Basque Government

Polyphenols represent the largest and most diverse class of dietary antioxidants. Epidemiological evidence linking specific (poly)phenol classes, such as flavonoids and lignans, to breast cancer (BC) risk remains limited and largely inconclusive in prospective studies. The aim of this study is to examine the association between the intake of total (poly)phenols-and its classes and subclasses-and BC risk-overall and by subtypes (estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2))-in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. The EPIC cohort includes 257,960 adult women from seven European countries. During a mean follow-up of 14 years, there were 10,722 incident overall BC cases. Associations were computed using Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders. No significant associations were found between total (poly)phenol intake and overall BC risk (HRQ5 vs. Q1 = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.95-1.11). In addition, null associations were mostly found between classes and subclasses of (poly)phenols and BC subtypes. After stratifying by menopausal status, no significant associations were observed. In conclusion, this study found no evidence of associations between the intake of any class or subclass of (poly)phenols and BC risk in the European population.

Summary Literary sources provide limited information on specific developments during the civil wars of the late Roman Republic, including the Sertorian War. This study describes the attack on the Vascon settlement of Irulegi (Aranguren valley, Navarre), in northern Spain, within the context of this conflict, using the methodological and theoretical frameworks of conflict archaeology. In doing so, it seeks to demonstrate that Roman cultural influences were operating during this period and that the Vascones were involved in the conflict. Although it remains uncertain which side the defenders supported, the available evidence suggests that the attack occurred between 76 and 72 BC and that the Vascones of Irulegi may have supported Sertorius.

Early-life exposure to phthalates, widely used in consumer products, may induce developmental lung adaptations and predispose to respiratory morbidity throughout childhood. We assessed the associations of fetal phthalate exposure with wheezing, asthma, and lung function from birth to adolescence. We performed 1-stage individual participant data meta-analyses with data from six European birth cohorts (3,745 mother-child pairs) to assess associations of pregnancy-averaged maternal urinary concentrations of 7 phthalate metabolites and 3 phthalate groups (high- and low-molecular-weight phthalate metabolites and sum of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites) with wheezing in infancy (0-1years) and at preschool age (1-5years), and asthma and lung function at school age (5-12years). Higher maternal pregnancy urine phthalate concentrations were not associated with wheezing in infancy or preschool age. Higher maternal pregnancy urine mono-benzyl phthalate concentrations were associated with an increased risk of asthma at school age (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.13 (1.01-1.26) per natural log interquartile range unit increase in concentration), but not with wheezing or lung function and attenuated into non-significance after multiple testing correction. Higher maternal pregnancy concentrations of mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate, mono-iso-butyl phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate and low-molecular-weight phthalate metabolites were associated with higher FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF75 z-scores after multiple testing correction. Fetal exposure to higher phthalate concentrations is associated with lung function adaptations, while overall no consistent associations were observed with childhood wheezing or asthma. Future studies are needed to assess the causality of the observed associations, to identify the underlying mechanisms, and to assess potential respiratory consequences in adult life.

Evidence on effective teaching methods to promote gender awareness in nursing education remains limited. To compare the effectiveness of lecture-based learning (LBL), guided university debate (GUD), and problem-based learning (PBL) on gender-related competencies among undergraduate nursing students. A quasi-experimental pre-post study involved first-year nursing students across 3 academic years, each receiving LBL (2021-2022), GUD (2022-2023), or PBL (2023-2024). Outcomes included gender knowledge, sensitivity, role ideology, and pain legitimation, measured at baseline, postintervention, and 6-month follow-up using validated scales. GUD and PBL significantly improved gender knowledge compared to LBL, with effects sustained at 6months. PBL showed a short-term increase in gender sensitivity, while GUD's improvements were more pronounced over time. No significant differences were found for gender role ideology or pain legitimation. Active methodologies, particularly GUD and PBL, are more effective than LBL for enhancing gender competence in nursing education.

ABSTRACT Pristine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have proven to be excellent supports for cardiac cell growth, survival and maturation, as well to improve cellular function, enhance spontaneous beating activity and benefit their cellular structure. Due to the large quantity of cardiomyocytes that have to be replaced for myocardial regeneration, iPSCs are the most promising candidates for robust generation of cardiomyocytes in vivo/vitro . Herein, iPSCs are cultured and differentiated into cardiomyocytes on functionalized carbon nanotubes (fCNTs). For this purpose, a first optimization of the type of plate and the number of iPSCs suitable for the passaging is performed. Thus, 5·10 5 cells per cm 2 are cultured in 24-well and 8-well plates. After 19-days of differentiation and maturation, calcium imaging was done to analyze the spontaneous beating behavior by means of beat frequency and amplitude, immunofluorescence was done to observe evaluate the degree of maturation by staining the sarcomere and the cell nucleus. A set of diverse functionalized CNTs were also tested: pristine CNT, ox-CNT, CNT-COOH, CNT-NH 2 , CNT-NO 2 and CNT-SO 3 . Calcium analysis showed that all but the nitro-functionalization were beating, with acid-and oxygen derivative CNTs producing an increase in frequency with respect to control, while amino-functional groups decrease it. This suggests that the beating and contractile behavior of cardiomyocyte can be modulated according to the cardiac issue to be faced. In addition, CNT-SO 3 produces a striated and elongated sarcomere, proper of the real tissue.

Background: Traditional herbal steam inhalation (Nyungu) is a key healthcare practice in Zanzibar for treating respiratory, febrile, and spiritual ailments. Despite its importance, it remains under documented and underutilized in wellness tourism. This study aimed to document the medicinal plants used in Nyungu and explore opportunities for integration into tourism. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 26 shehias (14 in Unguja and 12 in Pemba). Sixty-eight traditional healers were purposively selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data on plant use, preparation, treated ailments, and commercialization were analyzed using SPSS and Origin software. Results: The study identified 73 and 75 plant species in Unguja and Pemba, respectively. Commonly cited species included Citrus aurantiacus, Azadirachta indica, and Ocimum americanum. The main ailments treated were runny nose (18%), fever (15%), common cold (13%), and spiritual disorders (12%). Treatment regimens varied: most healers in Unguja preferred one-day sessions, while those in Pemba favored three- to seven-day duration. Polyherbal preparations were widely used. Commercialization was limited, with 60% of healers in Unguja and 84% in Pemba not offering services to tourists. Documentation was low, as only 8% (Unguja) and 17% (Pemba) recorded their practices. Conclusion: Nyungu remains a cornerstone of traditional healthcare in Zanzibar and holds promise for wellness tourism. However, poor documentation, limited commercialization, and lack of standardization hinder its development. Phytochemical validation, cultivation of key species, tourism integration, and supportive policies are recommended for sustainable use and cultural preservation.

This study aims to investigate the early stages of lymphoid malignancy pathogenesis and identify pre-diagnostic proteomic markers for lymphoma. Using the SomaScan-7K platform, we analyze 6412 unique plasma proteins in a case-cohort study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort, comprising 4565 participants (484 incident lymphoid malignancy cases, median follow-up 9 years). We identify over 500 unique protein-lymphoid malignancy associations. Enriched pathways include viral protein interactions, cytokine signaling, B-cell receptor signaling, and NF-κB activation, reflecting key mechanisms in lymphoma pathogenesis. Cross-cohort validation of the top 20 FDR-significant proteins reveals concordant nominal significance for 70%-95% of the associations in the UK Biobank (Olink) and ARIC (SomaScan) studies. Time-stratified analyses reveals that a subset of these protein-lymphoma associations is evident over a decade before diagnosis. These findings highlight the potential of circulating proteomic markers in risk stratification, early diagnosis, and targeted prevention strategies for lymphoid malignancies.