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Abstract Background Recursive models are a category of structural equation models that propose a causal relationship between traits. These models are more parameterized than multiple trait models, and they require imposing restrictions on the parameter space to ensure statistical identification. Nevertheless, in certain situations, the likelihood of recursive models and multiple trait models are equivalent. Consequently, the estimates of variance components derived from the multiple trait mixed model can be converted into estimates under several recursive models through LDL′ or block-LDL′ transformations. Results The procedure was employed on a dataset comprising five traits (birth weight—BW, weight at 90 days—W90, weight at 210 days—W210, cold carcass weight—CCW and conformation—CON) from the Pirenaica beef cattle breed. These phenotypic records were unequally distributed among 149,029 individuals and had a high percentage of missing data. The pedigree used consisted of 343,753 individuals. A Bayesian approach involving a multiple-trait mixed model was applied using a Gibbs sampler. The variance components obtained at each iteration of the Gibbs sampler were subsequently used to estimate the variance components within three distinct recursive models. Conclusions The LDL′ or block-LDL′ transformations applied to the variance component estimates achieved from a multiple trait mixed model enabled inference across multiple sets of recursive models, with the sole prerequisite of being likelihood equivalent. Furthermore, the aforementioned transformations simplify the handling of missing data when conducting inference within the realm of recursive models.

Abstract Background Growth rate is an important component of feed conversion efficiency in cattle and varies across the different stages of the finishing period. The metabolic effect of the rumen microbiome is essential for cattle growth, and investigating the genomic and microbial factors that underlie this temporal variation can help maximize feed conversion efficiency at each growth stage. Results By analysing longitudinal body weights during the finishing period and genomic and metagenomic data from 359 beef cattle, our study demonstrates that the influence of the host genome on the functional rumen microbiome contributes to the temporal variation in average daily gain (ADG) in different months (ADG1, ADG2, ADG3, ADG4). Five hundred and thirty-three additive log-ratio transformed microbial genes (alr-MG) had non-zero genomic correlations (rg) with at least one ADG-trait (ranging from |0.21| to |0.42|). Only a few alr-MG correlated with more than one ADG-trait, which suggests that a differential host-microbiome determinism underlies ADG at different stages. These alr-MG were involved in ribosomal biosynthesis, energy processes, sulphur and aminoacid metabolism and transport, or lipopolysaccharide signalling, among others. We selected two alternative subsets of 32 alr-MG that had a non-uniform or a uniform rg sign with all the ADG-traits, regardless of the rg magnitude, and used them to develop a microbiome-driven breeding strategy based on alr-MG only, or combined with ADG-traits, which was aimed at shaping the rumen microbiome towards increased ADG at all finishing stages. Combining alr-MG information with ADG records increased prediction accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) by 11 to 22% relative to the direct breeding strategy (using ADG-traits only), whereas using microbiome information, only, achieved lower accuracies (from 7 to 41%). Predicted selection responses varied consistently with accuracies. Restricting alr-MG based on their rg sign (uniform subset) did not yield a gain in the predicted response compared to the non-uniform subset, which is explained by the absence of alr-MG showing non-zero rg at least with more than one of the ADG-traits. Conclusions Our work sheds light on the role of the microbial metabolism in the growth trajectory of beef cattle at the genomic level and provides insights into the potential benefits of using microbiome information in future genomic breeding programs to accurately estimate GEBV and increase ADG at each finishing stage in beef cattle.

Abstract Aims Abnormalities of mineral metabolism (MM) have been related to cardiovascular disorders. There are no reports on the prognostic role of MM after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aim to assess the prognostic role of MM after an ACS. Methods and results Plasma levels of components of MM [fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), calcidiol, parathormone, klotho, and phosphate], high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and N‐terminal‐pro‐brain natriuretic peptide were measured in 1190 patients at discharge from an ACS. The primary outcome was a combination of acute ischaemic events, heart failure (HF) and death. Secondary outcomes were the separate components of the primary outcome. Age was 61.7 ± 12.2 years, and 77.1% were men. Median follow‐up was 5.44 (3.03–7.46) years. Two hundred and ninety‐four patients developed the primary outcome. At multivariable analysis FGF23 (hazard ratio, HR 1.18 [1.08–1.29], P 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusions FGF23 and other components of MM are independent predictors of HF and death after an ACS. This effect is homogeneous across different subgroups of population, and it is not limited to patients with chronic kidney disease.

Abstract Background and Study Aims Our aim was to determine the impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients and Methods This prospective cohort study included individuals diagnosed with CRC between March 13, 2019 and June 20, 2021 across 21 Spanish hospitals. Two time periods were compared: prepandemic (from March 13, 2019 to March 13, 2020) and pandemic (from March 14, 2020 to June 20, 2021, lockdown period and 1 year after lockdown). Results We observed a 46.9% decrease in the number of CRC diagnoses (95% confidence interval (CI): 45.1%–48.7%) during the lockdown and 29.7% decrease (95% CI: 28.1%–31.4%) in the year after the lockdown. The proportion of patients diagnosed at stage I significantly decreased during the pandemic (21.7% vs. 19.0%; p = 0.025). Centers that applied universal preprocedure SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR testing experienced a higher reduction in the number of colonoscopies performed during the pandemic post‐lockdown (34.0% reduction; 95% CI: 33.6%–34.4% vs. 13.7; 95% CI: 13.4%–13.9%) and in the number of CRCs diagnosed (34.1% reduction; 95% CI: 31.4%–36.8% vs. 26.7%; 95% CI: 24.6%–28.8%). Curative treatment was received by 87.5% of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer prepandemic and 80.7% of patients during the pandemic post‐lockdown period (p = 0.002). Conclusions The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a decrease in the number of diagnosed CRC cases and in the proportion of stage I CRC. The reduction in the number of colonoscopies and CRC diagnoses was higher in centers that applied universal SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR screening before colonoscopy. In addition, the COVID‐19 pandemic has affected curative treatment of rectal cancers.

Here we report a case of septic arthritis associated with a genetically divergent Francisella philomiragia strain in a patient with chronic rheumatoid arthritis and Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) in Maldonado, Uruguay. In this study mass spectrometry together with whole-genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technology allowed for the correct identification of the etiologic agent.

Companies must provide economic, environmental and social added value based on innovation strategies, design and creative thinking in a globalised and competitive world characterised by rapid change and constantly evolving technologies. In this context, this paper analyses the role of design practice in companies in the agri-food sector (i.e. what is the design component present like; what are its relevance and importance?) An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted with 30 companies in southeast (SE) Spain's fruit/vegetable sector. The findings reveal that all the surveyed companies make financial investments in design and positively value this (7.6 out of 10), which indicates they recognise its strategic and operative importance. However, integration, training and design promotion in the agri-food sector remains somewhat limited. Most companies lack an in-house design department or design professionals as staff members and perform mainly design activities limited to the visual and communication tasks related to marketing initiatives. These results unveil opportunities for enhancing design incorporation and appreciation in the agri-food sector, which could boost its competitiveness and differentiation in the market. Finally, this study can be considered a starting point for future development in line with the horticultural sector's theory, practice, and design management policies.

Abstract Aims Residual congestion at the time of hospital discharge is an important readmission risk factor, and its detection with physical examination and usual diagnostic techniques have strong limitations in overweight and obese patients. New tools like bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) could help to determine when euvolaemia is reached. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of BIA in management of heart failure (HF) in overweight and obese patients. Methods and results Our study is a single‐centre, single‐blind, randomized controlled trial that included 48 overweight and obese patients admitted for acute HF. The study population was randomized into two arms: BIA‐guided group and standard care. Serum electrolytes, kidney function, and natriuretic peptides were followed up during their hospital stay and at 90 days after discharge. The primary endpoint was development of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) defined as an increase in serum creatinine by >0.5 mg/dL during hospitalization, and the main secondary endpoint was the reduction of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels during hospitalization and within 90 days after discharge. The BIA‐guided group showed a remarkable lower incidence of severe AKI, although no significant differences were found (41.4% vs. 16.7%; P = 0.057). The proportion of patients who achieved levels of NT‐proBNP

IntroductionThe presence of non-coronary atherosclerosis (NCA) in patients with coronary artery disease is associated with a poor prognosis. We have studied whether NCA is also a predictor of poorer outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Materials and methodsThis is an observational study involving 567 consecutive patients who underwent CABG. Variables and prognosis were analysed based on the presence or absence of NCA, defined as previous stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or peripheral artery disease (PAD) [lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), carotid disease, previous lower limb vascular surgery, or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)]. The primary outcome was a combination of TIA/stroke, acute myocardial infarction, new revascularization procedure, or death. The secondary outcome added the need for LEAD revascularization or AAA surgery.ResultsOne-hundred thirty-eight patients (24%) had NCA. Among them, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and older age were more frequently present. At multivariate analysis, NCA [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–2.69], age (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.67, p = 0.004), and diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.05–2.15, p = 0.025), were positively associated with the development of the primary outcome, while estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.93, p = 0.001) and use of left internal mammary artery (HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.15–0.82, p = 0.035), were inversely associated with this outcome. NCA was also an independent predictor of the secondary outcome. Mortality was also higher in NCA patients (27.5% vs. 9%, p

BACKGROUND: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) continues to compromise the overall success of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is the most important cause of morbidity and non-relapse mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for malignant disease. In adults, post-transplant cyclophosphamide (Cy-PT) has been shown to be a feasible, economically accessible, and effective strategy to reduce the incidence of GVHD in matched sibling hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in combination with a calcineurin inhibitor plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). AIM: Demonstrate the clinical benefit of Cy-PT plus a calcineurin inhibitor combined with MMF for GVHD prophylaxis in HLA-matched, related peripheral blood stem cell transplants in pediatric patients with malignant hematologic neoplasms compared to standard therapy in historical controls. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 22 pediatric patients with malignant hematologic neoplasms who underwent HLA-matched related peripheral blood allogenic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) between July 2012 and December 2022. A comparison was made between two groups, one with triple prophylaxis using Cy-PT, cyclosporine (CsA), and MMF, and a historical cohort that received standard GVHD prophylaxis based on CsA and methotrexate (MTX). Patients were identified from a hospital registry. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be reported, using SPSS version 25 for analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients received HLA-matched alloSCT from first-degree relatives genotypically identical in HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 alleles. The demographic characteristics of both groups are summarized in the table. No patient experienced primary graft failure, sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, or hemorrhagic cystitis. Acute GVHD grade II-IV did not develop in patients who received Cy-PT, whereas in the CsA/MTX prophylaxis group, 1 (9%) grade IV patient was observed who died due to this cause before day 100. Two patients (18%) developed Moderate/Severe GVHD in the CsA/MTX group, and 1 (9%) had moderate GVHD in the Cy-PT group. Two-year overall survival was similar between the two groups (Cy-PT 53% and CsA/MTX 67%), as was event-free survival (PTCy 48% vs. CsA/MTX 61%). CONCLUSION: Peripheral blood represents a feasible option in our setting due to rapid graft engraftment, short hospital stays, and low incidence of primary graft failure, but with a higher incidence of GVHD as reported in the literature. We explored the efficacy and safety of triple prophylaxis for HLA-matched alloSCTs from peripheral blood using Cy-PT + CsA + MMF in a small group of patients, with outcomes slightly better than standard prophylaxis. These preliminary results motivate us to continue with this new regimen.

The present paper presents the design of a teaching innovation project called "OCIGraf 2D". This project sought to introduce students to the basic principles of graphic representation (two-dimensional) based on a teaching proposal in which the symbiosis "cartographic plane - leisure pedagogy" is used as a teaching-learning tool. The objective is to motivate and reinvigorate highly reluctant students to acquire basic knowledge, mainly theoretical, regarding the subject of "Technical Drawing" (Graphic Expression area) through an innovative proposal inspiring active and participatory education with the public. Through this, it was sought to encourage curiosity based on practice and action-research (participation). Outcomes produced from the pilot study point to improved motivation in the participating student group regarding drawing out a 2D plan. This is evidenced by the fact that students reported learning to be practical for their daily life. Resumen En este trabajo se presenta el diseño de un proyecto de innovación docente, denominado con el acrónimo "OCIGraf 2D", que versa sobre la introducción del alumnado a los principios básicos de la representación gráfica (bidimensional), a partir de una propuesta docente en la que se utiliza como herramienta de enseñanza-aprendizaje la simbiosis "plano cartográfico - pedagogía del ocio". El objetivo es motivar y recuperar al discente más remiso a la adquisición de conocimientos básicos, principalmente teóricos, de la materia de "Dibujo Técnico" (área de Expresión Gráfica) mediante una propuesta innovadora que genere una educación ciudadana activa y participativa. De cara a fomentar la curiosidad, a partir de la práctica y la investigación-acción (participación). Los resultados obtenidos del estudio piloto apuntan a una mejora de la motivación del grupo de estudiantes en relación a la representación de un plano 2D, evidenciada en que el alumnado pone de manifiesto que lo aprendido les resulta práctico de cara a su día a día.

Gentiana lutea L. subsp. aurantiaca M. Lainz is a plant endemic to the north-western mountainous areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Its roots are widely used mainly because of the high content of bitter compounds. The occurrence of these valuable bitter compounds in the roots is rather inhomogeneous, resulting in fluctuating root quality. Methanolic extracts obtained from different parts and tissues of wild and cultivated gentian, in and out of its natural environment, were analysed using HPLC chromatography to investigate the variation in the concentration of amarogentin, gentiopicroside, sweroside and swertiamarin. The distribution patterns of these compounds in the different analysed fractions showed that the concentration of bitter compounds varies significantly. Amarogentin is much more highly concentrated in the secondary roots, and all of the analysed compounds were found in a significantly higher content in the root cortex than in the vascular tissues. Roots cultivated in the natural habitat showed much higher concentrations in amarogentin and more biomass, while in those cultivated out of the natural environment, sweroside concentration was higher. These results allow us to understand that, when cultivated, the variability in the concentration of the different bitter compounds is linked with the edaphoclimatic conditions, but more importantly that it is linked with the dominating kind of tissues and the root system structure, especially when analysing the content of amarogentin and sweroside. The selection of plants with an optimal root system structure for breeding may increase the yield in bitter compounds and contribute to developing the commercial cultivation of this protected plant.

Sr. Editor: El foramen oval permeable (FOP) se encuentra presente en aproximadamente 1 de cada 4 personas, y para la gran mayoría de ellas no tiene consecuencias clínicas1; en otras, en cambio, puede favorecer la aparición de ictus, migrañas o síndrome de descompresión o desaturación con el ortostatismo (conocido como síndrome de platipnea-ortodesoxia)2. Una presentación todavía más infrecuente del FOP que se puede desarrollar en la edad adulta es la desaturación provocada por el ejercicio, descrita en pocas revisiones bibliográficas y con un término no totalmente acuñado3,4. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 79 años con antecedentes de hipertensión y diabetes que es remitida a la unidad de rehabilitación cardiaca por disnea y pobre capacidad funcional. La paciente acudió con un estudio previo sin hallazgos significativos: ecocardiograma transtorácico, pruebas de función respiratoria, angiotomografía computarizada pulmonar y cateterismo coronario. En la exploración física destacaba una saturación de oxígeno del 98%. La analítica sanguínea era normal, con una fracción N-terminal del propéptido natriurético cerebral tipo B de 255 pg/ml. Cuando entró a la consulta refirió disnea de esfuerzo que apareció en el trayecto desde la sala de espera. Ante lo observado, se le colocó un pulsioxímetro y se salió a andar con ella....

To the Editor, The patent oval foramen (PFO) is present in nearly 1 out of every 4 people, and for the vast majority of them, it has no clinical implications.1 In others, however, it can trigger strokes, migraines or the orthostatic decompression or desaturation syndrome (known as platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome).2 An even rarer presentation of PFO that can occur in the adult age is exercise-induced desaturation, which has been described in very few literature reviews and with a term not fully coined.3,4 This is the case of a 79-year-old woman with a past medical history of hypertension and diabetes referred to the cardiac rehabilitation unit due to dyspnea and poor functional capacity. The patient had previously undergone various tests including transthoracic echocardiography, pulmonary function tests, computed tomography pulmonary angiography, and coronary catheterization, all of which showed no significant findings. The physical examination revealed oxygen saturation levels around 98%, blood test results were normal, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, 255 pg/mL. Atthe office, she complained of exertional dyspnea that had just appeared after walking from the waiting room to the office. Then, a pulse oximeter was placed on her, and she was told to go for a walk. Oxygen saturation progressively dropped down to...

In recent years, progress has been made towards incorporating the sociocultural perspective in the assessment of ecosystem services (ES) to identify the relevant services according to the different needs and perceptions of the populations consulted. New sociocultural assessment methods are being explored to respond to this emerging line of research, without a generally accepted alternative being found thus far. Aiming to contribute to this line of research, this article proposes a new methodological approach for the sociocultural assessment of ES. The new methodological approach is based on combining two different measurement procedures: a traditional Likert scale and the Kano model. The case of ES provided by forests will be considered for its development and application. With the application of the proposed methodology, the sensitivity and consistency of sociocultural assessments of ES would be improved, and the development of longitudinal analysis would be facilitated.

Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: La insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva aparece en cardiopatías congénitas (CC) tras agotar los tratamientos convencionales médico-quirúrgicos. En adecuados candidatos, el trasplante cardíaco mejora su calidad y cantidad de vida.Presentamos los resultados a corto-medio plazo de nuestros trasplantes cardíacos en CC durante los últimos 20 años, centrándonos en las modificaciones técnicas que requiere el trasplante. Material y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de 44 pacientes con CC trasplantados durante 2001-2021 en nuestro centro especializado en CC. Estudio estadístico: SPSS-15.0. Resultados: Edad mediana, 17,5 años (RIC: 3,2-40,6); 22 niños y 22 adultos. Tienen cirugías previas el 93% y asistencia ventricular previa el 25%. Diagnósticos iniciales más frecuentes: ventrículo único (45%) y trasposición de grandes vasos (20%).Trasplante bicavo 43 (98%), biatrial 1 (2%). Técnicas quirúrgicas adicionales requeridas con más frecuencia: retirada de material protésico (marcapasos-desfibriladores-asistencia ventricular-stents) y reconstrucción de ramas pulmonares. Mediana de tiempos de circulación extracorpórea 208 min (RIC: 160-245), e isquemia del órgano 271 min (RIC: 220-302).Mortalidad hospitalaria, 9 (20%). Las cirugías previas (p = 0,01), el ECMO (p = 0,007) y hemofiltro por fallo renal postoperatorios (p = 0,003) asocian mayor mortalidad hospitalaria.Seguimiento mediano 21 meses (RIC: 9-72), 4 fallecimientos tardíos. La supervivencia tras el alta hospitalaria es del 93% al año, 87% a los 3 años y 80% a partir de los 5 años. Conclusiones: El trasplante de pacientes con CC en nuestro entorno especializado tiene buenos resultados. Frecuentemente son reintervenciones que prolongan los tiempos quirúrgicos y requieren modificaciones técnicas.Las cirugías previas y la necesidad de ECMO o hemofiltro en el postoperatorio inmediato asocian significativamente una mayor mortalidad al trasplante de CC. La supervivencia tras el alta hospitalaria es favorable. Abstract: Introduction and objectives: Congestive heart failure develops in congenital heart disease (CHD) after failure of conventional medical-surgical treatments. In suitable candidates, heart transplantation improves their quality and quantity of life.We present our heart transplants in CHD performed in the last 20 years, focusing on technical modifications required, and transplant short-medium-term results. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of 44 patients with CHD transplanted during 2001-2021 in our specialized CHD hospital. Statistical study: SPSS-15.0. Results: Median age 17.5 years (IQR: 3.2-40.6), 22 children and 22 adults. Previous surgeries: 93% and mechanical circulatory support: 25%. Most frequent initial diagnoses: single ventricle-45%, and transposition of the great vessels-20%.Transplant was bicaval: 43 (98%), biatrial: 1 (2%). Additional surgical techniques needed more frequently: removal of prosthetic material (pacemakers-defibrillators-ventricular assist-stents) and reconstruction of pulmonary arteries. Median cardiopulmonary bypass time: 208 min (IQR: 160-245), and heart ischemia 271 min (IQR: 220-302).Inhospital mortality: 9 (20%). Previous surgeries (p = 0.01), postoperative ECMO (p = 0.007) and hemofiltration for acute renal failure (p = 0.003) are statistically associated with inhospital mortality.Median follow-up: 21 months (IQR: 9-72), 4 late deaths. Survival after hospital discharge is 93% at 1 year, 87% at 3 years, and 80% after 5 years. Conclusions: Transplantation of patients with CHD with our multidisciplinary approach in a specialized setting has good results. Reoperations that prolong surgical times and transplant with technical modifications are frequent.Previous surgeries, postoperative need of ECMO or hemofiltration are significantly associated with higher inhospital mortality in these patients. Survival after hospital discharge is favourable.

Using waste biomass is considered one of the ways to reduce climate change. Arboreal waste biomass from pine, eucalyptus, and particularly invasive plants (Acacias) would make it possible to transform this natural resource, but needs to be adjusted to current and innovative technologies. The production of high fixed carbon biochar with this biomass would improve not only environmental aspects, but also the use of currently not susceptible materials for other types of exploitation. The objective of this study is to develop biochar from three different waste biomass materials and compare their parameters with those of the original biomass. Thermochemical conversion processes were used in a simple double chamber reactor developed for this study. Temperatures between 400 and 500 °C during 280 min were achieved and allowed to transform the initial biomass in a biochar with a high content of fixed carbon. By comparing the original biomass with the final biochar through tests of humidity, density, calorific values, fixed carbon, and cationic and elemental analysis, an increase in the parameters was confirmed. Fixed carbon of 70%, 77%, and 71% with pine, acacia, and eucalyptus biomass have been obtained, respectively, with yields between 30% and 40%. The results are favorable, particularly with acacia invasive plants, and could help in their difficult silviculture management.

IntroductionThe low pregnancy rate by artificial insemination in sheep represents a fundamental challenge for breeding programs. In this species, oestrus synchronization is carried out by manipulating hormonal regimens through the insertion of progestogen intravaginal devices. This reproductive strategy may alter the vaginal microbiota affecting the artificial insemination outcome.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the vaginal microbiome of 94 vaginal swabs collected from 47 ewes with alternative treatments applied to the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (probiotic, maltodextrin, antibiotic and control), in two sample periods (before placing and after removing the devices). To our knowledge, this is the first study using nanopore-based metagenome sequencing for vaginal microbiome characterization in livestock.ResultsOur results revealed a significant lower abundance of the genera Oenococcus (Firmicutes) and Neisseria (Proteobacteria) in pregnant compared to non-pregnant ewes. We also detected a significant lower abundance of Campylobacter in the group of samples treated with the probiotic.DiscussionAlthough the use of probiotics represents a promising practice to improve insemination results, the election of the suitable species and concentration requires further investigation. In addition, the use of progestogen in the synchronization devices seemed to increase the alpha-diversity and decrease the abundance of harmful microorganisms belonging to Gammaproteobacteria and Fusobacteriia classes, suggesting a beneficial effect of their use.

Tras años de experiencia docente e identificar una carencia en la estética y diseño de los dossier y presentaciones elaboradas por el alumnado se plantea una propuesta de aprendizaje de los fundamentos básicos del diseño gráfico. Se ha retomado un proyecto piloto cuyo propósito es que se adquieran las competencias mínimas en cultura visual. El enfoque metodológico se ha basado en el trabajo cooperativo, considerando las TIC como herramienta esencial y siendo una WebQuest la pieza primordial del proyecto. Los resultados son muy prometedores, el estudiantado ha valorado la propuesta como satisfactoria y útil para su futura vida laboral.

Abstract Decompression sickness (DCS) is a clinical syndrome caused by the formation of systemic intravascular and extravascular gas bubbles. The presence of these bubbles in blood vessels is known as gas embolism. DCS has been described in humans and animals such as sea turtles and cetaceans. To delve deeper into DCS, experimental models in terrestrial mammals subjected to compression/decompression in a hyperbaric chamber have been used. Fish can suffer from gas bubble disease (GBD), characterized by the formation of intravascular and extravascular systemic gas bubbles, similarly to that observed in DCS. Given these similarities and the fact that fish develop this disease naturally in supersaturated water, they could be used as an alternative experimental model for the study of the pathophysiological aspect of gas bubbles. The objective of this study was to obtain a reproducible model for GBD in fish by an engineering system and a complete pathological study, validating this model for the study of the physiopathology of gas related lesions in DCS. A massive and severe GBD was achieved by exposing the fish for 18 h to TDG values of 108–109%, characterized by the presence of severe hemorrhages and the visualization of massive quantities of macroscopic and microscopic gas bubbles, systemically distributed, circulating through different large vessels of experimental fish. These pathological findings were the same as those described in small mammals for the study of explosive DCS by hyperbaric chamber, validating the translational usefulness of this first fish model to study the gas-bubbles lesions associated to DCS from a pathological standpoint.

Un problema al que se enfrenta la enseñanza de las ciencias experimentales es la falta de actitudes positivas del alumnado hacia esta disciplina y el creciente desinterés por la misma a medida, el cual avanza con el sistema educativo. Es importante destacar que la motivación y las emociones son elementos fundamentales para aprender ciencias; además, las emociones positivas favorecen el aprendizaje y el compromiso para aprender ciencias. Por ello, y con el fin de involucrar al alumnado en el proceso de enseñanza/aprendizaje y buscar que se responsabilice de su desarrollo y resultado, surge la autoevaluación como una respuesta innovadora. En este trabajo participaron 49 estudiantes de 4º Educación Primaria de un centro educativo del noroeste de España en el curso 2019/2020 con el fin de indagar las emociones que les generaban una serie de actividades prácticas (incluyendo preguntas abiertas y cerradas) dirigidas al estudio de diferentes animales vivos (caracoles y lombrices) antes y después de realizarlas, así como conocer la autoevaluación que hacían sobre su proceso de enseñanza/aprendizaje a lo largo de la realización de la propuesta de actividades. Los resultados respecto a la autoevaluación muestran que los participantes reconocieron lo aprendido en el transcurso de la actividad, haciendo referencia a las características de las lombrices y de los caracoles, pero ninguno indica que aprendió a investigar (aspecto que sí indican en pregunta cerrada). Finalmente, en cuanto a las emociones, los participantes desarrollaron emociones positivas hacia los animales (satisfacción, protección, felicidad…).

We studied two Eucalyptus globulus salvage clearcuts—after a wildfire and a Gonipterus attack—and a strong thinning on a dense Pinus pinaster stand which was regenerated 20 years after a wildfire and also affected by a Matsococcus pest. Biomass harvesting was performed using the feller-bundler Fixteri FX-15a, which was time-studied during several weeks using GNSS combined with an automatic weight/time registration system (WNexus-2®). Detailed in situ time studies were applied during shorter periods as well. The productivity equations found as main explanative factors for the salvage clearcuts the unit weight per tree and the felling reason (wildfire vs. pest); for the thinning, besides the unit weight, the percentage of extracted basal area explained the productivity. Biomass collection did not allow an economic positive balance: in the Gonipterus-affected plantation the cost was reduced to 125 €·ha−1, reaching a zero balance for unit weights greater than 33 kg (dry matter) per tree; the restoration cost in the pine stand was 265 €·ha−1, much lower than the cost without biomass harvesting. In the burned eucalypt, the zero cost would be achieved for a dry unit weight much greater than the observed values. Although Fixteri performance and utilization were remarkable, recommendations about possible improvements of its design and operation were concluded from the detailed time studies.

The cerambycid insect Xylotrechus arvicola is considered a pest that affects the wood of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera) in the major wine areas of the Iberian Peninsula. The larva of this insect perforates the grapevine wood, resulting in structural and biomechanical failure of the vine plants. Vine samples from wood damaged by Xylotrechus arvicola larvae were picked up from different vineyards and grape varieties. Compressive and flexural tests were performed in order to assess the mechanical behaviour of the wood samples. Total length of the cracks in wood samples (TLCWS) that appeared on the surface of the grapevine wood samples after the mechanical tests was measured. Compressive strength (CS) and flexural strength (FS) decreased with the increase of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of both branches and trunks, regardless of damage condition or water content. Moreover, the resistance was lower in damaged wood. In addition, this was verified through the linear regression coefficients of the interaction CS x CSA and FS x CSA. TLCWS in branches and trunks of damaged samples was greater that in undamaged samples. Also, TLCWS within the same damage condition and part of the plant was higher in dry samples than in fresh samples. The damaged wood would show a higher vulnerability to common mechanical stress suffered by the grapevines in the field including heavy winds, fruit overweight or harvesting machines shaking (when mechanically collected). Larvae of this insect altered the mechanical behaviour of the trunk and branches of grapevine wood. The mechanical strength of wood was more negatively affected when the CSA of the branches and trunks increased. Longer TLCWS was found in affected wood.of an emerging grape pest, Xylotrechus arvicola (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Objective. It has been reported that breastfeeding for 6 and 12 months reduced 20% and 27% of the risk of childhood leukemia, respectively. We present the results of a case–control study about breastfeeding and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL) risk in a Mexican pediatric population. Patients and methods. We conducted a case–control study, and a 20-question survey was applied to the patient’s parents. A patient was considered to have been nursed if they received at least 1 month of breastfeeding. For the control group, patients who attended our hospital’s Healthy Child Care Clinic were consecutively selected. Results. The absence of breastfeeding was associated with an odds ratios (OR) of 2.7 for the further development of B-cell ALL. For the subsequent presence of malignancy, the group with 0-1 month of lactation showed an OR of 3.1 compared to the group with more than 6 months of breastfeeding. Conclusions. In the present study, the absence of breastfeeding in our population was associated with an increased risk for the further development of B-cell ALL. Furthermore, it was found that a lower risk for later development of B-cell ALL in their offspring was associated with a lower maternal age.

Abstract Aim Due to improved therapy in childhood, many patients with congenital heart disease reach adulthood and are termed adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). ACHD often develop heart failure (HF) as a consequence of initial palliative surgery or complex anatomy and subsequently require advanced HF therapy. ACHD are usually excluded from trials evaluating heart failure therapies, and in this context, more data about heart failure trajectories in ACHD are needed to guide the management of ACHD suffering from HF. Methods and results The pAtients pResenTing with cOngenital heaRt dIseAse Register (ARTORIA‐R) will collect data from ACHD evaluated or listed for heart or heart‐combined organ transplantation from 16 countries in Europe and the Asia/Pacific region. We plan retrospective collection of data from 1989–2020 and will include patients prospectively. Additional organizations and hospitals in charge of transplantation of ACHD will be asked in the future to contribute data to the register. The primary outcome is the combined endpoint of delisting due to clinical worsening or death on the waiting list. The secondary outcome is delisting due to clinical improvement while on the waiting list. All‐cause mortality following transplantation will also be assessed. The data will be entered into an electronic database with access to the investigators participating in the register. All variables of the register reflect key components important for listing of the patients or assessing current HF treatment. Conclusion The ARTORIA‐R will provide robust information on current management and outcomes of adults with congenital heart disease suffering from advanced heart failure.

Summary Water‐soluble polymers (WSPs) are a versatile group of chemicals used across industries for different purposes such as thickening, stabilizing, adhesion and gelation. Synthetic polymers have tailored characteristics and are chemically homogeneous, whereas plant‐derived biopolymers vary more widely in their specifications and are chemically heterogeneous. Between both sources, microbial polysaccharides are an advantageous compromise. They combine naturalness with defined material properties, precisely controlled by optimizing strain selection, fermentation operational parameters and downstream processes. The relevance of such bio‐based and biodegradable materials is rising due to increasing environmental awareness of consumers and a tightening regulatory framework, causing both solid and water‐soluble synthetic polymers, also termed ‘microplastics’, to have come under scrutiny. Xanthan gum is the most important microbial polysaccharide in terms of production volume and diversity of applications, and available as different grades with specific properties. In this review, we will focus on the applicability of xanthan gum in agriculture (drift control, encapsulation and soil improvement), considering its potential to replace traditionally used synthetic WSPs. As a spray adjuvant, xanthan gum prevents the formation of driftable fine droplets and shows particular resistance to mechanical shear. Xanthan gum as a component in encapsulated formulations modifies release properties or provides additional protection to encapsulated agents. In geotechnical engineering, soil amended with xanthan gum has proven to increase water retention, reduce water evaporation, percolation and soil erosion – topics of high relevance in the agriculture of the 21st century. Finally, hands‐on formulation tips are provided to facilitate exploiting the full potential of xanthan gum in diverse agricultural applications and thus providing sustainable solutions.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on carrying out face-to-face consultations were implemented. Thus, the performance of “long-distance consultations” (telemedicine) through different virtual platforms was implemented. Aim: The aim of the study was to document the experience with the mobile messaging application “WhatsApp” on the continuation of follow-up on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors. Material and methods: A prospective, observational, and descriptive study of a telemedicine model using the WhatsApp application in the follow-up of pediatric ALL survivors at the Pediatric Hematology Department of the “Dr. José Eleuterio González” University Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out from March 2020 to March 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: those already under surveillance before the pandemic and those who began surveillance during the pandemic. Results: Seventy-three ALL survivors were included in the study, and follow-up was successfully carried out on 82.1% of patients. There were no relapses in the first group. However, three patients had a bone-marrow relapse in the second group. Conclusion: Follow-up of pediatric ALL survivors is essential for the suitable detection of relapses and long-term side effects of treatment. The use of the WhatsApp application aided us in the follow-up of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing was mandatory.

Objective: Human immune recognition of self and foreign is partially controlled by a set of genes in the human leukocyte antigen complex (HLA). HLA is the most polymorphic region in the human genome, and it is used to assure compatibility between donor and recipient for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. There are six “classical” HLA genes encoding highly polymorphic loci: HLA-A, B, and C (Class I major histocompatibility complex), and HLA DR, DQ, and DP (Class II). This study aims to quantify the frequency of HLA A, B, C, DRB1, and DQB1 alleles taken in a transplant center in the northeastern part of Mexico. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective data of HLA typing by polymerase chain reactions-SSP for class I and II HLA in our Institution were analyzed. Tests for HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, and DQB1 were performed in 1614 patients. The number of haplotypes found was 726. Results: The most common combinations were A*02, B*35, C*04, DRB1*08, and DQB1*04, which were observed 38 times (5.2%). Conclusion: The most frequent HLA alleles were HLA-A2 and HLA-DQ 03, respectively, with a frequency of 0.2961 and 0.2758.

Abstract Aims There are controversial data on the ability of the components of mineral metabolism (vitamin D, phosphate, parathormone [PTH], fibroblast growth factor‐23 [FGF23], and klotho) to predict cardiovascular events. In addition, it is unknown whether they add any prognostic value to other well‐known biomarkers. Methods and results In 969 stable coronary patients, we determined plasma levels of all the aforementioned components of mineral metabolism with a complete set of clinical and biochemical variables, including N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), high‐sensitivity troponin I (hs‐TnI), and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein. Secondary outcomes were ischaemic events (any acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or transient ischaemic attack) and heart failure or death. The primary outcome was a composite of the secondary outcomes. Median follow‐up was 5.39 years. Age was 60 (52–72) years. Median glomerular filtration rate was 80.4 (65.3–93.1) mL/min/1.73 m2. One‐hundred and eighty‐five patients developed the primary outcome. FGF23, PTH, hs‐TnI, and NT‐proBNP were directly related with the primary outcome on univariate Cox analysis, while Klotho and calcidiol were inversely related. On multivariate analysis, only PTH (HR 1.058 [CI 1.021–1.097]; P = 0.002) and NT‐proBNP (HR 1.020 [CI 1.012–1.028]; P 85.5 RU/mL) (P

Abstract Background RASopathies are a group of syndromes showing clinical overlap caused by mutations in genes affecting the RAS-MAPK pathway. Consequent disruption on cellular signaling leads and is driven by phosphoproteome remodeling. However, we still lack a comprehensive picture of the different key players and altered downstream effectors. Methods An in silico interactome of RASopathy proteins was generated using pathway enrichment analysis/STRING tool, including identification of main hub proteins. We also integrated phosphoproteomic and immunoblotting studies using previous published information on RASopathy proteins and their neighbors in the context of RASopathy syndromes. Data from Phosphosite database ( www.phosphosite.org ) was collected in order to obtain the potential phosphosites subjected to regulation in the 27 causative RASopathy proteins. We compiled a dataset of dysregulated phosphosites in RASopathies, searched for commonalities between syndromes in harmonized data, and analyzed the role of phosphorylation in the syndromes by the identification of key players between the causative RASopathy proteins and the associated interactome. Results In this study, we provide a curated data set of 27 causative RASopathy genes, identify up to 511 protein–protein associations using pathway enrichment analysis/STRING tool, and identify 12 nodes as main hub proteins. We found that a large group of proteins contain tyrosine residues and their biological processes include but are not limited to the nervous system. Harmonizing published RASopathy phosphoproteomic and immunoblotting studies we identified a total of 147 phosphosites with increased phosphorylation, whereas 47 have reduced phosphorylation. The PKB signaling pathway is the most represented among the dysregulated phosphoproteins within the RASopathy proteins and their neighbors, followed by phosphoproteins implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation and the MAPK pathway. Conclusions This work illustrates the complex network underlying the RASopathies and the potential of phosphoproteomics for dissecting the molecular mechanisms in these syndromes. A combined study of associated genes, their interactome and phosphorylation events in RASopathies, elucidates key players and mechanisms to direct future research, diagnosis and therapeutic windows.

Introduction: Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disease present in 1:100,000 newborns. Variants in the IDUA (alpha-L-iduronidase) gene decrease the enzyme activity for glycosaminoglycans metabolism. MPS I patients exhibit clinical manifestations that fall on the Hurler, Hurler–Scheie, and Scheie syndrome spectrum. Case presentation: We present a male Mexican patient with respiratory exacerbations requiring recurrent hospitalizations. He showed macrocephaly, coarse facies, hepatomegaly, umbilical hernia, and dorsal kyphosis. The sequencing of the IDUA gene revealed the following genotype: c.46_57del12/c.1205G>A. He received combined therapy with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and enzyme replacement. Mexican case reports were analyzed to estimate the prevalence of the associated genetic variants. Conclusion: Despite the challenges of managing this rare disease in Mexico, our patient benefited from the combined therapy. The discrete clinical manifestations and prompt evaluation by a geneticist were crucial in establishing a diagnosis, enabling an early intervention by a multidisciplinary team. The combination of ERT before and after HSCT provided health benefits to our patient.

En este trabajo se presenta una nueva propuesta docente para las clases de dibujo técnico (expresión gráfica), en la que se incorpora el “Proceso de Diseño” al aula. Se ha trabajado la metodología de forma experimental, a través de un seminario-taller con un grupo de estudiantes del Máster en Profesorado de Educación Secundaria (especialidad en “Dibujo, Imagen y Artes Plásticas”) de la Universidad de Almería (España). El objetivo es brindar al futuro profesorado perspectivas y herramientas alternativas que proyecten un mayor dinamismo a la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la materia. El seminario se desarrolló siguiendo un planteamiento de co-participación (docente-alumnado). Además, inicialmente se reflexionó sobre el concepto de diseño y sus dificultades para abordar su definición. Con respecto al análisis de la experiencia, se han relacionado diferentes procedimientos metodológicos: índice NPS (Net Promoter Score), escala Likert de 0-10 puntos y estadísticos descriptivos. Los hallazgos obtenidos apuntan a que el enfoque metodológico propuesto es útil para el futuro profesorado de la asignatura de dibujo técnico, y favorece el desarrollo de la creatividad entre el alumnado. Esta propuesta podría inscribirse dentro de la incipiente filosofía educativa “STEAM”, interrelacionando diferentes disciplinas profesionales, como por ejemplo la ingeniería, el arte y el diseño.

A re-immunization programme has been tested to improve the protective response elicited in sole by a previously developed BEI-inactivated betanodavirus vaccine. The vaccine was prepared using a reassortant RGNNV/SJNNV strain which is highly pathogenic for sole, and vaccination assays were performed by intraperitoneal injection. Experimental design included a prime- and a booster-vaccination group, which consisted of individuals that received a second vaccine injection at 30 days post vaccination), and their respective controls. A month after prime/booster vaccination, fish were challenged by intramuscular injection with the homologous NNV strain. Samples were collected at different times post vaccination and post challenge to assess the immune response and viral replication. Booster dose enhanced the protection against NNV infection because a significant increase in survival was recorded when compared with prime-vaccinated individuals (relative percent survival 77 vs. 55). In addition, a clear decrease in viral replication in the brain of challenged sole was observed. During the immune induction period, no differences in IgM production were observed between prime- and booster-vaccinated fish, and the expression of the antigen presenting cells (APC)-related molecule MHC class II antigen was the only differential stimulation recorded in the re-immunized individuals. However, a significant upregulation of mhcII and the lymphocytes T helper (Th) marker cd4 was observed after the challenge in the booster-vaccinated group, suggesting these cells play a role in the protection conferred by the booster injection. In addition, after viral infection, re-immunized fish showed specific and neutralizing antibody production and overexpression of other immune-related genes putatively involved in the control of NNV replication.

En este trabajo se pretende conocer las actitudes hacia las Ciencias de la Naturaleza del profesorado en formación (PF) y en ejercicio (PE) de Educación Primaria. La muestra estuvo conformada por 926 participantes (621 PF y 305 PE). Para recoger los datos se adaptó el cuestionario del proyecto ROSE, dividiéndolo en dos partes: una sobre los datos personales de los participantes (PF: edad, género y forma de acceso a la universidad; PE: edad, género, experiencia docente y curso en el que imparten docencia) y otra con 30 cuestiones centradas en cuatro bloques (imagen sobre la ciencia y la tecnología, actitudes sobre los desafíos ambientales, actitudes hacia las clases de ciencias, imagen sobre la Didáctica de las Ciencias). El análisis de los resultados se hizo mediante el programa estadístico SPSS, el cual permitió estudiar a partir de una distribución de análisis Chi-cuadrado la asociación entre las distintas variables. La mayoría de los participantes, tanto PF como PE, demuestran una actitud intermedia hacia la ciencia. De la misma forma, los resultados aportan evidencia empírica sobre algunas diferencias halladas en las actitudes hacia las ciencias entre los participantes con relación al sexo, a la formación de origen recibida y a los años de experiencia en el caso de los docentes en ejercicio.

Introducción: Sugammadex es una ciclodextrina que revierte el bloqueo neuromuscular, especialmente de rocuronio. La incidencia de anafilaxia producida por su uso es de 1:1.000 y 1:20.000, se observa principalmente en sujetos de origen asiático. Reporte de caso: Niño de 9 años, de raza asiática que tras la administración de sugammadex, inmediatamente manifestó un episodio de anafilaxia, la cual revirtió con el uso de adrenalina y antihistamínicos. La triptasa sérica a las 2 h fue de 27.7 μg/L; a las 6 semanas fue 3 μg/L. La prueba cutánea a sugammadex 100 mg/mL fue positiva. La prueba de activación de basófilos fue positiva con 20 mg/mL sugammadex. Conclusión: La relación temporal de la administración del medicamento, las manifestaciones clínicas, la elevación de la triptasa y las pruebas diagnósticas realizadas, identificaron el episodio de anafilaxia asociado con hipersensibilidad por sugammadex.

This data article contains the data related to the research article entitled “Long-term neurological outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients treated with targeted-temperature management” (Caro-Codón et al., 2018). In this dataset, we report details regarding the flow chart of the included patients and the specific exclusion criteria. We also include information on the difference between the patients who attended the structured personal interview (and therefore were finally included in the study) and those who did not attend. Neuropsychiatric and functional data before and after cardiac arrest are also reported. Finally, we list all the “de novo” focal neurological deficits identified after cardiac arrest in the related population.

BackgroundPhenotypic variability for productive and meat quality traits has been largely studied in Iberian pigs, especially in genetic selection and nutritional experiments. Complex interactions among genetic background, diet composition and gut microbiota hinder the correct assessment of each factor's contribution on phenotypes. In order to disentangle these interactions, we evaluated changes in gut microbiota composition comparing 48 Iberian and Duroc pigs fed diets with different energy source (standard diet with carbohydrates vs sunflower oil-enriched diet with high oleic acid content).ResultsA higher richness was observed for Iberian pigs (p < 0.05) and compositional analysis was applied for beta-diversity, differential abundance and pairwise log-ratio analyses. We found significant differences in overall microbiota composition between breeds, and also between diets inside breeds, to a lesser extent. Differential abundance analysis revealed that Duroc animals have more proportion of Actinobacteria and Prevotella, while Iberian replace those microorganisms with other more variable taxa. According to dietary differences, high-oleic fed animals were richer in Prevotella. We also found microbial ratios capable of separating animals by breeds and diets, mostly related to Actinobacteria.ConclusionThis study reveals that both genetic background and diet composition might have a relevant impact in gut microbiota composition. The application of compositional data analysis has facilitated the identification of microorganisms and ratios as possibly related to metabolic changes due to genetic background and, to a lower extent, to dietary changes. This may lead to a relevant progress in the knowledge of interactions between pig genetics, environment and gut microbiota.

Introduction There is scarce real-world experience regarding direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) perioperative management. No study before has linked bridging therapy or DOAC-free time (pre-plus postoperative time without DOAC) with outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate real-world management and outcomes. Methods RA-ACOD is a prospective, observational, multicenter registry of adult patients on DOAC treatment requiring surgery. Primary outcomes were thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Follow-up was immediate postoperative (24–48 hours) and 30 days. Statistics were performed using a univariate and multivariate analysis. Data are presented as odds ratios (ORs [95% confidence interval]). Results From 26 Spanish hospitals, 901 patients were analyzed (53.5% major surgeries): 322 on apixaban, 304 on rivaroxaban, 267 on dabigatran, 8 on edoxaban. Fourteen (1.6%) patients suffered a thrombotic event, related to preoperative DOAC withdrawal (OR: 1.57 [1.03–2.4]) and DOAC-free time longer than 6 days (OR: 5.42 [1.18–26]). Minor bleeding events were described in 76 (8.4%) patients, with higher incidence for dabigatran (12.7%) versus other DOACs (6.6%). Major bleeding events occurred in 17 (1.9%) patients. Bridging therapy was used in 315 (35%) patients. It was associated with minor (OR: 2.57 [1.3–5.07]) and major (OR: 4.2 [1.4–12.3]) bleeding events, without decreasing thrombotic events. Conclusion This study offers real-world data on perioperative DOAC management and outcomes in a large prospective sample size to date with a high percentage of major surgery. Short-term preprocedural DOAC interruption depending on the drug, hemorrhagic risk, and renal function, without bridging therapy and a reduced DOAC-free time, seems the safest practice.

The beetle Xylotrechus arvicola is a destructive pest in vineyards (Vitis vinifera) in the main wine-producing areas of the Iberian Peninsula. X. arvicola larvae bore into the grapevine wood-making galleries, thus damaging the plant both directly and indirectly; the latter through the proliferation of wood fungi, which can invade the inside of the plant, decreasing the quality and quantity of its production. The susceptibility of X. arvicola larvae to five coleopteran toxic Cry proteins (Cry1B, Cry1I, Cry3A, Cry7A, and Cry23/37) was evaluated under laboratory conditions in order to deepen the knowledge of the effect of these proteins on this insect throughout its biological development. Cry7Ab and Cry1Ba were the most effective in controlling X. arvicola larvae due to the significant reduction in larvae survival (32.9 and 25.9 days, respectively), and by causing serious alterations in the larvae during the remaining months of their development. The developmental stage of the prepupal and pupal stages was not affected by the previous ingestion of Cry proteins. The Cry proteins tested could be applied to control X. arvicola larvae since they were able to kill them and cause serious alterations in the larvae during the remaining months of development that followed. The data presented suggest that these Cry proteins can be used as bioinsecticides against the larvae of this insect, applying them only at the moment when the larvae hatch from the egg outside the grapevine wood (this would only be useful and justified if the economic threshold is exceeded) in order to avoid the rapid evolution of resistance against these toxins since not all of the larvae were killed and thus increase vine wood protection.

El artículo analiza los significados sociohistóricos de la relación género-sexualidad y su reactualización en el pueblo de Santa María Huazolotitlan, en Oaxaca, México. Especialmente, se intenta comprender por qué en los últimos años ha irrumpido la expresión de la identidad homosexual de varones, a partir de realizar los personajes femeninos de una danza tradicional ñuu savi (mixteca). El propósito es conocer como estos procesos se articulan en redes de sentido comunal y abonan al conocimiento de las prácticas descolonizadoras de la pluriculturalidad de Nuestra América.

In the past years, multiple research projects have explored the potential of low-cost environmental sensors for urban air pollution monitoring. However, each project has taken its own independent and in many cases, fully or partially closed approach. We present the Smart Citizen System, a flexible, easy-to-use and fully open-source environmental monitoring solution for particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, noise levels, and many other indicators. The use of low-cost sensors in recent years has been generally approached in two different ways citizen science and educational activities, where the primary purpose is to engage citizens in the measurement process and raise awareness of environmental concerns; and a more sophisticated scientific approach, where the main aim is to study the potentiality of the low-cost sensing technologies. The Smart Citizen System balances modularity with integration to fulfil both needs by providing an extendable solution, with different ranges of sensors based on the same core components. With that aim, two solutions have been developed: the Smart Citizen Kit, intended for citizen science and awareness activities; and the Smart Citizen Station, designed to serve as a more complex and accurate set of air pollution sensors. The design is based on the principle of reproducibility, also integrating non-hardware components such as a dedicated storage platform and a sensor analysis framework. The core system bases its sensing capabilities in widely reviewed low-cost sensors and aims to provide a robust framework for environmental monitoring activities. By making everything open, from the hardware to the software platform or the sensor post-processing algorithms, we hope others might find it useful as a development platform allowing them to focus on their project particular needs instead of reinventing everything from the ground-up. Keywords: Air monitoring, Pollution sensors, Low cost sensors, Electrochemical sensor, Particulate matter, Arduino, Iot, Internet of things, Sensors calibration, esp8266, Data acquisition, Data logger

This work raises the need to open new research lines to bring closer "Design" and "Agri-food Industry", understanding design as a structured and multidisciplinary working process headed up to create products, images, spaces, etc. Within this framework, the following objectives have been outlined: i) Identification of the major design areas with regards to the agri-food sector, ii) estimation of the importance of the "Design" component and iii) definition of the possible lines of action. After carrying out a previous bibliometric analysis, which highlighted the lack of relevant bibliography regarding the design component in the agri-food sector, the Delphi method was selected as a suitable working methodology to interactively and systematically answer the aforementioned questions by relying on a panel of experts. The obtained results pointed out to the need of providing incentives for design in agri-food industry as a non-technological innovation aimed at increasing the added value and development of the sector. This should also help promote the design culture and push forward the creation of innovative business strategies.

The interest in the study of microbiological interactions mediated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has steadily increased in the last few years. Nevertheless, most assays still rely on the use of non-specific materials. We present a new tool, the volatile organic compound chamber (VOC chamber), specifically designed to perform these experiments. The novel devices were tested using four Trichoderma strains against Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani. We demonstrate that VOC chambers provide higher sensitivity and selectivity between treatments and higher homogeneity of results than the traditional method. VOC chambers are also able to test both vented and non-vented conditions. We prove that ventilation plays a very important role regarding volatile interactions, up to the point that some growth-inhibitory effects observed in closed environments switch to promoting ones when tested in vented conditions. This promoting activity seems to be related to the accumulation of squalene by T. harzianum. The VOC chambers proved to be an easy, homogeneous, flexible, and repeatable method, able to better select microorganisms with high biocontrol activity and to guide the future identification of new bioactive VOCs and their role in microbial interactions.

This paper provides an overview of the last 40 years of use, and in many cases abuse, of the natural resources in Catalonia, a country that is representative of European countries in general, and especially those in the Mediterranean region. It analyses the use of natural resources made by mining, agriculture, livestock, logging, fishing, nature tourism, and energy production and consumption. This use results in an ecological footprint, i.e., the productive land and sea surface required to generate the consumed resources and absorb the resulting waste, which is about seven times the amount available, a very high number but very similar to other European countries. This overexploitation of natural resources has a huge impact on land and its different forms of cover, air, and water. For the last 25 years, forests and urban areas have each gained almost 3% more of the territory at the expense of agricultural land; those municipalities bordering the sea have increased their number of inhabitants and activity, and although they only occupy 6.7% of the total surface area, they account for 43.3% of the population; air quality has stabilized since the turn of the century, and there has been some improvement in the state of aquatic ecosystems, but still only 36% are in good condition, while the remainder have suffered morphological changes and different forms of nonpoint source pollution; meanwhile the biodiversity of flora and fauna remains still under threat. Environmental policies do not go far enough so there is a need for revision of the legislation related to environmental impact and the protection of natural areas, flora, and fauna. The promotion of environmental research must be accompanied by environmental education to foster a society which is more knowledgeable, has more control and influence over the decisions that deeply affect it. Indeed, nature conservation goes hand in hand with other social and economic challenges that require a more sustainable vision. Today’s problems with nature derive from the current economic model, which is environmentally unsustainable in that it does not take into account environmental impacts. Lastly, we propose a series of reasonable and feasible priority measures and actions related to each use made of the country’s natural resources, to the impacts they have had, and to their management, in the hope that these can contribute to improving the conservation and management of the environment and biodiversity and move towards sustainability.