Applied learning through international collaboration: Using research on domestic violence as a learning tool

[EN] This article describes how applied learning may be achieved through a research project on an international scale. The research for this article was conducted by three Missouri Western State University (MWSU) exchange students in collaboration with the MWSU professor in charge of managing the project. This research involves an analysis of Domestic Violence. The main purpose of this study is to show what can be learned in the academic field through research from the perspective of advanced level students. This article will go over the processes the students followed to conduct good investigative work as well as the skills and abilities the researchers have mastered by working on this project. Such investigative work is comprised of three different approaches. The students were free to develop the research to explore the legal perspective, a sociological approach, and the area of prevention of Domestic Violence. Each approach goes into the analysis of Domestic Violence to give a multidisciplinary understanding of this phenomenon. Lastly, the paper offers examples of the results obtained from surveys conducted in Nepal by the MWSU professor and Nepal NGO, which were coded and interpreted by the three international students from Spain.Gamez Hernandez, JL.; Hidalgo López, C.; Surian Barrios, MDLA.; Tushaus, D. (2017). Applied learning through international collaboration: Using research on domestic violence as a learning tool. En Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Higher Education Advances. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 248-258. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAD17.2017.5162OCS24825

Estado del arte sobre problemáticas financieras de las pymes en Bogotá, Colombia y América Latina

Much of Latin American companies are classified as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which face obstacles in their growth and  permanence  in  the  market,  due  to  an  inadequate financial management that generates problems in other areas of these companies. Through a review of the literature, it was evident that the factors of innovation and technology, access to credit, productivity and competitiveness, planning and resource allocation, configuration of the capital structure, management policies and financial public. These factors affect mainly the financial objectives, liquidity, profitability and solvency, which causes financial problems and the destruction of value in the SMEs. Finally, the methodology used for the development of this article is of qualitative approach, with descriptive scope of documentary.Gran parte de las empresas latinoamericanas son clasificadas como pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes), las cuales enfrentan obstáculos en su crecimiento y permanencia en el mercado, debido a un inadecuado manejo financiero que genera problemáticas en las demás áreas de estas compañías. Por medio de una revisión bibliográfica, se evidenció que los factores de innovación y tecnología, acceso a crédito, productividad y competitividad, planificación y asignación de recursos, configuración de la estructura de capital, manejo financiero y políticas públicas.Estos factores, afectanprincipalmente los objetivos financieros, la liquidez, rentabilidad y solvencia, lo cual causa problemáticas financieras y la destrucción de valor en las pymes.Finalmente, la metodología usada para el desarrollo de este artículo es de enfoque cualitativo, con alcance descriptivo de tipo documenta

The p38α MAPK function in osteoprecursors is required for bone formation and bone homeostasis in adult mice

p38 MAPK activity plays an important role in several steps of the osteoblast lineage progression through activation of osteoblast-specific transcription factors and it is also essential for the acquisition of the osteoblast phenotype in early development. Although reports indicate p38 signalling plays a role in early skeletal development, its specific contributions to adult bone remodelling are still to be clarified. Methodology/Principal Findings: We evaluated osteoblast-specific deletion of p38 alpha to determine its significance in early skeletogenesis, as well as for bone homeostasis in adult skeleton. Early p38 alpha deletion resulted in defective intramembranous and endochondral ossification in both calvaria and long bones. Mutant mice showed reduction of trabecular bone volume in distal femurs, associated with low trabecular thickness. In addition, knockout mice also displayed decreased femoral cortical bone volume and thickness. Deletion of p38 alpha did not affect osteoclast function. Yet it impaired osteoblastogenesis and osteoblast maturation and activity through decreased expression of osteoblast-specific transcription factors and their targets. Furthermore, the inducible Cre system allowed us to control the onset of p38 alpha disruption after birth by removal of doxycycline. Deletion of p38 alpha at three or eight weeks postnatally led to significantly lower trabecular and cortical bone volume after 6 or 12 months. Conclusions: Our data demonstrates that, in addition to early skeletogenesis, p38 alpha is essential for osteoblasts to maintain their function in mineralized adult bone, as bone anabolism should be sustained throughout life. Moreover, our data also emphasizes that clinical development of p38 inhibitors should take into account their potential bone effects

Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α (PI3Kα) prevents heterotopic ossification

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the pathological formation of ectopic endochondral bone within soft tissues. HO occurs following mechanical trauma, burns, or congenitally in patients suffering from fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). FOP patients carry a conserved mutation in ACVR1 that becomes neomorphic for activin A responses. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of BYL719, a PI3Kα inhibitor, in preventing HO in mice. We found that PI3Kα inhibitors reduce SMAD, AKT, and mTOR/S6K activities. Inhibition of PI3Kα also impairs skeletogenic responsiveness to BMPs and the acquired response to activin A of the Acvr1R206H allele. Further, the efficacy of PI3Kα inhibitors was evaluated in transgenic mice expressing Acvr1Q207D . Mice treated daily or intermittently with BYL719 did not show ectopic bone or cartilage formation. Furthermore, the intermittent treatment with BYL719 was not associated with any substantial side effects. Therefore, this work provides evidence supporting PI3Kα inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for HO

Diseño del plan de mejora en la parte organizacional del talento humano en la empresa Tecni-Metalsa ubicada en la ciudad de Bucaramanga –Santander

La presente investigación tuvo como propósito diseñar un plan de mejora en la parte organizacional del talento humano para la empresa TECNI-METALSA, teniendo en cuenta que el colaborador es el activo más valioso en una organización y con las técnicas apropiadas para la planeación del talento humano se lograrán optimizar los procesos administrativos. Teniendo en cuenta el diagnóstico realizado a la empresa y el análisis de la problemática, mediante la aplicación de los instrumentos de investigación nos permitió compilar la información necesaria para tener un concepto claro sobre el estado actual de la empresa y plantear la propuesta de mejora, la cual contiene el organigrama de la empresa, el manual de funciones, el Reglamento Interno de Trabajo y el plan de inducción y reinducción que son indispensables en el área de talento humano para el correcto funcionamiento de una empresa. TECNI-METALSA, actualmente se ve en crecimiento a raíz de que mantiene a sus colaboradores con trabajos estables y duraderos, sin embargo, es fundamental el mejoramiento del proceso de gestión de talento humano ya que el problema actual de la empresa es la ausencia de la implementación de los procesos de gestión humana, por este motivo nuestra propuesta es de gran importancia ya que tiene como finalidad fortalecer esta área para su crecimiento empresarial.The purpose of this investigation was to design an improvement plan in the organizational part of human talent for the company TECNI-METALSA, taking into account that the collaborator is the most valuable asset in an organization, and with the appropriate techniques for the planning of human talent, it will be possible to optimize the administrative processes. Taking into account the diagnosis made to the company and the analysis of the problem, through the application of the research instruments, it allowed us to compile the necessary information to have a clear concept about the current state of the company and to propose the improvement proposal, which contains the organization chart of the company, the job profiles, the Internal Work Regulations and the induction and re-induction plan that are essential in the area of human talent for the proper functioning of a company. TECNI-METALSA is currently growing because it maintains its collaborators with stable and lasting jobs, however, it is essential to improve the human talent management process since the companys current problem is the absence of the implementation of human management processes, for this reason our proposal is of great importance since it aims to strengthen this area for business growth

Level of discomfort in critically ill paediatric patients and its correlation with sociodemographic and clinical variables, analgosedation and withdrawal syndrome. COSAIP multicentre study (Phase 2)

Introduction: There are clinical and sociodemographic factors that have an impact on the comfort of the critically ill paediatric patient. The main aim of this study was to determine the level of discomfort of paediatric patients admitted to different national hospitals, and to analyse its correlation with sociodemographic and clinical variables, analgosedation, and withdrawal syndrome. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional, and multicentre study was conducted in five Spanish hospitals. The level of analgosedation was assessed once per shift over a 24 h period, using a BIS sensor, and pain with scales adapted to paediatric age population. The intensity of withdrawal syndrome was determined using the Withdrawal Assessment Tool (WAT-1) scale once per shift for 3 days. Discomfort level was simultaneous assessed using COMFORT Behaviour Scale-Spanish version (CBS-S). Results: A total of 261 critically ill paediatric patients with median age of 1.61 years (IQR = 0.35-6.55) were included. An overall discomfort score of 10.79 ± 3.7 was observed during morning compared to 10.31 ± 3.3 observed during the night. When comparing analgosedation and non-analgosedation groups, statistically differences were found in both shifts (χ2: 45.48; P =.001). At the same time, an association was observed (P <.001) between low discomfort scores and development of withdrawal syndrome development assessed with WAT-1. Conclusions: As there is a percentage of the studied population with discomfort, specific protocols need to be developed, guided by valuated and clinically tested tools, like the COMFORT Behaviour Scale-Spanish version.Introducción: Existen factores clínicos o sociodemográficos que pueden tener un impacto en el confort del paciente crítico pediátrico. El objetivo principal fue determinar el grado de disconfort de los pacientes pediátricos ingresados en las UCIP de diversos hospitales nacionales y analizar su relación con variables ocio demográficas y clínicas, sedoanalgesia y síndrome de abstinencia. Métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal y multicéntrico en 5 hospitalesespañoles. Se valoró el grado de analgosedación mediante el sensor BIS y las escalas de dolora daptadas a la edad pediátrica, una vez por turno durante 24 h. El grado de abstinencia se determinó con la escala Withdrawal Assessment Tool (WAT-1), una vez por turno durante 3 días consecutivos. Además, se valoró simultáneamente el grado de disconfort mediante la COMFORTBehavior Scale-versión española (CBS-ES).Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 261 pacientes críticos pediátricos con una mediana de edad de 1,61 años (RIQ = 0,35-6,55). Se objetivaron puntuaciones globales de disconfort de10,79 ± 3,7 en el turno de mañana versus 10,31 ± 3,3 en el de noche. Se observó asociación estadística al comparar al grupo de pacientes analgosedados con el grupo de no analgosedadosen ambos turnos ( 2: 45,48; p = 0,001). A la vez, también se observó una relación estadística-mente significativa (p < 0,001) entre puntuaciones bajas de disconfort y menor desarrollo desíndrome de abstinencia

Active Gains in brain Using Exercise During Aging (AGUEDA): protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Alzheimer’s disease is currently the leading cause of dementia and one of the most expensive, lethal and severe diseases worldwide. Age-related decline in executive function is widespread and plays a key role in subsequent dementia risk. Physical exercise has been proposed as one of the leading non-pharmaceutical approaches to improve executive function and ameliorate cognitive decline. This single-site, two-arm, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will include 90 cognitively normal older adults, aged 65–80 years old. Participants will be randomized to a 24-week resistance exercise program (3 sessions/week, 60 min/session, n = 45), or a wait-list control group (n = 45) which will be asked to maintain their usual lifestyle. All study outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 24-weeks after the exercise program, with a subset of selected outcomes assessed at 12-weeks. The primary outcome will be indicated by the change in an executive function composite score assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery. Secondary outcomes will include changes in brain structure and function and amyloid deposition, other cognitive outcomes, and changes in molecular biomarkers assessed in blood, saliva, and fecal samples, physical function, muscular strength, body composition, mental health, and psychosocial parameters. We expect that the resistance exercise program will have positive effects on executive function and related brain structure and function, and will help to understand the molecular, structural, functional, and psychosocial mechanisms involved

Minimal Symptom Expression' in Patients With Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody-Positive Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Eculizumab

The efficacy and tolerability of eculizumab were assessed in REGAIN, a 26-week, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), and its open-label extension

Post-intervention Status in Patients With Refractory Myasthenia Gravis Treated With Eculizumab During REGAIN and Its Open-Label Extension

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether eculizumab helps patients with anti-acetylcholine receptor-positive (AChR+) refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) achieve the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) post-intervention status of minimal manifestations (MM), we assessed patients' status throughout REGAIN (Safety and Efficacy of Eculizumab in AChR+ Refractory Generalized Myasthenia Gravis) and its open-label extension. METHODS: Patients who completed the REGAIN randomized controlled trial and continued into the open-label extension were included in this tertiary endpoint analysis. Patients were assessed for the MGFA post-intervention status of improved, unchanged, worse, MM, and pharmacologic remission at defined time points during REGAIN and through week 130 of the open-label study. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients completed REGAIN and continued into the open-label study (eculizumab/eculizumab: 56; placebo/eculizumab: 61). At week 26 of REGAIN, more eculizumab-treated patients than placebo-treated patients achieved a status of improved (60.7% vs 41.7%) or MM (25.0% vs 13.3%; common OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1-4.5). After 130 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 88.0% of patients achieved improved status and 57.3% of patients achieved MM status. The safety profile of eculizumab was consistent with its known profile and no new safety signals were detected. CONCLUSION: Eculizumab led to rapid and sustained achievement of MM in patients with AChR+ refractory gMG. These findings support the use of eculizumab in this previously difficult-to-treat patient population. CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER: REGAIN, NCT01997229; REGAIN open-label extension, NCT02301624. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that, after 26 weeks of eculizumab treatment, 25.0% of adults with AChR+ refractory gMG achieved MM, compared with 13.3% who received placebo