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Summary: Background: While a low CD4/CD8 ratio during HIV treatment correlates with immunosenescence, its value in identifying patients at an increased risk for clinical events remains unclear. Methods: We analyzed data from the CoRIS cohort to determine whether CD4 count, CD8 count, and CD4/CD8 ratio at year two of antiretroviral therapy (ART) could predict the risk of serious non-AIDS events (SNAEs) during the next five years. These included major adverse cardiovascular events, non-AIDS-defining malignancies, and non-accidental deaths. We used pooled logistic regression with inverse probability weighting to estimate the survival curves and cumulative risk of clinical events. Findings: The study included 4625 participants, 83% male, of whom 200 (4.3%) experienced an SNAE during the follow-up period. A CD4/CD8 ratio

The microalga Scenedesmus sp. (Chlorophyceae) was cultured in a raceway pond (RWP) placed in a greenhouse. The objective of this case study was to monitor the photosynthesis performance and selected physicochemical variables (irradiance, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration) of microalgae cultures in situ at various depths of RWP. The data of actual photochemical yield Y(II), the electron transport rate monitored by in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic oxygen production both in situ and ex situ revealed that (i) even in diluted cultures (0.6 g DW L−1), the active photic layer in the culture was only about 1 cm, indicating that most of the culture was “photosynthetically” inactive; (ii) the mechanism of non-photochemical quenching may not be fast enough to respond once the cells move from the surface to the deeper layers; and (iii) even when cells were exposed to a high dissolved oxygen concentration of about 200% sat and higher, the cultures retained a relatively high Y(II) > 0.35 when monitored in situ. The presented work can be used as exemplary data to optimize the growth regime of microalgae cultures in large-scale RWPs by understanding the interplay between photosynthetic activity, culture depth and cell concentration.

Modeling wildfire dynamics is complex and challenging due to the multiple scales involved in fire propagation, from physical–chemical processes to the interaction with topography and meteorological conditions. To provide reliable indicators of the risk of an ongoing wildfire, models aimed at informing policy-making should quantify the primary sources of uncertainty in their predictions. In this paper, we introduce a novel methodology built on top of Cellular Automata to assess the impact of uncertainty by implementing wildfire ensemble modeling using data from the Spanish National Forestry Data Repositories. Uncertainty is embedded in the model considering the ±2σ deviations from the medians of linear regressions of the canopy stratum with LiDAR metrics as explainable variables. The relevance of dynamic meteorological conditions in contrast to static environment conditions is analyzed. Our results suggest that an accurate account of the fuel model, including time-dependent wind and moisture maps, is mandatory to provide reliable predictions. Using a real case study (Concentaina’s extreme wildfire), we also illustrate the importance of assessing the impact of the firefighters’ mitigation efforts.

Durante el último tercio del siglo xix y primero del xx nos encontramos con el auge del movimiento higienista y una parte importante de él vinculado al higienismo infantil y educativo. Desde dicho movimiento se aprecia el apoyo hacia las iniciativas y medidas que van dirigidas a la mejora de las condiciones de la vida escolar y educativa de los niños y las niñas, ante todo de la de aquellos que padecen unas peores condiciones. Las colonias de vacaciones, la nueva política de mejora de las condiciones de los edificios escolares, la incorporación de programas de higiene escolar, la 1. Introducción de la actividad física y de las actividades en la naturaleza son algunas de las mejoras logradas gracias a este movimiento. De todos los higienistas que fueron adalides de las nuevas ideas en higiene y educación, queremos resaltar hoy la figura y obra del doctor Salcedo y Ginestal, quien, además de su labor divulgativa, suma su importante participación en el fomento de la higiene escolar desde la estela institucionista.

Lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries offer high energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries, emerging as a promising technology for the next generation of energy storage systems. The ongoing challenge is to improve their electrochemical performance, extend their useful life and mitigate some problems that persist in this technology, by the investigation in materials with diverse properties. This work seeks to elucidate the importance and repercussions associated with functionalisation of graphene-based materials through nitrogen incorporation (more than 9 wt.% N), employing different chemical agents such as ethylenediamine and ammonia. Herein, differences in both the textural properties and the chemical environment of nitrogen within the carbonaceous network are identified, resulting in distinct electrochemical behaviours. The electrochemical performance of electrodes prepared from ammonia-functionalised samples surpasses that of ethylenediamine-functionalised samples in terms of both efficiency and rate performance. Conversely, the ethylenediamine-functionalised samples excel in stability, showing exceptional values in capacity retention per cycle. The outcomes exceeded expectations in energy performance, allowing the Li-S cells to be subjected to ultra-high rate cycling while maintaining appropriate capacity values.

Marine (blue) biotechnology is an emerging field enabling the valorization of new products and processes with massive potential for innovation and economic growth. In the Mediterranean region, this innovation potential is not exploited as well as in other European regions due to a lack of a clear identification of the different value chains and the high fragmentation of business innovation initiatives. As a result, several opportunities to create an innovative society are being missed. To address this problem, eight Northern Mediterranean countries (Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) established five national blue biotechnology hubs to identify and address the bottlenecks that prevent the development of marine biotechnology in the region. Following a three-step approach (1. Analysis: setting the scene; 2. Transfer: identification of promising value chains; 3. Capitalization: community creation), we identified the three value chains that are most promising for the Northern Mediterranean region: algae production for added-value compounds, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and valorization aquaculture/fisheries/processing by-products, unavoidable/unwanted catches and discards. The potential for the development and the technical and non-technical skills that are necessary to advance in this exciting field were identified through several stakeholder events which provided valuable insight and feedback that should be addressed for marine biotechnology in the Northern Mediterranean region to reach its full potential.

Abstract Amino-bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid (ZA) can possibly ameliorate or prevent severe COVID-19 disease by at least three distinct mechanisms: (1) as immunostimulants which could boost γδ T cell expansion, important in the acute response in the lung; (2) as DC modulators, limiting their ability to only partially activate T cells; and (3) as prenylation inhibitors of small GTPases in the endosomal pathway of the DC to prevent expulsion of lysosomes containing SARS-CoV-2 virions. Use of ZA or other amino-bisphosphonates as modulators of COVID-19 disease should be considered.

Background: Standard pterional approaches have largely been used as the first option for middle cerebral artery aneurysms. This approach presents several disadvantages when facing giant aneurysms: aneurysmatic neck cannot be adequately seen and perianeurysmatic architecture is not completely visualized, leading to inappropriate clipping techniques. Orbitocranial approaches have been described in anterior communicating aneurysms, but not in middle cerebral artery bifurcation ones. Methods: In this report, we present the case of a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to a middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm rupture which was clipped using an orbitocranial approach. We describe the surgical technique step-by-step, present a clinical report, and discuss the advantages and utility of this procedure. Results: This technique was performed successfully and uneventfully in our patient, and it proved to be a safe method of clipping these kind of aneurysms, providing adequate visualization for the surgeon and making it safer for the patient. Conclusions: We consider the orbitocranial approach as an adequate alternative to the conventional pterional approach when facing giant aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery bifurcations as it offers a much better visualization of the aneurysmatic neck, as well as that of the perianeurysmatic architecture.

Microalgae cultures were used for a WW treatment to remediate nutrients while producing biomass and recycling water. In these trials, raceway ponds (RWPs; 1 and 0.5 ha) were located next to a municipal (WW) treatment plant in Mérida, Spain. The ponds were used for continuous, all-year-round microalgae production using WW as a source of nutrients. Neither CO2 nor air was supplied to cultures. The objective was to validate photosynthesis monitoring techniques in large-scale bioreactors. Various in-situ/ex-situ methods based on chlorophyll fluorescence and oxygen evolution measurements were used to follow culture performance. Photosynthesis variables gathered with these techniques were compared to the physiological behavior and growth of cultures. Good photosynthetic activity was indicated by the build-up of dissolved oxygen concentration up to 380% saturation, high photochemical yield (Fv/Fm = 0.62–0.71), and relative electron transport rate rETR between 200 and 450 μmol e− m−2 s−1 at midday, which resulted in biomass productivity of about 15–25 g DW m−2 day−1. The variables represent reliable markers reflecting the physiological status of microalgae cultures. Using waste nutrients, the biomass production cost can be significantly decreased for abundant biomass production in large-scale bioreactors, which can be exploited for agricultural purposes.

In this work, we investigate the potential of a novel carbon composite as an electrode for high-voltage electrochemical double-layer capacitors. The carbon composite was prepared following a sustainable synthetic approach that first involved the pyrolysis and then the activation of a precursor formed by winery wastes and graphene oxide. The composite prepared in this way shows a very high specific surface area (2467 m2·g−1) and an optimum pore size distribution for their use in supercapacitor electrodes. Graphene-biowaste-derived carbon composites are tested as active electrode materials in two different non-aqueous electrolytes, the ammonium salt-based conventional organic electrolyte and one imidazolium-based ionic liquid (1 M Et4NBF4/ACN and EMINTFSI). It was found that the presence of graphene oxide led to significant morphological and textural changes, which result in high-energy and power densities of ~27 W·h·kg−1 at 13,026 W·kg−1. Moreover, the devices assembled retain above 70% of the initial capacitance after 6000 cycles in the case of the organic electrolyte.

Cyanobacteria, particularly thermophilic strains, represent an important potential source of EPSs, harboring structural complexity that predicts diverse and specific bioactive potential. The thermophilic cyanobacteria Gloeocapsa gelatinosa, isolated from a natural hot source in Ain Echfa (Tunisia), was cultivated in a cylindrical reactor, and the production of biomass and EPSs was investigated. Results revealed that the strain is amongst the most efficient EPSs producers (0.89 g L−1) and that EPSs production was not correlated with the growth phase. EPSs were sulfated heteropolysaccharides containing carbohydrates (70%) based on nine different monosaccharides, mainly mannose (22%), and with the presence of two uronic acids. EPSs were formed by two polymers moieties with a molecular weight of 598.3 ± 7.2 and 67.2 ± 4.4 kDa. They are thermostable in temperatures exceeding 100 °C and have an anionic nature (zeta potential of −40 ± 2 mV). Atomic force microscopy showed that EPSs formed multimodal lumps with 88 nm maximum height. EPSs presented high water holding capacity (70.29 ± 2.36%) and solubility index (97.43 ± 1.24%), and a strong bivalent metal sorption capacity especially for Cu2+ (91.20 ± 1.25%) and Fe2+ (75.51 ± 0.71%). The antioxidant activity of G. gelatinosa EPSs was investigated using four methods: the β-carotene-bleaching activity, DPPH assays, iron-reducing activity, and metal-chelating activity. EPS has shown high potential as free radicals’ scavenger, with an IC50 on DPPH (0.2 g L−1) three-fold lower than ascorbic acid (0.6 g L −1) and as a metal chelating activity (IC50 = 0.4 g L−1) significantly lower than EDTA. The obtained results allow further exploration of the thermophilic G. gelatinosa for several biotechnological and industrial applications.

The biochemical composition of three novel selected microalgae strains (Chlorophyta) was evaluated to confirm their potential possibilities as new sustainably produced biomass with nutritional, functional, and/or biomedical properties. Extracts from cultured Pseudopediastrum boryanum, Chloromonas cf. reticulata, and Chloroidium saccharophilum exhibited higher radical scavenging activity of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) when compared to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), but lower than butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). Total phenolic compounds and amino acids were determined by newly developed RP-HPLC methods. Total phenolic contents, as µg g−1 of dry biomass, reached 27.1 for C. cf. reticulata, 26.4 for P. boryanum, and 55.8 for C. saccharophilum. Percentages of total analysed amino acids were 24.3, 32.1, and 18.5% of dry biomass, respectively, presenting high values for essential amino acids reaching 54.1, 72.6, and 61.2%, respectively. Glutamic acid was the most abundant free amino acid in all microalgae samples, followed by proline and lysine in C. saccharophilum and P. boryanum, and methionine and lysine in C. reticulata. Soluble carbohydrates in aqueous extracts ranged from 39.6 for C. saccharophilum to 49.3% for C. reticulata, increasing values to 45.1 for C. saccharophilum and 52.7% for P. boryanum in acid hydrolysates of dried biomass. Results confirmed the potential possibilities of these microalgae strains.

La Sentencia 459/2019, de 14 de octubre («Caso procés. lndependencia de Cataluna») no pasara a la historia jurídica probablemente por sus decisiones procesales penales, aunque una parte muy importante de ella se haya dedicado al analisis de las posibles vulneraciones de los derechos fundamentales de los acusados, sino por su contenido sustantivo, es decir, por lo que ha decidido materialmente. Sin embargo, la única posibilidad que tienen las defensas de conseguir la nulidad del proceso es de naturaleza procesal. En este comentario de urgencia se analiza si una de las posibilidades, la posible vulneración del derecho a la presunción de inocencia, puede ayudar a conseguir esa nulidad. Me parece que no. Aunque la violaci6n alegada por las defensas se refiere a un hecho extraprocesal, la aplicación de la doctrina ya existente del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos, confirmada por la del Tribunal Constitucional espanol y la del propio Tribunal Supremo, hacen practicamente imposible que pueda triunfar

El presente artículo profundiza en la íntima relación existente entre el proceso educativo escolar y la naturaleza como su escenario de acción. Así mismo, se centra en el análisis de las principales experiencias educativas, durante los siglos XIX y XX, que utilizaron la naturaleza como una de sus herramientas principales. Parte de la importancia de identificar el valor educativo que surge de esta íntima relación si queremos dar cumplida respuesta a los retos que emergen en el panorama educativo actual, muchos de ellos vinculados a los hábitos y modos de vida de los niños y jóvenes, tan alejados de lo natural. Conocer a fondo las experiencias históricas que pusieron, con tan buenos resultados, en relación íntima la naturaleza con la educación escolar es una magnífica palanca para atisbar la posibilidad de pensar en nuevas experiencias educativas capaces de acercarnos a las claves educativas de los ciudadanos del siglo XXI.

Background and Aim: The circulating recombinant form 02_AG (CRF02_AG) is the predominant clade among the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) non-Bs with a prevalence of 5.97% (95% Confidence Interval-CI: 5.41–6.57%) across Spain. Our aim was to estimate the levels of regional clustering for CRF02_AG and the spatiotemporal characteristics of the largest CRF02_AG subepidemic in Spain.Methods: We studied 396 CRF02_AG sequences obtained from HIV-1 diagnosed patients during 2000–2014 from 10 autonomous communities of Spain. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the 391 CRF02_AG sequences along with all globally sampled CRF02_AG sequences (N = 3,302) as references. Phylodynamic and phylogeographic analysis was performed to the largest CRF02_AG monophyletic cluster by a Bayesian method in BEAST v1.8.0 and by reconstructing ancestral states using the criterion of parsimony in Mesquite v3.4, respectively.Results: The HIV-1 CRF02_AG prevalence differed across Spanish autonomous communities we sampled from (p < 0.001). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 52.7% of the CRF02_AG sequences formed 56 monophyletic clusters, with a range of 2–79 sequences. The CRF02_AG regional dispersal differed across Spain (p = 0.003), as suggested by monophyletic clustering. For the largest monophyletic cluster (subepidemic) (N = 79), 49.4% of the clustered sequences originated from Madrid, while most sequences (51.9%) had been obtained from men having sex with men (MSM). Molecular clock analysis suggested that the origin (tMRCA) of the CRF02_AG subepidemic was in 2002 (median estimate; 95% Highest Posterior Density-HPD interval: 1999–2004). Additionally, we found significant clustering within the CRF02_AG subepidemic according to the ethnic origin.Conclusion: CRF02_AG has been introduced as a result of multiple introductions in Spain, following regional dispersal in several cases. We showed that CRF02_AG transmissions were mostly due to regional dispersal in Spain. The hot-spot for the largest CRF02_AG regional subepidemic in Spain was in Madrid associated with MSM transmission risk group. The existence of subepidemics suggest that several spillovers occurred from Madrid to other areas. CRF02_AG sequences from Hispanics were clustered in a separate subclade suggesting no linkage between the local and Hispanic subepidemics.

In recent years, research on natural products has gained considerable attention, particularly in the cosmetic industry, which is looking for new bio-active and biodegradable molecules. In this study, cosmetic properties of cyanobacteria and red macroalgae were analyzed. The extractions were conducted in different solvents (water, ethanol and two combinations of water:ethanol). The main molecules with antioxidant and photoprotective capacity were mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), scytonemin and phenolic compounds. The highest contents of scytonemin (only present in cyanobacteria) were observed in Scytonema sp. (BEA 1603B) and Lyngbya sp. (BEA 1328B). The highest concentrations of MAAs were found in the red macroalgae Porphyra umbilicalis, Gelidium corneum and Osmundea pinnatifida and in the cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp. Scytonema sp. was the unique species that presented an MAA with maximum absorption in the UV-B band, being identified as mycosporine-glutaminol for the first time in this species. The highest content of polyphenols was observed in Scytonema sp. and P. umbilicalis. Water was the best extraction solvent for MAAs and phenols, whereas scytonemin was better extracted in a less polar solvent such as ethanol:dH2O (4:1). Cyanobacterium extracts presented higher antioxidant activity than those of red macroalgae. Positive correlations of antioxidant activity with different molecules, especially polyphenols, biliproteins and MAAs, were observed. Hydroethanolic extracts of some species incorporated in creams showed an increase in the photoprotection capacity in comparison with the base cream. Extracts of these organisms could be used as natural photoprotectors improving the diversity of sunscreens. The combination of different extracts enriched in scytonemin and MAAs could be useful to design broad-band natural UV-screen cosmeceutical products.

OBJECTIVE:We investigated the association of genetic polymorphisms in chemokine and chemokine receptor genes with poor immunological recovery in HIV patients starting combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) with low CD4 T-cell counts. METHODS:A case-control study was conducted in 412 HIV-infected patients starting cART with CD4 T-cell count

INTRODUCTION:Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in brain cancer represents a scarcely explored field in neuro-oncology. Recently, some pre- and clinical studies have reported that RAS components play a relevant role in the development and behavior of gliomas. The angiotensinogen (AGT) rs5050 genetic variant has been identified as a crucial regulator of the transcription of AGT mRNA, which makes it a logical and promising target of research. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the AGT rs5050 genetic variant in blood with prognosis in astrocytoma. METHODS:A prospective pilot study was performed on forty-eight astrocytoma patients, who received the standard-of-care treatment. Blood samples were taken prior to surgery and DNA was sequenced using Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing and analyzed by Ion Reporter software. Descriptive, bivariate, multivariate, and survival analyses were performed using SPSS v21, STATA 12 and GraphPad Prism 7. RESULTS:Median follow-up was 41 months (range 1-48). Survival analysis showed a significant difference between the rs5050 genotypes (p = .05). We found lower survival rates in individuals with the GG-genotype of rs5050 AGT compared to patients with the TT- and TG-genotype (2 months vs. 11.5 months, respectively [p = .01]). In bivariate and multivariate analyses, GG-genotype was negatively associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS:In patients with astrocytoma, AGT rs5050 GG-genotype was associated with poor prognosis. We propose this germline genetic variant as a complementary biomarker, which can be detected practically and safely in blood samples or saliva.

Anterior exposure for cervical chordomas remains challenging because of the anatomical complexities and the restoration of the dimensional balance of the atlanto-axial region. In this report, we describe and analyze the transmandibular transoral approach and multilevel spinal reconstruction for upper cervical chordomas. We report two cases of cervical chordomas (C2 and C2-C4) that were treated by marginal en bloc resection with a transmandibular approach and anterior-posterior multilevel spinal reconstruction/fixation. Both patients showed clinical improvement. Postoperative imaging was negative for any residual tumor and revealed adequate reconstruction and stabilization. Marginal resection requires more extensive exposure to allow the surgeon access to the entire pathology, as an inadequate tumor margin is the main factor that negatively affects the prognosis. Anterior and posterior reconstruction provides a rigid reconstruction that protects the medulla and decreases axial pain by properly stabilizing the cervical spine.

Aqueous and methanolic extracts of several microalgae (Ankistrodesmus sp., Spirogyra sp., Euglena cantabrica, and Caespitella pascheri) and cyanobacteria (Nostoc sp., Nostoc commune, Nodularia spumigena, Leptolyngbya protospira, Phormidiochaete sp., and Arthrospira platensis) were screened for their radical scavenging activity against the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Despite the fact that water was a more efficient solvent to extract greater amount of extractable substances, it seems that methanol was more efficient to extract a selected group of compounds with a higher antioxidant activity. In addition, the identification of 4 simple phenolics (gallic, syringic, protocatechuic, and chlorogenic acids) and the flavonoids (+) catechin and (-) epicatechin was carried out by using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The strain Euglena cantabrica showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, particularly gallic and protocatechuic acids (5.87 and 2.97 mg per gram of dried biomass, resp.). Aqueous and methanolic extracts of microalgae Euglena cantabrica also exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, probably due to the presence of the high contents of phenolics.

En el presente trabajo se aborda el análisis de las necesidades del e-learning en el medio universitario y la necesidad de diseñar, planificar y tutorizar adecuadamente los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje realizados a través de los llamados Campus Virtuales. La finalidad es adecuar las necesidades reales de esta modalidad de formación, a las características de los destinatarios y a los requerimientos de calidad esperados en los procesos de formación superior. Además, se desarrollan los diferentes pasos y procesos a seguir para el diseño y planificación de los mencionados procesos y para la construcción de los Entornos Colaborativos de Aprendizaje (ECAs).

Primary central nervous system atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors mostly occur during early childhood and are almost invariably fatal. These tumors show similar histological and radiological features to primitive neuroectodermal tumor, meduloblastoma and choroid plexus carcinoma, but present different biological behaviors. We present the case of an 18 year-old man who presented headache, vomiting and ataxia. CT-scan and MRI revealed a posterior fossa tumor. A gross total resection was performed. An intraoperative study showed papillary-like tumors with large cells and mitotic features. Histological examination showed two different main growth patterns: solid sheets of undifferentiated polygonal cells with papillary features and rhabdoid cells. Immunohistochemically, these rhabdoid cells were positive for vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, smooth-muscle actin, cytokeratin, S-100 protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Electro-microscopically, the typical rhabdoid cells contained whorled bundles of intermediate filaments in their cytoplasm. A rhabdoid tumor is a clinicalpathological entity and emphasizes the necessity to distinguish this unique tumor from other pediatric central nervous system neoplasms. Cytopathological features, immunohistochemistry and electro-microscopy differential diagnoses are discussed.Los tumores de tipo rabdoide primarios en cualquier sitio son raros y en el sistema nervioso central son extremadamente raros y ocurren principalmente en niños, el tumor teratoide/rabdoide es el tumor más frecuente dentro de este grupo y de evolución clínica fatal. El tumor neuroectodermico primitivo, medulobalstoma y al carcinoma de plexos coroides son tumores generalmente muestran aspectos clínicos radiológicos e histológicos similares, con evolución diferente. Presentamos el caso de un hombre joven de 18 años que inició con cefalea vómitos y ataxia. La imagen de TC muestra tumor en fosa posterior. Se realizó resección total del tumor. En el estudio transoperatorio se observó neoplasia maligna de células grandes con mitosis y que formaba estructuras papilares. Histológicamente se observaron dos patrones diferentes, uno formado por nidos sólidos de células poligonales indiferenciadas con formación de estructuras papilares y el otro con abundantes células grandes de aspecto rabdoide. Por inmunohistoquímica las células de aspecto rabdoide fueron positivas para vimentina, antigeno de membrana epitelial, actina de músculo liso, citoqueratina, y proteína S-100, La PGAF fue focalmente positiva. Se realizó microscopía electrónica de las células rabdoides que mostraban nidos irregulares de filamentos intermedios intracitoplasmicos y lamina basal. El tumor rabdoide cerebral es clínica como histológicamente una rara entidad en la población pediátrica. Se discute el aspecto citopatológicas de inmunohistoquímica y de microscopia electrónica y sus diagnósticos diferenciales.

Para la convergencia europea se deben modificar los planes de estudios de las facultades de medicina de forma que el Sistema de Transferencia de Créditos Europeo (ECTS) esté incorporado a los nuevos planes del estudio antes del 2010. Objetivos: Experimentar la introducción del ECTS en el segundo cuatrimestre de quinto curso, modificando la metodología docente. Diseño del estudio: Se adaptaron los programas teóricos y prácticos y se establecieron unos objetivos docentes y un sistema de evaluación para las asignaturas de Patología Médica de la Sangre y de la Hematopoyesis, de las Enfermedades Infecciosas y del Sistema Endocrino y Nutrición, Pediatría y Patología Quirúrgica de Cara, Cuello, Mama y Glándulas Endocrinas. Se realizaron encuestas a los alumnos en el transcurso de cuatrimestre, utilizando para las respuestas una escala de tipo Likert con cinco grados. Se analizó la priorización de las competencias genéricas y específicas de los alumnos. Para el análisis de los resultados se aplicaron pruebas no paramétricas. Resultados: Los 37 créditos actuales se transformaron en 29.5 ECTS, con 736.5 horas de trabajo para los alumnos. Se redujeron los programas teóricos de 186 lecciones en total a 134 (reducción del 27.96 %). Los alumnos prepararon y presentaron 58 casos clínicos bajo la supervisión de sus tutores. Los profesores consideraron que el aprendizaje teórico había sido similar al de cursos anteriores (66.6 %) y el práctico había sido mejor (73.3 %). El 73.3 % de los alumnos contestaron que el proyecto debía mejorarse, mediante la reducción de la carga de trabajo de los alumnos y mejora del sistema de evaluación. Los alumnos apreciaron de forma estadísticamente significativa que mejoró la docencia práctica y su capacidad para preparar y presentar casos clínicos. El rendimiento académico de los alumnos fue significativamente mejor que el de los alumnos del curso anterior. Los estudiantes estuvieron de acuerdo con la prioridad de competencias de la CND para 9/9 de las generales y 4/17 de las específicas. Conclusiones: La introducción experimental del ECTS mejoró el rendimiento académico, la formación práctica y el autoaprendizaje de los alumnos. La experiencia fue satisfactoria para profesores y alumnos. La estimación de la carga de trabajo de los alumnos fue subestimada.Introduction: To comply with the requirements of European convergence, faculties of medicine must modify their curricula and incorporate the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) before 2010. Objectives: To test the introduction of ECTS in the 2nd term of the 5th year medicine course and the appropriately modified teaching methodology. Study design: Theoretical and practical programs were adapted; academic objectives and student evaluation system were established for the following subjects: medical pathology of blood and haematopoiesis, infectious diseases and endocrine system and nutrition, paediatrics and surgical pathology of the face, neck, breast and endocrine glands. Students were surveyed during the term, using a 5-point Likert-type scale. We recorded student priorities for general and specific parameters, and the results were analyzed using non-parametric tests. Results: Thirty-seven credits were converted into 29.5 ECTS credits, representing 736.5 student working hours. The theory program was reduced from 186 to 134 lectures (a reduction of 28%). Students presented 58 tutor-supervised clinical cases. The teaching staff considered that learning of theory was similar to previous years (66.6%) but that practical learning improved (73.3%). Most students (73.2%) thought the program should be improved, especially the examination system, and the workload reduced. Students reported a statistically significant improvement in practical teaching and in their capacity to present clinical cases. Academic performance was significantly higher than that of the 5th year students the previous year. Students agreed with the National Deans Conference priorities for the 9/9 general and 4/17 specific competences. Conclusions: Introducing ECTS improved academic performance, practical training and self-learning. The project proved satisfactory for staff and students. Student workload was underestimated in the new plan.

Para la convergencia europea se deben modificar los planes de estudios de las facultades de medicina de forma que el Sistema de Transferencia de Créditos Europeo (ECTS) esté incorporado a los nuevos planes del estudio antes del 2010. Objetivos: Experimentar la introducción del ECTS en el segundo cuatrimestre de quinto curso, modificando la metodología docente. Diseño del estudio: Se adaptaron los programas teóricos y prácticos y se establecieron unos objetivos docentes y un sistema de evaluación para las asignaturas de Patología Médica de la Sangre y de la Hematopoyesis, de las Enfermedades Infecciosas y del Sistema Endocrino y Nutrición, Pediatría y Patología Quirúrgica de Cara, Cuello, Mama y Glándulas Endocrinas. Se realizaron encuestas a los alumnos en el transcurso de cuatrimestre, utilizando para las respuestas una escala de tipo Likert con cinco grados. Se analizó la priorización de las competencias genéricas y específicas de los alumnos. Para el análisis de los resultados se aplicaron pruebas no paramétricas. Resultados: Los 37 créditos actuales se transformaron en 29.5 ECTS, con 736.5 horas de trabajo para los alumnos. Se redujeron los programas teóricos de 186 lecciones en total a 134 (reducción del 27.96 %). Los alumnos prepararon y presentaron 58 casos clínicos bajo la supervisión de sus tutores. Los profesores consideraron que el aprendizaje teórico había sido similar al de cursos anteriores (66.6 %) y el práctico había sido mejor (73.3 %). El 73.3 % de los alumnos contestaron que el proyecto debía mejorarse, mediante la reducción de la carga de trabajo de los alumnos y mejora del sistema de evaluación. Los alumnos apreciaron de forma estadísticamente significativa que mejoró la docencia práctica y su capacidad para preparar y presentar casos clínicos. El rendimiento académico de los alumnos fue significativamente mejor que el de los alumnos del curso anterior. Los estudiantes estuvieron de acuerdo con la prioridad de competencias de la CND para 9/9 de las generales y 4/17 de las específicas. Conclusiones: La introducción experimental del ECTS mejoró el rendimiento académico, la formación práctica y el autoaprendizaje de los alumnos. La experiencia fue satisfactoria para profesores y alumnos. La estimación de la carga de trabajo de los alumnos fue subestimada.