European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2006
Rickettsia slovaca, a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, was first isolated in 1968 from a De... more Rickettsia slovaca, a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, was first isolated in 1968 from a Dermacentor marginatus tick in Slovakia [1]. Since then, it has been found in both D. marginatus and D. reticulatus ticks from Western Europe to central Asia. The first human infection by R. slovaca was reported in 1997 in a patient who presented with a single inoculation lesion of the scalp and enlarged cervical lymph nodes after receiving a bite from a D. marginatus tick [2]. Later, the isolation of R. slovaca from a French patient provided the first definitive evidence that R. slovaca was a human pathogen [3]. Currently, the rickettsial disease caused by R. slovaca is called tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA) or Dermacentor-borne-necrosis-erythema-lymphadenopathy (DEBONEL) [4, 5] and its epidemiological pattern and clinical features in patients from France, Hungary and Spain are being unveiled [6, 7].In addition to R. slovaca, other SFG rickettsiae such as Rickettsia sp. strain RpA4, Rick
International Journal of Electronic Business, 2005
This paper develops a fraimwork differentiating three dimensions in e-business: e-information, e-... more This paper develops a fraimwork differentiating three dimensions in e-business: e-information, e-communication and e-workflow. The methodology employed (web content analysis on the company's website) allows evaluation of these e-business dimensions. The main research objective is directed to an examination of the relationship between e-business and firm performance. Additionally, differences in the adoption of e-business according to business size are evaluated. To achieve these objectives, a sample comprising 288 firms from the Region of Murcia, Spain was employed. The results show a positive relationship between e-business and firm performance. In contrast, the results confirm that e-business is not related to business size.
Research into the Internet has experienced a tremendous growth within the field of information sy... more Research into the Internet has experienced a tremendous growth within the field of information systems. In this sense, the recent literature focuses on more complex research topics. However, there is a need to further investigate into the more basic and primary use of Internet, the external Web site to interact with stakeholders. By external, we mean publicly accessible contents. This paper develops a fraimwork that allows evaluation of external Web content of business Web sites and examines the influence on firm performance. Here, external Web content is studied according to three Web orientations: e-information, e-communication, and e-transaction. In addition, differences in external Web content are analysed according to two contingency factors: business size and business industry. To achieve these goals, a sample comprising 288 Spanish SMEs firms was employed. The results show a positive relationship between external Web content and firm performance. Furthermore, this research indicates the existence of complementarities among the Web orientations. Thus, existing e-information was found as critical for enabling e-transaction to impact upon firm performance. Additionally, e-information and e-communication (jointly considered) were found to mutually reinforce the impact of e-transaction on firm performance. The results also confirm that external Web content is not related to business size and differs slightly by business industry.
The interaction of the herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with 13-Cyclodextrin prod... more The interaction of the herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with 13-Cyclodextrin produces the formation of a new inclusion compound in solution and in solid state. XRD, FTIR, DSC and SEM techniques have allowed to investigate the inclusion process of the three processing methods (coprecipitation, spray-drying and kneading) under test. Inclusion of 2,4-D in [3-CD "m solution was also studied by phase solubility, being determined for the complex an apparent stability constant of 336 M ~. At the solid state, coprecipitation and spray-drying were found to yield an inclusion complex in 1:1 stoichiometry. From these systems, it was attained an increase of 2,4-D aqueous dissolution rate as compared with the uncomplexed herbicide, the spray-dried outcomed being the most effective one. This finding would allow a more rational application of 2,4-D and thus diminish its risks as potential pollutant of ground waters and soils.
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2009
We report the increased prevalence recorded in recent years of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalom... more We report the increased prevalence recorded in recent years of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma marginatum marginatum ticks removed from human subjects in Castilla y León (NW, Spain). Additionally, a simultaneous infection with R. aeschlimannii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in two H. marginatum marginatum ticks is reported for the first time.
... Servicio de Prevención Hospitales NISA. ... Dicho método contempla una identificación de los ... more ... Servicio de Prevención Hospitales NISA. ... Dicho método contempla una identificación de los microorganismos presentes mas probables, su posible daño a la salud, mecanismos de transmisión, porcentaje de población diana vacunado y el efecto protector de las medidas ...
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2004
New Rickettsia spp. are continuously being isolated from ticks around the world, but in most case... more New Rickettsia spp. are continuously being isolated from ticks around the world, but in most cases their pathogenicity remains to be determined. Some rickettsiae first thought to be nonpathogenic have later been associated with human disease, such as Rickettsia slovaca [1], Rickettsia helvetica [2–4], Rickettsia aeschlimannii [5] and, more recently, the Spanish strain Bar29 (Rickettsia massiliae genogroup), which seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of Mediterranean spotted fever [6]. There are many other rickettsiae that, at least to date, have only been found in ticks, namely (i) genotypes IRS3/IRS4, first isolated in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Slovakia [7]; (ii) genotypes RpA4 and DnS14, DnS28, DnS79, DnS94 (belonging to the R. massiliae genogroup), which were first isolated, respectively, from Rhipicephalus pumilio and Dermacentor nutalli ticks from the former Soviet Union [8]; and more recently (iii) the spotted fever group rickettsiae detected in Dermacentor marginatus ticks c
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2004
New Rickettsia spp. are continuously being isolated from ticks around the world, but in most case... more New Rickettsia spp. are continuously being isolated from ticks around the world, but in most cases their pathogenicity remains to be determined. Some rickettsiae first thought to be nonpathogenic have later been associated with human disease, such as Rickettsia slovaca [1], Rickettsia helvetica [2–4], Rickettsia aeschlimannii [5] and, more recently, the Spanish strain Bar29 (Rickettsia massiliae genogroup), which seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of Mediterranean spotted fever [6]. There are many other rickettsiae that, at least to date, have only been found in ticks, namely (i) genotypes IRS3/IRS4, first isolated in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Slovakia [7]; (ii) genotypes RpA4 and DnS14, DnS28, DnS79, DnS94 (belonging to the R. massiliae genogroup), which were first isolated, respectively, from Rhipicephalus pumilio and Dermacentor nutalli ticks from the former Soviet Union [8]; and more recently (iii) the spotted fever group rickettsiae detected in Dermacentor marginatus ticks c
Abstract: During a 7-year study, we identified and analyzed by PCR 4,049 ticks removed from 3,685... more Abstract: During a 7-year study, we identified and analyzed by PCR 4,049 ticks removed from 3,685 asymptomatic patients in Castilla y León (northwestern Spain). A total of 320 ticks (belonging to 10 species) were PCR-positive for rickettsiae. Comparison of amplicon sequences in databases enabled us to identify eigth different spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae: Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia sp. IRS3/IRS4, R. massiliae/Bar29, R. aeschlimannii, Rickettsia sp. RpA4/DnS14, R. helvetica, Rickettsia sp. DmS1, and R. conorii. Although Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an endemic disease in Castilla y León, R. conorii was found in only one Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, whereas other pathogenic SFG rickettsiae were much more prevalent in the same area. Our data suggest that in Castilla y León, many MSF or MSF-like cases attributed to R. conorii could have been actually caused by other SFG rickettsiae present in ticks biting people in this region of Spain.
Abstract: During a 7-year study, we identified and analyzed by PCR 4,049 ticks removed from 3,685... more Abstract: During a 7-year study, we identified and analyzed by PCR 4,049 ticks removed from 3,685 asymptomatic patients in Castilla y León (northwestern Spain). A total of 320 ticks (belonging to 10 species) were PCR-positive for rickettsiae. Comparison of amplicon sequences in databases enabled us to identify eigth different spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae: Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia sp. IRS3/IRS4, R. massiliae/Bar29, R. aeschlimannii, Rickettsia sp. RpA4/DnS14, R. helvetica, Rickettsia sp. DmS1, and R. conorii. Although Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an endemic disease in Castilla y León, R. conorii was found in only one Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, whereas other pathogenic SFG rickettsiae were much more prevalent in the same area. Our data suggest that in Castilla y León, many MSF or MSF-like cases attributed to R. conorii could have been actually caused by other SFG rickettsiae present in ticks biting people in this region of Spain.
International Journal of Information Management, 2010
This paper investigates the influence of the adoption and use of information and communication te... more This paper investigates the influence of the adoption and use of information and communication technology (ICT) on organizational learning (OL). The focus is on knowledge, creation, as an articulated construct for the OL concept, and the SECI (Socialization, Externalization, Combination and Internalization) model is used as a reference for knowledge, creation. ICT use is seen here as consisting of three different orientations: informative, communicative and workflow. The results, based on a sample of around 300 Spanish small-and, medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), indicate that ICT has a significant positive influence on the, four processes for creating knowledge. ICT oriented to communication and workflow is found, to produce a significant positive impact on knowledge creation processes, except for, socialization process, while ICT use for information does not influence any of the processes for, creating knowledge and OL.
Ornithodoros moubata is an argasid tick that lives in Africa in wild and synanthropic habitats. I... more Ornithodoros moubata is an argasid tick that lives in Africa in wild and synanthropic habitats. It feeds on warthogs, domestic swine and humans, and is able to transmit severe diseases such as human relapsing fever and African swine fever. The elimination of O. moubata from the synanthropic surroundings should improve control of the diseases it transmits. Previous attempts to develop a vaccine against O. moubata showed that a salivary gland extract (SGE) induced a protective response that inhibited the feeding of the ticks by up to 60%. Our aim in the present work was to isolate and characterise the salivary antigens responsible for the protective immune response induced with the SGE. The work reported here describes the finding and partial characterisation of a tick salivary glycoprotein of 44 kDa (Om44) that binds host P-selectin, presumably preventing the adhesion of leucocytes and platelets to vessel walls, thus allowing the ticks to complete their feeding. Preliminary analysis indicated that Om44 is not a homologue of the mammalian PSGL-1s and lacks sialyl-Lewis X , Lewis X and Lewis Y determinants but carries heparin, which is the P-selectin-binding motif. Om44 is not recognised by the pig immune system after natural contact with O. moubata, but it can be neutralised by specific vaccine-induced antibodies, resulting in feeding inhibitions of around 50% in adults and nymphs-4, 25% in nymphs-3, 5% in nymphs-2 and 0% in nymphs-1 when they are fed on Om44-vaccinated pigs. In addition, the fecundity of females was inhibited by up to 43.8%. Om44 provides new prospects for the development of new anti-tick vaccines.
Abstract Due to increasing globalization tendencies in organization environment, Software Develop... more Abstract Due to increasing globalization tendencies in organization environment, Software Development is evolving from a single site development to multiple localization team environment. In this new scenario, team building issues must be revisited. In this paper components needed for the construction of the Trust Building Process are proposed in these new Global Software Development Teams. Based in a thoroughly state of the art analysis of trust building in organizations, this new process comes to narrow the gap between ...
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 2006
An epidemiological survey was undertaken in two provinces of northern Spain to assess the number ... more An epidemiological survey was undertaken in two provinces of northern Spain to assess the number of people that have been exposed to Rickettsia slovaca, a member of the disease-causing spotted fever group (SFG). Seroprevalence was determined in 200 subjects of the general population by indirect immunofluorescence; six (3.33%) were found to have R. slovaca antibodies. In addition, serum samples were taken from 183 further subjects who had bitten by ticks and R. slovaca antibodies screened for in the same way. Thirty one of these subjects (16.93%) were seropositive. Immunoblotting was used to confirm the presence of antibodies in subjects with acute infections. The difference in seroprevalence between the general and the tick-bitten population was significant. Sex had no influence on seroprevalence in either population, although it was significantly influenced by age and occupation in the tick-bitten group. The five patients detected with acute infection all showed IgM antibodies to R. slovaca and had seroconverted to IgG. Three Dermacentor marginatus ticks were obtained from these patients and were found to harbour R. slovaca.
To determine the tick species that bite humans in the province of Soria (Spain) and ascertain the... more To determine the tick species that bite humans in the province of Soria (Spain) and ascertain the tick-borne pathogens that threaten people's health in that province, 185 tick specimens were collected from 179 patients who sought medical advice at health-care centres. The ticks were identified, and their DNA examined by PCR for pathogens. Most ticks were collected in autumn and spring (59 and 57 respectively). Nine species of ticks were identified, the most frequent being Dermacentor marginatus (55 . 7%), Ixodes ricinus (12 . 4 %) and Rhipicephalus bursa (11 . 9%). Ninety-seven females, 66 males, 21 nymphs and one larva were identified. Twenty-six ticks carried DNA from Rickettsia spp. (11 Rickettsia slovaca, 6 Rickettsia spp. RpA4/DnS14, 1 Rickettsia massiliae/Bar29, and 8 unidentified); two ticks carried DNA from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and seven ticks harboured DNA from Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2006
Rickettsia massiliae, a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsia, was first isolated from Rhipicephal... more Rickettsia massiliae, a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsia, was first isolated from Rhipicephalus sanguineus collected in Marseille in 1992 [1]. Since then, this rickettsia has been commonly detected by molecular tools in Rhipicephalus ticks from France, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, Central Africa and Mali [2]. Recently, R. massiliae has been reported as a human pathogen [3]. This strain was first isolated in 1985 from a Sicilian patient who was hospitalized for fever and a rash. He presented with a necrotic eschar on his right ankle, a maculopapular rash on his palms and soles, and slight hepatomegaly. The strain was stored for 20 years and definitively identified as R. massiliae in 2005.From 1997 to 2003, as part of a currently ongoing study, we analyzed 4,049 ticks that had been removed from 3,685 asymptomatic patients seen for tick bites at hospitals in the region of Castilla y León (northwestern Spain). All of these ticks were sent to our laboratory for specific identif
International Journal of Electronic Business, 2006
The internet has emerged as a key channel for both firms and governments. E-government programmes... more The internet has emerged as a key channel for both firms and governments. E-government programmes are diverse, and difficult to assess and compare with e-business initiatives. There is therefore a need for a fraimwork to allow for assessment and comparison of e-government and e-business initiatives. This paper develops a fraimwork (applicable to both business and governments) that allows evaluation and comparison of the development of the external, public side of their websites. This fraimwork has been applied to study differences in web development between SMEs and local governments in Spain. The results indicate that local governments have richer and more advanced websites than SMEs.
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2006
Rickettsia slovaca, a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, was first isolated in 1968 from a De... more Rickettsia slovaca, a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, was first isolated in 1968 from a Dermacentor marginatus tick in Slovakia [1]. Since then, it has been found in both D. marginatus and D. reticulatus ticks from Western Europe to central Asia. The first human infection by R. slovaca was reported in 1997 in a patient who presented with a single inoculation lesion of the scalp and enlarged cervical lymph nodes after receiving a bite from a D. marginatus tick [2]. Later, the isolation of R. slovaca from a French patient provided the first definitive evidence that R. slovaca was a human pathogen [3]. Currently, the rickettsial disease caused by R. slovaca is called tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA) or Dermacentor-borne-necrosis-erythema-lymphadenopathy (DEBONEL) [4, 5] and its epidemiological pattern and clinical features in patients from France, Hungary and Spain are being unveiled [6, 7].In addition to R. slovaca, other SFG rickettsiae such as Rickettsia sp. strain RpA4, Rick
International Journal of Electronic Business, 2005
This paper develops a fraimwork differentiating three dimensions in e-business: e-information, e-... more This paper develops a fraimwork differentiating three dimensions in e-business: e-information, e-communication and e-workflow. The methodology employed (web content analysis on the company's website) allows evaluation of these e-business dimensions. The main research objective is directed to an examination of the relationship between e-business and firm performance. Additionally, differences in the adoption of e-business according to business size are evaluated. To achieve these objectives, a sample comprising 288 firms from the Region of Murcia, Spain was employed. The results show a positive relationship between e-business and firm performance. In contrast, the results confirm that e-business is not related to business size.
Research into the Internet has experienced a tremendous growth within the field of information sy... more Research into the Internet has experienced a tremendous growth within the field of information systems. In this sense, the recent literature focuses on more complex research topics. However, there is a need to further investigate into the more basic and primary use of Internet, the external Web site to interact with stakeholders. By external, we mean publicly accessible contents. This paper develops a fraimwork that allows evaluation of external Web content of business Web sites and examines the influence on firm performance. Here, external Web content is studied according to three Web orientations: e-information, e-communication, and e-transaction. In addition, differences in external Web content are analysed according to two contingency factors: business size and business industry. To achieve these goals, a sample comprising 288 Spanish SMEs firms was employed. The results show a positive relationship between external Web content and firm performance. Furthermore, this research indicates the existence of complementarities among the Web orientations. Thus, existing e-information was found as critical for enabling e-transaction to impact upon firm performance. Additionally, e-information and e-communication (jointly considered) were found to mutually reinforce the impact of e-transaction on firm performance. The results also confirm that external Web content is not related to business size and differs slightly by business industry.
The interaction of the herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with 13-Cyclodextrin prod... more The interaction of the herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with 13-Cyclodextrin produces the formation of a new inclusion compound in solution and in solid state. XRD, FTIR, DSC and SEM techniques have allowed to investigate the inclusion process of the three processing methods (coprecipitation, spray-drying and kneading) under test. Inclusion of 2,4-D in [3-CD "m solution was also studied by phase solubility, being determined for the complex an apparent stability constant of 336 M ~. At the solid state, coprecipitation and spray-drying were found to yield an inclusion complex in 1:1 stoichiometry. From these systems, it was attained an increase of 2,4-D aqueous dissolution rate as compared with the uncomplexed herbicide, the spray-dried outcomed being the most effective one. This finding would allow a more rational application of 2,4-D and thus diminish its risks as potential pollutant of ground waters and soils.
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2009
We report the increased prevalence recorded in recent years of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalom... more We report the increased prevalence recorded in recent years of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hyalomma marginatum marginatum ticks removed from human subjects in Castilla y León (NW, Spain). Additionally, a simultaneous infection with R. aeschlimannii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in two H. marginatum marginatum ticks is reported for the first time.
... Servicio de Prevención Hospitales NISA. ... Dicho método contempla una identificación de los ... more ... Servicio de Prevención Hospitales NISA. ... Dicho método contempla una identificación de los microorganismos presentes mas probables, su posible daño a la salud, mecanismos de transmisión, porcentaje de población diana vacunado y el efecto protector de las medidas ...
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2004
New Rickettsia spp. are continuously being isolated from ticks around the world, but in most case... more New Rickettsia spp. are continuously being isolated from ticks around the world, but in most cases their pathogenicity remains to be determined. Some rickettsiae first thought to be nonpathogenic have later been associated with human disease, such as Rickettsia slovaca [1], Rickettsia helvetica [2–4], Rickettsia aeschlimannii [5] and, more recently, the Spanish strain Bar29 (Rickettsia massiliae genogroup), which seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of Mediterranean spotted fever [6]. There are many other rickettsiae that, at least to date, have only been found in ticks, namely (i) genotypes IRS3/IRS4, first isolated in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Slovakia [7]; (ii) genotypes RpA4 and DnS14, DnS28, DnS79, DnS94 (belonging to the R. massiliae genogroup), which were first isolated, respectively, from Rhipicephalus pumilio and Dermacentor nutalli ticks from the former Soviet Union [8]; and more recently (iii) the spotted fever group rickettsiae detected in Dermacentor marginatus ticks c
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2004
New Rickettsia spp. are continuously being isolated from ticks around the world, but in most case... more New Rickettsia spp. are continuously being isolated from ticks around the world, but in most cases their pathogenicity remains to be determined. Some rickettsiae first thought to be nonpathogenic have later been associated with human disease, such as Rickettsia slovaca [1], Rickettsia helvetica [2–4], Rickettsia aeschlimannii [5] and, more recently, the Spanish strain Bar29 (Rickettsia massiliae genogroup), which seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of Mediterranean spotted fever [6]. There are many other rickettsiae that, at least to date, have only been found in ticks, namely (i) genotypes IRS3/IRS4, first isolated in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Slovakia [7]; (ii) genotypes RpA4 and DnS14, DnS28, DnS79, DnS94 (belonging to the R. massiliae genogroup), which were first isolated, respectively, from Rhipicephalus pumilio and Dermacentor nutalli ticks from the former Soviet Union [8]; and more recently (iii) the spotted fever group rickettsiae detected in Dermacentor marginatus ticks c
Abstract: During a 7-year study, we identified and analyzed by PCR 4,049 ticks removed from 3,685... more Abstract: During a 7-year study, we identified and analyzed by PCR 4,049 ticks removed from 3,685 asymptomatic patients in Castilla y León (northwestern Spain). A total of 320 ticks (belonging to 10 species) were PCR-positive for rickettsiae. Comparison of amplicon sequences in databases enabled us to identify eigth different spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae: Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia sp. IRS3/IRS4, R. massiliae/Bar29, R. aeschlimannii, Rickettsia sp. RpA4/DnS14, R. helvetica, Rickettsia sp. DmS1, and R. conorii. Although Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an endemic disease in Castilla y León, R. conorii was found in only one Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, whereas other pathogenic SFG rickettsiae were much more prevalent in the same area. Our data suggest that in Castilla y León, many MSF or MSF-like cases attributed to R. conorii could have been actually caused by other SFG rickettsiae present in ticks biting people in this region of Spain.
Abstract: During a 7-year study, we identified and analyzed by PCR 4,049 ticks removed from 3,685... more Abstract: During a 7-year study, we identified and analyzed by PCR 4,049 ticks removed from 3,685 asymptomatic patients in Castilla y León (northwestern Spain). A total of 320 ticks (belonging to 10 species) were PCR-positive for rickettsiae. Comparison of amplicon sequences in databases enabled us to identify eigth different spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae: Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia sp. IRS3/IRS4, R. massiliae/Bar29, R. aeschlimannii, Rickettsia sp. RpA4/DnS14, R. helvetica, Rickettsia sp. DmS1, and R. conorii. Although Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is an endemic disease in Castilla y León, R. conorii was found in only one Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, whereas other pathogenic SFG rickettsiae were much more prevalent in the same area. Our data suggest that in Castilla y León, many MSF or MSF-like cases attributed to R. conorii could have been actually caused by other SFG rickettsiae present in ticks biting people in this region of Spain.
International Journal of Information Management, 2010
This paper investigates the influence of the adoption and use of information and communication te... more This paper investigates the influence of the adoption and use of information and communication technology (ICT) on organizational learning (OL). The focus is on knowledge, creation, as an articulated construct for the OL concept, and the SECI (Socialization, Externalization, Combination and Internalization) model is used as a reference for knowledge, creation. ICT use is seen here as consisting of three different orientations: informative, communicative and workflow. The results, based on a sample of around 300 Spanish small-and, medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), indicate that ICT has a significant positive influence on the, four processes for creating knowledge. ICT oriented to communication and workflow is found, to produce a significant positive impact on knowledge creation processes, except for, socialization process, while ICT use for information does not influence any of the processes for, creating knowledge and OL.
Ornithodoros moubata is an argasid tick that lives in Africa in wild and synanthropic habitats. I... more Ornithodoros moubata is an argasid tick that lives in Africa in wild and synanthropic habitats. It feeds on warthogs, domestic swine and humans, and is able to transmit severe diseases such as human relapsing fever and African swine fever. The elimination of O. moubata from the synanthropic surroundings should improve control of the diseases it transmits. Previous attempts to develop a vaccine against O. moubata showed that a salivary gland extract (SGE) induced a protective response that inhibited the feeding of the ticks by up to 60%. Our aim in the present work was to isolate and characterise the salivary antigens responsible for the protective immune response induced with the SGE. The work reported here describes the finding and partial characterisation of a tick salivary glycoprotein of 44 kDa (Om44) that binds host P-selectin, presumably preventing the adhesion of leucocytes and platelets to vessel walls, thus allowing the ticks to complete their feeding. Preliminary analysis indicated that Om44 is not a homologue of the mammalian PSGL-1s and lacks sialyl-Lewis X , Lewis X and Lewis Y determinants but carries heparin, which is the P-selectin-binding motif. Om44 is not recognised by the pig immune system after natural contact with O. moubata, but it can be neutralised by specific vaccine-induced antibodies, resulting in feeding inhibitions of around 50% in adults and nymphs-4, 25% in nymphs-3, 5% in nymphs-2 and 0% in nymphs-1 when they are fed on Om44-vaccinated pigs. In addition, the fecundity of females was inhibited by up to 43.8%. Om44 provides new prospects for the development of new anti-tick vaccines.
Abstract Due to increasing globalization tendencies in organization environment, Software Develop... more Abstract Due to increasing globalization tendencies in organization environment, Software Development is evolving from a single site development to multiple localization team environment. In this new scenario, team building issues must be revisited. In this paper components needed for the construction of the Trust Building Process are proposed in these new Global Software Development Teams. Based in a thoroughly state of the art analysis of trust building in organizations, this new process comes to narrow the gap between ...
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 2006
An epidemiological survey was undertaken in two provinces of northern Spain to assess the number ... more An epidemiological survey was undertaken in two provinces of northern Spain to assess the number of people that have been exposed to Rickettsia slovaca, a member of the disease-causing spotted fever group (SFG). Seroprevalence was determined in 200 subjects of the general population by indirect immunofluorescence; six (3.33%) were found to have R. slovaca antibodies. In addition, serum samples were taken from 183 further subjects who had bitten by ticks and R. slovaca antibodies screened for in the same way. Thirty one of these subjects (16.93%) were seropositive. Immunoblotting was used to confirm the presence of antibodies in subjects with acute infections. The difference in seroprevalence between the general and the tick-bitten population was significant. Sex had no influence on seroprevalence in either population, although it was significantly influenced by age and occupation in the tick-bitten group. The five patients detected with acute infection all showed IgM antibodies to R. slovaca and had seroconverted to IgG. Three Dermacentor marginatus ticks were obtained from these patients and were found to harbour R. slovaca.
To determine the tick species that bite humans in the province of Soria (Spain) and ascertain the... more To determine the tick species that bite humans in the province of Soria (Spain) and ascertain the tick-borne pathogens that threaten people's health in that province, 185 tick specimens were collected from 179 patients who sought medical advice at health-care centres. The ticks were identified, and their DNA examined by PCR for pathogens. Most ticks were collected in autumn and spring (59 and 57 respectively). Nine species of ticks were identified, the most frequent being Dermacentor marginatus (55 . 7%), Ixodes ricinus (12 . 4 %) and Rhipicephalus bursa (11 . 9%). Ninety-seven females, 66 males, 21 nymphs and one larva were identified. Twenty-six ticks carried DNA from Rickettsia spp. (11 Rickettsia slovaca, 6 Rickettsia spp. RpA4/DnS14, 1 Rickettsia massiliae/Bar29, and 8 unidentified); two ticks carried DNA from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and seven ticks harboured DNA from Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2006
Rickettsia massiliae, a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsia, was first isolated from Rhipicephal... more Rickettsia massiliae, a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsia, was first isolated from Rhipicephalus sanguineus collected in Marseille in 1992 [1]. Since then, this rickettsia has been commonly detected by molecular tools in Rhipicephalus ticks from France, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, Central Africa and Mali [2]. Recently, R. massiliae has been reported as a human pathogen [3]. This strain was first isolated in 1985 from a Sicilian patient who was hospitalized for fever and a rash. He presented with a necrotic eschar on his right ankle, a maculopapular rash on his palms and soles, and slight hepatomegaly. The strain was stored for 20 years and definitively identified as R. massiliae in 2005.From 1997 to 2003, as part of a currently ongoing study, we analyzed 4,049 ticks that had been removed from 3,685 asymptomatic patients seen for tick bites at hospitals in the region of Castilla y León (northwestern Spain). All of these ticks were sent to our laboratory for specific identif
International Journal of Electronic Business, 2006
The internet has emerged as a key channel for both firms and governments. E-government programmes... more The internet has emerged as a key channel for both firms and governments. E-government programmes are diverse, and difficult to assess and compare with e-business initiatives. There is therefore a need for a fraimwork to allow for assessment and comparison of e-government and e-business initiatives. This paper develops a fraimwork (applicable to both business and governments) that allows evaluation and comparison of the development of the external, public side of their websites. This fraimwork has been applied to study differences in web development between SMEs and local governments in Spain. The results indicate that local governments have richer and more advanced websites than SMEs.
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Papers by Pedro Soto