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Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed to characterize and evaluate patterns of genetic diversity and structure in the endangered Mediterranean shrub Ziziphus lotus (Rhamnaceae). Methods and Results: Twenty microsatellite primers were developed for Z. lotus, of which 14 were polymorphic. We evaluated microsatellite polymorphism in 97 specimens from 18 Spanish and seven Moroccan populations. Between two and eight alleles were found per locus, and the average number of alleles was 5.54. Observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.08 to 0.90 and from 0.08 to 0.82, respectively. Nine of these primers also amplified microsatellite loci in Z. jujuba. Conclusions: The microsatellite markers described here will be useful in studies on genetic variation, population genetic structure, and gene flow in the fragmented habitat of this species. These markers are a valuable resource for designing appropriate conservation measures for the species in the Mediterranean range.

The advantages of transdiagnostic protocols for emotional disorders (ED) (anxiety and depression) include the ability to treat multiple psychological disorders using the same treatment protocol, and the capacity to better address comorbidity. Comorbidity in ED has been associated with higher rates of severity, functional impairment, and chronicity. However, no attempts have been made in the literature to systematically review whether these studies include assessments to evaluate the treatment response in comorbid diagnoses, in addition to the principal diagnosis. Moreover, transdiagnostic treatments have been developed for a range of ED, but to date no study has analyzed the real distribution of diagnoses in these studies. The current study aimed to analyze: a) whether treatment response in comorbidity is evaluated in transdiagnostic treatments for ED; b) what diagnoses are targeted in transdiagnostic treatments for ED; and c) the real distribution of the diagnoses at baseline in these studies. A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Fifty-two randomized controlled trials were identified, with a total of 7007 adult participants. The results showed that, although most of the studies reported data on comorbidity at baseline, only 40% of them examined the effects of the intervention on the comorbid disorders. The most commonly targeted diagnoses in transdiagnostic protocols were panic/agoraphobia, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. Other disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and anxiety/ depression not otherwise specified, were marginally included in these studies. Regarding the distribution of diagnoses at baseline, generalized anxiety, panic/agoraphobia, social anxiety, and depression were the most frequently observed, whereas depression not otherwise specified was the least represented. The results highlight the importance of assessing comorbidity in addition to the principal diagnoses in transdiagnostic treatments, in order to draw conclusions about the true potential of these interventions to improve comorbid symptoms. Implications of the current study and directions for future research are discussed.

Observations on cultured Acanthamoeba royreba trophozoites and in vitro cytopathogenicity of this amoeba are described. In culture, amoebae were active, pleomorphic and moved on the substrate by producing endocytic structures and emitting slight cytoplasmic microprojections from the cell surface. These projections were formed by hyaline cytoplasm and they were related to motion structures such as acanthopodia and lamellipodia, in which actin provides a framework that allows rapid changes in morphology. In the cytoplasm abundant vacuoles of different size and content were seen. By means of electron microscopy, it was possible to observe the compact fibrogranular appearance of the cytoplasm, along with the main cellular organelles such as the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, digestive vacuoles, mitochondria and contractile vacuoles. Incubation of MDCK epithelial cell monolayers with conditioned medium did not produce a significant structural damage to the monolayer, even after 24h of incubation. When the trophozoites were incubated with the target cells the monolayer exhibited a clear injury created by the amoebae, which produced focal damage. Nevertheless, the rest of the monolayer appeared to remain intact, suggesting that a contact-dependent interaction is necessary to damage the target cells. These observations demonstrate the low invasive capacity of this amoeba.

The leaching of a high-burn-up spent nuclear fuel (48 MWd/KgU) has been studied in a carbonate-containing solution and under oxic conditions using a Continuously Stirred Tank Flow-Through Reactor (CSTR). Two samples of the fuel, one prepared from the centre of the pellet (labelled CORE) and another one from the fuel pellet periphery, enriched with the so-called High Burn-Up Structure (HBS, labelled OUT) have been used. For uranium and actinides, the results showed that U, Np, Am and Cm gave very similar normalized dissolution rates, while Pu showed slower dissolution rates for both samples. In addition, dissolution rates were consistently two to four times lower for OUT sample compared to CORE sample. Considering the fission products release the main results are that Y, Tc, La and Nd dissolved very similar to uranium; while Cs, Sr, Mo and Rb have up to 10 times higher dissolution rates. Rh, Ru and Zr seemed to have lower dissolution rates than uranium. The lowest dissolution rates were found for OUT sample. Three different contributions were detected on uranium release, modelled and attributed to oxidation layer, fines and matrix release.

El propósito fundamental del presente trabajo fue identificar la frecuencia de pacientes atendidos en el servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital General de Zona No. 1 IMSS-Colima que habiendo utilizado el preservativo en todas sus coitos estuvieran infectados con VIH/sida descartando otra vía de transmisión; considerando su edad, sexo, estado civil, lugar de residencia, número de parejas sexuales y preferencia sexual. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar la frecuencia de pacientes infectados por VIH/sida en usuarios de preservativo. Es un estudio descriptivo transversal. Se estudió una muestra de 61 pacientes VIH/sida, durante los meses agosto-octubre, que acudieron a sus citas de control al servicio de medicina interna del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social de la ciudad de Colima a quienes se les invitó a participar garantizándoles el anonimato, se obtuvieron medidas de tendencia central. De los 61 pacientes con VIH/sida descartando otra vía de transmisión, 12 (20 %) refirieron haber utilizado en todas sus coitos el preservativo, de los cuales 3 (25 %) eran mujeres y 9 (75 %) hombres. El rango de 20 a 39 años de edad y los solteros fueron los más afectados. Número de parejas sexuales: 8 (67 %) varias parejas y 4 (33 %) una pareja. Preferencia sexual: 3 (25 %) heterosexuales, 7 (58 %) homosexuales y 2 (17 %) bisexuales. Se concluye que el preservativo no es del todo efectivo, para la protección de enfermedades de transmisión sexual como el VIH/SIDA.The primary purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of patients treated at the Internal Medicine Service of General Hospital Zone No. 1 IMSS, Colima having used preservative in all sexual intercourse were infected with HIV / AIDS discarding other means of transmission, considering his age, sex, marital status, place of residence, number of sexual partners and sexual preference. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of patients infected with HIV / AIDS in preservative users. It is a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 61 patients with HIV / AIDS during the months from August to October, which came to control appointments to the service of internal medicine of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social in Colima city who were invited to participate by guaranteeing anonymity, we obtained measures of central tendency. Of the 61 patients with HIV / AIDS discarding other means of transmission, 12 (20%) reported having used preservatives all their intercourse, of whom 3 (25%) were female and 9 (75%) men. The range of 20 to 39 years old and single were the most affected. Number of partners: 8 (67%) several partners, and 4 (33%) one partner. Sexual Preference: 3 (25%) heterosexual, 7 (58%) homosexual and 2 (17%) bisexual. We conclude that the preservative is not fully effective for the protection of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Summary Although tight junctions (TJ) have been extensively studied in simple epithelial cells, it is still unknown whether their organization is coupled to cell differentiation in stratified epithelia. We studied the expression of TJ in RCE1(5T5) cells, an in vitro model which mimics the sequential steps of rabbit corneal epithelial differentiation. RCE1(5T5) cells expressed TJ components which were assembled once cells constituted differentiated epithelia, as suggested by the increase of transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) which followed a similar kinetic to the expression of the early differentiation marker Pax-6. TJ were functional as indicated by the establishment of an epithelial barrier nonpermeable to ruthenium red or a biotin tracer. In immunostaining experiments, TJ were located at the superficial cells from the suprabasal layers; Western blot and RT-PCR suggested that TJ were composed of claudins (cldn) -1, -2, -4, cingulin (cgn), occludin (ocln) and ZO-1. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and TER measurements showed that TJ became organized when cells began to form a 3–5 layers stratified epithelium; TER increased once cells reached confluence, with a time course comparable to the raise in the expression of cgn, cldn-2 and -4. Nevertheless, cldn-1, -2, ZO-1 and ocln were present in the cells from the beginning of cultivation, suggesting that TER increases mainly depend on TJ assembly. While EGF increased epithelial barrier strength, retinoic acid disrupted it, increasing paracellular flux about 2-fold; this effect was concentration dependent and completely reversible. Our results suggest that TJ assembly is tightly linked to the expression of corneal epithelial terminal phenotype.

BackgroundShiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) is one of the most common and widely distributed foodborne pathogens that has been frequently implicated in gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections. Moreover, high rates of multiple antibiotic-resistantE. colistrains have been reported worldwide. Due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, bacteriophages are considered an attractive alternative to biocontrol pathogenic bacteria. Characterization is a preliminary step towards designing a phage for biocontrol.MethodsIn this study, we describe the characterization of a bacteriophage designated phiC119, which can infect and lyse several multidrug-resistant STEC strains and someSalmonellastrains. The phage genome was screened to detect thestx-genes using PCR, morphological analysis, host range was determined, and genome sequencing were carried out, as well as an analysis of the cohesive ends and identification of the type of genetic material through enzymatic digestion of the genome.ResultsAnalysis of the bacteriophage particles by transmission electron microscopy showed that it had an icosahedral head and a long tail, characteristic of the familySiphoviridae. The phage exhibits broad host range against multidrug-resistant and highly virulentE. coliisolates. One-step growth experiments revealed that the phiC119 phage presented a large burst size (210 PFU/cell) and a latent period of 20 min. Based on genomic analysis, the phage contains a linear double-stranded DNA genome with a size of 47,319 bp. The phage encodes 75 putative proteins, but lysogeny and virulence genes were not found in the phiC119 genome.ConclusionThese results suggest that phage phiC119 may be a good biological control agent. However, further studies are required to ensure its control of STEC and to confirm the safety of phage use.

Samples of non-mature and añejo (matured) tequila of the same brand/provenance were analysed using GC–MS and gas chromatography olfactometry (GC-O)/aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) to provide quantitative data on the most odour active compounds that contribute to the aroma of these spirits. Extracts of non-mature tequila were characterized by 26 odour-active regions, which included ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, 2-phenylethyl acetate, β-damascenone, isoamyl alcohol and octanoic acid as the most odour-active compounds (flavour dilution, FD, factor ≥ 6561). In contrast, extracts of the mature spirit showed 36 odour-active zones, where the compounds with the highest FD factors (6561) were ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, 2-phenylethyl acetate, isoamyl alcohol, phenethyl alcohol, guaiacol, 4-ethyl guaiacol, vanillin, cis/trans whisky lactones, β-damascenone and octanoic acid. The aromagram of mature tequila was thus differentiated from that of the non-mature spirit owing to the presence of cask-extractive compounds and the increased FD factors of certain terpenes, higher alcohols and acetals. This study provides a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of changes in key odourants of tequila as a result of the maturation process and also reveals a further characterization of the likely impact of each compound on overall spirit flavour, in terms of odour activity values.

Bacterial strains used in the host range spectrum of the bacteriophage phiE142. Phage was assessed for host range by spot testing. (+) indicate positive sensitivity to phage lysis, and (-) indicate negative sensitivity to phage lysis. (DOCX 41 kb)

Predicted open reading frames (ORFs) of phiE142 and predicted database matches (DOCX 60 kb)

Introducción: En los últimos años ha habido un interés creciente en abordar el trata-miento de los trastornos emocionales (te) desde una perspectiva transdiagnóstica. Los protocolos transdiagnósticos enfatizan los procesos esenciales subyacentes a los distintos te, son adecuados para el tratamiento de distintos trastornos psicológicos y permiten un abordaje más adecuado de la comorbilidad entre este tipo de trastornos. Por otra parte, el uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (tic) puede ayudar a que los tratamientos psicológicos lleguen a un mayor número de personas, contribuyendo de esta manera a mejorar su eficiencia. La mayoría de tra-bajos sobre protocolos de tratamiento online se centran en el estudio de su eficacia, sin embargo es importante también estudiar la aceptabilidad de este tipo de interven-ciones. Nuestro grupo de investigación ha desarrollado un protocolo de tratamiento transdiagnóstico para los te, y lo ha adaptado para que pueda ser aplicado a través de Internet. En este trabajo se describe este protocolo y se presentan datos prelimi-nares sobre su aceptabilidad. metodología: 12 participantes (edad media = 28,58, d. t. = 5,35) de una muestra clínica con un diagnóstico de te que recibieron un pro-tocolo de tratamiento transdiagnóstico combinado (terapia presencial + protocolo de tratamiento online). Se obtuvieron datos acerca de las expectativas y opinión de los participantes evaluadas con la escala de expectativas sobre el tratamiento y la esca-la de opinión sobre el tratamiento. resultados: Las puntuaciones obtenidas fueron elevadas en ambas variables relacionadas con la aceptación (expectativas y opi-nión). discusión: El estudio de la aceptabilidad por parte de los pacientes hacia estos programas es importante, ya que puede influir en la decisión acerca de iniciar y/o seguir este tipo de tratamientos. Contar con esta información puede ayudarnos en el desarrollo y mejora de los tratamientos psicológicos autoaplicados a través de Internet. Introduction: In recent years there has been great interest in addressing the treatment of ed from a transdiagnostic perspective. Transdiagnostic treatment protocols empha-size the essential underlying processes that are common to ed and are conceived of for the treatment of several mental disorders. Also, comorbidity among these disorders can be more adequately addressed from this perspective. In addition, Information and Communication Technologies (icts) can facilitate access by people for whom traditional therapy is not available thereby contributing to an improvement in its cost-effectiveness. Most of the articles about online treatment protocols are efficacy studies, nevertheless it is also important to analyze the acceptability of these types of interventions. Our re-search group has developed a transdiagnostic treatment protocol for the treatment of ed that has been adapted to be applied online over the Internet. The aim of this article is to describe the treatment protocol and to present data about its acceptability. me-thodology: 12 participants (mean age = 28.58, d. t. = 5.35) from a clinical sample with a diagnosis of ed which received a blended transdiagnostic protocol treatment (face-to-face therapy plus online treatment protocol). Scores of expectancies and opinion of treatment were assessed with the Expectancies Treatment Scale and the Opinion Treatment Scale. results: High scores in both variables related to acceptability (expec-tations and opinion of treatment) were obtained. discussion: The study of the accep-tability towards this kind of programs is important, since it may influence the participant’s decision to initiate and/or follow this kind of treatments. Counting on this information can help us in the development and improvement of Internet-based treatment proto-cols.

RESUMEN: El periodo postparto está marcado por emociones, cambios físicos y relacionales, y necesidad de adaptación y modificación de roles, siendo la sexualidad uno de los aspectos más vulnerables, pues experimenta importantes cambios que pueden llegar incluso a alterar la calidad de las relaciones de pareja. La investigación cuantitativa sobre sexualidad femenina en el postparto es muy prolífera, pero se centra principalmente en disfunciones y patologías, y factores relacionados; sin embargo, la investigación cualitativa es escasa, apreciándose una laguna de conocimiento acerca de cómo las mujeres viven su sexualidad, desde su propio punto de vista, tras el nacimiento de un hijo. El principal objetivo de este trabajo es explorar la vivencia de las mujeres, en relación a su sexualidad, durante el postparto, así como su relación con la salud y/o bienestar; por ello, se ha decidido llevar a cabo un trabajo desde el paradigma cualitativo, por ser la metodología propicia para explorar y profundizar en los fenómenos desde el punto de vista y las propias experiencias de los individuos. El presente estudio se basa en la teoría fundamentada, como método propicio para generar conocimiento, que permita establecer relaciones entre los conceptos emergentes y así poder dar una perspectiva y explicación de la sexualidad de las mujeres durante el postparto. Las participantes en el estudio serán mujeres adscritas al Área Sanitaria III del SESPA, que se encuentren entre la octava y decimosegunda semana postparto, que serán captadas por la matrona de atención primaria durante la visita postparto. Se llevará a cabo inicialmente un muestreo intencional, para dar paso a un muestreo teórico característico de la teoría fundamentada, a través de una definición previa de la muestra emergente de la revisión de la literatura. La recogida de datos se realizará a través de entrevistas en profundidad individuales, semiestructuraras, de forma paralela al análisis de los datos, finalizando cuando se alcance la saturación teórica. El análisis de datos se realizará mediante un proceso de comparación constante, codificación de datos, reducción de códigos y desarrollo de categorías, conexión de categorías y descubrimiento de la categoría principal. Para el control del rigor y calidad de la investigación se llevará a cabo un proceso de verificación por participantes y triangulación de investigadores; así mismo, se seguirán los criterios de calidad definidos por Carlos Calderón, y se tendrá en cuenta la propuesta. ABSTRACT: The postpartum period is marked by emotions, physical and relational changes, a need of adaptation and a modification of roles, being the sexuality one of the most vulnerable aspects because it experiments important changes that can also modify the quality of the relationship. The quantitative research about the female sexuality during this period is very abundant but is basically concentrated in dysfuctions and pathologies and other related factors; nevertheless, the qualitative research is limited having an important knowledge gap about the way of how women live their sexuality after giving birth. The major aim of this study is to explore how females live their sexuality during postpartum period as well as the relation with their health and/or well-being; therefore, it has been decided to carry the study from the qualitative paradigm, being the best method to explore and going into detail on the phenomenoms from the point of view and experience of every single member. The present work is based on the grounded theory as the best methodology to create knowledge that allows to established relations between the emergents notions and give a perspective and an explanation of the female sexuality during this period. The participants will be women assigned to the III Area de Salud of Sespa, between their 8th and 12th week after having a child and they will be gained by the primary care midwife during the postpartum visit. It will be carried an initial purposive sampling to give way to a theorical sampling from the grounded theory through a previous definition of the emergent sampling from the review of the literature. The data collection will take place through depthly indivual interviews concurrently to the data analyse finishing once the theorical saturation is reached. The test results will be carry out by a constant process of comparison, data code, norms reduction and development of categories, categories conexion and principal category discover. To keep an eye on the research exactitude and quality, it will be established a verification process by participants and researchers triangulation; likewise, the quality guideline determined by Carlos Calderon and the EPICURE proposal, COREQ and CASPe guides will be followed. Máster en Investigación en Cuidados de Salud

Tesis (Tecnólogo Médico, mención en Imagenología y Física Médica) La braquiterapia intersticial de alta tasa de dosis (HDR por sus siglas en inglés) consiste en la inserción de agujas huecas por las cuales pasarán fuentes radioactivas selladas en el interior de los tejidos afectados. En el caso del tratamiento de cáncer de próstata estas agujas son colocadas vía transperineal para alcanzar la próstata. Las imágenes obtenidas por ultrasonido nos permiten visualizar la próstata en planos axiales y parasagitales en tiempo real. Estos sirven de guía para la aplicación de las agujas y además como herramienta de planificación dosimétrica. Debido a la complejidad del tratamiento, la guía mediante ultrasonido requiere de gran precisión y exactitud. Esto significa que se debe asegurar que la calidad de imagen permanezca estable en el tiempo. El objetivo del proyecto fue la construcción de un fantoma con materiales accesibles que nos permitieron realizar pruebas de control de calidad al sistema de ultrasonido utilizado como guía en braquiterapia intersticial prostática, basándose en el reporte 128 de la American Association of Physicistsin Medicine (AAPM) “Quality assurance tests for prostate brachytherapy ultrasound systems”. Los materiales seleccionados permitieron la validación del control de calidad del equipo, además fueron prácticos para determinar cómo se visualizan con ultrasonido y definir una posible disposición espacial de los elementos dentro del fantoma que podrán utilizarse a futuro para una confección más elaborada.

Two weak points in Performance Assessment (PA) exercises regarding the alteration of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) are the contribution of the so-called Instant Release Fraction (IRF) and the effect of High Burn-Up Structure (HBS). This manuscript focuses on the effect of HBS in matrix (long term) and instant release of a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) SNF irradiated in a commercial reactor with a mean Burn-Up (BU) of 60 GWd/tU. In order to study the HBS contribution, two samples from different radial positions have been prepared. One from the centre of the SNF, labelled CORE, and one from the periphery, enriched with HBS and labelled OUT. Static leaching experiments have been carried out with two synthetic leaching solutions: bicarbonate (BIC) and Bentonitic Granitic Groundwater (BGW), and in all cases under oxidising conditions. IRF values have been calculated from the determined Fraction of Inventory in Aqueous Phase (FIAP). In all studied cases, some radionuclides (RN): Rb, Sr and Cs, have shown higher release rates than uranium, especially at the beginning of the experiment, and have been considered as IRF. Redox sensitive RN like Mo and Tc have been found to dissolve slightly faster than uranium and further studies might be needed to confirm if they can also be considered part of the IRF. Most of the remaining studied RN, mainly actinides and lanthanides, have been found to dissolve congruently with the uranium matrix. Finally, Zr, Ru and Rh presented lower release rates than the matrix. Higher matrix release has been determined for CORE than for OUT samples showing that the formation of HBS might have a protective effect against the oxidative corrosion of the SNF. On the contrary, no significant differences have been observed between the two studied leaching solutions (BIC and BGW). Two different IRF contributions have been determined. One corresponding to the fraction of inventory segregated in the external open grain boundaries, directly available to water and very significant during the first days of the experiment; and a second one corresponding to a less accessible, most probably located at the internal grain boundaries, one order of magnitude lower than the first one at equal given dissolution times but of much longer period of incidence. Unlike matrix release results, higher Cs IRF release was found for OUT than for CORE sample. This effect can be attributed to thermal migration of Cs to the periphery of the fuel during irradiation. In the case of Rb no clear differences were observed between CORE and OUT showing equilibrium between the opposing thermal migration and matrix effects. Finally, Sr CORE/OUT release ratio showed similar behaviour to matrix release, thus proving no significant thermal migration during irradiation.

Even though chemical processes related to the corrosion of spent nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository are of complex nature, knowledge on underlying mechanisms has very much improved over the last years. As a major result of numerous studies it turns out that alteration of irradiated fuel is significantly inhibited under the strongly reducing conditions induced by container corrosion and consecutive H2 production. In contrast to earlier results, radiolysis driven fuel corrosion and oxidative dissolution appears to be less relevant for most repository concepts. The protective hydrogen effect on corrosion of irradiated fuel has been evidenced in many experiments. Still, open questions remain related to the exact mechanism and the impact of potentially interfering naturally occurring groundwater trace components. Container corrosion products are known to offer considerable reactive surface area in addition to engineered buffer and backfill material. In combination, waste form, container corrosion products and backfill material represent strong barriers for radionuclide retention and retardation and thus attenuate radionuclide release from the repository near-field.

Sleep clearly influences learning and memory since sleep deprivation and stress impairs both cognitive processes. Working memory is an essential cognitive process and refers to a short-term holding of incoming information required to update the long-term mnemonic storage and to manipulate new elements in order to solve problems and make decisions. Nevertheless, the influence of sleep deprivation on working memory has scarcely been studied. In this study we evaluated working memory using the N-back test after increasing periods of wakefulness. Healthy young males were kept awake for 36 hours and the two N-back tasks with low (1-Back) and high (3-Back) levels of complexity were applied every 6 hours. Additionally, salivary cortisol was determined along the study. Unlike the control non-deprived participants, the sleep deprived volunteers showed a significant decrease in their efficiency to solve the 1-Back task after 24 hours of sleep deprivation. However, no differences were observed after 30 and 36 hours of sleep deprivation. Concerning the 3-Back task no differences were observed after sleep deprivation. Regarding reaction time, the deprived group manifested slower responses for the 1-Back task and for the 3-Back task after 30 hours and 36 hours of sleep deprivation, respectively. Cortisol levels presented the normal daily oscillation and no differences were observed between groups. This data suggests that sleep deprivation affects basal states of attention instead of working memory while performing simple tasks. The impact of sleep deprivation on the cognitive performance depends on the moment of day when the task is applied and the complexity of the tests used to assess these mnemonic skills.

Some structural observations on cultured Vahlkampfia sp. trophozoites are reported. Trophozoites are active and pleomorphic, producing large cell protrusions related to locomotion such as lamellipodia, filopodia and endocytic structures formed by hyaline cytoplasm, in which actin provides a framework that allows rapid changes in morphology. As observed by transmission electron microscopy, the cytoplasm is highly granular masking some cell organelles and the major cytoplasmic membrane systems. The structure of cell organelles such as the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and digestive vacuoles is described. A common finding was the presence of 50 nm electron-dense round granules that are not limited by a membrane and that appear scattered in the cytoplasm, and whose function remains unknown. Apparently, the cell reserve material is glycogen, since complete trophozoites were positive to Schiff periodic-acid technique.

Treball Final de Màster Universitari en Psicopatologia, Salut i Neuropsicologia. Codi: SAL132. Curs: 2014/2015 A growing body of research on transdiagnostic cognitive-behavior therapy protocols for emotional disorders (depression and anxiety disorders) has emerged in recent years, showing that these protocols can be as effective as well-established disorder-specific psychotherapy. Negative affect and positive affect are two higher-order dimensions that play an important role in emotional disorders. A common denominator among transdiagnostic treatment protocols for emotional disorders is that they mainly target negative affectivity, but the inclusion in these protocols of treatment components that more directly address the regulation of positive affectivity has not yet received empirical attention. We have developed a transdiagnostic protocol for emotional disorders that incorporates, as an innovative feature, a specific treatment component to more directly up-regulate positive affectivity. The protocol has been developed in both face-to-face and Internet-based formats. In this study, we present data from a clinical sample of eleven patients with different emotional disorders who received this transdiagnostic treatment protocol delivered in a blended format (face-to-face therapy plus online therapy). Results showed that the protocol was effective for the treatment of a variety of emotional disorders, with overall large effect sizes for positive and negative affectivity, and other measures such as depression, anxiety sensitivity, quality of life and two higher-order personality dimensions (neuroticism and extraversion) at post-treatment. Moreover, the treatment gains were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Data on the acceptance of the intervention by participants are also presented. The results obtained in this study suggest the importance of including treatment components to up-regulate positive affectivity, in addition to down-regulating negative affectivity, in current and future research on transdiagnostic treatments for emotional disorders.

The Trichomonas vaginalis 120 kDa protein adhesin (AP120) is induced under iron-rich conditions and has sequence homology with pyruvate : ferredoxin oxidoreductase A (PFO A), a hydrogenosomal enzyme that is absent in humans. This homology raises the possibility that, like AP120, PFO might be localized to the parasite surface and participate in cytoadherence. Here, the cellular localization and function of PFO that was expressed under various iron concentrations was investigated using a polyclonal antibody generated against the 50 kDa recombinant C-terminal region of PFO A (anti-PFO50). In Western blot assays, this antibody recognized a 120 kDa protein band in total protein extracts, and proteins with affinity to the surface of HeLa cells from parasites grown under iron-rich conditions. In addition to localization that is typical of hydrogenosomal proteins, PFOs that were expressed under iron-rich conditions were found to localize at the surface. This localization was demonstrated using immunofluorescence and co-localization assays, as well as immunogold transmission electron microscopy. In addition to describing its enzyme activity, we describe a novel function in trichomonal host interaction for the PFO localized on the parasite surface. The anti-PFO50 antibody reduced the levels of T. vaginalis adherence to HeLa cell monolayers in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, T. vaginalis PFO is an example of a surface-associated cell-binding protein that lacks enzyme activity and that is involved in cytoadherence. Additionally, PFO behaves like AP120 in parasites grown under iron-rich conditions. Therefore, these data suggest that AP120 and PFO A are encoded by the same gene, namely pfo a.

The effect of chloroform extracts from seeds of the papaya plant (Carica papaya) on the spermatic characteristics of dogs was evaluated at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Structural and ultrastructural changes in sperm cells and testicular parenchyma were also evaluated, and possible side effects were noted. Significant reductions in sperm concentration and motility were observed starting from Days 60 and 75, respectively, in all treated groups (P0.05), but no azoospermia was noted. A mild osmotic diarrhea occurred in dogs from Group 3 (150 mg/kg), although blood variables were within the normal range of a clinically healthy dog. Arrested spermatogenesis was observed in the seminiferous tubules of all treated groups, and vacuolization and signs of Sertoli cell degeneration were detected in all treated groups, particularly in Group 3 (150 mg/kg). Selective damage to Sertoli cells induced by the extract occurred in all treated groups independently of the extract concentration. Alteration of the epididymal environment may reduce the motility of sperm cells, considering that their structure was normal. Sperm characteristics in treated animals were considered to be similar to those of sub-fertile dogs. However, these effects may be temporary, and dogs may recover normal sperm characteristics when the extract is withdrawn.

Thyroid hormones play a major role in the maturation process of the brain. Currently, congenital hypothyroidism is detected by mass screening. The impact of this early hormonal deficiency on the organization of the sleep pattern is not known. In this study, the polysomnographic features in children diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism were analyzed. Children were detected by mass population screening and the hormonal replacement therapy starts immediately. Children's age ranged between 1.5 and 18 months of age. The duration of hormonal treatment before sleep recordings varied between 8 days and 17 months. Children were polysomnographically recorded in the morning, for at least 2h, obtaining more than one sleep cycle. Results showed a high prevalence of females (5/1) in the group studied. A high proportion of infants (43%) displayed central apnea in different degrees (mild, moderate and severe) as well as hypopnea (83%), mainly in subjects around 4 and 8 months of age. The proportion of infants displaying central apnea decreases as age increases. In addition, indeterminate (light) sleep increase and quiet (slow wave) sleep decrease significantly regardless of age and treatment. The percentage of REM sleep correlated positively with the age of the child at the beginning of the treatment, and negatively with their age at the time of the study. These data indicate that congenital hypothyroidism facilitates the presence of central sleep apnea. The decrease of these respiratory alterations correlates with the increase of the hormonal replacement therapy. It seems that sleep respiratory alterations in congenital hypothyroidism are linked to brain maturation processes in which thyroid hormones play a major role.

DAPI and Feulgen stains were used as specific DNA markers for studying the mitosis process in Naegleria fowleri. Both DAPI and Feulgen stains reacted with DNA in the nuclei of the amoebae. Representative figures of N. fowleri mitotic nuclei with a defined arrangement according to the phase of the cell cycle were observed. A notable characteristic is that the nucleolus is present throughout the stages of mitosis. During metaphase, several deeply stained DNA condensations following an elongated pattern were observed, corresponding almost certainly to tightly grouped chromosomes. Ultrastructural observations demonstrated that the nucleus divides by cryptomitosis, a process in which the nuclear membrane does not disappear during the mitosis. Centrioles were not found, and a spindle of microtubules was observed running the length of the nucleus from pole to pole however, they did not come to a focal point.

Entamoeba histolytica is a parasitic protozoan that produces dysentery and often reaches the liver, leading to abscess formation. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein that is mainly found in liver and spleen in mammals. The liver contains a plentiful source of iron for amoebae multiplying in that organ, making it a prime target for infection since iron is essential for the growth of this parasite. The aim of this study was to determine whether trophozoites are able to take up ferritin and internalise this protein for their growth in axenic culture. Interaction between the amoebae and ferritin was studied by flow cytometry, confocal laser-scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Amoebae were viable in iron supplied by ferritin. Trophozoites quickly internalised ferritin via clathrin-coated vesicles, a process that was initiated within the first 2 min of incubation. In 30 min, ferritin was found colocalizing with the LAMP-2 protein at vesicles in the cytosol. The uptake of ferritin was time- temperature- and concentration-dependent, specific and saturated at 46 nM of ferritin. Haemoglobin and holo-transferrin did not compete with ferritin for binding to amoebae. Amoebae cleaved ferritin leading to the production of several different sized fragments. Cysteine proteases of 100, 75 and 50 kDa from amoeba extracts were observed in gels copolymerised with ferritin. For a pathogen such as E. histolytica, the capacity to utilise ferritin as an iron source may well explain its high pathogenic potential in the liver.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) has been reputed as a quick, valid, and reliable method to assess Daytime sleepiness (DS). Since its publication, it has been translated into a number of languages. Our aim was to determine valid- ity and reliability indicators of an Spanish language version ESS for Mexican population. Considering that in developing countries the majority of persons use public transportation, validity and reliability indicators were also assessed utilizing the ESS without item 8. ESS was applied to a Group of college students (GCS), a selected group of Healthy subjects (HS), and a Group of patients with Sleep disorders (GPSD). We made an ESS comparison among the 3 groups, calculated the correlation between the ESS and the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) and determined construct validity and internal consistency. GCS and GHS had lower ESS scores than GPSD. Regarding convergence validity, we obtained a negative correlation between the ESS and the MSLT; we also found a rise in the ESS score associated with an increase in the Ap- nea-hypopnea index (AHI). With respect to construct validity (employing main component analysis and varimax rotation), we found that one factor explains 52.01% of variance. We determined that the ESS internal consistency was 0.85. When item eight was suppressed, validity and reliability remained acceptable. The present ESS Spanish-language exhibited suit- able levels of validity and reliability. Use of the ESS, suppressing item eight, allows assessment of DS more accurately in individuals who do not travel by automobile on a regular basis.

In our previous work [S.J. Vlaev, V.M. Gonzalez Robles, Phys. Stat. Sol.(c) 2 (2005) 3653.] we have developed a numerical scheme to calculate the mean lifetimes of virtual energy levels. In the present study, this scheme is applied to the quasi-bound electronic states in rectangular GaAs/AlGaAs quantum barriers. We have considered rectangular barriers of different widths and heights. The numerical calculations of the energy spectrum, the line shape and the mean lifetime are performed in a semi-empirical sp^3s* tight-binding model including the spin. The SGFM method is applied to treat the interface problem [S. Vlaev, V.R. Velasco, F. Garcia-Moliner, Phys. Rev. B 49 (1994) 11222]. We found that the mean lifetime increases significantly for thin barriers reaching values of nanoseconds and even more in some cases. The strong spatial localizations of the quasi-bound states correspond to their strong energy localizations and large mean lifetimes. The relation between the de Broglie wavelength of the barrier material and the barrier width determines the characteristics of the quasi-bound states for electrons and holes. A qualitative interpretation in terms of electron wave diffraction is suggested.

A full quantum-mechanical description of the quasi-bound states in parabolic quantum wells and barriers is presented. The GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures are considered within the framework of the semi-empirical sp^3s^* spin dependent tight-binding model and the surface Green function matching method (SGFM). Series of equidistant energy quasi-bound states are observed in the continuous spectrum and their FWHM and mean life time are calculated. Strong energy and spatial localizations are found in correlation with the large mean life times.