Dampened circadian amplitude of EEG power in women after menopause.

Postmenopausal women are at high risk of developing sleep-wake disturbances. We previously reported dampened circadian rhythms of melatonin, alertness and sleep in postmenopausal compared with young women. The present study aims to further explore electroencephalography power spectral changes in the sleep of postmenopausal women. Eight healthy postmenopausal women were compared with 12 healthy, naturally ovulating, young women in their mid-follicular phase. Participants followed a regular 8-hr sleep schedule for ≥ 2 weeks prior to laboratory entry. The laboratory visit included an 8-hr baseline sleep period followed by an ultradian sleep-wake cycle procedure, consisting of alternating 1-hr wake periods and nap opportunities. Electroencephalography power spectral analysis was performed on non-rapid eye movement sleep obtained over a 48-hr period. The baseline nocturnal sleep of postmenopausal women comprised lower power within delta and sigma, and higher power within alpha bands compared with that of younger women. During nighttime naps of the ultradian sleep-wake cycle procedure, lower power within delta and sigma, and higher power within beta bands were observed in postmenopausal women. During the ultradian sleep-wake cycle procedure, postmenopausal women presented lower power of delta, theta and sigma (14-15 Hz), undetectable rhythms of delta and theta, and a dampened or undetectable rhythm of sigma (12-15 Hz) power compared with younger women. Our results support the hypothesis of a dampened circadian variation of sleep microstructure in healthy-sleeping postmenopausal women. Circadian changes with aging are potential mechanisms for increased susceptibility to develop sleep disturbances; however, further research is needed to clarify their clinical implications and contribution to insomnia.

La Tecnología Educativa como Herramienta Inclusiva para los Estudiantes con Discapacidad: Experiencias de Profesores Universitarios Españoles / Educational Technology as an Inclusive Tool for Students with Disabilities: Experiences of Spanish University Professors

RESUMEN Este artículo explora los recursos tecnológicos utilizados por 21 profesores universitarios españoles para desarrollar una pedagogía inclusiva, los motivos para su uso y cómo influyen en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes con discapacidad. En el estudio de corte cualitativo se realizaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas individuales para la recogida de información. Se utilizó un sistema de categorías y códigos inductivo para el análisis de datos. En los resultados se describe cómo se promueve la inclusión de los estudiantes con discapacidad a través de herramientas tecnológicas tradicionales e innovadoras, y se analizan los principales beneficios de estos recursos. Como conclusión, la investigación pone en valor el uso de recursos tecnológicos en el ámbito universitario con el fin de promover que todos los estudiantes permanezcan y finalicen con éxito sus estudios.

ABSTRACT This article explores the technological resources used by 21 Spanish university professors to develop an inclusive pedagogy, the reasons for its use and how they influence the learning of students with disabilities. In this qualitative study, individual semi-structured interviews were used to data gathering. An inductive system of categories and codes was used for data analysis. The results describe how the inclusion of students with disabilities is encouraged through traditional and new technological tools, and the main benefits implicit in these resources are analyzed. In conclusion, the research highlights the value of the use of technological resources in the university context in order to promote that all students stay and successfully complete their studies.

Association of the type of metabolic acidosis and non-survival of horses with colitis.

Background: Metabolic acidosis (MA) is the most common acid-base disorder reported in horses with colitis but its association with survival is yet to be determined. Objective: Investigate the types of MA in horses with colitis to determine effects of various anions on fatality rates. Animals and procedures: We studied 158 horses with colitis. Horses were classified into 4 groups depending on the anion contributing to MA: i) no MA, ii) lactic acidosis (LA), iii) unmeasured strong ion (USI) acidosis, and iv) hyperchloremic acidosis (HA). Results: Sixty percent (95/158) of horses had no MA, 22% (34/158) had LA, 12% (19/158) had HA, and 6% (10/158) had USI acidosis. The fatality rate of horses without MA was 20% (20/95), whereas the rates for those with LA, USI, and HA were 53% (18/34), 30% (3/10), and 16% (3/19), respectively. Horses with LA were more likely to die or be euthanized than horses without MA (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.83 to 9.72, P < 0.001) and HA (OR: 5.9, 95% CI: 1.47 to 24.4, P < 0.01). Conclusion and clinical relevance: Lactic acidosis was the most common type of MA in horses with colitis, and it was associated with non-survival.

Association du type d'acidose métabolique et de non-survie des chevaux atteints de colite. Historique: L'acidose métabolique (AM) est le trouble acido-basique le plus fréquemment signalé chez les chevaux atteints de colite, mais son association avec la survie reste à déterminer. Objectif: Étudier les types d'AM chez les chevaux atteints de colite pour déterminer les effets de divers anions sur les taux de mortalité. Animaux et procédures: Nous avons étudié 158 chevaux atteints de colite. Les chevaux ont été classés en 4 groupes en fonction de l'anion contribuant à l'AM : i) pas d'AM, ii) acidose lactique (LA), iii) acidose à ions forts non mesurés (USI) et iv) acidose hyperchlorémique (HA). Résultats: Soixante pour cent (95/158) des chevaux n'avaient pas d'AM, 22 % (34/158) avaient une LA, 12 % (19/158) avaient une HA et 6 % (10/158) avaient une acidose USI. Le taux de mortalité des chevaux sans AM était de 20 % (20/95), tandis que les taux de ceux avec LA, USI et HA étaient de 53 % (18/34), 30 % (3/10) et 16 % (3/19), respectivement. Les chevaux atteints de LA étaient plus susceptibles de mourir ou d'être euthanasiés que les chevaux sans AM (OR : 4,2, IC à 95 % : 1,83 à 9,72, P < 0,001) et HA (OR : 5,9, IC à 95 % : 1,47 à 24,4, P < 0,01). Conclusion et pertinence clinique: L'acidose lactique était le type d'AM le plus courant chez les chevaux atteints de colite et elle était associée à la non-survie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

The circadian variation of sleep and alertness of postmenopausal women.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Several factors may contribute to the high prevalence of sleep disturbances occurring in postmenopausal women. However, the contribution of the circadian timing system to their sleep disturbances remains unclear. In the present study, we aim to understand the impact of circadian factors on changes of sleep and alertness occurring after menopause. METHODS: Eight healthy postmenopausal women and 12 healthy young women in their mid-follicular phase participated in an ultradian sleep-wake cycle procedure (USW). This protocol consisted of alternating 60-min wake periods and nap opportunities for ≥ 48 h in controlled laboratory conditions. Core body temperature (CBT), salivary melatonin, self-reported alertness, and polysomnographically recorded sleep were measured across this procedure. RESULTS: In both groups, all measures displayed a circadian variation throughout the USW procedure. Compared to young women, postmenopausal women presented lower CBT values, more stage N1 and N2 sleep, and number of arousals. They also showed a reduced amplitude of the circadian variation of melatonin, total sleep time (TST), sleep onset latency (SOL), stage N3 sleep, and alertness levels. Postmenopausal women fell asleep faster and slept more during the biological day and presented higher alertness levels during the biological night than young women. CONCLUSION: These results support the hypothesis of a weakened circadian signal promoting sleep and wakefulness in older women. Aging processes including hormonal changes may be main contributors to the increased sleep-wake disturbances after menopause.

Association between the Use of Quantitative Sensory Testing and Conditioned Pain Modulation and the Prescription of Medication and Interventional Procedures in Children with Chronic Pain Conditions.

The evidence supporting the use of pharmacological treatments in pediatric chronic pain is limited. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) and conditioned pain modulation evaluation (CPM) provide information on pain phenotype, which may help clinicians to tailor the treatment. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between the use of QST/CPM phenotyping on the selection of the treatment for children with chronic pain conditions. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 208 female patients (mean age 15 ± 2 years) enrolled in an outpatient interdisciplinary pediatric complex pain center. Pain phenotype information (QST/CPM) of 106 patients was available to the prescribing physician. The records of 102 age- and sex-matched patients without QST/CPM were used as controls. The primary endpoint was the proportion of medications and interventions prescribed. The secondary endpoint was the duration of treatment. The QST/CPM group received less opioids (7% vs. 28%, respectively, p < 0.001), less anticonvulsants (6% vs. 25%, p < 0.001), and less interventional treatments (29% vs. 44%, p = 0.03) than controls. Patients with an optimal CPM result tended to be prescribed fewer antidepressants (2% vs. 18%, p = 0.01), and patients with signs of allodynia and/or temporal summation tended to be prescribed fewer NSAIDs (57% vs. 78%, p = 0.04). There was no difference in the duration of the treatments between the groups. QST/CPM testing appears to provide more targeted therapeutic options resulting in the overall drop in polypharmacy and reduced use of interventional treatments while remaining at least as effective as the standard of care.

Inclusive pedagogy in Health Sciences Spanish faculties: Educational resources and methodologies for all students.

This article presents the educational practices carried out by Spanish faculty members of Health Sciences to attend to student diversity. A total of 19 faculty members of this area of knowledge suggested by their disabled students participated in the study. Following a qualitative methodology, individual semi-structured interviews were used for the gathering of data. The collected data were analysed through an inductive system of categories and codes. The results show the learning resources that the participants employed to allow all students to make use of them, as well as the teaching methods and strategies that they applied to achieve the active participation and learning of every student. Moreover, the participants commented on the reasonable adjustments that they made when they had a disabled student in their classrooms. Finally, the results were compared to those of other analogous studies, highlighting the keys that could help other faculty members to develop more inclusive practices.

Ceftriaxone and clavulanic acid induce antiallodynia and anti-inflammatory effects in rats using the carrageenan model.

INTRODUCTION: Ceftriaxone (CFX) and clavulanic acid (CA) are 2 ß-lactam molecules widely used as antibiotics. However, several reports of their antiallodynic properties have been published in recent years. Although this effect has been considered mostly due to a GLT1 overexpression, these molecules have also been proven to induce direct immunomodulation. In this work, we determine the acute analgesic effect of CFX and CA in an inflammatory pain model and assess if their administration may induce anti-inflammatory effects. METHODS: The carrageenan (Carr) test was used as an inflammatory pain model. Both mechanical and thermal responses were analyzed after CFX and CA administration at different times. A plethysmometer was used to determine inflammation. Also, TNF-α and IL-10 serum concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Both CFX and CA induced a significant thermal antiallodynic effect 3 and 24 h after administration. Furthermore, CA induced a mechanical antiallodynic effect 30, 60, and 90 min after administration. Moreover, a significant anti-inflammatory effect was found for both molecules 24 h after Carr injection. Also, both CA and CFX modulated TNF-α and IL-10 serum concentrations at different times. CONCLUSION: Our results provide evidence that both CFX and CA cause an analgesic effect on a Carr inflammatory pain model and that said analgesic effect differs between each ß-lactam molecule. Furthermore, this effect may be related to an anti-inflammatory effect of both molecules and a direct TNF-α and IL-10 serum concentration modulation.

Profesorado universitario y educación inclusiva: respondiendo a sus necesidades de formación / University teaching staff and inclusive education: responding to their training needs / Professorado universitário e educação inclusiva: respondendo a suas necessidades de formação

Este artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación cuyo objetivo era diseñar, desarrollar y evaluar un programa de formación sobre educación inclusiva y discapacidad dirigido al profesorado universitario. Mediante el uso de una metodología cualitativa, se realizó la evaluación en tres momentos: una evaluación inicial de las necesidades de formación de los participantes; una evaluación de proceso durante el desarrollo del programa; y una evaluación final de los resultados una vez concluida la formación. Los instrumentos empleados para la recogida de datos fueron la entrevista semi-estructurada individual y grupal, el cuestionario abierto y la observación. Este trabajo ofrece una visión sobre las principales necesidades de formación de los 20 participantes y cómo el programa da respuesta a éstas, exponiendo los aprendizajes más relevantes adquiridos por los docentes y contrastándolos con la situación de partida. Finalmente, en las conclusiones se expone una discusión de los resultados con otras investigaciones previas.

This article presents the results of a research whose objective was to design, develop and evaluate a training program on inclusive education and disability aimed at university teaching staff. Through the use of a qualitative methodology, the evaluation was carried out in three moments: an initial evaluation of the training needs of the participants; a process evaluation during the development of the program; and a final evaluation of the results once the training is completed. The instruments used for the data collection were the semi-structured individual and group interview, the open questionnaire and the observation. This work offers a vision about the main training needs of the 20 participants and how the program responds to them, exposing the most relevant learning acquired by the teachers and contrasting them with the starting situation. Finally, the conclusions show a discussion of the results of other previous investigations.

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa cujo objetivo era conceber, desenvolver e avaliar um programa de formação sobre educação inclusiva e deficiência dirigido aos professores universitários. Mediante o uso de uma metodologia qualitativa, realizou-se a avaliação em três momentos: avaliação inicial das necessidades de formação dos participantes; avaliação do processo durante o desenvolvimento do programa e avaliação final dos resultados uma vez concluída a formação. Os instrumentos empregados para a coleta de dados foram a entrevista semiestruturada individual e grupal, o questionário aberto e a observação. Este estudo oferece uma visão sobre as principais necessidades de formação dos 20 participantes e como o programa da resposta a estas, expondo as aprendizagens mais relevantes adquiridos pelos docentes e confrontando-as com a situação de inicial. Finalmente, nas conclusões se expõe uma discussão dos resultados com outras pesquisas prévias.

The impact of a faculty training program on inclusive education and disability.

This paper describes the knowledge gained by 20 faculty members following their participation in a training program on inclusive education and disability. The study, which was conducted at an university in Spain, aimed to design, implement and evaluate a program for training faculty members to respond in an inclusive manner to the needs of students with disabilities. An initial, formative and summative qualitative evaluation was carried out and four instruments were used for collecting the data: group and individual interviews, written open-ended questionnaires and observations. The data were analyzed inductively, using a category and code system. The results reveal that, after the training program, faculty considered what they had learned to be useful for their professional practice and highlighted that they felt better-informed and better-trained in relation to disability and were more aware of the needs of students with disabilities. Finally, in the conclusions section, the paper discusses the results in relation to those reported by other studies, and offers some recommendations for universities planning to implement training policies designed to build more inclusive learning environments.

Evaluación de un posible modelo experimental de aterosclerosis carotídea en conejos hipercolesterolémicos / Assessment of a possible experimental model of carotid atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Se evaluó la utilidad de un procedimiento experimental para desarrollar aterosclerosis carotídea en conejos. Se estudiaron 18 animales divididos en 3 grupos, con 6 animales cada uno. Los animales fueron alimentados mediante pienso suplementado con 0,5 y 1 porciento de colesterol (grupos I y II, respectivamente), en tanto el III (control) solo con pienso. Se hicieron determinaciones bioquímicas antes de comenzar el experimento y en las semanas 4, 8 y 12, posteriores a la dieta. Se observó un aumento significativo en el peso de los animales de los grupos I y II en la semana 8 para p < 0,05, se mantuvieron sin variaciones la hemoglobina y el hematócrito. El colesterol mostró un incremento significativo para los grupos I y II a partir de la semana 4 hasta el final. El estudio morfométrico dio como resultado que en los animales del grupo II en ambas carótidas había presencia de estrías adiposas, lo que demostró la utilidad de este modelo de aterosclerosis carotídea

Comparación del efecto hipocolesterolémico de la colestina con la colestiramina / Comparison of the hypocholesteremic effect of cholestene with that of cholestyramine

Se comparó el efecto hipocolesterolémico de la colestiramina con la colestina, 2 fármacos de similar mecanismo de acción, en conejos. Nueva Zelandia que recibieron estos productos incorporados al pienso en una dosis del 2 por ciento durante 45 días. Al término de estudio se encontró en los grupos de animales que recibieron la colestiramina y la colestina una disminución significativa (p < 0,01) de las concentraciones del colesterol sérico con respecto a los niveles de pretratamiento y con el grupo control. Las reducciones del colesterol sérico obtenidas con ambos fármacos fueron 35,5 y 36 por ciento respectivamente. El resto de las variables lipídicas estudiadas no sufrieron cambios de consideración. Los resultados demuestran que la colestina tiene un efecto hipocolesterolémico similar al de la colestiramina

Valor predictivo de la determinacion de lipidos hematicos en la enfermedad aterosclerotica / Predictive value of blood lipid determinations in atherosclerosis

Se realizo un estudio de 103 casos y 103 controles pareados segun la edad y el sexo, con el proposito de conocer la sensibilidad, la especificidad y el valor predictivo de la determinacion de lipidos hematicos en relacion con la aterosclerosis, asi como medir la asociacion causal entre ellos, en el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de julio de 1990 hasta el 1 de julio de 1991. La prueba apolipoproteina B, fue la mas sensible, especifica y de mayor valor predictivo para la cardiopatia isquemica, mientras que para la aterosclerosis obliterante de los miembros inferiores, esta prueba evidencio una mayor sensibilidad y un mayor valor predictivo negativo. Se demostro la existencia de asociacion causal entre el incremento de los lipidos sanguineos y la aparicion de aterosclerosis

Peroxidos lipidicos, colesterol, fosfolípidos y vitamina E en eritrocitos de diabéticos con macroangiopatía / Lipids peroxides, cholesterol, phospholipids and vitamin E in erythrocytes of diabetic patients with macroangiopathy

Se estudiaron en 31 pacientes diabéticos no insulinodependientes con macroangiopatía de la pierna y/o el pie niveles sanguíneos de colesterol total, HDL-colesterol, triglicéridos, peróxidos lípidicos y vitamina E, mientras que en el eritrocito se determinaron las concentraciones de colesterol, fosfolípidos, peróxidos lipidicos y vitamina E; se encontraron en los eritrocitos de los diabéticos niveles elevados de peróxidos lipidicos (p<0,001) y de la relación colesterol/fosfolípidos (p<0,01) así como niveles disminuidos de vitamina E (p<0,001). En los parámetros lipídicos estudiados en la circulación sanguínea lo más significativo fue un aumento en la concentración de peróxidos lipídicos (p<0,01). Al correlacionarse entre sí las variables bioquímicas estudiadas en los eritrocitos se encontró una correlación negativa entre los niveles de vitamina E y el colesterol (r=0,58; p<0,05)

Vitamina C y angiopatía diabética / Vitamin C and diabetic angiopathy

Se estudió el efecto de diferentes dosis de vitamina C (2,3 y 4g/dia) sobre los niveles de esta vitamina en plasma y en los leucocitos en un grupo de 35 pacientes diabéticos tipo II con macroangiopatía de la pierna y del pie, de ambos sexos (15 mujeres y 20 hombres) con una edad promedio de 62 años (44-82 años). Los pacientes fueron distribuídos aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos incluído el de referencia (placebo). Al analizar los resultados obtenidos antes, y ocho semanas después del tratamiento, encontramos un aumento significativo (p<0,001) en los niveles de ésta en plasma, en los grupos de 3 y 4 g/día, así como en los leucocitos de este último grupo. No hubo cambios significativos en los niveles de glicemia. Al comparar los grupos entre sí, observamos que los mejores resultados fueron obtenidos en el que ingería 4g/día de vitamina C, donde se lograron niveles superiores a los considerados normales para la población sana

Cinc, cobre y metabolismo lipídico en pacientes con angiopatía diabética / Zinc, copper and lipid metabolism in patients with diabetic angiopathy

Se estudiaron 36 diabéticos tipo II, 14 hombres y 22 mujeres con macroangiopatía diabética de la pierna y del pie y 29 sujetos sanos, 13 hombres y 16 mujeres sin afectaciones vasculares periféricas chequeados clínicamente. A todos los casos se les determinó cinc, cobre, colesterol, lipoproteínas de alta densidad, unidas al colesterol (HDL-colesterol), triglicéridos y glicemia. Se encontró un aumento significativo de las concentraciones de cinc (p<0,01), la relación cinc/cobre (p<0,01), colesterol total (p<0,01), triglicéridos (p<0,01) y glicemia (p<0,01). Al compararse los dos grupos estudiados, no se encontraron diferencias significativas para las concentraciones de cobre y HDL-colesteron. Al someter las determinaciones antes señaladas a un análisis de correlación simple no se halló correlación alguna en el grupo de diabéticos, mientras que en el grupo control se observó una ligera correlación (r=0,39, p<0,05) entre el cinc y el colesterol total

Relación entre la respuesta individual a la heparina y la actividad lipolítica / Relationship between individual response to heparin and lipolysis activity

Se estudiaron 55 pacientes ambulatorios, de ambos sexos (28 hombres y 27 mujeres), con una edad promedio de 60,93 años (32-80 años) que presentaban menos del 120% de sobrepeso. Fueron divididos en dos grupos normo o hiporreactor a la heparina de acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos en la prueba de tolerancia a la heparina (PTH). Cada grupo fue comparable en edad, talla y tanto por ciento de sobrepeso. De acuerdo con esta clasificación no hubo diferencias significativas en la actividad del sistema lipolítico al comparar los grupos entre sí. Se identificaron dos grupos de pacientes con sensibilidades diferentes a la heparina mediante un análisis de Clusters. Se encontró un descenso significativo (p<0,05) en las actividades del sistema lipolítico total y de la lipasa lipoproteica, así como un aumento (p<0,05) en los niveles endógenos de heparina en el grupo con tipo II de respuesta, al compararlos con el tipo I. No se encontraron cambios de trascendencia en las actividades de la lipasa basal y hepática al comparar los grupos entre sí