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Abstract Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) requires innovative therapeutic strategies to counteract its progression and metastatic potential. Since the majority of patients are diagnosed with advanced metastatic disease, treatment strategies targeting not only the primary tumor but also metastatic lesions are needed. Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) have emerged as central players, significantly influencing PDAC progression and metastasis. Our objective was to validate an innovative therapeutic strategy involving the reprogramming of TAMs using lipid nanosystems to prevent the formation of a pro-metastatic microenvironment in the liver. Results In vitro results demonstrate that M2-polarized macrophages lose their M2-phenotype following treatment with lipid nanoemulsions composed of vitamin E and sphingomyelin (VitE:SM), transitioning to an M0/M1 state. Specifically, VitE:SM nanoemulsion treatment decreased the expression of macrophage M2 markers such as Arg1 and Egr2, while M1 markers such as Cd86, Il-1b and Il-12b increased. Additionally, the TGF-βR1 inhibitor Galunisertib (LY2157299) was loaded into VitE:SM nanoemulsions and delivered to C57BL/6 mice orthotopically injected with KPC PDAC tumor cells. Treated mice showed diminished primary tumor growth and reduced TAM infiltration in the liver. Moreover, we observed a decrease in liver metastasis with the nanoemulsion treatment in an intrasplenic model of PDAC liver metastasis. Finally, we validated the translatability of our VitE:SM nanosystem therapy in a human cell-based 3D co-culture model in vivo, underscoring the pivotal role of macrophages in the nanosystem’s therapeutic effect in the context of human PDAC metastasis. Conclusions The demonstrated effectiveness and safety of our nanosystem therapy highlights a promising therapeutic approach for PDAC, showcasing its potential in reprogramming TAMs and mitigating the occurrence of liver metastasis. Graphical abstract

Abstract Bariatric surgery is effective for the treatment and remission of obesity and type 2 diabetes, but pharmacological approaches which exert similar metabolic adaptations are needed to avoid post-surgical complications. Here we show how G49, an oxyntomodulin (OXM) analog and dual glucagon/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GCGR/GLP-1R) agonist, triggers an inter-organ crosstalk between adipose tissue, pancreas, and liver which is initiated by a rapid release of free fatty acids (FFAs) by white adipose tissue (WAT) in a GCGR-dependent manner. This interactome leads to elevations in adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), causing WAT beiging, brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation, increased energy expenditure (EE) and weight loss. Elevation of OXM, under basal and postprandial conditions, and similar metabolic adaptations after G49 treatment were found in plasma from patients with obesity early after metabolic bariatric surgery. These results identify G49 as a potential pharmacological alternative sharing with bariatric surgery hormonal and metabolic pathways.

Feminism has been one of the most important social movements of the last centuries. Current societies have widely recognized their contributions. However, whereas ethnic diversity has been included in the movement, diversity in terms of academic background has not. Therefore, the contributions made by the “other women” from their daily lives, those with no university education (who belong to cultural minorities or not), remain on the margins of public debate. In the face of this reality, the plurality of all women has been building contributions to education and dialogic feminism. Based on Lidia Puigvert’s previous study on dialogic feminism and the “other women” movement, this article aimed to trace the social impact of “other women’s” contributions to education and dialogic feminism in their lives and communities. A qualitative case study has been developed that collects a systematic literature review, in-depth interviews with educators, focus groups, and communicative daily life stories with women who have participated in Schools as Learning Communities and democratic adult education associations in Spain over the last 20 years. The results provided evidence about the contributions of the “other women” in the development and expansion of successful educational actions that have generated social and educational transformations in themselves, their families, and their communities, such as Dialogic Gatherings and the prevention of gender violence, among others.

La esgrima en silla de ruedas es un deporte caracterizado por esfuerzos de carácter intermitente donde el ritmo de las acciones es máximo. Existe carencia bibliográfica sobre la evolución de la fatiga en este deporte, en contraste con la información referente a la modalidad olímpica. El objetivo de este estudio fue calcular los valores cardiocirculatorios, metabólicos y perceptivos en una competición internacional de esgrima en silla de ruedas para aumentar los recursos en la programación específica del entrenamiento en este deporte. Compitieron 16 tiradores de categoría A (7) y categoría B (9), a los que se monitorizó la frecuencia cardiaca, el lactato en sangre y la percepción de esfuerzo en cada fase de la competición. Tanto la frecuencia cardiaca (p = .014) como el lactato en sangre (p = .037) y la percepción de esfuerzo (p = .04) aumentaron más en la fase de eliminación directa que en la poule, y se estabilizó en el tramo final de competición. En conclusión, todos los parámetros analizados tienden a incrementarse tras la fase de poule y llegan a sus valores máximos en las eliminaciones directas. A pesar de que los valores metabólicos superaron levemente el umbral aeróbico, es necesario crear una estrategia de entrenamiento para demorar la fatiga y evitar así errores coordinativos, lo cual es tan importante en esta modalidad paralímpica que necesita alta precisión a velocidad máxima.

Quality glucose-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA)-supported digital weight-loss services (DWLSs) have the potential to play a significant role in shifting the alarming global obesity rate. Previous studies have demonstrated various aspects of their utility in Australian and British populations, but nothing has hitherto been investigated in real-world European settings, where GLP-1 RA weight therapy and digital healthcare are widely used. This study retrospectively analysed the 5-month (Mean = 160.14 days) weight-loss outcomes in a cohort of patients who received email-based health coaching and Semaglutide therapy via the Juniper Germany DWLS (n = 833). Mean weight loss was 9.52 (±5.46) percent, with 81.51% of the cohort losing a ‘meaningful’ (5% or more) amount of weight. Females (Mean = 9.75) tended to lose more weight than males (Mean = 8.41) and patients from the lowest two BMI categories (27.5–29.99 kg/m2 Mean = 10.1; 30–34.99 kg/m2 Mean = 9.74) lost significantly more weight than those in the highest BMI category (≥40 kg/m2 Mean = 8.11). These findings indicate that GLP-1 RA-supported DWLSs can contribute to meaningful weight loss in Germany. Future research should seek to conduct a dedicated adherence analysis of the Juniper Germany DWLS and measure the effect of subsidisation and baseline body mass index on general DWLS effectiveness.

Sexuality education should be integrated into educational centers as a human right of children and adolescents, and an international recommendation based on scientific evidence. This study sought to identify the sexuality education interventions that were carried out in Spain in year 2021–2022, and to analyze whether they are in line with best practice recommendations. A descriptive study was carried out, considering organization territorial called Autonomous Communities as the unit of study, through key informants identified by purposive sampling. The variables used were based on international recommendations and the information was collected via a telephone questionnaire, by e-mail or by consulting websites referenced by the key informant. Fifteen of 17 Autonomous Communities had sexuality education interventions. Most were programs and only three had optional curricular subjects. Ninety-four percent were aimed at secondary school and were taught by teachers (72 %). Only one program had an impact evaluation and only 28 % complied with best practice recommendations. The voluntary or optional nature of the interventions reduces their scope, which is usually limited to secondary school students. It is necessary to implement mandatory curricular subjects, with a focus on sexual rights and gender.

Abstract Cisplatin-based chemotherapy has associated clinical disadvantages, such as high toxicity and resistance. Thus, the development of new antitumor metallodrugs able to overcome different clinical barriers is a public healthcare priority. Here, we studied the mechanism of action of the isomers trans and cis-[PtI2(isopropylamine)2] (I5 and I6, respectively) against gastrointestinal cancer cells. We demonstrate that I5 and I6 modulate mitochondrial metabolism, decreasing OXPHOS activity and negatively affecting ATP-linked oxygen consumption rate. Consequently, I5 and I6 generated Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), provoking oxidative damage and eventually the induction of senescence. Thus, herein we propose a loop with three interconnected processes modulated by these iodido agents: (i) mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic disruptions; (ii) ROS generation and oxidative damage; and (iii) cellular senescence. Functionally, I5 reduces cancer cell clonogenicity and tumor growth in a pancreatic xenograft model without systemic toxicity, highlighting a potential anticancer complex that warrants additional pre-clinical studies.

Abstract Through GWAS studies we identified PATJ associated with functional outcome after ischemic stroke (IS). The aim of this study was to determine PATJ role in brain endothelial cells (ECs) in the context of stroke outcome. PATJ expression analyses in patient’s blood revealed that: (i) the risk allele of rs76221407 induces higher expression of PATJ, (ii) PATJ is downregulated 24 h after IS, and (iii) its expression is significantly lower in those patients with functional independence, measured at 3 months with the modified Rankin scale ((mRS) ≤2), compared to those patients with marked disability (mRS = 4–5). In mice brains, PATJ was also downregulated in the injured hemisphere at 48 h after ischemia. Oxygen-glucose deprivation and hypoxia-dependent of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α also caused PATJ depletion in ECs. To study the effects of PATJ downregulation, we generated PATJ-knockdown human microvascular ECs. Their transcriptomic profile evidenced a complex cell reprogramming involving Notch, TGF-ß, PI3K/Akt, and Hippo signaling that translates in morphological and functional changes compatible with endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). PATJ depletion caused loss of cell-cell adhesion, upregulation of metalloproteases, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cytoplasmic accumulation of the signal transducer C-terminal transmembrane Mucin 1 (MUC1-C) and downregulation of Notch and Hippo signaling. The EndMT phenotype of PATJ-depleted cells was associated with the nuclear recruitment of MUC1-C, YAP/TAZ, β-catenin, and ZEB1. Our results suggest that PATJ downregulation 24 h after IS promotes EndMT, an initial step prior to secondary activation of a pro-angiogenic program. This effect is associated with functional independence suggesting that activation of EndMT shortly after stroke onset is beneficial for stroke recovery.

Background: The proper development of balance is essential in the acquisition of a correct physical condition, as well as in the evolutionary follow-up at early ages, and its periodic evaluation is very relevant in the educational environment. Objectives: The objective of this research was to design an accessible web application for static and dynamic balance assessment, based on a force platform and motion analysis software. Methods: The Single leg balance test (SLB), Tandem balance test (TBT), and Y balance test (YBT) were performed on a sample of 75 children aged 6 to 9 years. Results: The results show that static balance is more complex at an older age, greater standing height, and with eyes closed (p < 0.001). Regarding the center of pressure (COP), its variability was greater in girls owing to a lower Total Force (TF) at the time of the test (p < 0.05). Parallel observation with the Kinovea software has made it possible to elaborate a scale from 1 to 10 points for integration into an open-access web application (IMEP) to assess static and dynamic balance. Conclusions: The creation of an ad hoc application for primary school teachers and students has been possible by using validated devices obtaining a rating scale, which facilitate the monitoring of students’ functional evolution and offers the possibility of scheduling physical education sessions with a preventive approach as well as a focus on improving physical condition.

With the rationale that the oxidative potential of particulate matter (PM-OP) may induce oxidative stress and inflammation, we conducted the ASTHMA-FENOP study in which 44 asthmatic patients and 37 matched controls wore a personal sampler for 24 h, allowing the collection of fine and coarse PM fractions separately, to determine PM-OP by the dithiothreitol (DTT) and ascorbic acid (AA) methods. The levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the IL-6/IL-10 ratio, as indicators of pro- and anti-inflammatory statuses, were determined by calculating the mean differences (MDs), odds ratios (ORs) and p-trends adjusted for sex, age, study level and body mass index. Positive associations for IL-6 levels in the form of adjusted MDs and ORs were obtained for all PM-OP metrics, reaching statistical significance for both OP-DTT and OP-AA in the fine fraction, with adjusted OR = 5.66; 95%CI (1.46 to 21.92) and 3.32; 95%CI (1.07 to 10.35), respectively, along with statistically significant dose–response patterns when restricting to asthma and adjusted also for clinical variables (adjusted p-trend = 0.029 and 0.01). Similar or stronger associations and dose–response patterns were found for the IL-6/IL-10 ratio. In conclusion, our findings on the effect of PM-OP on systemic inflammation support that asthma is a heterogeneous disease at the molecular level, with PM-OP potentially playing an important role.

Objetivo: Valorar postural, articular y muscularmente la salud lumbar de una muestra de mujeres adolescentes y medir su mejora tras la llevar a cabo un programa preventivo. Metodología: Se diseñaron una serie de ejercicios para su aplicación en la vuelta a la calma de las sesiones de Educación Física durante cuatro semanas, centrados en el desarrollo muscular lumbar, y la estabilidad y alineación raquídea. Resultados: Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas entre test y retest, en dos ítems de alineación del raquis (p < .05), pero no reportan cambios en las pruebas de estabilización raquídea y la electromiografía (p = .47). Los datos de regresión en caso de continuar la aplicación del programa indican tendencia a la mejora en esta variable. Conclusiones: La conclusión principal es resaltar la importancia de aplicar diferentes pruebas de evaluación que permitan detectar anomalías posturales y la necesidad de adoptar hábitos preventivos centrados en la práctica continuada de ejercicio físico. Palabras clave: Dolor lumbar, postura, activación muscular, adolescentes. Abstract. Objective: To assess postural, joint and muscular lowback health in a sample of adolescent women and to measure their improvement after carrying out a preventive programme. Methodology: A series of exercises were designed to be applied in the return to calm during the Physical Education sessions for four weeks, focusing on lumbar muscle development, and spinal stability and alignment. Results: The results show significant differences between test and retest in two spine alignment items (p < .05), but no changes in spine stabilisation tests and electromyography (p = .47). Regression data in case of continued application of the programme indicate a trend towards improvement in this variable. Conclusions: The main conclusion is to highlight the importance of applying different assessment tests to detect postural abnormalities and the need to adopt preventive habits focused on the continued practice of physical exercise. Key words: Low-back pain, posture, muscle activation, adolescents.

OBJECTIVE Our study aims to extend the previous research and compare two diagnostic methods performed on the ulnar nerve to validate the use of the ulnar goniometer in electromyographic diagnostic practice. Comparing the electroneurographic method, obtained through conduction velocity (CV) studies with ultrasound of the ulnar nerve in the area above the elbow and at the wrist, we aim to quantify the reliability of the ulnar goniometer compared to the diagnostic method ultrasound of the nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS The operator examined with the use of the Ulnar Goniometer, detecting the wrist-below-elbow motor conduction speed and the above-elbow speed (AE), below-elbow speed (BE) and subsequently performed an ultrasound examination of the ulnar nerve in the forearm and elbow. We calculated the degree of homogeneity between measurements. RESULTS Evaluating 30 participants of both genders with typical paresthetic symptoms of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, 100% of the measurements show that a decrease in Motor Conduction Velocity (MCV) below 50 m/s is associated with an increase in Cross-Sectional Area (CSA). Additionally, in 89% of cases, a reduction in MCV wBE and BEAE by more than 10 m/s is correlated with an increase in CSA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The measurement of the angle below the elbow (BE) and above the elbow (AE) using the Ulnar Goniometer provides us with a slowed Motor Conduction Velocity (MCV) that is by ultrasound data showing an increase in the Cross-Sectional Area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve in that segment, as observed in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).

Obbiettivo Il nostro studio mira a estendere la ricerca precedente e confrontare due metodi diagnostici eseguiti sul nervo ulnare per convalidare l'uso del goniometro ulnare nella pratica elettromiografica come strumento ausiliario diagnostico. Confrontando il metodo elettro-neurografico, ottenuto attraverso studi sulla velocità di conduzione (VC), con l'ecografia del nervo ulnare al canale cubitale e in corrispondenza del terzo medio dell’avambraccio, miriamo a quantificare l'affidabilità del goniometro ulnare rispetto al metodo diagnostico dell'ecografia del nervo. Materiali E Metodi l'operatore ha eseguito l'esame con l'uso del Goniometro Ulnare, rilevando la velocità di conduzione motoria dal polso al gomito e la velocità sopra il gomito (AE), sotto il gomito (BE) e successivamente ha eseguito l'ecografia del nervo ulnare nell'avambraccio e nel gomito. Abbiamo calcolato il grado di omogeneità tra le misurazioni. Risultati Valutando 30 partecipanti di entrambi i sessi con sintomi parestesici tipici di compressione del nervo ulnare al gomito, Il 100% delle misurazioni mostra che una diminuzione di MCV al di sotto di 50 m/s è associata a un aumento di CSA. Inoltre, nell'89% dei casi, una riduzione di MCV wBE e BEAE di più di 10 m/s è correlata a un aumento di CSA. Discussione e Conclusioni La misurazione dell'angolo sotto il gomito (BE) e sopra il gomito (AE) utilizzando il Goniometro Ulnare ci fornisce una Velocità di Conduzione Motoria (MCV) rallentata che è in accordo con i dati ecografici che mostrano un aumento della cosiddetta Cross Sectional Area (CSA) ossia la sezione trasversale misurata in mm2 del nervo ulnare in quel segmento, come accade nella Sindrome del Tunnel Cubitale (CTS).

Additive manufacturing offers manufacture of personalised pharmaceutical tablets through design freedoms and material deposition control at an individual voxel level. This control goes beyond geometry and materials choices: inkjet based 3D printing enables the precise deposition (10–80 μm) of multiple materials, which permits integration of precise doses with tailored release rates; in the meanwhile, this technique has demonstrated its capability of high-volume personalised production. In this paper we demonstrate how two dissimilar materials, one water soluble and one insoluble, can be co-printed within a design envelope to dial up a range of release rates including slow (0.98 ± 0.04 mg/min), fast (4.07 ± 0.25 mg/min) and multi-stepped (2.17 ± 0.04 mg/min then 0.70 ± 0.13 mg/min) dissolution curves. To achieve this, we adopted poly-4-acryloylmorpholine (poly-ACMO) as a new photocurable water-soluble carrier and demonstrated its contemporaneous deposition with an insoluble monomer. The water soluble ACMO formulation with aspirin incorporated was successfully printed and cured under UV light and a wide variety of shapes with material distributions that control drug elution was successfully fabricated by inkjet based 3D printing technique, suggesting its viability as a future personalised solid dosage form fabrication routine.

Disponer de instrumentos fiables y válidos para conocer los valores en los deportes resulta clave como base para promover una práctica con sentido ético. El estudio recogido en este artículo tuvo como finalidad delimitar la validez de constructo y la fiabilidad del Cuestionario sobre Valores en Deportes de Equipo con profesorado de Educación Física en formación dentro del ámbito de México. Tomando como base la versión preliminar de dicho cuestionario, se administró a una muestra integrada por 1064 estudiantes de la Licenciatura en Educación Física. El análisis de componentes principales con rotación Varimax, utilizado para delimitar la validez de constructo llevó a determinar 26 valores explícitos en deportes de colaboración-oposición. En lo que atañe a la fiabilidad, el coeficiente α de Cronbach ofreció un resultado excelente (.983). El estudio arrojó la presencia de cuatro factores: Respeto a las reglas, Actuación prosocial, Éxito personal y de equipo, y Desarrollo y realización personal. Estos resultados ofrecen cualidades psicométricas que permite aproximarse científicamente al conocimiento de los sistemas de valores de las personas participantes en deportes de colaboración-oposición que orientan su formación hacia el ámbito específico de Educación Física. Palabras clave: Educación Física, Cuestionario, Valores, Deportes de equipo, Colaboración-oposición. Abstract. Having reliable and valid instruments to know the values in sports is key as a basis for promoting a practice with an ethical sense. The purpose of this study was to delimit the construct validity and reliability of the Questionnaire on Values in Team Sports with Physical Education teachers in training in Mexico. Based on the preliminary version of this questionnaire, it was administered to a sample of 1064 students of the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. Principal component factor analysis with Varimax rotation, used to delimit construct validity, led to the determination of 26 explicit values in collaboration-opposition sports. In terms of reliability, Cronbach's α coefficient gave an excellent result (.983). The study showed the presence of four factors: Respect for rules, Prosocial behavior, Personal and team success, and Personal development and fulfillment. These results offer psychometric qualities that allow us to scientifically approach the knowledge of the value systems of the people participating in collaboration-opposition sports that orient their training towards the specific field of Physical Education. Keywords: Physical Education, Questionnaire, Values, Team Sports, Collaboration-Opposition.

Abstract Background Previous studies by our group have shown that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the main pathway by which pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) meet their energetic requirements; therefore, OXPHOS represents an Achille’s heel of these highly tumorigenic cells. Unfortunately, therapies that target OXPHOS in CSCs are lacking. Methods The safety and anti-CSC activity of a ruthenium complex featuring bipyridine and terpyridine ligands and one coordination labile position (Ru1) were evaluated across primary pancreatic cancer cultures and in vivo, using 8 patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). RNAseq analysis followed by mitochondria-specific molecular assays were used to determine the mechanism of action. Results We show that Ru1 is capable of inhibiting CSC OXPHOS function in vitro, and more importantly, it presents excellent anti-cancer activity, with low toxicity, across a large panel of human pancreatic PDXs, as well as in colorectal cancer and osteosarcoma PDXs. Mechanistic studies suggest that this activity stems from Ru1 binding to the D-loop region of the mitochondrial DNA of CSCs, inhibiting OXPHOS complex-associated transcription, leading to reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption, membrane potential, and ATP production, all of which are necessary for CSCs, which heavily depend on mitochondrial respiration. Conclusions Overall, the coordination complex Ru1 represents not only an exciting new anti-cancer agent, but also a molecular tool to dissect the role of OXPHOS in CSCs. Results indicating that the compound is safe, non-toxic and highly effective in vivo are extremely exciting, and have allowed us to uncover unprecedented mechanistic possibilities to fight different cancer types based on targeting CSC OXPHOS.

An experimental theater commissions a comic book artist to design a building. After securing funding and gaining community support with his proposal, the project has to be developed with an architectural studio. Through a narrative exploring the tension and negotiations between the initial design and its spatial execution, this article delves into authorship and the design processes in architecture, offering insights into an unexpectedly yet successful interdisciplinary collaboration.

Un teatro experimental encarga a un artista de cómics el diseño de un edificio. Tras asegurar financiamiento y obtener el respaldo de la comunidad con su propuesta, el proyecto debe ser desarrollado con una oficina de arquitectura. A través de una narrativa que explora la tensión y las negociaciones entre el diseño inicial y su ejecución espacial, este artículo profundiza en la autoría y los procesos de diseño en arquitectura, ofreciendo perspectivas sobre una colaboración interdisciplinaria inesperadamente exitosa.

Objective: To describe the relationship between bilateral electrical activity in the biceps femoris and the variation of triaxial acceleration in three 50 m sprints. Methods: Biceps femoris muscle activation and acceleration in the anterior–posterior, mediolateral, and superior–inferior axes were measured in three 50 m sprints in nine national-level sprinters. Results: There was significant asymmetry between both legs, and the variations between axes were significant between the anterior–posterior with respect to the lateral and superior–inferior, and between the lateral and superior–inferior (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Increased biceps femoris activation during running increases speed regardless of asymmetry in force application. In the maintenance of horizontal velocity, acceleration of the anterior–posterior axis is the most relevant and depends on the flexion-extension muscle actions contained in the lateral axis.

Abstract Social science unveils new ways of engaging communities in science. However, it has not yet been analysed how dialogic scientific gatherings (DSGs), a community science action, involve communities to benefit from the research on two sustainable development goals: quality education and gender equality. Within the framework of the EU H2020-funded project “ALLINTERACT Widening and diversifying citizen engagement in science” (Flecha and ALLINTERACT Consortium, 2020), the DSGs on evidence in preventing violence and gender violence through education have been replicated to engage a group of 10 mothers from a low-middle socioeconomic background whose children attend the same neighbourhood school and two teachers. The participants’ perception of the DSGs’ replicability has been studied through focus groups. The first one was a pretest FG aimed at collecting the previous perceptions of the participants about their awareness of the scientific research benefits and impact and their previous engagement in science. The second round was a posttest FG after participating in the DSGs, which consisted of 11 sessions in which participants selected scientific articles to read and discuss together. The posttest FG explores changes in participants’ perception regarding the topics discussed in the first round and analyses how the replicability of the DSGs aimed at community participation in science developed. The main findings show that after participating in the DSGs, participants reported more awareness related to scientific research benefits and impact, increased involvement in science, greater understanding of the social impact of scientific evidence in preventing violence and gender violence through education, and more engagement in social issues for the improvement of their community. The implications for the replicability of DSGs as community science action are as follows: 1) The topics to be read must be based on the participants’ interests, and 2) the dialogical functioning criteria must be ensured.

Abstract Computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) algorithms have shown its usefulness for the identification of pulmonary nodules in chest x-rays, but its capability to diagnose lung cancer (LC) is unknown. A CAD algorithm for the identification of pulmonary nodules was created and used on a retrospective cohort of patients with x-rays performed in 2008 and not examined by a radiologist when obtained. X-rays were sorted according to the probability of pulmonary nodule, read by a radiologist and the evolution for the following three years was assessed. The CAD algorithm sorted 20,303 x-rays and defined four subgroups with 250 images each (percentiles ≥ 98, 66, 33 and 0). Fifty-eight pulmonary nodules were identified in the ≥ 98 percentile (23,2%), while only 64 were found in lower percentiles (8,5%) (p

Background: Hospitalized children need adequate sleep to favor early recovery. Methods: To study the sleep pattern of children admitted to a pediatric inpatient unit, a cross-sectional study was carried out at a reference hospital in northern Spain. The main study variables were medical specialty of admission, sleep-inducing treatment, hours of sleep at home and during admission, number of nocturnal awakenings, and reasons for awakening. Differences in the hours of sleep and nighttime awakenings between the initial period and at six months were calculated using the Student’s t-test. Results: We included 100 baseline patients and 100 post-intervention patients. Up to 4% of the baseline sample and 3% of the six-month sample had been prescribed a sleep-promoting drug. Regarding awakenings, 79% of the children in the baseline sample suffered awakenings, with a mean of 1.98 awakenings (range 1–13). At six months, the percentage of children who experienced awakenings decreased by 17%, with a mean of 1.34 (range 1–5). In the baseline sample, 48% were caused by nursing care, decreasing to 34% after the intervention. Conclusions: An educational intervention with the implementation of targeted evidence-based practices is a useful measure for improving the sleep pattern by decreasing the number of awakenings.

Wheelchair fencing is a medium-distance combat sport in which the wheelchair is fixed to the floor. This requires a maximum concentration and gestational speed. Refined techniques and fatigue tolerance are essential to achieve competitive results. Aim: The main objective of this study was to measure the speed and muscular participation of a direct attack gesture with and without fatigue in a sample of elite wheelchair fencers. Methods: The maximal isometric force, gestural speed, and resistance to gestural velocity were estimated in 10 elite performed direct fencers. Results: The results revealed that sitting height and wingspan were important factors in achieving the highest speed, especially in women (r = 0.9; p = 0.07). Other factors, such as the elbow angle where the closed position was better, affected muscle contraction in both categories of athletes (p = 0.01). The onset of fatigue was earlier in category B than in category A, with greater variation in direct attack movement. The results highlight the importance of analyzing direct attacks for the best application of quick force, speed, and muscle participation, as well as identifying the onset of technical deterioration to devise a competitive strategy. These parameters may allow for precise design of conditioning sessions for elite wheelchair shooters.

Background and aimsPersons with substance use disorder are at increased risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Although most of them are attached to social health centers, the vaccination rate in this group is low. In this context, we designed a study to evaluate the prevalence of users of drug addiction centers (DAC) not immunized against hepatitis B and to compare the rate of vaccination against hepatitis B with the rate of immunization against SARS-Cov-2 in 2 years of follow-up.DesignRetrospective study that included individuals attended at DAC. Patients were screened at baseline (June 2020–January 2021) for HBV immunization. Individuals with HBsAb < 10 IU/mL were recommended to receive hepatitis B vaccine, during follow-up (January 2021–October 2022). At the end of follow-up, the HBV vaccination rate among candidates was determined and compared with the vaccination rate against SARS-Cov-2 in this population in the same period.FindingsA total of 325 subjects were surveyed and tested. At baseline, the 65% (211/325) of were candidates to initiate vaccination and were advisor to HBV vaccination. During the follow-up 15 individuals received at least one dose of HBV vaccine, supposing a vaccination rate of 7.2%. In the same period, 186 individuals received at least one dose against SARS-Cov-2, representing a vaccination rate of 83%. The comparison between vaccination rates reached statistically significant (p

Sustainability evaluations are increasingly relevant in the design of products. Within sustainability-related frameworks, circular economy (CE) has gained attention in the last few years, and this has vastly affected design, leading, for example, to design for circularity. This article deals with the wide range of product-level CE assessment tools, out of which some are applied to a case study from the building sector, namely a tiny house made with hemp bricks. Attention was specifically paid to those methods through which a single circularity indicator could be extrapolated. Overall, the objective of this work is to study the convergence of existing CE assessment methods in providing consistent circularity performances. The results show similarities in the overall circularity scores despite differences in the variables used to achieve that final score. Thus, despite the lack of standard methods, the results suggest that many of these tools are sufficiently interchangeable, also in consideration of consistent indications to improve the circularity of the tiny house. This means that consistent inputs are provided to anyone willing to redesign the tiny house with the objective of making it more circular irrespective of the assessment tool used.

This work aimed to develop high-quality gluten-free bread based on maize and buckwheat with good palatability and texture properties. Different aromatic herbs and spices were incorporated as ingredients to evaluate whether their addition could influence the acceptability of consumers by improving the sensory properties of the final product. The bread formulation was first optimized through a response surface methodology. Accordingly, high specific volume, high springiness, and low hardness provided the best theoretical bread quality. However, when developing the product, some sensory defects were detected. Therefore, the addition of other ingredients (e.g., oil, sugar, and yeast) was tested. Finally, five different gluten-free bread with different combinations of aromatic herbs and spices were obtained. They were nutritionally characterized and subjected to sensory analysis by a panel of 140 consumers. The chemical composition of all bread was very similar, with only slight differences among them. Likewise, all of them received acceptable sensory scores (>5) from consumers, and some combinations of herbs and spices obtained scores higher than in the control bread (without herbs and spices). Overall, the gluten-free bread formulated with the combination of basil and oregano was the one that consumers significantly liked the most.

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 130 participants living near a ferromanganese alloy plant, analyzing Pb and Mn exposure by biomarkers (blood, hair, and fingernails) and particulate matter personal environmental monitors (PEMs). Cognitive and motor function were assessed by five and three tests, respectively. Mean differences (MDs) adjusted for age, sex, and study level were determined. In addition, MDs for Pb were adjusted for Mn levels and vice versa. Medians of 9.14 µg/L, 149.04 ng/g, and 96.04 ng/g were obtained for blood, scalp hair, and fingernails Pb levels, respectively. Regarding PEMs, median Pb levels were 6.56 ng/m3 for the fine fraction and, for the coarse fraction, they were below the limit of detection in 97% of participants. Exposure to Pb at low levels was not associated with worse cognitive function. In comparison, exposure to high levels of Mn was associated with worse cognitive function at least in the domains evaluated through Stroop, Digit Span, and Verbal Fluency tests. In terms of motor function, our results suggest that even the currently low Pb levels may have negative health effects on dynamometer-determined strength—adjusted MD on dominant hand = −2.68; 95%CI (−4.85 to −0.51), p = 0.016. Further studies should investigate this association.

Abstract Background Most microbiota studies in microscopic colitis patients are performed after diagnostic colonoscopy without considering the potential effect of colonic lavage. Patients may achieve clinical remission after colonoscopy and it is unknown whether lavage-induced changes play a role. Aim To assess the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) colonic lavage on clinical remission rate, microbial diversity, microbial dysbiosis index and specific microbial changes in patients with active microscopic colitis as compared to other diarrhoeal diseases and healthy controls. Methods Fifty-five consecutive patients presenting chronic watery diarrhoea and 12 healthy controls were included. Faecal samples were collected three days before and 30 days after PEG in patients and controls for microbiome analysis. Results Clinical remission was observed in 53% of microscopic colitis patients, and in 32% of non-microscopic colitis patients (p = 0.16). Considering patients with persisting diarrhoea after colonoscopy, 71% of non-microscopic colitis patients had bile acid diarrhoea. Baseline Shannon Index was lower in diarrhoea groups than in healthy controls (p = 0.0025); there were no differences between microscopic colitis, bile-acid diarrhoea and functional diarrhoea. The microbial dysbiosis index was significantly higher in microscopic colitis than in bile acid diarrhoea plus functional diarrhoea (p = 0.0095), but no bacterial species showed a significantly different relative abundance among the diarrheal groups. Conclusions Dysbiosis is a feature in active microscopic colitis, but loss of microbial diversity was similar in all diarrheal groups, suggesting that faecal microbial changes are not due to microscopic colitis itself but associated with stool form. A considerable number of microscopic colitis patients achieved clinical remission after colonoscopy, but we were unable to demonstrate related PEG-induced changes in faecal microbiome.

La adopción de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en contextos educativos ha cambiado la concepción de los roles de los maestros y de los aprendices, la relación entre ellos y las prácticas educativas. Esto conduce a que nociones como el aprendizaje autorregulado cobren relevancia en la forma en la que los alumnos aprenden en este tipo de mediación y que se resalte la influencia que tiene el acompañamiento del docente en ello. Por tanto, se llevó a cabo una investigación cualitativa que, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y del análisis de foros de interacción de tres tutores, identificara las prácticas que fomentan el aprendizaje autorregulado en ambientes virtuales en el contexto de una universidad a distancia. A partir del análisis interpretativo, se encontró que para los participantes, el rol de los docentes se centra en promover la motivación y aquellos elementos que ayudan a generarla y sostenerla, como la autoeficacia. Adicionalmente, se define como categoría emergente la empatía, la cual permite que el profesor sea cercano al educando, identifique las necesidades de este último y promueva tanto la motivación como el interés en el aprendizaje.

Background and aimsThe burden hepatitis C infection in people with history or current drug use suppose a high risk of hepatic complications and transmission infectious disease. This population is poor linked to heath system and is difficult to achieve them and support treatment because they have high rates of lost follow-up. Our aim was to evaluate an intervention for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C and HIV in this population.MethodsSix-hundred and eighty-three people attended in Drugs and Addictions Centers (DAC) were asked to participate in health counseling and provide blood sample for test HCV, HIV, and syphilis from April 2019 to June 2020. Totally 556 subjects were surveyed and tested. All of them were assigned to a patient navigation program to improve health education and linking to the sanitary system. Hepatitis C infection patients were evaluated in an ampliated medical consult to evaluate hepatic stage with transient liver elastography and initiated Direct Acting Antivirals to achieve Sustained Viral Response.ResultsOf the 556 patients who agreed to participate in the study, 33 (5.9%) had active HCV infection. Of the 33 patients infected with HCV, three were lost to follow-up once the diagnosis of HCV infection was made. Twenty-eight patients (93.3%) completed treatment and 26 achieved Sustained Viral Response (78.8%). Of the 30 patients, seven (23.3%) had advanced fibrosis, and of these, four (16.6%) had liver cirrhosis. One of the cirrhotic patients had hepatic space-occupying lesions at the baseline evaluation and was diagnosed with hepatocarcinoma.ConclusionsOur study suggests that the implementation of strategies based on personalized intervention models can contribute to the control of HCV infection in DAC users.

Dialogic popular education developed by La Verneda-Sant Martí School for Adults in Spain, influenced by the work of Paulo Freire, has had a range of significant social and educational impacts. Starting with an emancipatory approach to eradicate oppression, this dialogic popular education resisted and has transformed aspects of the Spanish educational sphere despite ongoing hindrances and difficulties. This article presents a path of events, a history of interventions and findings from research on how dialogic popular education has affected and changed educational practices as well as how research is approached elsewhere in Europe. In addition, it presents ways in which a radical commitment to social change can be combined with scientific standards in the pursuit of achieving a better society for all.

Scientific literature has clarified that the contexts of more intense power relations favor sexual harassment and impunity. This article presents the results of a research that has analyzed a legislation aimed at combating sexual harassment that preceded six months earlier the selection and evaluation of faculty. The communicative research methodology followed the criteria of social impact and creation, which are currently required by the European Union research program. In addition to a documentary review, sixteen interviews were conducted, twelve with teachers who led the research that gave rise to these reforms and three with victims who managed to become survivors. The result shows an affirmation shared by all interviewees: the passing of legislation against sexual harassment weakened feudal relationships within universities and made members of the Spanish parliament aware of the need to overcome these relationships through meritocratic evaluation. This result can contribute to a twofold process: that feminisms support democratic and social reforms in universities and that those who elaborate scientific policies know that guaranteeing gender equality and overcoming sexual harassment is the way to promote scientific productivity.

Different biomarkers for SARS-CoV-2 have been linked to detection, diagnosis, treatment, disease progression, and development of new drugs and vaccines. The objective of this research was to evaluate various hematological, biochemicals, immunological, radiological and spirometric parameters in 20 adult patients convalescing from COVID-19 and their possible relationship with the clinical course of the disease. The frequencies of categorical variables were compared using the chi-square and Fisher's exact test. The levels of statistical significance were denoted in each figure legend. Two-dimensional clustering analysis was performed using MeV software from TIGR. The tests with P value of ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Most of the patients studied presented alterations in dissimilar laboratory, radiological and spirometric parameters, which were related to the clinical evolution of the disease. The results obtained show that certain hematological, biochemical, immunological and radiological parameters can be considered as biomarkers of sequela in adult COVID-19 patients, which allows their stratification, according to the degree of involvement or sequela, into three groups: I (mild degree of involvement or sequela), without lung lesions on computerized axial tomography (CT scan) and high values of IgG, C3 and hemoglobin, II (moderate degree of involvement or sequel), without lung lesions on CT scan, characterized by high levels of CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocytes and the rest of the variables with low values and III (severe degree of involvement or sequela), with lung lesions on CT scan and high values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, monocytes and neutrophils, associated with lymphopenia and decreased concentrations of IgG and C3.

PurposeTo describe SARS-CoV-2 infection outcome in unvaccinated children and young adults with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and to compare their specific acute and long-term immune responses with a sex-, age-, and severity-matched healthy population (HC).MethodsUnvaccinated IEI patients up to 22 years old infected with SARS-CoV-2 were recruited along with a cohort of HC. SARS-CoV-2 serology and ELISpot were performed in the acute phase of infection (up to 6 weeks) and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.ResultsTwenty-five IEI patients (median age 14.3 years, min.-max. range 4.5-22.8; 15/25 males; syndromic combined immunodeficiencies: 48.0%, antibody deficiencies: 16.0%) and 17 HC (median age 15.3 years, min.-max. range 5.4-20.0; 6/17 males, 35.3%) were included. Pneumonia occurred in 4/25 IEI patients. In the acute phase SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulins were positive in all HC but in only half of IEI in whom it could be measured (n=17/25): IgG+ 58.8% (10/17) (p=0.009); IgM+ 41.2% (7/17)(p

Non-syndromic hearing impairment (NSHI) is a very heterogeneous genetic condition, involving over 130 genes. Mutations in GJB2, encoding connexin-26, are a major cause of NSHI (the DFNB1 type), but few other genes have significant epidemiological contributions. Mutations in the STRC gene result in the DFNB16 type of autosomal recessive NSHI, a common cause of moderate hearing loss. STRC is located in a tandem duplicated region that includes the STRCP1 pseudogene, and so it is prone to rearrangements causing structural variations. Firstly, we screened a cohort of 122 Spanish familial cases of non-DFNB1 NSHI with at least two affected siblings and unaffected parents, and with different degrees of hearing loss (mild to profound). Secondly, we screened a cohort of 64 Spanish sporadic non-DFNB1 cases, and a cohort of 35 Argentinean non-DFNB1 cases, all of them with moderate hearing loss. Amplification of marker D15S784, massively parallel DNA sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and long-range gene-specific PCR followed by Sanger sequencing were used to search and confirm single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and deletions involving STRC. Causative variants were found in 13 Spanish familial cases (10.7%), 5 Spanish simplex cases (7.8%) and 2 Argentinean cases (5.7%). In all, 34 deleted alleles and 6 SNVs, 5 of which are novel. All affected subjects had moderate hearing impairment. Our results further support this strong genotype–phenotype correlation and highlight the significant contribution of STRC mutations to moderate NSHI in the Spanish population.

Objectives The large number of infected patients requiring mechanical ventilation has led to the postponement of scheduled neurosurgical procedures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of this study were to investigate the factors that influence the decision to postpone scheduled neurosurgical procedures and to evaluate the effect of the restriction in scheduled surgery adopted to deal with the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain on the outcome of patients awaiting surgery.Design This was an observational retrospective study.Settings A tertiary-level multicentre study of neurosurgery activity between 1 March and 30 June 2020.Participants A total of 680 patients awaiting any scheduled neurosurgical procedure were enrolled. 470 patients (69.1%) were awaiting surgery because of spine degenerative disease, 86 patients (12.6%) due to functional disorders, 58 patients (8.5%) due to brain or spine tumours, 25 patients (3.7%) due to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders and 17 patients (2.5%) due to cerebrovascular disease.Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome was mortality due to any reason and any deterioration of the specific neurosurgical condition. Second, we analysed the rate of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.Results More than one-quarter of patients experienced clinical or radiological deterioration. The rate of worsening was higher among patients with functional (39.5%) or CSF disorders (40%). Two patients died (0.4%) during the waiting period, both because of a concurrent disease. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine independent covariates associated with maintaining the surgical indication. We found that community SARS-CoV-2 incidence (OR=1.011, p

Abstract We investigated the genetic causes of major mental disorders (MMDs) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder I, major depressive disorder and attention deficit hyperactive disorder, in a large family pedigree from Alpujarras, South of Spain, a region with high prevalence of psychotic disorders. We applied a systematic genomic approach based on karyotyping (n = 4), genotyping by genome-wide SNP array (n = 34) and whole-genome sequencing (n = 12). We performed genome-wide linkage analysis, family-based association analysis and polygenic risk score estimates. Significant linkage was obtained at chromosome 9 (9q33.1–33.2, LOD score = 4.11), a suggestive region that contains five candidate genes ASTN2, BRINP1, C5, TLR4 and TRIM32, previously associated with MMDs. Comprehensive analysis associated the MMD phenotype with genes of the immune system with dual brain functions. Moreover, the psychotic phenotype was enriched for genes involved in synapsis. These results should be considered once studying the genetics of psychiatric disorders in other families, especially the ones from the same region, since founder effects may be related to the high prevalence.

Novel and sustainable approaches are required to curb the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Within the last decades, antimicrobial peptides, especially bacteriocins, have received increased attention and are being explored as suitable alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria as a self-preservation method against competitors. Bacteriocins produced by Staphylococcus, also referred to as staphylococcins, have steadily shown great antimicrobial potential and are currently being considered promising candidates to mitigate the AMR menace. Moreover, several bacteriocin-producing Staphylococcus isolates of different species, especially coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), have been described and are being targeted as a good alternative. This revision aims to help researchers in the search and characterization of staphylococcins, so we provide an up-to-date list of bacteriocin produced by Staphylococcus. Moreover, a universal nucleotide and amino acid-based phylogeny system of the well-characterized staphylococcins is proposed that could be of interest in the classification and search for these promising antimicrobials. Finally, we discuss the state of art of the staphylococcin applications and an overview of the emerging concerns.

Background Binge drinking (BD) refers to a pattern of alcohol consumption characterized by the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time followed by periods of abstinence. This drinking pattern is prevalent worldwide, mainly among young people. Excessive alcohol consumption is the spectrum of consumption patterns that may have or have had health consequences, and includes the concepts of risky alcohol use, harmful alcohol use and alcohol dependence according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), the latter two are currently grouped into alcohol use disorder (AUD) according to the fifth edition of the DSM (DSM-5). Due to the high prevalence of BD among young people, especially university students, as well as the important consequences of its practice, a study was conducted to evaluate excessive alcohol consumption and its relationship with the practice of BD in university students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among students (aged 18–30 years) enrolled in the academic year 2018–2019 at the Faculty of Nursing at a university in northern Spain. Data collection included sociodemographic information, and alcohol use information, collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. To measure the excessive alcohol consumption, this study used the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Results A total of 142 participants were included, of which 88.03% were women. Up to 38.03% were classified as BD. Up to 14.77% of non-BD participants and 66.67% of BD participants were classified as risky drinkers (AUDIT Total geq 8 in men or geq 6 in women) (p

Abstract Background Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) are common colonizers of companion animals, but they are also considered opportunistic pathogens, causing diseases of diverse severity. This study focused on the identification and characterization of 33 coagulase-positive staphylococci isolated from diseased pets (28 dogs and five cats) during 2009–2011 in a veterinary hospital in Spain in order to stablish the circulating lineages and their antimicrobial resistance profile. Results Twenty-eight isolates were identified as SP and five as SA. Nine methicillin-resistant (MR) isolates (27%) carrying the mecA gene were detected (eight MRSP and one MRSA). The 55% of SP and SA isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). MRSP strains were typed as ST71-agrIII-SCCmecII/III-(PFGE) A (n=5), ST68-agrIV-SCCmecV-B1/B2 (n=2), and ST258-agrII-SCCmecIV-C (n=1). SP isolates showed resistance to the following antimicrobials [percentage of resistant isolates/resistance genes]: penicillin [82/blaZ], oxacillin [29/mecA] erythromycin/clindamycin [43/erm(B)], aminoglycosides [18–46/aacA-aphD, aphA3, aadE], tetracycline [71/tet(M), tet(K)], ciprofloxacin [29], chloramphenicol [29/cat pC221], and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [50/dfrG, dfrK]. The dfrK gene was revealed as part of the radC-integrated Tn559 in two SP isolates. Virulence genes detected among SP isolates were as follow [percentage of isolates]: siet [100], se-int [100], lukS/F-I [100], sec canine [7], and expB [7]. The single MRSA-mecA detected was typed as t011-ST398/CC398-agrI-SCCmecV and was MDR. The methicillin-susceptible SA isolates were typed as t045-ST5/CC5 (n=2), t10576-ST1660 (n=1), and t005-ST22/CC22 (n=1); the t005-ST22 feline isolate was PVL-positive and the two t045-ST45 isolates were ascribed to Immune Evasion Cluster (IEC) type F. Moreover, the t10576-ST1660 isolate, of potential equine origin, harbored the lukPQ and scneq genes. According to animal clinical history and data records, several strains seem to have been acquired from different sources of the hospital environment, while some SA strains appeared to have a human origin. Conclusions The frequent detection of MR and MDR isolates among clinical SP and SA strains with noticeable virulence traits is of veterinary concern, implying limited treatment options available. This is the first description of MRSA-ST398 and MRSP-ST68 in pets in Spain, as well the first report of the dfrK-carrying Tn559 in SP. This evidences that current transmissible lineages with mobilizable resistomes have been circulating as causative agents of infections among pets for years.

Este artículo de reflexión, derivado de investigación, es el resultado de un estudio exploratorio hecho por los autores. El estudio se centra en el uso tanto civil como militar actual de las órbitas satelitales terrestres y la utilización de estas en un posible conflicto internacional que requiera las capacidades espaciales de los países involucrados. El análisis se realiza a partir del marco del denominado Tratado del espacio exterior de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas. Así mismo, este estudio presenta un enfoque tanto jurídico como técnico que permite visualizar un posible conflicto y el incumplimiento del mandato de no militarización del espacio exterior. Para ello, se presentará una recopilación de antecedentes históricos de la carrera espacial centrada en aquellos hitos que han permitido a la humanidad lograr la evolución tecnológica actual. Seguidamente, se presentará un análisis normativo aplicable a las tecnologías satelitales. Además, se mostrarán referentes tecnológicos de sistemas que son usados actualmente para propósitos civiles y militares. Este estudio de contexto permitirá resaltar las amenazas y las posibilidades de un conflicto internacional mediante el análisis de las capacidades institucionales y militares que los países que son potencia en el desarrollo de tecnologías espaciales están desarrollando. Una vez se establezca que es real y latente la posibilidad del conflicto que hace uso de capacidades militares en el espacio ultraterrestre, se analizarán los aspectos principales del concepto de militarización del espacio y su respectiva normatividad. En último lugar, se presentarán las conclusiones del estudio: que a la fecha se encuentra militarizado el espacio y que es necesaria una actualización de la normativa espacial teniendo en cuenta la antigüedad de la normatividad.

Abstract Background Gender-based violence among young women is a growing problem worldwide. The consequences of this victimization have been well reported in the scientific literature, among which negative health outcomes stand out. The factors influencing this problem are many; one highlighted by research is socialization into a dominant coercive discourse that associates sexual-affective attraction to males with violent attitudes and behaviors, while in turn, such discourse empties males with egalitarian behaviors from sexual attractiveness. This coercive discourse may be shaping the sexual preferences of female youth. The current paper explores young women’s preferences for different types of sexual relationships and, more particularly, for what type of sexual affective relationships they coercively preferred men with violent attitudes and behavior. Methods A quantitative, mixed-design vignette study was conducted with 191 college females in Spain. We focused the analysis only on responses about vignettes including narratives of men with violent attitudes and behaviors. In addition, we examined whether participants would report higher coerced preferences for violent men when asked about the coerced preferences of their female friends than when asked about their own preferences. Results Only 28.95% of participants responded that their female friends would prefer a young man with violent behavior for a stable relationship, meanwhile 58.42% would do it for hooking up. When reporting about themselves, the difference was greater: 28.42% would prefer a young man with violent behavior for hooking up and just 5.78% for a stable relationship. Conclusions The dominant coercive discourse that links attractiveness to people with violent attitudes and behaviors may be explaining the results obtained in this study. The findings can help eliminate the stereotype largely adopted by some intervention and prevention programs which assume that gender-based violence occurs mainly in stable relationships, considering that falling in love is the reason that lead women to suffer from violence. Our results can also support health professionals and others serving young women to enhance their identification of gender violence victimization, as well as our findings point to the need to include the evidence of gender violence in sporadic relationships in prevention programs and campaigns addressed to young women.

Long-term cultures of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PaCSCs) are difficult to obtain. Here, the authors present a 2D culture method, based on the use of galactose, to establish cell cultures from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenotransplants enriched in PaCSCs.

Objective: Two linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates, C10004 and C10009, were recovered from air samples of a Spanish swine farm and comprehensively characterized. Methods: Detection of linezolid resistance mechanisms (mutations and acquisition of resistance genes) was performed by PCR/sequencing. Isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), antimicrobial susceptibility testing, detection of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, and analysis of the genetic environment of the linezolid resistance genes. The characterization of isolate C10009 was performed by Whole-Genome-Sequencing and of isolate C10004 by PCR and amplicon sequencing, where applicable. Conjugation experiments to assess the transferability of the optrA and poxtA genes implicated in linezolid resistance were performed. Results: The linezolid-resistant E. faecium isolates C10004 and C10009, assigned to ST128 and ST437, respectively, harbored the optrA and poxtA genes. Neither mutations in the 23S rRNA nor in the genes for the ribosomal proteins L3, L4 and L22 were detected. C10004 and C10009 carried fourteen and thirteen antimicrobial resistance genes, respectively. The sequence alignment indicated that the genetic environment of the poxtA gene was identical in both isolates, with a downstream-located fexB gene. The poxtA gene was transferred by conjugation together with the fexB gene, and also with tet(M) and tet(L) in the case of isolate C10004. The optrA gene could not be transferred. Conclusions: This is the first report of the poxtA gene in Spain. The presence of poxtA- and optrA-carrying E. faecium isolates in air samples represents a public health concern, indicating an involvement of swine farms in the spread of linezolid-resistant bacteria.

Abstract Background In conflict-afflicted areas, pregnant women and newborns often have higher rates of adverse health outcomes. Objective To describe maternal and child health indicators and interventions between 1998 and 2016 comparing high and low conflict areas in Colombia. Methods Mixed study of convergent triangulation. In the quantitative component, 16 indicators were calculated using official, secondary data sources. The victimization rate resulting from armed conflict was calculated by municipality and grouped into quintiles. In the qualitative component, a comparative case study was carried out in two municipalities of Antioquia: one with high rates of armed conflict and another with low rates. A total of 41 interviews and 8 focus groups were held with local and national government officials, health professionals, community informants, UN agencies and NGOs. Results All of the indicators show improvement, however, four show statistically significant differences between municipalities with high victimization rates versus low ones. The maternal mortality ratio was higher in the municipalities with greater victimization in the periods 1998–2004, 2005–2011 and 2012–2016. The percentage of cesarean births and women who received four or more antenatal visits was lower among women who experienced the highest levels of victimization for the period 1998–2000, while the fertility rate for women between 15 and 19 years was higher in these municipalities between 2012 and 2016. In the context of the armed conflict in Colombia, maternal and child health was affected by the limited availability of interventions given the lack of human resources in health, supplies, geographical access difficulties and insecurity. The national government was the one that mostly provided the programs, with difficulties in continuity and quality. UN Agencies and NGOs accessed more easily remote and intense armed conflict areas. Few specific health interventions were identified in the post-conflict context. Conclusions In Colombia, maternal and child health indicators have improved since the conflict, however a pattern of inequality is observed in the municipalities most affected by the armed conflict.

The ubiquitin-like modifier ISG15 exerts post-translational protein regulation through ISGylation. Here, the authors show that ISGylation is necessary for pancreatic cancer stem cell self-renewal and tumourigenesis by supporting the recycling of non-functional mitochondria.

Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides with relevance in the modulation of human and animal microbiota that have gained interest in biomedical and biotechnological applications. In this study, the production of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS) was tested among a collection of 890 staphylococci of different origins (humans, animals, food, and the environment) and species, both coagulase-positive (CoPS, 238 isolates of 3 species) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS, 652 isolates of 26 species). Of the 890 staphylococci, 60 (6.7%) showed antimicrobial activity by the spot-on-lawn method against at least one of the 25 indicator bacteria tested. BLIS-producer (BLIS+) isolates were detected in 8.8% of CoPS and 6.0% of CoNS. The staphylococcal species with the highest percentages of BLIS+ isolates were S. chromogenes (38.5%), S. pseudintermedius (26.7%), and S. warneri (23.1%). The production of BLIS was more frequently detected among isolates of pets, wild animals, and food. Moreover, 13 BLIS+ isolates showed wide antimicrobial activiy spectrum, and 7 of these isolates (of species S. aureus, S. pseudintermedius, S. sciuri, and S. hominis) demonstrated antimicrobial activity against more than 70% of the indicator bacteria tested. The genetic characterization (by PCR and sequencing) of the 60 BLIS+ isolates revealed the detection of (a) 11 CoNS and CoPS isolates carrying putative lantibiotic-like genes; (b) 3 S. pseudintermedius isolates harboring the genes of BacSp222 bacteriocin; and (c) 2 S. chromogenes isolates that presented the gene of a putative cyclic bacteriocin (uberolysin-like), being the first report in this CoNS species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed in BLIS+ isolates and one-third of the CoNS isolates showed susceptibility to all antibiotics tested, which also lacked the virulence genes studied. These BLIS+ CoNS are good candidates for further characterization studies.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Its late diagnosis and consequently poor survival make necessary the search for new therapeutic targets. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-interacting kinase 1 (MNK1) is overexpressed in lung cancer and correlates with poor overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The previously identified and optimized aptamer from our laboratory against MNK1, apMNKQ2, showed promising results as an antitumor drug in breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the present study shows the antitumor potential of apMNKQ2 in another type of cancer where MNK1 plays a significant role, such as NSCLC. The effect of apMNKQ2 in lung cancer was studied with viability, toxicity, clonogenic, migration, invasion, and in vivo efficacy assays. Our results show that apMNKQ2 arrests the cell cycle and reduces viability, colony formation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes in NSCLC cells. In addition, apMNKQ2 reduces tumor growth in an A549-cell line NSCLC xenograft model. In summary, targeting MNK1 with a specific aptamer may provide an innovative strategy for lung cancer treatment.