Effects of a Mindfulness and Physical Activity Programme on Anxiety, Depression and Stress Levels in People with Mental Health Problems in a Prison: A Controlled Study.

Recent studies in the general population have shown an inverse relationship between mindfulness and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as the benefits of physical activity on these symptoms. These relationships have not yet been studied in a population with severe mental disorder (SMD) in prison, where symptoms of anxiety and depression and impulsive behaviours have a high incidence. A controlled study was developed to assess the benefits of a mindfulness-based protocol whereby elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy were evaluated and compared to an adapted sport program. Twenty-two inmates from the "El Acebuche" prison aged between 23 and 58 years old participated in this study, which included a pre-, post-, and follow-up; the majority of participants had SMD and were distributed in both conditions. The DASS-21 was obtained for its evaluation. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples indicated a significant reduction in the levels of stress and depression in the mindfulness intervention group compared to the control group in which no significant changes were observed, providing evidence on the effect of this practice in prison contexts.

Evaluation of biostimulation, bioaugmentation, and organic amendments application on the bioremediation of recalcitrant hydrocarbons of soil.

In the present work, the operational conditions for improving the degradation rates of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) in contaminated soil from a machinery park were optimized at a microcosms scale along a 90-days incubation period. In this study, bioremediation strategies and an organic amendment have been tested to verify the remediation of soil contaminated with different hydrocarbons, mineral oils, and heavy metals. Specifically, designed biostimulation and bioaugmentation strategies were compared with and without adding vermicompost. The polluted soil harboring multiple contaminants, partially attenuated for years, was used. The initial profile showed enrichment in heavy linear alkanes, suggesting a previous moderate weathering. The application of vermicompost increased five and two times the amounts of available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable potassium (K), respectively, as a direct consequence of the organic amendment addition. The microbial activity increased due to soil acidification, which influenced the solubility of P and other micronutrients. It also impacted the predominance and variability of the different microbial groups and the incubation, as reflected by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) results. An increase in the alkaline phosphatases and proteases linked to bacterial growth was displayed. This stimulation of microbial metabolism correlated with the degradation rates since TPHs degradation' efficiency after vermicompost addition reached 32.5% and 34.4% of the initial hydrocarbon levels for biostimulation and bioaugmentation, respectively. Although Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were less abundant in this soil, results also decreased, especially for the most abundant, the phenanthrene. Despite improving the degradation rates, results revealed that recalcitrant and hydrophobic petroleum compounds remained unchanged, indicating that mobility, linked to bioavailability, probably represents the limiting step for further soil recovery.

Interplay between arsenic and selenium biomineralization in Shewanella sp. O23S.

Bacteria play crucial roles in the biogeochemical cycle of arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) as these elements are metabolized via detoxification, energy generation (anaerobic respiration) and biosynthesis (e.g. selenocysteine) strategies. To date, arsenic and selenium biomineralization in bacteria were studied separately. In this study, the anaerobic metabolism of As and Se in Shewanella sp. O23S was investigated separately and mixed, with an emphasis put on the biomineralization products of this process. Multiple analytical techniques including ICP-MS, TEM-EDS, XRD, Micro-Raman, spectrophotometry and surface charge (zeta potential) were employed. Shewanella sp. O23S is capable of reducing selenate (SeO42-) and selenite (SeO32-) to red Se(-S)0, and arsenate (AsO43-) to arsenite (AsO33-). The release of H2S from cysteine led to the precipitation of AsS minerals: nanorod AsS and granular As2S3. When As and Se oxyanions were mixed, both As-S and Se(-S)0 biominerals were synthesized. All biominerals were extracellular, amorphous and presented a negative surface charge (-24 to -38 mV). Kinetic analysis indicated the following reduction yields: SeO32- (90%), AsO43- (60%), and SeO42- (<10%). The mix of SeO32- with AsO43- led to a decrease in As removal to 30%, while Se reduction yield was unaffected (88%). Interestingly, SeO42- incubated with AsO43- boosted the Se removal (71%). The exclusive extracellular formation of As and Se biominerals might indicate an extracellular respiratory process characteristic of various Shewanella species and strains. This is the first study documenting a complex interplay between As and Se oxyanions: selenite decreased arsenate reduction, whereas arsenate stimulated selenate reduction. Further investigation needs to clarify whether Shewanella sp. O23S employs multi-substrate respiratory enzymes or separate, high affinity enzymes for As and Se oxyanion respiration.

Small-incision cholecystectomy (through a cylinder retractor) under local anaesthesia and sedation: a prospective observational study of five hundred consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Transcylindrical cholecystectomy (TC) can be performed under local anaesthesia and sedation (LAS) in ambulatory surgery (AS). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and results of TC under LAS. METHODS: TC under LAS was proposed to 583 consecutive patients with cholelithiasis in an AS unit. For the TC procedure, a cylindrical retractor with a transparent plunger was inserted into the hepatocystic triangle, and cholecystectomy was performed through the retractor with reusable open instruments. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative variables were prospectively registered, including complications, reasons for conversion to general anaesthesia (GA), non-programmed admissions, readmissions, pain assessments, and satisfaction with the procedure. RESULTS: Five hundred patients were eligible for LAS, with GA being required in 128 (25.6%) of them. AS was programmed for 447 patients. The rates of non-programmed admissions, readmissions, and conversion to laparotomy were 8.7% (39), 0.8% (4), and 2.6% (13), respectively. There was no main bile duct injury. At 24 h, physical status was good or excellent in 80.4% of the patients. A history of acute cholecystitis, male sex, a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 39.5 kg/m2, and non-suspected acute cholecystitis were found to be independent variables associated with conversion to GA. CONCLUSIONS: TC under LAS is a safe procedure in AS and is feasible in 74% of cholelithiasis patients. Male sex, BMI, gallbladder wall thickness, and a history of acute cholecystitis are factors that increase the probability of conversion to GA. This prospective study was approved by the ethics committee of Badajoz for patient protection for biomedical research and has been retrospectively registered under the research registry UIN: researchregistry3979.

A small-molecule inhibitor of HIV-1 Rev function detected by a diversity screen based on RRE-Rev interference.

The Rev protein of HIV-1 binds to the Rev Recognition Element (RRE) in the virus RNA to promote nuclear export of unspliced and partially spliced transcripts, an essential step in the virus transmission cycle. Here, we describe the screening of a library of chemically diverse compounds with an assay based on monitoring the interaction between the RNA-binding α-helix of Rev and its high-affinity binding site in the RRE. This screen allowed the identification of a benzofluorenone compound that inhibited the formation of the full-length RRE-Rev ribonucleoprotein by associating to the RRE, and blocked HIV-1 transcription and Rev action in cells. This molecule, previously studied as a cytostatic agent, had substantial antiretroviral activity. Together with other screening hits, it provides a new chemical scaffold for the development of antiretroviral agents based on blockage of HIV-1 RNA biogenesis.

Diagnostic ratios for the rapid evaluation of natural attenuation of heavy fuel oil pollution along shores.

Marine oil spills are typically followed by complex clean-up and monitoring operations of the shorelines affected. In this regard, determination of the changes in the chemical composition of the spilled product is crucial for evaluation purposes. The "GC-MS fingerprint" approach requires the identification of several key parameters in order to differentiate between weathering processes. In this context, we performed a 900-day study (eight sampling campaigns) of natural attenuation on a rocky shore affected by a heavy fuel oil spill. The residues coating the rocks were studied by extraction, separation and evaluation of SARA fractions, followed by GC-MS analysis for saturates and aromatics. The results identified a group of diagnostic ratios with irregular capabilities to differentiate between volatilization, photodegradation, and biodegradation (using n-alkanes, isoprenoids and PAHs), while a second group of primarily stable ratios (using dibenzothiphenes, tricyclics and hopanes) was also obtained. Notably, this is the first time that some of these ratios have been used for marine spill monitoring purposes. The ratios were applied not only to evaluate weathering at the study site, but also to obtain a comparison with the degradation of floating oil slicks-a demonstration that weathering of the latter was quicker than that of oil on the shore rocks. Additionally, Pyrolysis-GC-MS analysis of the asphaltene fraction of residues coating the rocks revealed moderate changes in the composition of this initially recalcitrant fraction. These changes were consistent with those found in the proportion of resins and asphaltene fractions over time.

Bioavailable inhibitors of HIV-1 RNA biogenesis identified through a Rev-based screen.

New antiretroviral agents with alternative mechanisms are needed to complement the combination therapies used to treat HIV-1 infections. Here we report the identification of bioavailable molecules that interfere with the gene expression processes of HIV-1. The compounds were detected by screening a small library of FDA-approved drugs with an assay based on measuring the displacement of Rev, and essential virus-encoded protein, from its high-affinity RNA binding site. The antiretroviral activity of two hits was based on interference with post-integration steps of the HIV-1 cycle. Both hits inhibited RRE-Rev complex formation in vitro, and blocked LTR-dependent gene expression and viral transcription in cellular assays. The best compound altered the splicing pattern of HIV-1 transcripts in a manner consistent with Rev inhibition. This mechanism of action is different from those used by current antiretroviral agents. The screening hits recognized the Rev binding site in the viral RNA, and the best compound did so with substantial selectivity, allowing the identification of a new RNA-binding scaffold. These results may be used for developing novel antiretroviral drugs.

Effect of a mindfulness program on stress, anxiety and depression in university students.

Two of the problems that currently affect a large proportion of university students are high levels of anxiety and stress experienced in different situations, which are particularly high during the first years of their degree and during exam periods. The present study aims to investigate whether mindfulness training can bring about significant changes in the manifestations of depression, anxiety, and stress of students when compared to another group undergoing a physical activity program and a control group. The sample consisted of 125 students from the Bachelor of Education Program. The measuring instrument used was the Abbreviated Scale of Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21). The results indicate that the effects of reducing the identified variables were higher for the mindfulness group than for the physical education group and for the control group F(2) = 5.91, p = .004, η2 = .106. The total scores for all variables related to the mindfulness group decreased significantly, including an important stress reduction t(29) = 2.95, p = .006, d = .667. Mindfulness exercises and some individual relaxing exercises involving Physical Education could help to reduce manifestations of stress and anxiety caused by exams in students.

Effect of a mindfulness program on stress, anxiety and depression in university students

Two of the problems that currently affect a large proportion of university students are high levels of anxiety and stress experienced in different situations, which are particularly high during the first years of their degree and during exam periods. The present study aims to investigate whether mindfulness training can bring about significant changes in the manifestations of depression, anxiety, and stress of students when compared to another group undergoing a physical activity program and a control group. The sample consisted of 125 students from the Bachelor of Education Program. The measuring instrument used was the Abbreviated Scale of Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21). The results indicate that the effects of reducing the identified variables were higher for the mindfulness group than for the physical education group and for the control group F(2) = 5.91, p = .004, η2 = .106. The total scores for all variables related to the mindfulness group decreased significantly, including an important stress reduction t(29) = 2.95, p = .006, d = .667. Mindfulness exercises and some individual relaxing exercises involving Physical Education could help to reduce manifestations of stress and anxiety caused by exams in students (AU)

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Tackling perinatal loss, a participatory action research approach: research protocol.

AIM: The aim of this study was to promote changes to improve the care provided to parents who have experienced a perinatal loss through participatory action research. BACKGROUND: The birth of a child is a joyful event for most families, however, unfortunately some pregnancies end in loss. Perinatal loss creates a heavy emotional impact not only on parents but also on health professionals, where in most cases there is an evident lack of skills, strategies and resources to cope with these kinds of situations. DESIGN: Participatory action research is the methodology proposed to achieve the purpose of this study. METHODS: Participatory action research consists of five stages: outreach and awareness, induction, interaction, implementation and systematization. The working group will include professionals from the Mother and Child Unit for patients at a tertiary level public hospital in Spain. The duration of the study will be 3 years since the approval of the protocol in January 2011. The qualitative techniques used will include group dynamics such as the SWOT analysis the nominal group technique, focus groups and brainstorming, among others that will be recorded and transcribed, generating reports throughout the evolution of the group sessions and about the consensus reached. Content analysis will be conducted on the field diaries kept by the participants and researchers. This project has been funded by the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health. DISCUSSION: Participatory action research is a methodological strategy that allows changes in clinical practice to conduct a comprehensive transformative action in the care process for perinatal loss.

Duración del tratamiento con etanercept y razones de discontinuación en una cohorte de pacientes con patología reumática / Duration of treatment with etanercept and motives for discontinuation in a cohort of patients with rheumatic disease

Objetivos. Evaluar la supervivencia del tratamiento con etanercept (ETN) y las causas de discontinuación en una cohorte local de pacientes en tratamiento biológico (TB). Comparar con la supervivencia general del resto de TB. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional prospectivo de cohortes. Se han analizado los datos de diagnóstico, fecha de inicio y fin de tratamiento, así como la causa de interrupción de nuestro registro de TB. Mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier se ha estimado la supervivencia de ETN al año, a los 2 años y a los 5 años. Resultados. De un total de 205 pacientes que recibieron TB, 92 (45%) iniciaron tratamiento con ETN. En el 48% el diagnóstico fue artritis reumatoide, 33% espondilitis anquilosante, 11% artritis psoriásica y 8% otros diagnósticos (artritis idiopática juvenil, espondiloartritis asociada a enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y síndrome SAPHO). Continúan con ETN 48 pacientes (52%). Las causas de discontinuación fueron: ineficacia (65%), acontecimiento adverso (33%), pérdida de seguimiento (2%). En 2 pacientes el tratamiento se retiró por remisión clínica. Los acontecimientos adversos fueron: infección (4 pacientes), reacción cutánea post-inyección (3), uveítis (3), neoplasia (2) y otros (3). La supervivencia estimada de ETN al año de tratamiento fue del 64% (IC del 95%, 54-74), a los dos años del 59% (48-69) y a los 5 años del 43% (30-52), y la del resto de TB fue del 61% (51-68), el 47,5% (40-55) y el 23% (10,5-32), respectivamente. Los tests estadísticos revelaron diferencias significativas (log-rank: p=0,024; Breslow: p=0,068; Tarone-Ware: p=0,040). Conclusiones. En nuestra cohorte de pacientes la supervivencia estimada de ETN en el primero, segundo y quinto de año de tratamiento es superior a la obtenida con el resto de TB, siendo la diferencia significativa a los 5 años (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the duration of etanercept (ETN) treatment and motives for discontinuation in our local cohort of patients with rheumatic pathology and compare them to the group with other biological treatments. Patients and methods. Prospective observational cohort study. Disease diagnosis, start and end date and motive for discontinuation were recorded. Survival estimation was explored using Kaplan-Meier analysis with remaining patients censored at 1-year, 2-years and 5-years follow-up. Results. Ninety-two (45%) out of 205 patients started ETN treatment. Disease diagnoses recorded were: 48% rheumatoid arthritis, 33% ankylosing spondylitis, 11% psoriatic arthritis, 8% others (juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease related spondylitis, SAPHO syndrome). 52% of patients are still on the drug. The motives for discontinuation were: inefficacy (65%), adverse events (33%) and lack of compliance (2%). Two patients discontinued ETN due to prolonged disease control. Adverse events were: infection (4 patients), post-injection skin reaction (3), uveitis (3), neoplasia (2) and others (3). Using a Kaplan–Meier analysis, at 1-year 64% (CI95% 54-74) of patients with ETN treatment had not experienced treatment failure, at 2-years, 59% (48-69) and at 5-years, 43% (30-52). With the rest of biologicals estimated survival was 61% (51-68), 47,5% (40-55) and 23% (10,5-32) respectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (log-rank: P=.024; Breslow: P=.068; Tarone-Ware: P=.040). Conclusions. In our cohort of patients treated with ETN the estimated survival was better than patients treated with other biological drugs at 1-year, 2-years and 5-years (AU)

Reducing teachers’ psychological distress through a mindfulness training program

Teachers constitute one of the professional collectives most affected by psychological problems. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study is to examine the efficacy of a mindfulness training programme to reduce psychological distress in a group of teachers. The sample comprised 68 teachers of Secondary School Education, from various public schools; half of them formed the experimental group, and the another half the control group. The levels of psychological distress were measured, in both groups, by the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) before and after the application of the programme. Statistical analysis shows the significant reduction of three general measures of psychological distress (Global Severity Index, Positive Symptom Distress Index, and Positive Symptom Total), as well in all its dimensions (somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensibility, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism), in the experimental group compared with the control group. Follow-up measures show that these results were maintained for four months after termination of the intervention in the experimental group (AU)

Los docentes constituyen uno de los colectivos profesionales más afectados por problemas de tipo psicológico. El objetivo de este estudio cuasi-experimental es examinar la eficacia de un programa de entrenamiento en mindfulness para reducir el malestar psicológico en un grupo de docentes. La muestra estuvo constituida por 68 profesores de Educación Secundaria, de varios centros públicos; la mitad de ellos formaron el grupo control, y la otra mitad el grupo experimental. Los niveles de malestar psicológico fueron evaluados, en ambos grupos, mediante el Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL- 90-R) antes y después de aplicación del programa. Los análisis estadísticos muestran la reducción significativa en las tres medidas generales de malestar psicológico (Índice de Severidad Global, Índice de Distrés de Síntomas Positivos y Total de Síntomas Positivos), así como en todas sus dimensiones (somatización, obsesión-compulsión, sensibilidad interpersonal, depresión, ansiedad, hostilidad, ansiedad fóbica, ideación paranoide y psicoticismo), en el grupo experimental en comparación con el grupo control. Medidas de seguimiento mostraron que estos resultados se mantuvieron transcurridos cuatro meses tras la finalización de la intervención en el grupo experimental (AU)

Reducing teachers' psychological distress through a mindfulness training program.

Teachers constitute one of the professional collectives most affected by psychological problems. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study is to examine the efficacy of a mindfulness training programme to reduce psychological distress in a group of teachers. The sample comprised 68 teachers of Secondary School Education, from various public schools; half of them formed the experimental group, and the another half the control group. The levels of psychological distress were measured, in both groups, by the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) before and after the application of the programme. Statistical analysis shows the significant reduction of three general measures of psychological distress (Global Severity Index, Positive Symptom Distress Index, and Positive Symptom Total), as well in all its dimensions (somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensibility, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism), in the experimental group compared with the control group. Follow-up measures show that these results were maintained for four months after termination of the intervention in the experimental group.

[Photoselective vaporization of the prostate with Laser Greenlight HPS: current role, technical aspects and review of the literature]. / Papel actual de la fotovaporización prostática con Láser Greenlight HPS. Aspectos técnicos y revisión de la literatura.

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate with 120W HPS Greenlight laser is one of the most attractive modalities of surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia at present. The specific physical characteristics of this laser provides an excellent safety and effectiveness profile, making it the ideal technique for high-risk patients or patients ongoing oral anticoagulation. Moreover, the undeniable reduction of urethral catheterization time and hospital stay compared to transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) involves a much more comfortable postoperative period for patients. We have conducted a Medline/Pubmed search, presenting in this review the outcomes and current surgical techniques described in recent studies. We have also reviewed the controversial aspects and limitations attributed to this technique.