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During the covid-19 pandemic, distance education witnessed a surge in credibility, popularity, and advantages; however, this change disproportionately impacted vulnerable groups: the low-income population, the disabled, indigenous groups and children of migrants. While research in basic education has been conducted, information regarding online learning experiences of female university students is limited, especially in relation to gender. Therefore, the present study surveyed 1 206 female undergraduate students from rural and urban contexts to analyze their experiences in distance classes during confinement. Significant differences were found according to context, with women from urban settings valuing the design of assignments and strategies, and instructional design, while those from rural contexts demanded greater attention from their tutors. In both cases, participants lacked prior experience with online courses and suitable learning environments. In conclusion, these disparities warrant further investigation and targeted measures to bridge the gender gap in distance education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the safety and feasibility of human autologous adipose tissue-derived adult mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) for ocular surface regeneration in patients with bilateral limbal stem-cell deficiency (LSCD). A phase IIa clinical trial was designed (, NCT01808378) with 8 patients, 3 of whom had aniridia, 2 meibomian glands diseases, 2 multiple surgeries and 1 chronic chemical injury. The therapeutic protocol was as follows: 6-mm of central corneal epithelium was removed, 400,000 ASCs were injected into each limboconjunctival quadrant, 400,000 ASCs were suspended over the cornea for 20 min, and finally the cornea was covered with an amniotic membrane patch. No adverse events were detected after a mean of 86,5 months of follow-up. One year after surgery, 6 of the 8 transplants were scored as successful, five patients had improved uncorrected visual acuity (mean of 12 letters), two patients presented epithelial defects (also present at baseline) and the mean percentage of corneal neovascularization was of 28.75% (36.98%, at baseline). Re-examination 24 months after treatment disclosed preserved efficacy in 4 patients. At the last visit (after a mean of 86,5 months of follow up) epithelial defects were absent in all patients although improvement in all of the variables was only maintained in patient 3 (meibomian glands agenesia). ASCs are a feasible and conservative therapy for treating bilateral LSCD. The therapeutic effect differs between etiologies and diminishes over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acylcarnitine and amino acid analyses of dried blood spot (DBS) samples using tandem mass spectrometry in newborn screening (NBS) programmes can generate false positive (FP) results. Therefore, implementation of second-tier tests (2TTs) using DBS samples has become increasingly important to avoid FPs. The most widely used 2TT metabolites include methylmalonic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, methylcitric acid, and homocysteine. We simultaneously measured 46 underivatised metabolites, including organic acids, acylglycine and acylcarnitine isomers, homocysteine, and orotic acid, in DBS samples using tandem mass spectrometry. To validate this method, we analysed samples from 147 healthy newborns, 160 patients with genetic disorders diagnosed via NBS, 20 patients with acquired vitamin B12 deficiency, 10 newborns receiving antibiotic treatment, and nine external quality control samples. The validation study revealed that 31 metabolites showed good analytical performance. Furthermore, this method detected key metabolites for all diseases associated with increased levels of the following acylcarnitines: C3, C4, C5, C4DC/C5OH, and C5DC. The sensitivity of this method to detect all diseases was 100 %, and the specificity was 74–99 %, except for glutaric aciduria type 1. This method can also be used to diagnose mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation disorders (FAODs) and urea cycle defects (UCDs). We have described a 2TT panel of 31 metabolites in DBS samples based on an easy and rapid method without derivatisation. Its implementation allowed us to distinguish between different organic acidurias, some FAODs, and UCDs. This new strategy has increased the efficiency of our NBS programme by reducing FP and false negative results, second sample requests, and the time required for diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To establish a time series model correlating vanilla production with temperature variation to forecast vanilla production in Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Data on vanilla production in Mexico (Tons) and the annual average temperature were obtained for the period 1985-2020. An ARIMA model was constructed; Granger causality test was conducted to determine the effect of temperature on vanilla production, in addition to evaluating the orthogonal response of the model. A forecast for vanilla production was made for the period 2020-2040. Results: ARIMA (1,1,1) model was found, and the influence of temperature on vanilla production was determined. Both thermal variation and the production of the last three years determine current production. A reduction in the quantity of tons of vanilla produced in the coming years is expected. It is considered that this cultivation is highly sensitive to sudden increases or decreases in temperature. Limitations on study/implications: Vanilla cultivation is sensitive to temperature variation; therefore, in the face of climate change, it is considered necessary to take a series of actions in the present. These actions encompass a genetic perspective, new cultivation methods and locations, as well as technological investment. Findings/conclusions: Vanilla production is influenced by temperature variation and is sensitive to sudden increases or declines. If actions are not taken in the present, a reduction in the national production of vanilla in Mexico is expected due to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Measurement and analysis of the competitiveness of Mexican pecan nuts (Carya illinoinensis) and almonds (Prunus dulcis) in the international market with respect to the United States, during the period 2012-2021. Design/Methodology/Approach: The Revealed Comparative Advantage Index was used to identify the factors that influence its performance and propose strategies to improve its market position. Results: Mexican pecans to the United States are competitive (0.68 to 0.94) over the years. The IVCR of Mexican pecans to the United States remain consistently above zero (0.68 to 0.94) over the years. Study Limitations/Implications: Information on the trade of Mexican pecan nuts and almonds may be limited, making it difficult to calculate the IVCR. Findings/Conclusions: Mexican pecan nut shows favorable competitiveness in the U.S. market while almond its competitiveness is limited, it is not competitive with respect to the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in technology have introduced new challenges and issues for policymakers and researchers. There is some debate in the literature whether the Internet, Facebook, and online gaming addictions may be true addiction disorders or are all manifestations of a more general information technology addiction. The purpose of this study is to explore gender differences in problematic Internet and Facebook use and online gaming, and the independence of these phenomena. The study sample comprised 500 college students, who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale, and Online Gaming Scale. Males had more problems related to online gaming, and more problematic Internet and Facebook use. A bifactor model with one general and three specific factors – problematic online gaming, problematic Internet use and problematic Facebook use – obtained the best fit to the data. However, the specific variance explained by the factors of problematic Internet and Facebook use was low, but high in the case of problematic online gaming. Therefore, problematic online gaming seems to have more distinctive characteristics than the other two types of behavioural addictions.

We present a self-reflective assessment of higher education from the perspective of educators and administrators prompted by a common question addressed to many of us, perhaps hundreds of times in the year; "What's my grade?" Upon some scrutiny, we find a series of troubling interrelated issues that more or less depict a system of higher education adrift in a sea of maladies and its course in need of correction, lest a total "wreck" befall the system.