Un virus similar al de los herpes podría causar la esclerosis múltiple

El virus de Epstein-Barr (VEB) -perteneciente a la familia de los herpesvirus, que también incluye el virus del herpes simple y el citomegalovirus- es uno de los factores ambientales que podría desencadenar la esclerosis múltiple, una enfermedad que afecta al sistema nervioso central y cuyas causas se desconocen.

Así lo han confirmado científicos de la Universidad de Granada, quienes han analizado la presencia de este virus en enfermos con esclerosis múltiple mediante el estudio del índice de anticuerpos, es decir, los anticuerpos que son producidos en el interior del sistema nervioso central y que por lo tanto podrían estar directamente implicados en la enfermedad.

La investigación ha sido realizada por Olivia del Carmen Santiago Puertas, del departamento de Microbiología de la UGR, y dirigida por los profesores José Gutiérrez, Antonio Sorlózano y Óscar Fernández.

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La Universidad no podrá pedir un solo crédito en 2011

«Ya no tenemos deudas, pero ahora no nos dejan endeudarnos», dijo ayer Francisco González Lodeiro ante un centenar de claustrales en la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras. Durante la presentación de la memoria de gestión de 2010, el rector de la Universidad de Granada avisaba así a la comunidad universitaria de las dificultades a las que se enfrenta esta institución en 2011.

Para evitar que aumente la deuda autonómica, la Junta de Andalucía ha advertido a sus universidades, entre ellas la UGR, de que no va a poder avalarles ni un sólo crédito en plena recesión. Con las agencias de calificación pendientes de cada movimiento que realizan los gobiernos autonómicos y municipales para garantizar la solvencia de España, la Universidad de Granada va atener que buscar otras vías de solución a sus problemas económicos.

«En el capítulo 1 la Junta de Andalucía pone una cota que no podemos superar», matizaba ayer el rector ante una consulta del profesor de Musicología Martín Moreno. Este docente pidió al equipo de Gobierno de la UGR que le informara sobre su previsión en 2011 con los nuevos grados. «Es difícil cumplir los requisitos de Bolonia con grupos de 83 alumnos», se quejó al final del Claustro. Su grado, uno de los que han nacido con los nuevos planes de estudios europeos, se ha visto desbordado por la demanda y plantea la necesidad de reconvertirse en grupos más reducidos. Pero para eso hace falta dinero.

Una de las grandes excelencias del Plan Bolonia es precisamente ganar en calidad con la reducción (a un 10%) de las clases magistrales. Las ratios deberían disminuir a 40 alumnos de media, pero la realidad es que las aulas de la Universidad de Granada están diseñadas para un centenar de alumnos y no hay dinero (ni profesorado) para adaptarlas.

El profesor Martín quiso saber si «hay previsto dar solución a los espacios de la Universidad en 2011» y el rector le explicó cómo estaban las cosas ahora. «Hemos saldado ya nuestra deuda con la Caja de Ahorros, pero no nos dejan endeudarnos», le dijo.

El único margen que tiene la Universidad está ya en su poder. «Estamos negociando con la Junta las políticas de contratación de profesorado, pero de momento sólo podemos jugar con la jubilación», argumentó respecto a la falta de personal. Aunque la salida más clara es «poner números clausus para hacer los grupos más reducidos», añadió.

La Universidad de Granada ha emprendido en 2010 diversas acciones para adaptarse al Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior y ha vuelto a mejorar sus servicios un año más, lo que le valió ayer el respaldo de casi la totalidad del Claustro (116 apoyos, dos abstenciones y una negativa) a la gestión del año que está a punto de finalizar. Según la memoria que ha editado, «por tercer año consecutivo ha reducido el promedio de alumnos por grupo de teoría y práctica en todas las ramas de conocimiento». Así, «de 66,05 estudiantes por grupo de teoría en el curso 2008-09, se ha pasado a un promedio de 53,19 estudiantes» en el presente. Y en los grupos de prácticas, «se ha pasado de 33,47 estudiantes por grupo el curso pasado a 32,5 en el 2010-11.

El promedio de la UGR es de 63 alumnos por grupo amplio en los nuevos títulos, pero tal y como evidenció ayer el profesor Martín, todavía quedan muchas aulas que están muy lejos de Bolonia.

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Educación recibe 6.000 solicitudes más de becas para estudiantes que en 2004

El Vicerrectorado de Estudiantes de Granada ha tenido un buen año tal y como recordó ayer el rector Francisco González Lodeiro. El Ministerio de Educación ha premiado a este departamento por la celeridad con la que han gestionado las solicitudes de becas de los estudiantes, que este año han ascendido a 23.531.

La Universidad de Granada ha pasado a tramitar hasta 6.000 solicitudes más que en 2004 lo que ha supuesto sin duda una enorme carga de trabajo para sus trabajadores.

En 2003-04 la UGR recibió 17.940 solicitudes, de las que se concedieron 11.900. Este curso han sido 23.531 las peticiones, de las que se han concedido casi la mitad, unas 13.303.

Como novedad en 2010 se han incluido las ayudas a los másteres para desempleados y la posibilidad de optar a a beca con una matriculación parcial y, por tanto, con un número de créditos inferior al establecido para un curso completo. Respecto a las becas de financiación propias, se han concedido un total de 4.004 becas y ayudas al estudio y se han vuelto a conceder ayudas (159, nueve más que en 2009) al material para buenos expedientes. Además, se han concedido 30 becas para la realización de cursos de esquí del CAD de la UGR para estudiantes de los campus de Ceuta y Melilla; 85 ayudas para el Gabinete de Asistencia Social al estudiante; y 458 financiadas con fondos propios.

La oficina responsabilidad de Inmaculada Marrero ha hecho dos importantes mejoras en el sistema de gestión de becas, según destacó ayer el rector: la comunicación de la concesión o denegación de las becas de carácter general del Plan Propio de Estudios a través del correo institucional y del acceso identificado; y el mismo sistema para las becas que se solicitan para cursos de la escuela de posgrado (UFC).

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Los recortes obligan a controlar la producción investigadora de la UGR

Los proyectos de excelencia de la Universidad de Granada han compensado los duros recortes que han ejercido las distintas administraciones en 2010. Según informó ayer el rector de la UGR, la financiación total de los grupos científicos ha bajado un 20% respecto a 2009, de 10 a 8 millones en total.

Aunque la Junta de Andalucía es la que ha realizado el mayor tijeretazo, casi el 60% menos, al invertir en la UGR sólo 1,4 millones de euros, cuando en 2009 el montante fue de más de 3 millones. El Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación ha bajado sus fondos un 15% menos.

Con este panorama, la producción científica de la UGR está empezando a ser mirada con lupa. Según el informe presentado ayer, la UGR cuenta ya con una herramienta para analizar la eficacia y eficiencia de los grupos de investigación: ‘Científica_ugr’. El nuevo sistema de información y evaluación científica marcará el rumbo de la actividad investigadora de la UGR en 2011 ya que permitirá controlar la producción científica de los profesores, departamentos y grupos de investigación a través de unos informes con indicadores bibliométricos que se remontan al último quinquenio. Estos indicadores permitirán comparar a los departamentos con la media de su ámbito.

La UGR lidera los puestos nacionales de los rankings más prestigiosos del mundo en actividad científica universitaria, pero siempre en el apartado de volumen de producción. La asignatura pendiente de esta institución es el bajo impacto que tienen sus hallazgos y el departamento de María Dolores Suárez ha decidido poner remedio a esto. De hecho, uno de los claustrales de la UGR, el profesor Núñez, demandó ayer que la memoria anual de gestión contenga precisamente una comparación de los datos de la Universidad con sus homólogas españolas, para ver «dónde estamos» y hasta qué punto ha mejorado (o empeorado) la institución.

La UGR ha mejorado la gestión de los grupos de investigación con diversas acciones: han celebrado encuentros con los responsables de los planes nacionales y andaluz para llevar a cabo buenas prácticas en la gestión y adecuar la fase de cierre de los proyectos a lo que mandan las resoluciones; se ha creado el portal del investigador; se ha puesto en marcha los primeros procedimientos de administración electrónica; y ha arrancado Proyecta, una aplicación para la gestión de ayudas.

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Goji berries ‘have a significant placebo effect’

Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people that do not follow a balanced diet, according to a University of Granada professor specialist in Nutrition.

The species Lycium Barbarum is currently imported from China and comes from the Mediterranean regions and grows in other mild regions of the world.

While the consumption of Goji berries has risen dramatically over the last months, their properties have not been scientifically proven yet by any relevant clinical intervention study with humans. Most of Goji berries’ components are contained in the recommended fruit and vegetable intake in balanced diets.

The only difference is the «significant placebo effect» on people consuming them. Also, the species Lycium Barbarum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same family to which potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and other vegetables included in the Mediterranean diet belong.

Such is the explanation given by Professor Emilio Martinez de Victoria Munoz at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Granada. He also remarks that the supposed scientific studies endorsing the beneficial properties of Goji berries «were exclusively developed in vitro and in animals in China, but few have been conducted in humans out of China», although «the effects are likely to be the same».

Goji berries contain numerous nutrients. This fruit contain antioxidants, complex polysaccharides (proteoglycan, which are considered to be the source of its beneficial effects on health) and monosaccharides, lutein and zeaxanthin (beneficial for the eyes), fiber, proteins and carbohydrates.

Thus, «these berries can not have any damaging or neutral effect on human health», the University of Granada professor stated. Caution must be taken with potential allergic reactions, and patients taking anticoagulant drugs should avoid the intake of this fruit.

However, «the consumption of these berries is but another fad» Martinez de Victoria warned, remarking that «Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people who do not follow a balanced diet».

Anyway, anyone buying this product should pay attention to the label «to avoid adulterations, which are widely spread in the market». Berries must belong to the Lycium Barbarum or Lycium Chinense species, «which are the ones that contain the nutrients and healthy effects claimed».

The benefits have been published in the journal Planta medica (Medicinal Plant).

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Goji berries ‘have a significant placebo effect’

Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people that do not follow a balanced diet, according to a University of Granada professor specialist in Nutrition.

The species Lycium Barbarum is currently imported from China and comes from the Mediterranean regions and grows in other mild regions of the world.

While the consumption of Goji berries has risen dramatically over the last months, their properties have not been scientifically proven yet by any relevant clinical intervention study with humans. Most of Goji berries’ components are contained in the recommended fruit and vegetable intake in balanced diets.

The only difference is the «significant placebo effect» on people consuming them. Also, the species Lycium Barbarum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same family to which potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and other vegetables included in the Mediterranean diet belong.

Such is the explanation given by Professor Emilio Mart¡nez de Victoria Munoz at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Granada. He also remarks that the supposed scientific studies endorsing the beneficial properties of Goji berries «were exclusively developed in vitro and in animals in China, but few have been conducted in humans out of China», although «the effects are likely to be the same».

Goji berries contain numerous nutrients. This fruit contain antioxidants, complex polysaccharides (proteoglycan, which are considered to be the source of its beneficial effects on health) and monosaccharides, lutein and zeaxanthin (beneficial for the eyes), fiber, proteins and carbohydrates. hus, «these berries can not have any damaging or neutral effect on human health», the University of Granada professor stated. Caution must be taken with potential allergic reactions, and patients taking anticoagulant drugs should avoid the intake of this fruit.

However, «the consumption of these berries is but another fad» Mart¡nez de Victoria warned, remarking that «Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people who do not follow a balanced diet».

Anyway, anyone buying this product should pay attention to the label «to avoid adulterations, which are widely spread in the market». Berries must belong to the Lycium Barbarum or Lycium Chinense species, «which are the ones that contain the nutrients and healthy effects claimed».

The benefits have been published in the journal Planta medica (Medicinal Plant).

Descargar


Goji berries ‘have a significant placebo effect’

Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people that do not follow a balanced diet, according to a University of Granada professor specialist in Nutrition.

The species Lycium Barbarum is currently imported from China and comes from the Mediterranean regions and grows in other mild regions of the world.

While the consumption of Goji berries has risen dramatically over the last months, their properties have not been scientifically proven yet by any relevant clinical intervention study with humans. Most of Goji berries’ components are contained in the recommended fruit and vegetable intake in balanced diets.

The only difference is the «significant placebo effect» on people consuming them. Also, the species Lycium Barbarum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same family to which potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and other vegetables included in the Mediterranean diet belong.

Such is the explanation given by Professor Emilio Mart¡nez de Victoria Munoz at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Granada. He also remarks that the supposed scientific studies endorsing the beneficial properties of Goji berries «were exclusively developed in vitro and in animals in China, but few have been conducted in humans out of China», although «the effects are likely to be the same».

Goji berries contain numerous nutrients. This fruit contain antioxidants, complex polysaccharides (proteoglycan, which are considered to be the source of its beneficial effects on health) and monosaccharides, lutein and zeaxanthin (beneficial for the eyes), fiber, proteins and carbohydrates. hus, «these berries can not have any damaging or neutral effect on human health», the University of Granada professor stated. Caution must be taken with potential allergic reactions, and patients taking anticoagulant drugs should avoid the intake of this fruit.

However, «the consumption of these berries is but another fad» Mart¡nez de Victoria warned, remarking that «Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people who do not follow a balanced diet».

Anyway, anyone buying this product should pay attention to the label «to avoid adulterations, which are widely spread in the market». Berries must belong to the Lycium Barbarum or Lycium Chinense species, «which are the ones that contain the nutrients and healthy effects claimed».

The benefits have been published in the journal Planta medica (Medicinal Plant).

Descargar


Goji berries ‘have a significant placebo effect’

Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people that do not follow a balanced diet, according to a University of Granada professor specialist in Nutrition.

The species Lycium Barbarum is currently imported from China and comes from the Mediterranean regions and grows in other mild regions of the world.

While the consumption of Goji berries has risen dramatically over the last months, their properties have not been scientifically proven yet by any relevant clinical intervention study with humans. Most of Goji berries’ components are contained in the recommended fruit and vegetable intake in balanced diets.

The only difference is the «significant placebo effect» on people consuming them. Also, the species Lycium Barbarum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same family to which potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and other vegetables included in the Mediterranean diet belong.

Such is the explanation given by Professor Emilio Mart¡nez de Victoria Munoz at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Granada. He also remarks that the supposed scientific studies endorsing the beneficial properties of Goji berries «were exclusively developed in vitro and in animals in China, but few have been conducted in humans out of China», although «the effects are likely to be the same».

Goji berries contain numerous nutrients. This fruit contain antioxidants, complex polysaccharides (proteoglycan, which are considered to be the source of its beneficial effects on health) and monosaccharides, lutein and zeaxanthin (beneficial for the eyes), fiber, proteins and carbohydrates. hus, «these berries can not have any damaging or neutral effect on human health», the University of Granada professor stated. Caution must be taken with potential allergic reactions, and patients taking anticoagulant drugs should avoid the intake of this fruit.

However, «the consumption of these berries is but another fad» Mart¡nez de Victoria warned, remarking that «Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people who do not follow a balanced diet».

Anyway, anyone buying this product should pay attention to the label «to avoid adulterations, which are widely spread in the market». Berries must belong to the Lycium Barbarum or Lycium Chinense species, «which are the ones that contain the nutrients and healthy effects claimed».

The benefits have been published in the journal Planta medica (Medicinal Plant).

Descargar


Goji berries ‘have a placebo effect’

Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people that do not follow a balanced diet, according to a University of Granada professor specialist in Nutrition.

The species Lycium Barbarum is currently imported from China and comes from the Mediterranean regions and grows in other mild regions of the world.

While the consumption of Goji berries has risen dramatically over the last months, their properties have not been scientifically proven yet by any relevant clinical intervention study with humans. Most of Goji berries’ components are contained in the recommended fruit and vegetable intake in balanced diets.

The only difference is the «significant placebo effect» on people consuming them. Also, the species Lycium Barbarum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same family to which potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and other vegetables included in the Mediterranean diet belong.

Such is the explanation given by Professor Emilio Martínez de Victoria Munoz at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Granada. He also remarks that the supposed scientific studies endorsing the beneficial properties of Goji berries «were exclusively developed in vitro and in animals in China, but few have been conducted in humans out of China», although «the effects are likely to be the same».

Goji berries contain numerous nutrients. This fruit contain antioxidants, complex polysaccharides (proteoglycan, which are considered to be the source of its beneficial effects on health) and monosaccharides, lutein and zeaxanthin (beneficial for the eyes), fiber, proteins and carbohydrates.
Thus, «these berries can not have any damaging or neutral effect on human health», the University of Granada professor stated. Caution must be taken with potential allergic reactions, and patients taking anticoagulant drugs should avoid the intake of this fruit.

However, «the consumption of these berries is but another fad» Martínez de Victoria warned, remarking that «Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people who do not follow a balanced diet».

Anyway, anyone buying this product should pay attention to the label «to avoid adulterations, which are widely spread in the market». Berries must belong to the Lycium Barbarum or Lycium Chinense species, «which are the ones that contain the nutrients and healthy effects claimed».

The benefits have been published in the journal Planta medica (Medicinal Plant).

Descargar


Goji berries ‘have a significant placebo effect’

Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people that do not follow a balanced diet, according to a University of Granada professor specialist in Nutrition.

The species Lycium Barbarum is currently imported from China and comes from the Mediterranean regions and grows in other mild regions of the world.

While the consumption of Goji berries has risen dramatically over the last months, their properties have not been scientifically proven yet by any relevant clinical intervention study with humans. Most of Goji berries’ components are contained in the recommended fruit and vegetable intake in balanced diets.

The only difference is the «significant placebo effect» on people consuming them. Also, the species Lycium Barbarum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same family to which potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and other vegetables included in the Mediterranean diet belong.

Such is the explanation given by Professor Emilio Mart¡nez de Victoria Munoz at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Granada. He also remarks that the supposed scientific studies endorsing the beneficial properties of Goji berries «were exclusively developed in vitro and in animals in China, but few have been conducted in humans out of China», although «the effects are likely to be the same».

Goji berries contain numerous nutrients. This fruit contain antioxidants, complex polysaccharides (proteoglycan, which are considered to be the source of its beneficial effects on health) and monosaccharides, lutein and zeaxanthin (beneficial for the eyes), fiber, proteins and carbohydrates. hus, «these berries can not have any damaging or neutral effect on human health», the University of Granada professor stated. Caution must be taken with potential allergic reactions, and patients taking anticoagulant drugs should avoid the intake of this fruit.

However, «the consumption of these berries is but another fad» Mart¡nez de Victoria warned, remarking that «Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people who do not follow a balanced diet».

Anyway, anyone buying this product should pay attention to the label «to avoid adulterations, which are widely spread in the market». Berries must belong to the Lycium Barbarum or Lycium Chinense species, «which are the ones that contain the nutrients and healthy effects claimed».

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Protein Behind Breast Cancer Cells Resistance Identified

Researchers at the Andalusian Institute for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER) and the University of Granada found that cFLIP -an inhibitor of death ligand-induced apoptosis- is not only essential in breast tumor cells resistance to TRAIL treatments (a death ligand with a potent therapeutic potential against cancer), but this protein is also key to the survival of such cancer cells.

They found that a variation in the expression of this protein may lead to the normal development of breast epithelium.

The study analyzed the role of cFLIP in breast cancer cells’ resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Thus, researchers concluded that cFLIP is key in these cells’ resistance to TRAIL.

Such conclusion was drawn from the evidence that the inhibition of their expression through treatments with Doxorubicin (anthracycline, widely used in chemotherapy) or with SAHA (Histone deacetylases inhibitor), as well as the silencing of its expression through cFLIP siRNA oligos (small interfering RNA), resulted in the sensitisation of breast cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis.

The researchers have proved that cFLIP plays a survival role in tumorous and non-tumorous breast epithelial cells, since the inhibition of its expression induces apoptosis.

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Goji berries have a significant placebo effect

Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people that do not follow a balanced diet, according to a University of Granada professor specialist in nutrition.

The species Lycium Barbarum is currently imported from China and comes from the Mediterranean regions and grows in other mild regions of the world.

While the consumption of Goji berries has risen dramatically over the last months, their properties have not been scientifically proven yet by any relevant clinical intervention study with humans. Most of Goji berries’ components are contained in the recommended fruit and vegetable intake in balanced diets.

The only difference is the «significant placebo effect» on people consuming them. Also, the species Lycium Barbarum belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same family to which potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and other vegetables included in the Mediterranean diet belong.

Such is the explanation given by Professor Emilio Martínez de Victoria Munoz at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science of the University of Granada. He also remarks that the supposed scientific studies endorsing the beneficial properties of Goji berries «were exclusively developed in vitro and in animals in China, but few have been conducted in humans out of China», although «the effects are likely to be the same».

Goji berries contain numerous nutrients. This fruit contain antioxidants, complex polysaccharides (proteoglycan, which are considered to be the source of its beneficial effects on health) and monosaccharides, lutein and zeaxanthin (beneficial for the eyes), fiber, proteins and carbohydrates.

Thus, «these berries can not have any damaging or neutral effect on human health», the University of Granada professor stated. Caution must be taken with potential allergic reactions, and patients taking anticoagulant drugs should avoid the intake of this fruit.

However, «the consumption of these berries is but another fad» Martínez de Victoria warned, remarking that «Goji berries will not have any positive effect on people who do not follow a balanced diet».

Anyway, anyone buying this product should pay attention to the label «to avoid adulterations, which are widely spread in the market». Berries must belong to the Lycium Barbarum or Lycium Chinense species, «which are the ones that contain the nutrients and healthy effects claimed».

The benefits have been published in the journal Planta Medica (Medicinal Plant).

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