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Polyamines are small organic and basic polycations that perform essential regulatory functions in all living organisms. Fluctuations in polyamine content have been observed to occur during growth, development and under stress conditions, implying that polyamines play pivotal roles in diverse cellular and physiological processes. To achieve polyamine homeostasis, the entire metabolic pathway is subjected to a fine-tuned regulation of its biosynthetic and catabolic genes and enzymes. In this review, we describe and discuss the most important mechanisms implicated in the translational and post-translational regulation of polyamine metabolic enzymes in plants. At the translational level, we emphasize the role of polyamines in the modulation of upstream open reading frame (uORF) activities that control the translation of polyamine biosynthetic and catabolic mRNAs. At the post-translational level, different aspects of the regulation of polyamine metabolic proteins are depicted, such as the proteolytic activation of enzyme precursors, the importance of dimerization in protein stability as well as in protein intracellular localization.

Background Different “ex vivo” studies have shown both a greater platelet activation and higher rates of resistance to clopidogrel in obese patients. Although there is less evidence, less prasugrel activity has also been observed in these patients. Our aim was to study the variability of the response to clopidogrel, ticagrelor and prasugrel in obese patients, defined as a body mass index ≥30. Methods Prospective, multicenter, observational, pharmacodynamic study, conducted in a Spanish population of patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and double anti-aggregation with acetylsalicylic acid and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor. Platelet function tests were performed the morning after the ICP and 30 days after it, including: 1) VerifyNow P2Y12 assay; 2) multiple electrode aggreometry (Multiplate); and 3) VASP analysis. Results Of the total patients included (988), 300 were obese (30.3%). The obese group was younger (62.8±12 years vs 64.9±12), had a higher incidence of arterial hypertension (76.3% vs. 56.7%), diabetes mellitus (35% vs. 27.5%); and lower incidence of chronic kidney disease (7.7% vs. 17%). There were no differences in the acute phase (day 1 after PCI) in the pharmacodynamic response to any of the P2Y12 inhibitors used. After 30 days, greater platelet aggregation (decreased response) was documented in obese patients treated with prasugrel according to VASP tests (PRI in non-obese 23.9±13% vs. 30.4±14.7% in obese, p 0.035) and MEA (area under the aggregation units curve in non-obese 251.7±104.1 vs 320±166.7 in obese, p 0.007) and a numerical trend with VerifyNow. A trend in the same direction was also observed in patients treated with clopidogrel that did not reach statistical significance with all the platelet function tests used. No differences were observed in the ticagrelor group. Conclusion Obese patients with an ACS treated with PCI have a worse response to thienopyridines than non-obese patients in the maintenance phase of antiaggregant treatment, while the response to ticagrelor is not affected by obesity. Completing the clinical follow-up proposed by the registry is necessary to know if these differences have an implication in cardiovascular events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS)

Background Several pharmacodynamic studies have shown the impact of smoking habit on platelet reactivity; with a reduction on platelet aggregation. Wether this inhibition in platelet reactivity is due to tobacco effects in platelet signaling pathways or due to a pharmacodynamic interaction with antiplatelet therapies is not well stablished. Purpose Our aim was to study the influence of smoking habit in platelet reactivity and in the response to P2Y12 inhibitors. Methods Patients admitted in four tertiary care hospitals due to an acute coronary syndrome that undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were consecutively and prospectively recruited. All the patients received dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor following current European Guidelines. Platelet function was assessed at day 1 and day 30 post-PCI by VerifyNow P2Y12, VASP (Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein) y MEA (Multiple electrode aggregometry). Results A total of 1000 patients were enrolled, of whom 12 had to be excluded due to inaccurate processing of blood samples. 372 patients (37,6%) had smoking habit. Non-smoking patients showed higher prevalence of high blood pressure [423 (68.7%) vs 196 (52.7%)] and diabetes mellitus [213 (34.6%) vs 81 (21.8%)]. Smoking patients were younger [57.3 (9,6) years old vs 68.4 (11.1)], with higher incidence of acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation [184 patients (49,5%) vs 241 (39.1%), p Conclusion Smoking habit was associated with a lower response to prasugrel of borderline significance, and with higher response to clopidogrel, according with previous studies suggesting a pharmacodynamics interaction between tobacco use and P2Y12 inhibitors. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (FIS)

Resumen Objetivo Documentar las tecnicas de tratamiento utilizadas por Terapia Ocupacional para ninos con dispraxia. Metodologia Revision de literatura que incluye tesauros reconocidos en los MeSH y DeCS como «dispraxia», «desorden del desarrollo de la coordinacion», «ninos» y «Terapia Ocupacional». Se indago en ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, Science Direct, Embase, Pubmed, OT Seeker, PEDro y National Guideline Clearinghouse. Se organizaron los hallazgos por base de datos, ano, pais de publicacion, revista, enfoque y se proceso dicha informacion a traves de un analisis cualitativo y de frecuencias. Resultados Se encontraron veintisiete articulos (100%), el 20% de las publicaciones se reporto en Scopus, el 33% incluyeron el enfoque de orientacion cognitiva de desempeno ocupacional como el mas utilizado en los estudios, los anos en los que mas se publico sobre el tema fueron 2012 y 2013 con un 33% y la revista con mas publicaciones fue Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics con un 20%. Conclusion El enfoque con mayor evidencia es orientacion cognitiva de desempeno ocupacional, encaminado a mejorar el rendimiento motor en las actividades ocupacionales.

This paper describes a procedure based on the concept of Equivalent Distributed Loads (EDL) applied to the Finite Elements Method (FEM) based on displacements and exact nodal solution of columns subject to shear deformation in accordance with the Timoshenko beam theory. The results obtained using this “EDL-FEM” methodology, in the cases studied, show that a high level of exactness in displacements, rotations as well as shear force and bending moment is obtained with a very small number of elements (one or two in the examples developed). Other methodologies based on displacements, such as reduced integration, require on the order of 40 elements to achieve similar results. The stability functions and buckling load for the Timoshenko beam are also determined in a direct and systematic way from the FEM with exact nodal solution.

Background: During the last decades, the increase in the rate of children and adolescents who are overweight or obese is alarming and it is related with a lower social competency, and low self-esteem. Method: A transversal study was conducted with a representative sample of 292 students enrolled in years 8 and 9 at secondary school (13.05 ± 0.97 years) in the city of Jaen, Spain. Results: Girls wanted a thinner figure than boys (p

Resumen: Introducción: En las últimas décadas se ha producido un incremento alarmante de las cifras de sobrepeso y obesidad, y esto se ha relacionado con una menor competencia social y una peor autoestima. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal con una muestra representativa de 296 escolares de primer y segundo curso de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (13,05 ± 0,97) de la ciudad de Jaén (España). Resultados: Las niñas desean tener una figura más delgada que la de los niños (p < 0,001). En cuanto a la autoestima, observamos valores estadísticamente inferiores en el caso de las chicas (p < 0,000) en comparación con los chicos. En cuanto al IMC, los alumnos con un peso saludable tienen una puntuación estadísticamente mayor de autoestima que los alumnos con sobrepeso, y estos ligeramente superior a los alumnos con obesidad. Existe una correlación positiva entre la silueta que se percibe y la silueta que se desea (r = 0,485) y una correlación negativa entre el IMC y la autoestima (r = –0,248). Conclusión: Se hace necesario planificar actuaciones encaminadas a reforzar y aumentar la autoestima durante la adolescencia, centrándonos en el grupo de las chicas y en el grupo de jóvenes con problemas de sobrepeso y obesidad. Abstract: Introduction: During the last decades, the increase in the rate of children and adolescents that are overweight or obese is alarming and it is related with a lower social competency, and low self-esteem. Method: A transversal study was conducted with a representative sample of 292 students enrolled in years 8 and 9 at secondary school (13.05 ± 0.97 years) in the city of Jaen, Spain. Results: Girls wanted a thinner figure than boys (P < .001). Regarding self-esteem we observed statistically lower values in the case of girls (P < .000) as compared to their male counterparts. Regarding the BMI, students with a healthy weight have a statistically higher self-esteem score than students that are overweight and these have a slightly higher score than those that are obese. Positive correlation exists between the perceived silhouette and the desired silhouette (r = .485) and a negative correlation between the BMI and self-esteem (r = -.248). Conclusion: It is necessary to plan actions aimed as reinforcing and increasing self-esteem, focusing on the group of girls and the group of young adults with overweight and obesity problems.

This paper describes a procedure based on the concept of Equivalent Distributed Loads (EDL) applied to the Finite Elements Method (FEM) based on displacements and exact nodal solution of columns subject to shear deformation in accordance with the Timoshenko beam theory. The results obtained using this “EDL-FEM” methodology, in the cases studied, show that a high level of exactness in displacements, rotations as well as shear force and bending moment is obtained with a very small number of elements (one or two in the examples developed). Other methodologies based on displacements, such as reduced integration, require on the order of 40 elements to achieve similar results. The stability functions and buckling load for the Timoshenko beam are also determined in a direct and systematic way from the FEM with exact nodal solution.

ResumenEn este trabajo se aplica un procedimiento basado en el concepto de Acción Repartida Equivalente (ARE) al análisis, por el Método de Elementos Finitos (MEF) formulado en desplazamientos y solución nodal exacta, de pilares con deformación por cortante de acuerdo con la teoría de Timoshenko. Los resultados obtenidos con la metodología ARE-MEF, en los casos analizados, ponen de manifiesto que con un número muy reducido de elementos (uno y dos en los ejemplos desarrollados) se alcanza gran exactitud en desplazamientos, giros y esfuerzos. Sin embargo con otras metodologías formuladas en desplazamientos, como por ejemplo la de integración reducida, se requiere del orden de 40 elementos para alcanzar resultados similares. Asimismo en el presente trabajo, a partir del MEF con solución nodal exacta se determinan de una forma directa y sistemática las funciones de estabilidad y la carga de pandeo para el pilar de Timoshenko.AbstractThis paper describes a procedure based on the concept of Equivalent Distributed Loads (EDL) applied to the Finite Elements Method (FEM) based on displacements and exact nodal solution of columns subject to shear deformation in accordance with the Timoshenko beam theory. The results obtained using this “EDL-FEM” methodology, in the cases studied, show that a high level of exactness in displacements, rotations as well as shear force and bending moment is obtained with a very small number of elements (one or two in the examples developed). Other methodologies based on displacements, such as reduced integration, require on the order of 40 elements to achieve similar results. The stability functions and buckling load for the Timoshenko beam are also determined in a direct and systematic way from the FEM with exact nodal solution.

ObjectiveThe Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest dietary models. Recent changes in the actual Mediterranean diet include a reduction in energy intake and a higher consumption of foods with low nutrient density (e.g. soft drinks, candy, sweets, etc.). In Spain, in association with cultural and lifestyle changes, there has been a reduction in the intake of antioxidants and vitamins, an increase in the proportion of SFA and a decrease in the consumption of fibre, among other changes. Children and adolescents may be the age groups with the most deteriorated Mediterranean diet. The current paper presents the results of applying the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED) to a large sample of Spanish schoolchildren.DesignData from questionnaires were used to calculate the KIDMED index.SettingGranada, Southern Spain.SubjectsSchoolchildren (n3190) aged 8–16 years.ResultsAmong the 8–10-year-olds, the KIDMED index classification was ‘good’ in 48·6% of the population, ‘average’ in 49·5% and ‘poor’ in 1·6%. Among the 10–16-year-olds, the KIDMED index classification was good in 46·9% of the population, average in 51·1% and poor in 2·0%.ConclusionsThe nutritional behaviour of the present population of schoolchildren is similar to that found in the earlier KIDMED study.

ObjetivosConocer las características sociales y clínicas del paciente hiperfrecuentador (PHF) de nuestro centro. Conocer el uso que éste hace de los servicios sanitariosDiseñoEstudio descriptivo observacionalEmplazamientoCentro de atención primaria urbano (36.408 habitantes)ParticipantesPacientes mayores de 15 años visitados en el centro durante el año 2000, que superan en número de visitas la media más 2 desviaciones estándar para su grupo etarioMediciones principalesSe revisan las historias de los PHF analizando las características sociodemográficas, los tipos de visitas, los motivos de consulta, las pruebas complementarias, la medicación, las derivaciones y las bajas generadas ese añoResultadosLa muestra es de 954 PHF; el 50,9% son varones, con una media de edad ± desviación estándar de 50,54 ± 19,68 años. En el 86,3% se halla registrado algún factor de riesgo (en un 34%, hipertensión arterial; en un 32,4% salud mental, en el 27,7% obesidad, en el 25,7%, tabaquismo; y en 17,7%, diabetes mellitus). Estos pacientes generan una media de 9,6 visitas/médico/año, con un intervalo de confianza del 95% de 8,09-11,19; el motivo de consulta más frecuente es el seguimiento de una enfermedad aguda (19,29%), seguida del control de una enfermedad crónica (14,32%). Se obtuvo una media de una analítica por PHF/año y de 0,68 pruebas de imagen por PHF/año (el 48,38% son placas simples). De la medicación prescrita, el 46,8% son analgésicos. La media de bajas laborales es de 0,5 bajas por PHF/año, con un período medio de 49,4 ± 113,69 días de baja. Estos pacientes generan una media de 4,15 visitas de enfermería por PHF/año, con un intervalo de confianza del 95% de 2,60-5,70; el motivo más frecuente de consulta es el control de enfermedades crónicas. En el 30,3% de los PHF se encuentra registrada alguna visita al servicio de urgencias hospitalarias y el motivo de consulta más frecuente es una enfermedad osteomuscular (34,29%). La media de derivaciones es de 0,88 PHF/año y el especialista al que más se deriva es el traumatólogo (13,92%)ConclusionesLos PHF son usuarios de mediana edad, con una enfermedad crónica asociada y una alta utilización de la cita programada. El consumo de pruebas complementarias se ajusta a los protocolos de seguimiento del centro para las enfermedades crónicas. Los problemas traumatológicos son el motivo más frecuente de la consulta al servicio de urgencias hospitalario y de la derivación al especialista más utilizadoObjectivesTo find the social and clinical characteristics of patients over-using (OUP) our centre. To find how much these patients use the health servicesDesignObservational, descriptive studySettingUrban primary care centre (36 408inhabitants)ParticipantsPatients over 15 seen at the centre during the year 2000, who exceeded in their number of attendances the mean plus two standard deviations for their age group. Main measurements. The records of OUPS were reviewed to analyse their social and demographic characteristics, kinds of attendance, reasons for consultation, further tests, medication, referrals, and time off work this yearResultsThe sample was of 954 OUPs, 50.9% of whom were male with an average age of 50.54 (SD, 19.68). 86.3% had some risk factor recorded (34% hypertension, 32.4% mental health, 27.7% obesity, 25.7% tobacco dependency, 17.7% diabetes mellitus). They generated a mean of 9.6 visits to the doctor per year, with 95% CI (8.09-11.19), with the most common reason for attendance the monitoring of acute pathology (19.29%), followed by monitoring of chronic pathology (14.32%). There was an average of 1 analysis per OUP per year, and 0.68 image tests per OUP per year (48.38% were simple x-rays). 46.8% of the medication prescribed were analgesics. Average time off work was 0.5 periods off per OUP per year, with a mean period of 49.4 days off (SD, 113.69). They engendered an average of 4.15 nursing visits per OUP per year, 95% CI (2.60- 5.70), with monitoring of chronic pathology the most common reason for consultation. 30.3% of OUP had a visit to hospital casualty recorded, with osteomuscular pathology the most common reason for consultation (34.29%). Mean referrals were 0.88 OUP per year, with traumatology being the department to which most referrals were made (13.92%)ConclusionsOUP are middle-aged, have associated chronic pathology and use programmed appointments a lot. The additional tests conducted matched the centre's procedures for monitoring chronic pathologies. The most common reason for attendance at casualty was traumatology, as was the specialist clinic to which most referrals were made

An immunomodulatory membrane protein, CD200R displays an expression pattern restricted to myeloid cells in mice. It is the receptor for a ligand, CD200, expressed by a broad range of cell types. In this study, we describe the cloning and characterization of the human homologue of the CD200R gene. This gene maps closely to the CD200 gene on human chromosome 3q12-13. The human CD200R gene spans a region of 52 kb, consists of nine exons, and encodes a 348-amino-acid cell-surface protein consisting of two IgFF domains in a typical V/C2 arrangement. The 59-amino-acid cytoplasmic domain has two tyrosine residues, one of which is contained within a NPXY motif. In common with other IgSF genes, the CD200R gene can generate different protein isoforms through alternative splicing. An alternative spliceout form, which has not yet been described in mice, encodes a 188-amino-acid truncated soluble polypeptide containing only the V immunoglobulin domain. In contrast to murine CD200R protein, the human membrane-bound and soluble CD200R proteins have an insertion of 23 amino acids at position 23, encoded by exon 2, which generates a putative dihydroxyacid dehydratase domain. The splicing of exon 2 generates two new isoforms, encoding the membrane and soluble proteins but lacking the dyhydroxyacid dehydratase domain. Northern-blot analysis shows that both membrane-bound and soluble isoforms are expressed in the thymus, liver, spleen and placenta. By RT-PCR, we have analyzed the expression of the four transcript variants in human placenta, spleen, liver, brain and kidney.

We have assessed the effect of the oral ingestion of thioacetamide on small intestine structure and function. Thioacetamide-treated rats showed diminished mucosa weight; protein, DNA, and RNA content; and leucine aminopeptidase activity as compared to controls in both jejunum and ileum. In the jejunum, there was a reduction in the activities of alkaline phosphatase, ATPase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and myeloperoxidase, whereas in the ileum, maltase, lactase, and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase were reduced. In both jejunum and ileum we found enlarged intercellular spaces, dark epithelial enterocytes, and lymphocyte infiltration. Enterocytes showed lobulated nuclei, deranged mitochondria with loss of their cristae, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum containing dense material, and vesiculation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. Smooth muscle cells of the intestine exhibited ultrastructural alterations. These findings indicate that chronic oral intake of thioacetamide mimics not only hepatic alterations but also small intestine alterations normally associated with human cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Dietary nucleotides are reported to influence the growth and functioning of the liver and small intestine. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanism by which nucleotides exert their effects in these tissues by assessing protein synthesis activity and related parameters in the presence or absence of dietary nucleotides. METHODS: Rats were fed a purified diet with or without nucleotides for 10 days. Fractional protein synthesis rate, RNA and DNA concentrations, polysome size distribution, and number of ribosomes were assessed. RESULTS: Fractional protein synthesis rates of the liver and small intestine were lower in the nucleotide-deprived group than in the control group. In the liver, RNA concentration was also lower in the nucleotide-deprived group, but values in the small intestine were similar in the two groups. In the liver, deprivation of nucleotides resulted in a reduction in the number of ribosomes and in polysome breakdown. Protein and DNA concentrations did not vary in the liver; however, the concentration of DNA was lower in the small intestine of the nucleotide-deprived group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary nucleotides can modulate protein synthesis in the liver and small intestine as a result of tissue-specific nucleic acid changes. (Gastroenterology 1996 Jun;110(6):1760-9)

A modified Keating-Meyer technique to test CMOS circuits by measuring its energy consumption is presented. The circuit is fed by a capacitor being successively recharged while it is excited by a set of test vectors. A Binary Counter is incremented after a quantum of energy has been supplied to the CUT while the circuit is excited by test vectors. The energy cronogram for a given vector set is defined as its Energy Signature. Preliminary experiments show how this energy signature could be used to discriminate non-defective from defective circuits. If the test is applied at a sufficiently low rate the information obtained is equivalent to I/sub DDQ/ testing. Experimental data agree with predicted results and show how bridging and open faults are detected with this method.

Background & Aims: Concentrative nucleoside transporters CNT1 (pyrimidine preferring) and CNT2 (purine preferring) may be involved in the uptake of nucleoside-derived drugs used in antiviral and chemical therapies. The possibility that nucleoside carrier isoform expression is modulated by nutrient availability has been studied. Methods: CNT1 and CNT2 tissue distribution was determined by Western blot analysis. The effect of 48-hour starvation on CNT expression was then studied. Nucleoside transporter expression and uptake activity were measured in jejunal brush border plasma membrane vesicles from fed and starved rats. The expression of nucleoside transporters was later determined in a second model of nutrient deficiency: rats fed a purified diet with or without nucleotides for 10 days. Results: CNT1 and CNT2 nucleoside transporters were expressed in a wider variety of tissues than expected from messenger RNA distribution analysis. CNT1 was sensitive to nutrient availability in small intestine and, accordingly, jejunal brush border membrane vesicles from 48-hour–fasted rats showed increased expression of CNT1 and enhanced Na + -dependent thymidine and gemcitabine uptake. This effect was mimicked by feeding semipurified diets lacking nucleotides. Conclusions: Substrate availability modulates nucleoside transporter expression (CNT1) in rat jejunum in vivo. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2000;119:1623-1630

The impact of severe starvation and refeeding on the intestinal mucosa of rats of different ages has been studied in a diet-controlled model. Structural and functional alterations of the small intestinal mucosa were assessed by standard parameters including mucosal protein, DNA content as well as maltase, sucrase and leucine aminopeptidase enzymatic activities. Decreases in mucosal mass, DNA, protein and leucine aminopeptidase activity in both the jejunum and ileum caused by starvation, diminished with age. The depression of disaccharidase activities increased with age in the jejunum but not in the ileum. Except for jejunal protein and leucine aminopeptidase activity, the recovery from starvation, after refeeding, was complete for the other parameters studied, regardless of age.

We describe the changes of several brush-border enzymatic activities in different subpopulations of epithelial cells, separated sequentially from the villus tip-to-crypt axis of the small intestine, induced by deprivation of dietary nucleotides for different periods of time in adult rats. Deprivation of dietary nucleotides lead to a decrease in the content and specific activity of alkaline phosphatase, leucine-aminopeptidase, maltase, sucrase and lactase in the villus tip, but had little effect on the crypt zone. The effect of the nucleotide deprivation on the enzymatic activity progressively increased towards the tip of the villus. Since these enzymes are maturation markers of the intestinal cells, these results support the idea that dietary nucleotides affect the maturation status of small-intestine epithelium.