77823 research outputs found
Sort by
A Highly-Active Chemodynamic Agent Based on In Situ Generated Copper Complexes from Copper Hexacyanoferrate Nanoparticles
No full textCopper hexacyanoferrate (Cu2Fe(CN)6) nanocubes with a homogeneous size under 100 nm are synthesized by self‐assembly from Cu2+ and Fe(CN)63− precursors. Similar to previous reports with catalysts containing Cu and Fe, the objective is to produce a nanoparticle catalyst that can promote glutathione (GSH) oxidation thanks to the Cu contribution, plus some ROS production through Fenton‐like processes fostered by Fe. Unexpectedly, the catalytic activity for GSH oxidation are much higher (≈50%) than those obtained with equal Cu amounts provided as CuCl2. Furthermore, in the presence of GSH concentrations characteristic of the tumor microenvironment, the nanocubes disassembled homogeneously, without a noticeably change of composition. These results suggest that this strong increase of catalytic activity arises from synergistic coordination of the released Cu2+ and Fe(CN)63− ions that facilitate GSH deprotonation, accelerating its oxidation. Given the role of GSH in the nanoparticle disassembly process, a selective action of the catalyst can be obtained: lethal doses as low as 18 ppm of Cu are obtained for U251‐MG cancer cells while healthy fibroblasts are largely spared
Retinal Vascular Density and Thickness in Long-Term Type 1 Diabetes Without Visible Vascular Signs of Retinopathy
Get PDFBackground: This research seeks to evaluate alterations in blood flow and structural features within the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) retinal capillary plexuses, as well as the choriocapillaris (CC), in patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1) who have no diabetic retinopathy (DR) over a period of 4 years. Additionally, the study examines changes in total and inner retinal thickness. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal analysis was conducted using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA), involving 25 eyes from 25 DM1 patients with a disease duration of over 15 years. Results: A significant rise in vascular density (VD) was observed in the SCP, with no changes in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) metrics. Minimal changes were noted in the DCP and CC. Morphological abnormalities were frequent, but few changes were noted over time. No major differences were found in overall retinal thickness or inner retinal layers. There was a negative correlation between disease duration and VD in the temporal area of the SCP, as well as between disease duration and GCL++ parafoveal thickness (from the inner limiting membrane (ILM) to the outer limit of the inner plexiform layer (IPL)), along with a reduction in GCL++ perifoveal thickness. Conclusions: In DM1 patients without DR, the SCP VD tends to increase over 4 years, with no notable changes in retinal thickness
The role of music performance anxiety in musical training: four personal histories
Get PDFMusical Performance Anxiety (MPA) is one of the major obstacles many musicians face in the course of their training and careers. Few studies have approached this construct using a qualitative methodology. To apply such an approach, we gathered testimonials of life histories from four musicians – two pianists, a violinist, and a cellist – through semi-structured interviews. With an average age of 25, they had all studied classical music for at least 10 years. We subjected the protocols of those interviews to a phase and categorization process based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The first years of training were those when our interviewees recalled experiencing the greatest enjoyment in music-making: positive elements included family support, ensemble playing, and initial encounters with non-classical repertoire and improvisation. However, as our interviewees progressed through their academic courses and improved in terms of mastery of their instrument, they began to experience situations of anxiety. Physical symptoms appeared, regularly associated with situations such as examinations and auditions in front of a jury. Two of four respondents decided to terminate their music training before entering university level. To deal with symptoms of anxiety, several approaches were pursued: visualization, cognitive analysis, and self-medication. However, to mitigate MPA, our informants generally recommend more rational strategies: a realistic focus on objectives coupled with reinforcement of self-esteem. Institutions of musical learning can help students cope with this disorder by encouraging musical creativity and selecting educators who apply empathetic teaching styles well-adapted to their pupils’ needs. In the future, this type of qualitative research can be expanded to a greater number of informants with more diverse characteristics. The qualitative approach will help us to better understand the MPA phenomenon
Regional knowledge asymmetries and innovation performance from collaborations across European regions
No full textThis study investigates the impact of collaborative networks on regional innovation performance across European regions. We analyze the dynamics of regional knowledge networks, emphasizing how their structural characteristics—such as privileged positions, leadership roles, and active participation—enhance a region’s innovation capacity. We investigated through complex network analysis 8424 collaborative projects of the Horizon 2020 strategy, comprising 14,608 participating companies from 232 regions between 2014 and 2020. Our results indicate that European regional innovation capacity is partly driven by collaboration between agents in the knowledge network. Indeed, having a privileged position, a leadership role, and being actively participative explains part of the innovation capacity of regions in Europe. Additionally, the study highlights the critical role of knowledge transfer capabilities, acting as a mediating factor that strengthens the benefits of well-structured networks. This research contributes to understanding how interconnectedness in regional ecosystems fosters innovation, offering insights for policymakers to enhance regional innovation strategies through better network facilitation and support
Lipid metabolism in overweight/obese children vs. normal weight children in a north-eastern region of Spain
Get PDFObjectives
Obesity and overweight have increased in children and adolescents in Europe in the recent years, accounting for a major global public health problem. The objective of this study was the early detection of metabolic abnormalities in overweight/obese children (8–12 years old) that may ultimately induce impaired glucose metabolism and/or cardiovascular diseases.
Methods
Lipid metabolism and metabolic control parameters were measured and monitored in a group of 61 male and female children with overweight/obesity and a group of 45 healthy, normal weight children, comparing the results obtained. Ages ranged from 8 to 12 years.
Results
Higher levels of triglycerides and insulin and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 were observed in overweight/obese children, as compared to normal weight children. Overweight/obese children exhibited higher apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio, triglyceride-glucose ratio and HOMA index and a lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol/apolipoprotein B ratio.
Conclusions
Obesity at an early age (8–12 years) negatively affects lipid parameters. Hence, overweight/obese children presented a more atherogenic lipid profile, manifested as higher concentrations of remnant particles and small dense LDL particles, higher insulin resistance and a higher risk for developing diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular disease, as compared to normal weight children
Estimación de la conducta de ingesta de concentrado en un cebadero de corderos utilizando sensores de proximidad
Get PDFLos sensores de proximidad registran un encuentro cuando otro dispositivo similar está dentro de una cierta distancia, pudiéndose fijar a un animal, proporcionando nuevas perspectivas sobre el comportamiento individual y las interacciones con otros animales o su entorno. El objetivo de este estudio fue testar la capacidad de estos sensores para cuantificar la conducta de ingesta de concentrado en un cebadero de corderos, así como determinar si sigue un ritmo circadiano de 24 h. El sistema de monitorización y los animales utilizados en este estudio incluían: "sensores de proximidad móviles" fijados a un collar en ocho corderos; "sensores estacionarios", colocados dentro de dos comederos, que rastrean la proximidad de los móviles y la intensidad de la señal recibida; "puerta de enlace", colocada cerca de los comederos, que almacena los registros que envían los sensores, y una aplicación para teléfono móvil. Durante 11 días, los corderos visitaron las tolvas 20,43 ± 10,53 veces/d (rango 8-35), con una media por hora de 1,95 ± 0,30 conductas de ingesta, y duración media de 7,88 ± 0,80 min, observándose tres picos entre la madrugada y el inicio de la mañana, entre las 6:00 y las 9:00, y otro al atardecer, a las 18:00, coincidiendo con el ocaso. El número de ingestas por hora demostró que sigue un ritmo circadiano de 24 h de duración. En conclusión, los sensores de proximidad utilizados parecen apropiados para documentar los hábitos de ingesta de concentrado de corderos en cebadero, y serían adecuados para otros comportamientos que impliquen acercarse a otros animales u objetos
Estadística descriptiva en investigación social con Excel
Get PDFEste libro está concebido para guiar al estudiantado a través de las técnicas fundamentales de un curso introductorio de Estadística Descriptiva. La aplicación de los conceptos se ilustra con datos reales del ámbito social, proporcionando una guía paso a paso para su resolución mediante ordenador. Aunque el texto está dirigido principalmente a estudiantes de ciencias sociales y trabajo social, las operaciones se describen con suficiente detalle para que cualquier persona interesada en el análisis de datos, sin conocimientos previos, pueda replicar los resultados de manera autónoma
Physiological Response to Salinity in Novel M-Series Grapevine Rootstocks: A Comparison with Commercial Standards
Get PDFRising soil salinity poses significant challenges to Mediterranean viticulture. While some rootstocks effectively reduce salt accumulation in grafted scions, the mechanisms and performance of novel rootstocks remain largely unexplored. This study compared two novel M-series rootstocks (M2, M4) with established commercial rootstocks (1103 Paulsen, R110) to evaluate their physiological responses and salt tolerance under irrigation with varying salinity levels (0, 25, 50, and 75 mM NaCl) over 5 months. Growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll content (SPAD), ion homeostasis, and visual symptoms were monitored. Results revealed genotype-specific strategies: 1103 Paulsen exhibited robust photosynthetic efficiency and ion exclusion, maintaining growth and chlorophyll stability; M2 demonstrated superior biomass retention and moderate ion compartmentalization but showed reduced photosynthetic performance at higher salinity levels; R110 displayed effective ion management at moderate salinity but experienced significant growth reduction under severe stress; and M4 was the most sensitive, with severe reductions in growth and ion homeostasis. Organ-specific responses highlighted roots acting as primary ion reservoirs, particularly for sodium and calcium; leaves exhibited high potassium and chloride concentrations, critical for photosynthesis but prone to ionic imbalance under stress; and stems and wood played a buffering role, compartmentalizing excess sodium and minimizing damage to photosynthetic tissues. The reported findings provide valuable insights for rootstock selection and breeding programs, particularly for regions facing increasing soil and water salinization challenges
Natural attenuation of contamination by hexachlorocyclohexanes in the soils around the Bailín landfill site (Sabiñánigo, Huesca province, NE Spain)
No full textINQUINOSA company dumped waste from lindane production in Sabiñánigo (Huesca, Spain). Lindane is the γ-isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), a persistent organic pollutant listed in the Stockholm Convention in 2009. The uncontrolled dumping at two poorly managed landfills (Sardas and Bailín) has become one of the most serious contamination cases in Europe. In 2014, after discovering the underground migration of liquid HCH towards the Gállego River, more than 400,000 tonnes of contaminated materials were relocated from the old Bailín landfill to a new security cell. During the transfer operations, a small fraction of ∼100–200 kg HCH was dispersed in the area. The aim of this study is to assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of HCH-isomers around the Bailín landfill. Data from five soil sampling campaigns have been used, spanning the period from 2014 to 2022. Notably, HCH concentrations decreased from 170 kg in 2014–2.4 kg 2022, with the highest contamination levels concentrated near the road used by trucks during the removal operations. Several potential sinks for topsoil pollution were identified and their contribution quantified. For instance, the amount of HCH stored in vegetation (< 1 kg) is negligible, as is the downward movement of HCH through the vadose zone into the water table. Surface runoff does not appear to be a significant mode of HCH loss, as it would have occurred rapidly during the relocation operation, likely reaching the Gállego River. Therefore, volatilisation of HCH into the atmosphere and biological degradation are the two primary sinks for HCH in the area
Impaired decision-making in child sexual offenders: Findings and prospects
Get PDFObjective: Regarding the impairments in decision-making strategies as a predisposing factor to adverse behaviours and sexual violence, we hypothesize impairments on decision-making processes in Child Sexual Offenders (CSO) population. The aim of this study was to highlight these alterations and characterize them. Methods: We compared decision-making processes between sixty-four convicted CSO and sixty-four matched subjects without criminal history, using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). A Bayesian computational model (ORL) was applied to assess different components of decision-making: reward learning, punishment learning, forgetfulness, win perseverance and deck perseverance. Results: Respecting the underlying processes of the IGT task, the ORL model revealed that reward learning (95% HDI [-0.299, - 0.099]) and punishment learning were lower in CSO compared to controls (95% HDI [−0.054, - 0.021]), while forgetfulness (95% HDI [0.168, 0.877]) and deck perseverance (95% HDI [0.659, 4.478]) were higher. Conclusions: CSO display impairments in decision-making strategies in learning processes related to reward or punishment, and seem less prone to make long-term strategies with a strong preference toward perseverance. These findings have important potential applications for future research on sexual violence, management of CSOs cognitive vulnerabilities and adjusting strategies to reduce the risk of recidivism. Trial Registration: ID-RCB 2011-A00402-39