Estudio sobre la aplicación del Diseño Social en el ámbito educativo e implementación de un caso práctico en el re-diseño de un patio de colegio

El Diseño Social es una vertiente del Diseño Industrial, con la que se busca resolver las necesidades de la sociedad, mediante la implicación de los propios beneficiarios del resultado. En este proyecto, se va realizar un análisis del estado del arte de las investigaciones que se han realizado hasta el momento en torno al Diseño Social y se van a estudiar las posibilidades de aplicación de éste, en el ámbito educativo. En los últimos años, la sociedad ha experimentado grandes cambios socioeconómicos y esto está motivando la aparición de una creciente tendencia a desarrollar proyectos de Diseño Social. Ante la falta de recursos económicos, las personas están empezando a movilizarse y a emprender sus propios proyectos mediante técnicas de trabajo colaborativo en diferentes entornos y para conseguir diferentes fines. Esta falta de recursos que desencadenó la crisis económica, sumada a los grandes avances tecnológicos en el intercambio de información y la facilidad de acceso a la tecnología, están siendo los factores impulsores de esta nueva manera de crear. El ámbito educativo está siendo testigo de esta nueva tendencia social, ya que a día de hoy, muchas comunidades se están movilizando con sus propios medios para realizar diferentes proyectos de manera colaborativa y realizar cambios en su entorno. La capacidad de cambio está en sus manos, pero en ocasiones las estrategias metodológicas que utilizan no son las más adecuadas para asegurar el éxito. Siendo conscientes de que esta nueva forma de diseñar está en auge hoy en día y que presumiblemente será un factor de gran importancia en el futuro de los diseñadores, se ha planteado este estudio con la intención de que sea un punto de partida para posibles líneas de investigación enfocadas en el ámbito del Diseño Social

Teaching Writing at Cuban Pedagogical Colleges: Choosing the Right Approach. (Review)

El presente trabajo centra su atención en la enseñanza de la escritura en las universidades pedagógicas cubanas, específicamente en la selección del mejor enfoque para mejorar los resultados de los futuros profesores de inglés para producir diferentes tipos de textos. El artículo constituye un resultado de la experiencia acumulada por los profesores de la Carrera Lenguas Extranjeras, Inglés de la Sede Pedagógica Blas Roca Calderío de la Universidad de Granma. Con el fin de ayudar a los profesores en su trabajo por incrementar la competencia de los futuros profesionales, este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar la integración de enfoques como alternativa posible durante el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de habilidades de escritura. El trabajo se divide en dos secciones fundamentales. La primera sección ofrece una información general sobre cada uno de los enfoques tradicionales, mientras la segunda brinda algunas sugerencias sobre las posibilidades de integrar estos enfoques en los cursos académicos. This work focuses on the teaching of writing at Cuban Pedagogical colleges, on the selection of the right approach to improve prospective English teachers’ standards at the time of producing different kinds of texts. The research is a result of the experience accumulated by the English teaching staff at Blas Roca Calderío College of Education in the University of Granma. To help teachers to improve prospective English teachers’ writing competence, this article aims to present the combination of approaches in the teaching-learning process of writing skills as a possible channel.  It is divided into two main sections. The first section provides some general theoretical information on each of the traditional writing approaches, while the second provides some hints on the possibilities to integrate them in the academic courses

Mitochondrial DNA analysis of two samples from the paleolithic site of El Pirulejo

En la presente publicación se presentan los resultados del análisis del ADN mitocondrial (ADNmt) de dos individuos del nivel magdaleniense de El Pirulejo (Córdoba) (Asquerino et al., 1991). Las secuencias obtenidas se encuadran dentro de la variabilidad genética del hombre moderno actual, sin presentar similitud alguna con las secuencias de ADN mitocondrial de neandertal publicadas hasta la fecha. La distribución actual de las variantes mitocondriales encontradas en las dos muestras de El Pirulejo es similar a la encontrada en otros dos individuos Paleolíticos (Caramelli et al., 2003), y coherente con el modelo de expansión del hombre anatómicamente moderno desde África.At the present work it was studied the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in two individuals from the Magdalenian level from El Pirulejo archaeological site located in Córdoba, Spain (Asquerino et al. 1991). The obtained sequences were inside the genetic variability of modern humans and did not share any similarities with published Neanderthal mtDNA sequences. The present distribution of the mtDNA lineages from El Pirulejo are similar to that found at other two Paleolithic individuals (Caramelli et al., 2003). All data are compatible with an “Out of Africa” model of dispersion of modern humans

Small static radiosurgery field dosimetry with small volume ionization chambers

Purpose: To evaluate the response of the four smallest active volume thimble type ionization chambers commercially available (IBA-dosimetry RAZOR Nano Chamber, Standard Imaging Exradin A16, IBA-dosimetry CC01 and PTW T31022) when measuring SRS cone collimated Flattening Filter Free (FFF) fields. Methods: We employed Monte Carlo simulation for calculating correction factors as defined in IAEA TRS-483. Monte Carlo simulation beam model and ion chamber geometry definitions were supported by an extensive set of measurements. Type A and B uncertainty components were evaluated.Results: Commissioning of Monte Carlo 6 MV and 10 MV FFF beam models yielded relative differences between measured and simulated dose distributions lower than 1.5%. Monte Carlo simulated output factors for 5 mm SRS field agree with experimental values within 1% local relative difference for all chambers. Smallest active volume ion chamber (IBA-dosimetry RAZOR Nano Chamber) exhibits smallest correction, being compatible with unity. Correction factor combined uncertainties range between 0.7% and 0.9%. Smallest uncertainties were recorded for smallest and largest active volume ion chambers, although the latter exhibited largest correction factor. Highest contribution to combined uncertainty was type B component associated with beam model initial electron spatial Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) uncertainty. Conclusions: Among the investigated chambers, the IBA RAZOR Nano Chamber was found to be an excellent choice for narrow beam output factor measurement since it requires minimum correction (in line with IAEA TRS-483 recommendations). This is caused by its tiny size and tissue equivalence materials which produce minimum volume averaging and fluence perturbationS

bOHB protective pathways in Aralar-Ko neurons and brain: An alternative to ketogenic diet

Aralar/AGC1/Slc25a12, the mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carrier expressed in neurons, is the regulatory component of the NADH malate-aspartate shuttle. AGC1 deficiency is a neuropediatric rare disease characterized by hypomyelination, hypotonia, developmental arrest, and epilepsy. We have investigated whether b-hydroxybutyrate (bOHB), the main ketone body (KB) produced in ketogenic diet (KD), is neuroprotective in aralar-knock-out (KO) neurons and mice. We report that bOHB efficiently recovers aralar-KO neurons from deficits in basal-stimulated and glutamate-stimulated respiration, effects requiring bOHB entry into the neuron, and protects from glutamate excitotoxicity. Aralar-deficient mice were fed a KD to investigate its therapeutic potential early in development, but this approach was unfeasible. Therefore, aralar-KO pups were treated without distinction of gender with daily intraperitoneal injections of bOHB during 5d. This treatment resulted in a recovery of striatal markers of the dopaminergic system including dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC)/DA ratio, and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) protein. Regarding postnatal myelination, myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) myelin proteins were markedly increased in the cortices of bOHB-treated aralar-KO mice. Although brain Asp and NAA levels did not change by bOHB administration, a 4-d bOHB treatment to aralar-KO, but not to control, neurons led to a substantial increase in Asp (3-fold) and NAA (4-fold) levels. These results suggest that the lack of increase in brain Asp and NAA is possibly because of its active utilization by the aralar-KO brain and the likely involvement of neuronal NAA in postnatal myelination in these mice. The effectiveness of bOHB as a therapeutic treatment in AGC1 deficiency deserves further investigationThis work was supported by Ministerio de Economía Grants SAF2014-56929R (to J.S. and B.P.) and SAF2017-82560R (AEI/FEDER, UE; to B.P.); the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, an initiative of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII); a grant from the Fundación Ramon Areces (J.S.); the Irycis Chromatographic Services and Nervous System Markers Unit, UCS (2018/0135; to M.J.C.); and an institutional grant from the Fundación Ramon Areces to the Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa. I.P.-L. is the recipient of Contrato Predoctoral de Formación de Personal Investigador (FPI MINECO). We thank Dr. Antonio S. Herranz for his inputs as an expert in amino acid analysis by HPLC-UV, Dr. Araceli del Arco for critical reading of the manuscript, and Isabel Manso and Barbara Sesé for technical support. All experiments were conducted in compliance with the ARRIVE guideline

Design of a Smart Grid for a hybrid power system

Este documento expone el diseño de una red eléctrica inteligente (Smart Grid) para un sistema hibrido de energía haciendo uso de una técnica inteligente de control denominada lógica difusa. Las fuentes para el sistema están compuestas por un sistema fotovoltaico, un acumulador eléctrico o baterías, y la red eléctrica convencional. Este sistema es soportado por una regla de comparación en niveles de energía (lógica difusa), cuya fuente prioritaria para el suministro de corriente eléctrica proviene de diferentes módulos fotovoltaicos. Cuando la energía suministrada por el sistema resulta ser insuficiente para alimentar una carga mínima de 300 Watts, este operará de forma autónoma para seleccionar las baterías como fuente de energía; las cuales han sido cargadas por medio del sistema de arreglo de paneles solares. Como última opción se realizará la conmutación del sistema a la red eléctrica, siempre y cuando se compruebe que las anteriores fuentes no son capaces de ofrecer la necesidad de energía que requiere la carga, de esta forma se provee energía continuamente, sin interrupciones. Para el acondicionamiento de las señales obtenidas a partir del sistema fotovoltaico y de las baterías, se desarrolló un inversor DC-AC utilizando estrategias PWM como mecanismo de conversión y utilizando Mosfets de potencia como dispositivos para la conmutación controlada del inversorAbstract: This paper describes the design of a smart grid for a hybrid power system using an intelligent technique called fuzzy logic control. The sources of the system are: a photovoltaic system, an electric accumulator or batteries, and a conventional electric network. This system is supported by a comparison rule of energy levels (fuzzy logic) whose prior source for power supplying are photovoltaic cells. When the energy supplied by the system seems to be insufficient to feed a minimum load of 300 Watts, this will activate automatically the batteries as power supplier, which are initially charged by a set of solar cells. As a last resort the system will switch the supply to the electric network, as long as it is established that those sources are not able to provide the current requirement that the load needs, in this way the energy is supplied continuously, and uninterrupted. For conditioning the signals obtained from the photovoltaic system and batteries, we developed a DC-AC inverter using PWM strategies as a transformation device and using power MOSFETs as the switching devices of the inverter controlled

Four variants in transferrin and HFE genes as potential markers of iron deficiency anaemia risk: an association study in menstruating women

Abstract Background Iron deficiency anaemia is a worldwide health problem in which environmental, physiologic and genetic factors play important roles. The associations between iron status biomarkers and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) known to be related to iron metabolism were studied in menstruating women. Methods A group of 270 Caucasian menstruating women, a population group at risk of iron deficiency anaemia, participated in the study. Haematological and biochemical parameters were analysed and 10 selected SNPs were genotyped by minisequencing assay. The associations between genetic and biochemical data were analysed by Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) test and decision trees. Dietary intake of a representative subgroup of these volunteers (n = 141) was assessed, and the relationship between nutrients and iron biomarkers was also determined by linear regression. Results Four variants, two in the transferrin gene (rs3811647, rs1799852) and two in the HFE gene (C282Y, H63D), explain 35% of the genetic variation or heritability of serum transferrin in menstruating women. The minor allele of rs3811647 was associated with higher serum transferrin levels and lower transferrin saturation, while the minor alleles of rs1799852 and the C282Y and H63D mutations of HFE were associated with lower serum transferrin levels. No association between nutrient intake and iron biomarkers was found. Conclusions In contrast to dietary intake, these four SNPs are strongly associated with serum transferrin. Carriers of the minor allele of rs3811647 present a reduction in iron transport to tissues, which might indicate higher iron deficiency anaemia risk, although the simultaneous presence of the minor allele of rs1799852 and HFE mutations appear to have compensatory effects. Therefore, it is suggested that these genetic variants might potentially be used as markers of iron deficiency anaemia risk.This study was supported by Project AGL2009-11437. R.Blanco-Rojo was supported by a JAE-predoc grant from CSIC and European Social Found, S.Bertoncini by Grupo Santander 2009 (Estancia doctores y tecnologos UCM), and J.M.Soria by "Programa d'Estabilització d'Investigadors de la Direcció d'Estrategia i Coordinació del Departament de Salut".Peer Reviewe

New-onset atrial fibrillation during COVID-19 infection predicts poor prognosis

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led toa paradigm shift in healthcare worldwide. Little is known about the impact on the cardiovascularsystem, and the incidence and consequences of new onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) in infected patientsremain unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the cardiovascular outcomes of patients with newonset AF and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.Methods: This observational study analyzed a sample of 160 consecutive patients hospitalized due toCOVID-19. A group with new-onset AF (n = 12) was compared with a control group (total: n = 148,sinus rhythm: n = 118, previous AF: n = 30). New-onset AF patients were significantly older andhypertensive, as well as presenting more frequently with a history of acute coronary syndrome andrenal dysfunction. This group showed a higher incidence of thromboembolic events (41.7% vs. 4.1%;p < 0.001), bleeding (33.3% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.005), a combined endpoint of thrombosis and death(58.3% vs. 19.6%, p = 0.006) and longer hospital stays (16.4 vs. 8.6 days, p < 0.001), with no differences in all-cause mortality.Results: In multivariate analysis, adjusted by potential confounding factors, new-onset AF demonstrateda 14.26 odds ratio for thromboembolism (95% confidence interval 2.86–71.10, p < 0.001).Conclusions: New-onset AF in COVID-19 patients presumably has a notable impact on prognosis.The appearance of new-onset AF is related to worse cardiovascular outcomes, considering it as an independent predictor of embolic events. Further studies are needed to identify patients with COVID-19at high risk of developing “de novo” AF, provide early anticoagulation and minimize the embolic risk ofboth entities

A Ca2+-Dependent Mechanism Boosting Glycolysis and OXPHOS by Activating Aralar-Malate-Aspartate Shuttle, upon Neuronal Stimulation

Calcium is an important second messenger regulating a bioenergetic response to the workloads triggered by neuronal activation. In embryonic mouse cortical neurons using glucose as only fuel, activation by NMDA elicits a strong workload (ATP demand)-dependent on Na+ and Ca2+ entry, and stimulates glucose uptake, glycolysis, pyruvate and lactate production, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in a Ca2+-dependent way. We find that Ca2+ upregulation of glycolysis, pyruvate levels, and respiration, but not glucose uptake, all depend on Aralar/AGC1/Slc25a12, the mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carrier, component of the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS). MAS activation increases glycolysis, pyruvate production, and respiration, a process inhibited in the presence of BAPTA-AM, suggesting that the Ca2+ binding motifs in Aralar may be involved in the activation. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) silencing had no effect, indicating that none of these processes required MCU-dependent mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. The neuronal respiratory response to carbachol was also dependent on Aralar, but not on MCU. We find that mouse cortical neurons are endowed with a constitutive ER-to-mitochondria Ca2+ flow maintaining basal cell bioenergetics in which ryanodine receptors, RyR2, rather than InsP3R, are responsible for Ca2+ release, and in which MCU does not participate. The results reveal that, in neurons using glucose, MCU does not participate in OXPHOS regulation under basal or stimulated conditions, while Aralar-MAS appears as the major Ca2+-dependent pathway tuning simultaneously glycolysis and OXPHOS to neuronal activation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuronal activation increases cell workload to restore ion gradients altered by activation. Ca2+ is involved in matching increased workload with ATP production, but the mechanisms are still unknown. We find that glycolysis, pyruvate production, and neuronal respiration are stimulated on neuronal activation in a Ca2+-dependent way, independently of effects of Ca2+ as workload inducer. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) does not play a relevant role in Ca2+ stimulated pyruvate production and oxygen consumption as both are unchanged in MCU silenced neurons. However, Ca2+ stimulation is blunt in the absence of Aralar, a Ca2+-binding mitochondrial carrier component of Malate-Aspartate Shuttle (MAS). The results suggest that Ca2+-regulated Aralar-MAS activation upregulates glycolysis and pyruvate production, which fuels mitochondrial respiration, through regulation of cytosolic NAD+/NADH ratio.This work was supported by Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities SAF2014-56929R to J.S. and B.P.; SAF2017-82560-R to A.d.A. and B.P.; Fundación Ramón Areces to J.S.; and Fundación Ramón Areces institutional grant to Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO). I.P.-L. and L.G.-M. received predoctoral fellowships from MINECO. P.G.-S. received a postdoctoral research contract from Comunidad de Madri

Clinical guidelines for late-onset Pompe disease

English version available at www.neurologia.comHasta 2006, la enfermedad de Pompe o glucogenosis tipo II era una enfermedad incurable y con tratamiento meramente paliativo. El desarrollo de la terapia de sustitución con la enzima α-glucosidasa recombinante humana ha constituido el primer tratamiento específico para esta enfermedad. El objetivo de esta guía es servir de referencia en el manejo de la variedad de inicio tardío de la enfermedad de Pompe, es decir, la que aparece después del primer año de vida. En la guía, un grupo de expertos españoles hace recomendaciones específicas en cuanto a diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de esta enfermedad. En cuanto al diagnóstico, el método de la muestra en sangre seca es imprescindible como primer paso para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Pompe, y el diagnóstico de confirmación de la enfermedad de Pompe debe realizarse mediante un estudio de la actividad enzimática en muestra líquida en linfocitos aislados o mediante el análisis mutacional del gen de la alfa-glucosidasa. En cuanto al tratamiento de la enfermedad con terapia de sustitución enzimática, los expertos afirman que es eficaz en la mejoría o estabilización de la función motora y pulmonar, y debe iniciarse cuando aparezcan los síntomas atribuibles a la enfermedad de PompeBefore 2006, Pompe disease or glycogenosis storage disease type II was an incurable disease whose treatment was merely palliative. The development of a recombinant human alpha-glucosidase enzymatic replacement therapy has become the first specific treatment for this illness. The aim of this guide is to serve as reference for the management of the late-onset Pompe disease, the type of Pompe disease that develops after one year of age. In the guide a group of Spanish experts make specific recommendations about diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of this illness. With regard to diagnosis, the dried blood spots method is essential as the first step for the diagnosis of Pompe disease. The confirmation of the diagnosis of Pompe disease must be made by means of an study of enzymatic activity in isolated lymphocytes or a mutation analysis of the alpha-glucosidase gene. With regard to treatment with enzymatic replacement therapy, the experts say that is effective improving or stabilizating the motor function and the respiratory function and it must be introduced when the first symptoms attributable to Pompe disease appea