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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive motor function and muscle mass loss. Despite extensive research in the field, the underlying causes of ALS remain incompletely understood, contributing to the absence of specific diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and effective therapies. This study investigates the expression of long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in skeletal muscle as a potential source of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the disease. The expression profiles of 12 lncRNAs, selected from the literature, were evaluated across different disease stages in tissue and muscle biopsies from the SOD1G93A transgenic mouse model of ALS. Nine out of the 12 lncRNAs were differentially expressed, with Pvt1, H19 and Neat1 showing notable increases in the symptomatic stages of the disease, and suggesting their potential as candidate biomarkers to support diagnosis and key players in muscle pathophysiology in ALS. Furthermore, the progression of Myhas and H19 RNA levels across disease stages correlated with longevity in the SOD1G93A animal model, effectively discriminating between long- and short-term survival individuals, thereby highlighting their potential as prognostic indicators. These findings underscore the involvement of lncRNAs, especially H19 and Myhas, in ALS pathophysiology, offering novel insights for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets.

Wildfires are recognized as major contributors to forest loss and soil degradation on a global scale. Understanding the cumulative effects of fire regimes on forest ecosystems and soil dynamics necessitates a deeper exploration of wildfire-vegetation-soil interactions over the long term. This study delves into the wildfire-landscape dynamics within the “Baixa Limia Serra do Xurés” Natural Park, a region prone to fires in Galicia, Spain. By analyzing available statistical and remote sensing data, we identified significant shifts in fire regimes and landscape dynamics between the periods of 2000–2010 and 2010–2020. Our findings indicate a potential extension of the fire season, reflecting the impacts of climate change. Despite improvements in firefighting capabilities, the occurrence of large fires is on the rise in the Natural Park, underscoring the need for proactive management strategies in such areas. Notably, significant fire events in 2011, 2016, 2017, and 2020 extensively affected wooded areas, constituting the majority of the burned area. Shrubs and forests emerged as particularly vulnerable, with varying degrees of burn severity influencing post-fire vegetation recovery rates. While shrublands expanded their coverage between 2000 and 2010, rocky areas with sparse vegetation showed an increase over the subsequent decade (2010–2020), indicating soil degradation and potential desertification in areas affected by recurrent and severe fires, especially within zones designated for the highest levels of protection (with fire rotation periods of less than 1 year). In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the impacts of wildfires, changes in land cover, and post-fire soil-vegetation dynamics, which can inform management and conservation efforts in fire-prone mountainous regions. Leveraging advanced remote sensing techniques enables the monitoring of cumulative soil degradation resulting from repeated wildfires over extended periods.

The Microwave SQUID Multiplexer (μ MUX) is the device of choice for the readout of a large number of low-temperature detectors in a wide variety of experiments within the fields of astronomy and particle physics. While it offers large multiplexing factors, the system noise performance is highly dependent on the cold- and warm-readout electronic systems used to read it out, as well as the demodulation domain and parameters chosen. In order to understand the impact of the readout systems in the overall detection system noise performance, first, we extended the available μ MUX simulation frameworks, including additive and multiplicative noise sources in the probing tones (i.e., phase and amplitude noise), along with the capability of demodulating the scientific data, either in the resonator's phase or the scattering amplitude. Then, considering the additive noise as a dominant noise source, the optimum readout parameters to achieve minimum system noise were found for both open-loop and flux-ramp demodulation schemes in the aforementioned domains. Later, we evaluated the system noise sensitivity to multiplicative noise sources under the optimum readout parameters. Finally, as a case study, we evaluated the optimal demodulation domain and the expected system noise level for a typical software-defined radio readout system. This work leads to an improved system performance prediction and noise engineering based on the available readout electronics and the selected demodulation domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Howard Gardner revolutionized the concept of intelligence with his Multiple Intelligences Theory. His vision was widely supported by the educational community, which considers different forms of learning and accessing knowledge. Despite its impact, there is still a lack of development of tools that can easily, practically and reliably evaluate multiple intelligences. This work describes the design, development, and piloting of TOI (Tree of Intelligences) software, a digital tool to evaluate multiple intelligences and perform interventions through video games. The aim of the study is to present the design of the TOI software and test its operation, analysing the distribution of the results game by game and checking whether there are differences according to gender or school year. A total of 372 primary school students participated, aged 5 to 9 years old (M=7.04, SD=.871), from three schools in Asturias and Madrid. The results show that 9 out of 10 games had a normal distribution and that there were no gender differences in most games, but there were differences in relation to the school year. We concluded that due to its operation and design TOI software has the potential be a suitable instrument for the evaluation and intervention of multiple intelligences.

Lysyl oxidase (LOX)-mediated extracellular matrix crosslinking modulates calcification in atherosclerosis and aortic valve disease; however, this enzyme also induces oxidative stress. We addressed the contribution of LOX-dependent oxidative stress to cardiovascular calcification. LOX is upregulated in human-calcified atherosclerotic lesions and atheromas from atherosclerosis-challenged LOX transgenic mice (TgLOXVSMC) and colocalized with a marker of oxidative stress (8-oxo-deoxyguanosine) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Similarly, in calcific aortic valves, high LOX expression was detected in valvular interstitial cells (VICs) positive for 8-oxo-deoxyguanosine, while LOX and LOXL2 expression correlated with osteogenic markers (SPP1 and RUNX2) and NOX2. In human VICs, mito-TEMPO and TEMPOL attenuated the increase in superoxide anion levels and the mineralization induced by osteogenic media (OM). Likewise, in OM-exposed VICs, β-aminopropionitrile (a LOX inhibitor) ameliorated both oxidative stress and calcification. Gain- and loss-of-function approaches in VICs demonstrated that while LOX silencing negatively modulates oxidative stress and calcification induced by OM, lentiviral LOX overexpression exacerbated oxidative stress and VIC calcification, effects that were prevented by mito-TEMPO, TEMPOL, and β-aminopropionitrile. Our data indicate that LOX-induced oxidative stress participates in the procalcifying effects of LOX activity in ectopic cardiovascular calcification, and highlight the multifaceted role played by LOX isoenzymes in cardiovascular diseases.

Intermediate CAG expansions in the gene ataxin-2 (ATXN2) are a known risk factor for ALS, but little is known about their role in FTD risk. Moreover, their contribution to the risk and phenotype of patients might vary in populations with different genetic backgrounds. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of intermediate CAG expansions in ATXN2 with the risk and phenotype of ALS and FTD in the Spanish population. Repeat-primed PCR was performed in 620 ALS and 137 FTD patients in three referral centers in Spain to determine the exact number of CAG repeats. In our cohort, ≥27 CAG repeats in ATXN2 were associated with a higher risk of developing ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.666 [1.471–4.882]; p = 0.0013) but not FTD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.446 [0.558–3.574]; p = 0.44). Moreover, ALS patients with ≥27 CAG repeats in ATXN2 showed a shorter survival rate compared to those with p = 0.005), more frequent limb onset (odds ratio [OR] = 2.34 [1.093–4.936]; p = 0.028) and a family history of ALS (odds ratio [OR] = 2.538 [1.375–4.634]; p = 0.002). Intermediate CAG expansions of ≥27 repeats in ATXN2 are associated with ALS risk but not with FTD in the Spanish population. ALS patients carrying an intermediate expansion in ATXN2 show more frequent limb onset but a worse prognosis than those without expansions. In patients carrying C9orf72 expansions, the intermediate ATXN2 expansion might increase the penetrance and modify the phenotype.

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a growing public health challenge due to its high prevalence and associated comorbidities. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for achieving sustained weight reduction when more conservative treatments have failed. This study evaluates the impact of a nurse-led telecare follow-up programme in the immediate postoperative period for patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in two hospitals in southern Spain. We included 161 patients who met the inclusion criteria: a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 or a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 with associated comorbidities, and the failure of non-surgical treatments. Patients were divided into two groups: the intervention group (IG), which received follow-up telephone calls from a specialised nurse during the first 30 days post-surgery, and the control group (CG), which received standard care. The nurse, who was available 24 h a day, answered questions and dealt with queries over the phone or referred patients to the emergency department if necessary. Several variables were recorded, including the number of telephone consultations, reasons for consultation, number of emergency visits, readmissions, and surgical reinterventions. Results and Conclusions: The IG showed a significant reduction in ED visits (4.9% vs. 30% in CG), and consultations were mainly related to diet and drainage. The nurse telecare intervention significantly improved postoperative recovery by reducing complications and optimising the safety and quality of postoperative care. These results reinforce the importance of personalised follow-up in improving clinical outcomes in bariatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is currently no common criterion with regard to the teaching skills that the educators on the nursing degree should have. As a result, the training of these professionals is generally minimal and very heterogeneous. The purpose of the study was to determine the importance of the teaching competencies that nurse educators should have, by developing a competency model that can be used to design future training sessions for these professionals. Material and Methods: A map of competencies was designed for educators on the nursing degree following a review of the literature. An online self-administered questionnaire was created in order to determine the importance given by teachers to each of the proposed competencies, by using the Likert scale. The data was collected in an electronic database and statistically analysed. Results: A total of 327 nurse educators from different Spanish universities participated in the study. In general, all competencies were rated as important, with scores of 4,3 and above out of 5. Those with the highest scores were disciplinary competence (4,68), interpersonal communication competence (4,66) and planning competence (4,61). An intraclass correlation coefficient of 0,968 was obtained, which showed an excellent level of agreement among participants. Conclusion: It is considered that the proposed model of teaching competencies for nurse educators is appropriate and meets the needs of these professionals in terms of pedagogy and teaching methodology. Therefore, it should be considered as a tool for the development of future training plans. Resumen: Introducción: En la actualidad no existe un criterio común en relación con las competencias docentes que deben presentar los profesores del Grado en Enfermería, provocando que la formación de estos profesionales sea generalmente escasa y muy heterogénea. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la importancia de las competencias docentes que deben presentar los profesores de enfermería, elaborando un modelo competencial que sirva para diseñar futuras acciones formativas para estos profesionales. Material y método: Tras una profunda revisión bibliográfica se diseñó un mapa de competencias para profesores del Grado en Enfermería, sobre el cual se creó un cuestionario online autoadministrado para determinar la importancia que los profesores brindaban a cada una de las competencias propuestas a través de una escala de Likert. La información fue recogida en una base de datos electrónica y analizada estadísticamente. Resultados: Un total de 327 profesores del Grado de Enfermería de diferentes universidades españolas participaron en el estudio. Todas las competencias fueron catalogadas como importantes, con puntuaciones por encima de 4,3 sobre 5. Las que obtuvieron una mejor puntuación fueron la competencia disciplinar (4,68) la competencia de comunicación interpersonal (4,66) y la competencia de planificación (4,61). Se obtuvo un índice de correlación intraclase de 0,968, manifestando un grado de acuerdo excelente entre los participantes. Conclusiones: El modelo de competencias docentes para profesores de enfermería propuesto es adecuado y responde a las necesidades que estos profesionales tienen en materia de pedagogía y metodología docente, siendo considerado para la elaboración de futuros planes de formación.

The present study addresses the governance processes governing the organization and management of educational institutions in Portugal, in a context of analysis in which the educational reforms carried out in this country, from the early nineteenth century (when school responsibility is assumed exclusively by the State) to the present, play what we estimate a central role. It is in response to this reality, on the basis of which we study their meaning and state. Evaluation, privatization and autonomy are the vectors which, we believe, provide the frame for a market speech in which we intend to emphasize, considering, on the one hand, that the management of education is conditioned by political developments and interests, of one kind or another, and, on the other hand, that the evolution of governance in its various institutions, although in progress, is gradually adapting to the standards set down at European level in varying degrees of intensity.