Perinatal and maternal outcomes according to the accurate term antepartum ultrasound estimation of extreme fetal weights

Background: The accuracy of ultrasound estimation of fetal weight (EFW) at term may be useful in addressing obstetric complications since birth weight (BW) is a parameter that represents an important prognostic factor for perinatal and maternal morbidity. (2) Methods: In a retrospective cohort study of 2156 women with a singleton pregnancy, it is verified whether or not perinatal and maternal morbidity differs between extreme BWs estimated at term by ultrasound within the seven days prior to birth with Accurate EFW (difference < 10% between EFW and BW) and those with Non-Accurate EFW (difference ≥ 10% between EFW and BW). (3) Results: Significantly worse perinatal outcomes (according to different variables such as higher rate of arterial pH at birth < 7.20, higher rate of 1-min Apgar < 7, higher rate of 5-min Apgar < 7, higher grade of neonatal resuscitation and need for admission to the neonatal care unit) were found for extreme BW estimated by antepartum ultrasounds with Non-Accurate EFW compared with those with Accurate EFW. This was the case when extreme BWs were compared according to percentile distribution by sex and gestational age following the national reference growth charts (small for gestational age and large for gestational age), and when they were compared according to weight range (low birth weight and high birth weight). (4) Conclusions: Clinicians should make a greater effort when performing EFW by ultrasound at term in cases of suspected extreme fetal weights, and need to take an increasingly prudent approach to its management.Partial funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

El papel de la retroalimentación formativa en la mejora del desempeño académico

In today's educational environment, formative feedback is recognized as an essential element to improve students' academic performance. This study explores the role of formative feedback, using a quantitative and descriptive methodology based on teacher surveys. The analysis shows that 90.1% of teachers always use formative feedback, highlighting individual oral comments as the most effective method. However, obstacles such as the high number of students and lack of time are identified. To overcome these challenges, the implementation of technologies and continuous training are suggested. In addition, the results indicate a strong inclination towards the personalization of feedback, considering it crucial to meet the individual needs of students. The research also underscores the importance of integrating formative feedback into initial teacher training, which is seen as essential to improve educational practice. Future studies could focus on innovative methods to integrate feedback in diverse educational contexts and evaluate its impact in different disciplines. &nbsp;En el ámbito educativo actual, la retroalimentación formativa se reconoce como un elemento esencial para mejorar el desempeño académico de los estudiantes. Este estudio explora el papel de la retroalimentación formativa, utilizando una metodología cuantitativa y descriptiva basada en encuestas a docentes. El análisis muestra que el 90.1% de los docentes utiliza siempre la retroalimentación formativa, destacando los comentarios orales individuales como el método más efectivo. Sin embargo, se identifican obstáculos como el elevado número de estudiantes y la falta de tiempo. Para superar estos desafíos, se sugiere la implementación de tecnologías y la formación continua. Además, los resultados indican una fuerte inclinación hacia la personalización de la retroalimentación, considerándola crucial para atender las necesidades individuales de los estudiantes. La investigación también subraya la importancia de integrar la retroalimentación formativa en la formación inicial de los docentes, lo cual es visto como esencial para mejorar la práctica educativa. Futuros estudios podrían enfocarse en métodos innovadores para integrar la retroalimentación en contextos educativos diversos y evaluar su impacto en distintas disciplinas. &nbsp

Role of mesenchymal stem cells in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix in glioblastoma

Motivation: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant brain tumor. Patients who suffer from this malignancy have a median survival rate of approximately 12 months. Current treatments for GBM are surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy (1), but these treatments do not offer a definitive solution. In this context, the cell therapy based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged as a promising alternative to improve the survival of patients (2). Our study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which MSCs could exert beneficial effects in GBM, paying special attention to the extracellular matrix remodeling. Methods: All in vitro and in vivo studies were performed using three experimental groups: U87 glioma cells (U87), U87 glioma cells in the presence of MSCs (U87+MSC), and U87 glioma cells in the presence of MSCs previously pretreated with a substance that improves their therapeutic properties (U87+MSCpret). First, using paraffin-embedding tissuse sections of tumors that were subcutaneously grown in immunosuppressed mice (n=5), we performed a Sirius Red staining to quantify the collagen fibers content. Second, using the transwell coculture system (3),&nbsp; we conducted an RNA-Seq analysis to evaluate the expression levels of genes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling in the U87 glioma cells of each experimental group (n=3). RT-qPCR was performed to validate the RNA-Seq results (n=3). Values of p &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The quantification of the collagen deposition in subcutaneous tumors showed a tendency to decrease in the U87+MSCpret group. In the RNA-Seq analysis, we obtained a list of extracellular matrix-related genes with a significant differential expression (e.g. Mmp28, Hyal1, Col24a1, Cemip, Eln). RT-qPCR results showed a tendency to reduce the expression of genes related to the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, such as Mmp9, Mmp2, Timp1, Timp2 or Tgf-β, in the U87+MSCpret group. Of note, this reduction in the expression levels became significant for Timp1 (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Pretreated MSCs prevent the accumulation of collagen in the GMB using in vivo models, which is associated with less invasive tumors. In vitro, we identified that the expression of extracellular matrix proteins tended to decrease in GBM cells when they were co-cultured with pretreated MSCs, suggesting that these cells may reduce tumorigenesis by altering extracellular matrix remodeling

Generation of mesenchymal stromal cells from urine-derived iPSCs of pediatric brain tumor patients

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a virtually inexhaustible source of starting material for next generation cell therapies, offering new opportunities for regenerative medicine. Among different cell sources for the generation of iPSCs, urine cells are clinically relevant since these cells can be repeatedly obtained by non-invasive methods from patients of any age and health condition. These attributes encourage patients to participate in preclinical and clinical research. In particular, the use of urine-derived iPSC products is a convenient strategy for children with brain tumors, which are medically fragile patients. Here, we investigate the feasibility of using urine samples as a source of somatic cells to generate iPSC lines from pediatric patients with brain tumors (BT-iPSC). Urinary epithelial cells were isolated and reprogrammed using non-integrative Sendai virus vectors harboring the Yamanaka factors KLF4, OCT3/4, SOX2 and C-MYC. After reprogramming, BT-iPSC lines were subject to quality assessment and were compared to iPSCs obtained from urine samples of non-tumor pediatric patients (nonT-iPSC). We demonstrated that iPSCs can be successfully derived from a small volume of urine obtained from pediatric patients. Importantly, we showed that BT-iPSCs are equivalent to nonT-iPSCs in terms of morphology, pluripotency, and differentiation capacity into the three germ layers. In addition, both BT-iPSCs and nonT-iPSCs efficiently differentiated into functional mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (iMSC) with immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, this study provides an attractive approach to non-invasively generate personalized iMSC products intended for the treatment of children with brain tumors

Changes in humoral immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection in liver transplant recipients compared to immunocompetent patients

The protective capacity and duration of humoral immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection are not yet understood in solid organ transplant recipients. A prospective multicenter study was performed to evaluate the persistence of anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies in liver transplant recipients 6 months after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resolution. A total of 71 liver transplant recipients were matched with 71 immunocompetent controls by a propensity score including variables with a well-known prognostic impact in COVID-19. Paired case-control serological data were also available in 62 liver transplant patients and 62 controls at month 3 after COVID-19. Liver transplant recipients showed a lower incidence of anti-nucleocapsid IgG antibodies at 3 months (77.4% vs. 100%, p <.001) and at 6 months (63.4% vs. 90.1%, p <.001). Lower levels of antibodies were also observed in liver transplant patients at 3 (p =.001) and 6 months (p <.001) after COVID-19. In transplant patients, female gender (OR = 13.49, 95% CI: 2.17-83.8), a longer interval since transplantation (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.03-1.36), and therapy with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (OR = 7.11, 95% CI: 1.47-34.50) were independently associated with persistence of antibodies beyond 6 months after COVID-19. Therefore, as compared with immunocompetent patients, liver transplant recipients show a lower prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and more pronounced antibody levels decline

Memoria del Mapa Geológico de España, Escala 1:50.000, 2ª Serie, 1ª Edición, (MAGNA), Hoja Nº 198, Osorno

Se introducen los enlaces a los archivos originales que están en la página web del IGMEPeer reviewe

Ecos de la academia: Revista de la Facultad de Educación, Ciencia y Tecnología - FECYT Nro 3

Ecos de la academia, Revista de la Facultad de Educación Ciencia y Tecnología es una publicación científica de la Universidad Técnica del Norte, con revisión por pares a doble ciego que publica artículos en idioma español, quichua, portugués e inglés. Se edita con una frecuencia semestral con dos números por año.En ella se divulgan trabajos originales e inéditos generados por los investigadores, docentes y estudiantes de la FECYT, y contribuciones de profesionales de instituciones docentes e investigativas dentro y fuera del país, con calidad, originalidad y relevancia en las áreas de ciencias sociales y tecnología aplicada.Ideología, valores y medios. Un reto de niños, padres y maestros. Características de la violencia intrafamiliar en Imbabura. El mercado del arte contemporáneo: La presencia femenina. Recursos educativos abiertos (REA) con metodología PACIE. Educación y Pedagogía. Diversas aproximaciones. Organizadores gráficos interactivos (OGIS): una alternativa didáctica para el aprendizaje. El pseudoperiodismo de investigación en las cadenas generalistas de televisión en España. Educomunicación y bailoterapia como estrategias para fortalecer la Relación Universidad-Sociedad. Catalanes en Ecuador (siglos XVI-XX). La Arqueología y el Arte: los artistas como arqueólogos. Las nuevas tecnologías: su influencia en la comunicación y en la práctica docente. Validación de un instrumento para evaluar competencias genéricas en la formación del maestro de Educación Infantil Análisis de los factores que motivan a los trabajadores en relación de dependencia de Imbabura. El libro La marca-país en América Latina. Bases teóricas y técnicas para el diseño de la marca-país. El libro Historia del Diseño en América Latina y el Caribe: industrialización y comunicación visual. El diseño de la marca “Editorial UTN”. El cartelismo social y la Ecuador Poster Bienal Aprendiendo Ciencia en el Aula didáctica: retos y potencialidades Normas de presentación de artículos en la revista Ecos de la Academia

Effectiveness of an intervention for improving drug prescription in primary care patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy:Study protocol of a cluster randomized clinical trial (Multi-PAP project)

This study was funded by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias ISCIII (Grant Numbers PI15/00276, PI15/00572, PI15/00996), REDISSEC (Project Numbers RD12/0001/0012, RD16/0001/0005), and the European Regional Development Fund ("A way to build Europe").Background: Multimorbidity is associated with negative effects both on people's health and on healthcare systems. A key problem linked to multimorbidity is polypharmacy, which in turn is associated with increased risk of partly preventable adverse effects, including mortality. The Ariadne principles describe a model of care based on a thorough assessment of diseases, treatments (and potential interactions), clinical status, context and preferences of patients with multimorbidity, with the aim of prioritizing and sharing realistic treatment goals that guide an individualized management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention that implements the Ariadne principles in a population of young-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. The intervention seeks to improve the appropriateness of prescribing in primary care (PC), as measured by the medication appropriateness index (MAI) score at 6 and 12months, as compared with usual care. Methods/Design: Design:pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial. Unit of randomization: family physician (FP). Unit of analysis: patient. Scope: PC health centres in three autonomous communities: Aragon, Madrid, and Andalusia (Spain). Population: patients aged 65-74years with multimorbidity (≥3 chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs prescribed in ≥3months). Sample size: n=400 (200 per study arm). Intervention: complex intervention based on the implementation of the Ariadne principles with two components: (1) FP training and (2) FP-patient interview. Outcomes: MAI score, health services use, quality of life (Euroqol 5D-5L), pharmacotherapy and adherence to treatment (Morisky-Green, Haynes-Sackett), and clinical and socio-demographic variables. Statistical analysis: primary outcome is the difference in MAI score between T0 and T1 and corresponding 95% confidence interval. Adjustment for confounding factors will be performed by multilevel analysis. All analyses will be carried out in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: It is essential to provide evidence concerning interventions on PC patients with polypharmacy and multimorbidity, conducted in the context of routine clinical practice, and involving young-old patients with significant potential for preventing negative health outcomes. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02866799Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Optimasi Portofolio Resiko Menggunakan Model Markowitz MVO Dikaitkan dengan Keterbatasan Manusia dalam Memprediksi Masa Depan dalam Perspektif Al-Qur`an

Risk portfolio on modern finance has become increasingly technical, requiring the use of sophisticated mathematical tools in both research and practice. Since companies cannot insure themselves completely against risk, as human incompetence in predicting the future precisely that written in Al-Quran surah Luqman verse 34, they have to manage it to yield an optimal portfolio. The objective here is to minimize the variance among all portfolios, or alternatively, to maximize expected return among all portfolios that has at least a certain expected return. Furthermore, this study focuses on optimizing risk portfolio so called Markowitz MVO (Mean-Variance Optimization). Some theoretical frameworks for analysis are arithmetic mean, geometric mean, variance, covariance, linear programming, and quadratic programming. Moreover, finding a minimum variance portfolio produces a convex quadratic programming, that is minimizing the objective function ðð¥with constraintsð ð 𥠥 ðandð´ð¥ = ð. The outcome of this research is the solution of optimal risk portofolio in some investments that could be finished smoothly using MATLAB R2007b software together with its graphic analysis