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This paper focuses on the validation of a tool designed to improve affect recognition, a fundamental aspect of social cognition as it greatly affects the functionality and quality of life of patients with mental disorders. The presented tool facilitates the generation of multi-modal avatar-based therapies by mental health professionals in this important clinical domain. Moreover, the tool for remediation of social cognitive deficits may be customised to each patient’s impairment. This paper describes how the tool was assessed by therapists after viewing a video explaining its most relevant aspects. The participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire based on UTAUT2 for the study of the acceptance and use of this technology. In light of the results obtained from 41 therapists about their intention of use, the most important statement is that their interest for this kind of tools is high. Nonetheless, there are some factors that negatively affect their behavioural intention.

Objective: There is hardly any information on the consumption of healthcare resources by older people with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We analyzed these consumptions in older patients with DTC and compared patients 75 years and older with subjects aged 60–74 years. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective analysis was designed. We recorded three groups of health resources consumption (visits, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic procedures) and identified a subgroup of patients with high consumption of resources. We compared patients aged between 60–74 years (group 1) with patients aged 75 and over (group 2). Results: We included 1654 patients (women, 74.4%), of whom 1388 (83.9%) belonged to group 1 and 266 (16.1%) to group 2. In group 2, we found a higher proportion of patients requiring emergency department visits (7.9 vs. 4.3%, P= 0.019) and imaging studies (24.1 vs. 17.3%; P= 0.012) compared to group 1. However, we did not find any significant difference between both groups in the consumption of other visits, diagnostic procedures, or therapeutic procedures. Overall, 340 patients (20.6%) were identified as high consumers of health resources, 270 (19.5%) in group 1 and 70 (26.3%) in group 2 (P= 0.013). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of recurrence and mortality, radioiodine treatment, tumor size, and vascular invasion were significantly related to the high global consumption of resources. However, the age was not significantly related to it. Conclusion: In patients with DTC over 60 years of age, advanced age is not an independent determining factor in the consumption of health resources.

The increased life expectancy poses certain challenges such as bringing the required facilities to the elderly or infirm to help them keep their autonomy as long as possible. At any age, we are all prone to diseases or accidents that can affect our autonomy for activities we perform daily, the so-called Activities of Daily Living (ADL). After the ability to perform some ADLs is lost or reduced to some extent, a rehabilitation process is required. Doing rehabilitation in a controlled environment, such as a virtual one, brings interesting benefits, such as precise monitoring, a safe environment or a rehabilitation setting customized to each user’s progress. In this work, we present UrbanRehab, a tool designed in collaboration with specialists aimed at building customized rehabilitation experiences especially for Instrumental Activities of Daily Living that runs in a virtual urban environment (VUE) that can be built by the specialist visually by adding new buildings, street junctions, traffic lights or even dynamic objects such as people or cars. Billboards can be placed in the virtual scenario to provide further assistance to the user whenever required. The user interacts with the VUE by moving around in a natural manner. To assess the tool, an acceptance evaluation was conducted inspired by an UAUT2 model. Thirty specialists took part in this evaluation. The specialists gave the tool a score greater than 5 out of 7 for Behavioral Intention, thus showing the interest of these specialists in using our tool in a clinical environment.

a partir de la publicación del diseño y la validación de una metodología centrada en la visualización y la problematización para contribuir a la habilidad de solucionar problemas en la asignatura Embriología, se realizó el presente estudio con el objetivo de evaluar la efectividad en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la mencionada metodología.

Glass-coated amorphous ferromagnetic microwires subjected to variations in mass loading and parallel wire arrays with 0.5–6-cm interwire spacing were found to deliver exceptional magnetomechanical and wireless giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) responses, in the kilohertz and microwave range, respectively. The microwires allow wireless quantification of microgram mass differences: the magnetomechanical resonance frequency measured in zero applied field demonstrates an approximately linear decrease of 3 Hz/ $\mu \text{g}$ , and a sensitivity response that is ten times greater than that reported for commercial METGLAS-type amorphous magnetic ribbons of comparable length. Microwave giant magnetoimpedance data collected from planar arrays of parallel microwires show either constructive or destructive interference when compared to data obtained from a single microwire. The exceptional responsiveness of the glass-coated amorphous ferromagnetic microwires to mass loading and to geometric arrangement, along with their small diameter and ease of fabrication, highlights their promise for a wide variety of sensor applications, including biosensing, civil infrastructure monitoring, and high-throughput remote detection schemes.

El artículo se refiere al diseño y la validación de una metodología centrada en la visualización y la problematización para contribuir a la habilidad de solucionar problemas en la asignatura de Embriología. La metodología se diseñó siguiendo presupuestos teóricos de la didáctica general acerca de los resultados científicos en la investigación educativa, a partir de los cuales se determinaron las exigencias a cumplir, provenientes de la didáctica que tiende al desarrollo. Finalmente, la metodología fue validada como pertinente según el criterio de los expertos para su aplicación y evaluación en la práctica educativa.

Several computing paradigms have emerged along the years integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) as the base to realize the complex hyperspace associated to the ubiquitous Cyber-Physical-Social-Thinking hyperspace that society expects. An overlap of the principles that define those paradigms exists and, despite of previous efforts, a unified and appropriate definition of each of them is still a challenge. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to survey the existing literature about IoT and their related paradigms to obtain a model that provides a definition usable to guide in the selection of that paradigm that fits better the requirements of the system-to-be. For this aim, a rigorous and systematic Thematic Synthesis has been conducted to analyze the most relevant studies of the selected paradigms and specify a model that integrates their definitions, their relations and differences. Furthermore, Cyber-Physical-Social Systems (CPSS) has been identified as the paradigm focusing on social and human factors that better realizes the complex hyperspace of the smart world since it entails relevant and convenient aspects from other paradigms.

There has been a great deal of attention recently to the study of implementation, or how something (e.g., a new clinical practice or initiative) is actually put into effect. Many studies have found a number of barriers to and facilitators of the implementation process. But despite this increased attention, the field of implementation science may not have paid enough attention to the role of communication. Although communication is generally acknowledged as important, precisely howit impacts implementation—and, importantly, the ways it might be improved—is typically unexplored. This study conducted focus groups with mental health therapists in 12 clinics which were about to implement a new clinical practice: measurement-based care for depressed adults receiving psychotherapy. What these therapists shared about their perspectives and experiences suggest that there are at least five ways to facilitate effective communication when introducing a new clinical practice: communicating a clear rationale for the new practice, providing necessary procedural knowledge, using multiple methods to communicate about the change, giving sufficient lead time to prepare for the change, and providing the opportunity for bidirectional engagement.Although communication is widely observed to be central to the implementation process, the field of implementation science has largely overlooked the details of howcommunication may best be utilized to facilitate implementation. This paper draws on relevant insights from Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory, which laid the foundation for explicitly attending to the role of communication as a mechanism for implementation strategies to exert their effects. To offer empirically-derived and theory-informed recommendations regarding communication processes to support the effective introduction of new clinical practices. This investigation leverages data from 61 therapists poised to undergo implementation of measurement-based care (MBC) for depressed adults receiving psychotherapy in community mental health settings. Data were collected via focus groups across 12 sites. Themes emergent in the data analysis suggest five practices to facilitate effective communication in the introduction of new clinical practices like MBC: the communication of a clear rationale for the new practice; the provision of necessary procedural knowledge; communication about the change via multiple methods; sufficient lead time to prepare for the change; and the opportunity for bidirectional engagement. In addition to indicating several best practices to improve communication prior to implementation, our results suggest that the current conceptualization of implementation strategies may not yet be complete. Components and/or methods of effective communication about new practices should be included among the growing set of implementation strategies. Existing implementation strategies might also benefit from more temporal specificity, with more attention to the exploration and preparation phases. (Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02266134. Registered 12 October 2014.)There has been a great deal of recent attention to the study of implementation, or how something (e.g., a new clinical practice or initiative) is actually put into effect. Many studies have found a number of barriers to and facilitators of the implementation process. But despite this increased attention, the field of implementation science may not have paid enough attention to the role of communication. While communication is generally acknowledged as important, precisely how it impacts implementation —and, importantly, the ways it might be improved— is typically unexplored. This study conducted focus groups with mental health therapists in 12 clinics which were about to implement a new clinical practice: measurement-based care for depressed adults receiving psychotherapy. What these therapists shared about their perspectives and experiences suggest that there are at least five ways to facilitate effective communication when introducing a new clinical practice: communicating a clear rationale for the new practice, providing necessary procedural knowledge, using multiple methods to communicate about the change, giving sufficient lead time to prepare for the change, and providing the opportunity for bidirectional engagement

Purpose: We investigated whether age at diagnosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) may be a risk factor for structural disease and mortality after primary treatment in aging patients. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective analysis including patients older than 60 years at DCT diagnosis was designed. All subjects were treated by surgery with or without radioiodine adjuvant therapy and had a minimum follow-up of one year. We compared elderly patients (group 1, 60–74 years) with very old patients (group 2, ≥75 years). Results: The study involved 1668 patients (74.3% women, median age 67 years, 87.6% papillary thyroid cancer, 73.3% treated with radioiodine), including 1397 in group 1 and 271 in group 2. Patients in group 2 had larger tumor size (1.8 [0.8–3.0] vs 1.5 [0.7–2.8] cm; P= 0.005), higher proportions of tumors with vascular invasion (23.8 vs 16.4%; P= 0.006), and lower proportion of lymphocytic thyroiditis (18.6 vs 24.9%; P= 0.013) than subjects in group 1. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients in group 2 had significantly lower structural disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than patients in group 1 (P= 0.035 and <0.001, respectively). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, age was a risk factor significantly associated with OS. However, age was significantly associated with DFS in unadjusted analysis and in analysis adjusted by gender and risk classification variables, but not when pathological and therapy-related variables were introduced in the model. On the other hand, patients who received radioiodine had worse DFS (P< 0.001) compared to those who did not. Conclusion: Although age is a conditioning factor for OS, very old patients do not have a greater risk of developing structural disease throughout the follow-up than elderly patients with DTC.

We aimed to study the predictive factors for recovery of parathyroid function in hypoparathyroid patients after total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer.

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by cells of the immune system, predominantly Th17 and γδ lymphocytes. In this paper, we review the role of IL-17A in the pathogenesis of hypertension and in target organ damage. Preclinical studies in mice have shown that systemic adminstration of IL-17A increases blood pressure, probably by acting on multiple levels. Furthermore, IL-17A plasma concentrations are already elevated in patients with mild or moderate hypertension. Many studies in hypertensive mice models have detected IL-17A-producing cells in target organs such as the heart, vessels and kidneys. Patients with hypertensive nephrosclerosis show kidney infiltration by Th17 lymphocytes and γδ lymphocytes that express IL-17A. In addition, in experimental models of hypertension, the blockade of IL-17A by genetic strategies or using neutralizing antibodies, disminished blood pressure, probablyby acting on the small mesenteric arteries as well as in the regulation of tubule sodium transport. Moreover, IL-17A inhibition reduces end-organs damage. As a whole, the data presented in this review suggest that IL-17A participates in the regulation of blood pressure and in the genesis and maintenance of arterial hypertension, and may constitute a therapeutic target of hypertension-related pathologies in the future.

A combination of high-energy ball milling, vacuum filtering, and sedimentation processes has been demonstrated to be a useful approach to reduce, in a controlled way, the length of as-cast Fe73.5Si13.5Nb3Cu1B9amorphous magnetic microwires (MWs) and annealed material at 550 °C in nitrogen conditions. Homogeneous compositional microstructures with fairly narrow size distributions between 1300 and 11.7 μm are achieved, exhibiting tunable response as a soft magnetic material and as a microwave absorber. From the magnetic perspective, the soft magnetic character is increased with smaller length of the MWs, whereas the remanence has the opposite behavior mainly due to the structural defects and the loss of the shape anisotropy. From the microwave absorption perspective, a novel potential applicability is tested in these refined microstructures. This innovation consists of coatings based on commercial paints with a filling percentage of 0.55% of MWs with different lengths deposited on metallic sheets. Large attenuation values around −40 dB are obtained in narrow spectral windows located in the GHz range, and their position can be varied by combining different optimized lengths of MW. As an example of this powerful mechanism for absorbing microwaves at specific frequencies, MW lengths of 2 mm and 50 μm are chosen, where precise tailoring of the minimum reflection loss (RL) is obtained in a range between 8.85 and 13.25 GHz. To confirm these experimental results, an effective medium standard model proposed for electrical permittivity is used. Experimental and theoretical results are consistent and these novel composites are also proposed as a feasible candidate for designing frequency-selective microwave absorbers on demand, with low filling percentages and high absorption intensity values.

Endocrine diseases are experiencing an important increase in their prevalence, due to causes of various kinds, including the epidemic of obesity and malnutrition, the aging of the population, but also the effect of endocrine disruptors, among others. On the other hand, new technologies, both in terms of molecular and genetic analysis, image and new therapeutic devices, require that the endocrine professional community in Spain must be in constant training. The connection with patients through their associations, increasingly active, and with civil society in general, the professional commitment and demand of various social groups for a modern and equitable care, and to carry out research that facilitates the achievement of advances for patients, forces the specialist in endocrinology and nutrition and the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) to position themselves and respond to all these challenges. In this document, the SEEN presents its proposals and its strategy until 2022.

Las enfermedades endocrinas están experimentando un importante incremento de su prevalencia, debido a causas de diversa índole, entre ellas la epidemia de obesidad y de desnutrición, el envejecimiento de la población, pero también el efecto de los disruptores endocrinos, entre otros. Por otra parte, las nuevas tecnologías, tanto a nivel de analítica molecular y genética, de imagen y de nuevos dispositivos terapéuticos, obligan a que la comunidad profesional endocrina en España tenga que estar en constante formación. La conexión con los pacientes a través de sus asociaciones, cada vez más activas, y con la sociedad civil en general, el compromiso profesional y la demanda de diversos colectivos sociales de una atención moderna y equitativa, y a llevar a cabo investigación que facilite la consecución de avances para los pacientes, obligan al especialista en Endocrinología y Nutrición, y a la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN), a posicionarse y dar respuesta a todos estos retos. En el presente documento, la SEEN expone sus propuestas y su estrategia hasta el 2022.

SDHB mutations are found in an increasing number of neoplasms, most notably in paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas (PPGLs). SDHB-PPGLs are slow-growing tumors, but ∼50% of them may develop metastasis. The molecular basis of metastasis in these tumors is a long-standing and unresolved problem. Thus, a better understanding of the biology of metastasis is needed.

Purpose: The prevalence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism has been studied in registries and in surgical series with highly variable and imprecise results. However, the frequency of this hormonal deficiency in the clinical practice of endocrinologists is not known with accuracy. We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of hypoparathyroidism in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy in Spain. Methods: We designed a retrospective, multicentre and nation-wide protocol including all patients with total thyroidectomy who were seen in the endocrinology clinic of the participant centers from January to March 2018. Prevalence of hypoparathyroidism was evaluated at discharge of surgery, 3–6 months after surgery, 12 months after surgery and at last visit. Twenty hospitals participated in the study. Results: Of 1792 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy, 866 (48.3%) developed postoperative hypoparathyroidism at discharge of surgery. Most of them recover parathyroid function over time. Prevalence of hypoparathyroidism at 3–6 months, 12 months and at last visit was 22.9%, 16.7% and 14.5%, respectively. The risk of developing definitive hypoparathyroidism was related to the presence of parathyroid tissue at histology, lymph node dissection, and two-stage thyroidectomy. Patients with thyroid cancer, with higher postoperative calcium levels and treated by expert surgical teams exhibited lower risk of developing permanent hypoparathyroidism. Conclusions: Although most patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism recover parathyroid function, the prevalence of permanent disease in clinical practice is non negligible (14.5%). Postoperative calcium, extent and timing of surgery, the presence of cancer, expert surgical team, and parathyroid tissue at histology are predictors of permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most frequent manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome. Bone and renal complications are common. Surgery is the treatment of choice, but the best timing for surgery is controversial and predictors of persistence and recurrence are not well known. Our study describes the clinical characteristics and the surgical outcomes, after surgery and in the long term, of the patients with MEN1 and primary hyperparathyroidism included in the Spanish Registry of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (REGMEN). Eighty-nine patients (49 men and 40 women, 34.2 ± 13 years old) were included. Sixty-four out of the 89 underwent surgery: a total parathyroidectomy was done in 13 patients, a subtotal parathyroidectomy in 34 and a less than subtotal parathyroidectomy in 15. Remission rates were higher after a total or a subtotal parathyroidectomy than after a less than subtotal (3/4 and 20/22 vs 7/12, P< 0.05), without significant differences in permanent hypoparathyroidism (1/5, 9/23 and 0/11, N.S.). After a median follow-up of 111 months, 20 of the 41 operated patients with long-term follow-up had persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism. We did not find differences in disease-free survival rates between different techniques, patients with or without permanent hypoparathyroidism and patients with different mutated exons, but a second surgery was more frequent after a less than subtotal parathyroidectomy.

El análisis de la fluidez verbal en la vejez ha sido una de las principales estrategias como parte del diagnóstico de la demencia. Así, los estudios han demostrado que, en comparación con ancianos sanos, las personas con demencia muestran un deterioro significativo en fluidez verbal —especialmente en fluidez semántica— incluso después de controlar estadísticamente variables como la edad y el nivel educativo.

The Notch pathway regulates key processes in the kidney involved in embryonic development and tissue damage. Local activation of the Notch pathway has been described in many human chronic renal diseases, and has been suggested that several Notch pathway components could be considered as biomarkers of renal damage. Experimental studies done using Notch-components genetic modified mice as well as pharmacological approaches, such as γ-secretase inhibitors that block Notch pathway activation, have demonstrated the role of this pathway in renal regeneration, podocyte apoptosis, proliferation and fibroblasts activation, and induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells. Recent studies suggest an interaction between Notch and NF-κB pathways in the regulation of the renal inflammatory process. Additionally, some miRNAs could regulate Notch components and down-stream responses. All these data suggest that blockade of the Notch signaling pathway could be a novel therapeutic option for renal diseases.

La vía de Notch regula procesos importantes en el riñón implicados en el desarrollo embrionario y en situaciones de agresión tisular. Así, en una gran variedad de nefropatías crónicas humanas se ha descrito una activación local de este sistema, sugiriendo que algunos de sus componentes podrían ser biomarcadores de daño renal. Los estudios realizados en modelos experimentales, modulando genéticamente componentes de la vía Notch o mediante su bloqueo farmacológico con inhibidores de la γ-secretasa, han demostrado la participación de esta vía en la regeneración renal, en la apoptosis de podocitos, en la proliferación y activación de fibroblastos y en la transición epitelio-mesenquimal de las células tubuloepiteliales. Estudios recientes sugieren una interacción entre las vías Notch y NF-κB, la cual podría jugar un papel relevante en el proceso inflamatorio renal. Por otra parte, en los últimos años se han descrito miRNA que son capaces de regular componentes de la vía Notch y modular sus respuestas. Todos estos datos indican que el bloqueo de la vía de señalización Notch podría representar una nueva opción terapéutica para la enfermedad renal.

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This paper addresses the probabilistic analysis of the deflection of a cantilever beam by means of a randomization of the classical governing fourth-order differential equation with null boundary conditions. The probabilistic study is based on the calculation of the first probability density function of the solution, which is a stochastic process, as well as the density function of further quantities of interest associated with this engineering problem such as the maximum slope and deflection at the free end of the cantilever beam, that are treated as random variables. In addition, the probability density function of the bending moment and the shear force will also be computed. The study takes extensive advantage of the so called Random Variable Transformation method, also known as Probability Transformation Method, that allows us to fully unify the probabilistic analysis in three relevant cases commonly studied in the deterministic setting. All the theoretical findings are illustrated via detailed numerical examples corresponding to each one of the three scenarios.

Defective few-layered graphene mesostructures (DFLGMs) are produced from graphite flakes by high-energy milling processes. We obtain an accurate control of the generated mesostructures, as well as of the amount and classification of the structural defects formed, providing a functional material for microwave absorption purposes. Working under far-field conditions, competitive values of minimum reflection loss coefficient (RLmin) = −21.76 dB and EAB = 4.77 dB are achieved when DFLGMs are immersed in paints at a low volume fraction (1.95%). One step forward is developed by combining them with the excellent absorption behavior that offers amorphous Fe73.5Si13.5B9Cu1Nb microwires (MWs), varying their filling contents, which are below 3%. We obtain a RLminimprovement of 47% (−53.08 dB) and an EAB enhancement of 137% (4 dB) compared to those obtained by MW-based paints. Furthermore, a fmintunability is demonstrated, maintaining similar RLminand EAB values, irrespective of an ideal matching thickness. In this scenario, the Maxwell-Garnet standard model is valid, and dielectric losses mainly come from multiple reflections, interfacial and dielectric polarizations, which greatly boost the microwave attenuation of MWs. The present concept can remarkably enhance not only the MW attenuation but can also apply to other microwave absorption architectures of technological interest by adding low quantities of DFLGMs.

Refueling aircraft has become a significant aspect of military strategy for air forces to work at further distances from safe shores. This paper will address the aerodynamics of the drogue refueling system and in particular its characteristics at low speeds, including head and tail winds. Data from wind tunnel experiments are used to show how the docking when refueling is affected by the lower speeds, position behind the supply aircraft and weather conditions. Possibilities of design improvements and implications are related to the task of refueling Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in-flight

Context:Little is known about the etiology of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (sMTC). While germline gain-of-function mutations in the RETproto-oncogene cause hereditary MTC, the molecular mechanisms leading to the sporadic forms remain obscure. Our group had evidence about the existence of a low-penetrance susceptibility locus for sMTC in linkage disequilibrium with RET variants S836S/IVS1-126G>T, and probably in 5′ with respect to both variants. In this study we sought to identify such locus. On the other hand, because an overrepresentation of G691S/S904S variants in patients with sMTC had been previously reported, we sought to determine if such association was present in our series. Design:We performed a case-control study analysing a wide spectrum of RETvariants in the 5′ region of the gene, as well as the variants G691S/S904S. Haplotype distribution were also analyzed. A total of 58 patients with sMTC were included in the study. In addition, 100 unselected, unrelated race-, age-, and gender-matched normal controls were also evaluated. Main outcome:Although the overrepresentation of IVS1-126G>T remains present in our current sMTC series, thus supporting our previous hypothesis, no differences were obtained among cases and controls in the distribution of the variants tested upstream this position. On the other hand, the frequency and distribution of G691S/S904S variants were similar in both groups of study, leading to exclude their role in sMTC in our series. Conclusions:These findings would suggest that the major genetic events contributing to the appearance of sMTC may reside in several different RETloci. In this way, we could hypothesize about the existence of at least two sMTC loci, linked to S836S-IVS1-126G>T, or to G691S-S904S, respectively.

Brucellosis is a zoonosis caused by facultative intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella, which are widely distributed in both humans and animals, especially in the developing world. The diagnosis of human brucellosis requires isolation of the bacteria or confirmation through serologic tests. However, culture sampling sensitivity is often low, depending on the disease stage, Brucella species, culture medium, quantity of circulating bacteria and blood culture technique employed. The development of the PCR has offered a new dimension in the diagnosis of different microorganisms, which is possible in just a few hours. Over the past decade, there have been major advancements in all aspects of molecular diagnostics with regard to human brucellosis. PCR-based tests are proving to be faster and more sensitive than traditional methods. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the PCR for Brucella vary between laboratories and no standardization of sample preparation, target genes and detection methods have been established yet. Therefore, in this study, all the important aspects of the PCR for Brucella DNA detection and its utility in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with brucellosis are reviewed.

The group selected for this evaluation consisted of 109 normal people with an average age of25, coming from two different sociocultural levels (high and low) of Mexico City. All were completely evaluated by Luria's battery for neuropsychological assessment, adapted by Ardila, Ostrosky, and Canseco, 1981. This group of tests measures nine different areas: Motor Functions, Somatosensory Knowledge, Auditory Knowledge, Visuospatial Knowledge, Cognitive Processes, Language, Reading, Writing and Basic Calculations. For all of these, the higher performance standards were achieved by the subjects from the high sociocultural level. A significant interaction between sociocultural level and sex was observed. The differences between sexes appear only in subjects from the low sociocultural level. Factor analysis of the battery revealed that the most sensitive items to sociocultural level were those related on one hand, to the handling of complex structural and conceptual aspects of language and on the other hand, to the organization of motor sequences and in general motor programming. Research related to the differences found is reviewed and implications for clinical assessment are discussed.

ABSTRACTBlood samples and a bone biopsy specimen from one patient diagnosed with spondylodiscitis of unknown etiology were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR to detect Brucella melitensis. The high sensitivity and specificity of this assay allowed the diagnosis of brucellar spondylitis within 24 h, a result that we were unable to obtain through the use of conventional methods.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

ABSTRACTVγ9Vδ2 T cells are anti-tumor immune effectors of growing interest in cancer including Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC), an especially aggressive cancer characterized by a hypoxic and nutrient-starved immunosuppressive microenvironment. Since Butyrophilin 3 A (BTN3A) isoforms are critical activating molecules of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, we set out to study BTN3A expression under both basal and stress conditions in PDAC primary tumors, and in novel patient-derived xenograft and PDAC-derived cell lines. BTN3A2 was shown to be the most abundant isoform in PDAC and was stress-regulated. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells cytolytic functions against PDAC required BTN3A and this activity was strongly enhanced by the agonist anti-BTN3A 20.1 mAb even under conditions of hypoxia. In PDAC primary tumors, we established that BTN3A expression and high plasma levels of soluble BTN3A were strongly associated with a decreased survival. These findings may have important implications in the design of new immunotherapeutic strategies that target BTN3A for treating PDAC.

We propose a random linear differential equation with jumps to model the dynamics of breast tumor growth using real patients' data. The model considers the effect of chemotherapy administration and tumor resection. Also, the inherent randomness of the data and the model are taken into account. The model is probabilistically solved by combining two main methods belonging to Uncertainty Quantification: the principle of maximum entropy (PME) and the random variable transformation technique (RVT). The PME is applied to assign proper probability distributions to model parameters. The RVT technique is used to determine the probability density function (PDF) of the solution of the random differential equation, which is a stochastic process. We apply computational optimization techniques to determine the PDF of model parameters so that the PDF of the solution matches the ones assigned to real patients' data. Once random tumor dynamics has been modeled, we simulate, after surgery, different adjuvant chemotherapy strategies with the aim of delaying tumor recurrence as long as possible. Results are in concordance with medical literature, and tumor relapse is delayed as more cycles of chemotherapy are administered. Although the proposed model has a common general structure, it is shown how it can be customized to patients in order to construct projections about the tumor's growth. To better illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach, we carefully show how our model can be tailored to two real patients treated at the Hospital Clínico de Valencia (Spain). The obtained results have been overseen by doctors from this hospital. • Breast tumor growth is modeled via random differential equation with jumps. • Chemotherapy administrations and tumor resection are included in the model. • Random variable transformation technique and principle of maximum entropy are combined. • Real patient data of tumor volume are used to calibrate random model parameters. • Adjuvant chemotherapy strategies are simulated to delay tumor relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]