Capi-score: a quantitative algorithm for identifying disease patterns in nailfold videocapillaroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) supports the use of nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) to identify disease patterns (DPs) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Recently, EULAR proposed an easy-to-manage procedure, a so-called Fast Track algorithm, to differentiate SSc from non-SSc patterns in NVC specimens. However, subjectivity among capillaroscopists remains a limitation. Our aim was to perform a software-based analysis of NVC peculiarities in a cohort of samples from SSc and RP patients and, subsequently, build a Fast Track-inspired algorithm to identify DPs without the constraint of interobserver variability. METHODS: NVCs were examined by 9 capillaroscopists. Those NVCs whose DPs were consensually agreed (≥2 out of 3 interobservers) were subsequently analysed with an in-house developed software. Each variable's results were grouped according to the consensually agreed DPs in order to identify useful hallmarks to categorise them. RESULTS: Eight-hundred and fifty-one NVCs (21 957 images) whose DPs had been consensually agreed were software-analysed. Appropriate cut-offs set in capillary density and percentage of abnormal and giant capillaries, tortuosities and hemorrhages allowed DP categorization and the development of the CAPI-Score algorithm. This consisted of 4 rules: Rule 1, SSc vs non-SSc, accuracy 0.88; Rules 2 and 3, SSc-early vs SSc-active vs SSc-late, accuracy 0.82; Rule 4, non-SSc normal vs non-SSc non-specific, accuracy 0.73. Accuracy improved when the analysis was limited to NVCs whose DPs had achieved full consensus among interobservers. CONCLUSIONS: The CAPI-Score algorithm may become a useful tool to assign DPs by overcoming the limitations of subjectivity.

Spine apparatus modulates Ca 2+ in spines through spatial localization of sources and sinks.

Dendritic spines are small protrusions on dendrites in neurons and serve as sites of postsynaptic activity. Some of these spines contain smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), and sometimes an even further specialized SER known as the spine apparatus (SA). In this work, we developed a stochastic spatial model to investigate the role of the SER and the SA in modulating Ca 2+ dynamics. Using this model, we investigated how ryanodine receptor (RyR) localization, spine membrane geometry, and SER geometry can impact Ca 2+ transients in the spine and in the dendrite. Our simulations found that RyR opening is dependent on where it is localized in the SER and on the SER geometry. In order to maximize Ca 2+ in the dendrites (for activating clusters of spines and spine-spine communication), a laminar SA was favorable with RyRs localized in the neck region, closer to the dendrite. We also found that the presence of the SER without the laminar structure, coupled with RyR localization at the head, leads to higher Ca 2+ presence in the spine. These predictions serve as design principles for understanding how spines with an ER can regulate Ca 2+ dynamics differently from spines without ER through a combination of geometry and receptor localization. Highlights: 1RyR opening in dendritic spine ER is location dependent and spine geometry dependent. Ca 2+ buffers and SERCA can buffer against runaway potentiation of spines even when CICR is activated. RyRs located towards the ER neck allow for more Ca 2+ to reach the dendrites. RyRs located towards the spine head are favorable for increased Ca 2+ in spines.

Herramientas para la evaluación integral de la función sexual en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple / Tools for comprehensive evaluation of sexual function in patients with multiple sclerosis

Introducción: La esclerosis múltiple (EM) es una enfermedad desmielinizante del sistema nervioso central (SNC) que afecta a adultos jóvenes, ocasionando una variedad de síntomas (motores, visuales, control de esfínteres, alteraciones de la marcha) que impactan la funcionalidad del paciente; sin embargo, otros síntomas, como la disfunción sexual (DS), también pueden tener un efecto sobre la calidad de vida.DesarrolloLa DS puede presentarse en cualquier momento del curso de la enfermedad, su prevalencia varía entre 50 y 90%, puede ser secundaria a lesiones desmielinizantes en médula espinal y/o cerebro, ocasionada por síntomas que no incluyen directamente el sistema nervioso —fatiga, aspectos psicológicos, sociales y culturales—. Si bien se ha logrado establecer su prevalencia y su impacto sobre la calidad de vida, la DS todavía es una condición frecuentemente subestimada, razón por la cual en este artículo se revisan las diferentes escalas que ayudan a evaluar la presencia o la severidad de esta para dar un manejo multidisciplinario temprano, según corresponda.ConclusiónCinco cuestionarios han sido evaluados y/o diseñados para pacientes con EM, los cuales podrían identificar la presencia de DS, su etiología y, con esto, determinar posibilidades de tratamiento. La EM debe ser comprendida como una enfermedad compleja que abarca y compromete diferentes aspectos de la salud de los pacientes, y va más allá de solo medir escalas de discapacidad. (AU)

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects young adults, causing a variety of symptoms (motor alterations, visual alterations, loss of sphincter control, gait alterations) that impair the patient's functional status. However, other symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, can also have an effect on quality of life.DevelopmentSexual dysfunction can occur at any time during the course of the disease; its prevalence varies between 50% and 90%, and it can be secondary to demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord and/or brain or caused by symptoms that do not directly involve the nervous system (fatigue; psychological, social, and cultural factors; etc.). Although its prevalence and impact on quality of life are well known, sexual dysfunction is still frequently underestimated. Therefore, in this article we review the different scales for assessing presence or severity of sexual dysfunction, in order to offer early multidisciplinary management.ConclusionWe evaluated 5 questionnaires that could identify the presence of sexual dysfunction in patients with MS and determine its aetiology, assisting in treatment decision making. MS must be understood as a complex disease that encompasses and compromises different aspects of patients’ health, and goes beyond simply measuring disability. (AU)

Consensus on complementary feeding from the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition: COCO 2023.

Complementary feeding (CF) is defined as the feeding of infants that complements breastfeeding, or alternatively, feeding with a breast milk substitute, and is a process that is more than simply a guide as to what and how to introduce foods. The information provided by healthcare professionals must be up-to-date and evidence-based. Most of the recommendations that appear in the different international guidelines and position papers are widely applicable, but some must be regionalized or adapted to fit the conditions and reality of each geographic zone. The Nutrition Working Group of the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (LASPGHAN) summoned a group of experts from each of the society's member countries, to develop a consensus on CF, incorporating, whenever possible, local information adapted to the reality of the region. The aim of the present document is to show the results of that endeavor. Utilizing the Delphi method, a total of 34 statements on relevant aspects of CF were evaluated, discussed, and voted upon.

Mechanisms of action of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) in pain: a narrative review.

Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience with nociceptive, nociplastic, and neuropathic components. An involvement of neurotropic B vitamins (B1 - thiamine, B6 - pyridoxine, and B12 - cyanocobalamin) as modulators of inflammation and pain has been long discussed. New evidence suggests their therapeutic potential in different pain conditions. In this review, we discuss the main role of neurotropic B vitamins on different nociceptive pathways in the nervous system and to describe their analgesic action mechanisms. The performed literature review showed that, through different mechanisms, these vitamins regulate several inflammatory and neural mediators in nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Some of these processes include aiming the activation of the descending pain modulatory system and in specific intracellular pathways, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and nerve regenerative effects. Moreover, recent data shows the antinociceptive, antiallodynic, and anti-hyperalgesic effects of the combination of these vitamins, as well as their synergistic effects with known analgesics. Understanding how vitamins B1, B6, and B12 affect several nociceptive mechanisms can therefore be of significance in the treatment of various pain conditions.

Tools for comprehensive evaluation of sexual function in patients with multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects young adults, causing a variety of symptoms (motor alterations, visual alterations, loss of sphincter control, gait alterations) that impair the patient's functional status. However, other symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, can also have an effect on quality of life. DEVELOPMENT: Sexual dysfunction can occur at any time during the course of the disease; its prevalence varies between 50% and 90%, and it can be secondary to demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord and/or brain or caused by symptoms that do not directly involve the nervous system (fatigue; psychological, social, and cultural factors; etc.). Although its prevalence and impact on quality of life are well known, sexual dysfunction is still frequently underestimated. Therefore, in this article we review the different scales for assessing presence or severity of sexual dysfunction, in order to offer early multidisciplinary management. CONCLUSION: We evaluated 5 questionnaires that could identify the presence of sexual dysfunction in patients with MS and determine its aetiology, assisting in treatment decision making. MS must be understood as a complex disease that encompasses and compromises different aspects of patients' health, and goes beyond simply measuring disability.

Foot and ankle ability measure: validación de la versión española de 29 ítems en el área de rehabilitación / Foot and ankle ability measure: Validation of a Spanish version with 29 items in rehabilitation setting

Objetivo: El Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) es un cuestionario extendido internacionalmente para patología de pie y tobillo. El propósito del estudio fue desarrollar y validar la versión española de 29 ítems del cuestionario FAAM para las subescalas de Actividades de la Vida Diaria (AVD) y DEPORTE en el área de rehabilitación. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional en dos fases. Primero, se hizo una adaptación transcultural del cuestionario FAAM con una traducción doble al español y doble traducción inversa al inglés. Posteriormente, se validaron las propiedades psicométricas. Los participantes (n = 147), con patología de pie y tobillo, completaron la versión española del FAAM para AVD y DEPORTE, el cuestionario SF-36 y la Escala Analógica Visual de Dolor (EVA). La muestra se empleó para determinar la estructura factorial, consistencia interna y validez convergente y, un subgrupo (n = 46), para determinar la fiabilidad a las 48-72 h. Resultados: La estructura factorial de la versión española del FAAM para AVD y DEPORTE fue unidimensional demostrando alta consistencia interna en ambas subescalas (AVD y DEPORTE, α = 0,97 y α = 0,93, respectivamente). Los valores de fiabilidad fueron de ICC = 0,90 y ICC = 0,76, respectivamente. La validez convergente del cuestionario FAAM con la EVA dolor (r = 0,50) y con la función física de la SF-36 (r = 0,64) se correlacionó moderadamente. Conclusiones: La versión española del FAAM de 29 ítems es un instrumento de medida válido para patologías de pie y tobillo con unas propiedades psicométricas similares a la versión original y a las versiones en otros idiomas.(AU)

Objective: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is an internationally widely used outcome measure of foot and ankle disorders available in several languages. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a FAAM Spanish-version with 29 items of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and SPORT subscales in rehabilitation setting. Materials and methods: A two-stage observational study was conducted. The FAAM was cross-culturally adapted to Spanish through a double-forward translation and a double-backward translation; the psychometric properties were then validated. The participants (n = 147), with various chronic foot and ankle disorders, completed the Spanish version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure ADL and SPORT, SF-36, and a pain intensity visual analogue scale (Pain VAS). The full sample was used to determine the factor structure, the internal consistency, and the convergent criterion validity, and a subgroup (n = 46) was used to determine the reliability at 48–72 h. Results: The factor structure of Spanish version of FAAM ADL and SPORT subscales were both one-dimensional, demonstrating high internal consistency (α = 0.97 and α = 0.93, respectively). The reliability values were ICC = 0.90 and ICC = 0.76, respectively. The convergent validity criterion of Spanish version of FAAM with the Pain VAS (r = 0.50) and Physical Function of SF-36 (r = 0.64) were moderately correlated. Conclusions: The Spanish version of FAAM with 29 items are a valid foot and ankle disorder outcome measure with similar psychometric properties to the original version and versions in other languages.(AU)

Tratamiento rehabilitador de la infección por COVID: caracterización y seguimiento de pacientes hospitalizados en Granada, España / Rehabilitation and COVID disease: characterization and follow-up of hospitalized patients in Granada, Spain

Objetivo: Caracterización de una muestra de pacientes hospitalizados por complicaciones de la infección COVID-19 con atención a potenciales determinantes pronósticos de su evolución e impacto del tratamiento rehabilitador en el desempeño funcional, motor y respiratorio. Método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, longitudinal de una cohorte de pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de COVID-19 que requirieron tratamiento rehabilitador en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves de Granada desde marzo a junio de 2020, evaluados al ingreso, alta y a los tres meses mediante escalas de condición física (IFIS), valoración funcional: general (Rankin, Barthel), respiratoria (mMRC, BORG) y marcha (FAC). Resultados: Se incluyeron 30 pacientes, edad media 62,8 (54-70) años, 80% alguna comorbilidad: hipertensión 66,7%, obesidad 36,7%, diabetes 33,3%. Estancia hospitalaria media de 45,4 días, 86,7% requirió Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) (29,1 días), de ellos 76,7% ventilación mecánica. El 86,7% de los pacientes presentaron alguna complicación, siendo mayor la polineuropatía/miopatía del paciente crítico (83,3% de los pacientes). Al alta, un 80% requirió ayuda para caminar. El índice de funcionalidad mostró una evolución en «U» al ingreso, alta y a los tres meses (Barthel 93,8; 60,0; 91,6, respectivamente). Se encontró un mayor deterioro funcional (Barthel < 60) en pacientes hombres, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), hipertensión arterial (HTA), obesidad y proteína C reactiva (PCR) elevada al ingreso y evolución más favorable en aquellos con dímero D y linfocitos más elevados al ingreso.ConclusiónLos ingresos hospitalarios por COVID-19 implican complicaciones a nivel funcional, respiratorio y de la marcha mayoritariamente graves pero reversibles parcialmente a los tres meses con tratamiento rehabilitador. Se describen factores potencialmente pronósticos que merecen estudios prospectivos.(AU)

Objective: The characterization of a sample of patients hospitalized with complications of the COVID-19 infection regarding potential prognostic factors, clinical evolution, and impact of rehabilitation treatment on functional, motor, and respiratory outcomes. Method: Descriptive, retrospective, longitudinal study of a cohort of patients under rehabilitation treatment admitted at Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada from March to June 2020, assessed upon admission, discharge and at 3 rd month using physical condition scales (IFIS) and functional assessment: general (Rankin, Barthel), respiratory (mMRC, BORG) and gait (FAC). Results: 30 patients with a mean age of 62.8 (54-70) years were included, 80% with comorbidity: hypertension 66.7%, obesity 36.7%, diabetes 33.3%. The mean hospital stay was 45.4 days, with 86.7% requiring ICU (29.1 days) and 76.7% of them required mechanical ventilation. An 86.7% of the patients presented with complications, mostly with polyneuropathy-myopathy of the critical patient (83.3%). At discharge, 80% required walking assistance. The functionality index showed a “U”-evolution at admission, discharge and at 3 rd month (Barthel 93.8; 60.0; 91.6 respectively). A greater functional decline (Barthel < 60) was found in male patients, COPD, HT, obesity, and elevated protein C reactive at admission; and a more favourable evolution in those with elevated D-dimer and lymphocyte values upon admission. Conclusión: Hospital admission for COVID-19 patients involve complications at the functional, respiratory and gait levels that are mostly serious but partially reversible at 3 months with rehabilitation treatment. Potential prognostic factors are described and deserve prospective studies.(AU)

Estudio comparativo lesional en judocas de élite / Lessional Comparative Study in Elite Judocas

El Judo es un deporte estático alto y dinánimo bajo, con alto riesgo de colisión corporal y lesional. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar la incidencia lesional y comparar los distintos factores de riesgo que pudieran estar implicados. Se estudió a un total de 86 judocas del Equipo Nacional de Judo español (ENJE) durante dos períodos olímpicos: Beijing-Río. Se produjeron 2028 lesiones con mayor frecuencia en miembro inferior, sin diferencias significativas por sexo. Se objetivó mayor incidencia lesional cuando el judoca era tori y durante el momento del entrenamiento. No existen trabajos previos que comparen estos parámetros, por lo que este estudio aporta datos que pueden ser utilizados para prevenir los riesgos de lesión en el judo de alta competición. (AU)

Judo is a high static and low dynamic sport, with a high risk of bodily and injury collision. The objective of this work is to determine the incidence of injury and to compare the different risk factors that may be involved. A total of 86 judokas from the Spanish National Judo Team (ENJE) were studied during two Olympic periods: Beijing-Rio. 2028 injuries occurred more frequently in the lower limb, without significant differences by sex. A higher incidence was observed in tori judoka and during training. No existing work has examined these parameters. The present study provides data that can be used to reduce the risk of injury in elite judokas. (AU)

E-1500: Survey on feeding practices in the first 1,500 days of life, recommended by healthcare professionals in Latin America.

INTRODUCTION: Health-disease processes are established and programmed in the first 1500 days of life, a period in which nutrition and the microbiota play a fundamental role. Feeding practices vary, according to regional sociocultural characteristics. The Early Nutrition Group of the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (LASPGHAN) established the goal of identifying the main feeding practices in the first 1500 days that were recommended by health professionals in Latin America. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted on the aspects of maternal-infant and young child nutrition during the first 1500 days of life. An open invitation was extended to Latin American healthcare professionals to anonymously answer the online survey. RESULTS: A total of 1284 surveys from participants in 18 Latin American countries were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 37.14 ±â€¯11.1 years, 75.7% were women, 64.7% were physicians, and the rest were nutritionists/nutriologists. A total of 71.4% were familiar with the concept of the first 1000 days of life, 95% answered that exclusive breastfeeding should be carried out up to 6 months of age, and 34.3% responded that complementary feeding should be begun between 4 and 6 months of age. There was scant knowledge regarding nutrition in the pregnant woman. Adherence to traditional complementary feeding practices was evident. CONCLUSIONS: In a group of Latin American healthcare professionals, knowledge about nutrition in the first 1000-1500 days of life of an individual is still incomplete and insufficient, showing the need for continued training of healthcare professionals, with respect to those themes.

Bocio multinodular ectópico submandibular: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Submandibular ectopic multinodular goiter: case report and literature review

Resumen El tiroides ectópico es una alteración congénita infrecuente que presenta una prevalencia entre 1/100.000-1/300.000. En el 90% de los casos se encuentra en la línea media cervical, siendo los casos de tiroides ectópico cervical lateral muy infrecuentes. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 44 años que consultó por presentar una tumoración submandibular izquierda de más de seis meses de evolución. Las pruebas de imagen (ecografía, tomografía computarizada y gammagrafía) sugirieron un bocio ectópico multinodular; la punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) informó de tejido tiroideo sin atipias (Bethesda II) y el estudio sanguíneo de hormonas tiroideas fue normal, orientando finalmente el caso como un bocio multinodular ectópico submandibular eutiroideo. Ante la ausencia de síntomas y signos sugerentes de malignidad, en conjunto con una PAAF con características de benignidad, se decidió realizar seguimiento. En el momento que presentó clínica por efecto masa se decidió realizar la exéresis de la lesión, que confirmó el diagnóstico de bocio multinodular ectópico. Los casos descritos en la literatura de bocio multinodular ectópico submandibular como único tejido tiroideo funcionante son excepcionales. El tiroides ectópico se debe considerar en el diagnóstico diferencial de una masa submandibular. Aunque actualmente no existe un consenso en relación con el manejo de dicha patología, el crecimiento de la masa puede contribuir a la decisión de una exéresis completa del tiroides ectópico, aun tratándose del único tejido tiroideo funcionante.

Abstract Ectopic thyroid is an uncommon congenital disorder with a prevalence between 1/100,000-1/300,000. In 90% of cases, it is placed in cervical midline, being the cases of lateral cervical ectopic thyroid very infrequent. We present the case of a 44-year-old female patient who had a left submandibular mass during more than six months. Imaging tests (ultrasound, computed tomography and scintigraphy) suggested a multinodular ectopic goiter; fine needle aspiration (FNA) reported thyroid tissue without atypia (Bethesda II) and the thyroid hormone blood tests were normal, finally orienting the case as a euthyroid submandibular ectopic multinodular goiter. In the absence of symptoms and signs suggestive of malignancy, together with an FNA with benign characteristics, it was decided to follow up. When the patient presented clinical symptoms due to mass effect, it was decided to perform excision of the lesion, which confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic multinodular goiter. There are very few cases described in the literature of submandibular ectopic multinodular goiter as the only functioning thyroid tissue. Ectopic thyroid should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a submandibular mass. Although there is currently no consensus on the management of this pathology, the growth of the mass may contribute to the decision of a complete excision of the ectopic thyroid, even if it is the only functioning thyroid tissue.

[Foot and ankle ability measure: Validation of a Spanish version with 29 items in rehabilitation setting]. / Foot and ankle ability measure: validación de la versión española de 29 ítems en el área de rehabilitación.

OBJECTIVE: The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) is an internationally widely used outcome measure of foot and ankle disorders available in several languages. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a FAAM Spanish-version with 29 items of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and SPORT subscales in rehabilitation setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-stage observational study was conducted. The FAAM was cross-culturally adapted to Spanish through a double-forward translation and a double-backward translation; the psychometric properties were then validated. The participants (n = 147), with various chronic foot and ankle disorders, completed the Spanish version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure ADL and SPORT, SF-36, and a pain intensity visual analogue scale (Pain VAS). The full sample was used to determine the factor structure, the internal consistency, and the convergent criterion validity, and a subgroup (n = 46) was used to determine the reliability at 48-72 h. RESULTS: The factor structure of Spanish version of FAAM ADL and SPORT subscales were both one-dimensional, demonstrating high internal consistency (α = 0.97 and α = 0.93, respectively). The reliability values were ICC = 0.90 and ICC = 0.76, respectively. The convergent validity criterion of Spanish version of FAAM with the Pain VAS (r = 0.50) and Physical Function of SF-36 (r = 0.64) were moderately correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of FAAM with 29 items are a valid foot and ankle disorder outcome measure with similar psychometric properties to the original version and versions in other languages.

[Rehabilitation and COVID disease: characterization and follow-up of hospitalized patients in Granada, Spain]. / Tratamiento rehabilitador de la infección por COVID: caracterización y seguimiento de pacientes hospitalizados en Granada, España.

OBJECTIVE: The characterization of a sample of patients hospitalized with complications of the COVID-19 infection regarding potential prognostic factors, clinical evolution, and impact of rehabilitation treatment on functional, motor, and respiratory outcomes. METHOD: Descriptive, retrospective, longitudinal study of a cohort of patients under rehabilitation treatment admitted at Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada from March to June 2020, assessed upon admission, discharge and at 3 rd month using physical condition scales (IFIS) and functional assessment: general (Rankin, Barthel), respiratory (mMRC, BORG) and gait (FAC). RESULTS: 30 patients with a mean age of 62.8 (54-70) years were included, 80% with comorbidity: hypertension 66.7%, obesity 36.7%, diabetes 33.3%. The mean hospital stay was 45.4 days, with 86.7% requiring ICU (29.1 days) and 76.7% of them required mechanical ventilation. An 86.7% of the patients presented with complications, mostly with polyneuropathy-myopathy of the critical patient (83.3%). At discharge, 80% required walking assistance. The functionality index showed a "U"-evolution at admission, discharge and at 3 rd month (Barthel 93.8; 60.0; 91.6 respectively). A greater functional decline (Barthel < 60) was found in male patients, COPD, HT, obesity, and elevated protein C reactive at admission; and a more favourable evolution in those with elevated D-dimer and lymphocyte values upon admission. CONCLUSIóN: Hospital admission for COVID-19 patients involve complications at the functional, respiratory and gait levels that are mostly serious but partially reversible at 3 months with rehabilitation treatment. Potential prognostic factors are described and deserve prospective studies.

Complementary experimental/docking approach for determining chitosan and carboxymethylchitosan ability for the formation of active polymer-ß-galactosidase adducts.

The spontaneous aggregation of chitosan and carboxymethylchitosan polymers can be advantageous for the enzyme confinement on these colloidal systems during immobilization processes. The initial crucial step involves the polymer-enzyme adduct formation. The objective here is to determine the interactions that drive the adduct formation between these polymers and ß-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans. The chemical characterization of chitosan and its carboxymethyl-derivate allowed to explain their colloidal behavior and design the four-unit fragments ligands used for the docking study. The deacetylation degree (0.6 times lower), isoelectric point (5.2 instead 6.4) and substitution degree (DSO = 1.779 and DS2N = 0.441) of carboxymenthylchitosan are due to the hydroxide concentration (>25%) and 30 °C modification conditions. Favorable Van der Waals and H-bond interactions between chitosan-ß-galactosidase and contribution of electrostatic attraction mediated by calcium ions for carboxymethylchitosan-ß-galactosidase explained the zeta potential and dynamic light scattering results at pH 7.0. These interactions occur onto the external surface of this galactosidase, without affecting the catalytic activity. A cross-linked enzyme aggregates-type model was proposed for the formation of the adducts, based on the complementary experimental-docking results. They contribute understanding the behavior of polyelectrolyte chitosan-derived matrices for enzyme immobilization.

[Role of B vitamins, thiamine, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin in back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions: a narrative review]. / Papel de las vitaminas B, tiamina, piridoxina y cianocobalamina en el dolor de espalda y otras condiciones musculoesqueléticas: revisión narrativa.

Low back pain, as well as other musculoskeletal disorders (neck pain, osteoarthritis, etc.), are a very frequent cause of consultation both in primary care and in other hospital specialties and are usually associated with high functional and work disability. Acute low back pain can present different nociceptive, neuropathic and nonciplastic components, which leads to consider it as a mixed type pain. The importance of the concept of mixed pain is due to the fact that the symptomatic relief of these pathologies requires a multimodal therapeutic approach to various pharmacological targets. The antinociceptive role of the B vitamin complex has been recognized for several decades, specifically the combination of Thiamine, Pyridoxine and Cyanocobalamin (TPC). Likewise, there is accumulated evidence that indicates an adjuvant analgesic action in low back pain. The aim of the present review is to present the existing evidence and the latest findings on the therapeutic effects of the TPC combination in low back pain. Likewise, some of the most relevant mechanisms of action involved that can explain these effects are analyzed. The reviewed evidence indicates that the combined use of PCT has an adjuvant analgesic effect in mixed pain, specifically in low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders with nociceptive and neuropathic components. This effect can be explained by an anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, neuroprotective and neuromodulatory action of the TPC combination on the descending pain system.

Mathematical modelling of the conductivity in CZTiS-CZSnS as a function of synthesis temperature.

The electrical behavior of photovoltaic materials related with Cu2ZnTiS4and Cu2ZnSnS4materials were analyzed as function of synthesis temperature in accordance with a new mathematical model based on the Kramers-Kronig equations with a high reliability. The samples were obtained through a hydrothermal route and a subsequent thermal treatment of solids at 550 °C for 1 h under nitrogen flow (50 ml min-1). The characterization was done by x-ray diffraction, ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and solid state impedance spectroscopy (IS) techniques. The structural characterization, confirm the obtention of a tetragonal material with spatial groupI-42m, oriented along (1 1 2) facet, with nanometric crystal sizes (5-6 nm). The AFM and Raman analysis confirm a high level of chemical homogeneity and correlation with the synthesis temperature, associated with the roughness of the samples. The UV spectroscopy confirm a band gap around 1.4-1.5 eV, evidencing the effectiveness of the synthesis process. The IS results at room temperature with a probability of 95%, confirm a high consistency of data with respect to values of real and imaginary impedance, allowing to obtain information of the conductance, reactance and inductance, achieving conductivity values around 10-5and 10-3Ω-1 m-1in comparison with traditional mathematical models used for this purpose.

Metabolomics in chemical risk analysis - A review.

Exposure to chemical hazards is a growing concern in today's society, and it is of utmost interest to know the levels of exposure to chemicals and the risks associated with such exposure in order to implement effective health prevention strategies. Chemical risk analysis represents a complex and laborious task due to the large number of known substances, but also unknown compounds and emerging risks that must be addressed. In this challenging scenario, the study of metabolic perturbations induced by exposure to a given chemical hazard has recently emerged as an interesting alternative approach to apply in chemical risk analysis. Specifically, the biomarkers of effect identified by metabolomics are expected to reveal the adverse effects of chemicals and further link exposure to disease development. In this context, analytical chemistry has become an essential part of the strategy to highlight such biomarkers. The corollary is that the relevance of the discovered biomarkers will largely depend on both the quality of the analytical approaches implemented and the part of the metabolome covered by the analytical technique used. This review focuses on describing significant applications of metabolomics in the field of chemical risk analysis. The different risk assessment steps, including hazard identification, dose-response assessment and exposure assessment, and risk management are addressed through various examples to illustrate that such an approach is fit-for-purpose and meets the expectations and requirements of chemical risk analysis. It can be considered as an innovative tool for predicting the probable occurrence and nature of risks, while addressing the current challenges of chemical risk analysis (e.g. replacement, reduction and refinement (3R) of animal testing, effects of exposure to chemical mixtures at low doses, etc.), and with the aim of responding to chemical exposures concerns in a holistic manner and anticipating human health problems.

Supplementation with liquid whey and ACIDAL® ML in drinking water affect gut pH and microflora and productive performance in laying hens.

1. As the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned in many regions, there has been an on-going search for possible alternative compounds, such as prebiotics and organic acids. 2. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of liquid whey (LW) and organic acid (ACIDAL® ML) supplementation on performance, eggs characteristics, gut pH and health status in laying hens. 3. Seven hundred and fifty, Isa Brown chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments groups (n = 150) and each treatment had five replicates of 30 birds each. The birds were reared for 48 weeks. The treatments were administered in the drinking water at doses of: 250 ml/l of LW (Lacto25), 500 ml/l of LW (Lacto50) or 1 ml/l of ACIDAL® ML (Aci). A positive control group (T+) was treated with 500 mg/l of Tetracolivit (an antibiotic). The negative control group (T-) did not receive any treatment in the drinking water. 4. Administration of LW or ACIDAL® ML in the drinking water reduced (P < 0.05) the pH in the crop, proventriculus, ileum and caeca, as well as total coliform bacteria and E. coli, but increased Lactobacillus spp. in the ileum and caecum, compared to the negative control. 5. Oviposition was earlier in the birds in both the Lacto50 and Aci groups. The weight of birds at first lay and point of lay in the four treated groups was higher than those in negative control group. Furthermore, egg production was increased by 10.44% in birds receiving Lacto25, but the weight and quality traits were unaffected, while the egg shell ratio was higher in the Aci group compared to the other treatments. 6. The data indicated that addition of LW or ACIDAL® ML improved hens' performance by modifying gut pH and microflora.

Tools for comprehensive evaluation of sexual function in patients with multiple sclerosis. / Herramientas para la evaluación integral de la función sexual en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects young adults, causing a variety of symptoms (motor alterations, visual alterations, loss of sphincter control, gait alterations) that impair the patient's functional status. However, other symptoms, such as sexual dysfunction, can also have an effect on quality of life. DEVELOPMENT: Sexual dysfunction can occur at any time during the course of the disease; its prevalence varies between 50% and 90%, and it can be secondary to demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord and/or brain or caused by symptoms that do not directly involve the nervous system (fatigue; psychological, social, and cultural factors; etc.). Although its prevalence and impact on quality of life are well known, sexual dysfunction is still frequently underestimated. Therefore, in this article we review the different scales for assessing presence or severity of sexual dysfunction, in order to offer early multidisciplinary management. CONCLUSION: We evaluated 5 questionnaires that could identify the presence of sexual dysfunction in patients with MS and determine its aetiology, assisting in treatment decision making. MS must be understood as a complex disease that encompasses and compromises different aspects of patients' health, and goes beyond simply measuring disability.