Alberto Sols Biomedical Research Institute
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Counteracting the language of inequality: situated learning against linguistic barriers to healthcare access
No full textEste texto reflexiona sobre el vínculo entre la lengua y la desigualdad social, y
cómo las personas migrantes a menudo se enfrentan a injusticias sociolingüísticas
que cercenan su acceso a derechos fundamentales. Para ello, se presenta una propuesta
de aprendizaje basado en retos diseñada para contrarrestar las barreras que
impiden el acceso a la atención sanitaria, que se ve obstaculizado no solo por las
políticas monolingües, sino también por los repertorios especializadosThis text reflects on the link between language and social inequality, and how
migrants often face sociolinguistic injustices that curtail their access to fundamental
rights. To this end, it presents a challenge-based learning proposal designed to
counteract the barriers that prevent access to healthcare, which is hampered not
only by monolingual policies, but also by specialized repertoiresEste trabajo se escribió en el marco del proyecto MCSA-SH ReDes_Ling (101131469), financiado por la Unión Europe
CaMK2rep: A Highly Sensitive Genetically Encoded Biosensor for Monitoring CaMKII Activity in Mammalian Cells
No full textAccurately monitoring calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activityin cells remains a significant challenge due to the limited sensitivity and narrow dynamic range of existinggenetically encoded sensors. Here, we introduce CaMK2rep, a novel phosphorylation-based biosensor that enables robust, specific, and high-sensitivity detection of CaMKII activity. CaMK2rep is designed with two tandem CaMKII consensus sites embedded within the native sequence context of synapsin, and its phosphorylation is detected via a phospho-specific antibody, allowing both biochemical and morphological analyses. We validated CaMK2rep in HeLa cells and cultured hippocampal neurons, demonstrating a nearlinear response to CaMKII expression levels and to stimulation intensity, and no detectable cytotoxicity. To complement CaMK2rep measurements, we employed the live-cell CaMKAR (Reyes Gaido, O. E. et al. Sci. Transl. Med. 15, eabq7839 (2023)) reporter to monitor CaMKII activity dynamics. Using both tools, weinvestigated the role of neurogranin (Ng), a major postsynaptic calmodulin (CaM) binding protein, and obtained consistent evidence supporting a CaM-buffering model in which Ng limits basal CaMKII activation by sequestering CaM. These findings establish CaMK2rep as a sensitive, specific, and versatile biosensor for CaMKII signaling, particularly well-suited for immunoblot-based population analyses. They also illustrate the value of combining orthogonal genetically encoded tools to interrogate complex signaling mechanisms in both physiological and pathologicalThe author Elena Martiń ez-Blanco (E.M-B.) received research support from the “Comunidad de Madrid”, in the form of
contract PEJD-2018/PRE/BDM-8491. The author Raquel de Andrés (R.A.) received research support from the “Comunidad
de Madrid”, a regional public institution, in the form of contracts PEJ-2017-AI/BMD-6017 and PEJD-2019-PRE/
BMD-14947. The author Lucía Baratas-Álvarez (L.B-A.) received research support from the “Comunidad de Madrid”,
in the form of contract TL-CM PJ 2019 TL-BMD-13238. E.MB., R.A. and L.B-A. were supported by the “Fundación Severo
Ochoa”, a private organization ascribed to the Center for Molecular Biology (CSIC-UAM). The present work was
initially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (grant RTI2018-098712-B-I00
Unexpected cyanobacterial communities in highly heterogeneous toxic blooms from a Mediterranean protected area
No full textThe negative effects associated with cyanobacterial blooms are of particular concern in protected ecosystems, as these areas are ecologically significant and attract a high number of visitors. This study aims to explore the cyanobacterial communities and associated toxicity in three reservoirs located within a Mediterranean National Park with a compromised situation at basin-level. Our results demonstrate the occurrence of dense toxic blooms containing microcystins (reaching values close to 280 μg L−1) and low levels of anatoxin-a and saxitoxins (up to 0.02 μg L−1). Comprehensive metabarcoding analyses based on cyanobacterial 16S rRNA and cyanotoxin-biosynthesis genes (mcyE, anaF and sxtA) unveiled three highly heterogeneous communities, despite the spatial proximity of reservoirs. Additionally, our results suggested the influence of water conductivity on the blooms composition. Among the diverse bloom-forming taxa found, Microcystis sp. and Planktothrix sp. were revealed as the microcystins-producer candidates, and Cuspidothrix issatschenkoi and Dolichospermum/Aphanizomenom sp. as the potential producers of anatoxin-a and saxitoxins, respectively. A polyphasic characterization confirmed the first report of the tropical-related species Planktothrix spiroides in Europe, showing elevated level of dominance. As a whole, we present the scenario of an ecologically important protected area facing significant challenges in the proper management of cyanobacterial bloomsThis work was supported by the following projects: CIANOPARK, grant OAPN 2593/2020 funded by the Organismo Autonomo de Parques Nacionales (OAPN); IA-GES-BLOOM-CM, grant Y2020/TCS-6420 funded by the 2020 Synergy program of Comunidad de Madrid; SMART- BLOOMS, grant TED2021-130123B-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by the “European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR”; DIAMONDS, grant TED2021-132147B-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the “European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR”. The authors would like to express their gratitude to all the personnel at Monfragüe National Park for their logistical support during the sampling campaigns and for their ongoing communication. The authors thank the reviewers for their valuable comments
How institutions shape the economic returns to investment in european regions?
No full textMost studies of institutional quality and regional growth assume uniform effects across territories. However, this may mask crucial regional heterogeneity, with direct policy implications. We use a latent class framework applied to 230 EU regions over 2009–2017 to identify institution-driven regional parameter groups, and to examine both average effects and catching-up effects associated with changes in the institutional environment. We demonstrate that institutional quality generates highly variable returns to investment in physical capital and innovation. Nordic and Central European regions show highest returns to physical capital and R&D investment, whereas less-developed regions benefit most from education spending. Crucially, we find that improving government quality not only raises average returns but also promotes territorial cohesion. By contrast, regional autonomy shows limited impact on returns. Our findings challenge the one-size-fits-all approach to cohesion policy and indicate that cohesion policy should explicitly promote institutional improvements in addition to capital deploymentWe are grateful to the Editor, Associate Editor, and anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions, which have substantially improved this manuscript. We thank Geoffrey J.D. Hewings for helpful comments and discussion. This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology [grant number PID2020- 113076GB-I00], by the MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, by ERDF, EU [grant number PID2022-138212NA-I00]. This research has been conducted with the support received through the project “City- Focus - City: Future Organisation of Changes in Urbanisation and Sustainability”, project code CF 23/27.07.2023, financed through National Recovery and Resilience Plan for Romania within project call – PNRR- III-C9-2023-I8 PNRR/2023/Component 9/Investment 8. [Financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU].Finally, we gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Comunidad de Madrid/ESF (PHS-2024/PH-HUM-530). and the Government of the Principality of Asturias and the European Regional Development Fund (IDE/2024/ 000712
Effects of maternal education on maternal and perinatal outcomes: An individual participant data meta-analysis of 2.356.402 pregnancies
No full textBackground: Maternal and perinatal mortality remain critical indicators of globalhealth inequity. In 2020, an estimated 287 000 women died from preventable causesrelated to pregnancy, and in 2021, approximately 2.3 million neonatal deaths oc-curred within the first 28 days of life. A recently defined risk group, small vulnerablenewborns (SVNs, including preterm, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-ageinfants), highlights the compounded vulnerability of certain newborns. Maternal edu-cation is a key social determinant of health, yet its effect on maternal and perinataloutcomes across global settings remains insufficiently quantified.Aims: The primary aim of this study was to quantify the association between maternaleducation level and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. The secondary aim wasto evaluate whether these associations vary by country income level.Methods: We conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis usingdata from the International Prediction of Pregnancy Complications (IPPIC) Network.Eligible studies included those reporting maternal and perinatal outcomes strati-fied by at least two levels of maternal education (informal/primary, secondary, ter-tiary). Primary outcomes were maternal mortality, preeclampsia, stillbirth, and SVNs.Associations were estimated using a two-step random-effects IPD meta-analysis ad-justed for maternal age and ethnicity. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were reported.Results: Compared to tertiary education, women with secondary education had a 27%higher risk of maternal death (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.38; 4.30), and those with informal orprimary education had approximately double the risk (OR 2.51, 95% CI 0.23; 26.95).Risk of stillbirth was also twofold higher in lower education groups. These associationremained significant in analyses restricted to high-income countries.Discussion: Women with lower levels of education are at substantially greater riskof adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. These findings reinforce the need for education-focused policy and health system strategies to reduce maternal and neona-tal mortality, particularly in settings with high educational inequalityJZ's and BMF-F's contributions to this study were supported by fund-ing from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain, and the EuropeanUnion (“Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, Una manera de hacerEuropa”) under grant numbers PI24/1406 and PI24/0416. Open Acessfunding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Wile
Neodecadentismo: rasgos decadentistas en La muerte de un instalador
No full textTesis Doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Filosofía y Letras, Departamento de Lingüística General, Lenguas Modernas, Lógica y Filosofía de la Ciencia. Teoría de la Literatura y Literatura Comparada. Fecha de Lectura: 08-07-2025La tesis Neodecadentismo: rasgos decadentistas en La muerte de un instalador analiza la influencia del decadentismo en la novela de Álvaro Enrigue, estableciendo conexiones con la tradición literaria del fin de siècle y su resignificación en el contexto mexicano contemporáneo. Se exploran los rasgos fundamentales del decadentismo, como la ironía intertextual, el dandismo, el hedonismo autodestructivo, el sadismo, el erotismo y la estetización de la decadencia, destacando su evolución en un entorno marcado por el neoliberalismo y la crisis del Estado benefactor. Asimismo, se examina el papel del artista como objeto estético, la relación entre poder y cultura, y la manera en que la novela configura un discurso crítico sobre la simulación del éxito y el fracaso en México. A partir de un enfoque interdisciplinario, el estudio propone la noción de neodecadentismo como una manifestación literaria que actualiza y adapta los principios del decadentismo clásico a la realidad contemporáneaThe dissertation Neodecadentismo: Decadentist Traits in La muerte de un instalador examines the influence of decadentism in Álvaro Enrigue’s novel, establishing connections with the fin de siècle literary tradition and its reinterpretation in contemporary Mexican literature. The study explores key features of decadentism, such as intertextual irony, dandyism, self-destructive hedonism, sadism, erotism, and the aestheticization of decay, emphasizing their transformation in a context shaped by neoliberalism and the decline of the welfare state. Additionally, it analyzes the role of the artist as an aesthetic object, the relationship between power and culture, and the novel’s critical discourse on the simulation of success and failure in Mexico. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the research introduces the concept of neodecadentism as a literary manifestation that updates and adapts classical decadentist principles to contemporary realit
Gut microbiome differences after vaginal birth in relation to rupture of membranes at term: a prospective longitudinal cohort study of twins
No full textThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of intrapartum events, such as rupture of membranes and vaginal exami-nations, on the infant gut microbiome in twins born vaginally. This prospective longitudinal cohort study included pregnant women with twin pregnancies beyond 36 weeks of gestation undergoing vaginal births. Stool samples were collected from newborns on days 4 and 28 for gut microbiome analysis using 16S rDNA sequencing. The infants were followed for at least 1 year. Forty babies were followed in this study. Gestational age at birth was 37.07 (36.75–37.57) weeks. Significant differ-ences were observed between the first and second twins in the number of vaginal examinations (5.50 (4.00–7.25) vs. 1.00 (1.00–1.00), P < 0.001) and the rupture of membranes to birth time (524 (324–734.5) vs. 7.5 (4.5–9.0) minutes, P < 0.001). Bifidobacterium spp. were present in all samples, with differing relative abundance profiles on day 4 and day 28. On day 4, the first twins had over 50% Bifidobacterium spp., while second twins had less than 25%. By day 28, 75% of samples showed similar Bifidobacterium spp. profiles. Microbiome changes over time were more significant in second twins. At the species level, 20–40% of samples exhibited significant Bifidobacterium longum on day 4, higher in first twins compared to second twins.
Conclusion: Differences in the microbiome and its evolution between first and second twins were noted within the first 4 and 28 days of life, influenced by membrane rupture duration and the number of vaginal examinations for the first twinThe Health Institute Carlos III(PI19/00915) funded the stud
Two-Step Air/Water Oxidation Process for the Long-Lasting Photoluminescence and Biological Viability (MTT Assay) of Porous Silicon Particles
No full textDue to their visible photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature, porous silicon particles (PSps) have gained interest for their potential biomedical applications, making them promising biological markers for in vivo or in vitro use. This study explores the PL evolution and stabilization of PSps following a two-step oxidation process involving air annealing and chemical oxidation in deionized water. PS layers were fabricated by electrochemical etching of p+-Si wafers and then annealed in air at 300 °C and 600 °C for five minutes. The layers were then stored in deionized water and sonicated to produce PSps. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to analyze the morphology and composition of the particles, and spectrofluorimetry was used to monitor the PL over several weeks. Samples annealed at 300 °C exhibited a transition from nearly complete PL quenching to strong yellow–red emission. In contrast, the 600 °C sample showed no PL emission. The cytotoxicity of the PSps was evaluated using an MTT assay on human endothelial cells (EA.Hy926) with PSps and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated PSps at concentrations of (3.5–125 µg/mL) in both serum-free and fetal bovine serum (FBS)-containing media over 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell viability was significantly affected by both exposure time and particle concentration; however, this effect was prevented under conditions mimicking the physiological plasma environmentThis research was funded by the European University of Madrid, grant number 2021/UEM15 and 2022/UEM2
Constructive approximate transport maps with normalizing flows
No full textWe study an approximate controllability problem for the continuity equation and its application to constructing transport maps with normalizing flows. Specifically, we construct time-dependent controls θ = (w, a, b) in the vector field x ¬→ w(a¬x + b)+ to approximately transport a known base density ρB to a target density ρ∗. The approximation error is measured in relative entropy, and θ are constructed piecewise constant, with bounds on the number of switches being provided. Our main result relies on an assumption on the relative tail decay of ρ∗ and ρB, and provides hints on characterizing the reachable space of the continuity equation in relative entropyThis work was initiated during AÁ and DRB’s visit to the Department of Mathematics at MIT in the summer of 2023. AÁ has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sk?odowska-Curie grant agreement No 777822. DRB acknowledges “France 2030” support managed by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche, under the reference ANR-23-PEIA-000
On the asymptotic global structure of duality frames in quantum gravity
No full textTesis Doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Física Teórica. Fecha de Lectura: 15-09-2025En esta tesis investigamos la estructura asintótica global de los espacios de parámetros en teorías efectivas de campos consistentes con Gravedad Cuántica. Esto se hace en conexión con el programa del Swampland (en castellano la Ciénaga o el Pantano), y más precisamente con la Conjetura de la Distancia, estudiando la disposición global de las torres de estados ligeros y los marcos de dualidad a lo largo de dichos límites.
Tras una introducción básica sobre las distintas teorías de (super)cuerdas, las dualidades que las relacionan y las conjeturas del programa Swampland relevantes para esta tesis, obtenemos un conjunto de reglas taxonómicas universales que gobiernan las relaciones entre las diferentes torres ligeras en contextos con múltiples escalares. Bajo ciertas suposiciones, estas reglas pueden utilizarse para obtener la disposición global de las torres de estados en las regiones asintóticas del espacio de parámetros. Dado que estas torres ligeras pueden interpretarse como los nuevos grados de libertad asociados a la teoría dual emergiendo a distancia infnita, esto nos permite clasifcar las maneras en que los distintos marcos de dualidad pueden ensamblarse en una lista fnita de posibilidades.
Relacionado con esto, el gran número de campos ligeros que entran en la teoría según nos movemos hacia distancias infnitas resulta en la reducción de la escala de cut-of a partir de la cual una descripción de teoría efectiva de campos, débilmente acoplada a la gravedad de Einstein, deja de ser válida, dando paso a efectos de gravedad cuántica. De forma análoga a las diferentes reglas que relacionan las torres ligeras, describimos y estudiamos las consecuencias de un patrón que relaciona la dependencia con respecto a los campos de la torre ligera dominante y la escala de cut-of de gravedad cuántica en los diferentes límites a distancia infnita, dependiendo únicamente de la dimensión del espacio-tiempo. Esto resulta en una correspondencia unívoca entre la naturaleza y validez de los diferentes marcos de dualidad y la disposición de las torres ligeras. Estas reglas y patrones son verifcadas en diferentes construcciones de teoría de cuerdas y teoría M en diferentes dimensiones y cantidades de supersimetría, obteniendo las distintas disposiciones globales de marcos de dualidad para cada caso. En la búsqueda de Universalidad de Cuerdas, las comparamos con las posibles soluciones a las reglas taxonómicas, encontrando que la mayoría de ellas surgen en compactifcaciones ya conocidas de la teoría de cuerdas, mientras que otras sugieren la existencia de rincones aún no descubiertos del Landscape o nuevas restricciones del Swampland.
Finalmente, para teorías con menor supersimetría, donde algunas de las suposiciones que conducen a las anteriores reglas taxonómicas no aplican, estudiamos su generalización a escenarios donde la descompactifcación ocurre hacia soluciones que no son invariantes Lorentz o donde la estructura de fbrado del espacio compacto cambia dependiendo del límite asintótico. También consideramos la interacción entre las masas de las torres ligeras y la escala de cut-of de gravedad cuántica con otras escalas asintóticas asociadas a la tensión de cuerdas 1/2-BPS o potenciales escalares positivos, ambos con propiedades que se espera que sean universales en teorías tipo 4d N =1. Esto puede ayudar a entender mejor las reglas de consistencia que delimitan el espacio de teorías efectivas que admiten una completitud a Gravedad Cuántica para altas energíasDurante la realización de la tesis se ha recibido financiación por parte del Ministerio de Ciencias, Innovación y Universidad, por medio del contrato FPI No. PRE2020-094163. Se agradece así mismo el apoyo adicional de los proyectos ERC Starting Grant QGuide101042568 -StG 2021 y la Agencia Estatal de Investigación a través de los programas “IFT Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa” CEX2020-001007-S y PID2021-123017NB-I00, financiados por los proyectos MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033 y ERDF “A way of making Europe”