Search

Studies on digital rights in education have both gained attention and provided a framework for research, policy and practice in educational research within the field of educational technology. The potential benefits we appreciate in Internet use are inseparable from the maximum risks involved. Faced with this responsibility, individuals demand that their rights and freedoms be guaranteed in the digital environment according to their various roles as students, teachers, families or staff. This scoping review selects and analyses 54 theoretical and empirical studies from the last decade (2013-2023), identifying the main topics investigated as privacy protection in online environments, right to digital security or cybersecurity, and right to digital education. The review underscores the need to guide efforts towards digital education for citizens because the legal regulation of rights and responsibilities is necessary but insufficient. The paper also makes arguments about acceptance, limitations and implications for teacher training.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and computational sciences have aroused a growing interest in education. Despite its relatively recent history, AI is increasingly being introduced into the classroom through different modalities, with the aim of improving student achievement. Thus, the purpose of the research is to analyse, quantitatively and qualitatively, the impact of AI components and computational sciences on student performance. For this purpose, a systematic review and meta-analysis have been carried out in WOS and Scopus databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample was set at 25 articles. The results support the positive impact that AI and computational sciences have on student performance, finding a rise in their attitude towards learning and their motivation, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) areas. Despite the multiple benefits provided, the implementation of these technologies in instructional processes involves a great educational and ethical challenge for teachers in relation to their design and implementation, which requires further analysis from the educational research. These findings are consistent at all educational stages.

Abstract This work presents a microwave resonant multi-parameter sensor devoted to the simultaneous extraction of three characteristics of a homogeneous solid sample: its dielectric permittivity, its loss tangent and its thickness. The device is composed of three coupled resonators in two different substrate boards, having the sample between the boards, in a sandwich configuration. Presence of the sample impacts the electrical response of the device, not only influencing resonators, but also by affecting inter-resonator couplings. A method to analyse the response of the device, allowing for the extraction of the desired characteristics of the sample is proposed, as well as an experimental calibration procedure. The model is built upon 990 simulations, calibrated with three reference-samples measurements and then tested over 18 experimental measurements, with good results, thereby validating the multi-parameter sensing approach.

Mexico City emits several thousands of tons of particle matter from transportation and other economic sectors. We collected PM2.5 samples from January to March 2015. The chemical analyses showed that PM2.5 is made up of 39% organic carbon, 12% elemental carbon, 23% metals (Al, Si, S, P, and K), and 5% heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Hg). Ca and Fe were also present in trace concentrations, probably due to the resuspension of soils. Nitrate, sulfate, and ammonium suggest that the southwest of Mexico City, specifically the sampling site, receives more oxidated pollutants from vehicle emissions than other emissions. The chemical analyses show no significant changes in the composition or concentration of particle matter compared to previous studies.

The irruption of Information and Communication Technologies in society in general, and immersive technology, in particular, are playing an important role in the educational field, among other reasons, due to the way they favour the inclusion of students with Special Educational Needs. The main objective was to carry out a systematic review of the scientific production of the last decade (2012-2022) in relation to the use of Augmented and Virtual Reality in students with Special Education Needs. For this, a search was carried out in the Web of Science and Scopus databases following the PRISMA statement. The main results place these technologies as an appropriate intervention resource by expanding educational possibilities and opening learning opportunities in new contexts that significantly support the development of the teaching-learning process of these students. However, this study has demonstrated, at the same time, a significant lack of studies that can cover all Special Education Needs groups in the different educational stages.

Inclusion is one of the most important and emerging areas for school improvement. The purpose of this study was to explore the perception of high school students with the aim of determining whether there is a shared and inclusive education within their schools. An explanatory model was developed, based on the responses of 365 students from the participating high school, using a scale on inclusion that had already been used in the Spanish context. The results showed a high correlation between the perception of inclusion and factors such as the perception toward the supportive teacher, the need for help and the satisfaction perceived in the classroom. We analysed which potential factors proved to be good predictors of the results associated with the perception of educational inclusion obtained using this scale. The results showed that the students' perceptions of inclusion evolved negatively over different grades. In contrast, it was found that their perception toward the teachers was mediated by the existence of a special need and age, and was higher in those students who had experienced the Support Teacher directly or indirectly.

Background: Gamification is a novel active methodology used in Physical Education to motivate students. Purpose: This study analyzed the impact of this method on the motivation of Compulsory Secondary Education students in Spain during an 8-session Physical Education Didactic Unit. Methods: A total of 275 students participated, divided into a gamified group (n = 133) and a control group (n = 142). The participants filled out 2 questionnaires, one aimed at assessing Basic Psychological Needs (BPNs) (Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale) and the other at measuring the motivational component (The Sport Motivation Scale). Results: An interaction effect (Time x Treatment) was found, with the gamified group improving in BPNs (autonomy (F(1) 57.97, p = <0.001; [eta][superscript 2][subscript p] = 0.175); competence (F(1) 37.28, p = <0.001; [eta][superscript 2][subscript p] = 0.120); relatedness (F(1) 51.49, p = <0.001; [eta][superscript 2][subscript p] = 0.159), and intrinsic motivation (F(1) 39.65, p = <0.001; [eta][superscript 2][subscript p] = 0.127), while decreasing in amotivation (F(1) 21.42, p = <0.001; [eta][superscript 2][subscript p] = 0.073)). Conclusions: These data suggest that a gamified intervention enhances the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs, increases intrinsic motivation, while decreases amotivation in secondary education students.

The production of phycobiliproteins, such as cyanobacterial phycocyanins, is a growing interest due to their diverse industrial and biotechnological applications. This study focuses on optimizing phycocyanin production using the strain Potamosiphon sp. through experimental techniques and mathematical modeling in fed-batch cultures. The methodology applied includes determining the kinetic constants by linearizing the Monod equation evaluating the concentrations of biomass, C-phycocyanin (C-PC), nitrates (NO3), and phosphates (PO4). A mathematical model of periodic fed-batch feeding was subsequently established, applying mass conservation principles and evaluating the accuracy of the Monod, Contois, Moser, and Tessier models. The results indicate that phycocyanin production is highly dependent on phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations, with optimal conversion observed at specific levels of these elements (0.832 for phosphorus and 0.805 for nitrogen in terms of C-PC and biomass, respectively). The Tessier model demonstrated the highest accuracy in predicting production and optimizing operational conditions, with a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.005000 for biomass production, 0.200000 for C-PC production, and 0.000010 for substrate consumption. It also achieved high R² values of 0.980 for biomass, 0.999 for C-PC production, and 0.997 for substrate consumption. It presented the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) scores, indicating its robustness and reliability in modeling these processes and manipulating cultivation conditions and providing adequate nutrition allowed for achieving growth rates of 1.23 g/L and a C-PC concentration of 37 mg/L, which are essential for industrial applications such as natural colorants and antioxidants, among others.

A nuclear war, a volcanic eruption, or the impact of an asteroid or comet can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface, upon which the global food system depends. Agricultural yields would plummet due to decreased temperatures and precipitation in an Abrupt Sunlight Reduction Scenario (ASRS). Argentina may play a crucial role if such an event were to occur. This article presents and models a set of response interventions that could prevent famine in Argentina, or even Latin America as a whole. These interventions include redirecting food used as raw materials in animal agriculture and biofuel production, rationing, crop relocation, simple greenhouse deployment, and algae cultivation, among others. Without appropriate adaptations, gross production could fall to 30% of the current level, proving insufficient for the Argentine population. Fortunately, the results indicate that even in a 150 Tg scenario, the adaptations would increase net production from a national famine situation (1500 kcal/day/person) to a production equivalent to 3 to 6 times the amount necessary for the population (7800 - 14000 kcal/day/person).

The choice of optional physical education could be conditioned by personal elements, such as goals or motivation, or contextual, such as perceived teaching behaviour. The aims of this study were to analyse the differences between students who chose (or not) Physical Education and to determine to what extent goal orientations, motivational regulations, and perceived teaching behaviors predict that decision. A sample of 756 adolescents from 14 public centres in Valencian Region enrolled in second grade of high school (Mage 17.06, SD = 0.75), of which 422 were girls (55.8%) participated in the study. Students who voluntarily chose Physical Education presented a different motivational profile, scored higher in all approximation goals (and avoidance), intrinsic motivation, identified and introjected and lower in amotivation. They also showed a marked profile in the teaching styles perceived in the subject in the past (support for autonomy and structured). Finally, the factor that best predicted this choice was the participatory behavior perceived by the student (teaching style supporting autonomy), followed by the orientation of the goal of approximation-task, dominant behaviors (negative), and intrinsic regulation.

Background: Beef ranks third in consumption in the Mexican market, where the diversity in supply sources and management systems used in production units is notable. This diversity is reflected in the health and welfare conditions of cattle. Objective: To evaluate health indicators of dual-purpose cattle in Michoacán, Mexico, aiming to promote quality in the meat industry. Methodology: Data were collected using the protocol adapted from UC Davis Cow-Calf Health and Handling. Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were applied to analyze the data. Results: Six factors explain the cattle's current and past health conditions. From these, three groups of cattle were obtained with statistically significant differences in eight key indicators. Group 1 (G1) was characterized by good body condition and favorable past health status. Group 2 (G2) showed recent health problems, skin lesions, wildlife attacks, and parasitosis. Group 3 (G3) presented moderate conditions regarding past and recent health. Implications: This study provides a foundation for designing tools to enhance livestock living conditions by identifying and addressing individuals with poor health and welfare. These actions benefit livestock and directly improve the quality of meat derived from them. Conclusions: Group 2 (G2) was identified as having the greatest health problems, while G3 showed intermediate conditions and G1 grouped cattle with better health indicators. These findings underscore the importance of implementing improved animal health and welfare practices in production units to enhance the quality of meat produced.

To function effectively as an integrated system, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional machineries must communicate through mechanisms that are still poorly understood. Here, we focus on the zinc-finger Sfp1, known to regulate transcription of proliferation-related genes. We show that Sfp1 can regulate transcription either by binding to promoters, like most known transcription activators, or by binding to the transcribed regions (gene bodies), probably via RNA polymerase II (Pol II). We further studied the first mode of Sfp1 activity and found that, following promoter binding, Sfp1 binds to gene bodies and affects Pol II configuration, manifested by dissociation or conformational change of its Rpb4 subunit and increased backtracking. Surprisingly, Sfp1 binds to a subset of mRNAs co-transcriptionally and stabilizes them. The interaction between Sfp1 and its client mRNAs is controlled by their respective promoters and coincides with Sfp1’s dissociation from chromatin. Intriguingly, Sfp1 dissociation from the chromatin correlates with the extent of the backtracked Pol II. We propose that, following promoter recruitment, Sfp1 accompanies Pol II and regulates backtracking. The backtracked Pol II is more compatible with Sfp1’s relocation to the nascent transcripts, whereupon Sfp1 accompanies these mRNAs to the cytoplasm and regulates their stability. Thus, Sfp1’s co-transcriptional binding imprints the mRNA fate, serving as a paradigm for the cross-talk between the synthesis and decay of specific mRNAs, and a paradigm for the dual-role of some zinc-finger proteins. The interplay between Sfp1’s two modes of transcription regulation remains to be examined.

El siguiente documento presenta los resultados obtenidos al incorporar una perspectiva de enseñanza de la física a través del análisis de controversias científicas históricas empleando una ruta de argumentación diseñada en tres niveles de dialogicidad basada en los principios de dialogicidad Bajtianos, así como del enfoque pragmadialéctico de van Eemeren. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar cómo sucede el fenómeno de argumentación científica escolar empleando esta ruta de enseñanza. Para ello ejecutaron dos ciclos de investigación. Un primer ciclo centrado en el desarrollo de una unidad didáctica compuesta de 18 actividades, las cuales fueron analizadas en siete estudios de caso bajo un enfoque de investigación enmarcado en un paradigma constructivista interpretativo y analítico usando las técnicas de la teoría fundamentada. A partir de este análisis, se propuso una segunda unidad didáctica compuesta de 8 actividades con la cual se llevó a cabo un segundo ciclo de investigación que permitiera refinar la teoría provisional propuesta en el primer ciclo. Los resultados mostraron aspectos relevantes vinculados a una categoría central asociada al fenómeno de argumentación científica escolar pragmadialéctica a través de seis categorías subsidiarias que la definieron y caracterizaron.

Different international research groups focus on the study of socio-emotional resources and tools to facilitate adequate management of daily challenges and demands among teachers. This allows for better personal and professional performance. One of these resources that has attracted most attention in recent decades has been that of emotional intelligence. In this regard, the present study set out to analyse the psychometric properties of trait emotional intelligence as a construct. For this purpose, the study focused on two EI measurement instruments. One of the instruments (WLEIS-S) measures individual emotional intelligence and the other instrument (WEIP-S) measures group emotional intelligence. Against this background, the possible invariance of both scales with respect to the sex variable is analysed, as well as possible differences in the variables measured by the scales between sexes. To this end, 452 primary education teachers from Southern Spain filled in the WLEIS-S and WEIP-S tests. The results found in the factor analyses carried out with both instruments showed an excellent fit, as well as good internal consistency. Moreover, both instruments showed robust invariance, which indicates that both scales measure the emotional intelligence construct consistently for both women and men. No differences were found in the assessed latent variables between sexes. To conclude, this study shows psychometric evidence supporting the suitability of the WLEIS-S and WEIP-S scales for the accurate assessment of individual and group emotional intelligence in women and men in the teacher population.

This study addressed the optimization of biomass and C-phycocyanin (C-PC) concentration and its purity in the thermotolerant cyanobacterium Potamosiphon sp by adjusting key light quality parameters. Custom design and Central Composite Design experimental designs were employed, using LEDs light intensity, wavelength, and photoperiod. The results demonstrated that these lighting parameters significantly influence biomass and C-phycocyanin production, achieving up to a 100 % increase in phycocyanin accumulation and biomass production and a 50 % improvement in purity index compared to conventional white light under optimal conditions of Red:Blue light (3:1), Intensity (283 μmol m−2 s−1), and photoperiod (17.8 H light). The findings support the use of specific LEDs wavelengths that optimize the performance of production processes and the quality of products derived from cyanobacteria, such as high-value phycobiliproteins.

The exploration of the photophysical properties of push–pull molecules incorporating pyrimidine rings as electron-attracting moieties in their structure continues to be a fascinating area of investigation. A thorough examination of these properties not only contributes to fundamental knowledge but also provides crucial insights for the rational design of emissive materials in prospective applications. In this context, this work conducts an in-depth analysis of four families of 4,6-bis(arylvinyl)pyrimidines, evaluating the influence of substituents on both the aryl groups and position 2 of the pyrimidine ring. While previous research has primarily focused on solution studies, this work emphasizes the importance of examining solid-state photophysics. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing optical techniques, x-ray diffraction, and quantum chemical calculations, a comprehensive understanding of the structure-property relationships is achieved. This study underscores the intricate interplay between molecular structure, aggregation, and fluorescence behavior in pyrimidines, offering valuable insights with broader implications beyond academic realms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Patient activation is a concept that refers to the willingness to manage one's health and medical care. To assess it, a patient activation measure (PAM) has been developed and validated. Several studies report low activation in patients with chronic diseases. However, information on activation in hemodialysis patients is scarce. The aim of the present study is to describe the activation level of patients on chronic treatment in an HD unit and its relationship with disease control parameters. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional observational study in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease on chronic HD treatment. Ninety-six patients were included. Activation was measured with the PAM-13 questionnaire. Its relationship with descriptive variables (age, sex, comorbidity, studies, habitat) and disease control variables (vascular access, blood flow, potassaemia, phosphataemia, interdialytic gain) was studied. For this purpose, Spearman's correlation test, multiple linear regression model and logistic model were used as statistical methods. Results: The mean (SD) PAM-13 score was 63.19 (15.21). Activation was significantly associated with vascular access (P = 0.003), blood flow (P = 0.024), and interdialytic gain of patients (P = 0.008). Conclusions: Activation in patients on chronic hemodialysis treatment is low. Higher activation is related having an arteriovenous fistula, higher blood flow and lower interdialytic gain. Future studies are needed to confirm and apply our results. Resumen: Antecedentes y objetivo: La activación del paciente es un concepto que se refiere a la voluntad de gestionar su salud y atención médica. Para evaluarla, se ha desarrollado y validado una medida de activación del paciente (PAM). Diversos estudios informan baja activación en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas. No obstante, la información sobre activación de pacientes en tratamiento con hemodiálisis es escasa. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir el nivel de activación de pacientes en tratamiento crónico de una unidad de HD y su relación con los parámetros de control de la enfermedad. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica avanzada en tratamiento crónico con HD. Se incluyeron 96 pacientes. La activación se midió con el cuestionario PAM-13. Se estudió su relación con variables descriptivas (edad, sexo, comorbilidad, estudios, hábitat) y variables de control de la enfermedad (acceso vascular, flujo sangre, potasemia, fosfatemia, ganancia interdialítica). Para ello se emplearon como métodos estadísticos la prueba de correlación de Spearman, modelo de regresión lineal múltiple y modelo logístico. Resultados: La puntuación media (SD) de PAM-13 fue 63.19 (15.21). La activación se asociaba significativamente con el acceso vascular (P = 0.003), flujo de sangre (P = 0.024), y ganancia interdialítica de los pacientes (P = 0.008). Conclusiones: La activación de pacientes en tratamiento crónico con hemodiálisis es baja. Una mayor activación se relaciona con disponer de fístula arteriovenosa, con mayor flujo sanguíneo y con menor ganancia interdialítica. Son necesarios futuros estudios que confirmen y apliquen nuestros resultados.

Abstract Aim The antifungal activity was studied on sessile and persister cells (PCs) of Candida tropicalis biofilms of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) stabilized with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB-AuNPs) and those conjugated with cysteine, in combination with Amphotericin B (AmB). Materials/methods The PC model was used and synergistic activity was tested by the checkerboard assay. Biofilms were studied by crystal violet and scanning electron microscopy. Results/Conclusions After the combination of both AuNPs and AmB the biofilm biomass was reduced, with significant differences in architecture being observed with a reduced biofilm matrix. In addition, the CTAB-AuNPs-AmB combination significantly reduced PCs. Understanding how these AuNPs aid in the fight against biofilms and the development of new approaches to eradicate PCs has relevance for chronic infection treatment.

Abstract Background Chemotherapy, the mainstay treatment for metastatic cancer, presents serious side effects due to off-target exposure. In addition to the negative impact on patients’ quality of life, side effects limit the dose that can be administered and thus the efficacy of the drug. Encapsulation of chemotherapeutic drugs in nanocarriers is a promising strategy to mitigate these issues. However, avoiding premature drug release from the nanocarriers and selectively targeting the tumour remains a challenge. Results In this study, we present a pioneering method for drug integration into nanoparticles known as mesoporous organosilica drugs (MODs), a distinctive variant of periodic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (PMOs) in which the drug is an inherent component of the silica nanoparticle structure. This groundbreaking approach involves the chemical modification of drugs to produce bis-organosilane prodrugs, which act as silica precursors for MOD synthesis. Mitoxantrone (MTO), a drug used to treat metastatic breast cancer, was selected for the development of MTO@MOD nanomedicines, which demonstrated a significant reduction in breast cancer cell viability. Several MODs with different amounts of MTO were synthesised and found to be efficient nanoplatforms for the sustained delivery of MTO after biodegradation. In addition, Fe3O4 NPs were incorporated into the MODs to generate magnetic MODs to actively target the tumour and further enhance drug efficacy. Importantly, magnetic MTO@MODs underwent a Fenton reaction, which increased cancer cell death twofold compared to non-magnetic MODs. Conclusions A new PMO-based material, MOD nanomedicines, was synthesised using the chemotherapeutic drug MTO as a silica precursor. MTO@MOD nanomedicines demonstrated their efficacy in significantly reducing the viability of breast cancer cells. In addition, we incorporated Fe3O4 into MODs to generate magnetic MODs for active tumour targeting and enhanced drug efficacy by ROS generation. These findings pave the way for the designing of silica-based multitherapeutic nanomedicines for cancer treatment with improved drug delivery, reduced side effects and enhanced efficacy.

Abstract Hand stencils are a remarkable graphic expression in Prehistoric rock art, dating back to 42 ka BP. Although these stencils provide direct impressions of the artists’ hands, the characterization of their biological profile (i.e., biological sex and age) is very challenging. Previous studies have attempted this analysis with traditional morphometrics (TM), whereas little research has been undertaken using Geometric Morphometrics (GM), a method widely used in other disciplines but only tentatively employed in rock art studies. However, the large variation in relative finger position in archaeological hands poses the question of whether these representations can be examined through GM, or, in contrast, if this creates an unmanageable error in the results. To address this issue, a 2D hand scans sample of 70 living individuals (F = 35; M = 35) has been collected in three standardized positions (n = 210) and digitized with 32 2D conventional landmarks. Results show that the intra-individual distance (mean Procrustes distance between Pos. 1–2 = 0.132; 2–3 = 0.191; 1–3 = 0.292) is larger than the inter-individual distance (mean in 1 = 0.122; 2 = 0.142; 3 = 0.165). Finally, it has been demonstrated that the relative finger positions, as well as the inclusion of all hand parts in the analysis, have an overshadowing effect on other variables potentially involved in the morphometric variability of the hand, such as biological sex.

Background. The southwestern region of the state of Mexico is an area with a livestock vocation. Cattle graze grasslands dominated by African Star (EA) grass (Cynodon plectostachyus) with scattered trees. In the dry season and due to the lack of forage of adequate quality and quantity, farmers use grain-based supplements. Forage conservation practices are little practiced. Objective. To evaluate two varieties of sorghum silage in the productive response of dual-purpose cows in the dry season. Methodology. 12 multiparous cows of different racial composition (GR) were used Holstein (H), Brown Swiss (PS), Girolando (GI), Beefmaster (BM) and Brahman x PS (BPS), at different stages of lactation (early, medium and late), divided into two groups with the same number of cows, randomly assigning sorghum silages of the Top Green (TG) or Sweet Cane (CD) variety (treatment (TX)), 1.7 and 1.8 kg of matter dry (DM) cow/day, respectively. In addition, the cows received 5 kg DM cow/day of a balanced concentrate of 18% crude protein (CP). The cows grazed during the day in pastures dominated by EA grass with scattered trees. The experiment lasted 8 weeks, two weeks of habituation period and six weeks (experimental periods (EP)) for sampling and recording of productive variables. Results. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the productive response due to the variety of sorghum silage, racial group, or lactation stage. Significant differences were detected in dry matter intake (kg/cow/day), milk yield (kg/cow/day), weight and weight change (kg), due to PE. The lactation stage had no significant effect on the response variables (P > 0.05), except on DM intake. The TX*PE interaction had no effect on the productive response variables, while the GR*PE interaction had significant effects on CMS, weight and weight change. Implications. Knowledge of other forage species conserved as silages, alternatives to corn in the supplementation of dairy cattle, contributes to the development of supplementation strategies less susceptible to current climatic variations. Conclusion. The silage of two varieties of sorghum, Top Green or Caña Dulce, did not have significant differences in the productive response of lactating cows in the dry season. The Top Green variety produced 22% more dry matter than the Caña Dulce variety, so under the conditions in which the experiment was carried out it would be the most recommended variety to grow as a forage supplement.

IntroductionFanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited disorder characterized by bone marrow failure, congenital malformations, and predisposition to malignancies. Alterations in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) have been reported, but little is known regarding the bone marrow (BM) stroma. Thus, the characterization of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) would help to elucidate their involvement in the BM failure.MethodsWe characterized MSCs of 28 FA patients (FA-MSC) before and after treatment (hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, HSCT; or gene therapy, GT). Phenotypic and functional properties were analyzed and compared with MSCs expanded from 26 healthy donors (HD-MSCs). FA-MSCs were genetically characterized through, mitomycin C-test and chimerism analysis. Furthermore, RNA-seq profiling was used to identify dysregulated metabolic pathways.ResultsOverall, FA-MSC had the same phenotypic and functional characteristics as HD-MSC. Of note, MSC-GT had a lower clonogenic efficiency. These findings were not confirmed in the whole FA patients’ cohort. Transcriptomic profiling identified dysregulation in HSC self-maintenance pathways in FA-MSC (HOX), and was confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).DiscussionOur study provides a comprehensive characterization of FA-MSCs, including for the first time MSC-GT and constitutes the largest series published to date. Interestingly, transcript profiling revealed dysregulation of metabolic pathways related to HSC self-maintenance. Taken together, our results or findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of the disease, although whether these niche defects are involved in the hematopoietic defects seen of FA deserves further investigation.

La actitud de los futuros docentes hacia la diversidad y la educación inclusiva se configura como un aspecto clave para la promoción de una escuela inclusiva garante de oportunidades de aprendizaje para todo el alumnado. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron describir las actitudes, sentimientos y preocupaciones hacia la educación inclusiva de los futuros docentes en función del género y el tipo de institución y examinar si existen diferencias significativas en función de las variables sociodemográficas (género y tipo de institución) y el instrumento considerado. Para ello, participaron 632 estudiantes universitarios de 2º curso del Grado de Educación Primaria. Se utilizó un cuestionario ad-hoc para establecer las variables sociodemográficas y la Escala Revisada de Sentimientos, Actitudes y Preocupaciones sobre la Educación Inclusiva. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que, en función del tipo de institución, existen diferencias significativas en torno a las tres variables de análisis. Sin embargo, respecto al sexo, solo se han encontrado diferencias respecto a la variable de sentimientos. Estos resultados, pese a no ser concluyentes, pueden tomarse como referente para diseñar actuaciones formativas que permitan sensibilizar a los futuros docentes y ofrecerle las herramientas necesarias para promover y desarrollar prácticas inclusivas de calidad.

Hypothyroidism is a prevalent thyroid condition in which the thyroid gland fails to secrete an adequate amount of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. This condition may develop due to genetic or acquired factors. The most frequent cause of acquired hypothyroidism is chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto’s disease. Acquired hypothyroidism is diagnosed when patients present with overt hypothyroidism (also known as clinical hypothyroidism), as they exhibit increased TSH and decreased T3 and T4 serum levels. This article examines the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients diagnosed with acquired hypothyroidism with or without Levothyroxine treatment. We discuss the available evidence indicating that acquired hypothyroidism may be a risk factor for psychiatric disorders, and the effectiveness of thyroid treatment in relieving psychiatric symptoms. Additionally, we provide critical details on thyroid hormone cutoff values reported in the literature, their potential clinical importance, and their correlation with psychiatric symptoms. Finally, we examined the various mechanisms by which acquired hypothyroidism can lead to depression. The high rate of comorbidity between hypothyroidism and psychiatric disorders deserves special attention, indicating the importance of consistent monitoring and timely identification of psychiatric symptoms to prevent disease exacerbation and facilitate therapeutic management. On the other hand, several mechanisms underlie the strong association between depression and acquired hypothyroidism. Deeper research into these mechanisms will allow knowledge of the pathophysiology of depression in patients with acquired hypothyroidism and will provide clues to design more precise therapeutic strategies for these patients.

Sponge-associated microorganisms are key influencers of nutrient biogeochemistry and important sources of bioactive natural products. This study provides the first insights into the taxonomic diversity of the microbial community associated with the sponge Xestospongia sp. from an anchialine cave in the coastal area of the underground river of the Yucatán Peninsula in Xcalak, Quintana Roo, Mexico, and the potential antimicrobial activity of its cultivable bacteria. High abundances of Sulfurospirillum and Desulfovibrio were detected with 16S rRNA amplicons, suggesting that the microbial community of Xestospongia sp. plays an important role in the geochemical sulfur cycle. Analysis with crude extracts of Nocardiopsis dasonvillei NCA-454 revealed antimicrobial activity against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25913 (MSSA) and methicillin-​resistant ​S. aureus ATCC 43300 (MRSA). Studies of the microbiomes of sponges from the anchialine cave system in the Yucatán Peninsula can help elucidate the biogeochemical cycles of these poorly studied environments. Moreover, the microorganisms of these microbial communities represent an untapped source of secondary metabolites with biotechnological potential.

The fraction of light absorbed in a material is a key parameter for a wide range of optoelectronic and energy devices, including solar cells, light emitting diodes, and photo(electro)chemical devices. It can reveal detailed performance information and establish a material’s theoretical efficiency limits. However, measuring absorption accurately is challenging, especially due to scattering effects at the macroscale and achieving perpendicular illumination over a small area at the microscale. In this tutorial, we present concepts and best practices in measuring absorption at both the macro- and micro-scale. We also give examples of using absorption to reveal critical optoelectronic information in energy devices. This work aims at standardizing the recording of absorption measurements across a number of fields, allowing for improved microscale understanding of a wide range of samples.

In many countries, English as a foreign/second language (L2) teaching has become compulsory in urban and rural public schools. In rural areas, the challenges for the implementation of this state-sanctioned policy have been explored among L2 teaching specialists. However, this mixed-methods study considered a different teacher group and examined the struggles and initiatives of generalist teachers who are obligated to teach English in rural schools. To this end, data were collected from 115 teachers in 17 rural secondary schools in the Southeast of Mexico. First, the participants completed a survey with closed-ended questions that elicited information about teacher education, teaching experience and knowledge of the rural school system. Then, a subsample of participants completed an individual thematized semi-structured interview. They were selected on the basis of L2 teacher education involvement. In the survey data, response patterns were identified using frequency analyses. The interview data were analyzed using categorical aggregation. The data revealed that the generalist teachers struggle with L2 professionalization, sociocultural and instructional challenges. Nonetheless, only few participants have been engaged in L2 teacher education which could help them overcome these challenges. Instead, they rely upon limited strategies to counteract the day-today challenges at the expense of effective L2 teaching practices.