TROVA: TRansport Of water VApor

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUGThe TRansport Of water VApor (TROVA) software, developed in Python and Fortran for the study of moisture sources and sinks, is presented here. TROVA includes the main Lagrangian methodologies established in the literature, using outputs from the global FLEXible PARTicle dispersion model and the regional FLEXPART-WRF model at different spatial resolutions. TROVA will benefit users investigating the physics of the atmosphere and fields associated with this branch in the study of current and future changes in source–sink moisture relationships and their link with mean and extreme precipitation.Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481A-2020/193Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021/44Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2021-122314OB-I0

Aprendizaje de la programación guiado por los errores de compilación

Los errores de programación y en concreto los de tiempo de compilación siempre han sido un área de interés en el campo de la enseñanza de la programación. Esto lo demuestran los distintos artículos que aparecen periódicamente en congresos de docencia de la informática, tanto nacionales como internacionales. Estos estudios se basan en la relación entre errores de programación y carencias conceptuales o malas prácticas de programación, y orientar a los docentes en las áreas y conceptos de programación que se tendrían que reforzar en la enseñanza de la programación. Sin embargo, estos estudios se realizan siempre fuera del proceso de aprendizaje de los estudiantes, con lo cual sólo se extraen conclusiones generales para posteriores cursos y sin poder proporcionar una realimentación real e individualizada a los alumnos. Hemos creado un sistema, denominado COLMENA que se integra con el entorno de desarrollo integrado para recopilar información sobre el análisis estático, errores de compilación y warnings, que los estudiantes generan durante un ejercicio de programación. Además, esta información sobre errores se visualiza a los usuarios clasificada por familias de errores, sesiones de prácticas y alumnos. Permitiendo al profesor realizar un seguimiento completamente personalizado, para un grupo o un alumno concreto. Por otra parte, facilita la documentación de los distintos errores, estableciendo una relación de estos con los conceptos de programación y buenas prácticas relacionadas. Además, permite a los alumnos darse cuenta de los errores que cometen con más frecuencia y reforzar el conocimiento de estos. A través de esta herramienta, por tanto, se consigue un flujo de intercambio de información que puede ayudar a profesores y alumnos en la mejora del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje, y así perfeccionar explícitamente detalles sobre pautas de programación o conceptos relativos a la misma que antes no se apreciaban o conocer la evolución de los errores de un grupo a lo largo de una asignatura.SUMMARY -- Studies on errors in programming activities have always been considered relevant among scientific communities. Thus, different approaches are explored every year in national and international conferences about programming teaching and learning. All of these studies deal with the relationship between programming errors and bad habits in programming, in order to generate guidance for teachers in concepts where their students fail. However, these kinds of studies are conducted outside the students' natural programming process, which prevents teachers from receiving a feedback report in real-time. We have created an eclipse plug-in, called COLMENA, whose purpose is to recover compilation errors and warnings generated by the students during programming lessons. Moreover, this information is displayed in a specific portal where students can retrieve information about the errors, their solutions and different reports about individual and collective information, such as specific groups or sessions inside a subject. Students have the possibility to learn about the solution to their most common errors in the system or their top-10 error list. Through COLMENA, we aim to assist teachers and students with programming tips and ideas that generate less errors and improve the teacher-learning process. This kind of information, previously discarded, allows us to gain a new perspective about the problems that users have in a specific practical lesson or in a whole subject

Double protonation of a cis-Bipyridoallenophane detected via Chiral-Sensing Switch: the role of Ion Pairs

We prove that the confinement of the conformational space of pyridoallenophanes leads to intense chiroptical responses. Unlike the cyclic dimer [142], single-conformation [141]pyridoallenophanes isomerize under thermal and photochemical conditions. Yet, less-strained [141]-bipyridoallenophanes are stable and are prepared successfully. They, unexpectedly, undergo double protonation as a result of cooperative ion-pairing and hydrogen bonding. The complex formation forces a single configuration of the axis connecting both pyridyl rings recognized by a diagnostic circular dichroism (CD) signal at 330 nm.Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. CTQ2017-84354-PAgencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. CTQ2017-85919-RXunta de Galicia | Ref. IN607C 2016/03Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2017/70Xunta de Galicia | Ref. Ref. ED431G/0

Melatonin Non-Linearly Modulates Bull Spermatozoa Motility and Physiology in Capacitating and Non-Capacitating Conditions

[EN] Bull spermatozoa physiology may be modulated by melatonin. We washed ejaculated spermatozoa free of melatonin and incubated them (4 h, 38 °C) with 0-pM, 1-pM, 100-pM, 10-nM and 1-µM melatonin in TALP-HEPES (non-capacitating) and TALP-HEPES-heparin (capacitating). This range of concentrations encompassed the effects mediated by melatonin receptors (pM), intracellular targets (nM–µM) or antioxidant activity (µM). Treatment effects were assessed as motility changes by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) of motility and physiological changes by flow cytometry. Melatonin effects were more evident in capacitating conditions, with 100 pM reducing motility and velocity (VCL) while increasing a “slow” subpopulation. All concentrations decreased apoptotic spermatozoa and stimulated mitochondrial activity in viable spermatozoa, with 100 pM–1 µM increasing acrosomal damage, 10 nM–1 µM increasing intracellular calcium and 1 pM reducing the response to a calcium-ionophore challenge. In non-capacitating media, 1 µM increased hyperactivation-related variables and decreased apoptotic spermatozoa; 100 pM–1 µM increased membrane disorders (related to capacitation); all concentrations decreased mitochondrial ROS production. Melatonin concentrations had a modal effect on bull spermatozoa, suggesting a capacitation-modulating role and protective effect at physiological concentrations (pM). Some effects may be of practical use, considering artificial reproductive techniquesSIThis research was funded by MINECO (Spain), Grant Number AGL2013-4332

Safety and Biocompatibility of a New High-Density Polyethylene-Based Spherical Integrated Porous Orbital Implant: An Experimental Study in Rabbits

Purpose. To evaluate clinically and histologically the safety and biocompatibility of a new HDPE-based spherical porous orbital implants in rabbits. Methods. MEDPOR (Porex Surgical, Inc., Fairburn, GA, USA), OCULFIT I, and OCULFIT II (AJL Ophthalmic S.A., Vitoria, Spain) implants were implanted in eviscerated rabbis. Animals were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=4 each) according to the 3 implant materials tested and 2 follow-up times of 90 or 180 days. Signs of regional pain and presence of eyelid swelling, conjunctival hyperemia, and amount of exudate were semiquantitatively evaluated. After animals sacrifice, the implants and surrounding ocular tissues were processed for histological staining and polarized light evaluation. Statistical study was performed by ANOVA and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results. No statistically significant differences in regional pain, eyelid swelling, or conjunctival hyperemia were shown between implants and/or time points evaluated. However, amount of exudate differed, with OCULFIT I causing the smallest amount. No remarkable clinical complications were observed. Histological findings were similar in all three types of implants and agree with minor inflammatory response. Conclusions. OCULFIT ophthalmic tolerance and biocompatibility in rabbits were comparable to the clinically used MEDPOR. Clinical studies are needed to determine if OCULFIT is superior to the orbital implants commercially available

Flaxseed-enriched diets change milk concentration of the antimicrobial danofloxacin in sheep

8 p.Flaxseed is the most common and rich dietary source of lignans and is an acceptable supply of energy for livestock. Flaxseed lignans are precursors of enterolignans, mainly enterolactone and enterodiol, produced by the rumen and intestinal microbiota of mammals and have many important biological properties as phytoestrogens. Potential food-drug interactions involving flaxseed may be relevant for veterinary therapy, and for the quality and safety of milk and dairy products. Our aim was to investigate a potential food-drug interaction involving flaxseed, to explore whether the inclusion of flaxseed in sheep diet affects concentration of the antimicrobial danofloxacin in milkS

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in retinal and optic nerve diseases: An update of clinical trials

Producción CientíficaRetinal and optic nerve diseases are degenerative ocular pathologies which lead to irreversible visual loss. Since the advanced therapies availability, cell-based therapies offer a new all-encompassing approach. Advances in the knowledge of neuroprotection, immunomodulation and regenerative properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been obtained by several preclinical studies of various neurodegenerative diseases. It has provided the opportunity to perform the translation of this knowledge to prospective treatment approaches for clinical practice. Since 2008, several first steps projecting new treatment approaches, have been taken regarding the use of cell therapy in patients with neurodegenerative pathologies of optic nerve and retina. Most of the clinical trials using MSCs are in Ⅰ/Ⅱ phase, recruiting patients or ongoing, and they have as main objective the safety assessment of MSCs using various routes of administration. However, it is important to recognize that, there is still a long way to go to reach clinical trials phase Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Hence, it is necessary to continue preclinical and clinical studies to improve this new therapeutic tool. This paper reviews the latest progress of MSCs in human clinical trials for retinal and optic nerve diseasesJunta de Castilla y León (programa de apoyo a proyectos de investigación – Ref. VA066U13

Malignant carotid body tumors: What we know, what we do, and what we need to achieve. A systematic review of the literature

: Malignant carotid body tumors (MCBT) are rare and diagnosed after detection of nodal or distant metastases. This systematic review (SR) focuses on MCBT initially approached by surgery. Preferred Reporting Items for SR and Meta-Analysis (MA) guided the articles search from 2000 to 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Among 3548 papers, 132 (337 patients) were considered for SR; of these, 20 (158 patients) for MA. Malignancy rate was 7.3%, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutation 17%, age at diagnosis between 4th and 6th decades, with a higher prevalence of females. MCBTs were mostly Shamblin III, with nodal and distant metastasis in 79.7% and 44.7%, respectively. Malignancy should be suspected if CBT >4 cm, Shamblin III, painful or otherwise symptomatic, at the extremes of age, bilateral, with multifocal disease, and SDHx mutations. Levels II-III clearance should be performed to exclude nodal metastases and adjuvant treatments considered on a case-by-case basis

The multikinase inhibitor EC‐70124 synergistically increased the antitumor activity of doxorubicin in sarcomas

Cytotoxic drugs like doxorubicin remain as the most utilized agents in sarcoma treatment. However, advanced sarcomas are often resistant, thus stressing the need for new therapies aimed to overcome this resistance. Multikinase inhibitors provide an efficient way to target several pro-tumorigenic pathways using a single agent and may constitute a valuable strategy in the treatment of sarcomas, which frequently show an aberrant activation of pro-tumoral kinases. Therefore, we studied the antitumor activity of EC-70124, an indolocarbazole analog that have demonstrated a robust ability to inhibit a wide range of pro-survival kinases. Evaluation of the phospho-kinase profile in cell-of-origin sarcoma models and/or sarcoma primary cell lines evidenced that PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT or SRC were among the most highly activated pathways. In striking contrast with the structurally related drug midostaurin, EC-70124 efficiently prevented the phosphorylation of these targets and robustly inhibited proliferation through a mechanism associated to the induction of DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, EC-70124 was able to partially reduce tumor growth in vivo. Importantly, this compound inhibited the expression and activity of ABC efflux pumps involved in drug resistance. In line with this ability, we found that the combined treatment of EC-70124 with doxorubicin resulted in a synergistic cytotoxic effect in vitro and an increased antitumor activity of this cytotoxic drug in vivo. Altogether, these results uncover the capability of the novel multikinase inhibitor EC-70124 to counteract drug resistance in sarcoma and highlight its therapeutic potential when combined with current treatmentsPeer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Structural evolution, optical gap and thermoelectric properties of CH3NH3SnBr3 hybrid perovskite, prepared by mechanochemistry

Direct bandgap semiconductors of the hybrid-perovskite family CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I, Br, Cl) exhibit outstanding light absorption properties and are the materials of choice for solar energy applications. As an alternative to poisonous Pb, tin-containing perovskites would show a lower effective mass thus exhibiting a higher charge carrier mobility. An auspicious candidate is CH3NH3SnBr3, with an estimated band gap of 1.902 eV, anticipating applications in photovoltaic devices for the visible to ultra-violet wavelength region. We describe that this perovskite can be prepared by ball milling in a straightforward way, yielding specimens with a superior crystallinity. A structural investigation from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXRD) data was essential to revisit the successive phase transitions this compound experiences down to 120 K, guided by specific heat capacity and DSC measurements. From the cubic structure identified at RT and 270 K, there is a gradual evolution of the patterns, analysed as a phase admixture between the cubic and the low-symmetry phase present at 160 K. This corresponds to an orthorhombic Pmc21 superstructure; this acentric space group enables polarization along the c-axis where there is a twofold screw axis, evidenced in the distribution of Sn-Br distances. Furthermore, there are two conspicuous changes in the orthorhombic framework, yet keeping the Pmc21 space group, which agree with the main calorimetric events (observed at 224 and 147 K). We interpret these changes as an interplay between the tilting of the SnBr6 octahedra of the inorganic framework and the breaking and reconstruction of H-bond interactions with the organic CH3NH+3 unit. The stereochemical effect of the lone electron pair of the Sn2+ ion is clear in the SnBr6 octahedral distortion. Diffuse reflectance UV/Vis spectroscopy yields an optical gap of ∼2.1 eV, in agreement with ab- initio calculations. A Seebeck coefficient of ∼2000 μV K-1 is determined near RT, which is one order of magnitude higher than those reported for other halide perovskites.Fil: Lopez, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química; Argentina. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Abia, Carmen. Institut Laue Langevin; Francia. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Gainza, Javier. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Kayser, Paula. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Nemes, Norbert. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Dura, Oscar J.. Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha; EspañaFil: Martinez, Jose L.. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Fernandez Diaz, Maria Teresa. Institut Laue Langevin; FranciaFil: Alvarez Galvan, M. Consuelo. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Alonso, José Antonio. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; Españ