Search

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) Public Sector Purchase Programme (PSPP) on Spanish sovereign debt. Design/methodology/approach: The authors assess the impact of the PSPP on Spanish Government bonds from two different transmission channels (the signalling and the portfolio substitution) with two effects for each of them (the announcement and the expectation effects for the former and the stock and the rebalancing effects for the latter). The empirical study has been undertaken with event study methodology, controlled by macroeconomic variables, panel data and cross-sectional regression analyses. Findings: The results show that both the ECB’s purchases under the PSPP and the announcements reduced Spanish Government bond yields. Compared to previous literature the Spanish Government bond yields reductions are larger than those for other countries. Research limitations/implications: The authors’ approach to the impact of investors’ expectations is interesting, although they cannot draw evidence on this issue due to the lack of data. Practical implications: From an economic perspective, the ECB can change economic agents’ expectations without actually carrying out any programme, only by announcing such a programme. Originality/value: This paper contributes to the literature examining the PSPP from different transmission channels in Spain, taking into account the announcements, the expectations, the purchases and the variation in debt holdings relating to the PSPP from the beginning of the programme until 2020. Due to the large degree of heterogeneity across euro area countries, the results in this paper should improve our understanding of the relative differences in the impact of the PSPP and, thus, be of interest to academics and policymakers.

The QL block is a high-level locoregional anesthesia technique, which aims to provide analgesia to the abdomen. Several approaches of the QL block have been studied to find out which one allows a greater distribution of the injectate. The aim of this study is to compare the traditional interfascial QL block (IQL) with a new latero-ventral approach (LVQL). We hypothesize that this new approach could be safer and easier to perform, since the injectate is administered more superficially and further away from vital structures. Our second objective is to assess whether a higher volume of injectate (0.6 mL/kg) could reach the ventral branches of the last thoracic nerves, leading to a blockade of the cranial abdomen. Six thawed canine cadavers (12 hemiabdomens) were used for this purpose. Both approaches were performed in all cadavers. A combination of methylene blue/iopromide was administered to each hemiabdomen, randomly assigned to the LVQL or IQL. No differences were found regarding the ease of perform the LVQL with respect to IQL. The results show that both techniques reached the ventral branches from L1 to L3, although only the IQL consistently stained the sympathetic trunk (5/6 IQL vs. 1/6 LVQL). The use of a higher volume did not enhance a more cranial distribution of the injectate.

Entre los actores que están redefiniendo la agenda europea y las políticas que están contribuyendo al actual desorden internacional, destaca la composición y decisiones del Consejo Nacional de la Magistratura de Polonia. Desde que este órgano constitucional fuera reestructurado en 2017, en el marco de una serie de reformas judiciales acometidas en ese país, este Consejo ya no garantiza la independencia judicial. El Consejo Nacional de la Magistratura ya no asegura ni adopta una política de defensa de la imparcialidad de los jueces ni de la separación de poderes. Por el contrario, está contribuyendo al desmantelamiento del Estado de derecho. Este trabajo explora las consecuencias de la composición y poderes del actual Consejo y muestra cómo un actor llamado a cumplir funciones puramente internas puede llegar a provocar una grave crisis en la UE al suponer una deriva autoritaria y producir un efecto contagio en una Unión que se caracteriza por ser una liga de democracias., Among the actors that are redefining the European agenda and the policies that are contributing to the current international disorder, the composition and decisions of the National Council of the Polish Magistracy stand out. Since this constitutional body was restructured in 2017 in the framework of a series of judicial reforms undertaken in that country, this Council no longer guarantees judicial independence. The National Council for the Judiciary no longer ensures or adopts a policy to defend the impartiality of judges or the separation of powers. On the contrary, it is contributing to the dismantling of the rule of law. This work explores the consequences of the composition and powers of the current Council and shows how an actor called upon to fulfill purely internal functions has caused a serious crisis in the EU by assuming an authoritarian drift and producing a contagion effect in a Union that is characterized for being a union of democracies.

Background: Real-time PCR is the diagnostic technique of choice for the diagnosis and control of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) in an outbreak setting. The presence of EHV-1 in nasal swabs (NS), whole blood, brain and spinal cord samples has been extensively described; however, there are no reports on the excretion of EHV-1 in urine, its DNA detection patterns, and the role of urine in viral spread during an outbreak. Objectives: To determine the presence of EHV-1 DNA in urine during natural infection and to compare the DNA detection patterns of EHV-1 in urine, buffy coat (BC) and NS. Study design: Descriptive study of natural infection. Methods: Urine and whole blood/NS samples were collected at different time points during the hospitalisation of 21 horses involved in two EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy outbreaks in 2021 and 2023 in Spain. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to compare the viral DNA load between BC-urine samples in 2021 and NS-urine samples in 2023. Sex, age, breed, presence of neurological signs, EHV-1 vaccination status and treatment data were recorded for all horses. Results: A total of 18 hospitalised horses during the 2021 and 2023 outbreaks were positive for EHV-1, and viral DNA was detected in urine samples from a total of 11 horses in both outbreaks. Compared with BC samples, DNA presence was detected in urine samples for longer duration and with slightly higher concentration; however, compared with NS, detection of EHV-1 in urine was similar in duration with lower DNA concentrations. Main limitations: Limited sample size, different sampling times and protocols (BC vs. NS) in two natural infection outbreak settings. Conclusions: EHV-1 was detected in the urine from naturally infected horses. Urine should be considered as complimentary to blood and NS in diagnosis of EHV-1 infection.

Dado el creciente interés por la repercusión de los modelos narrativos, fílmicos o literarios, en el desarrollo de las personas, en especial en lo relativo a su papel en la construcción de los roles de género durante la infancia, nuestra aportación se centra en el estudio de los modelos que propone la película de animación "Tiana y el sapo". El análisis del argumento y de los textos de las canciones nos devuelve dos figuras principales que cumplen un papel en la conformación y confirmación de la personalidad de Tiana, el padre y el príncipe Naveen, si bien otros ejemplos ayudan a reforzar las conclusiones a las que llegamos. Estas son que la figura ejemplar del padre solo haya eco en la protagonista, que ha de luchar intelectual y volitivamente con otros contraejemplos masculinos, especialmente, con el del príncipe convertido en sapo.

The PHYAFB database is a valuable resource for studying the physiological demands of female amateur basketball players during high-stress official games. It contains heart rate data from ten players aged 18 to 26, collected during ten crucial relegation phase matches, with 348,232 HR samples in CSV and Excel formats for easy access and analysis. The database includes Python source code for initial examination. The primary aim of the PHYAFB database is to provide a useful reference for other teams facing similar situations. Furthermore, the database represents a unique and valuable resource for sports scientists, coaches, and trainers seeking to comprehend the physiological demands of female basketball players during official competitions. Through the analysis of heart rate data, coaches and trainers can identify the intensity and duration of physical activity during games, enabling the development of more effective training programs. Additionally, the database can be used to compare the physiological demands placed on male and female basketball players or to investigate the impact of different game strategies on player performance.

Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) is frequent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in those in dialysis. To treat this complication, the current options available include phosphorus restriction, phosphate binders, the inhibition of parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis and secretion by the supplementation of vitamin D or VDR activators, or the use of calcimimetics. Beyond the control of PTH, the effects of the treatment of SHP on other biomarkers of risk may represent an additional benefit for this population. In this study, we explore the benefits of current SHP treatment options, mainly paricalcitol and/or etelcalcetide in the inflammatory state of hemodialysis (HD) patients. Results: the study finally included 142 maintenance HD patients (5 patients were excluded) followed for 6 months (dialysis vintage 26 ± 30 months, mean age 70 years old, 73% women, 81% Spanish white, 47% diabetic). In this case, 52 patients were on regular treatment with paricalcitol for SHP and 25 patients were eligible to initiate etelcalcetide. The baseline serum levels of Ca, P, PTH, Ferritin, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and other variables were measured. We found serum PTH levels showed an improvement after the treatment with etelcalcetide again paricalcitol and no treatment (p < 0.04). Of note, serum levels of CRP were significantly lower in a small group of patients (n = 11) receiving paricalcitol + etelcalcetide compared to paricalcitol or etelcalcetide alone. The proportion of patients with CRP within target ranges (≤1.0 mg/dL) increased significantly after combined treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: etelcalcetide proved to safely reduce the PTH levels without significant adverse events and the possibility of a synergic anti-inflammatory effect with the simultaneous use of Paricalcitol in HD patients.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of the hands-eyes-mouth distraction technique (HEM-DT) in reducing anxiety and pain levels and improving the behaviour of pre-school children during inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) administration to that of the covering patient's vision technique (CPV-T). Methods: This study included 52 children aged 3-5 years old with primary dentition, no history of receiving local anaesthesia, and whose treatments required an IANB. These children were randomly assigned into two groups: HEM-DT (G1; n = 26) and CPV-T (G2; n = 26). Anxiety and pain levels were assessed using the Facial Image Scale and the Wong-Baker Scale, respectively, while the patient's behaviour was evaluated using the Frankl Behaviour Scale. This study was divided into two sessions including the treatment session (administration of IANB) and the control session (7 days after anaesthesia). Chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test were used for statistical analyses. Results: The patients' anxiety levels did not increase 7 days after IANB in G1 (p value = 0.798); however, higher anxiety levels were observed in the G2 group (p value = 0.039). No significant differences in pain levels and behaviour were observed between the groups during administration of anaesthesia (p value > 0.005). Conclusion: HEM-DT and CPV-T showed efficacy in terms of pain and behaviour during IANB administration. Pre-school children in the HEM-DT group exhibited lower anxiety levels in the control session.

Ultrasonographic signs of tendinopathies are an increase in thickness, loss of alignment in collagen fibers and the presence of neovascularization. Nevertheless, analysis of intratendinous vascular resistance (IVR) can be more useful for understanding the physiological state of the tissue. To show thermal, echotextural, and Doppler signal differences in athletes with patellar tendinopathy and controls. Twenty-six athletes with patellar tendinopathy (PT) participants (30.1 years; SD = 9.0 years) and 27 asymptomatic athletes (23.3 years; SD = 5.38 years) were evaluated with thermographic and Doppler ultrasonography (DS). Area of Doppler signals (DS), echotextural parameters (echointensity and echovariation) and IVR were determined by image analysis. The statistical analysis was performed by Bayesian methods and the results were showed by Bayes Factor (BF10: probability of alternative hypothesis over null hypothesis), and Credibility intervals (CrI) of the effect. The absolute differences of temperature (TD) were clearly greater (BF10 = 19) in the tendinopathy group (patients) than in controls. Regarding temperature differences between the affected and healthy limb, strong evidence was found (BF10 = 14) for a higher temperature (effect = 0.53°C; 95% CrI = 0.15°C–0.95°C) and very strong for reduced IVR compared (BF10 = 71) (effect = −0.67; 95% CrI = −1.10 to 0.25). The differences in area of DS (BF10 = 266) and EV (BF10 = 266) were higher in tendinopathy group. TD showed a moderate positive correlation with VISA-P scores (tau-B = .29; 95% CrI = .04–.51) and strong correlation with IVR (r = −.553; 95%CrI = −.75 to .18). Athletes with patellar tendinopathy showed a more pronounced thermal difference, a larger area of Doppler signal, a lower IVR and a moderately higher echovariaton than controls. The correlation between temperature changes and IVR might be related with the coexistence of degenerative and inflammatory process in PT.

La evolución del marketing social y la creciente demanda de los consumidores acerca de una mayor implicación de las marcas con causas sociales ha hecho potencialmente necesaria la comunicación de la RSE. Sin embargo, es debatible la eficacia de invertir en comunicación en medios pagados o si, por el contrario, es más rentable construir una narrativa de marca en medios propios y ganados mediante la creación de contenido, la experiencia de usuario o la marca personal de sus fundadores, entre otras estrategias. En este sentido, mediante un análisis cualitativo comparativo e interdisciplinar, esta investigación pretende analizar y determinar qué elementos estimulan la construcción y expansión de la narrativa de marca mediante dos casos contrastados de empresas que trabajan con colectivos vulnerables y que han conseguido diferenciarse en sus sectores mediante la incorporación de la diversidad como un valor añadido: el proyecto socioempresarial La Fageda y el proyecto transformador La Casa de Carlota. A partir de la generalización analítica, se ha podido relacionar los resultados de este estudio con otros casos similares, con el objetivo de establecer unas pautas comunes generalizadas que puedan llegar a constituir una base teórica de aplicación para aquellas empresas o instituciones que quieran comunicar la RSE construyendo y potenciando su narrativa de marca mediante medios no pagados.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary free fatty acid (FFA) content and the degree of saturation on egg quality, yolk fatty acid (FA) profile, and yolk cholesterol content. For a 15-wk period, a total of 144 laying hens (19- wk-old) were randomly assigned to 8 treatments arranged in a 2 £ 4 factorial design, with 2 sources of crude oil (soybean oil and palm oil) and 4 levels of FFA (10, 20, 30, and 45%). The dietary treatments were achieved by progressively substituting the original oils with equivalent amounts of their corresponding acid oils (soybean acid oil and palm fatty acid distillate, respectively). No differences in ADFI or egg mass were found. However, dietary FFA reduced egg production (linear, P < 0.05) and increased the feed conversion ratio (linear, P < 0.05). Higher levels of FFA in soybean diets resulted in higher egg weight with higher albumen and yolk weights (linear, P < 0.01). Palm diets presented higher yolk:albumen ratio than soybean diets (P < 0.001), but the effect of FFA did not follow a linear trend. Hens fed soybean diets laid eggs with higher Haugh units (HU) than palm diets (P < 0.001), although increasing the dietary FFA% reduced the HU values in both (linear, P < 0.001). Palm diets enhanced shell quality with greater resistance to breakage, and higher dry matter and ash content than soybean diets (P < 0.05). No differences in egg chemical composition and yolk cholesterol content were found (P > 0.05). The saturation degree had a significant effect on all the analyzed yolk FA (P < 0.001) except for arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6), whereas increasing the FFA content did not affect to a great extent. These results show that varying dietary FFA level did not affect egg quality and yolk composition as much as the dietary fat source did, supporting the use of acid oils and fatty acid distillates as fat ingredients for feed.

Background and purpose: Because of its high prevalence and association with negative health-related outcomes, frailty is considered one of the most important issues associated with human aging and its mitigation is among the essential public health goals for the 21st century. However, very few studies have focused on institutionalized older adults, despite the knowledge that frailty can be reversible when identified and treated from its earliest stages. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a supervised group-based multicomponent exercise program intervention with or without oral nutritional supplementation on functional performance in frail institutionalized older adults. Methods: This was a multicenter randomized controlled trial study with a 6-month intervention period. A total of 111 frail institutionalized older adults (75 years or older) who met at least 3 of the 5 Fried frailty criteria were randomly allocated to the control group (CG; n = 34, mean age = 87.3 ± 5.3 years), a supervised group-based multicomponent Otago Exercise Program group (OEP; n = 39, mean age = 86 ± 5.9 years), or a supervised group-based multicomponent exercise program intervention with oral nutritional supplementation (OEP+N; n = 38, mean age = 84.9 ± 6 years). Measurements included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Short Physical Performance Battery, repeated chair stand test (STS-5), handgrip strength (HGS), 10-m walking test, and 6-minute walking test, both at baseline and after the 6-month intervention period. Results and discussion: The between-group analysis by 2-way analysis of covariance showed significant improvement in the TUG [{OEP vs CG: -8.2 seconds, 95% CI [-13.3 to -2.9]; P < .001}; {OEP vs OEP+N: -7.3 seconds, 95% CI [-12.4 to -2.2]; P = .002}], BBS [{OEP vs CG; 8.2 points, 95% CI [5.2 to 11.2]; P < .001}; [{OEP+N vs CG: 4.6 points, 95% CI [1.6 to 7.6]; P < .001}; {OEP vs OEP+N: 3.5 points, 95% CI [0.6 to 6.5]; P =

This study aimed to analyze the position of the lumbopelvic region and lumbar muscle activity in the most common breastfeeding positions. We recorded the curvatures of the lumbar spine and pelvis by means of an electrogoniometer, and the muscle activation levels of the erector spinae with electromyography, in 34 women in erect standing and breastfeeding their children in several positions. Both side lying and clutch-hold positions showed a greater degree of lumbar spine flexion compared to standing. In all sitting postures it was observed that the pelvis was placed in retroversion when compared to standing and side lying. In muscle activity, it was observed that the activation intensity of the right erector in the right side-supported side lying position was significantly lower compared to the rest of breastfeeding postures and standing. Side lying may be a better position to avoid muscle fatigue.

Transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography using alcohol saturation is used in the diagnostic workup of a variety of conditions in horses. The duration of the examination and the amount of alcohol used in each case may vary depending on several factors. The aim of this study is to describe the breath alcohol test results obtained by veterinarians performing abdominal ultrasound on horses. Six volunteers were enrolled, after written consent, and a Standardbred mare was used for the whole study protocol. Each operator performed a total of 6 ultrasounds by pouring the ethanol solution from a jar or by spray application, for a duration of 10, 30, and 60 min. An infrared breath alcohol analyzer was used immediately after completing the ultrasonography and at 5-min intervals until a negative result was obtained. Positive results were obtained for 0–60 min after the procedure. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups that used more than 1000 mL, 300–1000 mL, and less than 300 mL of ethanol. No significant differences were observed between the type of ethanol administration and the time of exposure. Based on this study, equine vets who perform ultrasound on horses can test positive at the breath alcohol test for up to 60 min following ethanol exposure.

Objective. Only a few studies assessing the sleep effects of low doses of melatonin (aMT) have been performed in the past, most of them in adults, and only one in subjects with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the changes induced by aMT doses as low as 1 mg in the sleep pattern of pediatric patients with ADHD under treatment with methylphenidate (MPH). Methods. Children and adolescents (7–15 years) with ADHD who were receiving extended-release MPH were recruited. A seven-week sleep diary was collected prior to starting a four-week treatment with 1 mg of aMT (30 min before bedtime). Seven-day actigraphic assessments of sleep were performed before and after treatment. Results. Twenty-seven patients (17 males, 62.96%) participated in the study, who had been receiving MPH for 1.57 (1.11) months. A significant increase in sleep duration (TST) was observed after one month of treatment (463 (49) min to 485 (41) min; p < 0.040), with nonsignificant improvements in sleep-onset latency (SOL), nocturnal awakenings, or sleep efficiency. Only minor adverse effects were reported. Conclusion. Low doses of melatonin (1 mg) are able to increase TST in children and adolescents with ADHD receiving treatment with psychostimulants, with an adequate tolerability profile. Further placebo-controlled trials adjusting the time of aMT administration to the individual circadian profile should explore the effects of low doses of this hormone to shorten SOL in this population of patients.

Longevity has been a topic of interest since the beginnings of humanity, yet its aetiology and precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Aging is currently viewed as a physiological phenomenon characterized by the gradual degeneration of organic physiology and morphology due to the passage of time where both external and internal stimuli intervene. The influence of intrinsic factors, such as progressive telomere shortening, genome instability due to mutation buildup, the direct or indirect actions of age-related genes, and marked changes in epigenetic, metabolic, and mitochondrial patterns constitute a big part of its underlying endogenous mechanisms. On the other hand, several psychosocial and demographic factors, such as diet, physical activity, smoking, and drinking habits, may have an even more significant impact on shaping the aging process. Consequentially, implementing dietary and exercise patterns has been proposed as the most viable alternative strategy for attenuating the most typical degenerative aging changes, thus increasing the likelihood of prolonging lifespan and achieving successful aging.

Las tensiones entre Iglesia y Corona durante los siglos XVI y XVII supusieron una manifestación del pulso que durante la Edad Moderna caracterizaría el progresivo reforzamiento de la segunda frente a los privilegios y libertades de la primera, particularmente la inmunidad eclesiástica, ya en su faceta más personal, que abarcaba sólo a los clérigos, o en la local, de la que podían beneficiarse los seglares en virtud del derecho de asilo ofrecido por templos y lugares sagrados. En el conjunto de territorios de la Monarquía Hispánica, el Reino de Valencia y su capital constituyeron un buen ejemplo en este sentido, como analiza el presente trabajo.

The aim of the work was to evaluate if genetic selection for daily gain may affect the immune system. Two experiments were performed. The first one involved 80 rabbit females and their first two litters to explore the effect of selection on the ability of animals to maintain immune competence. Two generations from a line selected for average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated (VR19 generation 19th, n = 43; VR37 generation 37th, n = 37). In females, the effect of selection and its interaction with physiological state were not significant for any trait. In litters, the selection criterion increased the granulocyte to lymphocyte ratio. The second experiment involved 73 19-week-old females (VR19, n = 39; VR37, n = 34) to explore the effect of genetic selection on immune response after S. aureus infection. The VR37 rabbit females had lower counts for total lymphocytes, CD5+, CD4+, CD8+, CD25+, monocytes, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio and platelets than those of VR19 (-14, -21, -25, -15, -33, -18, -11 and -11%, respectively; P < 0.05). VR37 had less erythema (-8.4 percentage points; P < 0.05), fewer nodules (-6.5 percentage points; P < 0.05) and a smaller nodule size (-0.65 cm3 on 7 day post-inoculation; P < 0.05) compared to VR19. Our study suggests that genetic selection for average daily gain does not negatively affect the maintenance of a competent immune system or the ability to establish immune response. It seems that such selection may improve the response to S. aureus infections.

Los simúlidos o moscas negras son una familia de dípteros en creciente estudio en España, debido a su interés como bioindicadores de la calidad del medio acuático y a su impacto médico-veterinario. Su estudio es limitado en las comunidades autónomas que conforman la región cantábrica, y en especial en el País Vasco, donde apenas existen trabajos sobre su ecología y descripción de las especies presentes. Se muestrearon las fases inmaduras de los simúlidos durante la primavera de 2021 en ocho cursos de agua ubicados en el núcleo urbano y suburbano de la ciudad de Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava). Un total de ocho especies de moscas negras fueron identificadas mediante morfología clásica y análisis molecular. A partir del estudio de larvas maduras (n = 379) y de adultos emergidos (n = 351) en el laboratorio, se estimó que el grupo Simulium (Simulium) ornatum (S. intermedium, S. ornatum s.l. y S. trifasciatum) fue el conjunto de especies mayoritario, seguido del subgénero Wilhelmia (S. equinum y S. lineatum), S. (Boophthora) erythrocephalum, S. (Eusimulium) rubzovianum y Prosimulium (Prosimulium) tomosvaryi. Simulium ornatum s.l. y S. rubzovianum se capturaron en la mayoría de los cursos de agua, mientras que el resto de especies tuvieron una distribución más restringida. La riqueza de especies en los cursos de agua varió entre una y siete especies. Los sustratos de fijación más recurrentes por las fases inmaduras fueron los helófitos Typha sp. y Scirpus sp. Los simúlidos fueron más abundantes durante el primer periodo de captura. Este trabajo aporta las primeras citas de la familia Simuliidae para el País Vasco, incorpora imágenes de interés de los principales caracteres diagnósticos de larvas, pupas y adultos de las especies más abundantes, y discute sucintamente los resultados obtenidos en relación a la problemática taxonómica existente en el grupo S. ornatum., Simulids or blackflies are a family of Diptera in increasing study in Spain due to their interest as bioindicators of the quality of the aquatic environment and their medical-veterinary impact. Their study is cursory in those Autonomous Regions that constitute the Cantabrian region, and especially in the Basque Country, where there are few studies on their ecology or species description. The immature stages of simulids were sampled during the spring of 2021 in eight water courses located in the urban and suburban areas of the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Álava). A total of eight species of blackflies were identified by classical morphology and molecular analysis. From the study of mature larvae (n = 379) and emerged adults (n = 351) in the laboratory, it was estimated that the Simulium (Simulium) ornatum group (S. intermedium, S. ornatum s.l. and S. trifasciatum) accounted for most of the collections, followed by the Wilhelmia subgenus (S. equinum and S. lineatum), S. (Boophthora) erythrocephalum, S. (Eusimulium) rubzovianum and Prosimulium (Prosimulium) tomosvaryi. Simulium ornatum s.l. and S. rubzovianum were captured in most of the water courses, while the remaining species had a more restricted distribution. The species richness in the water courses ranged from one to seven species. The most recurrent fixation substrates by the immature stages were helophytes such as Typha sp. and Scirpus sp. Simulids were more abundant during the first capture period. This study provides the first records of the family Simuliidae for the Basque Country, incorporates color images of interest of the main diagnostic characters of larvae, pupae and adults of the most abundant species recorded, and briefly discusses the results obtained in relation to the unresolved taxonomic status of the group S. ornatum.

Leishmania is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes a disease called leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. There are several different species of Leishmania that can cause various forms of the disease, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the host. Leishmania parasites have a variety of reservoirs, including humans, domestic animals, horses, rodents, wild animals, birds, and reptiles. Leishmaniasis is endemic of 90 countries, mainly in South American, East and West Africa, Mediterranean region, Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia. In recent years, cases have been detected in other countries, and it is already an infection present throughout the world. The increase in temperatures due to climate change makes it possible for sandflies to appear in countries with traditionally colder regions, and the easy movement of people and animals today, facilitate the appearance of Leishmania species in new countries. These data mean that leishmaniasis will probably become an emerging zoonosis and a public health problem in the coming years, which we must consider controlling it from a One Health point of view. This review summarizes the prevalence of Leishmania spp. around the world and the current knowledge regarding the animals that could be reservoirs of the parasite.

Inteligencia artificial, ChatGTP y OpenAI son algunos de los términos más buscados en Google en la actualidad según Google Trends (2023). Sin embargo, parte de la concepción de la inteligencia artificial y, sobre todo, de sus posibles aplicaciones tecnológicas en la robótica avanzada, derivan de imaginarios sociales y culturales que se han construido gracias a su representación en la literatura, el cine, las series y los videojuegos. Concretamente, en el cine, películas como Blade Runner (Scott, 1984), Terminator (Cameron, 1984), AI: Artificial Intelligence (Spielberg, 2001), I, Robot (Proyas, 2004) o Ex-Machina (Garland, 2014) han proyectado la imagen de robots inteligentes como amenaza o alteridad al ser humano. El objetivo de este manuscrito es comparar el discurso de las películas españolas Eva (Maíllo, 2011) y Autómata (Ibáñez, 2014) frente al discurso científico de las 20 películas más valoradas según IMDB que incluyen la temática de inteligencia artificial. Para ello, se han triangulado tres perspectivas: el mito de Prometeo (Nieto, 2022), los principios de mitología robótica (Pérez, 2004) y la dicotomía humano - no humano (Gastaka e Iturregi, 2022), lo que ha permitido, siguiendo la metodología de Novoa et al. (2019), extrapolar las características y rasgos que definen el discurso científico de la IA en la cinematografía para poder analizar así el discurso de ambas películas españolas. Los resultados permiten concluir que no existen discrepancias entre la ciencia ficción nacional y la internacional respecto al posicionamiento de la IA como el fin de la humanidad y el diseño de sociedades distópicas y apocalípticas, aunque, particularmente, Eva y Autómata ponen a debate temas éticos y antropológicos desde diferentes prismas acerca de la ética en la robótica y la alteridad, lo que permite avivar el debate sobre la capacidad de sentir de robots y androides frente al imaginario colectivo.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible genotypic differences between commensal "Pasteurella multocida" isolates from apparently healthy animals (AHA) at the time of entry to feedlots and those from BRD-affected animals (BRD-AA). A total of 20 batches of beef calves in seven feedlots were followed-up during the fattening period. P. multocida was isolated from 28.1% of AHA and 22.9% of BRD-AA. All isolates belonged to the A: L3 genotype. Most isolates from clinical cases (81.0%) grouped into a PFGE cluster were significantly associated with BRD cases (OR, 24.9; 95% CI, 6.4–96.2). The whole genomes of 14 isolates representative of the pulsotypes most frequently detected in BRD-AA and AHA were sequenced and compared with 53 bovine genomes belonging to the identified ST13, ST79, and ST80 genotypes for a global comparison. No differences were found in the virulence-associated gene content between sequence types (STs) globally or between BRD-AA and AHA isolates in this study. Significantly, ST79 isolates harbored ARGs, conferring resistance to different antimicrobials, including macrolides and tetracyclines, which are commonly used for the treatment of BRD. Two Spanish ST79 isolates carried an ICE highly similar to ICE Tn7407, which was recently detected in Germany, suggesting that ST79 P. multocida isolates in Europe and North America may be associated with different ICEs.

El sector de la moda presenta sus colecciones y artículos a través de cuerpos femeninos que actúan como soporte y altavoz para la sociedad mediante el uso de los medios de comunicación, principalmente las revistas femeninas. En este sentido, la publicidad ha utilizado el cuerpo femenino durante décadas como un reclamo comercial y, aunque se observa una evolución impulsada por las demandas de las nuevas generaciones, se sigue utilizando de forma mayoritaria modelos que contribuyen a alimentar una imagen inexacta de la mujer, reforzando estereotipos y potenciando ciertos cánones de belleza. El objeto de estudio de la presente investigación se basa en analizar la diversidad e inclusividad femenina en la publicidad y el tratamiento informativo de las marcas de moda en las revistas especializadas vinculados a sus políticas de Responsabilidad Social Corporativa. Para ello se ha realizado un análisis de contenido de tipo categorial de 216 unidades de análisis con 15 variables. El análisis de los resultados muestra la falta de un compromiso real con la diversidad y la inclusividad en la publicidad y el tratamiento informativo de la moda en las revistas como parte de la Responsabilidad Social Corporativa de las marcas., Fashion sector presents its collections and articles through female bodies that act as a support and speaker for society using the media, mainly women's magazines. In this sense, advertising has used the female body for decades as a commercial claim and, although an evolution driven by the demands of the new generations is observed, models that contribute to feeding an inaccurate image of women continue to be used in the majority, reinforcing stereotypes, and promoting certain canons of beauty. The object of study of this research is based on the diversity and inclusiveness of women in advertising and the informative treatment of fashion brands in specialized magazines. For this, a categorical content analysis of 216 analysis units with 15 variables has been carried out. The analysis of the results shows the lack of a real commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in advertising and the informative treatment of fashion brands in magazines., O setor de moda apresenta suas coleções e artigos por meio de corpos femininos que atuam como suporte e porta-voz da sociedade por meio da mídia, principalmente revistas femininas. Nesse sentido, a publicidade utiliza o corpo feminino há décadas como reivindicação comercial e, embora se observe uma evolução impulsionada pelas demandas das novas gerações, modelos que contribuem para alimentar uma imagem imprecisa da mulher continuam sendo utilizados em sua maioria, reforçando estereótipos e promovendo certos cânones de beleza. O objeto de estudo desta pesquisa se baseia na diversidade e inclusão da mulher na publicidade e no tratamento informativo das marcas de moda em revistas especializadas. Para isso, foi realizada uma análise categórica de conteúdo de 216 unidades de análise com 15 variáveis. A análise dos resultados mostra a falta de um real compromisso com a diversidade e inclusão no tratamento publicitário e informativo das marcas de moda nas revistas.

Introducción: La presente investigación analiza la narrativa y la construcción de los personajes en la serie Peaky Blinders (Knight, BBC, 2013-2022), inspirada en los acontecimientos reales que protagonizó la banda criminal de homónimo nombre a principios del siglo XX en Birmingham. El estudio tiene como objetivo determinar las diferentes perspectivas de sus protagonistas ante las adicciones y el consumo de drogas en el contexto de su época. Método: Mediante un diseño metodológico basado en la integración conceptual (Ruíz de Mendoza, 2009) de las teorías sobre narrativa audiovisual (Canet y Prósper, 2009), la crítica cinematográfica (Orellana, Almacellas y Watt, 2019), la estructura mítica y creación de personajes (Vogler, 2020) y el análisis fílmico y documental (Brisset, 2011), se analizan los personajes de Peaky Blinders, sus tramas, arcos narrativos y su papel en las diferentes temporadas de la serie con el propósito de estudiar el tratamiento de este tipo de adicciones en la ficción y reflexionar acerca de los imaginarios sociales que representan como reflejo del éxito y la decadencia de su tiempo. Resultados y discusión: El resultado de este análisis arroja una interesante reflexión sobre la representación de diferentes tipologías de drogas en la serie. Mientras el opio es tratado como parte de la construcción antiheroica del personaje principal, la cocaína sirve como activador de la violencia y la brutalidad de uno de los personajes secundarios., This research analyzes the narrative and the construction of the characters in the Peaky Blinders series (Knight, BBC, 2013-2022), inspired by the real events that the criminal gang of the same name starred in at the beginning of the 20th century in Birmingham. The study aims to determine the different perspectives of its protagonists regarding addictions and drug abuse in the context of their time. Method: Through a methodological design based on the conceptual integration (Ruíz de Mendoza, 2009) of the theories on audiovisual narrative (Canet and Prósper, 2009), film criticism (Orellana, Almacellas and Watt, 2019), the mythical structure and creation of characters (Vogler, 2020) and the film and documentary analysis (Brisset, 2011), we analyze the characters of Peaky Blinders, their plots, narrative arcs and their role in the different seasons of the series. This study’s purpose is to examine how drugs are represented in fiction and how they reflect the social imaginaries and the success and fall of characters and their time. Results and discussion: This analysis provides an interesting discussion on the representation of different types of drugs in the series. While opium is treated as part of the anti-heroic construction of the main character, cocaine serves as an activator for the violence and brutality of one of the secondary characters.

The progressive emergence of antimicrobial resistance has become a global health problem in need of rapid solution. Research into new antimicrobial drugs is imperative. Drug repositioning, together with computational mathematical prediction models, could be a fast and efficient method of searching for new antibiotics. The aim of this study was to identify compounds with potential antimicrobial capacity against Escherichia coli from US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, and the similarity between known drug targets and E. coli proteins using a topological structure-activity data analysis model. This model has been shown to identify molecules with known antibiotic capacity, such as carbapenems and cephalosporins, as well as new molecules that could act as antimicrobials. Topological similarities were also found between E. coli proteins and proteins from different bacterial species such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella Typhimurium, which could imply that the selected molecules have a broader spectrum than expected. These molecules include antitumor drugs, antihistamines, lipid-lowering agents, hypoglycemic agents, antidepressants, nucleotides, and nucleosides, among others. The results presented in this study prove the ability of computational mathematical prediction models to predict molecules with potential antimicrobial capacity and/or possible new pharmacological targets of interest in the design of new antibiotics and in the better understanding of antimicrobial resistance.

Marine mammals may suffer alterations in platelet function and hemostasia due to multiple pathologies, environmental conditions (including stress) or exposure to different contaminants that induce platelet activation. Detecting early alterations in platelet function in these animals could be an especially relevant diagnostic tool in these species because they typically do not show signs of weakness or disease until the pathology is in advanced state, in order to avoid attracting predators in natural conditions. The study of early markers of platelet activation is relevant for the detection, monitoring and therapy of inflammation and hemostasis disorders. Flow cytometry provides a convenient method to evaluate platelet activation by following the kinetics of intracellular Ca2+, using sensitive fluorescent indicators that can be loaded into intact cells. In order to study intraplatelet Ca2+ mobilization in marine mammals, we have adapted a kinetic assay of human platelet activation to study platelet activation in whole-blood samples of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) using the Ca2+-sensitive dye Fluo-4AM and a clone of the platelet-specific antibody CD41-PE that recognizes dolphin platelets. This no-wash, no-lyse protocol provides a simple and sensitive tool to assess in vitro the time course and intensity of signaltransduction responses to platelet agonists under near-physiological conditions. The adaptation of this technique to marine mammals represents a methodological advance for basic and clinical veterinary applications but also for general environmental studies on these species.

The ecological interest in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has grown since it was declared an endangered species. Nutrition is fundamental in its dispersion and the key to its success. This is the main reason why knowledge of their nutritional preferences/requirements could play a fundamental role in rabbit biology and, therefore, in their conservation. The objectives of the work will be to elucidate how age and sex affect both nutritional preferences/requirements, and the nutrient optimisation of European rabbits. To address this gap, 70 wild European rabbits were studied. The rabbits were divided according to their age: adult (n = 43) and young (n = 27). Two groups were differentiated according to the adult rabbits' sex: females (n = 28) and males (n = 15). We analysed the relative (%) and absolute (g) chemical composition of the rabbits' gastric contents: dry matter (DM), ashes (ASH), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and lignin, hemicelluloses and celluloses, highly digestible nonnitrogenous nutrients (HDNN: fat, starch, and soluble fibre), well from the blood was analysed with plasmatic urea nitrogen (PUN), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) and glucose (GLU). As a nutrient optimisation measure, the following indices between blood metabolites and stomach content were calculated: PUN/CP total content, NEFA/DM total content and GLU/DM total content ratios. Our works showed that age and sex affected the nutritional strategy of rabbits. Regarding age: adults showed lower CP (−14%; p = 0.0217) and higher HDNN (+21%; p = 0.0399) relative content than young rabbits, and absolute amount of most nutrients: DM (+59%; p = 0.001), OM (+43%; p = 0.0049), ASH (+54%; p = 0.0085), Hemicelluloses (+73%; p = 0.0084), Cellulose (+27%; p = 0.0452), and HDNN (+63%; p = 0.0012). In addition, adults showed better nutrient optimisation. Sex did not affect the relative chemical composition of the gastric content

Background:Ensuring patient safety during small animal anaesthesia is cru-cial. This study aimed to assess anaesthetic-related deaths in dogs globally,identify risks and protective factors and inform clinical practice.Methods:This prospective cohort multicentric study involved 55,022 dogsfrom 405 veterinary centres across various countries. Data on anaesthesia-related deaths from premedication to 48 hours post-extubation werecollected. Logistic regression was used to analyse patient demographics,American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, procedure typeand anaesthetic drugs used.Results:Anaesthetic-related mortality was 0.69%. Most deaths occurred post-operatively (81%). Age, obesity and a higher ASA classification score wereassociated with increased mortality. Urgent procedures, non-urgent butunscheduled anaesthesias and short procedures also had higher mortality.Some sedatives, systemic analgesics, hypnotics and the use of locoregionalanaesthesia were linked to a decrease in mortality.Limitations:The limitations of the study include the non-randomised sam-ple, potential selection bias, lack of response rate quantification, variable dataquality control, subjectivity in classifying causes of death and limited analysisof variables.Conclusion:Careful patient evaluation, drug selection and monitoring canbe associated with reduced mortality. These findings can be used to developguidelines and strategies to improve patient safety and outcomes. Furtherresearch is needed to refine protocols, enhance data quality systems andexplore additional risk mitigation measures.

Cancer is a process involving cell mutation, increased proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Over the years, this condition has represented one of the most concerning health problems worldwide due to its significant morbidity and mortality. At present, the incidence of cancer continues to grow exponentially. Thus, it is imperative to open new avenues in cancer research to understand the molecular changes driving DNA transformation, cell-to-cell interaction derangements, and immune system surveillance decay. In this regard, evidence supports the relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer. In light of this, a group of bioactive lipids derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may have a position as novel anti-inflammatory molecules known as the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), a group of pro-resolutive inflammation agents that could improve the anti-tumor immunity. These molecules have the potential role of chemopreventive and therapeutic agents for various cancer types, and their effects have been documented in the scientific literature. Thus, this review objective centers around understanding the effect of SPMs on carcinogenesis and their potential therapeutic effect.

Esta investigación pretende detectar, codificar y analizar los principales temas y problemas científicos presentados en las series animadas de humor adulto Futurama y Rick and Morty. El manuscrito tiene el objetivo de aportar una visión diferente al análisis fílmico y narrativo existente sobre ambas series, a fin determinar cómo construyen el discurso científico, qué disciplinas de la ciencias naturales y ciencias aplicadas están presentes y qué tipo de tratamiento otorgan a la ciencia y la figura de los científicos. Mediante una metodología basada en la teoría fundamentada, se han enumerado las disciplinas científicas y temáticas específicas y, posteriormente, codificado mediante variables con el fin de constatar si existe una relación directa con un tipo de enfoque y representación de la realidad. A partir de la discusión de los resultados, se determina que ambas series no reflejan una visión apocalíptica y distópica como históricamente sí lo ha hecho el cine de ciencia ficción, aunque presentan conceptos científicos de manera hiperbolizada e inexacta, tendiendo a la ridiculización tanto del personaje científico como de la aplicación científica en la resolución de problemas. Concluimos que ambas series desembocan en cierta heterotopía narrativa que se caracteriza por la desmitificación de tradicionales estereotipos e imaginarios cinematográficos que demonizan la ciencia, la construcción de un discurso científico basado en axiomas y principios físicos y matemáticos correctos frente a la representación de la ciencia aplicada en un contexto irreal y fantástico., This research aims to detect, codify and quantify the main scientific themes and conflicts presented in sitcoms Futurama and Rick & Morty. The manuscript aims to provide a different view to the existing filmic and narrative analysis of both series, in order to determine how they build the scientific discourse, which disciplines of the natural and applied sciences are present and what kind of treatment they give to science and to the scientists. Using a methodology based on grounded theory, the scientific disciplines and specific topics were quantified and subsequently coded in order to determine whether there is a direct relationship to a specific approach and representation of reality. The results show that both series do not picture an apocalyptic and dystopian vision as historically science fiction films have done, although they present scientific concepts in a hyperbolized and inaccurate way, tending to ridicule both the scientific character and the scientific application in problem solving. We conclude that, unlike the representation of the science in an unreal and fantastic context, both series lead to a certain narrative heterotopia characterized by the demystification of some stereotypes and cinematographic imaginaries that demonize science and by the construction of a scientific discourse based on axioms and correct physical and mathematical principles

Background:Canine behaviour problems seen by speciality behaviouralmedicine services often involve chronic anxiety disorders that have resultedin maladaptation of the individual to its environment. Common stressorsinclude the presence of other individuals (other dogs or people), noise andbeing alone. The treatment of these behavioural problems usually includesa combination of behaviour modification, environmental modification andbiological therapies. Within the latter, anxiolytic drugs such as clomipramineor fluoxetine have proven useful.Methods:Here, we present a retrospectively analysed series of 32 cases thatwere treated with the anxiolytic drug mirtazapine, which is widely used inhuman medicine but has not previously been reported for the treatment ofbehavioural problems in dogs (although it is marketed as an appetite stimu-lant in cats). Cases included dogs with a range of anxiety-related behaviouralproblems.Results:Eighty-one percent of dogs that presented with a behavioural prob-lem showed improvement and suspected adverse effects were mild andtolerable.Limitations:Further studies are required to isolate this result from the othertherapeutic measures and to compare its efficacy with other drugs.Conclusion:Mirtazapine appears to be a suitable and safe option for thetreatment of anxiety-related behavioural problems in dogs.

The objective of this study is to examine the digital transformation of the complete population of 24 Spanish food units, named Mercas. We develop an index that gauges the degree of digital transformation of these public sector companies. Using a Tobit panel data model, we identify the main determinants of the Mercas’ digital transformation status. Our findings suggest that the size of the Merca, the proficiency of digital technologies by top management, the cooperation between the millennial generation staff and the remaining staff, the business management of buying and selling flowers, fruit and vegetables, and meat, and the utilization of B2B platforms for transactions and information exchange with wholesalers are some of the key determinants of digital transformation. The study also emphasizes the significance of customer demand for the implementation of new technologies as an external factor that influences digital transformation., Este estudio tiene por objeto examinar la transformación digital de la población completa de 24 unidades alimentarias españolas, denominadas Mercas. Hemos desarrollado un índice que mide el grado de transformación digital de estas empresas del sector público y utilizando un modelo Tobit de datos de panel, identificamos los principales determinantes de la transformación digital de las Mercas. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que el tamaño de la Merca, el conocimiento de las tecnologías digitales por parte de la alta dirección, la cooperación entre el personal de la generación millennial y el resto del personal, la actividad empresarial de la compraventa de flores, frutas y verduras, y carne, y la utilización de plataformas B2B para transacciones e intercambio de información con mayoristas, son algunos de los determinantes clave de la transformación digital. El estudio también destaca la importancia de la demanda de los clientes para la implantación de nuevas tecnologías como factor externo que influye en el grado de la transformación digital de las Mercas.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication of a non-kidney solid organ transplant (NKSOT). Identifying predisposing factors is crucial for an early approach and correct referral to nephrology. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective observational study of a cohort of CKD patients under follow-up in the Nephrology Department between 2010 to 2020. Statistical analysis was performed between all the risk factors and four dependent variables: end-stage renal disease (ESKD); increased serum creatinine ≥50%; renal replacement therapy (RRT); and death in the pre-transplant, peri-transplant, and post-transplant periods. Results: 74 patients were studied (7 heart transplants, 34 liver transplants, and 33 lung transplants). Patients who were not followed-up by a nephrologist in the pre-transplant (p < 0.027) or peri-transplant (p < 0.046) periods and those who had the longest time until an outpatient clinic follow-up (HR 1.032) were associated with a higher risk of creatinine increase ≥50%. Receiving a lung transplant conferred a higher risk than a liver or heart transplant for developing a creatinine increase ≥50% and ESKD. Peri-transplant mechanical ventilation, peri-transplant and post-transplant anticalcineurin overdose, nephrotoxicity, and the number of hospital admissions were significantly associated with a creatinine increase ≥50% and developing ESKD. Conclusions: Early and close follow-up by a nephrologist was associated with a decrease in the worsening of renal function.

Objective: Hyperintensity signal in T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been related to better therapeutic response during pasireotide treatment in acromegaly. The aim of the study was to evaluate T2 MRI signal intensity and its relation with pasireotide therapeutic effectiveness in real-life clinical practice. Design, Patients and Measurements: Retrospective multicentre study including acromegaly patients treated with pasireotide. Adenoma T2-weighted MRI signal at diagnosis was qualitatively classified as iso-hyperintense or hypointense. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), growth hormone (GH) and tumour volume reduction were assessed after 6 and 12 months of treatment and its effectiveness evaluated according to baseline MRI signal. Hormonal response was considered ‘complete’ when normalization of IGF-I levels was achieved. Significant tumour shrinkage was defined as a volume reduction of ≥25% from baseline. Results: Eighty-one patients were included (48% women, 50 ± 1.5 years); 93% had previously received somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) treatment. MRI signal was hypointense in 25 (31%) and hyperintense in 56 (69%) cases. At 12 months of follow-up, 42/73 cases (58%) showed normalization of IGF-I and 37% both GH and IGF-I. MRI signal intensity was not associated with hormonal control. 19/51 cases (37%) presented a significant tumour volume shrinkage, 16 (41%) from the hyperintense group and 3 (25%) from the hypointense. Conclusions: T2-signal hyperintensity was more frequently observed in pasireotide treated patients. Almost 60% of SRLs resistant patients showed a complete normalization of IGF-I after 1 year of pasireotide treatment, regardless of the MRI signal. There was also no difference in the percentage tumour shrinkage over basal residual volume between the two groups.

Fasciolosis is caused by F. hepatica and F. gigantica. It is of economic and zoonotic importance. Several strategies for control of fasciolosis are being used; these include vaccination of animals that are at risk and control of the snails that carry the parasite. Several types of vaccines, such as recombinant cathepsin, mixed recombinant vaccine, fatty-acid-binding proteins, a cocktail of recombinant and fatty-acid-binding vaccines, nucleic acid-based vaccines and gene-silencing methods have been reported to show efficacy ranges of 32-75%, 52-79%, 8-36%, 43-68%, 74-100% and 90% respectively. These are currently undergoing experimental testing against fasciolosis. The study described in this paper was carried out to discover the comparative efficacy of these vaccines in the enhancement of the immune response in order to find the most effective method so that future research could focus on the development of that type of vaccine. Besides immunization, control of the intermediate host of the parasite (snail) is also an effective way to control fasciolosis. Snails are controlled through the use of physical, chemical and biological methods. The most effective of these is biological control using Sphaerodema urinator as a predator of snails.

This study aimed to assess the 3D kinematic pattern of the pelvis during running and establish differences between sexes using the IMU sensor for spatiotemporal outcomes, vertical acceleration symmetry index, and ranges of motion of the pelvis in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes of movement. The kinematic range in males was 5.92°–6.50°, according to tilt. The range of obliquity was between 7.84° and 9.27° and between 9.69° and 13.60°, according to pelvic rotation. In females, the results were 6.26°–7.36°, 7.81°–9.64°, and 13.2°–16.13°, respectively. Stride length increased proportionally to speed in males and females. The reliability of the inertial sensor according to tilt and gait symmetry showed good results, and the reliability levels were excellent for cadence parameters, stride length, stride time, obliquity, and pelvic rotation. The amplitude of pelvic tilt did not change at different speed levels between sexes. The range of pelvic obliquity increased in females at a medium speed level, and the pelvic rotation range increased during running, according to speed and sex. The inertial sensor has been proven to be a reliable tool for kinematic analysis during running.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic neoplasm which is characterized by proliferation and infiltration of plasmatic cells in the bone marrow. Currently, MM is considered incurable due to resistance to treatment. The CRISPR/Cas9 system has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding the role of different genetic alterations in the pathogenesis of hematologic malignancies in both cell lines and mouse models. Despite current advances of gene editing tools, the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for gene editing of MM have not so far been extended. In this work, we want to repress Rnd3 expression, an atypical Rho GTPase involved in several cellular processes, in MM cell lines using a CRISPR interference strategy. Results: We have designed different guide RNAs and cloning them into a lentiviral plasmid, which contains all the machinery necessary for developing the CRISPR interference strategy. We co-transfected the HEK 293T cells with this lentiviral plasmid and 3rd generation lentiviral envelope and packaging plasmids to produce lentiviral particles. The lentiviral particles were used to transduce two different multiple myeloma cell lines, RPMI 8226 and JJN3, and downregulate Rnd3 expression. Additionally, the impact of Rnd3 expression absence was analyzed by a transcriptomic analysis consisting of 3' UTR RNA sequencing. The Rnd3 knock-down cells showed a different transcriptomic profile in comparison to control cells. Conclusions: We have developed a CRISPR interference strategy to generate stable Rnd3 knockdown MM cell lines by lentiviral transduction. We have evaluated this strategy in two MM cell lines, and we have demonstrated that Rnd3 silencing works both at transcriptional and protein level. Therefore, we propose CRISPR interference strategy as an alternative tool to silence gene expression in MM cell lines. Furthermore, Rnd3 silencing produces changes in the cellular transcriptomic profile.

The expressions of ion channels by Müller glial cells (MGCs) may change in response to various retinal pathophysiological conditions. There remains a gap in our understanding of MGCs' responses to photoreceptor degeneration towards finding therapies. The study explores how an inhibition of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and its major component, Orai1 channel, in MGCs protects photoreceptors from degeneration. The study revealed increased Orai1 expression in the MGCs of retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice. Enhanced expression of oxidative stress markers was confirmed as a crucial pathological mechanism in rd10 retina. Inducing oxidative stress in rat MGCs resulted in increasing SOCE and Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) currents. SOCE inhibition by 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) protected photoreceptors in degenerated retinas. Finally, molecular simulations proved the structural and dynamical features of 2-APB to the target structure Orai1. Our results provide new insights into the physiology of MGCs regarding retinal degeneration and shed a light on SOCE and Orai1 as new therapeutic targets.

To investigate the influence of geographic constrains to mobility on SARS-CoV-2 circulation before the advent of vaccination, we recently characterized the occurrence in Sicily of viral lineages in the second pandemic wave (September to December 2020). Our data revealed wide prevalence of the then widespread through Europe B.1.177 variant, although some viral samples could not be classified with the limited Sanger sequencing tools used. A particularly interesting sample could not be fitted to a major variant then circulating in Europe and has been subjected here to full genome sequencing in an attempt to clarify its origin, lineage and relations with the seven full genome sequences deposited for that period in Sicily, hoping to provide clues on viral evolution. The obtained genome is unique (not present in databases). It hosts 20 single-base substitutions relative to the original Wuhan-Hu-1 sequence, 8 of them synonymous and the other 12 encoding 11 amino acid substitutions, all of them already reported one by one. They include four highly prevalent substitutions, NSP12:P323L, S:D614G, and N:R203K/G204R; the much less prevalent S:G181V, ORF3a:G49V and N:R209I changes; and the very rare mutations NSP3:L761I, NSP6:S106F, NSP8:S41F and NSP14:Y447H. GISAID labeled this genome as B.1.1 lineage, a lineage that appeared early on in the pandemic. Phylogenetic analysis also confirmed this lineage diagnosis. Comparison with the seven genome sequences deposited in late 2020 from Sicily revealed branching leading to B.1.177 in one branch and to Alpha in the other branch, and suggested a local origin for the S:G118V mutation.