Topological Navigation for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles in Confined Semi-Structured Environments.

In this work, we present the design, implementation, and simulation of a topology-based navigation system for the UX-series robots, a spherical underwater vehicle designed to explore and map flooded underground mines. The objective of the robot is to navigate autonomously in the 3D network of tunnels of a semi-structured but unknown environment in order to gather geoscientific data. We start from the assumption that a topological map has been generated by a low-level perception and SLAM module in the form of a labeled graph. However, the map is subject to uncertainties and reconstruction errors that the navigation system must address. First, a distance metric is defined to compute node-matching operations. This metric is then used to enable the robot to find its position on the map and navigate it. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach, extensive simulations have been carried out with different randomly generated topologies and various noise rates.

Coastal Fishermen as Lifesavers While Sailing at High Speed: A Crossover Study.

PURPOSE: Starting basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) early improves survival. Fishermen are the first bystanders while at work. Our objective was to test in a simulated scenario the CPR quality performed by fishermen while at port and while navigating at different speeds. METHODS: Twenty coastal fishermen were asked to perform 2 minutes of CPR (chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth ventilations) on a manikin, in three different scenarios: (A) at port on land, (B) on the boat floor sailing at 10 knots, and (C) sailing at 20 knots. Data was recorded using quality CPR software, adjusted to current CPR international guidelines. RESULTS: The quality of CPR (QCPR) was significantly higher at port (43% ± 10) than sailing at 10 knots (30% ± 15; p = 0.01) or at 20 knots (26% ± 12; p = 0.001). The percentage of ventilation that achieved some lung insufflation was also significantly higher when CPR was done at port (77% ± 14) than while sailing at 10 knots (59% ± 18) or 20 knots (57% ± 21) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In the event of drowning or cardiac arrest on a small boat, fishermen should immediately start basic CPR and navigate at a relatively high speed to the nearest port if the sea conditions are safe.

Enteropathogens associated with acute diarrhea in children from households with high socioeconomic level in uruguay.

Infectious diarrhea, a common disease of children, deserves permanent monitoring in all social groups. To know the etiology and clinical manifestations of acute diarrhea in children up to 5 years of age from high socioeconomic level households, we conducted a descriptive, microbiological, and clinical study. Stools from 59 children with acute community-acquired diarrhea were examined, and their parents were interviewed concerning symptoms and signs. Rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus were detected by commercially available qualitative immunochromatographic lateral flow rapid tests. Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, and Shigella were investigated by standard bacteriological methods and diarrheagenic E. coli by PCR assays. We identified a potential enteric pathogen in 30 children. The most frequent causes of diarrhea were enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), viruses, Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Only 2 patients showed mixed infections. Our data suggest that children with viral or Campylobacter diarrhea were taken to the hospital earlier than those infected with EPEC. One child infected with STEC O26 developed "complete" HUS. The microbiological results highlight the importance of zoonotic bacteria such as atypical EPEC, Campylobacter, STEC, and Salmonella as pathogens associated with acute diarrhea in these children. The findings also reinforce our previous communications about the regional importance of non-O157 STEC strains in severe infant food-borne diseases.

Microorganisms associated to tomato seedlings growing in saline culture act as osmoprotectant.

Less than 0.5% of total water in the world is available for human consumption and agriculture. The major part of the world's water is saline and salinity in soils interferes in germination of seeds and the posterior development of the plant. In order to increase the osmotolerance of tomato, seedlings were associated with Azospirillum brasilense Cd, Azospirillum brasilense Cd transformed bacteria with a plasmid harboring a trehalose biosynthesis gene-fusion or Chlorella vulgaris. Two plant culture media: Hydroponic and Murashige and Skoog were tested. In the first set of studies seedlings were associated to single free cells meanwhile in a second set single and combined free cells were studied. A positive interaction between transformed Azospirillum and Chlorella vulagris and tomato plants was observed. Seedlings showed a salt concentration tolerance, as sodium chloride, up to 200 mM. According to our results, the association of plants with A. brasilense Cd-BIF and C. vulgaris is a viable approach to increase their salt tolerance and biomass, as consequence the possible use of sea water to irrigate horticultural plants.

Microorganisms associated to tomato seedlings growing in saline culture act as osmoprotectant

Less than 0.5% of total water in the world is available for human consumption and agriculture. The major part of the world's water is saline and salinity in soils interferes in germination of seeds and the posterior development of the plant. In order to increase the osmotolerance of tomato, seedlings were associated with Azospirillum brasilense Cd, Azospirillum brasilense Cd transformed bacteria with a plasmid harboring a trehalose biosynthesis gene-fusion or Chlorella vulgaris. Two plant culture media: Hydroponic and Murashige and Skoog were tested. In the first set of studies seedlings were associated to single free cells meanwhile in a second set single and combined free cells were studied. A positive interaction between transformed Azospirillum and Chlorella vulagris and tomato plants was observed. Seedlings showed a salt concentration tolerance, as sodium chloride, up to 200 mM. According to our results, the association of plants with A. brasilense Cd-BIF and C. vulgaris is a viable approach to increase their salt tolerance and biomass, as consequence the possible use of sea water to irrigate horticultural plants.

Implementation of chronic disease risk factor surveillance in 12 Cuban municipalities.

Chronic non-communicable diseases have been called the pandemic of the 21st century and constitute a high-priority public health challenge; hence growing interest in chronic disease risk factor surveillance. Cuba is implementing decentralized risk factor surveillance in each of its municipalities as part of a strategy to address non-communicable diseases. Decentralized surveillance with this level of detail and explicitly designed to inform municipal and provincial decisionmaking is unprecedented in Cuba. We describe the methodology for planning and implementing measurement of major risk factors in 12 municipalities in 10 provinces, as part of Cuba's National Surveillance System. The results have facilitated timely use of information and evidence-based decisionmaking at the local level.

Acute myocardial infarction mortality in Cuba, 1999-2008.

INTRODUCTION: Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in the world. This is also true in Cuba, where no national-level epidemiologic studies of related mortality have been published in recent years. OBJECTIVE: Describe acute myocardial infarction mortality in Cuba from 1999 through 2008. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted of persons aged ≥25 years with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction from 1999 through 2008. Data were obtained from the Ministry of Public Health's National Statistics Division database for variables: age; sex; site (out of hospital, in hospital or in hospital emergency room) and location (jurisdiction) of death. Proportions, age- and sex-specific rates and age-standardized overall rates per 100,000 population were calculated and compared over time, using the two five-year time frames within the study period. RESULTS: A total of 145,808 persons who had suffered acute myocardial infarction were recorded, 75,512 of whom died, for a case-fatality rate of 51.8% (55.1% in 1999-2003 and 49.7% in 2004-2008). In the first five-year period, mortality was 98.9 per 100,000 population, falling to 81.8 per 100,000 in the second; most affected were people aged ≥75 years and men. Of Cuba's 14 provinces and special municipality, Havana, Havana City and Camagüey provinces, and the Isle of Youth Special Municipality showed the highest mortality; Holguín, Ciego de Ávila and Granma provinces the lowest. Out-of-hospital deaths accounted for the greatest proportion of deaths in both five-year periods (54.8% and 59.2% in 1999-2003 and 2004-2008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although risk of death from acute myocardial infarction decreased through the study period, it remains a major health problem in Cuba. A national acute myocardial infarction case registry is needed. Also required is further research to help elucidate possible causes of Cuba's high acute myocardial infarction mortality: cardiovascular risk studies, studies of out-of-hospital mortality and quality of care assessments for these patients.

Especialidades y acreditaciones en psicología / No disponible

Este trabajo parte de la base de que la Psicología Profesional ha alcanzado en el estado español la madurez suficiente para tener una estructura permanente de especialidades y subespecialidades (bajo la denominación de Expertos). Se analiza el estado de la cuestión en España y en las organizaciones profesionales de psicólogos de otras partes del mundo, con especial hincapié en las cultural y sociológicamente próximas y de nuestro entorno. Se diferencia entre los títulos de especialidades oficiales y los avalados por organizaciones profesionales, en nuestro caso Colegios de Psicólogos y la conexión entre ellas. Se realiza, para su discusión por la comunidad de Psicólogos, una propuesta que incluye un número limitado de especialidades, ilimitado de títulos de expertos y los procedimientos de acreditación con las condiciones mínimas para su obtención (AU)

This paper assumes that the Professional Psychology has achieved in Spain mature enough to have a permanent structure of specialties and subspecialties (under the name of Experts). We analyze the state of this topic in Spain and professional organizations of psychologists from around the world, with special emphasis on cultural and sociological future and our environment. It differs from the official specialty titles and endorsed by professional organizations, in our case Associations of Psychologists and the connection between them. We generate for discussion by the community of psychologists, a proposal that includes a limited number of specialties, unlimited expert qualifications and accreditation procedures with the minimum conditions for obtaining it (AU)

Basic numerical capacities and prevalence of developmental dyscalculia: the Havana Survey.

The association of enumeration and number comparison capacities with arithmetical competence was examined in a large sample of children from 2nd to 9th grades. It was found that efficiency on numerical capacities predicted separately more than 25% of the variance in the individual differences on a timed arithmetical test, and this occurred for both younger and older learners. These capacities were also significant predictors of individual variations in an untimed curriculum-based math achievement test and on the teacher scores of math performance over developmental time. Based on these findings, these numerical capacities were used for estimating the prevalence and gender ratio of basic numerical deficits and developmental dyscalculia (DD) over the grade range defined above (N = 11,652 children). The extent to which DD affects the population with poor ability on calculation was also examined. For this purpose, the prevalence and gender ratio of arithmetical dysfluency (AD) were estimated in the same cohort. The estimated prevalence of DD was 3.4%, and the male:female ratio was 4:1. However, the prevalence of AD was almost 3 times as high (9.35%), and no gender differences were found (male:female ratio = 1.07:1). Basic numerical deficits affect 4.54% of school-age population and affect more boys than girls (2.4:1). The differences between the corresponding estimates were highly significant (α < .01). Based on these contrastive findings, it is concluded that DD, defined as a defective sense of numerosity, could be a distinctive disorder that affects only a portion of children with AD.

Descripción del Síndrome de Alienación Parental en una muestra forense / Description of the Parental Alienation Syndrome in a forensic sample

El objetivo de este estudio fue valorar la presencia de los criterios que definen el Síndrome de Alineación Parental (SAP) en una muestra de familias en proceso de separación. Para ello se analizaron 39 expedientes obtenidos de los asuntos de familia evaluados por un servicio de psicología forense. Utilizando la descripción del SAP se elaboró un listado de criterios que sirviese para constatar su presencia, valorando a los tres actores de la dinámica del SAP: ambos progenitores e hijo. La presencia de estos criterios se analizó comparando los grupos con y sin interrupción en las visitas. Los resultados mostraron una fuerte correlación entre los criterios que definían el SAP. La presencia de estos criterios fue muy superior en el grupo con visitas interrumpidas en comparación con el grupo sin interrupción de visitas. Sin embargo, teniendo en cuenta los defectos que se computaban en los progenitores visitadores, no se encontraron diferencias entre ambos grupos. Estos resultados parecen confirmar la presencia de los criterios del SAP en familias que se encuentran en un proceso de ruptura con interrupciones o conflictos en las visitas (AU)

The aim of this paper was to assess the presence of the criteria for Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) in a sample of families in the process of divorce. Thirty nine records obtained from family cases evaluated by a forensic psychology service were analyzed. A checklist of criteria was made using the description of PAS, these criteria served to confirm their presence by assessing the three actors in the dynamics of the PAS: both parents and the child. The presence of these criteria was analyzed comparing the groups with and without interruption in the contacts. The results showed a strong correlation between the criteria defining the PAS. The presence of these criteria was much higher in the group with interrupted contacts versus the group with uninterrupted ones. However, taking into account the disorders that were computed in visiting parents, there were no differences between both groups. These results seem to confirm the presence of the criteria of PAS in families that are in a process of marriage breakdown with disruptions or conflicts in the visitation rights (AU)

[Description of the Parental Alienation Syndrome in a forensic sample]. / Descripción del Síndrome de Alienación Parental en una muestra forense.

The aim of this paper was to assess the presence of the criteria for Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) in a sample of families in the process of divorce. Thirty nine records obtained from family cases evaluated by a forensic psychology service were analyzed. A checklist of criteria was made using the description of PAS, these criteria served to confirm their presence by assessing the three actors in the dynamics of the PAS: both parents and the child. The presence of these criteria was analyzed comparing the groups with and without interruption in the contacts. The results showed a strong correlation between the criteria defining the PAS. The presence of these criteria was much higher in the group with interrupted contacts versus the group with uninterrupted ones. However, taking into account the disorders that were computed in visiting parents, there were no differences between both groups. These results seem to confirm the presence of the criteria of PAS in families that are in a process of marriage breakdown with disruptions or conflicts in the visitation rights.

Hallazgos colonoscópicos en una población de pacientes con test de sangre oculta en heces positivos / Colonoscopic findings in a population of patients with positive fecal occult blood test

Los test inmunológicos de sangre oculta en heces (SOH-I) constituyen actualmente una de las estrategias más extendidas para el cribado de cáncer colorrectal(CCR) y lesiones precancerosas avanzadas. Objetivos: Describir los hallazgos colonoscópicos en una población de pacientes con test de SOH-I positivos y conocer además la relación con la presencia de CCR. Métodos: Se recabaron de manera retrospectiva los datos de pacientes con test de SOH positivos, prueba inmunocromatográfica, en el período 2007-2008 que tenían colonoscopia. Se excluyeron aquellos pacientes con colonoscopia previa, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, colectomizados o hemicolectomizados,y aquellos con colonoscopia parcial y/o con mala preparación. Resultados:Se incluyeron 89 pacientes, 49 (55%) correspondieron al sexo femenino y 40(45%) al masculino. Respecto a los hallazgos colonoscópicos: 2 (2,2%) presentaronCCR, 33 (37%) tenían pólipos (8 pacientes con pólipos >= 10 mm), y hemorroides internas 54 (60,6%) pacientes. Conclusiones: La verdadera precisión de los test de SOH en términos de sensibilidad y especificidad para la detección de neoplasia colorrectal es difícil de conocer. Según estos hallazgos,la especificidad del test de SOH para el diagnóstico de CCR fue baja.

[Water pollution caused by pesticides in an area of Antioquia]. / Contaminación del agua por plaguicidas en un área de Antioquia.

OBJECTIVE: Determining the frequency of pesticide use in agricultural, pig and poultry production to understand its influence on water resources in the village of Monterredondo in the municipality of San Pedro de Los Milagros (Antioquia) and diagnosing its quality. METHODS: 100 % of the households in the village were surveyed regarding chemical use. Physicochemical and microbiological analysis of three water samples was carried out in the Universidad de Antioquia's Environmental Engineering laboratory using standardised methods. RESULTS: The Hato stream was contaminated by 1,600 x 103 NMP/100ml coliforms and 220 x 10 NMP/100 ml E. coli. The Fray Juana stream had 1,600 x 103 NMP/100ml coliform contamination. Water sources were also contaminated by the use of pesticides such as Lorsban (chlorpyriphs), Burst (chlorpyriphs), Whip (chlorpyriphs), Neguvon (metriphonate) and Furadan (carbophuran) and insecticides like Ganabaño (cypermethryn) and disinfectants and Limpido (6 % sodium hypochlorite). CONCLUSION: Agricultural, pig and poultry production in the village has been producing a negative impact on water resources due to its reduced availability and pollution. The water from the samples analysed here was not suitable for human consumption.

[Three typologies for adolescents' mental health in north-eastern Medellín, Colombia, 2006]. / Tres tipologías de salud mental de los adolescentes de una zona de Medellín-Colombia, 2006.

OBJECTIVE: Obtaining typologies for adolescent students in north-eastern Medellin in 2006 concerning five mental health indicators (depression level, family functioning level, risk of suicide, consuming psychoactive substances and family vulnerability) linked to gender, age group and commune. METHOD: The information was collected from a stratified random sample of 779 adolescents who were proportionally assigned by the size of educational institutions in each commune in the study area; a 3,5 % error and 95 % confidence interval were used in such calculation. The students were given a questionnaire to fill in by themselves. RESULTS: Three typologies were presented where adolescents were classified as follows: two grouped adolescents without difficulties regarding the five mental health indicators and a third category grouped adolescents having problems in all the mental health indicators studied formed mainly by students from the Popular and Santa Cruz communes (35 %, around 15,636 students). CONCLUSION: The mental health of adolescent students from north-eastern Medellín was seen to be a multidimensional phenomenon needing interdisciplinary intervention and presented differences by gender, age group and commune.

Contaminación del agua por plaguicidas en un área de Antioquia / Water pollution caused by pesticides in an area of Antioquia

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia de uso de plaguicidas en la producción agropecuaria, porcícola y avícola, para comprender su influencia en el recurso hídrico en la vereda Monterredondo del municipio San Pedro de los Milagros (Antioquia) y establecer un diagnostico de su calidad. Métodos Se aplicó una encuesta domiciliaria al 100 por ciento de las familias de la vereda, sobre el uso de productos químicos y se realizaron dos análisis, el fisicoquímico y el microbiológico a tres muestras de agua en el laboratorio de Ingeniería Ambiental de la Universidad de Antioquia bajo métodos estandarizados. Resultados La quebrada El Hato presenta una contaminación por Coliformes de 1 600x103 NMP/100ml y por E.coli de 220x10 NMP/100ml. La quebrada Fray Juana presenta un grado de contaminación de 1 600x103 NMP/100ml de Coliformes. Se encontró igualmente una contaminación de las fuentes hídricas por el uso de diversos plaguicidas como: Lorsban® (Clorpirifos), Ráfaga® (Clorpirifos), Látigo® (Clorpirifos), Neguvón® (Metrifonato), Furadán® (Carbofurán). Con insecticidas como, Ganabaño® (Cibermetrina) y desinfectantes como, Límpido® (Hipoclorito de sodio 6 por ciento). Conclusión La producción agropecuaria, porcícola y avícola en la vereda, está generando impactos negativos en el recurso hídrico, por la disminución y la contaminación de éste. Las aguas de las muestras analizadas, no son aptas para el consumo de seres vivos.

Objective Determining the frequency of pesticide use in agricultural, pig and poultry production to understand its influence on water resources in the village of Monterredondo in the municipality of San Pedro de Los Milagros (Antioquia) and diagnosing its quality. Methods 100 percent of the households in the village were surveyed regarding chemical use. Physicochemical and microbiological analysis of three water samples was carried out in the Universidad de Antioquia's Environmental Engineering laboratory using standardised methods. Results The Hato stream was contaminated by 1,600x103 NMP/100ml coliforms and 220x10 NMP/100ml E. coli. The Fray Juana stream had 1,600x103 NMP/100ml coliform contamination. Water sources were also contaminated by the use of pesticides such as Lorsban (chlorpyriphs), Burst (chlorpyriphs), Whip (chlorpyriphs), Neguvon (metriphonate) and Furadan (carbophuran) and insecticides like Ganabaño (cypermethryn) and disinfectants and Limpido (6 percent sodium hypochlorite). Conclusion Agricultural, pig and poultry production in the village has been producing a negative impact on water resources due to its reduced availability and pollution. The water from the samples analysed here was not suitable for human consumption.

Causas y factores asociados con el intento de suicidio en adolescentes en la Provincia Sancti Spíritus / Causes and factors associated with suicide attempt in adolescents in Sancti Spiritus province

Las tentativas de suicidio se han incrementado considerablemente antes de los 20 años de edad en las últimas décadas. Se realiza un estudio de caso y caso-control de los adolescentes que hicieron intento suicida en la provincia de Sancti Spíritus, durante el segundo semestre de 2005 y el primero de 2006, con el objetivo de identificar los factores que se asocian con el intento suicida. La información se obtuvo del cuestionario diseñado al efecto para la investigación. Se calcularon medidas descriptivas para variables cualitativas; para identificar asociación se utilizó la prueba Chi cuadrado de Mantel y Haenszel y cálculo de odds ratio, su intervalo de confianza y significación para α=0,05. Las causas mayormente referidas fueron la familia, seguida de problemas en la escuela para las edades de 10-14 años y en la relación de pareja, seguida por causas familiares para las edades de 15-19 años. Las variables que mostraron asociación con el intento suicida fueron la presencia de ideación y planes suicidas como el deseo de hacerse daño, la elaboración de planes anteriores, presencia de desesperanza y comunicación de la ideación suicida. En la dinámica familiar se encontró desconfianza con los padres, el no tener con quien contar sus problemas ante situaciones difíciles y las malas relaciones con la madre, entre otras.

Suicide attempts have considerably raised before 20 years old in past decades. A case-control study was conducted in adolescents attempting to commit suicide in Sancti Spiritus province over the second semester of 2005 and the first one of 2006, to identify factors associated with this type of attempt. Information was gathered from questionnaire designed to that end for the investigation. Descriptive measures were estimated for qualitative variables; to identify such association we used the Mantel and Haenszel Chi² test and a odds ratio calculus, its CI and significance for α=0.05. Main causes mentioned were of family type, followed by school problems at 10-14 years old and in couple relationship, followed by family causes for 15-19 years old. Variable more associated with suicide attempt were the presence of ideation and suicidal plans as a desire of self-destruction, drawing up of previous plans, presence of hopelessness and communication of suicidal ideation. In family dynamics there were distrust with parents, the lack of someone with whom to count on to explain their problems in difficult situations and the bad maternal relationships, among other.

Tres tipologías de salud mental de los adolescentes de una zona de Medellín-Colombia, 2006 / Three typologies for adolescents' mental health in north-eastern Medellín, Colombia, 2006

Objetivo Obtener tipologías de adolescentes escolarizados en la zona nororiental de Medellín en el 2006, por medio de cinco indicadores de salud mental, nivel de depresión, nivel de funcionamiento familiar, nivel de riesgo de suicidio, consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y vulnerabilidad familiar. Métodos La información se produce desde una muestra aleatoria estratificada de 779 adolescentes que se asigna proporcionalmente al tamaño de las instituciones educativas en cada comuna de la zona y se calcula con un error del 3,5 por ciento y una confianza del 95 por ciento. Se aplica un cuestionario autodiligenciado a los estudiantes. Resultados Se muestran tres tipologías, dos de las cuales agrupan adolescentes sin dificultades en los cinco indicadores de salud mental y una tercera tipología con problemáticas en todos los indicadores de salud mental estudiados, formada principalmente por estudiantes de las comunas Popular y Santa Cruz, que representan el 35 por ciento del total, 15 636 estudiantes, aproximadamente. Conclusión La salud mental de los adolescentes escolarizados de la zona nororiental de Medellín es un fenómeno multidimensional que requiere una intervención interdisciplinaria y presenta diferencias por sexo, grupo de edad y comuna de residencia.

Objective Obtaining typologies for adolescent students in north-eastern Medellin in 2006 concerning five mental health indicators (depression level, family functioning level, risk of suicide, consuming psychoactive substances and family vulnerability) linked to gender, age group and commune. Method The information was collected from a stratified random sample of 779 adolescents who were proportionally assigned by the size of educational institutions in each commune in the study area; a 3,5 percent error and 95 percent confidence interval were used in such calculation. The students were given a questionnaire to fill in by themselves. Results Three typologies were presented where adolescents were classified as follows: two grouped adolescents without difficulties regarding the five mental health indicators and a third category grouped adolescents having problems in all the mental health indicators studied formed mainly by students from the Popular and Santa Cruz communes (35 percent, around 15,636 students). Conclusion The mental health of adolescent students from north-eastern Medellín was seen to be a multidimensional phenomenon needing interdisciplinary intervention and presented differences by gender, age group and commune.

[Assessment of personality disorders with the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-II) in a forensic sample]. / Evaluación de trastornos de personalidad mediante el Inventario Clínico Multiaxial (MCMI-II) en una muestra forense.

In this paper, the presence of personality disorders in a forensic sample is analysed using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-II). The sample was made up of 86 individuals from both civil and criminal settings: plaintiffs in family cases and complainants and defendants in various crimes, especially in partner abuse. The results reveal a great number of records of Compulsive Personality Disorder, reaching 70%, regardless of whether they were from the civil or the criminal setting or whether they were a plaintiff or a defendant. It is concluded that this inventory seems to lack statistical validity for this purpose. Moreover, this test may only describe the typical characteristics of forensic evaluation rather than the personality of the individuals assessed, and it is oversensitive to context; hence, the conclusions derived from the use of the MCMI-II in the forensic field may accept as valid a great deal of distorted or unspecific profiles.

Trehalose metabolism: from osmoprotection to signaling.

Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide formed by two glucose molecules. It is widely distributed in Nature and has been isolated from certain species of bacteria, fungi, invertebrates and plants, which are capable of surviving in a dehydrated state for months or years and subsequently being revived after a few hours of being in contact with water. This disaccharide has many biotechnological applications, as its physicochemical properties allow it to be used to preserve foods, enzymes, vaccines, cells etc., in a dehydrated state at room temperature. One of the most striking findings a decade ago was the discovery of the genes involved in trehalose biosynthesis, present in a great number of organisms that do not accumulate trehalose to significant levels. In plants, this disaccharide has diverse functions and plays an essential role in various stages of development, for example in the formation of the embryo and in flowering. Trehalose also appears to be involved in the regulation of carbon metabolism and photosynthesis. Recently it has been discovered that this sugar plays an important role in plant-microorganism interactions.