Self-Esteem and Coping Strategies in Adolescent Cancer Patients during the Period of Illness and Follow-Up.

The importance of self-esteem during the course of oncological illness has been well-documented by some previous studies. However, data assessing its association with various coping strategies, especially considering the period of illness, are still scarce. The objective of this study is to analyze the differences in coping strategies among oncological adolescents, taking into account their self-esteem, illness period, age, and sex. A total of 201 oncological patients between the ages of 12 and 17 from three different Spanish cities were included in this study. All of them were asked to answer a tailored questionnaire, encompassing information about age, sex, and illness period. Additionally, the coping strategies were measured using the ACS scale, while self-esteem was evaluated using the SENA questionnaire. The results demonstrated that male adolescents and older individuals exhibited higher levels of self-esteem. The main coping strategies associated with higher self-esteem were "ignore the problem", "focus on positive", "physical recreation", and "wishful thinking" both during the treatment and the follow-up phases. We conclude that higher self-esteem is associated with some of the coping strategies such as "focus on positive", "ignore the problem", and "wishful thinking". Sociodemographic variables influence the relationship between self-esteem and coping strategies, but no differences were found regarding the period of illness.

Bread Biopreservation through the Addition of Lactic Acid Bacteria in Sourdough.

Nowadays, the consumer seeks to replace synthetic preservatives with biopreservation methods, such as sourdough in bread. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are used as starter cultures in many food products. In this work, commercial yeast bread and sourdough breads were prepared as controls, as well as sourdough breads with L. plantarum 5L1 lyophilized. The impact of L. plantarum 5L1 on the properties of bread was studied. Antifungal compounds and the impact on the protein fraction by the different treatments in doughs and breads were also analyzed. In addition, the biopreservation capacity of the treatments in breads contaminated with fungi was studied and the mycotoxin content was analyzed. The results showed significant differences with respect to the controls in the properties of the bread and a higher total phenolic and lactic acid content in breads with higher amounts of L. plantarum 5L1. In addition, there was a higher content of alcohol and esters. Furthermore, adding this starter culture produced hydrolysis of the 50 kDa band proteins. Finally, the higher concentration of L. plantarum 5L1 delayed fungal growth and reduced the content of AFB1 and AFB2 compared to the control.

Perfiles de estilos de afrontamiento y relación con el rendimiento académico de estudiantes universitarios con discapacidad / Coping style profiles and relationship with academic performance of university students with disabilities

Este estudio identifica si existen perfiles de estilos de afrontamiento en función de las estrategias de afrontamiento más utilizadas en un grupo de estudiantes con discapacidad según el sexo, edad, tipología y etapa en la que se adquiere la discapacidad. Asimismo, examina si las puntuaciones medias en rendimiento académico varían en función de los perfiles de afrontamiento obtenidos. El “COPE, versión breve” fue administrado a una muestra de 153 estudiantes universitarios de 18 y 26 años (M= 24,69; DT= 5,02) con diferentes tipos de discapacidad (visual, auditiva, motora y cognitiva). Los resultados reflejaron un porcentaje más elevado de estudiantes con estilos de afrontamiento evitativo y basados en apoyo social, encontrándose este perfil, en mayor medida, entre estudiantes con discapacidad auditiva y cognitiva, que han adquirido esta discapacidad a lo largo de la vida. Con respecto al rendimiento académico se observó relación positiva con el estilo de afrontamiento activo. Los resultados enfatizan la necesidad de fomentar competencias de afrontamiento activo para potenciar el éxito académico de los estudiantes con discapacidad. (AU)

This study aims to identify the existence of profiles of coping styles based on the most used coping strategies in a group of students with disability, according to sex, age, type and stage in which the disability is acquired. Likewise, it is examined whether the average scores in academic performance vary according to the coping profiles obtained. The inventory Brief COPE was administered to a sample of 153 university students from 18- to 26-years old (M= 24.69, SD= 5.02), with different types of disability (visual, hearing, motor and cognitive). The results reflect a higher percentage of students with avoidant and social support-based coping styles, finding this profile to a greater extent among students with auditory and cognitive functional diversity, who have acquired this disability throughout life. Regarding academic performance, a positive relationship was expressed with the active coping style. The results emphasize the need to promote active coping skills to enhance the academic success of students with disability. (AU)

Mindfulness-based psychotherapy in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analytical Study

Background/Objective: Obsessive compulsive disorder is a disorder of special relevance in mental health, however, not all patients respond adequately to traditional intervention systems. The present work aims to study the usefulness of mindfulness-based interventions in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder. Method: An exhaustive search of the literature between 1996 and 2021 allowed us to locate 11 published articles. The effect size was the pretest-posttest standardized mean change calculated for obsession-compulsion, as well as depression symptoms and conscious coping. Results: he results showed mean effect sizes for mindfulness in the reduction of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (d + = 0.648) and, to a lesser extent, depression (d + = 0.417) and the improvement in Mindfull coping (d + = 0.509). There was no significant decrease in effect size when mindfulness was applied in patients with residual symptoms from previous treatments. Conclusions: These results are promising regarding the usefulness of the application of intervention programs based on mindfulness in people with obsessive compulsive disorder, both as an alternative option and as a complementary treatment to more traditional intervention formats. (AU)

Mindfulness-based psychotherapy in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A meta-analytical Study.

Background/Objective: Obsessive compulsive disorder is a disorder of special relevance in mental health, however, not all patients respond adequately to traditional intervention systems. The present work aims to study the usefulness of mindfulness-based interventions in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder. Method: An exhaustive search of the literature between 1996 and 2021 allowed us to locate 11 published articles. The effect size was the pretest-posttest standardized mean change calculated for obsession-compulsion, as well as depression symptoms and conscious coping. Results: he results showed mean effect sizes for mindfulness in the reduction of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (d + = 0.648) and, to a lesser extent, depression (d + = 0.417) and the improvement in Mindfull coping (d + = 0.509). There was no significant decrease in effect size when mindfulness was applied in patients with residual symptoms from previous treatments. Conclusions: These results are promising regarding the usefulness of the application of intervention programs based on mindfulness in people with obsessive compulsive disorder, both as an alternative option and as a complementary treatment to more traditional intervention formats.

Bio-Preservative Potential of Microorganisms Isolated from Red Grape against Food Contaminant Fungi.

Fungal spoilage is one of the main reasons of economic losses in the food industry, especially in the wine sector. Consequently, the search for safer and new preservation techniques has gained importance in recent years. The objective of this study was to investigate the antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic activity from 28 microorganisms (MO) isolated from red grape. The antifungal activity of a cell free supernatant of fermented medium by the isolated MO (CFS) was tested with the agar diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) assay. Additionally, different antifungal compounds from the CFS were identified and quantified (organic acids, phenolic compounds, and volatile organic compounds). Finally, the most active CFS were tested as red grape bio-preservative agents. Results evidenced that CFS fermented by the strain UTA 6 had the highest antifungal activity, above all isolates, and produced a wide pool of antifungal compounds. The use of UTA 6 CFS as bio-preservative agent showed a reduction of 0.4 and 0.6 log10 spores per gram of fruit in grapes contaminated by A. flavus and B. cinerea, respectively. Moreover, UTA 6 CFS treatment reduced the occurrence of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin (B2, B3, and B4) production in grapes contaminated by 28-100%.

Application of White Mustard Bran and Flour on Bread as Natural Preservative Agents.

In this study, the antifungal activity of white mustard bran (MB), a by-product of mustard (Sinapis alba) milling, and white mustard seed flour (MF) was tested against mycotoxigenic fungi in the agar diffusion method. The results obtained were posteriorly confirmed in a quantitative test, determining the minimum concentration of extract that inhibits the fungal growth (MIC) and the minimum concentration with fungicidal activity (MFC). Since MF demonstrated no antifungal activity, the MB was stored under different temperature conditions and storage time to determine its antifungal stability. Finally, an in situ assay was carried out, applying the MB as a natural ingredient into the dough to avoid P. commune CECT 20767 growth and increase the bread shelf life. The results demonstrated that the antifungal activity of MB was dose-dependent. The higher assayed dose of MB (10 g/kg) reduced the fungal population in 4.20 Log CFU/g regarding the control group. Moreover, the shelf life was extended four days compared to the control, equaling its effectiveness with the synthetic preservative sodium propionate (E-281). Therefore, MB could be an alternative to chemical additives in bread formulations since it satisfies consumer requirements. Also, the formulation of bread with MB valorizes this by-product generated during mustard seed milling, thereby helping the industry move forward sustainably by reducing environmental impact.

Exploring the Psychometric Properties of the Questionnaire on Family Members Adapting to an Older Adult's Admission to a Nursing Home (CAFIAR-15) in a Colombian Sample.

Institutionalization to a nursing home can be one of the most significant and traumatic events in a senior's life, and for their family. For this reason, it is especially important to have validated instruments that evaluate the family member's adaptation to admitting the senior to a nursing home. The study included 139 family members recruited equally in two types of institutions (low-income nursing home (LINH) vs. high-income nursing home (HINH)). A sociodemographic questionnaire with questions to study antecedents and conditions for care and the Questionnaire for Admitting an Older Adult to a Nursing Home (CAFIAR-15) were used. Examining the communalities indicated that four of the five items in factor 3 presented communalities lower than 0.30 and differences in the factorial structure of the CAFIAR-15 were found. There were differences in the antecedents and conditions for care between the relatives of the older adults at LINH and HINH. Cultural differences and differences between LINH and HINH may be the basis for flaws in the conceptual validity of the CAFIAR-15 in the Colombian sample.

Antifungal Activity of Bioactive Metabolites Produced by Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma atroviride in Liquid Medium.

Trichoderma spp. are known as biocontrol agents of fungal plant pathogens and have been recognized as a potential source of bioactive metabolites. The production of antimicrobial substances from strains T. atroviride (TS) and T. asperellum (IMI 393899) was investigated. The bioactivity of 10- and 30-day culture filtrate extracted with ethyl acetate was assessed against a set of pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. The 30-day extracts of both strains had significant cytotoxic effects against the tested pathogens, with values of minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) ranging between 0.19 and 6.25 mg/mL. Dual culture assay (direct contact and nondirect contact) and the percentage inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) was calculated. The highest PIRG values were 76% and 81% (direct contact) with IMI 393899 and TS, respectively. Nondirect contact does not show inhibition on any of pathogens tested, indicating that the inhibition is not due to the secretion of volatile substances. Culture filtrates were analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC-Q-TOF-MS for the identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nonvolatile organic compounds (nVOCs), respectively. Seven classes of VOCs and 12 molecules of nVOCs were identified. These results indicate that these strains of Trichoderma had antimicrobial activities and they are potential natural sources of compounds with biological activity.

Propiedades psicométricas de un cuestionario para la evaluación de la ansiedad ante los exámenes en adolescentes / Psychometric properties of a questionnaire for the assessment of test anxiety in adolescents

La ansiedad ante los exámenes es un problema que afecta a los estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato. El objetivo del presente estudio fue adaptar el "Cuestionario de ansiedad ante los exámenes" (CAEX) al alumnado de ESO y Bachillerato. Se evaluó a un total de 1181 estudiantes de ESO y Bachillerato (51,8% chicas; M= 14,7; DT= 1,8), procedentes de centros públicos de la Región de Murcia. Se identificaron tres factores: Ansiedad fisiológica, Comportamiento de evitación y Respuesta cognitiva ansiosa ante los exámenes, que explicaron un 53% de la varianza total. El nivel de consistencia interna de las puntuaciones en las subescalas y del total fue de 0,90, 0,49, 0,90 y 0,94, respectivamente. El coeficiente Omega fue de 0,85 o superior en todas las subescalas. La fiabilidad test-retest varió entre 0,50 y 0,87. Además, la validez convergente y discriminante de la escala CAEX-A fue adecuada. El CAEX-A presenta propiedades psicométricas apropiadas y puede emplearse para la evaluación psicológica de la ansiedad ante los exámenes en alumnos entre los 12 y 18 años

Test anxiety is a problem that affects students in Compulsory Secondary Education and Baccalaureate. The objective of the present study was to adapt the "Test Anxiety Questionnaire for (CAEX)" to Spanish students in Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) and Baccalaureate. A total of 1,181students (51.8% females, M= 14.7, SD= 1.8), from public High Schools in the Region of Murcia were evaluated. Three factors were identified: Physiological anxiety, Avoidance behavior and Cognitive response to exams, which explained 53% of the total variance. The level of internal consistency on the subscales and of the total was .90, .49 and .94, respectively. The Omega coefficient was .85 or higher on every subscale. Also, Test-retest reliability ranged from .52 to .87. Furthermore, the convergent and discriminant validity of the CAEX-A was adequate. The CAEX-A has appropriated psychometric properties and can be used for the psychological assessment of test anxiety in Spanish students from 12 to 18 years of age

Emotional Intelligence Profiles of University Students with Motor Disabilities: Differential Analysis of Self-Concept Dimensions.

Background: This study compares the self-concept of students that have motor disabilities with that of students in the normative group. It also considers whether there are EI (emotional intelligence) profiles based on combinations of EI components (attention, clarity, and mood repair). Finally, it analyzes whether there are statistically significant differences in self-concept based on the EI profiles found. Method: 102 university students with motor disabilities participated. The age range was 19-33 (M = 20.22, SD = 4.36). The Escala de Autoconcepto Forma 5 (Self-Concept Scale Form 5, AF5) and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale-24 (TMMS-24) were administered. Results: The scores for self-concept were lower in the sample of students with reduced mobility. The cluster analysis also identified three different EI profiles: one group of young people with high general EI scores, one group with high scores for clarity and mood repair, and a last group of students with low EI scores. Finally, the ANOVA showed better self-concept in the group with high scores in the three EI dimensions. The results suggest that better self-concept is associated with a high EI profile. Conclusions: It would be interesting to provide programs that consider EI in more depth to strengthen these students' self-concept.

Development of an Antifungal and Antimycotoxigenic Device Containing Allyl Isothiocyanate for Silo Fumigation.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the antifungal activity of the bioactive compound allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) against Aspergillus flavus (8111 ISPA) aflatoxins (AFs) producer and Penicillium verrucosum (D-01847 VTT) ochratoxin A (OTA) producer on corn, barley, and wheat. The experiments were carried out initially in a simulated silo system for laboratory scale composed of glass jars (1 L). Barley and wheat were contaminated with P. verrucosum and corn with A. flavus. The cereals were treated with a hydroxyethylcellulose gel disk to which 500 µL/L of AITC were added; the silo system was closed and incubated for 30 days at 21 °C. After that, simulated silos of 100 L capacity were used. Barley, wheat, and corn were contaminated under the same conditions as the previous trial and treated with disks with 5 mL of AITC, closed and incubated for 90 days at 21 °C. In both cases, the control test did not receive any antifungal treatment. The growth of the inoculated fungi and the reduction in the formation of AFs and OTA were determined. In the lab scale silo system, complete inhibition of fungal growth at 30 days has been observed. In corn, the reduction of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was 98.5%. In the 100 L plastic drums, a significant reduction in the growth of A. flavus was observed, as well as the OTA formation in wheat (99.5%) and barley (92.0%).

Potential Application of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Reduce Aflatoxin B1 and Fumonisin B1 Occurrence on Corn Kernels and Corn Ears.

Fungal spoilage is an important issue for the food industry, leading to food sensory defects, food waste, economic losses and public health concern through the production of mycotoxins. Concomitantly, the search for safer natural products has gained importance since consumers began to look for less processed and chemically treated foods. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and antimycotoxigenic effect of seven strains of Lactobacillus plantarum. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were grown on Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) broth at 37 ºC in anaerobic conditions. After that, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) were recovered to determine its antifungal activity by halo diffusion agar test. In addition, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was determined for each L. plantarum CFS by 96-well microplates method. Additionally, CFS was used as a natural biocontrol agent on corn kernels and corn ears contaminated with Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides, respectively. The L. plantarum CECT 749 CFS showed the highest antifungal effect against all essayed strains. Moreover, the employment of this CFS in food reduced the mycotoxin production at a percentage ranging from 73.7 to 99.7%. These results suggest that the L. plantarum CECT 749 CFS could be promising for the biocontrol of corn.

Spanish adaptation and psychometric properties of the child version of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for children (CERQ-k) is a useful clinical and research tool to identify cognitive patterns of emotion regulation that predict the presence of emotional symptomatology. This study aimed to validate the Spanish version of the CERQ-k (the CERQ-Sk) using a sample of children from Spain, which is not available. METHODS: The sample consisted of 582 children (48.6% girls) aged between 7 and 12 years (Mage = 9.49; SD = 1.2) recruited from Alicante, Spain. Cognitive emotion regulation strategies, anxiety and depressive symptomatology were self-reported evaluated. Factor structure, internal consistency, temporal stability with the Spanish version for children were examined. Convergent validity was evaluated using Spearman correlations to examine the relationships between the CERQ-k and measures of anxiety (trait anxiety subscale of STAI-C) and depression (CDI). RESULTS: The Spanish version of CERQ-Sk had the same nine factors proposed in the original version. Ordinal alpha of the total scale was excellent (.88), and moderate indexes were found for each subscale (.56 to .75). The 8-week test-retest coefficient was adequate for the total scale (ICC = .74) and moderate for the subscales (.54 to .70). Evidence of convergent validity was provided through correlations with the CDI (depression) and trait anxiety subscale of the STAI-C (anxiety). Cognitive strategies such as Rumination, self-blame, catastrophizing, and other-blame were significantly and positively related to depressive and anxiety symptoms. Moreover, positive refocusing and planning seemed to act as strategies that have a positive effect on the prevention of depression in children. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the CERQ-Sk is a reliable and valid tool that can be useful for researchers and clinicians to identify maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation patterns that may increase the risk of emotional problems, and orient treatment and prevention of mental health problems in children from Spanish-speaking countries.

Eficacia de la actuación de los payasos sobre el miedo a procedimientos dolorosos en oncohematología pediátrica / Evaluation of quality of volunteer service in oncology: levels of satisfaction of cancer patients and their families

Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia de la actuación de una pareja de Payasos de hospital sobre la respuesta de miedo en pacientes de la Unidad de Oncohematología antes de la aplicación de un procedimiento médico doloroso (punción lumbar o el aspirado medular). Pacientes y método: 30 niños de 3 a 11 años de edad (M=6,93, DT=2,78) sometidos a punción lumbar o aspirado de médula ósea en el hospital «Virgen de la Arrixaca». La evaluación consistió en la administración de: Escala facial de 5 caras, escala de observación «modified-Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale» (m-YPAS) y medidas fisiológicas de pulso y tensión arterial media. Resultados: En el análisis intersujetos, se obtuvo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en todas las medidas, a excepción de la escala de caras, tras la actuación de los payasos de hospital. Tras la marcha de los payasos de hospital los grupos se igualaron en las puntuaciones. En el análisis intrasujetos se alcanzaron diferencias significativas entre el pretest y el postest para el grupo control en todas las medidas. El análisis del tamaño del efecto indica valores en la escala de caras se obtiene un valor d= 0,22 (magnitud pequeña), y magnitudes altas para el pulso (d=1,02), la tensión arterial media (d= 1,20), y la escala m-YPAS (d=0,99), antes de la administración del procedimiento doloroso. Conclusiones: La presencia de los payasos favorece la disminución del miedo a la aplicación de los procedimientos dolorosos. Este efecto es de corto plazo, pues tras su marcha desaparecen las diferencias entre los grupos

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the performance of a couple of hospital clowns on the fear response in patients in Oncohematology unit before applying a painful medical procedure (lumbar puncture or bone marrow aspiration). Patients and methods: 30 children aged 3-11 years-old (M = 6.93, SD = 2.78) underwent lumbar puncture or bone marrow aspirate in the «Virgen de la Arrixaca» Hospital. The assessment consisted of the administration of: 5-Facial scale, the observation scale «modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale» (m-YPAS), and physiological measures of pulse and mean blood pressure. Results: In the between-subjects-analysis, statistically significant differences in all measures, except for the scale of faces, after the performance of hospital clowns was obtained. After the hospital clowns left, groups were matched on their scores. In the within-subject analysis, significant differences between pretest and posttest were achieved in all measures for the control group. The effect size analysis indicates values on the Facial scale d = 0.22 (small effect size) and large effect size for pulse (d = 1.02), mean arterial pressure (d = 1.20), and the m-YPAS scale (d=0.99), before application of painful medical procedure. Conclusions: The presence of clowns helps to reduce the fear in the application of painful procedures. However, this effect is short-term, because after hospital clown leaves differences disappear between groups

Occurrence of mycotoxins in refrigerated pizza dough and risk assessment of exposure for the Spanish population.

Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by filamentous fungi, as Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. The first objective of this research was to study the presence of mycotoxins in 60 samples of refrigerated pizza dough, by extraction with methanol and determination by liquid chromatography associated with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Then, the estimated dietary intakes (EDIs) of these mycotoxins, among the Spanish population, was calculated and the health risk assessment was performed, comparing the EDIs data with the tolerable daily intake values (TDIs). The mycotoxins detected in the analyzed samples were aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), zearalenone (ZEA), enniatin A (ENA), enniatin A1 (ENA1), enniatin (ENB), enniatin B1 (ENB1) and BEA (beauvericin) with average concentration of the positive samples of 4.09 µg/kg, 0.50 µg/kg, 0.79 µg/kg, 77.78 µg/kg, 14.96 µg/kg, 4.54 µg/kg, 3.37 µg/kg, 1.69 µg/kg and 22.39 µg/kg, respectively. The presence of ZEA, ENA1, ENB and ENB1 was detected in 100% of the samples, AFB2 in 32%, AFB1 in 23%, ENA in 8% and BEA in 3%. Twelve percent of the samples contaminated with AFB1 and 12% of the doughs contaminated with ZEA exceeded the EU legislated maximum limits. The dietary intakes were estimated considering three different age groups of population, and the EDIs calculated for the mycotoxins detected in the samples were all below the established TDI.

Implicaciones de la edad y el país de pertenencia en la relación entre apoyo emocional percibido y depresión: un estudio transcultural / Implications of age and country of membership in the relationship between perceived emotional support and depression: a cross-cultural study

En el presente trabajo nos proponemos profundizar en el estudio de las implicaciones que la edad y los factores de tipo cultural asociados a la nacionalidad, puedan presentar respecto a la relación entre apoyo social y depresión. Con este objetivo, se ha entrevistado a una muestra total de 1503 personas de edad adulta (jóvenes, adultos y personas de edad avanzada) pertenecientes a España, Cuba y México. Para la evaluación de la depresión, se ha empleado el cuestionario CES-D, mientras que para la evaluación del apoyo emocional percibido y la satisfacción con el mismo, se aplicó un modelo estructurado de autoinforme elaborado por nosotros en el que se recoge la percepción de disponibilidad de apoyo emocional en diferentes fuentes (pareja, familiares, amigos, compañeros, vecinos) y la satisfacción con el mismo. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la relación obtenida entre apoyo emocional percibido según distintas fuentes y los valores en sintomatología depresiva está sujeta a variaciones en función de las influencias culturales asociadas al país de pertenencia de los sujetos entrevistados, y a su edad, así como a la interacción entre ambas variables

The purpose of this study has been to analyze the implications that the age and the cultural factors associated with the nationality, to submit to the relationship between social support and depression. With this goal, has interviewed a total sample of 1503 persons of adult age (young people, adults and elderly) belonging to Spain, Cuba and Mexico. For the evaluation of the depression, has been used the questionnaire CES-D, while for the assessment of emotional support perceived and satisfaction with the same we applied a formal model of self-evaluation report prepared by us which gathers the perception of availability of emotional support from various sources (partner, family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors) and their satisfaction with the same. The results obtained indicate that the relationship obtained between emotional support according to different sources and values in depressive symptomatology is subject to changes depending on the cultural influences associated to the country of origin of those interviewed, and his age, as well as the interaction between both variables

Effect of the oriental and yellow mustard flours as natural preservative against aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 production in wheat tortillas.

Reduction of the AFs produced by Aspergillus parasiticus CECT 2681 in wheat tortillas by isothiocyanates (ITCs) from oriental and yellow mustard flours was evaluated in this study. Polyethylene plastic bags were introduced with wheat tortillas contaminated with A. parasiticus and treated with 0, 0.1, 0.5 or 0.1 g of either oriental or yellow mustard flour added with 2 ml of water. The wheat tortillas were stored at room temperature during 1 month. The quantification of the AFs produced was analyzed by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to the mass spectrometry detection in tandem (MS/MS). Gaseous allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) from oriental mustard was more effective than p-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate (p-HBITC) from yellow mustard to inhibit the production of AFs. More importantly, 1 g of AITC was able to reduce >90 % of AFs B1, B2, G1 and G2. p-HBITC is less stable and volatile than AITC, leading to a much lower AFs (average of 17.7 to 45.2 %). Further studies should investigate the use of active packaging using oriental mustard flour and water to reduce the production of AFs by Aspergillus species in bakery goods.

Repercusión del envejecimiento sobre la conducción: declive y estrategias compensatorias / Impact of ageing on driving: decline and compensatory strategies

Introducción: La conducción de vehículos por personas mayores es una realidad creciente y una de las actividades que ayuda a mantener la sensación de autonomía personal. Sin embargo, la calidad de la conducción puede verse afectada por el envejecimiento. Por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio es comparar la percepción de un grupo de conductores sobre los cambios asociados a la edad y los ajustes utilizados en la conducción en función de la edad. Material y método: Se reclutó una muestra de 312 conductores de 20 a 80 años de edad procedentes de centros de reconocimiento médico para la renovación del carné de conducir, así como de centros de recuperación de puntos. A los participantes se les administró un cuestionario sobre características de la conducción y el cuestionario de adaptación a la conducción. Resultados: Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas tanto en los declives percibidos como en los ajustes compensatorios, observándose que los conductores mayores de 65 años indicaron medias más elevadas que el resto de rangos de edad. El grupo de 70 a 80 años es el que usa estrategias compensatorias: «no conducir si llueve», «evitar adelantar», «no conducir de noche», «conducir solo por determinadas zonas» o «aparcar en línea». Conclusiones: Dado que la edad influye en la conducción de vehículos, los mayores usan estrategias de compensación para aminorar el impacto que el envejecimiento provoca sobre esta habilidad (AU)

Introduction: Driving by the elderly is a growing reality, and an activity that helps to maintain a sense of personal freedom. But the driving quality can be affected by aging. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the perception of a group of drivers on the age-related changes and the adjustments made in the driving depending on age. Material and methods: A sample of 312 drivers from 20 to 80 years-old were recruited from medical centers for renewal of driving license, as well as in license points recovery centers. The participants were given a questionnaire on driving characteristics and questionnaire on driving adjustments. Results: There were statistically significant differences in both the perceived decline and in compensatory adjustments, noting that drivers age 65 years and older scored higher means than others. The group from 70 to 80-years-old used compensatory strategies: 'Do not drive if it rains' 'avoid overtaking', 'Do not drive at night,' 'only drive in certain areas' or 'park in a line'. Conclusions: Since age influences driving, the greater use compensatory strategies lessens the impact that aging has on this skill (AU)

[Impact of ageing on driving: decline and compensatory strategies]. / Repercusión del envejecimiento sobre la conducción: declive y estrategias compensatorias.

INTRODUCTION: Driving by the elderly is a growing reality, and an activity that helps to maintain a sense of personal freedom. But the driving quality can be affected by aging. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the perception of a group of drivers on the age-related changes and the adjustments made in the driving depending on age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 312 drivers from 20 to 80 years-old were recruited from medical centers for renewal of driving license, as well as in license points recovery centers. The participants were given a questionnaire on driving characteristics and questionnaire on driving adjustments. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in both the perceived decline and in compensatory adjustments, noting that drivers age 65 years and older scored higher means than others. The group from 70 to 80-years-old used compensatory strategies: "Do not drive if it rains" "avoid overtaking", "Do not drive at night," "only drive in certain areas" or "park in a line". CONCLUSIONS: Since age influences driving, the greater use compensatory strategies lessens the impact that aging has on this skill.