Análisis de meriendas escolares: estudio piloto en educación infantil / School meals analysis: pilot study in early childhood education

Fundamentos: La escuela puede ser un contexto favorecedor para prevenir la obesidad infantil, por lo que pautar meriendas escolares puede contribuir a adoptar hábitos saludables. El objetivo de este estudio fue doble: a) analizar el grado de cumplimiento de las meriendas pautadas; b) comparar las características de las meriendas según si eran o no pautadas. Métodos: Estudio transversal donde han participado centros escolares de las ciudades de Vigo y Pontevedra. Para el análisis comparativo se clasificó y categorizó cada una de las meriendas de los centros con y sin pauta. Asimismo, se comparó la composición de las meriendas establecidas, dependiendo si habían cumplido o no la pauta. Resultados: Se analizaron 1259 meriendas establecidas y 1363 sin pauta. El 81,2% de las meriendas recogidas cumplían con los requisitos pautados. Las meriendas no establecidas incluyeron un número de alimentos significativamente superior (p<0,001), así como un mayor porcentaje de alimentos ultraprocesados. En los centros con pauta, los niños cumplidores incluían más fruta y embutido, mientras que los no cumplidores llevaban más ultraprocesados. Conclusiones: Pautar meriendas escolares en educación infantil es una estrategia efectiva para asegurar una nutrición variada y una menor ingesta de alimentos ultraprocesados. (AU)

Background: The school can be a favorable context to prevent childhood obesity, so that the pattern of school snacks can contribute to the adoption of healthy habits. The aim of this study was twofold: a) to analyze the degree of compliance with the prescribed snacks; b) to compare the characteristics of the snacks according to whether they were prescribed or not. Methods: Cross-sectional study in which schools in the cities of Vigo and Pontevedra participated. For the comparative analysis, we classified and categorized each of the snacks in the schools with and without guidelines. Likewise, the composition of the established snacks was compared, depending on whether or not they had complied with the guideline. Results: A total of 1259 established snacks and 1363 without guidelines were analyzed. Of the snacks collected, 81.2% complied with the requirements established. The non-established snacks included a significantly higher number of foods (p<0.001), as well as a higher percentage of ultra-processed foods. In guideline centers, compliant children included more fruit and sausage, while non-compliant children had more ultra-processed foods. Conclusions: The school snack program in early childhood education is an effective strategy to ensure avaried nutrition and a lower intake of ultra-processed foods. (AU)

Training profile, sporting habits and injury characteristics of Spanish obstacle course races participants: cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide information on the training profile and characteristics of injuries sustained by obstacle course racing competitors. METHODS: This research is a nationwide cross-sectional, self-administered online survey conducted in 2023. RESULTS: We analyzed the data collected from 201 obstacle course racing participants (mean age: 33.8 ± 7.1 years; 60.7% men). On average, athletes had 2.9 ± 2.4 years of obstacle course racing experience and participated in approximately four races in the previous year. Most of these races covered distances of 5-10 km (65.2%). Among the participants, 28.4% reported injuries, with the upper extremities being the most frequently affected. Approximately 19% of these injuries required medical supervision, and 2% led to hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Injury risk in obstacle course racing participants was associated with participation in a higher number of obstacle course racing competitions, reduced time between these competitions and having performed specific obstacle training.

Influence of Body Mass Index, Physical Fitness, and Physical Activity on Energy Expenditure during Recess.

This study aims to investigate the potential relationship between energy expenditure, physical fitness level, physical activity, and body mass index among children taking part in a 30 min school recess. A total of 259 participants from three schools were included in this study. Data on energy expenditure during recess, age, gender, anthropometric measurements, global physical fitness, and physical activity index were recorded. The evaluation sessions occurred twice a week on alternate days over two weeks. A significant gender difference was observed in energy expenditure during recess, favoring boys (p < 0.01). The participants classified as very active exhibited significantly higher scores compared to those categorized as sedentary and moderately active, respectively (p < 0.01), with a poor but significant correlation (rho: 0.208; p < 0.001). There were significant differences between energy expenditure and cardiorespiratory fitness and energy expenditure and global physical fitness (p < 0.01) with fair (rho: 0.289; p < 0.001) and poor (rho: 0.196, p = 0.001) correlation, respectively. In contrast, there were no significant differences by body mass index categories (p = 0.571). These results suggest that gender, physical activity index, and global physical fitness were found to influence energy expenditure during a 30 min recess. However, no significant relationships were found with the body mass index.

Effect of physical exercise in people with hypothyroidism: systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to systematically revise the available evidence on the effects of physical exercise training programmes on people with hypothyroidism. Comparative studies were searched in six electronic databases until April 2023. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies were used to determine the methodological quality of the randomized controlled trials and comparative studies respectively. A total of 10 studies were found showing a low to moderate methodological quality. Most of them were performed in women with subclinical hypothyroidism. Exercise seemed to be safe, with aerobic and resistance training leading to improvements in outcomes related to physical and mental health. The performed meta-analysis with data from 120 participants indicated that exercise showed a non-significant trend towards reducing thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (Hedges'g -0.96; 95% CI -2.71; 0.79, p = 0.160; I2 = 92%). When the analysis was performed by comparing the experimental, and control groups with data from 180 participants the results remained non-significant (SMD -1.09; CI 95% -2.88; 0.70, p = 0.23; I2 = 95%). Similar findings were obtained when pooling data for FT3 and FT4 levels. Exercise does not have a significant impact on thyroid function, although its practice can lead to secondary outcomes related to physical and mental health.

Influencia de la actividad en la imagen corporal en preadolescentes y adolescentes: importancia del índice de masa corporal como factor de confusión / Influence of exercise in the body image of preadolescents and adolescents: importance of the body mass index as a factor of confusion

Introducción: los adolescentes son el grupo más vulnerable frente a las distorsiones en la percepción de la imagen. Ello les conduce frecuentemente a una insatisfacción corporal que puede afectar negativamente a su autoestima. La práctica de actividad física (AF) podría ayudar a solventar este problema. Objetivos: analizar la influencia que la cantidad de AF realizada tiene sobre la autopercepción de la imagen corporal en población pre y adolescente, teniendo en cuenta factores de confusión que pudieran afectar a esta relación. Métodos: estudio transversal con 822 participantes de entre 9 y 16 años. Se determinó la prevalencia de AF, su índice de masa corporal (IMC) y su condición física (CF) objetiva y percibida. Se empleó el pictograma de Stunkard para determinar el grado de insatisfacción corporal. Resultados: se determinó que existe una satisfacción generalizada con la propia imagen corporal con independencia de la edad y el sexo. Se encontraron asociaciones significativas de baja magnitud entre la imagen corporal percibida y la cantidad de AF, la CF percibida y la CF objetiva. La AF no influyó en la satisfacción corporal cuando se ajustó en base al IMC, que fue la variable que presentó correlaciones más elevadas con la autopercepción (r = 0,713) y la propia satisfacción (r = 0,576). Conclusiones: se determinó que existe una satisfacción generalizada con la propia imagen corporal en la población pre y adolescente objeto de estudio. La cantidad de AF no se mostró como una variable de gran influencia sobre la autopercepción y la satisfacción corporal, al contrario que el IMC. (AU)

Introduction: adolescents are the group most vulnerable to distortions in the perception of their image. This often leads to body dissatisfaction that can negatively affect their self-esteem. The practice of physical activity (PA) could help solve this problem. Objectives: to analyze the influence that the amount of PA performed has on the self-perception of body image in the pre and adolescent population while taking into account confounding factors that could affect this relationship. Methods: a cross-sectional study of 822 participants aged 9 to 16 years was conducted. The prevalence of PA, their body mass index (BMI), and their objective and perceived physical condition (PC) were determined. The Stunkard pictogram was used to determine the degree of body dissatisfaction. Results: a generalized satisfaction with own body image was found regardless of age and sex. Low-magnitude significant associations were found between perceived body image and the amount of PA, perceived PC, and objective PC. PA did not influence body satisfaction when adjusted for BMI, which was the variable that presented the highest correlations with self-perception (r = 0.713) and self-satisfaction (r = 0.576). Conclusions: a generalized satisfaction with one's own body image was identified in the pre and adolescent population under study. The amount of PA was not shown to be a variable with great influence on self-perception and body satisfaction, contrary to BMI. (AU)

[Influence of exercise in the body image of preadolescents and adolescents: importance of the index of corporal mass as a factor of confusion]. / Influencia de la actividad en la imagen corporal en preadolescentes y adolescentes: importancia del índice de masa corporal como factor de confusión.

Introduction: Introduction: adolescents are the group most vulnerable to distortions in the perception of their image. This often leads to body dissatisfaction that can negatively affect their self-esteem. The practice of physical activity (PA) could help solve this problem. Objectives: to analyze the influence that the amount of PA performed has on the self-perception of body image in the pre and adolescent population while taking into account confounding factors that could affect this relationship. Methods: a cross-sectional study of 822 participants aged 9 to 16 years was conducted. The prevalence of PA, their body mass index (BMI), and their objective and perceived physical condition (PC) were determined. The Stunkard pictogram was used to determine the degree of body dissatisfaction. Results: a generalized satisfaction with own body image was found regardless of age and sex. Low-magnitude significant associations were found between perceived body image and the amount of PA, perceived PC, and objective PC. PA did not influence body satisfaction when adjusted for BMI, which was the variable that presented the highest correlations with self-perception (r = 0.713) and self-satisfaction (r = 0.576). Conclusions: a generalized satisfaction with one's own body image was identified in the pre and adolescent population under study. The amount of PA was not shown to be a variable with great influence on self-perception and body satisfaction, contrary to BMI.

Introducción: Introducción: los adolescentes son el grupo más vulnerable frente a las distorsiones en la percepción de la imagen. Ello les conduce frecuentemente a una insatisfacción corporal que puede afectar negativamente a su autoestima. La práctica de actividad física (AF) podría ayudar a solventar este problema. Objetivos: analizar la influencia que la cantidad de AF realizada tiene sobre la autopercepción de la imagen corporal en población pre y adolescente, teniendo en cuenta factores de confusión que pudieran afectar a esta relación. Métodos: estudio transversal con 822 participantes de entre 9 y 16 años. Se determinó la prevalencia de AF, su índice de masa corporal (IMC) y su condición física (CF) objetiva y percibida. Se empleó el pictograma de Stunkard para determinar el grado de insatisfacción corporal. Resultados: se determinó que existe una satisfacción generalizada con la propia imagen corporal con independencia de la edad y el sexo. Se encontraron asociaciones significativas de baja magnitud entre la imagen corporal percibida y la cantidad de AF, la CF percibida y la CF objetiva. La AF no influyó en la satisfacción corporal cuando se ajustó en base al IMC, que fue la variable que presentó correlaciones más elevadas con la autopercepción (r = 0,713) y la propia satisfacción (r = 0,576). Conclusiones: se determinó que existe una satisfacción generalizada con la propia imagen corporal en la población pre y adolescente objeto de estudio. La cantidad de AF no se mostró como una variable de gran influencia sobre la autopercepción y la satisfacción corporal, al contrario que el IMC.

Impact of natural degradation of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae on anaerobic digestion: Heavy metal pollution and kinetic performance.

This study shows, for the first time, how the natural biodegradation of the Phaeophyceae Rugulopteryx okamurae (R.o.) affects its methane yield, by biochemical methane potential assays, and the methane production kinetics. Additionally, a mechanical (zeolite-assisted milling) and a thermal (120 °C, 45 min) pretreatments were assessed. The highest methane yield was obtained from the mechanically pretreated fresh ashore biomass (219 (15) NLCH4 kgVS-1), which presents the use of zeolite during milling as an economical alternative for heavy metal toxicity reduction. Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the other tests (with the exception of the lowest value obtained for the mechanically pretreated fresh R.o.). Low methane yields were linked to the heavy metal content. However, an increase of 28.5 % and 20.0 % in the k value was found for the untreated fresh R.o. biomass and fresh ashore biomass, respectively, when subjected to thermal pretreatment. Finally, an enhancement of 80.5 % in the maximum methane production rate was obtained for the fresh ashore biomass milled with zeolite compared to the untreated fresh ashore biomass.

Turning an invasive alien species into a valuable biomass: Anaerobic digestion of Rugulopteryx okamurae after thermal and new developed low-cost mechanical pretreatments.

The invasive alien seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae (R.o.) has spread quickly through the Mediterranean Sea causing an unprecedented ecological impact. A solution integrated into a circular economy model is needed in order to curb the negative effects of its presence. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is proposed as a feasible process able to transform biomass into renewable energy. Nevertheless, in order to improve the methane yield and surpass the drawbacks associated with AD processes, this research proposes a thermal pretreatment and a new developed method where the macroalgae is mechanically pretreated with zeolite. Chemical and microstructure characterization of the algal biomass after pretreatments involved scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The highest methane yields of 240 (28) and 250 (20) NLCH4 kg-1 VSadded were obtained with the new mechanical pretreatment and the thermal pretreatment at 120 °C for 45 min without zeolite, achieving a 35 % improvement against the non-pretreated algae. A direct relationship between the crystallinity index of the samples and methane production was observed. The experimental data of methane production versus time were found to be in accordance with both first-order kinetic and Transference Function mathematical models.

Re-warm-up practices in elite and sub-elite Spanish men's and women's basketball team: practitioners' perspectives / Prácticas de re-calentamiento en equipos de baloncesto masculino y femenino de élite y sub-élite españoles: perspectivas de los profesionales / Práticas de reaquecimento nas equipas de elite e subelite espanholas de basquetebol masculino e feminino: perspectivas dos praticantes

Objective: Research suggests that an active re-warm-up (RW-U) during half-time improves performance capacity in team sports, despite limited evidence in basketball. This study aimed to identify the practice of RW-U activities during the half-time period in elite and sub-elite Spanish men's and women's basketball teams. Methods: We asked strength and conditioning coaches from all teams competing at ACB, LF, LF2, LEB Oro, LEB Plata and EBA leagues during the 2020/21 season to fill in a web survey. Results: All respondents reported familiarization with the RW-U concept, although 45% only reproduced traditional strategies. Half of the coaches indicated that they always performed some activity, while the other half pointed out lack of time (45.7%) and player demands (62.9%) as the main constraints impeding its regular use. Conclusion: Spanish basketball teams continue to reproduce traditional practices of active re-warm-up during half-time, regardless of their competitive level.(AU)

Objetivo: La investigación sugiere que un recalentamiento activo (RW-U) durante el descanso mejora la capacidad de rendimiento en los deportes de equipo, a pesar de que la evidencia en el baloncesto es limitada. Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar la práctica de actividades de RW-U durante el periodo de descanso en equipos de baloncesto españoles de élite y sub-élite. Métodos: Se pidió a los preparadores físicos de todos los equipos que compiten en las ligas ACB, LF, LF2, LEB Oro, LEB Plata y EBA durante la temporada2020/21 que rellenaran una encuesta web. Resultados: Todos los encuestados declararon estar familiarizados con el concepto RW-U, aunque el 45% sólo reprodujo las estrategias tradicionales. La mitad de los entrenadores indicó que siempre realizaba alguna actividad, mientras que la otra mitad señaló la falta de tiempo (45,7%) y la exigencia de los jugadores (62,9%) como las principales razones que limitan su uso regular. Conclusión: Los equipos de baloncesto español siguen reproduciendo prácticas tradicionales de re-calentamiento activo durante el medio tiempo, independientemente de su nivel competitivo.(AU)

Objectivos: A investigação sugere que um reaquecimento activo (RW-U) durante o intervalo melhora a capacidade de desempenho nos desportos de equipa, apesar das provas limitadas no basquetebol. Este estudo visava identificar a prática de actividades de RW-U durante o intervalo nas equipas de elite e subelite espanholas de basquetebol masculino e feminino. Métodos: Pedimos força e condicionamento aos treinadores de toda as equipas que competiram nas ligas ACB, LF, LF2, LEB Oro, LEB Plata e EBA durante a época de 2020/21 para preencher um inquérito na web. Resultados: Todos os inquiridos relataram familiarização com o conceito de RW-U, embora 45% reproduzissem apenas estratégias tradicionais. Metade dos treinadores indicaram que sempre realizaram alguma actividade, enquanto a outra metade apontou a falta de tempo (45,7%) e as exigências dos jogadores (62,9%) como os principais constrangimentos que impedem a sua utilização regular.Conclusão: As equipas espanholas de basquetebol continuam a reproduzir práticas tradicionais de reaquecimento activo durante o intervalo, independentemente do seu nível competitivo.(AU)

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values in hair reveal management differences and hidden practices in wild boar populations.

The analysis of stable isotopes in different tissues has been widely used to obtain information on the ecology and nutritional patterns of wildlife. The isotope ratios of the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) analysed in different tissues are directly related to the animal's diet and, to some extent, to the environment where the individual has growth. Specifically, this type of analysis in hair samples has become relevant as it provides information on the quality and long-term composition of the diet that produced the isotope accumulation during the tissue growth. We took samples of wild boar (Sus scrofa) hair from 7 different populations in the south-west of Spain (Mediterranean habitats), in the 2018/2019 hunting season. The main objectives of this study were (i) to investigate the use of hair stable isotopes to reveal differences in composition and quality of the diet of wild boar within the same population or between populations, and (ii) to use hair isotopes as a tool to uncover hidden management practices that may occur in hunting areas associated with the use of supplementary feeding or even captive breeding and release. Each animal had a hair (long 10 cm) analysed in duplicate, previously cut into parts of equal size (from the oldest part of the hair to the most recent part), that were analysed separately. We found differences in δ13C and δ 15N between hair parts and populations, which can be related to management actions at different times during the hair growth. Moreover, the use of corn, a type of plant not occurring naturally in the study area, can be documented with the isotope analysis to prove unauthorized supplementary feeding or captive origin of wild boar in hunting areas.

Validity and reference values for the 3-minute shuttle run test in spanish preschoolers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity and provide normative values for the three-min shuttle run test in Spanish preschoolers. METHODS: A total of 497 children (mean age 4.83±0.57 years; 47.8% girls) performed the three-min shuttle run test. Posttest body mass index and heart rate values were taken as internal validity indicators. RESULTS: Age- and sex-specific percentiles for cardiorespiratory fitness were provided. Boys performed better than girls in the test. A significant association was observed between the total distance covered and heart rate (p=0.002). No correlation was found between body mass index and the test score, although the total distance covered by normal weight and obese children was significantly different (296.9 versus. 271.3 m; p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides age- and sex-specific cardiorespiratory fitness normative values for the three-min shuttle run test when performed by Spanish preschoolers. This test is an interesting option when the lack of resources limits the measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness in the preschool setting.

Incidental 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT Uptake in Hemorrhagic Transformation of Stroke in a Patient With Cervical Paraganglioma.

ABSTRACT: We present a case of a 75-year-old woman with clinical suspicion of stroke whose cranial CT showed ischemic changes in right precentral region, without visible vascular occlusion, and a right vagal lesion suggestive of paraganglioma. Two weeks later, 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT with IV iodine-based contrast administration (Biograph 6 True Point equipment; Siemens) was performed for characterization of this lesion and staging. Intraparenchymal 68Ga-DOTATOC uptake was visualized in right frontal lobe suggestive of hemorrhagic transformation of the previous stroke.

Validity and reference values for the 3-minute shuttle run test in spanish preschoolers

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity and provide normative values for the three-min shuttle run test in Spanish preschoolers. METHODS: A total of 497 children (mean age 4.83±0.57 years; 47.8% girls) performed the three-min shuttle run test. Posttest body mass index and heart rate values were taken as internal validity indicators. RESULTS: Age- and sex-specific percentiles for cardiorespiratory fitness were provided. Boys performed better than girls in the test. A significant association was observed between the total distance covered and heart rate (p=0.002). No correlation was found between body mass index and the test score, although the total distance covered by normal weight and obese children was significantly different (296.9 versus. 271.3 m; p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides age- and sex-specific cardiorespiratory fitness normative values for the three-min shuttle run test when performed by Spanish preschoolers. This test is an interesting option when the lack of resources limits the measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness in the preschool setting.

From exotic to invasive in record time: The extreme impact of Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dictyotales, Ochrophyta) in the strait of Gibraltar.

In 2015, the exotic seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae was detected for the first time on the south side of the Strait of Gibraltar, in Ceuta (northern Africa). This highly sensitive area is ideal for monitoring local environmental impacts arising from global warming, as well as the intrusion of alien species. Within one year, R. okamurae became an invasive species with an overflowing competitive capacity and growth. In 2015, more than 5000 tons of upstream biomass was extracted from beaches in Ceuta, and it has since spread irrepressibly on rocky illuminated bottoms of the subtidal zone to a maximum observed depth of 40 m. The highest coverage (80-90%) of R. okamurae in Ceuta was observed between 10 and 20 m depth in illuminated habitats, where it was having a severe impact on local benthic communities which were displaced. Between 5 and 30 m depth, coverage of R. okamurae exceeded 70% over a wide variety of substrate types. A submarine sentinel sessile bioindicators permanent quadrats (SBPQ) station installed in 2013 on poorly lit, vertical, and shady substrate in the El Estrecho Natural Park, on the north side of the Strait of Gibraltar (Tarifa), detected the presence of R. okamurae in July 2016 and recorded the subsequent increase in coverage. These findings reveal the useful role of this type of monitoring SBPQ sentinel station for the detection of impacts and exotic species in marine protected areas, and for the monitoring of global warming based on indicator species. We conclude that the catastrophic bloom of R. okamurae exhibited an initial geographical expansion (2015-2017) to the northern coastal area of the Strait of Gibraltar (Tarifa-Gibraltar) and subsequent extension in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, towards the Atlantic coast (2018) and the Mediterranean coast (2019). This bloom could have been associated with the temperature peak in July 2015 and was thus possibly linked to global warming.

Incidencia del mindfulness en el estrés académico en estudiantes universitarios: un estudio controlado / Incidence of mindfulness in academic stress in university students: a controlled study

Resumen El mindfulness es un método cognitivo que consiste en prestar atención plena al cuerpo, respiración, pensamientos, emociones, y conductas, que se utiliza para reducir el estrés, dolor, ansiedad y depresión, el cual cuenta con algunas evidencias clínicas. Recientemente se está evaluando sus aplicaciones en el ámbito universitario, con resultados aún no concluyentes. El propósito del estudio fue evaluar la incidencia de un programa de ocho semanas del mindfulness en la reducción del estrés académico en una muestra de 54 estudiantes universitarios, con grupo de control aleatorio, y con medidas de pre-posprueba utilizando el Inventario CISCO de Estrés Académico. Se encontró que no existe diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los niveles de estrés del grupo que recibió el programa de mindfulness comparado con los que no recibieron el entrenamiento. El resultado es congruente con algunos hallazgos que no atribuyen eficacia de la atención plena en el manejo del estrés académico.

Abstract Mindfulness is a cognitive method that consists of giving full attention to the body, breathing, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, which is used to reduce stress, pain, anxiety and depression, which has some clinical evidence. Recently, its applications in the university field are being evaluated, with results that are not yet conclusive. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the incidence of an eight-week program of mindfulness in reducing academic stress in a group of 54 university students, with a randomized control group, and with pre-post-test measures using the CISCO Academic Stress Inventory. It was found that there are no statistically significant differences in the stress levels of the group that received the der mindfulnes program compared to those who did not receive the training. The result is congruent with some findings that do not attribute efficiency of mindfulness in the management of academic stress.

Integrated Ugi-based assembly of functionally, skeletally, and stereochemically diverse 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones.

A practical, integrated and versatile U-4CR-based assembly of 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones exhibiting functionally, skeletally, and stereochemically diverse substitution patterns is described. By virtue of its convergence, atom economy, and bond-forming efficiency, the methodology documented herein exemplifies the reconciliation of structural complexity and experimental simplicity in the context of medicinal chemistry projects.

[Peripheral vertigo versus central vertigo. Application of the HINTS protocol]. / Vértigo periférico frente a vértigo central. Aplicación del protocolo HINTS.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important dilemmas concerning vertigo in emergency departments is its differential diagnosis. There are highly sensitive warning signs in the examination that can put us on the path towards finding ourselves before a case of central vertigo. AIM: To determine how effective the application of the HINTS protocol is in the diagnosis of cerebrovascular accidents that mimics peripheral vertigo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive observation-based study on patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of acute vestibular syndrome in the emergency department. All the patients were monitored on a day-to-day basis until their symptoms improved, with information about nystagmus, the oculocephalic manoeuvre and the skew test. The results from the magnetic resonance imaging study were compared with the alteration of any of those three signs during the time the patient was hospitalised. RESULTS: Altogether 91 patients were examined, with a mean age of 55.8 years. A cerebrovascular accident was observed in eight cases. Of these (mean age: 71 years), in seven of them there were alterations in some of the HINTS signs, and in one case the study was normal (sensitivity: 0.88; specificity: 0.96). All of them had some vascular risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Faced with a patient who visits the emergency department with an acute vestibular syndrome, a suitably directed examination is essential to be able to establish the differential diagnosis between peripheral and central pathology, since some cerebrovascular accidents can present with the appearance of acute vertigo. Applying a protocol like HINTS makes it possible to suspect the central pathology with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity.

TITLE: Vertigo periferico frente a vertigo central. Aplicacion del protocolo HINTS.Introduccion. Uno de los dilemas mas importantes concernientes al vertigo en urgencias es su diagnostico diferencial. Existen signos de alarma de gran sensibilidad en la exploracion que pueden ponernos en la pista de encontrarnos ante un vertigo central. Objetivo. Determinar la eficacia de la aplicacion del protocolo HINTS en el diagnostico del accidente cerebrovascular que simula un vertigo periferico. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio observacional descriptivo sobre pacientes ingresados con diagnostico de sindrome vestibular agudo en urgencias. Todos los pacientes fueron objeto de un seguimiento diario hasta la mejoria de sus sintomas con informacion del nistagmo, la maniobra de impulso oculocefalico y el test de skew. Se comparan los resultados del estudio de resonancia magnetica con la alteracion en alguno de esos tres signos a lo largo del ingreso del enfermo. Resultados. Se reunio a 91 pacientes, con una edad media de 55,8 años. Se objetivo un accidente cerebrovascular en ocho de ellos. De estos (edad media: 71 años), en siete existia una alteracion en alguno de los signos HINTS y en uno el estudio fue normal (sensibilidad: 0,88; especificidad: 0,96). Todos ellos tenian algun factor de riesgo vascular. Conclusiones. Una exploracion adecuada y dirigida ante un paciente que acude a urgencias con un sindrome vestibular agudo resulta de vital importancia para establecer el diagnostico diferencial entre la patologia periferica y la central, ya que algunos accidentes cerebrovasculares se pueden presentar bajo la apariencia de un vertigo agudo. Aplicar un protocolo como HINTS permite sospechar la patologia central con una gran sensibilidad y especificidad.

Vértigo periférico frente a vértigo central. Aplicación del protocolo HINTS / Peripheral vertigo versus central vertigo. Application of the HINTS protocol

Introducción. Uno de los dilemas más importantes concernientes al vértigo en urgencias es su diagnóstico diferencial. Existen signos de alarma de gran sensibilidad en la exploración que pueden ponernos en la pista de encontrarnos ante un vértigo central. Objetivo. Determinar la eficacia de la aplicación del protocolo HINTS en el diagnóstico del accidente cerebrovascular que simula un vértigo periférico. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio observacional descriptivo sobre pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de síndrome vestibular agudo en urgencias. Todos los pacientes fueron objeto de un seguimiento diario hasta la mejoría de sus síntomas con información del nistagmo, la maniobra de impulso oculocefálico y el test de skew. Se comparan los resultados del estudio de resonancia magnética con la alteración en alguno de esos tres signos a lo largo del ingreso del enfermo. Resultados. Se reunió a 91 pacientes, con una edad media de 55,8 años. Se objetivó un accidente cerebrovascular en ocho de ellos. De éstos (edad media: 71 años), en siete existía una alteración en alguno de los signos HINTS y en uno el estudio fue normal (sensibilidad: 0,88; especificidad: 0,96). Todos ellos tenían algún factor de riesgo vascular. Conclusiones. Una exploración adecuada y dirigida ante un paciente que acude a urgencias con un síndrome vestibular agudo resulta de vital importancia para establecer el diagnostico diferencial entre la patología periférica y la central, ya que algunos accidentes cerebrovasculares se pueden presentar bajo la apariencia de un vértigo agudo. Aplicar un protocolo como HINTS permite sospechar la patología central con una gran sensibilidad y especificidad (AU)

Introduction. One of the most important dilemmas concerning vertigo in emergency departments is its differential diagnosis. There are highly sensitive warning signs in the examination that can put us on the path towards finding ourselves before a case of central vertigo. Aim. To determine how effective the application of the HINTS protocol is in the diagnosis of cerebrovascular accidents that mimics peripheral vertigo. Patients and methods. We conducted a descriptive observation-based study on patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of acute vestibular syndrome in the emergency department. All the patients were monitored on a day-to-day basis until their symptoms improved, with information about nystagmus, the oculocephalic manoeuvre and the skew test. The results from the magnetic resonance imaging study were compared with the alteration of any of those three signs during the time the patient was hospitalised. Results. Altogether 91 patients were examined, with a mean age of 55.8 years. A cerebrovascular accident was observed in eight cases. Of these (mean age: 71 years), in seven of them there were alterations in some of the HINTS signs, and in one case the study was normal (sensitivity: 0.88; specificity: 0.96). All of them had some vascular risk factor. Conclusions. Faced with a patient who visits the emergency department with an acute vestibular syndrome, a suitably directed examination is essential to be able to establish the differential diagnosis between peripheral and central pathology, since some cerebrovascular accidents can present with the appearance of acute vertigo. Applying a protocol like HINTS makes it possible to suspect the central pathology with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity (AU)

An integrative analysis of meningioma tumors reveals the determinant genes and pathways of malignant transformation.

Meningiomas are frequent central nervous system neoplasms, which despite their predominant benignity, show sporadically malignant behavior. Type 2 neurofibromatosis and polymorphisms in several genes have been associated with meningioma risk and are probably involved in its pathogenesis. Although GWAS studies have found loci related to meningioma risk, little is known about the factors determining malignant transformation. Thus, this study is aimed to identify the genomic and transcriptomic factors influencing evolution from benignity toward aggressive phenotypes. By applying an integrative bioinformatics pipeline combining public information on a wealth of biological layers of complexity (from genetic polymorphisms to protein interactions), this study identified a module of co-expressed genes highly correlated with tumor stage and statistically linked to several genomic regions (module Quantitative Trait Loci, mQTLs). Ontology analysis of the transcription hub genes identified microtubule-associated cell-cycle processes as key drivers of such network. mQTLs and single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with meningioma stage were replicated in an alternative meningioma cohort, and integration of these results with up-to-date scientific literature and several databases retrieved a list of genes and pathways with a potentially important role in meningioma malignancy. As a result, cytoskeleton and cell-cell adhesion pathways, calcium-channels and glutamate receptors, as well as oxidoreductase and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation pathways were found to be the most important and redundant findings associated to meningioma progression. This study presents an integrated view of the pathways involved in meningioma malignant conversion and paves the way for the development of new research lines that will improve our understanding of meningioma biology.

Significance of the learning curve in left atrial appendage occlusion with two different devices.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of learning on outcome with use of two different left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices. BACKGROUND: Two self-expanding devices, the Watchman and the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP), have been used for LAA occlusion in the last few years. It has been demonstrated that complications associated with implantation decrease in frequency with operator experience. However, the role of operator experience has not been compared across the two device types. METHODS: The study comprises 31 consecutive patients who underwent LAA occlusion. We compare the first 10 patients in whom an ACP was implanted with the subsequent eleven patients who underwent ACP implantation and with 10 cases where a Watcthman device was implanted. The composite safety end point comprised procedure-related events and excessive bleeding events. We also performed 3 months echocardiographic and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: There were not significant differences in the basal clinical and echocardiographical characteristics across the three groups. Cardiac complications only occurred in the ACP initial experience group (9% vs. 0% vs. 0% P = 0.04). Echocardiographic and clinical follow-up at 3 months was completed in all patients. No significant residual leak was detected. One patient in the ACP initial experience group developed a thrombus on the device. One patient in ACP late experience presented an ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Complications associated with LAA occlusion cluster early in the peri-procedural period and significantly decrease in frequency with operator experience. Initial experience gained with one of device may improve outcome with use of alternative LAA occlusion devices.