A Study of the Assimilative Behavior of the Voiced Labio-Dental Fricative in American English

Gradation is one of the main features of colloquial speech. It implies the presence of certain phonological processes that ease the transition between phonemes with different articulatory features. For English, one of these implied processes is assimilation, which is when the articulation of a segment is modified into another one already existing in the system. Our study takes Gimson (1994)’s suggestion that /v/ assimilates into /m/ when it is followed by the bilabial nasal. After observing and describing different cases of assimilation, we suggest more possible explanations to this phenomenon and more assimilative behaviors of /v/. Therefore, we conduct an experiment with six American- English L1s where they evaluate sentences whose articulation includes our suggested proposals. The results show Gimson’s theory not to be as accurate as expected. Furthermore, we prove that /v/ can assimilate into /b/, /ɂ/ and /d/ when it is followed by bilabial, velar and alveolar phonemes.La gradación es una de las características más significativas del lenguaje coloquial. Esta implica la presencia de ciertos procesos fonológicos que facilitan la transición entre fonemas con distintas articulaciones. En el caso del inglés, uno de estos procesos es la asimilación, que consiste en cambiar la articulación de un segmento por la de otro existente en el sistema. Este estudio se basa en la propuesta de Gimson (1994), por la que /v/ se asimila a /m/ cuando le sigue la bilabial nasal. Tras observar y describir más casos de asimilación, nos planteamos distintos comportamientos asimilativos de /v/ en este y otros contextos, que fueron evaluados por medio de un experimento realizado a seis nativos de inglés-americano. Los resultados muestran que la teoría de Gimson no es tan apropiada como se esperaba. Además, concluimos que /v/ puede asimilar a /b/, /ɂ/ y /d/ cuando le siguen ciertos sonidos bilabiales, velares y alveolares.Grado en Estudios Inglese

BITS schools and Project Based Approach as methodological basis for the inclusive English as a Second Language class.

The current Spanish educational normative, the LOMLOE, which was established in 2020, was built on the main goals of the 2030 Agenda, plan of action that seeks a social development towards a more equalitarian society. In this sense, the Spanish government stated the need of an inclusive education, bearing in mind that it was recognized as a human right in 2008. Moreover, adapting the educational system to the current social trends, the ICTs have also become one of the most important components of nowadays classrooms. Following the precedent of the BITS schools, which implied an attempt to join the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) subject, the ICTs and the inclusion principle, as well as the 2030 Agenda’s goals and the LOMLOE’s objectives, the present study offers a practical proposal meant to be implemented in a second year EFL classroom of secondary education.La ley educativa vigente en España, la LOMLOE, la cual fue consolidad en 2020, está basada en los objetivos principales de la Agenda 2030, plan de acción que busca el desarrollo social hacia una sociedad más igualitaria. En este sentido, el gobierno español decretó la necesidad de una educación inclusiva, dado que fue considerada derecho humano en el 2008. Además, con el fin de adaptar el sistema educativo a las corrientes sociales actuales, las TICs se han convertido también en uno de los componentes más importantes de cualquier aula. Siguiendo el precedente de las escuelas BITS, que supuso un intento de aunar la enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera, las TICs y el principio de inclusión, así como los objetivos de la Agenda 2030 y de la LOMLOE, este trabajo ofrece una propuesta práctica pensada para una clase de inglés como lengua extranjera de segundo de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria.Departamento de Didáctica de la Lengua y LiteraturaMáster en Profesor de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato, Formación Profesional y Enseñanzas de Idioma

Degradation kinetics and thermodynamic analysis of betalains on microencapsulated beetroot juice using maltodextrin and sweet potato starch

Natural colorants have become important due to the health-benefits for humans. In that sense, it is important to evaluate the degradation kinetics of these components, in order to establish the stability under different processing and/or storage conditions. This study provides experimental and simulated results about the degradation of betalains in microencapsulated beetroot juice. Maltodextrin solution (MDX 10%) and sweet potato starch solution (SPS 2%) in proportions of 40MDX:60SPS, 20MDX:80SPS and 0MDX:100SPS were used as microencapsulating agents. The thermal degradation of betalains in the microencapsulated powders was evaluated at three temperatures (6, 19 and 30 °C) in order to predict the behavior under different conditions, using the first-order kinetic model. The kinetic parameters were identified using linear regression on the logarithmic curves of the experimental data to obtain the Arrhenius equations. The highest content of betalains was 2.58 mg/g and the lowest activation energy value was 48.71 KJ/mol, with both values corresponding to the powder that was microencapsulated with 20MDX:80SPS. The above results suggest high betalain stability in this powder, since there was less sensitivity to temperature in comparison to the rest of the powders. Additionally, some thermodynamic parameters were evaluated, which confirmed that the process is non-spontaneous and irreversible. The results obtained from this study, could be a useful tool to predict the minimal losses during processing, and gives the possibility to improve and select the food products where this kind of natural colorant can be applied.Natural colorants have become important due to their health benefits for humans. In that sense, it is important to evaluate the degradation kinetics of these components, in order to establish stability under different processing and/or storage conditions. This study provides experimental and simulated results about the degradation of betalains in microencapsulated beetroot juice. Maltodextrin solution (MDX 10%) and sweet potato starch solution (SPS 2%) in proportions of 40MDX:60SPS, 20MDX:80SPS and 0MDX:100SPS were used as microencapsulating agents. The thermal degradation of betalains in the microencapsulated powders was evaluated at three temperatures (6, 19 and 30 °C) in order to predict the behavior under different conditions, using the first-order kinetic model. The kinetic parameters were identified using linear regression on the logarithmic curves of the experimental data to obtain the Arrhenius equations. The highest content of betalains was 2.58 mg/g and the lowest activation energy value was 48.71 KJ/mol, with both values corresponding to the powder that was microencapsulated with 20MDX:80SPS. The above results suggest high betalain stability in this powder since there was less sensitivity to temperature in comparison to the rest of the powders. Additionally, some thermodynamic parameters were evaluated, which confirmed that the process is non-spontaneous and irreversible. The results obtained from this study could be a useful tool to predict the minimal losses during processing and give the possibility to improve and select the food products where this kind of natural colorant can be applied

Dopamine and α-synuclein dysfunction in Smad3 null mice

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra (SN). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels increase in patients with PD, although the effects of this increment remain unclear. We have examined the mesostriatal system in adult mice deficient in Smad3, a molecule involved in the intracellular TGF-β1 signalling cascade.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Striatal monoamine oxidase (MAO)-mediated dopamine (DA) catabolism to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) is strongly increased, promoting oxidative stress that is reflected by an increase in glutathione levels. Fewer astrocytes are detected in the ventral midbrain (VM) and striatal matrix, suggesting decreased trophic support to dopaminergic neurons. The SN of these mice has dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in its rostral portion, and the pro-survival Erk1/2 signalling is diminished in nigra dopaminergic neurons, not associated with alterations to p-JNK or p-p38. Furthermore, inclusions of α-synuclein are evident in selected brain areas, both in the perikaryon (SN and paralemniscal nucleus) or neurites (motor and cingulate cortices, striatum and spinal cord). Interestingly, these α-synuclein deposits are detected with ubiquitin and P^S129-α-synuclein in a core/halo cellular distribution, which resemble those observed in human Lewy bodies (LB).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Smad3 deficiency promotes strong catabolism of DA in the striatum (ST), decrease trophic and astrocytic support to dopaminergic neurons and may induce α-synuclein aggregation, which may be related to early parkinsonism. These data underline a role for Smad3 in α-synuclein and DA homeostasis, and suggest that modulatory molecules of this signalling pathway should be evaluated as possible neuroprotective agents.</p

Is it compatible with breastfeeding? www.e-lactancia.org: analysis of visits, user profile and most visited products

Introduction One of the factors to influence abandoning breastfeeding is mothers’ use of medications. The www.e-lactancia.org website is a reliable source in Spanish and English for online free-access information about the compatibility of medications with breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to analyse the search profiles, and groups and products, searched the most on this website. Materials and methods A retrospective and descriptive study of the e-lactancia.org website during 2014–2018. Google Analytics was used for data collection. The following variables were analysed: number of users and queries; professional profile; country; language; users’ and groups’ access modes/devices; most searched products. Results We found 16,821.559 users and 63,783.866 pages. Of users, 62.7 % were “mother/father”, and 31.9 % were health professionals. Visits came mostly from: Spain (25.86 %); Mexico (16.87 %); Argentina (7.99 %); Chile (7.31 %). The preferred access mode and device were organic searches (62.1 %) and mobile phones (73.4 %), respectively. Phytotherapy (14.4 %), antibacterial agents (12.3 %) and NSAIDs (12.3 %) were the most searched groups, and ibuprofen (6.25 %) was the most popular product. Conclusion Users and consultations in e-lactation increased significantly during the study period. Mothers/fathers were the main website users, followed by health professionals. The main consulted groups were antibacterial agents, NSAIDs and systemic phytotherapy. Ibuprofen, paracetamol and amoxicillin stood out as the most consulted products. These results revealed increase Internet resources use to solve parents and health professionals’ breastfeeding doubts. Future research should study how users (parents, health professionals) interact with this information

Anthropometric parameters regarding the nutritional status of schoolchildren

Objective. This study assesses the anthropometric parameters concerning the nutritional status of and establishes the prevalence of excessive weight, obesity, and malnutrition among schoolchildren in an educational institution on Colombia’s northern coast. Materials and methods. A quantitative correlational research was conducted. The sample included 556 children aged between 6 and 11 years (310 boys and 246 girls). Their weight, height, BMI, and nutritional status were evaluated, and the BMI/age variable (Z-score)was studied to determine the nutritional categories of underweight, normal, and excess weight (overweight and obese) through a descriptive analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) using an unbalanced factorial design. Results. Thinness and obesity cases were reported, with 21.43% (119/556) of the students experiencing some kind of nutritional disorder. Although no statistically significant differences were observed between the gender factor levels, ANOVA showed that male students tend to move farther from the expectedZ-scores. Conclusion: The average Z-score of young students is usually closer to the expected score, whereas that of older students is farthest from expectation, in addition to showing greater variability between measures

Practical guideline for Benign paroxismal positional vertigo

Introduction and objective: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vertigo, characterized by brief attacks of rotatory vertigo associated with nystagmus, which are elicited by specific changes in head position relative to gravity. The observation of positional nystagmus is essential for the diagnosis of BPPV. The treatment consists in maneuvers of canalith repositioning procedure to move otoconial debris from the affected semicircular canal to the utricle. These guidelines are intended for all who treat the BPPV in their work, with an intention to assist in the diagnosis and application of an appropriate therapeutic method. Method: The experience and analysis of different national and international consensus on BPPV, has allowed to a large group of ENT specialists of the Communities of Castilla y León, Cantabria and La Rioja (Spain), carry out this guide. Results: The different clinical entities are reviewed. BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal, horizontal canal and anterior canal, BPPV affecting several canals, atypical and central BPPV, subjective BPPV and the characteristics of this process in the elderly. Canalith repositioning procedures have been illustrated with explanatory drawings. Discussion and conclusions: Although the pathophysiology of BPPV is canalolithiasis comprising free-floating otoconial debris within the endolymph of a semicircular canal, or cupulolithiasis comprising otoconial debris adherent to the cupula, there are still many issues to be resolved. We think that the best way to find answers is part of using a common methodology in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.Introducción y Objetivo: El vértigo periférico más frecuente es el Vértigo Posicional Paroxístico Benigno (VPPB), caracterizado por bruscos ataques de sensación rotatoria, que aparecen como consecuencia de determinados cambios en la posición de la cabeza con relación a la gravedad. La observación del nistagmo posicional es fundamental para el diagnóstico de VPPB. El tratamiento consiste en aplicar maniobras de reposición, para intentar trasladar los restos otoconiales libres, desde el conducto semicircular (CS) afectado hasta el utrículo. Esta guía, está orientada para quienes tratan el VPPB, con la intención práctica de ayudarles en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Método: La experiencia y el análisis de diferentes acuerdos nacionales e internacionales sobre el VPPB, han permitido a un amplio grupo de especialistas ORL de las Comunidades de Castilla y León, Cantabria y La Rioja (España), llevar a cabo esta guía. Resultados: Se revisan las diferentes entidades clínicas. VPPB del conducto semicircular posterior (CSP), horizontal (CSA) y anterior (CSA), incluyéndose también el VPPB multicanal, VPPB atípico y central, VPPB subjetivo y las características de este proceso en el anciano. Las maniobras de reposición se han ilustrado con dibujos explicativos. Discusión y conclusiones: Aunque la fisiopatología del VPPB se explica por la presencia de restos otoconiales libres en la endolinfa de uno o varios conductos semicirculares (canalitiasis) y en algunos casos por su adherencia a la cúpula del CS (cupulolitiasis), aún quedan muchas cuestiones por resolver. Pero creemos que la mejor manera de encontrar respuestas parte de utilizar una metodología común en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de estos pacientes

Albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Harmony Outcomes): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists differ in chemical structure, duration of action, and in their effects on clinical outcomes. The cardiovascular effects of once-weekly albiglutide in type 2 diabetes are unknown. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of albiglutide in preventing cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Methods: We did a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 610 sites across 28 countries. We randomly assigned patients aged 40 years and older with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (at a 1:1 ratio) to groups that either received a subcutaneous injection of albiglutide (30–50 mg, based on glycaemic response and tolerability) or of a matched volume of placebo once a week, in addition to their standard care. Investigators used an interactive voice or web response system to obtain treatment assignment, and patients and all study investigators were masked to their treatment allocation. We hypothesised that albiglutide would be non-inferior to placebo for the primary outcome of the first occurrence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, which was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. If non-inferiority was confirmed by an upper limit of the 95% CI for a hazard ratio of less than 1·30, closed testing for superiority was prespecified. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02465515. Findings: Patients were screened between July 1, 2015, and Nov 24, 2016. 10 793 patients were screened and 9463 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to groups: 4731 patients were assigned to receive albiglutide and 4732 patients to receive placebo. On Nov 8, 2017, it was determined that 611 primary endpoints and a median follow-up of at least 1·5 years had accrued, and participants returned for a final visit and discontinuation from study treatment; the last patient visit was on March 12, 2018. These 9463 patients, the intention-to-treat population, were evaluated for a median duration of 1·6 years and were assessed for the primary outcome. The primary composite outcome occurred in 338 (7%) of 4731 patients at an incidence rate of 4·6 events per 100 person-years in the albiglutide group and in 428 (9%) of 4732 patients at an incidence rate of 5·9 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·78, 95% CI 0·68–0·90), which indicated that albiglutide was superior to placebo (p&lt;0·0001 for non-inferiority; p=0·0006 for superiority). The incidence of acute pancreatitis (ten patients in the albiglutide group and seven patients in the placebo group), pancreatic cancer (six patients in the albiglutide group and five patients in the placebo group), medullary thyroid carcinoma (zero patients in both groups), and other serious adverse events did not differ between the two groups. There were three (&lt;1%) deaths in the placebo group that were assessed by investigators, who were masked to study drug assignment, to be treatment-related and two (&lt;1%) deaths in the albiglutide group. Interpretation: In patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, albiglutide was superior to placebo with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events. Evidence-based glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists should therefore be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Funding: GlaxoSmithKline

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (3rd edition)

In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. For example, a key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process versus those that measure fl ux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process including the amount and rate of cargo sequestered and degraded). In particular, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation must be differentiated from stimuli that increase autophagic activity, defi ned as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (inmost higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium ) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the fi eld understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. It is worth emphasizing here that lysosomal digestion is a stage of autophagy and evaluating its competence is a crucial part of the evaluation of autophagic flux, or complete autophagy. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. Along these lines, because of the potential for pleiotropic effects due to blocking autophagy through genetic manipulation it is imperative to delete or knock down more than one autophagy-related gene. In addition, some individual Atg proteins, or groups of proteins, are involved in other cellular pathways so not all Atg proteins can be used as a specific marker for an autophagic process. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field