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Abstract In the context of the oral cavity, an organic layer known as the mucosal pellicle (MP) adheres to the surface of the oral epithelium, playing a pivotal role in lubricating and safeguarding oral tissues. The formation of the MP is driven by interactions between a transmembrane mucin known as MUC1, located on the oral epithelium, and salivary secreted mucin, namely MUC5B and MUC7. This study aimed to investigate the function of MUC1 and the influence of its structure on MP lubrication properties. We proposed a novel methodology to study oral lubrication based on four different models of oral epithelium on which we conducted in vitro tribological studies. These models expressed varying forms of MUC1, each possessing on of the distinct domain constituting the mucin. Mechanical parameters were used as indicators of lubrication efficiency and, consequently, of the role played by MUC1 in oral lubrication. The results from the tribological tests revealed that the presence of full MUC1 resulted in enhanced lubrication. Furthermore, the structure of MUC1 protein drive the lubrication. In conclusion, the mechanical tests conducted on our epithelium models demonstrated that MUC1 actively participates in epithelium lubrication by facilitating the formation of the MP.

Abstract Background In view of the conflicting results from previous studies, the benefit of paclitaxel-coated balloons for arteriovenous fistulas is uncertain and equipoise remains. Although an industry-led trial testing the efficacy of sirolimus-coated balloons in AVFs is in progress, the benefit of sirolimus-coated balloons for arteriovenous fistulas is currently unknown. The purpose of this trial is to compare the efficacy of additional paclitaxel-coated or sirolimus-coated balloons on outcomes after a plain balloon fistuloplasty to preserve the patency of arteriovenous fistulae used for haemodialysis. Methods The study design is a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Following a successful plain balloon fistuloplasty, participants will be randomised to further treatment with a paclitaxel-coated balloon, a sirolimus-coated balloon, or an uncoated control balloon. We will recruit 642 patients, each with one or two treatment segments, over a 3-year period. Patients will remain in the trial and be followed up for 1 year. The primary endpoint is time to loss of treatment segment primary patency. Cox-proportional hazards models will be used to estimate hazard ratios for the time to loss of treatment segment primary patency for each treatment group relative to the control group. Analysis of the primary endpoint will be based on treatment segments rather than participants and a shared frailty will be estimated to account for the clustering of treatment segments within patients. Secondary endpoints are time to loss of primary patency at any treatment segment; time to end of access circuit primary patency; time to AVF abandonment; number of radiological or surgical interventions; adverse events; intima-media thickness and degree of stenosis at 3 months on ultrasound; and patient quality of life assessed by EQ-5D-5L and VASQoL. Discussion The three-armed design in this proposal will provide an answer on the efficacy of both paclitaxel- and sirolimus-coated balloons in the same trial. This trial is likely to provide a clear answer regarding the efficacy of drug-coated balloons for arteriovenous fistulas. Trial registration ISRCTN ISRCTN40182296. Registered on 4 August 2023.

Abstract Knowing what the highest-level mammalian carnivores and intermediate levels eat throughout the geography and how human activities may affect their community dynamics is relevant information to focusing and deciding on conservation efforts within a territory. In this review, we characterize geographically the accumulated knowledge about the trophic niche of terrestrial mammalian carnivore species and evaluate the spatial relationship between the species richness distribution and the geographical distribution of their trophic knowledge in Chile. We found 88 peer-reviewed papers that include trophic studies per se, theses, and short notes carried out in Chile, where at least one trophic element was reported for terrestrial mammalian carnivore species. We found a positive relationship between the species richness distribution pattern and the spatial distribution of accumulated trophic knowledge, i.e., most of the papers have been conducted in Central-southern Chile (Central Chile and Temperate Forest ecoregions) responding to the highest co-occurrence of carnivore species within the limits of the biodiversity hotspot, the most threatened area in the country. Despite this general relationship, we recognize gaps in knowledge regarding regions of the country that require more research effort, such as O’Higgins, Maule, and Ñuble regions, as well as focus efforts on certain species with no or almost no knowledge of their trophic ecology, such as Leopardus colocola, Lyncodon patagonicus and Conepatus chinga. Except for the northern Chilean ecosystems, there is a generalized report of high consumption of exotic mammals in the diet of carnivores in the center and south of the country. However, of the 98 localities recognized in the 88 papers, 20.4% correspond to an anthropized environment, while most (79.6%) correspond to a “non-anthropized” environment or protected area. We hope this review allows researchers and decision-makers to consider the knowledge and lack thereof of carnivore trophic interactions as an opportunity to conserve entire natural communities throughout the Chilean territory.

Post-wildfire vegetation cover damage and loss can escalate the risks of secondary disasters such as flood, landslide, and water contamination, particularly in a major wildfire affected region where human settlements are situated. In assessments of the secondary disaster risks, the post-wildfire vegetation cover change plays a key role in influencing the distribution and intensity of the risks. In this work, a processing framework for mapping post-wildfire vegetation cover changes through information fusion has been generated and tested using Landsat8 and WorldView imagery data. The test site was the boreal forest region surrounding Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, affected by a massive wildfire in May 2016. The derived map results indicate that the fusion process in the framework is effective for generation of post-wildfire vegetation cover change information. The use of WorldView data revealed more variation details in distribution of the vegetation cover burn damages than use of Landsat data. Moreover, the uncertainty in vegetation burn severity using Landsat-based Differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) index exists in the areas with low dNBR reading values due to the sub-pixel effect. The forest burn severity measured with dNBR index can be underestimated due to the quick herbaceous cover recovery after wildfire. These uncertainties in the post-wildfire vegetation cover mapping should be taken into consideration when the derived information is being used for risk assessments.

Abstract Background Ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) is the causative agent of sheep associated malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). As sheep are the adapted host for OvHV-2, it is generally presumed that infection is not associated with disease in this species. However, a recent case review combined in-situ hybridisation, PCR and histopathology and correlated the viral distribution with systemic necrotizing vasculitis and concluded OvHV-2 was the likely agent responsible for sporadic, MCF-like vascular disease in sheep. Case presentation Using similar methods this case study reports on the findings of the first reported cases in an Irish Flock of MCF- like systemic necrotizing vasculitis in sheep associated with OvHV-2. Sheep A, a 16-month-old Texel-cross hogget displayed signs of ill- thrift, Sheep B, a nine-month-old Belclare-cross lamb, was found dead having displayed no obvious symptoms. Both cases occurred on the same farm, however the animals were not related. Lymphohistiocytic vasculitis of various tissues was the predominant histopathological finding in both animals. Conclusion By combining histopathology, PCR and in-situ hybridisation results, MCF- like systemic necrotizing vasculitis associated with OvHV-2 has been diagnosed for the first time in an Irish flock.

The link between salivary composition and sensitivity to astringency as a function of age has still not been established. In this work, we propose the hypothesis that ageing leads to changes in the concentration of salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs), which alters the astringency perception threshold with age. To test this hypothesis, astringency sensitivity to tannic acid and saliva was assessed in 30 elderly people and 24 young people. Basic PRPs (bPRPs) and glycosylated PRPs (gPRPs) were quantified immunochemically via western blot analysis. The results showed that the amounts of bPRPs and gPRPs were similar between the young and elderly groups. However, a positive correlation between the gPRP amount and astringency threshold was observed only in the young group, while a negative correlation between the bPRP amount and astringency threshold was observed only in the elderly group. This finding suggests differences in the contribution of PRP type to astringency perception as a function of age.

Abstract Actin, an important component of eukaryotic cell cytoskeleton, regulates cell shape and transport. The morphology and biochemical properties of actin filaments are determined by their structure and protein-protein contacts. Crowded environments can organize filaments into bundles, but less is known about how they affect F-actin structure. This study used 2D IR spectroscopy and spectral calculations to examine how crowding and bundling impact the secondary structure and local environments in filaments and weakly or strongly bundled networks. The results reveal that bundling induces changes in actin’s secondary structure, leading to a decrease in β-sheet and an increase in loop conformations. Strongly bundled networks exhibit a decrease in backbone solvent exposure, with less perturbed α-helices and nearly “locked” β-sheets. Similarly, the loops become less hydrated but maintain a dynamic environment. These findings highlight the role of loop structure in actin network morphology and stability under morphology control by PEG.

This research delves into the narrative of the role-playing game OMORI (OMOCAT, 2020). We use Urie Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) ecological systems theory as an analytical framework to investigate character portrayal and development. Our study employed descriptive and interpretive qualitative methods and used a three-phased approach to scrutinise OMORI’s narrative, expound and dissect character portrayals within their broader contexts, and note important character developments throughout the game. Our findings highlight the substantial influence of immediate and non-immediate external environments—family dynamics, societal norms, and cultural elements—on the development of the primary characters within OMORI’s narrative. More specifically, this paper emphasises the roles of culture, capitalism, and religion within the game. The study’s significance lies in its presentation of interconnected relationships among the systems posited by Bronfenbrenner. We offer insights for further research studying games through their socio-historical contexts and scrutinising characters’ backstories. This is particularly relevant where it has been theorised that youth in advanced capitalist societies might be swayed by cultural values that affect their well-being and life contentment (Butler, 2021).

The integration of Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) in CMOS Fully Depleted Silicon-On-Insulator (FD-SOI) technology under a buried oxide (BOX) layer and a silicon film containing transistors makes it possible to realize a 3D SPAD at the chip level. In our study, a nanostructurated layer created by an optimized arrangement of Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) above the photosensitive zone generates constructive interferences and consequently an increase in the light sensitivity in the frontside illumination. A simulation methodology is presented that couples electrical and optical data in order to optimize the STI trenches (size and period) and to estimate the Photon Detection Probability (PDP) gain. Then, a test chip was designed, manufactured, and characterized, demonstrating the PDP improvement due to the STI nanostructuring while maintaining a comparable Dark Count Rate (DCR).

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the dimerization interfaces of fly GSTs through sequence alignment. Our investigation revealed GSTE1 as a particularly intriguing target, providing valuable insights into the variations within Delta and Epsilon GST interfaces. The X-ray structure of GSTE1 was determined, unveiling remarkable thermal stability and a distinctive dimerization interface. Utilizing circular dichroism, we assessed the thermal stability of GSTE1 and other Drosophila GSTs with resolved X-ray structures. The subsequent examination of GST dimer stability correlated with the dimerization interface supported by findings from X-ray structural analysis and thermal stability measurements. Our discussion extends to the broader context of GST dimer interfaces, offering a generalized perspective on their stability. This research enhances our understanding of the structural and thermodynamic aspects of GST dimerization, contributing valuable insights to the field.

Abstract Oxidoreductases are major enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism. Consequently, they are essential in the chemoprotection of the human body. Many xenobiotic metabolism enzymes have been shown to be involved in chemosensory tissue protection. Among them, some were additionally shown to be involved in chemosensory perception, acting in signal termination as well as in the generation of metabolites that change the activation pattern of chemosensory receptors. Oxidoreductases, especially aldehyde dehydrogenases and aldo–keto reductases, are the first barrier against aldehyde compounds, which include numerous odorants. Using a mass spectrometry approach, we characterized the most highly expressed members of these families in the human nasal mucus sampled in the olfactory vicinity. Their expression was also demonstrated using immunohistochemistry in human epitheliums sampled in the olfactory vicinity. Recombinant enzymes corresponding to three highly expressed human oxidoreductases (ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, AKR1B10) were used to demonstrate the high enzymatic activity of these enzymes toward aldehyde odorants. The structure‒function relationship set based on the enzymatic parameters characterization of a series of aldehyde odorant compounds was supported by the X-ray structure resolution of human ALDH3A1 in complex with octanal.

Introduction Decisions regarding the optimal vascular access for haemodialysis patients are becoming increasingly complex, and the provision of vascular access is open to variations in systems of care as well as surgical experience and practice. Two main surgical options are recognised: arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous graft (AVG). All recommendations regarding AVG are based on a limited number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). It is essential that when considering an RCT of a surgical procedure, an appropriate definition of quality assurance (QA) is made for both the new approach and the comparator, otherwise replication of results or implementation into clinical practice may differ from published results. The aim of this systematic review will be to assess the methodological quality of RCT involving AVG, and the QA measures implemented in delivering interventions in these trials.Methods and analysis The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines will be followed. A systematic search will be performed of the MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify relevant literature. Studies will be selected by title and abstract review, followed by a full-text review using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collected will pertain to generic measures of QA, credentialing of investigators, procedural standardisation and performance monitoring. Trial methodology will be compared against a standardised template developed by a multinational, multispecialty review body with experience in vascular access. A narrative approach will be taken to synthesise and report data.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not required as it is a protocol for a systematic review. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, with the ultimate aim of providing recommendations for future RCT of AVG design.

The mucosal pellicle (MP) is a biological film protecting the oral mucosa. It is composed of bounded salivary proteins and transmembrane mucin MUC1 expressed by oral epithelial cells. Previous research indicates that MUC1 expression enhances the binding of the main salivary protein forming the MP, MUC5B. This study investigated the influence of MUC1 structure on MP formation. A TR146 cell line, which does not express MUC1 natively, was stably transfected with genes coding for three MUC1 isoforms differing in the structure of the two main extracellular domains: the VNTR domain, exhibiting a variable number of tandem repeats, and the SEA domain, maintaining the two bound subunits of MUC1. Semi-quantification of MUC1 using dot blot chemiluminescence showed comparable expression levels in all transfected cell lines. Semi-quantification of MUC5B by immunostaining after incubation with saliva revealed that MUC1 expression significantly increased MUC5B adsorption. Neither the VNTR domain nor the SEA domain was influenced MUC5B anchoring, suggesting the key role of the MUC1 N-terminal domain. AFM-IR nanospectroscopy revealed discernible shifts indicative of changes in the chemical properties at the cell surface due to the expression of the MUC1 isoform. Furthermore, the observed chemical shifts suggest the involvement of hydrophobic effects in the interaction between MUC1 and salivary proteins.

DYON is a plasma initiation modelling code that solves the differential equation system of the full circuit equations (plasma current, active coil currents and eddy currents in full passive structures) and 0D global energy and particle balance equations (Kim 2022 Nucl. Fusion 62 126012). In order to test the capability of the full electromagnetic plasma initiation model to predict individual discharges in experiments and thus the operating space in the device, a dedicated experimental database was built in MAST-U by scanning the prefilled gas pressure p _0 and the induced loop voltage $V_{\mathrm{loop}}$ . In the experimental operating space of p _0 and $V_{\mathrm{loop}}$ the lower and the upper limits of p _0 are determined by the plasma breakdown failure and the plasma burn-through failure, respectively. The lower limit of $V_{\mathrm{loop}}$ is determined by the plasma burn-through failure. By directly reading the control room data used in each discharge (i.e. currents in the solenoid, poloidal field coils, and toroidal field coils, p _0 , and gas puffing rate), the full electromagnetic DYON consistently predicted the failed breakdown, failed burn-through, and successful plasma initiation discharges in the experimental database, demonstrating its capability to predict the operating space for inductive plasma initiation. The Paschen curve calculated with the effective connection length in MAST-U indicates a much higher p _0 required for plasma breakdown than the experimental data, indicating that individual field line evaluation is necessary to calculate the quantitative requirements for Townsend breakdown. The demonstration in this paper shows that the full electromagnetic DYON could be a useful simulation tool to assess the feasibility of inductive plasma initiation and to optimise operating scenarios in future devices.

Aroma is among of the most important criteria that indicate the quality of food and beverage products. Aroma compounds can be found as free molecules or glycosides. Notably, a significant portion of aroma precursors accumulates in numerous food products as nonvolatile and flavorless glycoconjugates, termed glycosidic aroma precursors. When subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, these seemingly inert, nonvolatile glycosides undergo transformation into fragrant volatiles or volatiles that can generate odor-active compounds during food processing. In this context, microbial β-glucosidases play a pivotal role in enhancing or compromising the development of flavors during food and beverage processing. β-glucosidases derived from bacteria and yeast can be utilized to modulate the concentration of particular aroma and taste compounds, such as bitterness, which can be decreased through hydrolysis by glycosidases. Furthermore, oral microbiota can influence flavor perception by releasing volatile compounds that can enhance or alter the perception of food products. In this review, considering the glycosidic flavor precursors present in diverse food and beverage products, we underscore the significance of glycosidases with various origins. Subsequently, we delve into emerging insights regarding the release of aroma within the human oral cavity due to the activity of oral microbial glycosidases.

El propósito de este artículo es reflexionar acerca del camino metodológico vivido en la experiencia investigativa educativa de la autora desde los postulados fenomenológicos hermenéuticos de Van Manen. El estudio se adscribe a un enfoque cualitativo basado en la comprensión hermenéutica bajo los preceptos metodológicos y procedimentales de una sistematización de experiencias, con base en 3 momentos: génesis textual, develamiento de los temas, comprensión hermenéutica. Los hallazgos se asumen en un espacio de significatividad fugitiva por principio que rehúye de la posibilidad de objetivar el conocimiento emergente de los fenómenos educativos, los cuales parten de una pregunta fenomenológica esencial en espacios de interpretación y comunicación con los versionantes y se reconocen como sujetos personas cuya subjetividad es valorada. Las conclusiones se refieren a la convocatoria de la educación como ciencia humana de ser estudiada con métodos que se deslicen hacia lo subjetivo e intersubjetivo, que den profundidad a las voces de quienes actúan esa realidad y de producir textos fenomenológicos que nos acerquen a la sensibilidad del acto educativo con criterios de calidad propios del método.

The implementation of MRI-guided online adaptive radiotherapy has enabled extension of therapeutic radiographers’ roles to include contouring. An offline interobserver variability study compared five radiographers’ and five clinicians’ contours on 10 MRIs acquired on a MR-Linac from 10 patients. All contours were compared to a “gold standard” created from an average of clinicians’ contours. The median (range) DSC of radiographers’ and clinicians’ contours compared to the “gold standard” was 0.91 (0.86–0.96), and 0.93 (0.88–0.97) respectively illustrating non-inferiority of the radiographers’ contours to the clinicians. There was no significant difference in HD, MDA or volume size between the groups.

Objective: Integrated cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) and vascular surgery (VS) residents must achieve operative independence in fewer years compared with residents in traditional training paradigms. Developing a strong foundation early in training from which to build technical skills is of paramount importance. We hypothesized that intensive simulation performed by CTS and VS junior residents would accelerate technical skill progression and improve confidence. Methods: In July 2021, 7 post-graduate year (PGY)-1 and 5 PGY-2 residents from integrated CTS and VS programs at a single institution participated in a collaborative simulation rotation. Training included low-fidelity vascular anastomoses, high-fidelity cadaver operative simulation, and core surgical tasks. Residents rated confidence levels before and after training. Performance during end-to-end and end-to-side vascular anastomoses (pre- and post-simulation) were evaluated for: respect for tissue, time and motion, needle handling, needle angles, and knot tying. Results: End-to-end anastomosis scores increased from 10.4 to 19 (p

Abstract Background This study was designed to evaluate visual, refractive and safety outcomes in eyes after they underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of a preloaded monofocal hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens. Methods This was a single center observational study conducted at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom. Patients were included if they had cataract extraction with in-the-bag implantation of the EyeCee® One preloaded intraocular lens from August to October 2019. Pre-operative, surgery-related and 2 weeks and 3 months post-operative data was collected. Surgeons at this trust were then asked to complete a feedback form to evaluate their experience of implanting the EyeCee® One. Results One hundred fifty-two eyes were included in the study. Ninety-four (62%) of these eyes had cataract but no concomitant ocular pathology that could potentially affect visual acuity. Three months post-operatively, 98.7% of all eyes had monocular CDVA ≤0.3 logMAR. 100% of the eyes without concomitant ocular pathology achieved this target. The mean CDVA of all eyes in this study improved from 0.43 ± 0.43 logMAR pre-operatively, to 0.05 ± 0.11 logMAR post-operatively (p

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park (BTLNP) is one of the protected areas on the Island of Negros Oriental which is enormously rich in biodiversity due to different Lowland types formed along its elevation gradient. This study was conducted to better understand the composition and diversity of plant species in the natural park to improve conservation and management efforts of these remaining forests which are currently under threat from eco-tourism and other anthropomorphic influences. Within the 18 randomly distributed nested plots, a total of 351 species of plants were recorded. Of these, 183 species were trees, 54 herbs, 51 shrubs, 41 pteridophytes and 22 vines. The result of hierarchical cluster analysis showed differences in plant composition along the elevation gradient. There were 30 (9%) threatened species (vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered) and most of which were found in the submontane Lowland. Furthermore, the species diversity increases from lowland to sub-montane and eventually decreases towards montane Lowland. These results not only indicate the importance of BTLNP, but also highlights the submontane as a special area of concern due to the higher concentration of threatened and endemic species.

Abstract Background Cataract is a significant cause of preventable blindness in the United Kingdom and worldwide. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, cataract surgery was the most commonly performed operation by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of elective cataract surgery performed in the United Kingdom in a COVID-19 free hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Single centre prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing elective cataract surgery in the United Kingdom over a 3 month period from May to August 2020. Electronic medical records were reviewed and patients were contacted at 30 days post-operatively. Data collection included symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 infection, hospital admission, mortality, intra-operative and post-operative surgical complications. Results A total of 649 elective cataract surgeries were performed. Two patients (0.3%) developed worsening dyspnoea during the 30 day post-operative period, but tested negative for COVID-19 infection. Three patients (0.5%) were hospitalised, unrelated to COVID-19 infection, of which one patient (0.2%) passed. Four patients (0.6%) suffered posterior capsular rupture. 601 (93.2%) had no post-operative complications. Conclusion This study demonstrates a safe model for the resumption of elective cataract surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing strict infection control measures are in place.

Abstract Pharmacogenomics can enhance the outcome of treatment by adopting pharmacogenomic testing to maximize drug efficacy and lower the risk of serious adverse events. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a cost-effective technology for genotyping several pharmacogenomic loci at once, thereby increasing publicly available data. A panel of 100 pharmacogenes among Southeast Asian (SEA) populations was resequenced using the NGS platform under the collaboration of the Southeast Asian Pharmacogenomics Research Network (SEAPharm). Here, we present the frequencies of pharmacogenomic variants and the comparison of these pharmacogenomic variants among different SEA populations and other populations used as controls. We investigated the different types of pharmacogenomic variants, especially those that may have a functional impact. Our results provide substantial genetic variations at 100 pharmacogenomic loci among SEA populations that may contribute to interpopulation variability in drug response phenotypes. Correspondingly, this study provides basic information for further pharmacogenomic investigations in SEA populations.

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo proponer micros audiovisuales para la mediación de los aprendizajes del componente curricular “Características, Cuidado y Preservación del Ambiente” en niños de edad preescolar (3-6 años) en un contexto vulnerable venezolano. El estudio cuantitativo, fue apoyado en una investigación de campo descriptivo. La población está conformada por 38 docentes de Educación Inicial a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario contentivo de 12 ítems. La metodología se produjo en tres fases: Diagnóstico, Diseño y Validación de la propuesta. Los resultados obtenidos en la fase I evidenciaron que un alto porcentaje de las docentes nunca usan los tipos de micros audiovisuales para la mediación de aprendizajes lo que determinó la necesidad de proponer su producción y recopilación. El diseño se realizó a través de una programación contentiva de 12 micros relacionados a los aprendizajes esperados específicos para la etapa, y luego se validó con algunos usuarios y una comunicadora social experta en el área audiovisual. Los micros resultan un material tecnológico pertinente para la etapa preescolar por la combinación que se hace de mensaje, sonido e imagen, lo cual permite potenciar el desarrollo intelectual de los niños y concretar en breve tiempo los aprendizajes que se esperan lograr.

Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL), considered the last frontier within the Central Visayas region, is an ideal location for flora and fauna research due to its rich biodiversity. This recent study was conducted to determine the plant species composition and diversity and to select priority areas for conservation to update management strategy. A field survey was carried out in fifteen (15) 20 m x 100 m nested plots established randomly in the forest over limestone of RSPL from July to October 2019. Three hundred and sixty eight (368) species of plants were identified up to species level. This represented 327 angiosperms, one gymnosperm and 40 pteridophytes. Common plant families with more than 10 representative species were Moraceae, Meliaceae, Lauraceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Rubiaceae, Myrtaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Annonaceae, Araceae and Lauraceae. There were 93 (28%) endemic and 46 (14%) threatened species (vulnerable to critically endangered) observed. The cluster analysis and species accumulation curve suggests that plant species are not homogeneously distributed which implies that different management and conservation strategies should be implemented across RSPL. These results not only indicate the importance of RSPL, but also highlights areas with higher diversity and concentration of threatened and endemic species as a special area of concern. Furthermore, areas with high biodiversity value were recommended for immediate protection, while areas with low biodiversity value were recommended for reforestation programmes using species with high importance value.

Abstract Background Inaccurate biometry can lead to the wrong intraocular lens implantation and result in refractive surprise following cataract surgery. It is important to be sceptical of biometry results that do not match the refractive or clinical picture and ask for it to be repeated. Case presentation We present a unique cause of refractive surprise in a patient undergoing cataract surgery. Pre-operative refraction demonstrated hypermetropia, yet swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometry repeatedly calculated the axial length as > 35.00 mm in both eyes. The patient underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens insertion using the provided biometry calculations, however post-operatively the patient had a + 14.00 dioptre refractive surprise. Analysis of biometry performed on the same day identified other patients with exaggerated axial lengths, supporting the theory that the biometer’s smeared optical surface was responsible. Following servicing of the machine, repeat biometry of the patient calculated the axial length consistent with a hypermetrope (21.67 mm) and the intraocular lens exchange was successful in correcting the refractive error. Conclusions Ensure the optical surfaces of the biometer are cleaned regularly, and consider repeating biometry on separate days if repeat biometry still is not in keeping with the refractive or clinical picture. Additionally, re-confirm the axial length with another modality.

Estrogens are thought to contribute to cognitive function in part by promoting the function of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons that project to the hippocampus and cortical regions including the entorhinal cortex. Reductions in estrogens may alter cognition by reducing the function of cholinergic inputs to both the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. In the present study, we assessed the effects of ovariectomy on proteins associated with cholinergic synapses in the entorhinal cortex. Ovariectomy was conducted at PD63, and tissue was obtained on PD84 to 89 to quantify changes in the degradative enzyme acetylcholinesterase, the vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and muscarinic M1 receptor protein. Although the vesicular acetylcholine transporter was unaffected, ovariectomy reduced both acetylcholinesterase and M1 receptor protein, and these reductions were prevented by chronic replacement of 17β-estradiol following ovariectomy. We also assessed the effects of ovariectomy on the cholinergic modulation of excitatory transmission, by comparing the effects of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor eserine on evoked excitatory synaptic field potentials in brain slices obtained from intact rats, and from ovariectomized rats with or without 17β-estradiol replacement. Eserine is known to prolong the effects of endogenously released acetylcholine, resulting in an M1-like mediated reduction of glutamate release at excitatory synapses. The reduction in excitatory synaptic potentials in layer II of the entorhinal cortex induced by 15-min application of 10 μM eserine was greatly reduced in slices from ovariectomized rats as compared to intact rats and ovariectomized rats with replacement of 17β-estradiol. The reduced modulatory effect of eserine is consistent with the observed changes in cholinergic proteins, and suggests that reductions in 17β-estradiol following ovariectomy lead to impaired cholinergic function within the entorhinal cortex.

This paper argues that, contrary to what has recently been proposed, exsequiis is at home in Aeneid 7.5 as an elegiac and Gallan term which footnotes the elegiac ethos and Gallan language of Caieta’s preceding epitaph (1-4). The paper also suggests that, in addition to its other recognised liminal aspects, the Gallan epitaph may show Virgil reflecting on his move from the Gallus-sponsored Eclogues via the Georgics to the Aeneid, sponsored by Augustus, and thus pay a discreet tribute to his former patron.

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are ubiquitous key enzymes with different activities as transferases or isomerases. As key detoxifying enzymes, GSTs are expressed in the chemosensory organs. They fulfill an essential protective role because the chemosensory organs are located in the main entry paths of exogenous compounds within the body. In addition to this protective function, they modulate the perception process by metabolizing exogenous molecules, including tastants and odorants. Chemosensory detection involves the interaction of chemosensory molecules with receptors. GST contributes to signal termination by metabolizing these molecules. By reducing the concentration of chemosensory molecules before receptor binding, GST modulates receptor activation and, therefore, the perception of these molecules. The balance of chemoperception by GSTs has been shown in insects as well as in mammals, although their chemosensory systems are not evolutionarily connected. This review will provide knowledge supporting the involvement of GSTs in chemoperception, describing their localization in these systems as well as their enzymatic capacity toward odorants, sapid molecules, and pheromones in insects and mammals. Their different roles in chemosensory organs will be discussed in light of the evolutionary advantage of the coupling of the detoxification system and chemosensory system through GSTs.

Background: Reliable vascular access is essential for patients receiving haemodialysis. An arteriovenous fistula is the preferred option; however, these are prone to developing stenotic segments. These lesions are treated with angioplasty, but there is a high rate of recurrence. When the PAVE (Paclitaxel-assisted balloon Angioplasty of Venous stenosis in haEmodialysis access) trial was conceived, a number of small studies suggested that restenosis may be reduced by paclitaxel-coated balloons. Objective: To test the efficacy of paclitaxel-coated balloons in arteriovenous fistulas. Design: A randomised controlled trial. Setting: Twenty UK centres. Participants: Patients (aged ≥ 18 years) referred with a clinical indication for angioplasty of an arteriovenous fistula (212 patients in total, 106 per group). Interventions: High-pressure plain balloon fistuloplasty was performed in all patients. In the intervention arm, the second component was insertion of a paclitaxel-coated balloon. In the control arm, an identical procedure was followed, but using a standard balloon. Main outcome measures: The primary end point was time (days) to loss of target lesion primary patency. Secondary patency end points were time to loss of access circuit primary patency and time to loss of access circuit cumulative patency. Other secondary end points included angiographically determined late lumen loss, rate of binary angiographic restenosis, procedural success, number of thrombosis events, fistula interventions, adverse events during follow-up and patient quality of life. Results: Primary analysis showed no evidence for a difference in time to end of target lesion primary patency between groups (hazard ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.79; p = 0.440). An adjusted secondary analysis with prespecified clinical covariates gave similar results (hazard ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.78; p = 0.664). Prespecified secondary outcomes included the time to intervention anywhere in the access circuit or the time until the fistula was abandoned. There were no differences in these patency-related secondary outcomes or in any other secondary outcomes, such as adverse events. Limitations: The PAVE trial was not a fully blinded trial. It was impossible to ensure that treating radiologists were blinded to treatment allocation because of the appearance of the paclitaxel-coated balloon. The extent to which our findings can be generalised to patients with multiple lesions could be questioned, given the proportion randomised. However, if paclitaxel-coated balloons had been effective at a single lesion segment, then there is no plausible reason why they could not be effective in patients with multiple lesions. Conclusions: There were no differences in primary or secondary outcomes. Following a plain balloon angioplasty, additional treatment with a paclitaxel-coated balloon does not provide benefit. Future work: The reasons for differences between the results of the PAVE trial and of other studies deserve further analysis and consideration. Other interventions to prevent restenosis following a fistuloplasty are needed. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN14284759. Funding: This project was funded by the Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation programme, a Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) partnership. This will be published in full in Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation; Vol. 8, No. 13. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

The investigation of the effects of the implantation of university units on the local development is still incipient in Brazil. Even at the international level, few studies use robust methods to estimate the impacts of these structures, let alone seek to differentiate them over time. This paper evaluates the initial impacts of the federal universities' expansion policy in the 2000s on municipal economies, based on production and income indicators. Based on a broad data set for Brazilian municipalities, we apply the propensity score matching technique and then estimate Treatment Effect on Treated by the policy. The results indicate that the implementation of the new campuses was able to raise the per capita income of the benefited municipalities by 3.5% to 5.8%, on average, but that there was no additional gain from the time of implementation of the campuses. The absence of campus maturation effect points to a difficulty in generating the productivity jumps normally expected with the implementation of these structures. In this case, it would be possible to seek a greater return from these investments by reevaluating the criteria for creating new campuses and by better focusing on the actions of existing ones.

Large, e.g., provincial or national, scale near-real-time surface water monitoring is an ambitious task, which can be accomplished by using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data. SAR has demonstrated the ability to distinguish water and land, but there are many common errors of commission and omission that arise due to the side-looking nature of SAR and due to some landcover types with similar backscatter like roads and pasture. A method is proposed to fix/mitigate these errors through the use of combined ascending/descending RADARSAT-2 image pairs and ancillary data. The results of a corrected water/land binary image were, on average, 99.4% accurate for the Boreal Forest Region (Utikuma) of Alberta, Canada, while for the Rocky Mountain Region (Westcastle) also in Alberta, the results proved to be 99.9% accurate when distinguishing water from land. These accuracies were achieved through the reduction of the water false positive rate and a slight reduction in the water true positive rate. These high accuracy values can be partially attributed to the relative low ratios of water to land in the study regions. We hope that these methods can be used and improved in order to move towards large scale dynamic surface water and wetland mapping.

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of glutathione to various molecules. Among the 42 GSTs identified in Drosophila melanogaster, Delta and Epsilon are the largest classes, with 25 members. The Delta and Epsilon classes are involved in different functions, such as insecticide resistance and ecdysone biosynthesis. The insect GST number variability is due mainly to these classes. Thus, they are generally considered supports during the evolution for the adaptability of the insect species. To explore the link between Delta and Epsilon GST and their evolution, we analyzed the sequences using bioinformatic tools. Subgroups appear within the Delta and Epsilon GSTs with different levels of diversification. The diversification also appears in the sequences showing differences in the active site. Additionally, amino acids essential for structural stability or dimerization appear conserved in all GSTs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the transcripts corresponding to these two classes are heterogeneously expressed within D. melanogaster. Some GSTs, such as GSTD1, are highly expressed in all tissues, suggesting their general function in detoxification. Conversely, some others, such as GSTD11 or GSTE4, are specifically expressed at a high level specifically in antennae, suggesting a potential role in olfaction.

The mouth is the gateway for entrance of food and microorganisms into the organism. The oral cavity is bathed by saliva, which is thus the first fluid that food and microorganisms will face after their entrance. As a result, saliva plays different functions, including lubrication, predigestion, protection, detoxification, and even transport of taste compounds to chemoreceptors located in the taste buds. To ensure its function of protection, saliva contains reactive harmful compounds such as reactive oxygen species that are controlled and neutralized by the antioxidant activity of saliva. Several antioxidant molecules control the production of molecules such as reactive oxygen compounds, neutralize them and/or repair the damage they have caused. Therefore, a balance between reactive oxidant species and antioxidant compounds exists. At the same time, food can also contain antioxidant compounds, which can participate in the equilibrium of this balance. Numerous studies have investigated the effects of different food components on the antioxidant capacity of saliva that correspond to the ability of saliva to neutralize reactive oxygen species. Contradictory results have sometimes been obtained. Moreover, some antioxidant compounds are also cofactors of enzymatic reactions that affect flavor compounds. Recent studies have considered the salivary antioxidant capacity to explain the release of flavor compounds ex vivo or in vivo. This article aims to review the effect of food on the antioxidant capacity of saliva and the impact of salivary antioxidant capacity on flavor perception after a brief presentation of the different molecules involved.

Este año 2020 ha marcado un antes y un después en el pensamiento de quienes nos dedicamos en la gestión de las publicaciones científicas. El estado de alarma que se ha suscitado tras la aparición del Covid 19 en el mundo ha generado de forma volátil investigaciones en todas las disciplinas y áreas del saber, impulsando con ello la publicación casi inmediata; y es que la ciencia y la tecnología han tenido un año excepcional en la producción intelectual y científica en comparación con otros sectores de la sociedad. Lo referido, ha impulsado abrir las fronteras del conocimiento, a innovar en los modelos de comunicación científica para que todo el caudal de saberes generados esté a disposición sin restricciones, como es destacado dentro de las políticas de acceso abierto. El principio central es que “el conocimiento es un bien común y su acceso un derecho humano” (Declaración de México, 2020) en Aguado López y Becerril-García (2020). En este mismo sentido el Consejo Latinoamericano para las Ciencias Sociales; grupo CLACSO (2020) expone: “En épocas de crisis como la que estamos viviendo con la pandemia del COVID-19, la información para tomar decisiones acertadas es muy importante. No sólo se trata de ofrecer respuestas oportunas, de definir políticas públicas pertinentes y de resolver problemas de gestión de forma inmediata, sino de acceder al conocimiento y a los datos que día a día se crean y se regeneran para constituir el corpus científico aplicable por las personas expertas en las comunidades”. Sin duda alguna, el Open Access o movimiento AA (acceso abierto) ha cambiado totalmente la atmosfera de la publicación, distribución y el acceso al conocimiento científico. El acceso abierto se ha convertido en el modelo de difusión de información por excelencia, situación que demanda a los cuerpos editoriales ser cada vez más exigentes, sin caer en la inmediatez ni perder el rigor de la valoración crítica y subjetiva (revisión por pares) que avala el conocimiento y garantiza seguir la ruta de calidad de las publicaciones. Lo referido implica que, aunque el fenómeno global pandémico haya generado cambios inesperados en la forma en la que se produce y publica el conocimiento científico (Scasso, & Medina, 2020) y, con la actual situación de emergencia se haya intensificado la información, no se puede perder la calidad de la información de lo que se está divulgando, ante la inmediatez debe prevalecer la transparencia, rigurosidad y los controles editoriales. Este año 2020 ha sido para la Revista EDUCARE de renovación e innovación en sus políticas editoriales, todo ello con el propósito de ofrecer dentro y fuera de nuestras fronteras producciones intelectuales de calidad, las cuales se comparten bajo la licencia Creative Commons Atribución -No Comercial- Compartir Igual con acceso abierto, situación que hemos mantenido desde el inicio de la editorial al suscribir la declaración de BOAI, brindando la oportunidad a los usuarios de disponer de forma gratuita al texto completo de los artículos y ser utilizado con propósitos legales. Hemos asumido un compromiso importante con nuestros usuarios y con quienes creen en nuestra labor, de allí que para ampliar y garantizar la visibilidad desde cualquier dispositivo tecnológico, las producciones se han comenzado a presentar en formato HTML, asimismo cada una de ellas cuenta con un identificador de objeto digital (DOI) que garantiza a los usuarios un referente estable de su producción. Por otro lado, la revista ha sido acreditada por AMELICA conocimiento abierto A. C.”y entre las partes se ha firmado un acuerdo operativo de buena voluntad, en el que se destaca difundir de manera transparente los trabajos y materiales que forman parte de EDUCARE para la consulta por parte de la comunidad científica a través de su página electrónica disponible en http://www.amelica.org. Además, nos ofrece formación permanente en gestión editorial, proporciona los mecanismos para generar los contenidos en XLM y desde su espacio web crear hipervínculos a la página principal de la revista, a las instrucciones para autores y a su correo de contacto. Todo ello con fines de interoperabilidad y generar una mayor visibilidad. Asimismo, EDUCARE ha comenzado a transitar en convenios con otras revistas, En la actualidad pertenecemos a la Asociación Latinoamericana de Revistas Académicas de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, además hemos firmado un acuerdo de asociación con la revista de ciencias sociales Chakiñan de la Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo Ecuador. Todo ello con el propósito de incrementar la visibilidad de las revistas a nivel internacional, lograr el intercambio de producciones para alcanzar un mayor desarrollo del campo científico nacional e internacional y elevar las contribuciones a las políticas de Ciencia Abierta, pues mediante esta colaboración concreta se estimula la localización de los pares en otras partes del mundo y se promueve desde los sitios Web el prestigio de las revistas. No hay duda que dentro de la gestión editorial nos queda mucho que recorrer. No obstante y aun con el momento pandémico que nos ha tocado vivir, el trabajo ha sido constante y esto ha permitido avanzar en el camino de la calidad editorial con la disposición de contribuir a la visibilización del conocimiento nacional e internacional. Es por ello que en esta nueva y última entrega del año 2020, y con la mejor actitud que siempre nos ha caracterizado, hacemos pública venticuatro producciones intelectuales de ocho países (Venezuela, Colombia, México, Bolivia, Ecuador, Perú, República Dominicana, España y Chile) que muestran los fértiles territorios de la investigación y la reflexión educacional, a través de los escritos de investigadores y docentes ávidos por develar las realidades educativas, siempre dignas de estudio.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar se as decisões de implementação das unidades educacionais do ensino técnico e superior tiveram como um dos fatores decisivos a orientação política dos prefeitos dos municípios durante o período do primeiro governo petista (2003 a 2010). Para fazer a estimação foi usado um modelo probit bivariado com o objetivo de mitigar os vieses de simultaneidade decorrentes da correlação entre implantar um novo Instituto Federal e implantar um novo campus. Foram encontrados indícios de que houve um impacto significativo na probabilidade de concessão dos IFs devido à orientação política dos prefeitos, em todo o país exceto na região Nordeste. Assim, o estudo conclui que a orientação política dos prefeitos pode ter influenciado na concessão dos IFs no período analisado.

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la actitud de las docentes de Educación Inicial hacia la Atención Pedagógica en la Etapa Maternal en los C.E.I. de la Parroquia Mariano Peraza del Municipio Jiménez estado Lara. Metodológicamente se basa en un enfoque cuantitativo, enmarcada en un diseño exploratorio-descriptivo. Los sujetos de estudio fueron treinta (30) docentes a los cuales se les aplicó un cuestionario de 34 ítems con opciones de respuesta en escala tipo Likert, validado a través de un juicio de expertos y con una confiabilidad según el estadístico Alpha de Cronbach de 0,95 que representa una alta confiabilidad. Los resultados fueron procesados por medio de la estadística descriptiva y se concluyó que existen dicotomías que caracterizan las dimensiones cognitiva, afectiva y conductual de la actitud docente hacia la atención a los niños de 0 a 3 años, entre una actitud favorable y desfavorable.

The purpose of this study is to determine the anthropometric profile of elite women’s volleyball players in the Philippines. Thirty-six (n=36) subjects with a mean age of 23.9 + 3 years participated in this study and were measured by ISAK-certified anthropometrics. Results showed that elite Filipino women’s volleyball players are relatively taller and heavier than average Filipino females but smaller and lighter than most internationally-successful women’s volleyball teams. They are in the athletic body fat percentage range with a somatotype of endomorph-mesomorph on average. Middle blockers are tall, thin and lean with a mean central somatotype with lengthy extremities. Outside hitters and opposite spikers are relatively tall, lengthy, and muscular with a mean endomorph-mesomorph somatotype. Liberos are shorter and lighter overall with low body fat and a generally endomorphic mesomorph somatotype. Setters are relatively shorter, heavier and larger with higher body fat and an endomorph-mesomorph somatotype on average. Various similarities and differences with related studies are also discussed.

Astringency is an important sensory characteristic of food and beverages containing polyphenols. However, astringency perception in elderly people has not been previously documented. The aim of the present work was to evaluate sensitivity to astringency as a function of age, salivary flow and protein amount. Fifty-four panellists, including 30 elderly people (age = 75 ± 4.2 years) and 24 young people (age = 29.4 ± 3.8 years), participated in this study. Astringency sensitivity was evaluated by the 2-alternative forced choice (2-AFC) procedure using tannic acid solutions. Whole saliva was collected for 5 min before and after the sensory tests. The results showed that the astringency threshold was significantly higher in the elderly group than the young group. No correlation was observed between the salivary protein amount and threshold value. However, a negative correlation between salivary flow and threshold was observed in the young group only. These results showed a difference in oral astringency perception as a function of age. This difference can be linked to salivary properties that differ as a function of age.

O artigo discute a questão de um potencial mercado de água no Brasil. Como o assunto é insólito, primeiro se apresenta o caso dos EUA, provavelmente o mais antigo e bem documentado, onde no Século XIX as outorgas de exploração de água receberam direitos de propriedade para se lidar com problemas de escassez, e nos últimos 20 anos seu comércio se intensificou em face ao agravamento das secas. No Brasil algo semelhante está proposto no Congresso Nacional, e parece encontrar eco em setores do governo federal, apesar de sua incompatibilidade com o princípio constitucional de que as águas constituem bens de domínio público da União e dos Estados.

En la actualidad la astaxantina de origen natural es uno de los pigmentos carotenoides con importantes aplicaciones en la industria alimenticia, farmacéutica y cosmética, debido a sus grandes propiedades dentro de las que se destaca su gran poder antioxidante, efecto preventivo del cáncer, incremento de la respuesta inmune, inhibición de los radicales libres entre muchas otras. Haematococcus pluvialis es una microalga verde de agua dulce y es una de las fuentes naturales con mayor producción de astaxantina ya que es capaz de acumular hasta un 3% de astaxantina en peso seco. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el medio de cultivo y las condiciones óptimas para el crecimiento y la producción de astaxantina a partir de Haematococcus pluvialis. La influencia de diferentes factores como el pH, temperatura, agitación, aireación CO2 e iluminación favorecen el crecimiento celular, al darle un ambiente óptimo a la microalga. Para determinar las condiciones nutricionales óptimas, se evaluó el efecto de diferentes medios de cultivo (BBM, OHM, RM) en Birreactores de 500mL con 350mL de medio y 1x104cel/ml de inóculo en fase exponencial, las condiciones de cultivo empleadas fueron: pH. 6.7 a 7, CO2 al 5%, fotoperiodo de 16 horas luz 8 oscuridad, irradianza 70μE/m2s; Los resultados mostraron que el mayor crecimiento o producción celular se obtuvo en el medio RM con 7,5 x 105 cel/ml en el día 36, y la mayor producción de astaxantina se obtuvo en el medio RM con una concentración de 8.3 μg/ml en el tratamiento 4.

En este número de la Revista EDUCARE deseamos presentar un merecido homenaje a quien fuera una de nuestras Directoras Editoras: la Dra. Morela Arráez Belly, quien ha partido físicamente pero cuya labor fue parte del recorrido histórico como órgano divulgativo de la Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, específicamente del Instituto Pedagógico de Barquisimeto “Luis Beltrán Prieto Figueroa”, durante el periodo 2006 a 2007. La Dra. Arráez, quien realizó estudios de pregrado y posgrado en nuestra alma mater ,se destacó como docente y miembro ordinario del personal académico de la UPEL IPB en el área de Literatura, investigadora y coordinadora de proyectos, así como participante de las actividades de la Subdirección de Investigación y Posgrado. Por ello, el Consejo Editorial rinde un tributo especial a través de estas líneas y en honor a su memoria, nos comprometemos a continuar la tarea divulgativa que nos fue encomendada y del cual ella formó parte. Desde esta perspectiva, nuestro norte es apuntar incansablemente por la calidad y excelencia en la comunicabilidad y visibilidad del trabajo científico en el área de las Ciencias de la Educación a nivel nacional e internacional, y ajustarnos a los nuevos requerimientos y demandas que las revistas científicas y bases de datos en estos campo constantemente van exigiendo, de modo que los artículos de nuestros colaboradores sean leídos y referenciados por un amplio número de pares académicos y usuarios en el mundo. Así, se presentan en este número, nuevas producciones que buscan desde diferentes ópticas epistémicas analizar y comprender los complejos entornos socioeducativos. En primer lugar, el artículo de las investigadoras venezolanas Tania Peña Vera, Mabelly Matute Ospino y Yasmine González González refiere un estudio titulado Las Prácticas Profesionales de la Licenciatura en Bibliotecología y Archivología de la Universidad del Zulia, cuyo propósito primordial fue identificar el grado de conocimiento de los estudiantes de la Escuela de Bibliotecología y Archivología de la Universidad del Zulia con respecto a los objetivos de las prácticas profesionales de nivel II ; y determinar las fortalezas y debilidades de dichas prácticas. Los resultados revelan que hay motivación, pensamiento ético de justicia y honestidad y enriquecimiento del perfil profesional de los estudiantes, aunque existen debilidades relacionadas con la articulación de directrices entre los tutores académicos y empresariales, entre otros. Luego, se presenta el artículo Redes Sociales: Herramientas Alternativas para el Desarrollo de Competencias Ciudadanas, cuya autoría corresponde a Nely Monterrosa, docente del Ministerio de Educación Nacional de Colombia quien lo realizó con la finalidad de analizar las redes sociales como herramientas alternativas para el desarrollo de competencias ciudadanas y describir la tipología de éstas en el contexto de estudio. En este sentido, concluye la importancia de concretar acciones institucionales que involucren a todos los actores educativos para promover los valores, hábitos, actitudes ciudadanas en su interacción cotidiana. El tercer artículo realizado por los investigadores María Rodríguez-Gámez, Antonio Vázquez-Pérez y Lenin Agustín Cuenca-Álava de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Ecuador se presenta en idioma inglés y se titula University Work as a Guarantee of Sustainable Development. Practical Experiences. El mismo, es un informe de investigación que declara los resultados de las experiencias docentes vinculadas a la gestión de la sostenibilidad y el aprovechamiento de las energías renovables como actividades sustantivas de la universidad. Seguidamente, se muestra una revisión documental titulada La Complejidad Paradigmática en el Aprendizaje Significativo de las Matemáticas realizada por el profesor Waldimiro Olivero del Ministerio de Educación Nacional de Colombia y cuyo propósito fue valorar el nivel de evidencia científica que existe sobre el aprendizaje significativo en las matemáticas y su estructura desde el paradigma de la complejidad. Al respecto, argumenta que aún cuando la evidencia demuestra la importancia de las estrategias significativas para el aprendizaje de la matemática, existe una incongruencia con los resultados en las pruebas nacionales e internacionales del alumnado, que remiten a la necesidad de reflexionar acerca de la trascendencia del hacer docente complejo y de una enseñanza más crítica y transformadora. De igual manera, la Dra. María Giuseppina Vanga de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí realiza una revisión documental titulada Environmental Legislation and its Evolution as a Guide For Environmental Education in Venezuela, en la cual presenta una visión general sobre la evolución de la legislación ambiental en Venezuela y de los problemas ambientales actuales para luego discutir y reflexionar acerca de la importancia de una educación ambiental fundamentada en valores ecológicos que promuevan una vida sostenible. Y por último, los profesores Marisol García Romero y Ender Andrade de la Universidad de los Andes presentan una Propuesta para Evaluar Trabajos Especiales de Grado, la cual pretenden contribuyan con la transparencia de los procesos académico-administrativos y la mejora de la calidad de la producción científica de los posgrados en la universidad. Así pues, presentamos este número como una contribución más a cada docente, investigador y académico cuya avidez de conocimientos le motive a continuar en la búsqueda de preguntas y respuestas del quehacer científico educativo, e incluso a conformar nuestro equipo de autores y árbitros a partir de sus propios hallazgos y reflexiones. Msc. Francis González Coordinadora de Promoción y Difusión de la Investigación UPEL IPB

El presente artículo reporta el proceso de una investigación que tuvo como objetivo analizar las condiciones socioeducativas de los Simoncitos Comunitarios atendidos en la fase de Ensayo Didáctico de la especialidad de Educación Inicial de la UPEL IPB. Se enmarca en un enfoque cuantitativo desde una investigación de campo de carácter descriptiva para lo cual se establecieron como unidades de observación cuatro (4) Simoncitos Comunitarios que brindan atención a niños entre 0 y 6 años, los cuales constituyen la denominada población finita pues son la totalidad de centros atendidos en el lapso II-2016. La técnica utilizada para la recolección de datos fue la observación y el instrumento una guía de observación estructurada por sesenta y seis (66) ítems. Las conclusiones del estudio se refieren a la necesidad de incorporar mayor cantidad de docentes a los Simoncitos Comunitarios o profesionalizar a las madres integrales, requiere además mejores infraestructuras y sobre el ambiente de aprendizaje resaltan diversas debilidades en cuanto a la dimensión física de los espacios y la poca cantidad y calidad de materiales didácticos para los niños.

En un adulto joven la filtración glomerular es de aproximadamente 120-130 mL /min/1,73m2 de superficie corporal y declina progresivamente con la edad. Además, la medición de la FG es importante porque permite la detección temprana de pacientes con enfermedad renal, la aplicación de tratamientos tempranos, valorar la eficacia del tratamiento y ayuda a verificar cuando es necesaria la terapia de reemplazo renal entre otros.

ObjectiveTo determine whether a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) can be safely implemented in primary care as a rule-out test for significant bowel disease (SBD) (colorectal cancer (CRC), higher risk adenoma (HRA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)) when used as an adjunct to the clinical assessment of new bowel symptoms.DesignSingle-centre prospective cohort study of all patients who attended primary care and submitted a FIT in the first calendar year of the service beginning December 2015. f-Hb was estimated using HM-JACKarc (Kyowa Medex) with a clinical cut-off of ≥10 µg Hb/g faeces. Incident cases of CRC were verified via anonymised record linkage to the Scottish Cancer Registry.Results5422 patients submitted 5660 FIT specimens, of which 5372 were analysed (positivity: 21.9%). 2848 patients were referred immediately to secondary care and three with f-Hb