University Of Barcelona Research Articles

Indaga-T Innovation Group: A Trajectory of Teaching Collaboration

Objective/Theoretical Framework: This paper orders various experiences of teaching innovation in the context of the Indaga-t group of the University of Barcelona. In them, the collaboration between professors from different Degrees taught in the faculties of Education and Fine Arts is shown. Method: The work carried out went beyond sharing teaching, displaying a series of methodologies that led teachers to work in joint actions intervening in the same space and time with students. Results and Discussion: The text shows how various dilemmas were faced in a university context where, increasingly, the relationship between the credits of the courses and their teaching assignments do not invite teachers to interact by going to the classroom together. Implications of the Research: The challenge involved reflecting and becoming aware of the motivations that combined efforts in the face of a stiff institution where time is a scarce resource. Originality/Value: The experiences of communication are the result of learning relationships between teachers and students who worked together collaboratively from different areas of knowledge; These experiences speak of the commitments that were assumed as our beyond our own courses and their teaching plans.

Assessment of the use of Open Educational Resources at five European Library and Information Science higher education institutions during and post-COVID-19 pandemic.

This article presents an analysis of the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their potential use in the post-pandemic, in Library and Information Science (LIS) higher education institutions. The research explored how OER were used and created, what were the main barriers and drivers in practice and some main lessons learned that can help to improve the quality and increase the use of OER beyond times of crisis. The research was based on fieldwork carried out in the LIS departments of the universities of Barcelona (Spain), Hildesheim (Germany), Osijek and Zagreb (Croatia) and the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia (Bulgaria). The methodology approach was qualitative and was based on interviews with faculty and focus groups with students. Results show that faculty members were still hesitant to adopt OER since they generally did not consider them. Moreover, those who did use them did so on their own initiative and as additional resources. We discuss the different speeds of OER implementation that have been observed depending on the faculty's prior level of knowledge, and on whether their institutions and countries are prepared to support the use of OER. The promotion of post-pandemic OER involves greater capacity building, as well as collaboration and institutional support. Students' attitudes about the usefulness of OER focus on their availability. The large number of teachers and students who participated in the study, as well as the international scope of the study, constitute a strength in the treatment of a topic such as the use of OER where the user perspectives and LIS context have been little addressed in the literature.

Midclavicle block: An anatomical study.

Recent studies indicate that clavipectoral fascia plane block (CPB) efficacy may stem from injectate distribution to the anterosuperior clavicular periosteum. We conducted an anatomical study combining the CPB with injection within the subclavius muscle. Our hypothesis was that the anaesthetic injectate would fully cover both the anterosuperior and posteroinferior surfaces of the clavicular periosteum in the midclavicular region. Observational human cadaver study. Laboratory of Surgical Neuroanatomy, Unit of Anatomy and Human Embryology of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona. Five fresh human cadavers. The cadavers received both a CPB and subclavius muscle injections under ultrasound guidance in 10 clavicular regions. After the procedures on the cadaveric models, an anatomical dissection by planes was performed to evaluate the distribution pattern of methylene blue on the clavicular periosteum. A probabilistic map of the colour spectrum and staining temperature on the clavicular surfaces was generated. Methylene blue stained 37 ± 16% of the anterosuperior surface and 23 ± 13% of the posteroinferior surface of the clavicular periosteum, particularly in the middle third of each surface. Although the staining did not achieve complete circumferential coverage or perfect alignment between the surfaces, the areas exhibited a close relationship, indicating significant distribution and relevant coverage. Our anatomical study demonstrates that the midclavicular block achieves effective distribution around the middle third of the clavicle, although complete circumferential anaesthesia of the clavicular periosteum was not achieved. Although this block may provide periosteal and bone anaesthesia, it does not address other sources of pain, such as muscle spasms and skin components. Additional clinical studies are needed to evaluate the overall efficacy of this dual block technique for clavicle surgery.

Childcare in Spain: Strategies and Socioeconomic Determinants

With 39.6 % of children under three years of age at nursery school in the school year of 2018-2019, Spain exceeded the 33 % recommended by the European Commission in 2002. Notwithstanding this figure, childcare for this age range from 0 to 3 years is neither free of charge nor universal, and the formal public offer varies considerably across the country. Faced with this limited accessibility, families resort to various strategies based on the available resources in order to manage their childcare needs. However, the existing data on these schemes are meagre and do not represent all the options. Also lacking is information about how families shape their strategies and the factors that influence their adoption of them. In this number of Perspectives Demogràfiques, which is published by the Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED) at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), we draw on the latest data available from the Spanish Fertility Survey (2018) to explore the sociodemographic profiles of mothers with children aged three years and under, and the childcare strategies they adopt. The results suggest that managing childcare requires a combination of several options, thus making it relevant to speak of care strategies. Although formal care is a fundamental resource, it is not always able to respond fully to family needs. Meanwhile, the strategies adopted vary in accordance with the characteristics of mothers, for example their family situation, relationship with the labour market, and whether or not they are immigrants, all of which demonstrates the importance of adapting approaches to care in keeping with each specific situation.

5119 Structural basis for glucocorticoid receptor multimerization

Abstract Disclosure: E. Estébanez-Perpiñá: None. Abstract ENDO-2024 - BostonStructural basis for glucocorticoid receptor multimerization Andrea Alegre-Martí[1]*, Alba Jimenez-Panizo2*, Agustina Lafuente3, Montserrat Abella[1], Thomas A Johnson2, Paloma Pérez4, Juan Fernández-Recio5, Diego M. Presman3, Gordon L. Hager2, Pablo Fuentes-Prior[1], Eva Estébanez-Perpiñá[1] [1]Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.2National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA.3IFIBYNE, UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Argentina.4Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV)-CSIC, 46010, Valencia, Spain.5Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (ICVV), CSIC - Universidad de La Rioja - Gobierno de La Rioja, 26007 Logroño, Spain. Abstract: The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ubiquitously e2xpressed ligand-regulated transcription factor essential for life and one of the most targeted proteins in drug discovery due to its powerful anti-inflammatory actions. The functional oligomeric state of the full-length receptor, which is essential for its transcriptional activity in cells, remains disputed. Here we present a new crystal structure of agonist-bound ancient GR-LBD in a large cell, along with a thorough analysis of previous structural work. The building block of the current structure is a homodimer we previously identified in GR-LBD crystals and its biological relevance has been verified by studying a battery of GR point mutants including crosslinking assays in solution and quantitative fluorescence microscopy in live cells. Several mutually exclusive multimeric assemblies of this dimer in the crystal highlight the versatility of GR-LBD for self-association and reveal implications for the conformation of the active full-length receptor. Our results underscore the relevance of non-canonical dimerization modes for GR-LBD, especially of contacts made by key residues such as Tyr545, Pro637 and Asp641. Of note, a non-conservative mutation of the latter, p.Asp641Val, causes Chrousos syndrome in humans. Understanding relevant quaternary assemblies of the GR is pivotal not only to understand and predict the therapeutic outcome of major blockbuster drugs but also to lessen their deleterious side effects and open new avenues for drug design. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Editorial

To commemorate the jubilee of the death and canonization of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Santo Tomás Institute of Balmesiana organized the 10th Symposium of Thomistic Studies, St. Thomas Aquinas, Master of the Sacred Page. The event took place at the Abat Oliba CEU University in Barcelona from May 10th to 12th, 2024. Other institutions, in particular, the Association pour le Centenaire Thomas d’Aquin (ACTA) from Toulouse, contributed greatly to the organization of the symposium. This event aimed to explore St. Thomas’ use of Sacred Scripture in his role as a biblical scholar. This is one of the aspects of the doctrine of Aquinas that has recently gained prominence, as there has been a renewed appreciation for the central role that Sacred Scripture played in the theology of the Angelic Doctor, frequently referred to as “biblical Thomism”. The purpose of the symposium was not only historical but also doctrinal, aiming to shed light on contemporary biblical hermeneutics and exegesis. The symposium was structured around the three core activities of the medieval scholar: legere, disputare, and praedicare, with the intention to understand the place of Sacred Scripture in each of these. It began with several introductory issues that addressed Aquinas' biblical hermeneutics and its foundations, with enriching contributions from professors Martínez, Amado, Loiseau, and Manresa. Next, the symposium delved into Aquinas' biblical exegesis, focusing on his commentaries on St. John, St. Paul, and a book of the Old Testament, with insightful presentations by Professors Giambrone, Roszak, and Ossandón. The following sessions were dedicated to the examination of how St. Thomas utilized disputare in his construction of a theological system. Professors Margelidon, Aroztegi, and Prieto offered valuable reflections on grace, the sacraments, and divine knowledge. Finally, the symposium turned to Aquinas' praedicare and his use of Scripture in preaching, with illuminating presentations by professors Smith, Vijgen, and Perrin. Thomas Olivier Venard concluded the symposium by discussing the contemporary relevance of Aquinas' biblical hermeneutics. We are pleased to offer the reader a substantial number of these enriching contributions in both this and the next issue of Bíblica et Patristica. We are grateful to the Editorial Board for their willingness to publish the texts and, in this way, familiarise the readers with the fruitful discussions we experienced in Barcelona in May.

Bibliometric analysis of microRNAs and Parkinson's disease from 2014 to 2023.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Recent research has emphasized a significant correlation between microRNAs (miRNAs) and PD. To identify key research areas, provide a comprehensive overview of current research in various fields, and propose potential directions for future studies, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the involvement of miRNAs in Parkinson's disease from 2014 to 2023. Relevant literature records were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection on February 29, 2024. Subsequently, the data underwent analysis using the Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer (version 1.6.19). The annual scientific publications on miRNAs and Parkinson's disease demonstrated an increasing trend, with an annual growth rate of 12.67%. China, the United States, and India emerged as the top three most productive countries/regions. The University of Barcelona had the highest annual publications, followed by Central South University and the Helmholtz Association. The INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES held the top position in terms of H-index and total citations, reflecting its extensive influence and prolific publication output. Kim, J., Junn, E., Hébert, S.S., and Doxakis, E. were the most frequently co-cited authors in the field. Based on the analysis of keywords, the most frequently occurring terms included "alpha-synuclein," "neurodegenerative disease," "exosome," "neuroinflammation," "oxidative stress," "autophagy," and "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis," which have emerged as prominent research topics. Concurrently, there has been notable interest in topics such as "ceRNA," "lncRNAs," "mitochondrial dysfunction," and "circular RNA." This study focused on identifying emerging trends and critical research topics in the bibliometric analysis of microRNAs related to Parkinson's disease. These findings highlight the diverse research landscape and evolving trend of miRNA-related research in PD. The field of miRNA research in Parkinson's disease is actively exploring the underlying mechanisms of miRNA function, identifying potential diagnostic markers, and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. The results of our study offer significant contributions to researchers' ability to track contemporary developments and guide the trajectory of future research in this domain.

Assessment of the use of Open Educational Resources at five European Library and Information Science higher education institutions during and post-COVID-19 pandemic

This article presents an analysis of the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their potential use in the post-pandemic, in Library and Information Science (LIS) higher education institutions. The research explored how OER were used and created, what were the main barriers and drivers in practice and some main lessons learned that can help to improve the quality and increase the use of OER beyond times of crisis. The research was based on fieldwork carried out in the LIS departments of the universities of Barcelona (Spain), Hildesheim (Germany), Osijek and Zagreb (Croatia) and the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia (Bulgaria). The methodology approach was qualitative and was based on interviews with faculty and focus groups with students. Results show that faculty members were still hesitant to adopt OER since they generally did not consider them. Moreover, those who did use them did so on their own initiative and as additional resources. We discuss the different speeds of OER implementation that have been observed depending on the faculty’s prior level of knowledge, and on whether their institutions and countries are prepared to support the use of OER. The promotion of post-pandemic OER involves greater capacity building, as well as collaboration and institutional support. Students’ attitudes about the usefulness of OER focus on their availability. The large number of teachers and students who participated in the study, as well as the international scope of the study, constitute a strength in the treatment of a topic such as the use of OER where the user perspectives and LIS context have been little addressed in the literature.

Exploring Ethnobotany in the Catalan Linguistic Area: Traditional Plant-Based Knowledge for Addressing Gastrointestinal, Metabolic, and Nutritional Disorders.

Ethnobotanical research in the Catalan linguistic area (CLA) is crucial due to the persistence of traditional medicinal plant knowledge. Gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders are major global health issues requiring effective treatments. This study aimed to analyze plants used for these disorders in the CLA, compare the findings with phytotherapy literature, and examine correlations between plant use in humans and animals. Data were sourced from the database of the research group of Catalan ethnobotany at the University of Barcelona and the Botanic Institute of Barcelona, representing a collection of ethnobotanical studies. A total of 630 plant taxa were examined, with 15,252 use reports (UR) provided by 2301 informants. Gastrointestinal disorders were the focus, comprising 94.24% of the UR. The high informant consensus factor (0.96) indicated strong reliability of the results. The most often reported species were Matricaria recutita (5.97%), Thymus vulgaris (5.12%), and Lippia triphylla (4.90%). Lamiaceae (19.86%), Asteraceae (18.78%), and Rosaceae (5.55%) were the top botanical families. The main uses were digestive (17.62%), intestinal anti-inflammatory (15.68%), and antidiarrheal (8.91%). The main part of the plant used was the aerial part (33.22%). Tisane (69.25%) was the most cited pharmaceutical form. Traditional uses were confirmed by pharmacological literature in 57.59% of cases. This work highlights the potential of medicinal plants for treating gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders in the CLA. Further research is possible in other territories, as well as in the phytochemical and medicinal aspects of the plants recorded.

Reproducibility Analysis of Two Speckle Tracking Software for the Antenatal Semiautomated Assessment of the Fetal Cardiac Function

Introduction: Speckle tracking echocardiography is a non-Doppler modality allowing the semiautomated evaluation of the fetal cardiac function by tracking the speckles of the endocardial borders. Little evidence is available on the evaluation and comparison of different software for the functional assessment of the fetal heart by means of speckle tracking echocardiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and agreement of two different proprietary speckle tracking software for the prenatal semiautomated assessment of the fetal cardiac function. Methods: The prospective study including non-anomalous fetuses was referred for different indications at two tertiary academic units in Italy (University of Parma) and Spain (University of Barcelona). Two-dimensional clips of the four-chamber view of the fetal heart were acquired by two dedicated operators using high-end ultrasound machines with a frame rate higher than 60 Hz. The stored clips were pseudo-anonymized and shared between the collaborating units. Functional echocardiographic analyses were independently performed using the two proprietary software (TomTec GmbH and FetalHQ®) by the same operators. Inter-software reproducibility of the endocardial global longitudinal strain (EndoGLS) and fractional area change (FAC) of the left (LV) and the right ventricles (RV) and ejection fraction (EF) of the LV were evaluated by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Forty-eight fetuses were included at a median of 31+2 (21+6–40+3) gestational weeks. Moderate reproducibility was found for the functional parameters of the LV: EndoGLS (Pearson’s correlation 0.456, p < 0.01; ICC 0.446, 95% CI: 0.189–0.647, p < 0.01); EF (Pearson’s correlation 0.435, p < 0.01; ICC 0.419, 95% CI: 0.156–0.627, p < 0.01); FAC (Person’s correlation 0.484, p < 0.01; ICC 0.475, 95% CI: 0.223–0.667, p < 0.01). On the contrary, RV functional parameters showed poor reproducibility between the two software: EndoGLS (Pearson’s correlation 0.383, p = 0.01; ICC 0.377, 95% CI: 0.107–0.596, p < 0.01) and FAC (ICC 0.284, 95% CI: 0.003–0.524, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a moderate reproducibility of the speckle tracking analysis of the LV using TomTec GmbH and FetalHQ®, with poor reproducibility for RV analysis.

Progress and trends of research on mineral elements for depression

ObjectiveTo explore the research progress and trends on mineral elements and depression. MethodsAfter querying the MeSH database and referring to the search rules, the search terms were selected and optimized to obtain the target literature collection. We analyzed the general characteristics of the literature, conducted network clustering and co-occurrence analysis, and carried out a narrative review of crucial literature. ResultsBipolar disorder was a dominant topic in the retrieved literature, which saw a significant increase in 2010 and 2019–2020. Most studies focused on mineral elements, including lithium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper. The majority of journals and disciplines were in the fields of psychiatry, neuropsychology, neuropharmacology, nutrition, medical informatics, chemistry, and public health. The United States had the highest proportion in terms of paper sources, most-cited articles, high-frequency citations, frontier citations, and high centrality citation. Regarding the influence of academic institutions, the top five were King's College London, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Barcelona, INSERM, and Heidelberg University. Frontier keywords included bipolar disorder, drinking water, (neuro)inflammation, gut microbiota, and systematic analysis. Research on lithium response, magnesium supplementation, and treatment-resistant unipolar depression increased significantly after 2013. ConclusionGlobal adverse events may have indirectly driven the progress in related research. Although the literature from the United States represents an absolute majority, its influence on academic institutions is relatively weaker. Multiple pieces of evidence support the efficacy of lithium in treating bipolar disorder (BD). A series of key discoveries have led to a paradigm shift in research, leading to increasingly detailed studies on the role of magnesium, calcium, zinc, and copper in the treatment of depression. Most studies on mineral elements remain diverse and inconclusive. The potential toxicity and side effects of some elements warrant careful attention.

The Tpack model as a hybrid training oportunity in masters and postgraduates degrees

In the 2020-2021 academic year, during the pandemic, the teaching team of the Master Social and Educational Interventions of the University of Barcelona applied the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) model, which integrates technology in the teaching-learning processes (Mishra &amp; Koehler, 2006). A participatory evaluative research (Redice Redice20-2861), with the participation of faculty and students involved, was carried out to identify the elements that facilitate and hinder virtual teaching, to know the impact of its application and to formulate recommendations applicable to online university higher education. A mixed quantitative and qualitative methodology was used, employing different instruments such as questionnaires, focus groups, interviews and observations during the 2020-2021 academic year, analyzed with NVivo 11, Atlas.ti 8.0 and Excel. The results obtained show that the application of digital environment activities within face-to-face training improve, among others, the connection with the professional world and offer dynamization strategies in the classroom that contribute to the creation of learning communities as an effective strategy.

Becoming a secondary school teacher: Keys to a meaningful professional identity

This study explores the construction of teachers' identities during their pre-service training and their initial period of professional induction. Thirteen life stories of novice teachers of differing characteristics attending the Master's Degree in Secondary Education Teaching at the University of Barcelona (Spain) are analysed. Findings identify four dimensions in identity construction (attribution, projection, development and transformation) and analyze their key components. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of the dialectic between the professionalizing models in the training programme and the professional communities and teachers' specific personal processes of professional self-determination.

Problem-Based Learning for Calculating Kinetic Parameters from Michaelis-Menten Equation

In “Advanced Enzymology” at the University of Barcelona, we teach various methods for identifying uni-uni irreversible reactions. Kinetic constants such as maximum velocity (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (Km) are calculated using non-linear regression with the Michaelis-Menten equation. However, if a computer is not available, students must calculate these kinetic parameters using linear regressions with Lineweaver-Burk, Eadie-Hofstee, and Hanes-Woolf plots. Michaelis-Menten equation: v = (Vmax [S]) / (Km + [S]), Lineweaver-Burk equation: 1/v = (Km/Vmax) (1/[S]) + 1/Vmax, Eadie-Hofstee equation: v = – Km (v/[S]) + Vmax, Hanes-Woolf equation: [S]/v = (1/Vmax) [S] + (Km/Vmax). The objective of this work was that students explore various methods for calculating kinetic constants and determine the most effective approach. A problem was prepared with data on substrate concentrations ([S]) and reaction rates (v). Data points with lower substrate concentration, and also with lower velocities had higher errors. The Michaelis-Menten plot provided only an approximate estimation of the kinetic constants, as it is not a linear graph. The Lineweaver-Burk plot generated maximum velocities that were too low due to the higher errors for low substrate concentrations, rendering impossible values of the kinetic parameters. The Eadie-Hofstee plot provided better results, as the values of v/[S] compensated their errors. Furthermore, kinetic constants were obtained directly from the slope and intersection of the line equation. The Hanes-Woolf plot also produced correct values for kinetic parameters, since high substrate concentrations were less erroneous than lower ones. After completing this computer class, students were very satisfied and learned the different methods for obtaining kinetic parameters. Non-linear regression is undoubtedly the most accurate method for obtaining kinetic parameters values. However, in the absence of computers, the Eadie-Hofstee plot is the best and most commonly used plot in kinetic papers.

Mismatches in finding a romantic partner: Education and gender values in the Spanish marriage market

The last decades the ‘romantic partner market’ has been changing drastically. Well-known changes in the structure of this market have been found in the discrepancies in educational level of potential spouses due to the educational expansion for women. If there is no potential spouse with similar resources or characteristics available (in a certain population), there is no possibility to partner homogamous, for many being the preference. Research from the Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED) at the Autònoma University of Barcelona (UAB) examines for the first time the aspect of gender role values to mismatches between potential spouses. The importance of the (second) half of the gender revolution cannot be overlooked. We might expect that, as feminism becomes more widespread, the role of men in household tasks increases in importance, and women would therefore more and more look for a potential partner that values such an egalitarian view. Using the only, most recient available, Encuesta de Fecundidad (2018) for young Spanish men and women, the combined education-values gender gap in Spain is examined.

Overview, Trends and Mapping of The Scientific Production on Childhood Tuberculosis: A Scientometric Study

Background: Tuberculosis in children is highly prevalent and is considered community transmission by an infected adult. This study analyzed childhood tuberculosis literature from 2018 to 2023 on Scopus. Methodology: The study was an observational, retrospective design with a bibliometric approach focusing on the scientific production on childhood tuberculosis. A trend analysis and mapping of the literature published in Scopus was performed. The following selection criteria were applied: All types of papers published in Scopus during the study period were included. Papers published between 2018 and 2023 were included. Papers had to be focused on childhood tuberculosis. Results: Antoni Diez Noguera-Julián from SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital had a field-weighted citation impact of 10.89. Anneke Catharina Hesseling and James Alexander Seddon had the highest output. The University of Melbourne and the University of Barcelona had high field-weighted citation impacts. Despite the United States’ high production, Spain and Australia showed significant influence. The “International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease” led in production. Conclusions: A bibliometric study on childhood tuberculosis literature from 2018-2023 highlighted Antoni Diez Noguera-Julián’s significant citation impact and the high output of Anneke Catharina Hesseling and James Alexander Seddon. Despite the U.S.'s high production, Spain and Australia showed significant influence.

Scholars and Literati at the University of Barcelona (1450–1714)

This note is a summary description of the set of scholars and literati who taught at the University of Barcelona from its inception in 1450 to its suppression in 1714.

Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Prostate Cancer: A Practical Approach to Complex Clinical Scenarios

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been a cornerstone in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) for many years, and continues to form the basis of current therapeutic approaches. However, a recent dramatic upsurge in the number of treatment options available in this area creates a responsibility for healthcare professionals to carefully select optimal drugs and combinations of drugs, to ensure the best outcomes and greatest quality of life for all patients. This requires a thorough understanding of clinical trial data, and an ability to apply this knowledge to everyday clinical practice. This article summarises presentations delivered during a symposium held on 29ᵗʰ November 2023 at the Global Congress on Prostate Cancer (PROSCA) 2023 in Málaga, Spain, where three distinguished speakers described and explored practical approaches to the use of ADT in complex clinical scenarios. Nazareno Suardi, Associate Professor of Urology at the University of Brescia, Italy, described approaches to manage ADT prescription when a patient presents with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Matthias Saar, Director and Chairman of the Department of Urology and Uro-oncology at the University Hospital Aachen, Germany, explored whether intermittent ADT remains an alternative in the new era of hormonal therapy. Alison Birtle, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at the Rosemere Cancer Centre, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Preston, UK, investigated the importance of drug choice in triplet or doublet therapy in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive PCa (mHSPC). The meeting was chaired by Antoni Vilaseca, Senior Specialist in the Urology Service at the Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain, who introduced the symposium, and also co-ordinated a question and answer session to conclude the meeting.

Post-COVID-19 assessment of the use of Open Educational Resources at five European Library and Information Science higher education institutions

This article presents an analysis of the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their potential use in the post-pandemic, in Library and Information Science (LIS) higher education institutions. The research explored how OER were used and created, what were the main barriers and drivers in practice and some main lessons learned that can help to improve the quality and increase the use of OER beyond times of crisis. The research was based on fieldwork carried out in the LIS departments of the universities of Barcelona (Spain), Hildesheim (Germany), Osijek and Zagreb (Croatia) and the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies in Sofia (Bulgaria). The methodology approach was qualitative and was based on interviews with faculty and focus groups with students. Results show that faculty members were still hesitant to adopt OER since they generally did not consider them. Moreover, those who did use them did so on their own initiative and as additional resources. We discuss the different speeds of OER implementation that have been observed depending on the faculty’s prior level of knowledge, and on whether their institutions and countries are prepared to support the use of OER. The promotion of post-pandemic OER involves greater capacity building, as well as collaboration and institutional support. Students’ attitudes about the usefulness of OER focus on their availability. The large number of teachers and students who participated in the study, as well as the international scope of the study, constitute a strength in the treatment of a topic such as the use of OER where the user perspectives and LIS context have been little addressed in the literature.

A didactic sequence to help legal translation trainees develop strategic and intercultural competence: macro-level textual consequences of micro-level decisions when dealing with legal culture-bound terms

ABSTRACT Translating legal culture-bound terms is one of the difficulties facing any legal translator due to asymmetries between national legal systems. To train trainees to deal with these terms, strategic and intercultural competences must be developed. This article focuses on how to pedagogically address the varying degrees of incongruity that may arise when translating legal culture-bound terms. The learning objectives set are for trainees to be able to apply the most appropriate translation technique to use in each instance, selecting it at a micro-unit level that is coherent with the macro-level approach determined by the communicative situation and target text purpose. A theoretical and pedagogical framework is presented, followed by the description of a didactic sequence that was created as action research to develop trainees’ strategic and intercultural competences. The didactic sequence includes 4 units with task-based learning activities and formative and summative assessment. The activities were piloted in a postgraduate specialisation course in legal translation at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Trainee responses to a follow-up survey and focus group show that the activities were perceived to be useful and helpful when dealing with the difficulty of translating legal culture-bound terms.