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The use of electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BF) in the rehabilitation of injuries has been widely referenced in the psychological literature. However, despite some pioneering work in the field of sports, its use in the rehabilitation of sports injuries has hardly been explored. A case of two professional soccer players who each suffered a distal radius fracture is presented here. Parallel to the rehabilitation plan established by medical services, an intervention strategy using EMG-BF was established. An EMG-BF intervention was performed on the brachioradialis muscle with the aim of improving the voluntary control of its electromyographic activity. The study protocol was registered with the identifier NCT05376072. An ABA design was used. In each session, a pre- and postline was recorded to determine the EMG gain acquired at each point of the session. After six sessions, the intervention was terminated. One more follow-up session was performed. The results obtained indicated the efficacy of the intervention; a statistically significant increase in muscle activity in the brachioradialis muscle was observed.

Abstract Phosphomannomutase deficiency (PMM2-CDG) leads to cerebellar atrophy with ataxia, dysmetria, and intellectual deficits. Despite advances in therapy, the cognitive and adaptive profile remains unknown. Our study explores the adaptive profile of 37 PMM2-CDG patients, examining its association with parental stress and medical characteristics. Assessment tools included ICARS for the cerebellar syndrome and NPCRS for global disease severity. Behavioral and adaptive evaluation consisted of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales. Psychopathological screening involved the Child Behavior Checklist and the Symptom Check-List-90-R. Parental stress was evaluated using Parental Stress Index. Results were correlated with clinical features. No significant age or sex differences were found. ‘Daily living skills’ were notably affected. Patients severely affected exhibited lower adaptive skill values, as did those with lipodystrophy and inverted nipples. Greater severity in motor cerebellar syndrome, behavioral disturbances and the presence of comorbidities such as hyperactivity, autistic features and moderate-to-severe intellectual disability correlated with greater parental stress. Our study found no decline in adaptive abilities. We provide tools to assess adaptive deficits in PMM2-CDG patients, emphasizing the importance of addressing communication, daily living skills, and autonomy, and their impact on parental stress in clinical monitoring and future therapies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the second deadliest malignancy worldwide. Around 75% of CRC patients exhibit high levels of chromosome instability that result in the accumulation of somatic copy number alterations. These alterations are associated with the amplification of oncogenes and deletion of tumor-ppressor genes and contribute to the tumoral phenotype in different malignancies. Even though this relationship is well known, much remains to be investigated regarding the effect of said alterations in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and, in turn, the impact these alterations have on the tumor phenotype. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of differentially expressed lncRNAs coded in regions with copy number alterations in colorectal cancer patient samples. We downloaded RNA-seq files of the Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Project from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repository (285 sequenced tumor tissues and 41 non-tumor tissues), evaluated differential expression, and mapped them over genome sequencing data with regions presenting copy number alterations. We obtained 78 differentially expressed (LFC > 1|< −1, padj < 0.05) lncRNAs, 410 miRNAs, and 5028 mRNAs and constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, predicting significant lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA interactions. Said network consisted of 30 lncRNAs, 19 miRNAs, and 77 mRNAs. To understand the role that our ceRNA network played, we performed KEGG and GO analysis and found several oncogenic and anti-oncogenic processes enriched by the molecular players in our network. Finally, to evaluate the clinical relevance of the lncRNA expression, we performed survival analysis and found that C5orf64, HOTAIR, and RRN3P3 correlated with overall patient survival. Our results showed that lncRNAs coded in regions affected by SCNAs form a complex gene regulatory network in CCR.

Abstract Background An effective treatment for acute non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) has not been known or proven yet. Previous studies have suggested a neuroprotective effect of allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. This study aims to report the results of a clinical trial on patients with acute non-arteritic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) treated with an intravitreal injection of allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) (MSV®). Methods We conducted a prospective, non-randomized, clinical phase-II study (Eudra CT number 2016-003029-40; ClinicalTrials.gov Registry NCT03173638) that included 5 patients with acute unilateral NA-AION diagnosed within 2 weeks after symptom onset and who received an intravitreal injection of allogeneic BM-MSCs (0.05 ml; cell concentration: 1.5 × 106cells/mL). The patients underwent regular ophthalmological examinations and were followed for one year. Results In this trial, allogeneic BM-MSCs appeared to be safe as no patients developed signs of acute nor chronic intraocular inflammation or a significant change in intraocular pressure, although an epiretinal membrane was developed in one patient. A retrolental aggregate formed shortly after the injection spontaneously disappeared within a few weeks in another phakic patient, leaving a subcapsular cataract. Visual improvement was noted in 4 patients, and amplitudes of P100 on the visually evoked potentials recordings increased in three patients. The retinal nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell layer thicknesses significantly decreased during the follow-up. Conclusions Besides the development of an epiretinal membrane in one patient, the intravitreal application of allogeneic BM-MSCs appeared to be intraocularly well tolerated. Consequently, not only NA-AION but also BM-MSCs deserve more clinical investigational resources and a larger randomized multicenter trial that would provide stronger evidence both about safety and the potential therapeutic efficacy of intravitreally injected allogeneic BM-MSCs in acute NA-AION. Trial registration: Safety Assessment of Intravitreal Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Acute Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NEUROSTEM). NCT03173638. Registered June 02, 2017 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03173638 .

BackgroundRheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are chronic diseases that may alternate between asymptomatic periods and flares. These conditions require complex treatments and close monitoring by rheumatologists to mitigate their effects and improve the patient’s quality of life. Often, delays in outpatient consultations or the patient’s difficulties in keeping appointments make such close follow-up challenging. For this reason, it is very important to have open communication between patients and health professionals. In this context, implementing telemonitoring in the field of rheumatology has great potential, as it can facilitate the close monitoring of patients with RMDs. The use of these tools helps patients self-manage certain aspects of their disease. This could result in fewer visits to emergency departments and consultations, as well as enable better therapeutic compliance and identification of issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. ObjectiveThe main objective of this study is to evaluate the implementation of a hybrid care model called the mixed attention model (MAM) in clinical practice and determine whether its implementation improves clinical outcomes compared to conventional follow-up. MethodsThis is a multicenter prospective observational study involving 360 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondylarthritis (SpA) from 5 Spanish hospitals. The patients will be followed up by the MAM protocol, which is a care model that incorporates a digital tool consisting of a mobile app that patients can use at home and professionals can review asynchronously to detect incidents and follow patients' clinical evolution between face-to-face visits. Another group of patients, whose follow-up will be conducted in accordance with a traditional face-to-face care model, will be assessed as the control group. Sociodemographic characteristics, treatments, laboratory parameters, assessment of tender and swollen joints, visual analog scale for pain, and electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) reports will be collected for all participants. In the MAM group, these items will be self-assessed via both the mobile app and during face-to-face visits with the rheumatologist, who will do the same for patients included in the traditional care model. The patients will be able to report any incidence related to their disease or treatment through the mobile app. ResultsParticipant recruitment began in March 2024 and will continue until December 2024. The follow-up period will be extended by 12 months for all patients. Data collection and analysis are scheduled for completion in December 2025. ConclusionsThis paper aims to provide a detailed description of the development and implementation of a digital solution, specifically an MAM. The goal is to achieve significant economic and psychosocial impact within our health care system by enhancing control over RMDs. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06273306; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06273306 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/55829

Research using eye-tracking technology has wildly increased in the last decade (Keating, 2013). Hence, studies on L2 teaching and learning have started to use that technology to improve research in that area. However, L2 eye-tracking research has not been explored in the Costa Rican context. This article aims to describe what eye-tracking is, what eye-tracking paradigms are, studies using eye-tracking in L2 teaching and learning, and research ideas for its implementation in Costa Rica. The methodology employed was an integrative review approach (Cooper, 1988) to review eye-tracking research and to discuss its application in Costa Rica. It was found that there are no studies regarding L2 teaching and learning in Costa Rica with the use of eye-tracking. Thus, research ideas to conduct eye-tracking research in L2 teaching and learning are discussed. It is concluded that the use of eye-tracking brings an opportunity to conduct multidisciplinary research to further advance the knowledge of L2 teaching and learning processes in Costa Rica.

Experimental tests, and two conventional grading curves, are used to design a dosing scheme, seeking the best way to enhance the general sustainability of certain types of low-to-medium workability concrete mixes. The aim is to achieve highly compacted aggregate gradations, thereby minimizing the need for Portland cement consumption. Several aggregate mix designs, employing fractions of both commercial limestone and recycled electric steelmaking slag, were prepared and assessed. Nine concrete mixes of structural quality (above 40 MPa as compressive strength) were manufactured to analyze their aggregate packing density and their performance as engineering concrete mixtures. The results obtained after classical testing showed excellent quality homogeneous concrete mixes, considering both the in-fresh and in-hard properties. Subsequently, a sustainability analysis of all the mixes led to the conclusion that they were of low environmental impact, due to their high aggregate content and their low cement consumption which, additionally, included other industrial co-products with hydraulic properties.

The ‘L2 Motivational Self System’ (L2MSS) (Dörnyei & Ryan, 2015) sheds light on theoretical tenets for research in language learner motivation. The L2MSS has been adapted into the ‘Possible Language Teacher Self’ (PLTS) (Kubanyiova, 2009) to explore language teacher motivation. Nonetheless, there is scarce research on a self-system for L2 pre-service teachers. Therefore, in this qualitative study, the characteristics of the Ideal L2 Pre-Service Teacher Self were explored to identify a possible motivational self-system. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was implemented. Participants (N=2) were pre-service L2 teachers from a university in Costa Rica. Findings revealed that participants mentioned four common traits of an ideal L2 pre-service teacher self: (1) passion, (2) knowledge, (3) adaptability, and (4) language proficiency. Contrary to Kubanyiova’s (2009) PLTS and Dörnyei’s (2009b) and Dörnyei & Ryan’s (2015) L2MSS, both participants share an ‘L2 Pre-service Teacher Self System’ including four elements: (1) Ideal L2 Pre-service Teacher Self, (2) ought-to L2 Pre-service Teacher Self, (3) current L2 Pre-service Teacher Self, and (4) Feared L2 Teacher Self. It is discussed and concluded that a PLTS system might include the elements just mentioned. However, further exploration on an L2 Pre-Service Teacher Self is mandatory to better understand the motivation and self-identity of L2 pre-service teachers.

Because of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, telemedicine has been implemented as an alternative channel for face-to-face medical care. It is essential to evaluate patient satisfaction regarding the use of telemedicine to assess its feasibility as a new care modality in the future. Objective: To evaluate the user satisfaction of the parents or caregivers of pediatric patients with colorectal pathology regarding the use of telemedicine. Material and method: Cross-sectional study using a survey with a Likert scale. The parents of patients with Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformations, and severe constipation in a bowel management program were given the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) validated Spanish version through Google Forms. Results: 24 surveys were collected. 75 % consider that Telemedicine improves access to health care services and saves time traveling. 83 % report that they could express themselves adequately and felt comfortable using this means of communication. 57 % believe Telemedicine is an acceptable way to receive health care instructions. 75 % are satisfied with the system and would use it again. Conclusion: Telemedicine care is a valuable tool to complement the care of pediatric patients with colorectal pathology, which is probably here to stay. Strategies should be implemented since it has great potential to complement face-to-face care, exceptionally patient follow-up, in parental satisfaction. Level of evidence: III.

Introduction: Evidence and clinical experience suggest that there are a range of signs of health issues that affect patients who have recovered from acute COVID-19 infection. This condition is commonly referred to as “persistent COVID-19,” which is not connected with the severity of the disease. We have identified the prevalence and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and persistent symptoms treated in primary care centers. This is a descriptive observational study conducted between December 2020 and May 2022, the data were collected from digitized medical records and interviewing 1542 individuals with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. These patients were clinically followed for up to 1 year, based on the prevalence of symptoms. When stratifying by the risk of developing persistent COVID-19, 37.09% of the patients exhibited risk factors, with age (over 60 years) and cardiovascular risk factors predominating. The obtained prevalence of persistent COVID-19 at 90 days was 12.39%, with a slight predominance in females (55%) and a mean age of 45.8 years. The most affected systems were the cardiovascular, respiratory, and psychoneurological systems, with predominant symptoms of fatigue (41.88%), dyspnea (32.46%), and headache (14.66%), among others. The average duration of persistent symptoms was 178 days, equivalent to 6 months. In conclusion, over 10% of patients who recover from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection developed long-term consequences. Objective: To measure the prevalence and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and persistent symptoms treated in primary care centers in Área Sanitaria Sur de Córdoba (Spain) between December 2020 and May 2022. Methods: A retrospective observational study of the population of Área Sanitaria Sur de Córdoba was developed between December 2020 and May 2022. The scope of the study was 1542 individuals, and the prevalence of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and persistent symptoms was determined based on laboratory-confirmed cases, randomly selected from adults who had progressed beyond the acute phase of the disease. All data were managed by the Área Sanitaria Sur de Córdoba (Spain). Results: The risk factor of exhibiting one or more risk factors associated with developing persistent COVID-19 is 37.09%. The obtained prevalence of persistent COVID-19 at 90 days is 12.39%, it is higher in females (55%) than males and the mean age was 45.8 years. The most affected systems were the cardiovascular, respiratory, and psychoneurological systems, with predominant symptoms of fatigue (41.88%), dyspnea (32.46%), and headache (14.66%), among others. Conclusions: Results confirm that more than 10% of individuals recovering from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection showed long-term consequences and the observed persistent symptom duration was 178 days on average.

Biofilm accumulation, the appearance of white spot lesions and the development of secondary caries are the main complications in orthodontic patients. A promising approach to fight this situation is the development of adhesive cements with improved antibacterial properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility of improving the antibacterial properties of glass ionomer cements by incorporating different types of antimicrobial compounds without altering their physical and mechanical properties. Different concentrations of silver carbonate (SC) and an inorganic glass with encapsulated silver were added to the glass ionomer cement, as well as chitosan, to achieve synergistic antibacterial activity. Variations in the antibacterial capacity were evaluated using the agar diffusion test; the potential alteration of the physical and mechanical properties of the material was analyzed by the shear bond strength test. SEM characterization and colorimetric evaluation were also conducted. Samples of SC up to 1% and inorganic glass with encapsulated silver up to 5% showed significant improvement in their antibacterial ability without compromising shear strength. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed for Lactobacillus acidophilus, with inhibition zones of 3.8 and 3.1 mm for SC and inorganic glass, respectively. The characterization of the samples did not detect any major structural changes between the different samples. The only group that underwent a noticeable color change was the group with SC. The results show that the incorporation of silver carbonate and inorganic glass with encapsulated silver provided the glass ionomer cement with an antibacterial capacity without compromising the bond strength and without modifying the structure of the material.

Abstract Vulnerability to addiction may be given by the individual's risk of developing an addiction during their lifetime. A challenge in the neurobiology of drug addiction is understanding why some people become addicted to drugs. Here, we used positron emission tomography (PET) and statistical parametric mapping (SPM) to evaluate changes in brain glucose metabolism in response to chronic morphine self-administration (MSA) in two rat strains with different vulnerability to drug abuse, Lewis (LEW) and Fischer 344 (F344). Four groups of animals were trained to self-administer morphine or saline for 15 days. 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-d-glucose (FDG)-PET studies were performed on the last day of MSA (acquisition phase) and after 15 days of withdrawal. PET data were analyzed using SPM12. LEW-animals self-administered more morphine injections per session than F344-animals. We found significant brain metabolic differences between LEW and F344 strains in the cortex, hypothalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum. In addition, the different brain metabolic patterns observed after the MSA study between these rat strains indicate differences in the efficiency of neural substrates to translate the drug effects, which could explain the differences in predisposition to morphine abuse between one individual and another. These findings have important implications for the use of these rat strains in translational morphine and opiate research.

The objective of this research was to identify barriers to the adoption of a technological innovation perceived by professors at a public university in southeastern Mexico, in which a strategy for the use of virtual classrooms was implemented as a measure to address the social distancing forced by the covid-19 pandemic. A descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional, quantitative descriptive study was carried out in which two groups of incident factors were considered: intrinsic (attitudes and beliefs; knowledge and skills) and extrinsic (available resources and educational system). A questionnaire with 30 items was designed and measured with a Likert-type scale and applied to 805 teachers. The results showed that teachers perceive extrinsic barriers as the most important in adopting technological innovations, especially those related to equipment and connectivity, while intrinsic barriers are are mainly focused on the beliefs, so the early adopters and early majority profiles are distinguished.

IntroductionCervical cancer is a worldwide health problem due to the number of deaths caused by this neoplasm. In particular, in 2020, 30,000 deaths of this type of tumor were reported in Latin America. Treatments used to manage patients diagnosed in the early stages have excellent results as measured by different clinical outcomes. Existing first-line treatments are not enough to avoid cancer recurrence, progression, or metastasis in locally advanced and advanced stages. Therefore, there is a need to continue with the proposal of new therapies. Drug repositioning is a strategy to explore known medicines as treatments for other diseases. In this scenario, drugs used in other pathologies that have antitumor activity, such as metformin and sodium oxamate, are analyzed.MethodsIn this research, we combined the drugs metformin and sodium oxamate with doxorubicin (named triple therapy or TT) based on their mechanism of action and previous investigation of our group against three CC cell lines.ResultsThrough flow cytometry, Western blot, and protein microarray experiments, we found TT-induced apoptosis on HeLa, CaSki, and SiHa through the caspase 3 intrinsic pathway, including the critical proapoptotic proteins BAD, BAX, cytochrome-C, and p21. In addition, mTOR and S6K phosphorylated proteins were inhibited in the three cell lines. Also, we show an anti-migratory activity of the TT, suggesting other targets of the drug combination in the late CC stages.DiscussionThese results, together with our former studies, conclude that TT inhibits the mTOR pathway leading to cell death by apoptosis. Our work provides new evidence of TT against cervical cancer as a promising antineoplastic therapy.

La familia influye en el desarrollo y bienestar personal, cuestión aún más notable durante la adolescencia. Bajo esta premisa, se busca analizar la satisfacción de 592 alumnos de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria con su ámbito familiar y vital. Para ello, se emplea la Family Satisfaction Scale y la Escala de Satisfacción Vital. Los resultados obtenidos son generalmente positivos, si bien manifiestan la necesidad de reforzar cuestiones como la flexibilidad, adaptabilidad y forma de abordar los conflictos en familia, así como de apoyar a quienes consideran no tener una buena vida, desean una distinta o perciben no tener todo lo que quieren.

Abstract Knee osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disease and a frequent cause of pain, functional loss and disability. Conventional treatments have demonstrated only modest clinical benefits whereas cell-based therapies have shown encouraging results, but important details, such as dose needed, long-term evolution or number of applications required are scarcely known. Here we have reanalyzed results from two recent pilot trials with autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells using the Huskisson plot to enhance quantification of efficacy and comparability. We find that cell doses of 10, 40 and 100 million autologous cells per knee provided quite similar healing results and that much of the effect attained 1 year after cell application remained after 2 and 4 years. These results are encouraging because they indicate that, apart from safety and simplicity: (i) the beneficial effect is both significant and sizeable, (ii) it can be achieved with a single injection of cells, and (iii) the effect is perdurable for years. Trial registration: EudraCT 2009-017405-11; NCT02123368. Registered 25 April 2014—Prospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02123368?term=02123368&draw=2&rank=1

El objetivo de este artículo es profundizar en el aggiornamento del Vaticano II durante el franquismo. Especialmente, el foco de interés se centra en las religiosas y el giro identitario que asumieron tras la llamada eclesiástica a la modernización. De esta manera, durante los años conciliares, se percibe cómo el arquetipo monjil del nacionalcatolicismo comienza a convivir con otro impulsado desde el Vaticano II, más abierto y en consonancia con la nueva doctrina conciliar sobre las mujeres y la vida consagrada. Se entrecruzarán, por tanto, las categorías de modernidad, género y religión para un acercamiento a la complejidad de este proceso.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a valuable opportunity to carry out cohort studies that allow us to advance our knowledge on pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases. One of these opportunities is the study of the relationships between inflammation, brain development and an increased risk of suffering neuropsychiatric disorders. Based on the hypothesis that neuroinflammation during early stages of life is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and confers a greater risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, we propose a cohort study of SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant women and their newborns. The main objective of SIGNATURE project is to explore how the presence of prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and other non-infectious stressors generates an abnormal inflammatory activity in the newborn. The cohort of women during the COVID-19 pandemic will be psychological and biological monitored during their pregnancy, delivery, childbirth and postpartum. The biological information of the umbilical cord (foetus blood) and peripheral blood from the mother will be obtained after childbirth. These samples and the clinical characterisation of the cohort of mothers and newborns, are tremendously valuable at this time. This is a protocol report and no analyses have been conducted yet, being currently at, our study is in the recruitment process step. At the time of this publication, we have identified 1,060 SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers and all have already given birth. From the total of identified mothers, we have recruited 537 SARS-COV-2 infected women and all of them have completed the mental health assessment during pregnancy. We have collected biological samples from 119 mothers and babies. Additionally, we have recruited 390 non-infected pregnant women.

Metabolic reprogramming is required to fight infections and thyroid hormones are key regulators of metabolism. We have analyzed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: 40 euthyroid and 39 levothyroxine (LT4)-treated patients in the ward and 29 euthyroid and 9 LT4-treated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), the baseline characteristics, laboratory data, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), the FT3/FT4 ratio, 11 antiviral cytokines and 74 metabolomic parameters. No evidence for significant differences between euthyroid and LT4-treated patients were found in the biochemical, metabolomic and cytokines parameters analyzed. Only TSH (p=0.009) and ferritin (p=0.031) showed significant differences between euthyroid and LT4-treated patients in the ward, and TSH (p=0.044) and FT4 (p=0.012) in the ICU. Accordingly, severity and mortality were similar in euthyroid and LT4-treated patients. On the other hand, FT3 was negatively related to age (p=0.012), independently of sex and body mass index in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Patients with low FT3 and older age showed a worse prognosis and higher levels of the COVID-19 severity markers IL-6 and IL-10 than patients with high FT3. IL-6 negatively correlated with FT3 (p=0.023) independently of age, body mass index and sex, whereas IL-10 positively associated with age (p=0.035) independently of FT3, body mass index and sex. A metabolomic cluster of 6 parameters defined low FT3 ward patients. Two parameters, esterified cholesterol (p=4.1x10-4) and small HDL particles (p=6.0x10-5) correlated with FT3 independently of age, body mass index and sex, whereas 3-hydroxybutyrate (p=0.010), acetone (p=0.076), creatinine (p=0.017) and high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) diameter (p=8.3x10-3) were associated to FT3 and also to age, with p-values of 0.030, 0.026, 0.017 and 8.3x10-3, respectively. In conclusion, no significant differences in FT3, cytokines, and metabolomic profile, or in severity and outcome of COVID-19, were found during hospitalization between euthyroid patients and hypothyroid patients treated with LT4. In addition, FT3 and age negatively correlate in COVID-19 patients and parameters that predict poor prognosis were associated with low FT3, and/or with age. A metabolomic cluster indicative of a high ketogenic profile defines non-critical hospitalized patients with low FT3 levels.

En el año 2019, la economía ecuatoriana presentaba un importante déficit fiscal y estancamiento del crecimiento económico alrededor del 0,05% del PIB nacional con respecto al 2018, problemas sociales como protestas en contra de las medidas económicas ocurridas en octubre 2019, demostrando el descontento de la población, fueron detonantes para debilitar el sistema financiero. La situación empieza a complicarse, ya que, a mediados del mes de marzo del 2020, el Gobierno Nacional declaró al país en estado de excepción por la pandemia mundial del COVID-19, bloqueando actividades económicas y el trabajo de manera presencial, implicando dos procesos salvar la vida de millones de ecuatorianos y precarizar aún más la economía nacional, al detener la actividad económica y la jornada laboral. En la actualidad, son muchas las empresas que pierden sus capitales por falta de liquidez. Por tal razón, esta investigación tiene por objeto identificar los factores motivacionales de morosidad de los responsables financieros, en las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito San José Ltda y Juan Pio De Mora del cantón Chimbo, en el contexto del COVID – 19. Se aplicó una metodología cualitativa de tipo fenomenológica, determinando factores motivacionales para no pagar a tiempo obligaciones asumidas generando morosidad, como deudas en instituciones financieras, suspensión de actividades económicas, despidos laborales, inestabilidad económica. Finalmente, se concluye que la morosidad es un factor importante porque permite a las entidades financieras su rendimiento crediticio y soluciones inmediatas.

The diagnostic value of the vertebral heart size (VHS) in dogs with mitral valve degeneration (MVD) is compromised when middle thoracic vertebral anomalies are present. The objective of this study was to assess the use of the thoracic inlet heart score (TIHS) to identify left heart enlargement (LHE) secondary to MVD. The cardiac silhouette of 50 clinically healthy dogs and 106 MVD dogs in different stages was assessed on a right lateral chest radiograph. The TIHS and VHS value were calculated for each patient and compared. The TIHS was significantly different between the control dogs and the dogs with MMVD, increasing with disease stage, control 2.91 ± 0.23, Stage B1 2.98 ± 0.36, B2 3.25 ± 0.34, and C 3.53 ± 0.36, p < 0.05. A THIS ≥3.3 showed 69% sensitivity and 81% specificity to identify LHE. The TIHS showed moderate correlation with the VHS, LA/Ao, and LVIDDN 0.59, 0.42, and 0.62, respectively. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement were almost perfect, 0.96, and substantial, 0.73. The TIHS method can be used to identify LHE secondary to MMVD on dogs’ thoracic radiographs.

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

Abstract Background A 52-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath and cough. An endobronchial sialolipoma was found at the left entrance of the main bronchus. Sialolipoma is an exceedingly rare type of lipoma reported of the minor salivary glands, especially within the bronchus. Case presentation A 52-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath and cough with 6 months´ evolution. Endobronchial endoscopy revealed a tumour at the left entrance of the main bronchus. The entire removal of the tumour was removed using a cryoprobe device. Pathological examination showed a tumour consistent with the diagnosis of sialolipoma due to the presence of mature adipose cells blended with acinar, ductal, basal, and myoepithelial cells. The patient had a favourable outcome. Conclusion The infrequent tracheobronchial presentation of this tumour can be challenging for correct diagnosis.

Pea protein isolate (PPI, from Pisum sativum L.) was fermented with six different lactic acid bacteria strains for 24 ​h and 48 ​h. The fermented samples were analyzed regarding their retronasal aroma and taste, their protein solubility, emulsifying and foaming capacity. Changes in the molecular weight distribution were analyzed to monitor potential effects of fermentation on the main allergenic protein fractions of PPI. After 24-h fermentation, PPI's characteristic aroma attributes and bitter taste decreased for all fermented PPI. However, after 48-h fermentation, cheesy aroma, and acid and salty tastes were increased. The PPI fermented with L. plantarum showed the most neutral taste and the panel's highest preference; instead, fermentation with L. fermentum led to a fecal aroma and was the least preferred. The protein solubility and emulsifying capacity decreased after PPI fermentation, while foaming capacity remained constant in comparison to the untreated PPI. The electrophoretic results showed a reduction in the intensity of the allergenic protein fractions; however, these changes might be attributed to the reduced protein solubility rather than to a high proteolytic effect of the strains. Fermentation of PPI for 24 ​h and 48 ​h might not be a suitable method for the production of highly functional pea proteins. Further modification methods have to be investigated in the future.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir las características de los informes de posicionamiento terapéutico (IPT) publicados en España en el periodo 2013-2019. Diseño y fuente de datos: Revisión sistemática de todos los IPT publicados en la página web de la Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS). Selección de estudios: Se incluyeron todos los IPT realizados desde mayo de 2013, hasta marzo de 2019. Extracción de datos: Las principales variables recogidas fueron los grupos terapéuticos evaluados, el número de IPT, el tiempo de elaboración, la existencia de restricciones a las indicaciones autorizadas y la información sobre la eficiencia. Resultados: En el periodo evaluado se realizaron 214 IPT, con un tiempo medio de elaboración de 8,8 meses, casi tres veces el objetivo de 3 meses planteado inicialmente. El 57% de los IPT establecieron restricciones de uso respecto a las indicaciones de sus fichas técnicas. El 26% de los IPT hicieron referencia a la existencia de datos económicos, aunque ninguno incluyó detalles sobre la eficiencia. Se actualizaron el 10% de los IPT. Conclusiones: Para que los IPT puedan cumplir su objetivo de mejorar la eficiencia del proceso de evaluación y la coherencia en las decisiones sobre precio, reembolso y financiación de medicamentos por parte del SNS es preciso que se cumplan los plazos establecidos para su publicación, se incorpore sistemáticamente información sobre la eficiencia de los fármacos y se actualicen los informes con la nueva información generada. Abstract: Objective: Describe the characteristics of the therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) published in Spain in the period 2013-2019. Design and data source: Systematic review of all TPRs published in the website of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). Selection of studies: All TPRs published since May 2013, until March 2019 Data extraction: The main variables collected were the therapeutic groups assessed, the number of TPRs, the time of elaboration, the existence of restrictions versus the authorized indications and the information on the efficiency of medicines. Results: During the period under review, 214 TPRs were carried out, with an average production time of 8.8 months, almost three times the objective of 3-month initially set. 57% of the TPRs established restrictions of use with respect to the approved indications. 26% of TPRs referred to the existence of economic data, although none included details on the efficiency. 10% of TPRs were updated. Conclusions: For TPRs to meet their objective of improving the efficiency of the assessment process and the consistency in the decisions on price, reimbursement and financing of medicines by the SNS, the deadlines established for publication must be met, incorporating systematically information on the efficiency of the drugs and including periodic updates with the new information generated.

Abstract The metal alloys used in dentistry are made mainly of nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), and other elements such as molybdenum (Mo), zirconium (Zr), iron (Fe), tin (Sn), chrome (Cr), carbon (C), copper (Cu) and niobium (Nb) which can release metal ions in unstable environments. The aim of this work was determine the salivary pH before and during orthodontic treatment; evaluate the release of metal ions, mainly Ni and Ti, in urine and saliva using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES); and evaluate the corrosion using Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM). In this study, we selected 35 individuals under orthodontic treatment, from whom saliva and urine samples were collected in 3 stages: (a) basal, (b) at 3 and (c) 6 months after the placement of the fixed appliances. SEM analyzed the Ni–Ti (0.016″) and stainless steel (SS) (0.016 × 0.022″) archs after 1 month of being in contact with the oral cavity. Statistical analysis was performed with Stata using the ANOVA model of repeated measures with a p

This work is a reflective proposal on the Human Capital Theory and its relationship with education. This topic is also addressed from different perspectives, especially the economic one, and later the sociological one. The evolution of this theoretical perspective is briefly exposed to coincide with its interference with education. Some considerations of the case of Mexico were considered. The objective was to analyze how Human Capital Theory is invariably related to education and academic training. It is concluded that the person's economic growth depends not only on the knowledge received but on other elements outside the individual. As well as that the conception that there is a directly proportional relationship between education and economic growth has changed over time, and that more effective educational training does not guarantee success.

Abstract Background Miniscrews are effective devices for performing upper incisor intrusion. Different mechanics can be applied depending on the treatment objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of one or two anterior miniscrews for upper incisor correction in cases of overbite and angulation in adult patients. Methods Forty-four adults with deep overbite were divided into two groups: group 1 was treated with one miniscrew between upper central incisors and group 2 with two miniscrews between upper lateral incisors and canines. Incisor intrusion and length were measured from lateral cephalograms before treatment, after treatment and at least 12 months into retention (T0, T1 and T2). Forces were applied (90 g) from the miniscrews to the archwire using elastomeric chains. ANOVA analysis was used to determine whether differences between evaluation times were statistically significant. Results Mean root resorption was 2.15 ± 0.85 mm, which ceased after active treatment. Overbite mean correction was − 3.23 ± 1.73 mm with no statistically significant relapse. Overbite correction and incisor intrusion were significantly greater in group 2 (− 3.80 ± 1.43 versus − 2.75 ± 1.63 for OB and 8.19 ± 3.66 versus 5.69 ± 2.66 for intrusion). Resorption and overbite correction were positively related. No counterclockwise rotation of the mandibular plane was observed. Conclusions Overbite correction can be performed by means of upper incisor intrusion without rotation of the mandibular plane. Correction of upper incisor intrusion and overbite is greater in patients treated with two miniscrews. The increase in upper incisor buccal angulation is greater with one miniscrew. Root resorption is positively related to the extent of intrusion. Stability is satisfactory regardless of whether one or two miniscrews are used.

Resumen: Objetivos: Evaluar la efectividad y la seguridad de la presión continua en la vía aérea (CPAP) en lactantes trasladados por insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRA) y comparar el curso clínico y la evolución en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos (UCIP) de los pacientes trasladados con dicha terapia vs la oxigenoterapia convencional. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional y analítico de una cohorte retrospectiva. Se revisaron las historias de los lactantes de 0 a 12 meses con IRA que precisaron traslado interhospitalario a la UCIP. Resultados: Se incluyeron 110 pacientes: 71 trasladados con CPAP y 39 con oxigenoterapia. La causa principal de IRA fue la bronquiolitis (81,8%). La mediana del nivel de CPAP fue de 7 cmH2O (rango intercuartílico, 6-7). Controlando en análisis multivariables específicos por los valores previos, se obtuvo que la CPAP durante el traslado produjo una disminución significativa en el score de Wood-Downes (beta = −1,08; IC 95%: −1,76 a 0,40; p = 0,002) y en la frecuencia cardiaca (beta = −19,64, IC 95%: −28,46 a −10,81; p

Objective: The aims of our study were to assess the effectiveness and safety of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during the transport of infants with acute respiratory failure (ARF) and to compare the disease course and clinical outcomes of CPAP vs oxygen therapy in the PICU setting. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational and analytical study by reviewing the health records of infants with ARF aged 0–12 months that required interhospital transfer to the PICU. Results: We included 110 patients: 71 transported with CPAP and 39 with oxygen therapy. The main cause of ARF was acute bronchiolitis (81.8%). The median level of CPAP was 7 cmH2O (interquartile range, 6–7). Controlling for the values prior to transfer in the specific multivariate models, we found that CPAP achieved a significant decrease in the Wood-Downes score (β = –1.08; 95% CI = –1.76 to –0.40; P = .002) and the heart rate ( β = –19.64; 95% CI = –28.46 to –10.81; P

Para obtener un incremento en la producción forrajera de Moringa oleifera Lam. y de buena calidad se puede combinar el uso de compost a base de estiércol bovino y la inoculación de biofertilizantes a base de rizobacterias promotores del crecimiento vegetal (PGPR). La evaluación de esta producción se realizó en invernadero en Torreón, Coahuila, México. Se utilizó compost de estiércol bovino como sustrato (compost 50%, arena 40% y perlita 10%). Se programaron tres inoculaciones al árbol (a los 40, 74 y 152 días después de la siembra) con cuatro cepas de PGPR, los siguientes fueron los tratamientos T1: Bacillus paralicheniformis, T2: Acinetobacter guillouiae, T3: Aeromonas caviae, T4: Pseudomonas lini y Testigo: Sin bacteria, las cepas provenientes de la Poza Salada, Valle de Sobaco, Coahuila, México. Se realizaron tres cosechas en el ciclo verano-otoño-invierno 2016-2017. Se evaluaron variables agronómicas y bromatológicas para determinar la producción y calidad del follaje del árbol. Las cepas Pseudomonas lini y Bacillus paralicheniformis proporcionaron una respuesta positiva en el desarrollo de M. oleifera forrajera en el período de verano-otoño, incrementando la altura en las primeras semanas de desarrollo y proporcionando diámetros más gruesos y firmes. El rendimiento y las variables bromatológicas no presentaron diferencia entre los tratamientos, sin embargo, se produjo un forraje de buena calidad. En promedio las hojas presentaron el 13.56 % de cenizas, 70.15 % de total de nutrientes digestibles, 93.16 % de digestibilidad in vitro de la materia seca, 19.72 % de fibra detergente neutra, 25.35 % de fibra detergente ácida y 24.15 % de proteína cruda.

There is evidence that L1 and L2 lexical engagement of novel items occurs in adulthood. However, previous studies have not addressed the effects of individual differences on that engagement. Hence, it is unknown how individual differences may influence semantic lexical engagement gains in L1 and L2 adult learners. This study investigates the effects of pre-existing vocabulary knowledge on L2 semantic lexical engagement of recently learned novel words. A semantic priming experiment, across two consecutive days, was conducted. A group of advanced L2 learners (n=26) and L1 learners (n=26) participated in the study. They were trained on pseudowords acting as verbs (n=7) and nouns (n=7). Vocabulary knowledge was measured via an online vocabulary size test. On day one, participants learned the meaning of the pseudowords via reading 12 repetitions of the novel words embedded into English sentences. Immediately, after the reading session, participants undertook surprise recognition and recall vocabulary post-tests. On day two, participants took part in a semantic lexical decision task (LDT) with priming to test L2 semantic lexical engagement of the novel words learned on day one. The data were analysed through a series of general and linear mixed-effects models. The results showed that L1 and L2 participants engaged the meaning of the recently learned novel words. Previous vocabulary knowledge predicted faster recognition of semantic related and unrelated primes in the LDT task. It is concluded that L1 and L2 adult learners lexically engaged the meaning of the recently learned words and that vocabulary size is a predictor of L2 semantic lexical engagement of novel words within the conditions of this study. The empirical findings provide a new understanding of the role vocabulary knowledge on L1 and L2 semantic lexical engagement of novel words.

The high rates of dropout in Europe are considered a severe problem whose effects arise at an individual level (school failure, absenteeism, little or lack of motivation for their studies, learning disabilities, grade repetition, low self-esteem, behavioral and relationship or communication problems with the teachers and the family) and extend to citizenship, shaping hence the social and human capital. Facing this situation of early disengagement of formal education, it should be stressed the urgent cooperation between families and schools as agents of socialization, whose responsibilities, mutual influence, and shared efforts aim to enhance the children’s learning and development. This research expects to know some of the necessities of families when they get involved in their children’s learning and identify whether these necessities may be used to set prevention or protection indicators in dropout events. The authors, based on a descriptive and ex post facto methodology, used an ad hoc questionnaire among a sample of 140 families from Cyprus, Austria and Spain to assess 1) the family involvement in their children’s learning activities; 2) the perception of the teaching practice; and 3) the relationship between the families and the school. Special mention should be made to the parental acknowledgment of the professional skills, the interest in their teenage children’s education and learning process, the interest in seeking advice on study techniques, and emotional and communication skills to be applied at home or during the scarce and generally unsatisfactory meetings with teachers. It concludes by demanding actions that strive to full development and an optimal social and school adjustment, always respecting the individuality of each family and student.

Having children in a household previously constituted by a couple entails a critical phase of the family development cycle, to such an extent that certain authors set in this very moment the beginning of a new family. In addition to the importance of this moment, it is evident that the family dynamics and interactions before the parenthood change and, consequently, new needs requiring socio-educational support arise. Specifically, this research aims to analyze the dynamics of couples with children; 261 people (53.6% women and 46.4% men) completed a questionnaire of 11 items focused, on one side, on the decision-making regarding children and, on the other side, the involvement and commitment on the parenting tasks and the education of their children. Although overall results are positive, attention must also be given to the difficulty in reaching agreements on the children with the partner, and, particularly, who spends more time on upbringing and taking care of their children, helping them with their homework and maintaining the relationship with the school. Unequal household responsibilities may be associated with the fact that women feel more overwhelmed

The current family circle, forced to get adapted continually to the surrounding social structure, faces numerous social and family situations. This situation makes families broaden their networks of support and include hence grandparents as caregivers and even supplementary educators for their grandchildren. Such involvement of grandparents is generally considered a source of positive feelings. However, it cannot be ignored its potential incompatibility with the expected rest and enjoyment of their current life stage. In that regard, and given the wide range of individual circumstances of contemporary grandparents, this research aims to get to know these circumstances and delve into the satisfaction with them. To this effect, an ex post facto study has been carried out with a sample of 350 grandparents, using an instrument of our own elaboration. Results show that most of the participants have a personal situation that eases the assumption of such tasks, and with which they are highly satisfied. Being relatively young, not working outside the home, being healthy enough to accomplish their everyday activities, or having time for themselves are some of thefactorsthat provesuch wellbeing in thesampleanalyzed. Nonetheless, mention should be madeto the other part of the sample, sharing a more negative vision of their reality and arising hence the inescapable necessity to support and guide these grandparents at a social and educational level.

Se presenta un estudio de los recursos digitales de un periódico de circulación regional, en cuanto a los uso y limitaciones del hipertexto, la multimedia y la interactividad, variables inherentes al ciberperiodismo. A través del análisis de contenido cuantitativo se dio seguimiento a sus publicaciones durante los meses de octubre a diciembre de 2021 para lo cual se diseñó un instrumento de recogida de datos a fin de observar la manera y frecuencia con que se utilizan estos recursos en su plataforma digital. Se concluye que el sitio web del diario ha desarrollado las características del ciberperiodismo de manera desequilibrada y parcial. Los elementos periodísticos que constituyen los géneros por el dominio de contenidos informativos suelen ser breves en texto, marginando la estructura hipertextual intranodal y la capacidad de otorgar fuerza con recursos multimedia.

Research in second/foreign (L2) vocabulary learning has recently started to take into account the role of learners’ individual differences in working memory, motivation, language aptitude, phonological awareness, amongst others. However, much research up to now has not explored if verbal fluency capacity influences learning L2 English in adult learners. Thus, this study examined the possible influence of verbal fluency in L1 and L2 vocabulary learning in university students (n=58) in York, United Kingdom, from March to May 2018. A quantitative methodology, via a linguistic experiment, was employed to explore whether verbal fluency capacity facilitates L1 and L2 vocabulary learning. The experiment started with a verbal fluency capacity test, followed by a vocabulary training phase, and it finished with offline recognition and recall vocabulary post-tests. Data was processed and analysed using the statistical package R and two general linear models were created and tested with the “glm” package in the R environment. Results of general linear modelling confirmed that L1 learners scored higher than L2 learners in recognition (β =-31.54, SE= 9.38, Z=-3.362, p

In this study, the antifungal, biosurfactant and bioemulsifying activity of the lipopeptides produced by the marine bacterium Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii MC6B-22 is presented. The kinetics showed that at 84 h, the highest yield of lipopeptides (556 mg/mL) with antifungal, biosurfactant, bioemulsifying and hemolytic activity was detected, finding a relationship with the sporulation of the bacteria. Based on the hemolytic activity, bio-guided purification methods were used to obtain the lipopeptide. By TLC, HPLC and MALDI-TOF, the mycosubtilin was identified as the main lipopeptide, and it was further confirmed by NRPS gene clusters prediction based on the strain’s genome sequence, in addition to other genes related to antimicrobial activity. The lipopeptide showed a broad-spectrum activity against ten phytopathogens of tropical crops at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 400 to 25 μg/mL and with a fungicidal mode of action. In addition, it exhibited that biosurfactant and bioemulsifying activities remain stable over a wide range of salinity and pH and it can emulsify different hydrophobic substrates. These results demonstrate the potential of the MC6B-22 strain as a biocontrol agent for agriculture and its application in bioremediation and other biotechnological fields.

In 1995, the Vertebral Heart Size (VHS) method for measuring the cardiac silhouette on thoracic radiographs was published, becoming a quantifiable and objective reference way of assessing the heart size. Since then, many studies have showed that VHS is influenced by breed variations, vertebral malformations, reference points selection, and short and long axes dimensions conversion into vertebral units. The Thoracic Inlet Heart Size (TIHS) normalizes heart size to body size using the thoracic inlet length. The lengths of the long and short axes of the heart of 144 clinically normal dogs were measured on right lateral thoracic radiographs. The sum of both measures was indexed to the thoracic inlet length. For comparison, dogs of the most represented breeds in our hospital were selected to measure their heart size using the TIHS protocol. The mean TIHS value for the population studied was 2.86 ± 0.27, and 90% of dogs had a TIHS value of less than 3.25. There was no difference in TIHS between male and female, and between small and large dogs (p-value < 0.01). There was no difference in the TIHS value between Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, and Labrador retriever breeds, and between each of those three breeds and the general population. The TIHS is a simple, straightforward and accurate way to measure heart size.

This article proposes a novel method for detecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an underground channel using visible light communication (VLC) and machine learning (ML). We present mathematical models of COVID-19 Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) gene transfer in regular square constellations using a CSK/QAM-based VLC system. ML algorithms are used to classify the bands present in each electrophoresis sample according to whether the band corresponds to a positive, negative, or ladder sample during the search for the optimal model. Complexity studies reveal that the square constellation N=22i×22i,(i=3) yields a greater profit. Performance studies indicate that, for BER = 10−3, there are gains of −10 [dB], −3 [dB], 3 [dB], and 5 [dB] for N=22i×22i,(i=0,1,2,3), respectively. Based on a total of 630 COVID-19 samples, the best model is shown to be XGBoots, which demonstrated an accuracy of 96.03%, greater than that of the other models, and a recall of 99% for positive values.

In order to understand the genetic control of quantitative agronomic traits in garden asparagus, we performed a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. A population (n = 167) derived from a cross between a female and male plants was evaluated for morpho-agronomic traits over three years. Interval mapping (IM) and restricted multiple QTL mapping (rMQM) analysis was applied, and 18 QTLs were detected. QTLs were located in two linkage groups (LG): 5 in LG5 and 13 in LG6. The physical position of markers of both groups was mapped onto the reference genome through BLAST analysis. LG5 and LG6 match with chromosome 1 (sex-determining chromosome) and chromosome 5, respectively. Haplotypes of both chromosomes of the heterozygous parent and their progeny were obtained, and a bin map was developed. Bins were used to map the QTLs on the reference genome and to perform the association analysis with the morpho-agronomic traits. Two major and stable QTLs over the years (R2 > 10%) for number of stalk and earliness were mapped in the end of chromosome 1 into a bin that spans 3.25 Mb and includes the sex-determination locus. In chromosome 5, some QTLs were located in the center of chromosome for the year 2016. Branching is tightly regulated by both internal factors (such as plant hormones) and external factors (such as light conditions). QTLs for branching height and earliness were detected in a bin that spans 4.96 Mb. Functional annotation of genes within the two bins revealed candidate genes with potential roles in SA and light signaling and photomorphogenesis pathways that may be involved in branching and/or tillering. This is the first study providing the identification of genomic regions associated with yield-related morpho-agronomic traits in asparagus.

Different studies have reported a narrow genetic base for garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) due to its common origin, a diploid population (‘Purple Dutch’). The present study focused on the development of new diploid plant material that may be useful to widen the genetic base of the crop by using a tetraploid landrace ‘Morado de Huétor’ (A. officinalis × A. maritimus). With this purpose, a diploid pre-breeding population (n = 1000) carrying introgressions of ‘Morado de Huétor’ has been obtained. This new population derived from crosses under open pollination of a parental collection (n = 77) that was developed in a previous study. The parental collection derived from the first backcrossing using different diploid cultivated plants as a recurrent parent and ‘Morado de Huétor’ as a donor. The genetic diversity of the pre-breeding population was assessed using a set of EST-SSR markers (AG7, AG8, TC1, TC3, TC7, TC9) in a collection of plants (n = 57), which was randomly sampled in the pre-breeding population. The results were compared to previous data obtained from the parental collection, a set of current diploid asparagus cultivars and the landrace ‘Morado de Huétor’. The average of PICm (Polymorphic Information Content) values obtained in the pre-breeding population (0.75) resulted higher than the value obtained in the diploid cultivars (0.63) but lower than in ‘Morado de Huétor’ (0.83). Twenty-two alleles (52.4%) detected in the new diploid population were specific from ‘Morado de Huétor’. Principal Coordinate Analyses (PCoA) revealed that the new population had a genetic diversity distribution different from the current cultivars. This new population was also evaluated for different morpho-agronomic traits (earliness, stalk number, branching height and stalk thickness) for two years. Significant differences among plants (p < 0.001) were found for these five traits and, therefore, a genotype variation is suggested. As a result, 71 plants were selected to develop a breeding base population. The genetic variability of those selected plants was also analyzed and similar genetic variability to the pre-breeding population was obtained. The results obtained in this study show that this new population could be used to enlarge the genetic base of the current diploid asparagus cultivars.

La propuesta de un Observatorio Institucional de Equidad en la Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco (UJAT), en México, es producto del proyecto de investigación Observatorio Regional para la Calidad de la Equidad en la Educación Superior (ORACLE), auspiciado por la Unión Europea a través del programa Erasmus+. En este proyecto, participan 35 Instituciones de Educación Superior de 16 países latinoamericanos y 5 europeos y entre otras cosas, propone la observación y registro sistemático de las políticas de equidad en las instituciones de educación superior. La propuesta que aquí se presenta se concibe como una estrategia para contribuir a la equidad en la educación superior. Su objetivo es la obtención de información para el análisis, seguimiento y evaluación de las políticas de equidad implementadas por la UJAT. Para ello, se aborda la concepción de la equidad, algunas políticas implementadas por la UJAT y se definen las actividades en las que el observatorio puede tener mayor incidencia.

La presente investigación pretende identificar los ámbitos de gobernanza significativos en las políticas alimentarias urbanas, así como las deficiencias y potencialidades en su implementación. Para ello se analizan las acciones para mejorar la gobernanza alimentaria en 13 ciudades españolas, relacionadas todas ellas con la Red de Ciudades por la Agroecología. La información obtenida mediante un cuestionario ha sido complementada con entrevistas personales y análisis de documentación sobre acciones específicas. Además, se han analizado las Estrategias Alimentarias Urbanas de tres ciudades (Valladolid, Zaragoza y Segovia). El estudio identifica 6 ámbitos de la gobernanza alimentaria (1-De base; 2-Multi-actor; 3-Intra-administración; 4-Multi-nivel; 5-Territorial; y 6-Gobernanza translocal). En torno a estos ámbitos se discuten conceptos como las nuevas institucionalidades multi-actor que se están generando en torno a las políticas alimentarias urbanas; la dialéctica entre administración, organizaciones sociales y sector agrario o la pertinencia de distintas miradas como los enfoques de Sistema Alimentario de Ciudad-Región. Las conclusiones sugieren profundizar en la articulación de los enfoques top-down y bottom-up de las políticas alimentarias, aportando centralidad al papel del sector agrario ecológico y a actores urbanos desfavorecidos, así como a la importancia de trascender la escala meramente local para poder desarrollar el potencial de sostenibilidad de las políticas alimentarias. De esta forma, la gobernanza de las políticas alimentarias urbanas va más allá de los territorios y paisajes urbanos, del mismo modo que las dinámicas generales urbanas generan importantes impactos sobre el conjunto del territorio.

Sexual harassment is a type of gender violence, which is generally naturalized and rarely reported. The aim of this qualitative study was to analyze the experiences of female university students who have been victims of sexual harassment. The intentional sample consisted of 10 participants between the ages of 22 and 24 years from a university in the southeast of Mexico. Interviews were analyzed through different categories, such as the perception of the interviewee, about the harassment, the consequences, and facing the event. The analysis was based on the QSR 6 (NVivo) software. It was found that students perceive harassment as something normal and even romantic, but subsequently there are feelings of humiliation and guilt. Those who reported the incident did not obtain help, in all of them there was a feeling of learned helplessness. In addition, harasser professors have a special language to communicate when they want sexual favors: "you have to take an equivalence test”, language that the students know and understand.

The widespread dysregulation that characterizes cancer cells has been dissected and many regulation pathways common to multiple cancer types have been described in depth. Wnt/β-catenin signaling and autophagy are among these principal pathways, which contribute to tumor growth and resistance to anticancer therapies. Currently, several therapeutic strategies that target either Wnt/β-catenin signaling or autophagy are in various stages of development. Targeted therapies that block specific elements that participate in both pathways; are subject to in vitro studies as well as pre-clinical and early clinical trials. Strikingly, drugs designed for other diseases also impact these pathways, which is relevant since they are already FDA-approved and sometimes even routinely used in the clinic. The main focus of this mini-review is to highlight the importance of drug repositioning to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin and autophagy pathways, with an emphasis on the interplay between them. The data we found strongly suggested that this field is worth further examination.

El presente trabajo tiene como propósito presentar al juego como un recurso que se ha convertido en una herramienta de apoyo en la enseñanza de las ciencias, a partir de una investigación documental. Se exponen sus ventajas, sus características y tipologías. Posteriormente se ofrecen, en tablas sintéticas, ejemplos de propuestas que se implementaron y documentaron para mostrar las potencialidades de algunos juegos en la enseñanza de Matemáticas y Química, en varios niveles educativos. Se concluye que, en la didáctica de las ciencias, el juego representa un recurso importante, aunque muy poco valorado por el profesorado, pero necesario para la formación del mismo.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los cambios que tuvo el currículum a lo largo de su trayectoria como resultado de las constantes innovaciones tecnológicas que han propiciado nuevos perfiles del profesional en Comunicación de una universidad pública del sureste de México. Se presenta el estudio de caso en el cual se realizaron análisis documental y de contenido curricular, así como entrevistas a profundidad con profesores que imparten cátedra desde hace dos décadas en el programa. Los resultados señalan que, tanto en el currículum como desde la perspectiva de los docentes, existe una reconfiguración del campo profesional de la comunicación. Se concluye que hay un proceso circular entre los cambios que demanda el entorno y las modificaciones que ameritan los planes de estudio.

Introducción: Cuando el cuidado cultural de enfermería reconoce el valor de la cultura, las creencias y modo de vida de los individuos, este se vuelve integral. La pregunta fue ¿Cuál es la vivencia de madres mapuches durante la hospitalización de sus hijos en un hospital de alta complejidad del sur de Chile, 2017-2018? Objetivo general: Develar la vivencia de madres mapuches durante la hospitalización de sus hijos en un hospital de alta complejidad del sur de Chile. Metodología: Se trabajó con etnografía dirigida, con una muestra intencionada de 9 participantes, los criterios de inclusión fueron: madres mapuches hablantes de mapudungun con hijos hospitalizados en servicios pediátricos, en hospital de alta complejidad; que accedan a dar una entrevista grabada, previa firma de consentimiento informado. Se recolectan los datos mediante observación participante, entrevistas en profundidad y notas de campo. Resultados: En la metacategoría vivencia de madres mapuches se identifican las subcategorías: sentido pertenencia a su cultura; complementariedad en la atención, calidad en la atención y discriminación. Conclusión: Se aprecia contrariedades, decepciones y complicaciones en legitimar la diversidad cultural y social, que se traducen en impedimentos, para el éxito de las estrategias de coherencia cultural en salud, ya que emergen trazos de discriminación. Se manifiesta integralidad del mundo indígena que se expresa en las personas a través de sus valores propios de la cultura.