Fitodermologia i cariologia d'Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., O. Supina (Chaix) DC. i O. saxatilis Lam. de Catalunya

Epidermal fragments from 47 populations of Onobrychis viciifolia, 0. supina and 0. saxatilis are studied. The stomatal size, orientation, type and stomatal index are calculated for taxonomical application. The form of the epidermal cells is the most important characteristic for this application. The basic number of genus Onobrychis x=7, the chromosome number of 0 . supina, 2n=14, and 0. viciifolia, 2n=28, are confirmed. The chromosome number 2n=14 is new for 0. saxatilis. The karyotypes, the chromosome formula and asymmetry index are calculated

Probabilistic Guarded P Systems, A New Formal Modelling Framework

Multienvironment P systems constitute a general, formal framework for modelling the dynamics of population biology, which consists of two main approaches: stochastic and probabilistic. The framework has been successfully used to model biologic systems at both micro (e.g. bacteria colony) and macro (e.g. real ecosystems) levels, respectively. In this paper, we extend the general framework in order to include a new case study related to P. Oleracea species. The extension is made by a new variant within the probabilistic approach, called Probabilistic Guarded P systems (in short, PGP systems). We provide a formal definition, a simulation algorithm to capture the dynamics, and a survey of the associated software.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TIN2012- 37434Junta de Andalucía P08-TIC-0420

Benefits of polyphenols on gut microbiota and implications in human health

The biological properties of dietary polyphenols are greatly dependent on their bioavailability that, in turn, is largely influenced by their degree of polymerization. The gut microbiota play a key role in modulating the production, bioavailability and, thus, the biological activities of phenolic metabolites, particularly after the intake of food containing high-molecular-weight polyphenols. In addition, evidence is emerging on the activity of dietary polyphenols on the modulation of the colonic microbial population composition or activity. However, although the great range of health-promoting activities of dietary polyphenols has been widely investigated, their effect on the modulation of the gut ecology and the two-way relationship 'polyphenols ↔ microbiota' are still poorly understood. Only a few studies have examined the impact of dietary polyphenols on the human gut microbiota, and most were focused on single polyphenol molecules and selected bacterial populations. This review focuses on the reciprocal interactions between the gut microbiota and polyphenols, the mechanisms of action and the consequences of these interactions on human health

Membrane Computing as a Modelling Tool: Looking Back and Forward from Sevilla

This paper is a tribute to Prof. Mario de Jesús Pérez- Jiménez. An overview of modelling applications in membrane computing has been compiled, trying to narrate it from a historical perspective and including numerous bibliographical references. Since being exhaustive was obviously out of scope, this quick tour on almost two decades of applications is biased, paying special attention to the contributions in which Prof. Pérez-Jiménez and members of his research group were involved.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TIN2017-89842-

Candida Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Is It Curable?

Fong; Infecció articular periprotèsica; Cirurgia d'intercanvi en dues etapesHongo; Infección de la articulación periprotésica; Cirugía de recambio en dos etapasFungus; Periprosthetic joint infection; Two-stage exchange surgeryCandida periprosthetic joint infection (CPJI) is a rare and very difficult to treat infection, and high-quality evidence regarding the best management is scarce. Candida spp. adhere to medical devices and grow forming biofilms, which contribute to the persistence and relapse of this infection. Typically, CPJI presents as a chronic infection in a patient with multiple previous surgeries and long courses of antibiotic therapy. In a retrospective series of cases, the surgical approach with higher rates of success consists of a two-stage exchange surgery, but the best antifungal treatment and duration of antifungal treatment are still unclear, and the efficacy of using an antifungal agent-loaded cement spacer is still controversial. Until more evidence is available, focusing on prevention and identifying patients at risk of CPJI seems more than reasonable.This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors

A Simulation Workflow for Membrane Computing: From MeCoSim to PMCGPU Through P-Lingua

P system simulators are of high importance in Membrane Computing, since they provide tools to assist on model validation and verification. Keeping a balance between generality and flexibility, on the one side, and efficiency, on the other hand, is always challenging, but it is worth the effort. Besides, in order to prove the feasibility of P system models as practical tools for solving problems and aid in decision making, it is essential to provide functional mechanisms to have all the elements required at disposal of the potential users smoothly integrated in a robust workflow. The aim of this paper is to describe the main components and connections within the approach followed in this pipeline.Ministerio de Industria, Economía y Competitividad TIN2017-89842-

Red wine polyphenols modulate fecal microbiota and reduce markers of the metabolic syndrome in obese patients.

This study evaluated the possible prebiotic effect of a moderate intake of red wine polyphenols on the modulation of the gut microbiota composition and the improvement in the risk factors for the metabolic syndrome in obese patients. Ten metabolic syndrome patients and ten healthy subjects were included in a randomized, crossover, controlled intervention study. After a washout period, the subjects consumed red wine and de-alcoholized red wine over a 30 day period for each. The dominant bacterial composition did not differ significantly between the study groups after the two red wine intake periods. In the metabolic syndrome patients, red wine polyphenols significantly increased the number of fecal bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus (intestinal barrier protectors) and butyrate-producing bacteria (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Roseburia) at the expense of less desirable groups of bacteria such as LPS producers (Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae). The changes in gut microbiota in these patients could be responsible for the improvement in the metabolic syndrome markers. Modulation of the gut microbiota by using red wine could be an effective strategy for managing metabolic diseases associated with obesity

Periprosthetic Joint Infection Prophylaxis in the Elderly after Hip Hemiarthroplasty in Proximal Femur Fractures: Insights and Challenges

Profilaxi antibiòtica; Hemiartroplàstia de maluc; Infecció periprotèsica de l'articulacióProfilaxis antibiótica; Hemiartroplastia de cadera; Infección de la articulación periprotésicaAntibiotic prophylaxis; Hip hemiarthroplasty; Periprosthetic joint infectionWe review antibiotic and other prophylactic measures to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) surgery in proximal femoral fractures (PFFs). In the absence of specific guidelines, those applied to these individuals are general prophylaxis guidelines. Cefazolin is the most widely used agent and is replaced by clindamycin or a glycopeptide in beta-lactam allergies. A personalized antibiotic scheme may be considered when colonization by a multidrug-resistant microorganism (MDRO) is suspected. Particularly in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization or a high prevalence of MRSA-caused PJIs a glycopeptide with cefazolin is recommended. Strategies such as cutaneous decolonization of MDROs, mainly MRSA, or preoperative asymptomatic bacteriuria treatment have also been addressed with debatable results. Some areas of research are early detection protocols in MDRO colonizations by polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR), the use of alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis, and antibiotic-impregnated bone cement in HHA. Given that published evidence addressing PJI prophylactic strategies in PFFs requiring HHA is scarce, PJIs can be reduced by combining different prevention strategies after identifying individuals who will benefit from personalized prophylaxis.This work was supported by the ISCIII-Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación, through the project PI15/02161 and by the Plan Nacional de I+D+i 2013-016 and ISCIIII, Subdirección General de Redes y Centros de Investigación Cooperativa, Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad, Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD16/0016/0003)-co-financed by European Development Regional Fund “A way to achieve Europe”, Operative program Intelligent Growth 2014–2020

La teoría de los campos conceptuales de Vergnaud y el concepto de ambiente en investigaciones en ciencias naturales: avances de una revisión de literatura

This paper presents the progress of the literature review of a master's degree that is under development, whose objective is to investigate the conceptualization of practicing professors on the concept of environment, in an educational context of eastern Antioquia. For the search, some researches were taken into account that use the Theory of Vergnaud Conceptual Fields (TCCV) as a reference, for their emphasis on conceptualization and their potential for the design of situations that favor the progressive mastery of the concept of environment for teachers The documentary review from the perspective of Hoyos (2000) was used as a technique, from which the analysis of 20 papers found in education and science education journals was carried out. Some of the main results indicate that there are coinciding elements in terms of retaking the TCCV as a basis for intervention strategies with students; as well as highlight the representations of teachers in relation to the concept of environment, as an important factor to investigate. Likewise, it is emphasized that the concept of environment has been linked to the conservation of ecosystems, physical aspects and rarely in the educational environment with social, economic, political or cultural processes that interact with each other.Se presenta en esta comunicación los avances de la revisión de literatura de un trabajo de maestría que está en desarrollo, cuyo objetivo es indagar por la conceptualización de profesores en ejercicio sobre el concepto de ambiente, en un contexto educativo del oriente Antioqueño. Para la búsqueda se tuvo en cuenta algunas investigaciones que utilizan como referente la Teoría de los Campos Conceptuales de Vergnaud (TCCV), por su énfasis en la conceptualización y su potencial para el diseño de situaciones que favorecen el dominio progresivo del concepto de ambiente para los docentes. Se utilizó como técnica la revisión documental desde la perspectiva de Hoyos (2000), a partir de la cual se llevó a cabo el análisis de 20 artículos encontrados en revistas de educación y de educación en ciencias. Algunos de los principales resultados indican que existen elementos coincidentes en cuanto a retomar la TCCV como fundamento de estrategias de intervención con estudiantes; así como destacar las representaciones de los docentes en relación con el concepto de ambiente, como un factor importante a investigar. Así mismo, se destaca que el concepto de ambiente se ha ligado con la conservación de los ecosistemas, aspectos físicos y pocas veces en el ámbito educativo con procesos sociales, económicos, políticos o culturales que interactúan entre sí

Dietary Supplementation with Spray-Dried Porcine Plasma Attenuates Colon Inflammation in a Genetic Mouse Model of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma (SDP) can modulate the immune response of gut-associated lymphoid tissue. SDP supplementation reduces acute mucosal inflammation, as well as chronic inflammation associated with aging. The aim of this study was to analyze if SDP supplementation could ameliorate colitis in a genetic mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Wild-type mice and Mdr1a knockout (KO) mice were administered a control diet or an SDP-supplemented diet from day 21 (weaning) until day 56. The histopathological index, epithelial barrier, and intestinal immune system were analyzed in the colonic mucosa. KO mice had higher epithelial permeability, increased Muc1 and Muc4 expression, and lower abundance of E-cadherin and Muc2 (all p < 0.001). SDP prevented these effects (all p < 0.05) and decreased the colonic inflammation observed in KO mice, reducing neutrophil and monocyte infiltration and activation and the percentage of activated T helper lymphocytes in the colonic mucosa (all p < 0.05). SDP also diminished proinflammatory cytokine expression and increased the anti-inflammatory IL-10 concentration in the colonic mucosa (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with SDP enhances colon barrier function and reduces mucosal inflammation in a mouse model of IBD