Syndromic features and mild cognitive impairment in mice with genetic reduction on p300 activity: Differential contribution of p300 and CBP to Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome etiology

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a complex autosomal-dominant disease characterized by mental and growth retardation and skeletal abnormalities. A majority of the individuals diagnosed with RSTS carry heterozygous mutation in the gene CREBBP, but a small percentage of cases are caused by mutations in EP300. To investigate the contribution of p300 to RSTS pathoetiology, we carried out a comprehensive and multidisciplinary characterization of p300+/- mice. These mice exhibited facial abnormalities and impaired growth, two traits associated to RSTS in humans. We also observed abnormal gait, reduced swimming speed, enhanced anxiety in the elevated plus maze, and mild cognitive impairment during the transfer task in the water maze. These analyses demonstrate that p300+/- mice exhibit phenotypes that are reminiscent of neurological traits observed in RSTS patients, but their comparison with previous studies on CBP deficient strains also indicates that, in agreement with the most recent findings in human patients, the activity of p300 in cognition is likely less relevant or more susceptible to compensation than the activity of CBP. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.This work was supported by the European Commission grant MEXT-CT-2003-509550, the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation Grants CSD2007-00023 and SAF2008-00611, and a grant from Fundación Ramón Areces. J.V. holds a fellowship from the Generalitat Valenciana and J.P.L.-A. a Juan de la Cierva contract supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.Peer Reviewe

Biopsychosocial evaluation in patients with breast cancer surgery

La versatilidad en la terapéutica quirúrgica oncológica de la patología mamaria, obliga a identificar las diferencias en cuanto a la repercusión psicológica. Por ende, las intervenciones psicológicas deberían estar estrechamente asociadas con los resultados procedentes de las investigaciones en identificación de necesidades. La muestra del presente trabajo está constituida por 438 mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama o portadoras de mutación genética en fase quirúrgica. Las variables dependientes estudiadas fueron: sociodemográficas y médicas, ansiedad- depresión (HADS), calidad de vida (QLQ-C30), calidad de vida en mama (QLQBR23) e imagen corporal (BIS). Los resultados que de este trabajo se derivan son similares a los propuestos en la literatura actual en esta área de conocimiento. Las pacientes sometidas a cirugía radical presentaron un nivel más elevado de síntomas de ansiedad y una peor imagen corporal. Las mujeres que recibieron cirugía reconstructiva, por el contrario, presentaron mejores niveles en calidad de vida, tanto global, como en la escala de emoción. A las mujeres que se les practicó cirugía conservadora mostraron mejores niveles en la escala de rol de calidad de vida. Por último, las mujeres sometidas a la cirugía profiláctica, presentaron mayores puntuaciones en síntomas como fatiga, dolor, síntomas en la mama y el brazo, peores niveles en las escalas de rol y social, y mayor disfrute sexual. Las cirugías que implican el uso de prótesis (profilácticos y de reparadora), fueron utilizadas en mujeres más jóvenes, mostrando mayores niveles de ansiedad y mejor funcionamiento sexual. Los pacientes que recibieron tratamiento médico previo al quirúrgico actual, presentaron más efectos secundarios, peor imagen corporal y presentaban mayor número de cirugías radicales.The versatility in surgical therapy of breast cancer, requires the identification of differences in psychological impact. Thus, psychological interventions should be closely associated with the results from investigations to identify training needs. The sample of this study consists of 438 women diagnosed with breast cancer gene mutation carriers undergoing surgery. The dependent variables studied were sociodemographic and medical, anxietydepression (HADS), quality of life (QLQ-C30), quality of life in breast cancer (QLQ-BR23) and body image (BIS). The results of this study are similar to those proposed in the current literature in this area of knowledge. Patients undergoing radical surgery had a higher level of anxiety symptoms and worse body image. Women who received reconstructive surgery, however, showed better quality of life levels, both overall and in the scale of emotion. Women who underwent conservative surgery showed higher levels in the scale of the role of quality of life. Finally, women undergoing prophylactic surgery had higher scores on symptoms as fatigue, pain, symptoms in the breast and arm, the worst levels on role and social scales, and greater sexual enjoyment. Surgeries involving the use of prosthesis (prophylactic and restorative), were used in younger women, showing higher levels of anxiety and better sexual functioning. Patients who received medical treatment before the actual surgery, had more side effects, worse body image and a higher number of radical surgery

The microbiome of xylem sap associated with almond leaf scorch disease caused by Xylella fastidiosa in South East Spain

Xylella fastidiosa (XF) is one of the most harmful emerging plant pathogenic bacteria and represents an important threat to agriculture, forestry and landscape worldwide. In June of 2017 XF was reported in almond trees in the province of Alicante, Spain. Metagenomics is a valuable methodology to study the impact of causal agents of plant diseases and their interaction with others naturally occurring microorganism, as part of innovative approaches to mitigate or control the disease. Moreover, endophytic bacteria seem to be a promising biocontrol solution. The objective of the study was to compare healthy and diseased almonds trees infected by XF subsp. multiplex to identify groups of microorganisms that could potentially modulate the almond leaf scorch disease. Almond plots were selected in five municipalities within the demarcated area of XF outbreak. A total of 93 trees were selected and characterized as positive (52) and negative (41) for the presence of XF using official EPPO standard qPCR protocols. The bacterial microbiota was determined from DNA extracted from xylem samples of wood chips based on the V5-V6 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene using Illumina’s MiSeq sequencing. There was a clear concordance between qPCR results and identification of XF reads in the samples. Within the diseased plants, the relative abundance of XF varied from 0.34% to 92% of total bacterial reads. In total, 152 OTUs were assigned to 11 phyla, 53 families and 86 genera. A core microbiome of 77 OTUs common to healthy (qPCR negative) and diseased (qPCR positive) almond trees was determined were 5 genera accounted for most of the diversity. Disruption in the frequencies of these OTUs occurred on the diseased tree since those predominant genera were less abundant due to the emergence of Xylella. Furthermore, 32 and 38 OTUs were unique to healthy or diseased trees, respectively. Our results allow to better understand the interaction between XF and the xylem sap microbiome identifying potential bacteria that could act through direct inhibition or through niche displacement of XF envisioning innovative strategies to control the almond leaf scorch disease.Study supported by Project 727987 XF ACTORS(EU-H2020) and COST Action CA16107 EuroXanth

Modelo de análisis financiero para el sector materiales básicos, específicamente en la industria de productos químicos: caso H.B. Fuller

Proyecto Final de Graduación (Maestría en Administración de Empresas) Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Administración de Empresas, 2019.El presente documento muestra el análisis realizado para el sector materiales básicos, específicamente en la industria de productos químicos (adhesivos) caso: H.B. Fuller con el fin de evaluar su situación financiera para los períodos 2017-2018. El estudio se realizó mediante un análisis horizontal y vertical de los períodos analizados, así como a través del cálculo y análisis de diversas razones financieras. Una vez realizado el diagnóstico financiero se realizaron algunas proyecciones de la empresa, con el fin de complementar el análisis. Analizados los últimos 2 años se determina que la cuenta de efectivo y equivalentes de efectivo disminuyó un 22%, por otro lado, las cuentas de pasivos han tenido también una importante disminución principalmente por cancelación de deuda por pagar y deudas a largo plazo. También se ha presentado un aumento por gastos financieros de un 149% de un año a otro, generando una disminución de la liquidez de la empresa. Es menester indicar que a pesar de mostrarse en términos porcentuales un aumento en las ventas de 31.8%, el costo de ventas muestra una clara tendencia al alza de un 29.58%, esto impacta fuertemente la rentabilidad de la empresa. La empresa ha realizado importantes esfuerzos para mejorar sus indicadores claves como: los inventarios que para el 2018 se transforman más rápido a ventas 6,20 veces, adicionalmente el período medio de inventario disminuyó para el año 2018. La compañía está mejorando sus tiempos de cuentas por cobrar y finalmente se ha disminuido el periodo que tarda en recuperar las ventas a crédito. La buena gestión de los indicadores anteriormente mencionados demuestra el esfuerzo de la empresa que se ven traducidos en un incremento en todos sus márgenes de utilidad.This document shows a summary of the analysis carried out for the basic materials sector, specifically in the chemical industry (Adhesives) case: H.B Fuller in order to assess its financial situation for the 2017-2018 periods. The study was conducted using a horizontal analysis and vertical periods from the analyzed periods, as well as through calculation and analysis of various financial reasons. Once the financial diagnosis was done, some projections of the company were made with the purpose of complement the analysis. After analyzing the past 2 years it is determined that cash account and cash equivalents decreased by 22%, on the other hand liabilities have also had an important decline from 2017 to 2018 mainly due to cancellation of payable and longterm. In addition, an increase for financial expenses of 149% of a year to another, leading to a decrease in the liquidity of the company. It is necessary to indicate that even though we have a slight increase in sales by 31.8%. The cost of our sales shows a clear upward trend of 29.58%. This will affect in a very strong way the company profitability. The company has made significant efforts to improve its key indicators such as: inventories that by 2018 are transformed faster to sales 6.20 times, additionally these average inventory period deceased for 2018. The company is improving its account times receivable and finally the period it takes to recover credit sales has decreased. The good management of the aforementioned indicators demonstrates the company’s efforts that are translated into an increase in all its profit margins

Hydrocarbonization. Does It Worth to Be Called a Pretreatment?

In this work, we aim to evaluate the potential of hydrothermal carbonization (also known as wet pyrolysis) as a pretreatment, by evaluating the changes induced in the raw material (cellulose) under varying experimental conditions. Hydrocarbonization processes were performed under different temperature, time and biomass/water ratios following a response surface methodology. The hydrochars obtained were characterized in terms of proximate analysis, behavior towards pyrolysis and combustion, heating value and surface textural and chemical features. The presence of typical hydrocarbonization reactions (dehydration, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, decarbonylation, recondensation, etc.) was only possible if a limit temperature (200°C) was used. Under these conditions, proximate analyses changed, the surface chemistry was modified, and the formation of a second lignite-type solid fraction was observed

Valoración biopsicosocial en pacientes con patología mamaria oncológica quirúrgica

La versatilidad en la terapéutica quirúrgica oncológica de la patología mamaria, obliga a identificar las diferencias en cuanto a la repercusión psicológica. Por ende, las intervenciones psicológicas deberían estar estrechamente asociadas con los resultados procedentes de las investigaciones en identificación de necesidades. La muestra del presente trabajo está constituida por 438 mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama o portadoras de mutación genética en fase quirúrgica. Las variables dependientes estudiadas fueron: sociodemográficas y médicas, ansiedad- depresión (HADS), calidad de vida (QLQ-C30), calidad de vida en mama (QLQBR23) e imagen corporal (BIS). Los resultados que de este trabajo se derivan son similares a los propuestos en la literatura actual en esta área de conocimiento. Las pacientes sometidas a cirugía radical presentaron un nivel más elevado de síntomas de ansiedad y una peor imagen corporal. Las mujeres que recibieron cirugía reconstructiva, por el contrario, presentaron mejores niveles en calidad de vida, tanto global, como en la escala de emoción. A las mujeres que se les practicó cirugía conservadora mostraron mejores niveles en la escala de rol de calidad de vida. Por último, las mujeres sometidas a la cirugía profiláctica, presentaron mayores puntuaciones en síntomas como fatiga, dolor, síntomas en la mama y el brazo, peores niveles en las escalas de rol y social, y mayor disfrute sexual. Las cirugías que implican el uso de prótesis (profilácticos y de reparadora), fueron utilizadas en mujeres más jóvenes, mostrando mayores niveles de ansiedad y mejor funcionamiento sexual. Los pacientes que recibieron tratamiento médico previo al quirúrgico actual, presentaron más efectos secundarios, peor imagen corporal y presentaban mayor número de cirugías radicales

The internationalization of Spanish Communication Research through Horizon 2020 Program

Introducción. Este trabajo analiza la participación de los investigadores españoles que desarrollan su trabajo en el ámbito de la comunicación, en el programa de investigación europea, Horizonte 2020. Metodología. Se procede a un estudio cualitativo y cuantitativo de los datos accesibles en CORDIS, la web de la Comisión Europea, para el programa Horizonte 2020. Para alcanzar este fin se han tratado los datos con los recursos que ofrece la gestión de datos de Excel, así como el análisis de datos del programa Tableau. Resultados. Los datos muestran cómo los investigadores españoles empiezan a tener una significativa presencia internacional tanto en programas dirigidos a las áreas de ciencias sociales y humanidades, como en otros más orientados a la ciencia básica y aplicada. Se observa que esta participación es tanto como coordinadores de las propuestas, como participantes o socios de un consorcio. Conclusiones. Las conclusiones obtenidas constatan la capacidad de internacionalización a lo largo de los últimos siete años de, en primer lugar, los estudios sobre comunicación y, en segundo, de los investigadores españoles en esta área de conocimiento.Introduction. This paper analyses the participation of Spanish researchers working in the field of Communication in the European research program, Horizon 2020. Methodology. We proceed to a qualitative and quantitative study of the data accessible on CORDIS, the European Commission’s website, for the Horizon 2020 program. To this end, the data have been processed with the resources offered by Excel data management and Tableau data analysis. Results. The data show how Spanish researchers are beginning to have a significant international presence both in programs aimed at the areas of social sciences and humanities, as well as in others more oriented towards basic and applied science. It is observed that this participation is both as coordinators of the proposals and as participants or partners in a consortium. Conclusions. The conclusions obtained confirm the capacity for internationalization over the last seven years, firstly, of Communication studies and, secondly, of Spanish researchers in this area of knowledge

Discurso de ódio no Twitter durante a crise migratória de Ceuta, em Maio de 2021

This paper analyses the hate speech in messages published on Twitter from May 17 to 25, 2021 during the crisis caused by the entry of thousands of immigrants at the Tarajal border in Ceuta. The aim of the research is to perform a thematic classification of messages with hate speech. For this, a mixed methodology has been used and six subjets related to hate speech on Twitter have been identified, of which four are more focused on political issues, accounting for 80% of the messages, and only 20% of them refer to racism and immigration. In addition, up to five campaigns of unknown origin have been detected. This work concludes that hate speeches focus more on political issues than on the problem of immigration itself, its causes, consequences and possible solutions.Este trabajo analiza el discurso de odio en los mensajes publicados en Twitter desde el 17 al 25 de mayo de 2021 durante la crisis producida por la entrada de miles de inmigrantes en la frontera del Tarajal en Ceuta. El objetivo de la investigación es realizar una clasificación temática de los mensajes que incluyen discurso de odio. Para ello, se ha empleado una metodología mixta y como resultado se han podido diferenciar seis temas, de los cuales cuatro se centran más en temas políticos, suponiendo el 80% de los mensajes, y solo el 20% de ellos se refieren a racismo e inmigración. Además, se han detectado hasta cinco campañas de origen desconocido. Este trabajo concluye que los discursos de odio se centran más en temas políticos que en la propia problemática de la inmigración, sus causas, sus consecuencias y las posibles soluciones.Este documento analisa o discurso do ódio nas mensagens publicadas no Twitter de 17 a 25 de Maio de 2021 durante a crise causada pela entrada de milhares de imigrantes na fronteira de Tarajal em Ceuta. O objectivo da investigação é levar a cabo uma classificação temática das mensagens que incluem o discurso do ódio. Para este fim, foi utilizada uma metodologia mista, e como resultado, foram identificados seis temas, quatro dos quais se concentram mais em questões políticas, representando 80% das mensagens, e apenas 20% das quais se referem ao racismo e à imigração. Além disso, foram detectadas até cinco campanhas de origem desconhecida. Este estudo conclui que o discurso do ódio se concentra mais em questões políticas do que no problema da imigração em si, nas suas causas, consequências e possíveis soluções

COVID-19 e o olho: quanto sabemos realmente? Uma revisão das melhores evidências

To identify and classify available information regarding COVID-19 and eye care according to the level of evidence, within four main topics of interest: evidence of the virus in tears and the ocular surface, infection via the conjunctival route, ocular manifestations, and best practice recommendations. A structured review was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar on COVID-19 and ophthalmology. The Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence worksheet was used for quality assessments. 1018 items were identified in the search; 26 records were included in the qualitative synthesis, which encompassed 6 literature reviews, 10 case series or cross-sectional studies, 4 case reports, and 6 intervention descriptions. Seventeen out of 26 records (65%) were categorized as level 5 within the Oxford CBME methodology grading system, the rest were level 4. The evidence generated on COVID-19 and ophthalmology to date is limited, although this is understandable given the circumstances. Both the possible presence of viral particles in tears and conjunctiva, and the potential for conjunctival transmission remain controversial. Ocular manifestations are not frequent and could resemble viral infection of the ocular surface. Most recommendations are based on the strategies implemented by Asian countries during previous coronavirus outbreaks. There is a need for substantive studies evaluating these strategies in the setting of SARS-CoV-2. In the meantime, plans for applying these measures must be implemented with caution, taking into account the context of each individual country, and undergo regular evaluation.Identificar e classificar as informações disponíveis sobre o COVID-19 e o tratamento oftalmológico de acordo com o nível de evidência, dentro de quatro tópicos principais de interesse: evidência do vírus nas lágrimas e na superfície ocular, infecção pela via conjuntival, manifestações oculares e recomendações de melhores práticas. Foi realizada uma revisão estruturada no PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SciELO, Biblioteca Cochrane e Google Scholar no COVID-19 e oftalmologia. A planilha de Níveis de Evidência 2011 do Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine 2011 foi usada para avaliações de qualidade. Mil e dezoito itens foram identificados na busca; Foram incluídos 26 registros na síntese qualitativa, que incluiu 6 revisões de literatura, 10 séries de casos ou estudos transversais, 4 relatos de casos e 6 descrições de intervenções. Dezessete dos 26 registros (65%) foram classificados como nível 5 no sistema de classificação da metodologia Oxford CBME, o restante foi no nível 4. As evidências geradas no COVID-19 e na oftalmologia até o momento são limitadas, embora isso seja compreensível dadas as circunstâncias. Tanto a possível presença de partículas virais em lágrimas e conjuntiva quanto o potencial de transmissão conjuntival permanecem controversos. As manifestações oculares não são frequentes e podem se assemelhar a infecção viral da superfície ocular. A maioria das recomendações baseia-se nas estratégias implementadas pelos países asiáticos durante surtos anteriores de coronavírus. Há necessidade de estudos aprofundados avaliando essas estratégias no cenário da SARS-CoV-2. Enquanto isso, os planos para a aplicação dessas medidas devem ser implementados com cautela, levando em consideração o contexto de cada país e submetidos a auditorias periódicas