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It is widely accepted that, in chromosome-aberration induction, the (mis-)rejoining probability of two chromosome fragments depends on their initial distance, r. However, several aspects of these “proximity effects” need to be clarified, also considering that they can vary with radiation quality, cell type and dose. A previous work performed by the BIANCA (BIophysical ANalysis of Cell death and chromosome Aberrations) biophysical model has suggested that, in human lymphocytes and fibroblasts exposed to low-LET radiation, an exponential function of the form exp(-r/r0), which is consistent with free-end (confined) diffusion, describes proximity effects better than a Gaussian function. Herein, the investigation was extended to intermediate- and high-LET. Since the r0 values (0.8 μm for lymphocytes and 0.7 μm for fibroblasts) were taken from the low-LET study, the results were obtained by adjusting only one model parameter, i.e. the yield of “Cluster Lesions” (CLs), where a CL was defined as a critical DNA damage producing two independent chromosome fragments. In lymphocytes, the exponential model allowed reproducing both dose-response curves for different aberrations (dicentrics, centric rings and excess acentrics), and values of F-ratio (dicentrics to centric rings) and G-ratio (interstitial deletions to centric rings). In fibroblasts, a good correspondence was found with the dose-response curves, whereas the G-ratio (and, to a lesser extent, the F-ratio) was underestimated. With increasing LET, F decreased and G increased in both cell types, supporting their role as “fingerprints” of high-LET exposure. A dose-dependence was also found at high LET, where F increased with dose and G decreased, possibly due to inter-track effects. We therefore conclude that, independent of radiation quality, in lymphocytes an exponential function can describe proximity effects at both inter- and intra-chromosomal level; on the contrary, in fibroblasts further studies (experimental and theoretical) are needed to explain the strong bias for intra-arm relative to inter-arm exchanges.

Ultrasound pre-treatment and protein extraction of Desmodesmus sp. and Tetradesmus obliquus biomass induced residual microalgae/polycaprolactone (PCL) biocomposites with higher viscoelastic and mechanical properties as injection mould temperature increased. This was probably associated to the promotion of microalgae proteins-PCL interactions. The PCL content required, to strengthen the biocomposites, depended on the microalgae system (20 or 10 wt% for residual Desmodesmus sp. (RD) or Tetradesmus obliquus (RT), respectively). Protein degradation was observed in RT-based systems at mould temperatures higher than 100 °C. On the contrary, a greater mould temperature induced thermal crosslinking and certain cell disruption in RD-based systems. These environmentally-friendly biocomposites are an interesting alternative for replacing petroleum plastics.

The rice industry produces a large amount of by-products daily. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 100 million tons of rice residues and by-products are generated each year. However, new protein sources are demanded for human food because of the continuous increase in the global population coupled with the almost total inability to increase global food production. A rice protein concentrate (RPC), which is a by-product of the rice industry, and two different hydrolysates (RPH25 and RPH120) obtained from RPC, have been used in order to evaluate the potential of RPC to form a gel-like food product at three different pH values (2.0, 6.5 and 8.0). The gelation process was monitored and subsequently, mechanical spectra were obtained. In addition, protein interactions (ionic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds and disulphide bonds) were also determined in order to understand the gel structure. Finally, an antioxidant characterisation was carried out using three different reagents: DDPH, ABTS and Folin-Ciocalteu. A proper degree of hydrolysis and an optimal pH value seem to be key factors in the manufacturing of gels, showing a remarkable influence on both rheological properties and antioxidant activities.

Resumen Introduccion A pesar de las medidas de cribado de tuberculosis (TB) siguen detectandose casos en pacientes tratados con anti-TNF-α y cribado inicial negativo, algunos tras largo tiempo de tratamiento, lo que apunta mas a una nueva infeccion. Objetivos Describir los casos que presumiblemente han desarrollado primoinfeccion tuberculosa durante el tratamiento con farmacos anti-TNF-α. Metodos Revision retrospectiva (1999-2012), seleccionando segun los siguientes criterios: a) tratamiento anti-TNF-α; b) cribado de TB inicial negativo; c) TB diagnosticada durante tratamiento anti-TNF-α, y d) sospecha de primoinfeccion tuberculosa (tras minimo 12 meses de anti-TNF-α). Se han revisado sus variables clinicas, epidemiologicas, terapeuticas y de desenlace. Resultados Dos casos de primoinfeccion tuberculosa de 771 pacientes tratados con anti-TNF-α (0,2%). Una mujer de 41 anos y 35 meses de tratamiento con adalimumab y un varon de 37 anos y 107 meses de tratamiento con infliximab. La mujer presento una neumonia y el varon una TB diseminada. Conclusiones Durante la terapia anti-TNF-α persiste el riesgo de TB a pesar de cribado inicial negativo, por lo que el grado de sospecha debe ser elevado durante todo el tratamiento.

The development of green nanotechnology is generating research interest in the ecological biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, the biosynthesis of stable iron nanoparticles was carried out using Phoenix dactylifera L. extract which is able to reduce iron ions to iron nanoparticles. The process comprises maceration extraction overnight and heat treatment of the extract with iron chloride (FeCl3) at 70 °C for 1 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used for nanoparticle characterization. The stability of the bioreduced iron nanoparticle was analyzed using UV-VIS absorption spectra, and their antioxidant and anti-radical activities were measured against PhosPhoMolybdate (PPM) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), respectively. The results demonstrate that ecological biosynthesis of 2–30 nm stable iron nanoparticles of size with antioxidant activity can be achieved suggesting their possible applications.

La nueva economía del conocimiento reclama nuevas vías de productividad. En este sentido, la necesaria transición de la educación al trabajo y la enseñanza de la empleabilidad se han convertido en una preocupación prioritaria para todos los países. Considerando las competencias implicadas en la formación de la empleabilidad, no es difícil relacionarlas con las que se exigen para la formación de las identidades emprendedoras. En este sentido, asociamos la cultura emprendedora y su implementación al desarrollo de la empleabilidad. Dentro de este marco, tratamos de describir la situación actual de España, entre las políticas europeas y las consecuencias de la primera gran crisis económica de este siglo XXI. The new knowledge economy demands new ways of productivity. In this regard, the necessary transitions from education to work and teaching of employability have become a major concern for all countries. If we consider the competences involved in the formation of employability, it is not difficult to relate there to those required for the formation of entrepreneurship identities. In this sense, we associate entrepreneurship and its application with the development of employability. We attempt to describe Spain's current situation within this context, affected by European policies and the consequences of the first serious economic crisis of this century.

Background Leukocytapheresis (LAP) could be an alternative treatment for steroid-dependent ulcerative colitis (UC). Aims To assess the duration of response at 1 year after this treatment. Patients and methods A prospective study in 18 patients with steroid-dependent UC treated with LAP plus steroids after failure or intolerance to immunomodulators. Clinical and endoscopic (Mayo Clinic index) examinations were performed at 1 month after the last apheresis and at 12 months. The clinical, endoscopic remission and the relapse during the 1-year follow-up were evaluated based on standard parameters. Results Induction of remission: clinical remission: 10/18 (55%). Partial response: 4. Endoscopic remission: 9 (50%), always accompanied by clinical remission. A significant correlation was observed between clinical remission and endoscopic remission (rs = 0.894; p ≤ 0.001). At 1 year: sustained steroid-free clinical remission in 9 (50%), all of whom presented initial endoscopic remission. Remission and relapse before 1 year in 17%. A tendency for sustained remission at 1 year was observed when initial endoscopic remission was achieved. Conclusions Initial remission can be maintained at 1 year in half of the patients without the need for additional steroids. Complete remission and endoscopic mucosal healing is proposed as an objective for achieving a lasting response.

The highly conserved αLys145 has been suggested to play an important role in the early steps of activation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) by acetylcholine. Both macroscopic and single channel currents were recorded in the slowly desensitizing mutants L248T- and K145A-L248T-α7 receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. On ACh-evoked currents, substitution of Lys145 by alanine showed the same effects that in wild type receptors: moderately decreased gating function and a more-than-expected loss of ACh potency, thus validating the experimental model. Single channel analysis quantitatively agreed with macroscopic data and revealed that impaired gating function in the double mutant α7K145A/L248T is the consequence of a slower opening rate, β. Several nicotinic agonists were also studied, showing important features. Particularly, dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP), acting as an antagonist in α7K145A, became a full agonist in α7K145A/L248T. Single channel analysis of DMPP-evoked currents showed effects of Lys145 removal similar to those observed with ACh. Data suggest that α7Lys145 facilitates the early steps of channel activation. Moreover, the slowly desensitizing mutant α7L248T could be an interesting tool for the study of channel activation in α7 receptors. Nevertheless, its extensively altered pharmacology precludes the simple extrapolation of pharmacological data obtained in singly mutated α7 receptors.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pouchitis is the most frequent complication following total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis. Up to 15% of patients with pouchitis experience a chronic course, which can be resistant to antibiotic therapy and may lead to surgical excision of the pouch. Further therapeutic options are therefore needed. Oral budesonide, a corticosteroid with topical activity in the terminal ileum (controlled ileal release [CIR] capsules), may be an alternative. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a prospective, open study of five patients with chronic refractory pouchitis. Patients were treated with 9 mg of budesonide capsules after other causes of the lack of treatment response were excluded. Assessments included clinical, endoscopic and histological evaluation at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Efficacy was evaluated using the pouchitis disease activity index (PDAI) global scores as well as the clinical, endoscopic and histological subscores at baseline and 8 weeks. Remission was defined as a global score < 7. Variations in laboratory parameters and tolerance were also assessed. RESULTS: Four out of five patients went into remission at 8 weeks and a significant decrease was observed in the median total PDAI score from 14 (range, 12-15) to 4 (range, 4-11) (p = 0.0422) and in the three subscores: clinical from 4 (range, 4-5) to 1 (range, 0-4) (p = 0.0394), endoscopic from 5 (range, 4-6) to 2 (range, 1-5) (p = 0.0394), and histologic from 4 (range, 4-5) to 2 (range, 2-2) (p = 0.0339). No significant adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Oral budesonide CIR capsules may be an option to induce remission in active chronic refractory pouchitis. Because tolerance is good, the use of enemas may be avoided.

Resumen Introduccion La colitis ulcerosa (CU) activa se caracteriza por infiltracion de neutrofilos y monocitos-macrofagos en la mucosa colonica. La deplecion selectiva de leucocitos activados mediante tecnicas de aferesis puede ser un tratamiento efectivo para promover la remision de la CU, especialmente cuando el tratamiento convencional fracasa. Objetivo Valorar la eficacia y la seguridad de la aferesis leucocitaria en la induccion de remision y retirada de los corticoides en pacientes con CU activa corticodependiente. Pacientes y metodo Se realiza una sesion semanal de leu-coaferesis en 13 pacientes con CU corticodependiente y fracaso de inmunomoduladores. Se acompana de descenso progresivo de la dosis de corticoides en caso de evolucion favorable. Al mes de la ultima sesion de aferesis, se evalua la remision clinica (definida por un indice de Truelove modificado inactivo y la retirada completa de corticoides) y la remision endoscopica. Resultados La remision clinica se logro en 7 (54 %) de 13 pacientes. La eficacia general, (remision o respuesta parcial) fue del 77 %. En 3 pacientes se realizaron 2 ciclos de 5 sesiones. La remision endoscopica se logro en el 38,4 % de los pacientes. El procedimiento fue bien tolerado; se produjo un neumotorax en un intento de acceso venoso central en un caso en que el acceso periferico fue problematico. Conclusiones La leucoaferesis es una opcion de tratamiento segura y eficaz para conseguir la remision y retirar los corticoides en pacientes con CU corticodependiente, en los que el tratamiento inmunomodulador no es valido.

Resumen Objetivo Estudiar la utilidad clinica del cuestionario generico de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) SF-36 en los servicios de asistencia sanitaria. Metodo Se llevo a cabo un estudio descriptivo con 691 pacientes con distintos diagnosticos medicos reclutados en el ambito de consultas externas de un hospital general. Los grupos diagnosticos fueron cancer de pulmon (CP) y hematologico (CH), osteoartrosis de cadera (OAC), trastornos de la alimentacion (TA) y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal cronica (EIIC). Los pacientes incluidos en el estudio cumplimentaron el SF-36, un instrumento generico de CVRS. Con los pacientes con OAC que iban a ser operados de protesis de cadera (PC) fue realizado un estudio de seguimiento antes y despues de la intervencion. Resultados Los pacientes con TA presentaban puntuaciones bajas en las areas mentales, funcionamiento social y rol fisico. Aquellos con CP contaban con valores bajos en todas las areas del SF-36, que eran menores en las fisicas y ligeramente mas bajas que en los pacientes con CH. Los pacientes con OAC presentaban un impacto importante en las areas fisicas, principalmente en el area de dolor corporal; las mejoras tras la intervencion eran mayores en las areas fisicas. Aquellos pacientes con EIIC, evidenciaban afeccion principal en el area de salud general. Conclusiones El SF-36 es capaz de discriminar entre distintas enfermedades. Estos resultados apoyan su validez discriminante como un indicador para la evaluacion de resultados de procedimientos medicos entre centros y entre grupos de pacientes.

The use of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations remains a powerful tool to study biological effects induced by ionizing radiations on living beings. Several MC codes, with different level of complexity, are commonly used in research fields such as nanodosimetry, radiotherapy, radiation protection, and space radiation. This work performed an upgrade of an existing model developed by Bernal et al. [1] for radiobiological purposes, for accounting for the indirect DNA damage produced by ionizing particles. The Geant4-DNA simulation toolkit was used to simulate physical, pre-chemical and chemical stages of the early DNA damage induced by protons. Liquid water was used as the medium for simulations. Two phase-space files were generated, one containing energy deposition events inside the region of interest (ROI), and another one with the position of chemical species produced by water radiolysis from 0.1 ps up to 1 ns. The information contained in both files was superposed on a genetic material model with atomic-resolution,consisting of several copies of 30-nm chromatin fibers. The B-DNA configuration was used. This work focused on the indirect damage produced by the hydroxyl radical (OH.) at the deoxy-ribose sugar sites, normally trough hydrogen abstraction. Corresponding damage yields were determined. The approach followed to account for indirect damage in DNA was the same used by other radiobiological codes [2] , [3] . The critical parameter considered here was the reaction radius, which was calculated from the Smoluchowski’s diffusion equation. Single, double, and total strand break yields produced by direct, indirect, and mixed mechanisms are reported.

Early Use of Azathioprine Has a Steroid Sparing Effect on Recently Diagnosed Crohn's Disease Patients Miquel Sans, Antonio Lopez-San Roman, Maria Esteve, Fernando Bermejo, Valle GarciaSanchez, Yolanda Torres, Eugeni Domenech, Marta Piqueras, Montserrat Aceituno, Maria Gomez-Garcia, Carlos Taxonera, Javier P. Gisbert, Ana Gutierrez, Fernando Gomollon, Daniel Ginard, Antonio Bernal, Antonio Z. Gimeno-Garcia, Carmen Munoz, Fermin Mearin, Miguel Minguez, Manuel Barreiro-de Acosta, Xavier Calvet, Juan Buenestado, Olga Merino, Maria Barrachina, Luis Bujanda, Miriam Manosa, Maria M. Calvo, Esther Garcia, Miguel A. Montoro, Jose Manuel Herrera Justiniano, Montserrat Andreu, Vicent Hernandez, Joaquin Hinojosa, Julian Panes