Explainable artificial intelligence to predict and identify prostate cancer tissue by gene expression

This work was supported by the ERDF and the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Science of the Regional Government of Andalusia (grant number P18-RT-2248)Background and Objective: Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in men worldwide. Traditional screening strategies such as serum PSA levels, which are not necessarily cancer-specific, or digital rectal exams, which are often inconclusive, are still the screening methods used for the disease. Some studies have focused on identifying biomarkers of the disease but none have been reported for diagnosis in routine clinical practice and few studies have provided tools to assist the pathologist in the decision-making process when analyzing prostate tissue. Therefore, a classifier is proposed to predict the occurrence of PCa that provides physicians with accurate predictions and understandable explanations. Methods: A selection of 47 genes was made based on differential expression between PCa and normal tissue, GO gene ontology as well as the literature to be used as input predictors for different machine learning methods based on eXplainable Artificial Intelligence. These methods were trained using different class-balancing strategies to build accurate classifiers using gene expression data from 550 samples from ’The Cancer Genome Atlas’. Our model was validated in four external cohorts with different ancestries, totaling 463 samples. In addition, a set of SHapley Additive exPlanations was provided to help clinicians understand the underlying reasons for each decision. Results: An in-depth analysis showed that the Random Forest algorithm combined with majority class downsampling was the best performing approach with robust statistical significance. Our method achieved an average sensitivity and specificity of 0.90 and 0.8 with an AUC of 0.84 across all databases. The relevance of DLX1, MYL9 and FGFR genes for PCa screening was demonstrated in addition to the important role of novel genes such as CAV2 and MYLK. Conclusions: This model has shown good performance in 4 independent external cohorts of different ancestries and the explanations provided are consistent with each other and with the literature, opening a horizon for its application in clinical practice. In the near future, these genes, in combination with our model, could be applied to liquid biopsy to improve PCa screening.European Union (EU)Ministry of Econ-omy, Innovation and Science of the Regional Government of Andalusia P18-RT-224

Componentes humanos y culturales que intervienen en el proceso de enseñanza práctica de la Soldadura en el taller de la entidad productiva. Sus interacciones

La Educación Técnica y Profesional ante los desafíos actuales en la formación de la fuerza de trabajo calificada del Nivel Medio y Obrero Calificado, ha requerido de nuevos escenarios docentes. Se resume la experiencia de trabajo, desde el curso escolar 2006 hasta el presente año, en la atención a los especialistas-instructores y profesores que dirigen la enseñanza práctica de la Soldadura en las entidades productivas en Pinar del Río, Cuba. El trabajo tiene como propósito potenciar el desarrollo de este proceso a partir de un conjunto de ideas que armonicen las interacciones entre los componentes humanos y culturales, lo cual ha elevado los niveles de desempeño de dichos agentes en la formación de obreros en estrecho vínculo con el contexto productivo, pues los documentos normativos de la enseñanza práctica, no dan respuesta a las demandas de la docencia en tales condiciones. En el proceso investigativo se utilizaron métodos, técnicas y procedimientos del nivel teórico y empírico tales como el enfoque sistémico, la sistematización, la modelación, el análisis y la síntesis, la observación, entrevistas, encuestas, el análisis documental, la consulta a especialistas y el pre-experimento que avalaron la validez teórica y práctica del trabajo

Perennial alley cropping contributes to decrease soil CO2 and N2O emissions and increase soil carbon sequestration in a Mediterranean almond orchard

The implementation of alley cropping in orchards can be a sustainable strategy to increase farm productivity by crop diversification and contribute to climate change mitigation. In this research, we evaluated the short-term effect of alley cropping with reduced tillage on soil CO2 and N2O emissions and soil total organic carbon (TOC) in an almond orchard under Mediterranean rainfed conditions. We compared an almond monoculture with tillage in all plot surface (MC) with almond crop with reduced tillage and growth of Capparis spinosa (D1) and almond crop with reduced tillage and growth of Thymus hyemalis (D2). For two years, soil CO2 and N2O were measured, with soil sampling at the start and end of the experimental period. Results showed that CO2 emission rates followed the soil temperature pattern, while N2O emissions were not correlated with temperature nor moisture. Soil CO2 emissions were significantly higher in MC (87 mg m−2 h−1), with no significant differences between D1 and D2 (69 mg m−2 h−1). Some peaks in CO2 effluxes were observed after tillage operations during warm days. Soil N2O emission rates were not significantly different among treatments. Cumulative CO2 and CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions were significantly highest in MC. When CO2e emissions were expressed on a crop production basis, D2 showed the significantly lowest values (5080 g kg−1) compared to D1 (50,419 g kg−1) and MC (87,836 g kg−1), owing to the high thyme yield, additional to the almond yield. No production was obtained for C. spinosa, since at least two more years are required. TOC did not change with time in MC neither D1, but it significantly increased in D2 from 3.85 g kg−1 in 2019 to 4.62 g kg−1 in 2021. Thus, alley cropping can contribute to increase the agroecosystem productivity and reduce CO2 emissions. However, it is necessary to grow evergreen alley crops such as thyme to obtain short-term increases in soil organic matter. Thus, to estimate increases in TOC with alley cropping, the plantation density and the period required by the crop to cover most of the surface are essential factors at planning the cropping strategy.This work was supported by the European Commission Horizon 2020 project Diverfarming [grant agreement 728003]

Sorghum bicolor prioritizes the recovery of its photosynthetic activity when re-watered after severe drought stress, while manages to preserve it under elevated CO2 and drought

Understanding plant response and resilience to drought under a high CO2 environment will be crucial to ensure crop production in the future. Sorghum bicolor is a C4 plant that resists drought better than other crops, which could make it a good alternative to be grown under future climatic conditions. Here, we analyse the physiological response of sorghum under 350 ppm CO2 (aCO2) or 700 ppm CO2 (eCO2) with drought (D) or without drought (WW) for 9, 13 and 16 days; as well as its resilience under long (R1: 9D + 7R) or short (R2: 13D + 3R) recovery treatments. Sorghum showed elevated rates of gs under aCO2 and WW, which resulted in a significant decrease in Ψw, gs, E, ΦPSII, Fv’/Fm′ when exposed to drought. Consequently, A was greatly decreased. When re-watered, both re-watering treatments prioritized A recovery by restoring photosynthetic machinery under aCO2, whereas under eCO2 plants required little recovery since plant were hardly affected by drought. However, sorghum growth rate for aboveground organs did not reach control values, indicating a slower long-term recovery. Overall, these results provide information about the resilience of sorghum and its utility as a suitable candidate for the drought episodes of the future.This research was financially supported by grant GRUPO Gobierno Vasco-IT022-16. X. S. Martínez-Goñi is the recipient of a grant from Departamento de Universidades e Investigación del Gobierno Vasco (Spain). A. Robredo was the recipient of a grant from Departamento de Educación, Universidades e Investigación del Gobierno Vasco (Spain)

Elementos de pertinencia para una especialización en operatoria dental y estética. Universidad San Gregorio de Portoviejo.

La carrera de Odontología de la Universidad San Gregorio de Portoviejo desarrolla un programa de especialización en Operatoria y estética dental. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar algunos elementos de pertinencia para el desarrollo de ese programa. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa siguiendo las indicaciones del Consejo de Educción Superior del Ecuador: análisis documental sobre prevalencia de la caries dental, y programas de especialización similares en América Latina; encuestas a odontólogos de práctica general; sesiones de grupos focales de los docentes de Odontología. Los resultados muestran una alta prevalencia de la caries dental en todas las poblaciones a nivel global, Ecuador y la provincia de Manabí. Como tendencia los programas de especialización analizados tienen una duración de 2 años y núcleos de conocimientos comunes: Ciencias básicas médicas, Investigación, Ética, Cariología, Materiales dentales, Odontología restauradora y estética. 66 odontólogos respondieron la encuesta, la mayoría estuvo muy de acuerdo en cursar el programa de especialización. Los 35 docente que participaron en las sesiones de grupos focales consideraron pertinente realizar el programa de especialización. Se concluyó que las necesidades del contexto, y las tendencias formativas internacionales y nacionales, indican que el programa de especialización en Operatoria dental y estética sería pertinente.

Soil greenhouse gas emissions and crop production with implementation of alley cropping in a Mediterranean citrus orchard

The implementation of alley cropping in orchards has been suggested as a sustainable strategy to increase farmer revenues by crop diversification, enhance soil organic matter (SOM) and fertility, water retention, overall biodiversity, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess if alley cropping with annual crops can contribute to i) mitigate soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, ii) enhance C sequestration in a semiarid Mediterranean irrigated citrus orchard, and iii) increase land productivity. For this, two different treatments were established: i) conventional mandarin monoculture (MC) with no alley cropping; and ii) mandarin diversified with alley cropping of barley/vetch and fava bean (DIV). Measurements of soil CO2 and N2O emissions were periodically performed (every 7–20 days) during two years. Soil CO2 emission rates followed the soil moisture trend, and showed no significant differences between treatments. As an average, soil CO2 emission rates were 147 mg m-2 h-1 in MC and 196 mg m-2 h-1 in DIV. Soil N2O emission rates were not correlated to soil moisture nor temperature, and showed average values of 0.026 mg m-2 h-1 in MC and − 0.002 mg m-2 h-1 in DIV. Alley cropping did not contribute to significantly increase soil organic C and total nitrogen in two years’ time. With regard to production, mandarin yield showed no significant differences between treatments, but alley crops contributed to complementary commodities to the main cash crop, increasing overall land productivity. Thus, alley cropping in irrigated Mediterranean orchards has no significant effect on soil C sequestration and GHG emissions at short-term, with increased land productivity owing to new commodities grown in the alleys. These results confirm that under semiarid Mediterranean climate, long periods are needed to efficiently assess soil C sequestration potential of sustainable practices in orchards.This work was supported by the European Commission Horizon 2020 Project Diverfarming [Grant agreement 728003]. Raúl Zornoza acknowledges the financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the “Ramón y Cajal” Program [RYC-2015-18758]

Influence of the Pecking Motion Frequency on the Cyclic Fatigue Resistance of Endodontic Rotary Files

Purpose: To analyze the influence of the pecking motion frequency on the cyclic fatigue resistance of endodontic rotary files. Material and Methods: Sixty PlexV 25.06 endodontic rotary files were selected and distributed into three groups: 30 movements/min (n = 20), 60 movements/min (n = 20), and 120 movements/min (n = 20). A dynamic cyclic fatigue device was designed using Computer Aided Design/ Computer Aided Engineering (CAD/CAE) technology and manufactured by 3D impressions to simulate the pecking motion performed by an operator. Failures of the endodontic rotary files were detected by a Light-Emitting Diode (LED)/Light-Dependent Resistor (LDR) system controlled by an Arduino-Driver complex and management software. Endodontic rotary files were tested on an artificial root canal manufactured by wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), with similar dimensions to those of the instrument under examination. Endodontic rotary files were used following the manufacturer’s recommendations. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and Weibull statistics. Results: All pairwise comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in all three variables, except for the difference in the number of cycles between the groups with 60 and 120 movements/min (p = 0.298). The scale distribution parameter of Weibull statistics showed statistically significant differences in all three variables, except for the differences in the number of cycles between groups with 30 and 60 movements/min (p = 0.0722). No statistically significant differences in the three variables were observed for the shape distribution parameter. Conclusion: A low frequency of pecking motion is recommended to reduce the risk of failure of endodontic rotary files associated with cyclic fatigue

El trabajo metodológico en la superación de los profesores de Educación Física

Introduction: methodological work is the systematic activity of professors, aimed at maintaining and raising the quality of the educational process, allowing the increase of the pedagogical mastery of the scientific-pedagogical cadre, the development or preparation of teaching aids, the determination of teaching methods, the evaluation of learning and other aspects that ensure the process.Objective: to characterize the methodological work in the permanent improvement  of the professors of Physical Education Subject from the University of Medical Sciences and to offer some suggestions for their upgrading.Method: a review of the methodological documents of the subject, resolutions and other materials was carried out.Results: the professors of physical education must master the subject they taught and its contents and enrich them to develop it with the quality required, to carry out the educational and instructive work, to guide the process, as well as control and evaluate students in order to complete their knowledge, taking into account the objectives, and to contribute to their comprehensive education.Conclusions: methodological work is an effective way in the preparation of professors and the suggested pedagogical actions can be considered of great importance to efficiently fulfill the objectives of the methodological work for Physical Education Subject, considering it as an essential component in the comprehensive education of students.Introducción: el trabajo metodológico es la actividad sistemática de los docentes, encaminada a mantener y elevar la calidad del proceso docente-educativo, permitiendo el incremento de la maestría pedagógica de los cuadros científicos- pedagógicos, el desarrollo o confección de los medios de enseñanza, la determinación de los métodos de enseñanza, la evaluación del aprendizaje y demás aspectos que aseguren el proceso.Objetivo: caracterizar el trabajo metodológico en la superación permanente de los profesores de la disciplina Educación Física de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas y ofrecer algunas sugerencias para su perfeccionamiento.Método: se realizó una revisión de documentos propios de la disciplina, resoluciones y otros materiales.Resultados: el profesor de educación física debe dominar la asignatura que imparte, sus contenidos y enriquecerlos, desarrollarla con la calidad requerida, ejercer adecuadamente la labor educativa e instructiva, orientar, controlar y evaluar a los estudiantes para lograr que se apropien de los conocimientos, teniendo presente los objetivos y contribuir a su formación integral.Conclusiones: el trabajo metodológico constituye una vía efectiva en la preparación de los docentes y   las acciones pedagógicas que se sugieren pueden considerarse de gran importancia para cumplir eficientemente los objetivos del trabajo metodológico de la disciplina como componente esencial en la formación integral de los estudiantes.

El trabajo metodológico en la superación de los profesores de Educación Física

Introduction: methodological work is the systematic activity of professors, aimed at maintaining and raising the quality of the educational process, allowing the increase of the pedagogical mastery of the scientific-pedagogical cadre, the development or preparation of teaching aids, the determination of teaching methods, the evaluation of learning and other aspects that ensure the process.Objective: to characterize the methodological work in the permanent improvement  of the professors of Physical Education Subject from the University of Medical Sciences and to offer some suggestions for their upgrading.Method: a review of the methodological documents of the subject, resolutions and other materials was carried out.Results: the professors of physical education must master the subject they taught and its contents and enrich them to develop it with the quality required, to carry out the educational and instructive work, to guide the process, as well as control and evaluate students in order to complete their knowledge, taking into account the objectives, and to contribute to their comprehensive education.Conclusions: methodological work is an effective way in the preparation of professors and the suggested pedagogical actions can be considered of great importance to efficiently fulfill the objectives of the methodological work for Physical Education Subject, considering it as an essential component in the comprehensive education of students.Introducción: el trabajo metodológico es la actividad sistemática de los docentes, encaminada a mantener y elevar la calidad del proceso docente-educativo, permitiendo el incremento de la maestría pedagógica de los cuadros científicos- pedagógicos, el desarrollo o confección de los medios de enseñanza, la determinación de los métodos de enseñanza, la evaluación del aprendizaje y demás aspectos que aseguren el proceso.Objetivo: caracterizar el trabajo metodológico en la superación permanente de los profesores de la disciplina Educación Física de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas y ofrecer algunas sugerencias para su perfeccionamiento.Método: se realizó una revisión de documentos propios de la disciplina, resoluciones y otros materiales.Resultados: el profesor de educación física debe dominar la asignatura que imparte, sus contenidos y enriquecerlos, desarrollarla con la calidad requerida, ejercer adecuadamente la labor educativa e instructiva, orientar, controlar y evaluar a los estudiantes para lograr que se apropien de los conocimientos, teniendo presente los objetivos y contribuir a su formación integral.Conclusiones: el trabajo metodológico constituye una vía efectiva en la preparación de los docentes y   las acciones pedagógicas que se sugieren pueden considerarse de gran importancia para cumplir eficientemente los objetivos del trabajo metodológico de la disciplina como componente esencial en la formación integral de los estudiantes.

The methodological work in the upgrading of professors of Physical Education

Introduction: methodological work is the systematic activity of professors, aimed at maintaining and raising the quality of the educational process, allowing the increase of the pedagogical mastery of the scientific-pedagogical cadre, the development or preparation of teaching aids, the determination of teaching methods, the evaluation of learning and other aspects that ensure the process. Objective: to characterize the methodological work in the permanent improvement  of the professors of Physical Education Subject from the University of Medical Sciences and to offer some suggestions for their upgrading. Method: a review of the methodological documents of the subject, resolutions and other materials was carried out. Results: the professors of physical education must master the subject they taught and its contents and enrich them to develop it with the quality required, to carry out the educational and instructive work, to guide the process, as well as control and evaluate students in order to complete their knowledge, taking into account the objectives, and to contribute to their comprehensive education. Conclusions: methodological work is an effective way in the preparation of professors and the suggested pedagogical actions can be considered of great importance to efficiently fulfill the objectives of the methodological work for Physical Education Subject, considering it as an essential component in the comprehensive education of students