Análisis de la enseñanza-aprendizaje y evaluación de competencias transversales en general, y de la competencia de la comunicación escrita en particular, en currículos TIC

Este Proyecto Fin de Carrera, pertenece al área de 'Competencias profesionales' y tiene como objetivo el análisis de diversas experiencias de enseñanza-aprendizaje y de evaluación de competencias transversales, haciendo hincapié en la competencia de la comunicación escrita, dentro de la formación de currículos TIC. El análisis se centra en los planes de estudios del Grado en Ingeniería Informática de 10 universidades españolas representativas (públicas, privadas y a distancia) como representación de la "nueva" formación de currículos TIC en nuestra sociedad.

Prevalence of oral hairy leukoplakia and epithelial infection by Epstein-Barr virus in pregnant women and diabetes mellitus patients: cytopathologic and molecular study

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is generally reported in patients with severe immunosuppression, except for a few cases in individuals with moderate degree of immunodeficiency. It is a white lesion that appears mainly in the lateral border of the tongue, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The nuclear changes caused by EBV (Cowdry A inclusion, ground glass and nuclear beading), observed in cytopathology, are specific and enough for the definitive diagnosis of OHL, independent of the identification of the virus. Here we investigated the prevalence of OHL and the presence of EBV-DNA in the lateral borders of the tongue from 90 pregnant women, 90 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, 30 healthy individuals (negative group) and 30 HIV+ with OHL (positive group). Smears were analyzed by cytopathology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A case of subclinical OHL and candidiasis was identificated in a DM patient by cytopathologic analysis. PCR results demonstrated EBV-DNA in 65% of the pregnant women, in 35% of DM patients, and in 20% of the healthy individuals. We concluded that DM patients can develop OHL with a low prevalence. Furthermore, the prevalence of the EBV in lateral border of the tongue is larger in pregnant women than in healthy individuals.

Single-stranded oligonucleotide-mediated in vivo gene repair in the rd1 retina.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test whether oligonucleotide-targeted gene repair can correct the point mutation in genomic DNA of PDE6b(rd1) (rd1) mouse retinas in vivo. METHODS: Oligonucleotides (ODNs) of 25 nucleotide length and complementary to genomic sequence subsuming the rd1 point mutation in the gene encoding the beta-subunit of rod photoreceptor cGMP-phosphodiesterase (beta-PDE), were synthesized with a wild type nucleotide base at the rd1 point mutation position. Control ODNs contained the same nucleotide bases as the wild type ODNs but with varying degrees of sequence mismatch. We previously developed a repeatable and relatively non-invasive technique to enhance ODN delivery to photoreceptor nuclei using transpalpebral iontophoresis prior to intravitreal ODN injection. Three such treatments were performed on C3H/henJ (rd1) mouse pups before postnatal day (PN) 9. Treatment outcomes were evaluated at PN28 or PN33, when retinal degeneration was nearly complete in the untreated rd1 mice. The effect of treatment on photoreceptor survival was evaluated by counting the number of nuclei of photoreceptor cells and by assessing rhodopsin immunohistochemistry on flat-mount retinas and sections. Gene repair in the retina was quantified by allele-specific real time PCR and by detection of beta-PDE-immunoreactive photoreceptors. Confirmatory experiments were conducted using independent rd1 colonies in separate laboratories. These experiments had an additional negative control ODN that contained the rd1 mutant nucleotide base at the rd1 point mutation site such that the sole difference between treatment with wild type and control ODN was the single base at the rd1 point mutation site. RESULTS: Iontophoresis enhanced the penetration of intravitreally injected ODNs in all retinal layers. Using this delivery technique, significant survival of photoreceptors was observed in retinas from eyes treated with wild type ODNs but not control ODNs as demonstrated by cell counting and rhodopsin immunoreactivity at PN28. Beta-PDE immunoreactivity was present in retinas from eyes treated with wild type ODN but not from those treated with control ODNs. Gene correction demonstrated by allele-specific real time PCR and by counts of beta-PDE-immunoreactive cells was estimated at 0.2%. Independent confirmatory experiments showed that retinas from eyes treated with wild type ODN contained many more rhodopsin immunoreactive cells compared to retinas treated with control (rd1 sequence) ODN, even when harvested at PN33. CONCLUSIONS: Short ODNs can be delivered with repeatable efficiency to mouse photoreceptor cells in vivo using a combination of intravitreal injection and iontophoresis. Delivery of therapeutic ODNs to rd1 mouse eyes resulted in genomic DNA conversion from mutant to wild type sequence, low but observable beta-PDE immunoreactivity, and preservation of rhodopsin immunopositive cells in the outer nuclear layer, suggesting that ODN-directed gene repair occurred and preserved rod photoreceptor cells. Effects were not seen in eyes treated with buffer or with ODNs having the rd1 mutant sequence, a definitive control for this therapeutic approach. Importantly, critical experiments were confirmed in two laboratories by several different researchers using independent mouse colonies and ODN preparations from separate sources. These findings suggest that targeted gene repair can be achieved in the retina following enhanced ODN delivery.

Préservation de la fertilité masculine et cancer [Fertility preservation and cancer in the male].

Improvement in cancer treatments resulted in an increased number of men surviving cancer. Quality of life has become an important issue in these patients. Anti cancer treatments might have transient or definitive harmful effects on male fertility. Sperm cryoconservation is currently the only proven method to preserve fertility in patients undergoing oncologic treatment. It should be proposed to every patient at reproductive age before chemotherapy, radiotherapy or any surgery involving reproductive tract. Despite low use rate, this simple method could allow patients presenting infertility after treatment to father a child.

Paralysies laryngées unilatérales [Unilateral laryngeal paralysis].

Investigations, diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal paralysis depend upon history taking and examination of phonation, swallowing and of the pharyngo-larynx. In unilateral paralysis, the main symptom is dysphonia. Dysphagia lasting more than 10 days may indicate a proximal vagus nerve lesion. Voice and swallowing therapy may be undertaken. If this remains insufficient after one month, a temporary or definitive vocal fold medialisation may be considered. Paralysis is considered to be definitive if lasting for more than 12 months. A minimal of one-year follow-up is indicated in case of idiopathic paralysis.

Targeting Angiogenesis in Glioma - Challenges and Pitfalls

Malignant gliomas, notably glioblastoma are among the most vascularized and angiogenic cancers, and microvascular proliferation is one of the hallmarks for the diagnosis of glioblastoma. Angiogenesis is regulated by a balance of pro- and antiangiogenic signals; overexpression of VEGF and activation of its receptors, most notable VEGFR-2 and -3, results in endothelial cell proliferation and leaky vasculature. Heterogeneous perfusion and oxygenation, peritumoral edema and increased interstitial pressure are the consequence. Both endothelial and tumour cells are strongly dependent on integrin-mediated adhesion for cell proliferation, survival, migration and invasion.Strategies aiming at inhibition of cell signaling and angiogenesis, including integrin inhibitors, have been clinically investigated in gliomas over the last 5 years. Radiological responses, a decreased requirement of corticosteroids and temporary improvement in performance status have repeatedly been observed. Toxicity was mild-moderate and manageable, notably there was no evidence for a substantially increased incidence of intracranial bleeding. However definitive comparative (randomized !) investigation has failed to demonstrate improved outcome with singleagent inhibition of EGFR, or PDGFR or VEGF/VEGFRs pathways in recurrent glioblastoma. Definitive phase III trials combining the anti- VEGF monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, or cilengitide, a peptidic integrininhibitor, together with temozolomide and radiotherapy are ongoing (accrual completed).The integration of anti-angiogenic strategies in the management of malignant glioma also poses entirely new challenges in patient management: 1) Many agents are known for increasing the risk of thrombosis, embolism and intracranial bleeding. 2) Evaluation of treatment efficacy is difficult and new biomarkers of activity, including functional, metabolic or molecular imaging techniques are urgently needed. Normalization of vasculature leads to decrease in contrast enhancement without necessarily reflecting tumour shrinkage. Tumour heterogeneity, putative prognostic or predictive factors require early controlled trials, novel trial designs and endpoints.3) Activation of alternate pathways and tumour escape mechanisms may require combination of multiple agents, which is often not feasible due to regulatory restrictions and potential complex toxicities. Emerging clinical and experimental evidence suggests that anti-angiogenic drugs might need to be combined with drugs targeting tumour adaptive mechanisms in addition to cytotoxic chemotherapy and irradiation for a maximal antitumour effect.

Quelle attitude lors de la découverte de kystes rénaux [Diagnosis of renal cysts].

Evaluation and management of renal cysts Renal cystic diseases are a heterogeneous group of conditions including heritable, developmental, and acquired disorders. They are united by the presence of microscopic or giant fluid-filled cavities and affect both children and adults. The definitive diagnosis of many of the renal cystic diseases requires clinical, radiological, pathological, and genetic analysis. A precise diagnosis is essential for prognosis, treatment, and future genetic counselling.

Les événements de la vie et le bien-être dans la grande vieillesse

Après 80 ans, les événements qui jalonnent la vie signifient la plupart du temps des pertes de quelque chose ou de quelqu'un. Sur la base de certains résultats obtenus dans le cadre de la recherche SWILSO-0, les auteurs nt quelques résultats concernant les effets à court et à moyen terme des événements sur le bien-être des aînés. Ils mettent l'accent sur les conséquences des événements sur le bien-être et l'identité psychosociale, ainsi que les processus qui permettent le cas échéant de réguler ces conséquences.

De què vas, tío? Gènere i llengua en la cultura juvenil

L'existència dels parlars juvenils ens recorda el fet que totes les formes de cultura, i les identitats mateixes de les persones, van estretament lligades a les maneres de parlar que els són pròpies. El que segueix és doncs una reflexió sobre aquest lligam, aquestes relacions tan estretes entre les cultures i les identitats per una banda, i les maneres de parlar i les llengües per l'altra. La primera part del llibre tracta sobre les diverses identitats de gènere que vaig detectar dins els grups estudiats. El lector es preguntarà potser què és això de les identitats de gènere, i per què són tan importants. Els estudis del gènere tracten sobre el funcionament de la divisió sexual en la nostra societat, és a dir, sobre els diversos papers que homes i dones tenen en el mercat laboral, en la política, en la família, etc. A partir de tots aquests conceptes, a la segona part del llibre procediré a explicar quines identitats i ideologies anaven associades a les diverses formes de parlar (argot juvenil, accent andalús) i a l'ús de les llengües catalana i castellana. I aquí es veurà també perquè és important estudiar les diverses veus que apareixen en la nostra parla.

The life history of Pygidiopsis macrostomum Travassos, 1928 (Digenea: Heterophyidae)

The life history of the trematode Pygidiopsis macrostomum Travassos, 1928 is described for the first time. Rediae and cercariae were obtained from naturally infected snails Heleobia australis (d´Orbigny), a new first intermediate host. Metacercariae were found encysted in the mesenteries of three naturally infected guppies, Phalloptychus januarius (Hensel), Jenynsia multidentata (Jenyns) (new host records) and Poecilia vivipara Bloch and Schneider. Experimental infections were successfully completed in the intermediate hosts H. australis and Poe. vivipara reared in the laboratory and hamsters Mesocricetus auratus Waterhouse were utilised as a definitive host.

Contributions to the history of ocular toxoplasmosis in Southern Brazil

The evolution of knowledge regarding ocular toxoplasmosis over the last 30 years is described based on studies and observations performed in Southern Brazil. The isolation ofToxoplasma gondii established the definitive diagnosis of the disease. It was proven that in most cases, the disease was acquired after birth, a concept supported by the description of numerous familial cases and observation of the disease many years after primary infection. Epidemiological studies showed important regional variations in the prevalence of the disease due to different factors, including the types of strains involved, of which type I predominates. The large number of patients also enabled detailed study of the different forms of clinical presentation of the disease and its complications. New parameters have been established for the use of steroids and the management of pregnant women with active lesions. Studies on the epidemiology of toxoplasmic infection in pregnant women and newborns showed a high prevalence of infection. The different factors of exposure to infection have also been studied. Gradually, preventive actions have been developed in the sphere of public health, although they have not been sufficiently effective. Trends for future research over the next few years are also outlined.

Three-year multicenter surveillance of community-acquired Listeria monocytogenes meningitis in adults

BACKGROUND. Listeria monocytogenes is the third most frequent cause of bacterial meningitis. The aim of this study is to know the incidence and risk factors associated with development of acute community-acquired Lm meningitis in adult patients and to evaluate the clinical features, management, and outcome in this prospective case series. METHODS. A descriptive, prospective, and multicentric study carried out in 9 hospitals in the Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI) over a 39-month period. All adults patients admitted to the participating hospitals with the diagnosis of acute community-acquired bacterial meningitis (Ac-ABM) were included in this study. All these cases were diagnosed on the basis of a compatible clinical picture and a positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture or blood culture. The patients were followed up until death or discharge from hospital. RESULTS. Two hundred and seventy-eight patients with Ac-ABM were included. Forty-six episodes of Lm meningitis were identified in 46 adult patients. In the multivariate analysis only age (OR 1.026; 95% CI 1.00-1.05; p = 0.042), immunosuppression (OR 2.520; 95% CI 1.05-6.00; p = 0.037), and CSF/blood glucose ratio (OR 39.42; 95% CI 4.01-387.50; p = 0.002) were independently associated with a Lm meningitis. The classic triad of fever, neck stiffness and altered mental status was present in 21 (49%) patients, 32% had focal neurological findings at presentation, 12% presented cerebellum dysfunction, and 9% had seizures. Twenty-nine (68%) patients were immunocompromised. Empirical antimicrobial therapy was intravenous ampicillin for 34 (79%) of 43 patients, in 11 (32%) of them associated to aminoglycosides. Definitive ampicillin plus gentamicin therapy was significantly associated with unfavourable outcome (67% vs 28%; p = 0.024) and a higher mortality (67% vs 32%; p = 0.040).The mortality rate was 28% (12 of 43 patients) and 5 of 31 (16.1%) surviving patients developed adverse clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS Elderly or immunocompromised patients, and a higher CSF/blood glucose ratio in patients with Ac-ABM must alert clinicians about Lm aetiology. Furthermore, we observed a high incidence of acute community-acquired Lm meningitis in adults and the addition of aminoglycosides to treatment should be avoid in order to improve the patients' outcome. Nevertheless, despite developments in intensive care and antimicrobial therapy, this entity is still a serious disease that carries high morbidity and mortality rates.

Primary culture of intestinal epithelial cells as a potential model for Toxoplasma gondii enteric cycle studies

The primary culture of intestinal epithelial cells from domestic cats is an efficient cellular model to study the enteric cycle of Toxoplasma gondii in a definitive host. The parasite-host cell ratio can be pointed out as a decisive factor that determines the intracellular fate of bradyzoites forms. The development of the syncytial-like forms of T. gondii was observed using the 1:20 bradyzoite-host cell ratio, resulting in similar forms described in in vivo systems. This alternative study potentially opens up the field for investigation into the molecular aspects of this interaction. This can contribute to the development of new strategies for intervention of a main route by which toxoplasmosis spreads.

Tracing lineage by phenotypic and genotypic markers in Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar 1,4,[5],12:i:- and Salmonella Typhimurium isolated in state of São Paulo, Brazil

Fifty-three Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:- and 45 Salmonella Typhimurium strains were characterised using phage typing, plasmid profiles and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for comparison. The majority of the strains were subdivided into definitive type (DT) 41 (22.6%) and DT 193 (18%) and the 60-MDa plasmid was detected in 94.3% and 84.4% of strains, respectively. Genetic diversity was observed among all strains and 90% presented a > 70% similarity through PFGE analysis. These results suggest a close relationship between Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:- and Salmonella Typhimurium at the serotype level.

DAS-28-based EULAR response and HAQ improvement in rheumatoid arthritis patients switching between TNF antagonists

INTRODUCTION No definitive data are available regarding the value of switching to an alternative TNF antagonist in rheumatoid arthritis patients who fail to respond to the first one. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment response in a clinical setting based on HAQ improvement and EULAR response criteria in RA patients who were switched to a second or a third TNF antagonist due to failure with the first one. METHODS This was an observational, prospective study of a cohort of 417 RA patients treated with TNF antagonists in three university hospitals in Spain between January 1999 and December 2005. A database was created at the participating centres, with well-defined operational instructions. The main outcome variables were analyzed using parametric or non-parametric tests depending on the level of measurement and distribution of each variable. RESULTS Mean (+/- SD) DAS-28 on starting the first, second and third TNF antagonist was 5.9 (+/- 2.0), 5.1 (+/- 1.5) and 6.1 (+/- 1.1). At the end of follow-up, it decreased to 3.3 (+/- 1.6; Delta = -2.6; p > 0.0001), 4.2 (+/- 1.5; Delta = -1.1; p = 0.0001) and 5.4 (+/- 1.7; Delta = -0.7; p = 0.06). For the first TNF antagonist, DAS-28-based EULAR response level was good in 42% and moderate in 33% of patients. The second TNF antagonist yielded a good response in 20% and no response in 53% of patients, while the third one yielded a good response in 28% and no response in 72%. Mean baseline HAQ on starting the first, second and third TNF antagonist was 1.61, 1.52 and 1.87, respectively. At the end of follow-up, it decreased to 1.12 (Delta = -0.49; p < 0.0001), 1.31 (Delta = -0.21, p = 0.004) and 1.75 (Delta = -0.12; p = 0.1), respectively. Sixty four percent of patients had a clinically important improvement in HAQ (defined as > or = -0.22) with the first TNF antagonist and 46% with the second. CONCLUSION A clinically significant effect size was seen in less than half of RA patients cycling to a second TNF antagonist.