304 research outputs found
The impact of the genotype on the prevalence of classical scrapie at population level
Total number and genotypes of animals in holdings selected for the genotype & cull option in the Compulsory Scrapie Flock Scheme (CSFS) in Great Britain were extracted from the National Scrapie Plan data warehouse. The association between various genotype-related measures and scrapie prevalence infection was tested using zero-inflated negative binomial models with the counts of positive cases as dependent variable, and country, number of flocks in the scheme, flock size, surveillance source and the following genotype-related measurements: the centered-log ratios (clr) oof the 15 genotypes, of the proportions of the 5 alleles at codons 136, 154 and 171, of the proportions of the 5 NSP types, and two flock-susceptibility risk indicators, as explanatory variables. A total of 319341 genotyped animals from 168 holdings were included in the analysis. An increased proportion of the ARR/ARR genotype corresponded to a decrease in the number of scrapie cases. ARR/AHQ, AHQ/VRQ, ARH/VRQ and ARQ/VRQ genotypes, NSP type V, ARH, ARQ, AHQ and VRQ alleles and the low and high-susceptibility risk indicators are all associated with an increase risk in the number of scrapie cases
Acceptability of positive technologies by patients with eating disorders: Results from a Randomized Control Trial
The present study is aimed to analyze acceptability ratings of positive technologies reported by patients with eating disorders. 54 patients were enrolled in a randomized control trial with two experimental conditions. In the intervention group (n=29), participants performed the best possible self exercise, through positive technologies, for one month. Likewise, participants in the control group (n=25) had to write about their daily activities also through technology. Acceptability levels were rated at the end of the one-month training. Results showed that participants of both conditions reported appropriate levels of satisfaction with the exercises and the technologies and they also perceived the exercises as useful. These results suggest that positive technologies can serve as a supporting tool delivering interventions aimed to improve positive emotions and well-being in clinical samples
Implementation of a positive psychology group program in an inpatient eating disorder service. A pilot Study
Context: Eating disorders (ED) are very difficult conditions to treat. Therefore, interventions in this field are shifting their main target towards the disorder's impact in quality of life, rather than ED symptomatology in itself. In this sense, a focus in the promotion of positive emotions and well-being is emerging in order to ameliorate the harmful effects caused by ED. However, evidence of potential benefits of this type of interventions is still scarce.
Purpose: This study introduces a 4-week positive psychology group program specifically designed for ED patients' needs and to present data about feasibility and acceptability.
Method: Seven female inpatients of an eating disorder service aged from 13 to 38 years old attended the group. Measures of affect and optimistic thinking were taken before the program and after each session.
Results: The program was very well rated by participants, and there was no attrition. Furthermore, possible benefits were found in terms of optimistic thinking at the end of the group program, and these benefits were noticeable, but non-significant, in the case of affect.
Conclusions: This study opens the door to conduct larger and controlled studies for testing interventions aimed at promoting positive emotions and well-being in ED populations. Thus, these interventions could support the efficacy of current treatments in order to improve patients' quality of life
Expression of Homing Receptors in IgM+IgD+CD27+ B Cells and Their Frequencies in Appendectomized and/or Tonsillectomized Individuals
Q4Q3Pacientes apendicectomizados y/o amigdalectomizadosBackground:
In humans, blood circulating IgM+IgD+CD27+ B cells are considered analogous to those described in the marginal zone of the spleen and are involved in important immunological processes. The homing receptors they express, and the organs involved in their development (for example, intestinal organs in rabbits) are only partially known. We recently reported that this population is heterogeneous and composed of at least two subsets: one expressing high levels of IgM – IgMhi B cells – and another low levels – IgMlo B cells.
Objectives:
To evaluate the expression of homing receptors on IgD+CD27+ IgMhi and IgMlo B cells and quantify their frequencies in blood of control and appendectomized and/or tonsillectomized volunteers.
Materials and Methods:
Using spectral flow cytometry, the simultaneous expression of 12 previously reported markers that differentiate IgMhi B cells and IgMlo B cells and of α4β7, CCR9, CD22 and CCR10 were evaluated in blood circulating B cells of control and appendectomized and/or tonsillectomized volunteers.
Results
The existence of phenotypically defined IgMlo and IgMhi B cell subsets was confirmed. They differentially expressed intestinal homing receptors, and the expression of α4β7 and CCR9 seems to determine new IgM subpopulations. IgMlo and IgMhi B cells were detected at lower frequencies in the appendectomized and/or tonsillectomized volunteers relative to controls.
Conclusions:
Human blood circulating IgD+CD27+ IgMlo and IgMhi B cell subsets differentially express homing receptors, and it is necessary to investigate if mucosal organs are important in their development.https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0817-2718https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6973-7639https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0265-0563https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6623-5337Revista Internacional - IndexadaA2N
Simulation of a biorefinery process as learning tool in chemical engineering degree
Currently, the search for alternative biomass to be used as renewable sources for energy production is one of the most important challenges to achieve a sustainable growth based on a bioeconomy strategy (Mendes et al., 2009). In this context, lignocellulosic waste are a renewable, clean, inexpensive and with high availability for the manufacture of biofuels. In this sense, the main objective of this study was the simulation and design of engineering processes that allows the valorization of lignocellulosic waste and the obtaining of biofuels as alternative to fossil fuels. This goal implies the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired by the student during the chemical engineering degree. Specifically, the students designed and simulated a biorefinery process that consisted of a Kraft pulping process as starting point of two main lines of production: (1) Process I: production of bioethanol and (2) Process II: direct and indirect production of dimethylether (DME), both from lignocellulosic biomass (Fig.1). Two commercial simulation packages, ASPEN HYSYS® and UNISIM were used to simulate the production of dimethylether and bioethanol, respectively.
The first step was determining a strategic situation for the installation of the biorefinery. The central area of Andalusia (between the municipalities of Lucena and Antequera) was considered the most adequate area to develop the installation of the biorefinery plant after evaluating the biomass available inside of 100 kms of distance around this place. Specifically, different biomass mixtures were considered in order to ensure the viability of a constant inlet flow of biomass in the biorefinery. In function of this inlet flow of biomass, the installations were designed and dimensioned in each stage of the process. The student carried out a wide revision of state of the art to decide the most adequate processes among different alternatives to obtain dimethylether and bioethanol. The different stages selected as the most adequate in each line of the process can be observed in Fig.1. Moreover, the students evaluated the different alternatives for the valorisation and optimization of the by-products generated in each stage of the process in order to minimize the consuming of chemical compounds and energy requirements. Therefore, the students learnt to develop a real engineering process more sustainable and friendly with the environment.
To sum up, the used of programs to simulate the transformation of lignocellulosic biomass in biofuels, such as, bioethanol or dimethylether, which is a process with several social, environmental and economic advantages, was an interesting learning tool for students of chemical engineering degree.
Keywords
Bioethanol, design, dimethylether, Kraft pulping process, simulations.
References
Mendes, C.V.T., Carvalho, M.G.V.S., Baptista, C.M.S.G., Rocha, J.M.S., Soares, B.I.G., Sousa, G.D.A., 2009. Valorisation of hardwood hemicelluloses in the kraft pulping process by using an integrated biorefinery concept. Food Bioproduct Process 87:197–207.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech
MINECO: Proyecto CTQ2015-68654-
El Mejor Self Posible: Una intervención dirigida a generar emociones positivas. Resultados preliminares
La vivencia de emociones positivas promueve un pensamiento más abierto y flexible
y nos fortalece frente a la adversidad. Desde el campo de la psicología positiva se
han desarrollado diferentes estrategias que potencian la aparición de emociones
positivas. Una de estas intervenciones es imaginar el Mejor Self Posible, una técnica
de pensamiento futuro positivo que requiere que la persona se visualice en un futuro
en el que todo se ha desarrollado del mejor modo posible. El objetivo del presente
estudio es analizar la eficacia de esta intervención en la generación de emociones
positivas y de optimismo, utilizando Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación
(TICs) para tratar de potenciar sus efectos. Se trata de un estudio experimental preliminar,
de una sola sesión, cuya muestra está formada por 12 sujetos (M= 23,4 años)
reclutados de la población general. Para analizar los resultados se tomaron medidas
de afecto (PANAS) y expectativas futuras (SPT) antes y después de realizar el ejercicio.
En cuanto al afecto, los resultados arrojan un aumento significativo de afecto
positivo tras realizar la sesión; mientras que en las medidas de expectativas futuras,
se observa una disminución, no significativa, en expectativas futuras negativas al
terminar la sesión.Experiencing positive emotions promotes open and flexible thinking and strengthens us
against adversity. In the field of positive psychology different strategies that boost the
appearance of positive emotions have been developed. One of these interventions is
to imagine the Best Possible Self, a positive future thinking technique that consists in
visualizing a future where everything has gone the best possible way. The goal of the
present study is to analyze the efficacy of this intervention increasing the appearance
of positive emotions and optimism, using Information and Communication Technologies
(ICTs) to maximize their effects. This is a one session preliminary experimental study,
with a sample of 12 individuals (M=23.4 years) recruited from the general population. In
order to analyze the results, measures of affect (PANAS) and future expectancies (SPT)
were administered before and after each manipulation. Regarding affect, results show
a significant increase in positive affect after the session. On the contrary, in the measures
of future expectancies, results show a non-significant decrease in negative future
expectancies at the end of the session
Incrementando el bienestar: Una revisión de intervenciones dirigidas a promover estados emocionales positivos
La experiencia de emociones positivas, como alegría y satisfacción, tiene numerosos
beneficios físicos, sociales e intelectuales para el individuo (Sheldon y Lyubomirsky,
2006). Una gran variedad de estudios han investigado la eficacia de diferentes intervenciones
dirigidas a promover estados emocionales positivos. El objetivo del presente
trabajo es realizar una revisión de las principales intervenciones positivas dirigidas
a mejorar el bienestar. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de la última década, a
través de diferentes bases de datos, combinando palabras clave como: «positive interventions
», «well-being», «positive psychology» y «happiness». La búsqueda dio como
resultado una serie de intervenciones autoaplicadas dirigidas a promover emociones positivas.
Dichas intervenciones incluyen estrategias cognitivas y conductuales simples,
tales como: escribir cartas de agradecimiento, realizar actos bondadosos e identificar
fortalezas personales, entre otros (Layous y Lyubomirsky, 2012). Por otra parte, se ha
comprobado que determinadas características de las actividades y ciertos factores personales
pueden modular la eficacia de las intervenciones (Vázquez et al., 2006). Los
trabajos de investigación sobre este tema ponen de manifiesto que estas estrategias
son efectivas incrementando el bienestar y disminuyendo la aparición de sintomatología
depresiva (Sin y Lyubomirsky, 2009). A nivel clínico, dichas estrategias pueden
ayudar a aumentar la eficacia de los actuales tratamientos psicológicos y mejorar los
programas de prevención de recaídas (Vázquez et al., 2006). En este sentido, la Psicología
Positiva puede proporcionar una mejor resistencia ante estresores intensos
cuando quienes los sufren perciben, además de las consecuencias negativas, algunos
elementos positivos en lo sucedido (Vázquez y Pérez Sales, 2003).Experiencing positive emotions, like joy and contentment, holds numerous social, intellectual
and physical benefits for the individual (Sheldon & Lyubomirsky, 2006). A high
variety of studies have analysed the efficacy of different interventions aimed to boost
positive emotional states. The goal of this study is to review the main positive interventions
targeting to improve well-being. We have carried out a literature review over the
last decade through several databases, combining different keywords: Positive interventions,
well-being, positive psychology, and happiness. This research has resulted in
a series of self-administered interventions aimed to promote positive emotions. These
interventions involve simple cognitive and behavioural strategies, such as: writing gratitude
letters, performing acts of kindness, and identifying personal strengths, among
others (Layous & Lyubomirsky, 2012). Moreover, it has been proven that certain characteristic
of the activities and some personal factors can affect the efficacy of the interventions
(Vazquez, et al., 2006). The research on this topic shows that these strategies
are effective as they increase psychological well-being and decrease depressive
symptoms (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009). At a clinical level, these strategies could help
increasing the efficacy of the current psychological treatments and could improve the
relapse prevention programs (Vázquez, et al., 2006). In this sense, Positive Psychology
can provide a better resistance against intense stressors when those who suffer perceive,
apart from the negative consequences, some positive elements in what has happened
(Vázquez & Pérez Sales, 2003)
Relapses and obstetric outcomes in women with multiple sclerosis planning pregnancy
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effect of discontinuation of different disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) before pregnancy with
respect to the occurrence of relapses and pregnancy outcomes.
Methods Women with multiple sclerosis who desire to bear children were followed prospectively. Demographic data, clinical
characteristics, and the information on the use of DMTs were collected. A multivariate analysis was used to assess the
relationship between relapses and the prior use of different DMTs.
Results The present study assessed 75 consecutive pregnancy plans (66 women), 65 of which resulted in pregnancy. The
mean age of the participants was 32.1 ± 4.2 years, and the mean disease duration was 6.1 ± 4.2 years. No relapses before
pregnancy were reported in the group of women who maintained their DMT until pregnancy confirmation, while 14 relapses
were reported in 12/42 women (29%) who discontinued DMT before pregnancy. During pregnancy, patients on natalizumab
or fingolimod before pregnancy had a higher rate of relapses. Most women restarted their previous DMT after delivery within
the first trimester. The relapse rate in postpartum was 0.07.
Conclusions Disease-modifying therapies received influences the risk of relapse and disease progression from women who
are planning pregnancy. The risk of relapse during pregnancy was significantly higher in the group of women treated with
natalizumab or fingolimod compared to the group of women treated with interferon beta or glatiramer acetate. The postpartum
risk of relapses was lower than that found in previous reports
Changes in bioaccessibility, polyphenol profile and antioxidant potential of flours obtained from persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki) co-products during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
The aim was to evaluate (i) the phenol and flavonoid recovery and bioaccessibility indexes, (ii) the stability of
individual polyphenolic compounds and (iii) the antioxidant activity of persimmon flours (cultivars ‘Rojo
Brillante’ and ‘Triumph’) during the in vitro digestion. The recovery index for phenolic and flavonoid content was
dependent on flour type and digestion phase. After the dialysis phase, the bioaccessibility for phenolic compounds
from both flours was similar; for flavonoids it was higher in ‘Triumph’ than ‘Rojo Brillante’ flour. After in
vitro digestion, 13 polyphenolic compounds were detected in both flours, of which only six were detected in the
intestinal phase. Their antioxidant activity (ABTS%+, FRAP and DPPH) decreased after intestinal phase, while
their chelating activity (FIC assay) increased in both flours. So, persimmon flours could be included in the
formulation of foods to improve either their scarcity of bioactive compounds or an unbalanced nutritional
composition
Exploring the Incorporation of a Positive Psychology Component in a Cognitive Behavioral Internet-Based Program for Depressive Symptoms. Results Throughout the Intervention Process
Traditionally, evidence-based treatments for depression have focused on negative
symptoms. Different authors describe the need to include positive affect as a major
target of treatment. Positive psychology aims to fill this gap. Reaching everyone in need
is also important, and Internet-based interventions can help in this task. The present
study is a secondary analysis derived from a randomized controlled trial aimed to test
the efficacy of an Internet-based intervention for patients with depressive symptoms.
This intervention consisted of an 8-module Internet-based program that combined four
modules based on cognitive-behavioral therapy strategies and four modules based on
positive psychology strategies. The main goal of this secondary analysis is to report the
data collected after each module from the participants who completed the intervention,
explore the changes throughout the intervention process, and examine the changes
observed in the different variables before versus after the introduction of the positive
psychology component. A total of 103 patients completed the intervention. At pre-,
post-intervention, and post-module evaluations, they completed positive and negative
affect, depression, and anxiety measures. Negative affect and anxiety decreased
significantly during the implementation of the cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive
psychology modules. However, depression and positive affect improved only after the
introduction of the positive psychology modules. This is the first study to explore,
throughout the intervention process (module by module), the incorporation of a positive
psychology component in an Internet-based program. Results suggest that positive
psychology techniques might have an impact on clinical symptomatology, and they
emphasize the need to include these techniques to achieve a more profound change in
positive functioning measures
- …