A Comparative Study of Some Markov Random Fields and Different Criteria Optimization in Image Restoration

The present chapter illustrates the use of some recent alternative methods to deal with digital image filtering and restoration. This collection of methods is inspired on the use of Markov Random Fields (MRF), which introduces prior knowledge of information that will allow, more efficiently, modeling the image acquisition process. The methods based on the MRF are analyzed and proposed into a Bayesian framework and their principal objective is to eliminate noise and some effects caused by excessive smoothness on the reconstruction process of images which are rich in contours or edges. In order to preserve object edges into the image, the use of certain convexity criteria into the MRF is proposed obtaining adequate weighting of cost functions in cases where discontinuities are remarked and, even better, for cases where such discontinuities are very smooth

Temporalchanges in relative frequencies of third chromosome inversions of Drosophila pseudoobscura in Mexican populations

Variations in relative frequencies of third chromosome inversions during 1974-2000 in three populations of D. pseudoobscura from Mexico were analyzed. The general constitution of these populations is formed from ten up to 15 different inversions, been prevalent, as data shows, the gene arrangements CU, TL, SC, OA, EP, and OL as main components of the studied populations. In Amecameca and Tulancingo we observed that they were constituted by a dominant pair in both cases represented by such partners as CU-TL inside each pair, in Amecameca the superior partner was CU and in Tulancingo TL. In Zirahuén two dominant pairs form the constitution they are SC-OA and CU-TL been the former superior. In all cases sporadic increases of some of inversions were observed. No directional changes were observed. The cyclic pattern is show within periods of 4-5 years

T-Type Calcium Channels: A Potential Novel Target in Melanoma

T-type calcium channels (TTCCs) are overexpressed in several cancers. In this review, we summarize the recent advances and new insights into TTCC biology, tumor progression, and prognosis biomarker and therapeutic potential in the melanoma field. We describe a novel correlation between the Cav3.1 isoform and the increased basal autophagy in BRAFV600E-mutant melanomas and after acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Indeed, TTCC blockers reduce melanoma cell viability and migration/invasion in vitro and tumor growth in mice xenografts in both BRAF-inhibitor-sensitive and -resistant scenarios. These studies open a new, promising therapeutic approach for disseminated melanoma and improved treatment in BRAFi relapsed melanomas, but further validation and clinical trials are needed for it to become a real therapeutic optionThis work was supported by grants from ISCIII/FEDER “Una manera de hacer Europa” (PI1500711 to RMM; PI18/00573 to RMM and AM). CB and PS hold a pre-doctoral fellowship from UdL-IRBLleida. RI holds a pre-doctoral fellowship from Asociación Española Contra el Cancer (AECC), Catalunya Contra el Cancer, Lleida. AM holds a post-doctoral fellowship from Asociación Española Contra el Cancer (AECC)

7th to 9th grade obese adolescents perceptions about obesity in tamaulipas, Mexico

The objective was to explore obese adolescents perceptions about obesity among students in the seventh to ninth grade of a public school in Tamaulipas, Mexico. This is a qualitative study. Participants were 24 adolescents with a body mass index equal to or greater than the 95th percentile. Semistructured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached and the meaning was understood. The adolescents defined obesity according to standards of measurement. They identified the hereditary factor as the main obesity cause, tended to underestimate obesity and had low self-esteem. They reported problems to do physical exercise and get clothes in order to improve their image, and feel rejected by their peers in school. It was identified that these adolescents have psychological defense mechanisms against obesity and that some of them are making efforts to lose weight. Obesity entails social and psychological health implications for persons suffering from this problem. Interventions should be put in practice.El objetivo de esta investigación fue explorar las percepciones de la obesidad de adolescentes obesos estudiantes del 7º al 9º grado de una institución pública en Tamaulipas, México. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo en el cual participaron 24 adolescentes que tenían un índice de masa corporal superior al percentil 95. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas hasta obtener la saturación de los datos y la comprensión del significado. Los adolescentes definieron la obesidad de acuerdo a los estándares de medición, identificaron como causa principal el factor hereditario, tendieron a subestimar la obesidad y presentaron baja autoestima, relataron problemas cuando realizan actividad física y para conseguir ropa que pudiese mejorar su imagen, y se sienten rechazados por sus pares o iguales en la escuela. Se identificó que cuentan con mecanismos psicológicos de defensa ante la obesidad y algunos de ellos están realizando acciones para disminuir el peso. La obesidad tiene implicaciones en la salud, también en los aspectos psicológico y social de quienes la padecen. Se recomienda implementar intervenciones.O objetivo foi explorar as percepções da obesidade de adolescentes obesos, estudantes do 7º ao 9º grau de uma instituição pública de Tamaulipas, México. É estudo qualitativo, do qual participaram 24 adolescentes que tinham índice de massa corporal superior ao percentil 95. Realizou-se entrevista semiestruturada até a saturação dos dados e comprensão do significado. Os adolescentes definiram obesidade de acordo com um padrão de medição, identificaram como causa principal o fator hereditário, com tendência para subestimar a obesidade e a ter baixa autoestima, apresentan problemas quando realizam atividade física e para conseguirem roupas para melhorar a própria imagen, são rejeitados pelos seus pares ou iguais, na escola. Identificou-se, também, que possuem mecanismos psicológicos de defesa ante a obesidade e alguns deles estão realizando ações para diminuir o peso. A obesidade tem implicações na saúde, no aspecto psicológico e social de quem a padece, recomenda-se, aqui, implementar intervenções

Kaolinite structural modifications induced by mechanical activation

This study presents novel characterisation techniques to evaluate the effects of mechanical activation (MA) on the kaolinite structure. MA was achieved with a planetary ball mill at various times and rotation speeds to get different activation degrees. A thermal activation was performed for comparison purposes. The results of X-ray diffraction and selective area electron diffraction demonstrated that the kaolinite content was significantly reduced as the amorphous phase increased. Illite, K-feldspars, and quartz impurities were extensively modified as well. The morphology of kaolinite particles is altered. Furthermore, the mechanical treatments significantly affected the hydroxyls, losing bonding strength with the structure, as stated with 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. Thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy also revealed that water molecules could be formed due to the reaction of hydroxyls between them or with the atmosphere. This work improves the comprehension of MA on kaolin by clearly confirming with new techniques that the mechanical treatments distort the kaolinite structure

The acquisition of professional skills through service-learning the development of professional skills in the students of the Degree in Early Childhood Education

This experience raises the potential of Service-Learning as a methodology that favors the development of professional skills in the students of the Degree in Early Childhood Education at SAFA University Center (dependent on the University of Jaen). ICT materials and resources have been developed following Universal Design for Learning which promotes an inclusive education making the curriculum accessible to all. The objectives refer to the understanding of inclusive education in real contexts, the search, selection and development of ICT resources and materials following the UDL perspective, as well as promoting reflection on the role of TEPs to promote inclusive education in preschool classrooms. ApS practices have allowed us to get in touch with the real educational context to be able to adjust the materials and resources to students needs. The e-portfolio has allowed us to evaluate the learning of prospect teachers involved. In conclusion, it is shown that the SL methodology favors inclusive education using ICT resources to break down barriers and offer the opportunity to learn to all students.Esta experiencia plantea la potencialidad del Aprendizaje Servicio como metodología que favorece el desarrollo de competencias profesionales en el alumnado del Grado en Educación Infantil del Centro Universitario SAFA (adscrito a la Universidad de Jaén). Se han elaborado materiales y recursos TIC basándose en el planteamiento del Diseño Universal de Aprendizaje que han posibilitado llevar a cabo una educación inclusiva con niños y niñas de infantil haciendo accesible el currículo a todos y todas. Los objetivos que se plantean hacen referencia a la comprensión de la educación inclusiva en contextos reales, la búsqueda, selección y elaboración de recursos y materiales TIC desde la perspectiva del DUA así como potenciar la reflexión sobre el papel de las TEP para potenciar la educación inclusiva en las aulas de infantil. Las prácticas de ApS han permitido conocer el contexto real para poder ajustar los materiales y recursos a las necesidades del alumnado. El e-portafolio nos ha permitido evaluar los aprendizajes de los estudiantes de Magisterio implicados. En conclusión, se pone de manifiesto que la metodología de ApS favorece la educación inclusiva utilizando los recursos TIC para romper las barreras y ofrecer la oportunidad de aprender a todo el alumnado

Intracellular pathways involved in cell survival are deregulated in mouse and human spinal muscular atrophy motoneurons

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disorder caused by loss of the Survival Motor Neuron 1 gene (SMN1). Due to this depletion of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, the disease is characterized by the degeneration of spinal cord motoneurons (MNs), progressive muscular atrophy, and weakness. Nevertheless, the ultimate cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to cell loss in SMN-reduced MNs are only partially known. We have investigated the activation of apoptotic and neuronal survival pathways in several models of SMA cells. Even though the antiapoptotic proteins FAIM-L and XIAP were increased in SMA MNs, the apoptosis executioner cleaved-caspase-3 was also elevated in these cells, suggesting the activation of the apoptosis process. Analysis of the survival pathway PI3K/Akt showed that Akt phosphorylation was reduced in SMA MNs and pharmacological inhibition of PI3K diminished SMN and Gemin2 at transcriptional level in control MNs. In contrast, ERK phosphorylation was increased in cultured mouse and human SMA MNs. Our observations suggest that apoptosis is activated in SMA MNs and that Akt phosphorylation reduction may control cell degeneration, thereby regulating the transcription of Smn and other genes related to SMN function.This work was supported by grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias, Unión Europea, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) “Una manera de hacer Europa” (PI17/00231 and PI20/00098) to RMS and AG; CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya; and Spanish Agency of Research (Agencia Estatal de Investigacion-PID2019- 107286RB-I00) and CIBERNED to JXC. AS holds a fellowship from Universitat de Lleida and SdF holds a fellowship from “Ajuts de Promoció de la Recerca en Salut” (IRBLleida-Diputació de Lleida). We thank Elaine Lilly, PhD, for English language revision of the paper