Dopamine receptor D5 signaling plays a dual role in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis potentiating Th17-mediated immunity and favoring suppressive activity of regulatory T-cells

Indexación: Scopus.This work was supported by grants FONDECYT-1170093 (to RP) and FONDECYT-3160383 (to CP) from ‘‘Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico de Chile’’, AFB170004 (to RP) from ‘‘Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica de Chile (CONICYT)’’ and DI-1224-16/R (to RP) from Universidad Andres Bello.A number of studies have shown pharmacologic evidence indicating that stimulation of type I dopamine receptor (DR), favors T-helper-17 (Th17)-mediated immunity involved in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and in some other inflammatory disorders. Nevertheless, the lack of drugs that might discriminate between DRD1 and DRD5 has made the pharmacological distinction between the two receptors difficult. We have previously shown genetic evidence demonstrating a relevant role of DRD5-signaling in dendritic cells (DCs) favoring the CD4+ T-cell-driven inflammation in EAE. However, the role of DRD5-signaling confined to CD4+ T-cells in the development of EAE is still unknown. Here, we analyzed the functional role of DRD5-signaling in CD4+ T-cell-mediated responses and its relevance in EAE by using a genetic approach. Our results show that DRD5-signaling confined to naive CD4+ T-cells exerts a pro-inflammatory effect promoting the development of EAE with a stronger disease severity. This pro-inflammatory effect observed for DRD5-signaling in naive CD4+ T-cells was related with an exacerbated proliferation in response to T-cell activation and to an increased ability to differentiate toward the Th17 inflammatory phenotype. On the other hand, quite unexpected, our results show that DRD5-signaling confined to Tregs strengthens their suppressive activity, thereby dampening the development of EAE manifestation. This anti-inflammatory effect of DRD5-signaling in Tregs was associated with a selective increase in the expression of glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR), which has been described to play a critical role in the expansion of Tregs. Our findings here indicate a complex role for DRD5-signaling in CD4+ T-cells-driven responses potentiating early inflammation mediated by effector T-cells in EAE, but exacerbating suppressive activity in Tregs and thereby dampening disease manifestation in late EAE stages. © 2018 Osorio-Barrios, Prado, Contreras and Pacheco.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2018.00192/ful

Increasing Indebtedness, Institutional Change and Credit Contract in Peru

This paper reviews the main causes of the rapid growth of credit in Peru during the 1990s. The creation of new types of lending intermediaries besides traditional banks has allowed debt to increase and credit to be extended to new classes of borrowers such as middle and lower-class urban residents. Improvements in information-sharing, borrower selection and the range of public and private arrangements available have further aided the expansion of credit. Evaluating several case studies, the paper concludes that credit growth remains limited by inefficient judicial enforcement procedures and insufficient information on borrowers` credit risk.

Teaching skills in virtual and blended learning environments

Universities are currently immersed in what is known as the process of European convergence to create the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The aim is to establish a standardized, compatible and flexible European university system that enables graduates and undergraduates to move easily from one institution to another within Europe. As a result of evaluation mechanisms, the system will be transparent and of high quality, which will make it attractive and competitive internationally in a globalized world. In this paper, we focus on two distance learning modes that will become more important as a result of this change in universities: e-learning and b-learning. These basically involve the virtualization of learning processes through the use of computer equipment. We carried out a qualitative study using the case study method. The results indicate that teaching staff use information and communication technology (ICT) to improve student learning. Similarly, a high percentage (78%) of lecturers use some form of digital platform as a support for teaching. In conclusion, training policies should strengthen university teachers’ skills in the use of ICT equipment, tools and resources related to blended and virtual learning

How consumers perceive vloggers? Exploring consumer’s perceptions and purchase intention applied to beauty and fashion industry

Con la evolución de los medios digitales y, en consecuencia, con la aparición de nuevas plataformas, los consumidores son más receptivos al contenido compartido en las redes sociales, como es el caso de YouTube, en busca de información para ayudarles en su toma de decisiones. De esta manera, la industria de la moda y la belleza es darse cuenta de la importancia de invertir en campañas de publicidad y de comunicación digitales y en este canal a través de influenciadores digitales. Por lo tanto, la investigación se centra en la red social YouTube y vloggers, aplicado en Portugal y España. Se persigue el objetivo de comprender la dinámica entre las percepciones de los consumidores sobre el contenido de belleza y moda vídeos y la intención de compra, así como entre la credibilidad de percionada vlogger y intención de compra.With the evolution of the digital age and consequently with the emergence of new platforms, consumers are more receptive to the shared content on social networks, for instance with YouTube, looking for information that helps them in their decision making. In this way, the fashion and beauty industry is realizing the importance of digital media and investing in communication and advertising campaigns with digital influencers. Therefore, the research focuses on the social network YouTube and vloggers, applied in Portugal and Spain. It is intended to understand the dynamics between the perceptions of consumers to the content of fashion and beauty videos and the intention of purchase as well as between the perceived credibility of vlogger and the intention of purchase

Banks’ capital, regulation and the financial crisis

This paper investigates whether regulatory capital requirements play an important role in determining banks’ equity capital. We estimate equity capital regressions using panel data of a sample of 560 banks for 2004-2010. Our results suggest that regulatory capital requirements are not first order determinants of banks’ capital structure. We document differences on the effect of most factors on banks’ share of equity according to the type of bank and to the region of the bank. Finally, we show that the determinants of this share are sensitive to the recent international financial crisis and to a set of regulatory country factors.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Application of the Upper Bound Theorem to indentation processes with tilted punch by means of Modular Model

Nowadays, the indentation processes are resuming it importance due to the new deformation processes that are being developed, as the Incremental Forming Process (IFP) or the Localized-Incremental Forming Process (LIFP) [1]. In this paper, a tilt punch is considered in order to cover the largest possible number of cases in the study of the indentation,. Thus, using combinations of flat and tilt punches, it will be possible to analyze complex geometries in future studies. Present study shows the analysis of the indentation process by the Upper Bound Theorem (UBT), when it is performed with a tilt punch. A modular model is developed, compound by two modules of Triangular Rigid Zones (TRZ) each [2], which adapts to the configuration of the punch.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Use of additive manufacturing on models for sand casting process

Casting is a forming process based on material pouring in liquid state. Heat is applied to melt the material from its solid state and pour it in a mold previously constructed to obtain the desired shape after letting it cool. Molds can be permanent or expendable. In sand casting processes, the mold is manufactured from a model that usually is extracted before pouring the melted material (Figure 1). To obtain the part, the sand model needs to be destroyed. Notwithstanding, the sand can be reused several times for new molds. Several elements are needed to obtain a part by a sand casting process: permanent patterns, flasks (cope and drag), gating system (pouring cup, sprue, risers and feeding channels) and cores (only if it is needed). The aim of this work is the manufacturing of some of these elements by additive manufacturing process. The equipment will be used for the practical activities (Figure 1) that currently take place on the subjects where this topic is taught, in the different Degrees in Industrial Engineering at the University of Malaga.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Fatigue test bench manufacturing by reusing a parallel lathe

Fatigue life of machined parts strongly depends on their surface condition. The rotating bar bending fatigue testing method is widely used to obtain the fatigue behavior of metallic materials due to its simplicity. In this work, the methodology for the design, manufacturing and setup of a fatigue test bench is exposed. The main novelty lies on the reuse of several elements from an old parallel lathe, currently out of order, and their use to manufacture some parts for the test bench. In this way, a double objective is achieved: high quality elements are recycled and the machine manufacturing cost is reduced.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Papanicolaou smear screening: coverage in two home surveys applied in the city of São Paulo in 1987 and 2001-2002

PURPOSE: to compare the coverage of conventional Papanicolaou cytology in women aged 15 to 59 years between two home surveys, related to some personal attributes and to the tendency to die from cervical cancer. METHODS: we analyzed data collected in two home surveys, with complex sampling, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, over the years from 1987 to 2001 and 2002. The self-reported answers of 968 women in the first inquiry and of 1,125 women in the second inquiry were compared regarding the reply to the question about the execution of the Papanicolaou test sometimes in a lifetime in relation to age distribution, black skin, marital status, years of education and tendency to die because cervical cancer during the period from 1980 to 2007. The Fisher exact test was used to compare the sample regarding each item, with the level of significance set at p value >5%. RESULTS: from the first to the second inquiry there was a 24% increase in the execution of conventional Papanicolaou cytology (from 68.8% to 85%). The greatest variations in the increased coverage related to the personal attributes of the women were detected in black skin color, among single women and among women of lower schooling. Regarding the tendency to mortality rates due to cervical cancer, no clear ascending or declining tendency was observed along the 28 years studied (1980 to 2007). CONCLUSION: there was an increase in access to the cytological Papanicolaou test among the most vulnerable women. Since 2001 and 2002, the 85% coverage already reached WHO recommendation, although without a clear trend of decline in mortality due to cervical cancer in the following years, indicating that screening is only part of an effective and organized program for the control of cervical cancer, whose model must guarantee full women's health care.OBJETIVO: comparar a cobertura da citologia convencional de Papanicolaou em mulheres de 15 a 59 anos entre dois inquéritos domiciliários, relacionando a alguns atributos pessoais e à tendência da mortalidade por câncer de colo do útero. MÉTODOS: analisou-se os dados coletados por meio de dois inquéritos domiciliários, com amostragem complexa, realizados no município de São Paulo nos anos de 1987 e 2001 a 2002. Foram comparadas as respostas autorreferidas de 968 mulheres no primeiro inquérito e 1.125 mulheres no segundo inquérito, na resposta à pergunta sobre a realização alguma vez na vida do teste de Papanicolaou, relacionando com faixa etária, cor da pele, situação conjugal, escolaridade e tendência da mortalidade por câncer de colo no período de 1980 a 2007. Foi aplicado o teste exato de Fisher em cada uma das comparações entre as amostras, consideradas como devidas ao acaso as diferenças que ocorreram com probabilidade p>5%. RESULTADOS: do primeiro inquérito para o segundo houve aumento de 24% na realização da citologia convencional de Papanicolaou (de 68,8% para 85%). As maiores variações do aumento de cobertura relacionadas com atributos pessoais das mulheres foram encontradas nas de cor da pele preta, solteiras e de nível de escolaridade mais baixo. Quanto à tendência nas taxas de mortalidade por câncer de colo, não se observou nítida disposição de ascensão e nem de declínio ao longo dos 28 anos estudados (1980 a 2007). CONCLUSÃO: houve aumento no acesso ao exame citológico de Papanicolaou nas mulheres mais vulneráveis. Desde 2001 e 2002, a cobertura de 85% já atingia a recomendação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), porém sem nítida tendência de declínio nas taxas de mortalidade por câncer de colo nos anos seguintes, indicando que o rastreamento é apenas parte de um programa efetivo e organizado para o controle do câncer do colo, cujo modelo deve garantir a integralidade da atenção à saúde da mulher.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de Medicina PreventivaUNIFESP, Depto. de Medicina PreventivaSciEL

El trastorno por estrés postraumático en los supervivientes al cáncer: una revisión de los tratamientos psicológicos disponibles

Objective: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appears frequently in cancer survivors, but not all survivors meet the criteria propo­sed by the DSM-V to be diagnosed with PTSD. This situation may lead an underestimation of the problem and furthermore, in this patient group, PTSD is related with different aspects of psychological well-being, such as depres­sion, anxiety or quality of life, However, the­re are only a few psychological interventions designed to reduce these symptoms in cancer survivors. Method: A review of the psychological treatments available for PTSD in cancer sur­vivors in the last 10 years was performed. The data bases used were PubMed, Web of Science (WOS) and PsycInfo with the following des­criptors: PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) treatment cancer survivors y PTSS (posttrau­matic stress symptoms) treatment cancer sur­vivors. Results: The psychological interventions with more evidence are: cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness, ahead other strate­gies such as stress management training, neu­ro-emotional therapy, coping skills training and counseling. Conclusions: Despite the relevance of PTSD in this patients group, psychological interventions needs more evidence to establish their efficacy to reduce these symptoms in survivors.Objetivo: El trastorno por estrés postrau­mático (TEP) aparece con frecuencia en los su­pervivientes al cáncer, pero no todos los super­vivientes cumplen con los criterios propuestos por el DSM-V para ser diagnosticados. Esta situación puede provocar la subestimación del problema y además, en este grupo de pacien­tes el TEP se relaciona con diferentes aspectos del bienestar psicológico, como la depresión, la ansiedad o la calidad de vida. Sin embargo, solo hay unas pocas intervenciones psicológi­cas diseñadas para reducir estos síntomas en los supervivientes al cáncer. Método: Se realizó una revisión de los tra­tamientos psicológicos disponibles para el TEP en los supervivientes al cáncer en los últimos 10 años. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron PubMed, Web of Science (WOS) y PsycInfo con los siguientes descriptores: PTSD (post­traumatic stress disorder), treatment cancer survivors y PTSS (posttraumatic stress symp­toms) treatment cancer survivors. Resultados: Las intervenciones psicológi­cas con una mayor evidencia son: la terapia de tipo cognitivo-conductual y el mindfulness, por delante del entrenamiento en el manejo del estrés, la terapia neuro-emocional, el en­trenamiento en habilidades de afrontamiento y el counseling. Conclusiones: A pesar de la relevancia del TEP en este grupo de pacientes, las interven­ciones psicológicas necesitan de una mayor evidencia para establecer su eficacia para re­ducir estos síntomas en los supervivientes