The axiological foundations of innovation in STEM education - A systematic review and ethical meta-analysis.

Introduction: Values are crucial in decision-making, including processes related to science and technology, despite scientists often being unaware of them. Because a goal of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is to foster innovation, values have become fundamental in directing science and technology policies and shaping organizational cultures to leverage innovation. However, most research on STEM education has focused on improving performance or access to STEM education while overlooking its axiological configuration. This study analyzes the different value systems emerging in the current literature on STEM higher education and identifies the relevant stakeholders. Method: In this systematic review and ethical meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the most prominent studies on STEM education and its core values. We followed a Ricoeur-inspired hermeneutical methodology using Atlas ti 8.4.4. Values are identified and classified using a systematic approach to integrate axiological landscapes. Results: The literature does not explicitly discuss the value of STEM education for innovation. However, social values appear to be at the intersection and the cornerstone of basic, economic, aesthetic, and epistemic values, as most social values also manifest these four systems. The most common manifestation of the value system is the capability approach to justice, followed by the beauty of recognition and success and, in third place, racism and social disparities. The analyzed literature emphasizes STEM education's social, political, and economic determinants. However, there is an epistemic gap in the indispensable value of innovating and assessing STEM education. Conclusions: We propose an organizational culture model for STEM education that considers the goals, ends, values, and behaviors of students, teachers, educational institutions, and the government. This model can help fill the axiological gaps in STEM education.

Role of PIGM and PIGX in glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis and human health (Review).

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-glycan (GPI) is an anchor to specific cell surface proteins known as GPI-anchored proteins (APs) that are localized in lipid rafts and may act as cell co-receptors, enzymes and adhesion molecules. The present review investigated the significance of GPI biosynthesis class phosphatidylinositol-glycan (PIG)M and PIGX in GPI synthesis and their implications in human health conditions. PIGM encodes GPI-mannosyltransferase I (MT-I) enzyme that adds the first mannose to the GPI core structure. PIGX encodes the regulatory subunit of GPI-MT-I. The present review summarizes characteristics of the coding sequences of PIGM and PIGX, and their expression in humans, as well as the relevance of GPI-MT-I and the regulatory subunit in maintaining the presence of GPI-APs on the cell surface and their secretion. In addition, the association of PIGM mutations with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and certain types of GPI-deficiency disease and the altered expression of PIGM and PIGX in cancer were also reviewed. In addition, their interaction with other proteins was described, suggesting a complex role in cell biology. PIGM and PIGX are critical genes for GPI synthesis. Understanding gene and protein regulation may provide valuable insights into the role of GPI-APs in cellular processes.

The Role of Carbohydrate Intake on the Gut Microbiome: A Weight of Evidence Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Carbohydrates are the most important source of nutritional energy for the human body. Carbohydrate digestion, metabolism, and their role in the gut microbiota modulation are the focus of multiple studies. The objective of this weight of evidence systematic review is to investigate the potential relationship between ingested carbohydrates and the gut microbiota composition at different taxonomic levels. (2) Methods: Weight of evidence and information value techniques were used to evaluate the relationship between dietary carbohydrates and the relative abundance of different bacterial taxa in the gut microbiota. (3) Results: The obtained results show that the types of carbohydrates that have a high information value are: soluble fiber with Bacteroides increase, insoluble fiber with Bacteroides and Actinobacteria increase, and Firmicutes decrease. Oligosaccharides with Lactobacillus increase and Enterococcus decrease. Gelatinized starches with Prevotella increase. Starches and resistant starches with Blautia decrease and Firmicutes increase. (4) Conclusions: This work provides, for the first time, an integrative review of the subject by using statistical techniques that have not been previously employed in microbiota reviews.

A New Cycler for Automated Peritoneal Dialysis to Provide Efficient Dialysis and Improved Sleep Quality.

INTRODUCTION: Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) employs cyclers to control inflow and outflow of the dialysis fluid to the patient's abdomen. To allow more patients to use this modality, cyclers should support the achievement of an adequate dialysis dose and be easy to use, cost-effective, and silent. The new SILENCIA cycler (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany), designed to improve these characteristics in comparison to its predecessor device, was evaluated in this respect in a prospective study. METHODS: This cross-over study comprised two 2-week study periods, separated by a 3-week training phase. First, patients underwent APD with their current cycler (PD-NIGHT [Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany] or HomeChoice Pro [Baxter, Deerfield, IL, USA] as control), followed by training on the SILENCIA cycler. Then, patients were switched to the SILENCIA cycler. During each treatment period, we collected data on total Kt/Vurea, ultrafiltration (UF) volume, patient-reported outcomes (sleep quality, among others), and device handling. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were enrolled; 2 patients terminated the study prematurely before study intervention, 1 patient due to a protocol violation. In 13 patients, total Kt/Vurea and UF could be evaluated. Neither Kt/Vurea nor UF differed significantly between control and SILENCIA cyclers. Out of 10 patients answering the questionnaire on sleep quality after the 2-week phase with the SILENCIA cycler, sleep quality improved in 5 patients; in the other patients, sleep quality was rated unchanged compared to the previously used cycler. The average reported sleep time was 5.9 ± 1.8 h with the PD-NIGHT, 7.2 ± 2.1 h with HomeChoice Pro, and 8.0 ± 1.6 h with the SILENCIA cycler. All patients were much or very much satisfied with the new cycler. CONCLUSION: The SILENCIA cycler delivers adequate urea clearance and UF. Importantly, sleep quality improved, possibly related to less caution messages and alarms.

El mejillón Semimytilus patagonicus (Mytilida: Mytilidae) y el gusano Pseudonereis gallapagensis (Phyllodocida: Nereididae) como herramientas ecotoxicológica para la contaminación por detergentes en ambientes marinos / The mussel Semimytilus patagonicus (Mytilida: Mytilidae) and the worm Pseudonereis gallapagensis (Phyllodocida: Nereididae) as ecotoxicological tools for detergent pollution in marine environments

Introduction: The bivalve Semimytilus patagonicus is a potentially useful bioindicator because of its feeding mechanism, and the worm Pseudonereis gallapagensis is also interesting as a bioindicator because it is benthonic, abundant, and a food source for the squid Doryteuthis gahi. However, their sensitivity to contaminants has not been sufficiently studied. Objective: To test the usefulness of the mussel Semimytilus patagonicus and the polychaete Pseudonereis gallapagensis as ecotoxicological tools for detergents in the marine environment. Methods: We used 120 individuals of S. patagonicus from Miraflores and 120 of P. gallapagensis from Barranco (both near the city of Lima, Peru). For the bioassays, we used two anionic detergents (active ingredient, ai, Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate). For S. patagonicus, with an average valve length of 32.3 ± 6.4 mm, we tested "Double power Ariel®" (90 %) at concentrations of 17.5, 35, 70 and 140 mg ai l-1, evaluated after 48 and 72 h of exposure; and for P. gallapagensis, with a total body length of 20.4 ± 8.8 mm, we tested "Caricia®" at 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1 000 mg of ai l-1 at 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure. Results: The LC50 values (Mean Lethal Concentration) were 34.95 mg ia l-1 for S. patagonicus and 102.48 mg ia l-1 for P. gallapagensis at 72 h of exposure. The detergents were toxic for S. patagonicus and slightly toxic for P. gallapagensis. The risk classification for S. patagonicus is "harmful" and for P. gallapagensis "not classifiable". Conclusions: These two bioindicators allow evaluating the acute toxicity of SDBS-based commercial detergents in the marine aquatic environment.

Introducción: El bivalvo Semimytilus patagonicus es un bioindicador potencialmente útil por su mecanismo de alimentación, y el gusano Pseudonereis gallapagensis también es interesante como bioindicador por ser bentónico, abundante y fuente de alimento para el calamar Doryteuthis gahi. Sin embargo, su sensibilidad a los contaminantes no ha sido suficientemente estudiada. Objetivo: Probar la utilidad del mejillón S. patagonicus y el poliqueto P. gallapagensis como herramientas ecotoxicológicas para detergentes en el medio marino. Métodos: Se utilizaron 120 individuos de S. patagonicus de Miraflores y 120 de P. gallapagensis de Barranco (ambos cerca de la ciudad de Lima, Perú). Para los bioensayos se utilizaron dos detergentes aniónicos (ingrediente activo, ia, dodecilbenceno sulfonato de sodio). Para S. patagonicus, con una longitud valver promedio de 32.3 ± 6.4 mm, probamos Ariel Doble Poder® (90 %) a concentraciones de 17.5, 35, 70 y 140 mg·ia·l-1, evaluadas a las 48 y 72 h de exposición; y para P. gallapagensis, con una longitud corporal total de 20.4 ± 8.8 mm, probamos Caricia® a 62.5, 125, 250, 500 y 1 000 mg·ia·l-1 a las 24, 48 y 72 h de exposición. Resultados: Los valores de CL50 (Concentración Letal Media) fueron de 34.95 mg·ia·l-1 para S. patagonicus y 102.48 mg·ia·l-1 para P. gallapagensis a las 72 h de exposición. Los detergentes fueron tóxicos para S. patagonicus y levemente tóxicos para P. gallapagensis. La clasificación de riesgo para S. patagonicus es "nocivo" y para P. gallapagensis "no clasificable". Conclusiones: Estos dos bioindicadores permiten evaluar la toxicidad aguda del detergente comercial a base de SDBS en el ambiente acuático marino.

[Enteroparasitosis in Peru and its relation to the Human Development Index]. / Enteroparasitosis en Perú y su relación con el Índice de desarrollo humano.

BACKGROUND: Diseases related to enteroparasites are a serious public health problem. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of enteroparasites in Peru and its relationship with the Human Development Index (HDI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A coproparasitological study using the direct method from children and adults from the communities of Pamplona Alta in Lima, the province of San Sebastián de Quera, Castillo Grande, Pillco Marca and Puelles in Huánuco, Llupa-Huaraz in Ancash, and Machaguay in Arequipa, Peru, was carried out from 2012 to 2016. RESULTS: 864 samples were analyzed, and a total prevalence of 23.03% (199 cases) was found. The non-pathogenic protozoan Entamoeba coli, with 10.42% (90 cases), and the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides, with 6.37% (55 cases), were the most prevalent. PERMANOVA analysis based on the prevalences of enteroparasites in urban and rural areas of Peru showed differences among communities. The overall prevalence of urban communities was similar to that of the rural ones. CONCLUSIONS: Enteroparasitosis in Peru are not related to HDI. However, the levels of infestation by enteroparasites varied between the different communities, and they were related to the bioecological characteristics of parasites.

INTRODUCCIÓN: las enfermedades relacionadas con enteroparásitos son un grave problema de salud pública. OBJETIVO: evaluar la prevalencia de enteroparásitos en el Perú y su relación con el Índice de desarrollo humano (IDH). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio coproparasitológico por el método directo en niños y adultos de las comunidades de Pamplona Alta en Lima, de la provincia de San Sebastián de Quera, Castillo Grande, Pillco Marca y Puelles en Huánuco, Llupa-Huaraz en Ancash y Machaguay en Arequipa, Perú, de 2012 a 2016. RESULTADOS: se analizaron 864 muestras y se encontró una prevalencia total del 23.03% (199 casos). El protozoario no patógeno Entamoeba coli con 10.42% (90 casos) y el nematodo Ascaris lumbricoides con 6.37% (55 casos) fueron los más prevalentes. La prevalencia de protozoos fue mayor que la de los helmintos. No se observó asociación entre el IDH frente a la prevalencia total ni frente a las cuatro especies de enteroparásitos más frecuentes. El análisis PERMANOVA a partir de las prevalencias de enteroparásitos en áreas urbanas y rurales de Perú mostró diferencias entre las comunidades. La prevalencia total de las comunidades urbanas fue similar a la de las rurales. CONCLUSIONES: la enteroparasitosis en el Perú no se relaciona con el IDH. Sin embargo, los niveles de infestación por enteroparásitos variaron entre las diferentes comunidades y se relacionaron con las características bioecológicas de los parásitos.

Enteroparasitosis en Perú y su relación con el Índice de desarrollo humano / Enteroparasitosis in Peru and its relation to the Human Development Index

Introducción: las enfermedades relacionadas con enteroparásitos son un grave problema de salud pública. Objetivo: evaluar la prevalencia de enteroparásitos en el Perú y su relación con el Índice de desarrollo humano (IDH). Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio coproparasitológico por el método directo en niños y adultos de las comunidades de Pamplona Alta en Lima, de la provincia de San Sebastián de Quera, Castillo Grande, Pillco Marca y Puelles en Huánuco, Llupa-Huaraz en Ancash y Machaguay en Arequipa, Perú, de 2012 a 2016. Resultados: se analizaron 864 muestras y se encontró una prevalencia total del 23.03% (199 casos). El protozoario no patógeno Entamoeba coli con 10.42% (90 casos) y el nematodo Ascaris lumbricoides con 6.37% (55 casos) fueron los más prevalentes. La prevalencia de protozoos fue mayor que la de los helmintos. No se observó asociación entre el IDH frente a la prevalencia total ni frente a las cuatro especies de enteroparásitos más frecuentes. El análisis PERMANOVA a partir de las prevalencias de enteroparásitos en áreas urbanas y rurales de Perú mostró diferencias entre las comunidades. La prevalencia total de las comunidades urbanas fue similar que la de las rurales. Conclusiones: la enteroparasitosis en el Perú no se relaciona con el IDH. Sin embargo, los niveles de infestación por enteroparásitos variaron entre las diferentes comunidades y se relacionaron con las características bioecológicas de los parásitos.

Background: Diseases related to enteroparasites are a serious public health problem. Objective: To assess the prevalence of enteroparasites in Peru and its relationship with the Human Development Index (HDI). Material and methods: A coproparasitological study using the direct method from children and adults from the communities of Pamplona Alta in Lima, the province of San Sebastián de Quera, Castillo Grande, Pillco Marca and Puelles in Huánuco, Llupa-Huaraz in Ancash, and Machaguay in Arequipa, Peru was carried out from 2012 to 2016. Results: 864 samples were analyzed, and a total prevalence of 23.03% (199 cases) was found. The non-pathogenic protozoan Entamoeba coli, with 10.42% (90 cases), and the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides, with 6.37% (55 cases), were the most prevalent. PERMANOVA analysis based on the prevalences of enteroparasites in urban and rural areas of Peru showed differences among communities. The overall prevalence of urban communities was similar to that of rural ones. Conclusions: Enteroparasitosis in Peru are not related to HDI. However, the levels of infestation by enteroparasites varied between the different communities, and they were related to the bioecological characteristics of parasites.

Histone H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation at the promoter of the LGALS9 gene is associated with mRNA levels in cervical cancer cells.

Galectin-9 levels have been reported to be altered in several cancer types, but the mechanism that regulates the expression of Galectin-9 has not been clarified. Galectin-9 is encoded by the LGALS9 gene, which gives rise to eight mRNA variants. The aims of this study were: (a) to identify the mRNA variants of LGALS9, (b) to characterize CpG methylation and H3K9 and H3K14 histone acetylation at the promoter of the LGALS9 gene, and (c) to characterize the relationship between these modifications and LGALS9 expression level in cervical cancer cells. All mRNA variants were detected in HaCaT (nontumoural keratinocytes) and SiHa cells, and seven were observed in HeLa cells. The promoter region of LGALS9 contains eight CpG dinucleotides. No hypermethylation pattern related to low LGALS9 expression was identified in tumour cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated higher acetylation of H3K9ac and H3K14ac in HaCaT cells, which was related to higher mRNA levels. The presence of the mRNA variants suggests that alternative splicing may regulate the expression of galectin-9 isoforms. The results of this study suggest that histone acetylation, but not promoter CpG methylation, may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of the LGALS9 gene.

Milk Production, N Partitioning, and Methane Emissions in Dairy Cows Grazing Mixed or Spatially Separated Simple and Diverse Pastures.

Increasing pasture diversity and spatially separated sowing arrangements can potentially increase the dry matter intake of high-quality forages leading to improved animal production. This study investigated the effects of simple (two-species) and diverse (six-species) pastures planted either in mixed or spatially separated adjacent pasture strips on performance, N partitioning, and methane emission of dairy cows. Thirty-six mid-lactation Jersey cows grazed either (1) simple mixed, (2) simple spatially separated, (3) diverse mixed, or (4) diverse spatially separated pastures planted in a complete randomized block design with three replicates. Compared to simple pasture, diverse pasture had lower CP content but higher condensed tannins and total phenolic compounds with an overall positive effect on yield of milk solids, nitrogen utilization, including a reduction of N output from urine, and methane yields per dry matter eaten. The spatial separation increased legume and CP content in simple pasture but decreased NDF in both diverse and simple pastures. In conclusion, increasing diversity using pasture species with higher nutritive value and secondary compounds can help improving the production while decreasing the environmental effect of dairy farming, while spatial separation had a minor effect on feed intake and yield, possibly due to overall high-quality pastures in early spring.

Identification and characterization of the V3 promoter of the ST3GAL4 gene.

The ST3GAL4 gene encodes the enzyme Galß1-4GlcNAc α2,3 sialyltransferase (ST3Gal IV). This enzyme participates in the synthesis of the sialyl Lewis x antigen. In different cancer types altered expression of this antigen has been reported. The transcriptional regulation of this gene is very complex, different mRNA variants (V1-V10) have been reported and are originated by the activity of different promoters and alternative splicing. Only the promoter that gives rise to the V3 variant has not been previously reported. The objective of this work was to identify and characterize the V3 promoter of the ST3GAL4 gene. For this, the putative V3 promoter of the ST3GAL4 gene was delimited by in silico analysis. The complete promoter and smaller versions were cloned in a reporter plasmid. The constructs were transfected in the HaCaT cells and the promoter activity was evaluated by luciferase reporter assays. The cloned region showed promoter activity, and the basal activity was not dependent on TATA boxes. However, the GC boxes, an initiator element (Inr) and downstream promoter element (DPE) could contribute to basal activity. The promoter contains several binding sites for the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) that could participate in inducible activity during the immune response. The minimal promoter corresponds to a fragment of approximately 300 bp, located in the position -347 b to -40 b. The characterization of the V3 promoter of the ST3GAL4 gene completes the study of the four promoters of this gene, this contributes to the understanding of its complex transcription regulation.

Expression analysis of ST3GAL4 transcripts in cervical cancer cells.

ST3GAL4 gene expression is altered in different cancer types, including cervical cancer. Several mRNA transcripts have been reported for this gene; however, their expression levels in cervical cancer have not been analyzed. ST3GAL4 encodes for ß­galactosidase α­2,3­sialyltransferase 4, involved in the biosynthesis of the tumour antigens sLe(x) and sulfo­sLe(x). The present study evaluated the presence of three mRNA variants (V1, V2 and V3) in cervical cancer cell lines, detecting the three variants. Additionally, the expression level of the V1 transcript of the ST3GAL4 gene was determined by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction in cervical cell lines and in normal, premalignant and cervical cancer tissue. The V1 transcript of the ST3GAL4 demonstrated significant decreased expression in premalignant and malignant cervical tissues. The results suggested that deregulation of this gene could occur prior to the presence of cancer and demonstrated the importance of evaluating the expression level of V1, and its association with disease progression.

Myocardial VHL-HIF Signaling Controls an Embryonic Metabolic Switch Essential for Cardiac Maturation.

While gene regulatory networks involved in cardiogenesis have been characterized, the role of bioenergetics remains less studied. Here we show that until midgestation, myocardial metabolism is compartmentalized, with a glycolytic signature restricted to compact myocardium contrasting with increased mitochondrial oxidative activity in the trabeculae. HIF1α regulation mirrors this pattern, with expression predominating in compact myocardium and scarce in trabeculae. By midgestation, the compact myocardium downregulates HIF1α and switches toward oxidative metabolism. Deletion of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Vhl results in HIF1α hyperactivation, blocking the midgestational metabolic shift and impairing cardiac maturation and function. Moreover, the altered glycolytic signature induced by HIF1 trabecular activation precludes regulation of genes essential for establishment of the cardiac conduction system. Our findings reveal VHL-HIF-mediated metabolic compartmentalization in the developing heart and the connection between metabolism and myocardial differentiation. These results highlight the importance of bioenergetics in ventricular myocardium specialization and its potential relevance to congenital heart disease.

Sneddon's syndrome: it is all in the ectoderm.

A 51-year-old man gave a 2-year history of worsening mobility, cognitive decline and headaches. He had a history of thromboembolic stroke, recurrent transient ischaemic attacks and a spontaneous intraventricular haemorrhage. On examination, he had livedo reticularis and perniosis and a systolic murmur. Catheter cerebral angiography showed peripheral small-vessel and medium-vessel vasculopathy resulting in pruning of the distal cortical vessels and tortuous irregular distal collaterals. Skin biopsy showed subtle vasculopathy with ectasia of capillaries and postcapillary venules but no frank vasculitis or arterial thrombosis. Repeated serum antiphospholipid antibody titres were negative. The clinical features, skin biopsy and angiogram findings strongly supported a diagnosis of Sneddon's syndrome. Clinicians should consider Sneddon's syndrome in patients with livedo reticularis and stroke. There are treatment dilemmas in this situation when ischaemic and haemorrhagic cerebral events coexist.

Liquen oral, patrones reaccionales liquenoides y cáncer oral: estudio clínico e histopatológico retrospectivo de 12 años / Oral lichen, lichenoid reaction patterns and oral cancer: retrospective clinical and histopathological study of 12 years

Antecedentes: el liquen plano es una enfermedad con probabilidad de transformación maligna. La afectación oral se presenta en el 60 al 70% y el riesgo de cáncer oral es de 0-12,5%. La distinción entre liquen y reacción liquenoide oral es dificultosa. Se han descripto numerosos criterios para distinguirlas y se han asociado a riesgo de transformación maligna, pero aún así hay varias inconsistencias. Objetivo: determinar las características epidemiológicas y anatomopatológicas de los pacientes con liquen y reacción liquenoide oral. Establecer la frecuencia de progresión a cáncer considerando si hay diferencia entre los grupos. Diseño: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, observacional y longitudinal. Métodos: se recopilaron datos de pacientes evaluados en el Hospital Lagomaggiore de Mendoza, desde enero de 2003 a diciembre de 2014. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con confirmación histopatológica de liquen o reacción liquenoide oral. El análisis se realizó con Graph Pad Instat y se utilizaron medidas de tendencia central, de dispersión, test de normalidad y test exacto de Fisher. Resultados: se incluyeron 110 pacientes con confirmación histopatológica. Cuatro pacientes desarrollaron cáncer oral, 4,23% de los líquenes y 2,56% de las reacciones liquenoides. No hubo diferencia significativa entre grupos. En todos los casos, el cáncer oral ocurrió sobre la zona afectada previamente. Conclusiones: se registraron cuatro pacientes con progresión a cáncer oral. Estos hallazgos justifican el tratamiento y seguimiento. Se requieren más estudios para determinar si el liquen oral y las reacciones liquenoides son entidades separadas (AU)

Background: lichen planus is a disease with probability to become malignant. Oral affection occurs between 60% and 70% and the risk of oral cancer is from 0% to 12.5%. The difference between lichen and lichenoid oral reaction is troublesome. The literature has described numerous criteria to differentiate them and they have been associated to the risk of a malignant transformation, but there are still many inconsistencies. Objetive: to determine epidemiological and anatomopathological characteristics in patients with lichen and lichenoid oral reactions. To settle the frequency of progression to cancer, putting under consideration if there are differences between each group. Study design: Descriptive, retrospective, observational and longitudinal study. Methods: data have been taken from evaluated patients at Lagomaggiore Hospital in Mendoza, from January 2003 until December 2014. Patients over 18 years old with histopathological diagnosis of lichen or lichenoid oral reactions were included. The analysis was done with Graph Pad Instat and there were used central trends, dispersal, normal test and exact Fisher's test measures. Results: we include 110 patients with histopathological diagnosis confirmed. Four patients developed oral cancer; 4.23% of patients with lichen and 2.56% of patients with lichenoid reactions. We did not find a significant difference between groups. In all cases oral cancer occurs in the previously affected zone. Conclusions: there were registered four patients with cancer progression. These findings justify the follow up and treatment. More studies are needed to establish if oral lichen and oral lichenoid lesions are different entities (AU)

An updated list of the plants associated with plant-parasitic Aphelenchoides (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) and its implications for plant-parasitism within this genus.

Few Aphelenchoides spp. are facultative plant-parasites (foliar and bulb nematodes); three of them are well known in agricultural systems, namely Aphelenchoides besseyi, A. fragariae and A. ritzemabosi. Ten other plant-parasitic species, A. arachidis, A. bicaudatus, A. blastophthorus, A. dalianensis, A. ensete, A. nechaleos, A. paranechaleos, A. saprophilus, A. sphaerocephalus and A. subtenuis, have been reported from a limited number of plant species. We compiled a new database of the associated plants for these thirteen species, a comprehensive list that includes 1104 reports from 126 botanical families. A. besseyi, A. fragariae and A. ritzemabosi represent 94% of the reports, circa 83% and 16% of the total reports correspond to flowering plants and ferns, respectively, with three records on conifers and two from other botanical groups also listed. Most plant-parasitic Aphelenchoides show a remarkably broad diversity of associated plants. Most species appear to have no specific plant hosts (i.e. are generalists). The broad host ranges of these species and absence of more intimate interactions with the associated plants highlights the primitive mode of parasitism in Aphelenchoides species, making them potentially interesting in the study of the evolution of plant parasitism. Even though the compiled list of associated plants is long, it probably only represents a fraction of the potential range. The complete compilation has been uploaded to http://nematodes.myspecies.info/.

Prognostic value of intracranial seizure onset patterns for surgical outcome of the treatment of epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if intracranial EEG patterns at seizure onset can predict surgical outcome. METHODS: Ictal onset patterns from intracranial EEG were analysed in 373 electro-clinical seizures and subclinical seizures from 69 patients. Seizure onset patterns were classified as: (a) Diffuse electrodecremental (DEE); (b) Focal fast activity (FA); (c) Simultaneous onset of fast activity and diffuse electrodecremental event (FA-DEE); (d) Spikes; (e) Spike-wave activity; (f) Sharp waves; (g) Alpha activity; (h) Delta activity. Presence of preceding epileptiform discharge (PED) was also studied. Engel and ILAE surgical outcome scales were used. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 42.1 months (SD=30.1). Fast activity was the most common seizure onset pattern seen (33%), followed by (FA-DEE) (20%), DEE (19%), spike-wave activity (12%), sharp-waves (6%), alpha activity (6%), delta activity (3%) and spikes (1%). Preceding epileptiform discharges were present in 75% of patients. FA was associated with favourable outcome (p=0.0083) whereas DEE was associated with poor outcome (p=0.0025). A widespread PED was not associated with poor outcome (p=0.9559). There was no clear association between seizure onset pattern and specific pathology, except possibly between sharp/spike waves and mesial temporal sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: FA activity is associated with favourable outcome. DEE at onset was associated with poor surgical outcome. Widespread/bilateral PEDs were not associated with poor or good outcome. SIGNIFICANCE: FA appears to be the best marker for the epileptogenic zone. Surgery should be contemplated with caution if DEE is the first ictal change. However, a widespread/bilateral PED at onset is common and should not discourage surgery.

Promoter polymorphisms of ST3GAL4 and ST6GAL1 genes and associations with risk of premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix.

Sialyltransferase gene expression is altered in several cancers, including examples in the cervix. Transcriptional regulation of the responsible genes depends on different promoters. We aimed to determine the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the B3 promoter of the ST3GAL4 gene and the P1 promoter of the ST6GAL1 gene with cervical premalignant lesions or cervical cancer. A blood sample and/or cervical scrapes were obtained from 104 women with normal cytology, 154 with premalignant lesions and 100 with cervical cancer. We also included 119 blood samples of random donors. The polymorphisms were identified by sequencing from PCR products. For the B3 promoter, a fragment of 506 bp (from nucleotide -408 to +98) was analyzed, and for the P1 promoter a 490 bp (-326 to +164) fragment. The polymorphism analysis showed that at SNP rs10893506, genotypes CC and CT of the ST3GAL4 B3 promoter were associated with the presence of premalignant lesions (OR=2.89; 95%CI 1.72-4.85) and cervical cancer (OR=2.23; 95%CI 1.27-3.91). We detected only one allele of each polymorphism in the ST6GAL1 P1 promoter. We did not detect any genetic variability in the P1 promoter region in our study population. Our results suggest that the rs10893506 polymorphism -22C/T may increase susceptibility to premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix.

Aplicación de la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT) con hombres que cumplen condena por maltrato. Un estudio piloto / Application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with men serving sentences for abuse. A pilot study

The aim of the study was the implementation of a protocol based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combined with formal strategies of Mindfulness, to a sample of 18 men convicted of domestic violence and serving time in a prison of Autonomous Community of Castilla y León. The intervention protocol consisted on two individual sessions in which the work was focussed on value areas of the participants, and twelve more sessions, in which the work was aimed to encouraging actions related to what is important to participants and training strategies addressed to their acceptance of thoughts and feelings related to violent behaviour. There were changes in the AAQ II, Plutchik Impulsivity Scale, the Register of Discomfort and Action, as well as changes in the subjective impression of civil servants about the behavior and activity level of the participants. Although the randomization of the sample was not possible, the results showed the expected outcome. On one hand, there was a reduction on the level of avoidance and impulsivity in the experimental group compared to the control group and, on the other hand, civil servants in the prison reported behavioral progress in the same direction, though not significant. The discussion is focussed on assessing whether the functional contextual interventions with offenders (focused on the significant behavior for the person, rather than changing the content of their sexist cognitions) may be an effective alternative to prevent and reduce violent behavior (AU)

El objetivo del estudio fue la aplicación de un protocolo basado en la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT) en combinación con estrategias formales de mindfulness, a una muestra de 18 varones condenados por violencia de género y que cumplían condena en un centro penitenciario de la Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla y León. El protocolo de intervención consistió en dos sesiones individuales en las que se trabajaron las áreas de valor, y otras doce sesiones, en las que se incidió en alentar acciones coherentes con lo importante para los participantes y entrenar estrategias dirigidas a la aceptación de los pensamientos y sentimientos asociados a la conducta violenta. Se registraron cambios en el AAQ II, en la Escala de Impulsividad de Plutchik, en el Registro de Malestar y Acción, así como modificaciones en la impresión subjetiva de los funcionarios acerca del comportamiento y nivel de actividad de los participantes. Si bien no fue posible la aleatorización de la muestra, los resultados obtenidos mostraron la dirección esperada. Se redujo el nivel de evitación e impulsividad del grupo experimental frente al grupo de control, y los funcionarios del centro informaron de avances conductuales en la misma dirección, aunque no significativos. La discusión se centra en valorar si las intervenciones contextuales funcionales con los agresores (focalizadas en la conducta significativa para la persona, más que en la modificación del contenido de las cogniciones machistas) pueden ser una alternativa eficaz para prevenir y reducir las conductas violentas (AU)

Clinical experience with oral lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in adult patients with uncontrolled epilepsy: a multicentre study in epilepsy clinics in the United Kingdom (UK).

INTRODUCTION: Lacosamide (LCS) is a new antiepileptic drug (AED) licensed in the European Union (EU) and United States (US) in 2008. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of add-on LCS in an out-patient epilepsy clinic setting to obtain useful information for everyday practice. METHODS: We pooled data retrospectively from the case note of patients with refractory epilepsy in whom LCS had been prescribed in 19 hospitals across the United Kingdom. RESULTS: Four hundred and three patients were included (mean age 41.9 years, 50.6% women, 18.1% with learning disabilities (LD)). Mean follow-up (FU) was 11.6 months (range one day to 42 months). Most patients (86.9%) presented with symptomatic partial epilepsy (SPE) and 80% were taking two or more antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) when LCS was added (mean 2, range 0-4). Retention rates were 80% at six months, 68% at one year and 45% at two years. The efficacy of LCS was evaluated at three months and at the final FU. At three months one hundred and eight patients (31.1%) reported ≥ 50% seizure reduction and 32 (9.2%) were seizure free. At the final FU 102 (37.5%) reported ≥ 50% seizures reduction and 28 (9.8%) were seizure free. One hundred and ninety three patients (48.7%) reported adverse effects (AEs). The most frequent were sedation and dizziness, followed by nausea. Lacosamide was discontinued in 150 patients (38%), 60 due to AEs alone. CONCLUSION: LCS appears to be an effective and safe AED when used as adjunctive therapy in patients with refractory partial epilepsy.

Characterization of P1 promoter activity of the beta-galactoside alpha2,6-sialyltransferase I gene (siat 1) in cervical and hepatic cancer cell lines.

The level of beta-galactoside alpha2,6-sialyltransferase I (ST6Gal I) mRNA, encoded by the gene siat1, is increased in malignant tissues. Expression is regulated by different promoters - P1, P2 and P3 - generating three mRNA isoforms H, X and YZ. In cervical cancer tissue the mRNA isoform H, which results from P1 promoter activity, is increased. To study the regulation of P1 promoter, different constructs from P1 promoter were evaluated by luciferase assays in cervical and hepatic cell lines. Deletion of a fragment of 1048 bp (-89 to +24 bp) increased 5- and 3-fold the promoter activity in C33A and HepG2 cell lines, respectively. The minimal region with promoter activity was a 37 bp fragment in C33A cells. The activity of this region does not require the presence of an initiator sequence. In HepG2 cells the minimal promoter activity was detected in the 66 bp fragment. Sp1 (-32) mutation increased the promoter activity only in HepG2 cells. HNF1 mutation decreased promoter activity in HepG2 cell line but not in C33A cells. We identified a large region that plays a negative regulation role. The regulation of promoter activity is cell type specific. Our study provides new insights into the complex transcriptional regulation of siat1 gene.