Differences in ex-vivo Chemosensitivity to Anthracyclines in First Line Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Induction schedules in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are based on combinations of cytarabine and anthracyclines. The choice of the anthracycline employed has been widely studied in multiple clinical trials showing similar complete remission rates. Using an ex vivo test we have analyzed if a subset of AML patients may respond differently to cytarabine combined with idarubicin, daunorubicin or mitoxantrone. Bone marrow (BM) samples of 198 AML patients were incubated for 48 hours in 96 well plates, each well containing different drugs or drug combinations at different concentrations. Ex vivo drug sensitivity analysis was made using the PharmaFlow platform maintaining the BM microenvironment. Drug response was evaluated as depletion of AML blast cells in each well after incubation. Annexin V-FITC was used to quantify the ability of the drugs to induce apoptosis, and pharmacological responses were calculated using pharmacokinetic population models. Similar dose-respond graphs were generated for the three anthracyclines, with a slight decrease in EC with idarubicin (p=1.462E-06), whereas the interpatient variability of either drug was large. To identify those cases of selective sensitivity to anthracyclines, potency was compared, in terms of area under the curve. Differences in anthracycline monotherapy potency greater than 30% from 3 pairwise comparisons were identified in 28.3% of samples. Furthermore, different sensitivity was detected in 8.2% of patients comparing combinations of cytarabine and anthracyclines. A third of the patients could benefit from the use of this test in the first line induction therapy selection, although it should be confirmed in a clinical trial specifically designed

Population Dynamics of Aedes aegypti and Dengue as Influenced by Weather and Human Behavior in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Previous studies on the influence of weather on Aedes aegypti dynamics in Puerto Rico suggested that rainfall was a significant driver of immature mosquito populations and dengue incidence, but mostly in the drier areas of the island. We conducted a longitudinal study of Ae. aegypti in two neighborhoods of the metropolitan area of San Juan city, Puerto Rico where rainfall is more uniformly distributed throughout the year. We assessed the impacts of rainfall, temperature, and human activities on the temporal dynamics of adult Ae. aegypti and oviposition. Changes in adult mosquitoes were monitored with BG-Sentinel traps and oviposition activity with CDC enhanced ovitraps. Pupal surveys were conducted during the drier and wetter parts of the year in both neighborhoods to determine the contribution of humans and rains to mosquito production. Mosquito dynamics in each neighborhood was compared with dengue incidence in their respective municipalities during the study. Our results showed that: 1. Most pupae were produced in containers managed by people, which explains the prevalence of adult mosquitoes at times when rainfall was scant; 2. Water meters were documented for the first time as productive habitats for Ae. aegypti; 3. Even though Puerto Rico has a reliable supply of tap water and an active tire recycling program, water storage containers and discarded tires were important mosquito producers; 4. Peaks in mosquito density preceded maximum dengue incidence; and 5. Ae. aegypti dynamics were driven by weather and human activity and oviposition was significantly correlated with dengue incidence

Systematic Collaborative Reanalysis of Genomic Data Improves Diagnostic Yield in Neurologic Rare Diseases

Altres ajuts: Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament de Salut; Generalitat de Catalunya, Departament d'Empresa i Coneixement i CERCA Program; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación; Instituto Nacional de Bioinformática; ELIXIR Implementation Studies (CNAG-CRG); Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras; Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa; European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).Many patients experiencing a rare disease remain undiagnosed even after genomic testing. Reanalysis of existing genomic data has shown to increase diagnostic yield, although there are few systematic and comprehensive reanalysis efforts that enable collaborative interpretation and future reinterpretation. The Undiagnosed Rare Disease Program of Catalonia project collated previously inconclusive good quality genomic data (panels, exomes, and genomes) and standardized phenotypic profiles from 323 families (543 individuals) with a neurologic rare disease. The data were reanalyzed systematically to identify relatedness, runs of homozygosity, consanguinity, single-nucleotide variants, insertions and deletions, and copy number variants. Data were shared and collaboratively interpreted within the consortium through a customized Genome-Phenome Analysis Platform, which also enables future data reinterpretation. Reanalysis of existing genomic data provided a diagnosis for 20.7% of the patients, including 1.8% diagnosed after the generation of additional genomic data to identify a second pathogenic heterozygous variant. Diagnostic rate was significantly higher for family-based exome/genome reanalysis compared with singleton panels. Most new diagnoses were attributable to recent gene-disease associations (50.8%), additional or improved bioinformatic analysis (19.7%), and standardized phenotyping data integrated within the Undiagnosed Rare Disease Program of Catalonia Genome-Phenome Analysis Platform functionalities (18%)

Spatiotemporal Characteristics of the Largest HIV-1 CRF02_AG Outbreak in Spain: Evidence for Onward Transmissions

Background and Aim: The circulating recombinant form 02_AG (CRF02_AG) is the predominant clade among the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) non-Bs with a prevalence of 5.97% (95% Confidence Interval-CI: 5.41–6.57%) across Spain. Our aim was to estimate the levels of regional clustering for CRF02_AG and the spatiotemporal characteristics of the largest CRF02_AG subepidemic in Spain.Methods: We studied 396 CRF02_AG sequences obtained from HIV-1 diagnosed patients during 2000–2014 from 10 autonomous communities of Spain. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the 391 CRF02_AG sequences along with all globally sampled CRF02_AG sequences (N = 3,302) as references. Phylodynamic and phylogeographic analysis was performed to the largest CRF02_AG monophyletic cluster by a Bayesian method in BEAST v1.8.0 and by reconstructing ancestral states using the criterion of parsimony in Mesquite v3.4, respectively.Results: The HIV-1 CRF02_AG prevalence differed across Spanish autonomous communities we sampled from (p < 0.001). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 52.7% of the CRF02_AG sequences formed 56 monophyletic clusters, with a range of 2–79 sequences. The CRF02_AG regional dispersal differed across Spain (p = 0.003), as suggested by monophyletic clustering. For the largest monophyletic cluster (subepidemic) (N = 79), 49.4% of the clustered sequences originated from Madrid, while most sequences (51.9%) had been obtained from men having sex with men (MSM). Molecular clock analysis suggested that the origin (tMRCA) of the CRF02_AG subepidemic was in 2002 (median estimate; 95% Highest Posterior Density-HPD interval: 1999–2004). Additionally, we found significant clustering within the CRF02_AG subepidemic according to the ethnic origin.Conclusion: CRF02_AG has been introduced as a result of multiple introductions in Spain, following regional dispersal in several cases. We showed that CRF02_AG transmissions were mostly due to regional dispersal in Spain. The hot-spot for the largest CRF02_AG regional subepidemic in Spain was in Madrid associated with MSM transmission risk group. The existence of subepidemics suggest that several spillovers occurred from Madrid to other areas. CRF02_AG sequences from Hispanics were clustered in a separate subclade suggesting no linkage between the local and Hispanic subepidemics

Composición química de las hojas y ramas de Cedrela odorata L. de dos plantaciones forestales como fuente de materia prima lignocelulósica

Abstract: Cedrela odorata L., known as red cedar, is one of the most economically valuable species in Mexican forestry production. Although timber is the main product obtained from this species, branches and leaves are generated from thinning and pruning activities, as well as sawdust from sawmilling. These materials are currently considered as waste. This study evaluated the chemical composition of the leaves, branch wood and sawdust of red cedar from samples collected in two experimental forest plantations in El Palmar, Veracruz and San Felipe Bacalar, Quintana Roo. Concentrations of total phenols, flavonoids and their capacity for scavenging free radicals were evaluated, focusing on their potential use as a lignocellulosic source for obtaining biofuels and in applications in biomedical areas. The leaves have high concentrations of extractables with maximum values of 34,78%, polysaccharides 67,11%, lignin 31,10%, reducing sugars 6,52%, phenols 211,91 mgGAE/g, flavonoids 81,05 mgCE/g, but did not show free radical scavenging activity. In contrast, the branch wood and sawdust had low extractable levels with 6,10%, polysaccharides 78,46%, lignin 32,24%, reductor sugars 8,87%, phenols 355,57 mgGAE/g, flavonoids 178,56 mgCE/g and a high capacity for free radical scavenging. Differences were found in lignocellulosic concentrations among the samples collected at the two plantations, with the highest values in those collected at Bacalar, QR. The results obtained indicate that the leaves, branch wood and sawdust are viable for obtaining carbohydrates; while the wood can be a source of phenols and flavonoids with possible therapeutic applications.Resumen: Cedrela odorata L., conocida como cedro rojo, es una de las especies de mayor valor económico en la producción forestal de México. Aunque la madera es el producto principal que se obtiene de esta especie, se generan también residuos como ramas y hojas en los aclareos y podas, así como aserrín y costeras en el aserrío. En este trabajo se evaluó la composición química de hojas, madera de ramas y aserrín de cedro rojo, en muestras colectadas en dos plantaciones experimentales en El Palmar, Veracruz y San Felipe Bacalar, Quintana Roo, así como la concentración de fenoles totales, flavonoides y su capacidad de captación de radicales libres, enfocadas hacia valorar su potencial como fuente lignocelulósica para obtención de biocombustibles y/o hacia la aplicación en áreas biomédicas. Las hojas presentan altas concentraciones de extraíbles con valores máximos de 34,78%, polisacáridos 67,11%, lignina 33,10%, azúcares reductores 6,52%, fenoles 211,91 mgEAG/g, flavonoides 81,05 mgEC/g, pero no presentan actividad de antiradicales libres. En cambio, la madera, tanto de ramas como de aserrín, presenta bajas concentraciones de extraíbles 6,10%, polisacáridos 78,46%, lignina 32,24%, azúcares reductores 8,87%, fenoles 355,57 mgEAG/g, flavonoides 178,56mgEC/g, y alta capacidad de captación de radicales libres. Se encontraron diferencias en las concentraciones lignocelulósicas entre las muestras colectadas en las dos plantaciones, sobresaliendo las colectadas en Bacalar, Q. R. Los resultados obtenidos indican que las hojas, la madera de ramas y aserrín son viables para obtención de carbohidratos, mientras que la madera puede ser una fuente de obtención fenoles y flavonoides con posibles aplicaciones terapéuticas

Mentoring and Research Self-Efficacy of Doctoral Students: A Psychometric Approach

Effective mentoring is an integral component of the doctoral dissertation process. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of two questionnaires developed to assess research self-efficacy and the mentoring/supervision process. The sample comprised 1265 doctorate students (mean age = 32.36 years; standard deviation = 8.20). Items in both questionnaires had adequate discrimination indexes and principal component analysis supported the unifactorial structure of each questionnaire, with adequate percentages of explained variance (47.5% and 60%, respectively). Reliability was good or excellent: = 0.71 and = 0.94. In the research self efficacy questionnaire, there was a significant interaction between gender and year of doctoral studies. Men had higher scores in the first, second and third years of their doctoral studies than women, but this ranking was reversed for the fourth and fifth years. In the mentoring/supervision questionnaire, PhD students in their first year had a higher score than those in the third, fourth and fifth years, and students in the second year had a higher score than those in the fifth year. Understanding students' perception of their research self-efficacy and the mentoring process is of great importance given the relationship between the mentoring process and students' academic performance and personal well-being

Effect of huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis DC Corda) paste addition on functional, chemical and textural properties of tortilla chips

AbstractThis study analyzed the addition of huitlacoche paste (HP) in baked tortilla chips (TC), evaluating its effects on functional, physicochemical and structural changes during processing. Two blue corn grains were nixtamalized, stone milled, air dried and milled to obtain flour; commercial blue corn flour (TM1) and commercial TC (TM2) were used as controls. Additions of 0, 3, 6 and 9% of HP were formulated; masas were prepared at 55% moisture content (MC), precooked and baked in an industrial machine. TC crispiness was influenced by grain characteristics and percentage of HP. Huitlacoche paste addition caused an increase in total dietary fiber (from 5.27 to 14.54%), total soluble phenolics content (from 17.52 to 37.60 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant capacity (from 6.74 to 7.98 μmol TE/g) in TC. Results suggest that tortilla chips added with huitlacoche can be an alternative to prepare this traditional edible fungus and produce healthier snacks, not fried and enriched with bioactive compounds

Rubrica treball en equip. Competencia transversal (CT) en el Grau d'Infermeria

Aquest treball es fruit de l'anàlisi documental, debats, reflexió i consens derivat del procés de treball del Grup Consolidat d'Innovació Docent GIOTEI (Grup d'Infermeria Orientat a Tècniques Educatives Innovadores). Referencia del Projecte que es menciona: El treball en equip. competencia transversal en el grau d'infermeria amb codi 2010PID-UB/17La rubrica que es presenta, es desenvolupa en el context d'un projecte (codi 2010PID-UB/17), dedicat a cercar una proposta per avaluar la competència transversal treball en equip en els estudis de Grau d'Infermeria. S'estructura en sis ítems (comunicació, col·laboració, planificació de tasques, gestió del temps, resolució de conflictes i consecució d'objectius) i en un paràmetre per a cada un d'aquests i per a cada curs del grau (1er, 2on, 3er, 4at). Cada un d'aquests paràmetres, integra de forma ascendent el producte obtingut per l'alumne en els cursos anteriors (en quan a la CT treball en equip) i s'afegeix el que s'espera que obtingui durant el període acadèmic en curs. Finalment, s'inclou una possible escala de valoració estratificada (suspès, aprovat, notable, excel·lent), a partir de sistematitzar la freqüència en que l'estudiant exerceix el que s'indica en cada paràmetre (a vegades, molt sovint, etc..).La rúbrica que se presenta, se desarrolla en el contexto de un proyecto (código 2010PID-UB/17), dedicado a realizar una propuesta para evaluar la competencia transversal trabajo en equipo en los estudios de Grado de Enfermería. Se estructura en seis ítems (comunicación, colaboración, planificación de tareas, gestión del tiempo, resolución de conflictos y consecución de objetivos) y en un parámetro para cada uno de estos y para cada curso del grado (1º, 2º, 3º, 4º). Cada un de estos parámetros, integra de forma ascendente el producto obtenido por el alumno en los cursos anteriores (en cuanto a la CT trabajo en equipo) y se añade lo que se espera que obtenga durante el período académico en curso. Finalmente, se incluye una posible escala de valoración estratificada (suspendido, aprobado, notable, excelente), a partir de sistematizar la frecuencia con que el estudiante ejerce lo que se indica en cada parámetro (a veces, muy frecuentemente, etc..)

Rubrica treball en equip. Competencia transversal (CT) en el Grau d'Infermeria

Aquest treball es fruit de l'anàlisi documental, debats, reflexió i consens derivat del procés de treball del Grup Consolidat d'Innovació Docent GIOTEI (Grup d'Infermeria Orientat a Tècniques Educatives Innovadores). Referencia del Projecte que es menciona: El treball en equip. competencia transversal en el grau d'infermeria amb codi 2010PID-UB/17La rubrica que es presenta, es desenvolupa en el context d'un projecte (codi 2010PID-UB/17), dedicat a cercar una proposta per avaluar la competència transversal treball en equip en els estudis de Grau d'Infermeria. S'estructura en sis ítems (comunicació, col·laboració, planificació de tasques, gestió del temps, resolució de conflictes i consecució d'objectius) i en un paràmetre per a cada un d'aquests i per a cada curs del grau (1er, 2on, 3er, 4at). Cada un d'aquests paràmetres, integra de forma ascendent el producte obtingut per l'alumne en els cursos anteriors (en quan a la CT treball en equip) i s'afegeix el que s'espera que obtingui durant el període acadèmic en curs. Finalment, s'inclou una possible escala de valoració estratificada (suspès, aprovat, notable, excel·lent), a partir de sistematitzar la freqüència en que l'estudiant exerceix el que s'indica en cada paràmetre (a vegades, molt sovint, etc..).La rúbrica que se presenta, se desarrolla en el contexto de un proyecto (código 2010PID-UB/17), dedicado a realizar una propuesta para evaluar la competencia transversal trabajo en equipo en los estudios de Grado de Enfermería. Se estructura en seis ítems (comunicación, colaboración, planificación de tareas, gestión del tiempo, resolución de conflictos y consecución de objetivos) y en un parámetro para cada uno de estos y para cada curso del grado (1º, 2º, 3º, 4º). Cada un de estos parámetros, integra de forma ascendente el producto obtenido por el alumno en los cursos anteriores (en cuanto a la CT trabajo en equipo) y se añade lo que se espera que obtenga durante el período académico en curso. Finalmente, se incluye una posible escala de valoración estratificada (suspendido, aprobado, notable, excelente), a partir de sistematizar la frecuencia con que el estudiante ejerce lo que se indica en cada parámetro (a veces, muy frecuentemente, etc..)