Oral squamous cell carcinomas and oral potentially malignant disorders: A Latin American study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) associated or not with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), and the epidemiological profile and traditional risk factors in Latin America. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted in 17 Latin American centres. There were included cases of OSCC, analysing age, gender, OSCC and their association with previous OPMD. Clinicopathological variables were retrieved. The condition of sequential-OSCC versus OSCC-de novo (OSCC-dn) was analysed concerning the aforementioned variables. Quantitative variables were analysed using Student's t-test, and qualitative variables with chi-square. RESULTS: In total, 2705 OSCC were included with a mean age of 62.8 years old. 55.8% were men. 53.75% of the patients were smokers and 38% were common drinkers. The lateral tongue border was the most affected site (24.65%). There were regional variations in OPMD, being leukoplakia the most frequent. Of the overall 2705 OSCC cases, 81.4% corresponded to OSCC-dn, while s-OSCC were 18.6%. Regarding lip vermillion SCC, 35.7% corresponded to de novo lip SCC and 64.3% were associated with previous OPMD. CONCLUSIONS: In Latin America, OSCC-dn seems to be more frequent with regional variations of some clinical and histopathological features. Further prospective studies are needed to analyse this phenomenon.

Oxidative dissolution mechanism of both undoped and Gd2O3-doped UO2(s) at alkaline to hyperalkaline pH.

The dissolution rates of unirradiated UO2 and unirradiated UO2 doped with Gd2O3 were determined as a function of pH using flow-through experiments in the presence of O2(g) and bicarbonate. The dissolution rate of non-doped UO2 was very low under hyperalkaline conditions (pH 12-13) whereas it increased drastically as the pH decreased to 9. The dissolution of non-doped UO2 in the pH range of 9-13 was consistent with the oxidative dissolution mechanism already described for UO2 dissolution in the presence of bicarbonate and oxygen. XPS analysis performed on the solid after dissolution experiments at pH 10 and 13 supported the bicarbonate effect to complex UO22+ and accelerate dissolution. Moreover, UO2 doped with Gd2O3 (5 wt% and 10 wt%) showed dissolution rates as low as non-doped UO2 under hyperalkaline conditions, which were maintained throughout the pH range studied (9-13). No substantial differences in the dissolution rates between these two doping levels were found. XPS analysis evidenced a similar surface composition both at pH 10 and 13, with U(V) being the dominant oxidation state. The low dissolution rates were assumed to be a consequence of the gadolinium capacity to retard the oxidation of U(V) to U(VI). The slight increase in dissolution rates observed in the hyperalkaline region was attributed to a shift in the oxidative dissolution mechanism, in which the presence of OH- promotes the formation of soluble uranyl hydroxo complexes.

EFFECTS OF A GNRH VACCINE (IMPROVAC®) ON PATAGONIAN (OTARIA BYRONIA) AND CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS).

Improvac® is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone vaccine developed to reduce "boar taint" in the meat of male domestic pig. The use of Improvac for contraception of zoo and free-living animals has been increasing in recent years. This study reports the use, efficacy, and side effects of Improvac on five male sea lions. Administration of two injections of 600 µg of Improvac (gonadotropin releasing factor analogue-protein conjugate) 4-5 wk apart were delivered to two Patagonian and three California sea lions to reduce testosterone-related aggression, anorexia, and lethargy that occur during the breeding season. Behavior and physical changes were recorded for all individuals, and blood samples were taken from one Patagonian sea lion to measure plasma testosterone concentrations over time. Observations revealed a descension of the testes into the scrotum, orchitis, lameness, anorexia, and lethargy in all individuals for the first 3-5 d after the first administration of the vaccine. Plasma testosterone concentrations rose after the first dose of the vaccine and remained elevated for 1 mo, decreasing after the second injection to undetectable levels. Improvac administration can cause a peak of testosterone and breeding behavior just after the first inoculation, as previously described in swine and elephants, but has not been documented in pinnipeds. None of the treated animals in this study showed breeding behaviors during their normal breeding season (July-September).

Comparative Study on the Thermal Performance of Three Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations From Argentina.

The distribution of Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) is expanding towards colder regions, which could be aided by an adaptation of the immature stages to the local thermal conditions. This study aimed to assess the developmental success at different temperatures in three populations of Ae. aegypti located across a climate gradient in Argentina. Survival to the adult stage, development time, and wing length at 14, 18.5 and 24°C were compared among three populations of Argentina: Resistencia in the subtropical region, and Buenos Aires and San Bernardo in the temperate region. Survival was similar between populations and equal to or higher than 69%, and increased at higher temperatures within the studied range. Development times were similar between populations. A negative effect of temperature was observed and the reduction of development time at increasing temperatures was stronger for males than for females. Wing lengths were negatively affected by increasing temperatures, and the reduction of wing length was stronger for females than for males. Also, the reduction of wing lengths with temperature was stronger for San Bernardo and Resistencia than for Buenos Aires, and differences between sexes were larger for Resistencia than for Buenos Aires or San Bernardo. Although the results do not evidence differences in survival and development time between temperate and tropical populations, the three populations have a higher tolerance to low temperatures than the populations from other regions.

Differential inhibition of egg hatching in Aedes aegypti populations from localities with different winter conditions.

In Argentina, the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) is distributed from subtropical to temperate climates. Here, we hypothesized that the expansion of Ae. aegypti into colder regions is favoured by high-phenotypic plasticity and an adaptive inhibition of egg hatching at low temperatures. Thus, we investigated the hatching response of eggs of three populations: one from a subtropical region (Resistencia) and two from temperate regions (Buenos Aires City and San Bernardo) of Argentina. Eggs collected in the field were raised in three experimental colonies. F1 eggs were acclimated for 7 days prior to immersion at 7.6 or 22°C (control eggs). Five immersion temperatures were tested: 7.6, 10.3, 11.8, 14.1 and 16°C (range of mean winter temperatures of the three localities). A second immersion at 22°C was performed 2 weeks later to assess the inhibition to hatch under favourable conditions. After the first immersion, we compared the proportions of hatched eggs and dead larvae among treatment levels, whereas after the second immersion we compared the hatching response among the three populations. The factors that most influenced the egg hatching response were the geographical origin of the populations and the immersion temperature, but not the acclimation temperature. The proportions of hatching and larval mortality at low temperatures were higher for Resistencia than for Buenos Aires and San Bernardo, whereas the hatching response at ambient temperature was lower for San Bernardo than for Buenos Aires and Resistencia. The results support the hypothesis that populations from colder regions show an adaptive inhibition of egg hatching.

[Analysis of reports of otoxicity, with symptoms of tinnitus, in the database of the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for medicinal products for human use.] / Análisis de las notificaciones de ototoxicidad, con sintomatología de acúfenos, en la base de datos del Sistema Español de Farmacovigilancia de medicamentos de uso humano.

OBJECTIVE: One of the adverse drug reactions (ADR) can be the Ototoxicity, either in a cochlear level or in a vestibular one. This may cause an incapacitating symptomatology due to a hearing impairment or deafness, tinnitus, or a vertiginous syndrome. The objective of this work was to analyze the notifications of ototoxic ADRs registered in the FEDRA database of the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Medicinal products for Human Use (SEFV-H), manifested as tinnitus, describing epidemiological and prognostic factors, as well as active principles and associated therapeutic groups. METHODS: An observational retrospective study based on the incoming registers in the FEDRA database of the SEFV-H, with tinnitus symptomatology due to ototoxicity between 1984 and 2017 has been carried out. SPSS v.20.0 program has been used for the descriptive and inferential statistics searching elements related to the emergence, seriousness or recuperation of the tinnitus. RESULTS: A total of 662 patients notifications were obtained with 899 suspected drugs. 64% of the patients were women. The average age was 55.8 years old. An 8.5% of the tinnitus were classified as serious, meaning a significant and persistent disability. Evaluating the causality through the modified Karch-Lasagna algorithm (SEFV-H algorithm), a causal group credible or well defined, was discovered in 48.6%. In the ATC ranking, the most frequent group of cause drugs was the N, nervous system. It was concluded, among others, that the seriousness is more significant in men and that the elder group have a great influence in the tinnitus recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The appearance of tinnitus brought on by medical ototoxicity may determine an important limitation on the patient. A vestibular and cochlear function monitoring must be carried out on patients under treatment with high ototoxicity drugs. The task of the pharmacovigilance seems to be essential, by spreading its results and stimulating the ADR notifications in order to identify pharmacological threats.

OBJETIVO: Una de las reacciones adversas del consumo de fármacos puede ser la ototoxicidad, tanto a nivel coclear como vestibular. Esto puede producir una clínica incapacitante por hipoacusia o sordera, acúfenos o tinnitus, o bien un síndrome vertiginoso. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las notificaciones de RAM ototóxicas registradas en la base de datos FEDRA del Sistema Español de Farmacovigilancia de medicamentos de uso humano (SEFV-H), manifestadas como acúfeno, describiendo factores epidemiológicos y pronósticos, así como principios activos y grupos terapéuticos asociados. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo sobre los registros de la base de datos FEDRA del SEFV-H, con sintomatología de acúfenos por ototoxicidad entre los años 1984 y 2017. Se usó el programa SPSS v.20.0. para la estadística descriptiva e inferencial, buscando factores relacionados con la aparición, gravedad o recuperación del acúfeno. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron un total de 662 notificaciones de pacientes con 899 fármacos sospechosos. Un 64% de los pacientes eran mujeres. La edad media fue de 55,8 años. Un 8,5% de los acúfenos se etiquetaron como graves, suponiendo una discapacidad persistente o significativa. Evaluando la causalidad con el algoritmo de Karch-Lasagna modificado o el algoritmo del SEFV-H, se encontró una asociación causal probable o definida en el 48,6% de los casos. En la clasificación ATC, el grupo más frecuente de fármacos causantes fue el N (sistema nervioso). Se obtuvo, entre otros datos, que la gravedad era mayor significativamente en hombres y que el grupo de edad influía en la recuperación del acúfeno. CONCLUSIONES: La aparición de acúfenos por una ototoxicidad medicamentosa puede condicionar una limitación importante en el paciente. Se debe realizar una monitorización de la función vestibular y coclear en pacientes sometidos a tratamientos con potencial ototóxico. La labor de la farmacovigilancia se muestra fundamental, debiéndose difundir sus resultados y estimular las notificaciones de las reacciones adversas a medicamentos para identificar los riesgos farmacológicos.

Meteorological variables associated with the temporal oviposition rate of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Resistencia city, Chaco province, Northeastern Argentina.

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of dengue virus in South America. In the last fifteen years, Argentina has suffered three large dengue outbreaks: one in 2009, another one in 2016 and the current 2020 outbreak, with 26,000, 66,000 and more than 43,000 confirmed cases, respectively. These outbreaks are associated with the circulation of the virus in neighboring countries due to the constant movement of people across the frontier. In 2009, the main province affected was Chaco province, with 11,037 confirmed cases (50% of total cases). Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the temporal oviposition rate of Aedes aegypti in Resistencia, the capital city of this province, in relation to meteorological variables. Mosquitoes were sampled weekly, from April 2015 to March 2017, using ovitraps located in houses randomly selected within the urban area. Oviposition rate was evaluated by means of the total number of eggs collected per week and the proportion of positive ovitraps per week. The coefficient of variation for these two indicators was estimated for the whole study period and then compared using the Wilcoxon Pair test. A generalized linear model (GLM) was performed to infer association between meteorological variables and oviposition rate without time lag and with a time lag of 1 to 4 weeks, considering the biology of this mosquito species. Comparisons between the coefficient of variation of egg number versus the proportion of positive ovitraps showed significant differences, being the former more variable than the latter. The most significant time lag was 2 weeks for the minimum temperature. The number of Ae. aegypti eggs increased 4.05 times when the minimum temperature increased 1°C two weeks before, and decreased 0.69 times with an increase of 1 unit in relative humidity. No eggs were collected when the temperature was below 8°C. The oviposition rate was associated with the increase in the critical minimum temperature (over 8°C) and the weekly frequency of precipitation and dissociated with relative humidity. The maximum oviposition rate was recorded between November and January of both years. The GLM could not explain the relation between meteorological variables and the proportion of positive ovitraps. The peaks of Ae. aegypti egg abundance occurred simultaneously with dengue autochthonous cases recorded in Chaco province, resulting in a good indicative of the period of greatest epidemiological risk.

External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?

External cephalic version (ECV) is an effective procedure for reducing the number of cesarean sections. To date, there is no video publication showing the methodology of this procedure. The main objective is to show how to perform ECV with a specific protocol with tocolysis before the procedure and analgesia. Moreover, we describe and analyze the factors associated with successful ECV, and also compare to deliveries in the general pregnant population. A retrospective and descriptive analysis of ECV carried out at the Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca in Murcia (Spain) between 1/1/2014 and 12/31/2018 was assessed. The latest data available of labor deliveries in the local center, which is the biggest maternity department in Spain, were from 2018. 320 patients were recruited and 3 pregnant women were lost during the study. ECV was carried out at 37±3 weeks gestation. ECV was successful in 82.5% (N=264). 19 complications were reported (5.9%): 8 vaginal bleeding (2.5%), 9 fetal bradycardia (2.8%), 1 preterm rupture of membranes (0.3%) and 1 cord prolapse (0.3%). A previous vaginal delivery increases the success rate of ECV ORadjusted=3.03 (1.62-5.68). Maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) affects the success of ECV ORadjusted=0.94 (0.89-0.99). Patients with BMI>40 kg/m2 have an ORadjusted=0.09 (0.009-0.89) compared with those with BMI <25 kg/m2. If ECV was successful, the cesarean delivery index is 22.2% (17.5-27.6%), the eutocic delivery index is 52.1% (46.1-58.1%) and the instrumented vaginal delivery index is 25.7% (20.7-31.2%). There are no differences in cesarean and eutocic delivery indexes after successful ECV. However, a successful ECV is associated with a 6.29% increase in the instrumented delivery rate (OR=1.63). ECV is an effective procedure to reduce the number of cesarean sections for breech presentations. Maternal BMI and previous vaginal delivery are associated with ECV success. Successful ECV does not modify the usual delivery pattern.

Análisis de las notificaciones de ototoxicidad, con sintomatología de acúfenos, en la base de datos del sistema español de farmacovigilancia de medicamentos de uso humano / Analysis of reports of otoxicity, with symptoms of tinnitus, in the database of the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for medicinal products for human use

OBJETIVO: Una de las reacciones adversas del consumo de fármacos puede ser la ototoxicidad, tanto a nivel coclear como vestibular. Esto puede producir una clínica incapacitante por hipoacusia o sordera, acúfenos o tinnitus, o bien un síndrome vertiginoso. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las notificaciones de RAM ototóxicas registradas en la base de datos FEDRA del Sistema Español de Farmacovigilancia de medicamentos de uso humano (SEFV-H), manifestadas como acúfeno, describiendo factores epidemiológicos y pronósticos, así como principios activos y grupos terapéuticos asociados. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo sobre los registros de la base de datos FEDRA del SEFV-H, con sintomatología de acúfenos por ototoxicidad entre los años 1984 y 2017. Se usó el programa SPSS V.20.0. para la estadística descriptiva e inferencial, buscando factores relacionados con la aparición, gravedad o recuperación del acúfeno. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron un total de 662 notificaciones de pacientes con 899 fármacos sospechosos. Un 64% de los pacientes eran mujeres. La edad media fue de 55,8 años. Un 8,5% de los acúfenos se etiquetaron como graves, suponiendo una discapacidad persistente o significativa. Evaluando la causalidad con el algoritmo de Karch-Lasagna modificado o el algoritmo del SEFV-H, se encontró una asociación causal probable o definida en el 48,6% de los casos. En la clasificación ATC, el grupo más frecuente de fármacos causantes fue el N (sistema nervioso). Se obtuvo, entre otros datos, que la gravedad era mayor significativamente en hombres y que el grupo de edad influía en la recuperación del acúfeno. CONCLUSIONES: La aparición de acúfenos por una ototoxicidad medicamentosa puede condicionar una limitación importante en el paciente. Se debe realizar una monitorización de la función vestibular y coclear en pacientes sometidos a tratamientos con potencial ototóxico. La labor de la farmacovigilancia se muestra fundamental, debiéndose difundir sus resultados y estimular las notificaciones de las reacciones adversas a medicamentos para identificar los riesgos farmacológicos

OBJECTIVE: One of the adverse drug reactions (ADR) can be the Ototoxicity, either in a cochlear level or in a vestibular one. This may cause an incapacitating symptomatology due to a hearing impairment or deafness, tinnitus, or a vertiginous syndrome. The objective of this work was to analyze the notifications of ototoxic ADRs registered in the FEDRA database of the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Medicinal products for Human Use (SEFV-H), manifested as tinnitus, describing epidemiological and prognostic factors, as well as active principles and associated therapeutic groups. METHODS: An observational retrospective study based on the incoming registers in the FEDRA database of the SEFV-H, with tinnitus symptomatology due to ototoxicity between 1984 and 2017 has been carried out. SPSS V.20.0 program has been used for the descriptive and inferential statistics searching elements related to the emergence, seriousness or recuperation of the tinnitus. RESULTS: A total of 662 patients notifications were obtained with 899 suspected drugs. 64% of the patients were women. The average age was 55.8 years old. An 8.5% of the tinnitus were classified as serious, meaning a significant and persistent disability. Evaluating the causality through the modified Karch-Lasagna algorithm (SEFV-H algorithm), a causal group credible or well defined, was discovered in 48.6%. In the ATC ranking, the most frequent group of cause drugs was the N, nervous system. It was concluded, among others, that the seriousness is more significant in men and that the elder group have a great influence in the tinnitus recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The appearance of tinnitus brought on by medical ototoxicity may determine an important limitation on the patient. A vestibular and cochlear function monitoring must be carried out on patients under treatment with high ototoxicity drugs. The task of the pharmacovigilance seems to be essential, by spreading its results and stimulating the ADR notifications in order to identify pharmacological threats

Multi-objective control for cooperative payload transport with rotorcraft UAVs.

A novel kinematic formation controller based on null-space theory is proposed to transport a cable-suspended payload with two rotorcraft UAVs considering collision avoidance, wind perturbations, and properly distribution of the load weight. An accurate 6-DoF nonlinear dynamic model of a helicopter and models for flexible cables and payload are included to test the proposal in a realistic scenario. System stability is demonstrated using Lyapunov theory and several simulation results show the good performance of the approach.

Retention of cesium and strontium by uranophane, Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2·5H2O.

This work determines the capacity of uranophane, one of the long-term uranyl secondary solid phases formed on the spent nuclear fuel (SNF), to retain radionuclides (cesium and strontium) released during the dissolution of the SNF. Sorption was fast in both cases, and uranophane had a high sorption capacity for both radionuclides (maximum sorption capacities of 1.53·10-5 mol m-2 for cesium and 3.45·10-3 mol m-2 for strontium). The high sorption capacity of uranophane highlights the importance of the formation of uranyl silicates as secondary phases during the SNF dissolution, especially in retaining the release of radionuclides not retarded by other mechanisms such as precipitation.

Identification of two novel KIF5A mutations in hereditary spastic paraplegia associated with mild peripheral neuropathy.

Spastic paraplegia type 10 (SPG10) is a rare form of autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia (AD-HSP) due to mutations in KIF5A, a gene encoding the neuronal kinesin heavy-chain involved in axonal transport. KIF5A mutations have been associated with a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from pure HSP to isolated peripheral nerve involvement or complicated HSP phenotypes. Most KIF5A mutations are clustered in the motor domain of the protein that is necessary for microtubule interaction. Here we describe two Spanish families with an adult onset complicated AD-HSP in which neurological studies revealed a mild sensory neuropathy. Intention tremor was also present in both families. Molecular genetic analysis identified two novel mutations c.773 C>T and c.833 C>T in the KIF5A gene resulting in the P258L and P278L substitutions respectively. Both were located in the highly conserved kinesin motor domain of the protein which has previously been identified as a hot spot for KIF5A mutations. This study adds to the evidence associating the known occurrence of mild peripheral neuropathy in the adult onset SPG10 type of AD-HSP.

Cold Season Mortality Under Natural Conditions and Subsequent Hatching Response of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Eggs in a Subtropical City of Argentina.

In temperate and subtropical regions, populations of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L.) survive unfavorable winter conditions in the egg stage. Knowing their survival rates can be of great interest for the health authorities in charge of control activities. In this study, we analyzed the mortality of Ae. aegypti eggs exposed to the cold season as well as their hatching patterns under laboratory conditions in the city of Resistencia, Chaco, Argentina. The mortality rate was 48.6%. No statistically significant differences were observed in the mortality of eggs exposed at different sites. Hatching response differed significantly among the successive postexposure immersions, with the highest proportion of hatched eggs during the first immersion. These results show that the mortality rate of Ae. aegypti eggs exposed to the cold season in a subtropical city of Argentina was higher than those from temperate climate region. The additional mortality of eggs in our study might be related to fungal development (an unexpected event), which was not observed in research in temperate climate. The hatching pattern observed in this study ensures a rapid increase of the population at the beginning of the favorable breeding season, but it also maintains a batch with delayed hatching eggs, posing a risk for the community.

Characterization of Alu and recombination-associated motifs mediating a large homozygous SPG7 gene rearrangement causing hereditary spastic paraplegia.

Spastic paraplegia type 7 (SPG7) is one of the most common forms of autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (AR-HSP). Although over 77 different mutations have been identified in SPG7 patients, only 9 gross deletions have been reported with only a few of them being fully characterized. Here, we present a detailed description of a large homozygous intragenic SPG7 gene rearrangement involving a 5144-base pair (bp) genomic loss (c. 1450-446_1779 + 746 delinsAAAGTGCT) encompassing exons 11 to 13, identified in a Spanish AR-HSP family. Analysis of the deletion junction sequences revealed that the 5' breakpoint of this SPG7 gene deletion was located within highly homologous Alu sequences where the 3' breakpoint appears to be flanked by the core crossover hotspot instigator (chi)-like sequence (GCTGG). Furthermore, an 8-bp (AAAGTTGCT) conserved sequence at the breakpoint junction was identified, suggesting that the most likely mechanism for the occurrence of this rearrangement is by Alu microhomology and chi-like recombination-associated motif-mediated multiple exon deletion. Our results are consistent with non-allelic homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining in deletion mutagenesis for the generation of rearrangements. This study provides more evidence associating repeated elements as a genetic mechanism underlying neurodegenerative disorders, highlighting their importance in human diseases.

Thorax, pelvis and hip pattern in the frontal plane during walking in unilateral transtibial amputees: biomechanical analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lower limb amputees exhibit postural control deficits during standing which can affect their walking ability. OBJECTIVES: The primary purpose of the present study was to analyze the thorax, pelvis, and hip kinematics and the hip internal moment in the frontal plane during gait in subjects with Unilateral Transtibial Amputation (UTA). METHOD: The participants included 25 people with UTA and 25 non-amputees as control subjects. Gait analysis was performed using the Vicon(r) Motion System. We analyzed the motion of the thorax, pelvis, and hip (kinematics) as well as the hip internal moment in the frontal plane. RESULTS: The second peak of the hip abductor moment was significantly lower on the prosthetic side than on the sound side (p=.01) and the control side (right: p=.01; left: p=.01). During middle stance, the opposite side of the pelvis was higher on the prosthetic side compared to the control side (right: p=.01: left: p=.01). CONCLUSIONS: The joint internal moment at the hip in the frontal plane was lower on the prosthetic side than on the sound side or the control side. Thorax and pelvis kinematics were altered during the stance phase on the prosthetic side, presumably because there are mechanisms which affect postural control during walking.

Thorax, pelvis and hip pattern in the frontal plane during walking in unilateral transtibial amputees: biomechanical analysis

Background: Lower limb amputees exhibit postural control deficits during standing which can affect their walking ability. Objectives: The primary purpose of the present study was to analyze the thorax, pelvis, and hip kinematics and the hip internal moment in the frontal plane during gait in subjects with Unilateral Transtibial Amputation (UTA). Method: The participants included 25 people with UTA and 25 non-amputees as control subjects. Gait analysis was performed using the Vicon(r) Motion System. We analyzed the motion of the thorax, pelvis, and hip (kinematics) as well as the hip internal moment in the frontal plane. Results: The second peak of the hip abductor moment was significantly lower on the prosthetic side than on the sound side (p=.01) and the control side (right: p=.01; left: p=.01). During middle stance, the opposite side of the pelvis was higher on the prosthetic side compared to the control side (right: p=.01: left: p=.01). Conclusions: The joint internal moment at the hip in the frontal plane was lower on the prosthetic side than on the sound side or the control side. Thorax and pelvis kinematics were altered during the stance phase on the prosthetic side, presumably because there are mechanisms which affect postural control during walking. .

La Tarjeta Blanca de la Fundación Realmadrid. Una propuesta educativa a través de la competición / The white card fundación Realmadrid. An educative proposal through basketball competition

La competición en etapas de iniciación supone un excelente medio de aprendizaje para los jugadores/as, y una oportunidad magnífica de reforzar los conocimientos y actitudes transmitidas, para el profesorado. Por todo ello, desde las Escuelas de Baloncesto de la Fundación Realmadrid, y más concretamente desde el proyecto "Por una Educación REAL: Valores y Deporte" (Fundación Realmadrid, 2012), hemos centrado nuestros esfuerzos en elaborar una herramienta que nos permitiera aprovechar el potencial de la competición a nivel educativo. A través de nuestro modelo competitivo, que está basado en la demostración de buenas conductas y la aparición de valores positivos, decidimos implantar el programa Tarjeta Blanca. Este programa, que comenzó a desarrollarse en la temporada2010-2011, consiste en una forma de reconocimiento a todos aquellos jugadores/as que demuestren actitudes y conductas positivas durante la propia competición. Nuestro objetivo es fomentar la aparición de esas conductas deseables, dando a conocer al alumnado cuáles de sus actos son dignos o merecedores de ser valorados positivamente. A su vez, creemos que con esta propuesta nuestros entrenadores/as también salen reforzados y esperamos que motivados, ya que estarán incentivados a observar y descubrir las conductas que pueden ser susceptibles de ser premiadas. Como dato más relevante deseamos mencionar que en la última edición del Torneo, se han premiado 308 conductas destacadas a nivel educativo sobre un total de 358 participantes, lo que demuestra la presencia y la relevancia del programa en nuestra competición (AU)

The competition in initiation to sport is an excellent learning environment for players, and a great opportunity for teachers to enhance knowledge and attitudes transmitted. Therefore, from Fundación Realmadrid Basketball Schools, specifically from the project "For a REAL Education: Values and Sport" (Realmadrid Foundation, 2012), we have focused our efforts on developing a tool that could exploit the potential competition on an educative way. Through our competition model, which is based on the demonstration of good behaviors and the appearance of positive values, we decided to implement the White Card program. This program, which began to develop in the 2010-2011 season, is a form of recognition to all players which demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviors during the competition. Our goal is to foster the emergence of these desirable behaviors, revealing the students which of their actions are worthy or deserving to be valued positively. In turn, we believe that with this proposal our teachers also are strengthened and hopefully motivated because they will be encouraged to observe and discover the behaviors that maybe capable of being awarded. As most relevant data we want to mention that in our Tournament latest edition have been awarded a total of 308 behaviors leading to educational level over a total of 358 participants, demonstrating the presence and relevance of our competition program (AU)

Utilización de cuadernos didácticos para educar en valores: un reto en las Escuelas de Baloncesto de la Fundación Realmadrid / Using workbooks to teach values: a challenge in fundación Realmadrid basketball schools

La enseñanza y aprendizaje del baloncesto en las etapas de iniciación supone un doble reto para los entrenadores/as, dada la posibilidad de contribuir al incremento de los valores educativos de los deportistas, simultáneamente a su labor específica del baloncesto. La presencia de programas concretos, que ayuden a los entrenadores/as a transmitir valores educativos, puede ser muy importante, siempre y cuando sean programas asequibles y útiles en el ámbito del entrenamiento y la competición. En las Escuelas de Baloncesto de la Fundación Realmadrid, en el marco del proyecto denominado "Por una Educación REAL: Valores y Deporte", se ha creado un programa llamado "La Alineación de los Valores" con el fin de facilitar la labor educativa de los participantes. Se han elaborado unos cuadernos didácticos para uso de los entrenadores/as, los jugadores/as y sus familias. En la temporada 2011-12, los entrenadores/as que han utilizado los cuadernos didácticos como herramientas de trabajo, con diferentes equipos de categoría benjamín, alevín, infantil y cadete, han sido 17. Los resultados son positivos, puesto que: a) estos materiales didácticos han permitido incluir y estructurar adecuadamente determinados valores educativos en la programación táctica y técnica de los entrenadores/as durante la temporada; b) ha fomentado el diálogo y la reflexión de los participantes, tanto en los entrenamientos como en la competición; c) la puesta en práctica ha derivado a propuestas susceptibles de mejora para próximas temporadas (AU)

The teaching and learning of basketball in the stages of initiation presents a dual challenge for coaches given the opportunity to contribute to increasing the educational value of sports, simultaneously with its specific work of basketball. The presence of specific programs to help coaches / as to transmit educational values can be very important, provided they are affordable and useful programs in the field of training and competition. In Fundación Realmadrid Basketball Schools, under the project entitled "For a Real Education: Values and Sport" has created a program called "Line up of Values" in order to facilitate the educational efforts of the participants. It has been designed workbooks for use by basketball teachers, the children and their families. In the 2011-12 season, teacher notebook has been used as a tool by seventeen teachers, with different youth teams: under-10, under-12, under-14 and under-16. The results are positive, since: a) these materials have led to include and to structure certain educational values in the teacher's tactical and technical programming during the season, b) has promoted dialogue and reflection by participants, both in training and competition c) implementation has led to proposals for improvement for next season (AU)