The Effect of Opuntia ficus Mucilage Pectin and Citrus aurantium Extract Added to a Food Matrix on the Gut Microbiota of Lean Humans and Humans with Obesity.

Experimental studies have provided evidence that physicochemical interactions in the food matrix can modify the biologically beneficial effects of bioactive compounds, including their effect on gut microbiota. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of a food gel matrix with Opuntia ficus cladodes mucilage pectin and Citrus Aurantium extract on the growth of four beneficial gut bacteria obtained from the fecal microbiota of people who are lean or who have obesity after digestion in the upper digestive system. To accomplish this, a base formulation of Opuntia ficus cladodes mucilage with or without C. aurantium extract was submitted to an ex vivo fecal fermentation in an automatic and robotic intestinal system. The changes in the intestinal microbiota were determined by means of plate culture and 16S sequencing, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced in the colon were determined via gas chromatography. In the presence of the extract in formulation, greater growth of Bifidobacterium spp. (+1.6 Log10 Colonic Forming Unit, UFC) and Lactobacillus spp. (+2 Log10 UFC) in the microbiota of lean people was observed. Only the growth in Salmonella spp. (-1 Log10 UFC) from both microbiota was affected in the presence of the extract, which decreased in the ascending colon. SCFA was mainly produced by the microbiota of people who were lean rather than those who had obesity in the presence of the extract, particularly in the ascending colon. The effect of sour orange extract seems to depend on the origin of the microbiota, whether in people who have obesity (25 mM/L) or are lean (39 mM/L).

Lumbar epidural vein thrombosis mimicking disc herniation: A report of 3 cases.

Epidural vein thrombosis is a rare cause of lumbosciatica than can clinically and radiologically mimic other causes of nerve root compression such as disc herniation. We describe 3 unusual cases of spinal epidural plexus vein thrombosis illustrating the difficulty in preoperative diagnosis of this entity. Misinterpretation of imaging findings can lead to an erroneous diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Knowledge of certain radiologic findings will increase the likelihood of recognizing epidural vein thrombosis.

Changes in the Sensory Odor Profile during Chorizo Maturation and Their Relationship with Volatile Compound Patterns by Partial Least Square Regression (PLS).

Odor is one of the most important attributes to determine the overall acceptance of a product. The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the changes in the odor profile and the volatile compounds during thirty-three days of ripening to obtain the pattern of volatile compounds necessary to integrate the odor profile of chorizo (fermented sausage), using Partial Least Squares (PLS). The chili and pork meat odors were predominant during the first five days, vinegar and fermented odors at days twelve and nineteen days, and finally a rancid odor predominated at the end. Only the vinegar, rancid, and fermented odors could be predicted with a good fit model, with the R2 coefficient above 0.5, using linear PLS, and the pork meat odor using logarithmic PLS. Each group of volatile compounds interacted in different ways; esters had a positive influence on the vinegar and rancid odors, but a negative on the fermented odor. Some volatile compounds contributed to more than one odor, such as hexanal, ethanol, and ethyl octanoate. This work allowed us to understand the pattern of volatile compounds required to generate some of the specific odors of chorizo; further studies are required to explore the effect of other food components on these patterns of odors.

Customizable Collagen Vitrigel Membranes and Preliminary Results in Corneal Engineering.

Corneal opacities are a leading cause of visual impairment that affect 4.2 million people annually. The current treatment is corneal transplantation, which is limited by tissue donor shortages. Corneal engineering aims to develop membranes that function as scaffolds in corneal cell transplantation. Here, we describe a method for producing transplantable corneal constructs based on a collagen vitrigel (CVM) membrane and corneal endothelial cells (CECs). The CVMs were produced using increasing volumes of collagen type I: 1X (2.8 µL/mm2), 2X, and 3X. The vitrification process was performed at 40% relative humidity (RH) and 40 °C using a matryoshka-like system consisting of a shaking-oven harboring a desiccator with a saturated K2CO3 solution. The CVMs were characterized via SEM microscopy, cell adherence, FTIR, and manipulation in an ex vivo model. A pilot transplantation of the CECs/CVM construct in rabbits was also carried out. The thickness of the CVMs was 3.65-7.2 µm. The transparency was superior to a human cornea (92.6% = 1X; 94% = 2X; 89.21% = 3X). SEM microscopy showed a homogenous surface and laminar organization. The cell concentration seeded over the CVM increased threefold with no significant difference between 1X, 2X, and 3X (p = 0.323). The 2X-CVM was suitable for surgical manipulation in the ex vivo model. Constructs using the CECs/2X-CVM promoted corneal transparency restoration.

Isolation and identification of proteolytic lactic-acid bacteria of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by spontaneous fermentation to obtain functional peptides.

High proteolytic activity and several biological functions (antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihypertensive, among others) have been attributed to lactic-acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fish and peptides obtained from proteolysis. Therefore, the objective of this research was isolating, characterizing, and identifying LAB with proteolytic activity by spontaneous fermentation from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) reared in ponds and wild ones obtained from Lago de Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico. Spontaneous fermentation from complete carp specimens was observed, considering two sampling points (skin and intestines) at 15 °C at 5 and 10 days. Isolated LAB-from both reared and wild specimens-were identified and morphologically characterized; identification was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Proteolytic activity was assessed by the presence of the proteolytic halo. A total of five genera and eight different LAB proteolytic species were isolated from all the carp samples. At 10 days, greater proteolytic LAB diversity was obtained from the intestine (Tukey's, p < 0.05); the proteolytic halo with the greatest diameter was recorded in wild carp skin with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S5P2 (2.8 cm) at 5 days of fermentation, followed by Leuconostoc mesenteroides S5I1 (2.73 cm) and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides S5P2 (2.66 cm) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, proteolytic capability of LAB isolated from carp (Cyprimus carpio)-both wild and reared-is influenced by the ecosystem where they develop. These proteolytic LAB may be used in biotechnological industries to obtain bioactive peptides by fermenting substrates rich in proteins.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Sedum dendroideum on Pterygium Fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Sedum dendroideum has antioxidant effects that are beneficial for different diseases. We aimed to analyze the antiproliferative activity of S. dendroideum in human pterygium fibroblasts (HPFs). METHODS: HPFs were treated for 24 h with 0-1000 µg/mL of S. dendroideum lyophilized to analyze its effect on cell viability using the CellTiter assay. RNA from HPF treated with 250 µg/mL of S. dendroideum lyophilized was isolated, and the expression of VEGF and CTGF genes was evaluated by qPCR. A dermal fibroblast cell line (HDFa) was used as a healthy control. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and chemical profile of S. dendroideum lyophilized were determined. RESULTS: Viability of HPF decreased after 24 h treatment of S. dendroideum in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of VEGF and CTGF significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in HPF treated with 250 µg/mL of S. dendroideum when compared with untreated HPF. The total phenolic concentration in the S. dendroideum lyophilized was 33.67 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g. Antioxidant activity was 384.49 mM Trolox equivalents/mL. The main phenolic compounds identified by HPLC analysis were the kaempferol-3-O-glycoside, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside-7-O-α-rhamnopyranoside, and kaempferol-3-O-glycoside-7-O-rhamnoside. CONCLUSIONS: S. dendroideum decreases the proliferation of HPF and the expression of VEGF and CTGF. The phenolic compound concentration, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical profile may play a role in these effects.

Experimental design of a culture approach for corneal endothelial cells of New Zealand white rabbit.

The harvesting of corneal endothelial cells (CEC) has received special attention due to its potential as a therapy for corneal blindness. The main challenges are related to the culture media formulation, cellular density at the primary isolation, and the number of passages in which CEC can retain their functional characteristics. To alternate different media formulations to harvest CEC has an impact on the cellular yield and morphology. Therefore, we analyzed four different sequences of growth factor-supplemented Stimulatory (S) and non-supplemented Quiescent (Q) media, upon passages to find the optimal S-Q culture sequence. We assessed cell yield, morphology, procollagen I production, Na+/K+-ATPase function, and the expression of ZO-1 and Na+/K+-ATPase. Our results show SQSQ and SQQQ sequences with a balance between an improved cell yield and hexagonal morphology rate. CEC cultured in the SQQQ sequence produced procollagen I, showed Na+/K+-ATPase function, and expression of ZO-1 and Na+/K+-ATPase. Our study sets a culture approach to guarantee CEC expansion, as well as functionality for their potential use in tissue engineering and in vivo analyses. Thus, the alternation of S and Q media improves CEC culture. SQQQ sequence demonstrated CEC proliferation and lower the cost implied in SQSQ sequences. We discarded the use of pituitary extract and ROCK inhibitors as essential for CEC proliferation.

Arresting proliferation improves the cell identity of corneal endothelial cells in the New Zealand rabbit.

Purpose: Corneal endothelium engineering aims to reduce the tissue shortage for corneal grafts. We investigated the impact of mitogenic and resting culture systems on the identity of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) for tissue engineering purposes. Methods: Rabbit CECs were cultured in growth factor-supplemented media (MitoM) until confluence. At the first passage, the CECs were divided into two populations: P1 remained cultured in MitoM, and P2 was cultured in a basal medium (RestM) for another passage. Morphologic changes in the CECs were analyzed, and RNA was isolated for transcriptome analysis. Quantitative PCR and immunocytochemistry validation of selected differentially expressed markers were performed. Results: The CECs in MitoM showed fibroblastic morphology, whereas the CECs in RestM exhibited polygonal morphology. Circularity analysis showed similar values in human (0.75±0.056), rabbit basal (before cultured; 0.77±0.063), and CECs in RestM (0.73±0.09), while MitoM showed lower circularities (0.41±0.19). Genes related to collagen type IV and the extracellular matrix, along with the adult CEC markers ATP1A1, ATP1B1, COL8A2, GPC4, and TJP1, were highly expressed in RestM. Conversely, the IL-6, F3, and ITGB3 genes and the non-adult CEC markers CD44, CNTN3, and CD166 were more expressed in MitoM. Overall, from the transcriptome, we identified 832 differentially expressed probes. A functional analysis of the 308 human annotated differentially expressed genes revealed around 13 functional clusters related to important biological terms, such as extracellular matrix, collagen type 4, immune responses, cell proliferation, and wound healing. Quantitative PCR and immunocytochemistry confirmed the overexpression of ATP1A1, TJP1, and GPC4 in CECs in RestM. Conclusions: The addition of a stabilization step during CEC culture improves the cells' morphology and molecular identity, which agrees with transcriptome data. This suggests that stabilization is useful for studying the plasticity of the corneal endothelium's morphology, and stabilization is proposed as a necessary step in corneal endothelium engineering.

Validation to the Spanish of the Jefferson empathy scale health professions students version and its psychometric properties in nursing students.

The ability to empathize with patients has a positive effect on health outcomes and quality of care. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Spanish version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Student version (JSE-HPS) in a sample of 422 nursing students and to compare their factorial structure with that of the original scale. In this study, the Cronbach α value was 0.828. These analyses showed that the scale has a factorial structure with three dimensions and all the items loaded adequately (>0.36) except for item 18 (0.266). The main factor, ̔Perspective taking̕ grouped 10 items; the second factor, ̔Compassionate care̕, grouped 6 items, and the third factor, ̔Standing in the patient's shoes̕, grouped 3 items; 42.2% of the variance was explained. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis suggest that the Spanish version of the JSE-HPS is a valid and reliable way to evaluate the empathic capacity of nursing students.

The elbow: review of anatomy and common collateral ligament complex pathology using MRI.

The elbow is a complex joint whose stability is imparted by osseous and soft-tissue constraints. Anatomical and biomechanical knowledge of the supporting structures that provide stability to the medial and lateral elbow is essential to correctly interpret the pathological findings. Conventional MRI and MR arthrography are the imaging modalities of choice in the evaluation of elbow ligament injuries. Elbow instability can be classified according to timing (acute, chronic, or recurrent), the direction of displacement, the degree of displacement, and the articulations involved. This article reviews the MR imaging protocols recommended for each diagnosis and the normal anatomy and biomechanical aspects of the medial and lateral collateral ligament complex. We also present multiple cases of typical and atypical patterns of injury.

Factores personales y sociales que protegen frente a la victimización por bullying / Personal and social factors which protect against bullying victimization

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de ser víctima de bullying y analizar la influencia de factores personales y sociales sobre este fenómeno en una población de adolescentes. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y multicéntrico, realizado entre alumnos de 15-18 años en cinco institutos de educación secundaria de Cuenca durante el curso académico 2015-1016. Las variables de estudio se recogieron mediante un cuestionario autoadministrado que incluyó: edad, sexo, diferentes subescalas del cuestionario KIDSCREEN-52 y la escala de resiliencia CD-RISC 10.Resultados: Se recogieron datos de 844 estudiantes (54% chicas), la edad media de la muestra fue de 16,36 años. La prevalencia de víctimas de bullying fue de 29,5%. El análisis multivariante para los factores personales, mostró que ser chica, ser más resiliente, tener mejor autopercepción y bienestar psicológico, protegen frente a ser víctimas. Mientras que el modelo de factores sociales indicó que tienen también un efecto protector los recursos económicos, las relaciones con los padres, amigos y entorno escolar. Conclusión: El bullying es un fenómeno complejo de elevada prevalencia y gran repercusión social. En nuestro trabajo, las características propias de los adolescentes tales como la capacidad de resistencia y el control emocional, así como las relacionadas con su red social de apoyo, son factores protectores frente al bullying. Las políticas de prevención deben ser multisectoriales y multidisciplinares implicando a la familia, entorno escolar y asistencial y red social. Las enfermeras de atención primaria y especialmente la enfermera escolar, podrían facilitar una mayor coordinación entre los distintos sectores y aunar esfuerzos para promover entornos seguros para nuestros jóvenes

Objective: To determine the prevalence of bullying victimization and to analyze personal and social factors influence over this phenomenon in an adolescent population.Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional and multicenter study was carried out in 15-18 years old pupils in five secondary schools of Cuenca during the 2015-16 school year. The variables were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and included age, gender, different subscales of the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire and the resilience scale CD-RISC 10.Results: Data were obtained from 844 students (of whom 54% were girls) whose average age was 16.36 years old. The prevalence of bullying victimization was 29,5%. The multivariate analysis for the personal factors showed that being girl, more resilient, having better self-perception and psychological well-being, protect from being victims. Whereas the social factors model indicated that financial resources, parents and peers' relations and school environment do also have a protective effect.Conclusion: Bullying is a complex phenomenon with high prevalence and great social impact. In our work, adolescents' specific characteristics such as resistance capacity and emotional control, as well as the ones related to their social support, are protective factors against bullying. Prevention polices should be multisectoral and multidisciplinary involving the family, school and health environment and social network. Primary care nurses and especially the school nurse could provide greater coordination among the different sectors and join efforts to promote safe environments for our young people

Influencia de la resiliencia sobre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adolescentes / Influence of resilience on health-related quality of life in adolescents

OBJETIVO: Analizar la influencia de la resiliencia sobre las distintas dimensiones de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en un grupo de adolescentes escolarizados en la ciudad de Cuenca. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, multicéntrico y polietápico en 5 institutos de Educación Secundaria durante el curso académico 2015-1016. Instrumentos: Cuestionario autoadministrado que incluía variables sociodemográficas y las escalas CD-RISC 10 para evaluar resiliencia y KIDSCREEN-52 para medir la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. RESULTADOS: Se recogieron datos de 844 estudiantes, de los cuales el 54% fueron chicas y la edad media de la muestra fue de 16,36±1,05 años. Se observaron valores superiores de resiliencia en los chicos. Con respecto a la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, fue menor en las chicas (salvo en la dimensión de aceptación social) y en el grupo de mayor edad. La resiliencia se asoció significativamente con todas las dimensiones del KIDSCREEN-52 y resultó ser un predictor relevante, especialmente en las dimensiones relacionadas con la salud mental y en todas las que miden relaciones sociales. CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestro estudio aporta evidencias sobre la sinergia calidad de vida relacionada con la salud-resiliencia en adolescentes. La resiliencia se asocia con niveles más elevados de calidad de vida en adolescentes y, al ser menor en chicas, puede ser uno de los factores explicativos de su peor calidad de vida relacionada con la salud

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of resilience on the different dimensions of health-related quality of life in a group of adolescents in Cuenca. METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre and multistage study was carried out in 5 secondary schools during the 2015-2016 school year. Instruments: A self-administered questionnaire, which included sociodemographic characteristics and the CD-RISC 10 scale to assess resilience together with the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 844 students, of whom 54% were girls and the mean age was 16.36±1.05 years. Higher resilience scores were observed in boys. Health-related quality of life was lower in girls (except in the dimension of social acceptance) and in the oldest group. Resilience was significantly associated with all KIDSCREEN-52 dimensions and proved to be a relevant predictor, especially in the dimensions related with mental health and all those that measure social relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence on the synergy between health-related quality of life and resilience in adolescents. Resilience is associated with higher levels of quality of life in adolescents and as the scores are lower in girls, it could be one of the explanatory factors for their poorer health-related quality of life

Influence of resilience on health-related quality of life in adolescents. / Influencia de la resiliencia sobre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of resilience on the different dimensions of health-related quality of life in a group of adolescents in Cuenca. METHOD: A descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre and multistage study was carried out in 5 secondary schools during the 2015-2016 school year. INSTRUMENTS: A self-administered questionnaire, which included sociodemographic characteristics and the CD-RISC 10 scale to assess resilience together with the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 844 students, of whom 54% were girls and the mean age was 16.36±1.05 years. Higher resilience scores were observed in boys. Health-related quality of life was lower in girls (except in the dimension of social acceptance) and in the oldest group. Resilience was significantly associated with all KIDSCREEN-52 dimensions and proved to be a relevant predictor, especially in the dimensions related with mental health and all those that measure social relationships. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence on the synergy between health-related quality of life and resilience in adolescents. Resilience is associated with higher levels of quality of life in adolescents and as the scores are lower in girls, it could be one of the explanatory factors for their poorer health-related quality of life.

Primary explant culture and collagen I substrate enhances corneal endothelial cell morphology.

OBJECTIVES: Corneal endothelial cell (CEC) isolation and harvest aim to produce engineered grafts to solve donor corneal tissue shortage. To yield high amounts of CEC maintaining morphological and molecular characteristics, several isolation and culture conditions are reported. Here, we combined direct explant culture, with three different coating conditions and a two-step media approach to compare confluence efficiency, morphology, and specific molecular markers expression. DATA DESCRIPTION: Confluence was reached after 2 weeks in the three coating conditions (Matrigel, collagen I, and in uncoated plates) using a two-step approach (proliferative medium without pituitary extract, followed by stabilizer basal medium). Na/K-ATPase and GPC4 markers were detected by immunocytochemistry while GPC4, CD200, and TJP1 by RT-PCR in the three CEC coating culture conditions. CEC in proliferative medium showed spindle morphology in the three conditions. Polygonal morphology was seen in CEC cultures using basal medium under uncoated and collagen I coated plates. CEC cultured in Matrigel-coated plates remained with spindle morphology in basal medium.

Validez de la escala de resiliencia de Connor-Davidson (10 ítems) en una población de mayores no institucionalizados / Validity of the Connor-Davidson resilience scale (10 items) in a population of elderly

Objetivos: Evaluar las características psicométricas de la versión española del CD-RISC de 10 ítems en una muestra de personas mayores no institucionalizadas y examinar si mantiene la misma estructura factorial que muestra la escala original. Método Estudio descriptivo transversal multicéntrico de validación de una escala de medida, realizado en 5 zonas básicas de salud de la provincia de Cuenca. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorizado simple, cumplieron los criterios de inclusión 500 mayores, entre 60 y 75 años. Mediciones: variables sociodemográficas, cuestionario Pfeiffer, CD-RISC-10 (resiliencia), PSS (estrés percibido), los componentes físico y mental del SF-12 Mental Status, GDS (depresión geriátrica) y MOS (apoyo social).Resultados Encontramos un único factor subyacente en la escala CD-RISC de 10 ítems. La estructura factorial se testó mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio, comprobándose que un modelo de un único factor mostraba aceptables valores de bondad de ajuste tanto en hombres como en mujeres. La consistencia interna de los ítems se realizó mediante el a de Cronbach que fue de 0,81. Respecto a la validez convergente, las puntuaciones globales de la versión española del CD-RISC-10 correlacionaron directamente con el MOS y los componentes físico y mental del SF-12, e inversamente con las de PSS y GDS. Conclusiones La versión española del CD-RISC-10 mostró buenas propiedades psicométricas y por lo tanto puede ser utilizada como un instrumento válido y fiable para medir la resiliencia en la población de mayores no institucionalizados (AU)

Aims: To examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the CD-RISC 10-itemsin a sample of the elderly population of Cuenca, Spain; and to assess if the Spanish version preserves the same factorial structure as the original one. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in five health centres in the province of Cuenca. The study included a random sample of 500 people aged 60-75 years who lived within the community. Measurements: The sociodemographic variables, CD-RISC-10 (resilience), PSS (perceived stress), SF-12v2, Pfeiffer Short Portable Mental Status questionnaire, GDS (geriatric depression), and MOS (social support), were all used to gather data. The number of factors underlying the CD-RISC 10 items was analysed using exploratory factor analysis. Furthermore, this factor structure was tested by confirmatory factor analysis. Results: A single underlying factor was found in the CD-RISC 10 items. The factor structure was tested using confirmatory factor analysis and it was found that a single factor model showed acceptable goodness of fit values for both men and women. Convergent validity was performed to test whether the mean scores of the variables were significantly associated with resilience. The Cronbach's α coefficient for the CD-RISC 10 items scale was 0.81. The overall scores of the Spanish version of the CD-RISC-10 items correlated directly with MOS and the physical and mental components of SF-12, and inversely with the PSS and GDS. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the CD-RISC-10 showed good psychometric properties. Thus, it can be used as a valid and reliable instrument to measure resilience in the non-institutionalized older population (AU)

Factores asociados con calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en mayores institucionalizados: diferencias entre hombres y mujeres / Factors associated with health-related quality of life in the institutionalised elderly: differences between men and women

Objetivos. Analizar la asociacion de comorbilidad, capacidad funcional, estado de animo y percepcion de apoyo social con las dimensiones fisica y mental de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS), y evaluar las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres mayores institucionalizados sin deterioro cognitivo severo en Cuenca. Metodologia. Estudio descriptivo, transversal y multicentrico realizado en 16 residencias de Cuenca. Se realizo un muestreo aleatorio sistematico, cumplieron criterios de inclusion 281 residentes. Mediciones: variables sociodemograficas, clinicas e instrumentos estandarizados: SF12v2, mini-examen cognitivo, indice de Barthel, escala depresion geriatrica y escala percepcion apoyo social. Se realizaron modelos de regresion lineal multiple diferenciados para la dimension fisica y la mental del SF12 y por genero. Resultados. Un 55% fueron mujeres, con edad media de 82,6; mientras que en los hombres fue de 81,23. La comorbilidad fue mayor en mujeres 1,96, pero en la regresion no se asocio con la dimension fisica de la CVRS y sí lo hicieron discapacidad (β=0,313), sintomatología depresiva (β= -0,164) y percepción de apoyo social (β=0,158). La peor CVRS en mujeres la encontramos en la dimensión mental que se asoció con sintomatología depresiva (β=-0,422) y baja percepción de apoyo social (β=0,154). Conclusiones. Los factores biológicos y funcionales se asociaron con la dimensión física exclusivamente y el estado de ánimo con ambas dimensiones (física y mental). El factor diferencial que podría explicar la peor CVRS en mujeres institucionalizadas se asoció con una vivencia más negativa de la pérdida, tanto de capacidad funcional como de apoyo social (AU)

Aim. To examine the relationship between co-morbidity, functional capacity, mood and perception of social support, and the physical and mental dimensions of the Health-Related Quality of Life and assess the differences between institutionalised elderly men and women without severe cognitive impairment in Cuenca, Spain. Methods. A cross sectional, descriptive and multicentre study was conducted in 16 nursing homes. A representative sample of 281 elderly patients was randomly selected. Measures: demographic, clinic variables and standardised tools: SF12 health questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination, Barthel Index, Geriatric Depression Scale and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Data (..) analysis was performed using multiple lineal regression models for physical and mental dimension of SF12, differentiated for gender. Results. The sample included 55% elderly women with an mean age of 82.6 years, and 45% men with a mean age of 81.2 years. Comorbidity was higher in women (1.96), but in the linear regression this was not associated with the physical dimension of HRQOL. We found an association with disability (β=313), depressive symptoms (β=-.164) and perceived social support (β=158). The worst HRQOL in women was found in the mental dimension associated with depressive symptoms (β= -.422) and in the low perceived social support (β=154). Conclusions. Biological and functional factors were only associated with the physical dimension, while depression was associated with both dimensions (physical and psychological). The differential factor that could explain the lower HRQOL in institutionalised women could be explained by a more negative experience of the disability and loss of social support (AU)

[Factors associated with health-related quality of life in the institutionalised elderly: differences between men and women]. / Factores asociados con calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en mayores institucionalizados: diferencias entre hombres y mujeres.

AIM: To examine the relationship between co-morbidity, functional capacity, mood and perception of social support, and the physical and mental dimensions of the Health-Related Quality of Life and assess the differences between institutionalised elderly men and women without severe cognitive impairment in Cuenca, Spain. METHODS: A cross sectional, descriptive and multicentre study was conducted in 16 nursing homes. A representative sample of 281 elderly patients was randomly selected. MEASURES: demographic, clinic variables and standardised tools: SF12 health questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination, Barthel Index, Geriatric Depression Scale and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey. Data analysis was performed using multiple lineal regression models for physical and mental dimension of SF12, differentiated for gender. RESULTS: The sample included 55% elderly women with an mean age of 82.6 years, and 45% men with a mean age of 81.2 years. Comorbidity was higher in women (1.96), but in the linear regression this was not associated with the physical dimension of HRQOL. We found an association with disability (ß=313), depressive symptoms (ß=-.164) and perceived social support (ß=158). The worst HRQOL in women was found in the mental dimension associated with depressive symptoms (ß= -.422) and in the low perceived social support (ß=154). CONCLUSIONS: Biological and functional factors were only associated with the physical dimension, while depression was associated with both dimensions (physical and psychological). The differential factor that could explain the lower HRQOL in institutionalised women could be explained by a more negative experience of the disability and loss of social support.

Canine C-reactive protein measurements in cerebrospinal fluid by a time-resolved immunofluorimetric assay.

In the current study, the quantification of C-reactive protein (CRP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dogs using an adapted time-resolved immunofluorimetric assay (TR-IFMA) was investigated, as well as whether the assay could be used to detect the range of CRP concentrations found in different clinical situations. Intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were below 15% in all cases. The TR-IFMA measured the CRP values in a proportional and linear manner (r  =  0.99); also CRP concentrations measured in CSF and in serum were significantly correlated (r  =  0.80, P  =  0.003). The limit of detection of the method was 7.1 × 10(-6) mg/l. The assay was able to detect differences in CRP concentrations in CSF of dogs with inflammatory disorders compared with dogs with spinal cord compression or idiopathic epilepsy. In conclusion, TR-IFMA constitutes a very sensitive, precise, and accurate method for the measurement of CRP concentrations in CSF.

Effects of haemolysis, lipaemia and bilirubinaemia in canine C-reactive protein and haptoglobin determination by time-resolved fluorometry: short communication.

C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin (Hp) are well-known acute phase proteins in the dog. Currently, a commercial ELISA and a colorimetric assay are the methods of choice for measuring CRP and Hp, respectively; however, these assays showed interference when using haemolysed, lipaemic or hyperbilirubinaemic samples. Recently, time-resolved immunofluorometric assays (TR-IFMAs) have been developed for measuring canine CRP and Hp. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrations of haemoglobin, lipids and bilirubin in CRP and Hp serum measurements using these new fluoroimmunoassays. Haemolysis was produced by freezing blood cells at -20 degrees C. The haemolysate was added to pooled sera at final concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 g/L. A commercial emulsion of triglycerides was added to homologous pooled sera at 0, 0.35, 0.7, 1.4, 2.8, 5.6 and 11.2 mmol/L. Bilirubin, initially dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide, was added to pooled sera at 0, 64.2, 128.4, 256.8, 513.7 and 1027.4 micromol/L. Addition of fresh haemolysate, triglycerides or bilirubin to serum samples did not affect either CRP or Hp concentrations (P > or = 0.18), so the TR-IFMAs could be an alternative to the traditional tests for measuring canine CRP and Hp in those laboratories where immunofluorometric assays are available.

C-reactive protein measurement in canine saliva.

An established time-resolved immunofluorometric assay designed for measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) in canine blood was evaluated and validated for use in canine saliva. C-reactive protein was measured in saliva specimens from 5 healthy dogs before and after the injection of casein and in 37 dogs with different disease conditions. The analytical and functional limits of detection were 0.000053 microg/ml and 0.0091 microg/ml, respectively, and intra- and interassay coefficients of variation ranged between 6.7-9.9% and 8.5-16.5%, respectively. A recovery experiment showed no significant disagreement between detected values and expected ones, and saliva CRP concentration was measured in a linear and proportional manner. A positive correlation was found between CRP levels obtained in saliva and serum samples in the experimental (R2 = 0.76) and clinical studies (R2 = 0.70). The assay was able to detect significant differences between salivary CRP levels in healthy dogs and dogs with inflammatory processes. These results suggest that saliva can be used for CRP measurement in dogs. The use of saliva presents the advantage of an easier and less stressful sampling method for the animals, which might be performed outside of hospital environments.