29 research outputs found

    Les recerques i les publicacions de Josep Gudiol i Cunill en el context científic i cultural català

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    La recent publicació d’un text inèdit de Josep Gudiol i Cunill enceta el debat sobre la seva figura i les seves aportacions científiques –moltes inèdites– en el context cultural de la Catalunya del seu temps. Les relacions de Gudiol amb les institucions culturals, la publicació –o no– dels seus estudis i, en particular, el seu paper en les primeres sistematitzacions sobre l’arquitectura romànica catalana són les qüestions que ací es plantegen

    Seroprevalence of Bartonella spp. infection in HIV patients in Catalonia, Spain

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although the first clinical descriptions of <it>Bartonella </it>infection were associated with immunocompromised patient with bacillary angiomatosis, we currently know that this organism is directly involved in diseases affecting a large number of patients, regardless of their immune status. Cat scratch disease, hepatic peliosis, and some cases of bacteraemia and endocarditis, are directly caused by some species of the genus <it>Bartonella</it>. The purpose of this study was to determinate the prevalence of IgG antibodies against <it>Bartonella henselae </it>and <it>B. quintana </it>in HIV patients and to identify the epidemiological factors involved.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Serum samples were collected from HIV patients treated at Hospital de Sabadell. Antibodies to <it>B. henselae </it>and <it>B. quintana </it>from 340 patients were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Significance levels for univariate statistical test were determined by the Mann-Whitney U test and χ<sup>2 </sup>test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 340 patients, 82 were women and 258 men, with a median age of 42.21 ± 10.35 years (range 16–86 years). Seventy-six (22.3%) patients reacted with one or more <it>Bartonella </it>antigens. Of all the factors concerning the seroprevalence rate being studied (age, sex, intravenous drugs use, alcohol consumption, CD4 levels, AIDS, HCV, HBV, residential area), only age was statistically significant.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A high percentage of HIV patients presents antibodies to <it>Bartonella </it>and is increasing with age.</p

    The role of cats in the eco-epidemiology of spotted fever group diseases

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    Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF), whose etiological agent is R. conorii, is one of the oldest described vector-borne infectious diseases. Although it is endemic in the Mediterranean area, clinical cases have also been reported in other regions. R. massiliae- Bar29 is related to MSF cases. This strain is distributed worldwide. R. conorii and R. massiliae- Bar29 are transmitted by ticks. Dogs are considered the sentinel of R. conorii infection. Cats could also be involved in their transmission. Rickettsia felis, etiological agent of Flea-borne spotted fever, is mainly transmitted by the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. Up to now, the role of cats in its transmission is not entirely elucidated. The aim of the study is to analyze the infection in cats by these microorganisms. The study was undertaken in Northeastern Spain. Twenty municipalities of seven regions participated in the study. 212 cats (pets and stray cats) were analyzed. Variables surveyed were: date of collection, age, sex, municipality, source, living place, outdoor activities, health status, type of disease, contact with other animals, and ectoparasite infestation. Sera were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA). Molecular detection (real-time PCR and sequencing) and cultures were performed on blood samples. There were 59 (27.8%) cats seroreactive to one or more microorganisms. Considering cross-reactions, the seroprevalences were 15.6%-19.5% (R. massiliae -Bar29), 1.9%-6.2% (R. conorii), and 5.2%-7.5% (R. felis). A weak association was observed between SFG seropositivity and tick infestation. Ticks found on seropositive cats were Rhipicephalus pusillus, R. sanguineus and R. turanicus. DNA of Rickettsia was detected in 23 cats. 21 of them could be sequenced. Sequences obtained were identical to those sequences of SFG rickettsiae similar to R. conorii and R. massiliae. No amplification of R. felis was obtained. Cats can be infected by SFG rickettsiae and produce antibodies against them. Cats may play a role in the transmission cycle of R. conorii and R. massiliae -Bar29, although the role in the R. felis cycle needs further analysis

    MicroRNA-200, associated with metastatic breast cancer, promotes traits of mammary luminal progenitor cells

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    MicroRNAs are critical regulators of gene networks in normal and abnormal biological processes. Focusing on invasive ductal breast cancer (IDC), we have found dysregulated expression in tumor samples of several microRNAs, including the miR-200 family, along progression from primary tumors to distant metastases, further reflected in higher blood levels of miR-200b and miR-7 in IDC patients with regional or distant metastases relative to patients with primary node-negative tumors. Forced expression of miR-200s in MCF10CA1h mammary cells induced an enhanced epithelial program, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, mammosphere growth and ability to form branched tubuloalveolar structures while promoting orthotopic tumor growth and lung colonization in vivo. MiR-200s also induced the constitutive activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling through downregulation of PTEN, and the enhanced mammosphere growth and ALDH activity induced in MCF10CA1h cells by miR-200s required the activation of this signaling pathway. Interestingly, the morphology of tumors formed in vivo by cells expressing miR-200s was reminiscent of metaplastic breast cancer (MBC). Indeed, the epithelial components of MBC samples expressed significantly higher levels of miR-200s than their mesenchymal components and displayed a marker profile compatible with luminal progenitor cells. We propose that microRNAs of the miR-200 family promote traits of highly proliferative breast luminal progenitor cells, thereby exacerbating the growth and metastatic properties of transformed mammary epithelial cells

    MicroRNA-200, associated with metastatic breast cancer, promotes traits of mammary luminal progenitor cells

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    MicroRNAs are critical regulators of gene networks in normal and abnormal biological processes. Focusing on invasive ductal breast cancer (IDC), we have found dysregulated expression in tumor samples of several microRNAs, including the miR-200 family, along progression from primary tumors to distant metastases, further reflected in higher blood levels of miR-200b and miR-7 in IDC patients with regional or distant metastases relative to patients with primary node-negative tumors. Forced expression of miR-200s in MCF10CA1h mammary cells induced an enhanced epithelial program, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, mammosphere growth and ability to form branched tubuloalveolar structures while promoting orthotopic tumor growth and lung colonization in vivo. MiR-200s also induced the constitutive activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling through downregulation of PTEN, and the enhanced mammosphere growth and ALDH activity induced in MCF10CA1h cells by miR-200s required the activation of this signaling pathway. Interestingly, the morphology of tumors formed in vivo by cells expressing miR-200s was reminiscent of metaplastic breast cancer (MBC). Indeed, the epithelial components of MBC samples expressed significantly higher levels of miR-200s than their mesenchymal components and displayed a marker profile compatible with luminal progenitor cells. We propose that microRNAs of the miR-200 family promote traits of highly proliferative breast luminal progenitor cells, thereby exacerbating the growth and metastatic properties of transformed mammary epithelial cells

    Epidemiologia de la infecció per Bartonella henselae

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    The number of zoonotic Bartonella species identified in the last 15 years has increased considerably, since the first HIV- infected patient with unusual vascular proliferative lesions of bacillary angiomatosis (BA) was described in 1983. Of the 21 species of Bartonella described until now, only 10 were acknowledged as human pathogen species. B. bacilliformis, B. quintana, and B. henselae are the most frequently described species, while B. elizabethae, B. vinsonii, B. washoensis, B. grahamii, B. clarridgeiae, B. koehlerae and B. alsatica were recently identified as responsible for a few cases of human infections. Cat scratch disease (CSD), bacillar angiomatosis, hepatic peliosis and some cases of bacteraemia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, uveitis and neurologic disorders are directly caused by some species of the genus Bartonella. We realize three studies, the objective of cats study, the first aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Bartonella infections in Spain, was to know the seroprevalence against B. henselae in cats, the level of bacteremia and to assess the factors that could modify both prevalences. Since cats are the main reservoir of Bartonella, we have studied the infection by B. henselae in a sample of cats in our geographical area. We conducted microbiologic cultures and serology to a total of 115 cats, 33.05% of which were younger than one year. Of the 100 cultures performed (15 animals were rejected due to massive contamination), we isolated Bartonella in 7, with a prevalence of bacteriemic cats below one year of 12.12%. Isolated strains were identified as B. henselae by PCR, using the 16S-23S rRNA intergene region primers. Thirty-four cats (29.56%) showed antibodies against B. henselae with titers above 1/64. Of all the factors related to the bacteraemia rate studied (age, sex, habitat, contact with animals, parasites, and presence of antibodies against Bartonella) only the presence of antibodies against Bartonella henselae was statistically significant. To determine the real incidence of Bartonella infections, we must study the seroprevalence in the general population as well as the principal reservoirs and vectors of infection transmission. Serum samples from 218 patients were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Significance levels for univariate statistical test were determined by the Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test. Of 218 patients, 99 were women and 119 men, with a median age of 34.36 years (range 0--91 years). Nineteen (8.7%) reacted with B. henselae antigens. Of all the factors concerning the seroprevalence rate being studied (age, sex, contact with animals, residential area), only age was statistically significant. Our serological data seems to indicate that Bartonella henselae is present in our area and could be transmitted to humans. – And in the last study, serum samples were collected from HIV patients treated at Hospital de Sabadell. Antibodies to B. henselae and B. quintana from 340 patients were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Significance levels for univariate statistical test were determined by the Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test. – Of 340 patients, 82 were women and 258 men, with a median age of 42.21 ± 10.35 years (range 16 -86 years). Seventy-six (22.3%) patients reacted with one or more Bartonella antigens. Of all the factors concerning the seroprevalence rate being studied (age, sex, intravenous drugs use, alcohol consumption, CD4 levels, AIDS, HCV, HBV, residential area), only age was statistically significant. A high percentage of HIV patients presents antibodies to Bartonella and is increasing with age

    Epidemiologia de la infecció per Bartonella henselae

    Get PDF
    The number of zoonotic Bartonella species identified in the last 15 years has increased considerably, since the first HIV- infected patient with unusual vascular proliferative lesions of bacillary angiomatosis (BA) was described in 1983. Of the 21 species of Bartonella described until now, only 10 were acknowledged as human pathogen species. B. bacilliformis, B. quintana, and B. henselae are the most frequently described species, while B. elizabethae, B. vinsonii, B. washoensis, B. grahamii, B. clarridgeiae, B. koehlerae and B. alsatica were recently identified as responsible for a few cases of human infections. Cat scratch disease (CSD), bacillar angiomatosis, hepatic peliosis and some cases of bacteraemia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, uveitis and neurologic disorders are directly caused by some species of the genus Bartonella. We realize three studies, the objective of cats study, the first aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Bartonella infections in Spain, was to know the seroprevalence against B. henselae in cats, the level of bacteremia and to assess the factors that could modify both prevalences. Since cats are the main reservoir of Bartonella, we have studied the infection by B. henselae in a sample of cats in our geographical area. We conducted microbiologic cultures and serology to a total of 115 cats, 33.05% of which were younger than one year. Of the 100 cultures performed (15 animals were rejected due to massive contamination), we isolated Bartonella in 7, with a prevalence of bacteriemic cats below one year of 12.12%. Isolated strains were identified as B. henselae by PCR, using the 16S-23S rRNA intergene region primers. Thirty-four cats (29.56%) showed antibodies against B. henselae with titers above 1/64. Of all the factors related to the bacteraemia rate studied (age, sex, habitat, contact with animals, parasites, and presence of antibodies against Bartonella) only the presence of antibodies against Bartonella henselae was statistically significant. To determine the real incidence of Bartonella infections, we must study the seroprevalence in the general population as well as the principal reservoirs and vectors of infection transmission. Serum samples from 218 patients were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Significance levels for univariate statistical test were determined by the Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test. Of 218 patients, 99 were women and 119 men, with a median age of 34.36 years (range 0--91 years). Nineteen (8.7%) reacted with B. henselae antigens. Of all the factors concerning the seroprevalence rate being studied (age, sex, contact with animals, residential area), only age was statistically significant. Our serological data seems to indicate that Bartonella henselae is present in our area and could be transmitted to humans. - And in the last study, serum samples were collected from HIV patients treated at Hospital de Sabadell. Antibodies to B. henselae and B. quintana from 340 patients were examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Significance levels for univariate statistical test were determined by the Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test. - Of 340 patients, 82 were women and 258 men, with a median age of 42.21 ± 10.35 years (range 16 -86 years). Seventy-six (22.3%) patients reacted with one or more Bartonella antigens. Of all the factors concerning the seroprevalence rate being studied (age, sex, intravenous drugs use, alcohol consumption, CD4 levels, AIDS, HCV, HBV, residential area), only age was statistically significant. A high percentage of HIV patients presents antibodies to Bartonella and is increasing with age

    Molecular detection of Rickettsia typhi in cats and fleas.

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    BACKGROUND: Rickettsiatyphi is the etiological agent of murine typhus (MT), a disease transmitted by two cycles: rat-flea-rat, and peridomestic cycle. Murine typhus is often misdiagnosed and underreported. A correct diagnosis is important because MT can cause severe illness and death. Our previous seroprevalence results pointed to presence of human R. typhi infection in our region; however, no clinical case has been reported. Although cats have been related to MT, no naturally infected cat has been described. The aim of the study is to confirm the existence of R. typhi in our location analyzing its presence in cats and fleas. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: 221 cats and 80 fleas were collected from Veterinary clinics, shelters, and the street (2001-2009). Variables surveyed were: date of collection, age, sex, municipality, living place, outdoor activities, demographic area, healthy status, contact with animals, and ectoparasite infestation. IgG against R. typhi were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Molecular detection in cats and fleas was performed by real-time PCR. Cultures were performed in those cats with positive molecular detection. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. Thirty-five (15.8%) cats were seropositive. There were no significant associations among seropositivity and any variables. R. typhi was detected in 5 blood and 2 cultures. High titres and molecular detection were observed in stray cats and pets, as well as in spring and winter. All fleas were Ctenocephalides felis. R. typhi was detected in 44 fleas (55%), from shelters and pets. Co-infection with R. felis was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although no clinical case has been described in this area, the presence of R. typhi in cats and fleas is demonstrated. Moreover, a considerable percentage of those animals lived in households. To our knowledge, this is the first time R. typhi is detected in naturally infected cats

    The role of cats in the eco-epidemiology of spotted fever group diseases

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    Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF), whose etiological agent is R. conorii, is one of the oldest described vector-borne infectious diseases. Although it is endemic in the Mediterranean area, clinical cases have also been reported in other regions. R. massiliae- Bar29 is related to MSF cases. This strain is distributed worldwide. R. conorii and R. massiliae- Bar29 are transmitted by ticks. Dogs are considered the sentinel of R. conorii infection. Cats could also be involved in their transmission. Rickettsia felis, etiological agent of Flea-borne spotted fever, is mainly transmitted by the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. Up to now, the role of cats in its transmission is not entirely elucidated. The aim of the study is to analyze the infection in cats by these microorganisms. The study was undertaken in Northeastern Spain. Twenty municipalities of seven regions participated in the study. 212 cats (pets and stray cats) were analyzed. Variables surveyed were: date of collection, age, sex, municipality, source, living place, outdoor activities, health status, type of disease, contact with other animals, and ectoparasite infestation. Sera were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA). Molecular detection (real-time PCR and sequencing) and cultures were performed on blood samples. There were 59 (27.8%) cats seroreactive to one or more microorganisms. Considering cross-reactions, the seroprevalences were 15.6%-19.5% (R. massiliae -Bar29), 1.9%-6.2% (R. conorii), and 5.2%-7.5% (R. felis). A weak association was observed between SFG seropositivity and tick infestation. Ticks found on seropositive cats were Rhipicephalus pusillus, R. sanguineus and R. turanicus. DNA of Rickettsia was detected in 23 cats. 21 of them could be sequenced. Sequences obtained were identical to those sequences of SFG rickettsiae similar to R. conorii and R. massiliae. No amplification of R. felis was obtained. Cats can be infected by SFG rickettsiae and produce antibodies against them. Cats may play a role in the transmission cycle of R. conorii and R. massiliae -Bar29, although the role in the R. felis cycle needs further analysis

    Experiències d'integració als centres escolars. 'Experiencias de integración en los centros escolares'

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    Se presentan diversas experiencias de integración implementadas en los centros escolares siguientes: IES Sa Pobla (Sa Pobla, Mallorca), CP Pintor Joan Miró (Palma, Mallorca), CP Jafuda Cresques (Palma, Mallorca), CP Felip Bauçà (Palma, Mallorca) y CP Puig de sa Morisca (Calvìa, Mallorca). Se comenta especialmente la figura del mediador y la comisión de mediación; el Plan de acogida lingüística y cultural; los talleres de lengua y cultura; los programas de inmersión, higiene y salud y lucha contra el absentismo escolar; las acciones de acogida familiar; el programa Vivim Plegats (vivimos juntos) del Govern Balear y otras acciones y ideas para alcanzar en el aula una verdadera integración de las personas inmigrantes.BalearesES
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