Bacterial community of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and mammals from Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia.

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrates and are relevant worldwide due to the number of bacterial and other pathogens they can transmit. To date, the knowledge about the microorganisms that ticks harbor and transmit to their hosts is incipient. In this study, 24 samples of mammals belonging to four taxonomic orders and ticks of the genera Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus from the Orinoco region of Colombia were analyzed to described and compare the bacterial microbiome. Genetic extraction was performed, and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR. Libraries were created, and those samples with adequate quality indices were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology. Bacterial taxonomic assignment analyses were conducted through Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) and Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). The results correspond to 16 samples that passed the quality filters, with 3218 OTUs (415 families). Although a considerable number of unknown bacteria was found, Enterobacteriaceae, Beijerinckiaceae, Moraxellaceae, and Burkholderiaceae are the most prevalent families, and the presence of the genera Coxiella, Escherichia-Shigella, Enterobacter, which can harbor pathogenic species was confirmed. In individuals of Amblyomma mixtum found actively feeding on Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, bacteria of the genera Escherichia-Shigella and Enterobacter were documented. Similarly, Rhipicephalus microplus found actively feeding on Odocoileus virginianus cariacou shared Escherichia-Shigella. Ralstonia was shared among the blood samples of H. hydrochaeris, while Anaplasma and Eubacterium were shared in blood and liver samples of O. v. cariacou. Shared bacteria between A. mixtum and R. microplus included Bacillus, Coxiella, and Escherichia-Shigella. The results highlight the need of additional studies in other natural regions of Colombia and other American countries where tick-borne diseases have been detected. Likewise, the recorded data are the first at the level of bacterial communities in ticks of the family Ixodidae and provide valuable knowledge for the understanding host-tick and pathogen interactions.

Tracing the evolution of the chikungunya virus in Argentina, 2016-2023: independent introductions and prominence of Latin American lineages.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its rapid spread and potential for causing debilitating epidemics. In Argentina, the virus has garnered attention since its introduction to the Americas in 2013, due to its growing incidence and impact in neighbouring countries. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of CHIKV in Argentina, focusing on the evolutionary trajectory of its genetic variants. Through a combination of active surveillance, screening of historical and recent samples, and whole-genome sequencing, we traced the evolutionary history of CHIKV lineages circulating within the country. Our results reveal that two distinct genotypes circulated in Argentina: The Asian lineage during the 2016 epidemic and the ECSA lineage in 2023. This distribution reflects the dominance of particular variants across Latin America. Since 2023, the ECSA lineage has led to a surge in cases throughout the Americas, marking a significant shift. The replacement of lineages in the American region constitutes a major epidemiological event, potentially affecting the dynamics of virus transmission and the clinical outcomes in impacted populations. The spatiotemporal analysis highlights CHIKV's distribution across Argentina and underscores the significant role of human mobility, especially when considering recent epidemics in neighbouring countries such as Paraguay and Uruguay, which have facilitated the spread and introduction of the viral strain into different districts. By integrating epidemiological data with genomic insights, we elucidate the patterns of virus dissemination, highlighting key areas of transmission and potential factors contributing to its spread.

La evaluación en el posgrado mediante la educación a distancia durante la COVID-19 / Postgraduate evaluation through distance learning during COVID-19

Fundamento: La implementación de la educación a distancia en el posgrado durante la COVID-19 constituye una alternativa del sistema de educación superior cubana. Objetivo: Describir los resultados de la evaluación en el posgrado, mediante la modalidad de educación a distancia durante el tercer rebrote de la pandemia de COVID-19. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal entre junio y julio de 2021, en la Facultad de Estomatología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba. Se consideraron como unidades de análisis: unidades didácticas, estudiantes (residentes), la población estuvo constituida por los 146 residentes que cursaban el 1.er año de la especialidad, se seleccionó una muestra aleatoria (n= 96). Se estudiaron las variables resultados de las evaluaciones de cada unidad didáctica y general del módulo (excelente, bien, regular y mal), grado de dificultad (muy difícil, difícil y sin dificultad) y nivel de satisfacción (satisfecho, medianamente satisfecho e insatisfecho). Como instrumento de medición se empleó el registro de evaluación y de entrevista, respectivamente. Se empleó el porcentaje como medida de resumen. Resultados: Más del 70 % de los residentes evaluados se encontró en la categoría de bien sin dificultad, estando satisfechos con la modalidad de educación a distancia. Conclusiones: Predominaron los resultados de "excelente" solo en la unidad didáctica 1 y de "bien" en la evaluación final del módulo. La unidad didáctica de "mayor dificultad" resultó ser la 2. La mayor cantidad de residentes refirió estar satisfecho con la modalidad de educación a distancia en el posgrado.

Background: The implementation of distance education at the postgraduate level during COVID-19 represents an alternative in the Cuban higher education system. Objective: To describe the results of the evaluation in posgrado, through the educational modality at distance during the third regrowth of the pandemic of COVID-19. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted between June and July 2021 at the Faculty of Stomatology, University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba. The following units of analysis were considered: teaching units, students (residents), the population consisted of 146 residents in the first year of specialization, a random sample was selected (n= 96). The variables studied were the results of the evaluations of each didactic unit and the general evaluation of the module (excellent, good, fair, and poor), level of difficulty (very difficult, difficult, and no difficulty), and level of satisfaction (satisfied, moderately satisfied, and dissatisfied). The evaluation and interview registers were used as measurement instruments, respectively, and the percentage was used as a summary measure. Results: More than 70% of the residents evaluated were in the good without difficulty category and were satisfied with the distance learning modality. Conclusions: The results "excellent" predominated only in didactic unit 1 and "good" in the final evaluation of the module. The "most difficult" didactic unit was didactic unit 2. Most residents were satisfied with the distance learning modality in the postgraduate program.

Prácticas socioformativas para la gestión de competencias investigativas en el médico general integral utilizando Telegram / Socioformative practices for the management of investigative skills in the comprehensive general practitioner using Telegram

Fundamento: las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones ofrecen herramientas que facilitan la formación de competencias investigativas en los médicos generales integrales con la utilización de Telegram en el contexto de la sociedad del conocimiento. Objetivo: valorar la efectividad en la transformación de la práctica socioformativa para la gestión de las competencias investigativas en el médico general integral, haciendo uso de Telegram en el curso de Metodología de la Investigación durante el periodo septiembre 2021-2022. Métodos: se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, en la Filial de Ciencias Médicas "Julio Trigo López" de Palma Soriano. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: histórico-lógico, análisis-síntesis, enfoque de sistema, abstracción-concreción y el hermenéutico-dialéctico; empíricos: análisis documental, observación, cuestionario y el criterio de expertos. Resultados: se alcanzó mayor eficiencia en la transformación de la práctica socioformativa para la gestión de las competencias investigativas en el médico general integral, haciendo uso de Telegram en los aspectos relacionados con la realización de tareas grupales, interacción promotora y conocimientos sobre cómo confeccionar el proyecto de investigación para la solución de los problemas en la comunidad. Conclusiones: se valora como factible y novedosa la transformación de la práctica socioformativa para la gestión de las competencias investigativas en el médico general integral, haciendo uso de Telegram como herramienta para el aprendizaje colaborativo como protagonista en este entorno virtual de interacción.

Background: information and communication technologies offer tools that facilitate the formation of investigative skills in comprehensive general practitioners in the context of the knowledge society. Objective: to assess the effectiveness in the transformation of the socioformative practice for the management of investigative skills in the comprehensive general practitioner, using Telegram in the Research Methodology course during the period September 2021-2022. Methods: a quasi-experimental study was carried out at the "Julio Trigo López" Medical Sciences Branch in Palma Soriano. Theoretical methods were used: historical-logical, analysis-synthesis, system approach, abstraction-concretion and hermeneutic-dialectical; Empirical: documentary analysis, observation, questionnaire and expert criteria. Results: greater efficiency was achieved in the transformation of the socio-formative practice for the management of investigative skills in the comprehensive general practitioner, making use of Telegram in aspects related to carrying out group tasks, promoting interaction and knowledge on how to prepare the project. Research to solve problems in the community. Conclusions: the transformation of the socio-formative practice for the management of investigative skills in the comprehensive general practitioner is valued as feasible and novel, making use of Telegram as a tool for collaborative learning as a protagonist in this virtual environment of interaction.

Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR) and Human Leucocyte Antigen C (HLA-C) Increase the Risk of Long-Term Chronic Liver Graft Rejection.

Chronic liver rejection (CR) represents a complex clinical situation because many patients do not respond to increased immunosuppression. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors/Class I Human Leukocyte Antigens (KIR/HLA-I) interactions allow for predicting Natural Killer (NK) cell alloreactivity and influence the acute rejection of liver allograft. However, its meaning in CR liver graft remains controversial. KIR and HLA genotypes were studied in 513 liver transplants using sequence-specific oligonucleotides (PCR-SSO) methods. KIRs, human leucocyte antigen C (HLA-C) genotypes, KIR gene mismatches, and the KIR/HLA-ligand were analyzed and compared in overall transplants with CR (n = 35) and no-chronic rejection (NCR = 478). Activating KIR (aKIR) genes in recipients (rKIR2DS2+ and rKIR2DS3+) increased CR compared with NCR groups (p = 0.013 and p = 0.038). The inhibitory KIR (iKIR) genes in recipients rKIR2DL2+ significantly increased the CR rate compared with their absence (9.1% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.020). KIR2DL3 significantly increases CR (13.1% vs. 5.2%; p = 0.008). There was no influence on NCR. CR was observed in HLA-I mismatches (MM). The absence of donor (d) HLA-C2 ligand (dC2-) ligand increases CR concerning their presence (13.1% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.018). A significant increase of CR was observed in rKIR2DL3+/dC1- (p = 0.015), rKIR2DS4/dC1- (p = 0.014) and rKIR2DL3+/rKIR2DS4+/dC1- (p = 0.006). Long-term patient survival was significantly lower in rKIR2DS1+rKIR2DS4+/dC1- at 5-10 years post-transplant. This study shows the influence of rKIR/dHLA-C combinations and aKIR gene-gene mismatches in increasing CR and KIR2DS1+/C1-ligands and the influence of KIR2DS4+/C1-ligands in long-term graft survival.

Changes in the expression of inflammatory and epigenetic-modulatory genes after an intensive meditation retreat.

Background: Meditation retreats are characterized by intensive or concentrated periods of meditation practice, commonly undertaken in a residential setting. Although research indicates that meditation training can positively influence physical and mental health outcomes, the biological consequences of meditation retreat interventions are relatively understudied. In this study, we examined the influence of a month-long, silent meditation retreat on the expression of genes involved in epigenetic modulation and immune processes. Method: We assessed gene expression changes in experienced meditators attending a month-long Insight meditation retreat (n = 28), as compared to a community control group (n = 34) of experienced practitioners living their everyday lives. Blood samples were collected on day two of the retreat (Time 1) and again 3 weeks later (Time 2). Control participants were also assessed across a 3-week interval, during which they maintained their regular daily routines. Results: As compared to controls, retreat participants showed differential changes in the expression of several genes involved in chromatin modulation and inflammation. The most substantive finding was downregulation of the TNF pathway in retreat participants, which was not observed in controls. Conclusions: These findings indicate that meditation retreat participation may influence some of the inflammatory mechanisms involved in the development of chronic diseases, and that this style of psychosocial intervention may have therapeutic potential, particularly in experienced practitioners.

Mental health benefits of a 1-week intensive multimodal group program for adolescents with multiple adverse childhood experiences.

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with a wide range of diseases, unsafe behavior and shorter life expectancy. However, there is scarce evidence on effective interventions for children or adolescents who report multiple ACEs, including abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mental health outcomes of a multimodal program designed for adolescents with multiple ACEs. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four girls (aged 13-16 years, mean ACE score > 5) were randomized to an intervention group or a care-as-usual control group. METHODS: The intervention included mindfulness-based practices, expressive arts and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Integrative) group treatment. We used questionnaires for adolescents to assess trauma (SPRINT, CPSS) and attention/awareness-related outcomes (MAAS-A) at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2) and two-months post-discharge (T3). RESULTS: Linear mixed effects model analyses showed significant Group by Time interactions on all the scales (F = 11.0, p = 0.015; F = 12.5 p < 0.001; and F = 6.4, p = 0.001, for SPRINT, CPSS and MAAS-A, respectively). After completing the program, the intervention group showed significant reduction in trauma-related outcomes (SPRINT, Δ%(T2-T1) = -73%, p < 0.001; CPSS, Δ%(T2-T1) = -26%, p < 0.001) while attention/awareness-related outcomes were improved by 57% (p < 0.001). These changes remained stable two months after discharge. SPRINT and CPSS scales were highly correlated (r = 0.833, p < 0.001) and outcomes from both trauma-related scales negatively correlated with mindfulness scores (MAAS-A/SPRINT, r = -0.515, p = 0.007; MAAS-A/CPSS, r = -0.553, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results presented here support this multimodal group intervention as a feasible and promising program for reducing the psychological burden in adolescents with a history of multiple ACEs.

KIR+ CD8+ T Lymphocytes in Cancer Immunosurveillance and Patient Survival: Gene Expression Profiling.

Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are expressed by natural killer (NK) and effector T cells. Although KIR+ T cells accumulate in oncologic patients, their role in cancer immune response remains elusive. This study explored the role of KIR+CD8+ T cells in cancer immunosurveillance by analyzing their frequency at diagnosis in the blood of 249 patients (80 melanomas, 80 bladder cancers, and 89 ovarian cancers), their relationship with overall survival (OS) of patients, and their gene expression profiles. KIR2DL1+ CD8+ T cells expanded in the presence of HLA-C2-ligands in patients who survived, but it did not in patients who died. In contrast, presence of HLA-C1-ligands was associated with dose-dependent expansions of KIR2DL2/S2+ CD8+ T cells and with shorter OS. KIR interactions with their specific ligands profoundly impacted CD8+ T cell expression profiles, involving multiple signaling pathways, effector functions, the secretome, and consequently, the cellular microenvironment, which could impact their cancer immunosurveillance capacities. KIR2DL1/S1+ CD8+ T cells showed a gene expression signature related to efficient tumor immunosurveillance, whereas KIR2DL2/L3/S2+CD8+ T cells showed transcriptomic profiles related to suppressive anti-tumor responses. These results could be the basis for the discovery of new therapeutic targets so that the outcome of patients with cancer can be improved.

Utilización de las bases de datos disponibles para el aprendizaje del idioma inglés asociado a las ciencias médicas / Use of the available databases for learning the English language associated to medical sciences

El perfeccionamiento del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje del idioma inglés, ha sido objeto de varias investigaciones científicas y ha estado presente en las políticas del Ministerio de Salud Pública, por la importancia que tiene el dominio de este idioma para los profesionales de salud, tanto para su permanente actualización científica como para su inserción en programas de colaboración en países angloparlantes. En este artículo se propone una vía más para contribuir al aprendizaje autónomo a través de la utilización de las bases de datos disponibles en la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud, donde los estudiantes pueden obtener información actualizada para el desarrollo de los seminarios en esta asignatura(AU)

The teaching-learning improvement process of the English language, has been object of several scientific investigations and it has been present in the Ministry of Public Health policies, due to the importance of the language learning skills for the health professionals, either for their permanent scientific upgrading or as for its insertion in collaboration programs in English-speaking countries. In this work, one more way to contribute to the autonomous learning through the use of the available databases in the Health Virtual Library is proposed, where the students can obtain updating information for the development of the seminars in this subject(AU)

Utilización de las bases de datos disponibles para el aprendizaje del idioma inglés asociado a las ciencias médicas / Use of the available databases for learning the English language associated to medical sciences

El perfeccionamiento del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje del idioma inglés, ha sido objeto de varias investigaciones científicas y ha estado presente en las políticas del Ministerio de Salud Pública, por la importancia que tiene el dominio de este idioma para los profesionales de salud, tanto para su permanente actualización científica como para su inserción en programas de colaboración en países angloparlantes. En este artículo se propone una vía más para contribuir al aprendizaje autónomo a través de la utilización de las bases de datos disponibles en la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud, donde los estudiantes pueden obtener información actualizada para el desarrollo de los seminarios en esta asignatura.

The teaching-learning improvement process of the English language, has been object of several scientific investigations and it has been present in the Ministry of Public Health policies, due to the importance of the language learning skills for the health professionals, either for their permanent scientific upgrading or as for its insertion in collaboration programs in English-speaking countries. In this work, one more way to contribute to the autonomous learning through the use of the available databases in the Health Virtual Library is proposed, where the students can obtain updating information for the development of the seminars in this subject.

Patient Sex in the Setting of Liver Transplant in Alcoholic Liver Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze alcoholic cirrhosis in women who were to undergo liver transplant, including their biochemical and clinical characteristics, main complications, survival rates, and main causes of death compared with men with alcoholic cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 400 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, which we divided according to sex and viral infections. Biochemical parameters and the presence and degree of ascites and encephalopathy, liver function status, and liver rejection and survival rates were analyzed from 1 to 10 years and the main cause of death at 10 years. RESULTS: Patients with nonviral alcoholic cirrhosis and liver transplant had significantly better survival rates (84.1%) at 1 year versus those with viral alcoholic cirrhosis (74.5%; P = .036). Men with nonviral alcoholic cirrhosis (14%) and women with hepatitis C virus (29%) had the lowest short-term survival rates. In long-term survival analysis, the lowest rate was observed in women with nonviral alcoholic cirrhosis (26.1%), and the highest rate was observed in women with hepatitis C virus (42.9%). Liver graft failure was one of the main causes of death in male patients (19.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Women with alcoholic cirrhosis showed a higher rate of ascites and encephalopathy but lower liver graft rejection than men with alcoholic cirrhosis. Survival rates were similar between men and women, although slightly lower in women who had hepatitis C virus.

Insight meditation and telomere biology: The effects of intensive retreat and the moderating role of personality.

A growing body of evidence suggests that meditation training may have a range of salubrious effects, including improved telomere regulation. Telomeres and the enzyme telomerase interact with a variety of molecular components to regulate cell-cycle signaling cascades, and are implicated in pathways linking psychological stress to disease. We investigated the effects of intensive meditation practice on these biomarkers by measuring changes in telomere length (TL), telomerase activity (TA), and telomere-related gene (TRG) expression during a 1-month residential Insight meditation retreat. Multilevel analyses revealed an apparent TL increase in the retreat group, compared to a group of experienced meditators, similarly comprised in age and gender, who were not on retreat. Moreover, personality traits predicted changes in TL, such that retreat participants highest in neuroticism and lowest in agreeableness demonstrated the greatest increases in TL. Changes observed in TRGs further suggest retreat-related improvements in telomere maintenance, including increases in Gar1 and HnRNPA1, which encode proteins that bind telomerase RNA and telomeric DNA. Although no group-level changes were observed in TA, retreat participants' TA levels at post-assessment were inversely related to several indices of retreat engagement and prior meditation experience. Neuroticism also predicted variation in TA across retreat. These findings suggest that meditation training in a retreat setting may have positive effects on telomere regulation, which are moderated by individual differences in personality and meditation experience. (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT03056105).

Temporal Integrative Analysis of mRNA and microRNAs Expression Profiles and Epigenetic Alterations in Female SAMP8, a Model of Age-Related Cognitive Decline.

A growing body of research shows that epigenetic mechanisms are critically involved in normal and pathological aging. The Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) can be considered a useful tool to better understand the dynamics of the global epigenetic landscape during the aging process since its phenotype is not fully explained by genetic factors. Here we investigated dysfunctional age-related transcriptional profiles and epigenetic programming enzymes in the hippocampus of 2- and 9-month-old SAMP8 female mice using the Senescent-Accelerated Resistant 1 (SAMR1) mouse strain as control. SAMP8 mice presented 1,062 genes dysregulated at 2 months of age, and 1,033 genes at 9 months, with 92 genes concurrently dysregulated at both ages compared to age-matched SAMR1. SAMP8 mice showed a significant decrease in global DNA methylation (5-mC) at 2 months while hydroxymethylation (5-hmC) levels were increased in SAMP8 mice at 2 and 9 months of age compared to SAMR1. These changes were accompanied by changes in the expression of several enzymes that regulate 5-mC and methylcytosine oxidation. Acetylated H3 and H4 histone levels were significantly diminished in SAMP8 mice at 2-month-old compared to SAMR1 and altered Histone DeACetylase (HDACs) profiles were detected in both young and old SAMP8 mice. We analyzed 84 different mouse miRNAs known to be altered in neurological diseases or involved in neuronal development. Compared with SAMR1, SAMP8 mice showed 28 and 17 miRNAs differentially expressed at 2 and 9 months of age, respectively; 6 of these miRNAs overlapped at both ages. We used several bioinformatic approaches to integrate our data in mRNA:miRNA regulatory networks and functional predictions for young and aged animals. In sum, our study reveals interplay between epigenetic mechanisms and gene networks that seems to be relevant for the progression toward a pathological aging and provides several potential markers and therapeutic candidates for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and age-related cognitive impairment.

Epigenetic clock analysis in long-term meditators.

In this paper, we examined whether meditation practice influences the epigenetic clock, a strong and reproducible biomarker of biological aging, which is accelerated by cumulative lifetime stress and with age-related chronic diseases. Using the Illumina 450K array platform, we analyzed the DNA methylome from blood cells of long-term meditators and meditation-naïve controls to estimate their Intrinsic Epigenetic Age Acceleration (IEAA), using Horvath's calculator. IEAA was similar in both groups. However, controls showed a different IEAA trajectory with aging than meditators: older controls (age≥52) had significantly higher IEAAs compared with younger controls (age <52), while meditators were protected from this epigenetic aging effect. Notably, in the meditation group, we found a significant negative correlation between IEAA and the number of years of regular meditation practice. From our results, we hypothesize that the cumulative effects of a regular meditation practice may, in the long-term, help to slow the epigenetic clock and could represent a useful preventive strategy for age-related chronic diseases. Longitudinal randomized controlled trials in larger cohorts are warranted to confirm and further characterize these findings.

Overexpression of KIR inhibitory ligands (HLA-I) determines that immunosurveillance of myeloma depends on diverse and strong NK cell licensing.

Missing self recognition makes cancer sensitive to natural killer cell (NKc) reactivity. However, this model disregards the NKc licensing effect, which highly increases NKc reactivity through interactions of inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (iKIR) with their cognate HLA-I ligands. The influence of iKIR/HLA-ligand (HLA-C1/C2) licensing interactions on the susceptibility to and progression of plasma cell (PC) dyscrasias was evaluated in 164 Caucasian patients and 286 controls. Compared to controls, myeloma accumulates KIR2DL1-L2+L3- genotypes (2.8% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.01, OR = 5.29) and less diverse peripheral repertoires of NKc clones. Less diverse and weaker-affinity repertoires of iKIR2D/HLA-C licensing interactions increased myeloma susceptibility. Thus, the complete absence of conventional iKIR2D/HLA-C licensing interactions (KIR2DL1-L2+L3-/C2C2, 2.56% vs. 0.35%; p < 0.05; OR = 15.014), single-KIR2DL3+/C1+ (20.51% vs. 10.84%; p < 0.05; OR = 2.795) and single-KIR2DL2+/C1+ (12.82% vs. 4.9%; p < 0.01; OR = 5.18) interactions were over-represented in myeloma, compared to controls. Additionally, KIR2DL1-L2+L3- (20% vs. 83%, p < 0.00001) as well as KIR3DL1- (23% vs. 82%, p < 0.00001) genotypes had a dramatic negative impact on the 3-y progression-free survival (PFS), particularly in patients with low-tumor burden. Remarkably, myeloma-PCs, compared to K562 and other hematological cancers, showed substantial over-expression of HLA-I ("increasing-self" instead of missing-self), including HLA-C, and mild expression of ligands for NKc activating receptors (aRec) CD112, CD155, ULBP-1 and MICA/B, which apparently renders myeloma-PCs susceptible to lysis mainly by licensed NKc. KIR2DL1-L2+L3-/C2C2 patients (with no conventional iKIR2D/HLA-C licensing interactions) lyse K562 but barely lyse myeloma-PCs (4% vs. 15%; p < 0.05, compared to controls). These results support a model where immunosurveillance of no-missing-self cancers, e.g., myeloma, mainly depends on NKc licensing.

Epidemiology, Evolution, and Long-Term Survival of Alcoholic Cirrhosis Patients Submitted to Liver Transplantation in Southeastern Spain.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) is a common cause of death among individuals abusing alcohol. In the last resort, liver transplantation (LT) is considered the only solution to save the patient's life, generating socioeconomic and public health problems. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, rejection frequency, and short- and long-term graft survival are not well known in end-term AC patients undergoing LT. The aim was to determine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, their incidence in LT, main pre- and posttransplant complications, and short- and long-term post-transplant graft survival in AC patients in southeastern Spain. METHODS: The medical records of 1,026 patients who underwent LT over the last 23 years were retrospectively reviewed, and demographic data and posttransplant survivals were analyzed and compared. Biochemical characteristics, major pre- and posttransplant complications and short- and long-term survivals were analyzed in a total of 398 male patients with AC undergoing LT. RESULTS: AC and viral cirrhosis are the main indications for LT in our study. Mostly represented in our study are AC men without associated viral infections with a mean age of 53.06 years. Main pretransplant complications in AC patients are ascites (78.3%) and encephalopathy (43.5%), while acute graft rejection is the most common liver posttransplant complication (26.6%), nevertheless with low graft loss frequency (1.1%). AC and autoimmune cirrhosis show the best posttransplant survival in both the short and long term. Patients with AC included on the waiting list for LT were Child-Pugh class B (52.1%) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 10 to 19 (71.2%). The highest percentage of AC patient survival was observed at 1 year posttransplant (81.2%) and progressively decreased over time up to 10 years posttransplant (69.6%). Pretransplant complications such as ascites and encephalopathy did not have an influence on the percentage of posttransplant survivals, although better survival rates were observed in nonviral AC patients. CONCLUSIONS: AC without viral infections is the main indication for LT in southeastern Spain although its frequency has decreased in last decade. AC is a good indication for LT for its high survival rate and few posttransplant complications. Despite having a high percentage of pretransplant complications (ascites and encephalopathy) but does not appear to influence survivals being observed posttransplant survival rates above those expected. Conversely, viral infections in the patient with AC decrease patient survivals. The main future goals are design new strategies to detect, treat, and reduce AC frequency in our population and know alcoholic recidivism rate posttransplant in our population.

MHC class I chain-related gene a diversity in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma from southeastern Spain.

A limited number of studies have been performed so far on the polymorphism in the transmembrane region (exon 5) of the major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) in patients with melanoma. However, the influence of MICA polymorphism in extracellular domains (exons 2, 3, and 4) has not been investigated on melanoma disease. This study aims to characterize the influence of extracellular MICA polymorphism, and its previously described linkage disequilibrium with HLA-B locus, on patients with cutaneous melanoma from southeastern Spain. For this purpose, MICA and HLA-B genotyping was performed in 233 patients and 200 ethnically matched controls by luminex technology. Patients were classified according to the presence of methionine or valine at codon 129 of MICA gene. We found a high frequency of MICA(*)009 in melanoma patients compared with controls (P = 0.002, Pc = 0.03). Our results also showed an association between MICA(*)009 and HLA-B(*)51 alleles in both patients and controls. This association was stronger in patients than controls (P = 0.015). However, a multivariate logistic regression model showed that neither MICA(*)009 nor the combination MICA(*)009/HLA-B(*)51 was associated with melanoma susceptibility. No relationship was observed between MICA-129 dimorphism and melanoma nor when MICA polymorphism was evaluated according to clinical findings at diagnosis.

Análisis epistemológico de la comunicación oral del inglés con fines profesionales / Epistemological analysis of English oral communication with professional purposes

Se aborda el contexto epistemológico de la comunicación oral en inglés con fines profesionales mediante un estudio de las investigaciones efectuadas por algunos autores interesados en la temática, tomando en cuenta el insuficiente desarrollo de recursos comunicativos en lenguas extranjeras respecto a la formación cultural profesional, lo que limita una reconstrucción lingüística eficiente en la diversidad profesional del contexto universitario. Este problema se manifiesta en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras con fines profesionales y su dinámica, lo cual permite que se expongan los elementos teóricos singulares en la comunicación oral en inglés(AU)

The epistemological context of the oral communication in English is approached with professionals purposes by means of a study of the investigations carried out by some interested authors in the topic, taking into account the insufficient development of talkative resources in foreign languages regarding the cultural professional training, what limits an efficient linguistic reconstruction in the professional diversity of the university context. This problem is manifested in the teaching-learning process of foreign languages with professional purposes and its dynamics, which allows that the singular theoretical elements are exposed in the oral communication in English(AU)