Beyond Parenting Socialization Years: The Relationship between Parenting Dimensions and Grandparenting Functioning.

Parental socialization has been studied mainly when is in process, but less is known about its long-term impact on older adults, particularly on one of the most important developmental tasks in later life: being a grandparent. Participants were 313 Spanish grandparents. The present study examined the relationship between parenting and its impacts in the long term, when the child is a grandparent. The variables examined were parenting (parental warmth and parental strictness) and grandparenting functioning (satisfaction with life, meaning of life, parent-adult child relationship quality, emotional closeness with grandchildren, and role overload). The statistical analyses were a correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analyses. A constant pattern between parenting and grandparenting functioning has been found. Warmth was positively associated with grandparenting functioning, as opposed to strictness, which did not show benefits for grandparents and even showed a significant negative relationship with an indicator of grandparenting functioning. Present findings highlight that, during the socialization years, greater parental warmth but not parental strictness might be of benefit for children at the end of their life (i.e., when they are grandparents) but also for their descendants because they have a better relationship with the two following generations (i.e., adult children and grandchildren).

Raising Children in Risk Neighborhoods from Chile: Examining the Relationship between Parenting Stress and Parental Adjustment.

INTRODUCTION: Parenting stress and parental adjustment could implicate key differences in the relational dynamics that parents establish with their children, particularly when families come from vulnerable social contexts. METHOD: Participants were 142 fathers and mothers from a risk neighborhood of Chile. The variables examined were parenting stress (parental distress, parent-child dysfunctional interaction and difficult child) and parental adjustment (depression, anxiety, and stress). Parents also completed a sociodemographic characterization survey. The statistical analyses were a correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, not all components of parenting stress were related to parental adjustment. Only parental distress was found as a significant predictor of poor parental adjustment (greater depression, anxiety, and stress), but not parent-child dysfunctional interaction and having a difficult child. CONCLUSIONS: The present study findings highlight the influence of stress on parenting as a relevant dimension of research for the improvement of the intervention deployed by the state regarding the protection of vulnerable Chilean children, providing multiple clinical and psychosocial applications for research and intervention purposes.

A double safety lock tumor-specific device for suicide gene therapy in breast cancer.

The complexity and continuous evolution of cancer make the design of novel strategies of treatment a constant challenge in biomedicine. Moreover, most of cancer treatments are still not tumor-specific and provoke high systemic toxicity. Herein we have developed a novel selective nanodevice to eliminate tumor cells while leaving healthy ones intact. To achieve this objective, a polyplex carrier, comprising an elastin like-recombinamer covalently conjugated to an aptamer and complexed with therapeutic DNA, was tested. This carrier forms a double-lock multifunctional device due to specific binding to a tumor cell marker and the selective expression of therapeutic DNA inside human breast-cancer cells. Due to the stability provided by ELRs, the homogeneous population of polyplexes obtained showed selective toxicity against cancer cells in in vitro and in vivo assay. Inhibition of tumor progression was detected early being very significant at the end point, with a dose-dependent reduction in tumor mass. Histological studies revealed a specific reduction in tumor parenchyma and in specific tumor cell markers. These results represent an important step toward the rational development of an efficient, safe and more specialized gene-delivery device for tumor therapy.

Elastin-like recombinamer-based devices releasing Kv1.3 blockers for the prevention of intimal hyperplasia: An in vitro and in vivo study.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cardiovascular disorder. Vascular surgery strategies for coronary revascularization (either percutaneous or open) show a high rate of failure because of restenosis of the vessel, due to phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) leading to proliferation and migration. We have previously reported that the inhibition of Kv1.3 channel function with selective blockers represents an effective strategy for the prevention of restenosis in human vessels used for coronary angioplasty procedures. However, delivery systems for controlled release of these drugs have not been investigated. Here we tested the efficacy of several formulations of elastin like recombinamers (ELRs) hydrogels to deliver the Kv1.3 blocker PAP-1 in various restenosis models. The dose and time course of PAP-1 release from ELRs click hydrogels was able to inhibit human VSMC proliferation in vitro as well as remodeling of human vessels in organ culture and restenosis in in vivo models. We conclude that this combination of active compound and advanced delivery method could improve the outcomes of vascular surgery in patients. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Vascular surgery strategies for coronary revascularization show a high rate of failure, because of occlusion (restenosis) of the vessel, due to vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration. We have previously reported that blockers of Kv1.3 channels represent an effective anti-restenosis therapy, but delivery systems for their controlled release have not being explored. Here we tested the efficacy of several formulations of elastin like recombinamers (ELRs) hydrogels to deliver the Kv1.3 blocker PAP-1 in various restenosis models, both in vivo and in vitro, and also in human vessels. We demonstrated that combination of active compound and advanced delivery method could improve the outcomes of vascular surgery in patients.

Oxidative Stress, Telomere Shortening, and Apoptosis Associated to Sarcopenia and Frailty in Patients with Multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND: The presence of oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and apoptosis in polypathological patients (PP) with sarcopenia and frailty remains unknown. METHODS: Multicentric prospective observational study in order to assess oxidative stress markers (catalase, glutathione reductase (GR), total antioxidant capacity to reactive oxygen species (TAC-ROS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), absolute telomere length (aTL), and apoptosis (DNA fragmentation) in peripheral blood samples of a hospital-based population of PP. Associations of these biomarkers to sarcopenia, frailty, functional status, and 12-month mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 444 recruited patients, 97 (21.8%), 278 (62.6%), and 80 (18%) were sarcopenic, frail, or both, respectively. Oxidative stress markers (lower TAC-ROS and higher SOD) were significantly enhanced and aTL significantly shortened in patients with sarcopenia, frailty or both syndromes. No evidence of apoptosis was detected in blood leukocytes of any of the patients. Both oxidative stress markers (GR, p = 0.04) and telomere shortening (p = 0.001) were associated to death risk and to less survival days. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress markers and telomere length were enhanced and shortened, respectively, in blood samples of polypathological patients with sarcopenia and/or frailty. Both were associated to decreased survival. They could be useful in the clinical practice to assess vulnerable populations with multimorbidity and of potential interest as therapeutic targets.

[Validation of the "Palliative Care Difficulties Scale (PCDS)" questionnaire in the spanish population about health professionals´ difficulties in palliative care]. / Validación del cuestionario "Palliative Care Difficulties Scale (PCDS)" en población española, sobre dificultades de profesionales sanitarios en cuidados paliativos.

OBJECTIVE: Knowing the difficulties in the application of palliative care would allow us to propose improvement strategies. The objective was to determine the metric properties of the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale (PCDS) translated and adapted to Spanish. METHODS: An instrumental validation study was designed in a regional hospital and primary care centers of a health district. 148 health professionals participated. Sociodemographic and professional variables were collected by a questionnaire about palliative care training and experience, as well as items from the PCDS. The statistical analysis was done with the SPSS 19.0 program. RESULTS: It was verified the comprehension of the translation and back translation of the questionnaire, in a pilot study with 30 professionals. Subsequently, in the survey of 118 professionals, an endorsement frequency of not more than 51% was found for content validity. As for the construct validity, the calculation of the sample adequacy, using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index obtained a value of 0.76. The principal component factor analysis reached a total variance of 73.88% with all items. The correlation of factors ranged from 0.2 to 0.3; so the Varimax rotation was established. The correlation between the items of each factor was higher than 0.6. For the reliability analysis, the internal consistency obtained a Cronbach alpha value of 0.87. In the test-retest reliability analysis, Spearman's Rho correlation for the scale was 0.81. CONCLUSIONS: It was obtained an instrument translated and culturally adapted to Spanish, with adequate validity and reliability to measure difficulties in palliative care.

OBJETIVO: Conocer las dificultades en la aplicación de cuidados paliativos, permitiría proponer estrategias de mejora. El objetivo del estudio fue validar la traducción de la "Escala de Dificultades en Cuidados Paliativos (PCDS)", traducida y adaptada al español. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio de validación instrumental, en un hospital comarcal y centros de atención primaria de un distrito sanitario. Participaron 148 profesionales sanitarios. Mediante una encuesta, recogimos variables sociodemográficas y profesionales sobre la formación y experiencia en cuidados paliativos, así como los ítems del cuestionario PCDS. El análisis estadístico se hizo con el programa SPSS 19.0. RESULTADOS: Comprobamos la comprensión de la traducción y retrotraducción del cuestionario en un estudio piloto con 30 profesionales. Posteriormente, encuestamos a 118 profesionales, encontrando una frecuencia de endose no superior al 51% para la validez de contenido. En cuanto a la validez de constructo, el cálculo de la adecuación muestral, mediante el índice de Kaiser-Meyer- Olkin obtuvo un valor de 0,76. En el análisis factorial por componentes principales encontramos una varianza total explicada del 73,88% con todos los ítems. La correlación de factores osciló entre 0,2 y 0,3, así que se estableció la rotación Varimax. La correlación entre los ítems de cada factor fue superior a 0,6. Para el análisis de fiabilidad, la consistencia interna obtuvo un valor alfa de Cronbach de 0,87. En el análisis de fiabilidad test-retest, la correlación Rho de Spearman para la escala fue de 0,81. CONCLUSIONES: Disponemos de un instrumento traducido y adaptado culturalmente al español, con validez y fiabilidad adecuadas para la medición de dificultades en cuidados paliativos.

Elastin-Like Recombinamers As Smart Drug Delivery Systems.

BACKGROUND: Drug delivery systems that are able to control the release of bioactive molecules and designed to carry drugs to target sites are of particular interest for tissue therapy. Moreover, systems comprising materials that can respond to environmental stimuli and promote self-assembly and higher order supramolecular organization are especially useful in the biomedical field. Objetive: This review focuses on biomaterials suitable for this purpose and that include elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs), a class of proteinaceous polymers bioinspired by natural elastin, designed using recombinant technologies. The self-assembly and thermoresponsive behaviour of these systems, along with their biodegradability, biocompatibility and well-defined composition as a result of their tailormade design, make them particularly attractive for controlled drug delivery. RESULTS: ELR-based delivery systems that allow targeted delivery are reviewed, especially ELR-drug recombinant fusion constructs, ELR-drug systems chemically bioconjugated in their monomeric and soluble forms, and drug encapsulation by nanoparticle-forming ELRs. Subsequently, the review focuses on those drug carriers in which smart release is triggered by pH or temperature with a particular focus on cancer treatments. Systems for controlled drug release based on depots and hydrogels that act as both a support and reservoir in which drugs can be stored will be described, and their applications in drug delivery discussed. Finally, smart drug-delivery systems not based on ELRs, including those comprising proteins, synthetic polymers and non-polymeric systems, will also be briefly discussed. CONCLUSION: Several different constructions based on ELRs are potential candidates for controlled drug delivery to be applied in advanced biomedical treatments.

Dificultades y barreras encontradas por los profesionales sanitarios en la atención de pacientes paliativos en un distrito sanitario / Difficulties and barriers found by healthcare professionals in palliative care in a healthcare district

Objetivo: Conocer las dificultades y barreras encontradas por distintos profesionales sanitarios para la asistencia a personas en cuidados paliativos. Diseño: Diseño observacional descriptivo transversal. Emplazamiento: Hospital San Juan de Dios y centros de atención primaria circundantes pertenecientes al distrito sanitario Aljarafe, Sevilla. Participantes: 118 profesionales sanitarios de estos centros: internistas, médicos de urgencias y médicos de familia, así como profesionales de enfermería de las mismas áreas asistenciales. Mediciones principales: Mediante una encuesta se recogieron variables sociodemográficas y profesionales sobre la formación y experiencia en cuidados paliativos, así como los ítems de la Escala de Dificultades en Cuidados Paliativos (PCDS, Palliative Care Difficulties Scale). Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 118 profesionales con una edad media de 42,2 años, de los cuales el 57,6 % eran mujeres. Las mayores barreras encontradas por los profesionales fueron la escasa formación en cuidados paliativos y la dificultad de acceso a la información en el domicilio, con un rango observado de entre 2,27 y 3,26. No se encuentran diferencias estadísticamente significativas al estudiar las dificultades percibidas en función de la categoría profesional. En la comparación de ámbitos asistenciales sí hay diferencias (p = 0,03): se detectan mayores dificultades en urgencias, siendo el médico de urgencias el que presenta mayor dificultad frente al internista (p < 0,01). Entre los profesionales de enfermería de los tres ámbitos asistenciales no se identifican diferencias. Conclusión: Los médicos y el personal de enfermería de urgencias son los profesionales que mayores dificultades encuentran en la prestación de cuidados paliativos en su práctica asistencial, principalmente en la coordinación interniveles y en la formación, mientras que los internistas son los que menos las perciben. (AU)

Objective: To know the difficulties and barriers found by health professionals when tending to palliative care patients in a health district. Design: a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational design. Location: The regional hospital and primary care centers of a health district. Participants: 118 healthcare professionals in said centers: internists, emergency physicians and family doctors, as well as nurses in the same healthcare areas.Main measurements: Sociodemographic and professional variables were collected on the participants’ training and experience in palliative care through a survey, as well as by using the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale (PCDS). Results: A total of 118 professionals were included, with an average age of 42.2 years and 57.6% being women. Limited training in palliative care and the difficulty of accessing information at home were the greatest barriers found by these professionals, with an observed range between 2.27 and 3.26. No statistically significant differences were found when studying the perceived difficulties according to professional category. In the comparison of care settings differences were found (p = 0.03), with greater difficulties being detected in the emergency department, and with emergency physicians having the greatest difficulty compared to internists (p < 0.01). Among the nurses in the three care areas no differences were identified. Conclusions: Emergency physicians and nurses were the professionals who experienced the greatest difficulties in providing palliative care in their care practice, while internists were the ones who reported the least difficulties. (AU)

Validación del cuestionario "Palliative Care Difficulties Scale (PCDS)" en población española, sobre dificultades de profesionales sanitarios en cuidados paliativos / Validation of the "Palliative Care Difficulties Scale (PCDS)" questionnaire in the spanish population about health professionals' difficulties in palliative care

OBJETIVO: Conocer las dificultades en la aplicación de cuidados paliativos, permitiría proponer estrategias de mejora. El objetivo del estudio fue validar la traducción de la "Escala de Dificultades en Cuidados Paliativos (PCDS)", traducida y adaptada al español. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de validación instrumental, en un hospital comarcal y centros de atención primaria de un distrito sanitario. Participaron 148 profesionales sanitarios. Mediante una encuesta, recogimos variables sociodemográficas y profesionales sobre la formación y experiencia en cuidados paliativos, así como los ítems del cuestionario PCDS. El análisis estadístico se hizo con el programa SPSS 19.0. RESULTADOS: Comprobamos la comprensión de la traducción y retrotraducción del cuestionario en un estudio piloto con 30 profesionales. Posteriormente, encuestamos a 118 profesionales, encontrando una frecuencia de endose no superior al 51% para la validez de contenido. En cuanto a la validez de constructo, el cálculo de la adecuación muestral, mediante el índice de Kaiser-Meyer- Olkin obtuvo un valor de 0,76. En el análisis factorial por componentes principales encontramos una varianza total explicada del 73,88% con todos los ítems. La correlación de factores osciló entre 0,2 y 0,3, así que se estableció la rotación Varimax. La correlación entre los ítems de cada factor fue superior a 0,6. Para el análisis de fiabilidad, la consistencia interna obtuvo un valor alfa de Cronbach de 0,87. En el análisis de fiabilidad test-retest, la correlación Rho de Spearman para la escala fue de 0,81. CONCLUSIONES: Disponemos de un instrumento traducido y adaptado culturalmente al español, con validez y fiabilidad adecuadas para la medición de dificultades en cuidados paliativos

OBJECTIVE: Knowing the difficulties in the application of palliative care would allow us to propose improvement strategies. The objective was to determine the metric properties of the Palliative Care Difficulties Scale (PCDS) translated and adapted to Spanish. METHODS: An instrumental validation study was designed in a regional hospital and primary care centers of a health district. 148 health professionals participated. Sociodemographic and professional variables were collected by a questionnaire about palliative care training and experience, as well as items from the PCDS. The statistical analysis was done with the SPSS 19.0 program. RESULTS: It was verified the comprehension of the translation and back translation of the questionnaire, in a pilot study with 30 professionals. Subsequently, in the survey of 118 professionals, an endorsement frequency of not more than 51% was found for content validity. As for the construct validity, the calculation of the sample adequacy, using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index obtained a value of 0.76. The principal component factor analysis reached a total variance of 73.88% with all items. The correlation of factors ranged from 0.2 to 0.3; so the Varimax rotation was established. The correlation between the items of each factor was higher than 0.6. For the reliability analysis, the internal consistency obtained a Cronbach alpha value of 0.87. In the test-retest reliability analysis, Spearman's Rho correlation for the scale was 0.81. CONCLUSIONS: It was obtained an instrument translated and culturally adapted to Spanish, with adequate validity and reliability to measure difficulties in palliative care

Incierta realidad de los cuidados paliativos en España / Uncertain reality of palliative care in Spain

No disponible

El resfriado común: revisión de su manejo habitual en las consultas / Common cold: review of its usual management in Primary Care

No disponible