Associations between respiratory function, balance, postural control, and fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis: an observational study.

Introduction: Fatigue, postural control impairments, and reduced respiratory capacities are common symptoms in persons diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However, there is a paucity of evidence establishing correlations among these factors. The aim of this study is to analyze respiratory function in persons with MS compared to the control group as well as to analyze the relationship between fatigue, respiratory function and postural control in persons with MS. Materials and methods: A total of 17 persons with MS and 17 healthy individuals were enrolled for this cross-sectional study. The evaluated parameters included fatigue assessed using the Visual Analog Scale-fatigue (VAS-F) and the Borg Dyspnea Scale, postural control assessed through the Mini Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS); and respiratory capacities measured by Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, Diaphragmatic excursion and diaphragmatic thickness. Results: A very high correlation was observed between the Borg Dyspnoea Scale and the BBS (r = -0.768), TUG (0.867), and Mini-BESTest (r = -0.775). The VAS-F exhibited an almost perfect correlation solely with the TUG (0.927). However, none of the variables related to fatigue exhibited any correlation with the respiratory variables under study. Balance-related variables such as BBS and Mini-BESTest demonstrated a very high and high correlation. Respectively, with respiratory function variables MEP (r = 0.783; r = 0.686), FVC (r = 0.709; r = 0.596), FEV1 (r = 0.615; r = 0.518). BBS exhibited a high correlation with diaphragmatic excursion (r = 0.591). Statistically significant differences were noted between the persons with MS group and the control group in all respiratory and ultrasound parameters except for diaphragmatic thickness. Conclusion: The findings suggest that decreased postural control and balance are associated with both respiratory capacity impairments and the presence of fatigue in persons with MS. However, it is important to note that the alterations in respiratory capacities and fatigue are not mutually related, as indicated by the data obtained in this study. Discrepancies were identified in abdominal wall thickness, diaphragmatic excursion, and respiratory capacities between persons with MS and their healthy counterparts.

Desplazamiento de los catéteres para bloqueo continuo del nervio supraescapular tras fisioterapia: estudio en cadáveres / Dislodgment of continuous suprascapular nerve block catheters after physiotherapy: A cadaver study

Antecedentes: Los bloqueos continuos de los nervios periféricos son de uso común para el manejo del dolor. Sin embargo, la incidencia de desplazamiento o migración del catéter es dudosa, pudiendo ser infraestimada y no denunciarse. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el posicionamiento del extremo del catéter supraescapular antes y después de la manipulación rutinaria y simulada mediante fisioterapia de hombro en un modelo cadavérico anatómico.MétodoSe colocaron 8 catéteres para bloqueo continuo y ecoguiado del nervio supraescapular en cadáveres frescos criopreservados. La tomografía computarizada (TC) confirmó la localización de la punta del catéter tras la inyección de 1ml de medio de contraste. Realizamos una serie de movimientos estandarizados de hombro durante una sesión simulada de fisioterapia de hombro en cadáveres. Tras ello, administramos 1ml de azul de metileno a través de los catéteres, y seguidamente realizamos disecciones para identificar con precisión la localización de las puntas del catéter y compararlas con su localización previa a la «fisioterapia».ResultadosLa imagen de la TC confirmó la localización en todos los casos de los extremos del catéter en la muesca supraescapular. Sin embargo, tras la fisioterapia, se encontró que 2 catéteres (25%) habían migrado y, en especial, uno fue localizado en el músculo supraespinoso y el otro en el músculo trapecio.ConclusiónNuestros hallazgos sugieren que el desplazamiento del catéter puede producirse en cerca del 25% de los casos tras la manipulación mediante fisioterapia simulada. Sin embargo, es necesaria más investigación para determinar la incidencia real de los desplazamientos del catéter en la práctica clínica. (AU)

Background: Continuous peripheral nerve blocks are commonly used for pain management. However, the incidence of catheter dislodgement or migration is unclear, and may be underestimated and underreported. Our objective was to assess suprascapular catheter tip positioning before and after routine simulated shoulder physiotherapy manipulation in an anatomical cadaver model.MethodEight ultrasound-guided continuous suprascapular nerve block catheters were placed in cryopreserved fresh cadavers. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the location of the catheter tip after injection of 1ml of contrast medium. We performed a series of standardized shoulder movements during a simulated shoulder physiotherapy session in cadavers. Following this, we administered 1ml of methylene blue through the catheters, and then performed anatomical dissections to accurately identify the location of the catheter tips and compare them to their placement prior to the ‘physiotherapy’ResultCT imaging confirmed the location of the catheter tips at the suprascapular notch in all cases. However, following physiotherapy, 2 catheters (25%) were found to have migrated - specifically, 1 was located in the supraspinatus muscle, and the other was located in the trapezius muscle.ConclusionOur findings suggest that catheter dislodgement may occur in approximately 25% of cases following simulated physiotherapy manipulation. However, further research is needed to determine the read incidence of catheter dislodgement in clinical practice. (AU)

Advances in high-pressure laser floating zone growth: The Laser Optical Kristallmacher II (LOKII).

The optical floating zone crystal growth technique is a well-established method for obtaining large, high-purity single crystals. While the floating zone method has been constantly evolving for over six decades, the development of high-pressure (up to 1000 bar) growth systems has only recently been realized via the combination of laser-based heating sources with an all-metal chamber. While our inaugural high-pressure laser floating zone furnace design demonstrated the successful growth of new volatile and metastable phases, the furnace design faces several limitations with imaging quality, heating profile control, and chamber cooling power. Here, we present a second-generation design of the high-pressure laser floating zone furnace, "Laser Optical Kristallmacher II" (LOKII), and demonstrate that this redesign facilitates new advances in crystal growth by highlighting several exemplar materials: α-Fe2O3, ß-Ga2O3, and La2CuO4+δ. Notably, for La2CuO4+δ, we demonstrate the feasibility and long-term stability of traveling solvent floating zone growth under a record pressure of 700 bar.

Dislodgment of continuous suprascapular nerve block catheters after physiotherapy: A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Continuous peripheral nerve blocks are commonly used for pain management. However, the incidence of catheter dislodgement or migration is unclear, and may be underestimated and underreported. Our objective was to assess suprascapular catheter tip positioning before and after routine simulated shoulder physiotherapy manipulation in an anatomical cadaver model. METHOD: Eight ultrasound-guided continuous suprascapular nerve block catheters were placed in cryopreserved fresh cadavers. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the location of the catheter tip after injection of 1 ml of contrast medium. We performed a series of standardized shoulder movements during a simulated shoulder physiotherapy session in cadavers. Following this, we administered 1 ml of methylene blue through the catheters, and then performed anatomical dissections to accurately identify the location of the catheter tips and compare them to their placement prior to the 'physiotherapy'. RESULT: CT imaging confirmed the location of the catheter tips at the suprascapular notch in all cases. However, following physiotherapy, 2 catheters (25%) were found to have migrated - specifically, 1 was located in the supraspinatus muscle, and the other was located in the trapezius muscle. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that catheter dislodgement may occur in approximately 25% of cases following simulated physiotherapy manipulation. However, further research is needed to determine the read incidence of catheter dislodgement in clinical practice.

The 5-STS is a prognostic factor of sub-acute stroke patients who will not become community walkers at discharge from rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: The recovery of community ambulation is a common concern among individuals after stroke. OBJECTIVES: (1) To develop a potential readily applicable prognostic model able to correctly discriminate stroke patients who will not become independent community walkers at discharge; (2) To investigate the effects of early reassessment during the first month of treatment on the prediction accuracy of this model. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. A consecutive sample of 80 patients at ≤60 days poststroke were assessed at baseline of outpatient physical rehabilitation and reassessed one month later. Non-functional community ambulation was measured. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were followed until discharge. Of these, 47 patients were non-functional community walkers at discharge. A prediction model based on baseline performance in the five repetition sit-to-stand [5-STS] test was able to discriminate those patients of the sample (Area-under-curve = 0.956), and again with data from reassessment (AUC = 0.952). A time of 21 s at baseline was a highly prognostic cut-off point for discrimination (sensitivity = 87.2% and 85.1%). The combined use of baseline and reassessment data improved sensitivity (98.1%)CONCLUSION:Early findings of the 5-STS among stroke patients is an independent prognostic factor associated with independent community walking at discharge. It could discriminate individuals who will not become community walkers at discharge.

The Field Epidemiology Training Program's Contribution to Essential Public Health Functions in Seven National Public Health Institutes.

Objective: This study explores how Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP) whose National Public Health Institutes (NPHI) are supported by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have contributed to strengthening essential public health functions. Methods: We conducted 96 semi-structured interviews with public health experts including NPHI staff, non-NPHI government staff, and staff from non-governmental and international organizations in Cambodia, Colombia, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia. We managed data using MAXQDA and employed direct content analysis to derive themes. Results: Three overarching themes emerged in relation to FETPs' role within the NPHIs' public health functions. These themes included contribution to improving country surveillance systems, role in providing leadership in outbreak responses, and strengthening countries' and the NPHIs' surveillance workforce capacity. Participants also shared challenges around FETPs' implementation and suggestions for improvement. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the value of FETPs in strengthening public health systems through building workforce capacity and improving surveillance systems. By identifying the successes of FETPs in contributing to essential public health functions, our findings might inform current and future FETP implementation and its integration into NPHIs.

Evaluation of Ethiopia's field epidemiology training program - frontline: perspectives of implementing partners.

BACKGROUND: Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) has been adopted as an epidemiology and response capacity building strategy worldwide. FETP-Frontline was introduced in Ethiopia in 2017 as a three-month in-service training. In this study, we evaluated implementing partners' perspectives with the aim of understanding program effectiveness and identifying challenges and recommendations for improvement. METHODS: A qualitative cross-sectional design was utilized to evaluate Ethiopia's FETP-Frontline. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, qualitative data were collected from FETP-Frontline implementing partners, including regional, zonal, and district health offices across Ethiopia. We collected data through in-person key informant interviews, using semi-structured questionnaires. Thematic analysis was conducted, assisted with MAXQDA, while ensuring interrater reliability by using the consistent application of theme categorization. The major themes that emerged were program effectiveness, knowledge and skills differences between trained and untrained officers, program challenges, and recommended actions for improvement. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality of the data was maintained throughout. RESULTS: A total of 41 interviews were conducted with key informants from FETP-Frontline implementing partners. The regional and zonal level experts and mentors had a Master of Public Health (MPH), whereas district health managers were Bachelor of Science (BSc) holders. Majority of the respondents reflected a positive perception towards FETP-Frontline. Regional and zonal officers as well as mentors mentioned that there were observable performance differences between trained and untrained district surveillance officers. They also identified various challenges including lack of resources for transportation, budget constraints for field projects, inadequate mentorship, high staff turnover, limited number of staff at the district level, lack of continued support from stakeholders, and the need for refresher training for FETP-Frontline graduates. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing partners reflected a positive perception towards FETP-Frontline in Ethiopia. In addition to scaling-up the program to reach all districts to achieve the International Health Regulation 2005 goals, the program also needs to consider addressing immediate challenges, primarily lack of resources and poor mentorship. Continued monitoring of the program, refresher training, and career path development could improve retention of the trained workforce.

Use of digital technology to give and receive feedback in clinical training: a scoping review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Feedback is vital to improving trainee competencies in medical education. The challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic related to social distancing to curb the spread of the virus ignited a rapid transition to online medical education. These changes highlight the need for digital feedback tools that enhance the efficacy and efficiency of feedback practices. This protocol is for a scoping review that aims to identify the different digital tools and applications in medical education as reported in the literature, as well as highlight gaps in the current literature and provide suggestions for future technological developments and research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A review of the relevant literature will be guided using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework for scoping studies. Using the search strategy developed by the authors, an electronic search of the following databases will be conducted: PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCOhost (academic search complete, CINAHL with full text) Scopus, Google Scholar, Union Catalogue of Theses and Dissertations (UCTD) via SABINET Online and World Cat Dissertations and Theses via OCLC. Studies will be identified by searching literature from January 2010 to date of review. Using a validated data extraction form developed for the scoping review, the review team will screen eligible studies and import them onto an electronic library created specifically for this purpose. Data collection for the review will be documented through a PRISMA-P flowchart, and the scoping review will use a basic descriptive content analysis to analyse and categorise the extracted data. All review steps will involve two or more reviewers. DISSEMINATION: The review will provide a comprehensive list of digital tools and applications used to enhance feedback in clinical training and inform future technological developments. The findings will be disseminated through medical education conferences and publications.

Influencia del perfil del entrenador en el entrenamiento en baloncesto formativo / Influence of the Coach’s Profile in Formative Basketball Training

Una de las principales necesidades de los entrenadores es conocer si sus procesos de entrenamiento reúnen los requisitos planificados. Para ello, los objetivos de esta investigación fueron evaluar cómo Variables Pedagógicas y de Carga Externa afectaban al entrenamiento y describir las diferencias según la metodología empleada. Esta investigación se clasificó como estudio empírico con metodología descriptiva y gran validez ecológica. Se analizaron un total de 664 tareas realizadas por dos equipos de baloncesto. Los resultados demostraron que existen diferencias significativas en todas las variables excepto el Tipo de Contenido y el Grado de Oposición en función del entrenador. Por tanto, se concluyó que la metodología influye en el diseño de las tareas, provocando diferencias en las Variables Pedagógicas y de Carga Externa. Estas diferencias provocan que el jugador entrenado bajo una metodología alternativa soporte mayor carga de entrenamiento, repercutiendo en una mejor adaptación a la competición y obteniendo mejores resultados. (AU)

One of the main needs of coaches is to know if their training processes meet the planned requirements. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to evaluate how Pedagogical and External Load Variables affect training, and to describe the differences according to the training methodology used by two teams. This work is classified as an empirical study with descriptive, observational, categorical and quantitative methodology. A total of 664 tasks performed by two basketball teams were analyzed. The results showed that there are significant differences in most of the variables analyzed according to the coach. Therefore, it was concluded that the methodology influences the design of the tasks, causing differences in the Pedagogical and External Load Variables. These differences cause the player trained under an alternative methodology to support a greater training load, resulting in a better adaptation to the competition and obtaining better results. (AU)

Monitorización de un microciclo competitivo en baloncesto femenino profesional mediante dispositivos inerciales / Monitoring of a Competitive Microcycle in Professional Women's Basketball Through Inertial Devices

La implementación de estrategias efectivas de control de carga en el entrenamiento es primordial para mejorar el rendimiento. El objetivo fue caracterizar las demandas soportadas durante un microciclo competitivo de un equipo profesional de baloncesto femenino y su interacción con la competición. Diez jugadoras se equiparon con un dispositivo inercial y una banda de frecuencia cardíaca. Se analizó la carga soportada por las jugadoras durante el entrenamiento y la competición mediante variables de Carga Externa: (i) Distancia recorrida, (ii) Distancia recorrida a alta intensidad, (iii) Playerload, (iv) Saltos, (v) Aceleraciones y Deceleraciones, y (vi) Velocidad máxima y media; y variables de Carga Interna: (i) Frecuencia cardíaca media y máxima, (ii) Zonas de % Frecuencia Cardíaca Máxima. Se analizaron diferencias entre el entrenamiento y la competición mediante un análisis ANOVA, observando que la competición fue la condición más exigente en todas las variables estudiadas a excepción de los saltos por minuto. (AU)

The implementation of effective load control strategies in training is essential to improve performance. The purpose of this study was to carry out a first approach to monitoring load with a professional women's basketball team. Ten players were equipped with an inertial device and a heart rate band during one microcycle. The load supported by the players during training and competition was analysed by External Load variables: (i) Distance performed, (ii) Distance performed at high intensity, (iii) PlayerLoad, (iv) Jumps, (v) Accelerations and Decelerations, (vi) Peak and average speed; and Internal Load variables: (i) Average and peak heart rate, (ii) Zones of % peak Heart Rate. Differences among training and competition were analysed through ANOVA analysis. The competition was the most demanding condition in all the variables studied except jumps per minute. (AU)

A comparative cross-sectional evaluation of the Field Epidemiology Training Program-Frontline in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP)-Frontline is a three-month in-service training aimed at improving surveillance officers' capacity to collect, analyze, and interpret surveillance data, and respond to health emergencies. We evaluated the effectiveness of the FETP-Frontline which was introduced in Ethiopia in 2016. METHODS: We conducted a comparative, randomized cross-sectional study to assess surveillance-related knowledge, skills, and performance among trained and untrained officers using a structured questionnaire and observation checklist. We compared the knowledge, skills, and performance scores of trained and untrained officers using the Fisher's Exact test, chi-square test, and t-test at p-value < 0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: We conducted the study among 74 trained and 76 untrained surveillance officers. About three-quarters of all participants were male, and the average age was 34 (± 8.6) years. Completeness and timeliness of surveillance reports were significantly higher among trained than untrained surveillance officers. The trained officers were more likely to have produced epidemiologic bulletins (55% vs 33%), conducted active surveillance six months before the survey (88% vs 72%), provided surveillance training (88% vs 65%), conducted strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis (55% vs 17%), and utilized Microsoft Excel to manage surveillance data (87% vs 47%). We also observed improved surveillance officers' perceived skills and knowledge, and the availability and quality of surveillance formats and reports among the trained group. CONCLUSIONS: FETP-Frontline trained surveillance officers demonstrated better knowledge, skills, and performance in most surveillance activities compared to the untrained officers. FETP-Frontline can address competency gaps among district surveillance officers in Ethiopia and other countries. Scaling up the program to cover unreached districts can enable achieving the human resource development core capacity requirement of the International Health Regulations 2005.

Effect of Isolated Vs in-Game Curvilinear Displacements in Multi-Location External Workload Profile. A Case Study in Semi-Professional Basketball Players / Efecto de los desplazamientos curvilíneos aislados versus en el juego en el perfil de carga de trabajo externo de múltiples ubicaciones. Un estudio de caso en jugadores de baloncesto semiprofesionales

In team sports, linear and non-linear displacements are combined during the game. In this sense, the importance of curvilinear trajectories and their impact on body joints have not been addressed yet. Therefore, the present research aims to: (a) describe the multi-location external workload profile during curvilinear displacements in isolated and in-game conditions, (b) compare the effect of direction and displacement context, and (c) analyse the correlation between impacts and curvilinear performance. Thirteen semi-professional male basketball players were assessed in two tests: (a) isolated (2 directions x 5 repetitions x 6.75-m line) and (b) in-game (10-min 3vs3 small-sided game). To evaluate curvilinear performance and impacts suffered per joints, six WIMU PROTM inertial devices (scapulae, centre of mass, 2x knee, 2x ankle) were placed through a specific integral whole-body vest. Statistical analysis was composed by ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc, t-test for independent samples and Pearson correlation coefficient, analysing the effect of magnitude by Cohen’s d and omega partial squared. The key findings indicate that straight displacements presented lower external workload than curvilinear displacements during in-game conditions (p<.01; = 0.47-to-0.50), but no differences were found between left and right directions (p>0.67; d<0.12). In addition, differences were found at lower limb locations in external workload in maximum sprinting during curvilinear displacements, with higher workload at left lower limb in right direction (knee: p<.01, d= -1.35; ankle: p<.01, d= -0.91), and at right lower limb in left direction (knee: p<.01, d= 1.23; ankle: p<.01, d= 0.91). Very high between-subjects variability has been shown in both tests. Besides, a nearly perfect relationship between external workload at different body locations (p<.01; r>0.918) and a high relationship between external workload and centripetal force were found.(AU)

Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy-Case Series: Treatment Decision Algorithm and Success with Medical Treatment.

Background: Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies are a rare form of extrauterine pregnancies, yet their incidence has increased along with the rise in the number of cesarean deliveries. As with other ectopic pregnancies, cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies pose a greater risk for maternal hemorrhage and ultimately maternal mortality. Case presentation: We present a series of clinical cases of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasonography. Each patient received an individualized treatment: the rate of success depended on the particular maternal condition in each case. Due to the low frequency of this entity, there are no clear protocols for its treatment and thus there are numerous options for treatment and follow-up: expectant management, medical therapy, surgical intervention, uterine artery embolization or a combined approach. Each method has different levels of success and is dependent on the surgeon's skill and patient presentation. A transvaginal ultrasound is necessary to obtain the fine details of the gestation sac and its relation to the scar and must be followed by a meticulous abdominal scan with a full bladder. Conclusion: Herein, we present a rare pathological phenomenon whose frequency is on the rise, and for which transvaginal ultrasound and flow Doppler provide high diagnostic accuracy. Early diagnosis of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies offers treatment options that may help avoid uterine rupture and bleeding, thus preserving the uterus and future fertility.

Relación entre la práctica deportiva en Clubes Deportivos y la mejora del control de la impulsividad en escolares / Relationship between the practice of sports in Sports Clubs and the improvement of impulsivity control in scholars / Relação entre a prática do desporto nos Clubes Desportivos e a melhoria do controlo da impulsividade nos estudiosos

La práctica regular de Actividad Física Deportiva (en adelante AFD) tiene efectos beneficiosos a nivel físico y cognitivo. Trabajos recientes han encontrado influencia entre la práctica de AFD y la mejora en memoria, en rendimiento académico, en autoestima, en atención y en Funciones Ejecutivas. En el presente trabajo de corte comparativo han participado 110 estudiantes de Educación Primaria y de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria de las localidades de Ourense y Málaga, con edades comprendidas entre 8 y 14 años (M=10,89; DT=1,54). Los estudiantes se asignaron a diferentes grupos: estudiantes que practican AFD federados en clubes deportivos a nivel competitivo o AFD-F (n= 37), estudiantes que practican AFD en horario extraescolar en los centros educativos o AFD-C (n=37) y un grupo de estudiantes que no practicaban ningún tipo de AFD o No-AFD (n=36). Los resultados muestran la modulación de la AFD en diferentes modalidades de inhibición, comparando estudiantes que practican y los que no practican AFD (en línea con trabajos previos). Por otra parte, se ha analizado si la modalidad de AFD (AFD-F vs. AFD-C) contribuye al desarrollo diferencial de algunos componentes inhibitorios. Los resultados muestran que la AFD en ambos grupos (AFD-F y AFD-C) mejora el control atencional y el control inhibitorio, evidenciando similares resultados en la habilidad para cumplir las reglas, en la precisión en la búsqueda visual y en la flexibilidad cognitiva. Sin embargo, hemos encontrado que la práctica de AFD-F mejora los índices en el control de la impulsividad en comparación con la práctica de AFD-C

The regular practice of Sports Physical Activity (hereinafter SPA) has beneficial effects at a physical and cognitive level. Recent works have found improvement in memory, in academic performance, in self-esteem, in attention and in Executive Functions. In this comparative study, a sample of 110 students of Primary and Secondary Education from Ourense and Málaga (Spain) between the ages of 8 and 14 years was used (M=10,89; SD=1,54). The participants were assigned to three groups: students who practice federated physical-sports activity in sports clubs at a competitive level or SPA-F (n=37), students who practice physical-sports activity in out-of-school hours in schools or SPA-C (n=37) and a group of students who did not practice any type of physical-sports activity Not-SPA (n=36). The results show the modulation of SPA in different inhibition modes, comparing students who do not practice SPA and those who practice SPA, in line with previous work. In a second step, we analysed whether the SPA modality, that is, whether it is developed in a sports club and therefore the students are federated (SPA -F) or whether it is developed in the school's extracurricular activities (SPA-C), contributes to the differential development of inhibition. The results show that SPA, regardless of where they carry out the activity, improves some components of EF such as attentional control, inhibitory control, showing similar results in the ability to follow the rules, in the precision in the visual search and in the cognitive flexibility. However, we have found that SPA-F practice improves impulsivity control rates compared to SPA-C practice

A prática regular da Actividade Física Desportiva (adiante designada por AFD) tem efeitos benéficos a nível físico e cognitivo. Na última década tem havido um interesse crescente em determinar como as capacidades cognitivas são beneficiadas pelo exercício físico, e neste sentido foram encontradas melhorias na memória, desempenho académico, auto-estima, atenção e funções executivas a partir da prática regular da AFD. Neste estudo estudo comparativo, foi utilizada uma amostra de 110 estudantes do Ensino Primário e Secundário de Ourense e Málaga (Espanha) entre os 8 e 14 anos de idade (M=10,89; DT=1,54). Os participantes foram distribuídos por três grupos: estudantes que praticam actividade físico-desportiva federada em clubes desportivos a nível competitivo ou AFD-F (n=37), estudantes que praticam actividade físico-desportiva em horário extra-escolar nas escolas ou AFD-C (n=37) e um grupo de estudantes que não praticam qualquer tipo de actividade físico-desportiva Não AFD (n=36). Os resultados mostram que o AFD em ambos os grupos (AFD-F e AFD-C) melhora alguns componentes do FE como o controlo atencional, o controlo inibitório, mostrando resultados semelhantes na capacidade de cumprir as regras, na precisão da pesquisa visual e na flexibilidade cognitiva. Contudo, descobrimos que a prática da AFD-F melhora os índices no controlo da impulsividade em comparação com a prática da AFD-C

Long-Term Results of ACL Reconstruction Using a Nonanatomic Double-Bundle Technique with Extra-Articular Reinforcement.

Extra-articular procedures for the improvement in rotational stability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have gained popularity in the last decade. This surgical gesture hoped to improve resistance to the high tensional forces affecting the ACL graft during cutting and pivoting movements of the lower extremity and eventually prevent ACL reconstruction failure. We performed this study to analyze the long-term results of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using a nonanatomic double-bundle technique with an additional extra-articular augmentation. All the cases that underwent an ACL reconstruction using a nonanatomic double-bundle technique with an extra-articular reinforcement during the period between 1992 and 1997 were reviewed. The inclusion criteria for this study included a minimum follow-up of 10 years and age between 14 and 45 years at the time of the surgery. Forty patients were included in this series (34 males and 6 females). The mean Lysholm score after a minimum follow-up period of 10 years was 92.3 (standard deviation [SD], 9.4). The average preoperative Tegner score of the participants was 7.0 (SD, 1.1). This score decreased to 5.7 (SD, 1.2) at the end of follow-up. Follow-up X-rays were reviewed to assess the degenerative changes in the three knee compartments. Degenerative changes ≥ Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 were observed in our six (15%) patients, all of them in the medial knee compartment. With these results, we conclude that double-bundle nonanatomic ACL reconstruction combined with an extra-articular reinforcement resembling the anterolateral ligament offers good overall long-term results, with relatively low rates of osteoarthritis.

Conduction-Radiation Coupling between Two Closely Separated Solids.

In the theory of radiative heat exchanges between two closely spaced bodies introduced by Polder and van Hove, no interplay between the heat carriers inside the materials and the photons crossing the separation gap is assumed. Here we release this constraint by developing a general theory to describe the conduction-radiation coupling between two solids of arbitrary size separated by a subwavelength separation gap. We show that, as a result of the temperature profile induced by the coupling with conduction, the radiative heat flux exchanged between two parallel slabs at nanometric distances can be orders of magnitude smaller than the one predicted by the conventional theory. These results could have important implications in the fields of nanoscale thermal management, near-field solid-state cooling, and nanoscale energy conversion.

Effectiveness of Invasive Techniques in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To attain a synthesis of the evidence on the effectiveness of invasive techniques in patients with fibromyalgia, through systematic review and meta-analysis and by assessing the methodological quality of the studies considered. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out as defined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The bibliographic research was carried out in the PEDro, Cochrane, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Academics, Dialnet, and Scielo databases from September through December of 2018. RESULTS: Results show that invasive techniques produce a significant decrease in the pain, the impact of fibromyalgia and in the pain pressure threshold (standardized mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -0.94 [-1.44, -0.44], P of global effect= 0.0002; -0.99 [-1.69, -0.29], P of global effect= 0.006; and 0.31 [0.02, 0.61], P of global effect = 0.04, respectively). Lastly, a significant increase was observed in the quality-of-life variable after intervention (0.84 [0.30, 1.38], P of global effect = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Invasive techniques are considered effective for pain relief, as well as for producing a short-term increase in the pain pressure threshold, an improvement in quality of life, and a decrease in the impact of fibromyalgia.

Characterization of Pathogens Isolated from Cutaneous Abscesses in Patients Evaluated by the Dermatology Service at an Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency department (ED) visits for the treatment of skin abscesses have increased with the emergence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CAMRSA). There is limited information about the bacteriology of cutaneous abscesses evaluated in ED in Puerto Rico. The purpose of our study was to characterize the pathogens cultured from abscesses of patients in the ED consulted to the Dermatology Service of University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. METHODS: Patients with skin abscesses consulted to the Dermatology Service by the ED of P.R. Medical Center from 2012 to 2017 were included. Data retrieved included demographic information, past medical history, prior antibiotic use, distribution of lesions, and treatment provided. Bacteriology results and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from cultured skin lesions were recorded. RESULTS: Ninety patients diagnosed with skin abscess were evaluated. All patients underwent incision and drainage; this was the sole treatment in two patients. The most frequently administered systemic therapy was oral clindamycin in 32 patients (36%). A total of 66 patients (73%) had S. aureus isolates, most of them (85%) MRSA. Among the isolates with MRSA, 14.3% were resistant to clindamycin. All MRSA strains were susceptible to tetracycline and vancomycin. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of MRSA causing abscesses in the Hispanic population evaluated in an ED in Puerto Rico. Systemic antibiotic use for the treatment of skin abscesses after incision and drainage remains high despite published guidelines arguing against their widespread use. Clindamycin resistance in our patient population appears to be more frequent than previously reported.

Factors influencing productivity of eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota.

Population growth is highly sensitive to changes in reproductive rates for many avian species. Understanding how reproductive rates are related to environmental conditions can give managers insight into factors contributing to population change. Harvest trends of eastern wild turkey in northeastern South Dakota suggest a decline in abundance. We investigated factors influencing reproductive success of this important game bird to identify potential factors contributing to the decline. We monitored nesting rate, nest survival, renesting rate, clutch size, hatchability, and poult survival of 116 eastern wild turkey hens using VHF radio transmitters during the springs and summers of 2017 and 2018. Heavier hens were more likely to attempt to nest than lighter hens, and adult hens were more likely to renest than yearling hens. Nest survival probability was lowest in agricultural fields relative to all other cover types and positively related to horizontal visual obstruction and distance to the nearest road. Daily nest survival probability demonstrated an interaction between temperature and precipitation, such that nest survival probability was lower on warm, wet days, but lowest on dry days. Egg predation was the leading cause of nest failure, followed by haying of the nest bowl and death of the incubating hen. Poults reared by adult hens had a greater probability of survival than poults reared by yearling hens. Our estimate of survival probability of poults raised by yearling hens was low relative to other studies, which may be contributing to the apparent regional population decline. However, there is little managers can do to influence poult survival in yearling hens. Alternatively, we found nest survival probability was lowest for nests initiated in agricultural fields. Wildlife-friendly harvesting practices such as delayed haying or installation of flushing bars could help increase productivity of eastern wild turkey in northeastern South Dakota.