The current role of influencers in public relations : comparing Spain and the USA

Influencers currently play a key role in corporate communications. Their presence is increasing in promotional activities, initiated both by private companies and public institutions, which has transformed them into particularly important figures over the past decade. But what is their specific role in public relations? Are they also part of PR campaigns? Are they considered a useful tool? This paper intends to provide answers to these questions, first by reviewing the academic literature in order to gather information about the current position of influencers within PR campaigns; and next, by analyzing two surveys completed by professionals in the USA and Spain, in order to understand the situation in both countries and to compare them with one another, so as to give a more complete picture of the current scenario. The bibliometric review shows that academia is studying the figure of the influencer, both from a general and a public relations point of view, acknowledging its importance in strategic communication today. Furthermore, the results of the questionnaires reveal that PR companies are actively hiring influencers; that they are considered a good complement to their other tools; and that these partnerships are delivering good results for their clients. Although incorporating them involves challenges, practitioners are improving their managing processes and believe that such collaborations will continue in the future.Els influencers exerceixen actualment un paper fonamental en la comunicació corporativa. La seva presència és cada vegada més gran en activitats de promoció, iniciades tant per empreses privades com per institucions públiques, la qual cosa els ha convertit en figures especialment rellevants en l'última dècada. Però, quin és el seu paper específic en les relacions públiques? Formen part de les seves campanyes? Es consideren una eina útil? Aquest article pretén donar resposta a aquestes preguntes revisant, en els primers apartats, literatura acadèmica per recaptar informació sobre la posició actual dels influencers en les campanyes de relacions públiques; en la segona part s'analitzen dues enquestes, cobertes per professionals als Estats Units i a Espanya, amb la finalitat de conèixer la situació en tots dos països i comparar-la per oferir una imatge més completa de l'escenari actual. La revisió bibliomètrica mostra que l'entorn acadèmic està estudiant aquesta figura, tant des d'un punt de vista general com des del de les relacions públiques, i que la seva importància es reflecteix avui dia en la comunicació estratègica. A més, els resultats dels qüestionaris proven que les empreses de relacions públiques estan col·laborant activament amb influencers, que els consideren un bon complement per a les seves altres eines, i que aquesta associació ofereix bons resultats als seus clients. Encara que la seva incorporació suposa un repte, els professionals estan millorant els processos de gestió i consideren que les col· laboracions continuaran en el futur.Los influencers desempeñan actualmente un papel fundamental en la comunicación corporativa. Su presencia es cada vez mayor en actividades de promoción, iniciadas tanto por empresas privadas como por instituciones públicas, lo que los ha convertido en figuras especialmente relevantes en la última década. Pero ¿cuál es su papel específico en las relaciones públicas? ¿Forman parte de sus campañas? ¿Se consideran una herramienta útil? Este artículo pretende dar respuesta a estas preguntas revisando, en sus primeros apartados, literatura académica para recabar información sobre la posición actual de los influencers en las campañas de relaciones públicas; en la segunda parte se analizarán dos encuestas, cubiertas por profesionales en Estados Unidos y en España, con el fin de conocer la situación en ambos países y compararla para ofrecer una imagen más completa del escenario actual. La revisión bibliométrica muestra que el entorno académico está estudiando esta figura, tanto desde un punto de vista general como desde el de las relaciones públicas, y que su importancia se refleja hoy en día en la comunicación estratégica. Además, los resultados de los cuestionarios prueban que las empresas de relaciones públicas están colaborando activamente con influencers, que los consideran un buen complemento para sus otras herramientas, y que esta asociación está ofreciendo buenos resultados a sus clientes. Aunque su incorporación supone un reto, los profesionales están mejorando los procesos de gestión y consideran que las colaboraciones continuarán en el futuro

Influence of blue stain on density and dimensional stability of Pinus radiata timber from northern Galicia (Spain)

Holzforschung. International Journal of the Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Technology of Wood; 69(1): 97–102 DOI: 10.1515/hf-2014-0014The presence of blue-stain fungi considerably decreases the value of Pinus radiata timber, which is commercially important in Galicia (NW Spain). For this study, seven young pine trees growing in four different plantations were felled, and 20 discs were sampled from different heights in the stems. Parts of the discs were discoloured as a result of fungal infection. The discs were cut into small specimens. Defect-free specimens (controls) were selected for determining density and dimensional stability both in the volume and in the axial direction. Physical properties of fully blue-stained specimens and the controls were compared for each disc based on one-factor analysis of variance. As the factor was blue-stain, the other sources of variation were suppressed, such as tree source, height in the stem, ring width, cambial age and presence of heartwood or sapwood. Most of the physical properties analysed on some sample discs differed significantly between discoloured and unstained wood. The variables most affected by blue stain were basic density and volumetric shrinkage: blue-stained wood was 1.1% lighter and volumetric shrinkage was 5% higher in blue-stained wood than in the controls

Animal-Origin Prebiotics Based on Chitin: An Alternative for the Future? A Critical Review

The human gut microbiota has been revealed in recent years as a factor that plays a decisive role in the maintenance of human health, as well as in the development of many non-communicable diseases. This microbiota can be modulated by various dietary factors, among which complex carbohydrates have a great influence. Although most complex carbohydrates included in the human diet come from vegetables, there are also options to include complex carbohydrates from non-vegetable sources, such as chitin and its derivatives. Chitin, and its derivatives such as chitosan can be obtained from non-vegetable sources, the best being insects, crustacean exoskeletons and fungi. The present review offers a broad perspective of the current knowledge surrounding the impacts of chitin and its derived polysaccharides on the human gut microbiota and the profound need for more in-depth investigations into this topic. Overall, the effects of whole insects or meal on the gut microbiota have contradictory results, possibly due to their high protein content. Better results are obtained for the case of chitin derivatives, regarding both metabolic effects and effects on the gut microbiota compositionThe authors thank the European Regional Development Funds (FEDER), grant ED431C 2018/05, and Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo (CyTED), grant PCI2018-093245 for covering the cost of publicationS

Calidad microbiológica y resistencia a antimicrobianos de Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus aislados a partir de queso “Arzúa-Ulloa” convencional y ecológico

The presence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. was tested in 184 cheese samples included in the Protected Designation of Origin ‘‘Arzu´a-Ulloa’’. From these samples, 57 were raw-milk conventional cheese (RCC), 67 were pasteurized-milk conventional cheese (PCC) and the remaining 60 were pasteurized-milk organic cheese (POC). From these samples, a total of 287 E. coli and 281 S. aureus isolates were analyzed by an agar disk diffusion assay for their resistance to 11 antimicrobial agents. No significant differences were seen in microbiological general acceptance according to European Regulation 2073/2005. Only L. monocytogenes showed unsatisfactorily high levels in RCC samples as compared to PCC (P ¼ 0.0334) and POC (P ¼ 0.0138) samples. Although it was found that both E. coli and S. aureus isolated from POC samples showed lower resistance to some antimicrobials than isolates from RCC and/or PCC, for other antimicrobials higher resistance rates were found for POC isolates than conventional ones. Thus, the differences in antimicrobial resistance were too ambiguous to recommend a higher use of antimicrobials in conventional dairy herds than in organic onesLa presencia de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes y Salmonella spp fue investigada en 184 quesos pertenecientes a la denominación de origen ‘‘Arzúa-Ulloa’’. De estas muestras, 57 correspondieron a quesos fabricados a partir de leche cruda convencional (RCC), 67 correspondieron a quesos fabricados a partir de leche pasteurizada convencional (PCC), y las restantes 60 muestras correspondieron a quesos fabricados a partir de leche pasteurizada ecológica (POC). A partir de dichas muestras, se aislaron un total de 287 cepas de E. coli y 281 de S. aureus y posteriormente se investigó la resistencia a 11 antimicrobianos de estas cepas mediante el método de difusión en agar. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la aceptabilidad microbiológica de acuerdo a lo establecido en el Reglamento Europeo 2073/2005. Sólo en el caso de L. monocytogenes, se observó una mayor de proporción de muestras inaceptables en RCC con respecto a PCC (P ¼ 0,0334) y POC (P ¼ 0,0138). Aunque tanto los E. coli como los S. aureus aislados a partir de POC mostraron menores tasas de resistencia a algunos antimicrobianos que las cepas aisladas a partir de RCC y/o PCC, en el caso de otros antimicrobianos se encontró una mayor tasa de resistencia que en las muestras procedentes de leche convencional. Por lo tanto, las diferencias encontradas en la resistencia a antimicrobianos en función del tipo de leche utilizado en la fabricación del queso resultaron demasiado ambiguas para demostrar un mayor uso de antimicrobianos en la producción de leche convencional que en el caso de la ecológicaThe authors are thankful for financial support from Dirección Xeral de Ordenación e Calidade do Sistema Universitario de Galicia, Consellería de Educación e Ordenación Universitaria-Xunta de GaliciaS

Dissecting Breast Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells Competence via Modelling Metastasis in Zebrafish

Cáncer de mama; Metástasis; Pez cebraCàncer de mama; Metàstasi; Peix zebraBreast cancer; Metastasis; ZebrafishBackground: Cancer metastasis is a deathly process, and a better understanding of the different steps is needed. The shedding of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CTC-cluster from the primary tumor, its survival in circulation, and homing are key events of the metastasis cascade. In vitro models of CTCs and in vivo models of metastasis represent an excellent opportunity to delve into the behavior of metastatic cells, to gain understanding on how secondary tumors appear. Methods: Using the zebrafish embryo, in combination with the mouse and in vitro assays, as an in vivo model of the spatiotemporal development of metastases, we study the metastatic competency of breast cancer CTCs and CTC-clusters and the molecular mechanisms. Results: CTC-clusters disseminated at a lower frequency than single CTCs in the zebrafish and showed a reduced capacity to invade. A temporal follow-up of the behavior of disseminated CTCs showed a higher survival and proliferation capacity of CTC-clusters, supported by their increased resistance to fluid shear stress. These data were corroborated in mouse studies. In addition, a differential gene signature was observed, with CTC-clusters upregulating cell cycle and stemness related genes. Conclusions: The zebrafish embryo is a valuable model system to understand the biology of breast cancer CTCs and CTC-clusters.This work was supported by Roche-Chus Joint Unit (IN853B 2018/03) funded by Axencia Galega de Innovación (GAIN), Consellería de Economía, Emprego e Industria. I.M.-P. is funded by the Training Program for Academic Staff fellowship (FPU16/01018), from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Spanish Government. P.H. is funded by a Predoctoral fellowship (IN606A-2018/019) from Axencia Galega de Innovación (GAIN, Xunta de Galicia). N.C.-U. is funded by Axudas Predoutorais do IDIS (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago)

Probiotic Effects against Virus Infections: New Weapons for an Old War

This review aimed to gather the available literature investigating the effects of probiotics against the most common viral infections using in vitro trials in cell lines and in vivo clinical trials in both experimental animals and humans. Probiotics were employed to prevent and reduce symptoms of infections caused by common viruses, especially respiratory tract viruses, but also for viral digestive infections (such as rotavirus, coronavirus, or norovirus) and other viral infections (such as viruses that cause hepatitis, human papillomavirus, human immunodeficiency virus, and herpes simplex virus). Different probiotics have been studied to see their possible effect against the abovementioned viruses, among which different Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus can be highlighted. In many cases, mixtures of various probiotic strains were used. Although the results obtained did not show similar results, in most cases, probiotic supplementation improved both barrier and biochemical immune responses, decreased susceptibility to viral infections, and enhanced the effects of concomitant vaccines. Works collected in this review show a beneficial effect of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of different viral infections. We found interesting results related to the prevention of viral infections, reduction of the duration of diseases, and decrease of symptomsThe authors thank the European Regional Development Funds (FEDER), grant ED431C 2018/05, and Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo (CyTED), grant PCI2018-093245 for covering the cost of publicationS

Analysis of a Real-World Cohort of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Shows Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters (CTC-clusters) as Predictors of Patient Outcomes

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration has emerged as a powerful biomarker for the assessment of prognosis and the response to treatment in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Moreover, clinical evidences show that CTC-cluster counts add prognostic information to CTC enumeration, however, their significance is not well understood, and more clinical evidences are needed. We aim to evaluate the prognostic value of longitudinally collected single CTCs and CTC-clusters in a heterogeneous real-world cohort of 54 MBC patients. Blood samples were longitudinally collected at baseline and follow up. CTC and CTC-cluster enumeration was performed using the CellSearch® system. Associations with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards modelling. Elevated CTC counts and CTC-clusters at baseline were significantly associated with a shorter survival time. In joint analysis, patients with high CTC counts and CTC-cluster at baseline were at a higher risk of progression and death, and longitudinal analysis showed that patients with CTC-clusters had significantly shorter survival compared to patients without clusters. Moreover, patients with CTC-cluster of a larger size were at a higher risk of death. A longitudinal analysis of a real-world cohort of MBC patients indicates that CTC-clusters analysis provides additional prognostic value to single CTC enumeration, and that CTC-cluster size correlates with patient outcomeThis research was supported by Roche-Chus Joint Unit (IN853B 2018/03), funded by Axencia Galega de Innovación (GAIN), Consellería de Economía, Emprego e Industria and by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) and FEDER (PI13/01388). L.M.-R. is supported by Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC). I.M.-P. is funded by the Training Program for Academic Staff fellowship (FPU16/01018), from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Spanish GovernmentS

Regular insulin added to total parenteral nutrition vs subcutaneous glargine in non-critically ill diabetic inpatients, a multicenter randomized clinical trial: INSUPAR trial

Background: There is no established insulin regimen in T2DM patients receiving parenteral nutrition. Aims: To compare the effectiveness (metabolic control) and safety of two insulin regimens in patients with diabetes receiving TPN. Design: Prospective, open-label, multicenter, clinical trial on adult inpatients with type 2 diabetes on a non-critical setting with indication for TPN. Patients were randomized on one of these two regimens: 100% of RI on TPN or 50% of Regular insulin added to TPN bag and 50% subcutaneous Gl. Data were analyzed according to intention-to-treat principle. Results: 81 patients were on RI and 80 on GI. No differences were observed in neither average total daily dose of insulin, programmed or correction, nor in capillary mean blood glucose during TPN infusion (165.3 +/- 35.4 in RI vs 172.5 +/- 43.6 mg/dL in GI; p = 0.25). Mean capillary glucose was significantly lower in the GI group within two days after TPN interruption (160.3 +/- 45.1 in RI vs 141.7 +/- 43.8 mg/dL in GI; p = 0.024). The percentage of capillary glucose above 180 mg/dL was similar in both groups. The rate of capillary glucose <= 70 mg/dL, the number of hypoglycemic episodes per 100 days of TPN, and the percentage of patients with non-severe hypoglycemia were significantly higher on GI group. No severe hypoglycemia was detected. No differences were observed in length of stay, infectious complications, or hospital mortality. Conclusion: Effectiveness of both regimens was similar. GI group achieved better metabolic control after TPN interruption but non-severe hypoglycemia rate was higher in the GI group. (C) 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd

Active ageing profiles among older adults in Spain: A Multivariate analysis based on SHARE study

Background: Following the active ageing model based on the Health, Lifelong Learning, Participation and Security pillars, this research has a twofold objective: i) to classify older adults according to active ageing profiles, taking into account the four pillars, and ii) to ascertain the relationship between the profiles and personal and contextual factors, as well as well-being and quality of life in old age. Methods: A study sample of 5,566 Spanish older adults who participated in wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was included. Data were analysed in different steps applying several statistical analyses (Principal Component, Cluster, Discriminant, Multiple Correspondence and bivariate analysis with Pearson chi-square and ANOVA). Results: Five older adult profiles were obtained (I: with moderate activity; II: quasi-dependents; III: with active ageing-limiting conditions; IV: with diverse and balanced activity; V: with excellent active ageing conditions). The first three profiles were characterised by subjects with a high average age, low educational level, who were retired or housewives, and who perceived a moderate level of loneliness, satisfaction with the social network and quality of life, as well as having a larger family network, but living in small households or alone. In contrast, the latter two profiles showed better personal and contextual conditions, well-being and quality of life. Discussion and conclusions: The multidimensional approach to active ageing followed in this article has revealed the presence of several older adult profiles, which are confined to groups with better or worse active ageing conditions. In this context, if ageing is a process that reflects the previous way of life, intervention priorities will have to consider actions that promote better conditions during the life cycle.Research of this paper is a part of i) the QASP research project, funded by the Institute of Health Carlos III, Intramural Strategical Action in Health AESI 2018 (PI18CIII/00046); ii) it has also been partially funded by REDISSEC (RD16/0005/0002 and RD16/0001/0005, co-funded by European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund “A way to make Europe” / ”Investing in your future”) projects; iii) the R&D Activities Program ENCAGEn-CM (H2019/HUM-5698) funded by the Community of Madrid and co-funded by the European Social Fund; iv) the ENVACES R&D+i project (MINECO-FEDER, ref. CSO2015-64115-R). Authors acknowledge support of the publication fee by the CSIC Open Access Publication Support Initiative through its Unit of Information Resources for Research (URICI).Peer reviewe

Fish Oil Enriched Intravenous Lipid Emulsions Reduce Triglyceride Levels in Non-Critically Ill Patients with TPN and Type 2 Diabetes. A Post-Hoc Analysis of the INSUPAR Study

There are no studies that have specifically assessed the role of intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE) enriched with fish oil in people with diabetes receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The objective of this study was to assess the metabolic control (glycemic and lipid) and in-hospital complications that occurred in non-critically ill inpatients with TPN and type 2 diabetes with regard to the use of fish oil emulsions compared with other ILEs. We performed a post-hoc analysis of the Insulin in Parenteral Nutrition (INSUPAR) trial that included patients who started with TPN for any cause and that would predictably continue with TPN for at least five days. The study included 161 patients who started with TPN for any cause. There were 80 patients (49.7%) on fish oil enriched ILEs and 81 patients (50.3%) on other ILEs. We found significant decreases in triglyceride levels in the fish oil group compared to the other patients. We did not find any differences in glucose metabolic control: mean capillary glucose, glycemic variability, and insulin dose, except in the number of mild hypoglycemic events that was significantly higher in the fish oil group. We did not observe any differences in other metabolic, liver or infectious complications, in-hospital length of stay or mortality