate approaches. Attempts to approach these approaches today from the hegemony of one of the points of view on the other, are a pretext of discord and struggle, instead of constituting the horizons of the new challenge in terms of extending the limits of the science called to its evolution.

[ES]En la evolución histórica de la relación entre Arte y Naturaleza, destaca la aparición del Land Art, que busca la integración de ambos en la creación de un nuevo paisaje. La nueva escultura rompe con el modelo clásico del monumento, para expandirse en todas sus dimensiones y conceptos. Los nuevos planteamientos de Rosalind Krauss y Margit Rowell nos ayudarán a comprender los derroteros de esta nueva manera de trabajar. Tanto en Europa como en todo el mundo van apareciendo ejemplos de modelos de escultura al aire libre, que se diferencian por su grado de integración en el paisaje, su temporalidad o permanencia, etc. Algunos son meros parques de esculturas, pero otros son espacios estéticos, entre los que situamos La Isla de Esculturas de Pontevedra. Este proyecto tiene unas características específicas que lo definen. Estos son los siguientes: - Cada uno de los doce escultores ha trabajado para conseguir una obra única, construida a partir de doce miradas diferentes, pero dispuestas para lograr un solo paisaje. El carácter único niega la idea de la naturaleza como soporte de la obra y recupera el site de la escultura en el paisaje. Cada una de las intervenciones se convierte en parte de la naturaleza del nuevo paisaje. - El elogio del granito, pues dicha piedra define gran parte de la tradición artística y cultural gallega, ya desde la prehistoria. - Situación dentro del marco Xacobeo. El Camino de santiago ha sido el origen de un espíritu europeísta. La expresión plástica de sus canteros creó un lenguaje y una estética que expandieron por todo el mundo a través del Camino de Peregrinación a Compostela. - El espacio elegido, la Xunqueira del Lérez, en Pontevedra, es un paraje semisalvaje con unas características específicas del entorno y toda la carga de significación y tradición, tanto cultural como geográfica que contribuyen a esa definición de un nuevo paisaje, y en su transformación hacia un espacio sagrado. Todos estos aspectos lo hace un modelo único de integración de arte y naturaleza, [EN]n the historical evolution of the relationship between Art and Nature, highlights the emergence of Land Art, which seeks the integration of both in creating a new landscape. The new sculpture breaks with the classical model of the monument, to expand in all its dimensions and concepts. New approaches to Rosalind Krauss and Margit Rowell help us understand the courses of this new way of working. Both in Europe and around the world are emerging examples of models of outdoor sculpture, which differ by their degree of integration into the landscape, its temporary or permanent, and so on. Some are mere sculpture parks, but others are aesthetic spaces, of which place the island Sculpture Pontevedra. This project has specific characteristics that define it. These are: - Each of the twelve sculptors have worked towards a single work, built from twelve different looks, but willing to achieve a single view. The unique character denies the idea of ​​nature as a support for the work and recover the site of the sculpture in the landscape. Each of the intervention becomes part of the nature of the new landscape. - In Praise of granite, stone since that define much of the Galician cultural and artistic tradition, and since prehistoric times. - Location within the framework Xacobeo. El Camino de Santiago has been the source of a European spirit. The visual expression of their beds created a language and an aesthetic that spread throughout the world through the Way of Pilgrimage to Compostela. - The place chosen, the Xunqueira Lérez in Pontevedra, is a semi-wild landscape with specific characteristics of the environment and the entire burden of meaning and tradition, both culturally and geographically that contribute to the definition of a new landscape, and its transformation into a sacred space. All these aspects make it a unique model of integrating art and nature

[ENG] This research examines the determinants and consequences of corporate social responsibility performance in family firms. Concretely, it has two closely related objectives. First, to examine how family firms behave towards social and environmental performance considering governance and environmental aspects as contingency factors. Second, to examine how corporate social responsibility impacts on tax avoidance and earnings management practices and how, family ownership and management could moderate these relationships. This research makes use of an international sample for the period 2006-2014 and proposes several regression models for panel data. The evidence reported is as follows. First, the results support family firms behave towards corporate social responsibility, aiming to preserve their socioemotional wealth. Moreover, the socially responsible behavior of family firms is greater: (i) under the large presence of family members on the management team and family directors on the board of directors (governance factors) and (ii) in munificent contexts (environment factor) Regarding the second objective, two main evidence is reported. On the one hand, social and environmental performance is negatively related with tax avoidance so that firms with a greater socially responsible performance show a lower tax saving practices. However, this negative relation is lower in family-owned firms, what suggests that despite the fact that family firms show a greater socially responsible behavior aimed to preserve their socioemotional endowments, family ownership is positively associated with tax avoidance practices. On the other hand, evidence is opposite by examining earnings management practices. At this respect, social and environmental performance is positively related with earnings management; firms with a greater socially responsible performance show a higher discretionary behavior by promoting actions that mask the real financial and economic performance of the firm. But, again, this positive relation is lower – moderated - in family-owned firms, mainly because of the fact that family firms show a greater socially responsible behavior aimed to preserve their socioemotional endowments and are negatively associated with earnings management practices. [SPA] Esta investigación se centra en analizar los determinantes y las consecuencias del rendimiento socialmente responsable en la empresa familiar. Concretamente, se diferencian dos objetivos altamente relacionados. En primer lugar, examinar el comportamiento de la empresa familiar hacia el desempeño social y medioambiental, considerando factores de contingencia como moderadores, asociados a aspectos de gobernanza y del entorno. En segundo lugar, examinar cómo la responsabilidad social corporativa impacta en las prácticas de evasión de impuestos y manipulación contable y cómo, la propiedad y la gestión familiar podrían moderar estas relaciones. Esta investigación hace uso de una muestra internacional para el período 2006-2014 y propone varios modelos de regresión para datos de panel. La evidencia obtenida es la siguiente. Primero, los resultados respaldan la mayor orientación de la empresa familiar hacia el compromiso socialmente responsable con el objetivo de preservar su riqueza socioemocional. Además, el comportamiento socialmente responsable de la empresa familiar se ve reforzado: (i) cuando es mayor la presencia de miembros de la familia en el equipo directivo y en el consejo de administración (factores de gobernanza) y (ii) en contextos munificentes (factor ambiental). Respecto al segundo objetivo, se documentan dos evidencias principales y opuestas. Por un lado, el desempeño social y medioambiental está relacionado negativamente con la evasión fiscal y positivamente con prácticas de manipulación contable; las empresas socialmente más responsables muestran una menor orientación hacia prácticas de ahorro fiscal, pero también un comportamiento discrecional al promover acciones que enmascaran el rendimiento financiero y económico real de la empresa. No obstante, la principal evidencia es el efecto moderador de empresa familiar. La relación negativa y positiva entre responsabilidad social y prácticas de evasión de impuestos y mayor comportamiento discrecional al promover acciones que enmascaran el rendimiento financiero y económico real de la empresa, respectivamente, es moderada por la la propiedad y gestión familiar. La propiedad y gestión familiar está asociada positivamente con prácticas de evasión fiscal y negativamente con prácticas de manipulación contable. Escuela Internacional de Doctorado de la Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Programa de Doctorado Interuniversitario en Ciencias Económicas, Empresariales y Jurídicas

The white-tailed deer is the species with the greatest distribution in the American continent. This deer is considered a species with high plasticity because it lives in different types of vegetation ranging from temperate forests to dry tropical forests, arid zones and secondary vegetation. The distribution and results of genetic studies about the subspecies are presented in this chapter. According to different studies about the diet, deer selects a high number of plant species from different families, but particularly consumes a greater percentage of few shrubs and trees. Analyzing the nutritional composition of the deer diet, it is found that the amount of crude protein and acid detergent fiber were lower in the winter diet compared to that of autumn and spring, the digestibility was higher in autumn than in the other seasons. Movement of white-tailed deer could be influenced by many ecological, environmental, and behavioral variables. The animal energetic requirements depend on the basal metabolism, behavior and physiological conditions. Each animal activity represents an energy cost. We presented knowledge about home range size and activity patterns of the species. Variation in the reproductive chronology of the white-tailed deer in the region has been linked to environmental variables associated with latitude such as photoperiods and food availability. Deer population density is one of the parameters most evaluated in different regions and habitat types. The population estimation of deer is one of the central themes in Latin America, mainly in Mexico, since this allows to make a sustainable use of the species from the hunting point of view. The most important diseases that affect the health of deer are gastrointestinal parasitosis caused mainly by helminths and protozoa. Deer selects specific sites to rest, ruminate and protect their young. Therefore, these sites should offer food, water, protection against predators and thermal cover that allows deer to minimize both the absorption of heat by exposure to the sun and the loss of water by transpiration. Some studies have compared deer preferences between conserved sites and sites disturbed by human activity. In relation to habitat quality, differences in use have been found. Although the species is highly adaptable and widely distributed, we can ensure that it has populations that are exploited in a sustainable manner, but some of the subspecies may be at risk from poaching and severe transformation of their habitat.

El Arroyo Caañabe, es un curso de agua que corre a través de los Departamentos Central y Paraguarí (República del Paraguay). Las descargas de origen agropecuario, urbano e industrial contaminan sus aguas. En este trabajo se evalúa la calidad del arroyo mediante sus características fisicoquímicas, ecotoxicológicas, microbiológicas y se la comparan con la legislación vigente. Se colectaron muestras en los meses de Julio y Setiembre del año 2014. Se estudiaron tres sitios denominados S1, ubicado en aguas arriba de la Ciudad de Carapegua; S2 en la intersección del arroyo con la Ruta 1, y S3, en la zona límite de las ciudades de Carapegua y Nueva Italia. Se realizaron ensayos de toxicidad aguda con Daphnia magna, Lactuca sativa, y alevines de Danio rerio; además de ensayos crónicos en Tetradesmus wisconsinenesis, D. rerio y Allium cepa. Se evaluaron los grupos y especies microbianos siguientes: aerobios mesófilos, enterobacterias, coliformes totales, coliformes fecales, E. coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa, mohos y levaduras; además se determinaron índices de calidad y de contaminación. Los resultados indican que las aguas del arroyo presentaron características de clase II y de clase III según el padrón establecido por la Secretaría del Ambiente del Paraguay. El índice de calidad de agua (ICA) arrojó valores comprendidos entre 52 y 62 lo que otorga la clasificación de “regular”; mientras que el índice de contaminación trófica (ICOTRO) presentó valores entre 0,12 y 0.26, indicando “eutrofización”. Los recuentos de coliformes fueron superiores en el segundo muestreo, aunque dentro lo establecido por la norma. La presencia de P. aeruginosa en los tres puntos constituye un riesgo para la salud. Ensayos ecotoxicológicos agudos mostraron que las aguas presentan escasos efectos letales, no obstante los ensayos crónicos en A. cepa y el test de micronúcleos en D. rerio indican potenciales efectos citotóxicos y genotóxicos de las aguas del Arroyo Caañabe.

The objective of this article was to apply a novel laser Raman sensor for the control of on line cheesemaking, mainly focusing on coagulation but with an initial test of syneresis. By means of a novel Raman laser sensor, the spectrum of cheese curd was seen to be slightly higher than that of milk in the 800–1200 cm⁻¹ Raman shift range, with a sigmoid increase in intensity until a constant value was reached. As regards syneresis, the response of the Raman laser sensor and the moisture content both followed first‐order kinetics. These initial results confirm that the laser sensor is able to determine the changes that take place in the cheesemaking process, during the coagulation and whey drainage steps, and point to the potential usefulness of this sensor for the online control of cheesemaking.

Introducción: el logro de meta glucémica es un problema de gran impacto sanitario. El control glucémico previene y enlentece las complicaciones crónicas de la diabetes y prolonga la sobrevida.Objetivos: investigar el porcentaje de personas con diabetes tipo 2 (DM2) que logra el objetivo del tratamiento (A1C) y las variables que se asocian con logro de meta glucémica.Materiales y métodos: estudio multicéntrico, descriptivo, observacional de corte transversal, en 28 centros de Argentina especializados en diabetes (Grupo FRADYC III), año 2018. Se evaluó examen físico, laboratorio y tratamiento de la DM2 en la práctica habitual. El objetivo glucémico fue A1C

Introducción: la terapia con insulina es una herramienta eficaz para lograr la meta glucémica (A1C). El porcentaje de personas con DM2 tratadas con insulina y los esquemas utilizados varían según el país.Objetivos: identificar frecuencia, tipos y esquemas de insulinoterapia en el tratamiento de la DM2 por médicos especialistas en Argentina.Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, observacional de corte transversal en personas con DM2 en 28 centros tratados por especialistas en Argentina (grupo FRADYC III) año 2018. Se evaluó: examen clínico, laboratorio y tratamiento en la práctica habitual. Se realizó análisis univariado y regresión logística múltiple, se consideró significativo todo valor de p

Objetivos: evaluar la importancia asignada por el médico a la hemoglobina glicosilada A1c (A1C) para diagnóstico y seguimiento de personas con DM2 y sus valores para diagnóstico y objetivos terapéuticos según especialidad.Material y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal, mediante encuesta realizada a médicos que concurrieron al Congreso Argentino de Diabetes (2010). Las especialidades fueron: Nutrición, Diabetología, Endocrinología, Clínica Médica, Medicina General y otros. Análisis estadístico: estadística descriptiva, test Chi2, ANOVA (Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc). Se utilizó Software: MedCalc 2009.Resultados: 743 encuestas, media edad 43,3±10,4 años. Femenino 69,3%.El 32,9% no consideró beneficioso realizar la A1C para diagnóstico. La media para diagnóstico 6,56 ± 0,42% y el 25% consideró valores ≥7%.Los profesionales solicitaron A1C al 95,5% de los pacientes, con diferencias entre grupos P

The burden of disease due to pneumonia in older adults has a major impact on health systems. The aim of this study is to carry out an economic evaluation of the vaccination strategy against Streptococcus pneumoniae using the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.A simulated economic model has been developed in the form of a decision tree to evaluate the cost of the vaccination strategy in the population over 65 years of the Valladolid-East Health Area, versus non-vaccination, using a Monte Carlo probabilistic analysis.Streptococcus pneumoniae annually generates 557.24 cases of pneumococcal disease in the Valladolid-East Health Area, and 506.60 episodes have pneumonia symptoms. Vaccination of the cohort over 65 years of age is an efficient measure from the third year, with a cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) of 20,496.20 €. The number of QALYs gained in a decade is 86.07 and an amount of 216.252.89 € with this vaccination strategy would be saved.The evaluation of the different incremental costs (QALY,euros) in the years of follow-up, the pneumococcus vaccination program in people over 65 in Castilla y León is cost-effective.

Resumen El bosque tropical seco es uno de los ecosistemas más amenazados alrededor del mundo, principalmente a causa de la deforestación. En México más de la mitad de su superficie ha desaparecido, lo que ha provocado pérdida de biodiversidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la riqueza, diversidad y abundancia relativa de la comunidad de mamíferos medianos y grandes en dos sitios con diferente manejo y estatus de conservación, y donde está presente el bosque tropical seco. También se buscó conocer las variables del hábitat y de influencia humana que se relacionan con la presencia de las especies más comunes. Los sitios de estudio fueron Pastorías, Actopan, Veracruz y San Juan Bautista Cuicatlán, Oaxaca, México. El primer sitio está muy transformado por las actividades antrópicas mientras que el segundo se encuentra dentro de la Reserva de la Biosfera de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán (RBTC). En Pastorías se establecieron 11 cámaras-trampa de septiembre 2015 a septiembre 2016; mientras que en Cuicatlán 10 cámaras-trampa de octubre 2013 a julio 2014. El esfuerzo de muestreo fue de 3 526 días/trampa y 443 registros independientes, y 2 690 días/trampa y 378 registros independientes para cada sitio respectivamente. En cada localidad se registraron 13 especies. Tres de estas especies están en peligro de extinción y dos bajo amenaza. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la diversidad verdadera de mamíferos medianos y grandes entre localidades. De acuerdo con el índice de abundancia relativa (IAR), las especies más abundantes fueron: Odocoileus virginianus, Urocyon cinereoargenteus y Canis latrans. Los análisis de regresión sugieren que las variables de temporada, la cobertura de vegetación secundaria arbórea y la distancia a la localidad más cercana se relacionan con el registro de estas especies. Los remanentes de bosque tropical seco en Pastorías mantienen una alta riqueza de especies, la cual es muy parecida a la de un sitio conservado como Cuicatlán. Sin embargo, el bajo número de registros fotográficos puede indicar que la calidad del hábitat no es adecuada. La información recabada en este estudio puede ser útil para el desarrollo de programas para conservar el bosque tropical seco del centro de Veracruz y contribuye con la ampliación del conocimiento que se tiene sobre la comunidad de mamíferos que habitan en la RBTC. Abstract The tropical dry forest is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world, mainly due to deforestation and fragmentation. In Mexico more than half of its surface has disappeared, affecting biodiversity. The objective of this study was to compare the richness, diversity, and relative abundance of medium and large mammals in two sites with different management and conservation status, and where tropical dry forest is present. We also sought to find out which variables of habitat and human influence are related to the presence of the most common species. The study sites were in Pastorias, Actopan, Veracruz and San Juan Bautista Cuicatlan, Oaxaca, Mexico. The first site is highly transformed by anthropogenic activities, while the second is within the protected natural area of the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve (TCBR). In Pastorias 11 camera-traps were set up from september 2015 to september 2016; while in Cuicatlan 10 camera traps were set up from october 2013 to july 2014. The sampling effort was 3 526 days/trap, which yielded 443 independent records for the first site, and 2 690 days/trap that yielded 378 independent records for the second site. In each locality, 13 species of mammals were recorded. In particular, three of these species are endangered (Tamandua mexicana, Leopardus wiedii, and Lynx rufus) and two are under threat (Herpailurus yagouaroundi and Galictis vittata). The true diversity of medium and large mammals between communities was different. According to the relative abundance, index (RAI) the most abundant species are Odocoileus virginianus, Urocyon cinereoargenteus and Canis latrans. Regression analyses suggest that the variables of season, the cover of secondary vegetation and distance to the nearest human locality were related to the record of these species. Despite the anthropogenic pressure in Pastorias, tropical dry forest remnants still maintain high species richness, which is very similar to that of a site as preserved as Cuicatlan. However, the low RAIs value of several mammals may indicate that habitat quality could not maintain large population numbers. Therefore, it is necessary to develop programs to conserve this ecosystem. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 1232-1243. Epub 2018 September 01.

Alcohol Liver Disease (ALD) is one of the most prevalent conditions leading to liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease. There is lacking evidence of regular urine screening testing (RUST) impact on survival or liver transplantation of ALD patients. The aims of this study were to compare the sensitivity of RUST, to assess its impact on survival and liver transplantation, and to evaluate factors associated with adherence to RUST. We performed a single-centered retrospective study (N = 84) with ALD candidates for liver transplantation. Demographic, biochemical and clinical variables were recorded at baseline. Adherence to RUST was evaluated during follow-up. The sensitivity of both RUST and self-reports were calculated for all drugs. Multivariable logistic and survival regression analyses were performed to explore associated factors and the impact of adherence to RUST, and positive results on survival. RUST had high sensitivity for identifying active drinkers (76.9%), smokers (78.9%) and cannabis users (83.3%). High adherence to RUST was inversely associated with mortality during follow-up. Presence of personality disorders negatively impacted (OR 0.29, CI 95% 0.08-0.97) adherence to RUST. Both RUST and self-reports should be carried out in this setting. Professionals involved in liver transplantation programs must promote adherence to RUST, primarily in patients with personality disorders.La enfermedad hepática alcohólica (EHA) es una de las causas más frecuentes de trasplante hepático en enfermedad hepática terminal. No hay evidencia de impacto de la detección regular de sustancias en orina (DRSO) sobre la supervivencia de los pacientes con EHA. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron comparar la sensibilidad de la DRSO, evaluar su impacto en la supervivencia y en el trasplante de hígado, y evaluar el impacto de la adherencia a la DRSO. Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo (N = 84) con candidatos para trasplante de hígado por EHA. Registramos las variables demográficas, bioquímicas y clínicas al inicio del estudio. Evaluamos la adherencia a la DRSO durante el seguimiento. Calculamos la sensibilidad tanto de la DRSO como de las declaraciones de los pacientes para todas las sustancias. Realizamos análisis multivariables (regresión logística) y de supervivencia para explorar los factores asociados y el impacto de la adherencia a la DRSO, y de los resultados positivos en la DRSO sobre la supervivencia. La DRSO tuvo una alta sensibilidad para identificar bebedores activos (76,9%), fumadores (78,9%) y consumidores de cannabis (83,3%). Alta adherencia a la DRSO tuvo una asociación inversa con mortalidad durante el seguimiento. La presencia de trastornos de la personalidad tuvo un impacto negativo (RM ,29, IC 95% ,08-,97) sobre la adherencia a la DRSO. Tanto la DRSO como las declaraciones deben llevarse a cabo en este perfil de pacientes. Los profesionales que participan en programas de trasplante hepático deben promover el cumplimiento de la DRSO, principalmente en pacientes con trastornos de la personalidad.

To describe a new spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA48) characterized by early cerebellar cognitive-affective syndrome (CCAS) and late-onset SCA.This is a descriptive study of a family that has been followed for more than a decade with periodic neurologic and neuropsychological examinations, MRI, brain SPECT perfusion, and genetic analysis. Whole exome sequencing was performed in 3 affected and 1 unaffected family member and subsequently validated by linkage analysis of chromosome 16p13.3.Six patients fully developed cognitive-affective and complete motor cerebellar syndrome associated with vermian and hemispheric cerebellar atrophy, suggesting a continuum from a dysexecutive syndrome slowly evolving to a complete and severe CCAS with late truncal ataxia. Three presymptomatic patients showed focal cerebellar atrophy in the vermian, paravermian, and the medial part of cerebellar lobes VI and VII, suggesting that cerebellar atrophy preceded the ataxia, and that the neurodegeneration begins in cerebellar areas related to cognition and emotion, spreading later to the whole cerebellum. Among the candidate variants, only the frameshift heterozygous c.823_824delCTWe report a heterozygous

This policy-oriented opinion paper, which has taken the form of a Manifesto, is co-authored by scientists and engineers from Southern European Union countries that are presently experiencing deep and complex systemic crises: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus. With their Manifesto, the authors advocate the adoption of a new development model, focusing on the target of sustainable bioeconomy, around which other development themes and topics will crystallize. Implementing this model will act as a locomotive to get the economies and societies of these countries efficiently out of their crises, and smoothly into greener post-crisis pastures. The proposal is articulated in ten critical steps or theses for immediate action by the policy- and decision-makers, as well as industry, markets and other key actors within this troubled area of the European Mezzogiorno. Corroborating evidence of these theses comes in the form of short reports or "letters" on the key topics of this Manifesto from the countries and regions concerned. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Spastic paraplegia type 10 (SPG10) is a rare form of autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia (AD-HSP) due to mutations in KIF5A, a gene encoding the neuronal kinesin heavy-chain involved in axonal transport. KIF5A mutations have been associated with a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from pure HSP to isolated peripheral nerve involvement or complicated HSP phenotypes. Most KIF5A mutations are clustered in the motor domain of the protein that is necessary for microtubule interaction. Here we describe two Spanish families with an adult onset complicated AD-HSP in which neurological studies revealed a mild sensory neuropathy. Intention tremor was also present in both families. Molecular genetic analysis identified two novel mutations c.773 C>T and c.833 C>T in the KIF5A gene resulting in the P258L and P278L substitutions respectively. Both were located in the highly conserved kinesin motor domain of the protein which has previously been identified as a hot spot for KIF5A mutations. This study adds to the evidence associating the known occurrence of mild peripheral neuropathy in the adult onset SPG10 type of AD-HSP.

Introducción: En México, el estado de Oaxaca ocupa el segundo lugar en riqueza de mamíferos; sin embargo, la pérdida de hábitat y la caza furtiva han dado lugar a la disminución y extinción de varias especies de flora y fauna. El presente estudio se centró en determinar la riqueza de especies y la abundancia relativa de mamíferos de talla mediana y grande en la comunidad de San Gabriel Casa Blanca, Oaxaca, en la Reserva de la Biosfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. Este estudio es importante para el manejo y conservación de la vida silvestre.Material y métodos:Métodos: Se colocaron 10 cámaras trampa, que permanecieron activas de febrero a diciembre de 2012, durante la época de lluvias (mayo a octubre) y de secas (noviembre a abril). La separación entre una y otra cámara fue de al menos 500 m lineales. Se programaron para estar activas las 24 horas, tomando series de tres fotos a intervalos de 10 a15 segundos y se revisaron cada mes. Se estimó la riqueza específica y la abundancia relativa de cada especie y por época.Resultados: Se realizó un esfuerzo de muestreo de 3,300 días-trampa. Se obtuvieron 826 registros independientes de 15 especies de mamíferos de talla mediana a grande. Adicionalmente, se registró al Puma concolor por medio de huellas. Solo una especie se encuentra bajo categoría de riesgo en la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010: Herpailurus yagouaroundi. Las especies con mayor abundancia relativa fueron Sylvilagus floridanus, Odocoileus virginianus, Urocyon cinereoargenteus yDicotyles angulatus. Las de menor abundancia fueron Bassariscus astutus y Herpailurus yagouaroundi.Discusión y conclusiones: Los resultados indicaron que la riqueza de especies de mamíferos medianos y grandes es similar a otras áreas con vegetación parecida. Por el contrario, es más baja en comparación con otras localidades dominadas por bosques tropicales en Oaxaca.

Background and Purpose FM19G11 up-regulates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and PI3K/Akt pathways, which are involved in endothelial function. We evaluated the effects of FM19G11 on defective endothelial vasodilatation in arteries from rats and humans and investigated the mechanisms involved. Experimental Approach Effects of chronic in vivo administration of FM19G11 on aortic endothelial vasodilatation were evaluated together with ex vivo treatment in aortic and mesenteric arteries from control and insulin-resistant rats (IRR). Its effects on vasodilator responses of penile arteries (HPRAs) and corpus cavernosum (HCC) from men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) (model of human endothelial dysfunction) were also evaluated. Vascular expression of phosphorylated-endothelial NOS (p-eNOS), phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt) and HIF-1α was determined by immunodetection and cGMP by elisa. Key Results Chronic administration of FM19G11 reversed the impaired endothelial vasodilatation in IRR. Ex vivo treatment with FM19G11 also significantly improved endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in aorta and mesenteric arteries from IRR. These effects were accompanied by the restoration of p-eNOS and cGMP levels in IRR aorta and were prevented by either NOS or PI3K inhibition. p-Akt and p-eNOS contents were increased by FM19G11 in aortic endothelium of IRR. FM19G11-induced restoration of endothelial vasodilatation was unaffected by mTOR/HIF-1α inhibitors. FM19G11 also restored endothelial vasodilatation in HPRA and HCC from ED patients. Conclusions and Implications Stimulation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway by FM19G11 alleviates impaired NO-mediated endothelial vasodilatation in rat and human arteries independently of mTOR/HIF-1α activation. This pharmacological strategy could be beneficial for managing pathological conditions associated with endothelial dysfunction, such as ED.

Background The assessment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations is crucial for the management of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based assessment offers advantages over tumor as a minimally invasive method able to capture tumor heterogeneity. Patients and Methods Consecutive patients diagnosed with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma in tumor biopsy were included in this study. Plasma samples were obtained at different time points during the course of the disease. EGFR mutations in plasma were quantified using BEAMing (beads, emulsions, amplification, and magnetics) or digital PCR and were correlated with mutations in tumor and with radiologic response and progression. Results Two hundred twenty-one plasma samples from 33 patients were analyzed. EGFR mutations in plasma were detected in 83% of all patients and 100% of those with extrathoracic metastases. The dynamics of the EGFR mutation load predicted response in 93% and progression in 89% of cases well in advance of radiologic evaluation. Progression-free survival for patients in whom ctDNA was not detected in plasma during treatment was significantly longer than for those in whom ctDNA remained detectable (295 vs. 55 days; hazard ratio, 17.1; P Conclusion The detection of EGFR mutations in ctDNA showed good correlation with that in tumor biopsy and predicted tumor response and progression in most patients. The liquid biopsy for ctDNA-based assessment of EGFR mutations is a reliable technique for diagnosis and follow-up in patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma in routine clinical practice.

The aim of this paper is to estimate the burden of hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia and pneumococcal pneumonia at a tertiary level hospital in the Spanish National Health System.A retrospective study which compiles data from the Minimum Data Set using clinical codes of the International Code of Diseases, as well as the hospitalization rate index per thousand inhabitants, the hospitalization rate per thousand population, mortality and fatality rate, using as denominator the demographic data of the population of the Health Area.The discharge of 5758 episodes coded with CIE codes 480 to 486 related to pneumonia, indicates an hospitalization rate of 3.54 people hospitalized per 1000 inhabitants, 65.34 % of all hospital admissions occured in Internal Medicine Services and Pneumology. The average hospital stay per year is 16.63 days. The crude death rate is 69.15 per 100 000 inhabitants and the fatality rate is 19.56 % being higher in adults over 65 years.Despite the current therapeutic and preventive measures, the incidence and mortality of community-acquired pneumonia in adults remains high, which justifies the strengthening and awareness to address new strategies and prevention such as vaccination.Introducción: el objetivo de este trabajo es estimar la carga de hospitalización por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad y neumonía neumocócica en un hospital de nivel terciario del Sistema Nacional de Salud Español. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo en el que se recogen los datos del Conjunto Mínimo de Datos Básicos que usa códigos clínicos del Código Internacional de Enfermedades, asi como el índice de hospitalización por mil habitantes, la tasa de hospitalización por mil habitantes, el índice de mortalidad y la tasa de letalidad, usando como denominador los datos demográficos de la población del Área de Salud. Resultados: la descarga de 5758 episodios codificados con los códigos CIE 480 a 486 relativos a neumonía, señalan un índice de hospitalización de 3.54 personas hospitalizadas por cada 1000 habitantes, 65.34% del total de ingresos hospitalarios se produce en los Servicios de Medicina Interna y de Neumología. La estancia media hospitalaria por año es de 16.63 días. La tasa bruta de mortalidad es de 69.15 cada 100 000 y la tasa de letalidad de 19.56%, siendo más elevadas en adultos mayores de 65 años. Conclusiones: a pesar de las medidas terapéuticas y preventivas actuales, la incidencia y la mortalidad por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en adultos se mantienen elevadas, lo que justifica fortalecer y abordar nuevas estrategias de concienciación y prevención.

Background Specific mechanisms underlying frailty syndrome are not well known. Frailty can be viewed as a loss of functional reserve resulting in increased vulnerability to stressors. We hypothesize that pathways regulating cellular response to stress are potential players in the development of frailty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the expression of certain genes related to cellular response to stress with the presence of frailty in older patients. Methods A sample of 350 individuals aged 65 years or older (22% frail) was selected from the Toledo Study of Healthy Aging. RNA was extracted from blood and retro-transcribed into complementary DNA. TaqMan Low density Arrays were used for the measurement of expression of genes implicated in cellular response to oxidative stress, genes implicated in inflammation, genes implicated in vascular physiology, and genes related to hypoxia. For data analysis, a logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship of gene expression and frailty. Results Among the analyzed genes, lower expression of genes related to cellular response to hypoxia (hypoxia inducible factor-1α) or to cellular response to oxidative stress (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and its target genes heme oxygenase-2, thioredoxin reductase-1, and superoxide dismutase-2), but not to those related to inflammation or vascular physiology, were significantly associated with the presence of frailty after adjustment for age and sex. These associations remained significant after adjustment by type 2 diabetes and Charlson index of comorbidities. Lower expressions of genes involved in cellular response to stress were also associated with increased risk of functional impairment. Conclusions Reduced expression of several genes implicated in cellular response to oxidative stress or hypoxia is significantly associated with the presence of frailty. These results help to fill the gap of knowledge of this evolving field and provide targets for intervention to promote health and independence in the elderly.

A worrisome increase in young stroke incidence is being reported in the last years. To confirm this information in a local environment, a study was conducted in a tertiary hospital to check this evolution along 15 years, analyzing several clinics characteristics.Retrospective study recruiting 159 stroke u226445 year-old patients, admitted in 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. Traditional and specific of young stroke risk factors were evaluated, as well as clinical features, treatments, etiology and prognosis.There were 73.6% ischemic stroke (IS) (24.8% TIA). Both IS and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) were more frequent in men and 31-45 year-old. Between IS the etiology was cryptogenetic in 35%, infrequent etiology 32% (46% arterial dissection)

This paper presents certain features of problems and situations closely linked to the risks of exclusion, vulnerability and violence present in the world of women. These were covered by final-year dissertations or projects undertaken by students of the Nuestra Senora del Camino [“Our Lady of the Way”] University School of Social Work during the period 1987 to 2013. These more than ninety pieces of work, deposited in the School's Library, cover a great range of circumstances, some positive, many adverse, relating to women from the Province of Leon. Their topics run from violence and abuse, through women's lack of visibility, problems women face, enduring prejudices, social support and sanctions, to hopes for equality, health, education and the like. They form a panorama in which the ever-present strands are a spirit of struggle and a need for a more decent life.

A novel magnetobiosensing approach for the rapid, sensitive and selective miR-21 detection is reported involving the use of a specific RNA probe (antimiR-21), streptavidin-magnetic beads (Strep-MBs), the siRNA Binding Protein p19 as detector bioreceptor, and amperometric detection with the H2O2/hydroquinone (HQ) system at disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes. The magnetosensor exhibited a dynamic range from 1.4 to 10 nM and a detection limit of 4.2 fmol of synthetic target miR-21 without any amplification step in 75 min. The usefulness of the approach was evaluated by analyzing total RNA (RNAt) extracted from metastatic breast cancer cell lines, human tissues and breast cytologies.

α-Synuclein inclusions have been identified in the brain and some parts of the enteric nervous system in Parkinson's disease cases. We aimed to assess these inclusions in gastric mucosa samples from patients with symptomatic Parkinson's disease. Random biopsies were performed by gastroscopy in 28 patients with Parkinson's disease and in 29 age- and sex-matched controls. Gastroscopy was performed to start enteral levodopa (l-dopa) therapy in cases and for diagnostic purposes in controls (gastroesophageal reflux, anemia, and abdominal pain were the main indications). The clinical definition of cases and controls was made a priori. Six controls had data suggestive of “mild presymptomatic parkinsonism”. Biopsy specimens were immunostained for α-synuclein. The neuropathological diagnosis was established post hoc. No differences were found in the baseline characteristics of the groups. Positive fibers for the α-synuclein protein were observed in 17 of 28 (60.7%) Parkinson's disease patients, 1 of 23 controls (4.3%), and 1 of 6 (16.7%) cases of incident “mild presymptomatic parkinsonism.” Neuropathological diagnosis based on α-synuclein immunostaining showed a sensitivity of 85% (95% confidence interval [CI] 62.1-96.8), specificity of 95% (95% CI 76.2-99.9) and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.90 (95% CI 0.80-1.00). No adverse events occurred. Detection of α-synuclein inclusions in the gastric mucosa is a useful and safe tool providing in vivo evidence of the underlying neurodegenerative peripheral involvement linked to Parkinson's disease. Further studies are warranted to determine its pathophysiological implications. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as important clinical biomarkers with both diagnostic and prognostic value for relevant diseases, such as cancer. MiRs pose unique challenges for detection and are currently detected by northern blotting, real-time PCR, and microarray techniques. These expensive, complicated, and time-consuming techniques are not feasible for on-site miR determination. In this study, amperometric magnetobiosensors involving RNA-binding viral protein p19 as a selective biorecognition element were developed for miR quantification. The p19-based magnetosensors were able to detect 0.4 fmol of a synthetic target and endogenous miR-21 (selected as a model for its role in a wide variety of cancers) in only 2 h in total RNA extracted from cancer cells and human breast-tumor specimens without PCR amplification and sample preprocessing. These results open up formidable perspectives for the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers and for drug-discovery programs.

The metabolic pathways of amino acids play a crucial role in the organoleptic and hygienic quality in wines. In particular, histidine is one of the most studied amino acids of wines due to histamine toxicity in humans, a biogenic amine derived from histidine by enzymatic decarboxylation. The development of new tools to increase knowledge on metabolism that produces histamine in wine is critical. This study investigated by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy the transformation of histidine into histaminol and histamine during alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. The transformations of histidine into histaminol during alcoholic fermentation and into histamine during malolactic fermentation were observed. This paper highlights the importance of selecting lactic acid bacteria for malolactic fermentation to avoid the production of biogenic amines such as histamine.

Resumen El Arroyo Caañabe, es un curso de agua que corre a través de los Departamentos Central y Paraguarí (República del Paraguay). Las descargas de origen agropecuario, urbano e industrial contaminan sus aguas. En este trabajo se evalúa la calidad del arroyo mediante sus características fisicoquímicas, ecotoxicológicas, microbiológicas y se la comparan con la legislación vigente. Se colectaron muestras en los meses de Julio y Setiembre del año 2014. Se estudiaron tres sitios denominados S1, ubicado en aguas arriba de la Ciudad de Carapegua; S2 en la intersección del arroyo con la Ruta 1, y S3, en la zona límite de las ciudades de Carapegua y Nueva Italia. Se realizaron ensayos de toxicidad aguda con Daphnia magna, Lactuca sativa, y alevines de Danio rerio; además de ensayos crónicos en Tetradesmus wisconsinenesis, D. rerio y Allium cepa. Se evaluaron los grupos y especies microbianos siguientes: aerobios mesófilos, enterobacterias, coliformes totales, coliformes fecales, E. coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa, mohos y levaduras; además se determinaron índices de calidad y de contaminación. Los resultados indican que las aguas del arroyo presentaron características de clase II y de clase III según el padrón establecido por la Secretaría del Ambiente del Paraguay. El índice de calidad de agua (ICA) arrojó valores comprendidos entre 52 y 62 lo que otorga la clasificación de "regular"; mientras que el índice de contaminación trófica (ICOTRO) presentó valores entre 0,12 y 0.26, indicando "eutrofización". Los recuentos de coliformes fueron superiores en el segundo muestreo, aunque dentro lo establecido por la norma. La presencia de P. aeruginosa en los tres puntos constituye un riesgo para la salud. Ensayos ecotoxicológicos agudos mostraron que las aguas presentan escasos efectos letales, no obstante los ensayos crónicos en A. cepa y el test de micronúcleos en D. rerio indican potenciales efectos citotóxicos y genotóxicos de las aguas del Arroyo Caañabe. Resumo O "Arroyo de Caañabe" é um riacho que atravessa os departamentos Central e Paraguari (Paraguai) e sofre contaminação proveniente do desague de restos de origem agropecuária, urbana e industrial. A qualidade de suas águas com base nas características físico-químicas, ecotoxicológicas, microbiológicas foi avaliada levando-se em consideração a legislação vigente. Foram coletadas amostras nos meses de julho e setembro de 2014 de três pontos ao redor da cidade de Carapeguá. Foram realizados ensaios de toxicidade aguda com Daphnia magna, Lactuca sativa e alevinos de Danio rerio, assim como ensaios crônicos com Tetradesmus wisconsinenesis, D. rerio y Allium cepa. Foram analisados os seguintes microrganismos: aeróbios mesófilos, enterobacterias, coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes, E. coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa, fungos leveduriformes e filamentosos; além da determinação dos índices de qualidade e de contaminação. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as águas apresentam características de classe II e classe III segundo o padrão estabelecido pela Secretaria do Ambiente do Paraguai. O índice de qualidade de água (ICA) ficou entre 52 e 62, classificado, portanto como "regular", enquanto o índice de contaminação trófica (ICOTRO) ficou entre 0,12 e 0,26, indicando eutrofização. A quantificação de coliformes foi superior na segunda coleta, porém ainda dentro da norma. A presença de P. aeruginosa nos três pontos de amostragem representa risco à saúde. Os ensaios ecotoxicológicos agudos demonstraram que as águas do riacho Caañabe apresentam efeitos letais escassos, entretanto, os ensaios crônicos com A. cepa e o teste de micronúcleos em D. rerio indicaram que essas águas apresentam potencialmente efeitos citotóxicos e genotóxicos. Abstract The Caañabe stream is a watercourse that runs between the Departments Central and Paraguarí (Republic of Paraguay). Discharges of agricultural origin, urban and industrial pollute its waters. In this work the quality of the stream was assessed by its physicochemical characteristics, ecotoxicological, microbiological and compared with the current legislation. Samples were collected in July and September of 2014 from three study sites: S1, situated upstream from the city of Carapegua; S2, situated at the intersection of the stream and Route 1; and S3, situated at the border area between the cities of Carapegua and Nueva Italia. Assays were performed for acute toxicity in Daphnia magna, Lactuca sativa and fingerlings of Danio rerio, as well as assays for chronic toxicity in Tetradesmus wisconsinenesis, D. rerio and Allium cepa. The following microbial groups and species were determined: aerobic mesophilic bacteria, enterobacteria, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa, molds and yeasts; and the quality and contamination indices were determined. The results indicate that the waters of the stream presented Class II and Class III features according to the standards set by the Secretariat of the Environment in Paraguay. The water quality index (ICA by its Spanish acronym) gave values between 52 and 62, which allows the classification of "regular"; while the trophic contamination index (ICOTRO by its Spanish acronym) presented values between 0.12 and 0.26, indicating "eutrophication". The coliform recount was higher in the second sampling, although within the limits established by the standards. The presence of P. aeruginosa at the three points represents a health risk. Ecotoxicological assays showed that the waters produced few lethal effects; however, the chronic assays in A. cepa and the micronucleus test in D. rerio indicate potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects.

The study of resilience continues to command wide-ranging interest, despite its long history. However, there is no universally accepted definition of resilience, despite its undoubted importance in the field of health. In this context, attention is being paid to the role played by resilience in the adaptation to physical diseases, including chronic pain. The few studies on this topic show resilience as a relevant variable in adjustment to chronic pain. Nevertheless, definitive conclusions cannot be formed due to differences in the conceptualization and measurement of this variable across different studies. Thus, further research in this area is needed.

Nine experienced rock climbers (mean climbing ability of 8a+/b) were randomly assigned to Group A (n = 5) and Group B (n = 4). Both groups trained dead hanging using two different methods. One method consisted of using the minimum edge depth (MED) they could hold the weight of their body; the other consisted of using a bigger edge (18 mm) with maximum added weight (MAW). Group A performed MED from Weeks 1 to 4, and then performed MAW the following 4 weeks (termed as MED–MAW group); Group B performed MAW from Weeks 1 to 4 and then performed MED the following 4 weeks (termed as MAW–MED group). Maximum grip strength and endurance tests were conducted initially (ST1; ET1), following 4 weeks (ST2; ET2), 8 weeks (ST3; ET3), 2 weeks (ST4; ET4) and 4 weeks (ST5; ET5) completion of training to determine the effects of detraining. The 9.6% improvement in grip strength (p>0.05) in MAW–MED group in ST2 and 6.9% in ST4 was greater than in MED–MAW group. In terms of grip endurance, MAW–MED group in ET2 (16.69%) and in ...

El estudio de la resiliencia ha adquirido un marcado protagonismo en la actualidad, aun tratándose de un ámbito con una larga trayectoria. Sin embargo, no existe una definición unánimemente aceptada sobre la misma, a pesar de su indudable relevancia en el campo de la salud. En este marco, se está comenzando a prestar atención al papel que la resiliencia desempeña en la adaptación a la patología física, como la representada por el dolor crónico. Los escasos estudios efectuados hasta ahora en este contexto la muestran como una variable ciertamente relevante en la adaptación al dolor crónico. Sin embargo, las diferencias en la conceptuación y medición de la misma no permiten extraer conclusiones definitivas, lo que hace necesario seguir realizando investigaciones en esta área.

The eukaryotic recombinases RAD51 and DMC1 are essential for DNA strand-exchange between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. RAD51 is also expressed during mitosis, and mediates homologous recombination (HR) between sister chromatids. It has been suggested that DMC1 might be involved in the switch from intersister chromatid recombination in somatic cells to interhomolog meiotic recombination. At meiosis, the Arabidopsis Atrad51 null mutant fails to synapse and has extensive chromosome fragmentation. The Atdmc1 null mutant is also asynaptic, but in this case chromosome fragmentation is absent. Thus in plants, AtDMC1 appears to be indispensable for interhomolog homologous recombination, whereas AtRAD51 seems to be more involved in intersister recombination. In this work, we have studied a new AtRAD51 knock-down mutant, Atrad51-2, which expresses only a small quantity of RAD51 protein. Atrad51-2 mutant plants are sterile and hypersensitive to DNA double-strand break induction, but their vegetative development is apparently normal. The meiotic phenotype of the mutant consists of partial synapsis, an elevated frequency of univalents, a low incidence of chromosome fragmentation and multivalent chromosome associations. Surprisingly, non-homologous chromosomes are involved in 51% of bivalents. The depletion of AtDMC1 in the Atrad51-2 background results in the loss of bivalents and in an increase of chromosome fragmentation. Our results suggest that a critical level of AtRAD51 is required to ensure the fidelity of HR during interchromosomal exchanges. Assuming the existence of asymmetrical DNA strand invasion during the initial steps of recombination, we have developed a working model in which the initial step of strand invasion is mediated by AtDMC1, with AtRAD51 required to check the fidelity of this process.

Information concerning natural variation either in chiasma frequency or in the genetic basis of any such variation is a valuable tool to characterize phenotypic traits and their genetic control. Here meiotic recombination frequencies are analysed in nine geographically and ecologically diverse accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana, and a comparative study was carried out incorporating previous data from another eight accessions. Chiasma frequencies, estimated by counting rod and ring bivalents at metaphase I, varied up to 22% among accessions. However, no differences were found among plants of the same accession. There was a relationship, which does not necessarily imply direct proportionality, between the size of the chromosomes and their mean chiasma frequency. Chiasma frequency and distribution between arms and among chromosomes were not consistent over accessions. These findings indicate the existence of genetic factors controlling meiotic recombination both throughout the whole genome and at the whole chromosome level. The reliability of chiasma scoring as an indicator of reciprocal recombination events is also discussed.

Liver dysfunction is frequent before allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). However, its characteristics and impact on transplantation outcomes are uncertain, especially in the reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) setting. We analyzed 455 patients receiving an allo-SCT in 3 Spanish centers. Pretransplantation aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), total bilirubin, and international normalized ratio were analyzed. Pretransplantation liver function test abnormalities were found in 94 (22%) patients. The most frequent cause of pretransplantation liver dysfunction was isolated elevation of GGT/AP (n = 49, 53%). Patients with high bilirubin levels before allo-SCT showed higher 4-year nonrelapse mortality (4y-NRM) (hazard ratio [HR] 2 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.8] P = .02) and patients with high GGT levels showed higher 100-day NRM and lower 4-year overall survival (OS) (HR 3.4 [95% CI 1.8-6.7] P

Introduction: the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the modern society brings a high prescription of platelet antiaggregation and anticoagulant medications. These treatments have been related to an increased incidence of upper gastrointestinal bleedings (UGB). Our aim was to estimate the fraction of UGB's presented to our hospital that was related to this kind of treatments and describe their clinical features in our environment. Material and methods: a retrospective search was performed in the archives of our hospital of all the patients with diagnosis of UGB admitted during the period 2004-2007 both years inclusive. Patients on antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant treatment were included. We analyzed the information regarding the use of medication, the bleeding lesion, the severity of the bleeding, recurrences, mortality and their clinical features. Results: we found 523 episodes of UGB. Of these 137 (26.1%) were patients receiving platelet antiaggregation or anticoagulant drugs. The patients were male 60.2%, and had a mean age of 75.6 (± 10.8) years. The 65.5% (74) had HBP, 43.4% (49) diabetes mellitus and 37.2% (42) dislypemia and 13.3% (22) dementia. The drug most frequently implicated was ASA in 36.3% (41), followed by acenocumarol in 27.4% (31), clopidogrel 18.6% (21), double therapy (ASA + clopidogrel) in 6.2% (7), triple therapy (ASA + clopidogrel + acenocumarol) in 0.9% (1), triflusal 4.4% (5), low molecular weight heparin 5.3% (5), and ticlopidine in one patient (0.9%). Only 36.3% (41) were on treatment with proton pump inhibitors. There were 24 recurrences and 4 deaths. Conclusions: the 26.1% of the UGB attended in our environment were of iatrogenic origin. We also found a low use of proton pump inhibitors.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an inherited disorder characterized by axonopathy and demyelination in the central nervous system and adrenal insufficiency. Main X-ALD phenotypes are: (i) an adult adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) with axonopathy in spinal cords, (ii) cerebral AMN with brain demyelination (cAMN) and (iii) a childhood variant, cALD, characterized by severe cerebral demyelination. Loss of function of the ABCD1 peroxisomal fatty acid transporter and subsequent accumulation of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are the common culprits to all forms of X-ALD, an aberrant microglial activation accounts for the cerebral forms, whereas inflammation allegedly plays no role in AMN. How VLCFA accumulation leads to neurodegeneration and what factors account for the dissimilar clinical outcomes and prognosis of X-ALD variants remain elusive. To gain insights into these questions, we undertook a transcriptomic approach followed by a functional-enrichment analysis in spinal cords of the animal model of AMN, the Abcd1(-) null mice, and in normal-appearing white matter of cAMN and cALD patients. We report that the mouse model shares with cAMN and cALD a common signature comprising dysregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, adipocytokine and insulin signaling pathways, and protein synthesis. Functional validation by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blots and assays in spinal cord organotypic cultures confirmed the interplay of these pathways through IkB kinase, being VLCFA in excess a causal, upstream trigger promoting the altered signature. We conclude that X-ALD is, in all its variants, a metabolic/inflammatory syndrome, which may offer new targets in X-ALD therapeutics.

As a precursor of the neurotoxic amyloid-β peptide, APP plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease. We have recently reported that the tumor suppressor p53 inhibits APP gene transcription through the same DNA sequences that mediate an inhibitory effect of thyroid hormones. Now, we have analyzed whether the thyroid hormone T3 can modulate the effects of p53 on APP expression. Exposition to UVC radiation leads to a marked decrease of intracellular APP levels that is paradoxically reversed by T3. Repression by UVC and reversion by the hormone are not observed in cells depleted of p53, demonstrating a p53-dependent mechanism. These results suggest the existence of a cross-talk between p53 and T3 that could play an important role in Alzheimer´s disease.

In this study, we focused our attention on monitoring the levels of important metabolites of wine during the alcoholic and malolactic fermentation processes by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR). Therefore, using (1)H NMR, the method allows the simultaneous quantification of ethanol, acetic, malic, lactic, and succinic acids, and the amino acids proline and alanine, besides the ratio proline/arginine through fermentation of must of grapes corresponding to the Tempranillo variety. Each (1)H NMR spectrum gives direct and visual information concerning these metabolites, and the effectiveness of each process was assessed and compared by carrying out analyses using infrared spectroscopy to ethanol and acetic acid. The quantitative data were explained with the aid of chemometric algorithms.

Large-scale variability in copepod abundance, size structure, and ingestion rates on phytoplankton was investigated during the cruise Atlantic Meridional Transect-13. The main aim of the study was to assess the relative importance of small copepods and copepod nauplii in different regions (Temperate N and S, Oligotrophic N and S, Equatorial and Mauritanian upwelling). Samples were fractionated into four size fractions ( 1000 μm). The only factor that significantly affected copepod biomass was chlorophyll concentration, which explained 71% of the variation. The gut fluorescence technique was used to estimate ingestion rates and experiments were performed to obtain naupliar gut evacuation rates. We found a similar relationship between nauplii gut evacuation rates and temperature as that described by Dam and Peterson [1988. The effect of temperature on the gut clearance rate constant of planktonic copepods. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 123, 1–14] for larger copepods. Chlorophyll ingested daily by copepods was higher in regions affected by Mauritanian and Equatorial upwellings and the South Subtropical Convergence. Copepods were found to be major grazers of phytoplankton. Grazing impact upon primary production was more important for upwelling areas, with values higher than 100% of primary production at some stations. Even in oligotrophic gyres, where the relative importance of protists increases, copepods exert substantial feeding impact on their autotrophic prey. In oligotrophic gyres, small copepods and nauplii were relatively more abundant, and accounted for a higher amount of total chlorophyll ingestion than larger ones. Thus, studies with 200 μm mesh nets in oligotrophic areas are seriously underestimating nauplii and copepod abundance and grazing impact on phytoplankton.

The oenological practice of systematic inoculation with active dried yeasts is commonly used by many wineries around the world. However, the use of these yeasts is not free from controversy, since this practice has occasionally been described as having a negative effect on the biodiversity of natural yeast present in the wineries. The purpose of this study is to analyse the presence of commercial yeasts used as inocula in the ecosystem of three D.O.Ca. (“Qualified” Designation of Origin) Rioja wineries. It studies the permanence of these yeasts in winery equipment and their participation in spontaneous fermentations where they have not been used for inoculation. The results indicate that the presence of the active dry yeasts used in the wineries was scarce or non-existent, both in the ecosystem of each winery and in the spontaneous fermentations where they had not been added. So, repeated inoculation with active dry yeasts allowed a high presence and development of autochthonous (Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces) yeasts, both in equipment and in the spontaneous fermentations carried out.