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As one type of the most extensively used sentences, English questions are must-learn grammatical structures for learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). However, it is commonly seen that English learners across proficiency levels produce ungrammatical English questions. To determine the source of learners' erroneous production, we conducted a written test to collect hands-on data of four types of English questions produced by 81 Chinese EFL preliminary learners. Learners' achievement scores showed that learners from both higher and lower proficiency groups had similar difficulty producing questions. The statistics also showed morphosyntactic inconsistencies in learners' production were congregating on auxiliaries' choice and tense variation. Cross-linguistic transfer from first language (L1) in English question acquisition for Chinese EFL learners was measured against the three dimensions of Jarvis' (2000) methodological model. Influence from learners' L1 was found to be related to preliminary learners' morphosyntactic inconsistencies. The findings suggest that practitioners in an EFL context should raise learners' grammatical consciousness, and design production-oriented tasks, to improve learners' morphosyntactic accuracy in English question formation.

Abstract Background There has been a rise in endometrial cancer (EC) incidence leading to increased mortality. To counter this trend, improving the stratification of post-surgery recurrence risk and anticipating disease relapse and treatment resistance is essential. Liquid biopsy analyses offer a promising tool for these clinical challenges, though the best strategy for applying them in EC must be defined. This study was designed to determine the value of cfDNA/ctDNA monitoring in improving the clinical management of patients with localized and recurrent disease. Methods Plasma samples and uterine aspirates (UA) from 198 EC patients were collected at surgery and over time. The genetic landscape of UAs was characterized using targeted sequencing. Total cfDNA was analyzed for ctDNA presence based on the UA mutational profile. Results High cfDNA levels and detectable ctDNA at baseline correlated with poor prognosis for DFS (p-value

La sentencia del Tribunal Constitucional n. º 149/2023, de 22 de noviembre, considera ajustado a los principios de capacidad económica y de interdicción de la confiscatoriedad el Impuesto Temporal de Solidaridad sobre Grandes Fortunas. En este trabajo se analiza dicha sentencia refutando las expectativas que había generado la previa jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional sobre la base imponible del Impuesto sobre el Incremento de Valor de los Terrenos de Naturaleza Urbana acerca de una posible declaración de inconstitucionalidad de la imposición sobre el patrimonio neto de las personas físicas por presunta vulneración del principio de no confiscatoriedad. Tras analizar los datos estadísticos del Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio, el trabajo concluye que el criterio del Tribunal Constitucional es acertado y que no es posible extrapolarlo a este impuesto ni siquiera teniendo en cuenta su incidencia recurrente sobre el patrimonio en el largo plazo.

Abstract Background The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is increasing, especially among young people. Tools are needed to increase knowledge about sex education and STI prevention and treatment. Gamification can be a good training tool for both young people and health professionals. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of a training intervention on STI prevention, detection, and treatment in primary care professionals. Methods/design Multicentre cluster randomized controlled trial. Groups of primary care professionals will receive an intervention (online video game on sex education and STIs [SEXIT]) and will be compared with control groups that will not receive the intervention. Group assignments will be randomized by clusters. The study will consist of a pre-post evaluation of the intervention: a knowledge test will be administered before and after the intervention and 3 months after the intervention. This test will also be carried out on the same time sequence in the control groups. The impact of the training intervention will be assessed over a 6-month period, focusing on various variables associated with the clinical management of STIs. This evaluation entails the clinical records of diagnostic tests and antibiotic prescriptions related to the clinical approach to STIs. The required sample size is 262 (131 per group). Discussion Compared with those in the control group, improvements in knowledge and clinical behavioural outcomes after the intervention are expected for participants in the intervention groups. We plan to develop an educational video game to increase the knowledge about sexuality, STIs and violence. Protocol registered at ISRCTN with reference number ISRCTN17783607.

Abstract Background A strong seal of soft-tissue around dental implants is essential to block pathogens from entering the peri-implant interface and prevent infections. Therefore, the integration of soft-tissue poses a challenge in implant-prosthetic procedures, prompting a focus on the interface between peri-implant soft-tissues and the transmucosal component. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of sandblasted roughness levels on in vitro soft-tissue healing around dental implant abutments. In parallel, proteomic techniques were applied to study the interaction of these surfaces with human serum proteins to evaluate their potential to promote soft-tissue regeneration. Results Grade-5 machined titanium discs (MC) underwent sandblasting with alumina particles of two sizes (4 and 8 μm), resulting in two different surface types: MC04 and MC08. Surface morphology and roughness were characterised employing scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. Cell adhesion and collagen synthesis, as well as immune responses, were assessed using human gingival fibroblasts (hGF) and macrophages (THP-1), respectively. The profiles of protein adsorption to the surfaces were characterised using proteomics; samples were incubated with human serum, and the adsorbed proteins analysed employing nLC–MS/MS. hGFs exposed to MC04 showed decreased cell area compared to MC, while no differences were found for MC08. hGF collagen synthesis increased after 7 days for MC08. THP-1 macrophages cultured on MC04 and MC08 showed a reduced TNF-α and increased IL-4 secretion. Thus, the sandblasted topography led a reduction in the immune/inflammatory response. One hundred seventy-six distinct proteins adsorbed on the surfaces were identified. Differentially adsorbed proteins were associated with immune response, blood coagulation, angiogenesis, fibrinolysis and tissue regeneration. Conclusions Increased roughness through MC08 treatment resulted in increased collagen synthesis in hGF and resulted in a reduction in the surface immune response in human macrophages. These results correlate with the changes in protein adsorption on the surfaces observed through proteomics.

Hacer de la escuela un espacio seguro para todas las personas es un reto para quienes nos dedicamos a la formación docente, y crear un mundo donde cada vez quepa más gente, de diversas procedencias, con diversas culturas y distintos ajustes familiares y personales, será siempre un objetivo primordial para lxs docentes. Como hemos propuesto en investigaciones anteriores (Oltra Albiach, 2011; Pardo Coy, 2019), la literatura infantil siempre es una aliada de primer orden, puesto que la literatura en sí es un puente que pone en diálogo aquello que es diverso. En esta ocasión hemos propuesto una serie de actividades con estudiantes de la Facultat de Magisteri (Universitat de València), a partir de Ella es mi papá (2021), sobre las paternidades trans. A partir de las opiniones del estudiantado sobre el texto y sobre las actividades realizadas, hemos querido recoger sus ideas y creencias sobre esta cuestión y, en general, sobre el tratamiento de las diversidades en las aulas, con un resultado sorprendente en algunos casos, que nos motiva a continuar investigando sobre el estudiantado de los grados de Maestrx y sus esperanzas y sus miedos a la hora de trabajar la diversidad en sus aulas.

Human mobility is becoming an accessible field of study, thanks to the progress and availability of tracking technologies as a common feature of smart phones. We describe an example of a scalable experiment exploiting these circumstances at a public, outdoor fair in Barcelona (Spain). Participants were tracked while wandering through an open space with activity stands attracting their attention. We develop a general modelling framework based on Langevin dynamics, which allows us to test the influence of two distinct types of ingredients on mobility: reactive or context-dependent factors, modelled by means of a force field generated by attraction points in a given spatial configuration and active or inherent factors, modelled from intrinsic movement patterns of the subjects. The additive and constructive framework model accounts for some observed features. Starting with the simplest model (purely random walkers) as a reference, we progressively introduce different ingredients such as persistence, memory and perceptual landscape, aiming to untangle active and reactive contributions and quantify their respective relevance. The proposed approach may help in anticipating the spatial distribution of citizens in alternative scenarios and in improving the design of public events based on a facts-based approach.

Abstract Background/Aims Older age and cognitive inactivity have been associated with cognitive impairment, which in turn is linked to economic and societal burdens due to the high costs of care, especially for care homes and informal care. Emerging non-pharmacological interventions using new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD), might offer an alternative to maintain or improve cognition. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a VR-based Digital Therapeutics application for improving cognitive functions among healthy older adults. Methods Seventy-two healthy seniors (experimental group N = 35, control group N = 37), aged 65–85 years, were recruited by the Medical University of Lodz (Poland). Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental group (a VR-based cognitive training which consists of a warm-up module and three tasks, including one-back and dual-N-back) or to the control group (a regular VR headset app only showing nature videos). The exercises are performed in different 360-degree natural environments while listening to a preferred music genre and delivered on a head-mounted display (HMD). The 12-week intervention of 12 min was delivered at least three times per week (36 sessions). Compliance and performance were followed through a web-based application. Primary outcomes included attention and working memory (CNS-Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery). Secondary outcomes comprised other cognitive domains. Mixed linear models were constructed to elucidate the difference in pre- and post-intervention measures between the experimental and control groups. Results The users performed, on average, 39.8 sessions (range 1–100), and 60% performed more than 36 sessions. The experimental group achieved higher scores in the visual memory module (B = 7.767, p = 0.011) and in the one-back continuous performance test (in terms of correct responses: B = 2.057, p = 0.003 and omission errors: B = -1.950, p = 0.007) than the control group in the post-test assessment. The results were independent of participants’ sex, age, and years of education. The differences in CNS Vital Signs’ global score, working memory, executive function, reaction time, processing speed, simple and complex attention, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, motor speed, and psychomotor speed were not statistically significant. Conclusions VR-based cognitive training may prove to be a valuable, efficacious, and well-received tool in terms of improving visual memory and some aspect of sustainability of attention among healthy older adults. This is a preliminary analysis based on part of the obtained results to that point. Final conclusions will be drawn after the analysis of the target sample size. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT05369897.

Abstract Sex differences permeate many aspects of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), yet sex differences in patterns of neurodegeneration in DLB remain largely unexplored. Here, we test whether grey matter networks differ between sexes in DLB and compare these findings to sex differences in healthy controls. In this cross-sectional study, we analysed clinical and neuroimaging data of patients with DLB and cognitively healthy controls matched for age and sex. Grey matter networks were constructed by pairwise correlations between 58 regional volumes after correction for age, intracranial volume, and centre. Network properties were compared between sexes and diagnostic groups. Additional analyses were conducted on w-scored data to identify DLB-specific sex differences. Data from 119 (68.7 ± 8.4 years) men and 45 women (69.9 ± 9.1 years) with DLB, and 164 healthy controls were included in this study. Networks of men had a lower nodal strength compared to women. In comparison to healthy women, the grey matter networks of healthy men showed a higher global efficiency, modularity, and fewer modules. None of the network measures showed significant sex differences in DLB. Comparing DLB patients with healthy controls revealed global differences in women and more local differences in men. Modular analyses showed a more distinct demarcation between cortical and subcortical regions in men compared with women. While topologies of grey matter networks differed between sexes in healthy controls, those sex differences were diluted in DLB patients. These findings suggest a disease-driven convergence of neurodegenerative patterns in women and men with DLB, which may inform precision medicine in DLB.

Abstract Understanding the movements and mortality of individuals across different life stages is crucial for the effective conservation of wild populations. We used data from 32 Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) tagged with GPS transmitters as nestlings in three Iberian breeding areas to study their dependence period, migration routes, movements in Africa, and mortality at each stage. Our results show no significant differences in the timing of nest departure or the duration of the dependence period between individuals of different sexes or breeding nuclei. Most juveniles migrated to sub‐Saharan Africa in their first year, but some (3 of 32, 9.4%) remained in the Iberian Peninsula. Individuals that migrated to Africa did so annually, while those remaining in Iberia never migrated to the Sahel, indicating distinct migratory and non‐migratory strategies. Non‐migratory individuals consistently moved northward during the breeding season to their natal territories. Siblings did not coordinate their migration strategy or timing. All juveniles showed extensive overlap in the vast areas used in Africa, where females arrived before males, and in the Iberian Peninsula. Our study also revealed that no juveniles died immediately after fledging, but that none of the tagged individuals lived more than 7 years or were recruited as breeders. Although most casualties occurred during the longer stay in the Sahel, the mortality rate was highest during the few days of the first migration. Our results show that despite small variations in movement patterns between breeding nuclei and sexes, Egyptian vultures face similar challenges during the years before recruitment as breeders, mostly determined by their migratory strategy. These findings are relevant for designing conservation strategies, both in breeding areas and, more importantly, in wintering areas and along migration pathways. Such strategies will significantly impact the entire Iberian population of this endangered species.

Objectives: Adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations has been reported to improve health-related quality of life (HRQL) in breast cancer (BC) patients, but the influence of long-term behavioral changes remains unknown. We evaluated the association between adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) cancer prevention recommendations and HRQL both, at BC diagnosis and the change 7−12 years later. Design: Prospective cohort study. Settings and participants: A total of 406 breast cancer survivors, from the EpiGEICAM study, were recruited in 16 Spanish hospitals. Measurements: Epidemiological, clinical, dietary, physical activity and HRQL information was collected both at recruitment and 7−12 years later. A 7-item score to measure compliance with recommendations was assessed according to the 2018 WCRF/AICR scoring criteria. HRQL was evaluated using SF-36 questionnaire. Linear mixed models for longitudinal data were used to assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between adherence score and the physical and mental component summary scores. Results: At diagnosis, for each unit increase in WCRF/AICR score adherence, the HRQL physical domain increased 0.78 points (95%CI: −0.04 to 1.60; P trend:0.06). The mean change in physical HRQL from diagnosis to follow-up per unit increase in within-subject adherence score was 0.73 points (95%CI: −0.18 to 1.65; P trend: 0.12). For the mental domain, no association was observed with compliance with the recommendations at diagnosis, nor with changes in adherence over time. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Increased adherence to WCRF/AICR cancer prevention recommendations over time could contribute to slightly improved long-term physical HRQoL in BC survivors.

ABSTRACT The Platelia Aspergillus Antigen immunoassay is the “gold standard” for Aspergillus galactomannan (GLM) measurement in sera and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). We evaluated the performance of the Aspergillus GLM antigen Virclia Monotest compared to the Platelia assay. A total of 535 specimens [320 sera, 86 bronchial aspirates (BAs), 70 BAL, and 59 tracheal aspirates (TAs)] from 177 adult patients (72 hematological, 32 Intensive Care Unit, and 73 hospitalized in other wards) were processed for GLM testing upon clinical request. One patient had proven IPA, and 11 had probable disease. After excluding indeterminate Virclia results (n = 38), 396 specimens yielded concordant results (56 positive and 340 negative) and 101 discordant results (Virclia positive/Platelia negative, n = 95). The overall agreement between immunoassays was higher for sera (κ 0.56) than for BAL (κ ≤ 0.24) or BAS and TA (κ ≤ 0.22). When considering all specimen types in combination, the overall sensitivity and specificity of the Virclia assay for the diagnosis of proven/probable IPA were 100% and 65%, respectively, and for the Platelia immunoassay, sensitivity and specificity were 91.7% and 89.4%, respectively. The correlation between index values by both immunoassays was strong for serum/BAL (ρ = 0.73; P < 0.001) and moderate for BAS/TA (Rho = 0.52; P = 0.001). The conversion of Virclia index values into the Platelia index could be derived by the formula y = (11.97 * X)/3.62 + X). Data from GLM-positive serum/BAL clinical specimens fitted the regression model optimally (R2 = 0.94), whereas that of BAS and TA data did not (R2 = 0.11). Further studies are needed to determine whether the Virclia assay may be an alternative to the Platelia assay for GLM measurement in sera and lower respiratory tract specimens.IMPORTANCEGalactomannan detection in serum or bronchoalveolar fluid specimens is pivotal for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). The Platelia Aspergillus Antigen immunoassay has become the “gold standard” for Aspergillus GLM measurement. Here, we provide data suggesting that the Virclia Monotest assay, which displays several operational advantages compared with the Platelia assay, may become an alternative to the Platelia assay, although further studies are needed to validate this assumption. We also provide a formula allowing the conversion of Virclia index values into Platelia values. The study may contribute toward positioning the Virclia assay within the diagnostic algorithm of IPA.

Abstract Clinical, cognitive, and atrophy characteristics depending on sex have been previously reported in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, though sex differences in cortical gray matter measures in early drug naïve patients have been described, little is known about differences in cortical thickness (CTh) as the disease advances. Our multi-site sample comprised 211 non-demented PD patients (64.45% males; mean age 65.58 ± 8.44 years old; mean disease duration 6.42 ± 5.11 years) and 86 healthy controls (50% males; mean age 65.49 ± 9.33 years old) with available T1-weighted 3 T MRI data from four international research centers. Sex differences in regional mean CTh estimations were analyzed using generalized linear models. The relation of CTh in regions showing sex differences with age, disease duration, and age of onset was examined through multiple linear regression. PD males showed thinner cortex than PD females in six frontal (bilateral caudal middle frontal, bilateral superior frontal, left precentral and right pars orbitalis), three parietal (bilateral inferior parietal and left supramarginal), and one limbic region (right posterior cingulate). In PD males, lower CTh values in nine out of ten regions were associated with longer disease duration and older age, whereas in PD females, lower CTh was associated with older age but with longer disease duration only in one region. Overall, male patients show a more widespread pattern of reduced CTh compared with female patients. Disease duration seems more relevant to explain reduced CTh in male patients, suggesting worse prognostic over time. Further studies should explore sex-specific cortical atrophy trajectories using large longitudinal multi-site data.

Puppets have been used in education for decades and they have become an indisputable educational tool. However, puppetry has a minimal presence in teacher training. This study uses a questionnaire to explore 453 teachers' use, perceptions, and knowledge of puppets as an educational tool in Valencian schools between 2020/2022 to reveal the relationship between puppetry and the school system. This study reaches several conclusions, mainly about the limited knowledge of this tool and its possibilities, that will open up new dialogue in today's schools. This study proposes some valuable reflections to achieve real change in the school-puppet relationship.

BackgroundVirtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology for enhancing the health care of older individuals, particularly in the domains of cognition, physical activity, and social engagement. However, existing VR products and services have limited availability and affordability; hence, there is a need for a scientifically validated and personalized VR service to be used by older adults in their homes, which can improve their overall physical, cognitive, and social well-being. ObjectiveThe main purpose of the CoSoPhy FX (Cognitive, Social, and Physical Effects) study was to analyze the effects of a VR-based digital therapeutics app on the cognitive, social, and physical performance abilities of healthy (high-functioning) older adults. This paper presents the study protocol and the results from the recruitment phase. MethodsA group of 188 healthy older adults aged 65-85 years, recruited at the Medical University of Lodz, Poland, were randomly allocated to the experimental group (VR dual-task training program) or to the control group (using a VR headset app showing nature videos). A total of 3 cognitive exercises were performed in various 360° nature environments delivered via a VR head-mounted display; the participants listened to their preferred music genre. Each patient received 3 sessions of 12 minutes per week for 12 weeks, totaling a minimum of 36 sessions per participant. Attention and working memory (Central Nervous System Vital Signs computerized cognitive battery) were used as primary outcomes, while other cognitive domains in the Central Nervous System Vital Signs battery, quality of life (World Health Organization–5 Well-Being Index), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder 7-item questionnaire) were the secondary outcomes. The group-by-time interaction was determined using linear mixed models with participants’ individual slopes. ResultsIn total, 122 (39%) of the initial 310 participants failed to meet the inclusion criteria, resulting in a recruitment rate of 61% (188/310). Among the participants, 68 successfully completed the intervention and 62 completed the control treatment. The data are currently being analyzed, and we plan to publish the results by the end of September 2024. ConclusionsVR interventions have significant potential among healthy older individuals. VR can address various aspects of well-being by stimulating cognitive functions, promoting physical activity, and facilitating social interaction. However, challenges such as physical discomfort, technology acceptance, safety concerns, and cost must be considered when implementing them for older adults. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of VR-based interventions, optimal intervention designs, and the specific populations that would benefit most. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05369897; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05369897 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/53261

In recent decades, several Latin American cities have implemented policy instruments to reduce urban air pollution and traffic congestion such as license plate-based restrictions on car use. Our research analyzes the factors influencing the public acceptance of these urban policies in four cities: Bogotá, Mexico City, Santiago de Chile, and Quito. We use semi-structured interviews and digital diaries to examine participants' beliefs and emotions about vehicle restrictions as well as their daily mobility experiences. The study illustrates the importance of three main beliefs in shaping the public acceptance of the measures (perceived effectiveness, perceived fairness, and perceived personal impacts). The results also show a certain resignation on the part of the participants, accepting that the policies are necessary and, to some extent, effective in pacifying traffic and improving air quality in highly populated cities, even if the policies generate certain undesirable distributional and personal impacts. The study uncovers the importance of the local context in understanding why certain urban policies, successfully applied in other contexts, might have lower levels of public support in Latin American cities. A high population density, regulatory shortcomings, enforcement difficulties, and deficits in infrastructure and public transport all create a mobility context in which some policies to improve urban air quality and traffic congestion generate high levels of frustration and ambivalence among the residents., Author(s): Àlex Boso [sup.1] [sup.2] , Christian Oltra [sup.1] , Jaime Garrido [sup.2] , Sergi López-Asensio [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.420019.e, 0000 0001 1959 5823, Department of Environment, Socio-Technical Research [...]

This study involved a randomized clinical trial that included 140 patients. Alveolar ridge preservation was performed with xenografts. Sealing in the control group consisted of a collagen membrane versus cyanoacrylate in the test group. The dental implants were placed immediately after extraction. The variables were evaluated at 3, 12, and 18 months of follow-up. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used for qualitative variables and the Student t-test for related samples was used for quantitative variables. The change in buccolingual alveolar bone width was significantly greater in the CMX group than in the CX group after three months (p < 0.005). However, significance was not reached at the other follow-up timepoints (p > 0.005). CAL showed significantly greater values in the CMX group than in the CX group (p < 0.005), and MBL proved greater in the CMX group than in the CX group, with p < 0.001. Five membrane exposures were recorded in the CMX group. Cyanoacrylate as a sealing method for alveolar ridge preservation seems to afford better clinical and radiological results than collagen membrane.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic disorder classified by the WHO as postviral fatigue syndrome (ICD-11 8E49 code). Diagnosing ME/CFS, often overlapping with fibromyalgia (FM), is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and lack of biomarkers. The etiology of ME/CFS and FM is poorly understood, but evidence suggests viral infections play a critical role. This study employs microarray technology to quantitate viral RNA levels in immune cells from ME/CFS, FM, or co-diagnosed cases, and healthy controls. The results show significant overexpression of the Torque Teno Mini Virus 9 (TTMV9) in a subgroup of ME/CFS patients which correlate with abnormal HERV and immunological profiles. Increased levels of TTMV9 transcripts accurately discriminate this subgroup of ME/CFS patients from the other study groups, showcasing its potential as biomarker for patient stratification and the need for further research into its role in the disease. Validation of the findings seems granted in extended cohorts by continuation studies.

Public opinion significantly influences discussions on the selection of technologies for future energy systems. Our goal was to support the development of energy scenarios by evaluating decision-making criteria and energy-production alternatives at a national level. The importance of the criteria and the determination of energy-production preferences were based on a social survey conducted in European countries. However, public opinions on specific technologies are frequently based on limited knowledge and can vary depending on the context. In our study, we analyzed the comparative data sets from an international survey on energy sources using three approaches: direct ranking, a comparison using various criteria, and classifying the knowledge of technologies. The evaluated results not only provide an excellent opportunity for the development of energy scenarios but also enable policymakers to develop more effective communication strategies to inform the public about technological choices and raise awareness of the need for modifications to the energy system.