Motivators and Demotivators of Dominican Immigrant High School ESL Students in Puerto Rico

The problem is that Dominican student immigrants enrolling in Puerto Rican high schools need to be English proficient and the English as second language program (ESL) is not effectively supporting these students to develop English proficiency to graduate from the target high school. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to understand the perceptions of Dominican immigrant ESL students regarding motivators and demotivators in ESL classes to develop English proficiency at the target site. Using Krashen\u27s conceptual framework, students\u27 perceptions of motivators and demotivators regarding ESL classes, and their suggestions for improving the ESL instruction were explored. A qualitative case study design, using purposeful sampling was used to collect data through semi structured one-on-one interviews from 8 ESL students who met the criteria of being a Dominican ESL student and being 18 years or older. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 7. The findings indicated more time and instructional support was needed for ESL students to develop English proficiency and targeted professional development was needed for the ESL teachers. Themes emerging from the findings were that ESL teachers should (a) use motivators and specific instructional strategies, (b) be aware of demotivators, and that (c) additional instructional time was needed to improve students\u27 English proficiency. A white paper with recommendations to improve ESL instruction developed to present to district stakeholders. The adoption of these recommendations will result in social change by strengthening ESL students\u27 English and literacy support, leading to ESL students\u27 academic success, high school graduation and opportunities to attend college or join the workforce

Discharge destination from an acute care for the elderly (ACE) unit

Older adults age 65 and over account for a disproportional number of hospital stays and discharges compared to other age groups. The objective of this paper is to describe placement and characteristics of older patients discharged from an acute care for the elderly (ACE) unit. The study sample consists of 1,351 men and women aged 65 years or older that were discharged from the ACE Unit during a 12-month period. The mean number of discharges per month was 109.2 ± 28.4. Most of the subjects were discharged home or home with home health 841, 62.3%. The oldest elderly and patients who had been admitted from long term care institutions or from skilled nursing facilities to the ACE unit were less likely to return to home

Layered Software Architecture for Nanosatellites

Layered software architecture has been used to increase code portability and reduce development times during the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC). The main objective of the EMIDSS-4 project is to develop a reliable and scalable hardware and software layered architecture for data acquisition in nanosatellites. An iterative hardware/software co-design approach was employed, transitioning from an FPGA architecture to an NXP-based microcontroller. The results demonstrate that the new architecture provides continuous and adaptable data acquisition capabilities, enhancing the long-term viability of the project. In conclusion, this study contributes to the field of space exploration and lays the foundation for future research in nanosatellites.ITESO, A. C

The human genome: a multifractal analysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Several studies have shown that genomes can be studied via a multifractal formalism. Recently, we used a multifractal approach to study the genetic information content of the <it>Caenorhabditis elegans </it>genome. Here we investigate the possibility that the human genome shows a similar behavior to that observed in the nematode.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We report here multifractality in the human genome sequence. This behavior correlates strongly on the presence of Alu elements and to a lesser extent on CpG islands and (G+C) content. In contrast, no or low relationship was found for LINE, MIR, MER, LTRs elements and DNA regions poor in genetic information. Gene function, cluster of orthologous genes, metabolic pathways, and exons tended to increase their frequencies with ranges of multifractality and large gene families were located in genomic regions with varied multifractality. Additionally, a multifractal map and classification for human chromosomes are proposed.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Based on these findings, we propose a descriptive non-linear model for the structure of the human genome, with some biological implications. This model reveals 1) a multifractal regionalization where many regions coexist that are far from equilibrium and 2) this non-linear organization has significant molecular and medical genetic implications for understanding the role of Alu elements in genome stability and structure of the human genome. Given the role of Alu sequences in gene regulation, genetic diseases, human genetic diversity, adaptation and phylogenetic analyses, these quantifications are especially useful.</p

Differential gene expression analysis provides new insights into the molecular basis of iron deficiency stress response in the citrus rootstock Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.

Iron chlorosis is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting fruit trees and other crops in calcareous soils and leads to a reduction in growth and yield. Usual remediation strategies consist of amending iron to soil, which is an expensive practice, or using tolerant cultivars, which are difficult to develop when not available. To understand the mechanisms underlying the associated physiopathy better, and thus develop new strategies to overcome the problems resulting from iron deficiency, the differential gene expression induced by iron deficiency in the susceptible citrus rootstock Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf. have been examined. The genes identified are putatively involved in cell wall modification, in determining photosynthesis rate and chlorophyll content, and reducing oxidative stress. Additional studies on cell wall morphology, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll content, as well as peroxidase and catalase activities, support their possible functions in the response to iron deficiency in a susceptible genotype, and the results are discussed

Inhaled Methoxyflurane Provides Greater Analgesia and Faster Onset of Action Versus Standard Analgesia in Patients With Trauma Pain: InMEDIATE: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Emergency Departments

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The objective of the InMEDIATE study was to evaluate the change in intensity of traumatic pain over the first 20 min in adult patients treated with methoxyflurane versus standard analgesic treatment in Spain. This the first randomized, active-controlled, multicenter trial of methoxyflurane in the emergency setting in Europe. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled study that enrolled adult patients with acute moderate to severe (score >/=4 on the 11-point Numeric Rating Scale) trauma-associated pain in 14 Spanish emergency departments. Patients were randomized 1:1 to methoxyflurane (up to 2x3 mL) or standard analgesic treatment. Coprimary endpoints were the change from baseline in Numeric Rating Scale pain intensity score during the first 20 minutes of treatment and time to first pain relief. RESULTS: Three hundred five patients were randomized (methoxyflurane 156; standard analgesic treatment 149). Most patients in the standard analgesic treatment group (70%) received intravenous first-step analgesics and 9.4% of patients were treated with opioids. Mean decrease from baseline in Numeric Rating Scale pain intensity score was greater for methoxyflurane than standard analgesic treatment at all points, with a significant treatment difference overall up to 20 minutes (repeated-measures model 2.47 versus 1.39; treatment difference 1.00; 95% confidence interval 0.84 to 1.32). Median time to first pain relief was significantly shorter for methoxyflurane than standard analgesic treatment (3 versus 10 minutes). Methoxyflurane achieved better patient and clinician ratings for pain control and comfort of treatment than standard analgesic treatment and exceeded patient and clinician expectations of treatment in, respectively, 77% and 72% of cases compared with 38% and 19% for standard analgesic treatment. CONCLUSION: These results support consideration of methoxyflurane as a nonnarcotic, easy-to-administer, rapid-acting, first-line alternative to currently available analgesic treatments for trauma pain

Humans Share More Preferences for Floral Phenotypes With Pollinators Than With Pests.

Studies on the selection of floral traits usually consider pollinators and sometimes herbivores. However, humans also exert selection on floral traits of ornamental plants. We compared the preferences of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris), thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), and humans for flowers of snapdragon. From a cross of two species, Antirrhinum majus and Antirrhinum linkianum, we selected four Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs). We characterised scent emission from whole flowers and stamens, pollen content and viability, trichome density, floral shape, size and colour of floral parts. We tested the preferences of bumblebees, thrips, and humans for whole flowers, floral scent bouquets, stamen scent, and individual scent compounds. Humans and bumblebees showed preferences for parental species, whereas thrips preferred RILs. Colour and floral scent, in combination with other floral traits, seem relevant phenotypes for all organisms. Remarkably, visual traits override scent cues for bumblebees, although, scent is an important trait when bumblebees cannot see the flowers, and methyl benzoate was identified as a key attractant for them. The evolutionary trajectory of flowers is the result of multiple floral traits interacting with different organisms with different habits and modes of interaction

Células madre mesenquimales (CMM) aisladas a partir de la sangre periférica

La presente invención se relaciona con células madre mesenquimales (CMM) aisladas a partir de la sangre periférica, caracterizadas porque expresan el receptor alfa-2 de la interleuquina 13 (IL 13RA2), así como con un método para aislar dichas CMM que comprende detectar la expresión de dicho IL13RA2 en células de una muestra de sangre periférica, y, si se desea, aislar dichas células que expresan IL13RA2.1. Una célula madre mesenquimal, aislada, procedente de sangre periférica o de sus hemoderivados, caracterizada porque expresa el receptor alfa-2 de la interleuquina 13 (ILl3RA2) . 2. Célula madre mesenquimal aislada según la reivindicación 1, obtenible mediante un método que comprende detectar el receptor alfa-2 de la interleuquina 13 (TLl3RA2) lOenla superficie de dicha célula y aislar dicha célula que expresa lLl3RA2. 3. Célula madre mesenquimal según la reivindicación 1, caracterizada porque además, expresa uno o más marcadores de membrana plasmática seleccionados del grupo que consiste en CAMK2Nl, CDH10, CLDNll, LSAMP, PSCAy SFRPl. 4. Célula madre mesenquimal según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 3, en la que dicha sangre periférica o hemoderivado es de origen humano. 5. Célula madre mesenquimal según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 4, en la que la sangre periférica se selecciona del grupo que consiste en sangre periférica fresca o criopreservada, sangre periférica movilizada fresca o criopreservada, sangre periférica movilizada y sin movilizar obtenida por técnicas de aféresis fresca o criopreservada, fracción CD34-fresca o criopreservada obtenida de sangre periférica o sus hemoderivados movilizada, "buffy coats" y cualquiera de sus combinaciones. 6. Célula madre mesenquimal según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones I a 5, en la que la sangre periférica procede de un sujeto al que se le ha administrado un factor de estimulación. 7. Célula madre mesenquimal según la reivindicación 6, en la que el factor de estimulación se selecciona del grupo formado por el factor de crecimiento de colonias de granulocitos (G-CSF) , el factor de crecimiento de colonias granulomacrofágicas (GM-CSF) , un antagonista del receptor CXCR4, una catecolamina, y sus combinaciones. 8. Una población celular aislada que comprende células madre mesenquimales procedentes de sangre periférica o de sus hemoderivados según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 7. 9. Una composición de células madre mesenquimales procedentes de sangre periférica, o de sus hemoderivados, en la que, al menos, el 50% de las células madre mesenquimales procedentes de sangre periférica, o de sus hemoderivados, que comprende dicha composición son células madre mesenquimales que expresan IL 13RA2 según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones I a 7. 10. Una composición farmacéutica que comprende una célula madre mesenquimal según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 7, una población celular seb>lm la reivindicación 8, o una composición de células madre mesenquimales según la reivindicación 9, y un vehículo farmacéuticamente aceptable. 11. Método in vitro para la identificación y/o el aislamiento de una célula madre mesenquimal a partir de sangre periférica o de sus hemoderivados que comprende detectar la expresión del receptor alfa-2 de la interleuquina 13 (lLI3RA2) en células de una muestra de sangre periférica o de sus hemoderivados y, si se desea, aislar dichas células que expresan TL 13RA2. 12. Método según la reivindicación 11, en el que la sangre periférica utilizada se selecciona del grupo que consiste en sangre periférica fresca o criopreservada, sangre periférica movilizada fresca o criopreservada, sangre periférica movilizada y sin movilizar obtenida por técnicas de aféresis fresca o criopreservada, fracción CD34-fresca o criopreservada obtenida de sangre periférica o sus hemoderivados movilizada, "bufIY coats", y cualquiera de sus combinaciones. 13. Método según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 11 ó 12, en el que dicha sangre periférica procede de un sujeto al que se le ha administrado un factor de estimulación. 14. Método según la reivindicación 13, en el que dicho factor de estimulación se selecciona del grupo formado por el factor de crecimiento de colonias de granulocitos (G-CSF) , el factor de crecimiento de colonias granulomacrofágicas (GM-CSF) , un antagonista del receptor CXCR4, una catecolamina, y sus combinaciones. 15. Método según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 11 a 14, en el que dicha sangre periférica o hemoderivado es de origen humano. 16. Uso del receptor alfa-2 de la interleuquina 13 (LL13RA2) como marcador de una célula madre mesenquimal procedente de sangre periférica o de sus hemoderivados. 17. Uso según la reivindicaciónl6, para la identitlcación y/o el aislamiento in vitro de una célula madre mesenquimal a partir de sangre periférica, o de un hemoderivado de la misma, de un sujeto. 18. Uso de un reactivo capaz de detectar el receptor alfa-2 de la interleuquina 13 (ILl3RA2) para la identitlcación y/o el aislamiento de una célula madre mesenquimal a partir de sangre periférica o de sus hemoderivados, en donde dicho reactivo es un anticuerpo que se une especitlcamente a LLI3RA2. 19. Uso de una célula madre mesenquimal según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 7, o de una población celular según la reivindicación 8, o de una composición de células madre según la reivindicación 9, o de una composición farmacéutica según la reivindicación 10, en la preparación de un medicamento para el tratamiento de una enfermedad autoinmune. 20. Uso de una célula madre mesenquimal según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 7, o de una población celular set, 'ún la reivindicación 8, o de una composición de células madre según la reivindicación 9, o de una composición farmacéutica según la reivindicación 10, en la preparación de un medicamento para el tratamiento de una enfermedad inflamatoria. 21. Uso de una célula madre mesenquimal según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 7, o de una población celular según la reivindicación 8, o de una composición de células madre según la reivindicación 9, o de una composición farmacéutica según la reivindicación 10, en la preparación de un medicamento para inducir tolerancia al trasplante. 22. Uso de una célula madre mesenquimal según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 7, o de una población celular según la reivindicación 8, o de una composición de células madre según la reivindicación 9, o de una composición farmacéutica según la reivindicación 10, en la preparación de un medicamento para la reparación y regeneración de tejidos. 23. Uso de una célula madre mesenquimal según cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 7, o de una población celular según la reivindicación 8, o de una composición de células madre según la reivindicación 9, o de una composición farmacéutica según la reivindicación 10, como sistema de transporte o vehículo de un compuesto biológicamente activo a un sitio de interés.Cuando una patente se hace internacional, se puede encontrar en el idioma de cada país en que se ha solicitado. En Espacenet se tiene acceso a los documentos en cada idioma.Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Universidad de Granada; Fundación Progreso y Salud.Solicitud de patent

Factors related with symptom duration until diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) survival depends mostly on stage at the time of diagnosis. However, symptom duration at diagnosis or treatment have also been considered as predictors of stage and survival. This study was designed to: 1) establish the distinct time-symptom duration intervals; 2) identify factors associated with symptom duration until diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of all incident cases of symptomatic CRC during 2006–2009 (795 incident cases) in 5 Spanish regions. Data were obtained from patients’ interviews and reviews of primary care and hospital clinical records. Measurements: CRC symptoms, symptom perception, trust in the general practitioner (GP), primary care and hospital examinations/visits before diagnosis, type of referral and tumor characteristics at diagnosis. Symptom Diagnosis Interval (SDI) was calculated as time from first CRC symptoms to date of diagnosis. Symptom Treatment Interval (STI) was defined as time from first CRC symptoms until start of treatment. Nonparametric tests were used to compare SDI and STI according to different variables. RESULTS: Symptom to diagnosis interval for CRC was 128 days and symptom treatment interval was 155. No statistically significant differences were observed between colon and rectum cancers. Women experienced longer intervals than men. Symptom presentation such as vomiting or abdominal pain and the presence of obstruction led to shorter diagnostic or treatment intervals. Time elapsed was also shorter in those patients that perceived their first symptom/s as serious, disclosed it to their acquaintances, contacted emergencies services or had trust in their GPs. Primary care and hospital doctor examinations and investigations appeared to be related to time elapsed to diagnosis or treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that gender, symptom perception and help-seeking behaviour are the main patient factors related to interval duration. Health service performance also has a very important role in symptom to diagnosis and treatment interval. If time to diagnosis is to be reduced, interventions and guidelines must be developed to ensure appropriate examination and diagnosis during both primary and hospital care

Factors related with symptom duration until diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic colorectal cancer

[Abstract] Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) survival depends mostly on stage at the time of diagnosis. However, symptom duration at diagnosis or treatment have also been considered as predictors of stage and survival. This study was designed to: 1) establish the distinct time-symptom duration intervals; 2) identify factors associated with symptom duration until diagnosis and treatment. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of all incident cases of symptomatic CRC during 2006-2009 (795 incident cases) in 5 Spanish regions. Data were obtained from patients' interviews and reviews of primary care and hospital clinical records. Measurements: CRC symptoms, symptom perception, trust in the general practitioner (GP), primary care and hospital examinations/visits before diagnosis, type of referral and tumor characteristics at diagnosis. Symptom Diagnosis Interval (SDI) was calculated as time from first CRC symptoms to date of diagnosis. Symptom Treatment Interval (STI) was defined as time from first CRC symptoms until start of treatment. Nonparametric tests were used to compare SDI and STI according to different variables. Results: Symptom to diagnosis interval for CRC was 128 days and symptom treatment interval was 155. No statistically significant differences were observed between colon and rectum cancers. Women experienced longer intervals than men. Symptom presentation such as vomiting or abdominal pain and the presence of obstruction led to shorter diagnostic or treatment intervals. Time elapsed was also shorter in those patients that perceived their first symptom/s as serious, disclosed it to their acquaintances, contacted emergencies services or had trust in their GPs. Primary care and hospital doctor examinations and investigations appeared to be related to time elapsed to diagnosis or treatment. Conclusions: Results show that gender, symptom perception and help-seeking behaviour are the main patient factors related to interval duration. Health service performance also has a very important role in symptom to diagnosis and treatment interval. If time to diagnosis is to be reduced, interventions and guidelines must be developed to ensure appropriate examination and diagnosis during both primary and hospital care.Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PI:052273Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PI050787Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PI050700Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PI052692Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PI05214