Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Induces Misfolding of Alleged Prion-Resistant Species Cellular Prion Protein without Altering Its Pathobiological Features

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) prions were responsible for an unforeseen epizootic in cattle which had a vast social, economic, and public health impact. This was primarily because BSE prions were found to be transmissible to humans. Other species were also susceptible to BSE either by natural infection (e.g., felids, caprids) or in experimental settings (e.g., sheep, mice). However, certain species closely related to humans, such as canids and leporids, were apparently resistant to BSE. In vitro prion amplification techniques (saPMCA) were used to successfully misfold the cellular prion protein (PrPc) of these allegedly resistant species into a BSE-type prion protein. The biochemical and biological properties of the new prions generated in vitro after seeding rabbit and dog brain homogenates with classical BSE were studied. Pathobiological features of the resultant prion strains were determined after their inoculation into transgenic mice expressing bovine andhumanPrPC. Strain characteristics of the in vitro-adapted rabbit and dog BSE agent remained invariable with respect to the original cattle BSE prion, suggesting that the naturally low susceptibility of rabbits and dogs to prion infections should not alter their zoonotic potential if these animals became infected with BSE. This study provides a sound basis for risk assessment regarding prion diseases in purportedly resistant species

How to measure transfer of training in Higher Education: the questionnaire of transfer factors

[ES] Este artículo tiene por objetivo presentar los principales resultados de una investigación acerca de los factores que influyen en la transferencia de la formación docente del profesorado universitario. Basádose en un estudio previo (Feixas y Zellweger, 2010), se diseña el Cuestionario de Factores de Transferencia Docente y se analizan e interpretan los resultados tras su aplicación en contextos de desarrollo docente del profesorado universitario. Complementariamente, se realiza un análisis de las acciones formativas de dichas universidades y se llevan a cabo tres grupos de discusión con expertos en planificación y desarrollo de estas acciones formativas. La aplicación del instrumento a 18 universidades (n=1.026) y el correspondiente análisis factorial exploratorio que nos ha permitido examinar la validez de constructo del modelo (alpha de Cronbach: .91), han dado como resultado la emergencia de ocho factores que inciden en la transferencia: factores de la formación (el diseño de la formación y aprendizaje realizado), factores del entorno (apoyo del responsable docente, predisposición al cambio, recursos del entorno, feedback del estudiante, reconocimiento institucional, cultura docente del equipo de trabajo) y factores del individuo (organización personal del trabajo). El análisis de las acciones formativas nos arroja una tendencia predominantemente técnica, prescriptiva y concebida para el desarrollo puntual de habilidades.[EN] This article aims to present the main outcomes of a research about the factors influencing the transfer potential of university teachers’ training into the daily practice. Based on a previous study (Feixas and Zellweger, 2010), a Questionnaire on Factors Conditioning Learning Transfer of Teacher’s Training has been designed and applied to participants of academic development activities of Spanish universities. Additionally, an analysis of the training activities of Spanish universities and three focus groups with experts, trainers and participants have been conducted. The application of the instrument to 18 universities (n=1.026) and the corresponding exploratory factor analysis allowed us to examine the model’s construct validity (Cronbach’s alpha: .91) and have resulted in the emergence of eight factors that affect learning transfer: factors related to the training design (training design and learning achieved), environmental factors (support of the study program’s coordinator, readiness to change, environment resources, student feedback , institutional recognition, teaching culture of the teachers’ team) and individual factor (personal organization of the work). The analysis of the training designs informs us of a trend predominantly technical and prescriptive which is conceived for the punctual development of skills.Feixas, M.; Duran, MDM.; Fernández, I.; Fernández, A.; Garcia San Pedro, MJ.; Márquez, MD.; Pineda, P.... (2013). ¿Cómo medir la transferencia de la formación en Educación Superior?: el Cuestionario de Factores de Transferencia. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria. 11(3):219-248. https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2013.5527OJS219248113Baldwin, T. T. & Ford, J. K. (1988). Transfer of training: A review and directions for future research. Personnel Psychology, 41 (1), 63-105.Blume, B. D., Ford, J. K., Baldwin, T. T. & Huang, J. L. (2010). Transfer of training: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Management, 36(4), 1065-1105.Burke, L. A. & Hutchins, H. M. (2008). A study of Best Practices in Training Transfer and Proponed Model of Transfer. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 19 (2), 107-128.Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences (2nd ed.). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.De Rijdt, C.; Stes, A.; Van der Vleuten, C. & Dochy, F. (2013). Influencing variables and moderators of transfer of learning to the workplace within the area of staff development in higher education: research review. Educational Research Review, 8, 48-74.Dearn, J., Fraser, K. & Ryan, Y. (2002). Investigation into the provision of professional development for university teaching in Australia: A discussion paper. A DEST commissioned project funded through the HEIP program. www.dest.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/D8BDFC55-1608-4845-B172- 3C2B14E79435/935/uni_teaching.pdf.EU High Level Group (2013). Improving the quality of teaching and learning in Europe's higher education institutions. Report to the European Commission. Junio 2013. http://ec.europa.eu/education/higher-education/doc/modernisation_en.pd. Consultado el 20-7-2013.Feixas, M. & Euler, D. (2013). Academics as teachers: New approaches to teaching and learning and implications for professional development programmes. International HETL Review, Volume 2, Article 12, http://hetl.org/allcategories/academics-as-teachers-new-approaches-to-teaching-and-learning.Feixas, M. & Zellweger, F. (2010). Faculty development in context: changing learning cultures in higher education. En Ehlers, U. & Schneckenberg, D. (Eds.) Changing cultures in higher education- moving ahead to future learning. A Handbook for strategic change. Netherlands: Springer.Fernández, I.; Gisasola, J.; Garmendia, M.; Alkorta, I. & Madinabeitia, A. (2013). ¿Puede la formación tener efectos globales en la universidad? Desarrollo docente, metodologías activas y curriculum híbrido. Infancia y aprendizaje, 36 (3), 387- 400.Gibbs, G., Habeshaw, T. & Yorke, M. (2000) Institutional Learning and Teaching Strategies in English Higher Education. Higher Education. 40 (3), 351-372.GIFD - Grup Interuniversitari de Formació Docent (2011). Memoria del Proyecto: Identificación, desarrollo y evaluación de competencias docentes en la aplicación de planes de formación dirigidos a profesorado universitario (EA2010-0099). Programa estudios y análisis destinado a la mejora de la calidad de la enseñanza superior y de la actividad del profesorado universitario, Ministerio de Educación, España.Gilbert, A. & Gibbs, G. (1999). A proposal for an international collaborative research programme to identify the impact of initial training on university teachers. Research and Development in Higher Education. 21, 131-143.Guskey, T. (2002). Does it make a difference? Evaluating professional development. Educational Leadership, 59 (6), 45-51.Hicks, M., Smigiel, H., Wilson, G. & Luzeckyj, A. (2010). Preparing academics to teach in higher education: final report. Australian Learning and Teaching Council, Sydney, NSW.Hicks, O. (1999). Integration of central and departmental development - reflections from Australian universities. International Journal for Academic Development, 4,1, 43-51.Holton, E. F. III, Bates R. A. & Ruona, W. E. A. (2000). Development of a generalized learning transfer system inventory. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 11(4), 333-360.Kirkpatrick D. L. (1998). Evaluating training programs. The four levels. (2nd edition). San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc.Kreber, C. & Brook, P. (2001). Impact evaluation of educational development programmes. International Journal for Academic Development, 6 (2), 96-108.McAlpine, L., & Weston, C. (2000). Reflection: Issues related to improving professors' teaching and students' learning. Instructional Science, 28, 363-385.Olsen, J. H. (1998). The evaluation and enhancement of training transfer. International Journal of Training and Development, 2 (1), 61-75.Parsons, D.J., Hill, I., Holland, J. & Willis, D. (2012). Impact of teaching development programmes in higher education. The Higher Education Academy. HEA research series.Pineda, P.; Quesada, C. & Ciraso, M. (2011). Evaluating training effectiveness: results of the FET model in the public administration in Spain. The 7th International Conference on Researching Work and Learning. Shanghai, China.Stefani, L. (Ed.) (2011). Evaluating the effectiveness of academic development: Principles and practice. New York: Routledge.Stes, A., Min-Leliveld M., Gijbels, D. & Van Petegem, P. (2010). The impact of instructional development in Higher Education: The state-of-the-art of the research. Educational Research Review. 5, 25-49.Viskovic, A. (2006). Becoming a tertiary teacher: learning in communities of practice. Higher Education Research & Development, 25 (4), 323-339.Zabalza, M.A. (2011). Evaluación de los planes de formación docente de las universidades. Educar, 47, 181-197

Nutritional status of iodine in pregnant women in Catalonia (Spain): study on hygiene-dietetic habits and iodine in urine

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It is a priority to achieve an adequate nutritional status of iodine during pregnancy since iodine deficiency in this population may have repercussions on the mother during both gestation and post partum as well as on the foetus, the neonate and the child at different ages. According to the WHO, iodine deficiency is the most frequent cause of mental retardation and irrreversible cerebral lesions around the world. However, few studies have been published on the nutritional status of iodine in the pregnant population within the Primary Care setting, a health care level which plays an essential role in the education and control of pregnant women. Therefore, <b>the aim of the present study </b>is: 1.- To know the hygiene-dietetic habits related to the intake of foods rich in iodine and smoking during pregnancy. 2.- To determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency and the factors associated with its appearance during pregnancy.</p> <p>Methods/design</p> <p>We will perform a cluster randomised, controlled, multicentre trial. Randomisation unit: Primary Care Team. Study population: 898 pregnant women over the age of 17 years attending consultation to a midwife during the first trimester of pregnancy in the participating primary care centres. Outcome measures: consumption of iodine-rich foods and iodine deficiency. Points of assessment: each trimester of the gestation. Intervention: group education during the first trimester of gestation on healthy hygiene-dietetic habits and the importance of an adequate iodine nutritional status. Statistical analysis: descriptive analysis of all variables will be performed as well as multilevel logistic regression. All analyses will be done carried out on an intention to treat basis and will be fitted for potential confounding factors and variables of clinical importance.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Evidence of generalised iodine deficiency during pregnancy could lead to the promotion of interventions of prevention such as how to improve and intensify health care educational programmes for pregnant women.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01301768">NCT01301768</a></p

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis

[Purpose]: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality. [Methods]: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015.Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years,65 to 80 years,and ≥ 80 years.The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of the CCI to predict mortality risk. [Results]: A total of 3120 patients with IE (1327 < 65 years;1291 65-80 years;502 ≥ 80 years) were enrolled.Fever and heart failure were the most common presentations of IE, with no differences among age groups.Patients ≥80 years who underwent surgery were significantly lower compared with other age groups (14.3%,65 years; 20.5%,65-79 years; 31.3%,≥80 years). In-hospital mortality was lower in the <65-year group (20.3%,<65 years;30.1%,65-79 years;34.7%,≥80 years;p < 0.001) as well as 1-year mortality (3.2%, <65 years; 5.5%, 65-80 years;7.6%,≥80 years; p = 0.003).Independent predictors of mortality were age ≥ 80 years (hazard ratio [HR]:2.78;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.32–3.34), CCI ≥ 3 (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.39–1.88),and non-performed surgery (HR:1.64;95% CI:11.16–1.58).When the three age groups were compared,the AUROC curve for CCI was significantly larger for patients aged <65 years(p < 0.001) for both in-hospital and 1-year mortality. [Conclusion]: There were no differences in the clinical presentation of IE between the groups. Age ≥ 80 years, high comorbidity (measured by CCI),and non-performance of surgery were independent predictors of mortality in patients with IE.CCI could help to identify those patients with IE and surgical indication who present a lower risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality after surgery, especially in the <65-year group

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Induces Misfolding of Alleged Prion-Resistant Species Cellular Prion Protein without Altering Its Pathobiological Features

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) prions were responsible for an unforeseen epizootic in cattle which had a vast social, economic, and public health impact. This was primarily because BSE prions were found to be transmissible to humans. Other species were also susceptible to BSE either by natural infection (e.g., felids, caprids) or in experimental settings (e.g., sheep, mice). However, certain species closely related to humans, such as canids and leporids, were apparently resistant to BSE. In vitro prion amplification techniques (saPMCA) were used to successfully misfold the cellular prion protein (PrPc) of these allegedly resistant species into a BSE-type prion protein. The biochemical and biological properties of the new prions generated in vitro after seeding rabbit and dog brain homogenates with classical BSE were studied. Pathobiological features of the resultant prion strains were determined after their inoculation into transgenic mice expressing bovine andhumanPrPC. Strain characteristics of the in vitro-adapted rabbit and dog BSE agent remained invariable with respect to the original cattle BSE prion, suggesting that the naturally low susceptibility of rabbits and dogs to prion infections should not alter their zoonotic potential if these animals became infected with BSE. This study provides a sound basis for risk assessment regarding prion diseases in purportedly resistant species

Exploring the risks of a putative transmission of BSE to new species

The prion responsible for the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) shows unique features when compared with other prions. One of these features is its ability to infect almost all experimentally tested animal models. In the paper published in The Journal of Neuroscience(1) we describe a series of experiments directed toward elucidating which would be the in vivo behavior of BSE if it would infect dogs and rabbits, two alleged prion resistant species. Protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) was used to generate canidae and leporidae in vitro adapted BSE prions. A characterization of their in vivo pathobiological properties showed that BSE prions were capable not only of adapting to new species but they maintained, in the case of rabbits, their ability to infect transgenic mice expressing human PrP. The remarkable adaptation ability of certain prions implies that any new host species could lead to the emergence of new infectious agents with unpredictable transmission potential. Our results suggest that caution must be taken when considering the use of any mammal-derived protein in feedstuffs

Contemporary use of cefazolin for MSSA infective endocarditis: analysis of a national prospective cohort

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the real use of cefazolin for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infective endocarditis (IE) in the Spanish National Endocarditis Database (GAMES) and to compare it with antistaphylococcal penicillin (ASP). Methods: Prospective cohort study with retrospective analysis of a cohort of MSSA IE treated with cloxacillin and/or cefazolin. Outcomes assessed were relapse; intra-hospital, overall, and endocarditis-related mortality; and adverse events. Risk of renal toxicity with each treatment was evaluated separately. Results: We included 631 IE episodes caused by MSSA treated with cloxacillin and/or cefazolin. Antibiotic treatment was cloxacillin, cefazolin, or both in 537 (85%), 57 (9%), and 37 (6%) episodes, respectively. Patients treated with cefazolin had significantly higher rates of comorbidities (median Charlson Index 7, P <0.01) and previous renal failure (57.9%, P <0.01). Patients treated with cloxacillin presented higher rates of septic shock (25%, P = 0.033) and new-onset or worsening renal failure (47.3%, P = 0.024) with significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality (38.5%, P = 0.017). One-year IE-related mortality and rate of relapses were similar between treatment groups. None of the treatments were identified as risk or protective factors. Conclusion: Our results suggest that cefazolin is a valuable option for the treatment of MSSA IE, without differences in 1-year mortality or relapses compared with cloxacillin, and might be considered equally effective

Prosthetic Valve Candida spp. Endocarditis: New Insights Into Long-term Prognosis—The ESCAPE Study

International audienceBackground: Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Candida spp. (PVE-C) is rare and devastating, with international guidelines based on expert recommendations supporting the combination of surgery and subsequent azole treatment.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed PVE-C cases collected in Spain and France between 2001 and 2015, with a focus on management and outcome.Results: Forty-six cases were followed up for a median of 9 months. Twenty-two patients (48%) had a history of endocarditis, 30 cases (65%) were nosocomial or healthcare related, and 9 (20%) patients were intravenous drug users. "Induction" therapy consisted mainly of liposomal amphotericin B (L-amB)-based (n = 21) or echinocandin-based therapy (n = 13). Overall, 19 patients (41%) were operated on. Patients <66 years old and without cardiac failure were more likely to undergo cardiac surgery (adjusted odds ratios [aORs], 6.80 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-29.13] and 10.92 [1.15-104.06], respectively). Surgery was not associated with better survival rates at 6 months. Patients who received L-amB alone had a better 6-month survival rate than those who received an echinocandin alone (aOR, 13.52; 95% CI, 1.03-838.10). "Maintenance" fluconazole therapy, prescribed in 21 patients for a median duration of 13 months (range, 2-84 months), led to minor adverse effects.Conclusion: L-amB induction treatment improves survival in patients with PVE-C. Medical treatment followed by long-term maintenance fluconazole may be the best treatment option for frail patients