Spain's Master of Leadership in Civil Engineering: case study

The paper suggests the value of developing a civil engineering graduate program focused on management, leadership, and innovation. Described are the creation and operation of a Master of Leadership in Civil Engineering (MLCE) program in Spain supported by a private foundation, organized by one of Spain’s youngest civil engineering schools, and involving collaboration with the nation’s other nine civil engineering schools.Postprint (published version

A New Mutation Causing Progressive Familiar Intrahepatic Cholestasis Type 3 in Association with Autoimmune Hepatitis

Background: Some patients exhibit features of both autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Similarly, patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 (PFIC3) may share histological features with PSC. Case report: We report the case of a 22-year-old man who, since he was 5 years of age, has presented with pruritus, an approximately ninefold elevation of aminotransferases, and γ-glutamyl transferase levels ~10 times the upper limit. Initially he was diagnosed with an overlap syndrome of small duct PSC plus AIH. However, fluctuations in liver enzymes were observed over the following years. Analysis of the ABCB4 gene indicated the diagnosis of PFIC3, revealing a mutation not previously reported. Conclusion: With this case report we aim to describe a new mutation, raise awareness of this rare pathology and highlight the importance of genetic testing of the ABCB4 gene in patients with autoimmune liver disease (mainly small duct PSC) with incomplete response to immunosuppressive treatmen

Neurocognition and functional outcome in patients with psychotic, non-psychotic bipolar I disorder, and schizophrenia. A five-year follow-up

Bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) are characterized by neurocognitive and functional deficits with marked heterogeneity. It has been suggested that BD with a history of psychotic symptoms (BD-P) could constitute a phenotypically homogeneous subtype characterized by greater neurocognitive and functional impairments, or by a distinct trajectory of such deficits. The aim of this study was to compare the neurocognitive and functional course of euthymic BD-P, euthymic BD patients without a history of psychosis (BD-NP), stabilized patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects, during a five-year follow-up

T-box transcription factor Brachyury is associated with prostate cancer progression and aggressiveness

Purpose: Successful therapy of patients with prostate cancer is highly dependent on reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Brachyury is considered a negative prognostic factor in colon and lung cancer; however, there are no reports on Brachyury’s expression in prostate cancer. Experimental Design: In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of Brachyury expression in prostate tumorigenesis using a large series of human prostate samples comprising benign tissue, prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, localized tumor, and metastatic tissues. The results obtained were compared with what can be inferred from the Oncomine database. In addition, multiple in vitro models of prostate cancer were used to dissect the biologic role of Brachyury in prostate cancer progression. Results: We found that Brachyury is significantly overexpressed in prostate cancer and metastatic tumors when compared with normal tissues, both at protein and at mRNA levels. Brachyury expression in the cytoplasm correlates with highly aggressive tumors, whereas the presence of Brachyury in the nucleus is correlated with tumor invasion. We found that Brachyury-positive cells present higher viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion rates than Brachyury-negative cells. Microarray analysis further showed that genes co-expressed with Brachyury are clustered in oncogenic-related pathways, namely cell motility, cellcycle regulation, and cell metabolism. Conclusions: Collectively, the present study suggests that Brachyury plays an important role in prostate cancer aggressiveness and points, for the first time, to Brachyury as a significant predictor of poor prostate cancer prognosis. Our work paves the way for future studies assessing Brachyury as a possible prostate cancer therapeutic target.This study was supported by the ICVS internal research funds of participating authors and by the FCT project, ref. PTDC/SAU-MET113415/2009. F. Pinto and N. Pertega-Gomes received fellowships from the FCT, ref. SFRH/BD/81369/2011 and SFRH/BD/61027/2009, respectively. R. P. Andrade was funded by Ciencia2007 Program Contract and Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON. 2) - NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000017

Detection of African Swine Fever Virus Antibodies in Serum and Oral Fluid Specimens Using a Recombinant Protein 30 (p30) Dual Matrix Indirect ELISA

In the absence of effective vaccine(s), control of African swine fever caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV) must be based on early, efficient, cost-effective detection and strict control and elimination strategies. For this purpose, we developed an indirect ELISA capable of detecting ASFV antibodies in either serum or oral fluid specimens. The recombinant protein used in the ELISA was selected by comparing the early serum antibody response of ASFV-infected pigs (NHV-p68 isolate) to three major recombinant polypeptides (p30, p54, p72) using a multiplex fluorescent microbead-based immunoassay (FMIA). Non-hazardous (non-infectious) antibody-positive serum for use as plate positive controls and for the calculation of sample-to-positive (S:P) ratios was produced by inoculating pigs with a replicon particle (RP) vaccine expressing the ASFV p30 gene. The optimized ELISA detected anti-p30 antibodies in serum and/or oral fluid samples from pigs inoculated with ASFV under experimental conditions beginning 8 to 12 days post inoculation. Tests on serum (n = 200) and oral fluid (n = 200) field samples from an ASFV-free population demonstrated that the assay was highly diagnostically specific. The convenience and diagnostic utility of oral fluid sampling combined with the flexibility to test either serum or oral fluid on the same platform suggests that this assay will be highly useful under the conditions for which OIE recommends ASFV antibody surveillance, i.e., in ASFV-endemic areas and for the detection of infections with ASFV isolates of low virulence

Análisis de la expresión de genes de respuesta inmune durante el desarrollo ontogénico de paralarvas de pulpo Octopus vulgaris criadas en cautividad

El pulpo común es una especie de gran importancia comercial, considerada como una especie emergente en acuicultura. En este trabajo se analizó el nivel de expresión de los genes inmunes TLR, C1q, Galectina, PGRP, LITAF, SERPIN, PRDX y Caspasa 3 mediante PCR cuantitativa (q-PCR) en embriones y paralarvas de O. vulgaris de edades 0, 10, 20 y 34 días. Adicionalmente, se infectaron paralarvas de 22 días con bacterias patógenas vivas Vibrio lentus y V. splendidus a 1h, 4h y 24h. El estudio del desarrollo del sistema inmune de estas paralarvas ayudará a identificar factores claves para la supervivencia y cultivo del pulpo común. Durante el desarrollo ontogénico, los embriones mostraron el menor nivel de expresión de PGRP, Caspasa 3 y PRDX. Por el contrario, C1q, Galectina y LITAF se observaron visiblemente expresados. C1q, TLR y SERPIN fueron los genes que presentaron mayor nivel de expresión en Pa0D. A partir de Pa10D se observó un notable incremento en la expresión de C1q, Galectina, PGRP y LITAF. La expresión de Caspasa3 se incrementó gradualmente desde Em. V. lentus y V. splendidus inducen un notable incremento de la expresión de C1q y PRDX entre 1h y 4h post infección. Sin embargo, durante las primeras horas de infección se observó una disminución de la expresión de Galectina, TLR, PGRP y LITAF. Particularmente la infección por V. lentus produjo una disminución de la expresión de SERPIN. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la capacidad del sistema inmune de reconocer patógenos y evitar infecciones es significativamente activo desde los estadíos de paralarvas recién eclosionadas. Sin embargo, se observó un aumento significativo de los genes seleccionados a partir de Pa10D.The common octopus is a species of high commercial interest and nowadays is considered as an emergent species in aquaculture. The mRNA expression level of immune-related genes (TLR, C1q, Galectin, PGRP, LITAF, SERPIN, PRDX and Caspase 3) was analyzed by Real time qPCR on embryos and paralarvae of O. vulgaris at age of 0, 10, 20 and 34 days. Additionally, paralarvae of 22 days were challenged with live Vibrio lentus and V. splendidus during a time course (1 h, 4 h and 24 h). This analysis will allow a better understanding of the developmental of immune system of these paralarvae, which will help to identify key factors for survival and culture of the common octopus. Regarding ontogeny, Em showed the lowest expression of PGRP, Caspase 3 and PRDX. In contrast, C1q, Galectin and LITAF were visibly expressed. C1q, TLR and SERPIN were highly expressed in Pa0D. A notably increase in the expression of C1q, Galectin, PGRP and LITAF began from Pa10D. Caspase 3 expression was gradually increased from Em. V. lentus and V. splendidus induced a notable expression of C1q and PRDX at 1 h and 4 h post infection (p. i.). Nevertheless, they markedly suppress the activation of Galectin, TLR, PGRP and LITAF during the first hours p.i.. Particularly, V. lentus suppressed the expression of SERPIN. The present results suggest that the ability of immune system to recognize pathogens and avoid infections is a priority in recently hatched paralarvae. However, a noticeable increase of gene expression was observed from Pa10D.0,000

Critical review of technologies for the on-site treatment of hospital wastewater: From conventional to combined advanced processes

In this work, a raw and low cost mineral, ilmenite (FeTiO3), has been tested for the first time as a photocatalyst paired with peroxymonosulfate (HSO5-; PMS) for the inactivation of Enterococcus faecalis as an alternative to conventional treatments to disinfect wastewater for reuse. The influence of some operational parameters such as reagent dosage, catalyst concentration, initial pH, or flow rate was also studied and optimized. After several tests, the scarce pure photoactivity under UV-A was remarked by ilmenite because of its high iron content, which favors photogenerated charge recombination. However, ilmenite activity was highly promoted when combined with low concentrations of PMS and UV-A light, reaching total inactivation of Enterococcus faecalis in 120 min. Quenching tests were performed using methanol, tert-butyl alcohol, furfuryl alcohol, and Cu(II) to assess the main reactive species involved in the disinfection process determining the critical role of both HO·and SO4·- radicals in the process. Finally, the influence of the water matrix was also evaluated by studying the effect of water hardness and the presence of nutrients on the system. Overall, the PMS/Ilmenite/UV-A system yielded promising results with a total removal of Enterococcus faecalis in 120 min. However, it also showed the need for further study and understanding of the disinfection mechanism to achieve the same level of performance in real wastewaterThe "Comunidad de Madrid" supported this research through REMTAVARES S2013/MAE-2716 and S2018/EMT-434

The pneumococcal two-component system SirRH is linked to enhanced intracellular survival of Streptococcus pneumoniae in influenza-infected pulmonary cells

Artículo científico de investigación en acceso abierto.The virus-bacterial synergism implicated in secondary bacterial infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae following infection with epidemic or pandemic influenza A virus (IAV) is well documented. However, the molecular mechanisms behind such synergism remain largely ill-defined. In pneumocytes infected with influenza A virus, subsequent infection with S. pneumoniae leads to enhanced pneumococcal intracellular survival. The pneumococcal two-component system SirRH appears essential for such enhanced survival. Through comparative transcriptomic analysis between the ΔsirR and wt strains, a list of 179 differentially expressed genes was defined. Among those, the clpL protein chaperone gene and the psaB Mn+2 transporter gene, which are involved in the stress response, are important in enhancing S. pneumoniae survival in influenza-infected cells. The ΔsirR, ΔclpL and ΔpsaB deletion mutants display increased susceptibility to acidic and oxidative stress and no enhancement of intracellular survival in IAV-infected pneumocyte cells. These results suggest that the SirRH two-component system senses IAV-induced stress conditions and controls adaptive responses that allow survival of S. pneumoniae in IAV-infected pneumocytes.publishedVersionFil: Cortes, Paulo R. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Cian, Melina Beatriz. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Olivero, Nadia B. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Hernández-Morfa, Mirelys. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Piñas, Germán. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Badapanda, Chandan. Bioinformatics Division. Xcelris Labs Limited; Ahmedabad; India.Fil: Rathore, Ankita. Bioinformatics Division. Xcelris Labs Limited; Ahmedabad; India.Fil: Echenique, José Ricardo. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Reinoso-Vizcaíno, Nicolás Martín. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica; Argentina.Fil: Cortes, Paulo R. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Cian, Melina Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Olivero, Nadia B. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Hernández-Morfa, Mirelys. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Piñas, Germán. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Echenique, José Ricardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Reinoso-Vizcaíno, Nicolás Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina.Fil: Perez, Daniel R. University of Georgia. Department of Population Health. College of Veterinary Medicine; Athens; Georgia; United States of America.Fil: Cian, Melina Beatriz. University of Oklahoma. Departament of Microbiology and Inmunology. Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma, United States of America.Fil: Piñas, Germán. University of Utah. School of Biological Sciences; Salt Lake City; Utah; United States of America

The PRoteomics IDEntification (PRIDE) Converter 2 Framework: An Improved Suite of Tools to Facilitate Data Submission to the PRIDE Database and the ProteomeXchange Consortium

The original PRIDE Converter tool greatly simplified the process of submitting mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics data to the PRIDE database. However, after much user feedback, it was noted that the tool had some limitations and could not handle several user requirements that were now becoming commonplace. This prompted us to design and implement a whole new suite of tools that would build on the successes of the original PRIDE Converter and allow users to generate submission-ready, well-annotated PRIDE XML files. The PRIDE Converter 2 tool suite allows users to convert search result files into PRIDE XML (the format needed for performing submissions to the PRIDE database), generate mzTab skeleton files that can be used as a basis to submit quantitative and gel-based MS data, and post-process PRIDE XML files by filtering out contaminants and empty spectra, or by merging several PRIDE XML files together. All the tools have both a graphical user interface that provides a dialog-based, user-friendly way to convert and prepare files for submission, as well as a command-line interface that can be used to integrate the tools into existing or novel pipelines, for batch processing and power users. The PRIDE Converter 2 tool suite will thus become a cornerstone in the submission process to PRIDE and, by extension, to the ProteomeXchange consortium of MS-proteomics data repositories.publishedVersio

The effect of an online exercise programme on bone health in paediatric cancer survivors (iBoneFIT): study protocol of a multi-centre randomized controlled trial

Background: New approaches on paediatric cancer treatment aim to maintain long-term health. As a result of radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery, paediatric cancer survivors tend to suffer from any chronic health condition. Endocrine dysfunction represents one of the most common issues and affects bone health. Exercise is key for bone mass accrual during growth, specifically plyometric jump training. The iBoneFIT study will investigate the effect of a 9-month online exercise programme on bone health in paediatric cancer survivors. This study will also examine the effect of the intervention on body composition, physical fitness, physical activity, calcium intake, vitamin D, blood samples quality of life and mental health. Methods: A minimum of 116 participants aged 6 to 18 years will be randomized into an intervention (n = 58) or control group (n = 58). The intervention group will receive an online exercise programme and diet counselling on calcium and vitamin D. In addition, five behaviour change techniques and a gamification design will be implemented in order to increase the interest of this non-game programme. The control group will only receive diet counselling. Participants will be assessed on 3 occasions: 1) at baseline; 2) after the 9 months of the intervention; 3) 4 months following the intervention. The primary outcome will be determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the hip structural analysis, trabecular bone score and 3D-DXA softwares. Secondary outcomes will include anthropometry, body composition, physical fitness, physical activity, calcium and vitamin D intake, blood samples, quality of life and mental health. Discussion: Whether a simple, feasible and short in duration exercise programme can improve bone health has not been examined in paediatric cancer survivors. This article describes the design, rationale and methods of a study intended to test the effect of a rigorous online exercise programme on bone health in paediatric cancer survivors. If successful, the iBoneFIT study will contribute to decrease chronic health conditions in this population and will have a positive impact in the society.The iBoneFIT project is funded by a fellowship from 'la Caixa' Foundation (ID 100010434). The fellowship code is LCF/BQ/PR19/11700007. This study has been partially supported by the University of Granada, Plan Propio de Investigación 2016, Excellence actions: Units of Excellence; Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES), and by the Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Conocimiento, Investigación y Universidades and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), ref. SOMM17/6107/UGR