Ecology of endolithic lichens colonizing granite in continental Antarctica

In this study, the symbiont cells of several endolithic lichens colonizing granite in continental Antarctica and the relationships they have with the abiotic environment were analyzed in situ, in order to characterize the microecosystems integrating these lichens, from a microecological perspective. Mycobiont and photobiont cells, the majority classified as living by fluorescent vitality testing, were observed distributed through the fissures of the granite. The fact that extracellular polymeric substances were commonly observed close to these cells and the features of these compounds, suggest a certain protective role for these substances against the harsh environmental conditions. Different chemical, physical and biological relationships take place within the endolithic biofilms where the lichens are found, possibly affecting the survival and distribution of these organisms. The alteration of bedrock minerals and synthesis of biominerals in the proximity of these lichens give rise to different chemical microenvironments and suggest their participation in mineral nutrient cycling

Incidencia, factores de riesgo y significado pronóstico de la proteinuria en el trasplante renal. Valor predictivo de la proteinuria precoz sobre la función renal y las supervivencias del injerto y del paciente

La proteinuria es el principal marcador independiente de progresión de enfermedad renal en riñones nativos. En el trasplante renal es indicativa de lesión renal a nivel glomerular y tubulointersticial, y se ha relacionado con una peor supervivencia del injerto y del paciente. No obstante, existen pocas evidencias acerca del papel pronóstico y predictivo de la proteinuria en el trasplante renal, sobre todo en lo que respecta a la proteinuria precoz y de bajo grado. En este trabajo de investigación se ha intentado profundizar en el conocimiento de la proteinuria en nuestra población trasplantada renal que incluye una elevada prevalencia de trasplantes con órganos de donantes con criterios expandidos. Nuestra hipótesis de trabajo fue que la proteinuria es un evento frecuente y precoz en la evolución del trasplante renal, que posee valor pronóstico sobre la función renal, la supervivencia del injerto y del paciente, y cuya disminución durante el primer año se asocia a una mejoría en la supervivencia del injerto y del paciente a largo plazo. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de cohortes que incluyó 401 trasplantados renales en nuestro centro en los primeros 9 años del programa de trasplante renal. La presencia de proteinuria se definió como aquella con valores mayores o iguales a 0,1 g/24h, valor cercano al límite inferior de detección de la técnica empleada en nuestro centro. Se analizó la relación entre la magnitud de la proteinuria durante el primer año y el pronóstico del injerto y del paciente. Posteriormente se analizaron los factores de riesgo y el significado pronóstico de dicha proteinuria, categorizada según diferentes criterios: proteinuria al tercer mes como expresión de proteinuria precoz postrasplante, proteinuria al duodécimo mes como presentación tardía de la misma, disminución o no disminución durante el primer año de trasplante y proteinuria de muy bajo rango mantenida durante el primer año. Finalmente analizamos la capacidad predictiva de la proteinuria sobre la función renal subóptima, el fracaso del injerto y la muerte del paciente con injerto funcionante mediante estudios de sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos, cocientes de probabilidades o cálculo del área bajo la curva ROC. La realización de este trabajo de investigación ha demostrado la elevada prevalencia de proteinuria en estadios precoces del trasplante, correspondiendo la mayor proporción de pacientes con proteinuria a aquellos con cifras inferiores a 0,5g/24h. La proteinuria en el primer año de trasplante se asoció a factores de riesgo, relacionados con el donante, riesgo inmunológico del receptor, evolución en el postrasplante inmediato, inmunosupresión, función renal y control tensional. La presencia de proteinuria durante el primer año resultó un factor de riesgo independiente del fracaso del injerto y muerte del paciente trasplantado, incluso aquellas proteinurias mantenidas de muy bajo grado inferiores a 0,5 g/24h. La presencia de proteinuria predijo mejor la función subóptima del injerto, que el fracaso del injerto o la muerte del paciente, siendo la capacidad predictiva de la proteinuria al tercer mes muy similar a la de la proteinuria al año del trasplante. La ausencia de proteinuria resultó ser signo de buen pronóstico. La disminución de la proteinuria a lo largo del primer año del trasplante se acompañó de un riesgo de fracaso del injerto y de muerte del paciente similar al de los pacientes sin proteinuria. Todo ello incide en la necesidad de establecer una vigilancia exquisita ante la aparición de cualquier grado medible de proteinuria desde el postrasplante inmediato, sobre todo si se mantiene a partir del tercer mes, independientemente de su cuantía, con el fin de adoptar precozmente medidas diagnósticas, para filiar su causa, y de nefroprotección dirigidas a la reducción de la proteinuria y la progresión de la insuficiencia renal.Proteinuria is the best independet predictor of developement of end stage renal disease in general population. Its presence in renal transplantation is a marker of glomerular pathology and tubulointerstitial lesions. It has been related to graft failure and a worse patient survival. In this cohort retrospective study of 401 kidney transplant performed in our unit we analyzed the presence of proteinuria ≥ 0,1 g/24h and its prognostic significance as well as its predictive value by means of a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and the value of the area under the curve ROC. The presence of proteinuria at third month after transplantation, at first year, reduction of proteinuria and very low range proteinuria in the first year after transplantation were analyzed. Proteinuria resulted highly prevalent in the first year after transplantation. Its presence was associated with donor age and cause of death, recipient age, number of HLA missmatches, immunosuppression, delayed graft function, worse renal function and blood pressure control. Proteinuria, including that of less than 0,5g/24h at first year after transplantation was related to graft failure and a worse patient survival. Absence of proteinuria was a sign of good prognosis, and predictive value of early proteinuria on suboptimal renal function, graft failure and patient death was similar to that of proteinuria at first year after transplantation. It must be necessary to extreme diagnostic measures to detect early proteinuria and to establish nephroprotective measures to avoid the progression of renal disease and to improve graft and patient survival

Himantormia lugubris, an Antarctic endemic on the edge of the lichen symbiosis

Himantormia lugubris is an Antarctic endemic with a distribution restricted to the northwest tip of Antarctic Peninsula, adjacent islands and South Georgia Island. In this region H. lugubris is an important component of the epilithic lichen community. The species has a fruticose thallus with usually simple and flattened branches whose grey surface is often disrupted exposing the black and dominant chondroid axis. Because the photobiont cells are mainly restricted to the patchy grey areas, positive carbon balance seems to be rather difficult for this species. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to elucidate which functional strategy, possibly linked with thallus anatomy, is used by H. lugubris that enables it to be a successful species in the maritime Antarctic. To achieve this goal, we constructed a picture of the lichen’s physiological, anatomical and morphological characteristics by using a broad range of technologies, such as chlorophyll fluorescence, CO exchange and electron microscopy. We found that H. lugubris has a very low net photosynthesis, apparently restricted to the grey areas, but high respiratory rates. Therefore, positive net photosynthesis is only possible at low temperatures. Chlorophyll content is also low but is present in both gray and black areas. Our conclusion is that the only possibility for this species to achieve a positive carbon balance is to be active for long periods under optimal conditions, that means, wet, cold and with enough light, a common combination in this region of Antarctica. Given these constrains, we suggest that H. lugubris is likely to be especially sensitive species to predicted climate warming in the maritime Antarctic.Field work as well as most of the lab experiments were supported by the grant CTM2015-64728-C2-1-R (MINECO/FEDER, UE). Electron microscopy work wassupported by the grant CTM2015-64728-C2-2-R (MINECO/FEDER, UE)

La oncología radioterápica moderna: situación actual

En los últimos años, en España, se ha incrementado tanto la incidencia del cáncer como su mortalidad, hasta ocupar el segundo lugar tras las enfermedades cardiovasculares, a pesar de que con los métodos terapéuticos actuales pueden curarse la mitad de los pacientes con esta enfermedad. La Oncología Radioterápica es una especialidad médica dedicada a los aspectos diagnósticos, cuidados clínicos y terapéuticos del enfermo oncológico. Desde el descubrimiento de los rayos X y la radiactividad natural a finales del siglo XIX hasta la actualidad, esta especialidad ha experimentado un gran desarrollo tanto a nivel de avances tecnológicos como de incremento del índice terapéutico. A esto ha contribuido, en los últimos años, el mejor conocimiento de las bases moleculares del cáncer así como los progresos radiobiológicos. La radioterapia es un arma terapéutica fundamental en la curación de los tumores y que puede ser utilizada de forma exclusiva o asociada a otros tratamientos.In this article we present how to include a psychologist specialist on Oncology in a Service or cancer centre. We begin by describing Psycho-Oncology historical introduction in the United States and in Spain. Afterwards we trace the oncologist and psycho-oncologist point of view facing the multiple requests due the special characteristics of the illness. We continue defining the current model of inclusion of a Psycho-Oncologist on Oncology, called the Consultation Model. We describe our proposed model called Foundational Model, born in the MSKCC, New York. To conclude we explain the integration experience of a Psycho-Oncologist in an Oncology Unit that we have carried out in the Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla. According to our experience, the integration of the Psycho-Oncologist on Oncology medical teams is not only possible but also necessary and beneficent

Ca2 + Dynamics in chemoreceptor cells: an overview

Producción CientíficaThe carotid body (CB) was defined as a sensory organ by De Castro in 1928. Two years later, Heymanns and coworkers demostrated that the organ was sensitive to alterations in blood gases and pH, in such a way that a decrease in blood P02 or pH or an increase in blood PC02 produced activation of the CB and, reflexely, hyperventilation. De Castro postulated that glomus cells were the sensor structures and that they should release sorn substance to transmit the stimulus to the sensory nerve endings (De Castro, 1928). De Castro's point of view, was widely accepted, and therefore the CB was considered a secondary sensory receptor. As a consequence, the principal aims of many workers in the chemoreception field have been to define the nature of the sensing mechanims ( sensory transduction process ) and to identify the substances released by chern cells

Functional ecology of soil microbial communities along a glacier forefield in Tierra del Fuego (Chile)

A previously established chronosequence from Pia Glacier forefield in Tierra del Fuego (Chile) containing soils of different ages (from bare soils to forest ones) is analyzed. We used this chronosequence as framework to postulate that microbial successional development would be accompanied by changes in functionality. To test this, the GeoChip functional microarray was used to identify diversity of genes involved in microbial carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as other genes related to microbial stress response and biotic interactions. Changes in putative functionality generally reflected succession-related taxonomic composition of soil microbiota. Major shifts in carbon fixation and catabolism were observed, as well as major changes in nitrogen metabolism. At initial microbial dominated succession stages, microorganisms could be mainly involved in pathways that help to increase nutrient availability, while more complex microbial transformations such as denitrification and methanogenesis, and later degradation of complex organic substrates, could be more prevalent at vegetated successional states. Shifts in virus populations broadly reflected changes in microbial diversity. Conversely, stress response pathways appeared relatively well conserved for communities along the entire chronosequence. We conclude that nutrient utilization is likely the major driver of microbial succession in these soils. [Int Microbiol 19(3):161-173 (2016)]Keywords: Functional genes · antibiotic resistance · GeoChip microarray · primary succession · chronosequenc

Phase II Study of ENZAlutamide Combined With Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy (ENZART) for Localized Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer

Altres ajuts: Astellas.Background: Intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa) is usually treated by a combination of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and a short course of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT is associated with multiple side effects, including weight gain, loss of libido, and hot flashes. In contrast, anti-androgen monotherapy is generally better tolerated in spite of higher rates of gynecomastia. Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of enzalutamide monotherapy combined with hypofractionated EBRT (Hypo-EBRT) for treating intermediate risk prostate cancer. Method: This trial was a multicenter, open-label phase II study of 6 months of enzalutamide monotherapy combined with Hypo-EBRT for intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Hypo-EBRT was initiated 8-12 weeks after initiating enzalutamide. The primary endpoint was PSA decline >80% measured at the 25th week of enzalutamide administration. Secondary end-points included assessment of toxicity, changes in anthropomorphic body measurements, sexual hormones, and metabolic changes. Results: Sixty-two patients were included in the study from January 2018 to February 2020. A PSA decline of >80% was observed in all evaluable patients at the end of enzalutamide treatment and 92% achieved PSA values under 0.1 ngr/ml. All patients remain in PSA response (<80% reduction of the initial values) 6 months after the end of enzalutamide treatment. The most frequent adverse events were hypertension, asthenia, and gynecomastia. There were no significant changes in bone density, body mass index (BMI), or patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Conclusion: Enzalutamide monotherapy is very effective along with hEBRT in reducing PSA levels for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm the potential use of this combination in future randomized trials

Application of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in the Course "Industrial Chemical Technology" of the Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering

[EN] This paper describes the application of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in the subject "Industrial Chemical Technology" of the Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering from the Universitat Politécnica de València (UPV). This course includes contents related to the Basic Operations of Chemical Engineering, not previously studied by most students. This fact, together with the difficulties associated with the management of 300 students have conditioned the type of methodologies that can be applied and, therefore, the level of depth at which the contents can be developed. Therefore, the main methodology applied so far has been the participative masterclass, with problem solving in the classroom. Although the results in terms of percentage of students who pass the course are very satisfactory, the approach to learning is superficial in some aspects and teachers believe that it should be adapted to master's level. To achieve deeper learning of students in the contents of the course, it has been decided to partially modify the methodology, integrating Problem-Based Learning (ABP). This new methodology will consist of grouped resolution of problems integrated into the same real industrial process, which will allow students to also acquire a more global view of the contents covered in the course. The level of the problems will be increased compared to those solved in the classroom and students will be required to search, select and justify additional data and information to solve the problems that will also be multidisciplinary. All this innovation is part of an Innovation and Educational Improvement Project granted and funded by the ¿Vicerrectorado de Estudios, Calidad y Acreditación (VECA)¿ of the UPV. This work describes how the PBL has been defined for implementation in the course and analyses the results achieved to date, identifying the aspects to be improved for the continuation of the methodology in the following academic years.This work has been funded by the Vicerrectorado de Estudios, Calidad y Acreditación (VECA of the Universitat Politécnica València (A + D Call for Innovation and Educational Improvement Projects)Sancho, M.; García-Fayos, B.; Garcia-Castello, EM.; Martí Calatayud, MC.; Rodríguez López, AD.; Bes-Piá, M.; Mendoza Roca, JA.... (2021). Application of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in the Course "Industrial Chemical Technology" of the Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering. IATED. 3740-3747. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2021.0775S3740374

High exposure to tacrolimus is associated to spontaneous remission of recurrent membranous nephropathy after kidney transplantation

Introduction We aimed to characterize the incidence and clinical presentation of membranous nephropathy (MN) after kidney transplantation (KT), and to assess allograft outcomes according to proteinuria rates and immunosuppression management. Methods Multicenter retrospective cohort study including patients from six Spanish centers who received a KT between 1991-2019. Demographic, clinical, and histological data were collected from recipients with biopsy-proven MN as primary kidney disease (n = 71) or MN diagnosed de novo after KT (n = 4). Results Up to 25.4% of patients with biopsy-proven MN as primary kidney disease recurred after a median time of 18.1 months posttransplant, without a clear impact on graft survival. Proteinuria at 3-months post-KT was a predictor for MN recurrence (rMN, HR 4.28; P = 0.008). Patients who lost their grafts had higher proteinuria during follow-up [1.0 (0.5-2.5) vs 0.3 (0.1-0.5) g/24 h], but only eGFR after recurrence treatment predicted poorer graft survival (eGFR < 30 ml/min: RR = 6.8). We did not observe an association between maintenance immunosuppression and recurrence diagnosis. Spontaneous remission after rMN was associated with a higher exposure to tacrolimus before recurrence (trough concentration/dose ratio: 2.86 vs 1.18; P = 0.028). Up to 94.4% of KT recipients received one or several treatments after recurrence onset: 22.2% rituximab, 38.9% increased corticosteroid dose, and 66.7% ACEi/ARBs. Only 21 patients had proper antiPLA2R immunological monitoring. Conclusions One-fourth of patients with biopsy-proven MN as primary kidney disease recurred after KT, without a clear impact on graft survival. Spontaneous remission after rMN was associated with a higher exposure to tacrolimus before recurrence.12 página

El derecho a la protección social de las víctimas de la violencia de género. Estudio sistemático del título II de la L. O. 1/2004, de 28 de diciembre, de protección integral contra la violencia de género de acuerdo con la distribución territorial del Estado

La violencia de género, cuyas víctimas son mujeres en el 90% de los casos, constituye un problema acuciante que afecta a todos los países. Si nos fijamos en la sociedad española, de acuerdo con los datos obtenidos por el barómetro del Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas de marzo de 2004 (estudio n.º 2.558 ), el 72% de las personas entrevistadas consideraban «muy frecuentes» o «bastan te frecuentes» las agresiones y los maltratos físicos en la pare ja. De hecho, según datos de un informe del Observatorio contra la violencia doméstica y de género del Consejo General del Poder Judicial (2006), hasta junio del año pasa do se celebraron 40.792 juicios por delitos y faltas relacionados con la viol encia contra las mujeres.Investigación financiada mediante subvención recibida de acuerdo con lo previsto en la Orden TAS/1051/2005, de 12 de abril (subvenciones para el Fomento de la Investigación de la Protección Social –FIPROS-