El desplegament d'un servei de préstec i consulta de llibres electrònics: l'experiència de la Biblioteca Virtual de la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (BUOC)

La Biblioteca de la UOC (BUOC) ha ofert durant tres mesos (octubre-desembre 09), en fase de prova pilot, un servei de consulta i préstec de lectors de llibres electrònics (e-readers). Aquest nou desplegament s'ha desenvolupat en consonància amb l'aposta general de la Universitat en innovació en tecnologies aplicades a l'educació, i la voluntat de potenciar les col·leccions de llibres electrònics i l'ús dels dispositius de lectura de llibres electrònics com una extensió més de la tecnologia del Campus 5.0, en el suport a l'aprenentatge dels seus estudiants durant la seva formació a la Universitat. Aquest treball presenta en detall les especificacions de la prova pilot a més de contenir un anàlisi i avaluació dels resultats obtinguts: punts forts i punts febles, relació dels aspectes a millorar i modificar, de cara a la consolidació final del servei.Biblioteca de la UOC (BUOC) ha ofrecido durante tres meses (octubre-diciembre 09), en fase de prueba piloto, un servicio de consulta y préstamo de lectores de libros electrónicos (e-readers). Este nuevo despliegue se ha desarrollado en consonancia con la apuesta general de la Universidad en innovación en tecnologías aplicadas a la educación, y la voluntad de potenciar las colecciones de libros electrónicos y el uso de los dispositivos de lectura de libros electrónicos como una extensión más de la tecnología del Campus 5.0, en el apoyo al aprendizaje de sus estudiantes durante su formación en la Universidad. Este trabajo presenta con detalle las especificaciones de la prueba piloto además de contener un análisis y evaluación de los resultados obtenidos: ventajas, debilidades, relación de los aspectos a mejorar y modificar de cara a la consolidación final del servicio.The UOC Library (BUOC) has offered for three months (October-December 09), in pilot testing phase, an e-reader consultation and loan service. This new deployment has been developed in line with the general commitment of the university: technology innovation applied to learning and education, and willingness to promote the use of ebook collections and e-readers as an extension of UOC 5.0 Campus Technology, in supporting student learning during their training at the University. This paper presents in detail the specifics of the pilot testing in addition to containning an analysis and evaluation of results: advantages, weaknesses, list of issues to improve and change the face of final service consolidation

Changes in lymphocyte composition and functionality after intensive training and exhausting exercise in rats

Exhausting exercise can have a deleterious effect on the immune system. Nevertheless, the impact of exercise intensity on lymphocyte composition and functionality remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to establish the influence of intensive training on lymphoid tissues (blood, thymus, and spleen) in Wistar rats. Two intensive training programs were performed: a short program, running twice a day for 2 weeks and ending with a final exhaustion test (S-TE group), and a longer program, including two exhaustion tests plus three runs per week for 5 weeks. After this last training program, samples were obtained 24 h after a regular training session (T group), immediately after an additional exhaustion test (TE group) and 24 h later (TE24 group). The composition of lymphocytes in the blood, thymus, and spleen, the function of spleen cells and serum immunoglobulins were determined. In the blood, only the TE group modified lymphocyte proportions. Mature thymocytes' proportions decreased in tissues obtained just after exhaustion. There was a lower percentage of spleen NK and NKT cells after the longer training program. In these rats, the T group showed a reduced lymphoproliferative activity, but it was enhanced immediately after the final exhaustion. Cytokine secretion was modified after the longer training (T group), which decreased IFN-g and IL-10 secretion but increased that of IL-6. Higher serum IgG concentrations after the longer training program were detected. In conclusion, the intensive training for 5 weeks changed the lymphocyte distribution among primary and secondary lymphoid tissues and modified their function

Alteractions in the mucosal immune system by a chronic exhausting exercise in Wistar rats

Exhausting exercise can disturb immune and gastrointestinal functions. Nevertheless, the impact of it on mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue has not been studied in depth. Here, we aim to establish the effects of an intensive training and exhausting exercise on the mucosal immunity of rats and to approach the mechanisms involved. Rats were submitted to a high-intensity training consisting of running in a treadmill 5 days per week for 5 weeks, involving 2 weekly exhaustion tests. At the end, samples were obtained before (T), immediately after (TE) and 24 h after (TE24) an additional final exhaustion test. The training programme reduced the salivary production of immunoglobulin A, impaired the tight junction proteins' gene expression and modified the mesenteric lymph node lymphocyte composition and function, increasing the ratio between Tαβ+ and B lymphocytes, reducing their proliferation capacity and enhancing their interferon-γ secretion. As a consequence of the final exhaustion test, the caecal IgA content increased, while it impaired the gut zonula occludens expression and enhanced the interleukin-2 and interferon-γ secretion. Our results indicate that intensive training for 5 weeks followed or not by an additional exhaustion disrupts the mucosalassociated lymphoid tissue and the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in rats

Influence of hesperidin on systemic immunity of rats following an intensive training and exhausting exercise

Intensive training and exhausting exercise can disrupt innate and acquired immunity. The flavanone hesperidin has shown immunomodulatory properties in physiological and some pathological conditions, and positive e ects on exercise-induced oxidative stress. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether it also prevents exhausting exercise-induced immune alterations. The aim of this study was to establish the e ect of oral hesperidin supplementation on the systemic immune system in rats following an intensive training and exhausting exercise. For this purpose, female Wistar rats were randomized into an intensive training group or a sedentary group. Intensive training was induced by running in a treadmill 5 days per week (including two exhausting tests) for five weeks. Throughout the training period, 200 mg/kg of hesperidin or vehicle was administered by oral gavage three times per week. At the end, blood, thymus, spleen and macrophages were collected before, immediately after and 24 h after an additional final exhaustion test. Hesperidin supplementation enhanced natural killer cell cytotoxicity and the proportion of phagocytic monocytes, attenuated the secretion of cytokines by stimulated macrophages, prevented the leukocytosis induced by exhaustion and increased the proportion of T helper cells in the thymus, blood and spleen. These results suggest that hesperidin can prevent exhausting exercise-induced immune alteration

Protective effect of a cocoa-enriched diet on oxidative stress induced by intensive acute exercise in rats

Intensive acute exercise can induce oxidative stress, leading to muscle damage and immune function impairment. Cocoa diet could prevent this oxidative stress and its consequences on immunity. Our aim was to assess the effect of a cocoa-enriched diet on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by peritoneal macrophages, blood immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, leukocyte counts, and the physical performance of rats submitted to an intensive acute exercise, as well as to elucidate the involvement of cocoa fiber in such effects. For this purpose, Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet, i.e., a diet containing 10% cocoa (C10), or a diet containing 5% cocoa fiber (CF) for 25 days. Then, half of the rats of each diet ran on a treadmill until exhaustion, and 16 h later, the samples were obtained. Both C10 and CF diets significantly prevented the increase in ROS production. However, neither the cocoa diet or the cocoa fiber-enriched diet prevented the decrease in serum IgG induced by acute exercise. Therefore, although the cocoa-enriched diet was able to prevent the excessive oxidative stress induced by intensive exercise, this was not enough to avoid the immune function impairment due to exercise

A cocoa diet can partially attenuate the alterations in microbiota and mucosal immunity induced by a single session of intensive exercise in rats

Background: Following intensive sports events, a higher rate of upper respiratory tract infections and the appearance of gastrointestinal symptomatology have been reported. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a cocoa-enriched diet on the cecal microbiota and mucosal immune system of rats submitted to high-intensity acute exercise, as well as to elucidate the involvement of cocoa fiber in such effects. Methods: Wistar rats were fed either a standard diet, a diet containing 10% cocoa providing 5% fiber and a diet containing only 5% cocoa fiber. After 25 days, half of the rats of each diet performed an exhaustion running test. Sixteen hours later, samples were obtained to assess, among others, the cecal microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) composition, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and Peyer's patches (PPs) lymphocyte composition, and immunoglobulin (Ig) content in salivary glands. Results: The intake of cocoa, partially due to its fiber content, improved the SCFA production, prevented some changes in PPs and in MLNs lymphocyte composition and also decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Cocoa diet, contrary to cocoa fiber, did not prevent the lower salivary IgM induced by exercise. Conclusion: A cocoa dietary intake can partially attenuate the alterations in microbiota and mucosal immunity induced by a single session of intensive exercise

Analysis of Drosophila buzzatii transposable elements

Los elementos transponibles son unidades genéticas capaces de insertarse en otras regiones de los genomas en los que habitan y están presentes en casi todas las especies eucariotas estudiadas. El interés del análisis de los elementos transponibles no se debe únicamente a su consideración de parásitos intragenómicos. Los elementos transponibles suponen una enorme fuente de variabilidad para los genomas de sus hospedadores, y son por lo tanto claves para comprender su evolución. En este trabajo hemos abordado el análisis de los elementos transponibles de Drosophila buzzatii desde dos enfoques distintos, el estudio detallado de una única familia de elementos transponibles y el análisis global de todos los elementos presentes en el genoma. El estudio de inversiones cromosómicas en D. buzzatii llevó a la descripción del elemento transponible no autónomo, BuT5, que posteriormente se descubrió como elemento causante de inversiones polimórficas en D. mojavensis y D. uniseta. En este trabajo hemos caracterizado el elemento transponible BuT5 y hemos descrito su elemento maestro. BuT5 se encuentra en 38 especies del grupo de especies de D. repleta. El elemento autónomo que moviliza a BuT5 es un elemento P, del que hemos descrito 3 copias parciales en el genoma secuenciado de D. mojavensis y una copia completa en D. buzzatii. La copia completa y putativamente activa tiene 3386 pares de bases y codifica una transposasa de 822 residuos en siete exones. Por otra parte hemos anotado, clasificado y comparado los elementos transponibles presentes en los genomas de dos cepas de D. buzzatii secuenciadas recientemente con tecnología de nueva generación, y en el de D. mojavensis, la especie filogenéticamente más cercana secuenciada, en este caso mediante tecnología Sanger. Los elementos transponibles representan el 8.43%, el 4.15% y el 15.35% de los ensamblajes de los genomas de D. buzzatii st-1, j-19 y D. mojavensis respectivamente. Adicionalmente hemos detectado un sesgo en el contenido de elementos transponibles de los genomas secuenciados mediante tecnología de nueva generación, comparado con el contenido en los genomas secuenciados con tecnología Sanger. Hemos desarrollado un método basado en la cobertura que nos ha permitido corregir este sesgo en el genoma de D. buzzatii st-1 y contar con estimas mas realistas del contenido en elementos transponibles. Así hemos determinado que el contenido en elementos transponibles en D. buzzatii st-1 es de entre el 10.85% y el 11.16% del genoma. Adicionalmente las estimas nos han permitido inferir que el orden de los Helitrones ha experimentado múltiples ciclos de actividad y que las superfamilias Gypsy y BelPao han sido recientemente activas en D. buzzatii.Transposable genetic elements are genetic units able to insert themselves in other regions of the genomes they inhabit, and are present in almost all eukaryotes analyzed. The interest of transposable element analysis, it is not only because its consideration as intragenomic parasites. Transposable elements are an enormous source of variability for the genomes of their hosts, and are therefore key to understanding its evolution. In this work we addressed the analysis of Drosophila buzzatii transposable elements from two different approaches, the detailed study of one family of transposable elements and global analysis of all elements present in the genome. The study of chromosomal inversions in D. buzzatii led to the description of the non-autonomous transposable element, BuT5, which was later found to cause polymorphic chromosomal inversions in D. mojavensis and D. uniseta. In this work we have characterized the transposable element BuT5 and we have described its master element. BuT5 is found in 38 species of the group of species D. repleta. The autonomous element that mobilizes BuT5 is a P element, we described three partial copies in the sequenced genome of D. mojavensis and a complete copy in D. buzzatii. The full-length and putatively active copy has 3386 base pairs and encodes a transposase of 822 residues in seven exons. Moreover we have annotated, classified and compared the transposable elements present in the genomes of two strains of D. buzzatii, st-1 and j-19, recently sequenced with next-generation sequencing technology, and in the D. mojavensis, the phylogenetically closest species sequenced, in this case with Sanger technology. Transposable elements make up for 8.43%, the 4.15% and 15.35% of the assemblies of the genomes of D. buzzatii st-1, j-19 and D. mojavensis respectively. Additionally, we have detected a bias in the transposable elements content of genomes sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology, compared with the content in genomes sequenced with Sanger technology. We have developed a method based on the coverage that allowed us to correct this bias in the genome of D. buzzatii st-1 and have more realistic estimates of the content in transposable elements. Using this method we have determined that the transposable element content in D. buzzatii st-1 is between 10.85% and 11.16%. Additionally, the estimates allowed us to infer that the Helitrons order has undergone multiple cycles of activity and that the superfamily Gypsy and BelPao have recently been active in D. buzzatii

Tailoring the physical properties of electrodeposited CoNiReP alloys with large Re content by direct, pulse, and reverse pulse current techniques

This is the author's version of a work that was accepted for publication in Electrochimica acta. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Electrochimica acta, [96,(2013)] DOI10.1016/j.electacta.2013.02.077)The composition, surface morphology and structure of CoNiReP alloy films with large Re content (up to 27 at%), obtained in a citrate-glycine based electrolyte have been studied as a function of the electrodeposition technique. Direct current (DC), pulse plating (PP) and reverse pulse plating (RPP) were considered with cathodic current densities from −50 mA cm−2 to −250 mA cm−2. The mechanical and magnetic properties have been analyzed and the data obtained has been correlated with composition and crystallographic structure. For values of j (DC), jon (PP) and jc (RPP) below −100 mA cm−2, Co-rich, P-containing deposits are obtained. Beyond these current densities, both the quantities of Ni and Re increase simultaneously at the expense of Co and P, the latter virtually falling to zero. The highest Re percentage (25-27 at%) was achieved in both PP and RPP conditions at a cathodic pulse of −250 mA cm−2. All the films were either entirely nanocrystalline in nature or partially amorphous. Hardness values as high as 9.2 GPa have been found in PP plated Co64Ni18Re18 deposits. Besides the large hardness, the incorporation of Re in the films leads to high elastic recovery values. The magnetic character of the deposits ranges from soft to semi-hard ferromagneti

Trencafiles dels llibres antics

L'estil de les trencafiles recopilades és de caràcter típicament mediterrani, estil arrelat a Itàlia , al sud de França i a l'Espanya mediterrània. Els seus trets característics són la simplicitat i el caràcter funcional més que ornamental. Les variacions existents en tot el fons son poc vistoses en general, però, no obstant això, a través dels petits detalls de construcció podem seguir l'evolució que han sofert fins els nostres dies

Future care for long-term cancer survivors: towards a new model

Purpose: The increase in the prevalence "long-term cancer survivor” (LCS) patients is expected to increase the cost of LCS care. The aim of this study was to obtain information that would allow to optimise the current model of health management in Spain to adapt it to one of efficient LCS patient care. Methods: This qualitative study was carried out using Delphi methodology. An advisory committee defined the criteria for participation, select the panel of experts, prepare the questionnaire, interpret the results and draft the final report. Results: 232 people took part in the study (48 oncologists). Absolute consensus was reached in three of the proposed sections: oncological epidemiology, training of health professionals and ICT functions. Conclusion: The role of primary care in the clinical management of LCS patients needs to be upgraded, coordination with the oncologist and hospital care is essential. The funding model needs to be adapted to determine the funding conditions for new drugs and technologiesOpen Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. This project was funded by AZ. The funding party did not influence the opinion of the authors. All the authors have accepted the participation as advisers of the ASISTO group and give their consent for the publication of the documen