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In most schools everywhere, democracy and participation continue to be carried out through the usual channels based on representative democracy and the vote of elected representatives. However, this reality is not monolithic, and we do find centers committed to practise a full and more profound democracy. Based on a case study, the article analyzes the theoretical and practical approach of Germinal School. Despite some difficulties, this school has successfully implemented a project of radical democracy, both through micropolitics and daily pedagogical action. This article also examines why it is so difficult to democratize school and how to create a truly democratic institution. Finally, we address the possibility of extending the democratic model presented here to other schools.

Abstract Estimates of radar attenuation in the shallow Martian subsurface are retrieved from RIMFAX soundings along the Perseverance rover traverse. Specifically, analyzed data is from the Hawksbill Gap area during the rover's first drives onto the Jezero Western Fan Front. The centroid frequency‐shift method is employed to quantify attenuation in terms of the constant‐Q approximation. Results are then compared with the amplitude decay method, which—in order to calculate attenuation—requires propagation velocities retrieved from radargram analysis. By verifying that results from two separate analyses are consistent, we ensure that quantified radar properties are well constrained. First estimate of constant‐Q is 78.8 ± 11.6. For a subsurface propagation velocity of 0.113 m/ns, that equals an attenuation of −2.1 ± 0.4 dB/m at the RIMFAX 675 MHz center frequency. Results are consistent with dry sedimentary rocks, and are distinguishable from the magmatic lithologies on Jezero Crater Floor.

Abstract Background Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SP-AQ), is a community-based malaria preventive strategy commonly used in the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa. However, to date it has not been implemented in East Africa due to high SP resistance levels. This paper is a report on the implementation of SMC outside of the Sahel in an environment with a high level of presumed SP-resistance: five cycles of SMC using SPAQ were administered to children 3–59 months during a period of high malaria transmission (July–December 2019) in 21 villages in South Sudan. Methods A population-based SMC coverage survey was combined with a longitudinal time series analysis of health facility and community health data measured after each SMC cycle. SMC campaign effectiveness was assessed by Poisson model. SPAQ molecular resistance markers were additionally analysed from dried blood spots from malaria confirmed patients. Results Incidence of uncomplicated malaria was reduced from 6.6 per 100 to an average of 3.2 per 100 after SMC administration (mean reduction: 53%) and incidence of severe malaria showed a reduction from 21 per 10,000 before SMC campaign to a mean of 3.3 per 10,000 after each cycle (mean reduction: 84%) in the target group when compared to before the SMC campaign. The most prevalent molecular haplotype associated with SP resistance was the IRNGE haplotype (quintuple mutant, with 51I/59R/108N mutation in pfdhfr + 437G/540E in pfdhps). In contrast, there was a low frequency of AQ resistance markers and haplotypes resistant to both drugs combined (

Abstract Background Sarilumab, an IL-6 receptor antagonist, is a first-line biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug for rheumatoid arthritis. The identification of genetic biomarkers as predictors of response to sarilumab could allow for a personalized treatment strategy to improve clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 62 patients treated with sarilumab to determine whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the IL6R gene could predict efficacy and toxicity responses. Six SNPs previously described in the IL6R gene (rs12083537, rs11265618, rs4329505, rs2228145, rs4537545, and rs4845625) were genotyped in DNA samples obtained from these patients. Using parametric tests, we evaluated the association between these polymorphisms and clinicopathological features. Treatment response was assessed six months after treatment initiation. Satisfactory response was based on EULAR criteria. Low disease activity was determined according to DAS28 and CDAI and quantitative improvements in DAS28 and CDAI scores. Results Three SNPs (rs4845625, rs4329505 and rs11265618) were significantly associated with response outcomes. All of the SNPs, except for rs12083537, had at least one significant association with dyslipidemia or hepatotoxicity. Conclusions These findings support the potential clinical value of SNPs, particularly rs4845625, as potentially useful biomarkers to predict response to sarilumab in patients with RA.

Resumen: La medicina ha evolucionado en positivo a lo largo de mi vida profesional. Es actualmente más resolutiva y respetuosa y menos invasiva que hace unas décadas. La prueba de ello es que la esperanza de vida ha aumentado y la salud general de la población es claramente mejor. No obstante, parece que hay cierta discordancia entre estos datos objetivos y la autopercepción de la salud por parte de una buena parte de la población. Se apuntan diversas posibles causas, entre las que destaca la progresiva tecnificación de la medicina a costa, frecuentemente, de una pérdida de valores humanísticos de la profesión. A partir de estas premisas se reflexiona acerca de posibles acciones encaminadas a paliar este problema. Abstract: Medicine has evolved positively throughout my professional life. It is currently more decisive and respectful, and less invasive than a few decades ago. The proof of this is that life expectancy has increased and the general health of the population is clearly better. However, there seems to be some discrepancy between these objective data and the self-perception of health by a large part of the population. Various possible causes are pointed out, among which stands out the progressive technification of medicine at the cost, frequently, of a loss of humanistic values of the profession. From these premises, we ponder on possible actions aimed at alleviating this problem.

IntroductionThis was an ambispective cohort study evaluating the prognostic significance of lymphocytic foci and its lymphoid composition in minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) for short-term disease flare and severity in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS).MethodsThe inclusion criteria comprised individuals meeting the ACR/EULAR 2016 criteria who underwent MSGB with an infiltration of more than 50 lymphocytes and received clinical diagnosis between September 2017 and December 2018. Patients with inadequate biopsy samples were excluded. The number of lymphocytic foci and their lymphoid composition in MSGB were assessed using immunofluorescence staining. Major organ damage and improvements in the EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) were measured. Statistical analyses, including Cox and linear regressions, were conducted.ResultsA total of 78 patients with at least one lymphocytic focus were included in the study. The presence of higher T-cell counts in lymphocytic foci in MSGB was associated with severe disease flare, and a logarithmic transformation of T-cell count indicated increased risk (HR 1.96, 95% CI 0.91-4.21). Improvements in the ESSDAI were associated with higher total lymphocyte count and T- and B-cell numbers in the lymphoid composition of the lymphocytic foci. Seropositive patients exhibited higher T CD4+ cell numbers. Correlation analysis showed negative associations between age and lymphocytic foci and the T-cell count. Positive correlations were observed between antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers and total lymphocyte numbers.DiscussionPatients with a higher number of T cells in the lymphocytic infiltrates of lymphocytic foci may have a two-fold risk of severe disease flare. The number of B cells and T CD4+ cells in the lymphocytic infiltrates of lymphocytic foci showed a weak but positive relation with the ESSDAI improvement during follow-up. Age and seropositivity appeared to influence the lymphoid composition of the lymphocytic foci.

Pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions threaten the use of Plasmodium falciparum malaria rapid diagnostic tests globally. In South Sudan, deletion frequencies were 15.6% for pfhrp2, 20.0% for pfhrp3, and 7.5% for double deletions. Deletions were approximately twice as prevalent in monoclonal infections than in polyclonal infections.

Le lien entre la recherche et la pratique est central en enseignement. Or on critique souvent la recherche en acquisition des langues secondes de manquer d’implications claires pour la pratique. On sait cependant que le lien entre la recherche et le terrain est fondamental si l’on veut optimiser le choix du matériel approprié en classe (Haukås, 2016). La présente étude expose donc les résultats préliminaires des premières phases d’un vaste projet proposant un aller-retour entre la recherche et la pratique en se penchant sur l’impact formatif de capsules de microapprentissage offertes en complément à l’enseignement fait en classe. Les capsules proposent une activité d’apprentissage et un volet de microapprentissage avec rétroaction automatique (directe et indirecte) dans les cours de langue en contexte authentique (hybride et à distance). Leur contenu est basé sur les défis communs des apprenants (grammaticaux, lexicaux et morphologiques) à l’écrit identifiés à partir d’une analyse de corpus constitués de textes d’apprenants universitaires d’une langue tierce ou additionnelle (catalan). De capsules de microapprentissage et d’exercices sont offertes à la communauté afin de soutenir l’apprentissage en salle de classe. Les résultats de la mise à disposition de capsules complémentaires de microapprentissage montrent que les capsules ciblées sur les défis des apprenants sont perçues comme utiles par les participants. Aussi, l'approche écologique utilisée contribue au partage d'avancées scientifiques en offrant aux enseignants de langues modimes, comme le catalan dans le cas présent, d’avoir accès à du matériel provenant de la recherche par le biais d’une communauté de pratique en ligne, matériel basé sur les données issues du terrain.

BackgroundNiger, relevant in light of current political coup, is one of the countries with the worst human development indicators, characterized by high fertility rates and extremely high infant mortality rates. Food insecurity in the region is alarming, leading to high malnutrition rates in children. This study aimed to evaluate an integral preventive-curative health program targeting children aged under 2 years in the health area of Tama, district of Bouza, Tahoua.MethodologyAnthropometric follow-up data of 6,962 children aged under 2 years were included in this study. These children received complete vaccination and malaria chemoprevention, and those older than 6 months received nutritional supplementation with a small quantity of lipid-based nutrient supplements. Fundamental growth indicators (height-for-age, weight-for-height, weight-for-age, and middle-upper arm circumference) and the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure were calculated at the beginning and end of the program (mean time spent in the program: 14.5 ± 6.6 months) The evolution of these indicators was compared with those of a sample from a vertical vaccination program conducted in the neighboring region of Madarounfa on similar dates.ResultsThe proportion of children without anthropometric failure decreased from 59.5 to 40.2% (p

Background: Olfactory disorders (ODs) are reported to be an early non-motor sign before the onset of deterioration in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This systematic revision aims to review the current literature and the value of subjective olfactometry (SO) in the early diagnosis of cognitive decline and NDs. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA framework. Four different authors reviewed six different databases. The main variables analyzed were olfactory function and cognitive status. The quality of results was evaluated using the Oxford Centre of Evidence-based Medicine Levels. Results: Twenty-one cross-sectional and cohort studies and six meta-analyses were included. Most of them found an association between ODs and NDs. A prevalence of ODs greater than 80% was shown in Parkinson’s disease, proportional to the severity of symptoms. In Alzheimer’s, ODs were associated with early diagnosis and prognosis. All SO tests employed in the literature showed enough predictive value to correlate with early stages of cognitive decline. Conclusions: SO should be considered a pivotal tool when diagnosing NDs due to their association with early symptoms and prognosis. However, in the current literature, no firm consensus exists on the optimal SO tests and protocols that should be applied to the study of NDs, which prevents the interpretability and comparability of results among studies.

Perseverance traversed the eastern, northern, and western margins of the Séítah formation inlier on the rover’s western fan front approach. Mapping the stratigraphy and extent of the Máaz and Séítah formations is key to understanding the depositional history and timing of crater floor resurfacing events. Perseverance's rapid progress across the Jezero crater floor between the Octavia E. Butler landing site and the western fan front resulted in limited contextual images of the deposits from the Navigation Camera and Mast Camera Zoom. By combining the limited surface images with continuous subsurface sounding by the Radar Imager for Mars’ Subsurface Experiment (RIMFAX) ground-penetrating radar, Jezero crater floor stratigraphy was inferred along this rapid traverse. We produced the first subsurface map of the Máaz formation thickness and elevation of the buried Séítah formation for 2.3 km of the rapid traverse. Three distinct reflector packets were observed in RIMFAX profiles interspersed with regions of low-radar reflectivity. We interpret these reflector packets with increasing depth to be the Roubion member of the Máaz formation (covered in places with regolith), the Rochette member, and the Séítah formation. We found a median permittivity of 9.0 and bulk density of 3.2 g cm ^−3 from hyperbola fits to RIMFAX profiles, which suggests a mafic composition for Máaz and Séítah. The low-radar reflectivity regions within each reflector packet could indicate potential depositional hiatuses where low-density material like sediment or regolith could have accumulated between successive Máaz formation lava flows and the Séítah formation at depth.

Abstract Attenuation of radar waves in the subsurface can be quantified with a constant‐Q approximation through time‐frequency analysis. We implement the centroid frequency‐shift method and study Radar Imager for Mars' Subsurface Exploration (RIMFAX) data acquired along the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover traverse. Attenuation is among key media properties, but quantified estimates need to account for instrument characteristics and limitations in the analysis technique. We ensure accurate constant‐Q characterization and present the first estimates of radar attenuation in the upper 5 m of the shallow Martian subsurface. Over Jezero Crater Floor, constant‐Q is on average 70.4 ± 7.7, which equals an attenuation of −2.6 ± 0.3 dB/m at RIMFAX’ 675 MHz center frequency. Regions comprising the Máaz or Séítah formations have similar attenuation properties that are consistent with magmatic lithologies.

Determining subsurface properties through ground penetrating radar sounding can be challenging, especially in planetary exploration, where little is known about the terrain and additional observations are limited. Analysis and interpretation of data acquired with the Radar Imager for Mars’ Subsurface Experiment (RIMFAX) could therefore be improved by in-detail comparison with forward modeling. RIMFAX transmits a frequency modulated continuous waveform and utilizes a stretch processing receiver, and we demonstrate how accurate modeling can be achieved through finite-difference time-domain simulations. As the simulation scheme do not allow for direct implementation of such radar system, this study presents the necessary steps in order to replicate the same transmitter and receiver characteristics. In particular, we investigate how the method holds for modeling sounding in a realistic subsurface medium with attenuating and dispersive properties, by comparing the results with analytical estimates. The modeling approach is also assessed through comparison with RIMFAX field test measurements.

Civilization IV es un videojuego de estrategia muy popular que tiene como referente la Historia Universal. Habitualmente se ha hablado de su importante potencial divulgativo y pedagógico y, al mismo tiempo, se le ha acusado de representar la Historia a través de un punto de vista eurocéntrico. En este artículo se estudiará Civilization IV a través del análisis textual, centrado en las reglas del juego, la gameplay y la representación audiovisual. El objetivo es detectar qué visión de la Historia transmite el juego y enriquecer los análisis precedentes.

A natural UV-absorbing chromophore extracted from sphagnum mosses, sphagnic acid, is proposed as a new natural support to chemical UV filters for use in cosmetic applications. Sphagnic acid is structurally related to the cinnamate family of molecules, known for their strong UV absorption, efficient non-radiative decay, and antioxidant properties. In this study, transient electronic absorption spectroscopy is used, in conjunction with steady-state techniques, to model the photodynamics following photoexcitation of sphagnic acid in different solvent systems. Sphagnic acid was found in each system to relax with lifetimes of ~200 fs and ~1.5 ps before generating a cis-isomer photoproduct. This study helps to elucidate the photoprotective mechanism of a new potential natural support to sunscreens, from a unique plant source.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly expanded worldwide. Currently, there are no biomarkers to predict respiratory worsening in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 pneumonia. Small studies explored the use of Krebs von de Lungen-6 circulating serum levels (sKL-6) as a prognostic biomarker of the worsening of COVID-19 pneumonia. We aimed at a large study to determine the prognostic value of sKL-6 in predicting evolving trends in COVID-19. We prospectively analyzed the characteristics of 836 patients with COVID-19 with mild lung disease on admission. sKL-6 was obtained in all patients at least at baseline and compared among patients with or without respiratory worsening. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to find the optimal cutoff level. A total of 159 (19%) patients developed respiratory worsening during hospitalization. Baseline sKL-6 levels were not higher in patients who had respiratory worsening (median {IQR} 315.5 {209–469} vs. 306 {214–423} U/ml p = 0.38). The last sKL-6 and the change between baseline and last sKL-6 were higher in the respiratory worsening group (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The best sKL-6 cutoff point for respiratory worsening was 497 U/ml (area under the curve 0.52; 23% sensitivity and 85% specificity). sKL-6 was not found to be an independent predictor of respiratory worsening. A conditional inference tree (CTREE) was not useful to discriminate patients at risk of worsening. We found that sKL-6 had a low sensibility to predict respiratory worsening in patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 pneumonia and may not be of use to assess the risk of present respiratory worsening in inpatients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

This article analyzes the political frames of Catalan integration policies that were developed from 1993 to 2017. It explores the way some of the major political issues and concepts surrounding immigration have been constructed in a minority nation. Based on qualitative analysis of the main political documents approved by the Generalitat de Catalunya, we suggest that Catalonia has developed a coherent and inclusive political discourse, based on the recognition of immigration as a constitutive part of its population. However, we detect a utilitarian view on immigration with some elements of its philosophy of integration being unclear.

Abstract The main goal of the H2020-CARAMEL project is to address the cybersecurity gaps introduced by the new technological domains adopted by modern vehicles applying, among others, advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques. As a result, CARAMEL enhances the protection against threats related to automated driving, smart charging of Electric Vehicles, and communication among vehicles or between vehicles and the roadside infrastructure. This work focuses on the latter and presents the CARAMEL architecture aiming at assessing the integrity of the information transmitted by vehicles, as well as at improving the security and privacy of communication for connected and autonomous driving. The proposed architecture includes: (1) multi-radio access technology capabilities, with simultaneous 802.11p and LTE-Uu support, enabled by the connectivity infrastructure; (2) a MEC platform, where, among others, algorithms for detecting attacks are implemented; (3) an intelligent On-Board Unit with anti-hacking features inside the vehicle; (4) a Public Key Infrastructure that validates in real-time the integrity of vehicle’s data transmissions. As an indicative application, the interaction between the entities of the CARAMEL architecture is showcased in case of a GPS spoofing attack scenario. Adopted attack detection techniques exploit robust in-vehicle and cooperative approaches that do not rely on encrypted GPS signals, but only on measurements available in the CARAMEL architecture.

The Franco regime attempted to commit cultural and identity genocide against Catalonia, but only the combined action of resistance inside the country and in exile prevented it. The 1940s were a decade of pure resistance, but by the 1950s there was a revival inside the country which paved the way for the cultural and political blossoming of the 1960s. In the ensuing decade, self-governance was attained in the Catalan Lands after the final crisis of the Franco regime, but there was no compensation for the repression it had undergone, nor was a sufficiently steadfast policy adopted to guarantee the future of Catalan language and culture.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by chronic arthritis that may lead to irreversible joint damage and significant disability. Patients with RA are commonly treated with Tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) antagonist, but many patients refractorily respond to this therapy. Identifying genetic biomarkers as predictors of TCZ response could be a key to providing a personalized medicine strategy. We aimed to evaluate whether functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL6R gene could predict TCZ response in patients with RA. We retrospectively included 88 RA patients treated with TCZ. Six SNPs previously described in the IL6R gene (rs12083537, rs11265618, rs4329505, rs2228145, rs4537545, and rs4845625) were genotyped in DNA samples from these patients. Using parametric tests, we evaluated the association between these polymorphisms and clinicopathological features. Responses to treatments were assessed at six months using three variables: a quantitative improvement in Disease activity score including 28 joints (DAS28), a satisfactory European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response, and low disease activity (LDA) achievement. The three response variables studied were associated with genetic variant rs4845625, and no association was found with the other five SNPs. Our findings support the potential clinical value of SNPs in the IL6R gene as predictive biomarkers for TCZ response.

Este artículo pretende contribuir a describir fenómenos vinculados con la dinamicidad en los discursos especializados. En concreto, analizamos el comportamiento de verbos fraseológicos en el ámbito de la museología y de la museografía en un corpus de lengua española y mediante la ayuda de la herramienta Termostat (Drouin, 2003). Para ello, partimos de la caracterización de los verbos fraseológicos que transmiten conocimiento especializado propuesta inicialmente por Lorente (2007) y ampliada en AUTOR/A (2008, 2014), así como de la metodología de análisis utilizada en AUTOR/A (2008, 2014, 2017, 2018). A parte de la caracterización de algunos sentidos propios al ámbito de los museos (aspecto que permitiría orientar lexicográficamente durante una compilación terminográfica del ámbito museístico), nuestro objetivo principal es confirmar que la propuesta de elementos relevantes en la distribución del valor terminológico en los verbos fraseológicos es pertinente en otro ámbito de especialidad y para otra lengua románica que los trabajados en AUTOR/A (2008, 2014).

Objective: We set out to analyze the incidence and predictive factors of pulmonary embolism (PE) in hospitalized patients with Covid-19.Methods: We prospectively collected data from all consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 admitted to the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, a university hospital in Barcelona, between March 9 and April 15, 2020. Patients with suspected PE, according to standardized guidelines, underwent CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA).Results: A total of 1,275 patients with Covid-19 were admitted to hospital. CTPA was performed on 76 inpatients, and a diagnosis of PE was made in 32 (2.6% [95%CI 1.7–3.5%]). Patients with PE were older, and they exhibited lower PaO2:FiO2 ratios and higher levels of D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP). They more often required admission to ICU and mechanical ventilation, and they often had longer hospital stays, although in-hospital mortality was no greater than in patients without PE. High CRP and D-dimer levels at admission (≥150 mg/L and ≥1,000 ng/ml, respectively) and a peak D-dimer ≥6,000 ng/ml during hospital stay were independent factors associated with PE. Prophylactic low molecular weight heparin did not appear to prevent PE. Increased CRP levels correlated with increased D-dimer levels and both correlated with a lower PaO2:FiO2.Conclusions: The 2.6% incidence of PE in Covid-19 hospitalized patients is clearly high. Higher doses of thromboprophylaxis may be required to prevent PE, particularly in patients at increased risk, such as those with high levels of CRP and D-dimer at admission. These findings should be validated in future studies.

Summary: The pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be envisaged as the dynamic interaction between four vicious feedback loops chained or happening at once. These are the viral loop, the hyperinflammatory loop, the non-canonical renin-angiotensin system (RAS) axis loop, and the hypercoagulation loop. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV)-2 lights the wick by infecting alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) and downregulating the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2)/angiotensin (Ang-1–7)/Mas1R axis. The viral feedback loop includes evading the host's innate response, uncontrolled viral replication, and turning on a hyperactive adaptative immune response. The inflammatory loop is composed of the exuberant inflammatory response feeding back until exploding in an actual cytokine storm. Downregulation of the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas1R axis leaves the lung without a critical defense mechanism and turns the scale to the inflammatory side of the RAS. The coagulation loop is a hypercoagulable state caused by the interplay between inflammation and coagulation in an endless feedback loop. The result is a hyperinflammatory and hypercoagulable state producing acute immune-mediated lung injury and eventually, adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Cette recherche porte sur l’étude de différents types d’erreurs chez des francophones qui apprennent le catalan de niveau intermédiaire (seuil, B1) en production écrite. Le but de la présente étude est donc (a) de détecter des récurrences dans les productions, (b) de tester la classification d’erreurs proposée et (c) de contribuer à la réflexion sur l’élaboration de stratégies pédagogiques qui viseraient des aspects concrets de l’apprentissage du catalan de niveau B1 par des étudiantes et étudiants dont la langue première est le français. Pour ce faire, nous avons analysé un corpus de rédactions d’examens officiels de langue catalane de l’Institut Ramon Llull. Les erreurs ont été analysées et classifiées à partir de critères descriptifs et étiologiques. D’un point de vue descriptif, le présent article indique les résultats quantitatifs et qualitatifs et présente quelques tendances et généralisations, afin de proposer des pistes pédagogiques pour optimiser les pratiques en enseignement et en apprentissage du catalan.

En aquest article partim de constatar com, després de dues dècades d’experiències municipals de participació ciutadana, a Catalunya —com a molts altres llocs d’Europa— estan emergint noves pràctiques de consultes ciutadanes. Aquestes noves pràctiques, exercides a través del vot, s’inscriuen dins el marc de la democràcia directa i necessiten ser contextualitzades, conceptualitzades i analitzades. A les pàgines que segueixen s’inicia aquest camí a través de, en primer lloc, desplegar un marc teòric que ens permeti entendre amb major precisió la democràcia directa i, en segon lloc, una aproximació al què, al perquè i al com de les consultes ciutadanes locals.

In the last decades, many higher education institutions have developed practices of internationalization of curricula aiming at developing intercultural competences among the non-mobile majority of students. Some of them have developed service-learning activities focusing on working with underserved communities from different cultures. This article shows some challenges on how intercultural competence of college students participating in a community-based mentoring program could be assessed. Outcomes are based on mixed-method research from a survey given to a treatment group that participated in a mentoring program (n = 95) and a control group (n = 71), and on 10 daily life stories from university students who were enrolled and participated in the mentoring program. Paradoxically, results show scarce differences between groups in Attitudes, Skills, Comprehension, and Desired Internal Outcomes in favor of the control group. But, on the other hand, some slightly significant differences in favor of the treatment group are observed with regard to Dominance Orientation and Symbolic Racism. These results bring new hypotheses and discussions helpful for scholars and administrators, especially coming from the learnings that students showed, particularly in qualitative data.

En 1931 ingresaban los primeros objetos en la Escuela de Artes y Oficios de Banyoles, situada en edificio de la antigua Universidad y Pia Almoina. Se combinó la necesidad de presentar objetos para el dibujo al natural con la necesidad de salvaguardar materiales procedentes de las distintas intervenciones arqueológicas de la comarca y recolecciones de los eruditos locales. Se iniciaba un pequeño Museo que poco a poco incrementó sus fondos paleontológicos y arqueológicos gracias al interés que se ha mostrado desde el siglo XIX. Las colecciones, si bien destacan por la importancia prehistórica, abarcan una enorme cronología desde los yacimientos paleontológicos hasta la época moderna. Y es que la presencia del lago de Banyoles ha permitido desde siempre la presencia humana en el territorio, donde ésta se ha adaptado y transformado.

Introducción: La asignatura de fisiopatología y semiología clínica, correspondiente a la antigua patología general, se sigue impartiendo en la mayoría de facultades españolas con un formato muy clásico. Los alumnos suelen ir recopilando información a lo largo del curso para estudiarla y memorizarla al acercarse los exámenes. Con el objetivo de estimular un estudio más activo y continuado, presentamos una experiencia docente basada en la resolución voluntaria de casos clínicos de pequeño formato al finalizar cada uno de los bloques temáticos de la asignatura. Material y métodos: Los alumnos dispusieron, después de cada bloque temático, de unos 7-8 casos clínicos (53 a lo largo del curso) que debían resolver en el plazo de 15 días. Tras este período los profesores facilitamos unos comentarios y reflexiones respecto a cada caso para que los alumnos se autoevaluasen. El hecho de resolver los mini-casos no se tuvo en cuenta en la evaluación final de la asignatura. Resultados: Los alumnos que resolvieron más asiduamente los casos planteados obtuvieron mejores notas (8,0 ± 1,2 versus 6,8 ± 1,3; p

Systemic sclerosis is a disease where microcirculation damage is critical in their beginning and vascular complications have similar pathogenic findings. Digital ulcers are a frequent complication in systemic sclerosis patients and pulmonary hypertension is one of the leading causes of death. The use of bosentan has been shown to be useful for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and to prevent new digital ulcers. However, is unknown if bosentan can prevent pulmonary hypertension. Our objective was to determine if bosentan is useful to prevent pulmonary hypertension in SSc patients. A retrospective study in 237 systemic sclerosis patients with digital ulcers history treated or not with bosentan to prevent it was made. We analyzed the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension defined by an echocardiogram pulmonary arterial pressure > 40 mmHg in the entire cohort. Demographic, clinical, and treatment variables were recorded for all patients. Statistical significance was denoted by p values < 0.05. Fifty-nine patients were treated with bosentan a median of 34 months. 13.8% of treated patients had pulmonary hypertension vs 23.7% of untreated patients (p 0.13) during the follow up. In multivariate analysis patients not treated with bosentan had 3.9fold-increased risk of pulmonary hypertension compared with patients under bosentan treatment (p < 0.02). Moreover the percentage carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) in bosentan treated patients did not decrease from baseline to the end of follow-up (61.8±14% vs 57±20.1%, p = 0.89). We concluded that Systemic sclerosis patients with digital ulcers treated with bosentan seems to have less risk to develop pulmonary hypertension and to stabilize DLCO.

En aquest article, s’hi analitza la problemàtica de l’habitatge entre els immigrants andalusos que s’assentaren al municipi d’Olot (Girona) durant el franquisme. Si bé les xifres que assolí aquesta immigració a Olot no foren tan altes com les del conjunt de l’àrea metropolitana de Barcelona, els andalusos representaven, l’any 1975, més d’un 10% de la població, la qual cosa els convertia en el col·lectiu més nombrós d’immigrants interiors a Olot.Pel que fa a l’habitatge, aquesta recerca constata les dificultats que patí una bona part dels immigrants andalusos, especialment els que iniciaren la cadena migratòria durant la postguerra. Si bé la realitat urbanística i demogràfica olotina diferia d’altres entorns urbans, les autoritats franquistes locals van inhibir-se de les necessitats residencials dels andalusos, per la qual cosa aquests hagueren de recórrer a diverses estratègies de supervivència, des del barraquisme fins a l’autoconstrucció, a causa del dèficit crònic de domicilis, el nombre dels quals era incapaç de créixer al mateix ritme que la població.