Experimental and computational analysis of microbial inactivation in a solid by ohmic heating using pulsed electric fields

Pulsed electric field technology (PEF) has traditionally been used as a technique to inactivate microorganisms in liquid foods at temperatures below those used in heat treatments; however, application of high-intensity PEF (E>1 kV/cm) at high frequencies (>10 Hz) can allow rapid and volumetric solid food electrical heating in order to replace traditional convection/conduction heating that progresses from the heating medium to the inside of the product. This investigation is the first one to evaluate the inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium 878 in a solid product (cylinder of technical agar used as reference solid) by applying PEF treatments (2.5 and 3.75 kV/cm, and up to 9000 microseconds) at 50 Hz. The evolution of temperature in different locations of the agar cylinder was measured by observing the variability of heating rates depending on location and PEF intensity. Microbial inactivation was determined and compared with isothermal heat treatments that predicted similar inactivation values, but did not detect additional inactivation. Computational analysis enabled us to predict temperature and microbial inactivation for any spatial and temporal distribution of the cylinder agar by detecting the coldest point in the transition zone between the high-voltage electrode, the agar, and the plastic container of the treatment chamber. In order to evaluate the variability of the temperature, computational predictions were done each 0.5-mm. The difference between the coldest and the hottest point (e.g. at the center of the cylinder) resulted in around 10 °C and 10 second variation in temperature and processing time, respectively. In any case, it was possible to obtain 5-log10-reductions after 60 s of PEF treatments when using 2.5 kV/cm and 50% reduction for 3.75 kV/cm. These results suggested the potential of PEF technology as a rapid heating system based on ohmic heating for microbial inactivation in solid food products

Uses of digital platforms in Higher Education from the perspectives of the educational research

[EN] The University is currently a complex and a key system for the development of the scientific knowledge and the training of future professional workers. It is happening a global digital inclusion, specifically in the university context. This digital transformation is defined in different types of resources. The use of digital platforms is one of the clearest mainstreaming. The digital innovation at universities points out a challenge to their community. The challenge at the institutions consists of transforming the face-to-face training model into a flexible model, even a mixed model combining face-to-face with online training. In fact, it is necessary to talk about a change of paradigm when we conceptualise the university training towards new approaches in order to search for a sustainable teaching. This contribution aims to show the newest aspects from the educational research about the changes in the Spanish university teaching. From the different reviewed reports, it is added some data about the implementation of virtual or digital platforms into the Spanish university system. This review affirms the generalised use of this type of resource. There are other analysed aspects about the impact of this technological tool to the teaching. Some proposals are added to consider in future lines of research, such us the emerging technologies which start to be used in educational contexts. We talk about learning analytics, makerspaces, active learning or adaptative learning. In short, it is affirmed the technological transformation towards the improvement of a more scalable and sustainable system.[ES] La universidad constituye un sistema complejo, que resulta clave para el desarrollo del conocimiento científico y la formación de profesionales. La integración digital que se está implantando a nivel global también se está produciendo en las instituciones universitarias. Esta transformación digital se viene concretando en diferentes desarrollos, siendo el del uso de plataformas digitales uno de los más evidentes. La innovación digital de las universidades plantea el reto a sus responsables de reconvertir a estas organizaciones, caracterizadas por un modelo formativo basado en la presencialidad, por otro más flexible o mixto en el que coexisten la actividad presencial y en línea (a distancia). De hecho, cabe hablar de un cambio de paradigma en la concepción de la formación universitaria, que se reorienta hacia nuevos enfoques, buscando una enseñanza más sostenible. Este texto plantea una puesta al día sobre lo que la investigación educativa nos aporta sobre estos cambios en la docencia universitaria española. A partir de diferentes informes consultados, se aportan una serie de datos sobre la implantación de las plataformas digitales o virtuales en el sistema universitario español, confirmando su uso generalizado. También se analizan algunos aspectos sobre el impacto que estas tecnologías aportan a la docencia. Además, se hacen algunas consideraciones de carácter prospectivo, y en esta línea se identifican algunas tecnologías emergentes que comienzan a ser empleadas en entornos educativos tales como: Learning Analytics, Makerspaces, Active Learning o Adaptative Learning. En síntesis, se constata una transformación tecnológica orientada a favorecer un aprendizaje más escalable y sostenible.De Pablos, J.; Colás, M.; López Gracia, A.; García-Lázaro, I. (2019). Los usos de las plataformas digitales en la enseñanza universitaria. Perspectivas desde la investigación educativa. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria. 17(1):59-72. https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2019.11177SWORD597217

Efectividad del programa SolSano en los hábitos, conocimientos y actitudes en materia de fotoprotección de los universitarios

Antecedentes y objetivo El proyecto SolSano es un proyecto educativo escolar que se realiza en Aragón desde el año 2000 y que ha demostrado promover hábitos de protección solar y aumentar conocimientos en los niños a corto plazo. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar la efectividad del programa SolSano a largo plazo. Sujetos y métodos Estudio analítico observacional de cohortes retrospectivo realizado en alumnos de la Universidad de Zaragoza durante el curso 2015-2016. El instrumento de valoración fue un cuestionario validado y adaptado para nuestro objetivo al que accedían a través de Internet. Se realizó una descripción univariante, así como un análisis bivariante y multivariante para estudiar las diferencias entre los participantes que habían estudiado Educación Primaria en un centro escolar donde se realizaba SolSano o no. Resultados Trescientos veinticuatro estudiantes universitarios participaron. La edad media fue 22, 9 años, un 78% de respuestas procedieron de mujeres. El 44% había acudido a un centro donde se realizó el programa SolSano. El 50, 5% de los estudiantes habían sufrido 1 o 2 quemaduras solares el verano anterior. Solo se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en algunos aspectos entre los que asistieron a centros educativos donde se desarrolló el programa SolSano y los que asistieron a otros centros. Conclusión Es el primer estudio para valorar la efectividad de un programa educativo escolar en materia de fotoprotección a largo plazo (15 años). La falta de continuidad del programa en la adolescencia y la existencia de campañas de fotoprotección fuera de la escuela son posibles causas de la ausencia de diferencias en nuestra muestra

One-loop Beta Functions for the Orientable Non-commutative Gross-Neveu Model

We compute at the one-loop order the beta-functions for a renormalisable non-commutative analog of the Gross Neveu model defined on the Moyal plane. The calculation is performed within the so called x-space formalism. We find that this non-commutative field theory exhibits asymptotic freedom for any number of colors. The beta-function for the non-commutative counterpart of the Thirring model is found to be non vanishing.Comment: 16 pages, 9 figure

Análisis comparativo de la atención de pacientes con enfermedad neurológica en el servicio de urgencias hospitalario durante el periodo de confinamiento por COVID-19

El nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) fue identificado por primera vez en la ciudad china de Wuhan, en diciembre de 2019. Desde entonces el virus se ha propagado a más de 200 países. El 30 de enero de 2020 el brote fue declarado “Emergencia de salud pública de importancia internacional” por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, y el 11 de marzo elevado a “Pandemia internacional”1. El primer diagnóstico en España se registró el 31 de enero, pero no fue hasta marzo cuando los casos comenzaron a crecer exponencialmente. El 14 de marzo el Gobierno de España declaraba el estado de alarma por el que limitaba la libre circulación de personas, entre otras medidas. En Aragón esta limitación estuvo vigente hasta el 4 de mayo, cuando dio comienzo el proceso de desescalada. A fecha de 16 de junio de 2020 se han confirmado en España 244.328 diagnósticos por test de reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR)2. En nuestro hospital, a medida que aumentaba la carga asistencial de enfermedad respiratoria en el servicio de urgencias hospitalarias (SUH), se percibía un descenso del resto de enfermedades, incluida la neurológica y, particularmente, la enfermedad cerebrovascular aguda, como se ha reportado en otros estudios3. A nivel mundial, las enfermedades neurológicas representan la causa principal de años de vida perdidos ajustados por discapacidad y la segunda causa de muerte4. En España, la mortalidad por causa neurológica representa el 19% del total anual. Esta cifra se ha incrementado en los últimos 10 años en un 18, 5%. En el caso de Aragón, las enfermedades neurológicas causan el 20, 6% de las muertes5..

Effectiveness of new tools to define an up-to-date patient safety risk map: A primary care study protocol

Background: Reducing incidents related to health care interventions to improve patient safety is a health policy priority. To strengthen a culture of safety, reporting incidents is essential. This study aims to define a patient safety risk map using the description and analysis of incidents within a primary care region with a prior patient safety improvement strategy organisationally developed and promoted. Methods: The study will be conducted in two phases: (1) a cross-sectional descriptive observational study to describe reported incidents; and (2) a quasi-experimental study to compare reported incidents. The study will take place in the Camp de Tarragona Primary Care Management (Catalan Institute of Health). In Phase 1, all reactive notifications collected within one year (2018) will be analysed; during Phase 2, all proactive notifications of the second and third weeks of June 2019 will be analysed. Adverse events will also be assessed. Phases 1 and 2 will use a digital platform and the proactive tool proSP to notify and analyse incidents related to patient safety. Expected Results: To obtain an up-to-date, primary care patient safety risk map to prioritise strategies that result in safer practices. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

The dynamic use of EGFR mutation analysis in cell-free DNA as a follow-up biomarker during different treatment lines in non-small-cell lung cancer patients

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational testing in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually performed in tumor tissue, although cfDNA (cell-free DNA) could be an alternative. We evaluated EGFR mutations in cfDNA as a complementary tool in patients, who had already known EGFR mutations in tumor tissue and were treated with either EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or chemotherapy. We obtained plasma samples from 21 advanced NSCLC patients with known EGFR tumor mutations, before and during therapy with EGFR-TKIs and/or chemotherapy. cfDNA was isolated and EGFR mutations were analyzed with the multiple targeted cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2. EGFR mutations were detected at baseline in cfDNA from 57% of patients. The semiquantitative index (SQI) significantly decreased from the baseline (median = 11, IQR = 9 5-13) to the best response (median = 0, IQR = 0-0, p < 0 01), followed by a significant increase at progression (median = 11, IQR = 11-15, p < 0 01) in patients treated with either EGFR-TKIs or chemotherapy. The SQI obtained with the cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2 did not correlate with the concentration in copies/mL determined by droplet digital PCR. Resistance mutation p.T790M was observed at progression in patients with either type of treatment. In conclusion, cfDNA multiple targeted EGFR mutation analysis is useful for treatment monitoring in tissue of EGFR-positive NSCLC patients independently of the drug received

Propéptido natriurético cerebral como marcador de evolución digestiva en el recién nacido prematuro

Introducción: Antecedentes y objetivo: el ductus arterioso persistente hemodinámicamente significativo (DAP-HS) se asocia a mayor riesgo de enterocolitis necrotizante (ECN) y peor tolerancia enteral en los recién nacidos prematuros (RNPT). Se ha demostrado asociación entre el propéptido natriurético cerebral (proBNP) y el DAP-HS. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la relación entre los niveles de proBNP y la tolerancia enteral, el riesgo de ECN y la ganancia ponderal en el RNPT. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo observacional, que incluyó a RNPT menores de 32 semanas de gestación y/o 1.500 g, con estudio ecocardiográfico y determinación de niveles de proBNP a las 48-72 horas de vida. Resultados: de 117 pacientes incluidos, el 65, 8% tuvo un DAPHS y el 9, 4% presentó ECN confirmada. El DAP-HS se asoció a mayor duración de la nutrición parenteral (p < 0, 001), a ECN confirmada (p = 0, 006) y a peor ganancia ponderal durante el ingreso (p < 0, 001). Los valores de proBNP se relacionaron con la ECN (no ECN 12.189, 5 pg/ml, rango 654-247.986; ECN 41.445 pg/ml, rango 15.275-166.172; p < 0, 001), sin encontrar asociación con el resto de variables de evolución digestiva. En el análisis multivariante de regresión logística, las variables relacionadas de forma independiente con el desarrollo de ECN fueron la edad gestacional y el proBNP superior a 22.400 pg/ml (OR 13, 386; IC 95% 1, 541-116, 262; p = 0, 019). Conclusiones: el proBNP podría ser un marcador precoz de patología digestiva grave en el RNPT. Los niveles elevados podrían relacionarse con mayor riesgo de ECN en los neonatos más inmaduros. Introduction: Background and objective: hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HS-PDA) is associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and worse enteral tolerance in preterm newborns (PN). An association has been demonstrated between brain natriuretic propeptide (proBNP) and HS-PDA. Our objective was to analyze the relationship between proBNP levels and enteral tolerance, NEC risk and weight gain in PN. Material and methods: a retrospective study was performed in neonates born before 32 weeks' gestation or with birth weight below 1500 grams, in whom proBNP determination and echocardiography were performed at 48 to 72 h of life. Results: 117 patients were included. 65.8% had a HS-PDA and 9.4% had an outcome of NEC. HS-PDA was associated with longer duration of parenteral nutrition (p < 0.001), a confirmed NEC (p = 0.006) and worse weight gain during admission (p < 0.001). ProBNP levels were associated to NEC (no NEC 12189.5 pg / mL, range 654-247986; NEC 41445 pg/mL, range 15275-166172, p < 0.001). No association was found with the rest of gastrointestinal outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of NEC with gestational age and proBNP above 22, 400 pg/mL (OR 13, 386, 95% CI 1, 541-116, 262, p = 0.019). Conclusions: proBNP could be an early marker of severe digestive pathology in PN. Increased proBNP levels could be associated with a significant increased risk of NEC in very immature newborns

ESMO Clinical Research Observatory (ECRO): improving the efficiency of clinical research through rationalisation of bureaucracy

During the last years, there has been a dramatic increase in the administrative and bureaucratic burden associated with cli

Recombinant adenoviral vectors turn on the type I interferon system without inhibition of transgene expression and viral replication

Recombinant adenovirus administration gives rise to transgene-independent effects caused by the ability of the vector to activate innate immunity mechanisms. We show that recombinant adenoviruses encoding reporter genes trigger IFN-alpha and IFN-beta transcription from both plasmacytoid and myeloid mouse dendritic cells. Interestingly, IFN-beta and IFN-alpha5 are the predominant transcribed type I IFN genes both in vitro and in vivo. In human peripheral blood leukocytes type I IFNs are induced by adenoviral vectors, with a preponderance of IFN-beta together with IFN-alpha1 and IFN-alpha5 subtypes. Accordingly, functional type I IFN is readily detected in serum samples from human cancer patients who have been treated intratumorally with a recombinant adenovirus encoding thymidine kinase. Despite inducing functional IFN-alpha release in both mice and humans, gene transfer by recombinant adenoviruses is not interfered with by type I IFNs either in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, IFN-alpha does not impair replication of wild-type adenovirus. As a consequence, cancer gene therapy strategies with defective or replicative-competent adenoviruses are not expected to be hampered by the effect of the type I IFNs induced by the vector itself. However, type I IFN might modulate antitumor and antiadenoviral immune responses and thus influence the outcome of gene immunotherapy