Multiple-Genome Annotation of Genome Fragments Using Hidden Markov Model Profiles

To learn more about microbes and overcome the limitations of standard cultured methods, microbial communities are being studied in an uncultured state. In such metagenomic studies, genetic material is sampled from the environment and sequenced using the whole-genome shotgun sequencing technique. This results in thousands of DNA fragments that need to be identified, so that the composition and inner workings of the microbial community can begin to be understood. Those fragments are then assembled into longer portions of sequences. However the high diversity present in an environment and the often low level of genome coverage achieved by the sequencing technology result in a low number of assembled fragments (contigs) and many unassembled fragments (singletons). The identification of contigs and singletons is usually done using BLAST, which finds sequences similar to the contigs and singletons in a database. An expert may then manually read these results and determine if the function and taxonomic origins of each fragment can be determined. In this report, an automated system called Anacle is developed to annotate, following a taxonomy, the unassembled fragments before the assembly process. Knowledge of what proteins can be found in each taxon is built into Anacle by clustering all known proteins of that taxon. The annotation performances from using Markov clustering (MCL) and Self- Organizing Maps (SOM) are investigated and compared. The resulting protein clusters can each be represented by a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) profile. Thus a “skeleton” of the taxon is generated with the profile HMMs providing a summary of the taxon’s genetic content. The experiments show that (1) MCL is superior to SOMs in annotation and in running time performance, (2) Anacle achieves good performance in taxonomic annotation, and (3) Anacle has the ability to generalize since it can correctly annotate fragments from genomes not present in the training dataset. These results indicate that Anacle can be very useful to metagenomics projects

La actividad metalogénica durante el Tardihercínico en el centro de España: una visión desde cinco localidades tipo

The most outstanding metallogenic period in central Spain took place during the so-cal/ed lateHercynian episode. This episode was characterized by widespread extensional conditions resulting from the collapse of an overthickened and overheated Hercynian orogen. A combination of magmatic activity and favorable structures induced hydrothermal activity leading to Sn-W, Pb-Zn, Ag-base metals, base metals-Ba-(F) and Sb-(Au) deposition. Five ore deposits/districts: El Trasquilón (Sn), Linares-La CarolinaTorrecillas (Pb-Zn-Ba-[Ag]), Sierra de Guadarrama (Ba-(F)-[base metals]), El Juncalón (Sb-[Au]), and Hiendelaencina (Ag-base metals) allow characterization of the main geologic features of this metallogenic episode.Depto. de Mineralogía y PetrologíaFac. de Ciencias GeológicasTRUEpu

The Learning to Be Project: An Intervention for Spanish Students in Primary Education

Despite the emphasis placed by most curricula in the development of social and emotional competencies in education, there seems to be a general lack of knowledge of methods that integrate strategies for assessing these competencies into existing educational practices. Previous research has shown that the development of social and emotional competencies in children has multiple benefits, as they seem to contribute to better physical and mental health, an increase in academic motivation, and the well-being and healthy social progress of children. This study aims at assessing the possible changes in children’s self-esteem, socio-emotional competencies, and school-related variables after participating in the Learning to Be project (L2B) project

Distribución topográfica de la respuesta cortical del potencial evocado somatosensorial del nervio tibial posterior. Topographical distribution of the cortical response of the somatosensorial evoked potencial of the posterior tibial nerve

La respuesta cortical del Potencial Evocado Somatosensorial del nervio tibial posterior ha mostrado en diferentes investigaciones una gran variabilidad en cuanto a los resultados obtenidos por diferentes autores. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron evaluar en una muestra de sujetos adultos sanos la distribución topográfica de la respuesta cortical del potencial evocado somatosensorial del nervio tibial posterior empleando un protocolo de registro con 19 derivaciones del Sistema Internacional 10/20 en el equipo MEDICID-4. Se estudiaron 18 sujetos adultos sanos. En todos los sujetos se obtuvo la respuesta cortical P40, manteniéndose los 19 canales de registro, modificándose los filtros a valores entre 0.5 y 300 Hz, y la frecuencia de muestreo se modificó a 1000 Hz. Los resultados muestran una máxima amplitud de la P 40 en línea media. Además, simultáneamente se obtiene dicha respuesta en la propia región centro-parietal ipsilateral, sin existir gran variabilidad intra e interindividuos. De  esto  se concluye  que  la estimulación del nervio tibial el pico P40 mostró una distribución cortical centro-parietal tanto en línea media como ipsilateral, con máxima amplitud en esta última, es decir, la P40 se obtuvo paradójicamente con mayor amplitud hacia la misma región del lado estimulado. Palabras clave: Potenciales evocados, nervio tibial posterior, lateralización paradójica de la respuesta. ABSTRACT The cortical response of the somatosensorial evoked potential of the posterior tibial nerve has shown, in different research works, a great variability in terms of the results obtained by different authors. The aims of this paper were to evaluate in a sample of healthy adult individuals the topographical distribution of the cortical response of the somatosensorial evoked potential of the posterior tibial nerve by using a protocol registration with 19 derivations from the International System 10/20 in the MEDICID-4 team. Eighteen adult individuals were studied. In each individual the cortical response was P40,  remaining the 19 registration canals, modifying the filter between 0.5 and 300 Hz, and the sampling frequency was modified to 1000 Hz. Results show a maximum amplitude of the P40 in the middle line. In addition, simultaneously, such response is registered in the central parietal ipsilateral region, with no great intraindividual and interindividual variability. As a conclusion, the stimulation of the tibial nerve and peak P40 showed a cortical central parietal distribution in the middle line, as well as ipsilaterally, with maximum amplitude in the latter. P40 was obtained paradoxically with a greater amplitude towards the same region of the stimulated site. Key words: EVOKED POTENTIALS, POSTERIOR TIBIAL NERVE, PARADOXICAL LATERALIZATION OF THE RESPNSE

Diseño de un protocolo de registro del potencial evocado somatosensorial del nervio tibial posterior / A Protocol Design for the Record of the Somatosensory Evoked Potential of the Posterior Tibial Nerve

La respuesta cortical del Potencial Somatosensorial del nervio tibial posterior se registra en la mayor parte de los laboratorios utilizando una sola derivación precisándose cada vez más el diseño de nuevos protocolos que abarquen el registro de mayor número de áreas corticales. Esta investigación se propuso diseñar e implementar el registro del Potencial Evocado Somatosensorial con 19 derivaciones del Sistema Internacional 10/20 en el equipo MEDICID-4 lo que permite el mapeo de la respuesta cortical de la P40 del nervio tibial posterior. Inicialmente se buscó el valor del corte a las altas más bajo, que permitiera obtener el registro sin modificar sus características. Para ello se registró el potencial en 10 sujetos sanos con el electromiógrafo NEURONICA-4 utilizando diferentes filtros a las altas frecuencias. Posteriormente se diseñó un protocolo con 19 derivaciones en el electroencefalógrafo MEDICID-4, utilizando un ancho de banda entre 0.5 y 300 Hz. Fue necesario modificar el software TrackWalker para que permitiera una frecuencia de muestreo de 1 kHz y para lograr que las marcas de sincronismo del estimulador externo fueran reconocidas por el software EP Workstation. Los resultados arrojaron que los cortes a las altas inferiores a 300 Hz modificaron marcadamente la latencia del componente P40. Con este corte se logró obtener respuestas sin diferencias significativas (p> 0.05) en latencia, amplitud y frecuencia a la obtenida con el corte a las altas frecuencias más recomendado en la literatura. Se concluyó que con este protocolo diseñado, es posible registrar la respuesta cortical del Potencial Evocado Somatosensorial del nervio tibial posterior en más de una derivación lo que permitirá contribuir a la caracterización del patrón de anormalidad en ciertos estados patológicos. Palabras claves: Potenciales evocados somatosensoriales/fisiología, nervio tibial ABSTRACT The cortical response of the somatosensory potential of the posterior tibial nerve is recorded in the most of laboratories using only one derivation and requiring even more the design of the new protocols involving the record with the most cortical areas; the present research tries to design and implement the Somatosensory Evoked Potential with 19 derivations from the International System 10/20 in the 4-MEDICID-equipment, allowing a mapping of the cortical response in P40 of the posterior tibial nerve. Initially, we look for the lower cutting value in the high frequencies which allowed the record with any change in the characteristics. For this purpose the potential in 10 healthy subjects is recorded using the 4- NEURONICA- electromyography, with the application of different filters in high frequencies. Later, a protocol with 19 derivations is designed in the 4-MEDICI electromyography using a band weigh between 0.5 and 300 Hz. It was necessary to modify the Trackwalker software for allowing a 1 kHz sample frequency and for obtaining that the synchronization traces of the external stimulator were recognized by EP Workstation software. Findings yielded that cuts at high frequencies less than 300 Hz modified significatively the latency of component P40.With this cut ,responses with no significant differences were obtained ( p>0.05) according to latency, weigh and frequency in comparison to those obtained with the cut at high frequencies which is more recommended in literature. It is concluded that with this protocol is possible to record the cortical response of the somatosensory evoked potential of the posterior tibial nerve in more than a derivation, contributing to the characterization of abnormal pattern in some pathologic conditions. Key words: Evoked potentials somatosensory/fisiology, tibial nerve

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation in Pediatric Oncology: comparison of neuropsychological profiles after intervention

Presentamos el caso de una adolescente diagnosticada en 2001 con un linfoma de Burkitt no-Hodgkin cuando tenía 14 años (etapa 4, CNS afectado). El tratamiento incluyó quimioterapia sistémica intratecal y radioterapia holocraneal (24Gy). En los estudios de imagen se aprecian cambios de señal en sustancia blanca frontal relacionados con la terapéutica. Participantes y Métodos: La paciente fue evaluada con nuestro protocolo de evaluación neuropsicológica que abarca múltiples funciones cognitivas, así como una evaluación psicopatológica. En septiembre de 2003 presenta un deterioro cognitivo generalizado. La rehabilitación se basó en su perfil neuropsicológico, edad, expectativas e intereses del paciente. La intervención específica en habilidades académicas se decidió debido a su retraso con sus compañeros. La intervención se ha llevado a cabo durante 10 meses, 2 horas / semana e incluye: técnicas y hábitos de estudio, capacitación habilidades académicas (aritmética, lectura, ejercicios de comprensión y escritura), atención y memoria. Los resultados de la evaluación neuropsicológica 2004 revelaron cambios significativos, entre 1 y 2 desviaciones estándar, en las áreas de intervención. Además se obtuvieron mejorías entre 12 y 19 puntos en los coeficientes intelectuales. Conclusiones: La rehabilitación en oncología pediátrica implica un apoyo a largo plazo para nuestros pacientes. Además de la mejora de los recursos ambientales (escuela, familia, servicios sociales...), queremos desarrollar intervenciones individualizadas que nos permite paliar / compensar las secuelas cáncer y su tratamiento. Estos primeros resultados ofrecen mejoras significativas y cuantificables en las áreas de intervención y son un primer indicador de la validez de nuestro trabajo.We present the case of an adolescent diagnosed in 2001 with a Non-Hodgkin Burkitt's lymphoma when she was 14 (stage 4, CNS affected). Treatment included systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy and holocranial radiotherapy (24Gy). Imaging studies revealed signal changes in frontal white matter related with therapeutics. Participants and Methods : The patient was assessed with our neuropsychological assessment protocol composed of multiple cognitive functioning as well as a psychopathological evaluation. In September 2003 she presented a generalized cognitive deterioration. Rehabilitation was based on her neuropsychological profile, age, expectations and interests of the patient. Specific intervention in academic abilities was decided because of her delay with peers. The intervention has been carried out for 10 months, 2 hours/week and included: techniques and studying habits, academic abilities training (arithmetic, reading comprehension and writing), attention and memory exercises. Results : Results of 2004 neuropsychological assessment revealed significant changes, between 1 and 2 standard deviations, in the intervention areas. Moreover we obtained 12 to 19 points improvement in IQ. Conclusions : Rehabilitation in pediatric oncology implies long-term support for our patients. Besides of improving environmental resources (school, family, social services...), we want to develop individualized interventions that allows us to palliate/compensate cancer and treatment sequelae. These first results offer significant and quantitative improvements in the intervention areas and are the first to point out the validity of our work

Trends in the use of electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation: influence of major trials and guidelines on clinical practice

Background: The purpose of the present study was to assess the trends in the use of ECV following published studies that had compared rhythm and rate control strategies on atrial fibrillation (AF), and the recommendations included in the current clinical practice guidelines. Methods: The REVERCAT is a population-based assessment of the use of electrical cardioversion (ECV) in treating persistent AF in Catalonia (Spain). The initial survey was conducted in 2003 and the follow-up in 2010. Results: We observed a decrease of 9% in the absolute numbers of ECV performed (436 in 2003 vs. 397 in 2010). This is equivalent to 27% when considering population increases over this period. The patients treated with ECV in 2010 were younger, had a lower prevalence of previous embolism, a higher prevalence of diabetes, and increased body weight. Underlying heart disease factors indicated, in 2010, a higher proportion of NYHA >= II and left ventricular ejection fraction <30%. We observed a reduction in the number of ECV performed in 16 of the 27 (67%) participating hospitals. However, there was an increase of 14% in the number of procedures performed in tertiary hospitals, and was related to the increasing use of ECV as a bridge to AF ablation. Considering the initial number of patients treated with ECV, the rate of sinus rhythm at 3 months was almost unchanged (58% in 2003 vs. 57% in 2010; p = 0.9) despite the greater use of biphasic energy in 2010 and a similar prescription of anti-arrhythmic drugs. Conclusions: Although we observed a decrease in the number of ECVs performed over the 7 year period between the two studies, this technique remains a common option for treating patients with persistent AF. The change in the characteristics of candidate patients did not translate into better outcomes

Metastatic myocardial abscess on the posterior wall of the left ventricle: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Myocardial abscess is a rare and potentially fatal condition. Metastatic myocardial abscess in the setting of infective endocarditis has been infrequently reported in the medical literature. To the best of the authors' knowledge no case of myocardial abscess affecting the free wall of the left ventricle secondary to infective endocarditis of a right-sided heart valve has been reported previously.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a case of tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by <it>Staphylococcus aureus </it>and resulting in a myocardial abscess on the posterior wall of the left ventricle, far from the active valvular infection. We also briefly discuss the role of different investigation modalities including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing myocardial abscess.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Myocardial abscess is a life-threatening illness. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to make a prompt diagnosis. Final diagnosis may need multi-modality imaging. An early diagnosis, aggressive medical therapy, multidisciplinary care and timely surgical intervention may save life in this otherwise fatal condition.</p