Position statement of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis on sexuality and inflammatory bowel disease. / Documento de posicionamiento. Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa sobre sexualidad y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

It is widely acknowledged that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD). However, there is a notable paucity of specific literature in this field. This lack of information impacts various aspects, including the understanding and comprehensive care of SD in the context of IBD. Furthermore, patients themselves express a lack of necessary attention in this area within the treatment of their disease, thus creating an unmet need in terms of their well-being. The aim of this position statement by the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) is to provide a review on the most relevant aspects and potential areas of improvement in the detection, assessment, and management of SD in patients with IBD and to integrate the approach to sexual health into our clinical practice. Recommendations are established based on available scientific evidence and expert opinion. The development of these recommendations by GETECCU has been carried out through a collaborative multidisciplinary approach involving gastroenterologists, gynecologists, urologists, surgeons, nurses, psychologists, sexologists, and, of course, patients with IBD.

Gene therapy for diabetic foot ulcers: Interim analysis of a randomised, placebo-controlled phase 3 study of VM202 (ENGENSIS), a plasmid DNA expressing two isoforms of human hepatocyte growth factor.

To evaluate the status of a 7-month phase 3 study conducted to test the effect of intramuscular injections of VM202 (ENGENSIS), a plasmid DNA encoding human hepatocyte growth factor, into the calf muscles of chronic nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers with concomitant peripheral artery disease. The phase 3 study, originally aimed to recruit 300 subjects, was discontinued because of slow patient recruitment. An unprespecified interim analysis was performed for the 44 subjects enrolled to assess the status and determine the future direction. Statistical analyses were carried out for the Intent-to-Treat (ITT) population and separately for subjects with neuroischemic ulcers, using a t-test and Fisher's exact test. A logistic regression analysis was also conducted. VM202 was safe and potentially should have benefits. In the ITT population (N = 44), there was a positive trend toward closure in the VM202 group from 3 to 6 months but with no statistical significance. Levels of ulcer volume or area were found to be highly skewed between the placebo and VM202 groups. Forty subjects, excluding four outliers in both arms, showed significant wound-closing effects at month 6 (P = .0457). In 23 patients with neuroischemic ulcers, the percentage of subjects reaching complete ulcer closure was significantly higher in the VM202 group at months 3, 4, and 5 (P = .0391, .0391, and .0361). When two outliers were excluded, a significant difference was evident in months 3, 4, 5, and 6 (P = .03 for all points). A potentially clinically meaningful 0.15 increase in Ankle-Brachial Index was observed in the VM202 group at day 210 in the ITT population (P = .0776). Intramuscular injections of VM202 plasmid DNA to calf muscle may have promise in the treatment of chronic neuroischemic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Given the safety profile and potential healing effects, continuing a larger DFU study is warranted with modifications of the current protocol and expansion of enrolling sites.

EVALUATION OF VITRECTOMY AND REIMPLANTATION FOLLOWING LATE DISLOCATION OF THE INTRAOCULAR LENS-CAPSULAR BAG COMPLEX: A 3-Year Follow-up Study.

OBJECTIVES: To study the predisposition factors for dislocation of the intraocular lens (IOL)-capsular bag complex and analyze the results of subsequent reimplantation surgery. METHODS: The exclusion criteria were complicated cataract surgery and minor dislocations that appeared in the first year after cataract surgery. Thirty-six months of monitoring of the reimplantation surgery was required. The primary measurements of results were factors concerning dislocation, the interval between cataract surgery and dislocation, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients with dislocation of the capsular bag and lens were identified. Pseudoexfoliation was mentioned in 17 cases (47.2%) and was the main predisposition factor. The average interval between cataract surgery and dislocation was 11.5 years. The dislocated IOL was replaced by a posterior chamber implant in 38% of cases and an anterior chamber implant in 62%. The average best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly after the reposition surgery (P < 0.01). The average monitoring period after secondary reimplantation was 5.95 years (min. 3.03-max. 8.46). Three patients developed bullous keratopathy, all of them with an anterior chamber IOL implantation. CONCLUSION: According to our knowledge, this article is the one with the longest monitoring time to date. Pseudoexfoliation was the main risk factor for the dislocation of the IOL. Surgery significantly improved best-corrected visual acuity, and the reimplantation of the IOL in the posterior chamber was associated with less serious complications.

Crop Classification in Satellite Images through Probabilistic Segmentation Based on Multiple Sources.

Classification methods based on Gaussian Markov Measure Field Models and other probabilistic approaches have to face the problem of construction of the likelihood. Typically, in these methods, the likelihood is computed from 1D or 3D histograms. However, when the number of information sources grows, as in the case of satellite images, the histogram construction becomes more difficult due to the high dimensionality of the feature space. In this work, we propose a generalization of Gaussian Markov Measure Field Models and provide a probabilistic segmentation scheme, which fuses multiple information sources for image segmentation. In particular, we apply the general model to classify types of crops in satellite images. The proposed method allows us to combine several feature spaces. For this purpose, the method requires prior information for building a 3D histogram for each considered feature space. Based on previous histograms, we can compute the likelihood of each site of the image to belong to a class. The computed likelihoods are the main input of the proposed algorithm and are combined in the proposed model using a contrast criteria. Different feature spaces are analyzed, among them are 6 spectral bands from LANDSAT 5 TM, 3 principal components from PCA on 6 spectral bands and 3 principal components from PCA applied on 10 vegetation indices. The proposed algorithm was applied to a real image and obtained excellent results in comparison to different classification algorithms used in crop classification.

Long-Term Anorectal Manometry Outcomes After Laparoscopic and Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision.

Background: During transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), sustained dilation of the anal canal occurs, which can cause anatomical and functional damage to the sphincter complex. This study aimed to analyze the impact of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME) and TaTME in anorectal sphincter function. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted comparing two cohorts of patients who underwent LaTME or TaTME for rectal cancer. The two groups were paired for comparison based on age, gender, and distance of the neoplasm to the anal margin. The anorectal function was assessed by manometry before surgery and at least 6 months after primary intervention or stoma closure. The intestinal function was assessed using the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. Results: Twenty-two patients were included. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups except for the time between surgery and testing. A decrease in the mean resting and squeeze pressures between pre- and postoperative manometry was observed in both the treatment groups, the difference being only significant in the squeeze pressure values (TaTME P = .003; LaTME P = .004). After surgery, squeeze pressure reduction correlated with a worsening of the LARS point count (rho 0.587; P = .004). The time elapsed since surgery was negatively correlated with the LARS point count (rho -0.696; P = .001) and the difference between pre- and postoperative mean squeeze pressures (rho -0.499; P = .018). Conclusion: Manometric findings after TME are comparable between the laparoscopic and the transanal approach. Deterioration of both anal sphincter function and LARS improves with time after surgery.

[Prevalence of urinary incontinence and hyperactive bladder in the Spanish population: results of the EPICC study]. / Prevalencia de incontinencia urinaria y vejiga hiperactiva en la población española: resultados del estudio EPICC.

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing interest on Urinary Incontinence (UI) in our country, nocturnal enuresis and Overactive Bladder (OAB), there are no epidemiologic studies on the prevalence of these health problems in the different affected groups of the general population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is an epidemiologic, observational, multicentre and national study. Data were collected by means of personal interviews in 5 representative areas from Spain and in 4 groups of population: 1) working women (25- 64-years-old); 2) working men (50- 64-years-old); 3) children attending primary school (6- 11-years-old); and 4) elderly institutionalized subjects (over 65-years-old) with no mental impairment. The Interview addressed to adult population included two parts: 1) socio-demographic variables and clinical history; and 2) data about OAB and UI symptoms. The Interview addressed to children included socio-demographic variables and questions about liquid intake and urine control. RESULTS: Percentage of answer to interview in the different groups varied between 79.7% and 98%. Prevalence of isolate OAB and UI in working women were 2.69% and 4.01% respectively; in men were 3.55% and 0.56%; in elderly were 9.14% and 15.16%. In total, 9.94% (95%CI = 8.9-11.04) of the women under study suffer one or both health problems; this percentage was 5.14% (95% CI= 3.89-6.63) in men and 53.71% (95% CI= 50.56-56.85) in elderly. Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in children was 7.82% (95% CI= 6.62-9.17). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of OAB and/or UI in Spain is near 10% of women between 25 and 64 years, is around 5% in men between 50 and 64 years and it is over 50% in persons over 65 years; prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in children between 6 and 11 years is around 8%.

[Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in the Valencian Community. Pediatric section of the National Incontinence Survey. The EPICC Study]. / Prevalencia de la enuresis nocturna en la Comunidad Valenciana. Sección infantil del estudio nacional de incontinencia. Estudio EPICC.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the prevalence of enuresis among primary school children in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional, epidemiologic, regional study. After sample size calculation, a total of 1687 questionnaires were sent to schools. Nocturnal enuresis was defined as <>. RESULTS: The prevalence of enuresis found in primary school children aged 6-11 years was 7.8%, decrease with age, and was significantly greater in boys (70%). Children without enuresis were taller and had a greater weight than those with enuresis, but the differences were not statistically significant. No differences were found in the family or educational setting between children with and without enuresis. Seventy-three percent of children with enuresis had a family history of the condition. The disorder also occurred in some sibling of 21% of children with enuresis who had siblings. Fifty-five percent of the bedwetting population had primary enuresis. Thirty-one percent of children with enuresis reported losses every night, 38% at least once a week, and 31% at least once a month. Eighty-seven percent of this population was under treatment for this condition. As regards subjective symptoms, 96.9% said they felt fine, but there were more bedwetting children who reported feeling a little bit uncomfortable (76.7% vs 23.1%; P=.004). CONCLUSIONS: Enuresis is a common disorder which is significantly more frequent in boys as compared to girls and whose prevalence decreases with age. It has a significant hereditary component. Most enuresis sufferers take measures against urine losses.

[Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: surgical technique historic evolution and present functional outcomes]. / Incontinencia urinaria tras prostatectomía radical: evolución histórica de la técnica quirúrgica y estado actual del resultado funcional.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with localized prostate cancer and life expectancy longer than 10 years, radical prostatectomy (RP) remains the Gold Standard. Radical surgery must achieve good oncological and functional outcomes with early continence and potency. In expert hands RP offers very low post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence rates. To analyze functional outcomes regarding urinary incontinence (UI) after RP in our centre in the last ten years. METHODS: We have performed a retrospective study of the 137 patients who had a radical prostatectomy (open retropubic or laparoscopic) on the General University Hospital of Elche from 1998 to 2008. Two patient groups were analyzed, patients who had surgery from 1998 to 2003, and those who had surgery from 2004 to 2008. Stress UI rates after RP were determined in both groups at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following surgery with patient pad day usage. Urethrovesical anastomosis strictures were also analyzed in each group and their resolution. RESULTS: 15 patients were excluded from the initial 137 because cT3 stage was detected, remaining 122 prostatectomies with

Renal cell carcinoma detected on Tc-99m-labeled red blood cell imaging.

A 61-year-old-man with persistent anemia was referred for a Tc-99m-labeled red blood cell (RBC) scan to detect any source of gastrointestinal bleeding. RBC scintigraphy revealed a hypervascular mass in the left renal fossa with functional loss in that kidney, suggesting the possibility of a renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Computed tomography confirmed this. Most RCC tumors are hypervascular on conventional angiography, with a maximum incidence in men in the sixth decade. The incidental diagnosis of RCC during radionuclide imaging has been documented in previous reports, but the authors are not aware of any case of RCC diagnosed during a RBC scan. This case illustrates the importance of careful attention to the appearance of the kidneys on radionuclide scans. Noticeable asymmetric renal activity in a patient without known renal parenchymal disease warrants further investigation.

Coordination between physical education teachers and physical therapists in physical education classes: the case of the autonomous community of Madrid in Spain / Coordenação entre professores de educação física e fisioterapeuta durante aulas de educação física: o caso da comunidade autônoma de Madrid na Espanha / Coordinación entre profesores de educación física y fisioterapeuta durante las clases de educación física: el caso e la comunidad autónoma de Madrid en España

The purpose of this study was to determine and analyse Physical Education (PE) teachers' perceptions about inclusion of students with physical disabilities in regular PE classes and how such inclusion could be improved by the contribution of other professionals. The information was obtained through a questionnaire administered to 56 PE teachers and an interview with nine PE teachers and four physical therapists. The results reveal PE teachers' concern and uncertainty about providing quality attention to students with physical disabilities in their classes and their demand for specific training and support in class. They see the need for support from professionals such as Physical Therapists' when working with students with motor disabilities. We suggest further examination of the barriers faced by both professionals, their views on PE teachers and the physical therapists' role, as well as their willingness to collaborate with each other

O objetivo do estudo foi determinar e analisar as percepções dos professores que lecionam Educação Física (EF) a alunos com deficiência nas classes inclusivas de EF e como melhorar essa inclusão ao colaborar com o fisioterapeuta. A informação foi obtida através de um questionário administrado a 56 professores, que foi completado com entrevistas com nove deles e quatro fisioterapeutas. Os resultados mostram a preocupação e a incerteza dos professores sobre como servir os alunos com deficiência, a fim de oferecer uma educação de qualidade inclusiva e treinamento de demanda e suporte específico em suas aulas. Professores consideram necessário receber apoio de profissionais, como o fisioterapeuta, para que possam ajudar os alunos com deficiência motora. Sugerimos continuar a examinar as barreiras de ambos os profissionais, suas concepções de professores de EF e o papel do fisioterapeuta, bem como a sua vontade de colaborar entre si

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar y analizar las percepciones del profesorado de educación física que imparte clases al alumnado con discapacidad en las clases inclusivas de Educación Física y cómo mejorar esa inclusión cuando se colabora con el fisioterapeuta. Se obtuvo la información mediante un cuestionario administrado a 56 profesores, que se completó con entrevistas a nueve de ellos y a cuatro fisioterapeutas. Los resultados muestran la preocupación e incertidumbre del profesorado sobre cómo atender al alumnado con discapacidad para poder ofrecer una educación inclusiva de calidad y la demanda de capacitación y apoyos específicos en sus clases. El profesorado considera necesario el apoyo del fisioterapeuta como profesional adecuado para ayudar al alumnado con discapacidad motriz. Sugerimos seguir examinando las barreras de ambos profesionales, sus concepciones de EF y el papel del fisioterapeuta, así como su disposición a colaborar entre ellos

Epigenetic changes: a common theme in acute myelogenous leukemogenesis.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rather common disease, characterized by the presence of a clonal population of hematopoietic progenitor cells with impaired differentiation. Although traditionally AML has been considered the result of genetic alterations, more recently experimental evidence have demonstrated that epigenetic modifications are important in development and maintenance of leukemia cells. In this review we summarize current scientific knowledge of epigenetic alterations involved in leukemogenesis. We also highlight the developing of new technological strategies that are based on epigenetic processes and have been registered as Patents of Inventions in the United Nations dependent World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) and the main Patent offices worldwide.

Desarrollo de valores y actitudes a través de la clase de educación física / O desenvolvimento de valores e atitudes por meio da aula de educação física / Development of values and attitudes through physical education classes

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender las actitudes y valores que genera la Educación Física en los estudiantes de secundaria. Para ello se parte de conceptos claves como valores, actitudes y Educación Física. La investigación es cualitativa y se llevó a cabo a través de un diseño de estudio de caso en un instituto de Madrid-España; permitiendo una comprensión de las percepciones, emociones, vivencias y opiniones que tienen los estudiantes sobre los valores y actitudes que se generan en la clase de Educación Física. La información fue recolectada por medio de la observación y del grupo focal. Los resultados muestran, el compañerismo y la cooperación como los valores más importantes dentro de la práctica para los estudiantes; igualmente se evidenciaron actitudes y valores en relación con uno mismo y en relación a la asignatura.

The purpose of this study was to understand the attitudes and values promoted by Physical Education in High School students, based on key concepts like values, attitudes and Physical Education. It is a qualitative study conducted through a case study at a secondary education institution in Madrid, Spain. It allowed understanding students’ perceptions, emotions, experiences and opinions about the values and attitudes fostered by Physical Education. Data were obtained using observation and a focus group. Companionship and cooperation were found as the most important values for students in the practice. Likewise, results show students’ attitudes and values about themselves and the Physical Education class.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender as atitudes e os valores gerados pela Educação Física em estudantes do ensino médio. Para isso, partiu-se de conceitos chave como valores, atitudes e Educação Física. A pesquisa é qualitativa e foi realizada através de um projeto de estudo de caso em uma instituição de ensino de Madri, na Espanha. Isto permitiu uma compreensão das percepções, emoções, experiências e opiniões que os alunos têm sobre os valores e atitudes que são gerados na aula de Educação Física. As informações foram coletadas por meio de observação e grupo focal. Os resultados mostram companheirismo e cooperação como os valores mais importantes na prática para os alunos; também atitudes e valores em relação a si mesmos e em relação ao assunto eram evidentes.

Application of a semiautomatic classifier for modic and disk hernia changes in magnetic resonance / Aplicação de classificador semiautomático para alterações MODIC e hérnia de disco em ressonância magnética / Aplicación de clasificador semiautomático de cambios MODIC y hernia de disco en resonancia magnética

OBJECTIVE: Early detection of degenerative changes in lumbar intervertebral disc by magnetic resonance imaging in a semiautomatic classifier for prevention of degenerative disease. METHOD: MRIs were selected with a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease or back pain from January to May 2014, with a sample of 23 patients and a total of 170 disks evaluated by sagittal T2 MRI image, first evaluated by a specialist physician in training and them were introduced into the software, being the results compared. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen discs were evaluated by a programmed semiautomatic classifier to identify MODIC changes and hernia, which produced results "normal or MODIC" and "normal or abnormal", respectively. With a total of 230 readings, of which 141 were correct, 84 were reading errors and 10 readings were undiagnosed, the semiautomatic classifier is a useful tool for early diagnosis or established disease and is easy to apply because of the speed and ease of use; however, at this early stage of development, software is inferior to clinical observations and the results were from around 65% to 60% certainty for MODIC rating and 61% to 58% for disc herniation, compared with clinical evaluations. CONCLUSION: The comparative results between the two doctors were 94 consistent results and only 21 errors, which represents 81% certainty. .

OBJETIVO: Determinação precoce de alterações degenerativas de disco intervertebral lombar por ressonância magnética em classificador semi- automático para prevenção da doença degenerativa. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas ressonâncias magnéticas com diagnóstico de doença degenerativa do disco ou lombalgia de janeiro a maio de 2014, com uma amostra de 23 pacientes e um total de 170 discos avaliados por RM T2 em corte sagital, examinadas primeiro por um médico especialista em treinamento, e depois foram introduzidas no software e os resultados obtidos foram comparados entre si. Cento e quinze discos foram submetidos à avaliação por um classificador semiautomático programado para identificar alterações MODIC e hérnia, o que produziu resultados "normal ou MODIC" e "normal ou anormal", respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Com um total de 230 leituras, das quais 141 estavam corretas, 84 foram erros de leitura e 10 leituras foram sem diagnóstico, o classificador semiautomático é uma ferramenta útil para o diagnóstico precoce ou da doença estabelecida e é fácil de aplicar, devido à rapidez e facilidade de uso; contudo, nesta fase inicial de desenvolvimento, o software é inferior às observações clínicas e os resultados foram de cerca de 65% a 60% de certeza para a classificação MODIC e de 61% a 58% para hérnia de disco, em comparação com a avaliação clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados comparativos entre os dois médicos foram 94 resultados congruentes e apenas 21 erros, o que representa 81% de certeza. .

OBJETIVO: Determinación temprana de cambios degenerativos de disco intervertebral lumbar por resonancia magnética, mediante clasificador semiautomático para la prevención de enfermedad degenerativa. MÉTODOS: Se seleccionaron resonancias magnéticas con diagnóstico de enfermedad degenerativa de disco o lumbalgia de enero hasta mayo de 2014, con una muestra de 23 pacientes y un total de 170 discos valorados en corte sagital de RNM en T2, las cuales se examinaron primero por médico especialista en formación, y que luego fueron introducidas en el software, siendo los resultados obtenidos comparados entre sí. Ciento quince discos fueron sometidos a valoración por un clasificador semiautomático programado para identificar cambios MODIC y hernia que produjo resultados "normal o MODIC" y "normal o anormal", respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Con un total de 230 lecturas, de las cuales 141 fueron correctas en general, 84 fueron errores de lectura y 10 fueron lecturas sin diagnóstico, el clasificador semiautomático es una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico precoz o de enfermedad instaurada, así como fácil de aplicar debido a su rapidez y facilidad de uso; sin embargo, en esta primera etapa del desarrollo, el software es inferior a la apreciación clínica ya que los resultados fueron de alrededor de 65%-60% de certeza para clasificación MODIC y 61%-58% para hernia de disco, en comparación con la evaluación clínica. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados comparativos entre los dos médicos fueron 94 resultados congruentes entre médicos y solo 21 errores, lo que representa el 81% de certeza. .

Regulation of XSnail2 expression by Rho GTPases.

We analyzed the effects of Rho GTPases on XSnail2 expression during neural crest (NC) ontogeny in Xenopus laevis embryos. The ectopic expression of both dominant-negative (N-) and constitutively active (V-) Rho GTPase mutants after RNA or DNA microinjection disrupted the endogenous expression of XSnail2, XFoxD3, and XSnail1. V14RhoA and N17Rac1 were inhibitory, whereas N19RhoA and V12Rac1 increased NC marker gene expression. In reporter assays using a XSnail2 promoter-green fluorescent protein (GFP) construct (alpha700BA-GFP), the ectopic expression of V14RhoA, N17Rac1, or the Rac1 inhibitor NSC 23766 decreased reporter expression in NC-neural plate, whereas N19RhoA or the RhoA inhibitor Y27632 and V12Rac1 enhanced it. Similarly, transgenic embryos expressing Rho GTPase mutants and GFP under control of the alpha700BA promoter displayed variations similar to those observed for ectopic RNA and DNA expression. These results show that Rho GTPases can regulate the expression of XSnail2 during NC ontogeny.

Dual effect of lysine-rich polypeptides on the activity of protein kinase CK2.

Protein kinase CK2 (casein kinase II) is normally a heterotetramer composed of catalytic (alpha, alpha') and regulatory subunits (beta). CK2 is able to phosphorylate a large number of protein substrates but the physiological mechanisms of its regulation are still unresolved. Lysine-rich peptides such as polylysine and histone H1 are known to stimulate the catalytic activity of the holoenzyme. This activation is mediated through the CK2beta regulatory subunit. In this communication, we report that the same concentrations of lysine-rich peptides or proteins that activate the holoenzyme cause strong inhibition of the phosphorylation of proteins catalyzed by the free catalytic CK2alpha subunit. The inhibitory effect of polylysine and histone H1 is observed with several protein substrates of CK2alpha (casein, adeno E1A, transcription factor II A, and CK2beta itself). With calmodulin, however, the inhibition of CK2alpha phosphorylation caused by polylysine is much lower while with a model peptide substrate of CK2 the inhibition caused by this polycation is negligible. The inhibition of CK2alpha by polylysine is observed only at limiting concentrations of the target substrate proteins. The dual effect of polylysine and of histone H1, which results in the inhibition of CK2alpha and stimulation of the CK2 alpha(2)beta(2) tetrameric holoenzyme, has the consequence that the addition of the CK2beta, in the presence of polylysine and low concentrations of substrate protein, can cause a 242-fold stimulation of the activity of CK2alpha. Other polycationic compounds such as polyarginine and spermine do not inhibit the phosphorylation of casein by CK2alpha, indicating that the effect is specific for lysine-rich peptides. Since there is evidence that there may be free CK2alpha subunits in the nuclei of cells, where there is abundant histone H1, the inhibition of CK2alpha by this lysine-rich protein may have physiological relevance.