Dysregulated cell homeostasis and miRNAs in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from a propionic acidemia patient with cardiomyopathy

Propionic acidemia (PA) disorder shows major involvement of the heart, among other alterations. A significant number of PA patients develop cardiac complications, and available evidence suggests that this cardiac dysfunction is driven mainly by the accumulation of toxic metabolites. To contribute to the elucidation of the mechanistic basis underlying this dysfunction, we have successfully generated cardiomyocytes through the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a PCCB patient and its isogenic control. In this human cellular model, we aimed to examine microRNAs (miRNAs) profiles and analyze several cellular pathways to determine miRNAs activity patterns associated with PA cardiac phenotypes. We have identified a series of upregulated cardiac-enriched miRNAs and alterations in some of their regulated signaling pathways, including an increase in the expression of cardiac damage markers and cardiac channels, an increase in oxidative stress, a decrease in mitochondrial respiration and autophagy; and lipid accumulation. Our findings indicate that miRNA activity patterns from PA iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes are biologically informative and advance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of this rare disease, providing a basis for identifying new therapeutic targets for intervention strategie

Effects of Biodanza on Stress, Depression, and Sleep Quality in University Students

Background: The existing literature shows dance to be an innovative and successful form of stress management. Previous research indicates that Biodanza is able to increase well-being and personal resources and prevent stress. However, Biodanza has not yet been empirically tested as a possible therapy for application outside the clinical context in young adults with perceived stress. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Biodanza in reducing symptoms of perceived stress and depression and in promoting sleep quality in young adults, comparing the changes with those observed in a control group. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Settings/Location: This study was carried out at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Almería. Subjects: One hundred and twenty-one university students with perceived stress were randomly placed into either a Biodanza group or a wait-list control group. Intervention: Study participants attended Biodanza sessions for 90 min a week, over a period of 4 weeks. Outcome measures: Depression, perceived stress, and sleep quality were assessed both before and after intervention. Results: Ninety-five participants completed the program and were included in the statistical analysis. Significant differences in perceived stress [t (93) = 2.136; p = 0.015] and depression [t (93) = 2.738; p = 0.000] were observed after the Biodanza period. Pre/post analysis found that Biodanza also had a significant effect on depression (Cohen d = 1.88; p < 0.05) and perceived stress (Cohen d = 0.79; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The Biodanza program is an effective stress management strategy for students. The results of this study showed Biodanza to have a positive effect on perceived stress and depression in young adults. This demonstrates how artistic, collaborative, and psychophysical interventions are an effective means of preventing and managing these problems in university students

Atmospheric pollen dynamics in Malaga (s. Spain) during 2013-2014. Seasonal trends

In this work we present the atmospheric pollen results obtained in Malaga, a coastal Mediterranean city situated in southern Spain, throughout 2013 and 2014. The main objective is to compare the results obtained these years with those registered during the 21 previous years (1992-2012) and detect possible significant trends. The samplings were made with the aid of a Hirst-type volumetric pollen trap (Hirst, 1952) situated on the roof of the building of the Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos. The mounting of the samples and the pollen counting were according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network, the REA (Galán et al., 2007). In this work, the seasonal evolution of the different taxa, annual pollen index and features of the main pollen season (length and start, end and peak days) are studied and the results obtained in 2013 and 2014 are compared to the average values of the previous years in order to detect differences related to climate change. The annual mean temperature have been rising in 2013 and 2014 (19.1 and 19.9ºC) comparing to the average of the last 20 years (18.7ºC). The annual total rainfall have been declining in 2013 and 2014 (354.7 and 373.1 mm) comparing to the average of the last 20 years (546.2 mm). The relative humidity declined in 2014 (60.6%) compared to last 20 years (66.6%). Among the significant trends that we have observed are: increase in the annual pollen index of Quercus and Olea, decrease in the annual pollen index of Chenopodiaceae, Plantago and Cyperaceae, delay in the end and increase in the length of the main pollen season of Quercus, delay and reduction in the length of the main pollen season of Gramineae pollen.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

Personality and discomfort in a therapeutic skills training program using experiential methodology

One of the most useful methodologies for training therapeutic skills in the clinical and health field involves the use of experiential learning in the Role-Playing or Peer-Counselling modalities (Bennet-Levy 2006; Fusté et al., 2016; Ruiz et al., 2018). However, one of the drawbacks that this methodology can entail is the apparent discomfort of having to explain personal experiences. Different studies have suggested that the variations in the levels of distress experienced in the training programs can be associated with both aspects related to the training program, as well as personality factors. That is why the objective of this work is to analyze the relationship between the personality profile and the degree of discomfort manifested by psychologists in training when sharing personal experiences in a training environment

Origin of lipid biomarkers in mud volcanoes from the Alboran Sea, western Mediterranean

Mud volcanoes (MVs) are the most prominent indicators of active methane/hydrocarbon venting at the seafloor on both passive and active continental margins. Their occurrence in the western Mediterranean is patent at the West Alboran Basin, where numerous MVs develop overlaying a major sedimentary depocentre containing overpressured shales. Although some of these MVs have been studied, the detailed biogeochemistry of expelled mud so far has not been examined in detail. This work provides the first results on the composition and origin of organic matter, anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) processes and general characteristics on MV dynamics using lipid biomarkers as the main tool. Lipid biomarker analysis was performed on MV expelled material (mud breccias) and interbedded hemipelagic sediments from Perejil, Kalinin and Schneider's Heart MVs located in the northwest margin of the Alboran Sea. The n alkane distributions and n alkane-derived indices (CPI and ACL), in combination with the epimerization degree of hopanes (22S/(22S+22R)) indicate that all studied mud breccia have a similar biomarker composition consisting of mainly thermally immature organic matter with an admixture of petroleum-derived compounds. This concordant composition indicates that common source strata must feed all three studied MVs. The past or present AOM activity was established using lipid biomarkers specific for anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (irregular isoprenoids and dialkyl glycerol diethers) and the depleted carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of crocetane/phytane. The presence of these lipid biomarkers, together with the low amounts of detected glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers, is consistent with the dominance of anaerobic methanotrophs of the ANME-2 over ANME-1, at least in mud breccia from Perejil MVs. In contrast, the scarce presence or lack of these AOM-related lipid biomarkers in sediments from Kalinin and Schneider's Heart MVs, suggests that no recent active methane seepage has occurred at these sites. Moreover, the observed methane concentrations support the current activity of Perejil MV, and the very low methane seepage activity in Kalinin and Schneider's Heart MVs.This study was supported by Project CTM2009-07715, CGL2011-1441 and CGL2012-32659 (MINECO, Spain), by the VENI grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Royal Netherland Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ via ZKOprogramme) (Texel, The Netherlands). C. F. López-Rodríguez was funded by a JAE-PhD fellowship from the CSIC (Spain)

Adherence to treatment in chronic patients: hypertension and diabetes mellitus

Para el año 2020 las enfermedades crónicas serán la causa principal de las discapacidades, y para el año 2030 se duplicará la incidencia en personas mayores de 65 años. Un 20-50 % de los pacientes no siguen el plan terapéutico de forma adecuada, siendo la dieta una de las principales faltas de adherencia. Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de adherencia a los diferentes componentes del tratamiento en pacientes diagnósticos de hipertensión esencial y diabetes. Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal, en una muestra de 46 personas, entre 18-95 años, pertenecientes al programa de crónicos de HTA y/o diabetes del Centro de Salud, seleccionadas mediante muestreo por conveniencia, entre las que no padecían una enfermedad sintomática o alteración psicológica. Resultados: El 71,7 % de los pacientes estaban diagnosticados de HTA, el 52,2 % de diabetes y el 23,9 % padecían ambas patologías. Ambos grupos informan de síntomas que relacionan con la enfermedad. Del total de la muestra el 56,6 % manifestaban sobrepeso. Dicen no tener ningún problema a la hora de seguir el tratamiento el 15,2 %; a más de la mitad de la muestra (64,9 %) le resulta difícil cumplirlo; el 35,02% de hipertensos y el 36,95 de los diabéticos creen que es difícil seguir todas las recomendaciones prescritas. Ellos creen tener una alimentación adecuada, sin embargo, el 56,5 % tienen sobrepeso, seguido de obesidad, y solo el 13,0 % presentaban un peso normal. Conclusión: La muestra de pacientes que han participado en este estudio indican los mismos síntomas de enfermedad que los recogidos en estudios precedentes. Han informado niveles de adherencia superiores a los encontrados en estudios similares. Sin embargo, son escasos los sujetos que mantienen su peso en niveles normales, siendo además la dieta el componente del tratamiento donde los pacientes encuentran mayor dificultad. La mayoría tiene conciencia de que la enfermedad es para toda su vida. Se requieren investigaciones para mejorar la adherencia, con intervenciones específicas en cada uno de los componentes del tratamiento.Introduction: 2020 chronic diseases are the leading cause of disability, and by 2030 the incidence will double in people over 65 years. 20-50 % of patients do not follow the treatment plan properly, the diet being a major lack of adherence. Objective: To assess the level of adherence to the different components of diagnostic treatment in patients with essential hypertension and diabetes. Methodology: Cross-sectional observational study in a sample of 46 people, between 18-95 years, belonging to the program of chronic hypertension and / or diabetes at the Health Center) and selected by convenience sampling, including those not suffering from symptomatic disease or psychological disorder. Results: 71.7 % of patients were diagnosed with hypertension, 52.2 % with diabetes and 23.9 % suffered from both conditions. Both groups report symptoms associated with the disease. Out of the total sample, 56.6 % expressed overweight. The 15.2 % claim to have no problem when it comes to further treatment; more than half of the sample (64.9 %) find it difficult to accomplish; 35.02 % of the hypertensive and 36,95 % of diabetic patients believe it is difficult to follow all prescribed recommendations. They content that they have adequate food; however, 56.5 % are overweight, followed by obesity, and only 13.0 % presented normal weight. Conclusion: The sample of patients who participated in this study indicate the same symptoms of illness as the collected in previous studies. They have reported levels which are higher than those found in similar adhesion studies. However, there are few individuals who maintain their weight at normal levels, diet being also the most difficult treatment component for patients. Most are aware that the disease is for life. Research is required to improve adhesion, with specific interventions for each of the components of treatment.Enfermerí

Recommendations for vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis who are eligible for immunosuppressive therapies: Spanish consensus statement

Esclerosis múltiple; Vacunación; ConsensoEsclerosi múltiple; Vacunació; ConsensMultiple sclerosis; Vaccination; ConsensusAntecedentes La reciente aparición de terapias de alta efectividad para el tratamiento de la esclerosis múltiple (EM), con potencial riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas, obliga plantear estrategias de prevención y minimización de riesgos. La vacunación constituye una parte esencial del manejo de estos pacientes. Este consenso recoge una serie de pautas y escenarios prácticos de vacunación en pacientes adultos con EM candidatos a tratamiento inmunosupresor. Metodología Se llevó a cabo un consenso de tipo formal. Tras definir el alcance del documento, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de vacunación en pacientes con EM, así como guías de vacunación específicas de pacientes inmunosuprimidos y en tratamiento biológico con otras enfermedades. Para la formulación de las recomendaciones se empleó la metodología de Modified Nominal Group Technique. Desarrollo La vacunación en pacientes candidatos a tratamiento inmunosupresor se debe plantear antes de iniciar un tratamiento inmunosupresor siempre que la situación clínica del paciente lo permita. Se recomendarán tanto aquellas indicadas en el calendario vacunal del adulto, como algunas específicas, en función de la inmunidad previa. Si ya está instaurado el tratamiento inmunosupresor las vacunas vivas atenuadas estarán contraindicadas. Para aquellas vacunas que dispongan de un correlato de protección se recomienda monitorizar la respuesta serológica transcurridos de uno a 2 meses de la última dosis.Background The recent development of highly effective treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) and the potential risk of infectious complications require the development of prevention and risk minimisation strategies. Vaccination is an essential element of the management of these patients. This consensus statement includes a series of recommendations and practical scenarios for the vaccination of adult patients with MS who are eligible for highly effective immunosuppressive treatments. Methodology A formal consensus procedure was followed. Having defined the scope of the statement, we conducted a literature search on recommendations for the vaccination of patients with MS and specific vaccination guidelines for immunosuppressed patients receiving biological therapy for other conditions. The modified nominal group technique methodology was used to formulate the recommendations. Development Vaccination in patients who are candidates for immunosuppressive therapy should be considered before starting immunosuppressive treatment providing the patient's clinical situation allows. Vaccines included in the routine adult vaccination schedule, as well as some specific ones, are recommended depending on the pre-existing immunity status. If immunosuppressive treatment is already established, live attenuated vaccines are contraindicated. For vaccines with a correlate of protection, it is recommended to monitor the serological response in an optimal interval of 1-2 months from the last dose

Las dimensiones de la responsabilidad social de las empresas como determinantes de las intenciones de comportamiento del consumidor

RESUMEN: El presente trabajo analiza la influencia de tres dimensiones de responsabilidad social corporativa –legal, ética y filantrópica– en el comportamiento del consumidor, mediante su inclusión en un modelo clásico de lealtad. Para ello, se recogen medidas de la percepción de 781 consumidores sobre cuestiones éticas y sociales de las entidades del sector financiero en España, para ponerlas en relación con la valoración global del servicio, la satisfacción y el componente comportamental de la lealtad en un modelo causal. Del estudio se deriva un efecto directo de estas dimensiones en la valoración del servicio y un efecto indirecto de las mismas en la satisfacción y la lealtad.ABSTRACT:The current paper analyzes the influence of three subdimensions of corporate social responsibility –legal, ethical and philantrophic– in consumers’ behaviour since it adds new questions related to that issue to a traditional loyalty model. According to this, 781 customer evaluations of ethical and social activities of Spanish financial services companies are collected, in order to put them into relation with the global valuation of service, satisfaction and behavioural loyalty by means of a causal model. The study is able to verify a direct effect of corporate social responsibility dimensions on service valuation and an indirect influence on satisfaction and loyalty

Association of Adherence to Specific Mediterranean Diet Components and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Young Adults

Objective: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and a healthy diet may be part of an overall healthy lifestyle. The association between cardiorespiratory fitness and adherence to an overall Mediterranean Diet (MedD) pattern and specific MedD foods has been assessed. Design: Subjects completed a lifestyle survey and dietary pattern, using the validated MedD Adherence 14-item questionnaire and two self-reported 24-h dietary recalls. Participants' height, body weight, waist circumference (WC), and CRF (maximum oxygen uptake, VO2max, ml/kg/min) were measured. Setting: University of Cadiz, Spain. Subjects: A sample of young adults (n = 275, 22.2 +/- 6.3 years). Results: Mean VO2max was 43.9 mL/kg/min (SD 8.5 mL/kg/min). Most participants had healthy CRF (75.9%). The average MedD score was 6.2 points (SD 1.8 points). Participants who consumed more servings of nuts had higher VO2max. Those who showed low CRF performed less physical activity (PA) and had a higher body mass index (BMI) and WC compared with those classified as having healthy CRF. Nut consumption was positively associated with VO2max (beta = 0.320; 95% CI 2.4, 10.7; p < 0.002), adjusting for sex, age, smoking PA, BMI, WC, and energy intake, showing the subjects who consumed more nuts were fitter than young adults who consumed less. Conclusions: CRF is positively associated with nut consumption but not with the overall MedD pattern and all other MedD foods in the young adults. The subjects who consumed more servings of nuts were fitter than young adults who consumed less. Moreover, fitter subjects performed more PA and had a lower BMI and WC than those who had lower fitness levels

βTrCP controls the lysosome-mediated degradation of CDK1, whose accumulation correlates with tumor malignancy

n mammals, cell cycle progression is controlled by cyclin-dependent kinases, among which CDK1 plays important roles in the regulation of the G2/M transition, G1 progression and G1/S transition. CDK1 is highly regulated by its association to cyclins, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, changes in subcellular localization, and by direct binding of CDK inhibitor proteins. CDK1 steady-state protein levels are held constant throughout the cell cycle by a coordinated regulation of protein synthesis and degradation. We show that CDK1 is ubiquitinated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase SCFβTrCP and degraded by the lysosome. Furthermore, we found that DNA damage not only triggers the stabilization of inhibitory phosphorylation sites on CDK1 and repression of CDK1 gene expression, but also regulates βTrCP-induced CDK1 degradation in a cell type-dependent manner. Specifically, treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin in certain cell lines provokes CDK1 degradation and induces apoptosis, whereas in others it inhibits destruction of the protein. These observations raise the possibility that different tumor types, depending on their pathogenic spectrum mutations, may display different sensitivity to βTrCP-induced CDK1 degradation after DNA damage. Finally, we found that CDK1 accumulation in patients’ tumors shows a negative correlation with βTrCP and a positive correlation with the degree of tumor malignancy.España, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad SAF2011-30003Junta de Andalucía, Dirección General de Investigación, Tecnología y Empresa P08- CVI-03603 and P10-CTS-6243