The Lambda Variant in Argentina: Analyzing the Evolution and Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage C.37.

The second wave of COVID-19 occurred in South America in early 2021 and was mainly driven by Gamma and Lambda variants. In this study, we aimed to describe the emergence and local genomic diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant in Argentina, from its initial entry into the country until its detection ceased. Molecular surveillance was conducted on 9356 samples from Argentina between October 2020 and April 2022, and sequencing, phylogenetic, and phylogeographic analyses were performed. Our findings revealed that the Lambda variant was first detected in Argentina in January 2021 and steadily increased in frequency until it peaked in April 2021, with continued detection throughout the year. Phylodynamic analyses showed that at least 18 introductions of the Lambda variant into the country occurred, with nine of them having evidence of onward local transmission. The spatial--temporal reconstruction showed that Argentine clades were associated with Lambda sequences from Latin America and suggested an initial diversification in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires before spreading to other regions in Argentina. Genetic analyses of genome sequences allowed us to describe the mutational patterns of the Argentine Lambda sequences and detect the emergence of rare mutations in an immunocompromised patient. Our study highlights the importance of genomic surveillance in identifying the introduction and geographical distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant, as well as in monitoring the emergence of mutations that could be involved in the evolutionary leaps that characterize variants of concern.

Comparative study of steroidal sapogenins content in leaves of five Agave species.

BACKGROUND: Agaves are mainly used to produce alcoholic beverages such as tequila, mezcal and bacanora. However, the leaves constitute more than 50% of the plant and are not used in the production process, so they are considered waste. This plant material can be used as a source of bioactive compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids and saponins. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the aglycone type of saponins and to quantify three steroidal sapogenins in leaves of five Agave species collected in different regions of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico. RESULTS: Analysis by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection of the hydrolyzed methanolic extracts showed that diosgenin and tigogenin were the most abundant sapogenins identified in the five Agave species. Differences in the content of these sapogenins were found in the same species collected in different localities. The leaves of Agave americana var. oaxacensis L. (Oaxaca) had the highest diosgenin-derived saponin content, while the leaves of A. angustifolia Haw. (Guerrero) had the highest tigogenin-derived saponin content. Only in A. cupreata was sarsasapogenin identified, all three sapogenins occurring in the leaves of this species. For the first time, information is provided on the aglycones of the saponins produced in A. potatorum Zucc. and A. karwinskii Zucc. CONCLUSION: This study made it possible to compare the content of diosgenin and tigogenin-derived saponins in leaves of Agave species from Guerrero and Oaxaca. This information will be useful for better utilization of this plant material and add value to the process of mezcal elaboration. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Model of Gold Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery System for Stavudine Biodistribution.

Computational modelling has gained attention for evaluating nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling provides a mechanistic approach for evaluating drug biodistribution. The aim of this work is to develop a specific PBPK model to simulate stavudine biodistribution after the administration of a 40 nm gold nanoparticle-based drug delivery system in rats. The model parameters used have been obtained from literature, in vitro and in vivo studies, and computer optimization. Based on these, the PBPK model was built, and the compartments included were considered as permeability rate-limited tissues. In comparison with stavudine solution, a higher biodistribution of stavudine into HIV reservoirs and the modification of pharmacokinetic parameters such as the mean residence time (MRT) have been observed. These changes are particularly noteworthy in the liver, which presents a higher partition coefficient (from 0.27 to 0.55) and higher MRT (from 1.28 to 5.67 h). Simulated stavudine concentrations successfully describe these changes in the in vivo study results. The average fold error of predicted concentrations after the administration of stavudine-gold nanoparticles was within the 0.5-2-fold error in all of the tissues. Thus, this PBPK model approach may help with the pre-clinical extrapolation to other administration routes or the species of stavudine gold nanoparticles.

Cognitive variables associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with cancer: A five-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer are at increased risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, data on the variables associated with these symptoms in the long term are scant. This study aims to evaluate rumination and thought suppression as explanatory variables of depressive and anxiety symptoms at one- and five-year follow-up in patients diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: A total of 131 patients with cancer were assessed at baseline (≤4 months of diagnosis), and at 1 and 5 years after diagnosis. A battery of self-reported measures was used to evaluate anxiety and depressive symptoms, rumination, thought suppression, social support, and self-efficacy. The associations among these variables were assessed with linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: The models for depressive and anxiety symptoms explained 43.5% and 44.2% of the variance, respectively. Rumination was a significant explanatory variable of both depressive and anxiety symptoms over the five-year follow-up period, while thought suppression was only associated with anxiety symptoms. Female gender was associated with a higher risk of presenting anxiety symptoms but this same variable was also protective against depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment and treatment of rumination and thought suppression in patients diagnosed with cancer is advisable, as these cognitive domains seem to be associated to symptoms of emotional disorders in the long term.

Osteoporosis, un problema de salud de estos tiempos / Osteoporosis, a health problem of our times

RESUMEN En los adultos mayores existen múltiples enfermedades que afectan su calidad de vida y el logro de una longevidad satisfactoria. Una de ellas es la osteoporosis, enfermedad de elevada incidencia a nivel mundial, lo cual también se refleja en Cuba. Siendo una afección que conlleva a un alto grado de discapacidad, constituye un problema en el campo de la salud y de magnitud epidémica, más aún cuando la supervivencia de la humanidad tiende al aumento. Con el objetivo de estructurar los referentes teóricos sobre la osteoporosis, que contribuyan a la capacitación de médicos y estudiantes de Medicina como promotores de salud en prevención primaria de esta enfermedad, se realizó el siguiente artículo científico. Los factores que predisponen la aparición de la enfermedad son diversos, algunos modificables. Se señaló la importancia de su prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento, así como formas de actuar sobre la misma, para modificar estilos de vida en la comunidad (AU).

ABSTRACT There are many diseases affecting life quality and the achievement of a satisfactory longevity in elder people; osteoporosis, a disease of high incidence around the world that also strikes in Cuba, is found among them. It is an affection leading to a high disability level, being a problem in the health field with an epidemic magnitude, even more when the human kind survival tends to increase. The current scientific article was written with the objective of structuring the theoretical referents on osteoporosis contributing to train Medicine doctors and students as health promoters in the primary prevention of this disease. The factors predisposing the disease's appearance are different, some of them modifiable. It is also stated the importance of its prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and also forms and ways of working on it to modify life styles in the community (AU).

STEPPS for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Pragmatic Trial and Naturalistic Comparison With Noncompleters.

Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS) is a group psychotherapy approach that is effective for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) in a public health care setting. The sample in this study comprised 118 outpatients with BPD who were asked to participate in a Spanish-adapted version of STEPPS for 18 months, a psychotherapy program that could be added to their usual psychiatric intervention. They were divided into an experimental group who participated in STEPPS, and a control group, who received treatment as usual. Several variables were collected and the Borderline Evaluation of Severity Over Time (BEST) scale was administered at pretest, Months 3 and 6, posttest (Month 18), and 2-year follow-up (Month 42), after which a post hoc data analysis was carried out. The STEPPS program improved the as-usual treatment provided previously, and the results were cost-effective. A higher educational level and good patient collaboration predicted better outcome.

Whole-Genome Analysis Surveillance of Influenza A Virus Resistance to Polymerase Complex Inhibitors in Eastern Spain from 2016 to 2019.

Molecular surveillance by whole-genome sequencing was used to monitor the susceptibility of circulating influenza A viruses to three polymerase complex inhibitors. A total of 12 resistance substitutions were found among 285 genomes analyzed, but none were associated with high levels of resistance. Natural resistance to these influenza A antivirals is currently uncommon.

Carlos de la Torre y Huerta. Paradigma del quehacer científico cubano / Carlos de la Torre y Huerta. Paradigma of Cuban scientific activity

RESUMEN La dimensión científica educativa constituye uno de los aportes más sólidos de la obra de Carlos de la Torre y Huerta. Su extensa obra investigativa se nutre de las asignaturas que impartió en la Universidad de la Habana entre las que se desatacan Paleontología, Arqueología, Antropología, Zoología, Geología, Biología y Entomología. Estos estudios favorecieron el descubrimiento de la gran riqueza existente en el país, destacándose una trayectoria ejemplar cuyos cimientos se insertan en la malacología. El descubrimiento de las Polymitas lo llevan a describir una diversidad de subespecies que lo insertan en el escenario internacional aclamado como un referente de obligatoria consulta para los especialistas. La divulgación sistemática de su obra lo conducen a la formación de una escuela cubana de naturalistas en la que los discípulos marcaron impronta en el quehacer científico nacional al apropiarse de las herramientas que le permiten hacer ciencia utilizando medios de enseñanza, imágenes proyectadas, láminas, dibujos y ejemplares autóctonos del país (AU).

ABSTRACT The educational scientific dimension is one of the strongest contributions of the work of Carlos de la Torre and Huerta. His extensive research work draws on the subjects he taught at the University of Havana, including Paleontology, Archeology, Anthropology, Zoology, Geology, Biology and Entomology. These studies favored the discovery of the great wealth existing in the country, highlighting an exemplary trajectory whose foundations are inserted in malacology. The discovery of the Polymites leads him to describe a diversity of subspecies that insert him in the acclaimed international scenario as a mandatory reference for specialists. The systematic dissemination of his work lead him to the formation of a Cuban school of naturalists in which the disciples marked imprint on the national scientific work by appropriating the tools that allow him to do science using teaching means, projected images, prints, drawings and native copies of the country (AU).

Déficits ejecutivos y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en la infancia y en la adolescencia / Executive function deficits and neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence

Introducción: Actualmente, en el Manual diagnóstico y estadístico de los trastornos mentales (DSM-5) se incluye una nueva categoría diagnóstica referida a trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Son diversos los trastornos del neurodesarrollo que, aun siendo entidades diagnósticas independientes, comparten manifestaciones comunes a las que presentan personas con daño cerebral o disfunción en la corteza prefrontal, es decir, presentan diferentes alteraciones de las funciones ejecutivas. Desarrollo: El propósito de este estudio es ofrecer una visión de los hallazgos actuales sobre el funcionamiento ejecutivo en niños y jóvenes con diferentes trastornos del neurodesarrollo: trastorno del espectro autista, trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad y trastorno específico del aprendizaje. Con este objetivo se revisaron 27 artículos. Los resultados de los análisis indican una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre dimensión de flexibilidad y trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad (W de Wilcoxon = 123; p = 0,011) y dimensión de flexibilidad y trastorno del espectro autista (W de Wilcoxon = 101,5; p = 0,003), y ausencia de asociación estadísticamente significativa entre las diferentes dimensiones evaluadas y trastorno específico del aprendizaje. Conclusiones: Las dimensiones ejecutivas se encuentran afectadas en los diferentes trastornos del neurodesarrollo en grado variable. Podemos hipotetizar la existencia de un continuo en las dimensiones que se encuentran afectadas en los diferentes trastornos del neurodesarrollo; en ocasiones, es complejo establecer límites categoriales cuando se comparan distintos trastornos

Introduction: Currently, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has new criteria that include a diagnostic reference to neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders are diverse, and even though they are independent diagnostic entities they share common manifestations in people with brain damage or dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex; that is, neurodevelopmental disorders present different alterations in executive functions. Development: The aim of the present study was to offer an overview of the recent findings on executive functioning in children, adolescents and young adults with different neurodevelopmental disorders: autistic spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and specific learning disorder. Hence, with this objective, 27 studies from the literature were reviewed. The results indicate a statistically significant association between the dimension of flexibility and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (W of Wilcoxon = 123.0; p = 0.011), and flexibility with autistic spectrum disorder (W of Wilcoxon = 101.5; p = 0.003); and absence of a statistically significant association between the different assessed dimensions and specific learning disorder. Conclusions: The dimensions of executive functioning are affected to a variable degree in different neurodevelopmental disorders. We can hypothesis that the dimensions that are affected in the different neurodevelopmental disorders can be characterized in terms of the existence of a continuum, and occasionally those dimensions are too complex to establish categorical limits when comparing different neurodevelopmental disorders

[Executive function deficits and neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence]. / Déficits ejecutivos y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en la infancia y en la adolescencia.

INTRODUCTION: Currently, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has new criteria that include a diagnostic reference to neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders are diverse, and even though they are independent diagnostic entities they share common manifestations in people with brain damage or dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex; that is, neurodevelopmental disorders present different alterations in executive functions. DEVELOPMENT: The aim of the present study was to offer an overview of the recent findings on executive functioning in children, adolescents and young adults with different neurodevelopmental disorders: autistic spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and specific learning disorder. Hence, with this objective, 27 studies from the literature were reviewed. The results indicate a statistically significant association between the dimension of flexibility and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (W of Wilcoxon = 123.0; p = 0.011), and flexibility with autistic spectrum disorder (W of Wilcoxon = 101.5; p = 0.003); and absence of a statistically significant association between the different assessed dimensions and specific learning disorder. CONCLUSIONS: The dimensions of executive functioning are affected to a variable degree in different neurodevelopmental disorders. We can hypothesis that the dimensions that are affected in the different neurodevelopmental disorders can be characterized in terms of the existence of a continuum, and occasionally those dimensions are too complex to establish categorical limits when comparing different neurodevelopmental disorders.

TITLE: Déficits ejecutivos y trastornos del neurodesarrollo en la infancia y en la adolescencia.Introducción. Actualmente, en el Manual diagnóstico y estadístico de los trastornos mentales (DSM-5) se incluye una nueva categoría diagnóstica referida a trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Son diversos los trastornos del neurodesarrollo que, aun siendo entidades diagnósticas independientes, comparten manifestaciones comunes a las que presentan personas con daño cerebral o disfunción en la corteza prefrontal, es decir, presentan diferentes alteraciones de las funciones ejecutivas. Desarrollo. El propósito de este estudio es ofrecer una visión de los hallazgos actuales sobre el funcionamiento ejecutivo en niños y jóvenes con diferentes trastornos del neurodesarrollo: trastorno del espectro autista, trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad y trastorno específico del aprendizaje. Con este objetivo se revisaron 27 artículos. Los resultados de los análisis indican una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre dimensión de flexibilidad y trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad (W de Wilcoxon = 123; p = 0,011) y dimensión de flexibilidad y trastorno del espectro autista (W de Wilcoxon = 101,5; p = 0,003), y ausencia de asociación estadísticamente significativa entre las diferentes dimensiones evaluadas y trastorno específico del aprendizaje. Conclusiones. Las dimensiones ejecutivas se encuentran afectadas en los diferentes trastornos del neurodesarrollo en grado variable. Podemos hipotetizar la existencia de un continuo en las dimensiones que se encuentran afectadas en los diferentes trastornos del neurodesarrollo; en ocasiones, es complejo establecer límites categoriales cuando se comparan distintos trastornos.

[Model of executive functions based on factorial analyses in child and school populations: a meta-analysis]. / Modelo de funciones ejecutivas basado en analisis factoriales en poblacion infantil y escolar: metaanalisis.

INTRODUCTION: Executive functions are defined as a set of skills that are involved in various activities which are novel to the individual and which require a creative solution. It is not easy or straight forward to conceptualise or identify the factors that make up a population of young children. AIM: To analyse the components of executive function due to the clinical implications in different neurodevelopmental disorders in a population-based sample of young children. DEVELOPMENT: From the body of literature, 35 published papers that used different factor analysis approaches for factor extraction were reviewed. The probability of a study with three factors being undertaken in the stage between 0 to 12 years is 1.44 times higher than studies being undertaken with some focus on another structure. The probability of a study being undertaken that focuses on the Flexibility dimension in the stage between 0 to 12 years is 1.45 times higher than a study being undertaken that focuses on any other dimension. The association between the different structures and dimensions that are analysed with respect to age using the Kendall tau-b indicates a statistically significant association between: studies with three factors and age (tau = 0.29; p = 0.044) and flexibility with age (tau = 0.37; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: The diversity of the obtained results can be attributed to, and is in line with, the plurality of theoretical conceptualisations, tests used and statistical analyzes carried out. It can be concluded that working memory, inhibition and flexibility are the executive processes most commonly found in the factorial models of executive control in young children and adolescents.

TITLE: Modelo de funciones ejecutivas basado en analisis factoriales en poblacion infantil y escolar: metaanalisis.Introduccion. Las funciones ejecutivas se definen como un conjunto de habilidades implicadas en diversas actividades que son novedosas para el individuo y que precisan una solucion creativa. No es facil su conceptualizacion ni la identificacion de los factores que las configuran en la poblacion infantil y escolar. Objetivo. Analizar la estructura y los componentes de la funcion ejecutiva en poblacion preescolar y escolar. Desarrollo. Se revisaron 35 articulos que utilizan diferentes enfoques de analisis factoriales para la extraccion de los factores. La probabilidad de ocurrencia de un estudio con tres factores en la etapa de 0 a 12 años es 1,44 veces superior a la de los estudios que se centran en otra estructura. La probabilidad de ocurrencia de un estudio que se centra en la dimension de flexibilidad en la etapa de 0 a 12 años es 1,45 veces superior a la presencia de un estudio que se centra en cualquier otra dimension. La asociacion entre las diferentes estructuras y dimensiones analizadas con la edad con tau-b de Kendall indica una asociacion estadisticamente significativa entre estudios con tres factores y edad (tau = 0,29; p = 0,044) y flexibilidad con la edad (tau = 0,37; p = 0,012). Conclusiones. La diversidad de resultados obtenidos puede atribuirse y esta en consonancia con la pluralidad de conceptualizaciones teoricas, pruebas empleadas y analisis estadisticos efectuados. Se puede concluir que actualizacion/memoria de trabajo, inhibicion y flexibilidad son los procesos ejecutivos mas comunmente encontrados en los modelos factoriales de control ejecutivo en niños de preescolar y escolar.

Modelo de funciones ejecutivas basado en análisis factoriales en población infantil y escolar: metaanálisis / Model of executive functions based on factorial analyses in child and school populations: a meta-analysis

Introducción. Las funciones ejecutivas se definen como un conjunto de habilidades implicadas en diversas actividades que son novedosas para el individuo y que precisan una solución creativa. No es fácil su conceptualización ni la identificación de los factores que las configuran en la población infantil y escolar. Objetivo. Analizar la estructura y los componentes de la función ejecutiva en población preescolar y escolar. Desarrollo. Se revisaron 35 artículos que utilizan diferentes enfoques de análisis factoriales para la extracción de los factores. La probabilidad de ocurrencia de un estudio con tres factores en la etapa de 0 a 12 años es 1,44 veces superior a la de los estudios que se centran en otra estructura. La probabilidad de ocurrencia de un estudio que se centra en la dimensión de flexibilidad en la etapa de 0 a 12 años es 1,45 veces superior a la presencia de un estudio que se centra en cualquier otra dimensión. La asociación entre las diferentes estructuras y dimensiones analizadas con la edad con tau-b de Kendall indica una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre estudios con tres factores y edad (tau = 0,29; p = 0,044) y flexibilidad con la edad (tau = 0,37; p = 0,012). Conclusiones. La diversidad de resultados obtenidos puede atribuirse y está en consonancia con la pluralidad de conceptualizaciones teóricas, pruebas empleadas y análisis estadísticos efectuados. Se puede concluir que actualización/memoria de trabajo, inhibición y flexibilidad son los procesos ejecutivos más comúnmente encontrados en los modelos factoriales de control ejecutivo en niños de preescolar y escolar

Introduction. Executive functions are defined as a set of skills that are involved in various activities which are novel to the individual and which require a creative solution. It is not easy or straight forward to conceptualise or identify the factors that make up a population of young children. Aim. To analyse the components of executive function due to the clinical implications in different neurodevelopmental disorders in a population-based sample of young children. Development. From the body of literature, 35 published papers that used different factor analysis approaches for factor extraction were reviewed. The probability of a study with three factors being undertaken in the stage between 0 to 12 years is 1.44 times higher than studies being undertaken with some focus on another structure. The probability of a study being undertaken that focuses on the Flexibility dimension in the stage between 0 to 12 years is 1.45 times higher than a study being undertaken that focuses on any other dimension. The association between the different structures and dimensions that are analysed with respect to age using the Kendall tau-b indicates a statistically significant association between: studies with three factors and age (tau = 0.29; p = 0.044) and flexibility with age (tau = 0.37; p = 0.012). Conclusions. The diversity of the obtained results can be attributed to, and is in line with, the plurality of theoretical conceptualisations, tests used and statistical analyzes carried out. It can be concluded that working memory, inhibition and flexibility are the executive processes most commonly found in the factorial models of executive control in young children and adolescents

Tratamiento psicológico de los trastornos emocionales en Atención Primaria: el manual de tratamiento transdiagnóstico del estudio PsicAP / Psychological treatment of emotional disorders in Primary Care: The transdiagnostic treatment manual of the PsicAP study

Una parte sustancial de las consultas de Atención Primaria (AP) tiene como motivo principal algún tipo de trastorno emocional, especialmente los relacionados con la depresión, la ansiedad y las somatizaciones. Estos trastornos mentales más comunes tienen altos costes para los afectados y para la sociedad en general. Pese a la existencia de terapias psicológicas que han demostrado ser eficaces para esos trastornos, rara vez se utilizan en el primer nivel asistencial. El objetivo del proyecto de Psicología en Atención Primaria (PsicAP) es demostrar la eficacia de una terapia de cognitivo-conductual grupal transdiagnóstica para tratar los trastornos emocionales más frecuentes en AP. Esta terapia, de sólo 7 sesiones, es especialmente apropiada para el contexto de AP. En este trabajo se presenta el manual de tratamiento, sesión a sesión, con extractos que ilustran contenidos clave de las sesiones. Finalmente, se discuten las implicaciones de un protocolo de estas características en un momento en el que el psicólogo clínico y el residente de Psicología Clínica empiezan a estar presentes en AP en España

A substantial percentage of primary care (PC) visits are motivated by some type of emotional disorder, especially depression, anxiety and somatization. These common mental disorders represent a significant burden for the people affected and for the society. Despite the availability of effective psychological therapies for these disorders, psychological interventions are rarely used in PC. The aim of the Psychology in Primary Care (PsicAP) project is to demonstrate the efficacy of a transdiagnostic cognitive-behavioural group therapy to treat the most prevalent emotional disorders in PC. This therapy, which involves only 7 sessions, is especially appropriate for PC settings. In the present article, we present the treatment manual, session by session, with extracts that illustrate key contents of the sessions. Finally, we discuss the implications of a protocol of this type at a time when clinical psychologists and clinical psychology interns are starting to be integrated into the PC setting in Spain

Tratamiento psicológico de los trastornos emocionales en atención primaria: fundamentos teóricos y empíricos del estudio PsicAP / Psychological treatment of emotional disorders in primary care: Theoretical and empirical basis of the PsicAP study

El proyecto Psicología en Atención Primaria (PsicAP) pretende promover el tratamiento psicológico basado en la evidencia para los trastornos emocionales en atención primaria. Este trabajo presenta los fundamentos teóricos y empíricos del programa de tratamiento de PsicAP, destacando 4 aspectos clave: la evidencia sobre la eficacia del tratamiento cognitivo-conductual, el modelo de tratamiento escalonado, el enfoque transdiagnóstico y el formato de tratamiento grupal. Por último, se destacan las implicaciones prácticas de esta iniciativa que puede ayudar a reducir la distancia entre la investigación sobre la eficacia de los tratamientos psicológicos y la práctica clínica, así como la atención al derecho del paciente a decidir sobre el tratamiento, de eficacia probada, que desea recibir

The project Psychology in Primary Care (PsicAP) aims to promote evidence-based psychological treatments in Primary Care. This paper presents the theoretical and empirical basis of the PsicAP treatment program, highlighting four key aspects: evidence-based treatment using cognitive behavioral techniques; stepped care model; transdiagnostic approach and group format treatment. Finally, we highlight the practical implications of this initiative, that seeks to reduce the gap between research on the effectiveness of psychological treatments and clinical practice, as well as attending to the patient's right to choose which treatment he/she wants to receive

[Proposed model of executive functions based on factorial analyses]. / Propuesta de un modelo de funciones ejecutivas basado en analisis factoriales.

INTRODUCTION: Since Lezak coined the term executive functions to refer to the mental capabilities that are considered essential for performing efficacious, creative and socially acceptable behaviour, they have gradually grown in importance in neuropsychological research. Different models have been proposed to explain their nature, but there is no general agreement as to whether we are dealing with a unitary construct or a multimodal processing system with independent, but interconnected, components. With the aim of gaining a deeper knowledge of the structure of this construct, researchers have conducted lesion, neuroimaging and, more recently, factorial analysis studies, the latter being seen as a promising methodology for expanding our knowledge about such a generic concept as the executive functions. DEVELOPMENT: The purpose of this study is to carry out a systematic review of factorial models of attention and executive control in adults, between the years 1991 and 2016, using the PubMed, OvidSP and PsycINFO databases. Altogether, 33 papers were reviewed. Based on the literature, an integrating proposal of the executive functions is put forward. CONCLUSIONS: Although we do not have just one single model that can account for the complexity of the executive functions, there does seem to be general agreement on their multidimensionality. In factorial analyses, there is strong evidence of updating, inhibition and alternation, although there are also studies that propose novel factors. Our integrating proposal aims to combine the executive processes found in the literature with their corresponding neuroanatomical correlates, and defends the stance that the ideal methodology should use information from lesion studies, neuroimaging techniques and psychometric-computational models.

TITLE: Propuesta de un modelo de funciones ejecutivas basado en analisis factoriales.Introduccion. Desde que Lezak acuñara el termino de funciones ejecutivas como las capacidades mentales esenciales para llevar a cabo una conducta eficaz, creativa y aceptada socialmente, estas han adquirido progresivo protagonismo en la investigacion neuropsicologica. Diversos modelos han sido planteados para explicar su naturaleza, pero no existe consenso respecto a si nos encontramos ante un constructo unitario o un sistema de procesamiento multimodal con componentes independientes, pero interconectados. Para conocer la estructura de este constructo se han utilizado estudios de lesion, neuroimagen y, recientemente, el analisis factorial, que se plantea como una metodologia prometedora para ampliar nuestro conocimiento sobre un concepto tan generico como las funciones ejecutivas. Desarrollo. El proposito de este estudio es realizar una revision sistematica de modelos factoriales de atencion y control ejecutivo en adultos, entre los años 1991-2016, utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, OvidSP y PsycINFO. En total, se revisaron 33 articulos. A partir de la bibliografia, se realiza una propuesta integradora de los procesos ejecutivos. Conclusiones. Aunque no disponemos de un unico modelo que pueda explicar la complejidad de las funciones ejecutivas, si parece existir acuerdo respecto a su multidimensionalidad. En analisis factoriales, actualizacion, inhibicion y alternancia gozan de fuerte evidencia, si bien hay trabajos que plantean factores novedosos. Nuestra propuesta integradora trata de combinar los procesos ejecutivos hallados en la bibliografia con sus correspondientes correlatos neuroanatomicos, defendiendo que la metodologia ideal deberia utilizar informacion procedente de estudios de lesion, tecnicas de neuroimagen y modelos psicometricos-computacionales.

Modifications of Bordetella bronchiseptica core lipopolysaccharide influence immune response without affecting protective activity.

Bordetella bronchiseptica produces respiratory disease primarily in mammals including humans. Although a considerably amount of research has been generated regarding lipopolysaccharide (LPS) role during infection and stimulating innate and adaptive immune response, mechanisms involved in LPS synthesis are still unknown. In this context we searched in B. bronchiseptica genome for putative glycosyltransferases. We found possible genes codifying for enzymes involved in sugar substitution of the LPS structure. We decided to analyse BB3394 to BB3400 genes, closed to a previously described LPS biosynthetic locus in B. pertussis. Particularly, conservation of BB3394 in sequenced B. bronchiseptica genomes suggests the importance of this gene for bacteria normal physiology. Deletion of BB3394 abolished resistance to naive serum as described for other LPS mutants. When purified LPS was analyzed, differences in the LPS core structure were found. Particularly, a GalNA branched sugar substitution in the core was absent in the LPS obtained from BB3394 deletion mutant. Absence of GalNA in core LPS alters immune response in vivo but is able to induce protective response against B. bronchiseptica infection.

Propuesta de un modelo de funciones ejecutivas basado en análisis factoriales / Proposed model of executive functions based on factorial analyses

Introducción. Desde que Lezak acuñara el término de funciones ejecutivas como las capacidades mentales esenciales para llevar a cabo una conducta eficaz, creativa y aceptada socialmente, éstas han adquirido progresivo protagonismo en la investigación neuropsicológica. Diversos modelos han sido planteados para explicar su naturaleza, pero no existe consenso respecto a si nos encontramos ante un constructo unitario o un sistema de procesamiento multimodal con componentes independientes, pero interconectados. Para conocer la estructura de este constructo se han utilizado estudios de lesión, neuroimagen y, recientemente, el análisis factorial, que se plantea como una metodología prometedora para ampliar nuestro conocimiento sobre un concepto tan genérico como las funciones ejecutivas. Desarrollo. El propósito de este estudio es realizar una revisión sistemática de modelos factoriales de atención y control ejecutivo en adultos, entre los años 1991-2016, utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, OvidSP y PsycINFO. En total, se revisaron 33 artículos. A partir de la bibliografía, se realiza una propuesta integradora de los procesos ejecutivos. Conclusiones. Aunque no disponemos de un único modelo que pueda explicar la complejidad de las funciones ejecutivas, sí parece existir acuerdo respecto a su multidimensionalidad. En análisis factoriales, actualización, inhibición y alternancia gozan de fuerte evidencia, si bien hay trabajos que plantean factores novedosos. Nuestra propuesta integradora trata de combinar los procesos ejecutivos hallados en la bibliografía con sus correspondientes correlatos neuroanatómicos, defendiendo que la metodología ideal debería utilizar información procedente de estudios de lesión, técnicas de neuroimagen y modelos psicométricos-computacionales (AU)

Introduction. Since Lezak coined the term executive functions to refer to the mental capabilities that are considered essential for performing efficacious, creative and socially acceptable behaviour, they have gradually grown in importance in neuropsychological research. Different models have been proposed to explain their nature, but there is no general agreement as to whether we are dealing with a unitary construct or a multimodal processing system with independent, but interconnected, components. With the aim of gaining a deeper knowledge of the structure of this construct, researchers have conducted lesion, neuroimaging and, more recently, factorial analysis studies, the latter being seen as a promising methodology for expanding our knowledge about such a generic concept as the executive functions. Development. The purpose of this study is to carry out a systematic review of factorial models of attention and executive control in adults, between the years 1991 and 2016, using the PubMed, OvidSP and PsycINFO databases. Altogether, 33 papers were reviewed. Based on the literature, an integrating proposal of the executive functions is put forward. Conclusions. Although we do not have just one single model that can account for the complexity of the executive functions, there does seem to be general agreement on their multidimensionality. In factorial analyses, there is strong evidence of updating, inhibition and alternation, although there are also studies that propose novel factors. Our integrating proposal aims to combine the executive processes found in the literature with their corresponding neuroanatomical correlates, and defends the stance that the ideal methodology should use information from lesion studies, neuroimaging techniques and psychometric-computational models (AU)

The role of nanocrystalline cellulose on the microstructure of foamed castor-oil polyurethane nanocomposites.

Nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC), obtained by sulphuric acid hydrolysis, was used to synthesize polyurethane foams (PUFs) based on a functionalized castor oil polyol and a Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Formulations with varying isocyanate index (FI) and NCO number were prepared. At 0.5 wt.%, SEM's of the fractured surface underlined that the CNC acted both as a nucleation agent and as a particulate surfactant with cell geometries and apparent density changing selectively. The chemical structure of the PUF (FTIR) changed after the incorporation of CNC by a relative change of the amount of urea, urethane and isocyanurate groups. A low NCO number and isocyanate index contributed to the migration of the CNC to the Hard Segment (HS), acting as reinforcement and improving substantially the compressive mechanical properties (Ec and σc improvements of 63 and 50%, respectively). For a high NCO number or isocyanate index, the CNC migrated to the Soft Segment (SS), without causing a reinforcement effect. The migration of the CNC was also detected with DSC, TGA and DMA, furtherly supporting the hypothesis that a low NCO number and index contributed both to the formation of a microstructure with a higher content of urethane groups.

Walking cycle control for an active ankle prosthesis with one degree of freedom monitored from a personal computer.

This paper proposes a fuzzy control algorithm for human walking cycle of an active ankle prosthesis for people who have suffered amputation of the lower limb, the system has one degree of freedom in the sagittal plane. Also, a biomechanical analysis of foot and ankle is shown to define the phases of plantar support and swinging. The used actuator is an intelligent servomotor, Dynamixel MX-106T which has torque, current and position feedback, among others, allowing real-time telemetry of the prototype implemented in a microcontroller system.

Retinaldehyde/hyaluronic acid fragments: a synergistic association for the management of skin aging.

BACKGROUND: Retinaldehyde (RAL) was proven effective in treating photodamaged skin. Topical treatments with specific intermediate-size hyaluronate fragments (HAFi, 50-400 kDa) have been shown to stimulate keratinocytes proliferation and epidermal hyperplasia. The aim of this open, multicentric, international study was to assess the efficacy of the combination RAL-HAFi in the correction of skin photoaging. PATIENTS/METHODS: Either RAL 0.05%-HAFi 0.5% (Eluage® cream; group 1) or RAL 0.05%-HAFi 1% (Eluage® antiwrinkle concentrate; group 2) or both products (group 3) were applied daily to the 1462 subjects during 90 days. Overall photoaging severity was evaluated in the three groups by the dermatologists at D0, D30, and D90 based on the Larnier's scale. Wrinkles and/or furrows and clinical signs of aging were evaluated using a 4-point scale. The skin microrelief of the crow's feet, evaluated by optical profilometry, was performed in subjects from group 3. RESULTS: The 3-month application significantly improved overall photoaging through decrease of the Larnier's score in the three groups (P<0.001). At D90, significant improvement of wrinkles was shown in groups 2 and 3 [forehead wrinkles (-19% and -10%, respectively, P<0.001), nasolabial folds (-20% and -16%, P<0.001), crow's feet (-27% in the two groups, P<0.001), and perioral wrinkles (-34% and -23%, P<0.001)]. Clinical signs of photoaging on the entire face improved significantly in groups 1 and 3 [elasticity (-32% and -33%, respectively, P<0.001), hyperpigmentation (-34% and -31%, P<0.001), and ptosis (-18% and -22%; P<0.001)]. Results were confirmed using an optical profilometry technique. Products were very well tolerated. CONCLUSION: This clinical study showed the efficacy and value of the RAL-HAFi combination in the management of aging skin in a large cohort of patients.