Caracterización tipológica del espacio edificado de las casas de corredor. El caso de las ciudadelas del casco histórico de La Habana y las corralas madrileñas

In this article, some of the results obtained from an investigation aiming to characterize the different models that in Spain and Spanish America developed from original “corridor houses” are presented. This research aims to design valid solutions allowing the adaptation of these houses to habitability current criteria. Specifically, results obtained from the characterization resulting from: date of building, dimensions and shape, and type of the yard and its relationship with corridors in 286 “corridor houses” in Embajadores neighborhood, in Madrid, and 213 so called “ciudadelas” inside the Historic Centre in Havana, are presented. As a conclusion, great coincidences have been found in both of the models. So that, it can be said that this is about a typological model, characteristic of ancient and popular neighborhoods, with such a high presence that it turns out impossible to explain the urban weave without considering their fundamental role in “filling” blocks.En este artículo se presentan algunos resultados de un proyecto de investigación que pretende la caracterización de los diferentes modelos que en España e Hispanoamérica evolucionaron de las casas de corredor para poder diseñar soluciones válidas que permitan la adaptación de los mismos a los criterios actuales de habitabilidad. En concreto se presentan los resultados de la caracterización en base a: periodo de construcción; geometría y forma de los edificios y geometría del patio, de 286 corralas madrileñas del barrio de Embajadores y de 213 ciudadelas del Centro Histórico de La Habana. Como consecuencia del estudio se han encontrado grandes coincidencias en ambos modelos, por lo que se concluye que se trata un modelo tipológico característico de los barrios populares antiguos con una presencia tan alta que resulta imposible explicar la trama urbana sin considerar su papel de «relleno» de las manzanas

Development of a thermosensitive hydrogel based on Polaxamer 407 and gellan gum with inclusion complexes (Sulfobutylated-β-cyclodextrin-Farnesol) as a local drug delivery system

This work proposes the development of a thermosensitive local drug release system based on Polaxamer 407, also known as Pluronic® F-127 (PF-127), Gellan Gum (GG) and the inclusion complex Sulfobutylated-β-cyclodextrin (CD) with Farnesol (FOH). Rheological properties of the hydrogels and their degradation were studied. According to the rheological results, a solution of 20% w/v of PF-127 forms a strong gel with a gelling temperature of about 25 °C (storage modulus of 15,000 Pa). The addition of the GG increased the storage modulus (optimal concentration of 0.5 % w/v) twofold without modifying the gelling temperature. Moreover, including 0.5% w/v of GG also increased 6 times the degradation time of the hydrogel. Regarding the inclusion complex, the addition of free CD decreased the viscosity and the gel strength since polymer chains were included in CD cavity without affecting the gelling temperature. Contrarily, the inclusion complex CD-FOH did not significantly modify any property of the formulation because the FOH was hosted in the CD. Furthermore, a mathematical model was developed to adjust the degradation time. This model highlights that the addition of the GG decreases the number of released chains from the polymeric network (which coincides with an increase in the storage modulus) and that the free CD reduces the degradation rate, protecting the polymeric chains. Finally, FOH release was quantified with a specific device, that was designed and printed for this type of system, observing a sustainable drug release (similar to FOH aqueous solubility, 8 μM) dependent on polymer degradation

The role of maternal age, growth and environment in shaping offspring performance in an aerial conifer seed bank

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the Botanical Society of America via the DOI in this recordData Availability: The R code (doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.17158469) and primary data (doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.15097185) are available in Figshare.PREMISE Maternal effects have been demonstrated to affect offspring performance in many organisms and, in plants, seeds are important mediators of these effects. Some woody plant species maintain long-lasting canopy seed banks as an adaptation to wildfires. Importantly, these seeds stored in serotinous cones are produced by the mother plant under varying ontogenetic and physiological conditions. METHODS We sampled the canopy seed bank of a highly serotinous Pinus pinaster population to test if maternal age and growth, as well as the environmental conditions during each crop year, affected seed mass and ultimately germination and early survival. After determining retrospectively the year of each seed cohort, we followed germination and early survival in a semi-natural common garden. KEY RESULTS We found that seed mass was related to maternal age and growth at the time of seed production, i.e. slow growth-older mothers had smaller seeds and fast growth-young mothers had bigger seeds, which could be interpreted either as a proxy of senescence or as a maternal strategy. We also confirmed that seed mass had a positive effect on germination success, but beyond differences in seed mass, maternal age had a negative effect and diameter had a positive effect on germination timing and subsequent survival. CONCLUSIONS Thereby we highlight the importance of maternal conditions combined with seed mass in shaping seedling establishment. Our findings open new insights in the offspring performance deriving from long-term canopy seed banks, which may have high relevance for plant adaptation.Spanish Government, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU

Qualitative study of college tutoring through the expert panel method

The implementation of a quality Tutorial Action Plan (TAP), in which the integral formation of students is the main objective, is a topical issue in the Spanish university environment . This paper aims to identify the actions contemplated in the TAPs of different Spanish universities and catalog the different types of activities performed by the teachers-tutors in the context of tutorial action. To achieve this, the authors conducted a qualitative analysis based on expert panels. As a result, three main vectors were extracted: Standard elements in a college TAP, critical aspects from tutors and managers of tutorial actions, and tutorial actions with a seal of quality. From the analysis it was concluded that quality tutorial action is the basis for academic excellence. Its achievement requires to clarify and recognize the role of the tutor, adjust appropriately the ratio of students allocated per tutor, and promote the development of transversal skills in students. For this, the authors propose a cross-coordination among teachers, as well as counseling and support; tutor training and professionalism; and the application of working methods that allow proper guidance and monitoring of students.-----------------------------Estudio Cualitativo sobre Tutoría Universitaria a Través del Método de Panel de ExpertosResumenLa implantación de un plan de acción tutorial (PAT) de calidad, en el cual la formación integral del alumnado sea lo principal, es un tema de actualidad en el entorno universitario español. El presente trabajo persigue identificar las acciones contempladas en los PAT de diferentes universidades españolas, así como catalogar los diferentes tipos de actividades realizadas por los profesores-tutores en el contexto de la acción tutorial. Para ello se realizó un análisis cualitativo basado en paneles de expertos. Como resultado, se extrajeron tres vectores principales: Elementos habituales en un PAT universitario; Aspectos críticos desde los tutores y gestores de la acción tutorial; y Acciones en tutoría con sello de calidad. Del análisis realizado se concluyó que la acción tutorial de calidad es la base de la excelencia académica. Su consecución requiere clarificar y reconocer el papel del tutor, ajustar las proporciones de tutelados asignados de manera adecuada y potenciar el desarrollo de competencias transversales en el alumno. Para ello, se propone la coordinación transversal entre el profesorado, así como con servicios de orientación y apoyo; la formación y profesionalización de los tutores; y la aplicación de métodos de trabajo que permitan la adecuada orientación y seguimiento del alumnado. DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v4i1.197PDF document contains both the original in Spanish and an English translation

Strategy for the identification of the tumor intrinsic QTL determining the response to treatment of ERBB2 breast cancer

Resumen del póster presentado al VII Simposium Bases Biológicas del Cáncer y Terapias Personalizadas, celebrado en el Centro de Investigación del Cáncer (CIC-IBMCC) del 21 al 22 de mayo de 2015.-- et al.Este póster ha ganado el 1er premio en el Concurso de Pósters de Oncología Básica y Traslacional en Oncología para Jóvenes Investigadores, celebrado durante el VII Simposium Bases Biológicas del Cáncer y Terapias Personalizadas.An essential aspect of breast cancer is its different evolution among patients with the same histopathological disease. Moreover, cancer is a tissue growing in the context of a complex organism, thus it can be identified two main sources of variability responsible for the disease behavior: intrinsic and extrinsic factors which act, respectively, mainly inside the tumor cells and outside them at local or systemic levels. Our aim is to identify intrinsic factors to the tumor cells responsible for the different responses of breast cancer to chemotherapy with Doxorubicin and Docetaxel. For this purpose, we collected tumors developed in a cohort of genetically heterogeneous mice from a backcross between a resistant strain to breast cancer (C57BL/6) and a susceptible one (FVB) which overexpress the cNeu/ErbB2 protooncogene controlled by the MMTV promoter. The backcross mice were genotyped by SNP analysis. To identify tumor intrinsic factors controlling the response to chemotherapy, we transplanted 125 tumors collected from the backcross mice into singenic F1-C57/FVB mice to remove variability coming from the host compartments. Each tumor was transplanted into two F1 recipient mice; each one was treated with Doxorubicin or Docetaxel, and we studied tumor response to treatment. Linkage analysis permits us to identify QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) controlling susceptibility to mammary cancer and evolution of the disease in the backcross population, and the specific intrinsic QTL associated with different chemotherapy responses in the F1 mice. Moreover, we are studying molecular and signalling pathways that control chemotherapy responses and the QTL associated with them. The identification of breast cancer susceptibility genes and their pathways associated with different response to chemotherapy will be important for the prediction of human breast cancer evolution during therapy, and to learn about the mechanisms involved in resistance to chemotherapy, thus it would help to develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies.Peer Reviewe

Cumulative acquisition of pathogenicity islands has shaped virulence potential and contributed to the emergence of LEE-negative Shiga toxinproducing Escherichia coli strains

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne pathogens causing severe gastroenteritis, which may lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome. The Locus of Enterocyte Effacement (LEE), a Pathogenicity Island (PAI), is a major determinant of intestinal epithelium attachment of a group of STEC strains; however, the virulence repertoire of STEC strains lacking LEE, has not been fully characterized. The incidence of LEE-negative STEC strains has increased in several countries, highlighting the relevance of their study. In order to gain insights into the basis for the emergence of LEE-negative STEC strains, we performed a large-scale genomic analysis of 367 strains isolated worldwide from humans, animals, food and the environment. We identified uncharacterized genomic islands, including two PAIs and one Integrative Conjugative Element. Additionally, the Locus of Adhesion and Autoaggregation (LAA) was the most prevalent PAI among LEE-negative strains and we found that it contributes to colonization of the mice intestine. Our comprehensive and rigorous comparative genomic and phylogenetic analyses suggest that the accumulative acquisition of PAIs has played an important, but currently unappreciated role, in the evolution of virulence in these strains. This study provides new knowledge on the pathogenicity of LEE-negative STEC strains and identifies molecular markers for their epidemiological surveillance.This study was supported by FONDECYT grant 1161161 to R. Vidal and CONICYT-PCHA/2014-63140238 fellowship to D. Montero. Work at USC-LREC was supported by Project PI16/01477 from Plan Estatal de I+D+I 2013-2016, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fomento de la Investigación and FEDER, Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España and Project ED431C 2017/57 from the Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria, Xunta de Galicia and FEDER. Fondecyt 11150966 to Felipe Del Canto. Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología; [Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico].S

Primary care randomized clinical trial: manual therapy effectiveness in comparison with TENS in patients with neck pain

This study investigated effectiveness of manual therapy (MT) with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to reduce pain intensity in patients with mechanical neck disorder (MND). A randomized multi-centered controlled clinical trial was performed in 12 Primary Care Physiotherapy Units in Madrid Region. Ninety patients were included with diagnoses of subacute or chronic MND without neurological damage, 47 patients received MT and 43 TENS. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured in millimeters using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Also disability, quality of life, adverse effects and sociodemographic and prognosis variables were measured. Three evaluations were performed (before, when the procedure ?nished and six months after). Seventy-one patients (79%) completed the follow-up measurement at six months. In more than half of the treated patients the procedure had a clinically relevant ?short term? result after having ended the intervention, when either MT or TENS was used. The success rate decreased to one-third of the patients 6 months after the intervention. No differences can be found in the reduction of pain, in the decrease of disability nor in the quality of life between both therapies. Both analyzed physiotherapy techniques produce a short-term pain reduction that is clinically relevant.Ministerio de SanidadInstituto de Salud Carlos II

Genetic complexity impacts the clinical outcome of follicular lymphoma patients

© The Author(s) 2021.Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL, 20–30%) after diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Despite the introduction of rituximab and the high response rate to first-line treatment, approximately 20% of the FL patients relapse or progress within 2 years of receiving first-line therapy. Therefore, the major challenge is finding biomarkers that identify high-risk patients at diagnosis.This work was partially supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness PI15/01393, PI18/00410, CIBERONC-CB16/12/00233, and “Una manera de hacer Europa” (Innocampus; CEI-2010-1-0010)”, the Education Council or Health Council of the Junta de Castilla y León (CAS102P17, GRS 1180/A/15), Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC; PROYE18020BEA), and Gilead Sciences (GLD17/00334). CJ, MES, and AMe are supported by the ISCII (CD19/00030, CPII18/00028, and FI19/00320). MGA, IPC, and CJ were supported by the Spanish Society of Hematology Foundation (FEHH). All Spanish funding is co-sponsored by the European Union FEDER program

Cost-effectiveness analysis of a multiple health behaviour change intervention in people aged between 45 and 75 years: a cluster randomized controlled trial in primary care (EIRA study)

Background: Multiple health behaviour change (MHBC) interventions that promote healthy lifestyles may be an efficient approach in the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases in primary care. This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility and cost-effectiveness of the health promotion EIRA intervention in terms of MHBC and cardiovascular reduction. Methods: An economic evaluation alongside a 12-month cluster-randomised (1:1) controlled trial conducted between 2017 and 2018 in 25 primary healthcare centres from seven Spanish regions. The study took societal and healthcare provider perspectives. Patients included were between 45 and 75 years old and had any two of these three behaviours: smoking, insufficient physical activity or low adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern. Intervention duration was 12 months and combined three action levels (individual, group and community). MHBC, defined as a change in at least two health risk behaviours, and cardiovascular risk (expressed in % points) were the outcomes used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were estimated and used to calculate incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR). Missing data was imputed and bootstrapping with 1000 replications was used to handle uncertainty in the modelling results. Results: The study included 3062 participants. Intervention costs were €295 higher than usual care costs. Five per-cent additional patients in the intervention group did a MHBC compared to usual care patients. Differences in QALYS or cardiovascular risk between-group were close to 0 (- 0.01 and 0.04 respectively). The ICER was €5598 per extra health behaviour change in one patient and €6926 per one-point reduction in cardiovascular risk from a societal perspective. The cost-utility analysis showed that the intervention increased costs and has no effect, in terms of QALYs, compared to usual care from a societal perspective. Cost-utility planes showed high uncertainty surrounding the ICUR. Sensitivity analysis showed results in line with the main analysis. Conclusion: The efficiency of EIRA intervention cannot be fully established and its recommendation should be conditioned by results on medium-long term effects. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03136211. Registered 02 May 2017 – Retrospectively registered © 2021, The Author(s)