An Unusual Case of Lacrimal Gland Dacryops in a 10-Year-Old Child.

Lacrimal gland dacryops are an unusual type of benign epithelial neoplasm. Most of the literature refers to dacryops of the lacrimal palpebral lobe, with orbital lobe involvement less frequent. The authors report a case of dacryops in a 10-year-old child involving the orbital lobe of the lacrimal gland. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(6):e79-e82.].

The economic and social value of spa tourism: The case of balneotherapy in Maresme, Spain.

The aim of this article is to assess both the economic and social value of balneotherapy and spa tourism, being the first paper in carrying out this analysis. The study has been conducted in Maresme, a region of Catalonia, Spain. On the one hand, an Input-Output (IO) model with a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) has been carried out to assess the economic value. On the other hand, a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) has been used to monetise the social value in this region, taking into account, among other concepts, direct and indirect health profits, given that balneotherapy helps to alleviate various diseases. The results show that whereas the economic multiplier is 1.529 considering the direct and indirect effects and 1.712 taking into account also the induced effects, which are similar to health and medical tourism multipliers, social value generates additional positive value, given that the cost-benefit ratio is 1.858. The theoretical implications of the paper as well as the findings' implications for policy so as to encourage investments in spa tourism are discussed.

Short-term effects of two different recovery strategies on muscle contractile properties in healthy active men: A randomised cross-over study.

The aim of this study was to compare the immediate effects of cold-water immersion (CWI) and hot-water immersion (HWI) versus passive resting after a fatigue-induced bout of exercise on the muscle contractile properties of the Vastus Medialis (VM). We conducted a randomised cross-over study involving 28 healthy active men where muscle contractile properties of the VM wer recorded using Tensiomyography (TMG) before and after CWI, HWI or passive resting and up to one-hour post-application. The main outcomes obtained were muscle displacement and velocity of deformation according to limb size (Dmr and Vdr). Our results showed a significant effect of time (F(3.9,405) =32.439; p <0.001; η2p =0.29) and the interaction between time and temperature (F(7.9,405) =5.814; p <0.001; η2p=0.13) on Dmr but no for temperature alone (F(2,81) =2.013; p =0.14; η2p=0.04) while for Vdr, both time (F(5.2,486) =23.068; p <0.001 η2p = 0.22) and temperature (F(2,81) =4.219; p = 0.018; η2p= 0.09) as well as the interaction (F(10.4,486) =7.784; p <0.001; η2p =0.16) were found significant. Compared to CWI, HWI increased Dmr post-application and Vdr both post-application as well as 15 and 45' thereafter. These findings suggest that applying HWI could be a valid alternative to CWI to promote muscle recovery.

Systematic review of the effect of aquatic therapeutic exercise in breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Aquatic therapeutic exercise can be equally effective or even superior to land-based exercise in improving several clinical variables. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on the effects compared to land-based interventions particularly in breast cancer (BC) patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the effects of aquatic therapeutic exercise on pain, shoulder mobility, lymphedema, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body composition, pulmonary function, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and which parameters are effective compared to similar land-based interventions. METHODS: The databases used were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, retrieving 145 articles. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included. Aquatic therapeutic exercise is feasible, safe, well tolerated and achieved high percentages of adherence. As for the assessed outcomes, moderate to large improvements were found compared to usual care or to land-based physical exercise interventions in pain, shoulder range of motion, pulmonary function, HRQoL, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. Inconclusive results were found for lymphedema, body composition and CRF. CONCLUSIONS: Aquatic therapeutic exercise interventions using a combination of endurance, strength, mobility, stretching and breathing exercises resulted in improvements in common side effects of BC and its treatments. More studies on CRF, body composition and lymphedema need to be done to further evaluate the impact of the intervention on these outcomes.

Changes in Muscle Contractile Properties after Cold- or Warm-Water Immersion Using Tensiomyography: A Cross-Over Randomised Trial.

Muscle contractile properties in clinical practice are often measured using either subjective scales or high-cost, inaccessible equipment. In this randomised cross-over study, we aimed to explore the use of tensiomyography (TMG) to assess changes in muscle contractile properties after cold- and warm-water immersion. The muscle contractile properties of the biceps femoris (BF) were assessed using TMG in 12 healthy active men (mean age 23 ± 3 years, Body Mass Index 22.9 ± 1.3 kg/m2) before and after a 20-min warm- or cold-water immersion over a period of 40 min. Muscle displacement (Dm) and contraction time (Tc) were registered as the main variables of the study. There was a significant condition by time interaction for Dm (p < 0.01). Post hoc analysis showed that, compared to the baseline, there was an increase in Dm 40 min after warm-water immersion (p < 0.01) and a decrease at 10 min after cold-water immersion (p < 0.01). No significant effect was found for Tc. Our results indicate that muscle contractile properties are affected by water temperature and time after the immersion; therefore, these factors should be taken into account when water-immersion is used as a recovery strategy.

Efectos de la actividad física de intensidad suave sobre las condiciones físicas de los adultos mayores: revisión sistemática / Effects of mild intensity physical activity on the physical condition of older adults: A systematic review

La actividad física (AF) puede mejorar la funcionalidad en las personas mayores de 65 años. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la eficacia de intervenciones de ejercicio de intensidad suave en la salud funcional y la calidad vida de estas personas. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en las bases de datos WOS (n=20), Scopus (n=235), PubMed (n=15) y PEDro (n=20). Ocho estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se evaluaron 619 sujetos con un rango de edad entre 60-103 años. Las intervenciones incluyeron ejercicios de resistencia, aeróbicos y de vibración. Aquellos que usaron podómetros, llamadas telefónicas y controles de seguimiento mostraron efectos positivos en el aumento de la actividad física. Cinco estudios evaluaron la fuerza y mostraron que al aumentar la fuerza se mejoraba también el equilibrio y la velocidad de la marcha. Los resultados indican que aplicar intervenciones de actividad física de intensidad suave es una garantía de mejora en la salud funcional y la calidad de vida en la gente mayor

Physical activity can improve function in people over 65. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of mild intensity exercise interventions on the functional health and quality of life of this population. A systematic review was conducted using WOS (n=20), Scopus (n=235), PubMed (n=15), and PEDro (n=20) databases. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Six hundred and nineteen subjects with an age range of 60-103 years were evaluated. Interventions included endurance, aerobic, and vibration exercises. Those who used pedometers, telephone calls and follow-up controls showed positive effects in increasing physical activity. Five studies evaluated strength and showed that increasing strength also improved balance and walking speed. The results indicate that applying mild intensity physical activity interventions is a way of ensuring improved functional health and quality of life in older people

[Effects of mild intensity physical activity on the physical condition of older adults: A systematic review]. / Efectos de la actividad física de intensidad suave sobre las condiciones físicas de los adultos mayores: revisión sistemática.

Physical activity can improve function in people over 65. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of mild intensity exercise interventions on the functional health and quality of life of this population. A systematic review was conducted using WOS (n=20), Scopus (n=235), PubMed (n=15), and PEDro (n=20) databases. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Six hundred and nineteen subjects with an age range of 60-103 years were evaluated. Interventions included endurance, aerobic, and vibration exercises. Those who used pedometers, telephone calls and follow-up controls showed positive effects in increasing physical activity. Five studies evaluated strength and showed that increasing strength also improved balance and walking speed. The results indicate that applying mild intensity physical activity interventions is a way of ensuring improved functional health and quality of life in older people.

Longitudinal changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior and body mass index in adolescence: Migrations towards different weight cluster.

This study examined longitudinal changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior and body mass index in adolescents, specifically their migrations towards a different weight cluster. A cohort of 755 adolescents participated in a three-year study. A clustering Self-Organized Maps Analysis was performed to visualize changes in subjects' characteristics between the first and second assessment, and how adolescents were grouped. Also a classification tree was used to identify the behavioral characteristics of the groups that changed their weight cluster. Results indicated that boys were more active and less sedentary than girls. Boys were especially keen to technological-based activities while girls preferred social-based activities. A moderate competing effect between sedentary behaviors and physical activities was observed, especially in girls. Overweight and obesity were negatively associated with physical activity, although a small group of overweight/obese adolescents showed a positive relationship with vigorous physical activity. Cluster migrations indicated that 22.66% of adolescents changed their weight cluster to a lower category and none of them moved in the opposite direction. The behavioral characteristics of these adolescents did not support the hypothesis that the change to a lower weight cluster was a consequence of an increase in time devoted to physical activity or a decrease in time spent on sedentary behavior. Physical activity and sedentary behavior does not exert a substantial effect on overweight and obesity. Therefore, there are other ways of changing to a lower-weight status in adolescents apart from those in which physical activity and sedentary behavior are involved.

Tumor trofoblástico del lecho placentario. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Placental site trophoblastic tumour: a case report and a review of the literature

El tumor trofoblástico del lecho placentario es un tumor infrecuente ubicado dentro del grupo de la neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional, que comprende un grupo de tumores con capacidad de producir invasión local y metástasis. Presentamos un caso de tumor trofoblástico del lecho placentario en una mujer de 33 años. Macroscópicamente la pared uterina presentaba una tumoración de 3,5 × 2,5 cm de aspecto hemorrágico y blando que ocupaba todo su espesor, con un punto de perforación en el fondo. Histológicamente mostraba infiltración difusa de células grandes y poliédricas con núcleos grandes e irregulares con ocasionales células bi y multinucleadas. Se disponían de manera aislada o en masas, disecando fibras musculares. Inmunohistoquímicamente se demostró positividad para CK AE1/AE3, lactógeno placentario e inhibina, y negatividad para hCG y p63. Presentamos una revisión de la literatura y comentarios sobre una serie de factores pronósticos adversos (AU)

Placental site trophoblastic tumour is rare, being one of the gestational trophoblastic neoplasms that comprises a group of tumours with potential for local invasion and metastases. We report a case of placental site trophoblastic tumour in a 33 year-old woman. Macroscopically the uterine wall showed a 3.5 × 2.5 cm haemorrhagic soft tumour that occupied almost the entire wall with a perforation point in the fundus. Histologically there was diffuse infiltration of large, polyhedral cells with large, irregular nuclei and occasionally bi- and multinucleated cells. They occurred either individually or in sheets dissecting muscle fibres. Immunohistochemistry revealed CK AE1/AE3, placental lactogen and inhibine but not hCG and p63 expression. Adverse prognostic factors are discussed and the relevant literature is reviewed (AU)

Correction: Does Sedentary Behavior Predict Academic Performance in Adolescents or the Other Way Round? A Longitudinal Path Analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153272.].

Does Sedentary Behavior Predict Academic Performance in Adolescents or the Other Way Round? A Longitudinal Path Analysis.

This study examined whether adolescents' time spent on sedentary behaviors (academic, technological-based and social-based activities) was a better predictor of academic performance than the reverse. A cohort of 755 adolescents participated in a three-year period study. Structural Equation Modeling techniques were used to test plausible causal hypotheses. Four competing models were analyzed to determine which model best fitted the data. The Best Model was separately tested by gender. The Best Model showed that academic performance was a better predictor of sedentary behaviors than the other way round. It also indicated that students who obtained excellent academic results were more likely to succeed academically three years later. Moreover, adolescents who spent more time in the three different types of sedentary behaviors were more likely to engage longer in those sedentary behaviors after the three-year period. The better the adolescents performed academically, the less time they devoted to social-based activities and more to academic activities. An inverse relationship emerged between time dedicated to technological-based activities and academic sedentary activities. A moderating auto-regressive effect by gender indicated that boys were more likely to spend more time on technological-based activities three years later than girls. To conclude, previous academic performance predicts better sedentary behaviors three years later than the reverse. The positive longitudinal auto-regressive effects on the four variables under study reinforce the 'success breeds success' hypothesis, with academic performance and social-based activities emerging as the strongest ones. Technological-based activities showed a moderating effect by gender and a negative longitudinal association with academic activities that supports a displacement hypothesis. Other longitudinal and covariate effects reflect the complex relationships among sedentary behaviors and academic performance and the need to explore these relationships in depth. Theoretical and practical implications for school health are outlined.

Acetato de ulipristal en el diagnóstico diferencial de carcinoma de endometrio / Ulipristal acetate in the differential diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma

Los miomas uterinos son las tumoraciones genitales más frecuentes cuyo tratamiento más habitual es el quirúrgico. Actualmente existe un tratamiento médico eficaz para reducir su volumen y la clínica asociada que es el acetato de ulipristal (AU), que es un modulador selectivo de los receptores de la progesterona. A nivel endometrial puede ocasionar cambios histológicos que cuando son muy marcados plantean dudas diagnósticas. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con útero miomatoso sintomático bajo tratamiento con AU, la histología en las muestras de biopsia planteó el diagnóstico diferencial con adenocarcinoma de endometrio.

Uterine fibroids are the most common genital tumors and the most common treatment is surgery. Actually there is an effective medical treatment to reduce its volume and the symptoms. It is ulipristal acetate (UA), a selective progesterone receptor modulator. In the endometrium it can cause some peculiar histological changes. We present a patient with symptomatic uterine fibroid with UA, and it was difficult to make differential diagnosis with endometrial cancer.

Competing Effects Between Screen Media Time and Physical Activity in Adolescent Girls: Clustering a Self-Organizing Maps Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous research shows contradictory findings on potential competing effects between sedentary screen media usage (SMU) and physical activity (PA). This study examined these effects on adolescent girls via self-organizing maps analysis focusing on 3 target profiles. METHODS: A sample of 1,516 girls aged 12 to 18 years self-reported daily time engagement in PA (moderate and vigorous intensity) and in screen media activities (TV/video/DVD, computer, and videogames), separately and combined. RESULTS: Topological interrelationships from the 13 emerging maps indicated a moderate competing effect between physically active and sedentary SMU patterns. Higher SES and overweight status were linked to either active or inactive behaviors. Three target clusters were explored in more detail. Cluster 1, named temperate-media actives, showed capabilities of being active while engaging in a moderate level of SMU (TV/video/DVD mainly). In Cluster 2, named prudent-media inactives, and Cluster 3, compulsive-media inactives, a competing effect between SMU and PA emerged, being sedentary SMU behaviors responsible for a low involvement in active pursuits. CONCLUSION: SMU and PA emerge as both related and independent behaviors in girls, resulting in a moderate competing effect. Findings support the case for recommending the timing of PA and SMU for recreational purposes considering different profiles, sociodemographic factors and types of SMU.

Rosiglitazone rescues memory impairment in Alzheimer's transgenic mice: mechanisms involving a reduced amyloid and tau pathology.

Clinical studies suggest that agonists at peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) may exert beneficial effects in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the mechanism for the potential therapeutic interest of this class of drugs has not yet been elucidated. Here, in mice overexpressing mutant human amyloid precursor protein, we found that chronic treatment with rosiglitazone, a high-affinity agonist at PPARgamma, facilitated beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) clearance. Rosiglitazone not only reduced Abeta burden in the brain but, importantly, almost completely removed the abundant amyloid plaques observed in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex of 13-month-old transgenic mice. In the hippocampus, neuropil threads containing phosphorylated tau, probably corresponding to dystrophic neurites, were also decreased by the drug. Rosiglitazone switched on the activated microglial phenotype, promoting its phagocytic ability, reducing the expression of proinflammatory markers and inducing factors for alternative differentiation. The decreased amyloid pathology may account for the reduction of p-tau-containing neuropil threads and for the rescue of impaired recognition and spatial memory in the transgenic mice. This study provides further insights into the mechanisms for the beneficial effect of rosiglitazone in AD patients.