Search

Este artículo es una propuesta para la enseñanza de la prosopografía en el Centro Universitarios de Ciencias Económico Administrativas. Bosqueja sus inicios como herramienta de las ciencias sociales, hasta su consolidación como un método aceptado para la segunda mitad del siglo XX. Describe las dos grandes escuelas que identifican las estudios prosopográficos. Detalla una crisis metodológica sufrida en el último tercio del siglo. Aborda los principales pasos para su uso, acompañada esta última sección por reflexiones adecuadas para estudiantes universitarios de ciencias económico administrativas.

The thymus plays a pivotal role in generating a highly-diverse repertoire of T lymphocytes while preventing autoimmunity. Thymus seeding progenitors (TSPs) are a heterogeneous group of multipotent progenitors that migrate to the thymus via CCR7 and CCR9 receptors. While NOTCH guides thymus progenitors toward T cell fate, the absence or disruption of NOTCH signaling renders the thymus microenvironment permissive to other cell fates. Following T cell commitment, developing T cells undergo multiple selection checkpoints by engaging with the extracellular matrix, and interacting with thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and other immune subsets across the different compartments of the thymus. The different selection checkpoints assess the T cell receptor (TCR) performance, with failure resulting in either repurposing (agonist selection), or cell death. Additionally, environmental cues such as inflammation and endocrine signaling induce acute thymus atrophy, contributing to the demise of most developing T cells during thymic selection. We discuss the occurrence of acute thymus atrophy in response to systemic inflammation. The thymus demonstrates high plasticity, shaping inflammation by abrogating T cell development and undergoing profound structural changes, and facilitating regeneration and restoration of T cell development once inflammation is resolved. Despite the challenges, thymic selection ensures a highly diverse T cell repertoire capable of discerning between self and non-self antigens, ultimately egressing to secondary lymphoid organs where they complete their maturation and exert their functions.

Abstract The cellular membrane in male meiotic germ cells contains a unique class of phospholipids and sphingolipids that is required for male reproduction. Here, we show that a conserved membrane fluidity sensor, AdipoR2, regulates the meiosis-specific lipidome in mouse testes by promoting the synthesis of sphingolipids containing very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs). AdipoR2 upregulates the expression of a fatty acid elongase, ELOVL2, both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, to synthesize VLC-PUFA. The depletion of VLC-PUFAs and subsequent accumulation of palmitic acid in AdipoR2 knockout testes stiffens the cellular membrane and causes the invagination of the nuclear envelope. This condition impairs the nuclear peripheral distribution of meiotic telomeres, leading to errors in homologous synapsis and recombination. Further, the stiffened membrane impairs the formation of intercellular bridges and the germ cell syncytium, which disrupts the orderly arrangement of cell types within the seminiferous tubules. According to our findings we propose a framework in which the highly-fluid membrane microenvironment shaped by AdipoR2-ELOVL2 underpins meiosis-specific chromosome dynamics in testes.

Abstract This research aims to obtain tomographic images to interpret the seismic stratigraphic profile around the San Rafael (SR) knickpoint using seismic tomography. The SR waterfall on the Coca River sinkhole in February 2020 caused regressive soil erosion, suggesting that the knickpoint is highly unstable. Seismic tomography for the P-wave velocity model, utilizing data from 14 stations in the permanent Ecuadorian seismic network, produced vertical cross-sections at azimuths of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 80°. These sections reveal geological formations and their transition to volcanic deposits, while a horizontal cross-section illustrates the extent of the volcanic deposits. The tomographic images facilitated the identification and correlation of seismic stratigraphy with the area's geological features. The most unstable materials for erosion lie from 0 km to 1.5 km with velocities of up to 3.5 km/s. The erosive process impacts the population and infrastructure settled on the banks of the Coca River with a high susceptibility to erosion in zone 1, with velocities of 3 km/s and a 10 km extension. The Coca Codo Sinclair Dam (CCSD) is located in zone 2, with velocities of 3.8 km/s extending up to 40 km with medium susceptibility to erosion.

In the contemporary landscape of construction project management, the strategic integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology has emerged as a fundamental avenue to improve operational efficiency. This study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of the implementation of the BIM methodology in improving the management of construction projects in construction companies in Peru. Using an applied approach underscored by a quantitative and correlational non-experimental design, a comprehensive survey was administered to 415 workers. This survey focused on evaluating the dimensions of BIM (3D, 4D, and 5D), as well as the fundamental facets of project management that encompass planning and execution. The results reveal that 47% of respondents highlighted deficiencies within the 3D BIM dimension, indicating potential challenges in visualizing and understanding the design. Likewise, 49% of participants highlighted deficiencies within the 4D BIM dimension, shedding light on issues related to time coordination and strategic planning. Around 57% expressed reservations about the 5D BIM dimension, highlighting the complexities surrounding accurate cost estimation and financial management. The synthesis of these revelations underscores an urgent call for specific interventions to rectify these specific areas. This involves investing in cutting-edge BIM technology tools and the simultaneous provision of targeted training programs for stakeholders to increase their multi-dimensional view of BIM. Ultimately, the study results drive innovation, thus opening the prospect of a more sustainable and streamlined construction industry.

Cells and organisms requires proper membrane composition, which the cell must modulate as membrane lipids are primary acquired from the diet. Here, Ruiz et al. identify a conserved pathway connecting the fluidity regulators AdipoR1/2 with fatty acid desaturase SCD to mediate membrane homeostasis.

On 2 December, 2021 we recorded a sequence of drumbeat seismic events at Sangay volcano. This sequence lasted several hours and resulted in two explosive emissions whose eruptive columns reached 9 km above crater. Unexpectedly, these explosions did not produce any ash fallout in the inhabited areas around the volcano. This drumbeat sequence was produced after a series of morphological changes, including the opening of two new vents (W and N) and a landslide. These occurred during an enhanced period of ground deformation and degassing. Further analysis of satellite images allowed us to determine that this sequence was associated with the widening of the recently open vent north of the main crater, and the extrusion of a new lava flow. Timely communication of this event to the authorities and the population was ensured by the IG-EPN by following internal protocols. The corresponding short reports reached more than 300,000 people.

Obtaining viable Argopecten purpuratus seeds faces challenges, especiallyci the unpredictability of the marine environment and high production costs in hatcheries. However, improving the method of "Broodstock Conditioning In Hatcheries" is key to ensure permanent seed supplies by minimizing the dependence on marine conditions and by maximizing economic viability in hatcheries. In an effort to overcome these barriers, broodstock were conditioned into two different environments: (a) Natural Environment: Natural marine conditions located in Bahía Inglesa, Atacama Region, Chile. (b) Hatchery: Laboratory conditions to achieve gonadal maturation, spawning induction, fertilization and larval development. The purpose of this research was to evaluate how the type of reproductive conditioning affects the reproductive potential and nutritional quality of the progeny. Both methods were successful at inducing the necessary maturity for reproduction, obtaining viable gametes and larvae. On the other hand, it was observed that in the natural environment, the oocytes and D larvae reached a greater size and nutritional value, being the most significant differences with (p < 0.05): the size of the D larvae reached figures of 95.8 ± 3.1 μm and 91.2 ± 2.7 μm in the environment and hatchery, respectively; the lipid content in dry mass was 25.2 ± 3.1 mg g−1 and 13.5 ± 1.9 mg g−1 for the natural environment and hatchery, respectively. Although quality indicators in hatcheries were slightly lower compared to the natural environment, the possibility of conditioning A. purpuratus broodstock independently of environmental variability highlights the importance of further optimizing broodstock conditioning aspects in hatcheries that would allow more predictable and sustainable production.

Objective To estimate health inequity and vulnerability among Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) in Latin America using the syndemic approach.Design This is a secondary analysis of a previously published large-scale study on the prevalence of RMD.Setting Studies carried out in five Latin American countries (Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela). Health inequity and vulnerability in RMD were identified through a syndemic approach using network and cluster analysis.Participants A total of 44 560 individuals were studied: 29.78% self-identified as Indigenous, 60.92% were female, the mean age was 43.25 years. Twenty clusters were identified in the Indigenous population and 17 in the non-Indigenous population.Results The variables associated with RMD among Indigenous populations were rurality, public health system, high joint biomechanical stress, greater pain, disability and alcoholism; and among non-Indigenous people they were being a woman, urban origin, older age, private health system, joint biomechanical stress, greater pain and disability. We identified different health inequities among patients with RMD (ie, lower educational attainment, more comorbidities), associated with factors such as Indigenous self-identification and rural residence.Conclusions A syndemic approach enables us to identify health inequities in RMD, as shown by higher prevalence of comorbidities, disability and socioeconomic factors like lower educational attainment. These inequities exist for the overall population of patients with RMD, although it is more evident in Indigenous groups with added layers of vulnerability.

Hazard and risk communication requires the design and dissemination of clear messages that enhance people’s actions before, during, and after volcanic crises. To create effective messages, the communication components such as message format and content, must be considered. Changes in technology are changing the way people communicate at an ever-increasing pace; thus, we propose revising the basic components of the communication process to improve the dialogue between scientists and the public. We describe communication issues during and outside volcanic crises in Ecuador and assess possible causes and consequences. These ideas were discussed during the short-duration “Volcano Geophysical Principles and Hazards Communications” Workshop in Baños, Ecuador in 2019. We review and propose communication strategies for volcanic hazards and risks that resulted from the workshop discussions and experiences of experts from the Instituto Geofísico (IG-EPN), local and international professors involved in volcano research and communication, and students from universities across Ecuador.

Abstract Background AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 (AdipoRs) are plasma membrane proteins often considered to act as adiponectin receptors with a ceramidase activity. Additionally, the AdipoRs and their yeast and C. elegans orthologs are emerging as membrane homeostasis regulators that counter membrane rigidification by promoting fatty acid desaturation and incorporation of unsaturated fatty acids into phospholipids, thus restoring fluidity. Methods Using cultured cells, the effects of AdipoR silencing or over-expression on the levels and composition of several sphingolipid classes were examined. Results AdipoR2 silencing in the presence of exogenous palmitic acid potently causes increased levels of dihydroceramides, a ceramide precursor in the de novo ceramide synthesis pathway. Conversely, AdipoR2 over-expression caused a depletion of dihydroceramides. Conclusions The results are consistent with AdipoR2 silencing leading to increased intracellular supply of palmitic acid that in turn leads to increased dihydroceramide synthesis via the rate-limiting serine palmitoyl transferase step. In agreement with this model, inhibiting the desaturase SCD or SREBF1/2 (positive regulators of SCD) also causes a strong increase in dihydroceramide levels.

Introducción: se ha reportado que la prevalencia de artritis reumatoidea (AR) en la comunidad Wichí representa la más alta informada por el Grupo Latinoamericano para el Estudio de las Enfermedades Reumáticas en los Pueblos Originarios (GLADERPO). El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la experiencia sobre el proceso de salud- enfermedad-atención de pacientes con AR de la comunidad Wichí de Misión Chaqueña “El Algarrobal”, Salta. Materiales y métodos: estudio narrativo. Diseño de corte etnográfico. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y observaciones registradas. Se utilizaron guías de entrevistas y observación. Los aspectos incluidos fueron: concepción del proceso salud-enfermedad, percepción de la AR en la vida diaria, el acceso al sistema de salud, utilización de recursos tradicionales y de medicina tradicional.

Wide-angle seismic reflection/refraction (WA) surveys provide data that can be modeled to obtain lithospheric-scale P-wave velocity (VP) models. The interpretation of these datasets is often performed as a laborious and time-consuming trial-and-error procedure, in which the relevant model parameters (layer thickness and VP) are manually adjusted until the forward modeling matches the observed travel-times. In this work, we present a fully automatic iterative nonlinear approach to invert WA datasets based on the simulated annealing technique. We test our proposed approach with data from the MARCONI-3 WA profile (southern Bay of Biscay) and compare the outcome with an existing detailed interpretation, discussing the similarities between the two models and the agreement between our model and the observed travel-times.

The authors here present geodetic and seismic data for a complete eruptive cycle (2005-2018) for Sierra Negra volcano, Galapagos Island. The data shows the largest pre-eruptive inflation (6.5 m) and rates of seismicity ever observed before a basaltic eruption and provides a rare illustration of caldera resurgence mechanisms.

With the growing ability to collect large volumes of volcano seismic data, the detection and labeling process of these records is increasingly challenging. Clearly, analyzing all available data through manual inspection is no longer a viable option. Supervised machine learning models might be considered to automatize the analysis of data acquired by in situ monitoring stations. However, the direct application of such algorithms is defiant, given the high complexity of waveforms and the scarce and often imbalanced amount of labeled data. In light of this and motivated by the wide success that generative adversarial networks (GANs) have seen at generating images, we present ESeismic-GAN, a GAN model to generate the magnitude frequency response of volcanic events. Our experiments demonstrate that ESeismic-GAN learns to generate the frequency components that characterize long-period and volcano-tectonic events from Cotopaxi volcano. We evaluate the performance of ESeismic-GAN during the training stage using Fréchet distance, and, later on, we reconstruct the signals into time-domain to be finally evaluated with Frechet inception distance.

Abstract Despite the great advance of bone tissue engineering in the last few years, repair of bone defects remains a major problem. Low cell engraftment and dose‐dependent side effects linked to the concomitant administration of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are the main problems currently hindering the clinical use of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapies in this field. We have managed to bypass these drawbacks by combining the silencing the Smurf1 ubiquitin ligase in MSCs with the use of a scaffold that sustainably releases low doses of BMP‐2. In this system, Smurf1 silencing is achieved by using GapmeRs, a clinically safe method that avoids the use of viral vectors, facilitating its translation to the clinic. Here, we show that a single transient transfection with a small quantity of a Smurf1‐specific GapmeR is able to induce a significant level of silencing of the target gene, enough to prime MSCs for osteogenic differentiation. Smurf1 silencing highly increases MSCs responsiveness to BMP‐2, allowing a dramatic reduction of the dose needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The combination of these primed cells with alginate scaffolds designed to sustainably and locally release low doses of BMP‐2 to the defect microenvironment is able to induce the formation of a mature bone matrix both in an osteoporotic rat calvaria system and in a mouse ectopic model. Importantly, this approach also enhances osteogenic differentiation in MSCs from osteoporotic patients, characterized by a reduced bone‐forming potential, even at low BMP doses, underscoring the regenerative potential of this system. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:1306&1317

α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), also known as Orosomucoid (ORM), belongs to the Lipocalin protein family and it is well-known for being a positive acute-phase protein. AGP is mostly found in plasma, with the liver as main contributor, but it is also expressed in other tissues such as the brain or the adipose tissue. Despite the vast literature on AGP, the physiological functions of the protein remain to be elucidated. A large number of activities mostly related to protection and immune system modulation have been described. Recently created AGP-knockout models have suggested novel physiological roles of AGP, including regulation of metabolism. AGP has an outstanding ability to efficiently bind endogenous and exogenous small molecules that together with the complex and variable glycosylation patterns, determine AGP functions. This review summarizes and discusses the recent findings on AGP structure (including glycans), ligand-binding ability, regulation, and physiological functions of AGP. Moreover, this review explores possible molecular and functional connections between AGP and other members of the Lipocalin protein family.

The FA composition of phospholipids must be tightly regulated to maintain optimal cell membrane properties and compensate for a highly variable supply of dietary FAs. Previous studies have shown that AdipoR2 and its homologue PAQR-2 are important regulators of phospholipid FA composition in HEK293 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans, respectively. Here we show that both AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are essential for sustaining desaturase expression and high levels of unsaturated FAs in membrane phospholipids of many human cell types, including primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and for preventing membrane rigidification in cells challenged with exogenous palmitate, a saturated FA. Three independent methods confirm the role of the AdipoRs as regulators of membrane composition and fluidity: fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, measurements of Laurdan dye generalized polarization, and mass spectrometry to determine the FA composition of phospholipids. Furthermore, we show that the AdipoRs can prevent lipotoxicity in the complete absence of adiponectin, their putative ligand. We propose that the primary cellular function of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 is to maintain membrane fluidity in most human cell types and that adiponectin is not required for this function.

Background Acute beetroot juice (BJ) intake has shown to enhance aerobic and anaerobic performance. However, no studies have evaluated the effects of BJ intake on CrossFit (CF) performance by linking hormonal, metabolic, and mechanical responses. The purpose of this study was to determine the causal physiological association between hormonal, metabolic and mechanical responses, and CF workouts performance after acute BJ intake. Methods Twelve well-trained male practitioners undertook a CF workout after drinking 140 mL of BJ (~ 12.8 mmol NO3 −) or placebo. The two experimental conditions (BJ or placebo) were administered using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. The CF workout consisted of repeating the same exercise routine twice: Wall ball (WB) shots plus full back squat (FBS) with 3-min rest (1st routine) or without rest (2nd routine) between the two exercises. A 3-min rest was established between the two exercise routines. Results An interaction effect was observed in the number of repetitions performed (p = 0.04). The Bonferroni test determined a higher number of repetitions after BJ than placebo intake when a 3-min rest between WB and FBS (1st routine) was established (p = 0.007). An interaction effect was detected in cortisol response (p = 0.04). Cortisol showed a higher increase after BJ compared to placebo intake (76% vs. 36%, respectively). No interaction effect was observed in the testosterone and testosterone/cortisol ratio (p > 0.05). A significant interaction effect was found in oxygen saturation (p = 0.01). A greater oxygen saturation drop was observed in BJ compared to placebo (p

The C. elegans proteins PAQR-2 (a homolog of the human seven-transmembrane domain AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 proteins) and IGLR-2 (a homolog of the mammalian LRIG proteins characterized by a single transmembrane domain and the presence of immunoglobulin domains and leucine-rich repeats in their extracellular portion) form a complex that protects against plasma membrane rigidification by promoting the expression of fatty acid desaturases and the incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids into phospholipids, hence increasing membrane fluidity. In the present study, we leveraged a novel gain-of-function allele of PAQR-1, a PAQR-2 paralog, to carry out structure-function studies. We found that the transmembrane domains of PAQR-2 are responsible for its functional requirement for IGLR-2, that PAQR-1 does not require IGLR-2 but acts via the same pathway as PAQR-2, and that the divergent N-terminal cytoplasmic domains of the PAQR-1 and PAQR-2 proteins serve a regulatory function and may regulate access to the catalytic site of these proteins. We also show that overexpression of human AdipoR1 or AdipoR2 alone is sufficient to confer increased palmitic acid resistance in HEK293 cells, and thus act in a manner analogous to the PAQR-1 gain-of-function allele.

Este trabajo tiene por objeto analizar la Comunicación 854/1999: Francia: 26/07/2002 (CCPR/C/75/D/854/1999), emitida por el Comité de Derechos Humanos de Naciones Unidas, respecto a la práctica del “lanzamiento de enano”, que fue sometida a decisión del Consejo de Estado francés. Se realiza un estudio teórico del conflicto entre derechos fundamentales que se plantea, así como se abre la discusión sobre los dos conceptos clave sobre los que se apoyan las conclusiones, que son la idea de “dignidad humana” vinculada al cumplimiento de “orden público” y la noción de “no discriminación” basada en “criterios objetivos y razonables”.

El Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos de Estrasburgo ha dictado una sentencia en contra del Estado español con fecha de 8 de diciembre de 2009, que revoca una sentencia de su Tribunal Constitucional (STC 69/2007, de 16 de abril) en la que se desestimó el recurso de amparo de una ciudadana española a la que se había denegado una pensión de viudedad por estar unida en matrimonio celebrado por el rito gitano. Los pronunciamientos judiciales sobre este polémico caso pueden ser objeto de análisis y estudio desde el punto de vista de su argumentación jurídica y sus fundamentos teóricos. A partir de las razones expuestas en ambas sentencias, es posible refl exionar sobre el concepto de discriminación racial o étnica y advertir transformaciones en el Estado de Derecho actual vinculadas a la multiculturalidad y al confl icto de derechos fundamentales.

Las relaciones entre los derechos humanos y el cine siempre han sido muy cercanas. Desde sus primeros tiempos, el cine documental es un punto de referencia para denunciar los abusos contra los derechos humanos en todos los lugares del mundo. En este trabajo, se muestra una panorámica histórica de lo que han sido las imágenes y el sonido para la cultura contemporánea sobre los derechos humanos. Desde finales del s. XIX hasta la actualidad, son mostrados, a través de películas, las posibilidades desarrolladas por el cine documental y su evolución tecnológica junto a las consecuencias e influencia sobre el espectador. La difusión fílmica de una pretendida verdad objetiva mostrada a través de la cámara cinematográfica en ocasiones se confunde con la verosimilitud, en un cine que cada vez más se transmite a través de medios alternativos al tradicional como son la informática y telemática al uso.

The high degree of human activities in urban environments produces large background vibrations that makes it difficult to use data acquired in these areas for classical seismology. Seismometers installed within cities have been typically been used for the study of seismic hazard or for monitoring civil engineering problems. However, with the development of monitoring techniques based on the interpretation of the so-called seismic ambient noise, these data have gained scientific interest. Our objective is to discuss an additional utility of seismometers deployed within a city; its use as a tool to connect society with Earth sciences. Many citizen activities, from traffic to music concerts, produce vibrations that can be recorded seismically, and our experience shows that these records attract the attention of the media and social networks. With the emergence of low-cost and easy-to-use instruments in recent years, more citizens can now record ground motion and become interested in the interpretation of the recorded seismograms. The installation of permanent seismic networks in educational centers has proven to be a good approach to introduce students to Earth sciences at the national level and can also be developed at the urban scale using this new instrumentation. In this contribution we will first review the previous results related to the identification of the sources of vibration in urban areas and then present a new ongoing project based on the deployment of a seismic network in educational centers located in the city of Barcelona.

After eight years of quiescence, Fernandina volcano experienced two short-lived eruptions, on 4 September 2017 and 16 June 2018. The eruptions were characterized by very short periods of unrest that started a few hours before the initiation of the eruptive activity. On the other hand, Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela Island) began a new eruptive period on 26 June 2018, after almost one year of persistent unrest characterized by an increase in the magnitude and number of seismic events and more than 5 meters of uplift since its last eruption in 2005. The Sierra Negra and Fernandina eruptions were located in remote zones where access is extremely complex. Thus, satellite images complement the continuous monitoring data of the Instituto Geofísico (IG-EPN) with remote observations and allow rapid response mapping in order to identify the areas affected by the lava flows. Finally, the aim of this Report is to encourage other scientists to investigate the behaviors of both pre-eruptive and eruptive periods registered during these eruptions.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluación de la puesta en marcha de una actividad formativa para profesionales de los servicios de urgencia de atención primaria (SUAP) que les dote de las herramientas necesarias para la resolución in situ de los procesos urgentes, con los medios y recursos disponibles en cada centro. Método: Cuestionario anónimo de valoración de la actividad realizada durante cada una de las sesiones del año 2015. Dicho cuestionario fue cumplimentado al final de cada sesión, permitiendo valorar a los docentes de manera individualizada. Resultados: La plantilla de los SUAP de Cantabria es de 123 médicos y 123 profesionales de enfermería. De ellos han asistido a las sesiones un total de 178 profesionales (72% de la plantilla). De los asistentes han cumplimentado la encuesta de valoración de la actividad una media de 143 profesionales (80% del total de asistentes), 81% mujeres y 19% varones. El 58% de los asistentes eran médicos de familia y el 42% personal de enfermería. En cuanto a los resultados del programa resaltaban el interés del curso para su actividad profesional (96%), si recomendaría el curso a sus compañeros (94%) y la satisfacción de haber realizado el curso (94%). Conclusiones: La puesta en marcha de actividades formativas en los SUAP ha sido percibida como muy favorable por los profesionales encuestados. Abstract: Objective: An evaluation was performed on the introduction of a training activity for professionals of the Primary Care Emergency Services (SUAP) in order to equip them with the necessary tools for the on-site resolution of urgent processes, and with the resources available in each centre. Method: An anonymous questionnaire was used to assess the activity performed during each of the sessions of the year 2015. This questionnaire was completed at the end of each session, allowing the assessment of individual teachers. Results: The staff of the SUAP in Cantabria included 123 physicians and 123 nursing professionals. A total of 178 professionals attended the sessions (72% of the workforce). A total of 143 professionals (80% of the total attendees), 81% female and 19% male, were included in the survey. Just over half (58%) of the attendees were family physicians and 42% were nurses. The major results of the program were as follows: the interest of the course for their professional activity (96%), they would recommend the course to their colleagues (94%), and the satisfaction of having completed the course (94%). Conclusions: The introduction of training activities in the SUAP has been perceived as very favourable by the professionals surveyed Palabras clave: Urgencia, Evaluación, Formación, Keywords: Emergencies, Evaluation, Training

The human AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 proteins, as well as their C. elegans homolog PAQR-2, protect against cell membrane rigidification by exogenous saturated fatty acids by regulating phospholipid composition. Here, we show that mutations in the C. elegans gene acs-13 help to suppress the phenotypes of paqr-2 mutant worms, including their characteristic membrane fluidity defects. acs-13 encodes a homolog of the human acyl-CoA synthetase ACSL1, and localizes to the mitochondrial membrane where it likely activates long chains fatty acids for import and degradation. Using siRNA combined with lipidomics and membrane fluidity assays (FRAP and Laurdan dye staining) we further show that the human ACSL1 potentiates lipotoxicity by the saturated fatty acid palmitate: silencing ACSL1 protects against the membrane rigidifying effects of palmitate and acts as a suppressor of AdipoR2 knockdown, thus echoing the C. elegans findings. We conclude that acs-13 mutations in C. elegans and ACSL1 knockdown in human cells prevent lipotoxicity by promoting increased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids.

The Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) of ambient vibration measurements is a common tool to explore near surface shear wave velocity (Vs) structure. HVSR is often applied for earthquake risk assessments and civil engineering projects. Ambient vibration signal originates from the combination of a multitude of natural and man-made sources. Ambient vibration sources can be any ground motion inducing phenomena, e.g., ocean waves, wind, industrial activity or road traffic, where each source does not need to be strictly stationary even during short times. Typically, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is applied to obtain spectral information from the measured time series in order to estimate the HVSR, even though possible non-stationarity may bias the spectra and HVSR estimates. This problem can be alleviated by employing the Hilbert–Huang Transform (HHT) instead of FFT. Comparing 1D inversion results for FFT and HHT-based HVSR estimates from data measured at a well studied, urban, permanent station, we find that HHT-based inversion models may yield a lower data misfit χ2 by up to a factor of 25, a more appropriate Vs model according to available well-log lithology, and higher confidence in the achieved model.

In recent years the analysis of the variations of seismic background signal recorded in temporal deployments of seismic stations near river channels has proved to be a useful tool to monitor river flow, even for modest discharges. The objective of this work is to apply seismic methods to the characterization of the snowmelt process in the Pyrenees, by developing an innovative approach based on the hierarchical classification of the daily spectrograms. The CANF seismic broad-band station, part of the Geodyn facility in the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC), is located in an underground tunnel in the Central Pyrenees, at about 400 m of the Aragón River channel, hence providing an excellent opportunity to explore the possibilities of the seismic monitoring of hydrological events at long term scale. We focus here on the identification and analysis of seismic signals generated by variations in river discharge due to snow melting during a period of six years (2011-2016). During snowmelt episodes, the temporal variations of the discharge at the drainage river result in seismic signals with specific characteristics allowing their discrimination from other sources of background vibrations. We have developed a methodology that use seismic data to monitor the time occurrence and properties of the thawing stages. The proposed method is based on the use of hierarchical clustering techniques to classify the daily seismic spectra according to their similarity. This allows us to discriminate up to four different types of episodes, evidencing changes in the duration and intensity of the melting process which in turn depends on variations in the meteorological and hydrological conditions. The analysis of six years of continuous seismic data from this innovative procedure shows that seismic data can be used to monitor snowmelt on long-term time scale and hence contribute to climate change studies.

Dietary fatty acids are the main building blocks for cell membranes in animals, and mechanisms must therefore exist that compensate for dietary variations. We isolated C. elegans mutants that improved tolerance to dietary saturated fat in a sensitized genetic background, including eight alleles of the novel gene fld-1 that encodes a homolog of the human TLCD1 and TLCD2 transmembrane proteins. FLD-1 is localized on plasma membranes and acts by limiting the levels of highly membrane-fluidizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids. Human TLCD1/2 also regulate membrane fluidity by limiting the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing membrane phospholipids. FLD-1 and TLCD1/2 do not regulate the synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids but rather limit their incorporation into phospholipids. We conclude that inhibition of FLD-1 or TLCD1/2 prevents lipotoxicity by allowing increased levels of membrane phospholipids that contain fluidizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).

Dietary fatty acids can be incorporated directly into phospholipids. This poses a specific challenge to cellular membranes since their composition, hence properties, could greatly vary with different diets. That vast variations in diets are tolerated therefore implies the existence of regulatory mechanisms that monitor and regulate membrane compositions. Here we show that the adiponectin receptor AdipoR2, and its C. elegans homolog PAQR-2, are essential to counter the membrane rigidifying effects of exogenously provided saturated fatty acids. In particular, we use dietary supplements or mutated E. coli as food, together with direct measurements of membrane fluidity and composition, to show that diets containing a high ratio of saturated to monounsaturated fatty acids cause membrane rigidity and lethality in the paqr-2 mutant. We also show that mammalian cells in which AdipoR2 has been knocked-down by siRNA are unable to prevent the membrane-rigidifying effects of palmitic acid. We conclude that the PAQR-2 and AdipoR2 proteins share an evolutionarily conserved function that maintains membrane fluidity in the presence of exogenous saturated fatty acids.

Antecedentes: las estenosis benignas, la ruptura del tracto digestivo y las fístulas digestivas son condiciones que ponen en riesgo la vida y que por lo general son tratadas quirúrgicamente. Ahora, ha surgido la coloca- ción de stents metálicos parcial o totalmente cubiertos como una opción de manejo con mínima invasión. Se pretende determinar la efectividad clínica de un nuevo diseño de stent de nitinol totalmente cubierto para el tratamiento de las perforaciones digestivas y las fístulas anastomóticas, con especial énfasis en la evaluación de la hiperplasia reactiva. Métodos: en el período 2012-2013 se colocó un stent de nitinol autoexpandible totalmente cubierto en 15 pacientes con perforaciones benignas de esófago, fístulas anastomóticas, estenosis después de cirugía gastrointestinal alta o baja. Se utilizó un stent de mayor diámetro en su centro (20 mm) y en su porción proximal (28 mm). Se recolectaron datos demográficos, tipo de lesión, ubicación del stent y remoción, éxito clínico y complicaciones. Resultados: a un total de 15 pacientes se les puso 15 nuevos stents por fístulas anastomóticas (n = 8), estenosis esofágica (n = 2), estenosis en anastomosis colorrectal (n = 2), estenosis de anastomosis gastro- yeyunal (n = 1), ruptura iatrogénica de esófago (n = 1), y estenosis pilórica (n = 1). La remoción endoscópica del stent fue exitosa en todos los pacientes, y una fue particularmente difícil por hiperplasia reactiva. El éxito clínico se logró en 9 pacientes (73%), con una media de permanencia del stent de 10 semanas (rango 7 a 12 semanas). En total, ocurrieron 7 complicaciones en 15 pacientes (47%): hiperplasia reactiva (n = 1), migración (n = 3), dolor severo (n = 2), ulceración esofágica (n = 1), y solo 1 paciente requirió cirugía después del fallo del stent. Ningún paciente falleció como consecuencia de la colocación del mismo. Conclusiones: un stent totalmente cubierto, con nuevo diseño, dejado por 10 semanas, puede ser una alternativa a la cirugía en el tratamiento de perforaciones digestivas, estenosis o fístulas anastomóticas. La eficacia entre el nuevo stent y el convencional es diferente, su elección depende de los riesgos esperados de migración y de hiperplasia reactiva.

RESUMEN Se presenta un estudio de detección y caracterización de eventos sísmicos del tipo volcano tectónicos y largo periodo de registros sísmicos generados por el volcán Cotopaxi. La estructura secuencial de detección propuesta permite en un registro sísmico maximizar la probabilidad de presencia de un evento y minimizar la ausencia de este. La detección se la realiza en el dominio del tiempo en cuasi tiempo real manteniendo una tasa constante de falsa alarma para posteriormente realizar un estudio del contenido espectral de los eventos mediante el uso de estimadores espectrales clásicos como el periodograma y paramétricos como el método de máxima entropía de Burg, logrando así, categorizar a los eventos detectados como volcano tectónicos, largo periodo y otros cuando no poseen características pertenecientes a los otros dos tipos como son los rayos. Palabras clave: Detección de eventos sísmicos, test de hipótesis binaria, señales sismo-volcánicas. ABSTRACT A study of the detection and characterization of volcano-tectonic seismic type of events, using a long period of records of the Cotopaxi volcano, is presented. The sequential detection structure, proposed as part of this work, allows maximizing the likelihood of the presence of an event and minimizes the absence of this from a seismic record. The detection is performed in the near real time domain, maintaining a constant false alarm rate, enabling in a later stage a more detailed study of the spectral content of the events using classical spectral estimators such as the periodogram and the parametric maximum entropy method by Burg. The approach enabled to categorize phenomenon detected as volcano-tectonic from a long record of observations which even include activities of non-tectonic origin, such as the other two types of lightning. Keywords: Event detection, binary hypothesis test, volcanic seismic signals.

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) carry significant consequences for patients and are responsible for considerable health-care costs-particularly if hospitalization is required. Despite the importance of hospitalized exacerbations, relatively little is known about their determinants. This study aimed to analyze predictors of hospitalized exacerbations and mortality in COPD patients.This was a retrospective population-based cohort study. We selected 900 patients with confirmed COPD aged ≥35 years by simple random sampling among all COPD patients in Cantabria (northern Spain) on December 31, 2011. We defined moderate exacerbations as events that led a care provider to prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids and severe exacerbations as exacerbations requiring hospital admission. We observed exacerbation frequency over the previous year (2011) and following year (2012). We categorized patients according to COPD severity based on forced expiratory volume in 1 second (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] grades 1-4). We estimated the odds ratios (ORs) by logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, COPD severity, and frequent exacerbator phenotype the previous year.Of the patients, 16.4% had ≥1 severe exacerbations, varying from 9.3% in mild GOLD grade 1 to 44% in very severe COPD patients. A history of at least two prior severe exacerbations was positively associated with new severe exacerbations (adjusted OR, 6.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.53-12.83) and mortality (adjusted OR, 7.63; 95%CI, 3.41-17.05). Older age and several comorbidities, such as heart failure and diabetes, were similarly associated.Hospitalized exacerbations occurred with all grades of airflow limitation. A history of severe exacerbations was associated with new hospitalized exacerbations and mortality.

The SCN ligand 2-{3-[(methylsulfanyl)methyl]phenyl}pyridine, 1, has been synthesized starting from an initial Suzuki–Miyaura (SM) coupling between 3-((hydroxymethyl)phenyl)boronic acid and 2-bromopyridine. The C–H activation of 1 with in situ formed Pd(MeCN)4(BF4)2 has been studied and leads to a mixture of palladacycles, which were characterized by X-ray crystallography. The monomeric palladacycle LPdCl 6, where L-H = 1, has been synthesized, and tested in SM couplings of aryl bromides, where it showed moderate activity. Density functional theory and the atoms in molecules (AIM) method have been used to investigate the formation and bonding of 6, revealing a difference in the nature of the Pd–S and Pd–N bonds. It was found that S-coordination to the metal in the rate determining C–H bond activation step leads to better stabilization of the Pd(II) centre (by 13–28 kJ mol−1) than with N-coordination. This is attributed to the electron donating ability of the donor atoms determined by Bader charges. The AIM analysis also revealed that the Pd–N bonds are stronger than the Pd–S bonds influencing the stability of key intermediates in the palladacycle formation reaction pathway.

Objetivo: la obstrucción por cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es una entidad frecuente y con importante morbilidad y mortalidad. El uso de stent colónicos aparece como una buena alternativa y pueden utilizarse con carácter paliativo o como una terapia puente para facilitar una única y definitiva cirugía. El objetivo del presente estudio es comparar el uso de los stents con la cirugía en los pacientes con obstrucción maligna colorrectal en términos de necesidad de ostomías, morbimortalidad y sobrevida. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo donde se analizaron retrospectivamente los datos recogidos de una cohorte de 103 pacientes, desde 2004 al 2012, registrada en una base de datos para tal fin y dividida en 4 grupos: un grupo al que se le colocó stent colónico y luego se llevó a cirugía electiva (SCX, n = 26), otro grupo llevado a cirugía convencional (CXC, n = 30), y los otros dos grupos con pacientes en fase avanzada de la enfermedad, unos en quienes solo se les colocó stent paliativo (SP, n = 24) y otros llevados a cirugía con intención paliativa (CP, n = 23). Se establecieron comparaciones entre los grupos y se realizó una descripción de los hallazgos más relevantes. Resultados: se registró un éxito técnico en 90,0% y éxito clínico en 82,0% en los grupos con stents. Se presentaron dos perforaciones asociadas con el stent (8,3%) en el grupo SP y ninguna en el grupo SCX. Hubo migración del stent en 3 pacientes (11,5%) del grupo SCX y en 3 (12,5%) del grupo SP. Se encontró una sobrevida global del 42,7%, siendo más baja en los grupos SP y CP con 4,2% y 34,8%, respectivamente. Se presentó una menor necesidad de ostomías en el grupo SCX con 5 pacientes (19,2%) versus 8 (26,7%) del grupo CXC, sin relevancia estadística, la cual sí se observó al comparar la necesidad de ostomías entre los grupos de CXC y CP con 8 (26,7%) y 15 (65,2%) pacientes respectivamente (P

Siderocalin (also lipocalin 2, NGAL or 24p3) binds iron as complexes with specific siderophores, which are low molecular weight, ferric ion-specific chelators. In innate immunity, siderocalin slows the growth of infecting bacteria by sequestering bacterial ferric siderophores. Siderocalin also binds simple catechols, which can serve as siderophores in the damaged urinary tract. Siderocalin has also been proposed to alter cellular iron trafficking, for instance, driving apoptosis through iron efflux via BOCT. An endogenous siderophore composed of gentisic acid (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid) substituents was proposed to mediate cellular efflux. However, binding studies reported herein contradict the proposal that gentisic acid forms high-affinity ternary complexes with siderocalin and iron, or that gentisic acid can serve as an endogenous siderophore at neutral pH. We also demonstrate that siderocalin does not induce cellular iron efflux or stimulate apoptosis, questioning the role siderocalin plays in modulating iron metabolism.

En este artículo se presentan los resultados de la relocalización de sismos relacionados con el cluster sísmico de Pisayambo, provincia de Tungurahua en Ecuador. Se utiliza el programa hypoDD basado en el método de dobles diferencias. Los resultados obtenidos ofrecen evidencia sobre eventos en Pisayambo que definen una región caótica de focos sísmicos superficiales. Este trabajo es una muestra importante del funcionamiento del program hypoDD para el caso de problemas sísmicos altamente no lineales y subdeterminados.

El manejo de la pancreatitis crónica es primordialmente paliativo. Los pacientes requieren cirugía cuando existen sospecha de malignidad. dolor intratable o se desarrolla alguna de las complicaciones de la pancreatitis crónica. La cirugía ideal para la pancreatitis crónica debe proveer el alivio del dolor y corregir las complicaciones inherentes a la enfermedad, preservando además la precaria función exo y endocrina del páncreas. Se presenta la experiencia con la técnica quirúrgica de Frey en diez pacientes con pancreatitis crónica y se discuten aspectos puntuales del procedimiento y los criterios de selección del mismo.

Se presentan los resultados obtenidos en 50 pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de reflujo gastroesofágico pato[1]lógico complicado (37 pacientes) y no complicado intra[1]table (13 pacientes), a quienes se les sometió a tratamiento quirúrgico mediante la técnica de gastropexia posterior de Hill modificada por Larrain, practicado en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín, entre agosto de 1979 Y agosto de 1986. La edad promedio fue de 50.8 años. Del sexo femenino, 31 pacientes (62% ) Y 19 del sexo masculino (38%). Trece (26% ) de los pacientes eran estenóticos. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento pos[1]topera torio fue de 4.4 años. Los resultados obtenidos fueron: Visick 1: 70% . Visick JI: 22%, Visick JII: 8% , Visick IV: 0%. Lo anterior significa que el 92% fueron Visick I y II.

The thymus plays a pivotal role in generating a highly-diverse repertoire of T lymphocytes while preventing autoimmunity. Thymus seeding progenitors (TSPs) are a heterogeneous group of multipotent progenitors that migrate to the thymus via CCR7 and CCR9 receptors. While NOTCH guides thymus progenitors toward T cell fate, the absence or disruption of NOTCH signaling renders the thymus microenvironment permissive to other cell fates. Following T cell commitment, developing T cells undergo multiple selection checkpoints by engaging with the extracellular matrix, and interacting with thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and other immune subsets across the different compartments of the thymus. The different selection checkpoints assess the T cell receptor (TCR) performance, with failure resulting in either repurposing (agonist selection), or cell death. Additionally, environmental cues such as inflammation and endocrine signaling induce acute thymus atrophy, contributing to the demise of most developing T cells during thymic selection. We discuss the occurrence of acute thymus atrophy in response to systemic inflammation. The thymus demonstrates high plasticity, shaping inflammation by abrogating T cell development and undergoing profound structural changes, and facilitating regeneration and restoration of T cell development once inflammation is resolved. Despite the challenges, thymic selection ensures a highly diverse T cell repertoire capable of discerning between self and non-self antigens, ultimately egressing to secondary lymphoid organs where they complete their maturation and exert their functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]