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In his photo essay A Needle in the Desert, photographer Héctor Mediavilla poses the question: "Can fashion be a vector for development in a poor country?" Documenting FIMA (the International Fashion Festival in Africa), his work captures the environment, planning, and staging of the festival, focusing specifically on the relationship between people and place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bordón: Journal of Education / Revista de Pedagogía is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Pedagogia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We propose and discuss a new experimental approach to measure the centroid shift induced by gravitational microlensing in the images of lensed quasars (astrometric microlensing). Our strategy is based on taking the photocenter of a region in the quasar large enough as to be insensitive to microlensing as reference to measure the centroid displacement of the continuum. In this way, single-epoch measurements of astrometric microlensing can be performed. Using numerical simulations, we show that, indeed, the centroid shift monotonically decreases as the size of the emitting region increases, and only for relatively large regions, like the broad line region (BLR), does the centroid shift become negligible. This opens interesting possibilities to study the stratification of the different emitters in the accretion disk and the BLR. We estimate the amplitude of the centroid shifts for 79 gravitationally lensed images and study more thoroughly the special cases Q2237+030 A, RXJ1131-1231 A, PG1115+080 A2, and SDSS J1004+4112 A. We propose to use spectro-astrometry to simultaneously obtain the photocenters of the continuum and of different emission line regions since, with the precision of forthcoming instruments, astrometric microlensing by ∼1 M ⊙ mass microlenses may be detected in many quasar lensed images. When we consider more massive micro/millilenses, M ≳ 10 M ⊙, often proposed as the constituents of dark matter, the BLR becomes sensitive to microlensing and can no longer be used as a positional reference to measure centroid shifts. Differential microlensing between the images of a lensed quasar along several epochs should be used instead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the most suitable organizational model for teaching the university subject of Outdoor Activities in relation to learning acquisition and satisfaction. For this purpose, four models were designed, some of which were dominated by traditional education and others by innovative education. The data collection instruments were the Spanish version of the Physical Education of the Sport Satisfaction Instrument, adapted to the university context, and the questionnaire on the contents of the subject designed ad hoc. Data collection was carried out before and after the intervention with a total of 125 students. For data analysis, an ANCOVA was performed. The results showed that there were significant differences in satisfaction between groups (p = 0.029), but not in the boredom scale (p = 0.109). With regard to acquisition of learning between groups, there were significant differences (p = 0.005) in the overall grade of the subject. There were also significant differences in the scores for content taught differently depending on the group (p = 0.003), with a higher score in the most innovative group, the intensive-continuous group, compared to the fractioned (p = 0.005) and classic groups (p = 0.015). It is concluded that there is a positive effect between direct and continuous contact with nature, both in the acquisition of learning and in student satisfaction, with the most innovative model obtaining the best results of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcription factors control genes to maintain normal hemopoiesis, and dysregulation of some factors can lead to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Mycoviruses are known to alter the genetics of their fungal host. The present study evaluates the effects of the products of a mycovirus-containing Aspergillus flavus (MCAF), isolated from the home of a patient with ALL, on certain transcription factors of normal and ALL cell lines. Our published studies have shown that ALL patients have antibodies to MCAF, and that exposure of the mononuclear leukocytes of patients in complete remission to its products, unlike controls, results in the re-development of genetic and cell surface phenotypes characteristic of ALL. For the present study, normal, pre-B, and B-cell leukemia cell lines were exposed to the culture of MCAF. Pre- and post-exposure levels of PAX5, Ikaros, and NF-κB were assessed. Exposure to MCAF resulted in apoptosis, cell cycle changes, and complete downregulation of all transcription factors in normal cell lines. In acute leukemia cell lines, cellular apoptosis and alterations in the cell cycle were also noted; however, while there was downregulation of all tested transcription factors, residual levels were retained. The noted alterations in the transcription factors caused by MCAF are novel findings. The possible role of MCAF in leukemogenesis needs to be further investigated. Mycovirus-containing Aspergillus flavus was initially isolated from a leukemia patient's home. Our prior published studies have illuminated intriguing associations of this organism with leukemia. Unlike controls, patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) harbor antibodies to this organism. Furthermore, the exposure of mononuclear cells from patients with ALL in complete remission to the products of this organism reproduced genetic and cell phenotypes characteristic of ALL. These findings underscore the potential role of environmental factors in leukemogenesis and hint at novel avenues for therapeutic intervention and preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is the parasitic disease with the highest morbimortality worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there were approximately 249 million cases in 2022, of which 3.4% were in Angola. Diagnosis is based on parasite identification by microscopy examination, antigen detection, and/or molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of real-time PCR as a diagnostic method for malaria in an endemic area (Cubal, Angola). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz in Cubal, Angola, including 200 patients who consulted for febrile syndrome between May and July 2022. From each patient, a capillary blood sample was obtained by finger prick for malaria field diagnosis [microscopy and rapid diagnostic test (RDT)] and venous blood sample for real-time PCR performed at the Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona, Spain. Any participant with a positive result from at least one of these three methods was diagnosed with malaria. Results: Of the 200 participants included, 54% were female and the median age was 7 years. Malaria was diagnosed by at least one of the three techniques (microscopy, RDT, and/or real-time PCR) in 58% of the participants, with RDT having the highest percentage of positivity (49%), followed by real-time PCR (39.5%) and microscopy (33.5%). Of the 61 discordant samples, 4 were only positive by microscopy, 13 by real-time PCR, and 26 by RDT. Plasmodium falciparum was the most frequent species detected (90.63%), followed by P. malariae (17.19%) and P. ovale (9.38%). Coinfections were detected in ten participants (15.63%): six (60%) were caused by P. falciparum and P. malariae, three (30%) by P. falciparum and P. ovale, and one (10%) triple infection with these three species. In addition, it was observed that P. falciparum and P. malariae coinfection significantly increased the parasite density of the latter. Conclusions: RDT was the technique with the highest positivity rate, followed by real-time PCR and microscopy. The results of the real-time PCR may have been underestimated due to suboptimal storage conditions during the transportation of the DNA eluates. However, real-time PCR techniques have an important role in the surveillance of circulating Plasmodium species, given the epidemiological importance of the increase in non-falciparum species in the country, and can provide an estimate of the intensity of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current diagnostic criteria for the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include the possibility to specify concomitant language difficulties. Purpose: Our main aim was to explore whether children with ASD-Level 1 (ASD-L1) present difficulties in the acquisition of structural language, as little work has been done in this regard so far. As a secondary aim we evaluated the degree to which the potential language impairment in ASD is directly associated with their social communication deficits or it represents a distinct deficit. Methods: To further clarify the nature and characteristics of putative language difficulties in ASD-L1, we evaluated language skills in 89 children and preadolescents diagnosed with ASD-L1, and a group of typically developing participants (TD). All of them were between 8 and 13 years old and had similar socioeconomic backgrounds. Results: Children with ASD-L1 obtained lower scores than those in TD group in repeating sentences, in finding the semantic relationships between words, and in applying word structure rules (morphology). Congruently, the core language standard score was lower in the ASD-L1 group, and the proportion of language delay was significantly higher in the ASD-L1 group than in the control group. Conclusion: Language scores were associated with autistic traits; thus, language performance in ASD-L1 is closely related to autistic symptoms. These results are discussed according to the literature on linguistic deficits in ASD-L1 and their relations with phonological working memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urogenital schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma haematobium is highly endemic in the municipality of Cubal in Angola. Currently, diagnosis is based on the observation of S. haematobium eggs in urine samples by microscopy but this method has low sensitivity. Few studies have been performed using molecular techniques in high-prevalence areas for the detection of S. haematobium. The objective of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of real-time PCR as a diagnostic technique for urogenital schistosomiasis among preschool-age children and its correlation with morbidity data. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Cubal, Angola, involving 97 urine samples from preschool-age children analyzed by the dipstick test, microscopic examination of filtered urine, and real-time PCR. The diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis was based on microscopy and/or real-time PCR results. Clinical and ultrasonography evaluation was performed to rule out complications of schistosomiasis. Results: We detected a total of 64.95% of samples positive by real-time PCR and 37.11% by microscopy. The sensitivity of parasitological diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis by real-time PCR and microscopy was 95.45% and 54.55%, respectively, and the sensitivity of real-time PCR compared with microscopy was 91.67%. A positive real-time PCR result was significantly related to older age (mean = 3.22 years), detection of eggs by microscopy, and abnormal urine dipstick results (18.56% with proteinuria, 31.96% with leukocyturia, and 31.96% with microhematuria) (p-value<0.05). Ultrasound analysis showed that 23.94% of children had urinary tract abnormalities, and it was significantly related to the real-time PCR diagnosis (p-value<0.05). Conclusions: Real-time PCR is a more sensitive technique than microscopy for urinary schistosomiasis diagnosis in preschool-age children in Cubal. This increase in sensitivity would allow earlier diagnosis and treatment, thus reducing the morbidity associated with schistosomiasis in its early stages. Author summary: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that causes approximately 200,000 deaths worldwide each year. Urogenital schistosomiasis is caused by Schistosoma haematobium, which ultimately leads to lesions in the urinary tract due to egg deposition by the parasite. The World Health Organization recommends regular mass administration of praziquantel to prevent chronicity of the disease in high-endemicity areas. Preschool children are one of the most vulnerable groups, however, only children over two years of age are included in these strategies. The diagnostic techniques commonly used in endemic areas for egg detection by microscopy and urine hematuria have major limitations due to their low sensitivity. These limitations lead to misdiagnosis and undetected infections may eventually lead to the chronic form of the disease. Real-time PCR and microscopy were used to diagnose urogenital schistosomiasis in preschool children in Cubal, a high-transmission municipality in Angola. Urinary tract lesions were assessed by ultrasound. Of the samples tested, 64.95% were positive by real-time PCR, compared with 37.11% by microscopy, indicating sensitivities of 95.45% and 54.55%, respectively. Ultrasound analysis showed urinary tract alterations in 23.94% of the children. The results suggest that transmission of urogenital schistosomiasis in preschool children in Cubal is higher than previously estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus infection and colonization in patients may be transmitted to healthcare providers and the environment and subsequently cause healthcare-associated infections in other patients. Pathogenic S. aureus strains produce virulence factors, such as Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL), that contribute to the severity of infections and aid in their spread. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is additional concern with respect to S. aureus infection. In this study, the virulence genes and antibiotic resistance profiles of S. aureus were characterized from patients' clinical isolates, healthcare workers' (HCWs') nasal colonization screenings, and the environment at a tertiary healthcare hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 365 samples were collected from September 2021 to September 2022: 73 patients' clinical specimens, 202 colonization screenings from HCWs, and 90 hospital environment's swabs. Fifty-one (25.2%) HCW and 10/90 (11.1%) environment S. aureus isolates were identified. Among the 134 isolates, 10 (7.5%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Three (4.1%), five (9.8%), and two (20.0%) of the MRSA isolates were identified from the patients, HCWs, and the environment, respectively. Overall, 118 (88.1%) were ampicillin and penicillin resistant; 70 (52.2%) were trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole resistant; and 28 (20.9%) were erythromycin resistant. S. aureus isolates from patients were more resistant to antibiotics than isolates from HCWs or the hospital environment (p<0.05). A total of 92/134 (68.6%) isolates possessed the lukfF-PV gene, which was identified in 62 (85.0%), 26 (51.0%), and 4 (40.0%) of the patient, HCWs, and the environment, respectively. The proportion of lukfF-PV gene containing S. aureus isolated from patient samples was statistically significant. Four (40.0%) of the MRSA isolates also had the lukfF-PV gene. The identification of highly AMR and virulence factors from patients, HCWs and the environment is concerning. Further studies are needed to identify potential transmission links and improve infection prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Perinola is the property of Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Navarra, S.A. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Suicide is one of the main external causes of death worldwide. People who have already attempted suicide are at high risk of new suicidal behavior. However, there is a lack of information on the risk factors that facilitate the appearance of reattempts. The aim of this study was to calculate the risk of suicide reattempt in the presence of suicidal history and psychosocial risk factors and to estimate the effect of each individual risk factor. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA-2020 guidelines. Studies on suicide reattempt that measured risk factors were searched from inception to 2022. The risk factors studied were those directly related to suicide history: history of suicide prior to the index attempt, and those that mediate the transition from suicidal ideation to attempt (alcohol or drug misuse, impulsivity, trauma, and non-suicidal self-injury). Results: The initial search resulted in 11 905 articles. Of these, 34 articles were selected for this meta-analysis, jointly presenting 52 different effect sizes. The pooled effect size across the risk factors was significant (OR 2.16). Reattempt risk may be increased in presence of any of the following risk factors: previous history, active suicidal ideation, trauma, alcohol misuse, and drug misuse. However, impulsivity, and non-suicidal self-injury did not show a significant effect on reattempt. Conclusion: Most of the risk factors traditionally associated with suicide are also relevant when talking about suicide reattempts. Knowing the traits that define reattempters can help develop better preventive and intervention plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual simulations are a very useful educational resource to improve the teaching of chemistry. Their use makes it possible to facilitate the comprehension of concepts, promotes the development of scientific competences and even improves student attitudes toward chemistry. However, it is important to point out that a simulation by itself is not enough to improve student learning. Methodological design is a crucial aspect in order for its classroom use to be significant. Simulations must form part of an instructional sequence that promotes said learning, and thus the role of the instructor is key. This work conducts a systematic review with the aim of analyzing how to apply the use of simulations in the teaching of chemistry in secondary schools, delving deeper into the way in which simulations are used from a methodological perspective, in order to improve the learning processes and results. In this sense, it was found that there is an improvement in learning on both the level of content comprehension and in scientific competences. Guided research is also identified as the most effective methodology for the application of simulations in the classroom. With a look to the future, it is suggested that there is a need to conduct research on the continued use of simulations in the classroom, as well as their characteristics and the instructional methods used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction sites are highly unpredictable environments involving a wide variety of stakeholders with complex information exchanges, which lead to the well-known inefficiencies and unproductivity of the construction sector. The adoption of Building Digital Twins (BDT) in the construction site is a promising solution to this issue, by automating data acquisition and knowledge extraction processes and providing what-if scenario simulation capabilities. Furthermore, the current research sets the principles to define, replicate, and scale-up the architecture of a Building Digital Twin Platform (BDTP), conceived as a scalar ecosystem, which allows to seamlessly manage on-site construction processes, integrating cross-cutting domains for the construction site optimization (Progress monitoring, Quality control, Operational Health and Safety, Equipment control, and Production planning). The starting point of the research is a comprehensive diagnosis of on-site process inefficiencies and the barriers to its digitalization leading to the user requirements, which have been underpinned by questionnaires and interviews addressed within an open innovation user-centered approach around Living Labs. The research has been conceived following the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology and based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) analysis for the continuous improvement of the construction process. By means of the adoption of the standard Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN), based on the BDTP architecture, the research has resulted in BPMN workflows stemmed from the Digital Twin (DT) where the DT itself is an actor in a service-oriented data-exchange workflow. Moreover, the use of a BDTP can pave the way for the transition from user-driven construction management to hybrid management, coexisting with both human and digital actors and merging expert knowledge with artificial intelligence techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although preclinical investigations have shown notable efficacy in solid tumor models utilizing in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells for adoptive cell therapy (ACT), the potential benefits of this strategy in enhancing ACT efficacy in hematological malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), remain unexplored. CLL is a B-cell malignancy with a clinical challenge of increased resistance to targeted therapies. T-cell therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have demonstrated limited success in CLL, which is attributed to CLL-mediated T-cell dysfunction and skewing toward immunosuppressive phenotypes. Herein, we illustrate the feasibility of polarizing CD4+ T cells from the Eμ-TCL1 murine model, the most representative model for human CLL, into Th17 phenotype, employing a protocol of T-cell activation through the inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) alongside a polarizing cytokine mixture. We demonstrate augmented memory properties of in vitro-polarized IL-17-producing T cells, and preliminary in vivo persistence in leukemia-bearing mice. Our findings gain translational relevance through successful viral transduction of Eμ-TCL1 CD4+ T cells with a CD19-targeted CAR construct during in vitro Th17 polarization. Th17 CAR T cells exhibited remarkable persistence upon encountering antigen-expressing target cells. This study represents the first demonstration of the potential of in vitro-differentiated Th17 cells to enhance ACT efficacy in CLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study empirically investigates how school-based bullying victimization affects students' learning outcomes, taking into consideration international and gender perspectives. The main objective of the present research is to provide a better understanding of the consequences of bullying victimization in the learning process of adolescents. We estimate a statistical function that empirically establishes the relationship between the students' outcomes in mathematics, reading, and science (output) and a wide set of explanatory variables (educational factors), one of which is that of being bullied. The present study uses a large sample of 612,004 students between 15 and 16 years old, attending 21,903 schools in 79 countries. The data come from the 2018 round of the Programme for International Student Assessment. The results indicate that bullying victimization is associated with decreases in academic achievement in mathematics, reading, and science. In addition, no relevant differences by gender are observed in reading and science but, other factors being equal, bullied males score less than bullied females in mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the existing evidence on gamification in educational settings, highlighting its impact on motivation and academic performance. Methodologically, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was developed under the PRISMA statement criteria using three multidisciplinary databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo. According to the inclusion, exclusion, and quality criteria, it was determined to include 9 SLR articles on gamification that address at least one of the two key variables: student motivation or academic performance. The articles were published between 2016 and 2022, available in open access, written in English or Spanish, and with content that is directly related to the research questions. The results reveal that gamification significantly influences motivation by facilitating the assimilation of knowledge, the improvement of skills and academic competencies of students, and specifically refers to a wide range of capabilities that are essential for success in the educational environment and that can be enhanced through playful and interactive learning experiences. These skills can be cognitive, self-learning, social, or collaborative, among others. It is concluded that creativity and adaptability are key to successfully implementing gamification in the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-doped carbonaceous materials have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their versatile applications in various fields, including catalysis, energy storage, environmental remediation, electronics, and sensors, as well as reinforcement. This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of a composite material featuring a carbonaceous matrix doped with copper, focusing on the thermolysis of glycine as a precursor. The synthesis methodology involved utilizing glycine and copper acetate monohydrate in varying ratios, with the mixture subjected to heating in ceramic crucibles at temperatures ranging from 450 to 550 °C, with pyrolysis yields over the 5 to 39% interval. The pristine and Cu-doped samples obtained at 500 °C underwent characterization using a diverse array of techniques, including scanning and transmission electron microscopies, multi-elemental analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, CHNS elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, along with conductivity measurements. Under optimized conditions, copper (at 6.5%) was present primarily in the free metallic form, accompanied by traces of tenorite (CuO) and cuprite (Cu2O). The carbonaceous matrix exhibited a 6:1 ratio of graphitic carbon to a carbon-nitrogen compound with the formula C2H2N2O2, such as isomers of diazetidinedione, according to multi-elemental analysis results. Conductivity measurements disclosed a significant increase in conductivity compared to the product of glycine thermolysis, showcasing the enhanced electrical properties of the new composite. Additionally, terahertz measurements showed the potential of the material as a broadband absorber for the fabrication of terahertz devices and provided compelling evidence of a significant improvement in radiation absorption upon copper doping. In conclusion, this research sheds light on the promising properties of copper-doped carbonaceous composites obtained by glycine pyrolysis, offering insights into their potential applications in emerging technological domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, some older subjects with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) do not develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) during their lifetime. The factors related to this resilient state have not been fully established. The aim of this study was to evaluate differential characteristics between older HeFH subjects with and without ACVD and factors associated with the presence of ACVD. Subjects were part of the Spanish Atherosclerosis Society Dyslipidemia Registry, and those ≥ 70 years old and with HeFH were included. Baseline characteristics of these subjects with and without ACVD were compared. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess factors associated with the presence of ACVD. A total of 2148 subjects with HeFH were included. Resilient subjects were mostly female, younger and presented fewer comorbidities with respect to the ACVD group. Subjects without ACVD had higher baseline high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (55.8 ± 17.1 vs. 47.9 ± 15.4 mg/dL; p < 0.001) and lower lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] (53.4 ± 67.9 vs. 66.6 ± 85.6 mg/dL; p < 0.001) levels with respect to those in the ACVD group. Lp(a) and the presence of ≥3 risk factors were associated with the presence of ACVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the prevalence of malaria in asymptomatic migrants from sub-Saharan Africa in Spain. The study used real-time PCR (qPCR) as a screening technique and found a prevalence of 5.0% among the screened migrants. The main species detected was Plasmodium falciparum, followed by P. malariae and P. ovale. The study also compared the sensitivity of qPCR with microscopy and found significant agreement between the two methods. However, the study has limitations, including its retrospective design and the inclusion of only self-referred patients. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of using nucleic acid amplification tests like qPCR for malaria diagnosis in this population. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Optical Projection Tomography (OPT) and light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) are high resolution optical imaging techniques, ideally suited for ex vivo 3D whole mouse brain imaging. Although they exhibit high specificity for their targets, the anatomical detail provided by tissue autofluorescence remains limited. Methods: T1-weighted images were acquired from 19 BABB or DBE cleared brains to create an MR template using serial longitudinal registration. Afterwards, fluorescent OPT and LSFM images were coregistered/normalized to the MR template to create fusion images. Results: Volumetric calculations revealed a significant difference between BABB and DBE cleared brains, leading to develop two optimized templates, with associated tissue priors and brain atlas, for BABB (OCUM) and DBE (iOCUM). By creating fusion images, we identified virus infected brain regions, mapped dopamine transporter and translocator protein expression, and traced innervation from the eye along the optic tract to the thalamus and superior colliculus using cholera toxin B. Fusion images allowed for precise anatomical identification of fluorescent signal in the detailed anatomical context provided by MR. Discussion: The possibility to anatomically map fluorescent signals on magnetic resonance (MR) images, widely used in clinical and preclinical neuroscience, would greatly benefit applications of optical imaging of mouse brain. These specific MR templates for cleared brains enable a broad range of neuroscientific applications integrating 3D optical brain imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taste and smell disorders are common symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 acute infection. In post-COVID-19 condition, symptoms can persist leading to disruption in patients' lives, to changes in their coping skills, and to the need to develop strategies for everyday life. This study aimed to describe the perspective of a group of patients with Long-COVID-19, a condition where loss of taste and/or smell was the most predominant symptom. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants who had suffered SARS-CoV-2 infection and had Long-COVID-19 loss of taste and/or smell were recruited. Purposive sampling was applied, and participants were recruited until data redundancy was reached. In-depth interviews were used for data collection and thematic analysis was applied. Twelve COVID-19 survivors (75% women) were recruited. The mean age of the participants was 55 years, and the mean duration of post-COVID-19 symptoms was 25 months. Three themes were identified: (a) Living with taste and smell disorders, describing the disorders they experience on a daily basis, how their life has changed and the accompanying emotions, (b) Changes and challenges resulting from the loss of taste and smell, changes in habits, self-care and risk in certain jobs or daily activities, (c) Coping with taste and smell disorders, describing the daily strategies used and the health care received. In conclusion, Long-COVID-19 taste and/or smell disorders limit daily life and involve changes in habits, meal preparation, and the ability to detect potentially dangerous situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of elderly patients diagnosed with cancer is increasing. However, knowledge regarding cancer in elderly patients is very scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze the differences in management and outcomes of high-grade extremity sarcomas between elderly and middle-aged patients. Two cohorts were made (> 70 and 30/50 years old) among patients treated in a multidisciplinary unit of a national reference center between 2011 and 2017 with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. The management and outcomes between these two cohorts were compared. Seventy patients were included, 34 young patients and 36 elderly patients. The only difference between the treatment schemes was the chemotherapy used, 67.6% of the young patients received chemotherapy versus 16.7% of the elderly patients (p = 0.000015). There were no differences either in the overall survival or the progression-free survival between groups at 1 and 2-year follow-up. Deceases for other causes were nearly exclusive of elderly patients at a median of 45.57 months. Surgery is the treatment of choice for sarcomas in both elderly and young patients having similar results in terms of progression-free survival, overall survival, and surgery outcomes. The use of chemotherapy is the only difference in the treatment schemes between both groups. In the elderly patient with minimal or no comorbidity and good functional reserve, surgical curative treatment should be chosen. As for frail elderly patients, the therapeutic objectives must be focused mainly on quality of life and palliation of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Personalized cancer medicine is based on the right classification of patients that can, then, be treated according to their specific characteristics. This is accomplished by the use of biological markers, so the identification of reliable biomarkers is a primary goal of clinical research. Here, we present two RNA molecules (named MDL1 and MDL1AS) that are generated in the mitochondria and have been heretofore neglected due to a glitch in the official human genome. Both molecules are good prognostic biomarkers in rectal cancer, meaning that their expression can predict which patients will survive more than 5 years after treatment. In addition, MDL1AS is also a good diagnostic biomarker (can distinguish people with/without the disease) for diverse cancers, including those of the colon, rectum, breast, and larynx. Experiments in cancer cells in culture show that these RNAs regulate several hallmarks of cancer, such as mitochondrial function, cell growth, and migration. Non-coding RNAs provide new opportunities to identify biomarkers that properly classify cancer patients. Here, we study the biomarker status of the mitochondrial long non-coding RNAs, MDL1 and MDL1AS. Expression of these genes was studied in public transcriptomic databases. In addition, a cohort of 69 locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients with a follow-up of more than 5 years was used to determine the prognostic value of these markers. Furthermore, cell lines of colorectal (HCT116) and breast (MDA-MB-231) carcinoma were employed to study the effects of downregulating MDL1AS in vitro. Expression of MDL1AS (but not MDL1) was significantly different in tumor cells than in the surrounding tissue in a tumor-type-specific context. Both MDL1 and MDL1AS were accurate biomarkers for the 5-year survival of LARC patients (p = 0.040 and p = 0.007, respectively) with promising areas under the curve in the ROC analyses (0.820 and 0.930, respectively). MDL1AS downregulation reduced mitochondrial respiration in both cell lines. Furthermore, this downregulation produced a decrease in growth and migration on colorectal cells, but the reverse effects on breast cancer cells. In summary, MDL1 and MDL1AS can be used as reliable prognostic biomarkers of LARC, and MDL1AS expression provides relevant information on the diagnosis of different cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is facing a global sustainability crisis affecting environmental systems and society. Addressing these issues requires a multi-dimensional approach that can integrate energy, water, and environment Systems, as well as provide scientific policy advice. In this study, an updated version of an Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) was used, together with new data compatible with Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) projections, to significantly improve the work developed before. SSP climate data (temperature, precipitation, and total radiative forcing) and socioeconomic data (population and GDP) were loaded into the IAM, together with different scenario parameters. By analyzing varying socioeconomic scenarios, mitigation efforts, and adaptation strategies, this study assesses their impact on primary energy demand and, consequently, their impact on hydropower potential production. Our results show diverse energy paths, strongly dependent on the future scenario. Energy demand could increase up to 160%; however, several projections foresee a decline in hydropower production to minus 46% due to both climate change and socioeconomic transformation. Our findings highlight the importance of considering a range of potential future scenarios in energy planning and policy development. The varied outcomes across the considered scenarios emphasize the need for flexibility in strategies to accommodate for uncertainties and address the challenges posed by divergent trajectories in hydropower use and renewable energy shares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is a conceptual framework to improve the value of healthcare by health, care-process and economic outcomes. Benchmarking should provide useful information to identify best practices and therefore a good instrument to improve quality across healthcare organizations. This paper aims to provide a proof-of-concept of the feasibility of an international VBHC benchmarking in breast cancer, with the ultimate aim of being used to share best practices with a data-driven approach among healthcare organizations from different health systems. Methods In the VOICE community—a European healthcare centre cluster intending to address VBHC from theory to practice—information on patient-reported, clinical-related, care-process-related and economic-related outcomes were collected. Patient archetypes were identified using clustering techniques and an indicator set following a modified Delphi was defined. Benchmarking was performed using regression models controlling for patient archetypes and socio-demographic characteristics. Results Six hundred and ninety patients from six healthcare centres were included. A set of 50 health, care-process and economic indicators was distilled for benchmarking. Statistically significant differences across sites have been found in most health outcomes, half of the care-process indicators, and all economic indicators, allowing for identifying the best and worst performers. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first international experience providing evidence to be used with VBHC benchmarking intention. Differences in indicators across healthcare centres should be used to identify best practices and improve healthcare quality following further research. Applied methods might help to move forward with VBHC benchmarking in other medical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on university–firm relationships in terms of individual interactions between researchers and practitioners. More specifically, we focus on an analysis of the main factors that influence the use of the action research (AR) to achieve a successful doctoral thesis. In order to achieve this, we developed a Delphi study with 15 panelists whose common characteristic is that they defended or supervised an AR-based thesis in the field of business and management. The primary contribution of the research is the development of a reference framework that should be considered in the design of a doctoral thesis for which an AR methodology is put into practice. Four dimensions were defined: profiles of both the PhD candidate and supervisor, PhD program/university, and firm/organization. Three main conclusions were reached. First, it is crucial to have a cooperative "eye-to-eye" relationship between the university and the company. Second, the AR process must respond unequivocally to its own dichotomous nature. Third, there must be a straightforward academic process for the PhD thesis. We believe that this study may impel the development of doctoral theses based on AR as a tool to potentiate collaborative university–firm relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Language & Law / Revista de Llengua i Dret is the property of Revista de Llengua i Dret and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The organization of primary Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) transport is highly variable. Methods: To present the experience of the first mobile pediatric ECMO program in Spain, we designed a prospective descriptive study of all primary neonatal and pediatric (0–16 years) ECMO transports carried out over 10 years. The main variables recorded include demographic information, patient background, clinical data, ECMO indications, adverse events, and main outcomes. Results: 39 primary ECMO transports were carried out with a 66.7% survival to hospital discharge. The median age was 1.24 months[IQR: 0.09–96]. Cannulation was mostly peripheral venoarterial (33/39). The mean response time from the call from the sending center to the departure of the ECMO team was 4 h[2.2–8]. The median inotropic score at the time of cannulation was 70[17.2–206.5], with a median oxygenation index of 40.5[29–65]. In 10% of the cases, ECMO-CPR was performed. Adverse events occurred in 56.4%, mostly related to the means of transport (40% overall). On arrival at the ECMO center, 44% of the patients underwent interventions. The median PICU stay was 20.5 days[11–32]. 5 patients developed neurological sequels. Statistically significant differences between survivors and deceased patients were not found. Conclusions: A good survival rate, with a low prevalence of serious adverse events, suggests a clear benefit of primary ECMO transport when conventional therapeutic measures are exhausted and the patient is too unstable to undergo conventional transport. A nationwide primary ECMO-transport program must therefore be offered to all patients regardless of their location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellular senescence and low-grade inflammation favor the acceleration of aging. The liver is an essential metabolic organ because changes related to its function are related to age-related diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of maraviroc (MVC) and/or rapamycin (RAPA) on liver tissue in an experimental model of frailty syndrome in mice, since MVC and RAPA are two molecules able to decrease CCR5 expression, which is overexpressed in patients with frailty. Methods: Eighty male homozygous IL10KO mice were randomly assigned to one of 4 groups (n = 20): i) IL10KO group; ii) MVC group, iii) RAPA group, and iv) MVC-RAPA group. Liver samples were analyzed. Gene expression quantification and western blotting were also performed. The proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-18 were decreased in MVC and MVC/RAPA groups, IL-12 was decreased in RAPA and MVC/RAPA groups and TNF-α was decreased in all therapeutic groups. P21 was decreased in RAPA and MVC/RAPA groups, Galactosidase beta-1, was also significantly reduced in all therapeutic groups, as were NF-kB1, NF-kB2 and STAT3. In all groups, mTOR and CCL5 were significantly reduced. CCR5 expression was decreased in the MVC and MVC/RAPA groups. Conclusion: MVC and RAPA may protect against some factors involved in liver aging. More studies will be necessary to verify their clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain sports have their own characteristics, different from other outdoor sports modalities with similar characteristics. Emotional intelligence and resilience are likely to positively affect sport performance in extreme conditions. In this study, 788 athletes over 18 years of age (age of majority in Spain) from the Spanish Federation of Mountain Sports and Climbing (FEDME) participated, 593 men (75.3%), 193 women (24.5%), and 2 persons (0.3%) who considered themselves to belong to the category "other gender" (non-binary, etc.). The mean age was 49.8 years (± 12.8). The Resilience Scale (RS-14), Wong-Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS-S), and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) were used as resources. The aim was to provide evidence on the potential for resilience between emotional intelligence and life satisfaction in mountain and climbing athletes. The results of structural equation modelling (SEM) showed high coefficients of determination for the resilience variables [(Q2 = .553); (R² = .663)] and life satisfaction [(Q2 = .301); (R² = .422)]. In the future, this research will require specific studies by sport modality for this area, with a large number of practitioners and disciplines, as well as its possible applications for the improvement of emotional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Light availability effects on canopy-level carbon balance constitute an especially difficult issue to address, owing to the strong spatial and temporal changes of the light environment within the canopy. One of the least explored aspects in relation to light environment is the interaction between leaf angle and leaf anatomy. The inclination of the leaf may affect the distribution of light between the adaxial and abaxial surface. The purpose of this study is determining the proportions of the leaf area receiving light from the abaxial side in branches of isolated trees in three Mediterranean oaks, as well as the photosynthetic responses to light under adaxial and abaxial illumination. The proportions of the leaf area illuminated from below were low for sun incidence angles near 0° with respect to the main axis of the branch. However, for sun incidence angles about 45°, the proportion of leaves receiving abaxial illumination was considerable. PPFD levels on the sunlit part of the abaxial surface were always lower than those in the upper leaf side, as a consequence of the lower projection efficiency for the leaves facing the sun by the lower side. Light absorptance was also lower on the abaxial side. The differences between both sides of the leaf tended to be stronger for thicker, longer-living leaves. We conclude that mean C assimilation of the canopy is significantly decreased by the presence of leaves facing the sun by the lower side and that this decrease is stronger in evergreen species with thicker leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moral decision-making is influenced by various factors, including personality and language. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the Foreign-Language effect (FLe) in early, highly proficient, Catalan-Spanish bilinguals and examined the role of several personality dimensions in their responses to moral dilemmas. We obtained a multilevel data structure with 766 valid trials from 52 Catalan-dominant undergraduate students who read and responded anonymously to a computerized task with 16 standardized moral dilemmas, half in Catalan and half in Spanish. Results of a multilevel multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that consistent with previous research, participants gave more utilitarian responses to impersonal than personal dilemmas. The language of the dilemma had no effect on the response (dichotomous: utilitarian vs. deontological), decision time, or affective ratings, contradicting the hypothesis of shallower emotional processing of the information in the second language. Interestingly, cruelty features of psychopathy were significantly associated with an enhanced proportion of utilitarian decisions irrespective of the language or the nature of the dilemmas. Furthermore, cruelty features interacted with participants' assessment of dilemma aspects like vividness and verisimilitude. Overall, our findings suggest that early bilinguals immersed in a dual-language context using close Romance languages do not show the FLe and that personality traits like cruelty can modulate moral decisions regardless of language or dilemma type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on population-wide mental health and well-being. Although people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage may be especially vulnerable, they experience barriers in accessing mental health care. To overcome these barriers, the World Health Organization (WHO) designed two scalable psychosocial interventions, namely the web-based Doing What Matters in Times of Stress (DWM) and the face-to-face Problem Management Plus (PM+), to help people manage stressful situations. Our study aims to test the effectiveness of a stepped-care program using DWM and PM + among individuals experiencing unstable housing in France – a majority of whom are migrant or have sought asylum. Methods: This is a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a stepped-care program using DWM and PM + among persons with psychological distress and experiencing unstable housing, in comparison to enhanced care as usual (eCAU). Participants (N = 210) will be randomised to two parallel groups: eCAU or eCAU plus the stepped-care program. The main study outcomes are symptoms of depression and anxiety measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS). Discussion: This randomised controlled trial will contribute to a better understanding of effective community-based scalable strategies that can help address the mental health needs of persons experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage, whose needs are high yet who frequently have limited access to mental health care services. Trial registration: this randomised trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT05033210. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rockrose (Cistus laurifolius L.) is a pyrophyte species with allelopathic effects that colonizes acid forest soils in the Mediterranean basin. Its continuous spread contributes to increasing wildfire risk, even more so in the current context of forecasts of increasingly intense and prolonged heat waves and droughts. Its mechanized collection and transformation into biofuels contributes to climate change mitigation, the economic development of rural areas and wildfire risk reduction. Biomass storage is an essential requirement in the supply chain of bio-refineries and biomass plants. This research aims to evaluate the influence of long-term outdoor storage (1 year) of baled rockrose shrub biomass on the quality of biofuels (30 mm milled material and pellets), on pre-treatment processes and on combustion emissions in an industrial boiler. After storage, no significant differences were observed in the biomass pre-treatment processes or in the emissions in an industrial combustion boiler. Biomass weight loss was 12% after storage. Some quality biofuels parameters improved, with the reduction in ash content being the most prominent aspect, which allowed 30 mm of milled material to be classified as I1, according to ISO 17225-9:2022, and rockrose pellets as class I3 for industrial use, according to the ISO 17225-2-2021 standard. Biomass storage is an essential requirement in the supply chain of bio-refineries and power plants. This research aims to evaluate the influence of long-term outdoor storage (1 year) of baled rockrose (Cistus laurifolius L.) shrub biomass on biofuel's quality, pre-treatment processes and on combustion emissions in an industrial boiler. The raw material was obtained from different rockrose shrublands in north central Spain. A total of 233 tWM (tones of wet matter) of biomass were used to produce biofuels (30 mm of milled biomass and Ø 8 mm pellets) in the pre-treatment pilot plants at CEDER-CIEMAT. The combustion tests were conducted in an industrial moving grate boiler with a thermal power of 50 MWth, in a 17 MWe power plant. Outdoor storage improved some biofuel quality parameters, mainly the reduction in ash content, which allowed 30 mm of milled material to be classified as class I1 (ISO 17225-9:2022) and pellets as class I3 (ISO 17225-2-2021). No significant differences were observed in the total specific mass flow and energy consumption in the pre-treatment processes. The combustion tests had similar results, with the emissions being below the limits established in the directive (EU) 2015/2193. The results obtained indicated that the 1-year outdoor storage of rockrose-baled biomass, under Mediterranean conditions, was feasible for its subsequent use as biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of international migrant workers (IMWs). IMWs experience multiple barriers to accessing mental health care. Two scalable interventions developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) were adapted to address some of these barriers: Doing What Matters in times of stress (DWM), a guided self-help web application, and Problem Management Plus (PM +), a brief facilitator-led program to enhance coping skills. This study examines whether DWM and PM + remotely delivered as a stepped-care programme (DWM/PM +) is effective and cost-effective in reducing psychological distress, among Polish migrant workers with psychological distress living in the Netherlands. Methods: The stepped-care DWM/PM + intervention will be tested in a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) among adult Polish migrant workers with self-reported psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale; K10 > 15.9). Participants (n = 212) will be randomized into either the intervention group that receives DWM/PM + with psychological first aid (PFA) and care-as-usual (enhanced care-as-usual or eCAU), or into the control group that receives PFA and eCAU-only (1:1 allocation ratio). Baseline, 1-week post-DWM (week 7), 1-week post-PM + (week 13), and follow-up (week 21) self-reported assessments will be conducted. The primary outcome is psychological distress, assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS). Secondary outcomes are self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), resilience, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. In a process evaluation, stakeholders' views on barriers and facilitators to the implementation of DWM/PM + will be evaluated. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is one of the first RCTs that combines two scalable, psychosocial WHO interventions into a stepped-care programme for migrant populations. If proven to be effective, this may bridge the mental health treatment gap IMWs experience. Trial registration: Dutch trial register NL9630, 20/07/2021, https://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en/trial/27052 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gravitational lens SDSS J1004+4112 was the first discovered system where a background quasar is lensed by a galaxy cluster instead of a single galaxy. We use the 14.5-year r-band light curves together with the recently measured time delay of the fourth brightest quasar image (Munõz et al. (2022)) and the mass model from Forés-Toribio et al. (2022) to study the microlensing effect in this system. We constrain the quasar accretion disk size to light-days at 2407Å in the restframe which is compatible with most previous estimates. We also infer the fraction of mass in stars at the positions of the quasar images: $${\alpha _A} = 0.058_{ - 0.032}^{ + 0.024},{\alpha _B} = 0.048_{ - 0.014}^{ + 0.032},{\alpha _C} = 0.018_{ - 0.018}^{ + 0.015}$$ and $${\alpha _D} = 0.008_{ - 0.008}^{ + 0.033}$$. The stellar fraction estimates are reasonable for intracluster medium although the stellar fractions at images A and B are slightly larger, suggesting the presence of a near undetected galaxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anduli: Revista Andaluza de Ciencias Sociales is the property of Anduli: Revista Andaluza de Ciencias Sociales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We propose and apply a new test of Einstein's equivalence principle (EEP) based on the gravitational redshift induced by the central supermassive black hole of quasars in the surrounding accretion disk. Specifically, we compare the observed gravitational redshift of the Fe III λλ 2039-2113 emission line blend in quasars with the predicted values in a wide, uncharted, cosmic territory (0 ≲ zcosm ≲ 3). For the first time we measure, with statistical uncertainties comparable or better than those of other classical methods outside the solar system, the ratio between the observed gravitational redshifts and the theoretical predictions in 10 independent cosmological redshift bins in the 1 ≲ zcosm ≲ 3 range. The average of the measured over predicted gravitational redshifts ratio in this cosmological redshift interval is with scatter 0.13 ± 0.05 showing no cosmological evolution of EEP within these limits. This method can benefit from larger samples of measurements with better signal-to-noise ratios, paving the way for high-precision tests (below 1%) of EEP on cosmological scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of VLC Arquitectura is the property of VLC Arquitectura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Adipose tissue has recently been recognized as an important endocrine organ that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and in the immune response in many metabolic tissues. With this regard, emerging evidence indicates that an important crosstalk exists between the adipose tissue and the brain. However, the contribution of adipose tissue to the development of age‐related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, remains poorly defined. New studies suggest that the adipose tissue modulates brain function through a range of endogenous biologically active factors known as adipokines, which can cross the blood–brain barrier to reach the target areas in the brain or to regulate the function of the blood–brain barrier. In this review, we discuss the effects of several adipokines on the physiology of the blood–brain barrier, their contribution to the development of Alzheimer's disease and their therapeutic potential. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue From Alzheimer's Disease to Vascular Dementia: Different Roads Leading to Cognitive Decline. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.6/issuetoc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal-assisted therapies are an innovative strategy within health care humanization initiatives, and they could play a role in the reduction of pain or anxiety. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing animal-assisted therapy in a pediatric intensive care unit and its effectiveness for the reduction of pain, fear, and anxiety. A prospective, quasi-experimental study of animal-assisted therapy was designed in the pediatric intensive care unit of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre of Madrid, from January 2019 to December 2019. The study sample included patients who had been admitted to the unit and were over 3 years old. Satisfaction surveys were collected from the patients, family, and health personnel involved. Physiological variables and the level of pain (visual analog scale or Wong-Baker scale), fear (Child Medical Fear Scale), and anxiety (modified Yale Preoperatory Anxiety Scale) were evaluated before and after each session. Any existence of adverse events was recorded. A total of 74 therapy sessions were performed on 61 patients. All sessions were completed without any adverse effects. A total of 164 surveys were collected, providing an overall project rating of 9.69 out of a possible 10. The survey comments were found to be positive in most cases. No differences were found in the physiological variables measured before and after each session. There was a statistically significant decrease in pain, fear, and anxiety levels (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The implementation of an animal-assisted therapy project in a pediatric intensive care unit is feasible and safe and has a high degree of acceptance among both participants and healthcare staff. Animal-assisted therapy is effective for the reduction of pain, fear, and anxiety, and therefore, it could be considered an adjunct to non-pharmacological therapy. What is Known: • Animal assisted therapies (AAT) are an innovative strategy that could be beneficial to help pediatrics patients cope with admission difficulties and could even play a role in reducing pain, anxiety and/or delirium. • To date there are not studies to analyze the effectiveness of AAT in the field of Pediatric Intesive Care. What is New: • Our study confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of the implementation of an AAT in the field of Pediatric Intensive Care with a high degree of acceptance by participants, caregivers and healthcare personnel. • AAT demonstrated a reduction in pain, fear and anxiety in pediatrics patients admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]