Evaluating conceptual model measurement and psychometric properties of Oral health-related quality of life instruments available for older adults: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Older adults present a variety of oral diseases and conditions, in addition to co-morbidities and limited access to dental care, which significantly impact their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). There are many instruments published to measure OHRQoL. However, it is challenging for clinicians and researchers to choose the best instrument for a given purpose. PURPOSE: To identify OHRQoL instruments available for older adults and summarize the evidence on the conceptual and measurement model, psychometric properties, interpretability, and administration issues of OHRQoL instruments available for older adults through a systematic review. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and CENTRAL up to February 2023. Articles reporting information on the concept model measurement, psychometric properties, and administration issues of an instrument measuring OHRQoL in older adults were included. Two researchers independently evaluated each instrument using the Evaluating Measures of Patient-Reported Outcomes (EMPRO) tool. The overall score and seven attribute-specific scores were calculated (range 0-100): Conceptual and measurement model, Reliability, Validity, Responsiveness, Interpretability, Burden, and Alternative forms. RESULTS: We identified 14 instruments evaluated in 97 articles. The overall score varied between 73.7 and 8.9, with only six questionnaires over the threshold score 50.0. EORTC QLQ OH-15 (cancer-specific questionnaire) achieved the highest score (73.7), followed by OHIP (generic OHRQoL questionnaire) (66.9), GOHAI (generic OHRQoL questionnaire) (65.5), and OHIDL (generic OHRQoL questionnaire) (65.2). Overall, the Conceptual and measurement model and Validity showed the best performance, while Responsiveness and Interpretability showed the worst. Insufficient information was presented for an overall evaluation of DSQ and OHAI. CONCLUSION: The evidence supports using EORTC QLQ-OH15 as a specific instrument to assess OHRQoL in cancer patients and the OHIP-49, GOHAI, or OHIDL as generic instruments to assess OHRQoL either for cross-sectional or longitudinal studies in older adults.

Condiciones laborales e indicadores de salud mental en profesionales de la medicina y enfermería en Chile durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Working conditions and mental health indicators in medical and nursing professionals in Chile during the COVID-19 pandemic

Antecedentes: La salud mental del personal sanitario fue afectada por la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 y sus consecuencias asociadas, entre ellas, el cambio en las condiciones laborales. Objetivos: Analizar la relación entre indicadores de salud mental y factores socio-laborales. Materiales y métodos: Los instrumentos PHQ-9, GAD-7 e ISI-3 fueron aplicados a 90 trabajadores sanitarios. Resultados: El personal de enfermería reportó mayor sintomatología depresiva, ansiosa y de insomnio. A su vez, manifestaron mayores indicadores de depresión en interacción con el cambio en la jornada laboral (F (1,86) = 3.83, p= 0.05, η² parcial= 0.04) y turno de trabajo (F (1,86) = 6.80, p= 0.01, η² parcial = 0.07); mayor sintomatología ansiosa en interacción con cambio de jornada (F (1,86) = 5.83, p= 0.02, η² parcial= 0.06) y turno de trabajo (F (1,86) = 9.26, p= 0.003, η² parcial = 0.10). Asimismo, más indicadores de insomnio en interacción con pertenecer a la primera línea (F (1,86) = 4.96, p = 0.04, η² parcial= 0.05) y cambios en la jornada laboral (F (1,86) = 3.88, p = 0.05, η² parcial= 0.04). Conclusión: El personal de enfermería resultó más afectado por los cambios en las condiciones laborales, teniendo mayor sintomatología ansiosa, depresiva e insomnio (AU)

Background: The mental health of health personnel was affected by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and its associated consequences, including the change in working conditions. Aims: To analyze the relationship between mental health indicators and socio-occupational factors. Materials and methods: The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and ISI-3 were applied to 90 health workers. Results: Nursing staff reported greater depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptomatology. In turn, they manifested greater indicators of depression in interaction with the change in workday (F (1,86) = 3.83, p= 0.05, partial η² = 0.04) and work shift (F (1,86) = 6.80, p= 0. 01, partial η² = 0.07); greater anxious symptomatology in interaction with change in workday (F (1,86) = 5.83, p= 0.02, partial η² = 0.06) and work shift (F (1,86) = 9.26, p= 0.003, partial η² = 0.10). Additionally, more indicators of insomnia in interaction with being on the front line (F (1,86) = 4.96, p = 0.04, partial η²= 0.05) and changes in working hours (F (1,86) = 3.88, p = 0.05, partial η²= 0.04). Conclusion: The nursing staff was more affected by changes in working conditions, having more symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia (AU)

Effects of combat sports on cognitive function in older people: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review aimed to analyze the available body of published peer-reviewed studies on the effects of combat sports compared with active/passive control on cognitive function and electrophysiological markers of brain activity in older people. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The studies were searched in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases from deadline to June 2023. The PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB, and GRADE scales assessed the evidence's methodological quality and certainty of evidence. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42022361695). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: After reviewing 3768 studies, seven combat sports interventions (score ≥60% in methodological quality) were selected, composed of 381 older people (63% female), with a mean age of 66 years. In the selected studies, interventions based on judo, karate, and taekwondo were carried out, where it was not possible to verify the benefits of combat sports in cognitive function and electrophysiological markers of brain activity regarding active/passive control groups, although the individual results of the analyzed studies indicate that the practice of combat sports favor selective attention, divided attention, executive function, visual perception, and cognitive processing speed in older people. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence does not allow a definite recommendation regarding combat sports as an effective cognitive function intervention in older people.

Estrés y cognición: propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Estrés Percibido y asociaciones con el funcionamiento cognitivo, síntomas prefrontales y quejas cognitivas / Stress and cognition: psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale and associations with cognitive functioning, prefrontal symptoms, and cognitive complaints

Introducción: La escala de estrés percibido de Cohen (EEP) es el instrumento más utilizado a nivel mundial para medir estrés percibido, sin embargo, no existen análisis psicométricos en población general venezolana. Además, la teoría sugiere que el estrés podría tener efectos en el funcionamiento cognitivo a través de la sintomatología prefrontal y las quejas cognitivas. Objetivos. Analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la EEP y determinar la relación del estrés percibido y el funcionamiento cognitivo mediante los síntomas prefrontales y las quejas cognitivas. Sujetos y métodos. Se aplicaron las pruebas EEP, ISP-18, MFE-30 y MoCA a una muestra de 223 participantes (Medad = 33, D.E. = 12.82; 64% mujeres). Se ejecutaron análisis factoriales confirmatorios para determinar el ajuste de las versiones de la EEP y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales para analizar las relaciones entre variables. Resultados. La estructura de la EEP con mejor ajuste se compone de diez ítems y dos factores denominados incontrolabilidad percibida y eficacia percibida. Asimismo, el modelo estructural obtuvo un excelente ajuste a los datos y pone de manifiesto que el efecto del estrés sobre el funcionamiento cognitivo ocurre a través de los síntomas prefrontales y las quejas cognitivas (ß = -.303; EE = .123; p = .013). Discusión. La EEP-10 es una herramienta breve, valida y confiable para ser utilizada en contexto venezolano. Los efectos del estrés percibido sobre el funcionamiento cognitivo ocurren a través de una mediación serial que involucra la percepción de los individuos respecto a su funcionamiento ejecutivo y fallos cognitivos cotidianos.(AU)

Introduction: The Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is the most widely used instrument worldwide to measure perceived stress; however, there are no psychometric analyses in the Venezuelan general population. Moreover, theory suggests that stress could have effects on cognitive functioning through prefrontal symptomatology and cognitive complaints. Aims. To analyze the psychometric properties of the EEP and to determine the relationship of perceived stress and cognitive functioning through prefrontal symptoms and cognitive complaints. Subjects and methods. The EEP, ISP-18, MFE-30, and MoCA tests were administered to a sample of 223 participants (Mage = 33, SD = 12.82; 64% female). Confirmatory factor analyses were run to determine the fit of the EEP versions, and structural equation models were performed to analyze the relationships between variables. Results. The structure of the EEP with the best fit was composed of ten items and two factors called perceived uncontrollability and perceived efficacy. Also, the structural model obtained an excellent fit to the data and highlights that the effect of stress on cognitive functioning occurs through prefrontal symptoms and cognitive complaints (ß = -.303; EE = .123; p = .013). Discussion. The EEP-10 is a brief, valid and reliable tool to be used in a Venezuelan context. The effects of perceived stress on cognitive functioning occur through a serial mediation involving individuals’ perception of their executive functioning and everyday cognitive failures.(AU)

Reducing toxic element leaching in mine tailings with natural zeolite clinoptilolite.

The use of natural zeolite clinoptilolite to reduce the leaching rate of potentially toxic elements such as Cd, Pb, and Mn in soil from mine tailings was studied. Soil from the surroundings of the mine El Bote in Zacatecas, Mexico, was analyzed, and the zeolite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and nitrogen physisorption. An ammonium-exchange method for the zeolite was employed. Leaching experiments using packed columns with polluted soil and zeolite mixtures were carried out and the effect of the pH of the carrier solutions was studied. Incorporation of zeolite in the soil achieved a beneficial increase in pH, from 5.03 to 6.95. The concentration of Cd and Mn was reduced when zeolite was present in the column and the ammonium-modified zeolite with ammonia also enhanced the concentration reduction of metallic species in leachates in a range of 28 to 68%. The first-order model best fits the experimental data, suggesting that the leaching rate is controlled by concentration difference between the liquid and the soil matrix. These results demonstrate the potential for using natural zeolite clinoptilolite to reduce the leaching rate of potentially toxic elements in soil from mine tailings.

Problemas de salud mental en universitarios durante la pandemia por COVID-19: ¿qué tipo de ayuda buscan? / Mental health problems in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: What kind of help do they seek?

Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha tenido un impacto negativo en el bienestar psicológico de la población, siendo los jóvenes un grupo especialmente vulnerable. Objetivo: El presente estudio se propuso examinar los niveles de búsqueda de ayuda (formal e informal) para problemas en salud mental y sus variables asociadas en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios de la Región de La Araucanía, en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Método: A través de un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, se reclutó a 500 estudiantes de entre 18 y 29 años. Se describió y comparó su nivel de búsqueda de ayuda, así como variables que podrían obstaculizarla o facilitarla, según género. Adicionalmente, se estimaron modelos de regresión lineal múltiple diferenciados por género, con la búsqueda de ayuda informal como variable criterio. Resultados: Se evidenció una renuencia general a buscar ayuda (formal e informal) tanto en hombres como mujeres, una mayor experimentación de malestar psicológico y mayor conocimiento sobre salud mental en mujeres. Finalmente, se observaron diferencias en los predictores de la búsqueda de ayuda informal entre hombres y mujeres, siendo el apoyo social y las emociones negativas en pandemia los únicos comunes entre géneros. Conclusión: Se discuten los bajos niveles de búsqueda de ayuda evidenciados, y las diferencias observadas en variables asociadas, en función de la brecha de género en salud mental.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological well-being of the population, with young people being a particularly vulnerable group. Aim: The present study examines help-seeking intention for mental health problems and associated variables among male and female university students in La Araucanía Region during the COVI-19 pandemic. Method: A sample of 500 students aged 18 to 29 was recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Help-seeking levels and facilitating or hindering variables were compared by gender. Multiple linear regression models were estimated separately by gender to predict the criterion variable of informal help-seeking. Results: The results indicate that both men and women are reluctant to seek help (formal and informal). Women reported higher levels of psychological distress and greater knowledge about mental health than men. Differences in predictors of informal help-seeking between men and women are evidenced, with social support and negative emotions in pandemic being the only common predictors between genders. Conclusion: The low levels of help-seeking evidenced, and the differences observed in associated variables based on the gender gap in mental health, are discussed.

Factores de riesgo cardiometabólico y funcionamiento cognitivo: el rol de la reserva cognitiva / Association between cardiometabolic risk and cognitive impairment

Background: Several risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment in older people, but little attention has been paid to cardiometabolic variables, as well as how cognitive reserve can mediate this association. Aim: To determine the association of cardiometabolic risk factors with cognitive functioning and whether the cognitive reserve mediates this association. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 300 participants with a median age of 56 years (53% male) was conducted. Participants had a cognitive functioning assessment. Fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure were measured. Results: A Structural Equation Modeling, revealed a direct effect of cardiometabolic latent risk factors on both a cognitive functioning (β = -.204; p = .056), and cognitive reserve factors (β = -.236, p = .04). Cognitive reserve was directly associated with cognitive functioning (β = .327, p = .01), but did not mediate the association between the cardiometabolic risk factors and cognitive functioning (β = .077, p = .07). The overall goodness of fitness was excellent χ2 (50) = 58.357, p = .195, comparative fit index = .980, Tucker-Lewis Index = .974, root mean square error of approximation = .023 and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = .041. Conclusions: A direct effect of cardiometabolic risk factors on cognitive functioning was observed.

[Association between cardiometabolic risk and cognitive impairment]. / Factores de riesgo cardiometabólico y funcionamiento cognitivo: el rol de la reserva cognitiva.

BACKGROUND: Several risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment in older people, but little attention has been paid to cardiometabolic variables, as well as how cognitive reserve can mediate this association. AIM: To determine the association of cardiometabolic risk factors with cognitive functioning and whether the cognitive reserve mediates this association. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 300 participants with a median age of 56 years (53% male) was conducted. Participants had a cognitive functioning assessment. Fasting glucose, HDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure were measured. RESULTS: A Structural Equation Modeling, revealed a direct effect of cardiometabolic latent risk factors on both a cognitive functioning (ß = -.204; p = .056), and cognitive reserve factors (ß = -.236, p = .04). Cognitive reserve was directly associated with cognitive functioning (ß = .327, p = .01), but did not mediate the association between the cardiometabolic risk factors and cognitive functioning (ß = .077, p = .07). The overall goodness of fitness was excellent χ2 (50) = 58.357, p = .195, comparative fit index = .980, Tucker-Lewis Index = .974, root mean square error of approximation = .023 and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = .041. CONCLUSIONS: A direct effect of cardiometabolic risk factors on cognitive functioning was observed.

Weight Stigma, Chronic Stress, Unhealthy Diet, and Obesity in Chilean Adults.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is highly prevalent around the world, including in Chile. Although various psychological factors have been previously associated with obesity, there has been less attention on the role of weight stigma as a determinant of obesity in Chile. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to examine the direct effect of weight stigma on obesity and determine whether chronic stress and unhealthy diet mediate the relationship between weight stigma and obesity. METHODS: Faculty and staff from a Chilean university enrolled in the Chilean Study of Psychological Predictors of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome and completed anthropometric measurements and measures of weight stigma, chronic stress, and unhealthy diet. RESULTS: Three-hundred and eighty-three participants (Mage = 45 years old; 58% female) were included in the present analysis. Structural equation model analyses demonstrated a direct effect of weight stigma on obesity, chronic stress, and unhealthy diet. However, chronic stress and unhealthy diet did not mediate the relationship between weight stigma and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Weight stigma is an important determinant of obesity and is associated with high levels of chronic stress and unhealthy diet in Chilean adults. Our results provide further support for the multifactorial nature of obesity and can inform future interventions aimed promoting weight loss in people with overweight and obesity.

Evaluación de funcionamiento cognitivo en adultos: Análisis y contrastación de tres de los instrumentos de mayor divulgación en Chile / Psychometric properties of three instruments to detect dementia

Background Several instruments are available to measure cognitive functioning in older adults. However, there is paucity of information about their factorial structure and psychometric properties. Aim To determine the factorial structure and the internal reliability of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Adenbrookke´s Cognitive Examination (ACE-R), and their cognitive impairment detection capabilities. Material and Methods MMSE, MoCA and ACE-R were applied to 203 older adults aged 54 to 88 years (77% women), excluding participants with dementia. Results The factorial structure of the MMSE suggested that items referred to memory process should be eliminated due to their low reliability and factor loading (b = 0.12; p = 0.146). Although the MoCA had a good reliability, object denomination process items also had to be dropped (b = 0.22; p = 0.003). The ACE-R demonstrated a single factorial structure for all cognitive processes and had a good internal consistency. MMSE, MoCA and ACE-R classified as having dementia 5, 27 and 42% of participants, respectively. Conclusions MoCA and the ACE-R scales appear as better instruments to detect dementia in older people.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of trans-Cinnamic Acid for Highly Efficient Removal of Copper from Aqueous Solution.

trans-Cinnamic acid was synthesized under microwave irradiation, and it was used for the removal of copper, a toxic metal found in industrial wastewater, from synthetic polluted aqueous solutions. Copper removal is more favorable at pH 5 and was enhanced by increasing the copper initial concentration, reaching a maximum uptake capacity of 389.5 mg/g, which is higher than those reported in the literature. Temperature exhibited a negligible effect on the removal of copper by trans-cinnamic acid. The isotherm equilibrium uptake data were found to be described by the Langmuir model. In addition, the study of the removal kinetics shows that the uptake of copper by trans-cinnamic acid follows pseudo-first order kinetics, and equilibrium is attained at approximately 30 min. Based on the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy studies, a copper-cinnamic acid complex [Cu(CA)2] is formed during the removal process. The reusability of this coordination compound was investigated using HCl, HNO3, and NaOH 0.1 M as desorption eluents; HCl was capable of completely desorbing copper from [Cu(CA)2], and trans-cinnamic acid was recovered as the trans-isomer. Alternatively, the [Cu(CA)2] was used to remove octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane from gaseous streams for biogas purification, obtaining an adsorption capacity of 3.37 mg/g. These promising results demonstrate the feasibility of copper removal by trans-cinnamic acid because of its high uptake capacity and potential reusability.

[Cognitive reserve, depression and social support. Analysis of 206 older adults]. / Funcionamiento cognitivo en adultos mayores: rol de la reserva cognitiva, apoyo social y depresión.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive reserve (CR) is a protective factor in aging. Depression and perceived social support are associated with cognitive performance in older adults. However, their role in the relationship between CR and cognitive functioning is less clear. AIM: To determine the relationship between CR and cognitive functioning and whether this relationship is mediated by depression and moderated by social support. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CR, depression, perceived social support, and cognitive functioning scales were applied to a convenience sample of 206 older adults, aged 69 ± 1 years (77% women). Structural equation analysis and moderate mediation analysis were performed. RESULTS: There was a direct effect of CR in cognitive functioning (ß = 0.223, p = 0.005), which was not mediated by depression (ß = 0.040, p = 0.096). High CR scores were associated with lower depression scores (ß = -0.203, p = 0.002). Higher depression scores were associated with worse cognitive functioning (ß = -0.168, p = 0.040). The effect of CR on depression was moderated by social support (ß = -0.161, p = 0.032) controlling for income and age. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between CR and cognition in older adults allows an early assessment of cognitive dysfunction risk. Depression is an independent risk factor for cognitive functioning. Social support protects individuals with high CR from developing depression.

Funcionamiento cognitivo en adultos mayores: rol de la reserva cognitiva, apoyo social y depresión / Cognitive reserve, depression and social support. Analysis of 206 older adults

Background: Cognitive reserve (CR) is a protective factor in aging. Depression and perceived social support are associated with cognitive performance in older adults. However, their role in the relationship between CR and cognitive functioning is less clear. Aim: To determine the relationship between CR and cognitive functioning and whether this relationship is mediated by depression and moderated by social support. Material and Methods: CR, depression, perceived social support, and cognitive functioning scales were applied to a convenience sample of 206 older adults, aged 69 ± 1 years (77% women). Structural equation analysis and moderate mediation analysis were performed. Results: There was a direct effect of CR in cognitive functioning (β = 0.223, p = 0.005), which was not mediated by depression (β = 0.040, p = 0.096). High CR scores were associated with lower depression scores (β = −0.203, p = 0.002). Higher depression scores were associated with worse cognitive functioning (β = −0.168, p = 0.040). The effect of CR on depression was moderated by social support (β = −0.161, p = 0.032) controlling for income and age. Conclusions: The relationship between CR and cognition in older adults allows an early assessment of cognitive dysfunction risk. Depression is an independent risk factor for cognitive functioning. Social support protects individuals with high CR from developing depression.

Technical-environmental optimisation of the activated carbon production of an agroindustrial waste by means response surface and life cycle assessment.

In this study, a simultaneous optimisation of technical and environmental parameters for activated carbon production from soybean shells is presented. A 23 factorial design was developed to explore the performance of the technical responses yield and iodine number, and the single score of ReCiPe endpoint method, which was evaluated by means the life cycle assessment. The independent factors included in the design of experiments were the impregnation ratio, temperature, and time activation. Three quadratic equations were obtained and simultaneously optimised by maximisation of the overall desirability function. The principal results of the individual responses indicate that the iodine number is practically independent of the activation temperature in a range of 450 ºC-650 ºC; the yield is inversely proportional to activation time and exhibits minimum values between 500 ºC-600 ºC; and the environmental response single score presents the lowest value at a temperature and time activation of 450 ºC and 30 min, respectively. The most polluting stage of activated carbon production from soybean shells production is the impregnation stage, mainly for the use of ZnCl2 as activating agent and the energy consumption. The simultaneous optimisation of the three responses indicates that the optimal activated carbon should be produced at 180 min, 650 ºC, and an impregnation ratio of 1 g soybean shell g ZnCl2-1.

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de negatividad social de Newsom en universitarios chilenos / Psychometric properties of Newson´s social negativity exchange scale in a Chilean college age students

El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Negatividad Social de Newsom, la cual mide el efecto negativo de las interacciones sociales en el bienestar individual. Para ello, se seleccionó a 526 universitarios, realizando análisis factorial exploratorio con 50% de la muestra y análisis factorial confirmatorio con el restante 50%. A diferencia de la estructura de cuatro factores sugerida por los autores, los resultados de este estudio indican que la escala tiene una estructura factorial de dos factores, agrupando el primer factor 4 ítems y el segundo 8. Las cargas factoriales fueron superiores a 0,3 y se obtuvieron buenos indicadores de bondad de ajuste. La consistencia interna de la escala, medida con Alfa de Cronbach fue 0,86. La evidencia sugiere que la Escala de Negatividad Social de Newsom es un instrumento válido y confiable que puede ser utilizado en población Chilena.

The purpose of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Social Negativity Exchange Scale developed by Newsom et al, which is defined as the negative effect that social interactions have on individual wellbeing. Thus, a sample of five hundred and twenty two (n= 526) college-age students was non-randomly selected. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted with 50% of them, and then a confirmatory factor analysis with the others. A two-factor solution was identified, with the first factor grouping four items and the second factor eight items. Fit indexes were good, with factorial loadings greater than .3. the total scale reliability was .86. The evidence obtained in this study suggests that the Newsom´s Social Negativity Exchange Scale is a valid and reliable scale to be used with Chilean population.

Factores de riesgo y precursores del deterioro cognitivo leve (DCL): una mirada sinóptica / Anticipatory signs and risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI): a synoptic view

Este artículo presenta una breve reseña sobre el Deterioro cognitivo leve en adultos mayores, considerando los principales precursores que anuncian, y los factores de riesgo que aceleran los procesos de envejecimiento cognitivo, los cuales aumentan la probabilidad de recibir un diagnóstico de DCL. A su vez, la presencia de DCL aumenta el riesgo y eventual tránsito hacia la demencia, especialmente la demencia de tipo Alzheimer por otra parte, en el artículo se describen las diferentes modalidades de presentación del deterioro cognitivo, revisando también el DCL asociado a la sintomatología depresiva, a la enfermedad de Parkinson y otras enfermedades degenerativas del SNC. La presente revisión, permite dar cuenta de hallazgos recientes y relevantes con relación a la disfunción cognitiva en adultos mayores, quienes representan una proporción cada vez mayor de la población nacional y mundial.

This article presents a brief overview of mild cognitive impairment in older adults, considering its main anticipating precursors, and the risk factors that may accelerate the processes of cognitive aging, which increases the likelihood of being diagnosed with MCI. In turn, the presence of MCL increases the risk and eventual transition to dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s dementia. Moreover, the article describes the different forms cognitive impairment may present itself, and also reviews MCI associated with depressive symptoms, Parkinson’s disease and other degenerative diseases of the CNS. This revision accounts for recent and relevant findings regarding cognitive dysfunction in the elderly, who represent a growing share of national and global populations.

A mass transfer model for the fixed-bed adsorption of ferulic acid onto a polymeric resin: axial dispersion and intraparticle diffusion.

In this study, amberlite XAD-16 (XAD-16) bed column system was used to remove ferulic acid (FA) from aqueous solutions. Laboratory-scale column experiments were conducted in downflow fixed bed at initial FA concentration of 1 g/L, initial pH 3, and 25°C. The performance of the adsorbent bed under different flow rates (1.3-7.7 mL/min) was studied. The bed utilization efficiency was in the range of 64.64-72.21% at the studied flow rates. A mass transfer model considering both axial dispersion and intraparticle diffusion was developed to predict the breakthrough curves of FA adsorption on XAD-16. This model predicted the experimental data better than Bohart-Adams model and Thomas model, based on the low deviation between predicted and experimental data. The axial dispersion coefficient value varied from 6.45 × 10(-6) to 1.10 × 10(-6) m(2)/s at flow rate from 1.3 to 7.7 mL/min, whereas the intraparticle diffusion coefficient was 1.04 × 10(-10) m(2)/s, being this last resistance the rate-limiting step. In conclusion, axial dispersion and intraparticle diffusion phenomena play the major role in predicting the adsorption of FA onto XAD-16 in fixed-bed columns.