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Background: The objectives were as follows: (a) to identify, among patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), "clusters" of patients based on the presence of peripheral and extra-musculoskeletal manifestations (EMMs) and (b) to compare the effectiveness of the first anti-TNF drugs across the different clusters after 6 months of follow-up. Methods: An observational and retrospective study of 90 axSpA patients naïve to bDMARDs was conducted. An unsupervised cluster analysis using the "k-means" technique was performed using variables of peripheral and EMMs. Baseline clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated, and the response to anti-TNF treatment (considering responders as those with an improvement ≥1.1 for the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) or ≥2.0 for the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)) was compared across the clusters after 6 months of follow-up. Results: Two clusters were identified: cluster 1 (n = 14), with a higher prevalence of peripheral manifestations, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and HLA-B27-positive status, and a lower prevalence of uveitis in comparison with cluster 2 (n = 76). Patients from cluster 1 experienced a more pronounced absolute improvement in ASDAS and BASDAI indices after 6 months. The percentage of responders after 6 months of follow-up was superior in cluster 1 compared to cluster 2 (85.7% vs. 48.7%, p = 0.011). Conclusion: This study suggests the existence of two clinical profiles in axSpA patients according to the peripheral and EMMs, with higher rates of anti-TNF effectiveness after 6 months in those with a greater presence of peripheral features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health literacy (MHL) has been identified as a factor influencing early help‐seeking for mental health problems (MHPs) and stigmatizing attitudes. However, the lack of consensus on its definition has led to considerable heterogeneity in measurement and, consequently, methodological challenges in comparing data. In this way, the present study was conducted with the following objectives: in Phase I, mapping the existing literature through a scoping review; in Phase 2, 28 experts in the field of mental health participated to develop a consensus statement on the relevance and importance of the findings from Phase 1. A total of 37 articles were included for review. Notable nuances were identified in the conceptualization of MHL, particularly with regard to the fact that it should not be limited to mental disorders but should also encompass mental health. Furthermore, the sociocultural influence was highlighted as shaping MHL, recognizing it as a modifiable competence that adapts to different contexts and life stages, involving both individual and collective levels. The experts deemed the findings pertinent and relevant with a high degree of consensus, except for factors related to MHL. This framework provides a refined definition of MHL and related factors that should be taken into account to guide nursing and other disciplines' studies and interventions on MHL. The evolution of this concept includes dimensions to be considered in future research, especially when developing new measurement instruments or implementing educational programmes. This knowledge and skills cannot be determined globally without considering the context and development of the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is essential to develop theories and models that enable us to understand addiction's genesis and maintenance, providing a theoretical and empirical framework for designing more effective interventions. Numerous clinical and preclinical research studies have investigated the various brain and physiological mechanisms involved in addictive behavior. Some researchers have gone a step further, developing what we may refer to as "neurobiological theories of addiction", which are scientific models that can explain and predict different addiction phenomena. Many of these neurobiological theories are not mutually exclusive but rather extensions and refinements of earlier theories. They all share a similar definition of addiction as a chronic disease characterized by a loss of control over substance consumption, with the brain being identified as the principal organ involved. Most propose a multifactorial causation in which both biological and environmental factors interact, accentuating or causing neurobiological dysfunction in structures and brain circuits involved in behavior and motivation. This review delves into primary neurobiological theories of addiction, commencing with the opponent-process theory—one of the earliest comprehensive explanations of the addictive process. Subsequently, we explore more contemporary formulations connecting behavioral alterations in the addictive process to changes and disruptions in various brain systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In coastal marine sediments, oxygen availability varies greatly, and anoxic conditions can develop quickly over low spatial resolution. Although benthic fungi are important players in the marine carbon cycle, little is known about their adaptation to fluctuating availability of oxygen as terminal electron acceptor. Here, we study which part of a mycobenthic community from oxic coastal sediments can thrive under temporarily anoxic conditions. We test whether phylogeny or certain fungal traits promote plasticity in respect to changes in oxygen availability. Therefore, we incubated mycobenthos under oxic and anoxic conditions, performed ITS2 Illumina tag-sequencing and an additional meta-analysis on a literature survey. Half of all OTUs showed a plasticity towards changing oxygen availability and exhibited different strategies towards anoxic conditions, with rapid response within hours or a delayed one after several days. The strategy of dimorphism and facultative yeasts were significantly linked to OTU occurrence in anoxic conditions, while phylogeny and other traits had less effect. Our results suggest that different fungal niches are formed over the duration of prolonged anoxic conditions. The taxon-specific proliferation seems to be regulated by the fine-tuning of various traits and factors. It is essential to take these results into account when conducting conceptual work on the functionality of the marine benthos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midazolam (MDZ) is used for sedation in surgical procedures; its clinical effect is related to its receptor affinity and the dose administered. Therefore, a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) population model of MDZ in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery is proposed. A descriptive, observational, prospective, and longitudinal, study that included patients of both sexes, aged 2–17 years, ASA I/II, who received MDZ in IV doses (0.05 mg/kg) before surgery. Three blood samples were randomly taken between 5–120 min; both sedation by the Bispectral Index Scale (BIS) and its adverse effects were recorded. The PK-PD relationship was determined using a nonlinear mixed-effects, bicompartmental first-order elimination model using Monolix Suite™. Concentrations and the BIS were fitted to the sigmoid Emax PK-PD population and sigmoid Emax PK/PD indirect binding models, obtaining drug concentrations at the effect site (biophase). The relationship of concentrations and BIS showed a clockwise hysteresis loop, probably indicating time-dependent protein binding. Of note, at half the dose used in pediatric patients, adequate sedation without adverse effects was demonstrated. Further PK-PD studies are needed to optimize dosing schedules and avoid overdosing or possible adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In coastal marine sediments, oxygen availability varies greatly, and anoxic conditions can develop quickly over low spatial resolution. Although benthic fungi are important players in the marine carbon cycle, little is known about their adaptation to fluctuating availability of oxygen as terminal electron acceptor. Here, we study which part of a mycobenthic community from oxic coastal sediments can thrive under temporarily anoxic conditions. We test whether phylogeny or certain fungal traits promote plasticity in respect to changes in oxygen availability. Therefore, we incubated mycobenthos under oxic and anoxic conditions, performed ITS2 Illumina tag-sequencing and an additional meta-analysis on a literature survey. Half of all OTUs showed a plasticity towards changing oxygen availability and exhibited different strategies towards anoxic conditions, with rapid response within hours or a delayed one after several days. The strategy of dimorphism and facultative yeasts were significantly linked to OTU occurrence in anoxic conditions, while phylogeny and other traits had less effect. Our results suggest that different fungal niches are formed over the duration of prolonged anoxic conditions. The taxon-specific proliferation seems to be regulated by the fine-tuning of various traits and factors. It is essential to take these results into account when conducting conceptual work on the functionality of the marine benthos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although restricting environmental quality values for organotin compounds (OTs) are set by Directive 2013/39/EU of the European Parliament, marine environment remains being affected due to maritime circulation at global scale. Fish and seafood accumulate OTs, making fish and seafood consumption the main source of OTs in humans. Because of the fish and seafood matrices complexity and the required low limits of detection, a robust and fast procedure for the quantification of OTs in fish and seafood, using ultrasound-assisted extraction and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, was validated and applied. Detection (2.7 µg Sn kg−1) and quantification (8.0 µg Sn kg−1) limits, repeatability and intermediate precision (<10%), accuracy by analysing ERM®-CE477 Mussel Tissue and analytical recoveries (65–122%) were assessed. Multivariate analysis shown that the matrix effect for some OTs displayed good negative correlation with the fat and protein content. Health risk assessment of OTs intake revealed no serious risk for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is urgent to make a change of strategy that successfully faces the energy transition to achieve the 2030 sustainable development goals, the armed conflict in Europe, the high price of energy supply and the high energy dependence at European and national level. In this scenario, the energy community, as a new legal entity, driven by European regulations, can be considered an effective tool to fight against climate change, accelerating the energy transition and guaranteeing a fair and inclusive energy system so necessary in our country. At the national level, the legal framework that regulates energy communities is insufficient. Thus, is it necesary a legal, technical and financial development to promote the constitution of such entities. In this paper, we study their legal nature, proposing, within the framework of Social Economy organisations, the associations and cooperatives as suitable legal formula. They have similar characteristics, provide environmental, social and economic benefits for their members, under principles of voluntary, inclusive and democratic participation; in order to improve the quality of life of citizens; in short, to work on behalf of people and our planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature requires multiplying interest in it through its teaching, which conceives it as an object of knowledge, capable of providing the keys to deepening understanding about the rich and varied, current and future, network of culture-society. Such teaching, in its character related to history or an interdisciplinary perspective and orientation, can and should contribute to that purpose. The possibilities offered by the historical novel and/or strong links with history to work on these relationships are of great importance at all levels of education. This more than any other novel typology, is an exceptional source of historical knowledge, capable of being used for knowledge of the past, the present, and the projection of the human being, at least towards the immediate future. Likewise, it contributes to the formation of a humanistic culture in the students, with the consequent foreshadowing of ethical and aesthetic values, and what is even better, to the creation of ideo-political values when the students come in contact with the historical memory of the people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the culturally complex context of the 1980s in Cuba through the little-known figure of the frikis, an underground culture linked to rock and metal music that flourished at a time of growing discontent with the country’s political regime. The revolutionary government marginalized frikis because of their interest in Anglo-American culture and because their social and aesthetic practices did not align with their vision of the ideal revolutionary citizen. Frikis were officially considered social parasites, hedonistic and indifferent in their attitude towards mainstream society, but their behavior and practices were, more than just parasitic or careless, rather thoughtful choices. They built their scene as a social alternative to the establishment that would allow them to express socio-political and cultural interests different from those stipulated by the government, and their rise in the 1980s can be seen as an early manifestation of the post-socialist subjectivities that would develop after the Soviet Bloc collapsed. Through the analysis of ethnographic interviews and short stories, this article explores the creative strategies frikis used to build a shared identity, protest, and survive in the face of State repression, becoming socio-cultural antecedents for other underground cultures, such as punk, which would flourish in a post-Soviet context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether age and sex influence the depth of sedation and the pharmacokinetics of midazolam is currently unknown. The influence of age and sex was investigated in 117 children (2 to 17 years) who required intravenous sedation for minor surgery (0.05 mg/kg). Plasma concentrations and sedation effects were simultaneously measured. The measured concentrations were analyzed using a two-compartment model with first-order elimination. Among the age ranges, significant differences were found (p < 0.05) between the volume of distribution (Vd) of the first compartment (V1) and that of the second (V2). With respect to sex, differences in V2 were found between age groups. At the administered dose, in patients younger than 6 years, a profound sedative effect (40–60 BIS) was observed for up to 120 min, while in older children, the effect lasted only half as long. The differences found in the Vd and bispectral index (BIS) in patients younger than 6 years compared to older patients may be due to immature CYP3A activity and body fat content; furthermore, the Vd varies with age due to changes in body composition and protein binding. Patients younger than 6 years require intravenous (IV) doses <0.05 mg/kg of midazolam for deep sedation. Dosage adjustments according to age group are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Drug abuse and binge eating have been characterized as part of the so-called intermittent excessive behaviors, which share common neurobiological pathways. University students come from very different areas to access higher education, for example, rural environments, where some habits, education, and recreational options differ from those of people who grew up in the city. Contextual cues are crucial in the development of drug addiction, but little is known about the role that the living area where individuals grew up has on the development of intermittent excessive behaviors, such as binge eating and binge drinking. Objective: The main aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and comorbidity of alcohol consumption and binge eating behaviors in young adults (18-30 years), considering the living area where they grew up. Method: For this purpose, the AUDIT and the Binge Eating Scale were employed in a sample of 2461 undergraduates. Results: The results showed a significant proportion presenting a risky alcohol consumption pattern and a reduced proportion of people presenting binge eating behaviors. Interestingly, in both cases, there was a significant difference between groups, where rural students were more vulnerable to risky alcohol consumption and to developing maladaptive eating patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the chemicals frequently used as additives have been recognised as hazardous substances, and therefore their analysis is necessary to evaluate plastic contamination risk. Additives analysis in plastic samples is usually performed by methods involving high volumes of toxic solvents or having high detection limits. In this work, a novel, fast, solventless and reliable green method was developed for the automated analysis of plastic additives from plastic samples. The proposed method consists of in-tube extraction dynamic headspace sampling (ITEX-DHS) combined with gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry (MS/MS) determination. Several parameters affecting the ITEX-DHS extraction of 47 additives in plastic samples (including phthalates, bisphenols, adipates, citrates, benzophenones, organophosphorus compounds, among others) were optimised. The use of matrix-matched calibration, together with labelled surrogate standards, minimises matrix effects, resulting in recoveries between 70 and 128%, with good quantitation limits (below 0.1 μg g−1 for most compounds) and precision (<20%). The method proposed can be applied to any type of polymer, but due to the existence of the matrix effect, calibrates with the adequate matrix should be performed for each polymer. This method represents an effective improvement compared to previous methods because it is fast, solvent-free, fully automated, and provides reliable quantification of additives in plastic samples. [Display omitted] • First ITEX-DHS method for the quantitative analysis of 47 additives in plastic. • Applicable to any type of plastic polymer by using a specific calibration. • Demonstrates good analytical performance with a greenness evaluation score of 0.82. • Useful for determining additives in microplastics environmental monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) usually presents with nonspecific symptoms such as irritability, crying, and feeding rejection that could affect the infant's early interactions with his mother. A higher frequency of psychopathological alterations has been reported in mothers of children with GERD. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the mother-child interaction in dyads of infants diagnosed with GERD in the first months of life. DESIGN AND LOCATION: cross-sectional study collecting data prospectively in the Neurodevelopment Research Center (NRC) of the National Institute of Pediatrics (INP) from July 2010 to September 2012. PARTICIPANTS: 20 healthy infants with low perinatal risk, healthy except for GERD and their mothers. Measurements: The mother-child interaction was evaluated during a feeding session using the caregiver-child interaction Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale (NCAFS). The scores obtained were compared to reference values for Hispanics. The association between some of the dyads' characteristics and the interactions were analyzed. RESULTS: All the studied dyads had lower score values than the reference ones with statistical significance in all the subscales except in the promotion of cognitive growth. The greatest differences were recorded in the infant's subscales. The dyads with mothers with fewer years of schooling had lower scores both in the mother and the infant subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver-child interactions in infants with GERD showed restrictions with potential impact on neurodevelopment. Early mother-child interaction should be evaluated in these patients to achieve timely detection and intervention of possible alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domestic cat (Felis catus) has become one of the most common pet alternatives in many of the Salvadoran households. Its popularity is growing more and more, and with it the diseases that these animals suffer, especially those related to the lack of basic care and periodic veterinary control. In this sense, we can speak of Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIV) as the main viral affectations that these animals suffer throughout the world and that require special attention. Therefore, from an epidemiological point of view, the indicators of these diseases presented in a group of domestic cats in the Soyapango area. Through an exploratory, correlational investigation where the variables of risk factors such as reproductive status, presence of signs of fight and / or disease and the results of the Immunochromatography tests for FeLV and FIV. Which result it obtained that nine tests of non-neutered or spayed cats were positive for feline leukemia, of which four were male cats and five were female. On the other hand, none of the samples was positive for FIV. To which we can conclude that 53% were positive for FeLV and that there is a positive statistical correlation between positivity for FeLV and the reproductive condition (whole or neutered) of the feline, in addition that there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective: Midazolam is a drug that is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. The presence of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding these enzymes, such as CYP3A4*1B which is associated with low enzyme expression and activity and CYP3A5*3, has been associated with decrease in enzymatic activity and reduced drug clearance, with potential effects on drug levels and/or toxicity. The present study was conducted to determine the frequencies of the allelic variants of the CYP3A4 (rs2740574) and CYP3A5 (rs776746) genes and their effects on the plasma levels and clearance of intravenous midazolam in critically ill Mexican paediatric patients. Methods: Seventy‐two DNA samples were genotyped by real‐time PCR with TaqMan probes. Plasma midazolam levels were determined at 3 and 24 h post infusion by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Results and discussion: The allelic variant rs776746 (CYP3A5*3) was associated with high midazolam plasma levels; the median concentration in patients with the normal genotype (CC) <0.01 ng/ml (Q250.01–Q75196.09), whereas patients with the allelic variant (TT+TC) had a median midazolam concentration of 320.3 ng/ml (Q2537.51–Q75529.51), p = 0.001. The median pharmacokinetic clearance rates were 0.10 L/kg/h (Q250.01–Q750.34) in patients with the allelic variant (TT+TC) and 0.03 L/kg/h (Q250.002–Q750.13) in patients with the normal genotype (CC), p = 0.042. What is new and conclusion: This is the first study that reports the frequency of the rs776746 polymorphism in critically ill paediatric patients, which is relevant, since carriers of the *1 allele synthesizing a functional enzyme may need higher doses to achieve adequate sedation. Our results show that compared with carriers of the normal allele, patients with the CYP3A5*3 allelic variant (rs776746) had increased plasma midazolam levels at 3 h after infusion discontinuation (320.3 ng/ml) and greater clearance (0.10 L/kg/h) of the drug. This is the first study that reports the frequency of the rs776746 polymorphism in critically ill pediatric patients, which is relevant, since carriers of the *1 allele synthesizing a functional enzyme may need higher doses to achieve adequate sedation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw meat and meat products contaminated with Clostridioides difficile could be a vehicle for spreading community-associated C. difficile infection. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of C. difficile in pork and poultry meat samples (n = 325) from retail establishments and in edible giblet samples (n = 36) from a poultry processing plant in Murcia (southeastern Spain). C. difficile was isolated after selective enrichment from 2% (6 of 361) of the samples, all of which were from the poultry processing plant. These isolates were recovered from 17% (6 of 36) of the edible chicken giblets, i.e., 28% (5 of 18) of the gizzard samples and 6% (1 of 18) of the liver samples. All six C. difficile isolates were negative for toxin A and B genes by PCR assay. These findings indicate that C. difficile can survive in the gastric acid of the chicken gizzard and could be transmitted to other meat products. However, the very low prevalence of C. difficile in the tested samples indicates that retail meat may not be an important source for transmission of C. difficile to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a proposal for a technological model that seeks to serve as a starting point for implementations of educational solutions that support training processes through ubiquitous education; This model was implemented on a technological platform based on Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC), which is supported on cloud computing technologies (Cloud Computing). To validate the application of the model, a case study was implemented, which is based on the topic of Mathematical Problems Resolution, an issue that is developed in subjects of first semesters at the university level. The implementation was carried out by developing an app (application for mobile devices) using the Microsoft Azure platform, as a Mobile Cloud Computing platform and the C # and ASP: NET development tools. The database manager used is MySQL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universities have been pressured by governments to change their way of acting and to be more responsible with the requirements of social development to face the challenges of globalization. To this end, universities must use the principles of Open Science, to allow them to be more transparent regarding the dissemination of scientific results. The purpose of this paper is firstly, to determine the progress made in Open Access policies made by the best-ranked universities regarding ARWU. Secondly, to examine influencing factors that enhance the level of openness in researching, in particular, "transparency", "reputation", "participation", "funding", "foundation" and "size". The main results show that those private and older universities, best-ranked in terms of excellence researching and those that have been gradually adopting Open Government policies concerning the dissemination of information through institutional web pages and social participation, are the most interested with complying the recommendations established by the authorities of the Open Science projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European and Spanish regulations set ambitious milestones to combat climate change, highlighting as a key aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy dependency on third countries to promote the use of renewable energies. Spain has a significant energy dependency on external sources. Thus, it is essential to establish a roadmap that guarantees energy conversion in our country. In addition, the generation and supply of electricity brings together a small number of companies that practically control the market, operating under oligopoly conditions for decades. In this context, options should be presented to respond to the current situation, promoting the consumption of clean energy to citizens because it has a positive impact on the quality of life and well-being of society. Under this scenario, in this paper, we propose to renewable energy cooperatives, traditionally used on the European map but emerging in our country, to actively participate in the electricity sector, offering an opportunity for change to energy consumers, with the values of these organizations in which social cohesion prevails, promotes democratic and transparent participation, improves the use of clean energy with responsible consumption in order to contribute to alleviating a social, economic and environmental problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of an instrument depends on its validity and reliability. Objective: to build and validate a scale for the evaluation of the performance of educational actions of the family with the schoolchild during the confinement by COVID-19. Instrument validation study; 140 families participated. Four components were observed that explained 74.772% of the variance. Reliability by dimensions, Childcare: a = 0.91, Affection: a = 0.850, Communication: a = 0.845, Learning at home: a = 0.919) and Total scale: a = 0.970. The KMO value and the Bartlett sphericity test showed a correlation structure between the variables. The reliability coefficients were high both for dimensions and for the global scale. The results described support that the scale has acceptable psychometric qualities. It provides specific indicators and dimensions to measure what is proposed. Its application is taxed for professional practice and facilitates the description of the performance of educational actions of the family with children at school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridioides difficile reservoirs other than humans are becoming increasingly recognized, and the occurrence of the pathogen in shellfish raises concern because spores can survive cooking temperature and edible bivalve mollusks are often consumed raw or poorly cooked. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of pathogenic C. difficile in retail bivalve mollusks. The microbiological quality of samples was also checked through the isolation of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli. We analyzed 129 mollusk samples from different fishmongers and grocery stores in Murcia. C. difficile was isolated from 8.53% (11/129) of the mollusks investigated. Four C. difficile isolates harbored genes for the production of toxin A and B. Salmonella spp. were not isolated from any sample and E. coli was isolated from 1.55% (2/129) of the samples, in both cases in accordance with the current legal requirements for consumption. Our findings indicate that the intake of raw or poorly cooked contaminated bivalve mollusks could be a potential source of C. difficile, leading to a risk for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: the culture and the eating habits of a territory give shape its gastronomy and determine the nutritional and health status of its population. We set the goal of reviewing food, culture, gastronomy and the nutritional and health status of the Catalan population. Methods: bibliographic and documentation search. Results: the origin of Catalan gastronomy dates back to the classical era. From Greek and Roman times, when olive oil and wine were incorporated into our cuisine, until today, multiple civilizations have influenced it, being the Arab contribution and the discovery of America fundamental events in the increase of Spanish wealth and its gastronomic variety. At Catalan level, the geographical, cultural and social characteristics of Catalonia, with a marked Mediterranean influence, were incorporated and creating Catalan cuisine and gastronomy, which currently have international recognition and prestige. The food consumption of the Catalan population has been studied since 1983. Nowadays, it shows a food consumption and an energy and nutrients intake similar to the national average, similarly to the prevalence of morbidity and lifestyles. Conclusion: in order to that the union of gastronomy and food consumption favors also the health of population, we must encourage the recovery of the healthiest and easiest to prepare dishes from their gastronomy and boost modifications that improve technically the more complex and/ or less healthy dishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the nutritional status among Colombian children and adolescents and to determine the relationship between the nutritional status according to the body mass index (BMI) and the waist circumference (WC). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 6.383 children and adolescents with age of 9 to 17.9 years old from Bogota, Colombia. Participants completed the Krece Plus questionnaire validated by the enKid study as an indicator of the nutritional level with the following categories: high (test ≥ 9), medium (test 6-8) and low (test ≤ 5). Other measures were: weight, height, WC and BMI as markers of the nutritional status. Results: Overall, 57.9% of the participants were girls (mean age 12.7 ± 2.3 years old). The nutritional status was low with out large differences by sex and decreasing by age. In all categories of BMI, over 50% of boys and girls follow lower-quality diet, shown worse with advancing age. In both sexes, trends were observed between low nutritional level with the development of overweight. Also, WC was associated with a lower score in the Krece Plus in both sexes. Conclusions: The low nutritional level is related to changes in the nutritional status (WC and BMI) in scholars from Bogota. These findings may encourage further interventions for the improvement of nutritional habits among scholars from Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, development of ready‐to‐eat snacks from Zaghloul date using swell‐drying process was studied. Pre‐dried Zaghloul date samples having 12% water content on dry basis were textured by instant controlled pressure drop technique (DIC) at different operative parameters, saturated steam pressure (p) and processing time (t), ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 MPa and from 9 to 35 s, respectively. The effect of these operative parameters on texture, color, and sensory characteristics of swell‐dried (SD) Zaghloul date snacks were determined and optimized through the response surface methodology. Textural (expansion ratio, hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness) and color (L*, a*, b*, C*, and ΔE*) characteristics were significantly affected by the operative parameters of DIC. The optimized textural characteristics was identified for SD Zaghloul date at p = 0.6 MPa and t = 22 s with slight yellowness, while the best color properties were observed for texturing conditions of p = 0.2 MPa and t = 22 s. The expansion ratio εr was then 46% higher and the hardness was 262% lower for SD than airflow‐dried date. Instrumental analysis such as texture profile analysis and Hunter's Lab color analyzer could be used to describe the texture and color changes occurred during food drying. Beside these analyses, the expansion ratio could be used to describe the texture as well. Swell‐drying process, an alternative drying process, is defined as DIC‐assisted hot air drying. The thermo‐mechanical effects of DIC are mainly induced by the abrupt pressure drop toward a vacuum after short‐time treatment (9–35 s) by saturated steam pressure (0.2 up to 0.6 MPa). The abrupt pressure drop rate induces an autovaporization of product's water immediately decreasing the product's temperature allowing it to cross the glass transition Tg border. The impact of DIC operative parameters on Zaghloul date could be observed through the expansion ratio, and the textural characteristics (hardness HA, springiness SP, cohesiveness CO, and chewiness CH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses university library users' attitudes towards book vandalism in order to develop a basis for intervention. Using a customer oriented approach data was collected from users who attended an academic library exhibition on vandalized books at a University campus. Respondants were asked both for their reactions to the vandalism as well as to suggest measures to solve this problem. Punishment and surveillance were most frequently mentioned as preventative measures although users also recognized the utility of the exhibition in increasing awareness of book mutilation. Further implications of social marketing for libraries are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJETIVE: To describe the performance in neurocognitive processes and executive functions related to age, start of treatment and type of CH in Mexican school children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, prospective and comparative study. 33 children with CH participated, aged 8 and 9, female cases predominated, the attention process and executive functions were evaluated with the Neuropsychological Assessment Child (ENI). RESULTS: 58% of the children presented agenesis and 42% other dysgenesis, with early onset of treatment (EoT) in 18% and late onset treatment (LoT) in 82%. All children presented low performance in both visual and auditory attention. Children with agenesis and EoT presented low performance in executive functions and execution processing speed. CONCLUSIONS: The LoT and type of CH (agenesis) have an impact on the development of neurocognitive functions related to school learning, however, not all domains present the same level of competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To respond to the various issues of conventional drying (textural defects of collapse-shrinkage and case hardening, microbiological contamination, poor rehydrability, degradation of active molecules caused by high wet-bulb temperature, weak drying kinetics, and marketing difficulty), swell-drying has proven high relevance in combining conventional drying processes with the Instant Controlled Pressure Drop (D.I.C.). The international team of "Research & Engineering Platform for intensifying Drying Processes (REPID)" has studied phenomenological models and experimental trials combining D.I.C. with new Interval Hyper-Active Drying (IHAD) processes. Currently, IHAD includes interval starting accessibility drying (ISAD), interval infrared airflow drying (IIRAD), and interval microwave airflow drying (IMAD). All these "interval operations" are sandwiched into cycles, each comprising double separate independent mechanisms; a short, hyper-focused active period (that generates and sweeps out vapor to the surrounding environment) alternated by a passive period of internal water diffusion/moisture homogenization. Since surface evaporation is highly intensive, the wet-bulb temperature stays low, although highly effective drying kinetics. Thus, the operation results in avoiding biochemical damage risks. Coupled with the D.I.C. texturing-decontamination, these drying operations are very effective in terms of drying kinetics, energy consumption, and product quality of heat-sensitive solids. It has led to the manufacturing of effective drying equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Exposure to social defeat (SD) induces a depressive phenotype, increased ethanol seeking and consumption, accompanied by activation of the neuroinflammatory response. However, a resilient response can be potentiated through physical exercise in the form of voluntary wheel running (VWR) during or after exposure to social stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test whether physical exercise during adolescence prior to being exposed to SD can enhance resilience to the increase in ethanol intake.Male mice had access to VWR during adolescence and the effects of social defeat (4 sessions every 72 h) on oral ethanol self-administration (SA) was evaluated. Based on the social interaction test, mice were classified as resilient or susceptible to depressive-like behavior. Two weeks after the last encounter, mice were subjected to the drinking in the dark and oral ethanol SA paradigms. Mice were then sacrificed to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the striatum and hippocampus.As expected, susceptible mice increased ethanol intake in the oral SA protocol. However, susceptible mice in the exercise condition did not increase ethanol intake, showing similar consumption and motivation for ethanol than the control and resilient groups. On the other hand, decreased BDNF levels were observed in susceptible mice in both experimental conditions compared to the control groups after ethanol SA.The pre-exposure of VWR prevented the increase in consumption and motivation for ethanol induced by SD in susceptible mice. On the other hand, it appears that VWR did not exhibit any significant long-term effects on BDNF signaling, which is mainly affected in susceptible mice after ethanol intake.Methods: Exposure to social defeat (SD) induces a depressive phenotype, increased ethanol seeking and consumption, accompanied by activation of the neuroinflammatory response. However, a resilient response can be potentiated through physical exercise in the form of voluntary wheel running (VWR) during or after exposure to social stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test whether physical exercise during adolescence prior to being exposed to SD can enhance resilience to the increase in ethanol intake.Male mice had access to VWR during adolescence and the effects of social defeat (4 sessions every 72 h) on oral ethanol self-administration (SA) was evaluated. Based on the social interaction test, mice were classified as resilient or susceptible to depressive-like behavior. Two weeks after the last encounter, mice were subjected to the drinking in the dark and oral ethanol SA paradigms. Mice were then sacrificed to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the striatum and hippocampus.As expected, susceptible mice increased ethanol intake in the oral SA protocol. However, susceptible mice in the exercise condition did not increase ethanol intake, showing similar consumption and motivation for ethanol than the control and resilient groups. On the other hand, decreased BDNF levels were observed in susceptible mice in both experimental conditions compared to the control groups after ethanol SA.The pre-exposure of VWR prevented the increase in consumption and motivation for ethanol induced by SD in susceptible mice. On the other hand, it appears that VWR did not exhibit any significant long-term effects on BDNF signaling, which is mainly affected in susceptible mice after ethanol intake.Results: Exposure to social defeat (SD) induces a depressive phenotype, increased ethanol seeking and consumption, accompanied by activation of the neuroinflammatory response. However, a resilient response can be potentiated through physical exercise in the form of voluntary wheel running (VWR) during or after exposure to social stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test whether physical exercise during adolescence prior to being exposed to SD can enhance resilience to the increase in ethanol intake.Male mice had access to VWR during adolescence and the effects of social defeat (4 sessions every 72 h) on oral ethanol self-administration (SA) was evaluated. Based on the social interaction test, mice were classified as resilient or susceptible to depressive-like behavior. Two weeks after the last encounter, mice were subjected to the drinking in the dark and oral ethanol SA paradigms. Mice were then sacrificed to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the striatum and hippocampus.As expected, susceptible mice increased ethanol intake in the oral SA protocol. However, susceptible mice in the exercise condition did not increase ethanol intake, showing similar consumption and motivation for ethanol than the control and resilient groups. On the other hand, decreased BDNF levels were observed in susceptible mice in both experimental conditions compared to the control groups after ethanol SA.The pre-exposure of VWR prevented the increase in consumption and motivation for ethanol induced by SD in susceptible mice. On the other hand, it appears that VWR did not exhibit any significant long-term effects on BDNF signaling, which is mainly affected in susceptible mice after ethanol intake.Conclusions: Exposure to social defeat (SD) induces a depressive phenotype, increased ethanol seeking and consumption, accompanied by activation of the neuroinflammatory response. However, a resilient response can be potentiated through physical exercise in the form of voluntary wheel running (VWR) during or after exposure to social stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test whether physical exercise during adolescence prior to being exposed to SD can enhance resilience to the increase in ethanol intake.Male mice had access to VWR during adolescence and the effects of social defeat (4 sessions every 72 h) on oral ethanol self-administration (SA) was evaluated. Based on the social interaction test, mice were classified as resilient or susceptible to depressive-like behavior. Two weeks after the last encounter, mice were subjected to the drinking in the dark and oral ethanol SA paradigms. Mice were then sacrificed to measure brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the striatum and hippocampus.As expected, susceptible mice increased ethanol intake in the oral SA protocol. However, susceptible mice in the exercise condition did not increase ethanol intake, showing similar consumption and motivation for ethanol than the control and resilient groups. On the other hand, decreased BDNF levels were observed in susceptible mice in both experimental conditions compared to the control groups after ethanol SA.The pre-exposure of VWR prevented the increase in consumption and motivation for ethanol induced by SD in susceptible mice. On the other hand, it appears that VWR did not exhibit any significant long-term effects on BDNF signaling, which is mainly affected in susceptible mice after ethanol intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Objectives: the culture and the eating habits of a territory give shape its gastronomy and determine the nutritional and health status of its population. We set the goal of reviewing food, culture, gastronomy and the nutritional and health status of the Catalan population. Methods: bibliographic and documentation search. Results: the origin of Catalan gastronomy dates back to the classical era. From Greek and Roman times, when olive oil and wine were incorporated into our cuisine, until today, multiple civilizations have influenced it, being the Arab contribution and the discovery of America fundamental events in the increase of Spanish wealth and its gastronomic variety. At Catalan level, the geographical, cultural and social characteristics of Catalonia, with a marked Mediterranean influence, were incorporated and creating Catalan cuisine and gastronomy, which currently have international recognition and prestige. The food consumption of the Catalan population has been studied since 1983. Nowadays, it shows a food consumption and an energy and nutrients intake similar to the national average, similarly to the prevalence of morbidity and lifestyles. Conclusion: in order to that the union of gastronomy and food consumption favors also the health of population, we must encourage the recovery of the healthiest and easiest to prepare dishes from their gastronomy and boost modifications that improve technically the more complex and/or less healthy dishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, collaborative economy is an emerging concept which is open to debate, including different meanings depending on the model to provide services, the kind of participant or the use of shared information and communication platforms. However, a distinguishing feature of the collaborative economy is the use of new technologies by the various agents concerned in order to get a common goal such as in the financial sector or in the education sector. This new approach can be transferred to already consolidated organizations, which are noted for pursuing a social interest against the interest of the capital. These organizations seek social benefit and not the economic benefit, seeking a positive social impact that can change society. It is precisely the digital component and the use of the technologies of information the aspect that distinguishes these emerging activities that are developing in recent years. Besides, they are changing purchasing behaviour and ways of doing business. These changes are having significant impacts in economic and employment terms, conflicts with traditional companies that are disadvantaged, or breaches of tax duties. But, at the same time, it also encourages many actions of collective interest, to the extent that digital platforms can be an effective tool to track achievement of the multitude of actions in favour of the community. The aim of this paper is to analyse how platform cooperativism could be a suitable way to carry out the improvement of social welfare in vulnerable districts. In order to enhance the renovation and improvement of neighbourhoods it is necessary an active participation by citizens and public administrations. In fact, a key element to obtain an increase of the quality of life is the implication of residents, who often propose the changes and renovation in their districts, with significant deficiencies of habitability and power consumption, accessibility problems and lack of services. There is a need to recover the consolidated city through urban rehabilitation and urban renovation. The urban renewal has a strong impact on Europe's economy and also on its citizens' quality of life because promote their social welfare. The Spanish urban planning tradition has been based mainly on the production of new city, disregarding the regeneration of consolidated city. Nowadays, Spanish government is concerned about an environment with derelict areas and substandard housing, and a largely obsolete housing stock. Therefore, current urban regulation encourages the urban renewal, the restructuring of building industry and the compliance with European legal requirements regarding sustainable development. In Spain, there are around 6 millions of houses that were built over 50 years ago. Therefore, it is especially necessary and suitable the option of promoting urban renewal and regeneration at different levels. Urban renewal projects are fairly complex to make because many actors are involved in these processes and as well as the activities that should be carried out. Therefore, the use of the new technologies can attract many people to actively participate in the urban regeneration projects design. These projects will improve the quality of life and welfare of citizens who live in deprived neighbourhoods. In this context, we carry out a theoretical revision of platform cooperativism, as well as the urban development regulation focused on urban rehabilitation, studying the economic players involved in the urban regeneration projects such us: owners individually or associated in community of house owners, building corporations, co-operatives, and public administration, in order to analyse the role played by each of them in the platform cooperativism. The community of house owners play a leading role in the processes of urban rehabilitation, they are principal actors because these processes have a direct effect on their lifes; not only from an economic point of view (costs that must be paid by individual citizens) and from a social point of view (improvements in the building made directly affects their quality of life). In this respect, a digital platform could be very useful in order to serve as link between all owners or all those affected by the processes and should provide information about the identified problems that need to be solved by urban rehabilitation. One of the key elements in urban renewal is the implication of the residents, who take part in the changes and improvements of their district. The cooperative initiatives produce cohesive urban neighbourhoods and they are associated with participatory planning approaches and collective action. The cooperative society contributes to social cohesion; therefore this could be the economic organization more suitable in order to develop the urban renewal. The urban rehabilitation cooperative and the use of digital technologies helps to improve the level of quality of life and social well-being for citizens under the principles of democratic participation of all residents, providing more transparency into the process and the published information, allowing members of the cooperative the supervision of the information deposited in the network. In this business model the cooperative takes control of urban rehabilitation in a digital environment, resulting in a benefit to all members involved not only for the cooperative, establishing a commitment to access to different scenarios where conflicts of interest are likely to arise. This platform focuses on creating discussion for successful decision making. The construction companies and the public administration are also an essential part of the cooperative platform. They are the services suppliers, providing valuable information that must be communicated on the platform, allowing it to make effective decisions for residents for the duration of urban regeneration-development works. The platform cooperativism in the processes of urban rehabilitation would benefit all members and not just few as in the "commercial" digital economy. Thus, the main conclusion of the paper is that the cooperative platform should facilitate public participation of the different actors involved in the urban regeneration such as: cooperatives, residents or public administration. This platform should speed up the decision-making process in a democratic and transparent environment, pursuing a common goal to improve the welfare of the citizens through the urban rehabilitation. Thus, cooperative platforms involve a technological, cultural, social and political changing that we have to explore, taking into account the physical condition of many buildings in Spain. Platform cooperativism could be the link between cooperative values and digital revolution, aimed at improving the social welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) plays a critical role in the regulation of social and emotional behaviors. OXT plays a role in stress response and in drug reward, but to date no studies have evaluated its implication in the long-lasting increase of the motivational effects of cocaine induced by repeated social defeat (RSD). During the social defeat procedure, 1 mg/kg of OXT was administered 30 min before each episode of RSD. Three weeks after the last defeat, the effects of cocaine on the conditioned place preference (CPP), locomotor sensitization and the self-administration (SA) paradigms were evaluated. The influence of OXT on the levels of BDNF in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum and hippocampus was also measured. Our results confirm that raising the levels of OXT during social defeat stress can block the long-lasting effects of this type of stress. OXT counteracts the anxiety induced by social defeat and modifies BDNF levels in all the structures we have studied. Moreover, OXT prevents RSD-induced increases in the motivational effects of cocaine. Administration of OXT before each social defeat blocked the social defeat-induced increment in the conditioned rewarding effects of cocaine in the CPP, favored the extinction of cocaine-associated memories in both the CPP and SA, and decreased reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior in the SA. In conclusion, the long-lasting effects of RSD are counteracted by administering OXT prior to stress, and changes in BDNF expression may underlie these protective effects. Highlights • Social defeat stress induces a long-lasting increase in anxiety like behavior. • Social defeat stress enhances rewarding properties of cocaine. • Social defeat stress increase BDNF levels in prefrontal cortex. • Oxytocin treatment favors the extinction of cocaine-associated memories. • Oxytocin administration counteracts stress effect in anxiety and in BDNF levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The epidemiology and transmission of Clostridioides difficile , particularly for community-associated infections, are not completely understood. Although there have been no confirmed cases of any foodborne disease caused by C. difficile, its occurrence in livestock and foods suggests that contaminated food products with spores could be a vehicle to spread C. difficile infection. This review proposes potential sources of C. difficile infection in the community and contamination routes of food products. Based on European research, it also summarizes the occurrence and organism characterization of C. difficile in animals at slaughterhouses and in human foods. Most of the analyzed literature reported prevalence in retail foods of less than 8%, including microorganism belonging to the ribotype 078, an important hypervirulent strain involved in disease in humans. This prevalence in Europe is underestimated, being lower that reported in North America (rates up to 42%), probably due of the lack of an ISO procedure for the detection of C. difficile in food products that preclude the comparison of prevalence data from different studies. The survival and growth of vegetative C. difficile cells and the resistance of its spores in foods are discussed as well as the risk factors of acquisition CDI from food products. Highlights • Potential sources of community-associated C. difficile infection. • Food products as a vehicle to spread community-associated C. difficile infection. • Routes of contamination of food products by C. difficile. • Isolation rates of C. difficile at slaughterhouses and in retail foods. • Exposure assessment of C. difficile in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latin America and the Caribbean its incidence is increasing, therefore, an adequate technique and self-care avoid complications; the purpose of the research being to assess the technique of self-application of insulin and its relationship with lipodystrophy. Materials and methods: An observational, quantitative, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in 30 patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. A directed observational record was applied, the data were processed in the SPSS version 15 programs, using statistics of frequency, percentages and incidence rate. Results: Insulin application technique is deficient since only 66.67% of the environment is before administration, 26.66% does not disinfect the area before applying the medication and does not perform the fold technique and only 63.33% counts the time after inject insulin. The incidence of lipodystrophies is 90%, of which 70% occur in the abdomen and 10% in the arms. Conclusions: The technique of insulin application is not optimal, the incidence of lipodystrophy is very high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The case report of a newborn, assisted in "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba is described, without maternal or family pathological history who presented macrocephalic asymmetry of the lower members, marked hypertrophy in the left low member and macrodactilia, as well as cutaneous angiomas in the lower area of the trunk, abdomen, buttocks region and legs. After a detailed evaluation by a multidisciplinary team which was based on the clinical pattern and radiographical study, the Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome was diagnosed. The patient has maintained a favorable clinical course up to now and a strict medical follow-up is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well established that repeated social defeat stress can induce negative long-term consequences such as increased anxiety-like behavior and enhances the reinforcing effect of psychostimulants in rodents. In the current study, we evaluated how the immune system may play a role in these long-term effects of stress. A total of 148 OF1 mice were divided into different experimental groups according to stress condition (exploration or social defeat) and pre-treatment (saline, 5 or 10 mg/kg of the anti-inflammatory indomethacin) before each social defeat or exploration episode. Three weeks after the last social defeat, anxiety was evaluated using an elevated plus maze paradigm. After this test, conditioned place preference (CPP) was induced by a subthreshold dose of cocaine (1 mg/kg). Biological samples were taken four hours after the first and the fourth social defeat, 3 weeks after the last defeat episode, and after the CPP procedure. Plasma and brain tissue (prefrontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus) were used to determine the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). Results showed an increase of peripheral and brain IL-6 levels after the first and fourth social defeat that was reverted three weeks later. Intraperitoneal administration of the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin before each episode of stress prevented this enhancement of IL-6 levels and also reversed the increase in the rewarding effects of cocaine in defeated mice. Conversely, this protective effect was not observed with respect to the anxiogenic consequences of social stress. Our results confirm the hypothesis of a modulatory proinflammatory contribution to stress-induced vulnerability to drug abuse disorders and highlight anti-inflammatory interventions as a potential therapeutic tool to treat stress-related addiction disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Cuba, health research is based on the priorities of national scientific policy, derived from the health status of the population. The objective of this article is to describe the characteristics of the System of Science and Technological Innovation and how the results of its research benefit the health of the population groups. To this end, research related to the generation of products and technologies, diabetes, dengue and disability was selected. This system follows a methodology outlined by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and has 37 research entities. It is organized into programs and projects that favor basic and applied research, with a multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach; these programs and projects are funded mostly by the State and are organized in self-contained cycles, i.e., the same entity is responsible for the entire process, from research to marketing, including market studies and post-marketing surveillance. The selected research shows an alignment between the research, the generalization of the results and its effect in improving health and universal access to health in the population. Positive results were obtained in diagnostic methods, preventive and therapeutic vaccines, warning signs for the prognosis and treatment of dengue, prevention of congenital malformations, and policies and programs that have benefited people with disabilities and their families. The will of the State to develop and fund scientific research, intersectoral action, the definition of research priorities, and the systematic training and attention to human resources have been key factors for the fulfillment of the objectives of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The space a species occupies in a natural system can be delimited by the physical-geographic medium or by the environmental conditions that define it. The objective of this study was to delimit climate intervals in which the maximum presence rate occurs of three tree species native to the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, Mexico (Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl (var. Apulcensis), Pinus patula Schl. et Cham, and Quercus macdougallii Martínez), in function of nine environmental variables using the Weibull density function and the finite Gaussian mixture model. To this end, we used data from 634 plots measuring 1000 m², which were established systematically in the study area. The results showed that high dispersion of the two pines species is related to mean precipitation from April to September. In contrast, the scarce presence of Quercus magdougalli, an endemic species, seems to be related to the reduced intervals of winter precipitation and to altitude. The two density functions tested allowed definition of optimal environmental intervals for each species. The finite mixture model was more flexible than the Weibull function when identifying bimodal distributions, particularly for the two pines species, whose observed dispersion pattern was more heterogeneous than that of Quercus. The results obtained will serve to prioritize areas for purposes of conservation or commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dialogue with Gilles Deleuze, this article seeks to discuss the ideas of Fernand Deligny and his contributions to think the (re) invention of the school based on children (autistic or not) who present another way of existing in school and in life: those that inhabit school life with their differences. In the present text, we bring forth two experiences that are being made with children, autistic or not, in public schools in the Metropolitan Region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, one in Niterói and another in the Baixada Fluminense. In the effort of abandoning the logics and practices of the "thought project", we are open to an inventive encounter, that is, one that creates what it finds, because the network's goal is not to capture the object, but to weave singular existences. The present theoretical intersection allows us to be with the child in the sense of permitting, accompanying, wandering with them, which constitutes another approach. Deleuze states that children wish to constitute their maps, their paths through and between the real and the virtual, the adults also being ways to be travelled. Therefore, in a relationship with them, we do not have to interpret their wordings, but to perceive and invest in their and our displacements. A fierce opponent of institutions of all kinds, Deligny makes a radical critique of positivist educational conceptions and rejects the vision of autism and cognitive deficits as pathological deviations from a preexisting norm. Deligny perceived autism as a singular production of existence. To him, it was not a matter of forcing autistic individuals (who do not speak) with whom he worked to conform to the standards of language, but to devise a way that would allow us to exist with them, even if it meant changing our own way of existing. Also, it is not a matter of "resocializing" or governing the children of favelas exposed to social risk, but of a fragile work of being with them in their "tessituras" of places or policies of proximity. Deligny and Deleuze point out that being with children can mean to accompany, to trace, to go with the difference surrounding alterity and the attempts of an acting that does not fit in, that does not contain or delimit itself and others by contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intense snow activity in the medium and high altitude of the Cantabrian division mountains produces an accumulation of significant thickness of snow that unchains forceful avalanches that put human lives and infrastructure at risk. For this work, a general analysis is carried out through GIS of the conditions for the triggering of avalanches in the Somiedo valley, southwest part of the Principality of Asturias. It is added to this analysis the information observed during the fieldwork, photo-interpretation, interviews and historical sources, in order to realize the damage caused by these processes to the vegetation and infrastructure, especially on the AS-227, between the villages of Caunedo and Santa Maria del Puerto. Cartography of the valley's environment is also provided: maps of vegetation, susceptibility and risk on the road. In addition, the development of AR in different media is proposed to host this cartography and in order to allow the viewer a more interactive and academic analysis on the study of avalanche risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objetivos: los objetivos de este estudio fueron analizar el nivel nutricional en una población de niños y adolescentes colombianos y determinar la posible relación entre el nivel nutricional y el estado nutricional según el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la circunferencia de cintura (CC).Material y métodos: estudio transversal en 6.383 niños y adolescentes de entre 9 y 17,9 años de edad, de Bogotá, Colombia. Se aplicó de manera autodiligenciada el cuestionario Krece Plus validado en el estudio enKid como indicador del nivel nutricional con las categorías alto (test ≥ 9), medio (test 6-8) y bajo (test ≤ 5). Se tomaron medidas de peso, talla, CC, y se calculó el IMC como marcadores del estado nutricional.Resultados: de la población general, el 57,9% eran chicas (promedio de edad 12,7 ± 2,3 años). En todas las categorías del IMC, más del 50% de chicos y chicas siguen una dieta de muy baja calidad, que empeora progresivamente con el avance en edad. En ambos sexos, se observaron tendencias entre un nivel nutricional muy bajo con el desarrollo de sobrepeso. Asimismo, la obesidad abdominal por CC se relacionó con una puntuación baja en el Krece Plus en ambos sexos.Conclusiones: en escolares de Bogotá, una dieta de muy baja calidad se relacionó con alteraciones del estado nutricional (IMC y CC), especialmente entre chicas y adolescentes. Estos resultados deben alentar el desarrollo de intervenciones orientadas a mejorar los hábitos nutricionales entre los escolares colombianos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have shown that social defeat stress induces an increase in the rewarding effects of cocaine. In this study we have investigated the role played by the main hypothalamic stress hormone, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), in the effects that repeated social defeat (RSD) induces in the conditioned rewarding effects and locomotor sensitization induced by cocaine. A total of 220 OF1 mice were divided into experimental groups according to the treatment received before each social defeat: saline, 5 or 10 mg/kg of the nonpeptidic corticotropin-releasing factor CRF 1 receptor antagonist CP-154,526, or 15 or 30 µg/kg of the peptidic corticotropin-releasing factor CRF 2 receptor antagonist Astressin 2 -B. Three weeks after the last defeat, conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by 1 mg/kg of cocaine was evaluated. Motor response to 10 mg/kg of cocaine was also studied after a sensitization induction. Blockade of corticotropin-releasing factor CRF 1 receptor reversed the increase in cocaine CPP induced by social defeat. Conversely, peripheral corticotropin-releasing factor CRF 2 receptor blockade produced similar effects to those observed in socially stressed animals. The effect of RSD on cocaine sensitization was again blocked by the corticotropin-releasing factor CRF 1 receptor antagonist, while peripheral CRF 2 receptor antagonist did not show effect. Acute administration of Astressin 2 -B induced an anxiogenic response. Our results confirm that CRF modulates the effects of social stress on reinforcement and sensitization induced by cocaine in contrasting ways. These findings highlight CRF receptors as potential therapeutic targets to be explored by research about stress-related addiction problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Solvency EU Directive II seeks to avoid repeating the uncertainty and destabilization situation produced in different sectors, especially in the financial, following a mispricing of assets. Special analysis deserves the application of this rule to the insurance business where, considering the type of obligations assumed, an appropriate assessment and management of both easily foreseeable and difficult to foresee risks, but not impossible to happen, is indispensable. Because of this feature, Solvency II aims at improving risk management and forecasting solvency needs beyond the short term. This safeguard solvency goal extends also to the accounting groups of insurance and reinsurers companies, and manifests itself, with the new regulation, in group settings and the formulation of the consolidated accounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB, <250 µm) as a vehicle of a synthetic musks mixture (celestolide, galaxolide, tonalide, musk xylene, musk moskene and musk ketone) to Mytilus galloprovincialis was investigated. For 30 days, virgin PHB, virgin PHB+musks (6.82 µg g-1) and weathered PHB+musks, were daily spiked into tanks containing mussels, followed by a 10-day depuration period. Water and tissues samples were collected to measure exposure concentrations and accumulation in tissues. Mussels were able to actively filter microplastics in suspension but the concentration of the musks found in tissues (celestolide, galaxolide, tonalide) were markedly lower than the spiked concentration. Estimated Trophic Transfer Factors suggest that PHB will only play a minor role on musks accumulation in marine mussels, even if our results suggest a slightly extended persistence in tissues of musks loaded to weathered PHB. • PHB micro particles are not responsible for significant musks accumulation in mussel tissues. • Trophic Transfer Factors should be employed to understand the role of MPs as vectors of HOCs accumulation in tissues. • The use of weathered MPs is recommended to achieve a greater ecological significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the drying conditions of sulforaphane-rich broccoli in a pulsed fluidized bed dryer, on the sulforaphane content and drying kinetics was studied, with the aim of identifying the operating conditions that minimize the loss of sulforaphane in the dehydrated product. A central composite design was used, in which drying air temperature and plate rotational speed were the variables considered. The drying curves were fitted to empirical models and it was found that Page's model showed the best fit (R²≥99%). The drying time decreased with the increase of drying air temperature and the increase of the plate rotational speed. The regression model predicted that 29°C and 108 rpm were the optimal conditions, resulting in a sulforaphane content equal to 1.5 µmol/g in dry basis, giving a value that is 1.36-fold the sulforaphane content in fresh broccoli. This value was experimentally confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pass of Leitariegos and massif of Cueto Arbás are placed in western mountains of Asturias and León (NW of Spain) and have ecological, aesthetic, ethnographic and historical importance. They have been included in different official actions (such as tourist develop ment or natural and cultural heritage protection). This work aims to identify and analyse different values which, contained in both intellectual and institutional attitude during centuries, lead to the origin of a heritage making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose In view of the increased impact of social media, non-profit organizations (NPOs) should review their management model for stakeholder relationships. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of factors on the use of Twitter by NPOs as a mechanism for disclosing information and dialogue with their stakeholders, and in particular: “donor dependence,” “fundraising expenses,” “organizational age,” “organizational size,” “online community size,” “network activity” and “board size.”Design/methodology/approach A content analysis of Twitter use as a strategic communication tool was conducted and a multivariable linear regression analysis was performed.Findings Smaller organizations and those with a larger online community are the most interested in implementing Twitter as a one or two-way communication strategy. Likewise, the NPOs with the highest degree of donor dependence strive most in the use of contents of Twitter as one-way communication mechanism.Social implications This study contributes to a better understanding of social media implementation in the NPO sector and advances the identification of the main causes that motivate NPOs to improve their accountability through social media.Originality/value The paper’s subject is relatively innovative due to the scarce studies focussing on social media used by NPOs. In spite of the advantages offered by Twitter, few studies have specifically addressed NPOs’ current use of this platform, and fewer still have analyzed the factors that motivate them to use this tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capability analysis corresponds to a set of methods used to estimate and test the ability of an in-control process to provide a specific output. When there is only one quality characteristic that behaves as a continuous random variable, indices like C and C can be used to measure how well requirements are met. Under normality, variation is indicated using 3− s i g m a limits; otherwise, the corresponding quantiles are used. Distribution fitting and transformations to normality can be used to estimate quantiles by finding an overall fit to the data available. However, by giving the same weight to all observations, the best possible fit of extreme values can be lost. To address this issue, a regression approach is proposed to fit functions over maximum likelihood estimates of probabilities of extreme values. A case study from the automotive industry is used to illustrate the proposed approach. To evaluate the performance, extensive Monte Carlo simulation is used, and the results are compared with the corresponding approach using the Clements method. The proposed nonparametric technique shows smaller MAD when high levels of skewness exist. Practitioners with basic knowledge of regression analysis may find the approach useful to estimate capability indices without the need of a specific probability distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]