Estimate tourism model choice for Pilgrim in the Way of St. James: The Portuguese Way

The purpose of this study is to examine how the characteristics of the pilgrims and the attributes of travel influence the choose of the Portuguese. It is important to understand the choices tourists make. This study identifies the factors that influence the tourists’ choice of way. The analysis is based on the official statistics of the Portuguese Way of Santiago between 2003 and 2020. The study provides several important findings concerning tourism’s model choice. Understanding the tourists’ modal choice behavior help public and private organizations to develop appropriate marketing strategies. The probit model is used to model a relationship between a dependent variable and the independent variables: Sex, Age and Continent. The independent variables are assumed to affect the choice of Portuguese Way. The model has been estimated by the maximum likelihood method. The estimated coefficients and standard errors disclose the factors that influence Choice of Portuguese. Discrete choice experiments are used for measuring and predicting individuals’ preferences and choices of alternatives and provide quantitative measures of the relative importance of attributes of chooses of the Portuguese way. The study provides several important findings concerning the pilgrim’s modal choice. The social stratum, family cycle, origin country, start city are key elements in explaining the tourist model choice decision. The results of the estimate model reveal that the variables social stratum has a significant and positive impact in the choose of Portuguese way, but the life cycle doesn’t have an impact the dependent variables. Finally, the o religious motivations are a significant and negative effect in the Portuguese Way. Understanding the tourists’ modal choice behavior may help tourism organizations to develop appropriate marketing strategies

Cognitive impairment in a murine model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis with relapsing-remitting course

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory disorder characterized by demyelination and progressive axonal loss that affects the central nervous system. In addition of physical disability and the neurodegenerative process, MS associates with co-morbid behavioral, neuropsychiatric and cognitive impairment, including learning and memory deficits. The study of cognitive impairment in the currently most suitable experimental animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), constitutes a very valuable tool to translate ultimately into clinical a better diagnosis and more effective treatment protocols. In our study, we analyzed the behavioral profile of a murine model of EAE induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG35-55) which develops a relapsing-remitting course. In the early neuroinflammatory phase of the disease, i.e. 19-21 days post immunization (dpi), EAE mice exhibited deficits in motor coordination/skill learning (Rotarod test), and spatial working memory (spontaneous alternation in Y-maze), as well as depressive symptoms (tail suspension test) and anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus-maze). EAE mice did not yet show object recognition memory impairments, suggesting that reference memory was not altered in this phase. However, from 33-35 dpi until late phases (49-52 dpi), independently of clinical score, EAE mice exhibited a memory decline showing lower discrimination index in the object recognition test. EAE late phase was also characterized by motor coordination and spatial working memory impairments as well as higher anxiety-like behavior. Overall, these data demonstrates a differential pattern of gradual cognitive dysfunctions during the relapsing-remitting EAE course that could help to understand the development of progressive cognitive decline in MS patients. Funding: Andalusian Regional Ministries of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment (SEJ-1863; CTS643) and of Health (PI-0234-2013; Nicola´s Monardes Programme).Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Machine learning approximations to predict epigenetic age acceleration in stroke patients

Age acceleration (Age-A) is a useful tool that is able to predict a broad range of health outcomes. It is necessary to determine DNA methylation levels to estimate it, and it is known that Age-A is influenced by environmental, lifestyle, and vascular risk factors (VRF). The aim of this study is to estimate the contribution of these easily measurable factors to Age-A in patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD), using different machine learning (ML) approximations, and try to find a more accessible model able to predict Age-A. We studied a CVD cohort of 952 patients with information about VRF, lifestyle habits, and target organ damage. We estimated Age-A using Hannum\u27s epigenetic clock, and trained six different models to predict Age-A: a conventional linear regression model, four ML models (elastic net regression (EN), K-Nearest neighbors, random forest, and support vector machine models), and one deep learning approximation (multilayer perceptron (MLP) model). The best-performing models were EN and MLP; although, the predictive capability was modest (

GABAergic deficits in absence of LPA1 receptor, associated anxiety-like and coping behaviors, and amelioration by interneuron precursor transplants into the dorsal hippocampus

Defects in GABAergic function can cause anxiety- and depression-like behaviors among other neuropsychiatric disorders. Therapeutic strategies using the transplantation of GABAergic interneuron progenitors derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) into the adult hippocampus reversed the symptomatology in multiple rodent models of interneuron-related pathologies. In turn, the lysophosphatidic acid receptor LPA has been reported to be essential for hippocampal function. Converging evidence suggests that deficits in LPA receptor signaling represent a core feature underlying comparable hippocampal dysfunction and behaviors manifested in common neuropsychiatric conditions. Here, we first analyzed the GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus of wild-type and maLPA-null mice, lacking the LPA receptor. Our data revealed a reduction in the number of neurons expressing GABA, calcium-binding proteins, and neuropeptides such as somatostatin and neuropeptide Y in the hippocampus of maLPA-null mice. Then, we used interneuron precursor transplants to test links between hippocampal GABAergic interneuron deficit, cell-based therapy, and LPA receptor-dependent psychiatric disease-like phenotypes. For this purpose, we transplanted MGE-derived interneuron precursors into the adult hippocampus of maLPA-null mice, to test their effects on GABAergic deficit and behavioral symptoms associated with the absence of the LPA receptor. Transplant studies in maLPA-null mice showed that grafted cells were able to restore the hippocampal host environment, decrease the anxiety-like behaviors and neutralize passive coping, with no abnormal effects on motor activity. Furthermore, grafted MGE-derived cells maintained their normal differentiation program. These findings reinforce the use of cell-based strategies for brain disorders and suggest that the LPA receptor represents a potential target for interneuron-related neuropsychiatric disorders.This work was supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF, EU), (PSI2017-82604R, to LJS; PSI2017-83408-P to CP; SAF09-07746, to MAD; PI16/01510, to GET) and Andalusian Regional Ministries of Economy, Knowledge, Business and University (SEJ-4515 -to LJS; SEJ1863 to CP) and of Health and Families (Nicolas Monardes Programme to GET)

Estrategias docentes para el desarrollo de competencias profesionales en la nueva mención de Gestión del Ocio y la Cultura del Grado en Turismo

Memoria ID-0324. Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2014-2015

Aproximación multidisciplinar a la supervisión del practicum en las carreras de educación, medicina, odontología, informática, comunicación y documentación

Memoria ID-035. Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2013-2014

Methodology applied in the study of the language development in children with early detection of neonatal hearing loss.

Introducción y objetivo: Dado que el potencial discapacitante que causa la deficiencia auditiva neonatal disminuye con una detección e intervención tempranas, hemos elaborado un proyecto de investigación, con el que nos proponemos conocer el grado de desarrollo del lenguaje de los niños y niñas que procedentes del cribado auditivo universal, han sido diagnosticados/as por nosotros de hipoacusia prelingual en estos últimos 15 años y analizar las variables determinantes y las que son modificables. El objeto de esta comunicación consistirá en presentar la metodología que vamos a utilizar. Método: Partimos de los datos almacenados en nuestro Servicio de ORL, que comprende a 282 niños con hipoacusia. Hemos tenido la oportunidad de crear un grupo de investigación en el que coincidimos especialistas de la audición infantil y del lenguaje, por lo que contamos con medios suficientes para el estudio. Resultados: Describimos los elementos que configuran este proyecto, en relación al equipo de trabajo y a su desarrollo. Tras aplicar unos criterios de exclusión/inclusión, hemos seleccionado a un grupo de 45 niños entre 3 y 15 años, definiendo sus características auditivas. Mediante pruebas específicas, adaptadas a la edad, estudiaremos los diferentes aspectos del lenguaje; y a través de una entrevista estructurada realizada a los padres, intentaremos determinar las variables que influyen en el proceso re-habilitador. Finalmente, los datos serán analizados estadísticamente. Discusión: La variabilidad y la escasa prevalencia de la hipoacusia infantil, dificultan la realización de estudios con población suficiente para obtener resultados estadísticamente significativos. Sin embargo, creemos que el grupo de niños seleccionado y la metodología utilizada nos permitirán conocer mejor las variables influyentes en el desarrollo del lenguaje. Conclusiones: El programa de cribado auditivo universal ha permitido una intervención más precoz, lo que debería mejorar los niveles de lenguaje de los niños detectados/as con hipoacusia. Aunque el desarrollo normalizado de la comunicación depende de otros factores difíciles de determinar, a través del protocolo presentado pretendemos equiparar estos resultados, validando el proceso de cribado/diagnóstico e intervención de nuestro medio.Introduction and objective: Given that the disabling potential causing neonatal hearing impairment decreases with early detection and intervention, we have drawn up a research project, with which we intend to know the degree of development of the language of children and girls than from the universal hearing screening, have been diagnosed for us of prelingual hearing loss in the last 15 years and analyze the determining variables and which are modifiable. The object of this communication will be to present the methodology that we use. Method: We assume the data stored on our ENT service, including 282 children with hearing loss. We have had the opportunity to create a research group in which we agree ENT and language specialists so we have resources sufficient for the study. Results: We describe the elements that make up this project in relation to the team and to its development. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, we have selected a group of 45 children between 3 and 15 years, defining their auditory characteristics. Through specific tests, adapted to the age, we will study the different aspects of the language; and through a structured interview parents, we try to determine the variables that influence the rehabilitator process. Finally, the data will be analyzed statistically. Discussion: The variability and the low prevalence of infant hearing loss, make it difficult studies with sufficient population to obtain statistically significant results. However, we believe that the group of children and the methodology selected will allow us to learn more about the influential in the development of the language variables. Conclusions: The hearing screening program allowed us to earlier intervention, which should improve the levels of language of children detected with hearing loss. Although the standard development of communication depends on other factors difficult to determine, through the presented protocol we equate these findings, validating the process of screening/diagnosis and intervention of our environment

Rate of severe and fatal infections in a cohort of patients with interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter prospective study

ObjectiveTo describe severe infection, foci of infection, microorganisms, associated factors, and impact on mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).Patients and methodsThe study was based on a multicenter prospective cohort of patients with RA-ILD followed up from 2015 to 2023. The main outcome measures were incident severe infection and fatal infection. We evaluated infectious foci, etiologic agents, vaccination status, variables associated with lung function, and clinical-therapeutic variables in RA. The incidence rate (IR) for infection and mortality was calculated per 100 person-years, and 3 multivariate models were constructed to explore factors associated with infection.ResultsWe followed up 148 patients with RA-ILD for a median 56.7 months (699.3 person-years). During this period, 142 patients (96%) had at least 1 infection. A total of 368 infectious episodes were recorded, with an IR of 52.6 per 100 person-years. Of the 48 patients who died, 65% did so from infection. Respiratory infections were the most common first infection (74%), infection overall (74%), and fatal infection (80%) and were caused mostly by SARS CoV-2, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and influenza A virus. The factors associated with an increased risk of infection and death in patients with RA-ILD were age, inflammatory activity, and therapy with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.ConclusionPatients with RA-ILD have a high risk of serious infection, especially respiratory infection. Infection develops early, is recurrent, and is frequently fatal. The presence of associated factors such as advanced age, joint inflammation, and treatment highlight the importance of integrated and preventive medical care