Subclinical versus advanced forms of alcohol-related liver disease: Need for early detection

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) consists of a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and pathological features, ranging from asymptomatic patients to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with heavy alcohol intake and advanced fibrosis often develop a subacute form of liver failure called alcohol-induced hepatitis (AH). Globally, most patients with ALD are identified at late stages of the disease, limiting therapeutic interventions. Thus, there is a need for early detection of ALD patients, which is lacking in most countries. The identification of alcohol misuse is hampered by the existence of alcohol underreporting by many patients. There are useful biomarkers that can detect recent alcohol use. Moreover, there are several non-invasive techniques to assess the presence of advanced fibrosis among patients with alcohol misuse, which could identify patients at high risk of liver related events or early death. In this review, we discuss differences between early stages of ALD and AH as the cornerstone of advanced forms. A global overview of epidemiological, anthropometric, clinical, analytical, histological, and molecular differences is summarized in this article. We propose that campaigns aimed at identifying patients with subclinical forms can prevent the development of life-threatening forms

Procedimiento para la obtención de una solución favorecedora del crecimiento de plantas a partir de aguas de lavado del proceso de elaboración de aceitunas verdes estilo español y uso de dicha solución

La presente invención se refiere a un procedimiento para la obtención de una solución favorecedora del crecimiento de plantas a partir de aguas de lavado del proceso de elaboración de aceitunas verdes estilo español o sevillano, caracterizado porque comprende las siguientes etapas: (a) acidificación del agua de lavado hasta un valor de pH inferior a 3 unidades; (b) almacenamiento del agua en condiciones anaeróbicas; y (c) elevación del pH del concentrado hasta un valor superior a 4 unidades. Así mismo se refiere a la solución obtenida a partir de dicho procedimiento y a su uso para favorecer el crecimiento de plantas.Peer reviewedConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (España), Instituto Andaluz de Investigación y Formación Agraria, Pesquera, Alimentaria y de la Producción EcológicaA1 Solicitud de patente con informe sobre el estado de la técnic

Selección de líneas avanzadas de arroz (Oryza sp.) como alternativa para la gestión sostenible de suelos degradados por salinidad

Research focuses on advanced lines developed through interspecific crosses between Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica and Oryza rufipogon G. and the japonica type line were evaluated for salts tolerance under greenhouse and field conditions. In the greenhouse, 24 advanced F5 rice lines, five parental lines, and one commercial cultivar SFL-011 (control) were grown in a liquid medium at a concentration of 7.0 dS/m EC salinized with NaCl, and the control was evaluated at 0.2 dS/m EC irrigation water in the first phase. Under field conditions, F6 rice lines were assessed in saline soils with 7.44 dS/m EC in the second phase. Agronomic variables and yield were measured. In greenhouse conditions, six lines stood out: Puyón/JP003 P11-106716, Puyón/JP002 P8-30552, Puyón/JP003 P11-103115, Puyón/JP002 P8-294930, JP002/JP001 P × P 5P 1322, and JP001/JP003 P1 × 11P 413, with greater tolerance than the rice control, concerning plant vigor, panicles per plant, grains per panicle, the thousand-grain weight, and yield (g/plant). Under field conditions, two lines, Puyón/JP003 P11-106716 and Puyón/JP003 P11-103115 stood out for better agronomic cultivars and yields. The results showed the importance of interspecific crosses between O. Sativa ssp. japonica and O. rufipogon and the japonica type line to improve the tolerance to salinity of rice and ensure high potential yields in salinized soils.La investigación se centra en las líneas avanzadas desarrolladas a través de cruces interespecíficos entre Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica x Oryza rufipogon G., y la línea tipo japónica, cuya tolerancia a las sales bajo condiciones de invernadero y campo se sometieron a evaluación. En la primera fase en invernadero, se sembraron 24 líneas avanzadas de arroz F5, cinco líneas parentales y un cultivar comercial SFL-011 (control) en medio líquido con una concentración de 7,0 dS/m CE salinizado con NaCl y control con 0,2.dS/m CE de agua de riego. En la segunda fase en condiciones de campo se evaluaron líneas de arroz F6 en suelos salinos con 7.44 dS/m CE. Se midieron variables agronómicas y de rendimiento. En condiciones de invernadero se destacaron seis líneas: Puyón/JP003 P11-106716, Puyón/JP002 P8-30552, Puyón/JP003 P11-103115, Puyón/JP002 P8-294930, JP002/JP001 P × P 5P 1322 y JP001/JP003 P1 × 11P 413, con mayor tolerancia que el control en cuanto a vigor de planta, panículas por planta, granos por panícula, peso de 1000 granos y rendimiento (g/planta). En condiciones de campo, dos líneas, Puyón/JP003 P11-106716 y Puyón/JP003 P11-103115, se destacaron por tener mejores resultados agronómicos en cultivares y rendimiento. Los resultados mostraron la importancia del uso de cruces interespecíficos entre O. Sativa ssp. japonica x O. rufipogon, y la línea tipo japónica para mejorar la tolerancia a la salinidad del arroz y garantizar altos rendimientos potenciales en suelos salinizados; de ahí la importancia del cruce en términos de rendimientos agrícolas

Prevalence and clinical impact of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in alcohol-associated hepatitis and the potential role of prophylaxis: a multinational, retrospective cohort study

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome; Alcohol-associated hepatitis; BenzodiazepinesSíndrome de abstinencia alcohólica; Hepatitis asociada al alcohol; BenzodiazepinasSíndrome d'abstinència d'alcohol; Hepatitis associada a l'alcohol; BenzodiazepinesBackground The prevalence and impact of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) are unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence, predictors, management, and clinical impact of AWS in patients hospitalized with AH. Methods A multinational, retrospective cohort study enrolling patients hospitalized with AH at 5 medical centres in Spain and in the USA was performed between January 1st, 2016 to January 31st, 2021. Data were retrospectively retrieved from electronic health records. Diagnosis of AWS was based on clinical criteria and use of sedatives to control AWS symptoms. The primary outcome was mortality. Multivariable models controlling for demographic variables and disease severity were performed to determine predictors of AWS (adjusted odds ratio [OR]) and the impact of AWS condition and management on clinical outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]). Findings In total, 432 patients were included. The median MELD score at admission was 21.9 (18.3–27.3). The overall prevalence of AWS was 32%. Lower platelet levels (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.05–2.48) and previous history of AWS (OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.31–3.33) were associated with a higher rate of incident AWS, whereas the use of prophylaxis decreased the risk (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.36–0.93). The use of intravenous benzodiazepines (HR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.02–4.64) and phenobarbital (HR = 2.99, 95% CI 1.07–8.37) for AWS treatment were independently associated with a higher mortality. The development of AWS increased the rate of infections (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.44–3.49), the need for mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.38–4.49), and ICU admission (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.19–3.23). Finally, AWS was associated with higher 28-day (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.40–3.82), 90-day (HR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.18–2.69), and 180-day mortality (HR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.24). Interpretation AWS commonly occurs in patients hospitalized with AH and complicates the hospitalization course. Routine prophylaxis is associated with a lower prevalence of AWS. Prospective studies should determine diagnostic criteria and prophylaxis regimens for AWS management in patients with AH

Búsqueda activa de recursos en internet para mejora de la expresión en español

Este proyecto persigue que los estudiantes desarrollen las competencias de búsqueda activa para distinguir y localizar información de calidad en la web en lo relacionado con el buen uso del español, a fin de que construyan de manera reflexiva un criterio propio sobre la corrección lingüística. La recogida y análisis de dichos recursos abarcaría tanto noticias lingüísticas (noticias sobre la lengua española en la prensa actual) como obras o webs de referencia en cuanto al correcto uso del español. Para ello, se propone una metodología basada en las siguientes fases y agentes implicados: 1. Profesorado: definición de los parámetros de calidad para analizar las distintas fuentes de información, y propuesta de una serie de ejemplos prototípicos que sirvan a los estudiantes como modelo de trabajo. 2. Alumnado (en grupo): localización de recursos digitales que cumplan los parámetros definidos. 3. Alumnado (individual): aplicación de los recursos localizados a su propio aprendizaje de la lengua. 4. Alumnado (aprendizaje cooperativo): socialización de los recursos encontrados y de los resultados de su aplicación. Como resultado de esta metodología se espera fomentar la autonomía de los estudiantes en la búsqueda de información de calidad y la reflexión sobre el buen uso del español. Finalmente, el alumnado valorará en una encuesta de satisfacción el grado de utilidad de las acciones de este proyecto de innovación docente

The DOF Transcription Factor SlDOF10 Regulates Vascular Tissue Formation During Ovary Development in Tomato

The formation of fruits is an important step in the life cycle of flowering plants. The process of fruit development is highly regulated and involves the interaction of a complex regulatory network of genes in both space and time. To identify regulatory genes involved in fruit initiation in tomato we analyzed the transcriptomic profile of ovaries from the parthenocarpic PsEND1:barnase transgenic line. This line was generated using the cytotoxic gene barnase targeted to the anthers with the PsEND1 anther-specific promoter from pea. Among the differentially expressed genes we identified SlDOF10, a gene coding a DNA-binding with one finger (DOF) transcription factor which is activated in unpollinated ovaries of the parthenocarpic plants. SlDOF10 is preferentially expressed in the vasculature of the cotyledons and young leaves and in the root tip. During floral development, expression is visible in the vascular tissue of the sepals, the flower pedicel and in the ovary connecting the placenta with the developing ovules. The induction of the gene was observed in response to exogenous gibberellins and auxins treatments. To evaluate the gene function during reproductive development, we have generated SlDOF10 overexpressing and silencing stable transgenic lines. In particular, down-regulation of SlDOF10 activity led to a decrease in the area occupied by individual vascular bundles in the flower pedicel. Associated with this phenotype we observed induction of parthenocarpic fruit set. In summary, expression and functional analyses revealed a role for SlDOF10 gene in the development of the vascular tissue specifically during reproductive development highlighting the importance of this tissue in the process of fruit set

Plan de formación y docencia en un centro integral de cáncer: estrategia e implementación

Introducción: El Institut Català d'Oncologia (ICO) puso en marcha la Unidad de Formación y Docencia (UFiD), en el año 2006, con el objetivo de potenciar el desarrollo profesional, la difusión del conocimiento y la calidad de la atención oncológica. En el presente artículo se describe el proceso de puesta en marcha de la UFiD, los resultados del estudio de las necesidades formativas realizada por los profesionales y colectivos de la institución, las acciones formativas organizadas, y en el área de docencia, los resultados de la reorganización de las trayectorias docentes de los diferentes servicios, así como el apoyo de nuevas iniciativas. Materiales y métodos: Durante el periodo 2008-2009, se implantaron acciones formativas y docentes en concordancia con los resultados del estudio de necesidades y con las líneas estratégicas de la institución. Se realizaron un total de 71 actividades formativas, con 898 participantes de todas las categorías profesionales, con una tasa de satisfacción de los participantes de 7,8 sobre 10. En el apartado de docencia, durante el mismo periodo se realizaron 3 másteres, 3 posgrados, 59 cursos de actualización con metodología semipresencial y 19 cursos con metodología online, todos ellos con acreditación académica. La satisfacción media fue de 8 sobre 10. Resultados y conclusiones: La actividad llevada a cabo por la UFiD ha permitido, por una parte, articular la formación continuada en base al estudio de las necesidades de los profesionales, lo que ha contribuido a promover el desarrollo profesional y la calidad asistencial de éstos, y por otra parte, dar soporte a las actividades docentes ya existentes y promover nuevas iniciativas para favorecer la difusión de conocimientos en el área oncológica, lo que ha posicionado al ICO como un centro absolutamente comprometido con la formación oncológica

The parthenocarpic hydra mutant reveals a new function for a SPOROCYTELESS-like gene in the control of fruit set in tomato

[EN] Fruit set is an essential process to ensure successful sexual plant reproduction. The development of the flower into a fruit is actively repressed in the absence of pollination. However, some cultivars from a few species are able to develop seedless fruits overcoming the standard restriction of unpollinated ovaries to growth. We report here the identification of the tomato hydra mutant that produces seedless (parthenocarpic) fruits. Seedless fruit production in hydra plants is linked to the absence of both male and female sporocyte development. The HYDRA gene is therefore essential for the initiation of sporogenesis in tomato. Using positional cloning, virus-induced gene silencing and expression analysis experiments, we identified the HYDRA gene and demonstrated that it encodes the tomato orthologue of SPOROCYTELESS/NOZZLE (SPL/NZZ) of Arabidopsis. We found that the precocious growth of the ovary is associated with changes in the expression of genes involved in gibberellin (GA) metabolism. Our results support the conservation of the function of SPL-like genes in the control of sporogenesis in plants. Moreover, this study uncovers a new function for the tomato SlSPL/HYDRA gene in the control of fruit initiation.This work was supported by grants from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci on (MICINN; AGL2009-07617 to C.G-M.; AGL2015-64991-C3-3-R to V.M.; and AGL2015-64991-C3-1-R to R.L.) and the Ram on y Cajal Program (RYC-2007-00627). We thank Rafael Martinez and Primitivo Murias for expert plant care; Marisol Gasc on for technical assistance with the microscope; and Dr Cristina Ferrandiz for critical reading of the manuscript. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.This work was supported by grants from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci on (MICINN; AGL2009-07617 to C.G-M.; AGL2015-64991-C3-3-R to V.M.; and AGL2015-64991-C3-1-R to R.L.) and the Ram on y Cajal Program (RYC-2007-00627). We thank Rafael Martinez and Primitivo Murias for expert plant care; Marisol Gasc on for technical assistance with the microscope; and Dr Cristina Ferrandiz for critical reading of the manuscript. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.Rojas-Gracia, P.; Roque Mesa, EM.; Medina Herranz, M.; Rochina Peñalver, MC.; Hamza, R.; Angarita-Diaz, MP.; Moreno Ferrero, V.... (2017). The parthenocarpic hydra mutant reveals a new function for a SPOROCYTELESS-like gene in the control of fruit set in tomato. New Phytologist. 214(3):1198-1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.14433S11981212214

Analysis of the information about Doctoral Degrees presented in the Spanish universities websites.

Globalization has intensified competition, as evidenced by the growing number of international classification systems (rankings) and the attention paid to them. Doctoral education has an international character in itself. It should promote opportunities for graduate students lo participate in these international studies. The quality and competitiveness are two of the most important issues for universities. To promote the interest of graduates to continue their education after the graduate level, it would be necessary to improve the published information of ihe doctoral programs. It should increase the visibility and provide high-quality, easily accessible and comparable information which includes all the relevant aspects of these programs. The authors analysed the website contents of doctoral programs, it was observed a lack of quality of them and very poor information about the contents, so that it was decided that any of them could constitute a model for creating new websites. The recommendations on the format and contents in the web were made by a discussion group. They recommended an attractive design; a page with easy access to contents and easy to find on Ihe net and with the information in more than one language. It should include complete program and academic staff information. It should also be included the study's results which should be easily accessible and includes quantitative data, such as number of students who completed scholars, publications, research projects, average duration of the studies, etc. It will facilitate the choice of progra