Schoolchildren’s compensatory strategies and skills in relation to attention and executive function app training

Background: Given the importance of attention and executive functions (EF) in children’s behavior, programs aimed at improving these processes are of special interest. Nexxo-training combines the use of the Nexxo touchscreen application (inhibition and vigilance tasks) with procedural metacognitive strategies (imparted by an instructor) for all the individuals using the app, regardless of their level of ability, plus compensatory strategies based on individual child performance. This study presents an analysis of the compensatory strategies that schoolchildren (aged 6–8 years old) receive when experiencing difficulties with EF tasks, in addition to an analysis of the developmental factors and cognitive skills that may modulate EF task performance. Methods: For this study, we use data from a previous randomized active-controlled study (under review), in which forty-six typically developing children aged between 6 and 8 years old (24 girls/22 boys) were enrolled in the training group. The selected children were in the 1st grade (n = 28, Nx = 78.32 4.037 months) and 3rd grade of primary education (n = 18, Nx = 102.11 3.445). We collected data on EF training performance, compensatory strategies needed and neuropsychological assessments. Results: A total of 80.43% participants required some form of compensatory strategy during training. Regarding required compensatory strategies, those who had lower scores in EF training needed more compensatory strategies, in particular, instructional comprehension (r = -0.561, p < 0.001 for inhibition-tasks; r = -0.342, p < 0.001 for vigilance-tasks). Concerning developmental factors, age significantly predicted better performance in both EF tasks (b = 0.613, p < 0.001 for inhibition; b = 0.706, p < 0.001 for attention). As regards task performance, those with better performance in inhibition tasks also had better performance in vigilance tasks (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Finally, regarding cognitive skills, participants with higher performance in fluid intelligence (Q1, n = 12) had higher scores (U = 14.5, p < 0.05) than the group with the lowest performance (Q4, n = 11) in vigilance Conclusion: As previous literature suggests, inhibition is one of the core processes of EF. Therefore, we should focus training on the core EF processes. Inhibition and vigilance are closely related processes. In terms of the use of compensatory strategies, these are more needed for participants with lower levels of performance in inhibition or vigilance. Regarding strategy analysis, instructional comprehension and self-instruction (goal setting and planning) seem to be the most useful strategies for those with difficulties in inhibitory and vigilance task performance. Regarding development, as expected, age moderates task performance in inhibition and attention. Finally, cognitive skills, such as fluid intelligence and cognitive flexibility, predicted better results in attention. EF training using not only an app, but also compensatory strategies based on user performance, is a new research direction offering more opportunities to generalize EF training in everyday lif

EoE CONNECT, the European Registry of Clinical, Environmental, and Genetic Determinants in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: rationale, design, and study protocol of a large-scale epidemiological study in Europe

Background: The growing prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) represents a considerable burden to patients and health care systems. Optimizing cost-effective management and identifying mechanisms for disease onset and progression are required. However, the paucity of large patient cohorts and heterogeneity of practice hinder the defining of optimal management of EoE. Methods: EoE CONNECT is an ongoing, prospective registry study initiated in 2016 and currently managed by EUREOS, the European Consortium for Eosinophilic Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract. Patients are managed and treated by their responsible specialists independently. Data recorded using a web-based system include demographic and clinical variables; patient allergies; environmental, intrapartum, and early life exposures; and family background. Symptoms are structurally assessed at every visit; endoscopic features and histological findings are recorded for each examination. Prospective treatment data are registered sequentially, with new sequences created each time a different treatment (active principle, formulation, or dose) is administered to a patient. EoE CONNECT database is actively monitored to ensure the highest data accuracy and the highest scientific and ethical standards. Results: EoE CONNECT is currently being conducted at 39 centers in Europe and enrolls patients of all ages with EoE. In its aim to increase knowledge, to date EoE CONNECT has provided evidence on the effectiveness of first- and second-line therapies for EoE in clinical practice, the ability of proton pump inhibitors to induce disease remission, and factors associated with improved response. Drug effects to reverse fibrous remodeling and endoscopic features of fibrosis in EoE have also been assessed. Conclusion: This prospective registry study will provide important information on the epidemiological and clinical aspects of EoE and evidence as to the real-world and long-term effectiveness and safety of therapy. These data will potentially be a vital benchmark for planning future EoE health care services in Europe

Accurate and timely diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis improves over time in Europe. An analysis of the EoE CONNECT Registry

BACKGROUND: Poor adherence to clinical practice guidelines for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been described and the diagnostic delay of the disease continues to be unacceptable in many settings. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of improved knowledge provided by the successive international clinical practice guidelines on reducing diagnostic delay and improving the diagnostic process for European patients with EoE. METHODS: Cross‐sectional analysis of the EoE CONNECT registry based on clinical practice. Time periods defined by the publication dates of four major sets of guidelines over 10 years were considered. Patients were grouped per time period according to date of symptom onset. RESULTS: Data from 1,132 patients was analyzed and median (IQR) diagnostic delay in the whole series was 2.1 (0.7‐6.2) years. This gradually decreased over time with subsequent release of new guidelines (p < 0.001), from 12.7 years up to 2007 to 0.7 years after 2017. The proportion of patients with stricturing of mixed phenotypes at the point of EoE diagnosis also decreased over time (41.3% vs. 16%; p < 0.001), as did EREFS scores. The fibrotic sub‐score decreased from a median (IQR) of 2 (1‐2) to 0 (0‐1) when patients whose symptoms started up to 2007 and after 2017 were compared (p < 0.001). In parallel, symptoms measured with the Dysphagia Symptoms Score reduced significantly when patients with symptoms starting before 2007 and after 2012 were compared. A reduction in the number of endoscopies patients underwent before the one that achieved an EoE diagnosis, and the use of allergy testing as part of the diagnostic workout of EoE, also reduced significantly over time (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic work‐up of EoE patients improved substantially over time at the European sites contributing to EoE CONNECT, with a dramatic reduction in diagnostic delay

A PCR-RFLP method for detection of the LNPEP encoding human insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) rs4869317 polymorphism

Background & objectives: Insulin regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) has been related to certain pathologies such as breast cancer, Alzheimer΄s disease and septic shock. IRAP is encoded by the leucyl/cystinyl aminopeptidase (LNPEP) gene. The genetic variation in the LNPEP gene has been analyzed in relation with the mortality and vasopressin clearance in septic shock. The LNPEP rs4869317 SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) was the most significantly associated SNP with vasopressinase activity, being TT genotype associated with increased mortality. The objective of the present study was to develop a simple method to allow a quick and affordable genotyping for the rs4869317 SNP of LNPEP gene. Methods: Blood DNA samples were obtained from randomly selected healthy volunteers (n=28). A pair of primers was designed to amplify an 834 bp region of the LNPEP gene containing the rs4869317 SNP. The two alleles (T or A) were detected by digestion of the PCR products with the PacI restriction endonuclease. This enzyme only cuts the PCR products when the adenine is present in the SNP. Results: All individuals showed RFPL (restriction fragment length polymorphism) fragments for the expected genotypes (TT, TA or AA). The methodology was validated by sequencing of the amplified DNAs from several ′T/T′ and ′A/A′ homozygotes and ′T/A′ heterozygotes. The results from both methods showed agreement. Interpretation & conclusions: The PCR-RFLP is a simple and reliable method that allows a quick genotyping for the rs4869317 SNP of LNPEP gene. The study of this polymorphism could be useful in future investigations to analyze the role of genetic variants of IRAP in several physiological/pathological conditions

Enseñar Geografía a través del análisis de imágenes con la ayuda del campus virtual y la pizarra digital interactiva. (PIMCD 6/2010)

La importancia de la imagen en el mundo actual es indiscutible, pero más importante es su empleo en la enseñanza de la Geografía. Con su ayuda el aprendizaje resulta más eficaz y significativo, al tiempo que favorece el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Así, el análisis de imágenes es un aspecto fundamental en la mejora de la calidad docente en esta materia, siendo necesaria la creación de materiales para el trabajo en clase. Para ello, se ha elaborado este documento, en el que seis profesoras de Geografía o especialistas han comentado una serie de imágenes de paisajes con ayuda de la pizarra digital, estableciendo una metodología de análisis específica que ha sido difundida a través del campus virtual. A través de estas fotografías, de elaboración propia, se pretende dar a conocer el medio físico y humano, así como las acciones y relaciones establecidas en estos lugares. Con ello se ayudará a los estudiantes a entender mejor el planeta y a colaborar en la elaboración de estrategias de desarrollo compatibles con el mantenimiento del medio ambiente, tales como el crecimiento urbano racional, la necesidad de fomentar el transporte público, la utilización de energías renovables y tantas otras acciones en la línea de la sostenibilidad. De esta forma se contribuye a los objetivos de la Década de la Educación para el Desarrollo Sostenible (2005-2014) declarada por la UNESCO, al tiempo que se pretende dar respuesta a la necesidad de construir un aprendizaje durante toda la vida, como demanda el EEES

Significance of PD1 Alternative Splicing in Celiac Disease as a Novel Source for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target

[Background] We have focused on the alteration of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in celiac disease and discussed the roles of the PD1 pathway in regulating the immune response. We explored the idea that the altered mRNA splicing process in key regulatory proteins could represent a novel source to identify diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in celiac disease.[Methods] We characterized the PD1 mRNA variants’ profile in CD patients and in response to gluten peptides’ incubation after in vitro experiments. Total RNA from whole blood was isolated, and the coding region of the human PD-1 mRNA was amplified by cDNA PCR.[Results] PCR amplification of the human PD-1 coding sequence revealed an association between the over-expression of the sPD-1 protein and the PD-1Δex3 transcript in celiac disease. Thus, we have found three novel alternative spliced isoforms, two of which result in a truncated protein and the other isoform with a loss of 14 aa of exon 2 and complete exon 3 (Δ3) which could encode a new soluble form of PD1 (sPD-1).[Conclusions] Our study provides evidence that dietary gluten can modulate processes required for cell homeostasis through the splicing of pre-mRNAs encoding key regulatory proteins, which represents an adaptive mechanism in response to different nutritional conditions.This work was supported by Universidad de Jaén (through the program “Plan de Apoyo a la Investigación 2019–2020, Acción 1”).Peer reviewe

Aprender Geografía con la Web 2.0

Se trata de crear materiales sobre Geografía de España utilizando las Tecnologías de la Información Geográfica (TIG)que servirán de ejemplos prácticos en la docencia de grados y masteres y serán utilizados en el Campus Virtual Moodle y en la Web 2.0. El trabajo constituye una de las contribuciones de la UCM, la Universidad de León, la Real Sociedad Geográfica y del Grupo de Didáctica de la Geografía de la AGE al proyecto europeo digital-earth.eu (510010-LLP-1-2010-1-AT-COMENIUS-CNW (2010-2013), que entre sus objetivos, cuenta con el impulso de la utilización de los geo-media en los centros educativos y en la formación del profesorado, fomentando la educación geográfica desde la Nube a partir de una red de centros de excelencia europeos entre los cuales se encuentra el RSG-DE CoE. La información que ahí se presenta está volcada en una página web, en la actualidad pendiente de migración

Learning Spanish geography on the Web 2.0

El trabajo que aquí se presenta pretende una mejor comprensión del paisaje que responda a algún aspecto relevante de la Geografía de España. Esto se hace a través de un itinerario que suponga unas cuatro horas andando. Para ello se emplean imágenes fotográficas convencionales; el GPS de exteriores, dispositivo integrado desde la escuela en muchos países europeos que ayudará a entender el uso generalizado del GPS en la vida cotidiana y la aplicación Iberpix, del Instituto Geográfico Nacional. Esta selección de herramientas y tecnologías emergentes que integran los dispositivos móviles como smartphones o tabletas en la elaboración de contenidos, tiene la finalidad de favorecer el aprendizaje de la Geografía de España en su conjunto. El empleo de la tecnología al servicio de la información geográfica es un hecho cada vez más común en todos los niveles educativos y en un creciente número de materias. Ello exige una continua actualización en la preparación del profesorado que imparte Geografía y también otras materias, tanto en secundaria y bachillerato, como en la enseñanza superior.This work aims to provide a better understanding of relevant aspects of Spanish landscape Geography. To achieve the aims a four- hour walk itinerary in different landscapes was created by using one author’s own photographs, GPS devices for everyday use and the Iberpix application (a Spanish National Geographic Institute application on the cloud). The selection of tools including emerging technologies integrate mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets to contents and aims to encourage the learning of Geography of Spain as a whole. The use of technology for geographic information is an increasingly common practice on all educational syllabuses at every level and in a growing number of subjects. This requires continuous training of geography and teachers of other subjects in second and in higher education.Depto. de Didáctica de las Ciencias Experimentales , Sociales y MatemáticasFac. de EducaciónTRUEProyecto de Innovación y Mejora de la Calidad Docente. Universidad Complutense de Madridpu