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Background/Objectives: Glucocorticoids are drugs that are increasingly used in oral surgery to reduce trismus, inflammation, and postoperative pain, three frequent complications after the surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 8 mg dexamethasone versus 40 mg methylprednisolone in the prevention of postoperative complications after third molar surgery. Methods: A randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted following CONSORT guidelines. In detail, 84 patients were included in the study, who randomly received a single preoperative submucosal dose of dexamethasone (8 mg) or methylprednisolone (40 mg). The variables analyzed, as primary outcomes, were trismus, inflammation, and postoperative pain. The measurements were performed at baseline (0 h), 3 h, 7 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 7 th day using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), and the Gabka–Matsumara method. Results: Dexamethasone reduced trismus, inflammation, and postoperative pain significantly better than methylprednisolone. Conclusions: Preoperative submucosal administration of 8 mg dexamethasone is effective and safe in reducing the severity of postoperative complications following surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in the human INF2 gene cause autosomal dominant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)—a condition characterized by podocyte loss, scarring, and subsequent kidney degeneration. To understand INF2-linked pathogenicity, we examined the effect of pathogenic INF2 on renal epithelial cell lines and human primary podocytes. Our study revealed an increased incidence of mitotic cells with surplus microtubule-organizing centers fostering multipolar spindle assembly, leading to nuclear abnormalities, particularly multi-micronucleation. The levels of expression of exogenous pathogenic INF2 were similar to those of endogenous INF2. The aberrant nuclear phenotypes were observed regardless of the expression method used (retrovirus infection or plasmid transfection) or the promoter (LTR or CMV) used, and were absent with exogenous wild type INF2 expression. This indicates that the effect of pathogenic INF2 is not due to overexpression or experimental cell manipulation, but instead to the intrinsic properties of pathogenic INF2. Inactivation of the INF2 catalytic domain prevented aberrant nuclei formation. Pathogenic INF2 triggered the translocation of the transcriptional cofactor MRTF into the nucleus. RNA sequencing revealed a profound alteration in the transcriptome that could be primarily attributed to the sustained activation of the MRTF-SRF transcriptional complex. Cells eventually underwent mitotic catastrophe and death. Reducing MRTF-SRF activation mitigated multi-micronucleation, reducing the extent of cell death. Our results, if validated in animal models, could provide insights into the mechanism driving glomerular degeneration in INF2-linked FSGS and may suggest potential therapeutic strategies for impeding FSGS progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past two decades, the traditional nosology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been criticized for having insufficient discriminant validity. In line with current trends, in the present study, we combined a data-driven approach with the advantages of virtual reality aiming to identify novel behavioral profiles of ADHD based on ecological and performance-based measures of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. One hundred and ten Spanish-speaking participants (6–16 years) with ADHD (medication-naïve, n = 57) and typically developing participants (n = 53) completed AULA, a continuous performance test embedded in virtual reality. We performed hybrid hierarchical k-means clustering methods over the whole sample on the normalized t-scores of AULA main indices. A five-cluster structure was the most optimal solution. We did not replicate ADHD subtypes. Instead, we identified two clusters sharing clinical scores on attention indices, susceptibility to distraction, and head motor activity, but with opposing scores on mean reaction time and commission errors; two clusters with good performance; and one cluster with average scores but increased response variability and slow RT. DSM-5 subtypes cut across cluster profiles. Our results suggest that latency of response and response inhibition could serve to distinguish among ADHD subpopulations and guide neuropsychological interventions. Motor activity, in contrast, seems to be a common feature among ADHD subgroups. This study highlights the poor feasibility of categorical systems to parse ADHD heterogeneity and the added value of data-driven approaches and VR-based assessments to obtain an accurate characterization of cognitive functioning in individuals with and without ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the contemporary era of globalization, there is persistent pressure on minority languages from the dominant languages, partly because many minority language speakers find shifting to a dominant one a profitable choice. Language policy scholarship through the past decades, whether top-down or bottom-up, also registers that many minority speakers intend to preserve or reclaim their languages as active agents through everyday interactions and the transmission of the language within the home or in the community despite these external pressures. Based on Stroud's (2018) analytical framework of 'sociolinguistic citizenship' that investigates questions of power, ideology, legitimacy and marginalisation, this paper examines the multifarious layers between governmental language policies and how they are interpreted, implemented or negotiated by a wide range of social actors (e.g., parents, students, teachers, activists), revealing ideological spaces for the use or non-use of Galician, an official minority language spoken in a bilingual community of northwestern Spain. Using various qualitative research tools, including field observations, interviews and focus groups, we demonstrate how these actors become policy intermediaries on the ground and argue that their under-the-radar participation in the policy discourse may appear extremely intermittent and ad hoc, but their microcosmic interrogation of the dominant Castilian discourse through individual actions, when translates into collective mobilisations can lead to bottom-up language policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is an infrequent and life-threatening disorder characterized by systemic inflammatory symptoms, generalized lymphadenopathy, polyclonal lymphocyte proliferation and organ dysfunction caused by a hyperinflammatory state. It accounts for one-third to one-half of all multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) cases. iMCD is often associated with autoimmune manifestations that may precede the iMCD diagnosis, be identified at the same time or follow it. In addition, iMCD may also coincide with a number of autoimmune diseases (such as psoriasis or myasthenia gravis) or autoinflammatory diseases (such as familial Mediterranean fever). Moreover, diverse inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, adult-onset Still disease, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, immunoglobulin (IgG4) related disease, or the recently described VEXAS syndrome, can present clinical features or lymphadenopathy with histopathological 'Castleman-like' findings compatible with those of iMCD. Given the iMCD clinical heterogeneity and the overlap with other autoimmune or autoinflammatory disorders, iMCD diagnosis can be challenging. In this review, we explore the overlap between iMCD and inflammatory diseases and provide practical guidance on iMCD diagnosis in order to avoid misdiagnosis and confusion with other autoimmune or autoinflammatory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) secondary to mutations in the GLA gene that causes dysfunctional activity of lysosomal hydrolase α-galactosidase A and results in the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3). The endothelial accumulation of these substrates results in injury to multiple organs, mainly the kidney, heart, brain and peripheral nervous system. The literature on FD and central nervous system involvement is scarce when focusing on alterations beyond cerebrovascular disease and is nearly absent in regard to synaptic dysfunction. In spite of that, reports have provided evidence for the CNS' clinical implications in FD, including Parkinson's disease, neuropsychiatric disorders and executive dysfunction. We aim to review these topics based on the current available scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study including 61 differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients who received ablative doses of I-131 after total thyroidectomy. Biodosimetry was performed by dicentric chromosomes analysis before and after treatment, determining dicentric yield and blood absorbed dose. An increased yield of dicentrics after treatment was demonstrated. With an average administered activity of 4.32 ± 0.879 GBq, the absorbed dose in bone marrow was 0.28 Gy (0.25–0.30 95% CI). These data were compared with the administered I-131 activity and body mass index. Increased genotoxic effects were observed, with a slightly higher dicentric yield rising along I-131 activity. No correlation was found between administered activity and BMI. No significant risk of myelotoxicity due to dose regimens of I-131 intended for ablative purposes in "de novo" treated patients was found among the ranges of activities used in clinical practice. Biodosimetric data was included in patients' Clinical History, which translates into a more detailed dosimetric report. With this information, physicians can take a more patient-specific approach. Personalized administration would be of special consideration in the event of re-treatments, be it due to recurrent disease or I-131 refractory DTC patients. • Significant increase in dicentric chromosomal aberrations was found. • Myelotoxicity risk induced by therapeutic regimens of I131 was discarded. • No relation between body mass index and estimated dose was demonstrated. • In some cases metastases were identified before clinical signs. • Precaution is advised in the event of retreatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Laparoscopic neutering techniques are widely used in veterinary medicine due to their numerous advantages compared to open ones. However, laparoscopy requires the creation of pneumoperitoneum to establish a working space, and it has been related to the occurrence of pathophysiological alterations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential global systemic changes associated to the establishment of the pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic ovariectomy and to compare them with those determined in conventional open surgery in dogs. Additionally, we evaluated the gas anesthetic requirements based on the surgical technique. The results of our study suggested that the cardiorespiratory alterations related to pneumoperitoneum seemed to be well-tolerated and reversible after CO2 deflation. Regarding the anesthetic gas evaluation, we determined higher requirements during ovarian resection in the open ovariectomy group. In conclusion, laparoscopic neutering procedures should be currently recommended by veterinarians due to their lower invasiveness and resulting complications. Nevertheless, a thorough understanding of the changes associated with pneumoperitoneum is essential to plan and obtain an adequate perioperative management. The aim of this study was to examine the cardiorespiratory and blood changes associated with pneumoperitoneum (PNP) in laparoscopic ovariectomy (LAP Ove), as well as sevoflurane requirements, comparing them to those determined in open surgery (LPT Ove). The study was performed in 16 bitches submitted to LAP or LPT Ove. The cardiorespiratory and end-tidal sevoflurane concentration values were recorded as follows: at the beginning of surgery (T1), after the right ovary resection (T2), after the left ovary resection (T3), and after surgical closure (T4). Blood samples were taken before and after PNP. Among the cardiorespiratory parameters, no differences were observed in the values of end-tidal CO2, minute volume, and heart rate. In the LAP Ove group, a significant increase in inspiratory pressures and a decreased compliance were identified at T2 and T3. Significant higher arterial pressure values were observed in both groups at T2 and T3, with this increase especially marked at T2 in the LPT Ove group. Sevoflurane requirements were significantly higher in the LPT group during ovarian resection. Finally, in terms of the hematochemical parameters, statistical differences were recorded between pre- and post-operative assessments, but not between both surgical groups. The pathophysiological effects associated with PNP seemed to be transient and well-tolerated by healthy dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Different studies have highlighted the importance of coping strategies in stressful situations. The Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced (COPE) by Carver et al is one of the instruments that is frequently used for measuring this aspect. The aim of this study was to carry out the cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Brief-COPE inventory to measure coping strategies in Spanish populations. Methods: The linguistic and cultural adaptation of the Brief-COPE was carried out using the back-translation method and, after considering the results of the pilot test, the Spanish version of the instrument was configured, and subsequently administered to a convenient sample of 2135 undergraduates. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to examine construct validity of the Spanish adaptation of the brief-COPE; likewise, reliability was analyzed from two approaches, internal consistency and composite reliability. Concurrent validity was also tested. Results: The results showed that the Spanish version of Brief-COPE has adequate reliability values, as well as satisfactory fit indexes for the proposed 14-factor first-order structural model. Likewise, external evidence of the validity of the inventory with the variables perceived stress, level of satisfaction with life, and academic performance is provided. Conclusion: The results suggest that this instrument presents a satisfactory metric quality and, therefore, it could be useful to evaluate coping strategies, which would allow further research on its incidence and consequences on health and psychological functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical approach to neofalante, newspeakers of Galician and their theoretical framework, is presented. In order to do so, we take as a case study some of its documented cases as a popular notion, its transformations, and its mobilisation in the planning discourse, along with its construction and evolution as an analytical category in the Galician academic and research fields. We then pay special attention to the latest proposals on the conceptualisation of this subject that place linguistic conversion as a fundamental element of neofalantismo. Lastly, we propose a rethinking of the object neofalante in order to more broadly investigate the processes of linguistic revitalisation through neofalantes' agency, taking the notion of majority language displacement as an operational concept to do that. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to check the impact of an intervention program based on peer-tutoring on self-regulated learning of freshmen, as well as on peer tutors. The sample consisted of 102 freshmen (51 experimental group y 51 control group) and 50 seniors from four different university degrees. Self-regulated learning was measured by the Motivated Strategies Learning Questionnaire. After assigning freshmen randomly to either the experimental or control condition, the study adopted a quasicxpcrimental research design with a non-equivalent control group controlled by statistical techniques, the intervention consisted of 20 individual tutoring sessions highly structured to freshmen delivered by seniors or tutors, after receiving three sessions of training on tutoring. The results yield statistically significant differences in self-regulated learning on participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Resident academic training is an educational-labour process in which they face psychosocial risk factors that can affect their health. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the psychosocial risk factors faced by the residents during their first year of training, to identify the most recurrent contexts and situations of exposure and the themes associated with the implementation of the academic-operational program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interpretive study with content monitoring, content and thematic analysis of residents and teachers, done from March 2019 to February 2020. Mexican Official Standard NOM-035-STPS-2018 was used as a reference. RESULTS: There were included 11 residents (5 women and 6 men), with mean age of 26.5 years, single and foreigner about the medical campus where study was done, and 2 professors, a man (head) and a woman (adjuvant), with mean age of 40 years, married, living in the same city of the campus. Residents and teachers identified the most recurrent contexts and situations of exposure to psychosocial risk factors in the domains of workload and social relations at work. The themes stood out: adverse conditions for training, instrumental use of residents, violence, inattention and health neglect. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups' perceptions described a context and recurrent situations of repetitive, systematic and constant exposure to psychosocial risk factors and themes that highlighted an unfavourable organizational environment for academic training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, children and teenagers' reality is that they face multiple cultural and social context, leading them to use different social digital platforms, which help them to interact socially, and it may provide different benefits, plenty of hard-identification risk exist as well. Therefore, this text aims the grooming study as a dynamic catchment from the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), due to it is approach, hoax, manipulation, and virtual blackmail implanted toward children and teenagers for sexual purposes, taking advantage of vulnerable conditions and the complexity of the digital environment. For this, scientific investigation texts and the crime prevention experiences are implement for facilitating the community and civil society approach to realities contexts and the collective solutions search. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a clinical case of a patient with a history of myocardial revascularization surgery who develops subclavian-coronary steal syndrome in the postoperative period of a peripheral vascular operation. Supra-aortic vessel Doppler ultrasound is used to diagnose the syndrome, which is characterized by decreased flow towards the internal mammary artery graft and flow reversal in the same vessel. The article highlights the importance of clinical symptoms and supra-aortic vessel Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of the syndrome in these patients. It also mentions two relevant bibliographic references regarding the importance of angiography and ultrasound in vascular diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal disease whose ultimate consequences are the accumulation of sphingolipids and subsequent inflammatory events, mainly at the endothelial level. The outcomes include different nervous system manifestations as well as multiple organ damage. Despite the availability of known biomarkers, early detection of FD remains a medical need. This study aimed to develop an in silico model based on machine learning to identify candidate vascular and nervous system proteins for early FD damage detection at the cellular level. A combined systems biology and machine learning approach was carried out considering molecular characteristics of FD to create a computational model of vascular and nervous system disease. A data science strategy was applied to identify risk classifiers by using 10 K-fold cross-validation. Further biological and clinical criteria were used to prioritize the most promising candidates, resulting in the identification of 36 biomarker candidates with classifier abilities, which are easily measurable in body fluids. Among them, we propose four candidates, CAMK2A, ILK, LMNA, and KHSRP, which have high classification capabilities according to our models (cross-validated accuracy ≥ 90%) and are related to the vascular and nervous systems. These biomarkers show promise as high-risk cellular and tissue damage indicators that are potentially applicable in clinical settings, although in vivo validation is still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: given the potential of cinema to train towards active and healthy aging, added to the extensive existing film recommendations where the protagonists are precisely older adults in the process of retirement and old age, the objectives of analyzing the experience of cinema-debate on healthy aging and active aging and its determinants, in retired from the same educational institution, as well as determining the contributions of each film during the viewing process. Method: a study with a qualitative approach and an exploratory cross-sectional descriptive preexperimental design was carried out, through a socio-educational film-debate intervention, during a period of seven months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 19 people participated. For data collection, the audio-recorded focus group technique was used. The data obtained were analyzed on the basis of phenomenology. The film-debate sessions were held at the retired day home. The intervention program consisted of 25 films. All the films, except Un profil pour deux, Paulette, Cuando los hijos regresan and Coco, heeded the film recommendation of the book Mirar y reflexionar la jubilación, which proposes films especially for retired people. Results: within healthy aging, the participants analyzed the promotion and maintenance of their functional capacity and their interaction with themselves, with their partner, with their children, with society and with their environments. On active aging, they were able to visualize their opportunities for health, participation and safety. They expressed their wisdom of life, to face their retirement and to live with love. They debated their family and community ties, as well as empowerment, independence, autonomy, dignity, and self-development. Also, they identified the physical, social, economic, personal (psychological and biological) and lifestyle determinants that influence active aging. The particular contributions of all the films were also found for each part of the educational process. Conclusion: all the films in the cinema-debate cycle were essential to achieve the shared experience on healthy aging and active aging and their determinants. It is proposed to do new research with recently produced films and with older adult protagonists, as in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes migrant self-selection from Portugal between 1885 and 1930 for both men and women. Leveraging newly digitized data on migrants' characteristics across districts and literacy as a selection indicator, we document that self-selection was positive over the entire period but varied markedly across space and time. In some districts, migrants' literacy was similar to the general population, while in others over three times as large. In line with models of household migration, selection was significantly lower among migrant women, who were more likely to be tied movers. Our econometric analyses show a large negative relationship between migrant flows and self-selection, notably among men. We also find that the vintage of networks mattered differently by gender: male self-selection was more responsive to recent flows, while female self-selection was mostly influenced by past flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of clinical magnetoencephalography (MEG) in patients with epilepsy traditionally relies on visual identification of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), which is time consuming and dependent on subjective criteria. Here, we explore the ability of Independent Components Analysis (ICA) and Hidden Markov Modeling (HMM) to automatically detect and localize IEDs. We tested our pipelines on resting-state MEG recordings from 10 school-aged children with (multi)focal epilepsy. In focal epilepsy patients, both pipelines successfully detected visually identified IEDs, but also revealed unidentified low-amplitude IEDs. Success was more mitigated in patients with multifocal epilepsy, as our automated pipeline missed IED activity associated with some foci—an issue that could be alleviated by post-hoc manual selection of epileptiform ICs or HMM states. We compared our results with visual IED detection by an experienced clinical magnetoencephalographer, getting heightened sensitivity and requiring minimal input from clinical practitioners. IED detection based on ICA or HMM represents an efficient way to identify IED localization and timing. The development of these automatic IED detection algorithms provide a step forward in clinical MEG practice by decreasing the duration of MEG analysis and enhancing its sensitivity. • Detection and localization of interictal epileptiform discharges of MEG signals. • Comparison of two methods: independent component analysis and hidden Markov modeling. • Higher sensitivity to interictal epileptiform discharges over the clinical visual identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: in 2017 the filmography "Mirar y reflexionar la jubilación" was published to exemplify the retirement process. It contains 57 films, classified, based on the theory of continuity, in seven stages (preretirement, honeymoon, rest, disenchantment, reorientation, routine and final) and three problems (resistance to retirement, forced retirement and lack of social security to retire). It has the purpose of promoting reflection on retirement but requires renewal to include more films that improve the quantity and quality of the exemplification. Objective: Update and enrich the filmography of 2017. Materials and methods: Documentary study of compilation and updating of films. The search was electronic and physical. All films were included, in Spanish, or in another language with Spanish subtitles, with arguments, titles, synopsis or criticisms related to retirement. The analysis included the selection, capture, categorization and recategorization of films. Results: 115 films were selected, added to the previous 57, to make up a new filmography of 172 films, with productions from 24 countries, including dramas, comedies, documentaries, romances, animations, adventures, action and intrigue, mostly starring mens. The oldest film is from 1924 and the most recent in 2019. Conclusions: The number of films was expanded by 301.75 %. In terms of quality, the process and problems of retirement were abundantly and deeply illustrated. The new filmography is useful, adequate and sufficient teaching material for future awareness raising and retirement preparation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to show in detail a teaching approach to change the way of teaching (to teach) Spanish (or any other first language) at university. To do this, the idea that this change must be created at the beginning of the educational system -that is, the teacher training- is taken as a basis. Hence, a teaching experience carried out with teachers-to-be in the subject "Spanish Language Teaching" is presented. This experience applies the cases study to learn (to teach) Spanish and includes several active methodologies, such as cooperative learning and the task-based approach. The results, focused both on the vision of the subject as a whole and on the specific activity that concerns us, suggest a general acceptance of the methodologies used. Nevertheless, the main conclusion also contains a series of paradoxes that affect especially those who do not feel comfortable learning with the above mentioned case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the impact of a peer-tutoring program on academic performance among first-year students. The sample consisted of 102 first-year students from four-degree programs at a Spanish University. The academic performance was measured through the official student Academic reports. The assignment of the students to the experimental group (N = 51) and control group (N = 51) was done randomly. The intervention consisted of 20 highly structured individual weekly tutoring sessions delivered by senior and doctoral students, previously trained in three training sessions. The results show moderate effects' size and statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group in the total academic course, as well as in the fall and spring semesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the recent relevance of non-cognitive skills for consequential outcomes in the educational, personal, and professional domains, the objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the quality of the evidences on grit as predictor and outcome of educational, professional, and personal success. A pre-specified systematic review protocol was designed and implemented to synthesize the qualitative finding. A systematic literature search was conducted across diverse platforms and databases. A narrative content analysis was adopted to analyze the results. The final sample of studies reviewed was 90. The following analytical themes were identified: grit as a predictor of educational, professional, and personal success, and grit as outcome of demographic, educational, professional, and personal success. The results suggest that the evidences of effectiveness of grit as a predictor are largely stronger than those of grit as outcome. Additionally, our findings unveil that research on this construct is off to a good start, even though higher-quality research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is a part of an investigation about the diachronic reconstruction of Judeo-Spanish address system. In this paper, I pretend to examine the address forms documented in the vernacular language testimonies contributed to the judicial processes of the rabbinical courts, which correspond mostly to the 16th century. The objective of this analyse is to check the differences and similarities with the general Spanish system used at that time. Furthermore, this investigation reviews the grammaticalization grade of these linguistics forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book Dialecto judeo-hispano-marroquí o hakitía (1926-1952) by José Benoliel includes, in its final section, a glossary formed by almost a hundred pages that contains many words from The Romanace, Hebrew and Arabic heritage. This glossary is not merely a simply repertoire of lexical equivalences between Haketia and Spanish, but also includes complementary information about the uses and values of some words, cultural data and phraseological expressions. papel specifies the lexicographical criteria followed by the author in order to determine his lexical definition strategies and analyze this complementary and encyclopaedic information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of high-pressure shift freezing (HPSF) at 200 MPa/-20 °C on physical, functional and thermal properties of egg white and egg yolk from three egg types were studied. The phase transition time in HPSF was shorter compared to atmospheric freezing (about 25% for egg yolk and 56% for egg white) due to the high degree of supercooling. The effect of freezing on functional properties seems to be related to different degrees of protein denaturation depending of the freezing/pressure level. Partial protein unfolding (suggested by higher free sulfhydryl) was observed after freezing at atmospheric pressure, especially for egg yolk. On the other hand, higher protein aggregation due to lower thermal denaturation enthalpy (50% in egg yolk and 70% in egg white) was found in HPSF samples, supported by decrease of protein solubility, disappear of electrophoretic bands and increase in viscoelasticity (G′ and G″ values). • Egg white and yolk of three eggs types were frozen under high-pressure shift freezing (HPSF). • HPSF process led to a significant reduction in the phase transition time. • Egg yolk was more affected by the freezing process, with less change at atmospheric pressure. • Freezing induced gelling of yolk egg and aggregation of white egg proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fear of negative evaluation is the hallmark of social anxiety. We examined the hypothesis that, to facilitate detection of negative evaluators, an anticipatory coping strategy in social anxiety involves selective early gazing at the eyes of other people. Eye fixations were assessed while participants watched video-clips displaying dynamic facial expressions with prototypical (happy eyes and a smile) or ambiguous (a smile but non-happy eyes) smiling faces. High socially anxious (HSA) undergraduates with clinical levels of anxiety on questionnaire measures and low-anxious controls (LSA) judged expressers' un/trustworthiness (Experiment 1) or un/familiarity (Experiment 2) of expressions. Social anxiety was especially associated with reduced trustworthiness evaluation (interpretative bias) of ambiguous—but not of unambiguous—smiling faces. Further, HSA viewers mistrusted faces with novel, unfamiliar expressions more than LSA viewers did. Thus, the interpretative bias for ambiguous expressions could be due to their being unfamiliar. Importantly, HSA viewers selectively looked earlier at the eye region (attentional bias), whereas LSA viewers preferentially looked at the smiling mouth. Presumably, the early attention to the eyes by HSA individuals enhances detection of expressive incongruences, thus leading to untrustworthiness judgments. These biases are functional, in that they would facilitate recognition of untrustworthy expressers (e.g., with fake smiles). • Social anxiety is related to reduced trustworthiness of ambiguous smiling faces. • Social anxiety does not affect trustworthiness judgment of prototypical happy faces. • Social anxiety leads to mistrust faces with novel, unfamiliar expressions. • Socially anxious observers generally look earlier at the eye region. • Non-anxious observers look more at the mouth region of smiling faces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the present paper is to define a new benchmark test for macrosegregation in axisymmetry and to verify a novel meshless method on it. The test case represents a solidification of Al4.5 wt%Cu alloy in two different types of geometries, a solid and a hollow cylinder, cooled at the vertical boundaries. The volume averaging method is used to formulate the coupled mass, energy, momentum, and species transport equations for solid-liquid flow. The lever rule is used for determination of liquid and solid fraction. The meshless numerical approach, verified in this paper, is called the diffuse approximate method. The method is formed by using the weighted least squares approximation, where the second-order polynomial basis and Gaussians are used as trial and weight functions, respectively. The method is localised with the use of subdomains, each containing thirteen computational nodes. The explicit Euler scheme is used to perform the temporal integration. The fractional step method is used to couple the pressure-velocity fields. The stability of the method is attained by an adaptive shift of the computational node and Gaussian weight in the upstream direction. Results are presented for three geometrically different simulations. The results are compared with the classical finite volume method. All results show a very good agreement with the finite volume method. The simulations are performed on a uniform equidistant node arrangements of different node densities and the convergence of the node spacing is evaluated and compared. The results can also be used as a benchmark for other numerical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Serum phosphate is a key parameter in the management of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). The timing of phosphate measurement is not standardized in the current guidelines. Since the optimal range of these biomarkers may vary depending on the duration of the interdialytic interval, in this analysis of the Current management of secondary hyperparathyroidism: a multicentre observational study (COSMOS), we assessed the influence of a 2- (midweek) or 3-day (post-weekend) dialysis interval for blood withdrawal on serum levels of CKD-MBD biomarkers and their association with mortality risk. Methods. The COSMOS cohort (6797 patients, CKD Stage 5D) was divided into two groups depending upon midweek or post-weekend blood collection. Univariate and multivariate Cox's models adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) by demographics and comorbidities, treatments and biochemical parameters from a patient/centre database collected at baseline and every 6 months for 3 years. Results. There were no differences in serum calcium or parathyroid hormone levels between midweek and post-weekend patients. However, in post-weekend patients, the mean serum phosphate levels were higher compared with midweek patients (5.5 ± 1.4 versus 5.2 ± 1.4 mg/dL, P < 0.001). Also, the range of serum phosphate with the lowest mortality risk [HR ≤ 1.1; midweek: 3.5–4.9 mg/dL (95% confidence interval, CI: 2.9–5.2 mg/dL); post-weekend: 3.8–5.7 mg/dL (95% CI: 3.0–6.4 mg/dL)] showed significant differences in the upper limit (P = 0.021). Conclusion. Midweek and post-weekend serum phosphate levels and their target ranges associated with the lowest mortality risk differ. Thus, clinical guidelines should consider the timing of blood withdrawal when recommending optimal target ranges for serum phosphate and therapeutic strategies for phosphate control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research aims to analyze cultural dimensions related to college youth students employment and unemployment, in Cali, Colombia. Method: A cognitive anthropological study was conducted. Free listings and pile sort in order to identify the content and dimensions conditions, were used. Participated 80 college youth student (40 men and 40 women with an average age of 20,5 years), by purposeful sampling. Results: Employment as a work activity offers satisfaction, allows economic security and material benefits access. To have and employment, competences and personal values as well as having the opportunity to access it, are required. Also, to be employed implies effort to get development, stability, self-improvement and future. Lack of employment might generate frustration because of the difficulty in reaching goals as well as slavery perception due to excess work. Employment is considered as an activity that involves co-workers' relationships, carried on companies and institutions. Unemployment is a waste of time that suggests poverty and needs, it is the result of social problems such as inequality, lack of opportunities because of the social system. Unemployment produces crime situations and impact on communities; in the personal area unemployment gives problems, needs, complications and negative emotions. For this reason, unemployment is a challenge that compromises family responsibilities, but no alternative of coping with it is specified. Conclusions: Youth's participants agree about employment and unemployment concepts. This indicates cultural competence over the cultural domains of the concepts studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Children showed increased hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms during the lockdown. • This increase was irrespective of having an ADHD diagnosis. • Mothers' perceived stress increased during home confinement. • This increase was greater for mothers having typically developing children. • Frontline jobs and family conflicts predicted worsening ADHD symptoms. After the COVID-19 outbreak, early publications reported worsening symptoms and increased caregiver burden in families having children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In the present study, we launched an online survey to examine the psychological impact of the 41 days of strict home confinement implemented in Spain in families having children with ADHD compared to families having children with typical development (TD). We achieved a representative sample of 190 school-aged children (N ADHD =100 and N TD =90) from 181 families. Respondents were mainly mothers (≈96%). We found that mother reports of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms significantly increased during home confinement regardless of ADHD diagnosis. During the lockdown, we also found that perceived stress significantly increased in mothers of ADHD and TD children, but, unexpectedly, this increase was much more noticeable for the latter group. Moreover, our study suggests that children having parents working in frontline jobs or living in families with higher household conflicts might display increased ADHD symptoms during the lockdown, irrespective of ADHD diagnosis. Our results highlight the need to provide psychological support to families most exposed to the pandemic and target household problems and mothers' well-being at intervention processes, in both ADHD and TD families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population outbreaks of zoantharians in shallow water reefs have been observed globally, including intertidal and subtidal sites in the Canary Islands. This study investigated how zoantharians might be integrating into the local trophic network. For that purpose, we assessed the feeding patterns of common species in zoantharian-dominated habitats, focusing on finding consumers of Zoanthus pulchellus and Palythoa caribaeorum. Through DNA-barcoding and metabarcoding, the gut contents of 11 predatory species were analysed, aiming to characterize their diets and explore local species feeding on zoantharians. Analyses of diet revealed a diverse range of food items and trophic positions of some of the most common and frequent marine species in the archipelago. Furthermore, based on previous observations on the different impacts of Z. pulchellus and P. caribaeorum on shallow benthic ecosystems of the Canary Islands, a preliminary approach to identify their potential influence on feeding patterns of associated species was made. Even though DNA-metabarcoding did not detect zoantharians in the gut contents of any studied species, Sanger sequencing with zoantharian-specific primers indicated their consumption by subject species may be limited to only the crab Platypodiella picta. In addition, by focusing on some of the most common species, this study enhances our understanding of the local trophic network and provides an insight into trophic dynamics in zoantharian-dominated habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically modified pigs play a critical role in mimicking human diseases, xenotransplantation, and the development of pigs resistant to viral diseases. The use of programmable endonucleases, including the CRISPR/Cas9 system, has revolutionized the generation of genetically modified pigs. This study evaluates the efficiency of electroporation of oocytes prior to fertilization in generating edited gene embryos for different models. For single gene editing, phospholipase C zeta (PLC ζ) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) genes were used, and the concentration of sgRNA and Cas9 complexes was optimized. The results showed that increasing the concentration resulted in higher mutation rates without affecting the blastocyst rate. Electroporation produced double knockouts for the TPC1/TPC2 genes with high efficiency (79 %). In addition, resistance to viral diseases such as PRRS and swine influenza was achieved by electroporation, allowing the generation of double knockout embryo pigs (63 %). The study also demonstrated the potential for multiple gene editing in a single step using electroporation, which is relevant for xenotransplantation. The technique resulted in the simultaneous mutation of 5 genes (GGTA1, B4GALNT2, pseudo B4GALNT2, CMAH and GHR). Overall, electroporation proved to be an efficient and versatile method to generate genetically modified embryonic pigs, offering significant advances in biomedical and agricultural research, xenotransplantation, and disease resistance. Electroporation led to the processing of numerous oocytes in a single session using less expensive equipment. We confirmed the generation of gene-edited porcine embryos for single, double, or quintuple genes simultaneously without altering embryo development to the blastocyst stage. The results provide valuable insights into the optimization of gene editing protocols for different models, opening new avenues for research and applications in this field. • Oocyte electroporation is an efficient method for generating single, double, and multiple knockout porcine embryos. • Electroporation does not interfere with early embryonic development. • Electroporation offers the potential to edit multiple genes simultaneously in a single step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a Bilingual Mentors Program to develop cognitive, non-cognitive or second language skills on senior and freshmen university students, respectively, from two different Degrees at the University of Granada (Spain). Two Degrees were involved in this project, English Studies provided student mentors and Primary Education Teacher Training provided mentees. The procedure consisted of the following steps: (a) a collaboration agreement between institutional staff responsible for both Degrees was reached, (b) a sampling process was designed and implemented, (c) measurement instruments were built and selected, (d) mentors training for two 90 minutes sessions took place, and finally, (e) the program intervention itself consisted of 10 90-minute mentoring sessions delivered during one semester. The results show significant size effects for most of the dependent variables analyzed for mentors and perceived benefits on second language command for mentees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Effects of freezing assisted with magnetic fields (MFs) in a commercial Cell Alive System (CAS) unit at − 50 °C, with a static MF only (0% CAS) and with a static MF plus oscillating MF (10% CAS), on egg yolk (Y) was investigated. Y samples were obtained from commercial eggs laid by three hen strains (two of them in fortified cages and the third one free outdoors). The main goal was to study the thermal denaturation of protein involved in MF processing. Results showed that freezing treatment was the factor with the highest influence. Thermal denaturation enthalpy of Y was markedly affected (~ 45% total protein in comparison with Fresh sample), but similar for the two MF processes, where 0% CAS was taken as the Control freezing treatment. MF effects were predominantly thermal in nature and were the factor with the highest influence on the thermal behavior (which ran parallel to that of egg white, as described in Part 1), as well as on most of the functional properties exhibited by the MF samples. Rheology and free Sulfhydryl content were studied complementarily to Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) data. Some important functional properties such as Emulsion Ability and Emulsion Stability were also determined. The hen strain feeding factor had practically no influence on the physical or functional behavior of both untreated and processed Y samples, except on their color parameters. Highlights • Magnetic fields assisted freezing was applied to egg yolk in a commercial unit. • Two processing conditions were assayed: minimum (Static MFs) and maximum (Static plus oscillating MFs). • Different magnetic fields during freezing did not contribute to significant different results. • Both MFs affected proteins yielding denaturation in similar proportions. • MFs processing of egg yolk appeared essentially as a thermal operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to undertake the transcultural adaptation and validation of the Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) to measure university students’ levels of perseverance and passion for achieving long-term goals. To accomplish this, the Grit-S scale was linguistically and culturally adapted from English to Spanish via the Translation, Review, Adjudication, Pre-testing and Documentation method. After that, the adapted scale was administered to a convenience sample of 1,129 university students comprised of 29.6% males and 70.4% females with a mean age of 21, and finally, its psychometric properties were analysed and compared to the original version. The results reveal acceptable values for the internal consistency of the total scale (α = .71) and outstanding fit indexes for the proposed two-factor structural model (i.e., Consistency of Interest and Perseverance of Effort) (RMSEA = .041, CFI = .96), and the parameters of transcultural adaptation were similar to those in its original version. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of a service-learning and mentoring program on university students professional competencies, school students performance and their teachers-tutors satisfaction. The intervention consisted of 352 mentoring sessions with compulsory education students, 67 sessions of coordination with their teachers-tutors and 84 sessions of family counseling, delivered by university students, who were previously trained and continuously monitored by the programs coordinators. The results yield significant statistical differences on the university students' competencies, as well as a tendency to improve school performance by school students, and high levels of teachers-tutors´ satisfaction. This intervention has contributed to improve the efficacy and efficiency of compulsory Education as well as the university training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen analyses supported by fifteen AMS 14 C dates from Fuente de la Leche (1382 m) and Fuente del Pino Blanco (1343 m) peat sequences, in the Gredos range (central Spain), are used to reconstruct the late Holocene vegetation history in this mountain region. These results are compared with other sequences from the Spanish Central System in order to better understand the past dynamics of the main forest constituents and to provide a critical view of the dialectic between conifers and deciduous forests. The vegetation record at Fuente de la Leche starts at 3000 cal yr BP, with the occurrence of rather closed forests composed of Pinus sylvestris and Betula . Pinus sylvestris was the dominant pollen taxa for almost the entire period. However, during the last 850 years, Pinus sylvestris forests were progressively replaced by Quercus pyrenaica woodlands and grasslands, as a result of a high pastoral pressure, until forming mixed woodlands ∼400 years ago. The interpretation of Fuente del Pino Blanco record is that dramatic changes started about 265 years ago. Prior to this date, an open canopy woodland included species ( Alnus glutinosa , Quercus pyrenaica ) whose distributions no longer exist in the studied area. We suggest that the increase in agricultural (rye and other cereals) and livestock activities forced a change in the role of fire in the supramediterranean belt of the Gredos range, thus Pyrenean oak canopy was consumed by fires, providing openings for Pinus pinaster and broom communities better adapted to fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of writing a report about the captured data and the graphic documentation is an essential part of the study and intervention in built heritage. This is not only due to the need for describing the architectural form, but also to accurately measure the geometry, size and, especially, the formal alterations which may affect the building. In this regard, the laser and digital photogrammetric technology used in the data capture process has the following benefits: • It is an essential source of information when it comes to assessing structural deformation and all the pathologies that affect the building structures, thanks to the accuracy and endless possibilities of digitally processing the captured data. • By digitally processing the information we can build solid digital models, which allow us to elaborate intervention proposals and operating theories. The project carried out in La Merced Church, Panama, complemented and provided graphic and geometric support to the study on characterization and strength of materials performed by the experts from AIDICO (Construction Technology Institute, Valencia, Spain) about the structural condition of the building. The work also describes the methodology used on the geometric data capture, the resolution of the difficulties encountered during the process, as well as the development of virtual models of the temple's structure and historical façade, which are reference documents for planning the construction project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trusting other people is necessary for satisfactory and successful social interaction. A person's perceived trustworthiness is related to perceived facial happiness. We investigated how trustworthy someone with a smiling face looks depending on changes in eye expression. Method: Video-clips of dynamic expressions were presented, with different combinations of the mouth (smiling vs. neutral) and the eyes (happy, neutral, surprised, sad, fearful, disgusted, or angry). Participants judged how happy (happiness task) or trustworthy (trustworthiness task) the expressers were. Results: Both happiness and trustworthiness judgments and reaction times varied as a function of small changes from happy to non-happy eyes in a smiling face, and depending on the specific nature of the eye expression, with angry eyes being particularly detrimental. Conclusions: Perception of facial happiness is more dependent on the smiling mouth, whereas trustworthiness relies more on eye expression. Judgments of untrustworthiness are especially sensitive to incongruence between the eyes and the mouth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trusting other people is necessary for satisfactory and successful social interaction. A person's perceived trustworthiness is related to perceived facial happiness. We investigated how trustworthy someone with a smiling face looks depending on changes in eye expression. Method: Video-clips of dynamic expressions were presented, with different combinations of the mouth (smiling vs. neutral) and the eyes (happy, neutral, surprised, sad, fearful, disgusted, or angry). Participants judged how happy (happiness task) or trustworthy (trustworthiness task) the expressers were. Results: Both happiness and trustworthiness judgments and reaction times varied as a function of small changes from happy to non-happy eyes in a smiling face, and depending on the specific nature of the eye expression, with angry eyes being particularly detrimental. Conclusions: Perception of facial happiness is more dependent on the smiling mouth, whereas trustworthiness relies more on eye expression. Judgments of untrustworthiness are especially sensitive to incongruence between the eyes and the mouth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the economic revitalization context of East Cuba in the last years of 18th Century, we analyses the construction process of some buildings, specifically in two towns with different characteristics: Bayamo and San Pablo de Jiguaní. Bayamo was one of the most ancient and populated towns in the region, which parish church had been very dilapidated after an earthquake. The second one was a smaller town, recently created as an indian village., and its only church needed to repair the roof structure made of timber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated selective attention to emotional scenes in peripheral vision, as a function of adaptive relevance of scene affective content for male and female observers. Pairs of emotional-neutral images appeared peripherally—with perceptual stimulus differences controlled—while viewers were fixating on a different stimulus in central vision. Early selective orienting was assessed by the probability of directing the first fixation towards either scene, and the time until first fixation. Emotional scenes selectively captured covert attention even when they were task-irrelevant, thus revealing involuntary, automatic processing. Sex of observers and specific emotional scene content (e.g., male-to-female-aggression, families and babies, etc.) interactively modulated covert attention, depending on adaptive priorities and goals for each sex, both for pleasant and unpleasant content. The attentional system exhibits domain-specific and sex-specific biases and attunements, probably rooted in evolutionary pressures to enhance reproductive and protective success. Emotional cues selectively capture covert attention based on their bio-social significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population structure and seasonal movements of alpine birds in Europe are still largely unknown. Species living in high mountains now face acute risks of habitat loss, range contractions and local extinction due to current and projected climate change. Therefore, a better understanding of the spatial structuring and exchange among populations of European mountain birds is important from both ecological and conservation points of view. The White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis is one of the most characteristic passerines of alpine habitats in Europe. Despite the fact that its breeding nuclei are relatively well defined, we still know little about the species' population structure and movements in Western Europe. By analysing two mitochondrial loci (cytochrome b and the control region) and stable isotopes of hydrogen (δH), we assessed to what extent breeding populations of White-winged Snowfinches in the Cantabrian Mountains (CM), the Pyrenees and the Alps, and also a wintering population in the Eastern Pyrenees, function as a metapopulation. We first show the phylogenetic relationships of the White-winged Snowfinch ( Montifringilla nivalis subsp. nivalis) within the Snowfinch complex. When assessing the population structure in Western Europe, most mitochondrial haplotypes were present in all breeding populations, but one was only found in the CM where it predominated. The most widespread haplotypes at the breeding grounds were found in the majority of the wintering individuals, but none of them showed the haplotype specific to the CM. We did not find differences in δH for the primary feathers among breeding populations, but rectrices of individuals wintering in the Pyrenees had considerably lower δH values: isotopic analysis could thus be useful to assign wintering birds to their Alpine breeding grounds. Further studies combining ringing and the analyses of intrinsic markers are an essential step in better appraising the species' metapopulation dynamics and guiding conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive oil based W/O/W double emulsions (DEs) were prepared with polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR, 3 or 6%) and sodium caseinate as emulsifiers both singly in a control sample, and with the addition of two fat-crystallizers (Verols V10 or V50) at two concentrations (3 or 6%). Globule size distribution was essentially monomodal with area-volume mean diameter (d 32 ) values ∼2 μm. Creaming along an 8 d refrigerated storage was always minor. The predominant elastic behavior in control samples evolved to viscous in samples with Verols. DSC revealed that V10 and V50 crystalized as α- and β′-polymorphs respectively, that can absorb at a W/O interface, potentially producing interfacial crystallization (V10 < V50). Instead, (V10 > V50) concerning DEs stabilization because V50 plus 3 or 6% PGPR produced essentially glassy matrices, thus impeding Pickering effects. V10 plus 3 or 6% PGPR formed crystalline DEs with presence of lyotropic mesophases, which yielded W/O Pickering stabilization effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relative attentional capture by positive versus simultaneously presented negative images in extrafoveal vision for female observers. Pairs of task-irrelevant pleasant and unpleasant visual scenes were displayed peripherally (⩾5° away from fixation) during a task-relevant letter-discrimination task at fixation. Selective attentional orienting was assessed by the probability of first fixating each scene and the time until first fixation. Results revealed a higher first fixation probability and shorter entry times, followed by longer dwell times, for pleasant relative to unpleasant scenes. The attentional capture advantage by pleasant scenes occurred in the absence of differences in perceptual properties. Processing of affective scene significance automatically occurs through covert attention in peripheral vision early. At least in non-threatening conditions, the attentional system is tuned to initially orient to pleasant images when competing with unpleasant ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pupping and molting of Phoca vitulina are processes that occur each year with high precision, although their timing varies according to location. Knowledge about the timing of these events allows us to determine when the highest numbers of individuals are hauled out, which is important to achieve a good abundance estimation. In this study we determined the timing of pupping and molting of P. v. richardii at Punta Banda Estuary, Baja California (Mexico), previously unknown at this site or along its entire distribution in Mexico. Observations were carried out during the 2011 and 2012 pupping seasons, as well as the 2012 molting season. We determined that the pupping season starts in mid- February and ends in mid-April, and that the maximum number of pups occurs in mid-March. The late premolt stage was observed from the end of March to the beginning of July, with the peak proportion of individuals in this stage at the beginning of May. The molting period extends from the end of April to mid-July, with the peak proportion of individuals molting at the beginning of June. The reverse molt pattern (starting on the torso and ending on the head and flippers) was the most common. The highest number of adult and subadult individuals on land was observed during the molting season; therefore, the best time to carry out counts to estimate seal abundance in this area is from the beginning of May to the beginning of June. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle injuries are the most common sports-related injuries in sports medicine. In this work, we have generated a new surgicallyinduced skeletal muscle injury in rats, by using a biopsy needle, which could be easily reproduced and highly mimics skeletal muscle lesions detected in human athletes. By means of histology, immunofluorescence and MRI imaging, we corroborated that our model reproduced the necrosis, inflammation and regeneration processes observed in dystrophic mdx-mice, a model of spontaneous muscle injury, and realistically mimicked the muscle lesions observed in professional athletes. Surgically-injured rat skeletal muscles demonstrated the longitudinal process of muscle regeneration and fibrogenesis as stated by Myosin Heavy Chain developmental (MHCd) and collagen-I protein expression. MRI imaging analysis demonstrated that our muscle injury model reproduces the grade I-II type lesions detected in professional soccer players, including edema around the central tendon and the typically high signal feather shape along muscle fibers. A significant reduction of 30 % in maximum tetanus force was also registered after 2 weeks of muscle injury. This new model represents an excellent approach to the study of the mechanisms of muscle injury and repair, and could open new avenues for developing innovative therapeutic approaches to skeletal muscle regeneration in sports medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]