Relación empírica entre la Terapia Racional Emotivo-Conductual (TREC) de Ellis y la Terapia Cognitiva (TC) de Beck en una muestra costarricense

En este estudio se explora una posible relación empírica entre la terapia racional emotivoconductual (TREC) de Ellis y la terapia cognitiva (TC) de Beck, dos de los modelos más conspicuos en el campo de la psicoterapia cognitiva actual. Si bien este modelo utiliza el término cognitivo en forma tal que se encuentra asociado con el afecto, la fisiología y la conducta (Dobson, 1986), sostiene que las perturbaciones emocionales, en esencia, son causadas por el proceso cognitivo del individuo. En esta investigación, se trabajó con una muestra de 200 estudiantes de la Universidad de Costa Rica de diferentes áreas a quienes se les aplicaron las escalas de: Attitudes and Beliefs Inventory (ABI) [Escala de Actitudes y Creencias], y el Beck Depression Inventory, 2ª edición (BDI-II) [Inventario de Depresión de Beck], escalas que fueron adaptadas al español. El análisis estadístico de los datos confirma empíricamente la relación entre ambos modelos

Iron-enriched diet contributes to early onset of osteoporotic phenotype in a mouse model of hereditary hemochromatosis

Osteoporosis is associated with chronic iron overload secondary to hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), but the causative mechanisms are incompletely understood. The main objective of this study was to investigate the role of dietary iron on osteoporosis, using as biological model the Hfe-KO mice, which have a systemic iron overload. We showed that these mice show an increased susceptibility for developing a bone loss phenotype compared to WT mice, which can be exacerbated by an iron rich diet. The dietary iron overload caused an increase in inflammation and iron incorporation within the trabecular bone in both WT and Hfe-KO mice. However, the osteoporotic phenotype was only evident in Hfe-KO mice fed the iron-enriched diet. This appeared to result from an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption driven by iron toxicity associated to Hfe-KO and confirmed by a decrease in bone microarchitecture parameters (identified by micro-CT) and osteoblast number. These findings were supported by the observed downregulation of bone metabolism markers and upregulation of ferritin heavy polypeptide 1 (Fth1) and transferrin receptor-1 (Tfrc), which are associated with iron toxicity and bone loss phenotype. In WT mice the iron rich diet was not enough to promote a bone loss phenotype, essentially due to the concomitant depression of bone resorption observed in those animals. In conclusion the dietary challenge influences the development of osteoporosis in the HH mice model thus suggesting that the iron content in the diet may influence the osteoporotic phenotype in systemic iron overload conditions.National Funds through Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000012 Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) SFRH/BD/77056/2011 European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000012info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

El malestar en el empleo temporal involuntario

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el papel de la voluntariedad de la situación ocupacional en el malestar psicológico en el empleo temporal. Se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra de 463 personas incluidas en alguno de los siguientes cuatro tipos ideales de situación ocupacional: empleo estable, empleo temporal voluntario, empleo temporal involuntario y desempleo. Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas entre todos los tipos laborales en la escala de bienestar laboral. De mayor a menor puntuación media en esta escala, el orden de los tipos es: empleo estable, empleo temporal voluntario, desempleo y empleo temporal involuntario. Las respuestas textuales a las preguntas abiertas ponen de manifiesto un alto malestar en el estatus de empleo temporal involuntario, atribuido a la situación ocupacional presente y a la incertidumbre e inseguridad que genera el propio futuro laboral percibidoThe aim of this study was to analyze the occupational situation voluntary on the psychological malaise in temporary employment. A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 463 individuals included in one of the following four ideal types of occupational situation: stable employment, voluntary temporary employment, involuntary temporary employment, and unemployment. Results showed significant different among all occupational types in a scale of labor wellbeing. From higher to lower score in this scale, the ranking of the types is: stable employment, voluntary temporary employment, unemployment, and involuntary temporary employment. The responses to the open questions showed a high malaise in individuals in the condition of involuntary temporary employment, which is attributed to the current occupational situation and to the uncertainty and insecurity generated by the perceived labor futur

La música a l'ensenyament obligatori

Abstract not availabl

Ecophysiology of after-fire resprouts of Arbutus unedo L

Plant-water relationships, leaf morphology and concentrations of pigments, proline, soluble sugars, anthocyans and nutrients of after wildfire resprout leaves of Arbutus unedo L. were com-pared with those of same age sprout leaves in unbumed plants. In spring samples, several significant differences appear: after-fire resprouts showed some juvenile characteristics, such as high tissue elasticity, small cells, low specific leaf weight, high Chla/Chlb ratio and a high anthocyan content; on the other hand, unbnrned plants showed drought tolerance characteristics by osmotic adjustment and lower tissue elasticity, larger cells, higher specific leaf weight and lower Chla/Chlb ratio. In fall samples, both kind of shoots showed drought tolerance by osmotic adjustment, low tissue elasticity, large cells and high specific leaf weight. Results show that after-fire resprouts have, at the beginning of their development, higher morphological and physiological plasticity that the new sprouts of unburned plants.Es comparen les relacions hídriques, la morfologia foliar i les concentracions de pigments, prolina, sucres solubles, antocians i nutrients de les fulles de rebrots d'Arbutus unedo L. després d'un incendi, amb iguals característiques de les fulles de brots de plantes no cremades de la mateixa edat. A les mostres de primavera apareixen diverses diferències significatives: els rebrots, després del foc, presenten característiques juvenils, com són alta elasticitat dels teixits, cèl·lules petites, baix pes específic foliar, alta relació Chla/Chlb i un elevat contingut d'antocians; d'altra banda, les plantes no cremades presenten característiques de tolerància a I'eixut per ajustament osmòtic i baixa elasticitat dels teixits, cèl·lules més grosses, pes específic més alt i relació Chla/Chlb inferior. A les mostres de tardor els dos tipus de brots presenten tolerància a I'eixut per ajustament osmòtic, baixa elasticitat de teixits, cèl·lules grosses i pes específic foliar alt. Els resultats mostren que els rebrots després del foc tenen, a I'inici del seu desenvolupament, una plasticitat morfològica i fisiològica superior que els brots nous de les plantes no cremades

Stimulatory effects of inorganic ions on osteogenesis in vitro

Introduction: Several studies demonstrated the effect of silicate ions (Si) on differentiation of bone precursor cells1,2, although its exact role in processes related to bone formation and remodeling is still incompletely understood. The focus of this work is to explore the effect of calcium and silicate ions on growth and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). This strategy may reduce the need for growth factors required to stimulate bone formation in regenerative approaches, decreasing the associated costs and overcoming stability issues. Materials and Methods In order to define the range of Si concentrations that are not toxic to cells, we performed a preliminary study varying Si concentrations from 0.00357mM to 4mM. The concentration of the Ca ions was selected based on the earlier study by Barradas et. al3. Cell culture media were supplemented by using sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) and/or calcium chloride dehydrate (CaCl2*2H2O) as Si and Ca precursors, respectively. hMSCs derived from bone marrow were seeded at a seeding density of 2.000 cells/cm2 and allowed to adhere overnight. Then, the medium was replaced by the appropriate supplemented medium and cells were cultured for 3, 7, 14 and 18 days. Basic and osteogenic media were used as negative and positive controls. Cell proliferation was evaluated by DNA quantification. hMSCs osteogenic gene expression was evaluated by Q-PCR. Results DNA quantification indicated an increase in cell number during the culture time for all the conditions. Results obtained by Q-PCR revealed a significantly higher expression of osteocalcin (OC) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) in cells cultured in media supplemented by both ions, as compared to media containing either Ca or Si alone. Discussion and Conclusions DNA quantification studies indicated that none of the selected concentrations had a negative influence on cell proliferation. The increase in osteogenic gene expression for cells cultured with both Ca and Si suggested a synergistic effect of the two ions on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. We further showed that cells cultured in the medium with the highest concentration of Ca (7.8mM) revealed a higher expression of the selected genes, which is in accordance with the earlier results by Barradas et al3. The obtained results suggest the importance of combining both ions, Ca and Si, for promoting the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. References 1. Hoppe A, Biomaterials 32: 2757-2774, 2011. 2. Beck Jr GR, Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology, and Medicine,1-11, 2011 3. Barradas AMC et al., Biomaterials 3205-3215, 2012. Acknowledgments The author thanks the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for the grant (SFRH/BD/69962/2010). Disclosures The authors have nothing to disclose

Effects of protein incorporation on calcium phosphate coating

The incorporation of proteins into calcium phosphate (Ca–P) coatings is expected to alter their properties. The aim of this work is, therefore, to study the effect of protein concentration on the formation of Ca–P film. A biodegradable blend of corn starch/ethylene vinyl alcohol (SEVA-C) was used as substrate and bioactive glass (45S5 Bioglass®) was used as a nucleating agent. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and α-amylase were added, separately, at a concentration of 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/mLto simulated body fluid (SBF) solutions, at the nucleation stage. The incorporation of protein molecules was shown to affect the properties of Ca–P coatings in terms of morphology, composition and crystallinity. Both proteins seem to inhibit in some extent and/or retard the growth of Ca–P nuclei at 0.5 and 5 mg/mL concentrations. FTIR analyses revealed the presence of phosphate and carbonate groups, confiming the formation of a Ca–P layer. The characteristic groups of protein molecules were also detected on the IR spectra, which indicate the efficient incorporation of the proteins into the coatings. When α-amylase was added to the SBF solution the production of reducing sugars was detected, proving the retention of enzyme activity. These results suggest the carrier potential of Ca–P coatings for the sustained delivery of other biologically active proteins and consequently with a strong potential for inducing bone tissue regeneration.This work was partially supported by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and was performed within the framework of the project BIOLEARN (POCTI/CTM/38803/2001) through funds from the POCH and/or FEDER Programmes. 1. B. Leonor thanks FCT for providing her a PhD scholarship (SFRH/BD/9031/2002)

Silk fibroin-spider silk-like protein biomaterials for preventing microbial infections

Publicado em "Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology. Conference Abstract: 10th World Biomaterials Congress"Introduction: Microbial contamination of medical devices, such as sutures, are one of the major causes of hospital infections despite improvements in medical healthcare[1]. Thus, it is important to explore new biomaterials with antimicrobial properties in order to overcome microbial colonisation and biofilm formation. Spider silk has been considered an excellent biomaterial because of its toughness, strength and outstanding elasticity[2]. Also, through recombinant DNA technology, we can bioengineer and functionalize spider silk-based materials with antimicrobial peptides (AMP), thus evolving a new type of biomaterials[3]. Herein, the aim of this study was to develop silk-based fibers with antimicrobial properties by combining silk fibroin (SF) with recombinant spider silk proteins functionalized with AMP. Materials and Methods: Silk-based sutures were produced by combining spider silk chimeric proteins SSP (6mer and 6mer-HNP1) with different ratios of SF extracted from Bombyx mori through wet-spinning. The structure and topography of the sutures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the tensile properties and knot strength of the sutures was assessed using an INSTRON 5540 Universal Machine. The formation of biofilm on the fibers was assessed and hemolytic effects of the materials were evaluated. Results and Discussion: Silk fibers containing spider silk 6mer or 6mer-HNP1 showed improved tensile behaviour when compared to silk fibers without SPP (Figure 1). The results suggest that the combination of spider silk chimeric proteins with SF increased the tensile stress of the fibers, when compared to those without spider silk chimeric proteins. No bacterial biofilm was observed on the fibers containing SSP functionalized with AMP, suggesting that the presence of the 6mer-HNP1 prevented the formation of biofilm. Conclusions: The outcomes suggest that silk-based fibers functionalized with AMP showed better mechanical properties when compared to silk fibers alone. The data also demonstrate the positive effect of the presence of AMP in preventing biofilm formation on the fibers, suggesting that the functionalized silk fibers could be used as a new strategy to produce sutures capable of preventing microbial proliferation, while retaining useful mechanical properties. Further investigation is still need in order to understand the in vivo performance of sutures and their physical changes during wound healing.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology under the scope of the project PTDC/BBB­BIO/0827/201

Redox activity of melanin from the ink sac of Sepia officinalis by means of colorimetric oxidative assay

The redox properties of natural extract from cuttlefish ink sac (Sepia officinalis) and synthetic melanin used as a biomimetic in melanin structural investigation were determined by comparison of this phenol-based heterogeneous pigment with gallic acid used as a standard in Folinâ Ciocalteu colorimetric assay widely employed for characterisation of oxidative properties of biomaterials. Reactivity of sepia melanin reported here is much higher than previously indicated and this protocol should allow the redox characterisation of all melanins irrespective of their origin and composition.European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) [grant agreement number REGPOT-CT2012-316331-POLARIS

Propuesta de una metodología docente para aprender diseño gráfico en el marco del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior

La asignatura de Diseño y Comunicación Gráfica, correspondiente a la Licenciatura de Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas de la UAB, se imparte desde el curso 2004-2005 en el marco del EEES con créditos ECTS. El objetivo básico de la asignatura es dotar a los alumnos de la capacidad necesaria para: (1) interpretar un mensaje gráfico (2)tratar con los profesionales que forman parte de la industria gráfica (3) tomar conciencia del papel que desempeña el diseñador en el proceso gráfico y capacitarlos para que sean capaces de proponer formulaciones visuales eficientes que congenien con el contenido del mensaje, usando para ello las aplicaciones informáticas necesarias. En esta comunicación vamos a presentar la metodología que aplicamos en la docencia de esta asignatura. Para adecuarla a los objetivos de formación de nuestros alumnos, analizamos los conocimientos, habilidades y competencias propias del perfil de diseñador gráfico. Más de 100 alumnos y cuatro profesores están implicados, por lo que en algún momento se produjo algún desajuste. Pero, a pesar de todo, creemos que es una metodología eficaz para optimizar el aprendizaje de materias teórico-prácticas en el marco del EEES