Fine-tuned nitric oxide and hormone interface in plant root development and regeneration.

Plant root growth and developmental capacities reside in a few stem cells of the root apical meristem (RAM). Maintenance of these stem cells requires regenerative divisions of the initial stem cell niche (SCN) cells, self-maintenance, and proliferative divisions of the daughter cells. This ensures sufficient cell diversity to guarantee the development of complex root tissues in the plant. Damage in the root during growth involves the formation of a new post-embryonic root, a process known as regeneration. Post-embryonic root development and organogenesis processes include primary root development and SCN maintenance, plant regeneration, and the development of adventitious and lateral roots. These developmental processes require a fine-tuned balance between cell proliferation and maintenance. An important regulator during root development and regeneration is the gasotransmitter nitric oxide (NO). In this review we have sought to compile how NO regulates cell rate proliferation, cell differentiation, and quiescence of SCNs, usually through interaction with phytohormones, or other molecular mechanisms involved in cellular redox homeostasis. NO exerts a role on molecular components of the auxin and cytokinin signaling pathways in primary roots that affects cell proliferation and maintenance of the RAM. During root regeneration, a peak of auxin and cytokinin triggers specific molecular programs. Moreover, NO participates in adventitious root formation through its interaction with players of the brassinosteroid and cytokinin signaling cascade. Lately, NO has been implicated in root regeneration under hypoxia conditions by regulating stem cell specification through phytoglobins.

Severe SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia and Pneumomediastinum/Pneumothorax: A Prospective Observational Study in an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of pneumomediastinum (PM) and/or pneumothorax (PTX) in patients with severe pneumonia due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was evaluated. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted in patients admitted to the intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU) of a COVID-19 monographic hospital in Madrid (Spain) between December 14, 2020 and September 28, 2021. All patients had a diagnosis of severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and required noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS): high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP). The incidences of PM and/or PTX, overall and by NIRS, and their impact on the probabilities of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and death were studied. RESULTS: A total of 1306 patients were included. 4.3% (56/1306) developed PM/PTX, 3.8% (50/1306) PM, 1.6% (21/1306) PTX, and 1.1% (15/1306) PM + PTX. 16.1% (9/56) of patients with PM/PTX had HFNC alone, while 83.9% (47/56) had HFNC + CPAP/BiPAP. In comparison, 41.7% (521/1250) of patients without PM and PTX had HFNC alone (odds ratio [OR] 0.27; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.13-0.55; p < .001), while 58.3% (729/1250) had HFNC + CPAP/BiPAP (OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.81-7.68; p < .001). The probability of needing IMV among patients with PM/PTX was 67.9% (36/53) (OR 7.46; 95% CI 4.12-13.50; p < .001), while it was 22.1% (262/1185) among patients without PM and PTX. Mortality among patients with PM/PTX was 33.9% (19/56) (OR 4.39; 95% CI 2.45-7.85; p < .001), while it was 10.5% (131/1250) among patients without PM and PTX. CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted to the IRCU for severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia requiring NIRS, incidences of PM/PTX, PM, PTX, and PM + PTX were observed to be 4.3%, 3.8%, 1.6%, and 1.1%, respectively. Most patients with PM/PTX had HFNC + CPAP/BiPAP as the NIRS device, much more frequently than patients without PM and PTX. The probabilities of IMV and death among patients with PM/PTX were 64.3% and 33.9%, respectively, higher than those observed in patients without PM and PTX, which were 21.0% and 10.5%, respectively.

Next-generation sequencing of bile cell-free DNA for the early detection of patients with malignant biliary strictures.

OBJECTIVE: Despite significant progresses in imaging and pathological evaluation, early differentiation between benign and malignant biliary strictures remains challenging. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used to investigate biliary strictures, enabling the collection of bile. We tested the diagnostic potential of next-generation sequencing (NGS) mutational analysis of bile cell-free DNA (cfDNA). DESIGN: A prospective cohort of patients with suspicious biliary strictures (n=68) was studied. The performance of initial pathological diagnosis was compared with that of the mutational analysis of bile cfDNA collected at the time of first ERCP using an NGS panel open to clinical laboratory implementation, the Oncomine Pan-Cancer Cell-Free assay. RESULTS: An initial pathological diagnosis classified these strictures as of benign (n=26), indeterminate (n=9) or malignant (n=33) origin. Sensitivity and specificity of this diagnosis were 60% and 100%, respectively, as on follow-up 14 of the 26 and eight of the nine initially benign or indeterminate strictures resulted malignant. Sensitivity and specificity for malignancy of our NGS assay, herein named Bilemut, were 96.4% and 69.2%, respectively. Importantly, one of the four Bilemut false positives developed pancreatic cancer after extended follow-up. Remarkably, the sensitivity for malignancy of Bilemut was 100% in patients with an initial diagnosis of benign or indeterminate strictures. Analysis of 30 paired bile and tissue samples also demonstrated the superior performance of Bilemut. CONCLUSION: Implementation of Bilemut at the initial diagnostic stage for biliary strictures can significantly improve detection of malignancy, reduce delays in the clinical management of patients and assist in selecting patients for targeted therapies.

Nitric oxide function during oxygen deprivation in physiological and stress processes.

Plants are aerobic organisms that have evolved to maintain specific requirements for oxygen (O2), leading to a correct respiratory energy supply during growth and development. There are certain plant developmental cues and biotic or abiotic stress responses where O2 is scarce. This O2 deprivation known as hypoxia may occur in hypoxic niches of plant-specific tissues and during adverse environmental cues such as pathogen attack and flooding. In general, plants respond to hypoxia through a complex reprogramming of their molecular activities with the aim of reducing the impact of stress on their physiological and cellular homeostasis. This review focuses on the fine-tuned regulation of hypoxia triggered by a network of gaseous compounds that includes O2, ethylene, and nitric oxide. In view of recent scientific advances, we summarize the molecular mechanisms mediated by phytoglobins and by the N-degron proteolytic pathway, focusing on embryogenesis, seed imbibition, and germination, and also specific structures, most notably root apical and shoot apical meristems. In addition, those biotic and abiotic stresses that comprise hypoxia are also highlighted.

Microglia is associated with p-Tau aggregates in the olfactory bulb of patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

The olfactory bulb (OB) seems to be the first affected structure in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Lewy body dementia (LBD). Deposits of protein aggregates, increased dopaminergic neurons, and decreased cholinergic inputs have all been described in the OB of these diseases. We investigated here the contribution of the activated microglial cells to the increased deposits of protein aggregates. We quantified the number of activated microglial cells and astrocytes in the OB of patients with histological diagnosis of PD (n = 5), AD (n = 13), and LBD (n = 7) and aged-matched controls (n = 8). Specific consensus diagnostic criteria were applied for AD, LBD, and PD. Protein aggregates were scored in the OB as grade 0, none; grade 1, mild; grade 2, moderate; and grade 3, severe. OB sections from the 33 subjects were stained with specific antibodies markers for reactive astrocytes (GFAP) and microglial cells (Iba1 and HLA-DR). The total number of Iba1-ir (Iba-immunoreactive) and HLAD-DR cells was estimated by stereological analysis, while quantification of astrocytes was performed by GFAP optical density. Statistical analysis was done using the Stata 12.0 software. The number of microglia and activated microglia cells (HLA-RD-ir) was increased in patients with neurodegenerative diseases (p < 0.05). Moreover, the density of GFAP-ir cells was higher in the OB of patients. Neither the number of microglia cells nor the density of astrocytes correlated with the number of b-amyloid and alpha-synuclein deposits, but the density of Iba1-ir cells correlated with the number of p-Tau aggregates. Activated microglial cells and reactive astrocytes are present in the OB of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. The lack of correlation between the number of activated microglia cells and protein deposits indicate that they might independently contribute to the degenerative process. The presence of microglia is related to phosphorylated Tau deposits in neurodegenerative diseases.

Does the Aged Simulation Suit help nursing students provide better care? - A phenomenological study.

BACKGROUND: The use of simulation in the training of nurses has increased in the last decades, allowing the acquisition and development of several competencies. OBJECTIVE: Understand the experiences of nursing students who used the aged simulation suit. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative study of a phenomenological nature. The participants were nursing students, who used the aged simulation suit. Data collection was made through the interview, and the data analysis was performed following the Giorgi phenomenological method. RESULTS: Three themes reflect the essence of the experience: Wear the skin of the elderly; Confrontation with their own ageing process; Skills development. CONCLUSION: If, on the one hand, the students who used the aged simulation suit experienced sensory and motor impairment and consequent confrontation with their own ageing process, on the other hand, they experienced the development of scientific, relational and citizenship skills. It is expected that the results of this work will foster the use of the aged simulation suit as a complementary methodology, with potential impact on the quality of care and health gains.

Experiences and outcomes following diagnosis of congenital foetal anomaly and medical termination of pregnancy: A phenomenological study.

AIM: To determine and describe the experiences of pregnant women who receive a diagnosis of chromosomopathy and/or foetal malformation during a prenatal check-up and who decide to legally terminate the pregnancy. BACKGROUND: When a pregnancy is terminated, the woman must cope with frustrated motherhood. The psychological consequences of this will largely depend on the care and support provided by health professionals. When a congenital anomaly is diagnosed, a patient-centred communication helps understanding, influences adaptation to the new situation and ensures the person concerned has sufficient (autonomy or independence or ability) to make appropriate decisions. METHODS: A qualitative study, based on a phenomenological approach, was carried out through nonparticipant observation and semi-structured interviews with 27 obstetric patients. NVivo 11 software was used, and content analysis was performed. The manuscript was developed using the COREQ guidelines to inform qualitative studies. RESULTS: The clinical relationship may be affected by communication problems such as patients' perceptions of scarce emotional involvement by obstetricians, by poor psychosocial support during the termination of the pregnancy and by insufficient follow-up after discharge. CONCLUSION: Nurses are in a privileged position to promote the empowerment of affected women. It is necessary to improve aspects related to the privacy of patients and the awareness and training of the interdisciplinary team in interpersonal communication. Post-loss follow-up is recommended to assess individual needs, thus facilitating an optimal approach to ease the grieving process. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: During the prenatal diagnosis, the existence of a fetal anomaly is emphasized, but support and follow up of the mother may be neglected; therefore, exhaustive knowledge about the obstetric history, the state of health and the expectations of patients is as important as a multidisciplinary team trained in counseling strategies and with a comprehensive care plan that covers all areas, especially those that control maternal emotions.

Socioeconomic Status and Health Services Utilization for Children With Complex Chronic Conditions Liable to Receive Nurse-Led Services: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIM: To analyze the use of health services for children with severe chronic diseases, seeking to identify patterns of use according to sociodemographic and clinical conditions, and to identify unmet needs of care coordination that could benefit from nursing case management services. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Children treated in ambulatory and hospital care in Granada, Spain, with complex chronic diseases in 2016 were analyzed to determine their use of healthcare resources. Socioeconomic variables were evaluated, along with clinical status and duration of their conditions. RESULTS: In total, 265 children were analyzed (mean age 7.3 years, SD 4.63; 56.6% male). The average duration of the disease was 63.26 months (SD 54.09). The most common types of disease were neurological (35.80%), congenital (23.90%), and oncological (18.90%). Multivariate analysis showed that children in need of advanced care (ß = 0.71), with a relatively recent diagnosis (ß = -0.11), with criteria for palliative care 1 (ß = -0.26), and whose mothers were older (ß = 0.36) and had a higher educational level (ß = 0.19) made greater use of healthcare resources during the preceding 12 months, whether urgent or scheduled (r2 = 78.0%, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with higher needs for advanced care have a heterogeneous use of healthcare resources depending on certain clinical and sociodemographic determinants. This finding highlights the importance of the identification of profiles of children and families for care coordination. The presence of sociodemographic determinants may need individualized approaches to assure a timely health care utilization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A significant proportion of the children used multiple health services, being treated at several centers simultaneously, and producing up to 139 total yearly contacts with the health system. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and patients' families should engage in a redesign of healthcare services for these children, providing comprehensive and coordinated systems of care for this population.

Prevalence of Aves Polyomavirus 1 and Beak and Feather Disease Virus From Exotic Captive Psittacine Birds in Chile.

Avian polyomavirus disease and psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) are both contagious viral diseases in psittacine birds with similar clinical manifestations and characterized by abnormal feathers. To determine the prevalence of Aves polyomavirus 1 (APyV) and beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) in captive, exotic psittacine birds in Chile, feathers from 250 psittacine birds, representing 17 genera, were collected and stored during the period 2013-2016. Polymerase chain reaction testing was used to detect APyV and BFDV were detected in feather bulb samples. The results indicated that 1.6% (4/250) of the samples were positive for APyV, 23.2% (58/250) were positive to BFDV, and 0.8% (2/250) were positive to both APyV and BFDV. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of APyV and BFDV prevalence in captive, exotic psittacine birds in South America. Analysis of 2 Chilean partial sequences of the gene encoding agnoprotein 1a (APyV) and the replication-associated protein (BFDV) extends the knowledge of genomic variability for both APyV and BFDV isolates and their spectrum of hosts. No geographical marker was detected for the local isolates.

Effectiveness of the Nursing Methodology in Pain Management after Major Ambulatory Surgery.

Patients undergoing a surgical intervention for the first time are unfamiliar with the perioperative context, and they usually have no knowledge of postoperative pain management. In the preoperative circuit, there is no time to educate the patient in these terms. The professional profile of nurses allows this need to be addressed, and provides a regulated language to evaluate their effectiveness. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nursing counseling during a preoperative consultation for the management of postoperative pain and its effects on patient satisfaction at hospital discharge. This quasi-experimental study assesses the efficacy of preoperative nursing intervention in two groups, control (n = 185) and intervention (n = 195). Those in the intervention group attended a preoperative session during which they received information from nursing staff and took part in activities to learn about postoperative pain management and the perioperative circuit. Control group patients underwent the standard preoperative protocol. Data were compiled from January to December 2009. Statistically significant differences existed between the two groups regarding postoperative pain (visual analogue scale >3, 20.5% versus 11.5%; p = .023), patient satisfaction (87.1% versus 78.7%; p = .041), and surgical wound complications (13.9% versus 5.5%; p = .010). The results confirm the benefits of applying the nursing methodology in preoperative clinics.

Impact of a legislative framework on quality of end-of-life care and dying in an acute hospital in Spain.

BACKGROUND: In Andalusia, Spain, a legislative framework was put in place in 2010 to guarantee dignity in dying and quality of care in the last phase of life. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine whether health professionals have incorporated the requirements of this legislation into their clinical practice and whether there have been improvements in decision-making procedures affecting the quality of dying in hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out in an acute hospital in Andalusia, Spain. Clinical records of patients who died in the Costa del Sol Hospital were evaluated before and after the new legislative framework was introduced. Participants were all the patients aged over 18 years (n=398) who died in 2009 (n=216) or 2011 (n=182) of oncological disease or non-oncological chronic disease. Bivariate analyses evaluated differences between the two periods and associations among the patients' characteristics and the context of care. RESULTS: Provision of information on measures to facilitate comfort and the relief of physical suffering increased from 15.7% to 22.0%, although this was not significant. There was a significant increase in the number of patients who received joint counselling in this regard from doctors and nurses, from 0% in 2009 to 7.1% in 2011. CONCLUSIONS: The minimal changes found 1 year after the implementation of the framework confirm that culture change is a lengthy, difficult task that cannot be achieved through laws alone.

[Characterization of asthma phenotypes in children of the tropics]. / Caracterización de fenotipos de asma en niños del trópico.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the main asthma phenotypes in a population of asthmatic children in Cartagena, Colombia. METHODS: 107 children (7 to 17 years old) with a previous diagnosis of asthma were recruited. Biomarkers of T2 inflammation were evaluated by measuring FeNO, eosinophil count in peripheral blood by hemocytometry, and determination of specific IgE to mite allergens by ELISA. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Cartagena (SGR, Grant BPIN2020000100405). RESULTS: The average age of patients was 10,9 years. 19,6% of the children did not show elevation of any of the T2 inflammation biomarkers evaluated (FeNO<20ppb, eos<300/ul, negative specific IgE), so they were considered patients with non-allergic asthma (non-T2). 71,9% of all patients were sensitized to at least one allergen, this phenotype was considered allergic asthma. 30,8% of the patients presented the three elevated biomarkers (FeNO>20ppb + eos >300/ul + positive specific IgE), this phenotype was classified as high T2 allergic asthma. A moderate correlation (Spearman rho=0,44, p<0,0001) was found between FeNO values and eosinophil counts. CONCLUSION: In this study, the following phenotypes were found: allergic asthma, high T2 asthma, and non-allergic asthma. Most patients presented a type 2 inflammatory phenotype with allergic sensitization. In addition to the measurement of specific IgE, the use of FeNO and eosinophil count in peripheral blood help to accurately determine those patients with high T2 asthma phenotypes.

OBJETIVO: Determinar los fenotipos principales de asma en una población de niños asmáticos en Cartagena, Colombia. MÉTODOS: Se reclutaron 107 niños (entre 7 y 17 años), con diagnóstico previo de asma. Se evaluaron biomarcadores de inflamación T2 mediante la medición de FeNO, conteo de eosinófilos en sangre periférica mediante hemocitometría, y la determinación de IgE específica a alergenos de ácaros mediante ELISA. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ëtica de la Universidad de Cartagena (SGR, Grant BPIN2020000100405). RESULTADOS: La edad media de los pacientes fue de 10,9 años. El 19,6% de los niños no mostró elevación de ninguno de los biomarcadores de inflamación T2 evaluados (FeNO<20 ppb, eos<300/ul, IgE específica negativa), por lo que se consideraron como pacientes con asma no alérgica (no-T2). El 71,9% de todos los pacientes estaban sensibilizados al menos a un alergeno considerándose este fenotipo como asma alérgica. El 30,8% de los pacientes presentaron los tres biomarcadores elevados (FeNO>20 ppb + eos >300/ul + IgE específica positiva), clasificando este fenotipo como asma alérgica T2 alta. Se encontró una correlación moderada (Spearman rho=0,44, p<0,0001) entre los valores de FeNO y los conteos de eosinófilos. CONCLUSIÓN: En este estudio se encontraron los siguientes fenotipos de asma alérgica: asma T2 alta y asma no alérgica. La mayoría de los pacientes presentó un fenotipo inflamatorio tipo 2 con sensibilización alérgica. Además de la medición de la IgE específica, el uso del FeNO y los conteos de eosinófilos en sangre periférica ayudan a determinar con mayor exactitud a aquellos pacientes con fenotipos de asma T2 alto.

Effect of the Early Combination of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and High-Flow Nasal Cannula on Mortality and Intubation Rates in Patients With COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The DUOCOVID Study.

INTRODUCTION: Non invasive respiratory support (NIRS) is useful for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to COVID-19, mainly in mild-moderate stages. Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) seems superior to other NIRS, prolonged periods of use and poor adaptation may contribute to its failure. The combination of CPAP sessions and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) breaks could improve comfort and keep respiratory mechanics stable without reducing the benefits of positive airway pressure (PAP). Our study aimed to determine if HFNC+CPAP initiates early lower mortality and endotracheal intubation (ETI) rates. METHODS: Subjects were admitted to the intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU) of a COVID-19 monographic hospital between January and September 2021. They were divided according to Early HFNC+CPAP (first 24h, EHC group) and Delayed HFNC+CPAP (after 24h, DHC group). Laboratory data, NIRS parameters, and the ETI and 30-day mortality rates were collected. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the risk factors associated with these variables. RESULTS: The median age of the 760 included patients was 57 (IQR 47-66), who were mostly male (66.1%). The median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 2 (IQR 1-3) and 46.8% were obese. The median PaO2/FiO2 upon IRCU admission was 95 (IQR 76-126). The ETI rate in the EHC group was 34.5%, with 41.8% for the DHC group (p=0.045), while 30-day mortality was 8.2% and 15.5%, respectively (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Particularly in the first 24h after IRCU admission, the HFNC+CPAP combination was associated with a reduction in the 30-day mortality and ETI rates in patients with ARDS secondary to COVID-19.

Clinical Findings and Outcomes From Subjects With COVID-19 Pneumonia in an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with COVID-19 require respiratory support and close monitoring. Intermediate respiratory care units (IRCU) may be valuable to optimally and adequately implement noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) to decrease clinical failure. We aimed at describing intubation and mortality in a novel facility entirely dedicated to COVID-19 and to establish their outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study performed at one hospital in Spain. We included consecutive subjects age > 18 y, admitted to IRCU with COVID-19 pneumonia, and requiring NRS between December 2020-September 2021. Data collected included mode and usage of NRS, laboratory findings, endotracheal intubation, and mortality at day 30. A multivariable Cox model was used to assess risk factors associated with clinical failure and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 1,306 subjects were included; 64.6% were male with mean age of 54.7 y. During the IRCU stay, 345 subjects clinically failed NRS (85.5% intubated; 14.5% died). Cox model showed a higher clinical failure in IRCU upon onset of symptoms and hospitalization was < 10 d (hazard ratio [HR] 1.59 [95% CI 1.24-2.03], P < .001) and PaO2 /FIO2 < 100 mm Hg (HR 1.59 [95% CI 1.27-1.98], P < .001). These variables were not associated with increased 30-d mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The IRCU was a valuable option to manage subjects with COVID-19 requiring NRS, thus reducing ICU overload. Male sex, gas exchange, and blood chemistry at admission were associated with worse prognosis, whereas older age, gas exchange, and blood chemistry were associated with 30-d mortality. These findings may provide a basis for better understanding outcomes and to improve management of noninvasively ventilated patients with COVID-19.

Effectiveness of Reminiscence Therapy versus Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in Older Adults with Cognitive Decline: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study.

Cognitive impairment can represent a predecessor to neuro-degenerative processes; however, evidence suggests that non-pharmacologic interventions such as reminiscence therapy (RT) and cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) can potentially stabilize or reverse this trend. Community-based settings are widely regarded as the key area of intervention by healthcare professionals in this field. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of an RT and a CST program in the cognition, depressive symptomatology, and quality of life (QoL) of older adults with cognitive decline who attend community support structures (CSS) in central Portugal. A quasi-experimental study with two arms (RT and CST program) was conducted for seven weeks. Participants were allocated to each arm based on the CSS they attended. Of the 109 older adults initially screened, 76 completed the intervention (50 in the RT program and 26 in the CST program). A pre- and post-intervention analysis showed statistically significant differences in older adults' cognition, especially in their delayed recall ability, in both groups. Older adults in the RT program evidence improved QoL scores post-intervention. Both the RT and CST programs implemented throughout the study are beneficial to older adults' cognitive performance, although results are more pronounced in the earlier stages of cognitive decline. Participation in the RT program was associated with improvements in older adults' QoL scores.

What Is the Relationship between Lifestyle and Frailty Status? Data from the Portuguese Multicentre Descriptive Study.

This observational and descriptive study attempted, within the scope of the ModulEn Research Project, to determine associations between lifestyle-related variables and frailty involving 160 community-dwelling older adults aged between 65 and 80 years living in the Central Region of Portugal. Forty-three percent of the study participants were pre-frail and 18% were frail. More than 50% of the frail people had slight cognitive decline, and the frailty condition was more frequently observed in women. As the literature highlights, there is potential for greater reversibility in the pre-frailty condition. To contribute to this reversibility, it is necessary to resort to interventions that promote physical activity and cognitive stimulation, apply adequate eating habits, and/or encourage the adoption of an active and socially integrated lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle implies good sleep and eating habits, and correct metabolic control that allows for effective surveillance of dyslipidemia, diabetes, and blood pressure.

Development of sandwich ELISA and lateral flow immunoassay to detect almond in processed food.

Almond (Prunus dulcis) represents a potential allergenic hazard that should be included in Allergen Control Plans. In this study, sandwich ELISA and lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), using amandin (Pru du 6) as the target protein, were developed to detect almond in processed food and validated according to international guides. ELISA could detect 2 ng/mL and LFIA 30 ng/mL of pure amandin. No cross-reactivity was found on a panel of 50 food commodities with the exception of Pecan nut, Brazil nut and chestnut for which the cross-reactivity was lower than 0.02%. Furthermore, ELISA and LFIA were able to detect 0.12 and 0.70 ppm of almond protein in foods spiked with almond extract whereas 0.20 and 2.0 ppm could be detected in baked cookies incurred with almond, respectively. Both techniques could be applied for food manufacturers and control agencies for monitoring the presence of almond traces in food and working surfaces.

Psychosocial Factors in Adolescence and Risk of Development of Eating Disorders.

Background: current findings in the etiopathogenesis of eating disorders (ED) do not allow the formulation of a unique causal model. Currently, the main hypotheses about the etiopathogenesis are based on a multifactorial approach, considering both genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic and behavioral factors, as well as self-esteem, in students of the first cycle of middle school and the probability of belonging to the risk group of eating disorders (ED) measured through the EAT-26 scale. Methods: The study target population consists of students of the first cycle of middle school. The instruments applied to the population consisted in: (1) a survey of sociodemographic data and behavioral variables; (2) Rosenberg's self-esteem test; and (3) EAT Test (Eating Attitudes Test 26). Results: Of a total of 656 students belonging to eight educational centers in Madrid who were offered to participate in the study, 88.6% (n = 579) answered the whole questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 13.7 years old. Of the participating adolescents, 57.3% were male and the remaining 42.7% (n = 260) were female. A significant relationship was observed between self-esteem and belonging to an ED risk group, with an OR = 0.910 (CI 95% 0.878−0.943). Hence, each one-point increase on the self-esteem dimension decreased the risk of belonging to an ED risk group by 9.5%. In the variables considered in the area of dysfunctional feeding patterns, the variables 'number of meals' (p < 0.01), 'dieting' (p < 0.01), and 'drug consumption to lose weight' (p < 0.01) were found to be related to the risk of belonging to the ED group. Conclusions: The results obtained in our research can help to establish explanatory models that include the understanding of the interaction of the different factors that influence the appearance and development of EDs. Therefore, these should be taken into consideration when developing ED preventive programs.

Ultrasensitive detection of soy traces by immunosensing of glycinin and ß-conglycinin at disposable electrochemical platforms.

This work reports the first electrochemical bioplatform for the determination of soy traces in food. The bioplatform involves sandwich-type immunoassays using specific antibodies for ß-conglycinin and glycinin, which are the main allergenic soy proteins, and carboxylic acid-modified magnetic microbeads. Amperometric detection at -0.20 V (vs. an Ag pseudo-reference electrode) was performed using single or dual screen-printed carbon electrodes and the H2O2/hydroquinone (HQ) system. The measured variation in the cathodic current was directly proportional to the concentration of target allergenic proteins. The developed bioplatforms exhibit a good selectivity and sensitivity providing limits of detection (LOD) values of 0.03 and 0.02 ng mL-1 for ß-conglycinin and glycinin, respectively. The determination of both proteins can be carried out in only 1.5 h. The electrochemical bioplatforms allow their accurate determinations (with results statistically comparable to those provided by ELISA methodologies) in raw cookie dough and baked cookies enriched with soy flour. The results obtained confirm, in a pioneering way with electrochemical biosensors, the possibility of discriminating samples incurred with as little as 0.0005 ppm of a food allergen in model cookie extracts.