Search

Urban regeneration programmes are interventions meant to enhance the wellbeing of residents in deprived areas, although empirical evidence reports mixed results. We evaluated the health impact of a participatory and neighbourhood-wide urban regeneration programme, Pla de Barris 2016–2020, in Barcelona. A pre-post with a comparison group study design. Using data from a cross-sectional survey performed in 2016 and 2021. The health outcomes analysed were mental health, alcohol and psychotropic drug use, perceived health status, physical activity and obesity. Depending on the investment, two intervention groups were defined: moderate- and high-intensity intervention groups. The analysis combined difference-in-difference estimation with an inverse weighting derived from a propensity score to reduce potential biases. The impact of the intervention in percentages and its confidence interval were estimated with a linear probability model with clustered adjusted errors. The intervention had a positive impact on health outcomes in women in the high-intensity intervention group: a reduction of 15.5% in the relative frequency of those experiencing poor mental health, and of 21.7% in the relative frequency of those with poor self-perceived health; and an increase of 13.7% in the relative frequency of those doing physical activity. No positive impact was observed for men, but an increase of 10.3% in the relative frequency of those using psychotropic drugs in the high-intensity intervention group. This study shows positive short-term effects of the urban regeneration programme Pla de Barris 2016–2020 on health outcomes in women in the high-intensity intervention group. These results can guide future interventions in other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-amniotic infection with Candida species is an uncommon but severe condition with high fetal morbimortality and no established clinical guidelines for its management. We report a Candida albicans intra-amniotic infection diagnosed in a 25-week pregnant woman, successfully treated with high-dose liposomal amphotericin B. Pregnancy was prolonged until 30 weeks, and despite persistently positive Candida cultures in amniotic fluid, a healthy newborn was delivered without evidence of systemic infection. Amphotericin concentration was determined at birth, revealing levels over 30 times higher in mother's and cord blood than in the amniotic fluid, probably explaining the clinical protection despite failure in obtaining fungal clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito vector-borne zoonosis with an increasing incidence in Europe that has become a public health concern. In Spain, although local circulation has been known for decades, until 2020, when a large outbreak occurred, West Nile Virus cases were scarce and mostly occurred in southern Spain. Since then, there have been new cases every year and the pathogen has spread to new regions. Thus, monitoring of circulating variants and lineages plays a fundamental role in understanding WNV evolution, spread and dynamics. In this study, we sequenced WNV consensus genomes from mosquito pools captured in 2022 as part of a newly implemented surveillance program in southern Spain and compared it to other European, African and Spanish sequences. Characterization of WNV genomes in mosquitoes captured in 2022 reveals the co-circulation of two WNV lineage 1 variants, the one that caused the outbreak in 2020 and another variant that is closely related to variants reported in Spain in 2012, France in 2015, Italy in 2021–2022 and Senegal in 2012–2018. The geographic distribution of these variants indicates that WNV L1 dynamics in southern Europe include an alternating dominance of variants in some territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging infectious diseases are one of the most important global health challenges because of their impact on human and animal health. The vector-borne West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted between birds by mosquitos, but it can also infect humans and horses causing disease. The local circulation of WNV in Spain has been known for decades, and since 2010, there have been regular outbreaks in horses, although only six cases were reported in humans until 2019. In 2020, Spain experienced a major outbreak with 77 human cases, which was followed by 6 additional cases in 2021, most of them in the Andalusian region (southern Spain). This study aimed to characterize the genomes of the WNV circulating in wild-trapped mosquitoes during 2020 and 2021 in Andalusia. We sequenced the WNV consensus genome from two mosquito pools and carried out the phylogenetic analyses. We also compared the obtained genomes with those sequenced from human samples obtained during the outbreak and the genomes obtained previously in Spain from birds (2007 and 2017), mosquitoes (2008) and horses (2010) to better understand the eco-epidemiology of WNV in Spain. As expected, the WNV genomes recovered from mosquito pools in 2020 were closely related to those recovered from humans of the same outbreak. In addition, the strain of WNV circulating in 2021 was highly related to the WNV strain that caused the 2020 outbreak, suggesting that WNV is overwintering in the area. Consequently, future outbreaks of the same strain may occur in in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Society challenges higher education institutions and their members to generate inclusive communities to enable the full development of all members. This study aims to analyze who is responsible for generating inclusion according to community members from a traditional Chilean University. We carried out qualitative research based on the Grounded Theory. We collected data through focus group and semi-structured Interviews, involving 14 undergraduate students, two post-graduate students, 17 faculty members, five non-teaching staff members, and nine executives officers. All of thembelonging to the three campuses of the University. We analyzed data using ATLAS.ti 7.5.7, using the constant comparison method and reaching an axial codification level. From the data analysis, 25 subcategories emerged, grouped into six categories. Later we organized them under the codification paradigm. Results highlighted the perception of the interaction and influence of the social, institutional, and personal fields in the inclusion phenomenon. Also, that inclusive practices must be a responsibility shared among different educational community members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Improving the management of the conventional pig production system is crucial to increase herd productivity. Nowadays, the reproductive efficiency of gilts and sows during their life is not as efficient as expected. Gilts' development is related to their production efficiency. Thus, any improvement in management strategies should aim to optimize gilt development before the first insemination. Knowledge concerning the physiology of gilts, such as adequate body condition development under intensive systems, is necessary for developing proper management practices identifying gilts with the highest potential for lifetime performance. Our study showed differences in the reproductive performance of gilts grouped retrospectively according to body weight at first service. Therefore, body weight at first service could be used as a practical tool on commercial farms to track and optimize productive efficiency. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the effect of body weight (BW) at first service on body status development and sow performance during first parity and lifetime efficiency. A total of 360 DanBred gilts were used, which we categorized into three groups according to their BW: (1) Small sows (<135 kg BW; n = 108); (2) Medium sows (135–150 kg BW; n = 155); (3) Large sows (>150 kg BW; n = 63). We studied the gilts from first insemination to first weaning, and then monitored until culling. Sow body status, litter size and weight, farrowing rate, weaning-to-conception interval, lifetime performance, and hormones linked to metabolism were recorded. Sows in the Small group had the lowest body weight, backfat thickness, and loin depth during gestation. Moreover, they had the smallest number of total piglets born and longest weaning-to-conception interval at first parity. The Small sows also had, on average, one less piglet born during their productive life, and they tended to have a higher culling rate over three parities. For immunoglobulins, insulin, cortisol, and IGF-I levels, no differences were found. In conclusion, achieving optimal body weight at first service is essential for maximizing the sow's lifetime performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interestingly, most patients using systemic treatment stated that they did not interrupt their systemic treatment due to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination ( I n i = 2788 out of 3713, 75.1%), whereas 23.7% ( I n i = 879) reported a temporary interruption, occurring between 14 and 90 days before (63.0%) and after (67.2%) the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Among the vaccinated patients, 88% ( I n i = 4084) received at least three vaccine doses, 10.7% ( I n i = 495) two doses and 0.9% ( I n i = 41) a single dose (Figure 1). Among minor, reported AE was the exacerbation of psoriasis (11 affected patients, 0.4%): six patients after the first dose, nine patients after the second dose and eight patients after the third dose. [Extracted from the article]

The worldwide environmentally friendly trend has focused the last decade on emphasizing the value of energy conservation and reducing the carbon footprint in buildings, achieving zero energy buildings. Presently, viable building techniques, in developing countries, are insufficient to achieve zero energy buildings. Thus, authorities should implement policies mandating new developments and renovations to establish "energy-efficient buildings"; nevertheless, design solutions should be properly evaluated and assessed preceding execution. The conservation of energy without jeopardizing human comfortability is a huge challenge for any designer. Occupants are less interested in making a major investment to save some expenses over the next two decades, especially nowadays that energy is still affordable. Therefore, improved indoor environmental conditions are perhaps another important parameter toward energy-efficient buildings. Through dynamic simulations, this study examines the energy efficiency and thermal comfort achieved by integrating retrofitting strategies in an institutional building in three different American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) hot climate zones represented by three cities of Egypt (Aswan, Cairo, and Alexandria). The built-up baseline model is validated using actual energy usage data. The validated baseline model is then subjected to local sensitivity analysis to determine the driving parameters influencing the building's energy demand. The study at hand focuses on a broader perspective on sustainability. With a multiapproach decision-making methodology based on the most recent measures, the study highlights the outcomes through an environmental--economic assessment and indoor thermal comfort depending on experts' weighting, responses, and recommendations. The outcomes postulate that the implementation of reflective paints solutions would achieve the highest percentages of whole-building energy savings with 21%, 19%, and 17% for Aswan, Cairo, and Alexandria, respectively, improving indoor thermal comfort levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• There were no differences in complication or mortality rates between the group of recipients of elderly donors and the group of recipients of younger donors. • Only vascular complications were slightly more frequent in the elderly donor group, but the differences were not statistically significant. • The use of elderly liver donors (older than 75 years) is safe, with good outcomes in terms of mid- and long-term survival, reaching 81%, 75%, and 67% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. An organ shortage is the reason why it is necessary to expand the pool of donors, which can be achieved by using elderly donors. The main goal of this study is to analyze the outcomes of liver transplant (LT) when it is performed with donors older than 75 years. We carried out a retrospective case-control study (N = 212) that included LTs with donors older than 75 years (group A, n = 106 cases) that were performed in our center between the years 2010 and 2020. This cohort has been paired off with a similar control group (group B, n = 106) whose donors were significantly younger. A survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier model was performed. Average (SD) age of donors in group A was statistically greater than group B (A, 79.1 [3.0] years vs B, 54.4 [15.3], P <.001). There were no differences either in the average age of the recipients or in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of both groups. Indications for LT were distributed equally in both groups: the most common was cellular hepatocarcinoma followed by alcohol-related cirrhosis. Survival rates for group A were 81%, 78%, and 67%, in 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, while in group B they were 85%, 76%, and 71%, respectively, without differences found between the groups (P =.57). Using elderly liver donors is safe, achieving good outcomes in terms of short- and midterm rates of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Rare diseases are infrequent, but together they affect up to 6–10 % of the world's population, mainly children. Patients require precise doses and strict adherence to avoid metabolic or cardiac failure in some cases, which cannot be addressed in a reliable way using pharmaceutical compounding. 3D printing (3DP) is a disruptive technology that allows the real-time personalization of the dose and the modulation of the dosage form to adapt the medicine to the therapeutic needs of each patient. 3D printed chewable medicines containing amino acids (citrulline, isoleucine, valine, and isoleucine and valine combinations) were prepared in a hospital setting, and the efficacy and acceptability were evaluated in comparison to conventional compounded medicines in six children. The inclusion of new flavours (lemon, vanilla and peach) to obtain more information on patient preferences and the implementation of a mobile app to obtain patient feedback in real-time was also used. The 3D printed medicines controlled amino acid levels within target levels as well as the conventional medicines. The deviation of citrulline levels was narrower and closer within the target concentration with the chewable formulations. According to participants' responses, the chewable formulations were well accepted and can improve adherence and quality of life. For the first time, 3DP enabled two actives to be combined in the same formulation, reducing the number of administrations. This study demonstrated the benefits of preparing 3D printed personalized treatments for children diagnosed with rare metabolic disorders using a novel technology in real clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) usually develop interest in areas that is unusual in its intensity or focus. This paper focuses on the influence of the special interest areas in the problem solving processes of multiplication and division word arithmetic problems, through a single case study with an 11-year-old student diagnosed with ASD and intellectual disability. A questionnaire consisting of 15 problems contextualized in three types of contexts -special interest context, a familiar context and an unfamiliar context-was applied. Following a qualitative method, informal strategies and success in obtaining the solution were registered. The results show that both, the special interest context and the familiar context, determined the success in obtaining the problem solution; the student did not solved any problem in the unfamiliar context; the special interest context led to a greater involvement of the student in the search of the solution, but it did not represent an effective improvement with respect to familiar contexts, since in both contexts the student solved the multiplication and division-grouping problems, but did not solve the partitive-division problems. These findings contribute to completing the existing literature on the educational potential of special interest areas in students diagnosed with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyse the existing relationships between motivation, self‐concept and family and social influence when choosing the profession of police officer. Methods: Cross‐sectional descriptive study, through intentional sampling, carried out using a protocol for collecting information from different socio‐demographic variables, the Motivation scale and the Self‐concept Form‐5 questionnaire. The sample consisted of 258 local police officers from the Public Security School of Andalusia (Spain). Results: The results showed an association between the influence of family and social environment and the different motivations (achievement, affiliation and power). On the other hand, between these motivations and the different dimensions of self‐concept (working, social, emotional, family and physical). Conclusions: The prevalence of motivation can be observed. Professional motivation, self‐concept and family influence are relevant variables in relation to professional choice, efficacy and productivity in professional performance. In fact, a higher degree of family self‐concept promotes power motivation to face life changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out over the past five years with sixty-six prospective foreign language teachers (French and English) in primary school. These students were commencing their studies in foreign language teaching in Melilla. The first section of this article aims to examine the theoretical foundations of culture teaching from a plurilingual and intercultural perspective. The subsequent data were collected by means of a questionnaire and the findings were analyzed with the statistical package IBM SPSS 25 using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Lastly, the final results are illustrated through reflections and conclusions by the participants, which were related to the stated objectives as well as the variables contemplated on this research (mother-tongue, age group, foreign language chosen, and academic year). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attached sunspaces are classic bioclimatic systems. Normally, they are used as solar passive techniques in buildings. However, it has been suggested that they could also be used as active systems in order to collect solar energy and harness it in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. This paper analyses the sunspace built during the ARFRISOL project, which has a validated simulation tool of its thermal behaviour, developed in a previous research. In this paper, this tool is applied to study the possibility of the energy collection. Although this energy is not enough to be used as direct heating system, it can pre-heat the air before entering the HVAC equipment. Two configurations have been studied: collecting the energy during the whole day or only at night to take advantage of the sunspace thermal inertia. Also, the results obtained with these configurations have been compared with the sunspace used in passive mode. For this analysis, several characteristic days with summer and winter climatic conditions have been considered. Finally, an economic evaluation of this innovative system –a solar active sunspace- is performed taking into account the results of the different configurations. • An attached sunspace is an –in façade– overheating system with thermal inertia. • Both sunspace solar passive and active behaviours have been analysed. • Annual energy collected is between 2.2 MWh and 4.6 MWh considering two configurations. • Economic study shows up to 836 € annual saving and investment return in 41 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting organic polymers (COPs) are made of a conjugated polymer backbone supporting a certain degree of oxidation. These positive charges are compensated by the doping anions that are introduced into the polymer synthesis along with their accompanying cations. In this work, the influence of these cations on the stoichiometry and physicochemical properties of the resulting COPs have been investigated, something that has previously been overlooked, but, as here proven, is highly relevant. As the doping anion, metallacarborane [Co(C2B9H11)2]− was chosen, which acts as a thistle. This anion binds to the accompanying cation with a distinct strength. If the binding strength is weak, the doping anion is more prone to compensate the positive charge of the polymer, and the opposite is also true. Thus, the ability of the doping anion to compensate the positive charges of the polymer can be tuned, and this determines the stoichiometry of the polymer. As the polymer, PEDOT was studied, whereas Cs+, Na+, K+, Li+, and H+ as cations. Notably, with the [Co(C2B9H11)2]− anions, these cations are grouped into two sets, Cs+ and H+ in one and Na+, K+, and Li+ in the second, according to the stoichiometry of the COPs: 2:1 EDOT/[Co(C2B9H11)2]− for Cs+ and H+, and 3:1 EDOT/[Co(C2B9H11)2]− for Na+, K+, and Li+. The distinct stoichiometries are manifested in the physicochemical properties of the COPs, namely in the electrochemical response, electronic conductivity, ionic conductivity, and capacitance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Migration entails important changes for families. Despite existing evidence on the process of adaptation, little is known about the degree of social inclusion in a context of high cultural affinity. We examine the variability of social inclusion patterns, indexed by personal, family and social conditions, in 263 Latin American families, with at least one child under 12 years, migrating to Spain. Three profiles of social inclusion were identified using cluster analysis: High inclusion (32%), characterized by a good financial and job situation, low perception of economic difficulty, good social support and medium scores in attraction to neighbourhood and community belonging and high scores in neighbourly relationship. Partial inclusion (35%) was characterized by ratings of extreme economic difficulties and lack of job, high scores in perceived economic hardship, high scores in all types of social support (instrumental, emotional and affectionate support and positive social interaction) and high scores in attraction to neighbourhood and community belonging, and medium scores in neighbourly relationship. Finally, Low inclusion cluster (33%) was characterized by moderate economic difficulties and lack of a job, high scores in perceived economic hardship, low scores in all types of social support and low neighbourhood cohesion in all the factors. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that a model comprising family composition, size of social networks and years of residence in the community increased the probability of belonging to the Partial or Low inclusion profiles compared with the High inclusion one. In conclusion, the heterogeneity in the patterns of social inclusion and their intersection with family conditions suggests the need for targeted intervention actions to reduce the risk of social exclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasites are recognized to be some of the strongest agents of natural selection, sometimes causing major changes in the phenotypes of their hosts. Understanding the genomic determinants leading to these adaptive processes is key to understand host–parasite interactions. However, dissecting the genetic architecture of host resistance in natural systems is difficult because of the multiple factors affecting these complex traits in the wild. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Lundregan et al. (2020) use an impressive long‐term data set to analyse the genomic architecture of host resistance to gapeworm in a metapopulation of house sparrows. The authors elegantly combine different approaches (variance component analyses, genome partitioning and genome‐wide associations) to reveal that resistance to gapeworm is under polygenic control and can have both a significant additive genetic and dominance variance. This study is one of the first to simultaneously determine genomic architecture and assess additive genetic and dominance genetic variance in parasite resistance in natural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a procedure for the determination of seven nitrophenols (NPs) in water and soil samples using stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) by means of a thermal desorption unit (TDU). Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) is proposed to release the NPs from the soil matrices into an aqueous phase, prior to their acetylation. The different variables affecting the preconcentration efficiency of SBSE, during both the adsorption and the thermal desorption steps, are studied. As regards the analytical characteristics of the method, the accuracy was measured through recovery studies, recovery percentages in all cases being in the 79–120% range, as well as by analyzing a certified reference material. The precision was evaluated in terms of relative standard deviation, which provided values lower than 15% for both repeatability and reproducibility. The limits of detection were between 0.001 and 0.031 µg L −1 for water and 0.020–0.107 ng g −1 for soil samples. When environmental samples of different origins were analyzed, contents in the 0.01–1.0 µg L −1 and 0.7–40 ng g −1 ranges were obtained for waters and soils, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two zeolite templated carbons (ZTC) with comparable structure and different surface chemistry have been synthesized by chemical vapor deposition of different precursors, producing a non-doped and a N-doped carbon material (4 at. % XPS) in which most of the functionalities are quaternary N. A larger specific capacitance (farads per surface area) has been measured in acid electrolyte for the N-doped ZTC, that can be related to an improved wettability due to the presence of nitrogen and oxygen. The capacitance of N-doped ZTC is lower in alkaline electrolyte, probably due to the loss of electrochemical activity of certain oxygen functionalities. Interestingly, the electro-oxidation process of N-ZTC implies lower irreversible currents (providing higher electrochemical stability) than for ZTC. The presence of quaternary nitrogen greatly improves the electric conductivity of N-ZTC, which shows a superior rate performance. ZTC and N-ZTC capacitors were constructed using 1 M H 2 SO 4 . Under the same conditions, N-doped ZTC based capacitor has higher energy density, 6.7 vs 5.9 W h/kg. The power density of N-ZTC is four times higher, producing an outstanding maximum power of 98 kW/kg. These results provide clear evidences of the advantages of doping advanced porous carbon materials with nitrogen functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unified academic model based on the project-based learning (PBL) methodology was implemented, in the 2012–2013 period, in the School of Engineering at Universidad Europea de Madrid. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether teachers and students participating in the capstone projects feel that the objectives for which this methodology was designed for are being achieved. The data were collected through interviews to participants at the end of the PBL experience. The results are encouraging, as students seem to be more motivated, and they say that they are experiencing deeper learning, and have developed key competitive skills required for their professional lives. Findings also suggest that teachers face positively the PBL as a learning approach since they perceive that students obtain a deeper learning, develop transversal skills with the projects and are more engaged with their studies. Implications and recommendations for the future of the model are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The School of Engineering at Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM) implemented, starting in the 2012–2013 period, a unified academic model based on project-based learning as the methodology used throughout the entire School. This model expects that every year, in each grade, all the students should participate in a capstone project integrating the contents and competencies of several courses. This paper presents the academic context under which this experience has been implemented, and a summary of the work done to design and implement the Project-Based Engineering School at the UEM. The steps followed, the structure used, some sample projects, as well as the difficulties and benefits of implementing the programme are discussed in this paper. The results are encouraging as students are more motivated and the initial set objectives were accomplished. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study investigates the influence of the practices, goals, maternal representation of their action and the child's readability of practices and goals on the mother-child interaction observed during a collaborative task. The participants were 82 dyads at psychosocial risk. The mothers reported their practices and goals in hypothetical situations and the representation of their actions in the interaction. Children reported the readability of mothers' practices and goals. The regression models showed the negative influence of the coercitive and restrictive practices, the positive influence of the maternal representation of their child-rearing actions and the child's readability of the practices and goals on the dynamic of the mother-child interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen functionalization (ca. 4 at. % N XPS ) of a highly microporous activated carbon (S BET > 3000 m 2 /g) has been achieved by two different approaches at mild conditions: (i) oxidation and post-reaction with nitrogen reactants, and (ii) direct reaction of pristine carbon material with nitrogen reactants. Interestingly, the introduction of nitrogen functionalities allows full preservation of the microporosity when pathway (ii) is followed. The electrochemical performance of the carbon materials as electrodes for supercapacitors was evaluated by using symmetric and asymmetric configuration in 1 M H 2 SO 4 . Both nitrogen-functionalized carbon materials showed larger stability and energy efficiency than the pristine carbon material when working at 1.4 V. The non-oxidized and functionalized activated carbon evidences the best performance as electrode for supercapacitor, providing energy and power density of 14.5 Wh/kg and 61.2 kW/kg and keeping 83% of original capacitance after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. This improvement is related to the presence of surface nitrogen functionalities that provide a higher electrochemical stability, avoiding the formation of detrimental oxygen groups during the operation of the supercapacitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To establish a genetic and clinical diagnosis in a newborn with fetal-onset dilated cardiomyopathy using next-generation sequencing technologies.Methods: We have conducted the clinical evaluation of the proband and the molecular characterization of his disease by means of whole-exome sequencing. In addition, the clinical evaluation and subsequent genetic screening of five relatives has been performed. This comprises two males with features of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy, two females suspected of being carriers, and one pregnant female at risk of being a carrier and thereby transmitting the disease to her child.Results: We have discovered a novel variant in the TAZ gene by means of whole-exome sequencing. This, together with the performance of further clinical analyses, led to an early diagnosis of Barth syndrome in the proband. The genetic screening of the subject's familial group revealed full cosegregation of the variant with another two affected males and identified several female carriers.Conclusions: The investigation for Barth syndrome must be considered in male babies and young boys with dilated cardiomyopathy and left ventricular noncompaction. Next-generation sequencing technologies provide an accurate and rapid diagnostic tool in prospectively and retrospectively identifying individuals with this Mendelian syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen functionalization of a highly microporous activated carbon (BET surface area higher than 3000 m 2 /g) has been achieved using the following sequence of treatments: (i) chemical oxidation using concentrated nitric acid, (ii) amidation by acyl chloride substitution with NH 4 NO 3 and (iii) amination by Hoffman rearrangement. This reaction pathway yielded amide and amine functional groups, and a total nitrogen content higher than 3 at.%. It is achieved producing only a small decrease (20%) of the starting microporosity, being most of it related to the initial wet oxidation of the activated carbon. Remarkably, nitrogen aromatic rings were also formed as a consequence of secondary cyclation reactions. The controlled step-by-step modification of the surface chemistry allowed to assess the influence of individual nitrogen surface groups in the electrochemical performance in 1 M H 2 SO 4 of the carbon materials. The largest gravimetric capacitance was registered for the pristine activated carbon due to its largest apparent surface area. The nitrogen-containing activated carbons showed the highest surface capacitances. Interestingly, the amidated activated carbon showed the superior capacitance retention due to the presence of functional groups (such as lactams, imides and pyrroles) that enhance electrical conductivity through their electron-donating properties, showing a capacitance of 83 F/g at 50 A/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study are to analyze the attitudes of young people to offenders situations in family context according to gender, religious belief and family social climate and, to study the predictive power of those variables on attitudes toward offenders. Participants were 230 young (mean age = 21.2), 130 women and 100 men who completed the CASA-F Questionnaire (Moreno & Pereyra, 2000) and the Family Social Climate Scale (Moss, Moss, & Trickett, 1995). We obtained differences in attitude towards offenders in terms of gender and religious belief and a significant relation between prosocial attitudes towards offenders and family social climate. Finally, multiple regression analysis confirmed the predictive ability of gender, religious belief and the family social climate on prosocial attitudes of forgiveness and explanation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar chimneys used in buildings are passive solar devices which improve natural ventilation. A detailed exergetic analysis has been developed in this work, both for general balance and specific variables. To apply this analysis, a three-dimensional CFD model has been built and validated with bibliographic experimental data. The values of the variables have been examined both inside and at the exit of the solar chimney, resulting in a detailed description of the inner phenomena and parameters influencing the exergetic efficiency. The results of this study offer new tools: a numerical methodology and an exergetic analysis, to improve the design of building ventilation solar chimneys. It also affords a deeper understanding of the thermal and fluid-dynamic behaviour, and suggests some qualitative improvements. However, the numerical data obtained from the case studied, show that solar chimneys as natural ventilation systems offer quite a small efficiency and will remain within the sphere of architectural decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este trabajo examina el uso y la eficiencia con la que padres y madres colombianos utilizan recursos web como apoyo en la educación de sus hijos. Participaron un total de 225 progenitores mediante un cuestionario on-line. Los resultados muestran que el nivel de estudios y, en menor medida, el sexo de los padres y la edad de los hijos modulan el uso y los contenidos educativos a los que acceden en la web, así como la capacidad para llevar a cabo búsquedas más eficientes, hallar páginas web más apropiadas y evaluar con mejores criterios los resultados encontrados. La existencia de estas brechas digitales pone en riesgo la efectividad de los recursos web como apoyo universal a la educación de los hijos e hijas en sectores de familias con mayores vulnerabilidades culturales y de desigualdad de género. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) variability plays a key role in pathogen resistance, but its relative importance compared to environmental and demographic factors that also influence resistance is unknown. We analyzed the MHC II DRB exon 2 for 165 raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) in Missouri (USA). For each animal we also determined the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to two highly virulent pathogens, canine distemper virus (CDV) and parvovirus. We investigated the role of MHC polymorphism and other demographic and environmental factors previously associated with predicting seroconversion. In addition, using an experimental approach, we studied the relative importance of resource availability and contact rates. We found important associations between IgG antibody presence and several MHC alleles and supertypes but not between IgM antibody presence and MHC. No effect of individual MHC diversity was found. For CDV, supertype S8, one allele within S8 (Prlo-DRB ∗ 222), and a second allele (Prlo-DRB ∗ 204) were positively associated with being IgG+, while supertype S4 and one allele within the supertype (Prlo-DRB ∗ 210) were negatively associated with being IgG+. Age, year, and increased food availability were also positively associated with being IgG+, but allele Prlo-DRB ∗ 222 was a stronger predictor. For parvovirus, only one MHC allele was negatively associated with being IgG+ and age and site were stronger predictors of seroconversion. Our results show that negative-frequency dependent selection is likely acting on the raccoon MHC and that while the role of MHC in relation to other factors depends on the pathogen of interest, it may be one of the most important factors predicting successful immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the associations between the microbiota of Culex perexiguus mosquitoes and West Nile virus (WNV) infection during the 2020 outbreak in southern Spain. The study found that the microbiota composition of Cx. perexiguus was dominated by the genera Burkholderia, Erwinia, and Pantoea, with a low prevalence of the genus Wolbachia. The results suggest that the near absence of Wolbachia may be related to the high WNV infection rates in Cx. perexiguus compared to Cx. pipiens. However, the microbiota diversity and composition of Cx. perexiguus were not significantly related to the WNV infection status. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: This review aims to identify the risk and protection factors that influence parenthood in Latin American families after migration to the two main countries that receive the Latino population, the United States and Spain. Methodology: A systematic review of scientific articles was carried out through the PRISMA protocol. A total of 17 studies published between 2006-2019 on the exercise of parenting by migrant Latin American families in both countries were included. Results: Multiple risk and protective factors were identified from different systems related to parenting. Sociodemographic factors, such as lower incomes and job insecurity, were the most documented risk factors and were related to parental stress and inadequate educational styles. Microsystems factors, such as authoritarian styles and beliefs of parents or lack of affection were related to a greater likelihood of disruptive behavioral problems in children. Factors from the exosystem, such as the absence of support, were related to greater social isolation and less community integration. Macrosystem factors, such as acculturation, were related to higher parental stress and lower perception of parenting competence. The protective factors were found mainly in the microsystem (such as, attachment) and in the exosystem (such as, social support). Conclusions: Migration is not in itself negative or positive for the exercise of the parental task but rather it is the risk and protection factors in the new ecosystem that hinder or favor the exercise of parenting. Social policies and interventions aimed at Latin American migrant families should be designed considering the impact of different risk and protection factors on family dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social robotics is an emerging field with a high level of innovation. For many years, it was a concept framed in the literature and theoretical approaches. Scientific and technological advances have made it possible for robots to progressively make their way into different areas of our society, and now, they are ready to make the leap out of the industry and extend their presence into our daily lives. In this sense, user experience plays a fundamental role in achieving a smooth and natural interaction between robots and humans. This research focused on the user experience approach in terms of the embodiment of a robot, centring on its movements, gestures, and dialogues. The aim was to investigate how the interaction between robotic platforms and humans takes place and what differential aspects should be considered when designing the robot tasks. To achieve this objective, a qualitative and quantitative study was conducted based on a real interview between several human users and the robotic platform. The data were gathered by recording the session and having each user complete a form. The results showed that participants generally enjoyed interacting with the robot and found it engaging, which led to greater trust and satisfaction. However, delays and errors in the robot's responses caused frustration and disconnection. The study found that incorporating embodiment into the design of the robot improved the user experience, and the robot's personality and behaviour were significant factors. It was concluded that robotic platforms and their appearance, movements, and way of communicating have a decisive influence on the user's opinion and the way they interact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical predictors of acute stroke severity and in-hospital outcome are mainly related to demographic characteristics (more severe prognosis in very old patients), presence of certain cerebrovascular risk factors (worse prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation), semiological data (poor clinical relevance in the presence of low level of consciousness, very early seizures or significant neurological deficit at the onset of stroke), stroke subtype (more frequent in-hospital mortality in cardioembolic stroke and less frequent in lacunar infarct), and extent of lesion damage in neuroimaging.[[1]],[[2]] Multiple mechanisms, such as excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation, have been considered to explain brain injury caused by cerebral ischemia. Stroke 2017;48:2419-25. 5 Sangeeta J, Smita M, Anita R. Study of proinflammatory cytokines in acute ischemic stroke and their correlation with stroke severity and in-hospital outcome. Future studies are needed to accurately analyze the anti-inflammatory strategies with the aim of reducing phlogosis and proinflammatory action, even combined with rtPA or thrombectomy to improve the outcome of patients affected by an acute ischemic stroke. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: The high rate of dropout from treatment programs is a recurring problem in the field of drug dependence. The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors of retention in a prison-based drug-free unit (DFU). The relationships among subscales of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) as well as motivation and personality profiles and length of stay in a DFU, of 57 prisoners admitted for the first time to the program were analyzed. The mean dropout rates were 52.9% at six months and 67.8% at one year. The mean length of stay was 195.05days. Predictors of retention at six months included the ASI Family Composite Score, the motivation subscale Taking Steps, and Narcissistic personality trait score. Predictors of retention at one year included lower ASI Psychological Composite Score, higher scores on the motivation subscale Ambivalence, and higher number of charges pending at the time of admission to the program. Identification of these predictor variables may be useful for developing strategies to increase retention in the context of in-prison substance abuse treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The relation among inbreeding, heterozygosity, and fitness has been studied primarily among outbred populations, and little is known about these phenomena in endangered populations. Most researchers conclude that the relation between coefficient of inbreeding estimated from pedigrees and fitness traits (inbreeding-fitness correlations) better reflects inbreeding depression than the relation between marker heterozygosity and fitness traits (heterozygosity-fitness correlations). However, it has been suggested recently that heterozygosity-fitness correlations should only be expected when inbreeding generates extensive identity disequilibrium (correlations in heterozygosity and homozygosity across loci throughout the genome). We tested this hypothesis in Mohor gazelle (Gazella dama mhorr ) and Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus ). For Mohor gazelle, we calculated the inbreeding coefficient and measured heterozygosity at 17 microsatellite loci. For Iberian lynx, we measured heterozygosity at 36 microsatellite loci. In both species we estimated semen quality, a phenotypic trait directly related to fitness that is controlled by many loci and is affected by inbreeding depression. Both species showed evidence of extensive identity disequilibrium, and in both species heterozygosity was associated with semen quality. In the Iberian lynx the low proportion of normal sperm associated with low levels of heterozygosity was so extreme that it is likely to limit the fertility of males. In Mohor gazelle, although heterozygosity was associated with semen quality, inbreeding coefficient was not. This result suggests that when coefficient of inbreeding is calculated on the basis of a genealogy that begins after a long history of inbreeding, the coefficient of inbreeding fails to capture previous demographic information because it is a poor estimator of accumulated individual inbreeding. We conclude that among highly endangered species with extensive identity disequilibrium, examination of heterozygosity-fitness correlations may be an effective way to detect inbreeding depression, whereas inbreeding-fitness correlations may be poor indicators of inbreeding depression if the pedigree does not accurately reflect the history of inbreeding. Correlaciones Heterocigosidad- Adaptabilidad y Depresión Endogámica en Dos Especies de Mamíferos Críticamente en Peligro [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding factors that determine heterogeneity in levels of parasitism across individuals is a major challenge in disease ecology. It is known that genetic makeup plays an important role in infection likelihood, but the mechanism remains unclear as does its relative importance when compared to other factors. We analyzed relationships between genetic diversity and macroparasites in outbred, free-ranging populations of raccoons (Procyon lotor). We measured heterozygosity at 14 microsatellite loci and modeled the effects of both multi-locus and single-locus heterozygosity on parasitism using an information theoretic approach and including non-genetic factors that are known to influence the likelihood of parasitism. The association of genetic diversity and parasitism, as well as the relative importance of genetic diversity, differed by parasitic group. Endoparasite species richness was better predicted by a model that included genetic diversity, with the more heterozygous hosts harboring fewer endoparasite species. Genetic diversity was also important in predicting abundance of replete ticks (Dermacentor variabilis). This association fit a curvilinear trend, with hosts that had either high or low levels of heterozygosity harboring fewer parasites than those with intermediate levels. In contrast, genetic diversity was not important in predicting abundance of non-replete ticks and lice (Trichodectes octomaculatus). No strong single-locus effects were observed for either endoparasites or replete ticks. Our results suggest that in outbred populations multi-locus diversity might be important for coping with parasitism. The differences in the relationships between heterozygosity and parasitism for the different parasites suggest that the role of genetic diversity varies with parasite-mediated selective pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Heavy metal pollution has become a major environmental concern nowadays and the bioremediation of polluted habitats is an increasingly popular strategy due to both its efficiency and safety. A screening and selection protocol based on different composting processes was designed in order to isolate heavy metal-resistant microorganisms. A collection of 51 microorganisms was obtained and most of them showed the capability to tolerate heavy metals in multi-polluted aqueous systems (Cd(II), Cr(VI), Ni, Pb, Zn(II)), as well as to remove them. The highest detoxification ratios were observed for Pb. Some of the isolates detoxifying more than a 90% of this metal, while the other metals were removed in a range between 20% and 60%. The best isolates (Graphium putredinis, Fusarium solani, Fusarium sp. and Penicillium chrysogenum) were further assayed in order to determine the predominant removal mechanism and the potential use of their dead biomass as a biosorbent. Intracellular accumulation was the prevalent mechanism for most isolates and metals, with the exception of Ni. In this case, the proportion removed by extracellular adsorption was similar or even higher than that removed by intracellular accumulation. Thus, the efficiency of living cells was higher than that of dead biomass except in the case of Ni. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a drug-free unit (DFU) in reducing the use of substances by incarcerated adult offenders, and to analyze changes in the addiction severity index, motivation, and personality caused by the program. This is an external evaluation, with an ex post facto design with repeated measures. Eighty-seven prisoners from the DFU were evaluated during the first year of residence in the program. Most are young men, polydrug addicts and mainly serving sentences for public health crimes and property offenses. There is need of psychiatric treatment at the baseline, with 85% comorbid personality disorders. Motivation for treatment is low, and remains stable over 12 month's duration of the study. The DFU was found to have a significant effect in reducing the use of drugs by offenders and to improve the drug and family composite scores, also reducing scores on personality scales. However, it fails to change medical and psychiatric scores, so that the need for intervention in these areas is underscored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vocal muscle is a striated muscle with important functions in the emission of laryngeal sound and physiology of the voice. Therefore the knowledge of its constitution is the basis for the prevention and management of voice disorders. We used 10 samples from the middle third of vocal muscles obtained from autopsies of 6 male and 4 female subjects aged between 36 and 71 years. The samples were analyzed with BA-F8 monoclonal antibody to slow type I fibers, and antimyosin HC monoclonal antibody and antimyosin fast clone MY-32 antibody for types IIA, IIB, IIX, and neonatal fibers. We determined the distribution of the muscle fiber types and morphometric characteristics, evaluating the differences by sex and age group. The human vocal muscle presented a heterogeneous formation with a predominance of type II fibers at 51.99%, while type I fibers reached 48.01%; this difference was significant (p<0.05). Comparing fiber subtypes IIA and IIX, there is a slight predominance of type IIX fibers, although this is not statistically significant (p>0.05). In conclusion, the human vocal muscle the fibers were predominantly type II fast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the perspective of neuroscience applied to education and the teaching of foreign languages, this exploratory study analyzes the beliefs and conceptions about the functioning of the brain and language learning in students enrolled in Education degrees at the Melilla campus of the University of Granada. The sample consisted of 397 participants. The data collection was carried out by means of a questionnaire designed for this purpose, consisting of questions related to the context and linguistic background of the respondents and to educational neuromyths regarding language learning. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 27 statistical software, and univariate and bivariate analyses were carried out according to the three grouping dimensions: (a) brain functioning, (b) multiple intelligences and learning styles, and (c) language learning. The results indicate the prevalence of neuromyths related to general concepts, which determine the learning comprehension. This corroborates the findings of research studies in other contexts. Although the participants do not show a prevalence of neuromyths regarding foreign language learning, presumably due to their experiences in multilingual contexts, which constitutes the main contribution of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The development of the nervous system (NS) requires the coordinated migration of multiple waves of neurons and subsequent processes of neurite maturation, both involving selective guidance mechanisms. In Caenorhabditis elegans, unc-53 codes for a new multidomain protein involved in the directional migration of a subset of cells. We describe here the first functional characterization of the mouse homologue, mouse Neuron navigator 1 (mNAV1), whose expression is largely restricted to the NS during development. EGFP-mNAV1 associates with microtubules (MTs) plus ends present in the growth cone through a new microtubule-binding (MTB) domain. Moreover, its overexpression in transfected cells leads to MT bundling. The abolition of mNAV1 causes loss of directionality in the leading processes of pontine-migrating cells, providing evidence for a role of mNAV1 in mediating Netrin-1-induced directional migration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article describes an instrument consisting of 46 indicators organised under 10 dimensions to assess the presence and educational utility of historical resources in secondary education mathematics textbooks. The instrument was constructed on the basis of previous research on the didactic use of the history of mathematics, existing instruments on the analysis of mathematics textbooks, and mathematics teachers' assessments of the suitability of the indicators. The instrument can be used as a stand-alone tool or integrated into other procedures addressing textbook analysis more broadly. Its application is illustrated with a sample comparison of two secondary level mathematics textbooks. The instrument has proven to be a useful tool for comparing the historical resources in different publishers' textbooks, for it enables secondary school mathematics teachers to base their choice of resources on an appraisal of the indicators most relevant to classroom teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]