Erosion directionality and seasonality study using the anisotropy matrix. Application in a semiarid Mediterranean climate (SE Spain).

This paper is based on the fact that some climatic variables show a preferential directionality and grant a markedly anisotropic character to the weathering system acting on rocks. The aim of this work is to quantify the anisotropic degree of the weathering system and its effects on rock erosion. For this purpose, a new methodology based on the vector analysis of directional and time-dependent parameters is proposed to quantify the annual or seasonal anisotropy of the weathering system. Results show that, on the one hand, wind-driven rain and solar radiation are the most anisotropic variables, being north and east the most intense directions for wind-driven rain and southeast for solar radiation, in the case of the San José Tower, the reference monument of this study. On the other hand, the ranking from the most to the least eroded façades of the tower are: east (maximum recession depth of 26.77 mm) > south (15.53 mm) ≈ west (13.56 mm) > north (6.37 mm). Solar radiation and indirect processes arising therefrom are the most important weathering agents in the semiarid Mediterranean climate, whilst wind-driven rain is the main erosion factor especially due to its torrential character. According to our results, weathering and erosion agents are strongly anisotropic, which emphasizes the importance of integrating the anisotropic character of the weathering system in preventive strategies against surface deterioration of monuments. In this sense, this paper advances the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Análisis del valor predictivo de los criterios de aislamiento preventivo en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Analysis of the predictive value of preventive isolation criteria in the intensive care unit

Objetivo Evaluar la precisión diagnóstica de los criterios empleados para detectar al paciente realmente portador de microrganismos multirresistentes (MMR). Diseño Estudio prospectivo, observacional de mayo de 2014 a mayo de 2015. Ámbito Unidad de cuidados intensivos polivalente. Pacientes Cohorte de pacientes ingresados de forma consecutiva que cumplían los siguientes criterios de aislamiento preventivo basados en el proyecto «Resistencia Zero»: hospitalización de más de 4 días en los últimos 3 meses («hospital»); antibioterapia durante una semana en el último mes («antibiótico»), pacientes institucionalizados o en contacto con cuidados sanitarios («institución o cuidado»); portador de MMR los últimos 6 meses («MMR previo»). Variables Variables demográficas, resultados de los cultivos obtenidos con presencia o no de MMR y tiempo de aislamiento. Se realizó un análisis multivariable con regresión logística múltiple entre cada uno de los factores de riesgo y el que el paciente fuera portador de MMR. Resultados Durante el periodo de estudio ingresaron 575 pacientes y cumplieron los criterios de aislamiento un 28%. De los 162 pacientes con criterios 51 (31%) eran portadores de MMR y de los que no cumplían criterios 29 (7%) sí que eran portadores. En el análisis multivariable la única variable asociada de forma independiente con el ser portador fue «MMR previo», con una OR 12,14 (IC 95%: 4,24–34,77). Conclusiones El único criterio que se asoció de forma independiente con la capacidad de detectar los pacientes con MMR al ingreso en la UCI fue haber presentado un «MMR previo». (AU)

Objective To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the criteria used to detect patients carrying multiresistant microorganisms (MRMs). Design A prospective observational study was carried out from May 2014 to May 2015. Setting Polyvalent Intensive Care Unit. Patients A cohort of consecutively admitted patients meeting the following criteria for preventive isolation according to the “Zero Resistance” project: hospital length of stay>4 days in the last three months (“hospital”); antibiotherapy during one week in the last month (“antibiotic”); institutionalized patients or recurrent contact with healthcare (“institution or care”); MRM carrier in the last 6 months (“previous MRM”). Variables Demographic data, culture results and isolation time. A multivariate analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression between each of the risk factors and patient MRM carrier status. Results During the study period, 575 patients were admitted, of which 28% met the isolation criteria (162). Fifty-one (31%) were MRM carriers. Of the patients who did not meet the criteria, 29 (7%) were carriers. In the multivariate analysis, the only variable independently associated to carrier status was “previous MRM”, with OR=12.14 (95%CI 4.24-34.77). Conclusions The only criterion independently associated with the ability to detect patients with MRMs upon admission to the ICU was the existence of “previous MRM”. (AU)

[Analysis of the predictive value of preventive isolation criteria in the intensive care unit]. / Análisis del valor predictivo de los criterios de aislamiento preventivo en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the criteria used to detect patients carrying multiresistant microorganisms (MRMs). DESIGN: A prospective observational study was carried out from May 2014 to May 2015. SETTING: Polyvalent Intensive Care Unit. PATIENTS: A cohort of consecutively admitted patients meeting the following criteria for preventive isolation according to the "Zero Resistance" project: hospital length of stay>4 days in the last three months ("hospital"); antibiotherapy during one week in the last month ("antibiotic"); institutionalized patients or recurrent contact with healthcare ("institution or care"); MRM carrier in the last 6 months ("previous MRM"). VARIABLES: Demographic data, culture results and isolation time. A multivariate analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression between each of the risk factors and patient MRM carrier status. RESULTS: During the study period, 575 patients were admitted, of which 28% met the isolation criteria (162). Fifty-one (31%) were MRM carriers. Of the patients who did not meet the criteria, 29 (7%) were carriers. In the multivariate analysis, the only variable independently associated to carrier status was "previous MRM", with OR=12.14 (95%CI 4.24-34.77). CONCLUSIONS: The only criterion independently associated with the ability to detect patients with MRMs upon admission to the ICU was the existence of "previous MRM".

Immunogenicity of a new allergoid from Felis domesticus

BACKGROUND: The chemical modification of allergens with glutaraldehyde improves safety while maintaining clinical efficacy, which permits the administration of higher doses of immunotherapy, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunogenic capacity of a new cat dander polymer by immunizing mice and quantifying immunoglobulins in serum, in comparison with the non-modified allergen. METHODS: The study consists of the immunization of three mice groups with the polymerized and the native extract, together with a negative control group. The immunoglobulin levels in serum have been measured by indirect ELISA. By means of the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, it was determined if there were significant differences in the values of specific antibodies between groups. RESULTS: The group immunized with the allergoid showed significantly higher specific IgG and IgG1 values to dander allergens and specific IgG to the major allergen Fel d 1, while there were no significant changes in IgG2a and IgE values. These results could be due to a higher immunization dose. The vaccine formulation was based on the optimal defined dose for clinical efficacy of allergen immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical study carried out with the present assay has established that the allergoid of cat dander extract, as designed for its optimal use in allergen immunotherapy, produces a higher specific IgG than the native extract, in addition to showing significantly higher specific IgG1 levels, evidencing a greater effectiveness in immunization

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Immunogenicity of a new allergoid from Felis domesticus.

BACKGROUND: The chemical modification of allergens with glutaraldehyde improves safety while maintaining clinical efficacy, which permits the administration of higher doses of immunotherapy, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunogenic capacity of a new cat dander polymer by immunizing mice and quantifying immunoglobulins in serum, in comparison with the non-modified allergen. METHODS: The study consists of the immunization of three mice groups with the polymerized and the native extract, together with a negative control group. The immunoglobulin levels in serum have been measured by indirect ELISA. By means of the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, it was determined if there were significant differences in the values of specific antibodies between groups. RESULTS: The group immunized with the allergoid showed significantly higher specific IgG and IgG1 values to dander allergens and specific IgG to the major allergen Fel d 1, while there were no significant changes in IgG2a and IgE values. These results could be due to a higher immunization dose. The vaccine formulation was based on the optimal defined dose for clinical efficacy of allergen immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical study carried out with the present assay has established that the allergoid of cat dander extract, as designed for its optimal use in allergen immunotherapy, produces a higher specific IgG than the native extract, in addition to showing significantly higher specific IgG1 levels, evidencing a greater effectiveness in immunization.

Climate change impact on karstic aquifer hydrodynamics in southern Europe semi-arid region using the KAGIS model.

Nowadays, there are many urban settlements in arid and semiarid areas supplied by groundwater from adjacent small aquifers. Climate projections with expected decreases in averages precipitation values jointly with increases in the frequency of heavy rainfall events does not show a clear pattern to how water resources in karstic aquifers are going to evolve. This paper, focused in the province of Alicante (Southeast of Spain), assesses the behaviour of a small karstic aquifer, the Mela aquifer, whose resources supply urban water consumption for close municipalities. We assess the hydrogeological response of the aquifer, through the KAGIS black-box GIS-based model, for the present climate conditions and for the long period analysing the four scenarios provided by the International Panel of Climate Change. Main results prove that, if we do not diminish the greenhouse gas emissions, the climate change impact on the hydrological response of the study aquifer shows a decrease in the flow rate from its unique spring and will be non-existent during the summer months. So, it will be necessary to design supply strategies for these municipalities and to carry out them, meeting budget restrictions and avoiding potential water shortages.

Bioactivity of hydrolysates obtained from bovine casein using artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) proteases.

The objective of this work was to obtain casein hydrolysates with aspartic proteinases present in extracts from the artichoke flower (Cynara scolymus L.) and evaluate their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in vitro. The casein hydrolysates produced by the action of C. scolymus had elevated antihypertensive and antioxidant activity due to their high hydrophobic peptide content (93.84, 96.58, and 90.54% at 2, 4, and 16 h of hydrolysis, respectively). Hydrolysis time and molecular weight (<3 kDa) had a significant influence on the hypertensive and antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates, which were greater at hydrolysis times of 4 and 16 h and corresponding to the <3 kDa fractions. The <3 kDa fraction of the 16 h hydrolysate had an ACE inhibitory activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 71.77 µg peptides per mL; DPPH and ABTS•+ radical scavenging activities of 6.27 µM and 6.21 mM Trolox equivalents per mg of peptides, respectively; and iron (II) chelation activity with an IC50 of 221.49 µg of peptides per mL. Antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis was also observed in the hydrolysates. From the peptide sequences identified in the hydrolysates, we detected 22 peptides (from the BIOPEP database) that were already in their bioactive form (AMKPWIQPK, AMKPWIQPKTKVIPYVRYL, ARHPHPHLSFM, DAQSAPLRVY, FFVAPFPEVFGK, GPVRGPFPII, KVLPVPQK, LLYQEPVLGPVRGPFPIIV, MAIPPKKNQDK, NLHLPLPLL, PAAVRSPAQILQ, RELEELNVPGEIVESLSSSEESITR, RPKHPIKHQ, RPKHPIKHQGLPQEVLNENLLRF, SDIPNPIGSENSEK, TPVVVPPFLQP, VENLHLPLPLL, VKEAMAPK, VLNENLLR, VYPFPGPIH, VYQHQKAMKPWIQPKTKVIPYVRY, VYQHQKAMKPWIQPKTKVIPYVRYL) and are reported to display antioxidant, antimicrobial, and ACE inhibitory activity. We also identified 12,116, 14,513, and 25,169 peptide sequences in the hydrolysates at 2, 4, and 16 h, respectively, that were contained in the primary sequence, and these are reported to display ACE inhibitory, antioxidant, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition, antithrombotic, opioid, immunomodulation, antiamnesic, anticancer, chelating, and hemolytic bioactivity.

Statement of Foliar Fertilization Impact on Yield, Composition, and Oxidative Biomarkers in Rice.

In rice crops, fertilization is a naturalized practice, although inefficient, that could be improved by applying foliar fertilization. Phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs) are products of α-linolenic acid peroxidation, useful as biomarkers of oxidative degradation in higher plants. The objective was to determine the effect of the foliar fertilization on the concentration of PhytoPs and PhytoFs and its relationships with modifications of yield and quality of rice productions. It was described that the concentration of biomarkers of stress decreased with the application of foliar fertilization, being the response significantly different depending the genotypes and compound monitored. Moreover, fertilization did not modify significantly the parameters of yield (961.2 g m-2), 1000 whole-grain (21.2 g), and protein content (10.7% dry matter). Therefore, this is the first work that describes the effect of fertilization on PhytoPs and PhytoFs in rice genotypes and reinforces the capacity of these compounds as biomarkers to monitor specific abiotic stress, in this case, represented by nutritional stress.

Prevalencia de personas mayores confinadas en su hogar en España / Prevalence of homebound older people in Spain

Objetivo: Se desconoce el número de personas mayores que viven confinadas en su hogar debido a problemas funcionales o de otra naturaleza. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar su prevalencia en España y conocer sus principales características. Material y métodos: Se utilizó la Encuesta de Discapacidad, Autonomía Personal y Situaciones de Dependencia. Se definió el confinamiento a partir de la dificultad declarada para movilidad fuera del hogar: personas confinadas en sentido estricto (no pueden salir nunca), semiconfinadas (pueden salir con ayuda pero con serias dificultades) y el resto fueron no confinadas. Se utilizaron los calificadores de capacidad y desempeño para evaluar el efecto final de la prestación de ayuda técnica o personal. Se calcularon prevalencias y se compararon características sociodemográficas y de salud. Resultados: Sobre un total de 2.146.362 de personas mayores con discapacidad, el 8,1% (IC 95%: 8,1-8,2) resultó población confinada en sentido estricto y un 16,0% (IC 95%: 15,9-16,0) semiconfinada. Las personas mayores confinadas eran sobre todo mujeres, tenían una mayor edad media y un nivel bajo de estudios; declararon más dificultades ante las barreras del entorno; presentaron peor salud percibida, mayor número discapacidades, condiciones crónicas de salud y más problemas funcionales. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de personas mayores confinadas en su hogar, entre todas las que se encuentran en situación de discapacidad, alcanzó el 24,1%. Sus características sociales, de salud y funcionales indican situaciones de vulnerabilidad. La información sobre confinamiento puede contribuir a la mejora de los planes de actuación social o de salud y facilita la visibilidad de este problema

Objective: The number of older people with functional or other problems that prevent them from going out of doors is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of homebound status in Spain and to determine their main characteristics. Material and methods: The Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was used. Homebound status was defined according to the declared difficulty with regard to mobility outside the home: completely homebound (not able to leave home), semi-homebound (have serious difficulties but can leave with help), and the individuals without problems that were not homebound. Capacity and performance qualifiers were used to assess the final impact of technical or personal help. Prevalences were calculated, and sociodemographic and health characteristics were compared for the different groups. Results: Out of a total of 2,146,362 older people with disabilities, 8.1% (95% CI: 8.1-8.2) and 16.0% (95% CI: 15.9-16.0) were (complete) homebound, and semi-homebound, respectively. The homebound elderly were mostly women, had a higher mean age and low education level. They also declared they had more difficulty for the environmental barriers, had worse perceived health, a greater number of disabilities, chronic health conditions, and more functional problems. Conclusions: The prevalence of older disabled people with a homebound status was 24.1%. The social, health, and functional characteristics suggest situations of vulnerability. The information on homebound individuals could contribute to enhance social and health plans, and to raise the visibility of this problem

Impact of Salicylic Acid Content and Growing Environment on Phytoprostane and Phytofuran (Stress Biomarkers) in Oryza sativa L.

Phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs) are oxylipins synthesized by nonenzymatic peroxidation of α-linolenic acid. These compounds are biomarkers of oxidative degradation in plant foods. In this research, the effect of environment and supplementation with salicylic acid (SA) on PhytoPs and PhytoFs was monitored by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS) on seven rice genotypes from Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica. The plastic cover environment and spray application with 1 and 15 mM SA produced a reduction in the concentration of most of these newly established stress biomarkers [9-F1t-PhytoP, ent-16-F1t-PhytoP, ent-16- epi-16-F1t-PhytoP, 9-D1t-PhytoP, 9- epi-9-D1t-PhytoP, 16-B1-PhytoP, 9-L1-PhytoP, ent-16( RS)-9- epi-ST-Δ14-10-PhytoF, ent-9( RS)-12- epi-ST-Δ10-13-PhytoF, and ent-16( RS)-13- epi-ST-Δ14-9-PhytoF] by 60.7% on average. The modification observed in the level of PhytoPs and PhytoFs differed according to the specific oxylipins and genotype, demonstrating a close linkage between genetic features and resistance to abiotic stress, to some extent mediated by the sensitivity of plants to the plant hormone SA that participates in the physiological response of higher plants to stress. Thus, in plants exposed to stressing factors, SA contribute to modulating the redox balance, minimizing the oxidation of fatty acids and thus the syntheis of oxylipins. These results indicated that SA could be a promising tool for managing the thermotolerance of rice crop. However, it remains necessary to study the mechanism of action of PhytoPs and PhytoFs in biochemical processes related to the defense of plants and define their role as stress biomarkers through a nonenzymatic pathway.

[Prevalence of homebound older people in Spain]. / Prevalencia de personas mayores confinadas en su hogar en España.

OBJECTIVE: The number of older people with functional or other problems that prevent them from going out of doors is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of homebound status in Spain and to determine their main characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health was used. Homebound status was defined according to the declared difficulty with regard to mobility outside the home: completely homebound (not able to leave home), semi-homebound (have serious difficulties but can leave with help), and the individuals without problems that were not homebound. Capacity and performance qualifiers were used to assess the final impact of technical or personal help. Prevalences were calculated, and sociodemographic and health characteristics were compared for the different groups. RESULTS: Out of a total of 2,146,362 older people with disabilities, 8.1% (95% CI: 8.1-8.2) and 16.0% (95% CI: 15.9-16.0) were (complete) homebound, and semi-homebound, respectively. The homebound elderly were mostly women, had a higher mean age and low education level. They also declared they had more difficulty for the environmental barriers, had worse perceived health, a greater number of disabilities, chronic health conditions, and more functional problems. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of older disabled people with a homebound status was 24.1%. The social, health, and functional characteristics suggest situations of vulnerability. The information on homebound individuals could contribute to enhance social and health plans, and to raise the visibility of this problem.

Comparative Study of the Phytoprostane and Phytofuran Content of indica and japonica Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Flours.

Phytoprostanes and phytofurans (PhytoPs and PhytoFs, respectively) are nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation products derived from α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3), considered biomarkers of oxidative degradation in plant foods. The present work profiled these compounds in white and brown grain flours and rice bran from 14 rice cultivars of the subspecies indica and japonica by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. For PhytoPs, the average concentrations were higher in rice bran (0.01-9.35 ng g-1) than in white and brown grain flours (0.01-1.17 ng g-1). In addition, the evaluation of rice flours for the occurrence PhytoFs evidenced average values 1.77, 4.22, and 10.30 ng g-1 dw in rice bran, brown grain flour, and white grain flour, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between total and individual compounds. The concentrations retrieved suggest rice bran as a valuable source of PhytoPs and PhytoFs that should be considered in further studies on bioavailability and bioactivity of such compounds.

Optimismo versus pesimismo precompetitivo en los deportes de combate olímpicos. Diferencias de género, ranking y campeones / O otimismo em relação pessimismo pré-competitivo esportes de combate Olímpicos. Diferenças de gênero, rankings e campeões / Optimism versus pre-competitive pessimism in Olympic combat sports. Gender differences, ranking and champions

El objetivo de este estudio ha sido analizar la influencia previa del optimismo y pesimismo en los Campeonatos de España de cada una de las disciplinas de combate olímpicas examinadas, así como observar las diferencias de género, ranking campeonato y campeones. La muestra total fue de 183 hombres y mujeres especialistas en las modalidades de combate de lucha olímpica, taekwondo y boxeo que cumplimentaron a el cuestionario LOT-R, en su versión española, entre 30 y 60 minutos antes del pesaje oficial de sus respectivos campeonatos nacionales. Los resultados demuestran un mayor número de deportistas optimistas de sexo masculino (85,2%), en relación con las atletas del sexo femenino (72,7%). Con respecto a los competidores que subieron a lo más alto del podio, sólo podemos encontrar 5 deportistas pesimistas, frente a los 17 del resto de clasificados. Los datos referentes al ranking del campeonato, medallistas y no medallistas, fueron muy similares, tanto para pesimistas como optimistas. Los resultados de este estudio van a facilitar la elaboración de escalas de puntuación pre-competitivas a los deportistas de combate y sus entrenadores, así como orientar y ayudar en los métodos habituales de selección y detección talentos en deportes de combate (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a influência anterior de otimismo e pessimismo no Campeonato de Espanha de cada Olímpicos disciplinas de combate examinados e observou as diferenças de gênero, e ranking campeões campeonato. A amostra total foi de 183 masculinos e femininos especialistas modalidades de combate de luta livre, taekwondo e boxe preenchido o questionário LOT-R, em sua versão em espanhol, de 30 a 60 minutos antes da pesagem oficial dos respectivos campeonatos nacionais. Os resultados mostram atletas mais otimistas do sexo masculino (85,2%), em relação a atletas do sexo feminino (72,7%). Com relação aos concorrentes que subiu ao topo do pódio, só podemos encontrar 5 atletas pessimistas, em comparação com 17 no resto do anúncio. Dados relativos aos medalhistas campeonato de classificação e não-medalhistas, foram muito semelhantes para ambos pessimista e otimista. Os resultados deste estudo irá facilitar o desenvolvimento de escalas atletas de combate pré-competitivos e seus treinadores marcar, bem como guia e auxiliar nos métodos usuais de seleção e talentos de triagem em esportes de combate (AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the optimism and pessimism in the Spanish championships of each of the Olympic combat disciplines examined, as well as to assess differences by gender, ranking and champions. The total sample was 183 subjects, all of them specialist in wrestling, taekwondo and boxing. Everyone conducted the LOT-R questionnaire, in the Spanish version, 30 to 60 minutes before the official weighing of their respective national championships. The results show a higher number of male athletes optimistic (85,2%), in relation to female athletes (72,7%). The data regarding the ranking championship medalists and non-medalists were very similar for both pessimistic and optimistic. These results indicate that it may be helpful for combat athletes and their coaches develop pre-competitive scales score as well as to assist in the usual methods of talents selection (AU)

Diseño y validación de contenido de un cuestionario sobre Pérdida de Peso en Deportes de Combate (PPDC) / Projeto e conteúdo validação de um questionário sobre a perda de peso no Combat Sports (PPDC) / Design and content validation of a questionnaire on Weight Loss in Combat Sports (PPDC)

El sistema de categorías por peso que rige los deportes de combate fomenta en estos atletas la puesta en práctica de determinados métodos y estrategias para reducir su masa corporal antes del pesaje oficial, así como otros hábitos y protocolos de rápida rehidratación y rellenado de las reservas energéticas en el lapso de tiempo (6-20 h) que separa este pesaje oficial del comienzo del torneo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue diseñar y validar por primera vez un instrumento que permita estudiar los hábitos que están llevando a cabo los deportistas de combate durante las fases de pérdida de peso y su posterior recuperación antes del torneo. Tras el diseño original del cuestionario, se verificó la validez de contenido y la validez estructural del instrumento a través del acuerdo y consenso de 12 jueces expertos. En segundo lugar, se realizó un estudio de la validez de compresión de los ítems que compone el instrumento con una muestra de 46 deportistas de combate experimentados. Así mismo, se calculó la fiabilidad mediante la aplicación de la prueba test-retest en una muestra de 28 deportistas. Los resultados indicaron que el cuestionario sobre pérdida de peso en deportes de combate presenta óptimos niveles de validez de contenido así como de reproducibilidad en las respuestas para identificar y monitorizar los métodos, las frecuencias y las estrategias con las que estos deportistas acometen las fases de pérdida de peso antes del pesaje y su posterior recuperación antes del comienzo del torneo (AU)

The weight classes system established for most of the combat sports promotes the implementation of methods and strategies to reduce the athletes´ body mass before the official weigh-in, and other habits and protocols of fast rehydration and fill the energy reserves in the period of time (6-20 h) that separate the official weigh-in and the beginning of the tournament. The aim of this study was to design and validate for the first time a questionnaire to assess the habits that are conducting by the combat sport athletes during the phases of weight loss and the subsequent recovery. After the original design of the questionnaire, we verified the construct validity and structural validity of the instrument through agreement and consensus of 12 expert judges. Second, we conducted a study of the compression validity and reliability of the items that compose the instrument using a sample of 46 experienced combat athletes. The results indicated that the weight loss in combat sports questionnaire provides optimal levels of content validity, as well as reliability in their answerers that allows researchers and coaches to identify and monitor the methods, frequencies and strategies that these kind of athletes carry out during the rapid weight loss phases before the official weigh-in and the subsequent recovery phases before the start of the tournament (AU)

Sistema de categorias por peso que rege os esportes de combate promove nestes atletas que colocar em prática certos métodos e estratégias para reduzir a sua massa corporal antes da pesagem oficial, bem como outros hábitos e protocolos de hidratação rápida e acolchoado das reservas energia no lapso de tempo (6-20 h) que separa esta pesagem oficial do início do torneio. Objetivo deste trabalho foi o projeto e validar pela primeira vez, um instrumento que permitem estudá-los hábitos que levam para fora os atletas de combate durante as fases de perda de peso e sua posterior recuperação antes do torneio. Após o desenho original do questionário, verificou-se a validade de conteúdo e a validade estrutural do instrumento através de acordo e consenso dos 12 juízes especializados. Em segundo lugar, um estudo da validade da compressão dos itens compondo o instrumento com uma amostra de 46 experientes atletas de combate. Da mesma forma, foi calculada através da aplicação de teste de confiabilidade teste-reateste em uma amostra de 28 atletas. Os resultados indicaram que o inquérito sobre a perda de peso em esportes de combate apresenta os níveis ideais de validade de conteúdo, bem como a reprodutibilidade em respostas para identificar e monitorar estratégias que estes atletas realizar estágios de perda de peso antes da pesagem e sua subsequente recuperação antes do início do torneio, frequências e métodos (AU)

Muscle contraction velocity, strength and power output changes following different degrees of hypohydration in competitive olympic combat sports.

BACKGROUND: It is habitual for combat sports athletes to lose weight rapidly to get into a lower weight class. Fluid restriction, dehydration by sweating (sauna or exercise) and the use of diuretics are among the most recurrent means of weight cutting. Although it is difficult to dissuade athletes from this practice due to the possible negative effect of severe dehydration on their health, athletes may be receptive to avoid weight cutting if there is evidence that it could affect their muscle performance. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate if hypohydration, to reach a weight category, affects neuromuscular performance and combat sports competition results. METHODS: We tested 163 (124 men and 39 woman) combat sports athletes during the 2013 senior Spanish National Championships. Body mass and urine osmolality (UOSM) were measured at the official weigh-in (PRE) and 13-18 h later, right before competing (POST). Athletes were divided according to their USOM at PRE in euhydrated (EUH; UOSM 250-700 mOsm · kgH2O(-1)), hypohydrated (HYP; UOSM 701-1080 mOsm · kgH2O(-1)) and severely hypohydrated (S-HYP; UOSM 1081-1500 mOsm · kgH2O(-1)). Athletes' muscle strength, power output and contraction velocity were measured in upper (bench press and grip) and lower body (countermovement jump - CMJ) muscle actions at PRE and POST time-points. RESULTS: At weigh-in 84 % of the participants were hypohydrated. Before competition (POST) UOSM in S-HYP and HYP decreased but did not reach euhydration levels. However, this partial rehydration increased bench press contraction velocity (2.8-7.3 %; p < 0.05) and CMJ power (2.8 %; p < 0.05) in S-HYP. Sixty-three percent of the participants competed with a body mass above their previous day's weight category and 70 of them (69 % of that sample) obtained a medal. CONCLUSIONS: Hypohydration is highly prevalent among combat sports athletes at weigh-in and not fully reversed in the 13-18 h from weigh-in to competition. Nonetheless, partial rehydration recovers upper and lower body neuromuscular performance in the severely hypohydrated participants. Our data suggest that the advantage of competing in a lower weight category could compensate the declines in neuromuscular performance at the onset of competition, since 69 % of medal winners underwent marked hypohydration.

Sensibilidad de Streptococcus pneumoniae en niños portadores sanos en Murcia (España) / Antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae in healthy carrier children in Murcia (Spain)

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) es un patógeno que causa un elevado consumo de antibióticos. OBJETIVOS: conocer la sensibilidad a antibióticos de uso habitual, los factores epidemiológicos asociados y favorecer el uso racional de antibióticos. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: En verano del 2009 y el invierno del 2010 realizamos un estudio multicéntrico en Atención Primaria (AP). Se recogió una muestra nasofaríngea y se cumplimentó una encuesta epidemiológica en 1.562 niños de 1 y 4 años. RESULTADOS: El 31,3% (489/1.562) eran portadores nasales (PN). Se realizó un estudio de sensibilidad en 376 aislados, y se serotipificaron 343. El 61,7% (964/1.562) habían recibido al menos una dosis de vacuna antineumocócica conjugada heptavalente (PCV7). El 12,8% (44/343) correspondía a serotipos vacunales (SV). La resistencia a penicilina (criterio meningitis CMI>0,06mg/l) fue del 28%, siendo del 54% para los SV. Para infecciones no meníngeas, el 100% de los aislados eran sensibles a penicilina parenteral (CMI ≤ 2mg/l). Existe un alto nivel de resistencias para eritromicina (45,8%). Fueron factores favorecedores de resistencia haber tomado antibióticos el mes previo y ser portador de SV tanto para penicilina como para cefotaxima y la edad de 4 años un factor de protección. Los serotipos 14, 35B, 19A, 15A y 19F fueron los menos susceptibles a penicilina. CONCLUSIONES: La amoxicilina por vía oral para pacientes ambulatorios y la penicilina o ampicilina por vía intravenosa para pacientes ingresados son excelentes opciones para el tratamiento de infecciones neumocócicas no meníngeas, en entornos como el nuestro, con una baja incidencia de aislados con alto nivel de resistencia a penicilina (CMI ≥ 2mg/l)

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) is a human pathogen that involves a high use of antibiotics. The objective of the study was to determine the susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics and their associated risk factors, in order to promote rational use of antibiotics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In A multicentre study was conducted in summer 2009 and winter 2010 on children attending paediatric clinics in the Region of Murcia. A nasopharyngeal sample was collected and an epidemiological questionnaire was completed. The study included 1562 children aged 1 and 4 years old. RESULTS: Almost one-third (31.3%, 489/1562) of children were nasal carriers. A sensitivity study was carried out on 376 isolates, of which 343 were serotyped. Almost two-thirds (61.7%, 964/1562) of children had received at least one dose of PCV7 heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), and 12.8% (44/343) of the isolates belonged to PCV7 serotypes. The prevalence rates of penicillin resistance (meningitis infections criteria CMI>0.06mg/L) were 28.1%; however, this percentage was 54% in PCV7 serotypes. None of the isolates had (MIC >2mg/L), so prevalence rates of susceptibility with non-meningitis infections criteria were 100%. There was a high percentage of erythromycin resistance (45.7%). The factors favouring resistance to penicillin and cefotaxime were the consumption of antibiotics in the previous month and the carrying of vaccine serotypes. On the other hand, the age of 4 years old was a protective factor of resistance. The 14, 35B, 19A, 15A, and 19F serotypes were less susceptible to penicillin. CONCLUSIONS: Both oral amoxicillin given to outpatients and intravenous penicillin or ampicillin to hospitalized patients are excellent options for the treatment of non-meningeal infections, as seen with pneumonia in these kinds of environments, where there is low incidence of isolates highly resistant to penicillin (CMI ≥ 2mg/L)

Hierarchical nature of activities of daily living in the Spanish Disability Survey.

Many studies have addressed the issue of dimensionality in activities of daily living (ADL) and its hierarchy, with contradictory results. This paper aims to study the unidimensional structure and the hierarchy of ADL in the Spanish Disability Survey. We analysed a sample of 8381 people aged 65 and over with at least one disability and receiving personal help with one of them. The following Rasch model properties were studied in 14 items enquiring about basic and instrumental ADL: fit to the model, reliability, unidimensionality, local independency between items and differential item functioning (DIF) by gender, age and proxy. The unidimensionality of the scale was confirmed. The final analysis of eight items showed a satisfactory fit, good reliability, local independency, unidimensionality and no DIF by age. The disability linear measure showed significant differences by gender and age. The obtained disability scale is a simple and reliable measure, and it suggests a hierarchical order of ADL and predicts a schedule of functional impairment in older adults. Rating the disability of older community-dwelling people has a predictive value that policy makers might find useful in service planning.

[Antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae in healthy carrier children in Murcia (Spain)]. / Sensibilidad de Streptococcus pneumoniae en niños portadores sanos en Murcia (España).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) is a human pathogen that involves a high use of antibiotics. The objective of the study was to determine the susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics and their associated risk factors, in order to promote rational use of antibiotics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In A multicentre study was conducted in summer 2009 and winter 2010 on children attending paediatric clinics in the Region of Murcia. A nasopharyngeal sample was collected and an epidemiological questionnaire was completed. The study included 1562 children aged 1 and 4 years old. RESULTS: Almost one-third (31.3%, 489/1562) of children were nasal carriers. A sensitivity study was carried out on 376 isolates, of which 343 were serotyped. Almost two-thirds (61.7%, 964/1562) of children had received at least one dose of PCV7 (heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), and 12.8% (44/343) of the isolates belonged to PCV7 serotypes. The prevalence rates of penicillin resistance (meningitis infections criteria CMI>0.06mg/L) were 28.1%; however, this percentage was 54% in PCV7 serotypes. None of the isolates had (MIC >2mg/L), so prevalence rates of susceptibility with non-meningitis infections criteria were 100%. There was a high percentage of erythromycin resistance (45.7%). The factors favouring resistance to penicillin and cefotaxime were the consumption of antibiotics in the previous month and the carrying of vaccine serotypes. On the other hand, the age of 4 years old was a protective factor of resistance. The 14, 35B, 19A, 15A, and 19F serotypes were less susceptible to penicillin. CONCLUSIONS: Both oral amoxicillin given to outpatients and intravenous penicillin or ampicillin to hospitalized patients are excellent options for the treatment of non-meningeal infections, as seen with pneumonia in these kinds of environments, where there is low incidence of isolates highly resistant to penicillin (CMI ≥ 2mg/L).

Regulatory role of PI3K-protein kinase B on the release of interleukin-1ß in peritoneal macrophages from the ascites of cirrhotic patients.

Great effort has been paid to identify novel targets for pharmaceutical intervention to control inflammation associated with different diseases. We have studied the effect of signalling inhibitors in the secretion of the proinflammatory and profibrogenic cytokine interleukin (IL)-1ß in monocyte-derived macrophages (M-DM) obtained from the ascites of cirrhotic patients and compared with those obtained from the blood of healthy donors. Peritoneal M-DM were isolated from non-infected ascites of cirrhotic patients and stimulated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and heat-killed Candida albicans in the presence or absence of inhibitors for c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K). The IL1B and CASP1 gene expression were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of IL-1ß and caspase-1 were determined by Western blot. IL-1ß was also assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cell culture supernatants. Results revealed that MEK1 and JNK inhibition significantly reduced the basal and stimulated IL-1ß secretion, while the p38 MAPK inhibitor had no effect on IL-1ß levels. On the contrary, inhibition of PI3K increased the secretion of IL-1ß from stimulated M-DM. The activating effect of PI3K inhibitor on IL-1ß release was mediated mainly by the enhancement of the intracellular IL-1ß and caspase-1 content release to the extracellular medium and not by increasing the corresponding mRNA and protein expression levels. These data point towards the role of MEK1 and JNK inhibitors, in contrast to the PI3K-protein kinase B inhibitors, as potential therapeutic tools for pharmaceutical intervention to diminish hepatic damage by reducing the inflammatory response mediated by IL-1ß associated with liver failure.

Validación de la versión española del Cuestionario Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index. 'Estudio Validart' / Validation of the spanish version of the benign prostatic hyperplasia impact indez questionnaire. 'Validar study'

Introducción: La Hiperplasia Benigna de Próstata (HBP) es una enfermedad crónica que afecta la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS). En España no hay cuestionarios específicos para evaluar la CVRS en esta enfermedad. El objetivo del presente estudio fue validar la versión española del cuestionario Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ImpactIndex (BII). Material y métodos: Participaron hombres mayores de 49 años diagnosticados de HBP evaluados en tres visitas. Se analizaron las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario en términos de validez, fiabilidad y sensibilidad al cambio. Resultados: Se evaluaron 1.719 hombres con edad media (DE) de 68,36 años (8,07) clasificados según gravedad de la HBP. La validez longitudinal y la validez de constructo (r>0,6) del cuestionario BII fueron moderadas-altas. La consistencia interna (α=0,91), la fiabilidad test-retest (CCI=0,8) y la sensibilidad al cambio (tamaño efecto=0,6) fueron buenas. La CVRS mejoró significativamente durante el seguimiento (p<0,01).Discusión: Hasta ahora no existían cuestionarios específicos de calidad de vida para población española con HBP. La versión española del cuestionario BII cumple las propiedades psicométricas necesarias para evaluar la CVRS en la HBP; confirmando además, el significativo impacto de la enfermedad en la calidad de vida de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a chronic disease that affects Health related quality of life (HRQL). In Spain there are no specific questionnaires to assess HRQL in patients suffering from BPH. The objective of this study was to validate the Spanish version of the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BII) questionnaire. Material and methods: Study participants were men over 49 with confirmed BPH diagnosis and evaluated in three visits. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were analyzed in terms of validity, reliability and sensitivity to change. Results: A total of 1,719 men with mean (SD) age 68.36 were evaluated and classified according to the BPH severity. Both longitudinal and construct validity (r>0.6) of the BII questionnaire were moderate-high. Internal consistency (α=0.91), test-retest reliability (CCI=0.8) and sensitivity to change (effect size=0.6) showed good results. The HRQL improved significantly during the monitoring period (p<0.01).Discussion: There were no available specific HRQL questionnaires for Spanish population with BPH until now. The Spanish version of the BII questionnaire fulfils with the psychometric properties that are necessary to evaluate HRQL in patients with BPH; furthermore, it has been confirm the considerable impact of this disease in the quality of life of this patients (AU)