Formation and dissolution of inter-firm linkages in lengthy and stable networks in clusters

[EN] Firms aspire to take advantage of technical and business networks through inter-organizational interactions to improve performance. Consequently, researchers are increasingly focusing on the dynamics and implications of network formation at both local and global levels. The recent research trend does not consider a monotonic effect and simplistic approach to proximity because proximity is a complex multidimensional concept. Using data from a foodstuffs cluster in the Valencian region (Spain) and advanced econometric methods such as Exponential Random Graph Models, this study aims to clarify the detrimental effects and complementarities that may arise among proximity dimensions. After controlling for network endogenous forces and firm characteristics, findings reveal the negative effect of cognitive and institutional proximity dimensions on the creation of linkages in advanced stages of the cluster life cycle. Furthermore, social proximity and geographical proximity favor the formation of inter-firm relationships and reinforce the organizational dimension.The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Research Project Number ECO2012-32663 and Research Project Number ECO2010-2055).Molina Morales, FX.; Belso Martínez, JA.; Mas Verdú, F.; Martínez Cháfer, L. (2015). Formation and dissolution of inter-firm linkages in lengthy and stable networks in clusters. Journal of Business Research. 68(7):1557-1562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2015.01.051S1557156268

Estimation of the Genetic Components of (Co)variance and Preliminary Genome-Wide Association Study for Reproductive Efficiency in Retinta Beef Cattle

In this study, we analyzed the variation of reproductive efficiency, estimated as the deviation between the optimal and real parity number of females at each stage of the cow’s life, in 12,554 cows belonging to the Retinta Spanish cattle breed, using classical repeatability and random regression models. The results of the analyses using repeatability model and the random regression model suggest that reproductive efficiency is not homogeneous throughout the cow’s life. The h2 estimate for this model was 0.30, while for the random regression model it increased across the parities, from 0.24 at the first calving to 0.51 at calving number 9. Additionally, we performed a preliminary genome-wide association study for this trait in a population of 252 Retinta cows genotyped using the Axiom Bovine Genotyping v3 Array. The results showed 5 SNPs significantly associated with reproductive efficiency, located in two genomic regions (BTA4 and BTA28). The functional analysis revealed the presence of 5 candidate genes located within these regions, which were previously involved in different aspects related to fertility in cattle and mice models. This new information could give us a better understanding of the genetic architecture of reproductive traits in this species, as well as allow us to accurately select more fertile cows

Comparative Field Trial Effect of <em>Brucella</em> spp. Vaccines on Seroconversion in Goats and Their Possible Implications to Control Programs

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. in a goat flock and the seroconversion of three groups of animals vaccinated with Rev-1 (Brucella melitensis), RB51, and RB51-SOD (Brucella abortus) to estimate the level of protection conferred on susceptible females. Seventy-two animals were used by group. Goats were older than 3 months, seronegative to brucellosis, not vaccinated previously, and kept within positive flocks. Vaccinated animals received 2 mL of product subcutaneously in the neck region. The first block was injected with Rev-1; the second received RB51, and the third group was injected with RB51-SOD. Follow-up sampling was performed at 30, 60, 90, and 365 days postvaccination. The general prevalence of brucellosis for the three groups was 1.2% (95%CI:0.5–2.7). The seroconversion rate by day 30 after vaccination was 77.7% (95%CI:61.9–88.2) for goats vaccinated with Rev-1. At 365 days post vaccination, the percentage of seropositive goats declined to 13.8% (95%CI:6.0–28.6). At day 365 after vaccination, 2.7% (95%CI:0.4–14.1) and 5.5% (95%CI:1.5–18.1) of animals vaccinated with RB51 and RB51-SOD, respectively, became positive. Results show that the seroconversion induced by Brucella abortus RB51 and RB51-SOD vaccines is lower than that by Brucella melitensis Rev-1

Perception of pre-service teachers regarding CRPD and inclusive education

En la actualidad, las universidades deben guardar los preceptos legales establecidos por la Convención Internacional de la ONU sobre los derechos de las personas en situación de discapacidad (de ahora en adelante CDPD) ratificada por España en 2008. Las universidades no son agentes ajenos al cumplimiento de tales preceptos. Desde esta perspectiva, el objetivo principal de este estudio es obtener una imagen lo más real posible al respecto a la formación recibida y los conocimientos que sobre esta convención afirman poseer los profesores en formación de una facultad de educación. Concretamente, se pretenden analizar las percepciones que tienen estos profesionales sobre su formación con respecto a la CDPD y la educación inclusiva, y si difieren según el sexo, la edad o las especialidades cursadas. La información se recogió con un instrumento creado ad hoc para el estudio a través de metodología cuantitativa. Los resultados muestran que los encuestados se encuentran divididos, casi a partes iguales, entre aquellos que se manifiestan de acuerdo y aquellos que afirman lo contrario sobre estos asuntos, existiendo un amplio porcentaje que se manifiesta de manera neutra. Asimismo, se han observado diferencias en las valoraciones de los encuestados según su edad y especialidad cursada

Orosomucoid-1 Expression in Ameloblastoma Variants

Odontogenic tumors constitute a group of heterogeneous lesions of benign and malignant neoplasms with variable aggressiveness. Ameloblastomas are a group of benign but locally invasive neoplasms that occur in the jaws and are derived from epithelial elements of the tooth-forming apparatus. We previously described orosomucoid-1 protein expression in odontogenic myxomas. However, whether orosomucoid-1 is expressed in other odontogenic tumors remains unknown. Since orosomucoid-1 belongs to a group of acute-phase proteins and has many functions in health and disease, we identified and analyzed orosomucoid-1 expression in ameloblastoma variants and ameloblastic carcinoma using western blot and immunohistochemical techniques. Thirty cases of ameloblastoma were analyzed for orsomucoid-1; five specimens were fresh for western blot study (four benign ameloblastomas and one ameloblastic carcinoma), and 25 cases of benign ameloblastoma for immunohistochemical assays. Orosomucoid-1 was widely expressed in each tumor variant analyzed in this study, and differential orosomucoid-1 expression was observed between benign and malignant tumor. Orosomucoid-1 may play an important role in the behavior of ameloblastomas and influence the biology and development of the variants of this tumor

Novel Polymeric Formulation for Removal of Gastrointestinal Polyps by Digestive Endoscopy

Álvaro Gimeno Sandig from Animal House Bellvitge University of Barcelona is acknowledged for his technical support.Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are two techniques used in the resection of gastrointestinal mucosal polyps. The aim of this work is the development and evaluation of an innovative polymeric solution containing sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronic acid. For this purpose, several mixtures of these two main components, as well as other components such as fructose, citric acid, and zinc, are evaluated in terms of physicochemical and microbiological properties, rheological behavior, extensibility, syringeability, and stability at different storage conditions. Furthermore, the potential production of mucosal elevation and duration is also studied by an ex vivo model using porcine stomach and colon. Results show that the developed polymeric solutions possess optimal values of pH, from 4.58 to 6.63, for their use in the gastrointestinal tract. The formulations exhibit both Newtonian and pseudoplastic behaviors with different viscosity values as a function of their composition. All formulations exhibit high stability properties and no bacterial or fungal growth is detected. MCS01 and MCS05 are the polymeric solutions with the best syringeability results. In this line, MCS05 is the formulation that provides the highest, 2.20 ± 0.18 cm and 1.40 ± 0.11 cm, and longest-lasting, for more than 120 min, elevation effect on porcine submucosal stomach and colon tissues, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that polymeric solution MCS05 might be considered as a promising tool for use in human EMR and ESD.This research was funded by the local Regional Government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía), grant number PIN-0479-2016

New Formulations Loading Caspofungin for Topical Therapy of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

This research was funded by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), project no. 202080E231, and the Agreement with the University of Barcelona and the University of Granada (Official State Gazette 311, on 27 November 2020).Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) poses a significant problem worldwide affecting women from all strata of society. It is manifested as changes in vaginal discharge, irritation, itching and stinging sensation. Although most patients respond to topical treatment, there is still a need for increase the therapeutic arsenal due to resistances to anti-infective agents. The present study was designed to develop and characterize three hydrogels of chitosan (CTS), Poloxamer 407 (P407) and a combination of both containing 2% caspofungin (CSP) for the vaginal treatment of VVC. CTS was used by its mucoadhesive properties and P407 was used to exploit potential advantages related to increasing drug concentration in order to provide a local effect. The formulations were physically, mechanically and morphologically characterized. Drug release profile and ex vivo vaginal permeation studies were performed. Antifungal efficacy against different strains of Candida spp. was also evaluated. In addition, tolerance of formulations was studied by histological analysis. Results confirmed that CSP hydrogels could be proposed as promising candidates for the treatment of VVC.Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), project no. 202080E231Agreement with the University of Barcelona and the University of Granad

The orosomucoid 1 protein (α1 acid glycoprotein) is overexpressed in odontogenic myxoma

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a benign, but locally invasive, neoplasm occurring in the jaws. However, the molecules implicated in its development are unknown. OM as well as Dental Follicle (DF), an odontogenic tissue surrounding the enamel organ, is derived from ectomesenchymal/mesencyhmal elements. To identify some protein that could participate in the development of this neoplasm, total proteins from OM were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and the profiles were compared with those obtained from DF, used as a control

Competing Lipid-Protein and Protein-Protein Interactions Determine Clustering and Gating Patterns in the Potassium Channel from Streptomyces lividans (KcsA)

There is increasing evidence to support the notion that membrane proteins, instead of being isolated components floating in a fluid lipid environment, can be assembled into supramolecular complexes that take part in a variety of cooperative cellular functions. The interplay between lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions is expected to be a determinant factor in the assembly and dynamics of such membrane complexes. Here we report on a role of anionic phospholipids in determining the extent of clustering of KcsA, a model potassium channel. Assembly/disassembly of channel clusters occurs, at least partly, as a consequence of competing lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions at nonannular lipid binding sites on the channel surface and brings about profound changes in the gating properties of the channel. Our results suggest that these latter effects of anionic lipids are mediated via the Trp67–Glu71–Asp80 inactivation triad within the channel structure and its bearing on the selectivity filter.This work was supported in part by grants from the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación Grants BFU2011-25920 and BFU2012-31359 and Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Grant CSD2-2008-00005