Examining the effects of pleasantness ratings on correct and false recognition in the DRM paradigm: accuracy, recollection and familiarity estimates.

Distinctive encoding usually increases correct recognition while also producing a reduction in false recognition. In the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) illusion this phenomenon, called the mirror effect, occurs when participants focus on unique features of each of the words in the study list. In previous studies, the pleasantness rating task, used to foster distinctive encoding, generated different patterns of results. The main aim of our research is to examine under what circumstances this task can produce the mirror effect in the DRM paradigm, based on evidence from recognition accuracy and subjective retrieval experience. In Experiment 1, a standard version (word pleasantness rating on a 5-point Likert-type scale) was used for comparison with two other encoding conditions: shallow processing (vowel identification) and a read-only control. The standard task, compared to the other conditions, increased correct recognition, but did not reduce false recognition, and this result may be affected by the number of lists presented for study. Therefore, in experiment 2, to minimize the possible effect of the so-called retention size, the number of studied lists was reduced. In addition, the standard version was compared with a supposedly more item-specific version (participants rated the pleasantness of words while thinking of a single reason for this), also including the read-only control condition. In both versions of the pleasantness rating task, more correct recognition is achieved compared to the control condition, with no differences between the two versions. In the false recognition observed here, only the specific pleasantness rating task achieved a reduction relative to the control condition. On the other hand, the subjective retrieval experience accompanied correct and false recognition in the various study conditions. Although the standard pleasantness rating task has been considered to perform item-specific processing, our results challenge that claim. Furthermore, we propose a possible boundary condition of the standard task for the reduction of false recognition in the DRM paradigm.

Virtual Reality Distraction for Needle-Related Pain and Distress in Children: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

This international multicenter randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) distraction with an identical non-VR game in reducing needle-related pain and anxiety in children undergoing venous blood draw. The study involved 304 children aged 5-9 years undergoing a blood draw procedure, randomly allocated to one of three groups: VR distraction, non-VR distraction, and control group (usual care). The distraction task was based on the Multiple Object Tracking (MOT) paradigm, and the game was identical in design and gameplay for both VR and non-VR distraction groups. The primary outcome was self-reported pain intensity using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R). Secondary outcomes included child distress, attention/distraction to the blood draw, and parent and medical staff satisfaction with procedure. Analyses were conducted using analysis of variance and multivariable linear regression models. The results showed that VR distraction and non-VR distraction performed similarly, showing large effect sizes compared with standard care. There was no significant difference between the two types of distraction. The study's findings suggest that VR and non-VR distraction are similarly effective in reducing needle-related pain and anxiety in children undergoing venous blood draw. This is the first well-powered study comparing modern VR distraction with an identical task displayed on a smartphone or monitor screen. The study's results have important implications for using VR in clinical settings and suggest that investing in expensive VR equipment for acute pain management may not be necessary. The study protocol was pre-registered on Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/frsyc.

Factors associated with recovery during schizophrenia and related disorders: A review of meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The spectrum of schizophrenia disorders (SSD) is a severe mental disorder. It is one of the main medical causes of disability that generates high health and social costs. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with clinical recovery (CR) (symptomatic remission-SR and functional recovery-FR) and personal recovery (PR) in people diagnosed with SSD. METHODS: 14 meta-analyses focused on recovery were reviewed following the PRISMA model statements. 95 % of CI was established. RESULTS: Shorter Duration of Untreated Psychosis (Zr = 0.24, [0.17, 0.30]) and total Duration of Untreated Illness (Zr = 0.34, [0.20, 0.48]) were related to greater SR and general functioning, respectively. Resilience was the variable with the greatest effect on FR (Zr = 0.67, [0.63, 0.71]). Premorbid adjustment (Zr = 0.34, [0.18, 0.49]) and physical intervention (Zr = 0.71, [0.55, 0.86]) had the greatest effect on occupational and social functioning, respectively. Less severe affective symptoms were related to greater PR (Zr = 0.46, [0.42, 0.50]). There are differences between affective SR and the other types of SR (Zr(SR-A - SR-) = 0.13, Qb = 6.51, p = 0.011), (Zr(SR-A - SR+) = 0.20, Qb = 8.52, p = 0.004), (Zr(SR-A - SR) = 0.18, Qb = 19.29, p = 0.0001). In all, resilience was associated with greater recovery (Zr = 0.67, [0.53, 0.80]), with the global effect being greater on PR than on CR (Zr(PR-CR) = 0.07, Qb = 3.45, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Resilience was the variable most strongly associated with recovery. Symptomatic or functional improvement obtained less statistical weight.

Environmental Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants and Its Association with Endometriosis Risk: Implications in the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process.

We aimed to explore the relationship of adipose tissue concentrations of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with the risk of endometriosis and the endometriotic tissue expression profile of genes related to the endometriosis-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. This case-control study enrolled 109 women (34 cases and 75 controls) between January 2018 and March 2020. Adipose tissue samples and endometriotic tissues were intraoperatively collected to determine concentrations of nine POPs and the gene expression profiles of 36 EMT-related genes, respectively. Associations of POPs with endometriosis risk were explored with multivariate logistic regression, while the relationship between exposure and gene expression profiles was assessed through Spearman correlation or Mann-Whitney U tests. After adjustment, increased endometriosis risk was associated with p,p'-DDT, PCB-180, and ΣPCBs. POP exposure was also associated with reduced gene expression levels of the CLDN7 epithelial marker and increased levels of the ITGB2 mesenchymal marker and a variety of EMT promoters (HMGA1, HOXA10, FOXM1, DKK1, CCR1, TNFRSF1B, RRM2, ANG, ANGPT1, and ESR1). Our findings indicate that exposure to POPs may increase the risk of endometriosis and might have a role in the endometriosis-related EMT development, contributing to the disease onset and progression. Further studies are warranted to corroborate these findings.

Cultural adaptation, validation and evaluation of the psychometric properties of Childbirth Experience Questionnaire version 2.0 in the Spanish context.

BACKGROUND: Several instruments have been designed to assess the childbirth experience. The Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) is one of the most widely used tools. There is an improved version of this instrument, the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ 2.0), which has not been adapted or validated for use in Spain. The aim of present study is to adapt the CEQ 2.0 to the Spanish context and evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS: This research was carried out in 2 stages. In the first stage, a methodological study was carried out in which the instrument was translated and back-translated, content validity was assessed by 10 experts (by calculating Aiken's V coefficient) and face validity was assessed in a sample of 30 postpartum women. In the second stage, a cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate construct validity by using confirmatory factor analysis, reliability evaluation (internal consistency and temporal stability) and validation by known groups. RESULTS: In Stage 1, a Spanish version of the CEQ 2.0 (CEQ-E 2.0) was obtained with adequate face and content validity, with Aiken V scores greater than 0.70 for all items. A final sample of 500 women participated in Stage 2 of the study. The fit values for the obtained four-domain model were RMSEA = 0.038 [95% CI: 0.038-0.042], CFI = 0.989 [95% CI: 0.984-0.991], and GFI = 0.990 [95% CI: 0.982-0.991]. The overall Omega and Cronbach's Alpha coefficients were 0.872 [95% CI: 0.850-0.891] and 0.870 [95% CI: 0.849-0.890] respectively. A coefficient of intraclass correlation of 0.824 [95% CI: 0.314-0.936] (p ≤ 0.001) and a concordance coefficient of 0.694 [95% CI: 0.523-0.811] were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of CEQ 2.0 (CEQ-E 2.0), has adequate psychometric properties and is a valid, useful, and reliable instrument for assessing the childbirth experience in Spanish women.

Evaluation of the concomitant use of prophylactic treatments in patients with migraine under anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide therapies: The PREVENAC study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) therapies are recent preventive therapies approved for both episodic and chronic migraine. One of the measures of effectiveness is the withdrawal of other preventive treatments. The objective of this study is to quantify the impact of anti-CGRP drugs in concomitant preventive treatment in patients with migraine. METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective, multicenter cohort study with patients from nine national headache units. Patients with migraine undergoing treatment for at least 6 months with anti-CGRP antibodies, who were initially associated with some preventive treatment (oral and/or onabotulinumtoxinA) were included. Demographic and clinical variables were collected, as well as variables related to headache. Differences according to withdrawal or nonwithdrawal were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 408 patients were included, 86.52% women, 48.79 (SD = 1.46) years old. Preventive treatment was withdrawn in 43.87% (179/408), 20.83% partially and 23.04% totally. In 27.45% (112/408), it was maintained exclusively due to comorbidity and in 28.6% (117/408) due to partial efficacy. The most frequent time of withdrawal was between 3 and 5 months after the start of treatment. The baseline characteristics associated with nonwithdrawal were comorbidities: insomnia, hypertension and obesity, chronic migraine, and medication overuse. In the multivariate analysis, the absence of high blood pressure, a greater number of preventive treatments at the start, and a lower number of migraine days/month after anti-CGRP treatment were independently associated with withdrawal of the treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-CGRP antibodies allow the withdrawal of associated preventive treatment in a significant percentage of patients, which supports its effectiveness in real-life conditions.

Marinomonas mediterranea synthesizes an R-type bacteriocin.

Prophages integrated into bacterial genomes can become cryptic or defective prophages, which may evolve to provide various traits to bacterial cells. Previous research on Marinomonas mediterranea MMB-1 demonstrated the production of defective particles. In this study, an analysis of the genomes of three different strains (MMB-1, MMB-2, and MMB-3) revealed the presence of a region named MEDPRO1, spanning approximately 52 kb, coding for a defective prophage in strains MMB-1 and MMB-2. This prophage seems to have been lost in strain MMB-3, possibly due to the presence of spacers recognizing this region in an I-F CRISPR array in this strain. However, all three strains produce remarkably similar defective particles. Using strain MMB-1 as a model, mass spectrometry analyses indicated that the structural proteins of the defective particles are encoded by a second defective prophage situated within the MEDPRO2 region, spanning approximately 13 kb. This finding was further validated through the deletion of this second defective prophage. Genomic region analyses and the detection of antimicrobial activity of the defective prophage against other Marinomonas species suggest that it is an R-type bacteriocin. Marinomonas mediterranea synthesizes antimicrobial proteins with lysine oxidase activity, and the synthesis of an R-type bacteriocin constitutes an additional mechanism in microbial competition for the colonization of habitats such as the surface of marine plants.IMPORTANCEThe interactions between bacterial strains inhabiting the same environment determine the final composition of the microbiome. In this study, it is shown that some extracellular defective phage particles previously observed in Marinomonas mediterranea are in fact R-type bacteriocins showing antimicrobial activity against other Marinomonas strains. The operon coding for the R-type bacteriocin has been identified.

Headache in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Migraine prevalence according to the Migraine Screening-Questionnaire (MS-Q) and headache characteristics / Cefalea en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: prevalencia de migraña de acuerdo al Migraine Screening-Questionnaire (MS-Q) y características de la cefalea

Background The gut-brain axis describes a complex bidirectional association between neurological and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In patients with migraine, GI comorbidities are common. We aimed to evaluate the presence of migraine among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) according to Migraine Screen-Questionnaire (MS-Q) and describe the headache characteristics compared to a control group. Additionally, we explored the relationship between migraine and IBD severities. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study through an online survey including patients from the IBD Unit at our tertiary hospital. Clinical and demographic variables were collected. MS-Q was used for migraine evaluation. Headache disability scale HIT-6, anxiety-depression scale HADS, sleep scale ISI, and activity scale Harvey–Bradshaw and Partial Mayo scores were also included. Results We evaluated 66 IBD patients and 47 controls. Among IBD patients, 28/66 (42%) were women, mean age 42 years and 23/66 (34.84%) had ulcerative colitis. MS-Q was positive in 13/49 (26.5%) of IBD patients and 4/31 (12.91%) controls (p=0.172). Among IBD patients, headache was unilateral in 5/13 (38%) and throbbing in 10/13 (77%). Migraine was associated with female sex (p=0.006), lower height (p=0.003) and weight (p=0.002), anti-TNF treatment (p=0.035). We did not find any association between HIT-6 and IBD activity scales scores. Conclusions Migraine presence according to MS-Q could be higher in patients with IBD than controls. We recommend migraine screening in these patients, especially in female patients with lower height and weight and anti-TNF treatment (AU)

Introducción El eje intestino-cerebro describe una asociación bidireccional compleja entre las enfermedades neurológicas y gastrointestinales (GI). Las comorbilidades GI son frecuentes en la migraña. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la presencia de migraña en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) y describir las características de la cefalea. Además, analizamos la relación entre la gravedad de la migraña y la EII. Métodos Estudio transversal a través de encuesta electrónica en pacientes con EII de un hospital terciario. Se recogieron variables clínicas y demográficas. Se usó MS-Q para presencia de migraña. Se incluyeron escala de discapacidad de cefalea HIT-6, ansiedad-depresión HADS, sueño ISI y actividad de EII Harvey-Bradshaw y Partial Mayo. Resultados Se incluyeron 66EII y 47controles. Entre los EII, 28/66 (42%) eran mujeres, con una edad media de 42años, y 23/66 (34,84%) tenían colitis ulcerosa. El MS-Q fue positivo en 13/49 (26,5%) de EII y en 4/31 (12,91%) controles (p=0,172). Entre los pacientes con EII, la cefalea fue unilateral en 5/13 (38%) y pulsátil en 10/13 (77%). El sexo femenino (p=0.006), la altura (p=0,003) y el peso más bajos (p=0,002) y el tratamiento con anti-TNF (p=0,035) se relacionaron con la probabilidad de migraña. No encontramos asociación entre el HIT-6 y las escalas de actividad de EII. Conclusiones La presencia de migraña de acuerdo al MS-Q podría ser más alta en los pacientes con EII que en controles. Recomendamos realizar un cribado de migraña en estos pacientes, especialmente en mujeres de menor peso y altura y tratamiento anti-TNF (AU)

RE-START: Exploring the effectiveness of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide resumption after discontinuation in migraine.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: According to the latest European guidelines, discontinuation of monoclonal antibodies against calcitonin gene-related peptide (anti-CGRP MAb) may be considered after 12-18 months of treatment. However, some patients may worsen after discontinuation. In this study, we assessed the response following treatment resumption. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted in 14 Headache Units in Spain. We included patients with response to anti-CGRP MAb with clinical worsening after withdrawal and resumption of treatment. Numbers of monthly migraine days (MMD) and monthly headache days (MHD) were obtained at four time points: before starting anti-CGRP MAb (T-baseline); last month of first treatment period (T-suspension); month of restart due to worsening (T-worsening); and 3 months after resumption (T-reintroduction). The response rate to resumption was calculated. Possible differences among periods were analysed according to MMD and MHD. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients, 82% women, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at migraine onset of 18 (12) years. The median (IQR) MHD at T-baseline was 20 (13) and MMD was 5 (6); at T-suspension, the median (IQR) MHD was 5 (6) and MMD was 4 (5); at T-worsening, the median (IQR) MHD was 16 (13) and MMD was 12 (6); and at T-reintroduction, the median (IQR) MHD was 8 (8) and MHD was 5 (5). In the second period of treatment, a 50% response rate was achieved by 57.4% of patients in MHD and 65.8% in MMD. Multivariate models showed significant differences in MHD between the third month after reintroduction and last month before suspension of first treatment period (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that anti-CGRP MAb therapy is effective after reintroduction. However, 3 months after resumption, one third of the sample reached the same improvement as after the first treatment period.

Headache in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: Migraine prevalence according to the Migraine Screening-Questionnaire (MS-Q) and headache characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The gut-brain axis describes a complex bidirectional association between neurological and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In patients with migraine, GI comorbidities are common. We aimed to evaluate the presence of migraine among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) according to Migraine Screen-Questionnaire (MS-Q) and describe the headache characteristics compared to a control group. Additionally, we explored the relationship between migraine and IBD severities. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study through an online survey including patients from the IBD Unit at our tertiary hospital. Clinical and demographic variables were collected. MS-Q was used for migraine evaluation. Headache disability scale HIT-6, anxiety-depression scale HADS, sleep scale ISI, and activity scale Harvey-Bradshaw and Partial Mayo scores were also included. RESULTS: We evaluated 66 IBD patients and 47 controls. Among IBD patients, 28/66 (42%) were women, mean age 42 years and 23/66 (34.84%) had ulcerative colitis. MS-Q was positive in 13/49 (26.5%) of IBD patients and 4/31 (12.91%) controls (p=0.172). Among IBD patients, headache was unilateral in 5/13 (38%) and throbbing in 10/13 (77%). Migraine was associated with female sex (p=0.006), lower height (p=0.003) and weight (p=0.002), anti-TNF treatment (p=0.035). We did not find any association between HIT-6 and IBD activity scales scores. CONCLUSIONS: Migraine presence according to MS-Q could be higher in patients with IBD than controls. We recommend migraine screening in these patients, especially in female patients with lower height and weight and anti-TNF treatment.

Protein kinase D1 - A targetable mediator of pancreatic cancer development.

Members of the Protein kinase D (PKD) kinase family each play important cell-specific roles in the regulation of normal pancreas functions. In pancreatic diseases PKD1 is the most widely characterized isoform with roles in pancreatitis and in induction of pancreatic cancer and its progression. PKD1 expression and activation increases in pancreatic acinar cells through macrophage secreted factors, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), driving the formation of precancerous lesions. In precancerous lesions PKD1 regulates cell survival, growth, senescence, and generation of doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1)-positive cancer stem cells (CSCs). Within tumors, regulation by PKD1 includes chemoresistance, apoptosis, proliferation, CSC features, and the Warburg effect. Thus, PKD1 plays a critical role throughout pancreatic disease initiation and progression.

Effectiveness, tolerability, and response predictors of preventive anti-CGRP mAbs for migraine in patients over 65 years old: a multicenter real-world case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical characteristics, effectiveness, and tolerability of preventive anti- calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in the elderly. Anti-CGRP mAbs have demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with migraine although there is limited information regarding the elderly. DESIGN: We performed a multicenter case-control study of cases (patients over 65 years old) and controls (sex-matched patients under 55 years old) with migraine receiving anti-CGRP mAbs. METHODS: We included the demographic characteristics, effectiveness-reduction in the number of monthly headache days (MHD) and monthly migraine days (MMD), 30%, 50%, and 75% responder rates-and treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs). The primary endpoint was the 50% response rate regarding MHD at weeks 20-24; exploratory 50% response predictors in the elderly were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 228 patients were included: 114 cases , 114 controls-. Among cases 84.2% (96/114) were women, 79.8% (91/114) CM; mean age of cases 70.1 years old (range: 66-86); mean age of controls was 42.9 years old(range: 38-49). Cases had a higher percentage of vascular risk factors (P < .05),older age of onset (P < .001) and more reported prior preventive treatments (P < .001). Regarding effectiveness in cases, 50% response rate was achieved by 57.5% (42/73) at 20-24 weeks, with lower reduction in the MHD at 8-12 weeks (5 [7.2], 8 [9.1]; P = .001) and a higher reduction in MMD at 20-24 weeks (10.7 [9.1], 9.2 [7.7]; P = .04) compared to the control group. The percentage of TEAEs was similar in the 2 groups. Diagnosis of episodic migraine (EM) (P = .03) and lower number of MHD at baseline (P = .001) were associated with a 50% response in the elderly in univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides real world evidence of effectiveness and safety of anti-CGRP mAbs for migraine in patients without upper age-limit and possible predictors of anti-CGRP response in the elderly.

The Boomerang Effect of Suppression of Emotional Expression: Relationship Power, Affectivity and Adolescent and Youth Male-To-Female Dating Violence.

Scarce research has been performed on the role of power, affectivity, and suppression of emotional expression in the use of dating violence by adolescents and young men. This study aims to analyze a model of the associations between perceived power (control and dominance), affectivity (positive and negative affect), suppression of emotional expression and the frequency of use of male-to female dating violence. Participants in this cross-sectional and correlational study were 786 Spanish students aged between 13 and 25 years (M = 18.80; SD = 2.93) divided in two groups: 13-18 (316 adolescents, M = 15.58; SD = 1.02) and 18-25 (462 young men, M = 20.79; SD = 1.98) with 8 participants not stating their age. Different sequential mediation models confirmed that, only in young men, affectivity (negative and positive affect) and suppression of emotional expression mediate the relationship between power and the use of dating violence. Fostering equal relationships, associating them with positive emotional states, avoiding the frustration derived from low power perception, and providing young men with strategies for appropriately expressing their emotions may help decrease the use of dating violence.

Is the Presence of Levator Ani Muscle Avulsion Relevant for the Diagnosis of Uterine Prolapse?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the addition of the assessment of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion to the measurement of the difference in the pubis-uterine fundus distance between rest and with the Valsalva maneuver could increase the diagnostic capacity of ultrasound for uterine prolapse (UP). METHODS: This multicenter, observational and prospective study included 145 patients. Ultrasound assessment was performed, establishing the diagnosis of UP as a difference between the pubic-uterine fundus distance at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver ≥15 mm (standard technique), while LAM avulsion was defined as an abnormal LAM insertion in three central slices using multislice ultrasound. A binary multivariate logistic regression model was made using nonautomated methods to predict surgical UP (general population, premenopausal, and postmenopausal patients), including the difference between the pubis-uterine fundus distance at rest and with the Valsalva maneuver as well as LAM avulsion. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients completed the study. The addition of LAM avulsion criteria to the standard dynamic distance-based protocol for the diagnosis of UP resulted in a higher sensitivity for the general population (79.7 vs 68.1%) as well as for premenopausal (89.3 vs 79.9%) and postmenopausal patients (76 vs 66.1%). In contrast, the standard technique showed a higher specificity than the model based on the standard technique associated with LAM avulsion for the general population (89.2 vs 74.3%) and premenopausal women (91.7 vs 63.2%). For postmenopausal patients, the model based on the standard technique associated with LAM avulsion had a higher sensitivity (76 vs 66.1%) and specificity (91.7 vs 86.8%) than the ultrasound diagnosis of UP. CONCLUSION: The implementation of the assessment of LAM avulsion in the ultrasound diagnosis of UP is useful in postmenopausal patients, increasing sensitivity and specificity relative to the ultrasound assessment based only on the difference between the pubis-uterine fundus distance at rest and with the Valsalva maneuver.

Implementation feasibility of animal-assisted therapy in a pediatric intensive care unit: effectiveness on reduction of pain, fear, and anxiety.

Animal-assisted therapies are an innovative strategy within health care humanization initiatives, and they could play a role in the reduction of pain or anxiety. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing animal-assisted therapy in a pediatric intensive care unit and its effectiveness for the reduction of pain, fear, and anxiety. A prospective, quasi-experimental study of animal-assisted therapy was designed in the pediatric intensive care unit of the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre of Madrid, from January 2019 to December 2019. The study sample included patients who had been admitted to the unit and were over 3 years old. Satisfaction surveys were collected from the patients, family, and health personnel involved. Physiological variables and the level of pain (visual analog scale or Wong-Baker scale), fear (Child Medical Fear Scale), and anxiety (modified Yale Preoperatory Anxiety Scale) were evaluated before and after each session. Any existence of adverse events was recorded. A total of 74 therapy sessions were performed on 61 patients. All sessions were completed without any adverse effects. A total of 164 surveys were collected, providing an overall project rating of 9.69 out of a possible 10. The survey comments were found to be positive in most cases. No differences were found in the physiological variables measured before and after each session. There was a statistically significant decrease in pain, fear, and anxiety levels (p < 0.01).   Conclusion: The implementation of an animal-assisted therapy project in a pediatric intensive care unit is feasible and safe and has a high degree of acceptance among both participants and healthcare staff. Animal-assisted therapy is effective for the reduction of pain, fear, and anxiety, and therefore, it could be considered an adjunct to non-pharmacological therapy. What is Known: • Animal assisted therapies (AAT) are an innovative strategy that could be beneficial to help pediatrics patients cope with admission difficulties and could even play a role in reducing pain, anxiety and/or delirium. • To date there are not studies to analyze the effectiveness of AAT in the field of Pediatric Intesive Care. What is New: • Our study confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of the implementation of an AAT in the field of Pediatric Intensive Care with a high degree of acceptance by participants, caregivers and healthcare personnel. • AAT demonstrated a reduction in pain, fear and anxiety in pediatrics patients admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Impact of weight loss after treatment on survival outcomes of overweight and obese patients with early­stage endometrial cancer.

Despite the fact that obesity is the main risk factor for endometrial cancer, there is limited evidence regarding the effects of body weight change on overweight and obese women treated for early-stage endometrial can its impact on cancer outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was performed including all overweight and obese patients with early-stage type-I endometrial cancer that were treated at the Insular University Hospital of Las Palmas (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain) between January 2007 and December 2019. Body weight change at 12 months of treatment was evaluated, as well as its impact on cancer outcomes. Weight loss ≥5% was independently evaluated regarding its impact on survival. A total of 526 women were studied, of which 152 (28.90%) were overweight (BMI ≥25 and <30) and 374 (71.10%) were obese (BMI ≥30). The median follow-up was 76.17 months, during which time 77 (14.64%) women died. In the survivor group, body weight at initial diagnosis was 86.4±17.9 kg compared with 84.6±16.4 kg 1 year after treatment, which corresponded to a significant mean weight loss of 1.47 kg (P<0.001). However, in the group of non-survivors, body weight at initial diagnosis was 84.7±15.7 kg compared with 84.7±14.6 kg 1 year after treatment, which demonstrated a non-significant mean weight loss of 0.63 kg (P=0.180). When comparing between the patients who maintained or gained ≥5% weight and those who lost ≥5% weight, there were no significant differences taking into account the whole cohort and follow-up time; however, when adjusting for the period between 32 and 98 months, survival was significantly higher in those patients that lost ≥5% of their initial body weight (P=0.025; log-rank test). Based on the final univariate and cer and multivariate analyses, body weight change at 12 months was not indicated to be a factor significantly affecting overall survival; adjusted hazard ratio was 1.01 (95% CI 0.97-1.05, P=0.723). In conclusion, even if greater weight loss is observed in patients with endometrial cancer that survive the disease, no significant impact on survival outcomes is observed based on multivariate analysis.

Spanish validation of the Gamblers’ Belief Questionnaire (GBQ) / Validación española de la escala“Gamblers Belief Questionnaire (GBQ)”

The objective of this study is to validate The Gambler’s Beliefs Questionnaire, a measure of gamblers’ cognitive distortions. The psychometric properties of the scale were analyzed with a Spanish sample of 515 participants aged from 16 and 24 years. Three scales related to pathological gambling (SOGS-RA and MAGS) and to social desirability were administered. A cross-sectional validation was performed, obtaining a scale with 21 items distributed in two independent factors (Luck/perseverance and Illusion of control). The internal consistency (α = .93) and test-retest reliability (r = .69) are adequate. GBQ scale scores correlate significantly with other measures of pathological gambling (SOGS: r = .35; MAGS: r = .40, both p ≤ .001). Higher levels of cognitive distortions are associated with a higher likelihood of being classified as a problem or at-risk gambler. GBQ scores are influenced by social desirability, although the effect sizes are small (r below .20). The GBQ is a useful instrument in the diagnosis and evaluation of the treatment of Spanish youths and adolescents with gambling problems. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio es la validación española del “Gamblers Belief Questionnaire (GBQ)” que mide distorsiones cognitivas relacionadas con los problemas de juego. Se analizan las propiedades psicométricas de la escala en 515 jóvenes españoles, de 16 a 24 años. Se administraron tres escalas sobre juego patológico (GBQ, SOGS-RA y MAGS) y deseabilidad social. Se realizó una validación cruzada, obteniéndose una escala de 21 ítems con una estructura bifactorial (Suerte/Perseverancia e Ilusión de Control). La consistencia interna (α = ,93) y estabilidad temporal (r = ,69) de la escala son adecuadas. Las puntuaciones de la escala GBQ correlacionan de forma significativa con otras medidas de juego patológico (SOGS: r = ,35; MAGS: r = ,40, ambas p ≤ ,001). Un mayor nivel de distorsiones cognitivas se asocia a mayor probabilidad de ser clasificado como jugador con problemas o de riesgo. Las puntuaciones del GBQ están influenciadas por la deseabilidad social, aunque los tamaños del efecto son pequeños (r menores a ,20). El GBQ es un instrumento útil en el diagnóstico y evaluación de tratamientos de jóvenes y adolescentes españoles con problemas de juego. (AU)