Agenesia lumbosacra

La agenesia lumbosacra es una malformación congénita muy rara que forma parte del síndrome de regresión caudal; su incidencia es de un caso por cada 25,000 nacidos vivos y es más frecuente en los hijos de madres diabéticas. Se comunica el caso de un neonato masculino de dos días de vida extrauterina atendido en el Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, con malformaciones en el segmento corporal inferior. Con el estudio radiográfico se comprobó el diagnóstico de agenesia lumbosacra. La familia desconocía los tipos de malformaciones o enfermedades hereditarias en su árbol genealógico; el estudio de cariotipo no demostró alteraciones (46 XY), al igual que la determinación de hemoglobina glucosilada a la madre. En el ecocardiograma se identificó foramen oval permeable y miocardiopatía hipertrófica sin repercusión hemodinámica. Debido a su complejidad clínica, el tratamiento para la agenesia lumbosacacra debe abordarse con un equipo médico multidisciplinario para identificar cualquier alteración anatómica y funcional

Objective measurement of Spanish emotion vocabulary

[EN]Current research on emotion knowledge and competence emphasises the role of language. Emotion vocabulary is one of the indicators of emotion knowledge that can be objectivelymeasured; however, the metric properties of the scores obtained in tests and tasks to measure it have seldom been adequate. In this study we designed and validated a Spanish emotion vocabulary test (MOVE) employing a corpus approach to construct cloze multiple-choice items, administered the test to a Spanish-speaking sample from two countries, Spain and Argentina, and analysed structural validity of the test items with the Rasch model measurement approach. Eighty-eight items showed adequate fit. Overall, a substantial percentage of variance was explained by a latent variable. Reliability indexes at the test, item, and person level were also adequate. As a vocabulary test, the MOVE can be used in psychological and neurological investigation, as well as in language learning research

Apolipoprotein C-III in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CV) and an altered lipid profile. High levels of apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC3) are associated with elevated triglyceride levels and an increased risk of CV. In the present study, we aimed to study circulating ApoC3 in patients with SLE and describe its relationship with the manifestations of the disease. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included 186 patients with SLE. Disease-related data, CV comorbidity, full lipid profile, and serum levels of ApoC3 were assessed. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to study how ApoC3 was related to SLE features. Results: Classic CV risk factors were significantly and strongly associated with circulating ApoC3. After a fully multivariable analysis that included classic CV risk factors and lipid profile molecules, SLICC damage (beta coef. 0.10 [95% CI 0.02?0.19] mg/dl, 0.020) and Katz severity (beta coef. 0.11 [95% CI 0.03-0.19] mg/dl, p = 0.011) indices and SLEDAI activity score (beta coef. 0.05 [95% CI 0.05-0.08] mg/dl, p = 0.004) were all independently associated with higher levels of circulating ApoC3. Conclusion: Among SLE patients, disease activity, severity, and disease damage are independently associated with higher ApoC3 serum levels.Funding: This work was supported by a grant to I.F-A. from the Spanish Ministry of Health, Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación, Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica y Técnica y de Innovación 2013–2016 and by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional—FEDER—(Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias, PI17/00083)

Apolipoprotein C-III is linked to the insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction that are present in rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction are manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC3) has been associated with such insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in the general population. Our purpose was to study whether ApoC3 is also related to the insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction that are present in patients with RA. Methods: Three hundred thirty-eight non-diabetic patients with RA who had a glycemia lower than 110 mg/dl were recruited. Insulin, C-peptide, and ApoC3 were assessed. Insulin resistance and beta-cell function were calculated using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA2) indices. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to study the relationship of ApoC3 with those molecules and indices adjusting for classic factors associated with insulin resistance that included glucocorticoids. Results: ApoC3 was related to significant higher levels of circulating insulin (beta coef. 0.37 [95%CI 0.01–0.73] μU/ml, p = 0.044) and C-peptide (beta coef. 0.13 [95%CI 0.05–0.22] ng/ml, p = 0.003), and higher insulin resistance —HOMA2- IR— (beta coef. 0.05 [95%CI 0.00–0.09], p = 0.041) and beta-cell dysfunction —HOMA2-%B— (beta coef. 2.94 [95%CI0.07–5.80], p = 0.044) indices. This was found after a fully multivariable analysis that included, among others, prednisone intake and the classic factors associated with carbohydrate metabolism such as triglycerides, waist circumference, and obesity. Conclusion: ApoC3, insulin resistance, and beta-cell dysfunction are independently associated in patients RA.This work was supported by a grant to I.F-A. from the Spanish Ministry of Health, Subdireccion General de Evaluacion y Fomento de la Investigacion, Plan Estatal de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnica y de Innovacion 2013–2016 and by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional—FEDER—(Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias, PI17/00083

Ni-thiosaccharinate complexes: Synthesis, characterization and DFT studies. Biological properties as superoxide dismutase mimetics and as anti-carcinogenic agents

This report describes the synthesis and characterization of two nickel thiosaccharinate complexes, [Ni(tsac)2(PPh3)2] (1) and [Ni(tsac)2(dppe)]·CH3CN (2), where tsac = thiosaccharinate anion, PPh3 = triphenylphosphane and dppe = bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane. Elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectra and single crystal X ray diffraction studies of the complexes are presented. DFT optimizations of the two new compounds were performed in order to verify the FTIR vibrational assignations. The two nickel(II) thiosaccharinate complexes consist of mononuclear units in which the Ni atoms are the centre of square-planar coordination spheres, surrounded by two sulfur thiosaccharinate atoms and two phosphorous atoms from the phosphane ligands. In both complexes, the anions are mono-coordinated to the metal. In the [Ni(tsac)2(PPh3)2] structure, the phosphane moieties are located in trans position. In the [Ni(tsac)2(dppe)] structure, the dppe ligand chelates to the metal centre, as expected. Additionally, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic activity of the complexes was measured and it is reported herein. The effects of the complexes on cell proliferation were also studied and are described.Fil: Delgado, Fermin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química. Instituto de Química del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Nicova, Eva. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química. Instituto de Química del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Agotegaray, Mariela Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química. Instituto de Química del Sur; ArgentinaFil: González Pardo, María Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Dorn, Viviana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química. Instituto de Química del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Burrow, Robert A.. Universidade Federal de Santa Maria; BrasilFil: Dennehy, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Química. Instituto de Química del Sur; Argentin

The angiopoietin-like protein 4, apolipoprotein C3, and lipoprotein lipase axis is disrupted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Modulators of triglyceride metabolism include lipoprotein lipase (LPL), angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), and apolipoprotein C-3 (ApoC3). There is evidence on the influence of this triangle of molecules on an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CV) in the general population. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) present changes in lipid profiles and accelerated CV disease. In the present study, we set out to study whether the ANGPTL4, ApoC3, and LPL axis differs in subjects with RA compared to controls. In a further step, we investigated the relationship of this axis with subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA. Methods: Cross-sectional study that included 569 individuals, 323 patients with RA and 246 age-matched controls. ANGPTL4, ApoC3 and LPL, and standard lipid profiles were analyzed in patients and controls. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaques were assessed in RA patients. A multivariable analysis was performed to assess whether the ANGPTL4, ApoC3, and LPL axis was altered in RA and to study its relationship with RA dyslipidemia and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Results: Most lipid profile molecules did not differ between patients and controls. Despite this, and after fully multivariable analysis including CV risk factors, use of statins, and changes in the lipid profile caused by the disease itself, patients with RA showed higher serum levels of ANGPTL4 (beta coef. 295 [95% CI 213-376] ng/ml, p<0.001) and ApoC3 (beta coef. 2.9 [95% CI 1.7-4.0] mg/dl, p<0.001), but lower circulating LPL (beta coef. -174 [95% CI -213 to - 135] ng/ml, p<0.001). ANGPTL4 serum levels were positively and independently associated with a higher cIMT in patients with RA after fully multivariable adjustment. Conclusion: The axis consisting in ANGPTL4, ApoC3, and LPL is disrupted in patients with RA. ANGPTL4 serum levels are positively and independently associated with a higher cIMT in RA patients.Funding: This work was supported by a grant to IFA from the Spanish Ministry of Health, Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación, Plan Estatal de Investigación Científica y Técnica y de Innovación 2013-2016 and by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional - FEDER - (Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias, PI17/00083)

Megalitismo no funerario en el Suroeste de la Península Ibérica: los nuevos enclaves de “La Torre” y “La Janera” (Ayamonte-Villablanca, Huelva)

Se exponen en este trabajo las circunstancias del hallazgo y los resultados del estudio preliminar de un vasto conjunto de elementos megalíticos distribuidos por las fincas “La Torre” y “La Janera”, un entorno de aproximadamente 600 hectáreas localizado en los municipios de Ayamonte y Villablanca (Huelva, España). Los trabajos de prospección y documentación realizados han permitido identificar un espacio de ocupación prehistórico de enorme interés debido a la presencia de más de un millar de megalitos (menhires y estelas decorados y sin decoración). La profusión y variedad de los soportes ortostáticos, la existencia de arte rupestre asociado y la constatación de patrones de distribución significativos, hacen de este lugar un caso de estudio único para el conocimiento histórico y la interpretación del fenómeno megalítico en el suroeste peninsular.This paper sets out the circumstances of the discovery and the results of the preliminary study of a vast group of megalithic elements distributed around the “La Torre” and “La Janera” estates, an area of approximately 600 hectares located in the municipalities of Ayamonte and Villablanca (Huelva, Spain). The developed works of prospection and documentation have allowed to identify a space of prehistoric occupation of enormous interest due to the presence of more than a thousand megaliths (menhirs and steles, decorated and without decoration). The profusion and variety of orthostatic supports, the existence of associated rock art and the confirmation of significant distribution patterns, make this place a unique case study for the historical knowledge and interpretation of the megalithic phenomenon in the southwest of the peninsula

Multi-ionic effects on energy production based on double layer expansion by salinity exchange

The edited version of the manuscript can be obtained at: Delgado et al., J. Colloid Interface Science (2014); DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2014.08.009It has been recently shown that the free energy change upon salinity mixing in river mouths can be harvested taking advantage of the fact that the capacitance of charged solid/liquid interfaces (electrical double layers, EDLs) depends strongly on the ionic composition of the liquid medium. This has led to a new generation of techniques called Capmix technologies, one of them (CDLE or Capacitive energy extraction based on DL Expansion) based precisely on such dependence. Despite the solution composition playing a crucial role on the whole process, most of the research carried out so far has mainly focused on pure sodium chloride solutions. However, the effect of other species usually present in river and sea waters should be considered both theoretically and experimentally in order to succeed in optimizing a future device. In this paper, we analyse solutions of a more realistic composition from two points of view. Firstly, we find both experimentally and theoretically that the presence of ions other than sodium and chloride, even at low concentrations, may lead to a lower energy extraction in the process. Secondly, we experimentally consider the possible effects of other materials usually dispersed in natural water (mineral particles, microbes, shells, pollutants) by checking their accumulation in the carbon films used, after being exposed for a long period to natural sea water during CDLE cycles.Universidad de Granada. Departamento de Física AplicadaThe research leading to these results received funding from the European Union 7th Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under agreement No. 256868. Financial support from Junta de Andalucia (Project PE2012-FQM 694) and MINECO (Project FIS2013-4766-C3-1-R) is also acknowledged. One of us, M.M.F., is grateful to the University of Granada for her FPU grant

Diagnóstico de las necesidades de capacitación causadas por los cambios estructurales post COVID 19

Proyecto de graduación (Licenciatura con énfasis en Recursos Humanos) Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Administración de Empresas, 2020.Este trabajo de investigación consiste en realizar un diagnóstico de las necesidades de capacitación causadas por los cambios estructurales post COVID 19 en el tercer bimestre del 2020 para la empresa Search. La metodología de la investigación abarca tres unidades de estudio según los puestos claves de Search: Country Manager, Talent Hunter y clientes, para innovar en los productos y servicios que requieren con base en la disyuntiva mundial. Los métodos de recopilación de información empleados fueron encuestas online y grupos focales. Respecto al análisis de resultados se evalúa aspectos como la percepción del perfil puesto y las necesidades de capacitación antes y después de la crisis, los principales cambios estructurales y su incidencia en la ejecución de sus funciones en los Talent Hunters y Country Manager; para los clientes se tomaron en cuenta los principales retos que han presentado en la gestión del humano, y cómo podría contribuir Search para el logro de sus objetivos estratégicos después del COVID 19. Finalmente, se diseñaron dos herramientas de Excel, una con los diferentes tópicos de capacitación que se proponen y, otra con los gráficos y tablas de la información para el análisis de la información para Search, y sus recomendaciones de uso.This research consists in a diagnosis of the training needs caused by the post Covid 19 structural changes in the II bimester of 2020 for the company Search. The research methodology covers three units of study according to the main areas of Search: Country Manager, Talent Hunter and clients in order to innovate in the products and services they require based on the global changes. The information collection methods used were online surveys and focus groups. Regarding the analysis of results, the main examined areas were the perception of the job profile and the training needs before and after the crisis, the main structural changes and their impact on the execution of the functions of Talent Hunters and Country Manager. For clients, the main challenges they went through in human management were analyses, and how Search could contribute to the achievement of their strategic objectives after Covid 19. Finally, two Excel tools were designed: one of them include the graphics and tables used for the analysis of the information and their recommendations, and the other one include the training plan proposal.Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica. Escuela de Administración de Empresa

Brown bear behaviour in human-modified landscapes: The case of the endangered Cantabrian population, NW Spain

Large carnivores are recolonizing parts of their historical range in Europe, a heavily modified human landscape. This calls for an improvement of our knowledge on how large carnivores manage to coexist with humans, and on the effects that human activity has on large carnivore behaviour, especially in areas where carnivore populations are still endangered. Brown bears Ursus arctos have been shown to be sensitive to the presence of people and their activities. Thus, bear conservation and management should take into account potential behavioural alterations related to living in human-modified landscapes. We studied the behaviour of brown bears in the Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain, where an endangered population thrives in a human-modified landscape. We analysed bear observations video-recorded over a 10-year period to try to identify human and landscape elements that could influence bear behaviour. Neither the occurrence nor the duration of vigilance behaviour in Cantabrian bears seemed to be influenced by the proximity of human infrastructures and activity. Our findings suggest that the general pattern of human avoidance by bears is adapted to the human-modified landscape they inhabit. Bears generally avoid people, but close presence of human infrastructures or activity did not seem to trigger an increased bear behavioural response. Coexistence between large carnivores and humans in human-modified landscapes is possible, even when human encroachment is high, provided that carnivores are not heavily persecuted and direct interactions are avoided. Further research should also document the potential existence of other responses to human presence and activity, e.g., hunting, traffic noise, and measuring stress levels with physiological indicators.This research was financially supported by the IBA (International Association for Bear Research and Management) grant project IBA-RG_16_2016 ‘Brown bear behaviour in human-dominated landscapes: the effect of human density and ecotourism’. During this research, G.B. was financially supported by a collaboration contract with the MUSE – Museo delle Scienze of Trento (Italy), J.M-P. was supported by the ARAID foundation and V.P., A.O. and R.G.G. were also financially supported by the Excellence Project CGL2017-82782-P financed by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO), the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER, EU)