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A sociology of conventions perspective is used in this paper to examine how non-profit organizations make sense of their educational action in the field of training for employment. Both critiques of education that such organizations voiced and compromises that they had to establish at the turn of the 21st century are revisited here in view of the transformations that the field of training for employment has experienced in recent years. We show empirical data illustrating their discourses on education 20 years ago that were obtained through in-depth, focused interviews with trainers and management of Spanish non-profit organizations. Some critiques are highlighted that were prominent in their discourse at the turn of the century, when the 'third sector' was regarded as a promising actor that could amend some of the most concerning inadequacies of the education system. However, the transformative potential of such critiques is critically re-examined in view of the transformations that such an increasingly hybrid field has experienced since, transformations that allow for a new perspective into those once change-promising discourses.

The construct of flourishing, which refers to a high level of wellbeing, is a key concept in the field of positive psychology. Nevertheless, despite the proliferation of questionnaires attempting to measure wellbeing and flourishing, there is still an ongoing debate in the scientific community about the definition and assessment of both, which makes the choice of appropriate measures a major challenge. This study addresses this uncertainty through a comparative analysis of four widely used flourishing measures in a German-speaking sample, to enable researchers to make a reasonable choice among the measures available: the PERMA-Profiler, the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, the Flourishing Scale, and the Wellbeing Conceptual Framework. To enhance the understanding of these four measures, we compared and contrasted the instruments using Item Pool Visualization (IPV), an illustrative approach that generates item pools from the same dataset and displays them as nested radar maps. Our research indicates that all four measures are useful in measuring the concept of flourishing. However, they differ from each other depending on specific interest (from a broader to a narrower view). If the aim is to get a comprehensive overview of flourishing, then the PERMA-Profiler, the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, and the Flourishing Scale are appropriate options. If the focus is on measuring a more central concept, the Wellbeing Conceptual Framework provides the most specific assessment of flourishing.

This article provides personal and professional assessments from disciples, colleagues and friends of Jaume Porta Casanellas (Barcelona, 1944; Lleida, 2023), a prominent soil scientist. He began his agricultural engineering studies at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) where he met Marta López-Acevedo, his wife and outstanding collaborator. At UPM, he started his early work in soil science under the guidance of Professor Carlos Roquero who became his mentor and friend. Jaume Porta was a dedicated, passionate soil scientist who engaged extensively in teaching and research in Soil Science, while also excelling as a manager. He emerged as a leader due to his initiatives in promoting Soil Science in Catalonia and Spain, and for his forward-thinking vision, evident in his decisions as Rector of the University of Lleida, which have significantly contributed to the city’s development. From the beginning, he advocated for detailed (1:25,000) soil mapping of Catalonia to enhance territorial planning and agricultural progress. His primary research focus was on salt-affected soils and soils with gypsum, alongside soil erosion and conservation. Porta devoted a lot of effort to improve soil field descriptions with his Agenda de campo. He played a key role in standardizing soil analytical methods, establishing large series laboratories in Spain, notably the LAF in Sidamon (Lleida), and aligning Spanish soil labs with the international GLOSOLAN network. As president of the SECS, he energized activities and encouraged member participation. His educational publications, mainly his comprehensive textbook Edafología, are considered fundamental in Soil Science across Spanish-speaking countries, as is the Multilingual Dictionary of Soil Science, representing the pinnacle of his efforts to rigorously disseminate soil science concepts and terms in Spanish, Catalan, Galician, and Portuguese. He contributed significantly to international Soil Science courses in Mexico and played a key role in establishing the JADE postgraduate training program. He facilitated the creation and international visibility of the Spanish Journal of Soil Science. Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of the Soil Sciences Documentation Centre (Ce.SECS) to preserve historical publications and the legacy of soil scientists. Jaume Porta’s enduring impact, both professionally and personally, will be felt for years to come.

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el software GRAPE-MARS (Multimodal Analysis Research Software) (https://www.grape.uji.es/mars), un programa de código abierto y uso gratuito desarrollado por el grupo de investigación GRAPE (Group for Research on Academic and Professional English) para el análisis multimodal de vídeos, en el contexto particular de la investigación en segundas lenguas. La investigación multimodal ha avanzado mucho en los últimos años, especialmente en el análisis del discurso, aunque también se han realizado estudios relacionados con la traducción o la pragmática, entre otros. GRAPE-MARS es un programa de interfaz sencilla y usabilidad asequible que pueden utilizar tanto investigadores e investigadoras, como profesores o estudiantado y cuyo objetivo es facilitar la tarea de identificar los elementos o modos que conforman el discurso y facilitar su representación. En una época en que los géneros digitales, con una multimodalidad inherente, cada vez cobran más protagonismo, creemos que GRAPE-MARS puede ser una herramienta esencial para desgranar los elementos que los componen y contribuir a análisis multimodales más completos que ayuden en la investigación de las segundas lenguas.

Pregnant women manifest an increased risk of developing coagulation disorders. Unfractionated heparin (HEP) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWHep) are considered as selective medication in the case of pregnancy which needs anticoagulant treatment. In addition to anticoagulant properties, HEP and its derivatives manifest other properties including anti-cancer potential. According to Globocan’s latest data, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most encountered form of malignancy in the case of women, manifesting some special particularities, as confusion of symptoms from cancer with symptoms encountered normally in pregnant women (such as constipation or rectal bleeding), delayed diagnosis because of limitations imposed both for the fetus and for the mother, and the need for special treatment.

Background and Objectives: Hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, pose significant risks during pregnancy, affecting both maternal and neonatal health. The study aims to analyze short- and long-term health implications for mothers and their children, comparing those with pre-eclampsia to those without, to improve understanding of risk factors, diagnostic markers, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 235 patients, 98 with pre-eclampsia and 137 without, monitored from 2015 to 2018 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Timișoara, Romania. Results: Women with pre-eclampsia were older, had higher BMIs, and more frequently had a family history of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and diabetes. They also had lower educational and socioeconomic levels and fewer prenatal visits. Biochemical markers such as higher proteinuria, elevated sFlt-1, and lower PlGF were significant in diagnosing pre-eclampsia. Short-term maternal complications like eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute kidney injury were more prevalent in the pre-eclampsia group. Neonatal outcomes included higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and NICU admissions. Long-term mothers with a history of pre-eclampsia had higher incidences of chronic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Their children faced increased risks of neuropsychological delays, chronic respiratory issues, behavioral disorders, learning difficulties, and frequent infections. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant short- and long-term health impacts of pre-eclampsia on both mothers and their children. Early monitoring, intervention, and comprehensive management are crucial in mitigating these risks. These findings underscore the need for personalized care strategies to improve health outcomes for affected individuals.

La respuesta a los retos de una educación de calidad, inclusiva con la diversidad etnocultural, planteados desde instancias internacionales y estatales, debe tener una correspondencia en el espacio local. Sin embargo, los contextos de elevada vulnerabilidad social dificultan el desarrollo de una acción eficaz y obligan a generar respuestas innovadoras desde la práctica docente y la política de los centros educativos. Este trabajo de investigación se centra en un estudio de caso de cinco centros educativos de educación infantil y primaria, caracterizados por su elevada diversidad y vulnerabilidad, ubicados en las Islas Baleares (España), la comunidad autónoma del Estado español con mayor porcentaje de alumnado de origen inmigrante. La metodología participativa utilizada ha permitido conocer las dificultades y las oportunidades del contexto en el que se enmarcan los centros, así como las estrategias que se proponen. Los resultados muestran cómo factores asociados a la participación de las familias, las características del alumnado, las políticas impulsadas por la Administración, los recursos externos al centro educativo y el trabajo comunitario pueden convertirse en recursos importantes para mejorar la calidad educativa y los resultados académicos del alumnado, contribuyendo también a educar más allá de los propios centros educativos.

The effectiveness and safety of allogeneic mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) can be affected by patient’s immune recognition. Thus, MSC immunogenicity and their immunomodulatory properties are crucial aspects for therapy. Immune responses after allogeneic MSC administration have been reported in different species, including equine. Interactions of allogenic MSCs with the recipient’s immune system can be influenced by factors like matching or mismatching for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) between donor-recipient, and by the levels of MHC expression in MSCs. The latter can vary upon MSC inflammatory exposure or differentiation, such as chondrogenic induction, making both priming and differentiation interesting therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the systemic in vivo immune cellular response against allogeneic equine MSCs in these situations. Either MSCs in basal conditions (MSC-naïve), pro-inflammatory primed (MSC-primed) or chondrogenically differentiated (MSC-chondro) were repeatedly administered subcutaneously into autologous, MHC-matched or MHC-mismatched allogeneic equine recipients. At different time-points after each administration, lymphocytes were obtained from recipient horses and exposed in vitro to the same type of MSCs to assess the proliferative response of different T cell subsets (cytotoxic, helper, regulatory), B cells, and interferon gamma (IFNγ) secretion. Higher proliferative response of helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes and IFNγ secretion was observed in response to all types of MHC-mismatched MSCs over MHC-matched ones. MSC-primed produced the highest immune response, followed by MSC-naïve, and MSC-chondro. However, MSC-primed activated Treg and had a mild effect on B cells, and the response after their second administration was similar to the first one. On the other hand, both MSC-chondro and MSC-naïve barely induced Treg response but promoted B lymphocyte activation, and proportionally induced a higher cell response after the second administration. In conclusion, both the type of MSC conditioning and the MHC compatibility influenced systemic immune recognition of equine MSCs after single and repeated administrations, but the response was different. Selecting MHC-matched donors would be particularly recommended for MSC-primed and repeated MSC-naïve administrations. While MHC-mismatching in MSC-chondro would be less critical, B cell response should not be ignored. Comprehensively investigating the in vivo immune response against equine allogeneic MSCs is crucial for advancing veterinary cell therapies.

Objectives: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are among the most frequent congenital defects, and they significantly burden the healthcare system due to their high mortality rate and high cost of care for survivors. We aimed to highlight the incidence of CHDs in a tertiary center in Western Romania. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out between 2018 and 2022 at the “Pius Brinzeu” Emergency County Hospital Timisoara. Relevant information about the mothers and the newborns were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The incidence of CHDs from 2018 to 2022 in our center was 5.3%. Eleven types of malformations were diagnosed postnatally in 541 newborns, with 28.8% of cases having more than one type of CHD. The antenatal detection rate was 28%, with the highest rates for tetralogy of Fallot, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or significant ventricular septal defects and the lowest for pulmonary stenosis. The lower antenatal detection rate was influenced mainly by incomplete or absent prenatal care. Conclusions: The incidence of CHDs is clearly dependent of a multifactorial approach, and the results highlight this. With an incidence almost 50% lower than reported within the literature and a low rate of prenatal detections, CHDs could be a more of a burden to endure regarding medical treatment. Improvements in patients’ education, prenatal care, and screening programs could improve diagnosis, decrease mortality, and optimize postnatal care.

In this article, we investigated the influence of molecular weight (Mw) on particle deposition efficiency after PEG-functionalized (polyethylene glycol-PEG) magnetoresponsive magnetic cluster targeting. In this work, the clusters were obtained by the solvothermal polyol method using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a coating agent. So, we investigated three kinds of magnetoresponsive clusters: MNC-2000, MNC-6000, and MNC-10,000. These clusters were coated with PEG, and had molecular weights (Mw) of 2000 Da, 6000 Da, and 10,000 Da, respectively. The authors propose that the key to achieving maximum efficiency in targeted drug delivery is to deposit a thin, uniform layer of medication that covers the vascular wall in the area of interest. We defined a set of efficiency criteria to focus on the most essential characteristics of the targeting results. These are the obstruction degree, which measures the level of vessel obstruction; the magnet coverage degree, which evaluates the quality of particle deposition along the vessel wall; and the proximal deposition degree, which assesses the effect of pulsatile flow on deposition length. We performed several tests to determine how molecular weight affected these efficiency parameters. These tests examined (a) the effect of the injected cluster quantities, (b) the effect of the magnet distance, and (c) the effect of the injection period. Our findings indicate that an increase in PEG’s molar weight significantly impacts magnetic particle targeting efficiency.

Perinatal depression (PPD) presents a significant public health concern, often influenced by psychological and personality factors. This study investigated the impact of personality traits, particularly neuroticism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms on the severity of PPD. The primary aim was to quantify the contributions of these factors to the risk and severity of PPD to enhance early intervention strategies. A total of 47 pregnant women with depressive symptoms per DSM-5 criteria at “Pius Brinzeu” County Emergency Hospital in Timisoara, Romania, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, as well as 49 women without depressive symptoms as controls. Personality traits were assessed using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), and OCD symptoms were measured using the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI). Depression severity was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This set of questionnaires were administered antepartum and postpartum. The logistic regression analysis highlighted neuroticism as a significant predictor of PPD severity, with an increase in neuroticism associated with a higher risk of PPD (coefficient = 0.24, p < 0.001). Conversely, openness showed a protective effect (coefficient = −0.13, p = 0.009). Higher OCD symptomatology, particularly ordering and hoarding, were linked with increased depression scores. Specifically, the total OCI score significantly predicted the EPDS score (coefficient = 0.03, p = 0.003). Furthermore, significant increases in EPDS anxiety and depression scores were observed in the perinatal period, indicating worsening of symptoms (anxiety coefficient = 0.51; p < 0.001). The findings suggest that personality traits like neuroticism and OCD symptoms significantly contribute to the severity of PPD. Interventions targeting these specific traits could potentially mitigate the risk and severity of perinatal depression, underscoring the need for personalized treatment plans that consider these psychological dimensions.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) and eclampsia (E) are severe pregnancy complications with significant maternal and neonatal health impacts. This study explores the association of the rs5707 polymorphism in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with PE/E and related neonatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 400 mother–newborn dyads at the “Pius Brinzeu” Emergency Clinical Hospital Timisoara. Participants were divided into a control group (254 normotensive women) and a PE/E group (146 women with PE/E). Genotyping for the rs5707 polymorphism was performed using real-time PCR, and statistical analyses assessed associations with maternal body mass index (BMI) and neonatal outcomes. Results: The AA genotype of rs5707 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PE/E and more favorable neonatal outcomes, including higher Apgar scores, greater birth weights, and longer gestational ages. Conversely, the AC genotype correlated with increased maternal BMI and adverse neonatal outcomes. Odds ratios highlighted the protective effect of the AA genotype against PE/E and the increased risk associated with the AC genotype. Conclusions: This study revealed the critical role of the rs5707 polymorphism in PE/E development and neonatal health. Genetic screening for rs5707 could enhance early identification and personalized intervention strategies, improving outcomes for both mothers and neonates. Further research is needed to validate these findings across diverse populations and to uncover the underlying mechanisms.

Laughter is a universal, nonverbal vocal expression of broad significance for humans. Interestingly, rather little is known about how often we laugh and how laughter is associated with our personality. In a large, event-based, experience sampling method study (N = 52; k = 9,261 assessments) using wrist-worn wearables and a physical analogue scale, we analyzed belly laughs and fit of laughter events in participants’ everyday life for 4 weeks. Additionally, we assessed associations with laughter frequency such as personality, happiness, life satisfaction, gelotophobia (i.e., fear of being laughed at), and cheerfulness. Validating our new measurement approach (i.e., wearables, physical analogue scale), laughter events elicited higher happiness ratings compared to reference assessments, as expected. On average, participants reported 2.5 belly laughs per day and on every fourth day a fit of laughter. As expected, participants who were happier and more satisfied with their life laughed more frequently than unhappier, unsatisfied participants. Women and younger participants laughed significantly more than men and older participants. Regarding personality, laughter frequency was positively associated with openness and conscientiousness. No significant association was found for gelotophobia, and results for cheerfulness and related concepts were mixed. By using state-of-the-art statistical methods (i.e., recurrent event regression) for the event-based, multi-level data on laughter, we could replicate past results on laughing.

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the implementation of various measures within closed institutions like prisons to control the spread of the virus. Analyzing the impact of these measures on the health of inmates is crucial from a public health perspective. This study aimed to explore inmates’ subjective perception of the COVID-19 lockdown, the implemented measures, their physical self-perception, and their views on the vaccination process. Method Between April 2021 and January 2022, 27 semi-structured individual interviews and 1 focus group were conducted with inmates in a prison located in northwest Spain. The interviews were conducted in person and audio-recorded. Thematic content analysis was employed, utilizing methodological triangulation to enhance the coherence and rigor of the results. Results The analysis revealed two main themes and nine subthemes. The first theme focused on inmates’ perception of the implementation of protective measures against COVID-19 within the prison and its impact on their well-being. The second theme explored the pandemic’s emotional impact on inmates. All participants reported negative consequences on their health resulting from the measures implemented by the institution to contain the pandemic. However, they acknowledged that measures like lockdowns and mass vaccination helped mitigate the spread of the virus within the prison, contrary to initial expectations. Conclusion COVID-19 and related measures have directly affected the health of inmates. To improve their health and minimize the impact of pandemic-induced changes, community participation and empowerment of individuals are essential tools, particularly within closed institutions such as prisons.

Abstract The Álbum de proyectos by the academic Fornés y Gurrea (ca. 1777-1856) continues the tradition of collections of own designs conceived as models of practical application for architects, that Palladio already begun in the second of his Quattro Libri dell’Architettura. It is however an exceptional case within the Hispanic production, more focused on constructive themes. From a theoretical point of view, the links with the French treatises of the 18th century are clear in Fornés’ work, a debt that also extends to the project composition, with a Palladian-based formal repertoire to which purely neoclassical resources are superimposed, without renouncing the Valencian constructive tradition. This article explores the sources, connections, and cross-references of the Álbum’s projects, a treatise that can be paradoxically described as novel and epigonal. Novel, for being the first in Spain in the form of a compendium of projects; epigonal, because it was published at a time when the decay of academicism has already begun. Resumen El Álbum de proyectos del arquitecto académico Manuel Fornés y Gurrea (ca. 1777-1856) continúa con la tradición de las colecciones de diseños propios pensados como modelos de aplicación práctica para arquitectos, que ya iniciase Palladio en el segundo de sus Quattro Libri. Se trata, sin embargo, de un caso excepcional dentro de la producción hispánica, más centrada en temas constructivos. Desde el punto de vista teórico, en la obra de Fornés son nítidos los vínculos con la tratadística francesa del XVIII, una deuda que se extiende asimismo a la composición proyectual, con repertorio formal de base palladiana al que se superponen recursos netamente neoclásicos, sin renunciar a la tradición constructiva valenciana. El presente artículo indaga en las fuentes, conexiones y referencias cruzadas de los proyectos del Álbum, tratado que puede ser calificado paradójicamente como novedoso y epigonal. Novedoso, por ser el primero en España con formato de compendio de proyectos; epigonal, por ver la luz en un momento en que el declive del academicismo ya se ha iniciado.

The adult mammalian heart has been demonstrated to be endowed with low but real turnover capacity, especially for cardiomyocytes, the key functional cell type. The source, however, of that turnover capacity remains controversial. In this regard, we have defined and characterized a resident multipotent cardiac mouse progenitor population, Bmi1+DR (for Bmi1+ Damage-Responsive cells). Bmi1+DR is one of the cell types with the lowest ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) levels in the adult heart, being particularly characterized by their close relationship with cardiac vessels, most probably involved in the regulation of proliferation/maintenance of Bmi1+DR. This was proposed to work as their endothelial niche. Due to the scarcity of Bmi1+DR cells in the adult mouse heart, we have generated an immortalization/dis-immortalization model using Simian Vacuolating Virus 40-Large Antigen T (SV40-T) to facilitate their in vitro characterization. We have obtained a heterogeneous population of immortalized Bmi1+DR cells (Bmi1+DRIMM) that was validated attending to different criteria, also showing a comparable sensitivity to strong oxidative damage. Then, we concluded that the Bmi1-DRIMM population is an appropriate model for primary Bmi1+DR in vitro studies. The co-culture of Bmi1+DRIMM cells with endothelial cells protects them against oxidative damage, showing a moderate depletion in non-canonical autophagy and also contributing with a modest metabolic regulation.

This 10-year retrospective cohort study at a single-center clinic in Germany aimed to analyze the outcomes of endometrial cancer patients and explore the impact of lymphovascular invasion (LV) on patient outcomes and disease-free survival (DFS). Identifying correlations among demographic data, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes could enhance patient management and improve survival rates. The study encompassed patients diagnosed and treated for endometrial cancer from January 2010 to December 2020. Clinical and pathological data were extracted from medical records for 311 patients, focusing on variables such as age, histological type, tumor grade, type of surgical treatment, and adjuvant therapies. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models to identify factors independently associated with survival. The study demonstrated that lymphovascular invasion significantly impacted survival outcomes on Kaplan–Meier analysis (log-rank p-value = 0.0058). Patients with LV showed a marked decrease in DFS compared to those without LV invasion, with a median DFS of 3.2 years and a hazard ratio of 2.18 (95% CI: 1.56–3.04, p < 0.001). Furthermore, high-grade tumors and p53 positivity were strongly associated with reduced DFS, with hazard ratios of 1.93 (p = 0.001) and 2.11 (p < 0.001), respectively. Patients with distant metastasis exhibited the most significant decline in survival, with a hazard ratio of 5.56 (95% CI: 2.45–10.18, p < 0.001). Despite comprehensive surgical and adjuvant therapies, these high-risk factors dictated poorer outcomes. The presence of lymphovascular invasion, high-grade tumors, and genetic markers like MSI and p53 are pivotal in predicting the course of endometrial cancer. This study underscores the necessity for aggressive management strategies in patients exhibiting these high-risk features to potentially improve prognosis and survival outcomes. The findings advocate for enhanced therapeutic strategies tailored to the biological behavior of the tumor, thereby aiming to elevate the overall survival rates for women diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

Delayed wound healing increases the wound’s vulnerability to possible infections, which may have lethal outcomes. The treatments available can be effective, but the urgency is not fully encompassed. The drug repositioning strategy proposes effective alternatives for enhancing medical therapies for chronic diseases. Likewise, applying wound dressings as biodegradable membranes is extremely attractive due to their ease of application, therapeutic effectiveness, and feasibility in industrial manufacturing. This article aims to demonstrate the pleiotropic effects during insulin repositioning in wound closure by employing a biopolymeric membrane-type formulation with insulin. We prepared biopolymeric membranes with sodium alginate cross-linked with calcium chloride, supported in a mixture of xanthan gum and guar gum, and plasticized with glycerol and sorbitol. Human insulin was combined with poloxamer 188 as a protein stabilizing agent. Our investigation encompassed physicochemical and mechanical characterization, antioxidant and biological activity through antibacterial tests, cell viability assessments, and scratch assays as an in vitro and in vivo wound model. We demonstrated that our biopolymeric insulin membranes exhibited adequate manipulation and suitable mechanical resistance, transparency, high swelling capability (1100%), and 30% antioxidant activity. Furthermore, they exhibited antibacterial activity (growth inhibition of S. aureus at 85% and P. aeruginosa at 75%, respectively), and insulin promoted wound closure in vitro with a 5.5-fold increase and 72% closure at 24 h. Also, insulin promoted in vivo wound closure with a 3.2-fold increase and 92% closure at 10 days compared with the groups without insulin, and this is the first report that demonstrates this therapeutic effect with two administrations of 0.7 IU. In conclusion, we developed a multifunctional insulin-loaded biopolymeric membrane in this study, with the main activity derived from insulin’s role in wound closure and antioxidant activity, augmented by the antimicrobial effect attributed to the polymer poloxamer 188. The synergistic combination of excipients enhances its usefulness and highlights our innovation as a promising material in wound healing materials.

(1) Background: The global coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination adapts to protect populations from emerging variants. This communication presents interim findings from the new Omicron XBB.1.16-adapted PHH-1V81 protein-based vaccine compared to an XBB.1.5-adapted mRNA vaccine against various acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains. (2) Methods: In a Phase IIb/III pivotal trial, adults previously vaccinated with a primary scheme and at least one booster dose of an EU-approved mRNA vaccine randomly received either the PHH-1V81 or BNT162b2 XBB.1.5 vaccine booster as a single dose. The primary efficacy endpoint assessed neutralization titers against the Omicron XBB.1.16 variant at day 14. Secondary endpoints evaluated neutralization titers and cellular immunity against different variants. Safety endpoints comprised solicited reactions up to day 7 post-vaccination and serious adverse events until the cut-off date of the interim analysis. Changes in humoral responses were assessed by pseudovirion-based or virus neutralization assays. (3) Results: At the cut-off date, immunogenicity assessments included 599 participants. Both boosters elicited neutralizing antibodies against XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5, and JN.1, with PHH-1V81 inducing a higher response for all variants. The PHH-1V8 booster triggers a superior neutralizing antibody response against XBB variants compared to the mRNA vaccine. A subgroup analysis consistently revealed higher neutralizing antibody responses with PHH-1V81 across age groups, SARS-CoV-2 infection history, and the number of prior vaccination shots. A safety analysis (n = 607) at the day 14 visit revealed favorable safety profiles without any serious vaccine-related adverse events. (4) Conclusions: PHH-1V81 demonstrates superiority on humoral immunogenicity compared to the mRNA vaccine against XBB variants and non-inferiority against JN.1 with a favorable safety profile and lower reactogenicity, confirming its potential as a vaccine candidate.

Active learning is a paradigm where students take a more active role in their learning process. In this paper, two team-based evaluation activities are established for students according to the principles of active learning in order to assess their knowledge, skills and attitudes. These activities were based on scenarios related to network administration issues, and at a later stage, each team had to make a pitch presentation about what they did and how they did it to address them. Each presentation was rated by all students with a specific construct on a peer review basis, which had previously been validated by a panel of experts. The results obtained revealed quite high values with low variability and an acceptable reliability. Additionally, the level of motivation was also assessed, indicating a high level of motivation while undertaking the activities.

The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) are crucial for the development of cervical cancer (CC). Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are explored as novel therapies that silence these oncogenes, but their clinical use is hampered by inefficient delivery systems. Modification (pegylation) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) of liposomal siRNA complexes (siRNA lipoplexes) may improve systemic stability. We studied the effect of siRNA targeting HPV16 E6, delivered via cationic liposomes (lipoplexes), on cellular processes in a cervical carcinoma cell line (CaSki) and its potential therapeutic use. Lipoplexes-PEG-HPV16 E6, composed of DOTAP, Chol, DOPE, and DSPE-PEG2000 were prepared. The results showed that pegylation (5% DSPE-PEG2000) provided stable siRNA protection, with a particle size of 86.42 ± 3.19 nm and a complexation efficiency of over 80%; the siRNA remained stable for 30 days. These lipoplexes significantly reduced HPV16 E6 protein levels and restored p53 protein expression, inhibiting carcinogenic processes such as proliferation by 25.74%, migration (95.7%), and cell invasion (97.8%) at concentrations of 20 nM, 200 nM, and 80 nM, respectively. In conclusion, cationic lipoplexes-PEG-HPV16 E6 show promise as siRNA carriers for silencing HPV16 E6 in CC.

Over the last decades, the idea of smart cities has evolved from a visionary concept of the future into a concrete reality. However, the vision of smart cities has not been fully realized within our society, partly due to the challenges encountered in contemporary data collection systems. Despite these obstacles, advancements in deep learning and computer vision have propelled the development of highly accurate detection algorithms capable of obtaining 3D data from image sources. Nevertheless, this approach has predominantly centered on data extraction from a vehicle’s perspective, bypassing the advantages of using infrastructure-mounted cameras for performing 3D pose estimation of vehicles in urban environments. This paper focuses on leveraging 3D pose estimation from this alternative perspective, benefiting from the enhanced field of view that infrastructure-based cameras provide, avoiding occlusions, and obtaining more information from the objects’ sizes, leading to better results and more accurate predictions compared to models trained on a vehicle’s viewpoint. Therefore, this research proposes a new path for exploration, supporting the integration of monocular infrastructure-based data collection systems into smart city development.

This review aims to explore the intricate relationship among epigenetic mechanisms, stress, and affective disorders, focusing on how early life experiences and coping mechanisms contribute to susceptibility to mood disorders. Epigenetic factors play a crucial role in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence, and recent research has revealed associations between epigenetic changes and maladaptive responses to stress or psychiatric disorders. A scoping review of 33 studies employing the PRISMA-S (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses—Statement) guidelines investigates the role of stress-induced epigenetic mechanisms and coping strategies in affective disorder occurrence, development, and progression. The analysis encompasses various stress factors, including childhood trauma, work-related stress, and dietary deficiencies, alongside epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and altered gene expression. Findings indicate that specific stress-related genes frequently exhibit epigenetic changes associated with affective disorders. Moreover, the review examines coping mechanisms in patients with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, revealing mixed associations between coping strategies and symptom severity. While active coping is correlated with better outcomes, emotion-focused coping may exacerbate depressive or manic episodes. Overall, this review underscores the complex interplay among genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, coping mechanisms, and affective disorders. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted interventions and personalized treatment strategies for individuals with mood disorders. However, further research is needed to elucidate specific genomic loci involved in affective disorders and the clinical implications of coping strategies in therapeutic settings.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant global health concern with profound implications for mothers, families, and societies. This systematic review aims to synthesize current research findings to understand better how personality traits, as assessed by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), contribute to the development and progression of PPD. Conducted in January 2024, this review searched major databases like PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus up to December 2023, focusing on the NEO-FFI’s role in evaluating PPD. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies were selected based on strict criteria, including the exclusive use of NEO-FFI for personality assessment and a focus on postpartum women. A total of seven studies were included after a rigorous two-step screening process, and their data were qualitatively synthesized. The review covered a total of 4172 participants, with a prevalence of clinically significant postpartum depression symptoms ranging from 10.6% to 51.7%. Notably, Neuroticism emerged as a significant predictor of PPD, with odds ratios ranging from 1.07 (95% CI: 0.96–1.20) in some studies to as high as 1.87 (95% CI: 1.53–2.27) in others. In contrast, traits like Extraversion and Conscientiousness generally showed protective effects, with lower scores associated with reduced PPD risk. For instance, Extraversion scores correlated negatively with PPD risk (Beta = −0.171) in one study. However, the impact of other traits such as Openness and Agreeableness on PPD risk was less clear, with some studies indicating negligible effects. The review highlights Neuroticism as a consistent and significant predictor of PPD risk, with varying impacts from other personality traits. The findings suggest potential pathways for targeted interventions in maternal mental health care, emphasizing the need for comprehensive personality evaluations in prenatal and postnatal settings.

Background: The health development of a baby during pregnancy is greatly influenced by prenatal bonding. The purpose of this study is to assess maternal-fetal attachment in the second- and third-trimesters and explore how the mother’s mental health and socioeconomic circumstances may affect it. Additionally, this study takes into account other relevant aspects, and addresses the existing lack of relevant information in Romania. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 200 pregnant women in the second- and third-trimesters of pregnancy. Personal Information Form (PIF), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and Maternal-Foetal Attachment Scale (MFAS) questionnaires were collected. Results: There was no statistically significant correlation between the MFAS and the mental health of the mother. Moreover, subsequent comparative analyses revealed a significant difference only in the case of socio-economic conditions, with women with a moderate socio-economic status showed higher levels of maternal-foetal attachment. Conclusions: The degree of maternal-foetal attachment is not significantly influenced by social characteristics such as age, education level, socio-economic context, or place of residence. The MFAS measured the attachment relationship. However, the study found no statistically significant correlation between the mother’s mental health and this attachment.

Data centers are getting more and more attention due the rapid increase of IoT deployments, which may result in the implementation of smaller facilities being closer to the end users as well as larger facilities up in the cloud. In this paper, an arithmetic study has been carried out in order to measure a coefficient related to both the average number of hops among nodes and the average number of links among devices for a range of typical network topologies fit for data centers. Such topologies are either tree-like or graph-like designs, where this coefficient provides a balance between performance and simplicity, resulting in lower values in the coefficient accounting for a better compromise between both factors in redundant architectures. The motivation of this contribution is to craft a coefficient that is easy to calculate by applying simple arithmetic operations. This coefficient can be seen as another tool to compare network topologies in data centers that could act as a tie-breaker so as to select a given design when other parameters offer contradictory results.

Abstract Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, numerous articles have highlighted a possible link between COVID-19 vaccination or infection and Herpesviridae co-infection or reactivation. The authors conducted an exhaustive literature review on this topic, the results of which are presented individually for each member of the Herpesviridae family: Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types-1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2); Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV); Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV); Cytomegalovirus (CMV); HHV-6; HHV-7; and HHV-8. These human herpesviruses can serve as prognostic markers for the COVID-19 infection and may even underlie some of the clinical manifestations initially attributed to SARS-CoV-2. In addition to SARS-CoV-2 infection, all corresponding vaccines approved to date in Europe appear capable of inducing herpesvirus reactivation. It is important to consider all viruses of the Herpesviridae family when managing patients infected with or recently vaccinated against COVID-19.

Background and Objectives: Hypertensive disorders, particularly pre-eclampsia, pose significant risks during pregnancy, affecting both maternal and neonatal health. The study aims to analyze short- and long-term health implications for mothers and their children, comparing those with pre-eclampsia to those without, to improve understanding of risk factors, diagnostic markers, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 235 patients, 98 with pre-eclampsia and 137 without, monitored from 2015 to 2018 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the "Pius Brînzeu" Emergency County Clinical Hospital in Timișoara, Romania. Results: Women with pre-eclampsia were older, had higher BMIs, and more frequently had a family history of pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and diabetes. They also had lower educational and socioeconomic levels and fewer prenatal visits. Biochemical markers such as higher proteinuria, elevated sFlt-1, and lower PlGF were significant in diagnosing pre-eclampsia. Short-term maternal complications like eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and acute kidney injury were more prevalent in the pre-eclampsia group. Neonatal outcomes included higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and NICU admissions. Long-term mothers with a history of pre-eclampsia had higher incidences of chronic hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Their children faced increased risks of neuropsychological delays, chronic respiratory issues, behavioral disorders, learning difficulties, and frequent infections. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant short- and long-term health impacts of pre-eclampsia on both mothers and their children. Early monitoring, intervention, and comprehensive management are crucial in mitigating these risks. These findings underscore the need for personalized care strategies to improve health outcomes for affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and gestational diabetes are major concerns worldwide. These conditions may lead to the development of severe diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy or worsen pre-existing cases. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of diabetes for both the mother and the fetus in the future. Understanding the prevalence, evaluating risk factors contributing to pathogenesis, and identifying treatment challenges related to diabetic retinopathy in expectant mothers are all of utmost importance. Pregnancy-related physiological changes, including those in metabolism, blood flow, immunity, and hormones, can contribute to the development or worsening of diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, this condition may eventually result in irreversible vision loss. Treatment options such as laser therapy, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, and intravitreal steroids pose challenges in managing these patients without endangering the developing baby and mother. This narrative review describes the management of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy, highlights its risk factors, pathophysiology, and diagnostic methods, and offers recommendations based on findings from previous literature.

(1) Background: Prenatal care providers face a continuous challenge in screening for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE). In this study, we aimed to assess and compare the predictive accuracy of four machine learning algorithms in predicting the occurrence of PE, IUGR, and their associations in a group of singleton pregnancies; (2) Methods: This observational prospective study included 210 singleton pregnancies that underwent first trimester screenings at our institution. We computed the predictive performance of four machine learning-based methods, namely decision tree (DT), naïve Bayes (NB), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF), by incorporating clinical and paraclinical data; (3) Results: The RF algorithm showed superior performance for the prediction of PE (accuracy: 96.3%), IUGR (accuracy: 95.9%), and its subtypes (early onset IUGR, accuracy: 96.2%, and late-onset IUGR, accuracy: 95.2%), as well as their association (accuracy: 95.1%). Both SVM and NB similarly predicted IUGR (accuracy: 95.3%), while SVM outperformed NB (accuracy: 95.8 vs. 94.7%) in predicting PE; (4) Conclusions: The integration of machine learning-based algorithms in the first-trimester screening of PE and IUGR could improve the overall detection rate of these disorders, but this hypothesis should be confirmed in larger cohorts of pregnant patients from various geographical areas.

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a critical condition affecting pregnancies worldwide. Understanding its etiology, particularly the genetic factors, is vital. This study aims to investigate the association between ACE gene polymorphisms, specifically the ACE G2350A (rs4343) variant, and the predisposition to PE, offering insights into the genetic predisposition towards this complex condition. Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 140 participants without PE (Control Group) and 128 participants diagnosed with PE (PE Group). The study focused on comparing the prevalence of the rs4343 polymorphism between the groups. Results: The analysis identified a significantly reduced risk associated with the AG genotype and an insignificant increase in risk with the AA genotype. Statistically significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, such as BMI and marital status, were observed between the groups, suggesting a multifaceted risk profile for PE that includes genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. Conclusions: The study highlight the significant role of genetic variations, specifically the ACE G2350A (rs4343) polymorphism, in influencing PE predisposition. It highlights the intricate interplay between genetic predispositions and other risk factors in the development of PE. Further research is encouraged to expand on these findings and explore a wider range of genetic polymorphisms and their interactions with environmental factors.

Despite the rapid and dynamic evolution of research into dietary polyphenols, there is still a knowledge gap regarding their bioaccessibility since it could be influenced by the chemical and nutritional compositions of the food matrix. This study aimed to describe the impact of food thickeners (xanthan gum, guar gum, β-glucan, pectin) on the bioactivity of flavonoids from saffron floral by-products in model beverages before and after thermal processing. The different beverage formulas were characterized in terms of polyphenolic composition using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn and rheological properties. The impact of food thickeners and thermal processing on the inhibition of digestive enzymes was also determined. The model beverages mainly presented glycosylated flavonols (of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin), with a reduced content in some heat-treated samples. The inhibitory effect on α-amylase was only detected in heat-treated beverages, showing the formulation without any thickener to have the greatest inhibitory effect. Finally, the presence of saffron floral by-products in the beverages showed a tendency to decrease the flow consistency index (K) and an increase in the flow behavior index (n), most probably driven by the aggregation of phenolics with thickeners. Therefore, this research provides new insights into the development of flavonoid-rich beverages in order to ensure that they exert the expected beneficial effects after their ingestion.

The use of active learning activities for evaluation purposes has been reported to improve results in all areas within the education field. In this paper we describe a generic multilevel structure for educational escape rooms, along with a use case where such a design was applied for assessment in a course within the STEM area. Furthermore, a project-based learning activity was also added to complement that assessment. The results obtained expose an increase in both academic performance and success rate, where the percentage rises in both cases go in line to the literature. Additionally, a high level of engagement was measured during those active learning activities, which is reported to lead to better performance and improved learning. Hence, this high engagement seems to be the primary source of the increments experienced.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging paradigm, even though it does not receive enough attention in many academic plans. In order to introduce our students to IoT, in this paper we present the overall results of a seminar dedicated to encourage them to design basic IoT projects on a software application called Packet Tracer v8.2.1. Such projects were carried out in groups, whereas the evaluation process was performed by means of filling in a peer review construct after the presentation was made by each team. This construct was previously validated by a panel of five experts by applying the Aiken’s V test, where an overall value of 0.907 was obtained. There were nine items within that construct, which were grouped into three dimensions, such as the quality of the prototypes presented, the communication skills during the presentations of the prototypes, and the alignment of the prototypes with SDGs. The average results obtained for all dimensions were all above 8 out of 10, whilst the medians were all 9 and the coefficient of variations were around 0.2. Those results showed high ratings with moderate variation among them. Furthermore, the reliability of the data collected in the evaluation process was assessed by applying the Cronbach’s alpha, accounting for values above 0.9 for each dimension and overall, which means an excellent internal consistency of such data. Likewise, the level of engagement during the activity was also measured by the means of the ISA engagement scale, resulting in an overall value around 6.5, with a median of 7, which proved a high engagement among students.

IntroductionThere is evidence of a significant upturn of certain unhealthy lifestyle choices such as Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.ObjectiveTo analyze whether Alcohol Consumption has increased since the onset of pandemic and whether it affects the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health among adult Spanish population.MethodologyStudy of two cross-sectional cohorts (1—initial period of confinement COVID-19 pandemic, 2—between fifth and sixth waves of pandemic) to examine Alcohol Consumption in the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health using a moderation analysis with PROCESS macro for SPSS.Results5,949 people (62.1% women) participated in the study. Alcohol Consumption showed a significant increase, with men consuming more Alcohol than women in both periods (58.6% vs. 44.7% and 72.1% vs. 56.7%, respectively, p