Characterization of mating type on aroma production and metabolic properties wild Kluyveromyces marxianus yeasts.

Kluyveromyces marxianus yeasts represent a valuable industry alternative due to their biotechnological potential to produce aromatic compounds. 2-phenylethanol and 2-phenylethylacetate are significant aromatic compounds widely used in food and cosmetics due to their pleasant odor. Natural obtention of these compounds increases their value, and because of this, bioprocesses such as de novo synthesis has become of great significance. However, the relationship between aromatic compound production and yeast's genetic diversity has yet to be studied. In the present study, the analysis of the genetic diversity in K. marxianus isolated from the natural fermentation of Agave duranguensis for Mezcal elaboration is presented. The results of strains in a haploid and diploid state added to the direct relationship between the mating type locus MAT with metabolic characteristics are studied. Growth rate, assimilate carbohydrates (glucose, lactose, and chicory inulin), and the production of aromatic compounds such as ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl alcohol, 2-phenylethyl butyrate and phenylethyl propionate and the diversity in terms of the output of 2-phenylethanol and 2-phenylethylacetate by de novo synthesis were determinate, obtaining maximum concentrations of 51.30 and 60.39 mg/L by ITD0049 and ITD 0136 yeasts respectively.

COVID-19 pandemic on coronary artery and cerebrovascular diseases in Southern Spain: interrupted time series analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Healthcare systems have been put under intense pressure by the COVID-19 pandemic, although some studies have shown a decline in hospital admissions for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases during the first and second wave of the pandemic. In addition, studies analyzing gender and procedural differences are scarce. The present study aimed to determine the impact of the pandemic on hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in Andalusia (Spain) and analyzed differences by gender and by percutaneous coronary interventions performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An interrupted time series analysis of AMI and CVD hospital admissions in Andalusia (Spain) was carried out to measure the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. AMI and CVD cases admitted daily in public hospitals of Andalusia between January 2018 and December 2020 were included. RESULTS: During the pandemic, significant reductions in AMI [-19%; 95% confidence interval (CI): (-29%, -9%), p<0.001] and CVD [-17%; 95% CI: (-26%, -9%); p<0.01] in daily hospital admissions were observed. Differences were also produced according to the diagnosis (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, other AMI and stroke), with a greater reduction in females for AMI and in males for CVD. Although there were more percutaneous coronary interventions during the pandemic, no significant reductions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A decline in AMI and CVD daily hospital admissions during the first and second wave of COVID-19 pandemic was noted. Gender differences were observed, but no clear impact was observed in percutaneous interventions.

Variations in the carbohydrate expression pattern and in lesions of the uterine horns of BALB/c mice infected with different Tritrichomonas foetus isolates.

Bovine tritrichomonosis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus, is characterized by producing reproductive alterations in cattle. Carbohydrates on the surface of the uterine epithelium are involved in the process of adhesion and colonization of the protozoan. The murine model has proved to be an inexpensive, practical and representative alternative to study the lesions produced in the natural host. For this work, during the first stage, 6-8 week old female BALB/c mice were inoculated with 24 different T. foetus isolates in order to classify them according to their pathogenicity. Then, seven isolates were selected and processed with lectin histochemistry to determine if the differences in pathogenicity corresponded to the changes found in the uterine carbohydrate expression pattern. In this work, we demonstrate the differences in the expression of the carbohydrate pattern between infected and uninfected mice. In addition, within the group of infected mice, differences were found in the degree of pathogenicity of the isolates, thus evidencing their biological variability.

Percepción espacial de futbolistas semiprofesionales en juegos reducidos: Un estudio de caso / Spatial Perception of Semi-Professional Soccer Players in Small Games: A Case of Study

Este estudio pretende: i) describir las exigencias tácticas objetivas (área ocupada por el equipo, AOE) y subjetivas (percepción subjetiva del espacio ocupado, PSEO), ii) identificar la variabilidad inter-sujeto y explorar la relación entre AOE y PSEO, y iii) comparar las exigencias entre defensa y ataque durante la realización de juegos reducidos. Doce jugadores semiprofesionales de fútbol fueron monitoreados mediante dispositivos inerciales WIMU PRO®. Los resultados indican un AOE (ataque=257.6±60.6; defensa=120.3±37.8 m2) y PSEO (ataque=3.5±0.7; defensa=2.7±0.6 a.u.). Se encontraron diferencias entre fase de ataque y defensa en ambas variables (p>0.001; AOE, d=2.72; PSEO, d=1.23) y una alta relación entre ambos indicadores (r=0.92). En conclusión, las variables AEO y PSEO discriminaron el efecto de la fase de juego y el día de entrenamiento. Son necesarias futuras investigaciones con un mayor tamaño muestral para confirmar la validez de la PSEO. (AU)

This study aims to: i) describe the objective tactical demands (surface area occupied by team, AOE) and subjective (spatial perception of occupied area, PSEO), ii) identify the inter-subjects variability and the relationship between AOE and PSEO iii) to compare the demands between offensive and defensive phases during small-sided games. Twelve semi-professional football players were tracked using WIMU PRO®. The results indicated an AOE (attack=257.6±60.6; defense=120.3±37.8 m2) and PSEO (attack=3.5±0.7; 2.7±0.6 a.u.). Differences were found between attack and defense phase in both variables (p>0.001; AOE, d=2.72; PSEO, d=1.23) and high relationship between both indicators (r=0.92). In conclusion, the variables AEO and PSEO discriminated the effect of the game phase and the training day. Future research with a larger sample size is necessary to confirm the validity of the PSEO. (AU)

Case report of Leser-Trelat sign as sequela of an atypical inflammatory process.

BACKGROUND: Leser-Trelat sign is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in which one main characteristic presented is an eruption of multiple seborrheic keratoses around different areas of the body. This syndrome has been associated with multiple gastrointestinal malignancies, especially adenocarcinoma of stomach and colon. CASE REPORT: We report a 70-year-old male who presented to the surgery clinic complaining of a persistent lower abdominal pain for the past 2 months. The pain was associated with weight loss and the gradual appearance of multiple seborrheic keratoses in his body. The patient was admitted to the hospital for further evaluation, a CT scan shows an 8.1 × 5.2 cm mass in the mid mesentery and laboratories shows anemia and positive fecal occult blood. The patient was scheduled for an exploratory laparotomy. During the surgery, a large mass was found arising from the ascending colon with invasion into the adjacent sigmoid colon. The mass was sent to pathology and shows a foreign body granuloma. In addition to the surgery, the patient undergoes an endoscopic evaluation to rule out a malignancy from the upper gastrointestinal system, no masses or lesions were found. CONCLUSION: This is the first case reported, as far as our knowledge, of a foreign body granuloma in the association of Leser-Trelat sign. Foreign body granulomas are associated with multiple cellular signaling and this could be the source of the association of the Leser-Trelat sign. Further evaluation is needed to have a better understanding of the association between the Leser-Trelat sign and the formation of a foreign body granuloma.

Vaginal birth after caesarean section before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Factors associated with successful vaginal birth.

BACKGROUND: The ratio of caesarean has been increasing considerably in many countries. Planning a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean is considered an important option for women in a subsequent pregnancy. AIMS: To analyse obstetric and neonatal outcomes in women in labour after caesarean section before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine factors associated with successful vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). METHODS: Observational cohort study of women in labour with history of caesarean section who gave birth between March 2019 and December 2020 in a tertiary hospital in southern Spain. Consecutive sampling was performed using the maternal birth database and a descriptive and inferential analysis of the study variables was carried out. Socio-demographic, obstetric and neonatal variables were compared between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with VBAC success. FINDINGS: The VBAC success rate was 67.4%. The caesarean section rate was significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Factors associated with VBAC success were: birth before the pandemic (OR 0.32) and at night (OR 0.45), use of epidural analgesia (OR 2.14), and having had a previous vaginal birth (OR 1.98). CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of VBAC was lower during the pandemic. Knowledge of the factors related to VBAC success is critical for practitioners when supporting women in decision-making about mode of birth after a previous caesarean section.

Small-angle X-ray scattering to quantify the incorporation and analyze the disposition of magnetic nanoparticles inside cells.

Access to detailed information on cells loaded with nanoparticles with nanoscale precision is of a long-standing interest in many areas of nanomedicine. In this context, designing a single experiment able to provide statistical mean data from a large number of living unsectioned cells concerning information on the nanoparticle size and aggregation inside cell endosomes and accurate nanoparticle cell up-take is of paramount importance. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is presented here as a tool to achieve such relevant data. Experiments were carried out in cultures of B16F0 murine melanoma and A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines loaded with various iron oxide nanostructures displaying distinctive structural characteristics. Five systems of water-dispersible magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) of different size, polydispersity and morphology were analyzed, namely, nearly monodisperse MNP with 11 and 13 nm mean size coated with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, more polydisperse 6 nm colloids coated with citric acid and two nanoflowers (NF) systems of 24 and 27 nm in size resulting from the aggregation of 8 nm MNP. Up-take was determined for each system using B16F0 cells. Here we show that SAXS pattern provides high resolution information on nanoparticles disposition inside endosomes of the cytoplasm through the structure factor analysis, on nanoparticles size and dispersity after their incorporation by the cell and on up-take quantification from the extrapolation of the intensity in absolute scale to null scattering vector. We also report on the cell culture preparation to reach sensitivity for the observation of MNP inside cell endosomes using high brightness SAXS synchrotron source. Our results show that SAXS can become a valuable tool for analyzing MNP in cells and tissues.

Comparison across 12 countries on knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores about medication errors in Intensive Care Units: an international study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the degree of agreement of intensive care unit nurses working on a set of medication error preventive strategies and to examine possible predictors of nurses' knowledge, attitude and behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, international, and cross-sectional study. Iran, Malta, Spain, Pakistan, Nepal, Qatar, Ecuador, Australia, Finland, Italy, Egypt, and Jordan were the countries included in this survey. To collect data, the Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior in Medication Errors questionnaire was used. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the socio-demographic characteristics of the sample and three multiple logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS: The international sample consists of 1383 nurses, of whom 478 (34.6%) were men and 900 (65.1%) were women and their mean age was 35.61 years with a range of 19-61. Descriptive statistics conducted on the international sample show a medium to high degree of agreement among participants concerning some preventive strategies of medication error. In addition, the results of the present study show a strong relationship between positive nurses' attitudes and correct behaviors and/or adequate knowledge, as well as between adequate knowledge and correct behaviors (p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are needed to explore the issue of medication error concerning nurses' cultural backgrounds, as well as to assess similarities and disparities among international nurses.

Nurses, sleep disturbances, desynchronization of circadian rhythms, and performance: a dangerous liaison? A narrative mini-review.

OBJECTIVE: Nursing is a high-stress occupation, and recent research of circadian rhythm desynchronization has focused on its consequences for nurses' health. Moreover, shiftwork, sleep disturbances, nightmares, and health issues are closely related to individual circadian preferences ('chronotype'). The aim of this narrative mini-review was to check the available literature to collect findings on the interrelationships among these aspects, as well as to determine the possible consequences for performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored the PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar electronic databases using the search terms 'Nursing', 'Stress', 'Sleep disturbances', 'Nightmares', 'Circadian rhythm', 'Desynchronization', 'Chronotype', 'Performance', and 'Sex/Gender'. Due to the wide heterogeneity of studies, with most including only some of these terms, we proceeded to single data extractions after analyzing the studies case by case and decided to conduct a narrative mini-review. RESULTS: Shift work, due to the regular alterations of the daily light profile, disrupts the normal circadian sleep-wake cycle and is associated with impaired health among rotational shift workers, with nurses on the frontline. Circadian desynchronization may be associated with adverse effects on nurses' health and may be a risk factor for stress, metabolic disorders, and sleep disturbances, including nightmares, and stress operates in a bidirectional fashion. Chronotype plays a crucial role as well, since the asynchrony between one's chronotype and social working hours (social jetlag) may generate problems, since the time-of-day and optimal performance are strongly connected. CONCLUSIONS: Circadian rhythms, chronotype, sleep, health, and working performance are strongly connected. The assessment of chronotype could represent a tool to identify health care personnel at higher risk of circadian disruption, allowing for mitigation of work-related stress and sleep disturbances, and reducing the risk of making working errors.

Morbimortalidad asociada al parto prematuro y su relación con el uso de corticoides y sulfato de magnesio / Morbidity and mortality associated with preterm birth and its relationship with the use of corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate

Introducción: El parto prematuro está asociado a múltiples complicaciones, con un aumento de la morbimortalidad perinatal. Sin embargo, muchos estudios apoyan el uso de corticoides y sulfato de magnesio para mejorar los resultados en estos recién nacidos prematuros. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es describir la incidencia de morbimortalidad en recién nacidos prematuros de nuestro entorno y cómo el uso tanto de corticoides como de sulfato de magnesio ha mejorado el pronóstico a corto plazo de estos recién nacidos. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de 564 recién nacidos prematuros nacidos entre 2018-2019 en el área hospitalaria del Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez. El tratamiento con corticoides y sulfato de magnesio se realizó según los protocolos actuales de la Sociedad Española de Ginecología y Obstetricia. Resultados: La incidencia de prematuridad fue del 7,9% en nuestro entorno. La gestación gemelar junto con la enfermedad hipertensiva del embarazo fueron las afecciones obstétricas más frecuentes. La cesárea fue la vía de finalización más común en todos los grupos de prematuridad, excepto en la tardía. El síndrome de distrés respiratorio fue la enfermedad más frecuente (más del 33%) en todos los grupos. La tasa de mortalidad neonatal total fue del 1,8%. En cuanto a los corticoides, el principal resultado de nuestra muestra fue una disminución en la morbimortalidad neonatal, estadísticamente significativa en el síndrome de distrés respiratorio y la retinopatía del prematuro. En cuanto al sulfato de magnesio, el principal resultado fue la disminución de la hemorragia intraventricular, la leucomalacia periventricular y la displasia broncopulmonar. Respecto a la mortalidad neonatal, no hubo diferencias significativas. Conclusiones: La morbimortalidad registrada en nuestra muestra fue similar a la descrita en la bibliografía. El tratamiento con corticoides para la maduración pulmonar redujo la morbimortalidad neonatal en general...(AU)

Introduction: Preterm labour is associated with multiple complications, with an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, many studies support the use of corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate to improve outcomes in preterm birth. The objective of this study is to describe the morbidity and mortality incidence in preterm birth in a Spanish hospital and how the use of corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate has improved the short-term prognosis in these newborns. Material and methods: Observational retrospective study of 564 preterm births between the years 2018 to 2019, in the hospital area Juan Ramón Jiménez (Huelva). The treatment with corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate was performed based on current protocols of the Spanish Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Results: The incidence of prematurity in this study was 7.9%. Twin pregnancies and hypertensive pregnancy disease were the most common obstetric disorders. The most common type of delivery was caesarean section in all prematurity groups, except late prematurity. Respiratory distress syndrome was the most frequent pathology (more than 33%) in all groups. Overall neonatal mortality was 1.8‰. As regards the use of corticosteroids, the main outcome was a decrease in neonatal morbidity and mortality, which was statistically significant in respiratory distress syndrome and preterm retinopathy. The use of magnesium sulphate caused a decrease in the incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. There were no significant differences in neonatal mortality. Conclusions: Morbidity and mortality registered in this study were similar to that described in the literature. Although the use of corticosteroids reduced neonatal morbidity and mortality in this study...(AU)

Ventilatory therapies and Intensive Care admissions for patients with COVID-19: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to synthesize and analyze the scientific publications related to ventilatory therapies used in patients with COVID-19 in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), the parameters of invasive mechanical ventilation prescribed for these patients, and the clinical characteristics of patients admitted to the ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was carried out through the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. Studies published up to 31/05/2020 were included if they made reference to ventilatory therapies used in ICU patients with COVID-19. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis was performed on 30 included studies. A total sample of 48,743 patients was analyzed, of which 17.66% were admitted to ICUs, and 6.4% of these patients died. Of the patients analyzed, 44.4% required some type of respiratory support. Specifically, 12.8% of patients received invasive mechanical ventilation, while 9.7% received non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and 29.7% received high-flow nasal oxygen. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has led to a high number of ICU admissions and a challenge for ICUs is to provide the best ventilatory therapy available to patients admitted. It has been observed that the available figures for ICU admissions and the use of ventilatory therapies are similar across continents. However, the data suggest that geographic areas with higher rates of ICU admission have lower mortality rates. The lack of information in some of the clinical records limits the ability to obtain more conclusive results.

Mortality and critical conditions in COVID-19 patients at private hospitals: weekend effect?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to find factors associated with the mortality of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study with a database of 1987 patients with COVID-19 who had attended the emergency department of a private hospital network between February 2020 and April 2020 were analyzed. Clinical variables and some laboratory parameters were studied. The Charlson and Elixhauser comorbidity indices were calculated. The dependent variables were mortality and admission to the ICU. A descriptive and correlational analysis was performed. Logistic regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were established. RESULTS: Positive correlations were observed between age, creatinine, and D-dimer levels, as well as with the scores obtained with the Charlson and Elixhauser indices. Differences in the levels of these parameters were also observed when analyzing variables such as mortality, sex or admission to the ICU. Mortality was associated with high creatinine and D-dimer levels and advanced age. Survival curves indicated longer survival in patients not admitted to the ICU, admitted to the hospital during the week, and in those with lower creatinine and D-dimer levels. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in Spanish patients with COVID-19 admitted to private hospitals was associated with high creatinine and D-dimer levels and advanced age. Longer survival was obtained on weekdays. This study provides valuable information on the management and nursing care of these patients in order to optimize resources in pandemic situations.

Sleep, dreams, nightmares, and sex-related differences: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the available findings on sex-related differences for sleep disorders, dreams and nightmares. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored the PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar electronic databases, with regards to the searching terms 'sleep', 'dreams', and 'nightmares' associated with 'sex' and/or 'gender'. Moreover, other supplementary terms for the searching strategy were 'chronobiology', and 'circadian rhythm'. Due to the relative paucity of studies including separate analysis by sex, and especially to their wide heterogeneity, we decided to proceed with a narrative review, highlighting the sex-related findings of each topic into apposite boxes. RESULTS: On one hand, sleep disorders seem to be more frequent in women. On the other hand, sex-related differences exist for either dreams or nightmares. As for the former, differences make reference to dream content (men: physical aggression, women family themes), self-reported perspective (men dream in third person, women in first person), dream sharing (more frequent in women), lucid dreaming (women more realistic, men more controlled), and daydreaming (young men more frequently have sexual themes). Nightmares are more frequent in women too, and they are often associated with sleep disorders and even with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and/or anxiety. In women, a strong association has been shown between nightmares and evening circadian preference. CONCLUSIONS: For many years, and for many reasons, laboratory experiments have been conducted mainly, if not exclusively, on male animals. Thus, a novel effort towards a new governance of scientific and research activities with a gender-specific perspective has been claimed for all areas of medicine, and more research on sex-differences is strongly needed also on this topic.

ACELT y PLAYERLOADTM: Dos variables para la cuantificación de la carga neuromuscular / ACELT and PLAYERLOADTM: Two Variables to Quantify Neuromuscular Load

Los objetivos de esta investigación son: (I) describir el comportamiento de las variables Player Load y AcelT y (II) cuantificar la carga neuromuscular en diferentes puntos anatómicos (espalda, centro de masas, rodilla y tobillo) durante un test incremental en rampa en tapiz rodante. Veintitrés jugadores semiprofesionales de fútbol varones participaron voluntariamente en este estudio (edad: 22,56 ± 4,8 años; masa corporal: 75,5 ± 5,5 kg; altura: 1,79 ± 0,5 m). Ambas variables se registraron empleando 4 dispositivos inerciales WIMU PRO(TM). Los principales resultados indican que: (1) existe una correlación casi perfecta entre ambas variables (r = 0,931), (2) los mayores valores en ambas variables se han encontrado en la rodilla (PL = 8,01 ± 2,76; AcelT = 2,70 ± 0,50) y el tobillo (PL = 7,85 ± 2,27; AcelT = 2,87 ± 0,49) y (3) existe una amplia variabilidad intersujeto. En conclusión, Player Load y AcelT son dos indicadores válidos para el análisis y cuantificación de las demandas neuromusculares

The objectives of this study were: (I) describe the dynamics of Player Load and AcelT and (II) analyze the neuromuscular load in different anatomical locations (scapulae, center of mass, knee and ankle) in an incremental test in treadmill. Twenty-three semiprofessional male football players participated voluntarily in this research (age: 22.56 ± 4.8 years; body mass: 75.5 ± 5.5 kg; height: 1.79 ± 0.5 m). Four WIMUPROTM inertial devices were utilized for recording both variables. The main results indicated that: (1) exists a nearly perfect relation between both variables (r > 0.931), (2) the highest values were in knee (PLRT = 8.01 ± 2.76; AcelT = 2.70 ±.50) and in ankle (PL = 7.85 ± 2.27; AcelT = 2.87±.49) and (3) a great variability was found between athletes. In conclusion, Player Load and AcelT are two valid variables to analyze and quantify neuromuscular demands

Twenty-four-hour, weekly and annual patterns in serious falls of non-institutionalized independent Spanish seniors.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore clock hour, day-of-week, and month-of-year patterns of serious falls experienced by non-institutionalized Spanish seniors (age ≥65 years) in relation to associated conventional intrinsic and extrinsic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Intake emergency department records from January 1 to December 31, 2013 of a tertiary hospital of southern Spain were abstracted for particulars of falls, including the time of occurrence, experienced specifically by non-institutionalized seniors. Chi-squares and Single and Multiple-Component Cosinor (time series) Analyses were applied to determine the statistical significance of observed 24-hour, 7-day, and annual variation. RESULTS: Falls were ~2.5-fold more numerous in older women than older men and ~7-fold more frequent between 12:00 and 14:00 hours than ~02:00 hours, respectively, the time spans corresponding to the absolute peak and trough of the 24-hour pattern in falls. The midday/early afternoon peak primarily represented incidents of women ≥75 years of age that occurred inside the home while walking, standing, or moving on stairs. A late evening less prominent excess of mostly inside-the-home incidents of women ≥75 years of age, largely due to fragility, slipping, stumbling, or tripping, was additionally detected. Cosinor Analysis substantiates statistical significance of the 24-hour patterning of falls of men and women (both p<0.001). Day-of-week differences, with prominent Thursday peak and Sunday minimum, were additionally detected, but only for falls of women occurring outside the home (Cosinor Analysis: p=0.007). Day-of-week discrepancy in female/male sex ratio (SR) of fallers was demonstrated, arising from day-of-week disparity in the SR of inside-the-home incidents, with ~4.5-fold more elderly women than elderly men falling Thursday than any other day of the week (p=0.005). Non-statistically significant month-of-year difference in falls, lowest in autumn and highest (~60% more) in winter, was observed and explained by prominent seasonal difference in incidents by elderly women. CONCLUSIONS: Serious falls of non-institutionalized independent seniors are characterized according to intrinsic and extrinsic factors by prominent 24-hour and 7-day patterning. These findings complement the understanding of the epidemiology of falls of the elderly and further inform fall prevention programs.

Demandas tácticas de juegos reducidos en fútbol: influencia de la tecnología utilizada / Tactical Demands of Small-Sided Games in Football: Influence of Tracking Technology

Este estudio analiza el comportamiento táctico en Juegos Reducidos (JRs) a través de las variables área y centroide en función de: (1) tecnología empleada: Sistema de Posicionamiento Global (GPS) y Ultra-Banda Ancha (UWB); (2) fase de juego (ataque y defensa); y (3) objetivo del JRs. Dieciséis jugadores semiprofesionales de fútbol participaron en esta investigación (Edad: 23.6±3.3 años; Peso: 78.1±5.2 kg; Altura: 1.8±0.1 metros). Para el registro se utilizaron dispositivos inerciales WIMU PROTM (RealTrack System, Almería, España). Los principales resultados muestran diferencias significativas: (1) entre tecnologías de seguimiento (GPS y UWB) en la variable área, (2) entre fases de juego, y (3) en función del objetivo de los JRs. En conclusión, los datos obtenidos por ambas tecnologías no pueden compararse debido a las diferencias encontradas, siendo muy importante el análisis en función del objetivo y la fase de juego de los JRs por su influencia en la disposición táctica para conseguir una mejora en el rendimiento deportivo

This article analyses the tactical behaviour in Small-Sided Games (SSGs) over the geometrical centre and surface area according to: (1) Tracking technology: Global Position System (GPS) and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB); (2) playing phase (attack vs defence) (3) Objective of SSG. Sixteen semiprofessional football players participated in this research (Age: 23.6±3.3 years old; Weight: 78.1±5.2 kg; Height: 1.8±0.1 meters). WIMU PROTM inertial devices (RealTrack System, Almeria, Spain) was used for recording process. The main results show significant differences: (1) between tracking technologies (GPS and UWB) in the surface area, (2) between playing phases; and (3) between all activities. In conclusion, the data obtained by both technologies cannot compare due to the found differences, being very important the analysis in relation to the objective and the playing phase of SSGs for their influence in the tactical behavior to achieve a sport performance enhancement

Progress in loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for detection of Schistosoma mansoni DNA: towards a ready-to-use test.

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent Neglected Tropical Disease, affecting approximately 250 million people worldwide. Schistosoma mansoni is the most important species causing human intestinal schistosomiasis. Despite significant efforts in recent decades, the global disease burden of schistosomiasis remains extremely high. This could partly be attributed to the absence of accurate diagnostic tools, primarily in endemic areas. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is increasingly used in molecular diagnostics as a field-friendly alternative to many other complex molecular methods and it has been proposed as an ideal candidate for revolutionizing point-of-care molecular diagnostics. In a previous work, a LAMP-based method to detect S. mansoni DNA (SmMIT-LAMP) was developed by our research group for early diagnosis of active schistosomiasis in an experimental infection murine model. The SmMIT-LAMP has been further successfully evaluated in both human stool and snail samples and, recently, in human urine samples. In this study, we developed an important improvement for SmMIT-LAMP molecular assay, transforming it into a cold maintenance dry format suitable for potentially manufacturing as kit for ready-to-use for schistosomiasis diagnosis. This procedure could be applied to create dry LAMP kits for a laboratory setting and for diagnostic applications for other neglected tropical diseases.

Sociodemographic factors associated with preterm birth and low birth weight: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth and low birth weight are two public health problems worldwide associated with higher morbidity and perinatal death risk. AIMS: To determine the incidence and socio-demographic factors associated with preterm birth and low birth weight in Spanish women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with data from women who gave birth in Spain during 2015 extracted from the Statistical Bulletin of births (National Institute Statistics). Records analysed were 331,449. Single births from 22 weeks gestation and fetuses with weight ≥ 500 g were included. Unadjusted and adjusted odd ratios with 95% confidence interval in a multiple logistic regression model were calculated. Variables associated with both health problems were considered dependent variables. FINDINGS: Preterm birth rate in Spain was 6.7% and low birth weight rate was 7.3%. Socio-demographic variables associated with preterm birth were maternal age ≤19 years, immigrant mothers, educational level ≤ secondary studies, and women living in large cities. Low birth weight was related to maternal age ≤19 years and ≥35 years, educational level ≤ secondary studies, and single mothers. Not having previous children and caesarean births were associated with both risks. CONCLUSIONS: The rates of both risks decreased in Spain, one of the countries in Europe where maternal age at having the first child has increased the most and with the lowest birth rate in the world. Maternal age, educational level, maternal nationality, marital status and population size were associated with one or both risks, so the results of this study could be especially relevant to the clinical practice.

Nanoclusters of crystallographically aligned nanoparticles for magnetic thermotherapy: aqueous ferrofluid, agarose phantoms and ex vivo melanoma tumour assessment.

Magnetic hyperthermia is an oncological therapy where magnetic nanostructures, under a radiofrequency field, act as heat transducers increasing tumour temperature and killing cancerous cells. Nanostructure heating efficiency depends both on the field conditions and on the nanostructure properties and mobility inside the tumour. Such nanostructures are often incorrectly bench-marketed in the colloidal state and using field settings far off from the recommended therapeutic values. Here, we prepared nanoclusters composed of iron oxide magnetite nanoparticles crystallographically aligned and their specific absorption rate (SAR) values were calorimetrically determined in physiological fluids, agarose-gel-phantoms and ex vivo tumours extracted from mice challenged with B16-F0 melanoma cells. A portable, multipurpose applicator using medical field settings; 100 kHz and 9.3 kA m-1, was developed and the results were fully analysed in terms of nanoclusters' structural and magnetic properties. A careful evaluation of the nanoclusters' heating capacity in the three milieus clearly indicates that the SAR values of fluid suspensions or agarose-gel-phantoms are not adequate to predict the real tissue temperature increase or the dosage needed to heat a tumour. Our results show that besides nanostructure mobility, perfusion and local thermoregulation, the nanostructure distribution inside the tumour plays a key role in effective heating. A suppression of the magnetic material effective heating efficiency appears in tumour tissue. In fact, dosage had to be increased considerably, from the SAR values predicted from fluid or agarose, to achieve the desired temperature increase. These results represent an important contribution towards the design of more efficient nanostructures and towards the clinical translation of hyperthermia.