Xunta de Galicia

Demodex mites are common commensals of mammalian skin, but under certain conditions, they can cause severe skin diseases. This study analyzed the presence, diversity, and phylogenetic relationships of Demodex species in two wolf subspecies from southern Europe to determine whether species-level differences exist between wild and domestic canids after thousands of years of divergence. A total of 1400 hair samples from 140 wolves were analyzed using a real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting mitochondrial 16S rRNA and nuclear 18S rRNA genes. Overall, 37.1% (52/140; 95% CI: 29.0-45.9%) of wolves were positive for Demodex DNA, with a higher prevalence in Italian (46%) than in Iberian (36%) wolves. The lip and chin areas were the most reliable sampling sites. Four Demodex species were identified in wolves: D. injai and D. canis (associated with dogs), and D. folliculorum and D. brevis (associated with humans). Co-infestations involving multiple Demodex species were recorded for the first time in wild canids. These results challenge the long-held belief of strict host specificity in Demodex mites. The discovery of Demodex species associated with both humans and dogs in wolves supports the idea that host-switching and ecological interactions have occurred throughout the evolution of canids and humans. Such cross-species transfers may have taken place during the early domestication of dogs, representing a plausible scenario compatible with our data. However, given the isolated history of the two southern wolf populations, it is more probable that these findings result from recent interspecific transmission events, likely facilitated by ecological overlap with domestic animals and human environments. Future genomic studies will be essential for clarifying the evolutionary relationships within the genus Demodex and its host associations.

Preclinical syngeneic tumor models are widely used to evaluate therapeutic responses in immunocompetent hosts, particularly for radiotherapy and radio-immunotherapy. Standard models, such as CT26.WT mouse colorectal carcinoma, have provided valuable insights into treatment efficacy and immune modulation. However, they often fail to reproduce the complexity of advanced human cancers, especially metastases, which differ from primary tumors in immunogenicity, antigen presentation, and tumor microenvironment (TME). Metastatic lesions are typically characterized by poor cytotoxic T cell infiltration and enrichment of immunosuppressive populations such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, limiting the translational relevance of conventional approaches. To better model these features, we developed CT26.MtC3, a novel cell line derived from pulmonary metastases generated by systemic injection of CT26.WT cells into BALB/c mice. When implanted subcutaneously, CT26.MtC3 tumors displayed greater aggressiveness than parental CT26.WT. Immune profiling revealed a strongly immunosuppressive TME, with reduced CD8⁺ T cell infiltration and increased myeloid populations. Complementary in vitro analyses confirmed intrinsic differences, including higher migratory capacity, and significant upregulation of CAECAM-1a. Upon irradiation, CT26.MtC3 cells also showed altered expression of immune-regulatory molecules such as CD47, Fas, PD-L1, and PD-L2, potentially contributing to their immunoevasive phenotype in vivo. Together, these findings establish CT26.MtC3 as a clinically relevant model of metastatic, immune-resistant colorectal cancer. This model provides a robust platform for evaluating strategies to overcome tumor immunoresistance and for rigorously testing the potential of radio-immunotherapy combinations in settings that better reflect clinical reality.

Proponse o estudio do interese social do aproveitamento da biomasa forestal para as comunidades de montes do Val Miñor, e a xestión dese proceso directamente pola comunidade de montes.

Esta contribución invita a recorrer, a través de textos y fotografías de archivo y registros de sala, la exposición Barroco Ao Po’i de Mónica Millán (W Galería, Buenos Aires, 2023–2024), la cual condensa más de dos décadas de trabajo junto a bordadoras de Yataity del Guairá (Paraguay). Desde perspectivas complementarias, los textos abordan la práctica de Millán como una trama de vínculos y saberes situados. A modo de introducción, Ivana Salemi propone una lectura micro-política de los procesos creativos, en colaboraciones que desbordan las categorías de arte y artesanía, donde el bordado Ao Po’i opera como práctica sensible y epistemología popular. Carla Barbero, en el texto curatorial de la exposición, recorre la genealogía poética y territorial de las obras y proyectos compartidos entre Millán y las bordadoras de Yataity, poniendo el foco en la trama de afectos, memorias y saberes compartidos. Invitamos a lxs lectores a adentrarse en estas imágenes inéditas del trabajo en territorio y del montaje de sala que, acompañadas por la narrativa curatorial de Barbero, nos acercan indicios de lo inasible en estas prácticas sensibles. El trabajo comunitario, el adentro y el afuera del taller, la trama social de un pueblo cuya identidad lucha por recordar y mantener historias, subjetivas y comunitarias, a través del hacer-saber artesanal y sus remontajes en la escena del arte contemporáneo.

The act of giving rewards and gifts creates connections between individuals. Through the analysis of Queen Maria of Castile and Aragon’s gift-giving, we aim to understand how she constructed networks around her, reflecting on changes that reveal the strengthening of her position at court. The queen used her economic power to connect with the nobility, encompassing her birth and marriage territories, while stretching her reach to her natal family’s attendants. Maria further utilised her gifts to portray an image of a merciful and pious ruler who assisted members of the political community in her new realm in various circumstances.

Cytisinicline has proven to be an effective, efficient, and safe molecule in smoking cessation. However, the established 25-day regimen could be insufficient in a high percentage of smokers, so it is necessary to study maintained therapies of this drug. This study aims to compare the efficacy of the cytisinicline regimen used in routine clinical practice versus 2 maintained regimens of 50 and 75 days, respectively. In addition, the safety and economic impact of each regime will be determined. A prospective, multicenter, open-label, controlled, parallel, phase IV clinical trial of 402 smoker patients prepared to quit smoking. The study was conducted in 10 hospitals in Spain. A control group is compared to 2 intervention groups in which the duration of the drug is increased without increasing its dose, administering half and all, respectively, of an additional marketed container that includes 100 tablets. Thus, participants will be randomized to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive cytisinicline: (1) a control group treated with cytisinicline according to the usual clinical guidelines and product information (25 days); (2) a group with a 50-day cytisinicline regimen (an additional 25 days at a dose of 1.5 mg every 12 hours), seeking to increase its efficacy while minimally impacting adherence; and (3) a group with a 75-day regimen (an additional 50 days at a dose of 1.5 mg every 12 hours), attempting to increase its efficacy, although the longer duration of the drug may threaten adherence. Efficacy in the 3 arms will be analyzed through sustained abstinence at 6 and 12 months, point abstinence rate assessed every 7 days, and abstinence rate from Day 25 to Day 50 and from Day 25 to Day 75 in the 3 study arms. (1) The variation in withdrawal and craving symptoms in the 3 groups, (2) safety through the percentage of adverse events in the 3 treatment arms, and (3) economic impact by evaluating the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility ratios of the 2 prolonged regimens versus the usual clinical cytisinicline regimen. To calculate the differences between the 3 groups for each outcome variable, a univariate analysis will be performed. Statistically significant variables will be included in a multivariate model. Recruitment for the trial and patient enrollment were completed in November 2026. Follow-up of all participants will extend to December 2027. In conclusion, this study evaluates the optimization of cytisinicline in daily clinical practice, increasing the benefits of its pharmaceutical properties without affecting patient safety. All of this will improve the effectiveness of smoking cessation by reducing the number of smokers, which implies lower morbidity and mortality and lower costs associated with smoking. European Clinical Trials Register 2024-518936-36-00; https://euclinicaltrials.eu/ctis-public/view/2024-518936-36-00. PRR1-10.2196/76815.

Recent public interest in sustainability, particularly in energy generation and utilization, has led to a significant rise in the amount of large batteries used day to day. The automotive sector has been notably impacted by this energetic transition toward cleaner energy and the growing demand for batteries, as electric vehicles (EVs) gain increasing market share. A direct consequence of this shift to electromobility is the growing number of batteries that are no longer suitable for high-power or fast-response applications. Instead of disposing of these batteries or relying on an expensive recovery process, this study explores an alternative use to second-life batteries in order to benefit rural communities. In the Andean regions of Peru, rural populations seasonally experience extremely low temperatures and high humidity levels, which can cause health issues. These communities often have inconsistent access to electricity from the national electricity grid, if there is a connection at all. Within this context, the present work proposes the implementation of repurposed battery backed photovoltaic systems, where the energy collected during the day is used to provide indoor heating in rural homes.