969 research outputs found
Moodle HEODAR implementation and its implantation in an academic context.
[EN]One of the most important aspects of a 'continuously in change’ society is to improve everything everywhere. In order to obtain the best products, they should be periodically evaluated and reengineered. So the evaluation task and of course, the adequate results interpretation, can make all the difference between competitors. E-learning is similar to these products.
Different issues can be evaluated to make learning process getting better and better, such as tutors, platform software and contents. In this last issue, it can be included the minimum knowledge unit: the learning object (LO) (De Marcos et al., 2008). There exist different models and methods for LO evaluation. What is pretended with this work is to choose one model and implement a singular tool, in order to automatically evaluate these LOs and produce a set of information, that can be used to improve those LOs. In this case, it is implemented in the evaluation model called HEODAR (Morales et al., 2008a) and after that the model is implanted in Studium, the Moodle campus of Salamanca University
"Core group" para identificar universitários em risco para infecções sexualmente transmissíveis
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the core group for sexually transmitted infections (STI) among college students. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out in a convenience sample comprising 711 college students of the public university of Morelos, Mexico, between 2001 and 2003. Sociodemographic and sexual behavior information were collected using self-applied questionnaires. Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) infection was tested in the blood. The number of sexual partners in the last year and cocaine consumption were used as indicators to construct the dependent variable "level of STI risk" in three categories: low, medium and high risk (core group). A multinomial analysis was conducted to evaluate whether different sex behaviors were associated with the variable "level of STI risk". RESULTS: There was significant association between HSV-2 seroprevalence and the variable "level of STI risk": 13%, 5.6% and 3.8% were found in high (core group), medium and low categories, respectively. There were gender differences regarding the core group. Men started having sexual intercourse earlier, had more sex partners, higher alcohol and drug consumption, higher frequency of sex intercourse with sex workers, exchanging sex for money, occasional and concurrent partners compared to women. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest existing contextual characteristics in the study population that affect their sex behavior. In Mexico, the cultural conception of sexuality is determined mainly by gender differences where men engage in higher risky sexual behavior than women.OBJETIVO: Identificar al grupo core de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) en una población de estudiantes universitarios mexicanos. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal en una muestra por conveniencia que incluyó 711 estudiantes de una universidad pública de Morelos, México, entre 2001 y 2003. Las características sociodemográficas y de comportamiento sexual se obtuvieron mediante un cuestionario auto-aplicado. La infección por el Virus del herpes simple tipo 2 (VHS-2) se determinó en pruebas de sangre. El número de parejas sexuales durante el último año y el consumo de cocaína, fueron indicadores utilizados para construir la variable dependiente "nivel de riesgo para adquirir ITS" que tuvo tres categorías: bajo, medio y alto riesgo (grupo core). Mediante un análisis multinomial se evaluó si las características sociodemográficas y de comportamiento sexual estuvieron relacionadas con la variable dependiente. RESULTADOS: Se encontró una relación significativa entre la seroprevalencia de VHS-2 y la variable dependiente encontrando frecuencias de 13%, 5.6% y 3.8% en las categorías de alto, medio y bajo riesgo, respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron diferencias de género en la constitución del grupo core. En comparación con las mujeres, los hombres iniciaron su vida sexual a más temprana edad, reportaron mayor número de parejas sexuales, mayores niveles de consumo de alcohol y drogas, mayor frecuencia de contacto sexual con trabajadoras sexuales, intercambio de sexo por dinero, relaciones con parejas ocasionales y concurrentes. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados sugieren que existen características contextuales que influyen en el comportamiento sexual. En México la concepción cultural de la sexualidad está conformada por diferencias marcadas entre hombres y mujeres, donde los primeros tienen un comportamiento sexual de riesgo mayor que las mujeres.OBJETIVO: Analisar o core group em estudantes universitários em risco de adquirir infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostra de conveniência composta por 711 estudantes de universidade pública de Morelos, no México, 2001-2003. Informações sociodemográficas e de comportamento sexual foram coletadas por meio de questionário auto-aplicável. Presença de infecção por Herpes simplex 2 foi diagnosticada por exame de sangue. O número de parceiros sexuais durante o último ano anterior à pesquisa e o consumo de cocaína foram indicadores utilizados para construir a variável dependente "nível de risco para adquirir IST" e definir três categorias: baixo, médio e alto risco (core group). Foi utilizada análise multinominal para avaliar se diferentes comportamentos sexuais estavam associados à variável "nível de risco para adquirir IST". RESULTADOS: Houve associação significativa entre a soroprevalência de HSV-2 e a variável "nível de risco para adquirir IST" nas categorias de alto (13%), médio (5,6%) e baixo (3,8%) risco. Foram encontradas diferenças entre os sexos em relação ao core group. Em comparação às mulheres, os homens começaram a ter relações sexuais mais cedo, tiveram maior número de parceiras sexuais, níveis mais elevados de consumo de álcool e drogas, maior freqüência de sexo com profissionais do sexo, prática de sexo por dinheiro, parceiras ocasionais e concomitantes. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem a existência de características contextuais da população que influenciam o comportamento sexual. No México, a concepção cultural de sexualidade é caracterizada por diferenças marcantes entre homens e mulheres, nas quais os homens têm comportamento sexual de maior risco que as mulheres
Matrix metalloproteinase-8 deficiency increases joint inflammation and bone erosion in the K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis model
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which joint inflammation leads to progressive cartilage and bone erosion. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) implicated in homeostasis of the extracellular matrix play a central role in cartilage degradation. However, the role of specific MMPs in arthritis pathogenesis is largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Mmp-8 (collagenase-2) in an arthritis model.
Methods
Arthritis was induced in Mmp8-deficient and wildtype mice by K/BxN serum transfer. Arthritis severity was measured by a clinical index and ankle sections were scored for synovial inflammation, cartilage damage and bone erosion. cDNA microarray analysis, real-time PCR and western blot were performed to identify differential changes in gene expression between mice lacking Mmp8 and controls.
Results
Mmp8 deficiency increased the severity of arthritis, although the incidence of disease was similar in control and deficient mice. Increased clinical score was associated with exacerbated synovial inflammation and bone erosion. We also found that the absence of Mmp8 led to increased expression of IL-1β, pentraxin-3 (PTX3) and prokineticin receptor 2 (PROKR2) in arthritic mice joints.
Conclusions
Lack of Mmp-8 is accompanied by exacerbated synovial inflammation and bone erosion in the K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis model, indicating that this Mmp has a protective role in arthritisThe present work was supported by grants PI04/0783, PI08/0038, RETICS Program, RD08/0075 (RIER), all from Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria, Instituto de Salud Carlos III within the VI PN de I+D+I 2008-2011 with participation of FEDER funds (European Union). SG is supported by Xunta de GaliciaS
A Cross-Sectional Study of Prisoners in Mexico City Comparing Prevalence of Transmissible Infections and Chronic Diseases with That in the General Population.
ObjectivesTo describe patterns of transmissible infections, chronic illnesses, socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviors in Mexico City prisons, including in comparison to the general population, to identify those currently needing healthcare and inform policy.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study among 17,000 prisoners at 4 Mexico City prisons (June to December 2010). Participation was voluntary, confidential and based on informed consent. Participants were tested for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, syphilis, hypertension, obesity, and, if at risk, glucose and cholesterol. A subset completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics and risk behaviors. Positive results were delivered with counseling and treatment or referral.Results76.8% (15,517/20,196) of men and 92.9% (1,779/1,914) of women participated. Complete data sets were available for 98.8%. The following prevalence data were established for transmissible infections: HIV 0.7%; syphilis: Anti-TP+/VDRL+ 2.0%; Hepatitis B: HBcAb 2.8%, HBsAg 0.15%; Anti-HCV 3.2%. Obesity: 9.5% men, 33.8% women. Compared with national age- and sex-matched data, the relative prevalence was greater for HIV and syphilis among women, HIV and Hepatitis C in men, and all infections in younger participants. Obesity prevalence was similar for women and lower among male participants. The prevalence of previously diagnosed diabetes and hypertension was lower. Questionnaire data (1,934 men, 520 women) demonstrated lower educational levels, increased smoking and substance use compared to national data. High levels of non-sterile tattooing, physical abuse and histories of sexual violence were found.ConclusionThe study identified that health screening is acceptable to Mexico City prisoners and feasible on a large-scale. It demonstrated higher prevalence of HIV and other infections compared to national data, though low rates compared to international data. Individual participants benefited from earlier diagnosis, treatment and support. The data collected will also enable the formulation of improved policy for this vulnerable group
Barrio de las Termas (Insula I) Bilbilis (Calatayud-Zaragoza). Campaña 2007
Nombre del yacimiento: Bilbilis (Calatayud-Zaragoza).Adscripción cultural: Celtíbero-Romano.Año de actuación: 2007.Director: Manuel Martín-Bueno – Carlos Sáenz Preciado.Organismo financiador: Dpto. de Cultura y Turismo del Gobierno de Aragón. Excmo. Ayuntamiento de Calatayud
An instrumental puzzle: the modular integration of AOLI
The Adaptive Optics Lucky Imager, AOLI, is an instrument developed to deliver
the highest spatial resolution ever obtained in the visible, 20 mas, from
ground-based telescopes. In AOLI a new philosophy of instrumental prototyping
has been applied, based on the modularization of the subsystems. This modular
concept offers maximum flexibility regarding the instrument, telescope or the
addition of future developments.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures, Proc. SPIE 9908, Ground-based and Airborne
Instrumentation for Astronomy VI, 99082Z (August 9, 2016
GENERALIZED URTICARIA AS A VASCULITIC MANIFESTATION IN A PATIENT WITH SARS-CoV-2 INFECTION: A CASE REPORT IN COLOMBIA
Skin manifestations have been reported in up to 20% of cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including morbilliform rash (22%), pernio-like acral lesions (18%), urticaria (16%), and macular erythema (13%). It is believed that in the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the mechanism involved is an inflammatory response that generates immune dysregulation, vascular congestion, vasculitis, vascular thrombosis, or neoangiogenesis. This case study, present the case of a patient with no previous history of urticarial reactions, autoimmune diseases, or exposure to medications who develops generalized urticaria lasting more than 24 hours and who was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR with a nasopharyngeal swab. We suggest in this patient vasculitic urticaria as a manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Early hominin auditory capacities
Studies of sensory capacities in past life forms have offered new insights into their adaptations and lifeways. Audition is particularly amenable to study in fossils because it is strongly related to physical properties that can be approached through their skeletal structures. We have studied the anatomy of the outer and middle ear in the early hominin taxa Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus and estimated their auditory capacities. Compared with chimpanzees, the early hominin taxa are derived toward modern humans in their slightly shorter and wider external auditory canal, smaller tympanic membrane, and lower malleus/incus lever ratio, but they remain primitive in the small size of their stapes footplate. Compared with chimpanzees, both early hominin taxa show a heightened sensitivity to frequencies between 1.5 and 3.5 kHz and an occupied band of maximum sensitivity that is shifted toward slightly higher frequencies. The results have implications for sensory ecology and communication, and suggest that the early hominin auditory pattern may have facilitated an increased emphasis on short-range vocal communication in open habitats
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