In-service teachers’ language attitudes in the Valencian educational system:the effect of the school language programme and the L1

The study of teachers’ attitudes towards languages has received some attention, as multi-lingualism has become one of the main educational targets for European school systems (Cenoz 2019; Liyanage & Tao 2020). Several authors (Lasagabaster 2017; Safont 2007) have claimed that language attitudes may play a crucial role in multilingual education. In the Valencian educational system, existing research has examined both students’ language attitudes (Nightingale 2012, 2016; Portolés 2015) and pre-service teachers’ language attitudes (Lasagabaster & Safont 2008; Portolés 2014; Safont 2007) towards the three teaching languages (i.e., Catalan, Spanish and English). Yet, as far as we know, experienced teachers’ attitudes have not been investigated. Thus, the present preliminary study explores 21 in-service teachers’ language attitudes by means of a written questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. In so doing, data were collected in multilingual schools adopting three different school language programmes,namely those of a Catalan-based, a Spanish-based and an English-based language programme. The latter has been a context that has been omitted in previous research. The findings have confirmed the influence of the language programme on in-service teachers’ language attitudes as well as the paramount role of the L1 in the formation of language attitudes. Finally, our findings have pointed out that language attitudes and teaching practices do not always match since some monolingual views are found inside the classroom. Our study concludes that more teacher training is needed on the «Focus on Multilingualism» approach proposed by Cenoz and Gorter (2013

In-service teachers’ language attitudes in the Valencian educational system: the effect of the school language programme and the L1

The study of teachers’ attitudes towards languages has received some attention, as multilingualism has become one of the main educational targets for European school systems (Cenoz 2019; Liyanage & Tao 2020). Several authors (Lasagabaster 2017; Safont 2007) have claimed that language attitudes may play a crucial role in multilingual education. In the Valencian educational system, existing research has examined both students’ language attitudes (Nightingale 2012, 2016; Portolés 2015) and pre-service teachers’ language attitudes (Lasagabaster & Safont 2008; Portolés 2014; Safont 2007) towards the three teaching languages (i.e., Catalan, Spanish and English). Yet, as far as we know, experienced teachers’ attitudes have not been investigated. Thus, the present preliminary study explores 21 in-service teachers’ language attitudes by means of a written questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. In so doing, data were collected in multilingual schools adopting three different school language programmes, namely those of a Catalan-based, a Spanish-based and an English-based language programme. The latter has been a context that has been omitted in previous research. The findings have confirmed the influence of the language programme on in-service teachers’ language attitudes as well as the paramount role of the L1 in the formation of language attitudes. Finally, our findings have pointed out that language attitudes and teaching practices do not always match since some monolingual views are found inside the classroom. Our study concludes that more teacher training is needed on the «Focus on Multilingualism» approach proposed by Cenoz and Gorter (2013)

Les actituds lingüístiques del professorat en actiu Del sistema educatiu valencià: L’efecte del model lingüístic i de la l1

The study of teachers’ attitudes towards languages has received some attention, as multilingualism has become one of the main educational targets for European school systems (Cenoz 2019; Liyanage & Tao 2020). Several authors (Lasagabaster 2017; Safont 2007) have claimed that language attitudes may play a crucial role in multilingual education. In the Valencian educational system, existing research has examined both students’ language attitudes (Nightingale 2012, 2016; Portolés 2015) and pre-service teachers’ language attitudes (Lasagabaster & Safont 2008; Portolés 2014; Safont 2007) towards the three teaching languages (i.e., Catalan, Spanish and English). Yet, as far as we know, experienced teachers’ attitudes have not been investigated. Thus, the present preliminary study explores 21 in-service teachers’ language attitudes by means of a written questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. In so doing, data were collected in multilingual schools adopting three different school language programmes, namely those of a Catalan-based, a Spanish-based and an English-based language programme. The latter has been a context that has been omitted in previous research. The findings have confirmed the influence of the language programme on in-service teachers’ language attitudes as well as the paramount role of the L1 in the formation of language attitudes. Finally, our findings have pointed out that language attitudes and teaching practices do not always match since some monolingual views are found inside the classroom. Our study concludes that more teacher training is needed on the «Focus on Multilingualism» approach proposed by Cenoz and Gorter (2013).La investigació sobre les actituds dels professors cap a les llengües ha rebut una certa atenció, en la mesura que el multilingüisme s’ha convertit en un dels principals objectius educatius dels sistemes escolars europeus (Cenoz 2019; Liyanage & Tao 2020). Diversos autors (Lasagabaster 2017; Safont 2007) han afirmat que les actituds cap a les llengües poden resultar un factor crucial en l’educació multilingüe. En el sistema educatiu valencià, els estudis existents han investigat tant les actituds lingüístiques dels estudiants (Nightingale 2012, 2016; Portolés 2015) com les actituds lingüístiques del futur professorat (Lasagabaster & Safont 2008; Portolés 2014; Safont 2007) respecte als tres idiomes d’ensenyament (és a dir, el català, el castellà i l’anglès). No obstant això, les actituds del professorat en actiu no han estat investigades. Per tant, el present estudi preliminar explora les actituds lingüístiques de 21 professores i professors mitjançant un qüestionari escrit i una entrevista semiestructurada. Així doncs, es van recollir dades en tres escoles multilingües on cadascuna implementa un programa lingüístic diferent segons la llengua vehicular predominant: català, castellà o anglès. Aquest darrer no havia estat investigat en recerques anteriors. Els resultats han confirmat la influència del programa lingüístic en les actituds lingüístiques del professorat, com també la funció primordial de la L1 en la formació d’actituds lingüístiques. Finalment, els nostres resultats han assenyalat que les actituds i les pràctiques lingüístiques dins de l’aula no sempre coincideixen, ja que trobem actituds clarament monolingües dins de l’aula. Finalment, el nostre estudi arriba a la conclusió que el professorat necessita una major formació en l’enfocament Focus on Multilingualism proposat per Cenoz & Gorter (2013)

Functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles mitigate the oxidative stress and proinflammatory activity associated to the portal vein endothelium of cirrhotic rats

Altres ajuts: Fundació La Marató de TV3 (Marató 120930)Background and aims- The occurrence of endothelial alterations in the liver and in the splanchnic vasculature of cirrhotic patients and experimental models of liver diseases has been demonstrated. However, the pathological role of the portal vein endothelium in this clinical context is scarcely studied and, therefore, deserves attention. In this context, we aimed to investigate whether pathological endothelial activation occurs in the portal vein of cirrhotic rats. Methods- Cirrhosis was induced in wistar rats by CCl inhalation. We generated immortalized endothelial cells from the portal vein of control (CT-iPVEC) and cirrhotic rats (CH-iPVEC) by retroviral transduction of the SV40 T antigen. We assessed differential gene expression and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in iPVECs and in portal veins of control and cirrhotic rats. Finally, we assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONP) on reversing PVEC activation and macrophage polarization. Results- CH-iPVECs overexpressed collagen-I, endothelin-1, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, IL-6 and PlGF genes. These results were consistent with the differential expression showed by whole portal veins from cirrhotic rats. In addition, CH-iPVECs showed a significant increase in intracellular ROS and the capacity of potentiating M1 polarization in macrophages. The treatment of CH-iPVECs with CeONPs blocked intracellular ROS formation and IL-6 and TIMP-2 gene overexpression. In agreement with the in vitro results, the chronic treatment of cirrhotic rats with CeONPs also resulted in the blockade of both ROS formation and IL-6 gene overexpression in whole portal veins. Conclusions- Endothelial cells from portal vein of cirrhotic rats depicted an abnormal phenotype characterized by a differential gene expression and the induction of M1 polarization in macrophages. We identified the excess of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a major contributor to this altered phenotype. In addition, we demonstrated the utility of the nanomaterial cerium oxide as an effective antioxidant capable of reverse some of these pathological features associated with the portal vein in the cirrhosis condition

Caso clinico: Diagnóstico de independencia. Conocimientos deficientes: de la familia, en la adaptacion cuarto de baño.

Resumen: Antonia es una mujer de 74 años, que se le implanta una prótesis parcial de cadera debido a una fractura subcapital de fémur izquierdo causada por una caída en el domicilio. Anteriormente era independiente y autónoma para las actividades de la vida diaria (AVD). Su familia, ante el pronóstico médico, que indica que puede volver a ser independiente y autónoma, expresa en reiteradas ocasiones: que puede hacer, como adaptar su domicilio y en concreto el cuarto de baño para que Antonia pueda lograr su total autonomía y preservar su seguridad. Entre todos los problemas que presenta el caso, he elegido el diagnóstico de independencia: CONOCIMIENTOS DEFICIENTES: DE LA FAMILIA, en la adaptación del entorno, cuarto de baño r/c desconocimiento de recursos adaptativos ante la nueva situación m/p requerimiento verbal de la familia como: “¿Qué cambios podemos hacer para mejorar/aumentar su independencia y evitar caídas?”. La discapacidad transitoria o permanente que obliga a los cuidadores de personas en esta situación (agente de autonomía asistida) a tener una preparación en cuidar y adaptar sus domicilios a las situaciones concretas de dependencia y falta de autonomía de esta población

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: A New Therapeutic Tool in Liver Diseases

Carcinoma hepatocel·lular; Regeneració hepàtica; NanocèriaCarcinoma hepatocelular; Regeneración hepática; NanoceriaHepatocellular carcinoma; Liver regeneration; NanoceriaOxidative stress induced by the overproduction of free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been considered as a key pathogenic mechanism contributing to the initiation and progression of injury in liver diseases. Consequently, during the last few years antioxidant substances, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), resveratrol, colchicine, eugenol, and vitamins E and C have received increasing interest as potential therapeutic agents in chronic liver diseases. These substances have demonstrated their efficacy in equilibrating hepatic ROS metabolism and thereby improving liver functionality. However, many of these agents have not successfully passed the scrutiny of clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, mainly due to their unspecificity and consequent uncontrolled side effects, since a minimal level of ROS is needed for normal functioning. Recently, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) have emerged as a new powerful antioxidant agent with therapeutic properties in experimental liver disease. CeO2NPs have been reported to act as a ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) scavenger and to have multi-enzyme mimetic activity, including SOD activity (deprotionation of superoxide anion into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide), catalase activity (conversion of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water), and peroxidase activity (reducing hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals). Consequently, the beneficial effects of CeO2NPs treatment have been reported in many different medical fields other than hepatology, including neurology, ophthalmology, cardiology, and oncology. Unlike other antioxidants, CeO2NPs are only active at pathogenic levels of ROS, being inert and innocuous in healthy cells. In the current article, we review the potential of CeO2NPs in several experimental models of liver disease and their safety as a therapeutic agent in humans as well.Researches referred by the authors were funded by Fundació La Marató de TV3 (grant Marató 120930), Dirección General de Investigación Científica y Técnica (SAF15-64126-R and RTI2018-094734-B-C21, PID2019-105502RB, and BES-2017-08023), Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (SGR 2017/2019), and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (FIS PI15-00077 and FIS PI19-00774) co-financed by FEDER, European Union, “A way of making Europe” and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31950410536). The Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) is funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III

Cerium oxide nanoparticles: A new therapeutic tool in liver diseases

Oxidative stress induced by the overproduction of free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been considered as a key pathogenic mechanism contributing to the initiation and progression of injury in liver diseases. Consequently, during the last few years antioxidant substances, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), resveratrol, colchicine, eugenol, and vitamins E and C have received increasing interest as potential therapeutic agents in chronic liver diseases. These substances have demonstrated their efficacy in equilibrating hepatic ROS metabolism and thereby improving liver functionality. However, many of these agents have not successfully passed the scrutiny of clinical trials for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, mainly due to their unspecificity and consequent uncontrolled side effects, since a minimal level of ROS is needed for normal functioning. Recently, cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO NPs) have emerged as a new powerful antioxidant agent with therapeutic properties in experimental liver disease. CeO NPs have been reported to act as a ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) scavenger and to have multi-enzyme mimetic activity, including SOD activity (deprotionation of superoxide anion into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide), catalase activity (conversion of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water), and peroxidase activity (reducing hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals). Consequently, the beneficial effects of CeO NPs treatment have been reported in many different medical fields other than hepatology, including neurology, ophthalmology, cardiology, and oncology. Unlike other antioxidants, CeO NPs are only active at pathogenic levels of ROS, being inert and innocuous in healthy cells. In the current article, we review the potential of CeO NPs in several experimental models of liver disease and their safety as a therapeutic agent in humans as well.Researches referred by the authors were funded by Fundació La Marató de TV3 (grant Marató 120930), Dirección General de Investigación Científica y Técnica (SAF15-64126-R and RTI2018-094734-B-C21, PID2019-105502RB, and BES-2017-08023), Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (SGR 2017/2019), and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (FIS PI15-00077 and FIS PI19-00774) co-financed by FEDER, European Union, “A way of making Europe” and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31950410536). The Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) is funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III

Plasma fibroblast activation protein is decreased in acute heart failure despite cardiac tissue upregulation

Abstract Background Cardiac fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has an emerging role in heart failure (HF). A paradoxical reduction in its levels in pathological conditions associated with acute processes has been observed. We aimed to identify FAP cardiac tissue expression and its relationship with the main cardiac fibrosis-related signaling pathways, and to compare plasma FAP levels in acute and chronic HF patients. Methods Transcriptomic changes were assessed via mRNA/ncRNA-seq in left ventricle tissue from HF patients (n = 57) and controls (n = 10). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to explore FAP protein levels and localization in cardiac tissue. ELISA was performed to examine plasma FAP levels in acute HF (n = 48), chronic HF (n = 15) and control samples (n = 7). Results FAP overexpression in cardiac tissue is related to the expression of molecules directly involved in cardiac fibrosis, such as POSTN, THBS4, MFAP5, COL1A2 and COL3A1 (P < 0.001), and is directly and inversely related to pro- and antifibrotic microRNAs, respectively. The observed FAP overexpression is not reflected in plasma. Circulating FAP levels were lower in acute HF patients than in controls (P < 0.05), while chronic HF patients did not show significant changes. The clinical variables analyzed, such as functional class or etiology, do not affect plasma FAP concentrations. Conclusions We determined that in HF cardiac tissue, FAP is related to the main cardiac fibrosis signaling pathways as well as to pro- and antifibrotic microRNAs. Additionally, an acute phase of HF decreases plasma FAP levels despite the upregulation observed in cardiac tissue and regardless of other clinical conditions. Graphical abstrac

La sobreexpresión de FoxO1 en el hígado esta positivamente asociada al grado de daño hepático en pacientes cirróticos

La enfermedad hepática crónica y sus complicaciones, la cirrosis y el carcinoma hepatocelular, presentan una elevada mortalidad. Los tratamientos curativos, como la hepatectomía parcial o el trasplante hepático, tienen una aplicación limitada en pacientes con cirrosis, por su escasa capacidad de regeneración hepática. Son necesarias otras alternativas diagnósticas y terapéuticas para prevenir la progresión de la enfermedad y mejorar la supervivencia. Diversos estudios preclínicos demuestran el importante papel de la proteína quinasa B(Akt) en la disfunción hepática, aunque aún se desconoce el estado de Akt y sus dianas en las patologías hepáticas crónicas. El principal objetivo es determinar el estado de activación de la vía Akt y su relación con la función hepática en pacientes cirróticos