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Severe gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) and food hypersensitivity are tightly associated in young individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Here, we explored the relationship of GIS (gastrointestinal severity index, ROMA IV criteria, Bristol scale), ASD-like behaviors (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), and certain sociodemographic/clinical traits (epidemiological survey) with serum immunoreactivity (IgG, IgA, IgE titers) towards bovine milk caseins (BMC; by ELISA) and subfractions (by immunoblotting) in thirty-one pediatric patients (~3–15 y, 77% male) with mild-to-severe GIS and ASD-like behaviors. In total, 42%, 25%, and 23% of all participants exhibited no (IgG−/IgA−), mono (IgG+/IgA−), or dual (IgG+/IgA+) immunoreactivity to BMC, respectively; the trend was significantly associated with the severity of the GIS and ASD-like behaviors, regurgitations, and self-reported allergies (OR: 1 → (1.9–3.1) → 13.5–16.0)]. No IgE+ response to BMC was found. Dual responders were α > κ > β-casein, though nonspecific reactivity to other protein fractions was also observed. The IgA+ > IgG+ but not IgE+ response to BMC (mainly α-casein) seems to be related to the severity of GIS and ASD-like behaviors, although a larger number of ASD patients are needed to draw a causal association.

Abstract Background Thromboinflammation involving platelet adhesion to endothelial surface-associated von Willebrand factor (VWF) has been implicated in the accelerated progression of non-culprit plaques after MI. The aim of this study was to use arterial endothelial molecular imaging to mechanistically evaluate endothelial-associated VWF as a therapeutic target for reducing remote plaque activation after myocardial infarction (MI). Methods Hyperlipidemic mice deficient for the low-density lipoprotein receptor and Apobec-1 underwent closed-chest MI and were treated chronically with either: (i) recombinant ADAMTS13 which is responsible for proteolytic removal of VWF from the endothelial surface, (ii) N-acetylcysteine (NAC) which removes VWF by disulfide bond reduction, (iii) function-blocking anti-factor XI (FXI) antibody, or (iv) no therapy. Non-ischemic controls were also studied. At day 3 and 21, ultrasound molecular imaging was performed with probes targeted to endothelial-associated VWF A1-domain, platelet GPIbα, P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) at lesion-prone sites of the aorta. Histology was performed at day 21. Results Aortic signal for P-selectin, VCAM-1, VWF, and platelet-GPIbα were all increased several-fold (p 50% (p

This study aims to explore the potential of combined CSP and PV systems in high latitude areas. Several performance metrics are evaluated and compared with standalone CSP or PV plants to identify the benefits and challenges of deploying such hybrid plants. Six different sites have been selected and the ASDELSOL hybrid power plant simulation tool, developed by the Thermodynamics and Renewable Energies Group at the University of Seville, has been used. This simulation tool allows performing dynamic performance simulations of hybrid solar plants under various operation strategies, along with conducting economic evaluations. We have analyzed a hybrid solar plant composed of 50 MW PTC and 75 MW PV, with 10 hours of TES and a 15 MW electric heater to transfer excess PV energy to the TES tanks in a 50 MW base load operation strategy, where the main objective of the PV plant is to cover the self-consumption of the PTC plant. Results obtained show that PV/PTC hybridization reduces LCOE and increases CF compared to standalone PV or PTC plants. These improvements are more pronounced in regions where the contribution of PTC plants is lower. In high latitude regions, an N-S orientation of PTC fields achieves higher production than an E-W orientation. However, a combination of both orientations can optimize their production and performance. Finally, it is concluded that it is necessary to carry out feasibility studies in high latitude locations before dismissing them outright, as it has been observed that, in certain regions, hybrid PV/PTC solar plants can offer an effective alternative.

Hemophilia A is an X-linked disorder characterized by quantitative deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) caused by pathogenic variants in the factor 8 (F8) gene. Our study’s primary objective was to identify genetic variants within the exonic region of F8 in 50 Colombian male participants with severe hemophilia A (HA). Whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were performed, and bivariate analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between identified variants, disease severity, and inhibitor risk formation. Out of the 50 participants, 21 were found to have 17 different pathogenic F8 variants (var). It was found that 70% (var = 12) of them were premature truncation variants (nonsense, frameshift), 17.6% (var = 3) were missense mutations, and 11.7% (var = 2) were splice-site variants. Interestingly, 35% (var = 6) of the identified variants have not been previously reported in the literature. All patients with a history of positive inhibitors (n = 4) were found to have high-impact genetic variants (nonsense and frameshift). When investigating the relationship between variant location (heavy versus light chain) and specific inhibitor risk, 75% (n = 3) of the inhibitor participants were found to have variants located in the F8 light chain (p = 0.075), suggesting that conserved domains are associated with higher inhibitor risk. In summary, we identified genetic variants within the F8 that can possibly influence inhibitor development in Colombian patients with severe HA. Our results provide a basis for future studies and the development of further personalized treatment strategies in this population.

Taking the work conducted by the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) software-defined radio (SDR) working group during the last decade as a seed, this contribution summarizes, for the first time, the history of GNSS SDR development. This report highlights selected SDR implementations and achievements that are available to the public or that influenced the general development of SDR. Aspects related to the standardization process of intermediate-frequency sample data and metadata are discussed, and an update of the Institute of Navigation SDR Standard is proposed. This work focuses on GNSS SDR implementations in general-purpose processors and leaves aside developments conducted on field programmable gate array and application-specific integrated circuit platforms. Data collection systems (i.e., front-ends) have always been of paramount importance for GNSS SDRs and are thus partly covered in this work. This report represents the knowledge of the authors but is not meant as a complete description of SDR history.

Moringa oleifera is a plant valued for its properties and applications in Ethnomedicine. It is cultivated in India, tropical Africa, and America; some regions use their different tissues as food supplements. Although germination can increase seedlings' phytochemical content, few studies have described the phytochemical content of moringa seedlings during early growth. This study aimed to investigate and discuss the limited information dealing with moringa seed germination, sprout production, and seedlings' chemical composition. This bibliographical research was systematically and thoroughly conducted using some of the most internationally-recognized databases. M. oleifera plants are characterized by their ability to grow under adverse environmental conditions. Although they generally germinate at rates greater than 70%, this response depends on the altitude, light periods, temperature, and nutrient availability. Pre-germination treatments have also been reported to help improve germination yields; the most common is soaking exposure. The production of M. oleifera sprouts is a viable option for obtaining functional food as this process can increase the content of nutrients (e.g. lipids, proteins) and phytochemicals (glucosinolates and phenolic compounds). Also, sprouts can be used as additives to enrich conventional foods. It is concluded that there is little scientific information describing the germination process and the chemical composition of both moringa seeds and moringa sprouts. Therefore, it is a niche opportunity to build new research that helps fill the informational gaps mentioned above. Meanwhile, it is envisioned that biotic or abiotic agents might modulate the germination process and their chemical compounds.

Abstract Purpose Methylene blue (MB) has been tested as a rescue therapy for patients with refractory septic shock. However, there is a lack of evidence on MB as an adjuvant therapy, its’ optimal timing, dosing and safety profile. We aimed to assess whether early adjunctive MB can reduce time to vasopressor discontinuation in patients with septic shock. Methods In this single-center randomized controlled trial, we assigned patients with septic shock according to Sepsis-3 criteria to MB or placebo. Primary outcome was time to vasopressor discontinuation at 28 days. Secondary outcomes included vasopressor-free days at 28 days, days on mechanical ventilator, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and mortality at 28 days. Results Among 91 randomized patients, forty-five were assigned to MB and 46 to placebo. The MB group had a shorter time to vasopressor discontinuation (69 h [IQR 59–83] vs 94 h [IQR 74–141]; p

A sulfated polysaccharide from Navicula incerta (SPNi) was extracted, and its physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, and anti-hemolytic property were investigated. The polysaccharide yield was 4.8% (SPNi weight/biomass dry weight). Glucose, galactose, mannose, and xylose were the primary sugars. The sulfate content and Mw values were 0.46% and 45 kDa, respectively. The FT-IR spectrum showed characteristic bands at 3276,1079,1255, and 820 cm−1, related to -OH, C-O-C, S=O, and C-O-S stretching vibration. The 1H-NMR analysis revealed signals of anomeric protons, indicating the presence of CH2-O and CH-O groups. SPNi registered ferric-reducing antioxidant power (up to 1.47 µmol TE/g) and 54% anti-radical activity on ABTS+. This polysaccharide registered 90% hemolysis inhibition achieving integrity of the erythrocyte membrane. The results indicate that SPNi could be a candidate for biotechnology applications where antioxidant activity and hemolysis inhibition are required.

Eight Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme accessions from Mexico were evaluated for total phenolics (TP) and flavonoids (TF), phenolic profiles (UPLC-DAD-MS), antioxidant capacity (AC) (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP), and expression of transcription factors (MYB12 and MYB14) and target genes (PAL, CHS and CHI) by RT-qPCR. The AC (mmol TE/kg fw; TE, Trolox Equivalents) by ABTS (5.27–11.81), DPPH (1.43–3.67), and FRAP (4.41–9.22) correlated with TP (0.53–1.20 g GAE/kg fw; GAE, Gallic Acid Equivalents), TF (1.03–2.10 g QE/kg; QE, Quercetin Equivalents), and the levels of chlorogenic and dicaffeoylquinic acids and rutin. The expression of MYB12 and MYB14 correlated with that of PAL and CHS, while CHI was only associated with MYB12. The accessions Tumbisca and Kilim showed the highest gene expression, phenolics content, and AC, suggesting they can be used in breeding programs to produce tomatoes with better AC.

Abstract The standardization of clinical studies using extracellular vesicles (EVs) has mainly focused on the procedures employed for their isolation and characterization; however, preanalytical aspects of sample collection, handling and storage also significantly impact the reproducibility of results. We conducted an online survey based on SPREC (Standard PREanalytical Code) among members of GEIVEX (Grupo Español de Investigación en Vesiculas Extracelulares) to explore how different laboratories handled fluid biospecimens destined for EV analyses. We received 70 surveys from forty‐three different laboratories: 44% focused on plasma, 9% on serum and 16% on urine. The survey indicated that variability in preanalytical approaches reaches 94%. Moreover, in some cases, researchers had no access to all relevant preanalytical details of samples, with some sample aspects with potential impact on EV isolation/characterisation not coded within the current version of SPREC. Our study highlights the importance of working with common standard operating procedures (SOP) to control preanalytical conditions. The application of SPREC represents a suitable approach to codify and register preanalytical conditions. Integrating SPREC into the SOPs of laboratories/biobanks will provide a valuable source of information and constitute an advance for EV research by improving reproducibility and credibility.

Abstract Background Awake prone positioning (APP) improves oxygenation in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients and, when successful, may decrease the risk of intubation. However, factors associated with APP success remain unknown. In this secondary analysis, we aimed to assess whether APP can reduce intubation rate in patients with COVID-19 and to focus on the factors associated with success. Methods In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, conducted in three high-acuity units, we randomly assigned patients with COVID-19-induced acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) requiring high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen to APP or standard care. Primary outcome was intubation rate at 28 days. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the predictors associated to treatment success (survival without intubation). Results Among 430 patients randomized, 216 were assigned to APP and 214 to standard care. The APP group had a lower intubation rate (30% vs 43%, relative risk [RR] 0.70; CI95 0.54–0.90, P = 0.006) and shorter hospital length of stay (11 interquartile range [IQR, 9–14] vs 13 [IQR, 10–17] days, P = 0.001). A respiratory rate ≤ 25 bpm at enrollment, an increase in ROX index > 1.25 after first APP session, APP duration > 8 h/day, and a decrease in lung ultrasound score ≥ 2 within the first 3 days were significantly associated with treatment success for APP. Conclusion In patients with COVID-19-induced AHRF treated by HFNC, APP reduced intubation rate and improved treatment success. A longer APP duration is associated with APP success, while the increase in ROX index and decrease in lung ultrasound score after APP can also help identify patients most likely to benefit. Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov at July 20, 2021. Identification number NCT04477655. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04477655?term=PRO-CARF&draw=2&rank=1

This paper provides an analysis of the impact of transmitter dynamics on baseband algorithms for position, navigation and timing applications using a low Earth orbit constellation. In particular, the acquisition and tracking of signals with high dynamics have larger Doppler and Doppler drift values that might impair the use of standard methods. Our analysis combines a theoretical assessment of acquisition and tracking thresholds with a performance evaluation by means of a simulation. Three frequency bands are tested (UHF, S and Ka) and an open-source software receiver has been adapted for such a purpose. The results obtained show the potential feasibility of LEO-PNT at baseband level under minimal considerations.

From the analysis of chirp spread spectrum (CSS) signals in radar and communication applications, we can distinguish the cases of estimating only data or time-delay propagation or Doppler frequency when all the other parameters are known or set to zero. The case of estimating all three parameters at the same time has not been treated in the literature of radar or communications. We consider in this paper the use of a CSS signal for a LEO-PNT signal, which perfectly fits with the case of estimating the three parameters mentioned above. Specifically, the main goal of this paper is to explain the design of a CSS signal for PNT. This will include the design of the ranging component and the data component. The performance evaluation of both components will also be analyzed and linked. It is important to note that the focus of this paper will be the data component, and we link it with the pilot component through sensitivity performance. The results given in this paper show the capabilities of CSS for PNT. Previous works have shown accuracies on the level of meters with achievable data rates shown in this paper in the order of tens of kbps.

This paper presents a comparative benchmarking of different beamforming techniques for robust multipath and spoofing mitigation in handheld receivers equipped with a small number of antenna elements. In the field of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs), multipath and spoofing have become major sources of signal degradation, whereby the presence of closely spaced replicas of the signal of interest hampers the receiver’s performance. Spatial filtering through the use of antenna arrays is one appealing approach to combat these effects. However, the upward trend in device miniaturization poses a serious concern for spatial filtering in handheld devices such as tablets or smartphones, particularly for the case of decimeter-wave signals such as in GNSSs. The terminal size constraints lead to deploying arrays with very few antennas, thus degrading the mitigation performance of the above impairments. This work explores the feasibility of performing robust multipath and spoofing mitigation in GNSS receivers with antenna arrays of very small sizes. Simulation results on four-antenna rectangular and two-antenna linear array distributions are provided, showing that the reduction in array size can be counteracted by the use of advanced beamformers.

To enhance the robustness of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) against malicious attacks (e.g., spoofing), the European Galileo is working on new services, like Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA), which provides authentication on the navigation bits, or Commercial Authentication Service (CAS), which aims to encrypt the spreading code chips. An assisted mode of the latter, named Assisted Commercial Authentication Service (ACAS), is currently under definition by the Galileo program. It uses the Timed Efficient Stream Loss-tolerant Authentication (TESLA) keys provided by OSNMA on the E1-B signal to re-encrypt some fragments of the encrypted E6-C signal, known as Re-Encrypted Code Sequences (RECSs), that are made available in the GNSS Service Centre (GSC). Once downloaded by a compatible receiver, they can be decrypted using the corresponding key and used to perform the correlation with the broadcasted E6-C signal. If that results in a correlation peak, the signal can be authenticated under certain circumstances. However, the probability of detecting this peak depends on the length of these fragments and their periodicity, since they are only provided for certain predefined instants. Indeed, if the receiver relies solely on E6-C signal and has no accurate time reference, this probability is severely degraded. This is why the nominal operating mode proposed for ACAS is to use the estimates provided by E1-B to reduce the uncertainty on the E6-C signal, so that the receiver can know precisely where these fragments are located. In the context of the PAULA project, we have developed a low-cost hardware platform based on bladeRF that allows acquiring both E1-B and E6-C samples synchronously. In this paper, we describe how to set up this platform and we characterise the alignment between the E1-B and E6-C estimates (code phase and Doppler frequency) using the real datasets obtained with such a platform, which is of key importance for the ACAS nominal mode. The results confirm the convenience of using the estimates from the E1-B signal for ACAS.

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Tumors that express hormone receptors account for 75% of all cases. Understanding alternative signaling cascades is important for finding new therapeutic targets for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients. JAK-STAT signaling is commonly activated in hormone receptor-positive breast tumors, inducing inflammation, proliferation, migration, and treatment resistance in cancer cells. In hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, the JAK-STAT cascade is stimulated by hormones and cytokines, such as prolactin and IL-6. In normal cells, JAK-STAT is inhibited by the action of the adaptor protein, LNK. However, the role of LNK in breast tumors is not fully understood. This review compiles published reports on the expression and activation of the JAK-STAT pathway by IL-6 and prolactin and potential inhibition of the cascade by LNK in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Additionally, it includes analyses of available datasets to determine the level of expression of LNK and various members of the JAK-STAT family for the purpose of establishing associations between expression and clinical outcomes. Together, experimental evidence and in silico studies provide a better understanding of the potential implications of the JAK-STAT-LNK loop in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer progression.

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome that interferes with treatment and reduces the quality of life and survival of patients. Currently, there is no effective treatment or biomarkers, and pathophysiology is not clear. Our group reported alterations on tryptophan metabolites in cachectic patients, so we aim to investigate the role of tryptophan using two cancer-associated cachexia syngeneic murine models, melanoma B16F10, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma that is KPC-based. Injected mice showed signs of cancer-associated cachexia as reduction in body weight and raised spleen weight, MCP1, and carbonilated proteins in plasma. CRP and Myostatin also increased in B16F10 mice. Skeletal muscle showed a decrease in quadriceps weight and cross-sectional area (especially in B16F10). Higher expression of atrophy genes, mainly Atrogin1, was also observed. Plasmatic tryptophan levels in B16F10 tumor-bearing mice decreased even at early steps of tumorigenesis. In KPC-injected mice, tryptophan fluctuated but were also reduced and in cachectic patients were significantly lower. Treatment with 1-methyl-tryptophan, an inhibitor of tryptophan degradation, in the murine models resulted in the restoration of plasmatic tryptophan levels and an improvement on splenomegaly and carbonilated proteins levels, while changes in plasmatic inflammatory markers were mild. After the treatment, CCR2 expression in monocytes diminished and lymphocytes, Tregs, and CD8+, were activated (seen by increased in CD127 and CD25 expression, respectively). These immune cell changes pointed to an improvement in systemic inflammation. While treatment with 1-MT did not show benefits in terms of muscle wasting and atrophy in our experimental setting, muscle functionality was not affected and central nuclei fibers appeared, being a feature of regeneration. Therefore, tryptophan metabolism pathway is a promising target for inflammation modulation in cancer-associated cachexia.

En esta contribución ensayaremos una reflexión, desde las coordenadas de los estudios sobre ciencia, tecnología y sociedad (CTS), sobre el impacto de la pandemia del coronavirus en España. Estudiaremos la evolución de la percepción social en España sobre la vacunación contra la COVID-19 a la luz de los avances científicos e industriales en el desarrollo de las vacunas, las decisiones y debates políticos que acompañaron a la gestión de la crisis sanitaria y la cobertura mediática del proceso por parte de los medios de comunicación. Para ello utilizaremos fundamentalmente los datos proporcionados por el Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS) complementados, puntualmente, con datos ofrecidos por otras encuestas nacionales e internacionales, así como una amplia selección de noticias aparecidas en medios de comunicación que contribuyeron a configurar el imaginario público sobre la pandemia durante los meses previos y posteriores al inicio de la vacunación en España, que comenzó en nuestro país a finales de diciembre de 2020. Aunque este estudio exploratorio se basa en datos de encuestas y de medios, no pretende ofrecer un análisis descriptivo detallado, sino que su alcance se limita a una reflexión que pueda contribuir a comprender mejor el significado de la pandemia para las cambiantes relaciones C-T-S.

Algunos contaminantes como las PM10, el NO2 o el O3 tienen influencia en la salud de las personas, tal y como apuntan numerosos estudios al relacionarse con la mortalidad tanto a corto como a largo plazo. Se estudió una muestra de 9 de las 52 provincias españolas. Se realizaron modelos lineales generalizados (GLM) con link Poisson en los periodos de la primera y segunda ola entre los valores medios diarios de las variables independientes (PM10, NO2 y O3 como contaminantes atmosféricos y variables meteorológicas (temperatura máxima diaria y humedad absoluta)) y la variable dependiente (tasa de mortalidad por COVID-19, TMC) durante la primera y segunda ola. Entre las variables independientes y la dependiente se establecieron los retardos estadísticamente significativos (lag). A partir de los estimadores obtenidos en los GLM se calcularon los riesgos relativos asociados, por aumentos de 10 μg/m3 para los contaminantes atmosféricos, 1 ºC para la temperatura máxima y 1 g/m3 para la humedad absoluta. Los resultados muestran que existe una mayor asociación del NO2 con la TMC que para el resto de los contaminantes atmosféricos. Las variables meteorológicas examinadas no han presentado una asociación robusta entre ambas olas, lo que indica un rol menor en relación a la TMC. En conclusión, la contaminación atmosférica por NO2 y PM10 presentan una asociación estadísticamente significativa con la TMC, aunque limitada y subordinada a otros factores como las medidas de salud pública adoptadas, la presencia de comorbilidades y la edad del paciente.

Abstract Background Internalising problems, such as depression and anxiety, are common and represent an important economical and societal burden. The effectiveness of parenting interventions in reducing the risk of internalising problems in children and adolescents has not yet been summarised. The aims of this review are to assess the effectiveness of parenting interventions in the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of internalising problems in children and adolescents and to determine which intervention components and which intervention aspects are most effective for reducing the risk of internalising problems in children and adolescents. Methods Electronic searches in OVID SP versions of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; EBSCO version of ERIC and ClinicalTrials.gov have been performed to identify randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised controlled trials of parenting interventions. At least two independent researchers will assess studies for inclusion and extract data from each paper. The risk of bias assessment will be conducted independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Statistical heterogeneity is anticipated given potential variation in participant characteristics, intervention type and mode of delivery, and outcome measures. Random effects models, assuming a common between-study variability, will be used to account for statistical heterogeneity. Results will be analysed using a network meta-analysis (NMA). If appropriate, we will also conduct a component-level NMA, where the ‘active ingredients’ of interventions are modelled using a network meta-regression approach. Discussion Preventing and reducing internalising problems could have major beneficial effects at the economic and societal level. Informing policy makers on the effectiveness of parenting interventions and on which intervention’s component is driving the effect is important for the development of treatment strategies. Systematic review registration International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42020172251

Introducción: La perforación duodenal es una complicación infrecuente de la colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscópica (CPRE). Debido a la heterogeneidad de las perforaciones no existe consenso para su tratamiento. Caso clínico: Paciente con coledocolitiasis, que se somete a CPRE, identificando durante el procedimiento fuga del medio de contraste, posteriormente presentando enfisema subcutáneo masivo, tratado de forma exitosa con manejo conservador. Discusión: La perforación como complicación de procedimientos endoscópicos tienen una baja incidencia; entre los factores de riesgo asociados se encuentran el uso de precorte. Conclusiones: El enfisema subcutáneo se presenta de manera infrecuente en pacientes con perforación, el tratamiento conservador dependerá del tipo de lesión.

Due to its important environmental role, the analysis of trace metals in natural waters is attracting increasing attention; consequently, faster and more accurate analytical methods are now needed to reach even lower limits of detection. In this work, we propose the use of electro-membrane extraction (EME) to improve analytical methods based on hollow fiber liquid phase micro-extraction (HFLPME). Specifically, an EME-based method for the determination of trace Ni in seawater has been developed, using an HFLPME system with di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (DEHPA) in kerosene as a chemical carrier, followed by instrumental determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Under optimum conditions, Ni was pre-concentrated 180 ± 17 times after 15 min, using sample pH = 5.5, the concentration of DEHPA 0.9 M in the liquid membranes, and 1.9 M HNO3 in the acceptor solution, as well as an electric potential of 25 V with the sample being stirred at 500 rpm. When compared with other HFLPME systems for pre-concentration of trace Ni in seawater in the absence of electric potential, the enrichment factor was improved 2.2 times, while the time of extraction was reduced an 89%. The limit of detection of the new method was 23.3 ng L−1, and both its applicability and accuracy were successfully evaluated by analyzing Ni concentration in a seawater-certified reference material (BCR-403), showing the reliability of EME for sample preparation in the determination of trace metals in marine water samples.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a poor prognosis and the absence of targeted therapy. c-Kit, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), is considered a molecular target for anticancer drugs. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) recognizing c-Kit are used for the treatment of c-Kit-expressing tumors. However, the expression, function, and therapeutic potential of c-Kit have been little explored in TNBC. Here, we studied the expression and effects of c-Kit in TNBC through in vitro and in silico analysis, and evaluated the response to TKIs targeting c-Kit. Analysis of TNBC cells showed the expression of functional c-Kit at the cell membrane. The stimulation of c-Kit with its ligand induced the activation of STAT3, Akt, and ERK1/2, increasing cell migration, but had no effect on cell proliferation or response to Doxorubicin. Analysis of public datasets showed that the expression of c-Kit in tumors was not associated with patient survival. Finally, TNBC cells were susceptible to TKIs, in particular the effect of Nilotinib was stronger than Doxorubicin in all cell lines. In conclusion, TNBC cells express functional c-Kit, which is a targetable molecule, and show a strong response to Nilotinib that may be considered a candidate drug for the treatment of TNBC.

Background Platelet–endothelial interactions are thought to contribute to early atherogenesis. These interactions are potentiated by oxidative stress. We used in vivo molecular imaging to test the hypothesis that platelet–endothelial interactions occur at early stages of plaque development in obese, insulin‐resistant nonhuman primates, and are suppressed by NADPH‐oxidase‐2 inhibition. Methods and Results Six adult rhesus macaques fed a Western‐style diet for a median of 4.0 years were studied at baseline and after 8 weeks of therapy with the NADPH‐oxidase‐2‐inhibitor apocynin (50 mg/kg per day). Six lean control animals were also studied. Measurements included intravenous glucose tolerance test, body composition by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, carotid intimal medial thickness, carotid artery contrast ultrasound molecular imaging for platelet GPIbα (glycoprotein‐ Ibα) and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, and blood oxidative markers on mass spectrometry. Compared with lean controls, animals on a Western‐style diet were obese (median body mass: 16.0 versus 8.7 kg, P=0.003; median truncal fat: 49% versus 20%, P=0.002), were insulin resistant (4‐fold higher insulin–glucose area under the curve on intravenous glucose tolerance test, P=0.002), had 40% larger carotid intimal medial thickness (P=0.004), and exhibited oxidative signatures on proteomics. In obese but not lean animals, signal enhancement on molecular imaging was significantly elevated for GPIbα and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1. The signal correlated modestly with intimal medial thickness but not with the degree of insulin resistance. Apocynin significantly (P80% and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 signal by 75%, but did not affect intimal medial thickness, body mass, or intravenous glucose tolerance test results. Conclusion In nonhuman primates, diet‐induced obesity and insulin resistance leads to platelet–endothelial adhesion at early atherosclerotic lesion sites, which is associated with the expression of pro‐inflammatory adhesion molecules. These responses appear to be mediated, in part, through oxidative pathways.

The objectives of this study were to establish the frequency of violent behaviors present in primary education (PE), to determine differences based on students' grade and gender, and to assess the evolution of behaviors between the fourth and sixth grades of PE. The research design was a cohort longitudinal ex post facto study with three measures. Data was collected at three different moments across fourth, fifth, and sixth grades of PE. The sample was composed of all the students of three public centers located in three localities of Autonomous Community of Navarra (Northern Spain). The centers had to present similar characteristics to each other and to the population of Navarra. The first three centers contacted agreed to participate. The sample was composed of 236 students (110 girls) in PE. Students completed the instrument School Violence Questionnaire-Revised. A descriptive analysis, a bivariate analysis, and a logistic regression model were performed. A gradual increase in the perception of different violent behaviors with differences between boys and girls was found. In fourth grade, there was hardly any perception of information and communication technology-related violence; it then increased until sixth grade. Boys perceived more violence from teachers toward students and among peers. Girls perceived more violent behavior between fourth and fifth grade. Preventive interventions targeting digital violence should be developed at this stage. Considering the differences found according to gender and age, it is highlighted the need to train the educative community in different areas, such as emotional competencies, school coexistence, and the detection and prevention of violent behavior.

Abstract Objectives To apply a systems pathology-based approach to the quantification of nuclear Active β-catenin and human leukocyte antigen class I, and assess the biomarker involvement in a cohort of prostate tumor patients. Results The systems pathology approach applied allows a precise quantification of the marker expression in the different cell compartments as well as the determination of the areas that coexpress two markers. Our data shows that the accumulation of β-catenin in the nuclear compartment is significantly decreased in the adjacent normal areas when compared to tumor of the same patients (p

Fresh products demand natural preservatives without solvent traces. Calcium-based extraction of bioactive compounds from eggplant peels (EP), could be used as an alternative solvent-free natural antimicrobial food preservative agent. In this study, we extracted bioactive compounds from EP using different calcium salts (CaSO4, CaCO3, and CaCl2) and evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, and bactericidal activity against Salmonella Typhimurium. The EP extracts obtained using 1% CaCO3 exhibited the highest total phenolic content and pronounced antioxidant activity. All EP extracts decreased Salmonella concentration after 10 and 12 h. In infected-lettuce leaves, the 1% CaCO3 EP extract inhibited bacterial growth at similar levels as a commercial disinfectant. The main compound identified in this EP extract was the chlorogenic acid. The extracts from EP obtained using calcium salts, represent a natural novel alternative preservative agent for the food industry, with antioxidant properties and potentially positive effects on human health.

ObjectiveTest anxiety (TA) is a construct that has scarcely been studied based on Lang’s three-dimensional model of anxiety. The objective of this article is to investigate the repercussion of sociodemographic and academic variables on different responses for each component of anxiety and for the type of test in adolescent students.MethodA total of 1181 students from 12 to 18 years old (M = 14.7 and SD = 1.8) participated, of whom 569 were boys (48.2%) and 612 girls (51.8%). A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Cuestionario de Ansiedad ante los examenes-Adaptado (CAEX-A) [Test Anxiety Questionnaire-Adapted] an adaptation for Spanish secondary school levels (ESO) and Bachillerato were administered.ResultsGirls scored higher on the cognitive and physiological components of TA than boys, the intensity of the physiological response increasing with age. Bachillerato level students reported more physiological anxiety than those of ESO level. Students with better marks in the previous year presented more anxiety in the cognitive component, while those who obtained the lower mark presented higher anxiety values in the behavioral component. Participants reported that the types of tests that cause them more anxiety were oral tests in front of the class, oral presentation in front of a panel, and mathematics tests.ConclusionAdolescents show a differential response of TA based on the physiological, cognitive and motor components, mediated by the variables of gender, age, grade, academic performance and type of exam. These results serve to design specific intervention programs to manage anxiety in situations of academic assessment.

This paper presents the new cable delay measurement system (CDMS) designed at Yebes Observatory (IGN, Spain), which is required for the VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) stations. This system measures the phase difference between the 5 MHz reference signal from the hydrogen maser and the 5 MHz signal that reaches the broadband receiver through a coaxial cable, for the generation of calibration tones. As a result, the system detects the changes in the length of that coaxial cable due to temperature variations along the cable run and flexures caused by VGOS radio telescope movements. This CDMS outperforms the previous versions: firstly, it does not require a frequency counter for phase/delay measurements; secondly, it largely reduces the use of digital circuits; hence, reducing digital noise; and thirdly, it has a remotely controlled automatic calibration subsystem. The system was tested in the laboratory and in the radio telescope, and the measurements of both set-ups are shown. These measurements include the total noise, accuracy, hysteresis, and stability. The results in the radio telescope can be correlated with the different factors that affect the cable, such as temperature and flexures. The system allows to achieve an RMS noise of less than 0.5 ps, significantly improving the requirements established in VGOS. The system is currently installed in the Red Atlántica de Estaciones Geodinámicas y Espaciales (RAEGE)Yebes VGOS 13.2 m radio telescope, and will be installed in the Norwegian Mapping Authority (NMA) twin VGOS radio telescopes, in the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI) VGOS station and in the RAEGE Santa María VGOS radio telescope (Açores, Portugal).

Introduction: The increase in life expectancy determines an increase in the incidence of diseases with surgical indication. Advances in surgical techniques, intensive care and deeper understanding of the aging process tend to favor the reduction of perioperative morbidity and mortality among geriatric patients.Objective: To determine the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications among geriatric patients during elective major abdominal surgery.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional and observational study was carried out with 373 geriatric patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery from January 2017 to December 2019 at Dr. Miguel Enríquez Clinical-Surgical Hospital. The incidence of perioperative complications was recorded, relating them to the study variables.Results: The most frequent complications were the cardiovascular ones. Mortality was low.Conclusions: The perioperative complications identified among the geriatric patients studied are related with previous diseases, with the type and extent of surgery, and with the surgical time.

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting are an unwanted sequel during the anesthetic recovery stage.Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of dexamethasone compared with ondansetron for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecological surgical procedures, under general orotracheal anesthesia.Method: A prospective, analytical and observational study was carried out with 84 patients older than 19 years of age, at Miguel Enríquez Hospital Clinical-Surgical Hospital, from October 2018 to September 2019, divided sequentially, in order of arrival at the surgical unit, into two groups. The group 1 was administered dexamethasone (4 mg intravenously), and the group 2 was administered ondansetron (4 mg), 30 min before the end of the surgery.Results: The average risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting prevailed significantly among patients aged 41-50 years. Excellent and good conditions predominated (p>0.05) in terms of effectiveness of prophylactic treatment. Headache prevailed significantly in the group 2. Most of the patients did not present adverse events.Conclusions: Ondansetron and dexamethasone are useful for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis among patients who received major gynecological surgery, under general orotracheal anesthesia, a reason why it is considered a safe treatment, with mild adverse events and easy control.

BackgroundDepressive symptoms show different trajectories throughout childhood and adolescence that may have different consequences for adult outcomes.AimsTo examine trajectories of childhood depressive symptoms and their association with education and employment outcomes in early adulthood.MethodWe estimated latent trajectory classes from participants with repeated measures of self-reported depressive symptoms between 11 and 24 years of age and examined their association with two distal outcomes: university degree and those not in employment, education or training at age 24.ResultsOur main analyses (n = 9399) yielded five heterogenous trajectories of depressive symptoms. The largest group found (70.5% of participants) had a stable trajectory of low depressive symptoms (stable–low). The other four groups had symptom profiles that reached full-threshold levels at different developmental stages and for different durations. We identified the following groups: childhood–limited (5.1% of participants) with full-threshold symptoms at ages 11–13; childhood–persistent (3.5%) with full-threshold symptoms at ages 13–24; adolescent onset (9.4%) with full-threshold symptoms at ages 17–19; and early-adult onset (11.6%) with full-threshold symptoms at ages 22–24. Relative to the majority ‘stable–low’ group, the other four groups all exhibited higher risks of one or both adult outcomes.ConclusionsAccurate identification of depressive symptom trajectories requires data spanning the period from early adolescence to early adulthood. Consideration of changes in, as well as levels of, depressive symptoms could improve the targeting of preventative interventions in early-to-mid adolescence.

Abstract Vascularization remains an obstacle when engineering complex tissues for regeneration and disease modeling. Although progress has been made in recreating 3D vascular structures, challenges exist in generating a mature, functional endothelium. It is demonstrated that perfusing engineered microvessels with platelet‐rich plasma, a critical homeostatic component in vivo that is often overlooked in vitro, substantially transforms the endothelium, both maturing endothelial cells and improving functionality in 24 h. Platelets readily adhered to the exposed collagen‐I substrate through small gaps within engineered vessels without forming thrombi. The adherent platelets improve barrier function, enhance endothelial glycolysis, reduce thrombogenicity, and enrich smooth muscle cell growth surrounding the endothelium. These findings demonstrate that platelets are essential to the function of endothelium during vascular maturation and remodeling. This study sheds light on a potential strategy to engineer stable, implantable vascular networks.

Accurate and reliable positioning solution is an important requirement for many applications, for instance, emergency services and vehicular-related use cases. Positioning using cellular signals has emerged as a promising solution in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) challenging environments, such as deep urban canyons. However, harsh working conditions of urban scenarios, such as with dense multipath and Non-Line of Sight (NLoS), remain as one of the key factors causing the detriment of the positioning estimation accuracy. This paper demonstrates that the use of joint Uplink Time Difference of Arrival (UTDoA) and Angle of Arrival (AoA) gives a significant improvement in the position accuracy thanks to the use of antenna arrays. The new advances of this technology enable more accurate user locations by exploiting angular domains of propagation channel in combination with time measurements. Moreover, it is shown that a better localization is achieved by combining the joined UTDoA and AoA with a base-station selective exclusion method that is able to detect and eliminate measurements affected by NLoS. The proposed approach has been tested through simulations based on a deep urban deployment map, which comes with an experimental data file of the user’s position. A sounding reference signal of 5G new radio operating in the centimeter-wave band is used. The obtained results add value to the use of advance antennas in 5G positioning. In addition, they contribute towards the fulfillment of high-accuracy positioning requirements in challenging environments when using cellular networks.

Debido a que el nitrógeno tiene importancia ambiental, económica y sanitaria en la producción pecuaria, es necesario plantear estrategias para reducir su excreción y mejorar su utilización. El objetivo del presente estudio fue cuantificar el flujo de nitrógeno en una producción de gallinas ponedoras utilizando la metodología del flujo de materiales. Cincuenta gallinas ponedoras criadas siguiendo el criterio ético y de bienestar animal de la línea Hy-Line Brown se distribuyeron en dos grupos, cada uno de ellos recibió una dieta balanceada acorde con su edad y estado de producción. Se midió el nitrógeno ingerido, excretado y utilizado para la puesta de huevos, utilizando la metodología del flujo de materiales se balanceó y se proyectó a una etapa de producción de 80 semanas. Los resultados señalan que en la crianza de gallinas ponedoras Hy-Line Brown de la Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, el 65% del nitrógeno consumido se pierde en las excretas, 1% en aves muertas y plumas y el 34% es derivado a la producción de huevos.

This paper shows a simultaneous tri-band (S: 2.2–2.7 GHz, X: 7.5–9 GHz and Ka: 28–33 GHz) low-noise cryogenic receiver for geodetic Very Long Baseline Interferometry (geo-VLBI) which has been developed at Yebes Observatory laboratories in Spain. A special feature is that the whole receiver front-end is fully coolable down to cryogenic temperatures to minimize receiver noise. It was installed in the first radio telescope of the Red Atlántica de Estaciones Geodinámicas y Espaciales (RAEGE) project, which is located in Yebes Observatory, in the frame of the VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS). After this, the receiver was borrowed by the Norwegian Mapping Autorithy (NMA) for the commissioning of two VGOS radiotelescopes in Svalbard (Norway). A second identical receiver was built for the Ishioka VGOS station of the Geospatial Information Authority (GSI) of Japan, and a third one for the second RAEGE VGOS station, located in Santa María (Açores Archipelago, Portugal). The average receiver noise temperatures are 21, 23, and 25 Kelvin and the measured antenna efficiencies are 70%, 75%, and 60% in S-band, X-band, and Ka-band, respectively.

Physiological changes in elderly individuals (EI) can contribute to nutritional deterioration and comorbidities that reduce their quality of life. Factors such as diet can modulate some of these effects. The aim was to evaluate the functionality of foods added with Brosimum alicastrum Sw. seed flour in EI. EI (n = 23) living in nursing home conditions agreed to participate. A control stage was carried out (30 days) and subsequently, an intervention stage (30 days) was realized in which a muffin and a beverage, designed for EI, were added to the participants’ their usual diet. In both stages, anthropometric parameters, body composition, nutritional status, dietary intake, sarcopenic status, cognitive and affective states, biometric parameters, and total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antioxidant capacity in foods and plasma of EI were determined. The results showed that the consumption of the foods improved the energy intake and preserved the muscle reserves of the EI. The EI gained body weight (+1.1 kg), increased their protein (+18.6 g/day; 1.5 g/kg BW/day), dietary fiber (+13.4 g/day), iron (+4.4 mg/day), zinc (+1.8 mg/day), folic acid (+83.4 µg/day) consumption while reducing their cholesterol (−66 mg/day) and sodium (−319.5 mg/day) consumption. LDL-C lipoproteins reduced (14.8%) and urea (33.1%) and BUN (33.3%) increased. The TPC increased (7.8%) in the plasma, particularly in women (10.7%). The foods improve the EI nutritional status, and this has a cardiovascular protective effect that can benefit the health of the EI.

In this paper, we deal with the numerical approximation of some porous-thermoelastic problems. Since the inertial effects are assumed to be negligible, the resulting motion equations are quasistatic. Then, by using the finite element method and the implicit Euler scheme, a fully discrete approximation is introduced. We prove a discrete stability property and a main error estimates result, from which we conclude the linear convergence under appropriate regularity conditions on the continuous solution. Finally, several numerical simulations are shown to demonstrate the accuracy of the approximation, the behavior of the solution and the decay of the discrete energy.

Abstract Background Alcohol dependence is common and serious cause of social and physical harm. However, the optimal management of those with moderate and severe alcohol dependence in primary and community care after detoxification remains unclear. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for maintaining abstinence in people with alcohol dependence following detoxification. Methods We will systematically search electronic databases and clinical trial registries for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effectiveness of pharmacological and/or psychosocial interventions for maintaining abstinence in recently detoxified, alcohol-dependent adults. The searches will be complemented by checking references and citations from included studies and other relevant systematic reviews. No limitation on language, year, or publication status will be applied. RCTs will be selected using prespecified criteria. Descriptive information, study characteristics, and results of eligible RCTs will be extracted. A revised version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) will be used to assess the risk of bias in eligible RCTs. Results will be synthesized and analyzed using network meta-analysis (NMA). Overall strength of the evidence and publication bias will be evaluated. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis will also be performed. Discussion This network meta-analysis aims to appraise and summarize the total evidence of therapeutic interventions for alcohol-dependent patients that require support for detoxification and can be treated in the community. The evidence will determine which combination of interventions are most promising for current practice and further investigation. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42016049779

Abstract Background Multiple corticosteroids and treatment regimens have been used as adjuncts in the treatment of septic shock. Qualitative and quantitative differences exist at cellular and tissular levels between the different drugs and their patterns of delivery. The objective of this study was to elucidate any differences between the drugs and their treatment regimens regarding outcomes for corticosteroid use in adult patients with septic shock. Methods Network meta-analysis of the data used for the recently conducted Cochrane review was performed. Studies that included children and were designed to assess respiratory function in pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, as well as cross-over studies, were excluded. Network plots were created for each outcome, and all analyses were conducted using a frequentist approach assuming a random-effects model. Results Complete data from 22 studies and partial data from 1 study were included. Network meta-analysis provided no clear evidence that any intervention or treatment regimen is better than any other across the spectrum of outcomes. There was strong evidence of differential efficacy in only one area: shock reversal. Hydrocortisone boluses and infusions were more likely than methylprednisolone boluses and placebo to result in shock reversal. Conclusions There was no clear evidence that any one corticosteroid drug or treatment regimen is more likely to be effective in reducing mortality or reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding or superinfection in septic shock. Hydrocortisone delivered as a bolus or as an infusion was more likely than placebo and methylprednisolone to result in shock reversal.

Recovery of damaged ecosystems can vary in time and extent. Here, Moreno-Mateos and colleagues perform a meta-analysis to describe and quantify what they call recovery debt, an interim reduction in biodiversity, populations, and biogeochemical function of ecosystems during the recovery process.

The SW coast of the Iberian Peninsula experiences a lack of palaeoenvironmental and archaeological data. With the aim to fill this gap, we contribute with a new palynological and geochemical dataset obtained from a sediment core drilled in the continental shelf of the Algarve coast. Archaeological data have been correlated with our multi-proxy dataset to understand how human groups adapted to environmental changes during the Early-Mid Holocene, with special focus on the Mesolithic to Neolithic transition. Vegetation trends indicate warm conditions at the onset of the Holocene followed by increased moisture and forest development ca. 10–7 ka BP, after which woodlands are progressively replaced by heaths. Peaks of aridity were identified at 8.2 and 7. 5 ka BP. Compositional, textural, redox state, and weathering of source area geochemical proxies indicates abrupt palaeoceanographic modifications and gradual terrestrial changes at 8.2 ka BP, while the 7.5 ka BP event mirrors a decrease in land moisture availability. Mesolithic sites are mainly composed of seasonal camps with direct access to the coast for the exploitation of local resources. This pattern extends into the Early Neolithic, when these sites coexist with seasonal and permanent occupations located in inland areas near rivers. Changes in settlement patterns and dietary habits may be influenced by changes in coastal environments caused by the sea-level rise and the impact of the 8.2 and 7.5 ka BP climate events.

One key feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a dense desmoplastic reaction that has been recognized as playing important roles in metastasis and therapeutic resistance. We aim to study tumor–stromal interactions in an in vitro coculture model between human PDAC cells (Capan-1 or PL-45) and fibroblasts (LC5). Confocal immunofluorescence, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Western blotting were used to evaluate the expressions of activation markers; cytokines arrays were performed to identify secretome profiles associated with migratory and invasive properties of tumor cells; extracellular vesicle production was examined by ELISA and transmission electron microscopy. Coculture conditions increased FGF-7 secretion and α-SMA expression, characterized by fibroblast activation and decreased epithelial marker E-cadherin in tumor cells. Interestingly, tumor cells and fibroblasts migrate together, with tumor cells in forming a center surrounded by fibroblasts, maximizing the contact between cells. We show a different mechanism for tumor spread through a cooperative migration between tumor cells and activated fibroblasts. Furthermore, IL-6 levels change significantly in coculture conditions, and this could affect the invasive and migratory capacities of cells. Targeting the interaction between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment might represent a novel therapeutic approach to advanced PDAC.

Critical studies in higher education often embrace the ideas of the slowness movement to address time pressure. However, this desirable horizon presents some limitations. On the one hand, by emphasizing solutions at the individual level, boosting slowness may promote tactics incapable of producing changes to the underlying structural dynamics of time pressure. On the other hand, approaches based on slowness may also inadvertently foster a form of ethical paternalism within the context of ethical pluralism by prescribing substantive models of practice ultimately based on 'do this quickly or do it slowly.' This theoretical research moves away from the temporal paradigm to that of the way of relating. Building upon the ethical concept of resonance, the approach focuses on a formal critique of the current socioeconomic and ethical dynamics of social acceleration, growth, and innovation that can contribute to projecting non-alienated relationships in higher education.

One of the goals of the educational system is to promote the well-being of students due to its associated on their academic performance. This research aims to shed light on the main role of well-being variables (introduced by PISA 2018 for the first time, as far as our knowledge) in the mathematical competence throughout of the PISA 2018 evaluation with a sample of 35,943 Spanish students. Students ranged in age from 15 to 16 years old (SD = 0.288). Supervised learning techniques such as decision tree methodology, random forest, and a linear hierarchical model have been used throughout this study. The criterion variable was competency performance in mathematics, while the independent variables consisted of a total of 83 items extracted from the student well-being questionnaire. These predictors are grouped into five domains: physical, psychological, material, cognitive and social. We have proved that well-being plays an important role in mathematical understanding in PISA 2018. Specifically, social well-being is the most important variable in our study. To conclude, we observe that social well-being, contextualised in terms of the relationships that the students maintain with their teachers, peers and families, plays a detrimental role in mathematics achievement.

Popularity of hollow fiber-supported liquid membranes (HF-SLM) for liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) has increased in the last decades. In particular, HF-SLM are applied for sample treatment in the determination and speciation of metals. Up to the date, optimization of preconcentration systems has been focused on chemical conditions. However, criteria about fiber selection are not reflected in published works. HFs differ in pore size, porosity, wall thickness, etc., which can affect efficiency and/or selectivity of chemical systems in extraction of metals. In this work, Ag+ transport using tri-isobutylphosphine sulfide (TIBPS) has been used as a model to evaluate differences in metal transport due to the properties of three different fibers. Accurel PP 50/280 fibers, with a higher effective surface and smaller wall thickness, showed the highest efficiency for metal transport. Accurel PP Q3/2 exhibited intermediate efficiency but easier handling and, finally, Accurel PP S6/2 fibers, with a higher wall thickness, offered poorer efficiency but the highest stability and capability for metal speciation. Summarizing, selection of the polymeric support of HF-SLM is a key factor in their applicability of LPME for metals in natural waters.

We investigated the applicability of three task-specific ionic liquids (ILs) as heavy metal extracting agents by contrasting extraction capabilities with algal toxicity. The compounds tested were trihexyltetradecylphosphonium-, methyltrioctylphosphonium- and methyltrioctylammonium 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoates. Experiments were performed to assess if these ILs can provide environmentally safe residual concentrations of the target metals after extraction. Both pure water and natural mineral water samples were spiked with 20 µg L−1 of Cu, Ag, Cd, Hg and Pb, respectively. Quantitative extraction (> 99%) of Hg and Ag was achieved. Cu and Hg were below the respective no-observed-effect-concentrations (NOECs) after extraction and Ag below 0.03 µg L−1. Acute toxicity assays were conducted using two freshwater green algae Raphidocelis subcapitata and Tetradesmus obliquus. Growth inhibition and maximum photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II after 72 h were assessed. ILs were less toxic than similar compounds, but still must be classified as acute toxicants for algae. An inhibiting effect on both growth and chlorophyll fluorescence was observed. The leaching of the ILs into the samples remains a limitation regarding their environmental-friendly applicability. Nonetheless, the extremely efficient removal of Cu, Ag and Hg under environmentally relevant conditions calls for further research, which should focus on the immobilization of the ILs.

Passive safety systems of cars include parts on the structure that, in the event of an impact, can absorb a large amount of the kinetic energy by deforming and crushing in a design-controlled way. One such energy absorber part, located in the front structure of a Formula Student car, was measured under impact in a test bench. The test is modeled within the Finite Element (FE) framework including the weld characteristics and weld failure description. The continuous welding feature is almost always disregarded in parts included in impact test models. In this work, the FE model is fully defined to reproduce the observed results. The test is used for the qualitative and quantitative validation of the crushing model. On the one hand, the acceleration against time curve is reproduced, and on the other hand, the plying shapes and welding failure observed in the test are also correctly described. Finally, a model that includes additional elements of the car structure is also simulated to verify that the energy absorption system is adequate according to the safety regulations.

Four inflammatory diseases are strongly associated with Major Histocompatibility Complex class I (MHC-I) molecules: birdshot chorioretinopathy (HLA-A*29:02), ankylosing spondylitis (HLA-B*27), Behçet's disease (HLA-B*51), and psoriasis (HLA-C*06:02). The endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidases (ERAP) 1 and 2 are also risk factors for these diseases. Since both enzymes are involved in the final processing steps of MHC-I ligands it is reasonable to assume that MHC-I-bound peptides play a significant pathogenetic role. This review will mainly focus on recent studies concerning the effects of ERAP1 and ERAP2 polymorphism and expression on shaping the peptidome of disease-associated MHC-I molecules in live cells. These studies will be discussed in the context of the distinct mechanisms and substrate preferences of both enzymes, their different patterns of genetic association with various diseases, the role of polymorphisms determining changes in enzymatic activity or expression levels, and the distinct peptidomes of disease-associated MHC-I allotypes. ERAP1 and ERAP2 polymorphism and expression induce significant changes in multiple MHC-I-bound peptidomes. These changes are MHC allotype-specific and, without excluding a degree of functional inter-dependence between both enzymes, reflect largely separate roles in their processing of MHC-I ligands. The studies reviewed here provide a molecular basis for the distinct patterns of genetic association of ERAP1 and ERAP2 with disease and for the pathogenetic role of peptides. The allotype-dependent alterations induced on distinct peptidomes may explain that the joint association of both enzymes and unrelated MHC-I alleles influence different pathological outcomes.