La inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides : ¿avance o imprudencia científica?

Hace ya más de veinticinco años del nacimiento del primer bebé probeta. Tras todo este tiempo, y a pesar de los esfuerzos de los científicos que las aplican, la eficacia de las denominadas técnicas de reproducción asistida es bastante limitada. Además, en el intento de cubrir todo tipo de demandas de parejas estériles, las técnicas se han vuelto cada vez más invasivas y, en ocasiones, hasta han sustituido artificialmente parte del mismo proceso de fecundación. Simultáneamente, se ha ido generando en el ambiente científico –alcanzado también la opinión pública- una cierta polémica sobre los efectos colaterales de estas técnicas. Es por ello que resultaba aconsejable la edición de un estudio que evaluara de forma global una técnica como es la inyección intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides, que ha alcanzado en estos últimos diez años un gran desarrollo.Ciencias ReligiosasMedicinaArte y Humanidade

Conocimiento táctico y la toma de decisiones en jóvenes jugadores de fútbol (10 años)

El propósito del estudio es evaluar el conocimiento técnico-táctico en jugadores de fútbol con alto nivel de pericia. A 13 jugadores de 10 años del Albacete Balompié se les evaluó el rendimiento mediante video sobre un juego modificado de fútbol 3vs3 mediante la Herramienta de Evaluación del Rendimiento de Juego (HERJ). El objeto fue evaluar el rendimiento de los componentes individuales y grupales del juego (toma de decisiones y ejecución). A continuación se les realizaron dos entrevistas para conocer su conocimiento de base. En la primera se les preguntó por el conocimiento en los deportes de invasión, tomando referencia el fútbol. En la segunda se analizó el conocimiento procedimental a partir de secuencias de video de fútbol A-7. Los resultados revelan que los jugadores adquieren antes el rendimiento de juego (toma de decisiones y ejecución) que el conocimiento del dominio específico. A su vez poseen un rendimiento superior en la selección de las respuestas que en la ejecución. Los niños de 10 años deben hacer deporte pero la planificación de enseñanza tiene que centrarse en sus características y posibilidadesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical and tactical knowledge of football players with high levels of expertise. the performance of 13 ten-year-old footballers from the albacete balompié team was evaluated using a modified 3vs3 football game video and the game performance assessment tool (herj in spanish). the purpose was to evaluate the performance of individual and group components during the match (decision making and execution). two interviews were then conducted to ascertain the players' knowledge base. the first inquired about the knowledge of invasion sports, using football as a reference. the second analysed procedural knowledge on the basis of a-7 football video footage. the results show that the footballers acquired game performance (decision making and execution) before they acquired the specific dominance knowledge. at the same time, they performed better in selecting responses than in execution. ten-year-old children should play sport, but educational planning needs to focus on their characteristics and possibilitie

Mediación como profesión emergente: actualidad formativa desde la Educación Superior

La mediación es una actividad profesional emergente que tiene escasamente definidas las competencias precisas para su ejercicio profesional, hecho que afecta a las estrategias formativas actualmente vigentes en el ámbito de la Educación Superior. Por lo tanto, es necesario trabajar para la constitución de un currículo académico común que favorezca una formación homogénea, de calidad y relevante para el reconocimiento social de una profesión emergente. Mediante un estudio metodológico cualitativo con un diseño de investigación descriptiva que ha empleado la técnica de análisis documental haciendo uso del paquete informático MAXqda hemos estudiado las estrategias docentes actualmente vigentes en Cataluña y hemos identificado las principales competencias para el ejercicio profesional mediador que podrían sentar las bases de modelos educativos de reconocimiento nacional

La comunicación en mediación social y su oportunidad para el desarrollo comunitario

Community development improves the transformation of social structures and synergies, also leads social groups to a social coexistence that generates welfare. Our main objective is to identify the professional mediator’s communication skills wich facilitate decision-making and dialogue processes in order to generate initiatives for the development of social groups. This study is qualitative descriptive and applies a self-fulfilling survey instrument to a representative sample of active social mediators in Catalonia (Spain). As main results, communication skills should be emphasized as the central role of the mediator role, which should be used to promote effective dialogue and active listening strategies among the parties to the conflict. In addition to the identification of the mediator as an agent of social development by influencing the social empowerment of those involved and favoring their self-perception as socially active agents.El desarrollo comunitario favorece la transformación de las estructuras y sinergias sociales y conduce a los grupos sociales a una convivencia social generadora de bienestar. Nuestro objetivo principal es identificar las habilidades de comunicación del mediador profesional para facilitar los procesos de toma de decisiones y diálogo con el fin de generar iniciativas para el desarrollo de los grupos sociales. El estudio es cualitativo descriptivo y que aplica un instrumento de encuesta autocumplimentada a una muestra representativa de mediadores sociales en activo en la comunidad Catalana. Como resultados principales destaca la competencia comunicadora como eje central del rol mediador, que ha de emplear para favorecer las estrategias de diálogo eficaz y escucha activa entre las partes en conflicto. Además de la identificación del mediador como agente de desarrollo social al incidir en el empoderamiento social de los implicados y favoreciendo su autopercepción como agentes activos socialmente.Community development improves the transformation of social structures and synergies, also leads social groups to a social coexistence that generates welfare. Our main objective is to identify the professional mediator’s communication skills wich facilitate decision-making and dialogue processes in order to generate initiatives for the development of social groups. This study is qualitative descriptive and applies a self-fulfilling survey instrument to a representative sample of active social mediators in Catalonia (Spain). As main results, communication skills should be emphasized as the central role of the mediator role, which should be used to promote effective dialogue and active listening strategies among the parties to the conflict. In addition to the identification of the mediator as an agent of social development by influencing the social empowerment of those involved and favoring their self-perception as socially active agents

Simultaneous class-modelling in chemometrics: A generalization of Partial Least Squares class modelling for more than two classes by using error correcting output code matrices

The paper presents a new methodology within the framework of the so-called compliant class-models, PLS2-CM, designed with the purpose of improving the performance of class-modelling in a setting with more than two classes. The improvement in the class-models is achieved through the use of multi-response PLS models with the classes encoded via Error-Correcting Output Codes (ECOC), instead of the traditional class indicator variables used in chemometrics. The proposed PLS2-CM entails a decomposition of a class-modelling problem into a series of binary learners, based on a family of code matrices with different code length, which are evaluated to obtain simultaneous compliant class-models with the best performance. The methodology develops both a new encoding system, based on multi-criteria optimization to search for optimal coding matrices, and a new decoding system, based on probability thresholds to assign objects to classmodels. The whole procedure implies that the characteristics of the dataset at hand affect the final selection of the coding matrix and therefore of built class-models, thus giving rise to a data-driven strategy. The application of PLS2-CM to a variety of cases (controlled data, experimental data and repository datasets) results in an enhanced class-modelling performance by means of the suggested procedure, as measured by the DMCEN (Diagonal Modified Confusion Entropy) index and by sensitivity-specificity matrices. The predictive ability of the compliant class-models has been evaluated.This work is part of the project with reference BU052P20 financed by Junta de Castilla y Leon, Conserjería de Educacion with the aid of European Regional Development Funds

Interrater and intrarater reliability of cranial anthropometric measurements in infants with positional plagiocephaly

Background: Anthropometric measurements with calipers are used to objectify cranial asymmetry in positional plagiocephaly but there is controversy regarding the reliability of different methodologies. Purpose: To analyze the interrater and intrarater reliability of direct anthropometric measurements with caliper on defined craniofacial references in infants with positional plagiocephaly. Methods: 62 subjects ( 0.9. Intrarater and interrater reliability for the left cranial diagonal was excellent: ICC > 0.9 and difference in agreement in the Bland-Altman plot 0.0 mm, respectively. Intrarater and interrater reliability for the maximal cranial circumference was good: differences in agreement in Bland-Altman plots: intra: −0.03 cm; inter: −0.12 cm. Conclusions: Anthropometric measurements in a sample of infants with moderate positional plagiocephaly have shown excellent intra- and interrater reliability for maximal cranial length, maximal cranial width, and right and left cranial diagonals, and good intra- and interrater reliability in maximal cranial circumference measurement

Efficacy of pediatric integrative manual therapy in positional plagiocephaly: a randomized controlled trial

Background Positional plagiocephaly frequently affects healthy babies. It is hypothesized that manual therapy tailored to pediatrics is more effective in improving plagiocephalic cranial asymmetry than just repositioning and sensory and motor stimulation. Methods Thirty-four neurologically healthy subjects aged less than 28 weeks old with a difference of at least 5 mm between cranial diagonal diameters were randomly distributed into 2 groups. For 10 weeks, the pediatric integrative manual therapy (PIMT) group received manual therapy plus a caregiver education program, while the controls received the same education program exclusively. Cranial shape was evaluated using anthropometry; cranial index (CI) and cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) were calculated. Parental perception of change was assessed using a visual analogue scale (− 10 cm to + 10 cm). Results CVAI presented a greater decrease in PIMT group: 3.72 ± 1.40% compared with 0.34 ± 1.72% in the control group (p = 0.000). CI did not present significant differences between groups. Manual therapy led to a more positive parental perception of cranial changes (manual therapy: 6.66 ± 2.07 cm; control: 4.25 ± 2.31 cm; p = 0.004). Conclusion Manual therapy plus a caregiver education program improved CVAI and led to parental satisfaction more effectively than solely a caregiver education program

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Utilizing the Combination of Absorbable and Permanent Mesh in a Retromuscular Position: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

Background Optimal mesh reinforcement for abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) in complex hernias remains questionable. Use of biologic, absorbable and synthetic meshes has been described. The idea of using an absorbable mesh (AM) under a permanent mesh (PM) in a retromuscular position may help in these challenging situations. Methods Between 2011 and 2016, consecutive patients undergoing open AWR utilizing an AM as posterior layer reinforcement and configuration of a large PM were identified in a multicenter prospectively maintained database in four hospitals. Main outcomes included demographics, ventral hernia classifications, perioperative data, complications and recurrences. Results A total of 169 complex incisional hernias were analyzed. Mean age was 60.9, with mean body mass index 30.7 (range: 20–46). Location of incisional hernias (IH) was: 80 midline, 59 lateral and 30 midline and lateral. 78% were grade I and II in Ventral Hernia Working Group classification. 52% of patients were discharged with no complication. There were 19% seromas, 13% hematomas, 12% surgical-site infection and 10% skin dehiscence. Only partial mesh removal was necessary in one patient. After a mean follow-up of 26 months (range 15–59), there were five (3.2%) recurrences. Reoperations on patients showed a band of fibrosis separating the peritoneum from the PM. Conclusion The combination of AM with very large PM in the same retromuscular position in AWR seems to be safe. The efficacy with recurrence rates below 4% in complex midline and lateral IH may be explained by the use of larger PMs that are extended and configured with the support of AMs. Reoperations on patients have confirmed the previous experimental reports on the use of the AM.pre-print1351 K

Vector diffractive optical element as a full-Stokes analyzer

The real-time characterization of the polarization state of a light beam is of importance for a variety of applications in Optics and Photonics. We have designed a device that includes a Vector Diffractive Optical Element (VDOE) to determine the polarization state of an incident light beam. The device is able to simultaneously evaluate the four Stokes parameters of the light under analysis. The VDOE is sectorized into several Fresnel zone plates, enabling a compact arrangement and facilitating optoelectronical integration. We have also developed a procedure to remove diffractive effects and systematic errors. From the simulated results, our device is able to identify any polarization incident state with an averaged uncertainty of 0.006%. Finally, we have experimentally verified the VDOE with non-ideal polarization elements to further validate and test our proposed design. The averaged uncertainty of our experimental realization is 3.33%.Sección Deptal. de Óptica (Óptica)Depto. de ÓpticaFac. de Óptica y OptometríaFac. de Ciencias FísicasTRUEMinisterio de Economía , Industria y Competitividad de EspañaMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovación de EspañaUnión Europea - Fondos FEDERpu

Rockfall Simulation Based on UAV Photogrammetry Data Obtained during an Emergency Declaration: Application at a Cultural Heritage Site

In recent years, there was an increasing number of studies focusing on rockfalls due to their impacts on social and sustainable development. This work carries out a three-dimensional (3D) simulation of rockfalls at a cultural heritage site nearby the village of Cortes de Pallás (Valencian Community, East Spain). The simulation is based on data collected previously, during an emergency declaration due to the occurrence of a considerable rockfall (7980 m3) on the southern bank of the Cortes de Pallás reservoir, on 6 April 2015. The hydroelectric power plant was damaged, and the main access road to the village of Cortes de Pallás was blocked for eight months. The predominant discontinuities of the rock mass were analyzed by means of the application of structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry techniques to the set of images taken by remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). The average size of the block was determined as 3.2 m in diameter and 17.6 m3 in volume. Additionally, a digital elevation model (DEM) was generated from an aerial laser scanning (ALS)-derived point cloud using a 1 × 1 grid. These data were implemented in RocPro3D software, obtaining the distances traveled by the blocks detached from different source areas at a cultural heritage site located near the rockfall event, which presents the same geological context. The simulation presented herein shows aggravating circumstances that endanger the cultural heritage area, with higher rockfall hazards than previous official studies (1991) displayed.This work was funded by the European Commission, Directorate General Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO), through the project “SAFETY (Sentinel-1 for geohazard prevention and forecasting)” (Ref. ECHO/SUB/2015/718679/Prev02). This work was partially funded by the University of Alicante (vigrob-157 Project, GRE14-04 and GRE15-19 Project), the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO), the State Agency of Research (AEI), and the European Funds for Regional Development (FEDER) under projects TEC2017-85244-C2-1-P and TIN2014-55413-C2-2-P