Soft Contact Lens Engraving Characterization by Wavefront Holoscopy.

Permanent engravings on contact lenses provide information about the manufacturing process and lens positioning when they are placed on the eye. The inspection of their morphological characteristics is important, since they can affect the user's comfort and deposit adhesion. Therefore, an inverted wavefront holoscope (a lensless microscope based on Gabor's principle of in-line digital holography) is explored for the characterization of the permanent marks of soft contact lenses. The device, based on an in-line transmission configuration, uses a partially coherent laser source to illuminate the soft contact lens placed in a cuvette filled with a saline solution for lens preservation. Holograms were recorded on a digital sensor and reconstructed by back propagation to the image plane based on the angular spectrum method. In addition, a phase-retrieval algorithm was used to enhance the quality of the recovered images. The instrument was experimentally validated through a calibration process in terms of spatial resolution and thickness estimation, showing values that perfectly agree with those that were theoretically expected. Finally, phase maps of different engravings for three commercial soft contact lenses were successfully reconstructed, validating the inverted wavefront holoscope as a potential instrument for the characterization of the permanent marks of soft contact lenses. To improve the final image quality of reconstructions, the geometry of lenses should be considered to avoid induced aberration effects.

Syntaxin-1 is necessary for UNC5A-C/Netrin-1-dependent macropinocytosis and chemorepulsion.

Introduction: Brain connectivity requires correct axonal guidance to drive axons to their appropriate targets. This process is orchestrated by guidance cues that exert attraction or repulsion to developing axons. However, the intricacies of the cellular machinery responsible for the correct response of growth cones are just being unveiled. Netrin-1 is a bifunctional molecule involved in axon pathfinding and cell migration that induces repulsion during postnatal cerebellar development. This process is mediated by UNC5 homolog receptors located on external granule layer (EGL) tracts. Methods: Biochemical, imaging and cell biology techniques, as well as syntaxin-1A/B (Stx1A/B) knock-out mice were used in primary cultures and brain explants. Results and discussion: Here, we demonstrate that this response is characterized by enhanced membrane internalization through macropinocytosis, but not clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We show that UNC5A, UNC5B, and UNC5C receptors form a protein complex with the t-SNARE syntaxin-1. By combining botulinum neurotoxins, an shRNA knock-down strategy and Stx1 knock-out mice, we demonstrate that this SNARE protein is required for Netrin1-induced macropinocytosis and chemorepulsion, suggesting that Stx1 is crucial in regulating Netrin-1-mediated axonal guidance.

Factors affecting the benefit of glasses alone in treating childhood amblyopia: an analysis of PEDIG data.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate factors associated with better outcomes from optical treatment alone in amblyopic children from 3 up to 7 years. METHODS: Data extracted from two studies with similar protocols, Amblyopic Treatment Studies 5 (n = 152) and 13 (n = 128) from the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group database, were used to determine by regression analysis the factors associated with improvements in visual acuity in the amblyopic eye, inter-ocular visual acuity difference and stereoacuity. Input variables were aetiology of amblyopia (anisometropic, strabismic and combined-mechanism amblyopia), treatment compliance, visual acuity, interocular visual acuity difference, stereoacuity, tropia size at distance and near, age and refractive error at baseline. RESULTS: Despite the range of clinical factors considered, our models explain only a modest proportion of the variance in optical treatment outcomes. The better predictors of the degree of optical treatment success in amblyopic children are visual acuity of the amblyopic eye, interocular visual acuity difference, stereoacuity, treatment compliance and the amblyopic eye spherical-equivalent refractive error. While the aetiology of the amblyopia does not exert a major influence upon treatment outcome, combined-mechanism amblyopes experience the smallest improvement in visual acuity, tropia and stereoacuity and may need longer optical treatment periods. CONCLUSIONS: While results identify the factors influencing optical treatment outcome in amblyopic children, clinicians will be unable to predict accurately the benefits of optical treatment in individual patients. Whether this is because relevant clinical or non-clinical factors (e.g. nature and volume of daily activities undertaken) influences the outcomes from optical treatment has not yet been identified and remains to be discovered.

Vecto-keratometry: determination of anterior corneal astigmatism in manual keratometers using power vectors.

BACKGROUND: A new keratometric routine that employs power vector management for manual keratometers is described. This study evaluates the agreement of the new proposed keratometric technique with the classical one. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The applicability of a new keratometric routine was verified using Helmholtz's and Javal's keratometers. Results were obtained by two different and well-trained examiners over two different samples, one including 65 and the other 74 eyes, respectively. Both conventional keratometry and the newly proposed routine (named vecto-keratometry) were used in each eye to obtain the results. The clinical agreement between the methods was evaluated using Bland-Altman and Passing-Bablok analysis. RESULTS: For Helmholtz's keratometer, Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between methods for both astigmatic components being J0 = 0.04 ± 0.20 D and J45 = -0.07 ± 0.17 D. For Javal's keratometer, Passing-Bablok regression test determined regression line for J0 difference as y0 = 1.03, confidence interval: [0.98, 1.10] and regression line for J45 difference as y45 = 0.97, confidence interval: [0.83, 1.12]. CONCLUSIONS: Vecto-keratometry provides accurate clinical results. It has been demonstrated that there are no significant differences between methods in any of the power vector astigmatic components; thus, both methods can be applied interchangeably.

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure in Pediatric Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing, Reversibility after Treatment: The KIDS TRIAL Study Protocol.

Current data support an increase in the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) in pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Adeno-tonsillectomy has been shown to be an effective treatment for most patients. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of HBP in pediatric patients with SDB and the impact of adeno-tonsillectomy with a multicenter, longitudinal, and prospective study that included 286 children referred for suspected SDB. The diagnosis of SDB was established by polysomnography (PSG) and the diagnosis of HBP by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). In patients without SDB and SDB without treatment indication, these tests were repeated six months after the baseline visit. For patients with medical treatment for SDB, the tests were repeated six months after the treatment initiation. Finally, in patients with surgery indication, ABPM was performed just before surgical treatment and ABPM and PSG six months after the intervention. The study contributes to elucidating the association between SDB and HBP in pediatric patients. Moreover, it contributes to determining if intervention with adeno-tonsillectomy is associated with BP reduction. The results have direct implications for the management of SDB, providing essential information on treatment indications for existing clinical guidelines. NCT03696654.

Defining the Profile of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Women Compared to Men.

Background: The importance of understanding the presentation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in women has been increasingly recognized. Although there is some insight that there are significant differences in presentation between women and men, the consequences of such differences, particularly for treatment have not yet been fully identified. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the phenotype of OSA in women. Materials and Methods: Study of a population-based clinical cohort of 2022 patients with OSA confirmed by polygraphy or polysomnography (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] >5/hour). Comorbidities, symptoms, physical examination, current medical treatments, and sleep parameters were recorded. Results: A total of 709 women and 1313 men were included in this study. After adjustment for anthropometric characteristics, morphological alterations, and previous treatment, women were found to have lower AHI values (25.3 ± 1.2 vs. 35.0 ± 0.9; p < 0.001), desaturation index (24.4 ± 1.2 vs. 33.2 ± 0.9; p < 0.001), and saturation time <90% (18.8 ± 1.3 vs. 24.1 ± 1.0; p < 0.001) compared with men. Furthermore, women had a lower risk of witnessed apnea (odds ratio adjusted [ORa] for baseline characteristics and sleep parameters), (ORa: 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-0.71), reduced sensation of restful sleep (ORa: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38-0.66), greater fatigue (ORa: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.86-3.86), headache (ORa: 3.00, 95% CI: 2.26-3.97), memory disorders (ORa: 1.836, 95% CI: 1.40-2.41), insomnia (ORa: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.50-2.93), and excessive daytime sleepiness (ORa: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.03-1.92), with interference in their daily activities (ORa: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.17-2.03). Likewise, after adjustment for anthropometric characteristics and sleep parameters, women also showed higher risk of depression (ORa: 4.31, 95% CI: 3.15-5.89) and anxiety (ORa: 3.18, 95% CI: 2.38-4.26). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that women present a specific OSA phenotype, with a probable implication for clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic management.

Aplicación internacional del programa “Intervención multidimensional para la ansiedad social” (IMAS): II. Eficacia del tratamiento para problemas relacionados con la ansiedad social / [International application of the program "Multidimensional intervention for social anxiety" (IMAS): II. Efficacy of treatment for problems related to social anxiety]

En un trabajo anterior (Caballo et al., 2021) comprobamos la eficacia del programa de Intervención multidimensional para la ansiedad social (IMAS) en la reducción de los síntomas de ansiedad social. En este estudio cuasiexperimental, con medidas pre/postratamiento y seguimiento, hallamos el impacto del programa IMAS en otros problemas relacionados con la ansiedad social. 57 personas diagnosticadas con un trastorno de ansiedad social (TAS), según el DSM-5, contestaron a cuestionarios que medían habilidades sociales, depresión, síntomas del trastorno de la personalidad por evitación, alcoholismo, autoestima, sensibilidad personal, preocupaciones y calidad de vida. Diferentes terapeutas llevaron a cabo el tratamiento en Ecuador, España y Paraguay. Los resultados mostraron importantes mejoras en el postratamiento en prácticamente todos los aspectos evaluados, mejoras que se mantenían a los seis meses. Los tamaños del efecto sobre la eficacia del tratamiento iban de medianos a grandes. Se comparó también el programa IMAS con terapia cognitivo conductual individual y tratamiento farmacológico, con resultados favorables para el programa IMAS. Este nuevo programa para el tratamiento de la ansiedad social tiene un impacto importante en otros problemas relacionados habitualmente con el TAS.

In a previous work (Caballo et al., 2021) we tested the effectiveness of the Multidimensional Intervention for Social Anxiety (MISA) program in reducing social anxiety symptoms. In this quasi-experimental study, with pre/post-treatment and follow-up measures, we examined the impact of the MISA program on other problems related to social anxiety. 57 people diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD), according to DSM-5, were assessed with a diagnostic interview and questionnaires measuring social skills, depression, avoidant personality disorder symptoms, alcoholism, self-esteem, personal sensitivity, worries, and quality of life. Different therapists carried out the treatment in Ecuador, Spain, and Paraguay. The results showed significant improvements at post-treatment in virtually all measures assessing the above variables, improvements that were maintained at six months. Effect sizes on treatment effectiveness ranged from medium to large. The MISA program was also compared with individual cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatment, with favorable results for the MISA program. In conclusion, this new program for the treatment of social anxiety has a significant impact on other problems usually related to SAD.

Percepción de soledad, felicidad y salud, y calidad de la dieta. El rol moderador del estado ponderal / Perception of loneliness, happiness, and health, and quality of diet. The moderator role of weight status

Objetivo: determinar la relación existente entre la percepción de soledad, felicidad y salud, y la calidad de la dieta, observando el rol moderador del estado ponderal en escolares de primaria durante el estado de alarma decretado por la COVID-19. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal de una mues­tra de 116 escolares españoles. Las percepciones de soledad, felicidad y salud se valoraron mediante tres ítems del cuestionario Health Behavior in School-aged Children. La calidad de la dieta mediterránea se valoró a través del cuestionario Índice de calidad de la dieta mediterránea en niños y adolescentes. Las variables antropométricas se recogieron a través de un cuestionario autoinformado y para el cálculo del índice de masa corporal se empleó el índice de Quetelet (kg/m2). Resultados: el análisis descriptivo no mostró diferencias en la percepción de soledad, felicidad y salud, la calidad de la dieta, y las variables antropométricas (p > 0,005), a excepción del peso (p < 0,005), según el sexo. El análisis inferencial mostró que los valores más elevados en la calidad de la dieta se correlacionan con valores más altos en la percepción de felicidad y de salud (p < 0,005). Por su parte, la prueba de la regresión lineal mostró asociación entre la calidad de la dieta y la percepción de felicidad tras ajustarse el modelo al normopeso (R2 = 0,382; p < 0,005). Asimismo, mostró una asociación significativa entre la calidad de la dieta y la percepción de salud tras ajustarse el modelo a los escolares con sobrepeso (R2 = 0,455; p < 0,005). Conclusión: la asociación entre la percepción de salud y de felicidad con la calidad de la dieta parece estar moderada por el estado del peso. (AU)

Aim: to determine the relationship between perceived loneliness, happiness, and health, and quality of diet, observing the moderator role of weight status in elementary school children during the state of alarm decreed for COVID-19. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study in a sample of 116 Spanish schoolchildren. The perception of loneliness, happiness, and health was assessed using three items of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children questionnaire. The quality of their Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index quetsionnaire for children and adolescents. Anthropometric variables were collected through a self-reported questionnaire, and for the calculation of body mass index the Quetelet index (kg/m2) was used. Results: the descriptive analysis showed no differences in the perception of loneliness, happiness, or health, quality of diet, or anthropometric variables (p > 0.005), except for weight (p < 0.005), according to sex. The inferential analysis showed that higher values in quality of diet are correlated with higher scores in perceived happiness and health (p < 0.005). In turn, the linear regression test showed an association between quality of diet and perception of happiness after the model was adjusted for normal weight (R2 = 0.382; p < 0.005). Likewise, it showed a significant association between quality of diet and perception of health after the model was adjusted for overweight schoolchildren (R2 = 0.455; p < 0.005). Conclusion: the association between perceived health and happiness with quality of diet seems to be moderated by weight. (AU)

Diferencias en la calidad de la dieta de escolares españoles de educación primaria de entornos rurales y urbanos / Differences in the quality of the diet of spanish primary school students from rural and urban settings

Fundamentos: La literatura científica informa de un importante descenso en los niveles de adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en las primeras etapas de la vida. El objetivo fue analizar las diferencias en la dieta mediterránea en función del contexto poblacional (rural y urbano). Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal realizado con526 escolares españoles de 6-13 años seleccionados mediante muestreo no probabilístico intencional procedentesde Murcia y la isla de Fuerteventura. Después de recibir el consentimiento informado por parte de los centros educativos y de los padres/tutores legales, se valoró la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea a través del cuestionario KIDMED. El análisis estadístico ha sido llevado a cabo a través de tablas de contingencia y la prueba One-way ANOVA. Ambas pruebas se realizaron mediante el programa estadístico IBM SPSS24.0 estableciéndose la significación en 0,05.Resultados: Los varones de entorno urbano presentan mejor puntuación media en calidad de la dieta (CD) en 1º y 2º curso (p < 0,015) respecto a los escolares de entorno rural. Porsu parte, las mujeres de entorno urbano tienen mejor puntuación media en CD en 1º y 2º curso (p < 0,010) y, 5º y 6º de primaria respecto a las escolares de entorno rural (p < 0,045). Considerando el total, los escolares con un entorno urbano presentan mayor CD alta (p < 0,029) y CD Total (p < 0,001)que aquellos que viven en un entorno rural.Conclusiones: Los escolares de educación primaria que viven en entornos urbanos presentan una mejor calidad de la dieta que los escolares que viven en entornos rurales. (AU)

Background: The scientific literature reports a significant decrease in the levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the early stages of life. The objective was to analyze the differences in the Mediterranean diet depending on the population context (rural and urban). Methods: Descriptive-cross sectional study carried out with 526 Spanish schoolchildren aged 6-13 years selected through intentional non-probability sampling from Murcia and the island of Fuerteventura. After receiving informed consent from schools and parents/legal guardians, adherence to theMediterranean diet was assessed through the KIDMED questionnaire. Statistical analysis has been carried out using contingency tables and the T test for independent samples. Both tests were performed using the IBM SPSS 24.0 statistical program, with significance set at 0.05. Results: Boys from urban settings present better mean score in quality of diet (QD) in 1st and 2nd grade (p < 0.015)compared to schoolchildren in rural settings. On the other hand, women from urban settings have a better mean score on QD in 1st and 2nd grade (p < 0.010) and, 5th and 6th grade ofelementary school compared to rural schoolgirls (p < 0.045). Considering the total, schoolchildren with an urban environment present higher high CD (p < 0.029) and total QD (p < 0.001) than those who live in a rural environment. Conclusions: Primary school students living in urban settings present a better quality of diet than schoolchildrenliving in rural settings. (AU)

Aplicación internacional del programa “Intervención multidimensional para la ansiedad social” (IMAS): I. Eficacia del tratamiento en pacientes con ansiedad social / International application of the program Multidimensional intervention for social anxiety

El trastorno de ansiedad social (TAS) es uno de los trastornos más frecuentes a nivel mundial. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar la eficacia del nuevo programa “Intervención multidimensional para la ansiedad social” (IMAS) para el tratamiento del TAS. Participaron 57 personas diagnosticadas con TAS, según el DSM-5, evaluadas mediante una entrevista semiestructurada (Salazar y Caballo, 2018) y dos medidas de autoinforme para la ansiedad social, el CASO (Caballo, Salazar, Arias, et al., 2010) y la LSAS-SR (Liebowitz, 1987). Diferentes terapeutas llevaron a cabo el tratamiento en Ecuador, España y Paraguay. Los resultados mostraron importantes mejoras del pretratamiento al postratamiento, que se mantenían a los seis meses. El tamaño del efecto estaba entre 1 y 2 y, en muchas ocasiones, fue superior a 2. Aunque se comparó con un grupo de terapia cognitivo conductual y otro de tratamiento farmacológico, con resultados favorables para el programa IMAS, el bajo número de sujetos de estos últimos grupos no permite llegar a deducciones claras. En conclusión, este nuevo programa para el tratamiento de la ansiedad social parece altamente eficaz a corto y medio plazo y sus resultados positivos parecen generalizables a diferentes países (AU)

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most prevalent disorders worldwide. The goal of this study was to test the effectiveness of the new program "Multidimensional Intervention for Social Anxiety" (MISA) for the treatment of SAD. Fifty-seven people diagnosed with SAD, according to the DSM-5, participated in this study, and they were assessed by means of a semi-structured interview (Salazar & Caballo, 2018) and two self-report measures for social anxiety, the SAQ (Caballo, Salazar, Arias, et al., 2010) and the LSAS-SR (Liebowitz, 1987). Different therapists delivered the treatment in Ecuador, Spain, and Paraguay. The results showed significant improvements from pre-treatment to post-treatment, which were maintained at six months. The effect size was between 1 and 2 and, on many occasions, was greater than 2. Although it was compared with a cognitive behavioral therapy group and a pharmacological treatment group, with favorable results for the MISA program, the low number of subjects in the latter groups does not allow clear deductions to be made. In conclusion, this new program for the treatment of social anxiety seems highly effective in the short and medium term and its positive results seem generalizable to different countries (AU)

A New Cerkl Mouse Model Generated by CRISPR-Cas9 Shows Progressive Retinal Degeneration and Altered Morphological and Electrophysiological Phenotype.

Purpose: Close to 100 genes cause retinitis pigmentosa, a Mendelian rare disease that affects 1 out of 4000 people worldwide. Mutations in the ceramide kinase-like gene (CERKL) are a prevalent cause of autosomal recessive cause retinitis pigmentosa and cone-rod dystrophy, but the functional role of this gene in the retina has yet to be fully determined. We aimed to generate a mouse model that resembles the phenotypic traits of patients carrying CERKL mutations to undertake functional studies and assay therapeutic approaches. Methods: The Cerkl locus has been deleted (around 97 kb of genomic DNA) by gene editing using the CRISPR-Cas9 D10A nickase. Because the deletion of the Cerkl locus is lethal in mice in homozygosis, a double heterozygote mouse model with less than 10% residual Cerkl expression has been generated. The phenotypic alterations of the retina of this new model have been characterized at the morphological and electrophysiological levels. Results: This CerklKD/KO model shows retinal degeneration, with a decreased number of cones and progressive photoreceptor loss, poorly stacked photoreceptor outer segment membranes, defective retinal pigment epithelium phagocytosis, and altered electrophysiological recordings in aged retinas. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first Cerkl mouse model to mimic many of the phenotypic traits, including the slow but progressive retinal degeneration, shown by human patients carrying CERKL mutations. This useful model will provide unprecedented insights into the retinal molecular pathways altered in these patients and will contribute to the design of effective treatments.

Technical Report: Repeatability of Contrast Sensitivity Test in Children.

Contrast sensitivity (CS) in children is not routinely measured in the clinical setting, although CS losses have been found in amblyopic and premature children. Thus simple visual acuity measurements do not completely assess their quality of vision. To evaluate contrast sensitivity in children, a reliable and easy test, sampling the entire spatial frequency range, is necessary. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the repeatability and normal range of the contrast sensitivity function measured using the Topcon CC-100 instrument, in children aged between 4 and 9 years, for use as a diagnostic tool. METHODS: Contrast sensitivity was measured in 25 children, 11 boys and 14 girls, with normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity, normal binocular function, and stereopsis. Two measurements were performed, 3 months apart, with a Topcon CC-100 device using achromatic sinusoidal gratings of 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles per degree (cpd) with random orientation in a circular window with sharp edges. RESULTS: The normal range in the first visit is wider than in the second. Coefficients of variation are better for the middle-range spatial frequencies (6.6 and 7.8% at 3 and 6 cpd, respectively) and worst at 18 cpd (18.2%), with intermediate values at 1.5 cpd (11.3%) and 12 cpd (13.7%), and better for older than for younger children. No significant sex differences were found (P > .05, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSIONS: Repeatability measured by the coefficient of variation is better for the middle frequency range (3 and 6 cpd) than for low (1.5 cpd) and high frequencies (12 and 18 cpd). The variability of the differences between the first and second measurements suggests that the participants were not able to maintain a stable response criterion. The test seems to be subject to a learning effect, and the standard normality range may not be adequate for children.

TAT: normas aperceptivas en pacientes institucionalizados con trastorno mental grave y prolongado / TAT: apperceptive norms in hospitalized patients with severe and prolonged mental disorders

El Test de Apercepción Temática (TAT) es un test proyectivo inventado en 1935. Repasamos su origen, fundamento y utilidad a través del uso que del test han realizado diversos autores a lo largo de su historia. Asimismo, revisamos sus aplicaciones más recientes y reflexionamos sobre sus posibilidades. Por último, replicamos el estudio del que se sirvió Saul Rosenzweig para establecer normas de apercepción temática que se disponen en población general. En el presente estudio, con una metodología más rigurosa que la descrita por Rosenzweig, sugerimos un patrón de respuesta al test en sujetos con trastorno mental grave (fundamentalmente, esquizofrenia) que podría emplearse en análisis actuales de las respuestas al test

The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a projective test created in 1935. In this article, its origin, bases and the usefulness that has shown throughout its history are reviewed. In addition, we examine its more recent applications and reflect on its possibilities. Finally, we replicate the study conducted by Saul Rosenzweig in order to establish adult apperceptive norms in the general population. In this paper, with a more rigorous methodology than that of Rosenzweig, we suggest a response pattern in individuals with severe mental disorders (mostly, schizophrenia)

Análisis de la composición corporal y violencia en escolares de Educación Primaria / Analysis of body composition and violence in Primary School children

El incremento de conductas de violencia interpersonal en la infancia y adolescencia ha generado la necesidad de estudiar todos los factores que puedan ser determinantes. Por tanto, el objetivo fue analizar la relación entre composición corporal y patrones de violencia entre iguales. Se desarrolló un estudio en 214 escolares españoles, de 8-12 años de edad. Se midieron variables antropométricas y se evaluó la violencia interpersonal con el Cuestionario de Violencia Escolar Cotidiana. El análisis inferencial mostró la correlación entre peso y talla con la dimensión de Violencia observada (p = 0'038; p = 0'001, respectivamente). No se detectaron diferencias en relación al estado de peso (infrapeso-normopeso vs. sobrepeso-obesidad) en las dimensiones de Violencia sufrida y Violencia observada. Los resultados sugieren una correlación débil entre peso y talla con la violencia interpersonal. Más evidente parece la ausencia de diferencias entre el estado de peso y la violencia interpersonal

The increase in interpersonal violence behaviors in childhood and adolescence has generated the need to study all the factors that may be determinant. Therefore, the objective was to analyze the relationship between body composition and patterns of violence between equals. A study was developed in 214 Spanish schoolchildren, aged 8-12 years. Anthropometric variables were measured and interpersonal violence was evaluated with the Daily School Violence Questionnaire. The inferential analysis showed the correlation between weight and height with the Observed Violence dimension (p = 0.038, p = 0.001, respectively). No differences were detected in relation to the state of weight (underweight- normal weight vs. overweight-obesity) in the dimensions of Violence suffered and Violence observed. The results suggest a weak correlation between weight and height with interpersonal violence. More evident is the absence of differences between weight status and interpersonal violence

Pacientes con esquizofrenia de edad avanzada. Deterioro cognitivo y factores relacionados / Elderly patients with schizophrenia. Cognitive impairment and related factors

Introducción: La disfunción cognitiva se acepta hoy como una característica más de la esquizofrenia. A medida que los pacientes envejecen esta disfunción es mayor y es más difícil de valorar, debido al deterioro cognitivo asociado al envejecimiento, a otras enfermedades somáticas como la patología neurológica, cardiovascular, a la acción de numerosos fármacos, etc. Objetivo: En un grupo de pacientes con esquizofrenia de carácter grave, resistente a los tratamientos, ingresadas durante años, que han sido seguidas y evaluadas por nuestro equipo desde hace más de 31 años, estudiamos su estado cognitivo actual, así como otras variables biológicas, clínicas, analíticas o farmacológicas y su relación con la enfermedad cerebrovascular. Método: A las 16 pacientes que sobreviven de la muestra inicial, se les realiza tomografía axial computarizada craneal, analítica, exploraciones clínicas / neuropsicológicas y se recogen enfermedades presentes, tratamientos farmacológicos, etc. Resultados: Los hallazgos de alteraciones vasculares cerebrales en nuestros pacientes dan como resultado lesiones de la sustancia blanca extensas y confluyentes, presentes en un 43,8% de los casos. De un amplio conjunto de medidas clínicas, cognitivas, analíticas, funcionales, factores de riesgo cardiovasculares y farmacológicos, únicamente observamos que las personas con lesiones de sustancia blanca presentaban diferencias significas significativas sobre las que no presentaban estas lesiones: un cociente intelectual verbal medio inferior, resultados medios en el Mini-Examen Cognoscitivo inferiores y niveles medios de homocisteína superiores. Conclusiones: En el grupo estudiado de pacientes con esquizofrenia existe una elevada prevalencia de lesiones en la sustancia blanca. Las pacientes que tienen esta patología tienen un mayor deterioro cognitivo y un nivel de homocisteína más elevado

Introduction: Today, cognitive dysfunction is accepted as a further feature of schizophrenia. As the patients age, this dysfunction is higher and harder to evaluate due to the interaction of cognitive impairment associated with age, other somatic diseases as neurological and cardiovascular disorder, psychoactive drug interactions, etc. Aim of the study: In a group of patients with severe schizophrenia, drug resistant, interned for years, who have been explored for more than 31 years by us, we study his cognitive dysfunction as well as other biological, clinical, analytical or pharmacological variables and his relationship with cerebrovascular disease. Method: The 16 surviving patients from the initial sample are given a computerized axial tomography, analytics, clinical and neuropsychological explorations and present diseases, drug treatments, etc, are collected. Results: We found extensive and confluent white matter lesions in 43, 8% of the cases. From a wide ensamble array of clinical, cognitive, analytical and functional measures, cardiovascular and pharmacological risk factors, we only found that people with white matter lesions presented significantly lower verbal intellectual ratios than those who did not, lower results at the Mini Cognitive Examination and higher average levels of homocysteine. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of white matter lesions in the group of patients with schizophrenia. Patients who have this pathology, also have higher cognitive dysfunction and increased homocysteine levels

Defective Induction of COX-2 Expression by Psoriatic Fibroblasts Promotes Pro-inflammatory Activation of Macrophages.

Fibroblasts play an important role as members of the innate immune system through the secretion of COX-2-derived inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). However, it has been described that dermal fibroblasts behave like mesenchymal stem cells reducing lymphocyte recruitment and dendritic cell activation through PGE2 release. As the role of fibroblasts in psoriasis remains poorly characterized, in the present study we have evaluated the possible influence of PGE2 derived from dermal fibroblasts as modulator of the immune response in psoriatic skin. Our results indicate that under inflammatory conditions, psoriatic fibroblasts showed defective induction of COX-2, which resulted in diminished production of PGE2, in contrast to healthy fibroblasts. This phenotype correlated with deficient c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, in accordance with the hypothesis that alterations in members of the JNK pathway are associated with psoriasis. Furthermore, conditioned medium from psoriatic fibroblasts promoted the polarization of monocytic cells toward a pro-inflammatory profile, effect that was mimicked in healthy fibroblasts after pre-incubation with indomethacin. These results are consistent with a prominent role of dermal fibroblasts in the regulation of inflammatory response through the participation of COX-derived metabolites. This resolutive behavior seems to be defective in psoriatic fibroblasts, offering a possible explanation for the chronification of the disease and for the exacerbation triggered by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as indomethacin.

Relación del desayuno con la calidad de la dieta en escolares de educación secundaria obligatoria de un centro escolar de Murcia / Relationship of breakfast with the quality of the diet in compulsory secondary school students of a school in Murcia

FUNDAMENTOS: el desayuno suscita un considerable interés científico como posible parámetro relacionado con el estilo de vida. El objetivo fue analizar la relación del desayuno con la calidad de la dieta, la actividad física y la antropometría en escolares de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo (n=217; 13,59 +/- 1,45 años). Los ítems referidos al desayuno y a la calidad de la dieta fueron extraídos del Test Kidmed. Para la valoración de la actividad física se ha utilizado el PAQ-C y PAQ-A. Para el cálculo del índice de masa corporal se empleó el índice de Quetelet. RESULTADOS: un 21,70 % de los escolares de secundaria no desayuna habitualmente. El análisis de regresión logística reveló que tomar el desayuno e incluir un lácteo, cereal y omitir bollería se asocia con una mayor calidad de la dieta global. Sin embargo, no se obtuvieron diferencias significativas con el nivel de actividad física y las variables antropométricas. CONCLUSIONES: el desayuno parece actuar como un elemento diferenciador de la calidad de la dieta pero no en el nivel de actividad física y la antropometría en escolares de secundaria. El contexto educativo y de la salud pública en cooperación con el ambiente familiar deben contribuir a la mejora del hábito de desayunar de manera saludable en estas edades

BACKGROUND: breakfast raises considerable scientific interest as a possible parameter related to lifestyle. The objective was to analyze the relationship of breakfast with the quality of diet, physical activity and anthropometry in secondary school students. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted (n = 217, 13,59 +/- 1,45 years). The items referring to breakfast and to the quality of the diet were extracted from the KidmedTest. The PAQ-C and PAQ-A was used to assess physical activity and the Quetelet index was used to calculate the body mass index. RESULTS: 21,70 % of high school students do not eat breakfast regularly. The logistic regression analysis revealed that having breakfast and including a dairy, cereal and omitting pastries is associated with a higher quality of the overall diet. However, no significant differences were found with the level of physical activity and anthropometric variables. CONCLUSIONS: breakfast seems to act as a differentiating element of the quality of the diet but not in the level of physical activity and anthropometry in secondary school students. The educational and public health context in cooperation with the family environment should contribute to improving the habit of healthy breakfast at these ages

Percepción de competencia física en escolares de España e Irán. Un estudio cultural / Perception of physical competence in schoolchildren in Spain and Iran. A cultural study

La percepción de competencia física (PCF) es un constructo psicológico que puede estar influenciado por factores culturales. Objetivo: analizar la PCF en una muestra de escolares españoles e iraníes. Método: en el estudio participaron 910 escolares, con edades entre 10 y 12 años, pertenecientes a Castilla la Mancha (España) y Golestan (Irán). El instrumento utilizado para medir este constructo fue la Percepción de la competencia en Educación Física, y se aplicó la prueba U-Mann Whitney. Resultados: los varones y las mujeres de España obtuvieron valores superiores en los factores de experiencia personal (p< .05) y compañeros (p<.05). A nivel global, solo los varones españoles presentaron una mayor PCF que sus homólogos iraníes (p<.05). Estos resultados muestran diferencias interculturales en la PCF a favor de los escolares españoles. Conclusión: conocer la PCF permite adecuar el desarrollo de las clases de Educación Física con el fin de influir en la intención de ser físicamente activo y un mayor ajuste psicológico del escolar.

The perception of physical competence (PPC) is a psychological construct that may be influenced by cultural factors. The objective was to analyze the PPC in a sample of Spanish and Iranian schoolchildren. 910 schoolchildren (ages 10-12 years) belonging to Castilla la Mancha (Spain) and Golestan (Iran) participated in the study. The instrument used to measure this construct is the perception of the competence in Physical Education. The U-Mann Whitney test has shown that men and women in Spain obtain higher values in personal experience factors (p <.05) and partners (p <.05). At a global level, Spanish schoolchildren present a higher perception of physical competence than their Iranian counterparts (p <.05). These results show intercultural differences in the PPC in favor of Spanish schoolchildren. Knowing the perception of physical competence allows adapting the development of Physical Education classes in order to influence the intention to be physically active and a greater psychological adjustment of the school.

A percepção de concorrência física (PCF) é um conceito psicológico que pode estar influenciado por fatores culturais. Objetivo: analisar a PCF em uma mostra de escolares espanhóis e iranianos. Método: no estudo participaram no estudo 910 escolares, com (idades entre 10 e- 12 anos,) pertencentes a Castilla a Mancha (Espanha) e Golestan (Irão). Instrumento utilizado para medir este conceito foi é a percepção da concorrência em Educação Física, e aplicou-se a prova Ou-Mann Whitney. Resultados: os varões e as mulheres de Espanha obtiveram valores superiores nos fatores de experiência pessoal (p< .05) e colegas (p<.05) A nível global, só os varões espanhóis apresentaram uma maior percepção de concorrência física que seus homólogos iranianos (p<.05) Estes resultados mostram diferenças interculturais na PCF a favor de os escolares espanhóis. Conclusão: conhecer a percepção de concorrência física permite adequar o desenvolvimento das classes de Educação Física com o fim de influir na intenção de ser fisicamente ativo e um maior ajuste psicológico do escoar.

Cognitive deterioration in schizophrenia: aging and cerebrovascular disease.

Today, cognitive dysfunction is accepted as a feature of schizophrenia. As the patients age, this dysfunction is higher and harder to evaluate due to the interaction among aging, other somatic diseases, psychoactive drugs, etc.