A model for the future: Ecosystem services provided by the aquaculture activities of Veta la Palma

En prensa2,041

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-10 serum levels in patients withelanoma

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) have each been reported as useful markers for melanoma progression. To evaluate the clinical relevance of these three markers, we simultaneously analysed their serum levels in patients with melanoma. A longitudinal study with a 3-year follow-up was performed and different stages of the disease were considered. Mean values of sIL-2R were significantly higher than in normal controls in all stages and correlated with the disease progression. The prognosis of patients with levels > 529 U/ml of sIL-2R was significantly poorer than in patients with sIL-2R levels < 529 U/ml. Levels of sICAM-1 were also elevated in melanoma patients, specially at the time of the metastatic disease. Serum IL-10 levels were more frequently detectable in the patients that developed metastasis during follow-up, and the prognosis of patients with detectable IL-10 levels was significantly poorer than in those patients with IL-10 undetected levels. Statistical analysis based on Logistic and Cox regression models showed that only sex, stage and sIL-2R value are factors significantly associated with metastatic progression. Moreover, high levels of sIL-2R could be a risk factor for malignant progression in melanoma. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaig

Flipped classroom en el aprendizaje multidisciplinar colaborativo en diferentes Grados Universitarios

La implementación de nuevas metodologías que nos permita valorar si el estudiante ha alcanzado los conocimientos necesarios así como una serie de competencias y habilidades, es una de las prioridades docentes del proceso de convergencia en el espacio europeo de educación superior. El empleo de la clase inversa (flipped classroom) con el cambio en los roles aula/casa y profesor/estudiante consigue que el estudiante adquiera un papel protagonista en el proceso de la enseñanza, alcanzando destrezas en el aprendizaje autónomo, trabajo en equipo y empleo de las nuevas tecnologías. Al mismo tiempo, esta metodología hace posible la participación de estudiantes de distintos grados que trabajen en grupos temas relacionados con su titulación, así como la consecución de competencias básicas (que los estudiantes puedan transmitir información, ideas, problemas y soluciones a un público tanto especializado como no especializado), generales (capacidad para las relaciones interpersonales y el trabajo en equipo) y específicas. Esta experiencia piloto tiene como objetivo mejorar el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de los estudiantes del grado en farmacia, grado en ingeniería agroalimentaria y medio rural y grado en biotecnología, mediante la implementación de la metodología flipped classroom para potenciar el aprendizaje autónomo, desarrollo de competencias cognitivas y habilidades interpersonales de comunicación

Probiotic supplementation influences the diversity of the intestinal microbiota during early stages of farmed Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis, Kaup, 1858)

Ingestion of bacteria at early stages results in establishment of a primary intestinal microbiota which likely undergoes several stages along fish life. The role of this intestinal microbiota regulating body functions is crucial for larval development. Probiotics have been proved to modulate this microbiota and exert antagonistic effects against fish pathogens. In the present study, we aimed to determine bacterial diversity along different developmental stages of farmed Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) after feeding probiotic (Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11) supplemented diet for a short period (10–30 days after hatching, DAH). Intestinal lumen contents of sole larvae fed control and probiotic diets were collected at 23, 56, 87, and 119 DAH and DNA was amplified using 16S rDNA bacterial domain-specific primers. Amplicons obtained were separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), cloned, and resulting sequences compared to sequences in GenBank. Results suggest that Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 induces a modulation of the dominant bacterial taxa of the intestinal microbiota from 23 DAH. DGGE patterns of larvae fed the probiotic diet showed a core of bands related to Lactobacillus helveticus, Pseudomonas acephalitica, Vibrio parahaemolyticus,and Shewanella genus, together with increased Vibri o genus presence. In addition, decreased number of clones related to Photobacterium damselae subsp piscicida at 23 and 56 DAH was observed in probiotic-fed larvae. A band corresponding to Shewanella putrefaciens Pdp11 was sequenced as predominant from 23 to 119 DAH samples, confirming the colonization by the probiotics. Microbiota modulation obtained via probiotics addition emerges as an effective tool to improve Solea senegalensis larviculture.En prens

A canine leishmaniasis pilot survey in an emerging focus of visceral leishmaniasis: Posadas (Misiones, Argentina)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>An increasing number of reports are calling our attention to the worldwide spread of leishmaniasis. The urbanization of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been observed in different South American countries, due to changes in demographic and ecological factors. In May 2006, VL was detected for the first time in the city of Posadas (Misiones, Argentina). This event encouraged us to conduct a clinical and parasitological pilot survey on domestic dogs from Posadas to identify their potential role as reservoirs for the disease.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>One hundred and ten dogs from the city of Posadas were included in the study. They were selected based on convenience and availability. All dogs underwent clinical examination. Symptomatology related to canine leishmaniasis was recorded, and peripheral blood and lymph node aspirates were collected. Anti-<it>Leishmania </it>antibodies were detected using rK39-immunocromatographic tests and IFAT. Parasite detection was based on peripheral blood and lymph node aspirate PCR targeting the <it>SSUrRNA </it>gene. Molecular typing was addressed by DNA sequence analysis of the PCR products obtained by <it>SSUrRNA </it>and ITS-1 PCR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>According to clinical examination, 69.1% (76/110) of the dogs presented symptoms compatible with canine leishmaniasis. Serological analyses were positive for 43.6% (48/110) of the dogs and parasite DNA was detected in 47.3% (52/110). A total of 63 dogs (57.3%) were positive by serology and/or PCR. Molecular typing identified <it>Leishmania infantum </it>(syn. <it>Leishmania chagasi</it>) as the causative agent.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This work confirms recent findings which revealed the presence of <it>Lutzomyia longipalpis</it>, the vector of <it>L. infantum </it>in this area of South America. This new VL focus could be well established, and further work is needed to ascertain its magnitude and to prevent further human VL cases.</p

Chromosomal localization of genes of interest for Solea senegalensis aquaculture using BAC clones.

Senegalese sole is one of the most highly valued commercial species in Southern Europe. Nevertheless, there are still unresolved problems that adversely affect its cultivation and prevent the maximum benefit being obtained from its production. Knowing the position of genes of interest in the chromosomes facilitates the construction of linkage maps and allows the chromosomes to be assigned to physical maps obtained by sequencing. This study is an initial approach to the production of a chromosome map of S. senegalensis. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Lenguado senegal&eacute;s es una de las especies m&aacute;s valoradas comerciales en el sur de Europa. Sin embargo, todav&iacute;a hay problemas sin resolver que afectan negativamente a su cultivo y prevenir el beneficio m&aacute;ximo se obtiene a partir de su producci&oacute;n. El conocimiento de la posici&oacute;n de los genes de inter&eacute;s en los cromosomas facilita la construcci&oacute;n de mapas de ligamiento y permite a los cromosomas ser asignados a los mapas f&iacute;sicos obtenidos por secuenciaci&oacute;n. Este estudio es una primera aproximaci&oacute;n a la producci&oacute;n de un mapa cromos&oacute;mico de S. senegalensis. &nbsp; </p

SOLE FARMING: There or thereabouts!

After years of uncertainty, it is a pleasure to report that sole is now being commercially farmed in significant quantities in Europe! Even though production levels are modest compared with other well-established species and there is still a considerable amount to be done to underpin the further development of the industry, a significant increase in production did provide positive cause for optimism at the latest Workshop on the Cultivation of Soles. The fifth Workshop in a series which began in 2002 was held from 5-7 April 2011 and was again hosted by CCMAR, University of the Algarve, Faro, Portugal where we were able to benefit from their excellent facilities and organizational support. An account of the previous Workshop was published in this journal (vol. 34/1). Despite the recent severe financial pressures, the level of interest in this Workshop was high with 75 registered participants. As the countries with the greatest involvement in the field Spain & Portugal contributed a large majority (86%) of these. The rest were from Norway, The Netherlands, Italy, UK and France, another country where significant production facilities are being developed. About a third of the participants were from industry, reflecting the present high level of commercial interest. This included almost all current producers, as well as many actively contemplating entering the field, and those involved in support industries such as feed and pharmaceutical companies. As previously, the Workshop sought to review the current status of the industry and, through discussions informed by presentations of current research, to identify viable options for alleviating current constraints. Thus, about one third of the Workshop was dedicated to formal presentations, the remainder to open discussion. The presentations provided clear evidence of the quality and diversity of research that is being undertaken in support of this embryonic industry. Encouragingly, a large proportion of the presentations were delivered by young post-graduate students or postdocs, providing tangible evidence of a new generation of innovative scientists entering the field!.Peer Reviewe

Variación estacional de la condición nutricional larvaria del boquerón (Engraulis encrasicolus) en el estuario del Guadalquivir

Trabajo presentado en el VIII Simposio sobre el Margen Ibérico Atlántico (MIA15), celebrado en Málaga del 21 al 23 de septiembre de 2015.Peer reviewe