A counterfactual impact evaluation of a bilingual program on students’ grade point average at a spanish university

This observational study intends to estimate the causal effects of an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) program (as predictor) on students Grade Point Average (GPA) (as outcome) at a particular University in Spain by using a Counterfactual Impact Evaluation (CIE). The need to address the crucial question of causal inferences in EMI programs to produce credible evidences of successful interventions contrasts, however, with the absence of experimental or quasi-experimental research and evaluation designs in the field. CIE approach is emerging as a methodologically viable solution to bridge that gap. The program evaluated here consisted in delivering an EMI program in a Primary Education Teacher Training Degree group. After achieving balance on the observed covariates and recreating a situation that would have been expected in a randomized experiment, three matching approaches such as genetic matching, nearest neighbor matching and Coarsened Exact Matching were used to analyze observational data from a total of 1288 undergraduate students, including both treatment and control group. Results show unfavorable effects of the bilingual group treatment condition. Potential interpretations and recommendations are provided in order to strengthen future causal evidences of bilingual education programs’ effectiveness in Higher Education.This work was supported by the Junta de Andalucía-funded Proyecto de Excelencia: “Análisis y Garantía de Calidad de la Educación Superior Plurilingüe en la Educación Superior de Andalucía [Junta de Andalusia-funded Project of Excelence: Analysis and Warrantee of the Quality of Plurilingual Higher Education in Andalucia] (AGCEPESA; Grant Agreement No. P12-SEJ − 1588)

Severed hemoparasitosis complicated in a thoroughbred horses from Venezuela

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is the disease caused by protozoan hemoparasites Babesia caballi and/or B. (Theileria equi). The aim of this study was to report of case of severed hemoparasitosis complicated in a Thoroughbred horse from Venezuela. The equine present acute abdominal pain in 24 hours and complicated post 48 hours and death in the 72 hours. Temperature oscillate 41;2°C. Icterus and hematury severed. We realized a multidisciplinary study clinical, laboratory, biochemistry, necropsy, histopathology. Hematies: 10.6 mm³, Hb: 16.4 g/dL, Hto: 48%, plaques 305mm³, Leucocites 4.7 x/mm³, Neutrophiles 47%, Lymphocytes 44%, Monocites 1%, Eosinophyles 7%. Total Protein 7,2g/dL, Albumine 2.8g/dL, globulin 4.4g/dL, glicemia 85mg/dL, urea 29mg/dL, creatinine 3.0 mg/dL. BT 3.07mg/dL, BD 0.33mg/dL, BI 2.74mg/dL, GOT 416UI/I,CK 183 UI/I, Na 136mmol/dL, K 3.0 mmol/dL, Cl 98 mmol/dL, fibrinogeno 300mg/dL. Giemsa staining of blood smears followed by careful microscopic examination can reveal the intraerythrocytic parasites in acute cases. B. caballi can appear pyriform-shaped and occurs in pairs whereas B. equi appears as four pyriform parasites in a Maltese-cross formation. On necropsy, were observed severed icterus oral and mucosa, xantomathosis of subcutaneous tissue. Poliserositis, ascitis, anasarca. In the abdominal cavity was observed massive hemoperitoneum severe, adhesive fibrinous peritonitis by diapedesis. Spleen with hemosiderosis severed. Peritonitis fibrinous adhesive in external surface of small intestine. Severe disseminate coagulate intravascular, hemolisis acute and bacteraemia, septicaemia. In conclusion were reported of case of severed hemoparasitosis complicated in a Thoroughbred horse from Venezuela.La Piroplasmosis equina (EP) es una enfermedad causada por el protozoo hemoparásitos Babesia caballi y / o B. (Theileria equi). El objetivo de este estudio fue reportar un caso de hemoparasitosis severa complicada en un caballo Pura Sangre de Venezuela. El equino presento dolor abdominal agudo en 24 horas y 48 horas edema de miembros posteriores y muerte en las 72 horas. La temperatura oscilo entre 41, 2 º C, presento ictericia y hematuria. Se realizó un estudio multidisciplinario clínicos, de laboratorio, bioquímica, necropsia e histopatología. Hematíes: 10,6 mm ³, Hb: 16,4 g / dl, Hto: 48%, plaquetas de 305 mm ³, los Leucocitos 4,7 x / mm ³, neutrófilos 47%, linfocitos 44%, monocitos 1%, Eosinofilos 7%. Total de proteínas 7,2 g / dl, Albúmina 2.8g/dL, 4.4g/dL globulina, glicemia 85mg/dL, urea 29mg/ dL, creatinina 3,0 mg / dl. BT 3.07mg/dL, BD 0.33mg/dL, BI 2.74mg/dL, GOT 416UI / l, CK 183 UI / l, Na 136mmol/dL, K 3,0 mmol / dl, Cl 98 mmol / dL, fibrinógeno 300mg/dL. El frotis de sangre coloreado con Giemsa seguido por el examen microscópico revelo parásitos intraeritrocíticos. B. caballi puede aparecer en forma piriforme y se produce en parejas, mientras que B. equi aparece como cuatro parásitos piriformes en una formación de Cruz-Malta. En la necropsia, se observo la mucosa oral y conjuntival icterica, xantomathosis del tejido subcutáneo. Poliserositis, ascitis, anasarca. En la cavidad abdominal se observó hemoperitoneo masivo peritonitis fibrinosa severa adhesiva por diapédesis. Bazo con hemosiderosis, Coagulación intravascular diseminada, hemólisis aguda, bacteremia y septicemia. Se reporto un caso de hemoparasitosis severa complicado en un caballo pura sangre de Venezuela

Lesiones musculoesqueléticas catastróficas en miembros posteriores. Estudio de casos en caballos pura sangre de carrera en el hipódromo "La Rinconada" , Caracas, Venezuela

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries hind Thoroughbred Racing. We studied 17 cases of fractures, aged 2-3 years, a total of 216 fractures in Thoroughbred horses from the Hippodrome “La Rinconada”, during the years 2000-2011. All horses have a history of broken hind legs and were evaluated clinically. They were euthanized, necropsy and subsequent tissue sampling. The samples were fixed in 10% formalin and processed by conventional histological methods. The results were a total of 216 fractures, 17 fractures were for Hind 8%. The left hind foot 65% of present condition, the right hind limb evidenced 35%. The anatomical bases affected were the tibia 88%, followed by the femur and metatarsus 6% 6% lead. Bilateral fractures of the tibia and fibula were observed in 3 chances 18%. The fractures in all the cases studied were exposed, with severe vascular compromise. In conclusion we report 17 cases of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in equine hind Thoroughbred racing at the Hippodrome “La Rinconada” Caracas, Venezuela.El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la prevalencia de lesiones musculo esqueléticas catastróficas en miembros posteriores de caballos Pura Sangre de Carreras. Se estudiaron 17 casos de fracturas, con edades entre 2-3 años, de un total de 216 fracturas en equinos de raza Pura Sangre de Carrera del Hipódromo “La Rinconada”, durante los años 2000-2011. Todos los equinos presentaron historia de fracturas de miembros posteriores y fueron evaluados clínicamente. Se les práctico eutanasia, posteriormente necropsia y toma de muestras de tejidos. Las muestras tomadas fueron fijadas en formol al 10% y procesadas por los métodos convencionales histológicos. Los resultados fueron de un total de 216 fracturas 17 correspondieron a fracturas de miembros posteriores, 8% aproximadamente. El miembro posterior izquierdo presento un 65% de afección, el miembro posterior derecho evidencio 35%. Las bases anatómicas afectadas fueron la tibia 88%, seguida del fémur 6% y metatarso principal 6%. Las fracturas bilaterales de la tibia y peroné se observaron en 3 oportunidades 18%. Las fracturas en todos los casos estudiados fueron expuestas, con severo compromiso vascular. En conclusión reportamos 17 casos de lesiones musculo-esqueléticas catastróficas en miembros posteriores en equinos Pura Sangre de Carreras en el Hipódromo “La Rinconada” Caracas, Venezuela

Effect and safety of listening to music or audiobooks as a coadjuvant treatment for chronic pain patients under opioid treatment: a study protocol for an open-label, parallel-group, randomised, controlled, proof-of-concept clinical trial in a tertiary hospital in the Barcelona South Metropolitan area

BackgroundChronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) treatment's primary goal is to maintain physical and mental functioning while improving quality of life. Opioid use in CNCP patients has increased in recent years, and non-pharmacological interventions such as music listening have been proposed to counter it. Unlike other auditive stimuli, music can activate emotional-regulating and reward-regulating circuits, making it a potential tool to modulate attentional processes and regulate mood. This study's primary objective is to provide the first evidence on the distinct (separate) effects of music listening as a coadjuvant maintenance analgesic treatment in CNCP patients undergoing opioid analgesia.Methods and analysisThis will be a single-centre, phase II, open-label, parallel-group, proof-of-concept randomised clinical trial with CNCP patients under a minimum 4-week regular opioid treatment. We plan to include 70 consecutive patients, which will be randomised (1:1) to either the experimental group (active music listening) or the control group (active audiobooks listening). During 28 days, both groups will listen daily (for at least 30 min and up to 1 hour) to preset playlists tailored to individual preferences.Pain intensity scores at each visit, the changes (differences) from baseline and the proportions of responders according to various definitions based on pain intensity differences will be described and compared between study arms. We will apply longitudinal data assessment methods (mixed generalised linear models) taking the patient as a cluster to assess and compare the endpoints' evolution. We will also use the mediation analysis framework to adjust for the effects of additional therapeutic measures and obtain estimates of effect with a causal interpretation.Methods and analysisThis will be a single-centre, phase II, open-label, parallel-group, proof-of-concept randomised clinical trial with CNCP patients under a minimum 4-week regular opioid treatment. We plan to include 70 consecutive patients, which will be randomised (1:1) to either the experimental group (active music listening) or the control group (active audiobooks listening). During 28 days, both groups will listen daily (for at least 30 min and up to 1 hour) to preset playlists tailored to individual preferences.Pain intensity scores at each visit, the changes (differences) from baseline and the proportions of responders according to various definitions based on pain intensity differences will be described and compared between study arms. We will apply longitudinal data assessment methods (mixed generalised linear models) taking the patient as a cluster to assess and compare the endpoints' evolution. We will also use the mediation analysis framework to adjust for the effects of additional therapeutic measures and obtain estimates of effect with a causal interpretation.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been reviewed, and ethics approval has been obtained from the Bellvitge University Hospital Institutional Review Board, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. The results from this study will be actively disseminated through manuscript publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberNCT05726266

Binding Potassium to Improve Treatment With Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors: Results From Multiple One-Stage Pairwise and Network Meta-Analyses of Clinical Trials.

This manuscript presents findings from the first dichotomous data pooling analysis on clinical trials (CT) regarding the effectiveness of binding potassium. The results emanated from pairwise and network meta-analyses aiming evaluation of response to commercial potassium-binding polymers, that is, to achieve and maintain normal serum potassium (n = 1,722), and the association between this response and an optimal dosing of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) needing individuals affected by heart failure (HF) or resistant hypertension, who may be consuming other hyperkalemia-inducing drugs (HKID) (e.g., β-blockers, heparin, etc.), and frequently are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 1,044): According to the surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA), sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) (SUCRA >0.78), patiromer (SUCRA >0.58) and sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) (SUCRA <0.39) were different concerning their capacity to achieve normokalemia (serum potassium level (sK+) 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) or acceptable kalemia (sK+ ≤ 5.1 mEq/L) in individuals with hyperkalemia (sK+ >5.1 mEq/L), and, when normokalemia is achieved, patiromer 16.8-25.2 g/day (SUCRA = 0.94) and patiromer 8.4-16.8 g/day (SUCRA = 0.41) can allow to increase the dose of spironolactone up to 50 mg/day in subjects affected by heart failure (HF) or with resistant hypertension needing treatment with other RAASi. The potential of zirconium cyclosilicate should be explored further, as no data exists to assess properly its capacity to optimize dosing of RAASi, contrarily as it occurs with patiromer. More research is also necessary to discern between benefits of binding potassium among all type of hyperkalemic patients, for example, patients with DM who may need treatment for proteinuria, patients with early hypertension, etc. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42020185614, CRD42020185558, CRD42020191430

Systematic sensitivity analysis of the full economic impacts of sea level rise

The potential impacts of sea level rise (SLR) due to climate change have been widely studied in the literature. However, the uncertainty and robustness of these estimates has seldom been explored. Here we assess the model input uncertainty regarding the wide effects of SLR on marine navigation from a global economic perspective. We systematically assess the robustness of computable general equilibrium (CGE) estimates to model’s inputs uncertainty. Monte Carlo (MC) and Gaussian quadrature (GQ) methods are used for conducting a Systematic sensitivity analysis (SSA). This design allows to both explore the sensitivity of the CGE model and to compare the MC and GQ methods. Results show that, regardless whether triangular or piecewise linear Probability distributions are used, the welfare losses are higher in the MC SSA than in the original deterministic simulation. This indicates that the CGE economic literature has potentially underestimated the total economic effects of SLR, thus stressing the necessity of SSA when simulating the general equilibrium effects of SLR. The uncertainty decomposition shows that land losses have a smaller effect compared to capital and seaport productivity losses. Capital losses seem to affect the developed regions GDP more than the productivity losses do. Moreover, we show the uncertainty decomposition of the MC results and discuss the convergence of the MC results for a decomposed version of the CGE model. This paper aims to provide standardised guidelines for stochastic simulation in the context of CGE modelling that could be useful for researchers in similar settings

Binding Potassium to Improve Treatment With Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors: Results From Multiple One-Stage Pairwise and Network Meta-Analyses of Clinical Trials

This manuscript presents findings from the first dichotomous data pooling analysis on clinical trials (CT) regarding the effectiveness of binding potassium. The results emanated from pairwise and network meta-analyses aiming evaluation of response to commercial potassium-binding polymers, that is, to achieve and maintain normal serum potassium (n = 1,722), and the association between this response and an optimal dosing of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) needing individuals affected by heart failure (HF) or resistant hypertension, who may be consuming other hyperkalemia-inducing drugs (HKID) (e.g., b-blockers, heparin, etc.), and frequently are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 1,044): According to the surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA), sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) (SUCRA >0.78), patiromer (SUCRA >0.58) and sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) (SUCRA 5.1 mEq/L), and, when normokalemia is achieved, patiromer 16.8–25.2 g/day (SUCRA = 0.94) and patiromer 8.4–16.8 g/day (SUCRA = 0.41) can allow to increase the dose of spironolactone up to 50 mg/day in subjects affected by heart failure (HF) or with resistant hypertension needing treatment with other RAASi. The potential of zirconium cyclosilicate should be explored further, as no data exists to assess properly its capacity to optimize dosing of RAASi, contrarily as it occurs with patiromer. More research is also necessary to discern between benefits of binding potassium among all type of hyperkalemic patients, for example, patients with DM who may need treatment for proteinuria, patients with early hypertension, etc.Fil: Lizaraso Soto, Frank. Universidad de Valladolid; EspañaFil: Gutiérrez Abejón, Eduardo. Universidad de Valladolid; EspañaFil: Bustamante Munguira, Juan. Universidad de Valladolid; EspañaFil: Martín García, Débora. Universidad de Valladolid; EspañaFil: Chimeno, María Montserrat. Hospital Virgen de la Concha; EspañaFil: Nava Rebollo, Álvaro. Hospital Virgen de la Concha; EspañaFil: Maurtua Briseño Meiggs, Álvaro. Woodland Medical Practicenhs; Reino UnidoFil: Fernández, Darío. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo; Argentina. Universidad de Burgos. Departamento de Didácticas Específicas; EspañaFil: Bustamante Munguira, Elena. Universidad de Valladolid; EspañaFil: de Paz, Félix Jesús. Universidad de Valladolid; EspañaFil: Grande Villoria, Jesús. Universidad de Valladolid; España. Universite de Lausanne; SuizaFil: Ochoa Sangrador, Carlos. Sanidad de Castilla y León; EspañaFil: Pascual, Manuel. Universite de Lausanne; SuizaFil: Álvarez, F. Javier. Universidad de Valladolid; EspañaFil: Herrera Gómez, Francisco. Universite de Lausanne; Suiza. Universidad de Valladolid; Españ