Engaging and Assessing Students through their Electronic Devices and Real Time Quizzes

[EN] This paper describes a teaching experience using Socrative, a third party electronic tool, for real-time questioning in lectures of Econometrics.  Econometrics is a theoretical-practical subject, but traditionally a large proportion of our students tend to focus on the practical and discard the theory, often skipping classes on theory and avoiding studying its content, probably motivated by its complexity. As a consequence, students’ marks obtained in the theoretical part of the exam are usually low. In this context, we put forward a change in our teaching methodology to include the use of Socrative, a freely available app, that allows students to answer teachers’ short, true/false, or multiple choice questions posed during each class using their smartphones (or other electronic devices with Internet connection). The objectives of this project are twofold: 1) to engage students and increase attendance at lectures; 2) to improve feedback on the learning process. The results of a survey of a sample of 186 students reveal that Socrative has been an effective tool for achieving these objectives.Ferrándiz, E.; Puentes, C.; Moreno, PJ.; Flores, E. (2016). Engaging and Assessing Students through their Electronic Devices and Real Time Quizzes. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences. 3(2):173-184. doi:10.4995/muse.2016.6375.SWORD1731843

Asymmetric Organocatalysis in Deep Eutectic Solvents

The recent advances in asymmetric organocatalysis using eutectic mixtures as a reaction medium are revised in this mini‐review. In addition, the first enantioselective transformations using chiral eutectic solvents, which play the role of a green medium and organocatalyst, are described. In this mini‐review we intend to deepen not only in the synthetic aspects of asymmetric organocatalysis in eutectic mixtures, but also in the fundamental issues that seem to be essential for a successful development of this promising, and at the same time challenging, methodology.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICINN, PGC2018-096616-B-I00), the University of Alicante (VIGROB-173 and VIGROB-316FI), and the University of Pisa (PRA_2018_36)

Design and synthesis of novel 1,4-benzodiazepine surrogates as potential CCKA and CCKB antagonists via palladium-catalyzed three-component cascade reactions

Structurally diverse novel 1,4-benzodiazepine analogues related to selective CCKA antagonist MK-329, and CCKB antagonists L-365,260 and YM022 are prepared via palladium-catalyzed three component domino reactions involving allenylation-carbonylation-anion capture in one-pot cascade protocol in good to excellent yields

Estudios etnobotánicos sobre plantas medicinales en la provincia de Camagüey (Cuba)

An ethnobotanical study has been conducted on traditional medicinal plant uses in seven communities of the Province of Camagüey, Cuba. Ethnobotanical information on 111 plant species from 96 genera and 55 families have been recorded along with 116 different vernacular names. These species are used in the treatment of 173 local health problems (mainly in respiratory, digestive, liver and gallbladder, and skin disorders). Chemistry composition of 39 species is unknown and ethnopharmacological use of 18 species has not been reported previously in the literature. The data collected in this study contribute to the pharmacological and toxicological evaluation of some of the studied species.<br><br>Como resultado del trabajo de campo realizado en siete comunidades de la provincia de Camagüey, Cuba, sobre el uso popular e indicaciones de plantas medicinales, se presenta información etnobotánica sobre 111 especies de plantas pertenecientes a 96 géneros y a 55 familias. Se obtuvieron 173 indicaciones de uso medicinal, principalmente para afecciones respiratorias, digestivas, hepatobiliares y dermatológicas. Se listaron 116 nombres vernáculos de especies vegetales. Se desconoce la composición química de 39 de las especies y de 18 no se encontraron referencias de su utilización en farmacia. Los datos empíricos obtenidos sobre usos de plantas estimularon la validación farmacológica y toxicológica de algunas de ellas

Prospects in the orbital and rotational dynamics of the Moon with the advent of sub-centimeter lunar laser ranging

Lunar Laser Ranging (LLR) measurements are crucial for advanced exploration of the laws of fundamental gravitational physics and geophysics. Current LLR technology allows us to measure distances to the Moon with a precision approaching 1 millimeter. As NASA pursues the vision of taking humans back to the Moon, new, more precise laser ranging applications will be demanded, including continuous tracking from more sites on Earth, placing new CCR arrays on the Moon, and possibly installing other devices such as transponders, etc. Successful achievement of this goal strongly demands further significant improvement of the theoretical model of the orbital and rotational dynamics of the Earth-Moon system. This model should inevitably be based on the theory of general relativity, fully incorporate the relevant geophysical processes, lunar librations, tides, and should rely upon the most recent standards and recommendations of the IAU for data analysis. This paper discusses methods and problems in developing such a mathematical model. The model will take into account all the classical and relativistic effects in the orbital and rotational motion of the Moon and Earth at the sub-centimeter level. The new model will allow us to navigate a spacecraft precisely to a location on the Moon. It will also greatly improve our understanding of the structure of the lunar interior and the nature of the physical interaction at the core-mantle interface layer. The new theory and upcoming millimeter LLR will give us the means to perform one of the most precise fundamental tests of general relativity in the solar system.Comment: 26 pages, submitted to Proc. of ASTROCON-IV conference (Princeton Univ., NJ, 2007

Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Organ Transplant Recipients

Importance: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequent malignant neoplasm found in solid organ transplant recipients and is associated with a more aggressive disease course and higher risk of metastasis and death than in the general population. Objectives: To report the clinicopathologic features of and identify factors associated with aggressive SCC in solid organ transplant recipients. Methods: This retrospective multicentric case series included 51 patients who underwent solid organ transplantation and were found to have aggressive SCC, defined by nodal or distant metastasis or death by local progression of primary SCC. Standard questionnaires were completed by the researchers between July 18, 2005, and January 1, 2015. Data were analyzed between February 22, 2016, and July 12, 2016. Results: Of the 51 participants, 43 were men and 8 were women, with a median age of 51 years (range, 19-71 years) at time of transplantation and 62 years (range, 36-77 years) at time of diagnosis of aggressive SCC. The distribution of aggressive SCC was preferentially on the face (34 [67%]) and scalp (6 [12%]), followed by the upper extremities (6 [12%]). A total of 21 tumors (41%) were poorly differentiated, with a median tumor diameter of 18.0 mm (range, 4.0-64.0 mm) and median tumor depth of 6.2 mm (range, 1.0-20.0 mm). Perineural invasion was present in 20 patients (39%), while 23 (45%) showed a local recurrence. The 5-year overall survival rate was 23%, while 5-year disease-specific survival was 30.5%. Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this case series suggest that anatomical site, differentiation, tumor diameter, tumor depth, and perineural invasion are important risk factors in aggressive SCC in solid organ transplant recipients

Cumulative incidence and risk factors for cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma metastases in organ transplant recipients: the SCOPE-ITSCC metastases study, a prospective multi-center study.

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are believed to have an increased risk of metastatic cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC), but reliable data are lacking regarding the precise incidence and associated risk factors. In a prospective cohort study, including 19 specialist dermatology outpatient clinics in 15 countries, patient and tumor characteristics were collected using standardized questionnaires when SOTRs presented with a new cSCC. After a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, relevant data for all SOTRs were collected. Cumulative incidence of metastases was calculated by the Aalen-Johansen estimator. Fine and Gray models were used to assess multiple risk factors for metastases. Of 514 SOTRs who presented with 623 primary cSCCs, 37 developed metastases with a 2-year patient-based cumulative incidence of 6.2%. Risk factors for metastases included location in the head and neck area, local recurrence, size >2cm, clinical ulceration, poor differentiation grade, perineural invasion and deep invasion. A high-stage tumor that is also ulcerated showed the highest risk of metastasis, with a 2-year cumulative incidence of 46.2% (31.9% - 68.4%). SOTRs have a high risk of cSCC metastases and well-established clinical and histological risk factors have been confirmed. High-stage, ulcerated cSCCs have the highest risk of metastasis. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A multi-stakeholder multicriteria decision analysis for the reimbursement of orphan drugs (FinMHU-MCDA study)

Background: Patient access to orphan medicinal products (OMPs) is limited and varies between countries, reimbursement decisions on OMPs are complex, and there is a need for more transparent processes to know which criteria should be considered to inform these decisions. This study aimed to determine the most relevant criteria for the reimbursement of OMPs in Spain, from a multi-stakeholder perspective, and using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA). Methods: An MCDA was developed in 3 phases and included 28 stakeholders closely related to the field of rare diseases (6 physicians, 5 hospital pharmacists, 7 health economists, 4 patient representatives and 6 members from national and regional health authorities). Initially [phase A], a bibliographic review was conducted to identify the potential reimbursement criteria. Then, a reduced advisory board (8 members) proposed, selected, and defined the final list of criteria that could be relevant for reimbursement. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) [phase B] was developed to determine the relevance and relative importance weight of such criteria according to the stakeholders’ preferences by choosing between pairs of hypothetical financing scenarios. A multinomial logit model was fitted to analyze the DCE responses. Finally [phase C], the advisory board review the results using a deliberative process. Results: Thirteen criteria were selected, related to 4 dimensions: patient population, disease, treatment, and economic evaluation. Nine criteria were deemed relevant for decision-making and associated with a higher relative importance: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) (23.53%), treatment efficacy (14.64%), availability of treatment alternatives (13.51%), disease severity (12.62%), avoided costs (11.21%), age of target population (7.75%), safety (seriousness of adverse events) (4.72%), quality of evidence (3.82%) and size of target population (3.12%). The remaining criteria had a < 3% relative importance: economic burden of disease (2.50%), cost of treatment (1.73%), cost-effectiveness (0.83%) and safety (frequency of adverse events) (0.03%). Conclusion: The reimbursement of OMPs in Spain should be determined by its effect on patient’s HRQL, the extent of its therapeutic benefit from efficacy and the availability of other therapeutic options. Furthermore, the severity of the rare disease should also influence the decision along with the potential of the treatment to avoid associated costs