El estudio de la estructura social desde la perspectiva procesal

Los análisis estructural y funcional no son bloques cerrados sino que pueden existir distintas interpretaciones. La práctica conservadora de ciertos enfoques del análisis funcional (o estructural) no implica necesariamente que sólo pueda ser utilizado en este sentido. «Estructura» y «cambio» no son conceptos contradictorios como tampoco lo son «estabilidad» y «cambio». El análisis de la estructura social a partir de la profundización en los procesos desarrollados en este artículo es una superación de las teorías clásicas partiendo precisamente del legado funcionalista y estructuralista

El mundo del señor Don Quijote y una apostilla crítica a Miguel de Unamuno

El artículo trata de enmarcar el fenómeno de El Quijote en la estructura social del contexto español y, más específicamente, manchego. Se trata de dar sentido sociológico al quijotismo/ sanchopanzismo narrado por Cervantes. Como corolario colateral de todo ello debe entenderse, en mi artículo, la parte final. No pretendí desde el comienzo polemizar con Miguel de Unamuno, pero sí caí en tal tentación por efecto de la llamada “serendipidad”, la que comentó Robert K. Merton.This paper deals with the social context of M. de Cervantes book El Quijote in Spain and particularly in La Mancha as well. I tried to find a sociological meaning in the so called and controversial concept of quixotism/sanchopanzism. As a collateral effect should be the final part of my paper understood. As I started it was not my purpose to polemize against Miguel de Unamuno. Nevertheless, possibly as a consequence of Robert K, Mertons “serendipity” I could not finally avoid to become critical

Patterns of Regularity Noncompliance Identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Their Effects on Meta-analyses

The objective of this study was to determine the patterns of regulatory noncompliance, as identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their effects on meta-analyses. In order to achieve these objective, three studies were undertaken: analysis of citations issued by FDA Investigators at the conclusion of an inspection; analysis of regulatory actions taken by the FDA towards clinical researchers based on the observations cited by FDA Investigators; and sensitivity analysis of meta-analyses based on the Agency’s determination of research misconduct, primarily the falsification of data. FDA Investigator citations were analyzed using Chi-Square analysis based on geographic location of the inspection, type of inspection, and type of violation. Temporal changes in the number of inspections and the violations cited were analyzed using bivariate Poisson regression models. Bonferroni correction was employed for temporal changes across the time period analyzed. Regulatory actions taken by the agency were analyzed via Chi-Square or Fisher’s exact test based on changes identified in previous publications, temporal changes, and differences between regulatory action types. Sensitivity analysis of meta-analyses identified through a systematic review were assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively for the effects of including publications of apixaban trials with significant FDA regulatory action, i.e. the comparison of odds ratio point estimate, upper and lower 95% confidence interval, both before and after consideration of falsified data. Under the FDA’s Bioresearch Monitoring program from 2007-2015, the number of inspections increased, but the rate of citation issuance per inspection decreased. One third of the violations were related to adherence to investigational procedures followed by informed consent violations and violations involving study records. During this same time period, 194 clinical researchers received a regulatory action based on FDA’s review of inspection results. Since 2007, rates of significant deviations had decreased. Lack of researcher supervision and submission of false information were cited more frequently for disqualification proceedings. A systematic review found 99 statistical analyses from 22 different meta-analyses available for sensitivity analyses. Nearly one-third resulted in a change in the conclusions reported in the originally published statistical analyses. In approximately the last decade, the number of violations cited during inspections under the Bioresearch Monitoring program has decreased; however, significant improvements can continue to be made regarding adherence to study procedures, the consenting of human subjects, and creation of adequate and accurate study documentation. Disqualification of clinical researchers is more likely to occur when researchers fail to supervise a clinical trial or false information is submitted to the FDA. Falsified data can make its way into the exploding field of meta-analyses, a study method that provides a concise and compelling method for the dissemination of medical intervention knowledge; however, this method can be highly unstable and can provide biased results. A robust sensitivity analysis that considers data quality from available sources can help ensure calculations of the best estimates

Genotypic and phenotypic diversity in the noncapsulated Haemophilus infl uenzae: adaptation and pathogenesis in the human airways

The human respiratory tract contains a highly adapted microbiota including commensal and opportunistic pathogens. Noncapsulated or nontypable Haemophilus infl uenzae (NTHi) is a human-restricted member of the normal airway microbiota in healthy carriers and an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. The duality of NTHi as a colonizer and as a symptomatic infectious agent is closely related to its adaptation to the host, which in turn greatly relies on the genetic plasticity of the bacterium and is facilitated by its condition as a natural competent. The variable genotype of NTHi accounts for its heterogeneous gene expression and variable phenotype, leading to differential host-pathogen interplay among isolates. Here we review our current knowledge of NTHi diversity in terms of genotype, gene expression, antigenic variation, and the phenotypesassociated with colonization and pathogenesis. The potential benefi ts of NTHi diversity studies discussed herein include the unraveling of pathogenicity clues, the generation of tools to predict virulence from genomic data, and the exploitation of a unique natural system for the continuous monitoring of long-term bacterial evolution in human airways exposed to noxious agents. Finally, we highlight the challenge of monitoring both the pathogen and the host in longitudinal studies, and of applying comparative genomics to clarify the meaning of the vast NTHi genetic diversity and its translation to virulence phenotypes. [Int Microbiol 2012; 15(4): 157-170

Miositis osificante progresiva: ultraestructura, bioquímica e histoquímica de músculo macroscópicamente sano

Se estudió un caso de miositis osificante progresiva en una niña de 13 años, a la cual se le tomó una muestra de músculo gastronecmio lateral, aparentemente no afectado, en el curso de una intervención quirúrgica ortopédica. La muestra se procesó mediante métodos histológicos, histoquímicos, bioquímicos, inmunocitoquímicos y ultraestructurales. Se encontró un predominio de fibras musculares tipo I (83%) con alta capacidad oxidativa y baja capacidad glicolítica. Las fibras del tipo II eran pequeñas (área promedio 2.084 Um2 ) y mostraron otros signos de atrofia al examen ultraestructural. La densidad capilar fue relativamente alta, (573) siendo normal el índice capilar/fibra (1,76). Sin embargo, algunos capilares se mostraron engrosados y con la luz ocluida, con la tinción de amilasa-PAS, lo cual fue corroborado con la microscopía electrónica, donde se vio la membrana basal engrosada, e inclusive algunos capilares totalmente degenerados. No se encontró reacción de inmunofluorescencia con las globulinas anti-IgG ni anti-IgM en los cortes de músculo. El espacio intersticial se encontró agrandado. Se concluye que no hay evidencias de la participación de un mecanismo autoinmune en la miositis osificante progresiva, que existe un daño capilar y alteración de las fibras musculares, aún en el músculo que no manifiesta a simple vista proceso de osificación.During an orthopedic operation a sample of the apparently normal lateral gastronecmius muscle was taken from a 13 year old female patient affected by myositis ossificans progressiva. The muscle sample was analyzed by light, electron and fluorescence microscopy, and some enzymes were assayed. Muscle fibers were classified by the adenosintriphosphatase reaction. The percentage of type I fiber was high (83%). Atrophy was found in type II fibers as shown by small mean area (2.084 Um2 ) and some ultrastructural features as infoldings of the sarcolemma. Capillary density was high (573 capillaries/mm2 ), and capillaries per fiber index was normal (1.76), as were oxidative enzymes. However many capillaries were occluded, with thick basal membrane and abnormal endothelial cells and pericytes. No immunofluorescence was found with anti IgG or anti IgM in the muscle fibers. Intersticial spaces in the cross section of the muscle were enlarged. In conclusion, no evidence of autoimmune involvement was found in myositis ossificans progressiva, but alteracions of capillaries and muscle fibers were found in a muscle apparently not affected yet by the ossification process

Genotypic and phenotypic diversity in the noncapsulated Haemophilus infl uenzae: adaptation and pathogenesis in the human airways

The human respiratory tract contains a highly adapted microbiota including commensal and opportunistic pathogens. Noncapsulated or nontypable Haemophilus infl uenzae (NTHi) is a human-restricted member of the normal airway microbiota in healthy carriers and an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. The duality of NTHi as a colonizer and as a symptomatic infectious agent is closely related to its adaptation to the host, which in turn greatly relies on the genetic plasticity of the bacterium and is facilitated by its condition as a natural competent. The variable genotype of NTHi accounts for its heterogeneous gene expression and variable phenotype, leading to differential host-pathogen interplay among isolates. Here we review our current knowledge of NTHi diversity in terms of genotype, gene expression, antigenic variation, and the phenotypesassociated with colonization and pathogenesis. The potential benefi ts of NTHi diversity studies discussed herein include the unraveling of pathogenicity clues, the generation of tools to predict virulence from genomic data, and the exploitation of a unique natural system for the continuous monitoring of long-term bacterial evolution in human airways exposed to noxious agents. Finally, we highlight the challenge of monitoring both the pathogen and the host in longitudinal studies, and of applying comparative genomics to clarify the meaning of the vast NTHi genetic diversity and its translation to virulence phenotypes. [Int Microbiol 2012; 15(4): 157-170

Connectivity, neutral theories and the assessment of species vulnerability to global change in temperate estuaries

One of the main adaptation strategies to global change scenarios, aiming to preserve ecosystem functioning and biodiversity, is to maximise ecosystem resilience. The resilience of a species metapopulation can be improved by facilitating connectivity between local populations, which will prevent demographic stochasticity and inbreeding. The objective of this investigation is to estimate the degree of connectivity among estuarine species along the north-eastern Iberian coast, in order to assess community vulnerability to global change scenarios. To address this objective, two connectivity proxy types have been used based upon genetic and ecological drift processes: 1) DNA markers for the bivalve cockle (Cerastoderma edule) and seagrass Zostera noltei, and 2) the decrease in the number of species shared between two sites with geographic distance; neutral biodiversity theory predicts that dispersal limitation modulates this decrease, and this has been explored in estuarine plants and macroinvertebrates. Results indicate dispersal limitation for both saltmarsh plants and seagrass beds community and Z. noltei populations; this suggests they are especially vulnerable to expected climate changes on their habitats. In contrast, unstructured spatial pattern found in macroinvertebrate communities and in C. edule genetic populations in the area suggests that estuarine soft-bottom macroinvertebrates with planktonic larval dispersal strategies may have a high resilience capacity to moderate changes within their habitats. Our findings can help environmental managers to prioritise the most vulnerable species and habitats to be restored

La enseñanza popular durante la vida de San José De Calasanz (1556 - 1648) (algunos aspectos del problema)

Europa vive en los siglos XVI y XVII en continua agitación político-religiosa, como consecuencia de la ignorancia del pueblo. El problema, durante la vida de San José de Calasanz.—El problema económico-social de España. Escritores que proponen soluciones: Mariana González de Cellerigo, Gutiérrez de los Ríos, C. García, Fr. Juan Márquez. Pedro de Guzmán (S. J.), López de Deza, conde de Gondomar, Sancho de Moncada. La solución social: Educación laboral que consiste en aficionar al pueblo al trabajo, enseñarle a trabajar, darle posibilidades y recuperar gentes mendicantes y pobres. Problemas de los mendigos y ociosos. Cristóbal Pérez de Herrera: el hombre, el médico y el escritor. Sus Discursos sobre la ociosidad y la mendicidad. Reformas urgentes: Reformación moral, recuperación social y formación profesional de los niños y jóvenes de ambos sexos y de las mujeres delincuentes. Enseñanza de oficios en las Casas de las Doctrinas, Casas de Expósitos, Seminarios laborales, Albergues y Casas de trabajo y labor, en los navíos de alto bordo y en las fábricas de armas. Talleres de tapicería.—El Seminario de Santa Isabel la Real: talleres y maestros de taller, enseñanzas técnico-profesionales. — Formación marinera del pueblo. Proyecto de una Facultad de Política y Economía.—La solución práctica de San José de Calasanz. Características de sus «Escuelas Pías». Establece la enseñanza popular, preventiva, religiosa, de inmediata utilidad, obligatoria. «Trabajar o estudiar» era su frase favorita

Microhardness and friction coefficient of multi-walled carbon nanotube-yttria-stabilized ZrO2 composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (eight walls) are mixed with an yttria-stabilized ZrO2 powder. The specimens are densified by spark plasma sintering. Compared to ZrO2, there is a 3.8-fold decrease of the friction coefficient against alumina upon the increase in carbon content. Examinations of the friction tracks show that wear is very low when the carbon content is sufficient. Exfoliation of the nanotubes due to shearing stresses and incorporation of the debris into a lubricating film over the contact area is probable