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LEADER development programs have a primary objective of enhancing the quality of life. However, their evaluation has been limited due to the extensive time required for analysis. This report investigates the contribution of the LEADER approach to improving the quality of life through a thirty-year case study in the Alcarria Conquense region of Spain (1991-2021). Funding for projects focused on rural heritage, infrastructure, and essential services has played a pivotal role in creating conditions for a prosperous life in the region. Nonetheless, limitations have emerged, including deepening territorial imbalances, a heavy reliance on local government entities, and potential drawbacks to the innovation and management capacity of other economic and social actors. While LEADER offer a valuable tool for policymakers seeking to enhance rural communities' quality of life, further analysis is necessary to refine their implementation and maximize their overall impact.

Climate change is reducing forage availability for ruminants. Previous studies in Northern Patagonia, Argentina, have demonstrated the adaptation of the amaranth crop to these agroclimatic conditions under irrigation. Moreover, this crop is used as forage in marginal areas of the world, given its outstanding productive and nutritional qualities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of amaranth silage in response to previous wilting and the addition of lactic acid bacteria. The crop was harvested at the milky grain stage and ensiled in experimental microsilos for 60 days. Before ensiling, different treatments (wilting and addition of lactic acid bacteria) were applied. Parameters related to nutritional quality were evaluated, including ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and metabolizable energy (ME). Simultaneous treatment with air and the addition of lactic acid bacteria before ensiling resulted in the best nutritional quality characteristics of the silage. The most significant results were protein value of 12.7%, 41.1% NDF and 19.1% FDA. The DM and ME were 74% and 2.67 Mcal/kg, respectively. Thus, amaranth silage can be considered an alternative conserved forage for animal feed in this region. Highlights: • Amaranth crops as a resilient forage option for regions facing climatic challenges such as northern Patagonia, Argentina. • The dry matter reduction of the ensiled plant material was

La gobernanza territorial es una práctica innovadora de coordinación y gestión que busca organizar las interacciones múltiples que convergen en un territorio. En Europa esta noción ha sido incorporada a los programas de desarrollo rural diseñados y ejecutados bajo los principios de la metodología LEADER. El presente trabajo se propone como objetivo analizar la contribución de estos programas a la gobernanza territorial de la Alcarria Conquense, España. Se pretende con ello determinar cómo este instrumento de política pública ha incentivado la participación, la cooperación, la construcción de redes y el fortalecimiento de la identidad en contextos caracterizados por el declive económico y demográfico.

Abstract Background Rifaximin is a non-reabsorbable antibiotic which acts at gut level, and improves cognition and inflammatory parameters in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) patients, but not all patients show the same level of response. This study aims to assess brain activity, both within and between brain networks, following rifaximin treatment, considering the differences between response groups as well. Methods Twenty-two healthy controls and 53 patients with cirrhosis (22 without and 31 with MHE, diagnosed by Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score, PHES) performed psychometric, attention and coordination tests, and blood inflammatory parameters were measured. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) acquisitions were performed on controls and MHE patients. Eighteen MHE patients underwent a rifaximin treatment for 6 months, after which all measures were repeated. fMRI images were analysed and changes after treatment were assessed. Results After rifaximin treatment, 13 patients improved their PHES score (Responder patients) while 5 did not (Non-responder patients). No significant decrease in blood ammonia was observed after rifaximin treatment, but there was a decrease in plasma inflammatory cytokines in responder patients. A global effect of rifaximin was detected on the sensorimotor and fronto-parietal networks. Responder patients showed a relative increase of thalamic network connectivity in comparison to non-responder patients. Before treatment, responder and non-responder patients showed connectivity differences in basal ganglia network. The connection of the sensorimotor and thalamic networks between them and with other networks suffered changes after treatment. These connections between networks mostly decreased after treatment. All changes and differences showed a significant level of correlation with the performance of psychometric tests and the blood levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusions There was an improvement of the communication between executive, motor and attention-related brain areas, and their functional independence following rifaximin treatment. Patients who respond also show a less deteriorated connection involved in these functions before treatment. Results suggest that the improved inflammatory state of MHE patients, following rifaximin treatment would favour the observed changes in brain function and enhanced cognitive performance.

La conciencia de defensa nacional es un elemento clave en la defensa de un Estado. En España, todos los gobiernos han considerado un objetivo prioritario fortalecerla. En el periodo 2001-2007, la Defensa y las Fuerzas Armadas alcanzaron niveles máximos de notoriedad y presencia mediática mientras surgían los conflictos de Irak y Afganistán, donde se desplegaban contingentes internacionales que provocaron que algunos sectores de la opinión pública los vieran como conflictos neocoloniales. Esta visión ha dificultado verlos desde otras perspectivas y provocado rechazo en la opinión pública. La retirada del contingente español en Irak, tras un atentado terrorista, tuvo un impacto significativo en la conciencia de Defensa.

The distribution range of the jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) has increased over the past few decades; it is now found in the entire Eastern Pacific Ocean and is considered an important species in the small and large fisheries of Chile, Perú, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico but not in the Pacific region of Colombia. Three night-fishing campaigns were conducted over a year in the coastal Baudó-San Juan environmental unit, adjacent to the Bajo Baudó Encanto de Manglares Regional Integrated Management District in Chocó, at three locations 20 km, 35 km, and 45 km from the coastline to establish the availability and viability of jumbo squid as an alternative to the target species of artisanal fisheries in the Colombian Pacific. Night fishing sets were conducted at 60 m and 200 m depth at each sampling station to assess some of the biological parameters of the jumbo squid population (mantle length-ML, weight, growth and size at sexual maturity). Most catches were obtained in February and March. Growth was isometric, the average catch size was 24.3 cm ML, size at sexual maturity (L50) was 23.25 cm ML, estimated maximum size (L∞) was 39.9 cm ML, the growth constant (K) was 0.83, and mortality due to experimental fishing was 26 cm ML. According to our results, the jumbo squid fishery in the Colombian Pacific artisanal fishery would be viable during the first months of the year.

Abstract Patients with cirrhosis may show minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), for which rifaximin is effective. Metabolic syndrome may be associated with cognitive impairment. Our aims were to evaluate the influence of metabolic syndrome features on response to rifaximin for neurological and inflammatory alterations in MHE. A prospective cohort study was conducted in 63 cirrhotic patients and 30 controls from two tertiary centres recruited between 2015 and 2019. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel-III. Patients were classified into 31 without and 32 with MHE according to the Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES). All participants performed specific psychometric tests, and inflammatory parameters were studied. Patients with MHE received rifaximin (400 mg/8 h). Response was evaluated by PHES at 3 and 6 months. Response according to metabolic syndrome manifestations was compared. The response rate was 66%. Older age (p = 0.012) and all metabolic syndrome diseases (p

Human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) remains one of the leading contributors to the global burden of disease, and novel antiretroviral agents with alternative mechanisms are needed to cure this infection. Here, we describe an exploratory attempt to optimize the antiretroviral properties of benfluron, a cytostatic agent previously reported to exhibit strong anti-HIV activity likely based on inhibitory actions on virus transcription and Rev-mediated viral RNA export. After obtaining six analogs designed to modify the benzo[c]fluorenone system of the parent molecule, we examined their antiretroviral and toxicity properties together with their capacity to recognize the Rev Recognition Element (RRE) of the virus RNA and inhibit the RRE–Rev interaction. The results indicated that both the benzo[c] and cyclopentanone components of benfluron are required for strong RRE–Rev target engagement and antiretroviral activity and revealed the relative impact of these moieties on RRE affinity, RRE–Rev inhibition, antiviral action and cellular toxicity. These data provide insights into the biological properties of the benzo[c]fluorenone scaffold and contribute to facilitating the design of new anti-HIV agents based on the inhibition of Rev function.

Este artículo describe un laboratorio de medio ambiente, justicia social y sostenibilidad en educación que busca crear diferentes experiencias sobre temas ambientales relevantes para el contexto colombiano, e incorporarlo en procesos de formación de profesores de ciencias. Se presenta una experiencia sobre problemáticas asociadas al recurso hídrico y vinculada a los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible 4 y 6, con el propósito de caracterizar competencias para la sostenibilidad en futuros profesores mediante el diseño de microclases que se apropian de tecnologías emergentes (TE), como la realidad virtual y la realidad aumentada. Los resultados dan cuenta de competencias como pensar holísticamente, imaginar el cambio y lograr la transformación, así como de la apropiación de las TE por parte de los participantes. Finalmente, se discuten recomendaciones para la formación inicial de profesores de ciencias.

Abstract Small synthetic molecules mimicking the three-dimensional structure of α-helices may find applications as inhibitors of therapeutically relevant protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions. However, the design and use of multi-facial helix mimetics remains in its infancy. Here we describe the synthesis and application of novel bilaterally substituted p-terphenyl compounds containing positively-charged aminoalkyl groups in relative 1,4 positions across the aromatic scaffold. These compounds were specifically designed to mimic all faces of the arginine-rich α-helix of the HIV-1 protein Rev, which forms deeply embedded RNA complexes and plays key roles in the virus replication cycle. Two of these molecules recognized the Rev site in the viral RNA and inhibited the formation of the RRE-Rev ribonucleoprotein complex, a currently unexploited target in HIV chemotherapy. Cellular assays revealed that the most active compounds blocked HIV-1 replication with little toxicity, and likely exerted this effect through a multi-target mechanism involving inhibition of viral LTR promoter-dependent transcription and Rev function. Further development of this scaffold may open new avenues for targeting nucleic acids and may complement current HIV therapies, none of which involve inhibitors interfering with the gene regulation processes of the virus.

Antiviral agents are needed for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections and to control other coronavirus outbreaks that may occur in the future. Here we report the identification and characterization of RNA-binding compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. The compounds were detected by screening a small library of antiviral compounds previously shown to bind HIV-1 or HCV RNA elements with a live-virus cellular assay detecting inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. These experiments allowed detection of eight compounds with promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in the sub-micromolar to micromolar range and wide selectivity indexes. Examination of the mechanism of action of three selected hit compounds excluded action on the entry or egress stages of the virus replication cycle and confirmed recognition by two of the molecules of conserved RNA elements of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, including the highly conserved S2m hairpin located in the 3’-untranslated region of the virus. While further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of action responsible for antiviral activity, these results facilitate the discovery of RNA-targeted antivirals and provide new chemical scaffolds for developing therapeutic agents against coronaviruses.

Abstract Background Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in cirrhotic patients is associated with specific changes in parameters of the immune system reflecting a more pro-inflammatory environment than in patients without MHE. The aims of this work were to assess the effects of rifaximin treatment of cirrhotic patients with MHE on: (1) MHE; (2) intermediate (CD14++CD16+) pro-inflammatory monocytes; (3) expression of early activation marker CD69 in T lymphocytes; (4) autoreactive CD4+CD28− T lymphocytes; (5) differentiation of CD4+ T lymphocytes to Th follicular and Th22; (6) serum IgG levels; and (7) levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines. Methods These parameters were measured by immunophenotyping and cytokine profile analysis in 30 controls without liver disease, 30 cirrhotic patients without MHE and 22 patients with MHE. Patients with MHE were treated with rifaximin and the same parameters were measured at 3 and 6 months of treatment. We assessed if changes in these parameters are different in patients who improve MHE (responders) and those who remain in MHE (non-responders). Results Rifaximin improved MHE in 59% of patients with MHE. In these responder patients rifaximin normalized all alterations in the immune system measured while in non-responders it normalizes only IL-6, CCL20, and differentiation of T lymphocytes to Th22. Non-responder patients do not show increased expression of CD69 before treatment. Conclusions Rifaximin normalizes changes in the immune system in patients who improve MHE but not in non-responders. Some alterations before treatment are different in responders and non-responders. Understanding these differences may identify predictors of the response of MHE to rifaximin.

In hospitals, operating rooms are energy-intensive spaces, due to the high flow of outside air required to achieve the necessary indoor air quality. Operating rooms demand ventilation continuously, despite periods of low daily surgical activity. However, by controlling ventilation during inactive periods in the operating room, significant energy savings can be achieved, avoiding penalties on IAQ levels. This paper evaluates the energy savings achieved by introducing ventilation flow control and regulation systems in operating rooms of hospitals located in different climatic zones within Spain. In addition, emissions and economic savings have also been evaluated. Two control and regulation strategies of the air flow to be supplied and extracted in the operating rooms, during periods of inactivity, are studied and include regulation by schedule and regulation by occupancy. Data from a 900-bed university hospital center are used as a reference to evaluate the average occupancy of the operating rooms, and the energy consumption, thus validating the model for calculating the demand of a typical operating room. The energy savings for the regulation by occupancy are 37.5%, and the regulation by schedule are 40% of the annual demand, with respect to an operating room working permanently.

New RNA-binding small-molecule scaffolds are needed to unleash the pharmacological potential of RNA targets. Here we have applied a pharmacophore-based virtual screening approach, seldom used in the RNA recognition field, to identify novel conformational inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site. The conformational effect of the screening hits was assessed with a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, and the affinity, specificity, and binding site of the ligands were determined using a combination of fluorescence intensity and NMR spectroscopy experiments. The results indicate that this strategy can be successfully applied to discover RNA conformational inhibitors bearing substantially less positive charge than the reference ligands. This methodology can potentially be accommodated to other RNA motifs of pharmacological interest, facilitating the discovery of novel RNA-targeted molecules.

One of the main obstacles to integrating individuals with severe mental disorders into society today is the stigma directed at them. Although breakthroughs in treatment have been made in recent years, many professionals continue to admit that they do not possess enough training to combat this problem. Considering this situation, the present study analyzes the existing stigma among University Education students in three countries with different education systems and cultures, namely Spain, Russia, and Canada. A total of 1,542 students from these three countries participated in the study. ANOVA, MANOVA, and Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis were applied in the data analysis. The results showed that the highest rates of stigma were in Spain and the lowest were in Canada, while Russia displayed intermediate values. This work addresses the relevance of these results, the influence that cultural difference may have on education policies, and the need to implement anti-stigma programs in countries like Spain, which has a relatively high level of social stigma and where these programs are practically not applied at all.

En este trabajo pretendemos facilitar un enfoque holístico, completo y riguroso, sobre la Metodología de los Estilos de Aprendizaje en el que participe toda la Comunidad Educativa. Después de preguntarnos por qué la Metodología de los Estilos de Aprendizaje sigue sin incluirse en los curricula, tratamos de superar el individualismo investigador e innovador para integrarlo en una dinámica en la que participen todos los miembros de la Comunidad Educativa. Se propone una decisión y un compromiso del equipo directivo del Centro que asuma la oportunidad e interés de introducir la metodología de los Estilos de Aprendizaje en nuestro diseño educativo de forma planificada y coordinada en todas las aulas del Centro. Para ello hace falta tener en cuenta los aspectos y pasos que describimos detalladamente en tres etapas: Diseñar, Desarrollar y Evaluar/Supervisar.

El conocimiento biológico de una región, además de tener gran importancia ecológica, es esencial para la conservación y aprovechamiento sostenible de los recursos naturales. En este estudio se presenta el listado taxonómico de las larvas de peces capturadas en aguas superficiales (1-10 m) de Bahía Portete, Guajira, Colombia durante 2 campañas oceanográficas realizadas en julio y noviembre de 2015. Se capturaron e identificaron un total de 2763 larvas de peces, pertenecientes a 37 familias y 66 especies. Durante julio, las especies con mayor frecuencia de captura fueron Anisotremus virginicus, Stegastes sp y Labrisomus sp; mientras que durante noviembre fueron Anchoa spinifer, Caranx sp.1 y Anisotremus virginicus. Estos resultados fortalecen las iniciativas de manejo integrado de los recursos naturales asociados a la zona costera de la alta Guajira e incrementan el conocimiento sobre la diversidad biológica marina del Parque Nacional Natural Portete-Kaurele y del Caribe colombiano.

El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar la cantidad de agua que se utilizaría para la producción primaria (t MS ha-1) y secundaria (kg carne ha-1) en áreas regadas del Río Negro en modelos ganaderos pastoriles dinámicos que simulan distintos grados de intensificación: i Producción estacional de carne (240 días) con pasturas base alfalfa (PEO); ii Idem i maximizando la eficiencia de todos los procesos; iii Producción anual de carne (365 días) con pasturas PEO + pasturas otoño-inverno-primaverales (OIP); iv PEO + OIP + suplementación con maíz; v Pasturas PEO + doble cultivo (verdeos de invierno + verdeos de verano). Con el modelo i se producen 12 t MS ha-1, se predicen 399 kg de carne ha-1, se producen 10,5 kg MS mm-1 y se utilizan 29 m3 de agua kg de carne-1; modelo ii: 19 t, 798 kg, 15 kg MS y 16 m3; modelo iii: 14 t, 1188 kg, 11 kg MS y 11 m3; modelo iv: 14 t, 1392 kg, 11 kg MS y 10 m3 y modelo v: 24 t MS ha-1, 2152 kg de carne ha-1, 18 kg MS y 6,5 m3 kg de carne-1. Se concluye que existe un amplio margen para incrementar la producción de forraje y carne en los valles regados de la Patagonia haciendo un uso más eficiente del agua aplicando tecnologías disponibles.

Este artículo presenta una investigación sobre la integración del teléfono móvil por parte de los docentes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria de Las Palmas (Islas Canarias, España) analizando su uso, actitudes y posibilidades. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio y desc riptivo con un enfoque mixto (cuantitativo y cualitativo) para el que se ha aplicado un cuestionario de 11 dimensiones a una muestra de docentes (n=223), realizando también entrevistas personales (n=19). El análisis estadístico de los datos ha sido univari ado y bivariado para obtener la máxima información del cruce de variables. Los resultados de la muestran un gran desconocimiento de los docentes en cuanto a los usos educativos del teléfono móvil como herramienta de enseñanza y aprendizaje (93,3%). No obst ante, un 56,5% manifiesta interés en conocer cómo llevar a cabo su integración educativa en el aula, con mayor incidencia entre los docentes de menor edad (36 - 50 años), más flexibles y receptivos, coincidiendo en esta orientación, con otros estudios de incorporación escolar de las TIC para este nivel educativo.