Differences in the Perception Regarding Inclusion Preparation among Teachers at Different Educational Stages.

Inclusive education is fundamental, consisting of enabling all students, irrespective of their characteristics, to receive appropriate education and actively participate in school life. Teachers play an important role in this regard; thus, this study aims to analyze teachers' perceptions regarding their preparation for inclusion by assessing possible differences depending on the educational stage (early childhood, primary, or secondary education). A total of 1098 Spanish teachers, from Extremadura, responded to three dichotomic answers about their inclusive education preparation perception and the Evaluation of Teachers' Inclusion Readiness (CEFI-R) questionnaire, a 19-item tool composed of four dimensions: (1) conception of diversity, (2) methodology, (3) support, and (4) community participation. Pearson's chi-square test was used to assess differences between the dichotomous questions and educational stage; Kruskal-Wallis was used to determine whether the educational stage conditioned the CEFI-R dimensions responses, and the Spearman rho was used to test the association between age groups and the CEFI-R dimensions. Statistical differences were found between secondary education and preschool education and primary education teachers in the dimensions (1) conception of diversity, (2) methodology, and (3) support. Significant differences in dimension (4) community participation between preschool education teachers and secondary and primary education teachers were found.

The DC1 Domain Protein BINUCLEATE POLLEN is Required for POLLEN Development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The development of the male gametophyte is a tightly regulated process that requires the precise control of cell division and gene expression. A relevant aspect to understand the events underlying pollen development regulation constitutes the identification and characterization of the genes required for this process. In this work, we showed that the DC1 domain protein BINUCLEATE POLLEN (BNP) is essential for pollen development and germination. Pollen grains carrying a defective BNP alleles failed to complete mitosis II and exhibited impaired pollen germination. By yeast two-hybrid analysis and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, we identified a set of BNP-interacting proteins. Among confirmed interactors, we found the NAC family transcriptional regulators Vascular Plant One-Zinc Finger 1 (VOZ1) and VOZ2. VOZ1 localization changes during pollen development, moving to the vegetative nucleus at the tricellular stage. We observed that this relocalization requires BNP; in the absence of BNP in pollen from bnp/BNP plants, VOZ1 nuclear localization is impaired. As the voz1voz2 double mutants showed the same developmental defect observed in bnp pollen grains, we propose that BNP requirement to complete microgametogenesis could be linked to its interaction with VOZ1/2 proteins. BNP could have the role of a scaffold protein, recruiting VOZ1/2 to the endosomal system into assemblies that are required for their further translocation to the nucleus, where they act as transcriptional regulators.

Inclusive Education in Primary and Secondary School: Perception of Teacher Training.

INTRODUCTION: Inclusive education is one of the main objectives of the educational system toward achieving equal opportunities among students. To this end, teacher training plays an important role in the different educational stages. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the perceived readiness of teachers for inclusive education and to see the differences in primary and secondary education. METHODS: A total of 961 active teachers from public schools, 53.3% Primary and 46.7% Secondary Education, were analyzed by means of a questionnaire on Teachers' perceptions about their preparation for inclusive education and the CEFI-R instrument. RESULTS: There are statistically significant differences between the two stages in the first questionnaire (question 1: p = 0.03; question 2: p < 0.01 and question 3: p < 0.01) and also, in 3 of the four CEFI-R dimensions, with the primary score being higher. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that there is a large percentage of teachers who believe that their initial training is insufficient to deal with student diversity. In addition, most of them state that continuous training has helped them to improve inclusive education and that they would be willing to attend training courses on inclusion, although in secondary school, the predisposition is lower than in high school. On the other hand, teachers of both educational stages show a mostly favorable attitude according to the CEFI-R, being higher in primary than in secondary school. In this sense, the public administration has work to do.

Spanish Teachers' Perceptions of Their Preparation for Inclusive Education: The Relationship between Age and Years of Teaching Experience.

Inclusive education (IE) refers to the education of all learners, with or without disabilities, irrespective of their status or origin, who share the same learning spaces. IE is a multidimensional approach based on rights and quality of life paradigms. As teachers are agents of change, they must have the knowledge and competencies to meet this challenge. This study aimed to find potential associations between teachers' preparation and their age and years of teaching experience. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 1275 teachers working in early childhood, primary and secondary education was performed. They answered three dichotomic questions about their initial and ongoing preparation and The Evaluation of Teacher Preparation for Inclusion (CEFI-R) Questionnaire. The dichotomic questions showed that 26.4% of respondents felt qualified to face the challenges of their students' diversity. There were significant inverse associations between the CEFI-R Dimension 1 (diversity conception), Dimension 3 (supports), and Dimension 4 (community participation) and the teachers' age and years of teaching experience. This means that the higher the age or the years of experience, the teachers' perceived preparation for inclusion is worse, which should encourage us to take measures to improve teachers' competencies and preparedness.

Differences among Male and Female Spanish Teachers on Their Self-Perceived Preparation for Inclusive Education.

Inclusive education is a right for every student, being one of the current challenges with which the education system is struggling. The teacher's role in this process is essential in building an inclusive and transformative school. This study aims to measure Spanish secondary school teachers' perceptions of their preparation to address inclusive education, exploring whether there are differences concerning their gender. A total of 420 Spanish secondary school teachers responded to three dichotomous questions about their initial and ongoing preparation using the Evaluation of Teacher Education for Inclusion Questionnaire (CEFI-R). The results suggest that there are no significant differences between men and women regarding their perceived readiness to deal with diversity. However, women seem to be more confident in their competence, as they show less need for preparation in addressing the diversity of needs in their students with disabilities, and in promoting inclusive education.

Antineoplastic activity of products derived from cellulose-containing materials: levoglucosenone and structurally-related derivatives as new alternatives for breast cancer treatment.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. For this reason, the development of new therapies is still essential. In this work we have analyzed the antitumor potential of levoglucosenone, a chiral building block derived from the pyrolysis of cellulose-containing materials such as soybean hulls, and three structurally related analogues. Employing human and murine mammary cancer models, we have evaluated the effect of our compounds on cell viability through MTS assay, apoptosis induction by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining and/or flow cytometry and the loss of mitochondrial potential by tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester staining. Autophagy and senescence induction were also evaluated by Western blot and ß-galactosidase activity respectively. Secreted metalloproteases activity was determined by quantitative zymography. Migratory capacity was assessed by wound healing assays while invasive potential was analyzed using Matrigel-coated transwell chambers. In vivo studies were also performed to evaluate subcutaneous tumor growth and experimental lung colonization. All compounds impaired in vitro proliferation with IC50 values in a range of low micromolar. Apoptosis was identified as the main mechanism responsible for the reduction of monolayer cell content induced by the compounds without detecting modulations of autophagy or senescence processes. Two of the four compounds (levoglucosenone and its brominated variant) were able to modulate in vitro events associated with tumor progression, such as migratory potential, invasiveness, and proteases secretion. Furthermore, tumor volume and metastatic spread were significantly reduced in vivo after the treatment these two compounds. Here, we could obtain from soybean hulls, a material with almost no commercial value, a variety of chemical compounds useful for breast cancer treatment.

All-trans retinoic acid and protein kinase C α/ß1 inhibitor combined treatment targets cancer stem cells and impairs breast tumor progression.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Blocking a single signaling pathway is often an ineffective therapy, especially in the case of aggressive or drug-resistant tumors. Since we have previously described the mechanism involved in the crosstalk between Retinoic Acid system and protein kinase C (PKC) pathway, the rationale of our study was to evaluate the effect of combining all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) with a classical PCK inhibitor (Gö6976) in preclinical settings. Employing hormone-independent mammary cancer models, Gö6976 and ATRA combined treatment induced a synergistic reduction in proliferative potential that correlated with an increased apoptosis and RARs modulation towards an anti-oncogenic profile. Combined treatment also impairs growth, self-renewal and clonogenicity potential of cancer stem cells and reduced tumor growth, metastatic spread and cancer stem cells frequency in vivo. An in-silico analysis of "Kaplan-Meier plotter" database indicated that low PKCα together with high RARα mRNA expression is a favorable prognosis factor for hormone-independent breast cancer patients. Here we demonstrate that a classical PKC inhibitor potentiates ATRA antitumor effects also targeting cancer stem cells growth, self-renewal and frequency.

Urinary Bladder Matrix Scaffolds Promote Pericardium Repair in a Porcine Model.

Pericardium closure after cardiac surgery is recommended to prevent postoperative adhesions to the sternum. Synthetic materials have been used as substitutes, with limited results because of impaired remodeling and fibrotic tissue formation. Urinary bladder matrix (UBM) scaffolds promote constructive remodeling that more closely resemble the native tissue. The aim of the study is to evaluate the host response to UBM scaffolds in a porcine model of partial pericardial resection. Twelve Landrace pigs were subjected to a median sternotomy. A 5 × 7 cm pericardial defect was created and then closed with a 5 × 7 cm multilayer UBM patch (UBM group) or left as an open defect (control group). Animals were survived for 8 wk. End points included gross morphology, biomechanical testing, histology with semiquantitative score, and cardiac function. The UBM group showed mild adhesions, whereas the control group showed fibrosis at the repair site, with robust adhesions and injury to the coronary bed. Load at failure (gr) and stiffness (gr/mm) were lower in the UBM group compared with the native pericardium (199.9 ± 59.2 versus 405.3 ± 99.89 g, P = 0.0536 and 44.23 ± 15.01 versus 146.5 ± 24.38 g/mm, P = 0.0025, respectively). In the UBM group, the histology resembled native pericardial tissue, with neovascularization, neofibroblasts, and little inflammatory signs. In contrast, control group showed fibrotic tissue with mononuclear infiltrates and a lack of organized collagen fibers validated with a histologic score. Both groups had normal ultrasonography results without cardiac motility disorders. In this setting, UBM scaffolds showed appropriate features for pericardial repair, restoring tissue properties that could help reduce postsurgical adhesions and prevent its associated complications.

Biomechanical Features of Reinforced Esophageal Hiatus Repair in a Porcine Model.

Recurrence rates in the laparoscopic repair of the hiatal hernia range from 12% to 59%. Limitation of reinforcement has been principally the risk of adverse events caused by synthetic materials. Biologic and resorbable synthetic materials are valid alternatives. This study compares the host response to all these materials after hiatal hernia repair. A total of 20 Landrace pigs, underwent laparoscopic primary hiatal hernia repair and reinforced with a polypropylene mesh (PROLENE: polypropylene [PP]), an absorbable synthetic scaffold (GOREBIO-A: polyglycolic acid [PGA]), a urinary bladder matrix scaffold, (Gentrix: urinary bladder matrix [UBM]), or without reinforcement, control group (C). Animals were survived for 3 months. Endpoints included gross morphology, biomechanical testing, and histology. Pigs in PP and PGA groups showed fibrosis at the repair site, with robust adhesions. In UBM and C groups, only mild adhesions were found. Load at failure (gr) and stiffness (gr/mm) of PP were higher than C group (PP:2103 ± 548.3 versus C:951.1 ± 372.7, P = 0.02; PP:643.3 ± 301 versus C:152.6 ± 142.7, P = 0.01). PGA and UBM values for both parameters were in between PP and C samples. However, stiffness in UBM was tended to be lower than PP group, and approached a significant difference (643.3 ± 301 versus 243 ± 122.1, P = 0.0536). In UBM group, the histology resembled native tissue. By contrast, PP and PGA groups showed mononuclear infiltrates, fibroencapsulation, necrosis, remnants of mesh, and disorganized tissue that was validated with a histologic score. In this setting, UBM scaffolds showed the most appropriate features for hiatal hernia repair, recovering the tissue properties that can help reduce the possibility of early failure and prevent complications associated with the implanted material.

Quantification of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 protein abundance by high-throughput proteome.

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is a human pathogen responsible for diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To promote a comprehensive insight into the molecular basis of EHEC O157:H7 physiology and pathogenesis, the combined proteome of EHEC O157:H7 strains, Clade 8 and Clade 6 isolated from cattle in Argentina, and the standard EDL933 (clade 3) strain has been analyzed. From shotgun proteomic analysis a total of 2,644 non-redundant proteins of EHEC O157:H7 were identified, which correspond approximately 47% of the predicted proteome of this pathogen. Normalized spectrum abundance factor analysis was performed to estimate the protein abundance. According this analysis, 50 proteins were detected as the most abundant of EHEC O157:H7 proteome. COG analysis showed that the majority of the most abundant proteins are associated with translation processes. A KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that Glycolysis / Gluconeogenesis was the most significant pathway. On the other hand, the less abundant detected proteins are those related to DNA processes, cell respiration and prophage. Among the proteins that composed the Type III Secretion System, the most abundant protein was EspA. Altogether, the results show a subset of important proteins that contribute to physiology and pathogenicity of EHEC O157:H7.

Overexpressed Proteins in Hypervirulent Clade 8 and Clade 6 Strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Compared to E. coli O157:H7 EDL933 Clade 3 Strain.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is responsible for severe diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and predominantly affects children under 5 years. The major virulence traits are Shiga toxins, necessary to develop HUS and the Type III Secretion System (T3SS) through which bacteria translocate effector proteins directly into the host cell. By SNPs typing, E. coli O157:H7 was separated into nine different clades. Clade 8 and clade 6 strains were more frequently associated with severe disease and HUS. In this study, we aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins in two strains of E. coli O157:H7 (clade 8 and clade 6), obtained from cattle and compared them with the well characterized reference EDL933 strain (clade 3). Clade 8 and clade 6 strains show enhanced pathogenicity in a mouse model and virulence-related properties. Proteins were extracted and analyzed using the TMT-6plex labeling strategy associated with two dimensional liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry in tandem. We detected 2241 proteins in the cell extract and 1787 proteins in the culture supernatants. Attention was focused on the proteins related to virulence, overexpressed in clade 6 and 8 strains compared to EDL933 strain. The proteins relevant overexpressed in clade 8 strain were the curli protein CsgC, a transcriptional activator (PchE), phage proteins, Stx2, FlgM and FlgD, a dienelactone hydrolase, CheW and CheY, and the SPATE protease EspP. For clade 6 strain, a high overexpression of phage proteins was detected, mostly from Stx2 encoding phage, including Stx2, flagellin and the protease TagA, EDL933_p0016, dienelactone hydrolase, and Haemolysin A, amongst others with unknown function. Some of these proteins were analyzed by RT-qPCR to corroborate the proteomic data. Clade 6 and clade 8 strains showed enhanced transcription of 10 out of 12 genes compared to EDL933. These results may provide new insights in E. coli O157:H7 mechanisms of pathogenesis.

Clade 8 and Clade 6 Strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from Cattle in Argentina have Hypervirulent-Like Phenotypes.

The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) whose main causative agent is enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is a disease that mainly affects children under 5 years of age. Argentina is the country with the highest incidence of HUS in the world. Cattle are a major reservoir and source of infection with E. coli O157:H7. To date, the epidemiological factors that contribute to its prevalence are poorly understood. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing has helped to define nine E. coli O157:H7 clades and the clade 8 strains were associated with most of the cases of severe disease. In this study, eight randomly selected isolates of EHEC O157:H7 from cattle in Argentina were studied as well as two human isolates. Four of them were classified as clade 8 through the screening for 23 SNPs; the two human isolates grouped in this clade as well, while two strains were closely related to strains representing clade 6. To assess the pathogenicity of these strains, we assayed correlates of virulence. Shiga toxin production was determined by an ELISA kit. Four strains were high producers and one of these strains that belonged to a novel genotype showed high verocytotoxic activity in cultured cells. Also, these clade 8 and 6 strains showed high RBC lysis and adherence to epithelial cells. One of the clade 6 strains showed stronger inhibition of normal water absorption than E. coli O157:H7 EDL933 in human colonic explants. In addition, two of the strains showing high levels of Stx2 production and RBC lysis activity were associated with lethality and uremia in a mouse model. Consequently, circulation of such strains in cattle may partially contribute to the high incidence of HUS in Argentina.

Draft Genome Sequences of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Strains Rafaela_II (Clade 8) and 7.1_Anguil (Clade 6) from Cattle in Argentina.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a major etiologic agent of diseases in humans that cause diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two strains isolated from cattle that had high levels of Shiga toxin 2 and high lethality in mice.

Inhibition of water absorption and selective damage to human colonic mucosa induced by Shiga toxin-2 are enhanced by Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are responsible for a variety of clinical syndromes including bloody and non-bloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Although multiple serotypes of STEC have been isolated from hemorrhagic colitis cases, E. coli O157:H7 is by far the most prevalent serotype associated with HUS. Shiga toxin is the major virulence factor of E. coli O157:H7 and is responsible for the more severe symptoms of the infection. However, the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of diarrhea mediated by Stx2 are not well known. In this study, we have determined the effects of E. coli O157:H7 strain 125/99 wild type (wt) on the human colonic mucosa mounted in an Ussing chamber. In response to 125/99wt, an inhibition of water absorption across human colonic mucosa was observed. Histological sections showed severe necrosis with detachment of the surface epithelium, mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate and loss of goblet cells after 1h of incubation with 125/99wt. These alterations were not observed with the isogenic mutant strain lacking stx2 or with the filter-sterilized culture supernatant from the 125/99wt strain. These results indicate that the cell damages in human colon are induced by Stx2, and that Stx2 production is increased by the interaction with bacterial cells. Identification of host cell-derived factors responsible for increasing Stx2 can lead to new strategies for modulating STEC infections.