Depressive ranges in infertile couples with male factor

Introduction: Depression is not uncommon among infertile couples. The objective of the study is to analyze factors that predict depression in these couples, when they are in Assisted Reproduction Techniques programs. Materials and method: We analyze the level of depression in couples referred from the Human Reproduction Unit to study the male factor using the Beck Depression Inventory and the clinical information contained in the SARAplus program. Results: Depressive ranges appear in approximately half of the participants. The degree of depression correlates in a statistically significant way between both members of the couple. Among the analyzed clinical factors, we observed relational tendency between depression and obesity and depression and smoking. Conclusions: Depression in infertile couples is a fact. ART specialists should be on the lookout for symptoms of depression in order to provide patients psychological and psychiatric care and treatments, as part of the overall therapeutic framework for infertility. (AU)

Long-Term Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after Male Transobturator-Retrourethral Sling Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPUI) has an enormous impact in quality of life (QoL). Transobturator-rethrourethral sling (AdVanceTMXP sling) is a well-established treatment option although there is paucity of data on long-term outcomes. Our objective was to assess the long-term functional outcomes and QoL in a cohort of men undergoing AdVanceTMXP sling surgery. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of men undergoing AdVanceTMXP sling in a tertiary referral institution from August 2013 to July 2020. 55 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Main outcomes were pre- and post-operative daily pad use and scoring in the ICIQ-SF questionnaire. Post-operative complications were assessed following the Clavien-Dindo classification system. QoL and satisfaction with the procedure were assessed through direct interview. RESULTS: Mean number of pads prior to surgery was 3.1, and mean ICIQ-SF score was 13.5. After surgery, mean daily pads use went to 1.2, and mean ICIQ-SF dropped to 5. With a mean follow-up of 42.36 months, 21.8% patients did not use any pads/day and 76.4% achieved social continence (0-1 pad/day). We found no statistically significant differences in outcomes of patients with follow-up of <36 months, 36-48 months, and >48 months (p = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS: AdVanceTMXP sling implantation in men with PPUI improves urinary incontinence and QoL, and their results are sustained over time.

Depressive ranges in infertile couples with male factor.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is not uncommon among infertile couples. The objective of the study is to analyze factors that predict depression in these couples, when they are in Assisted Reproduction Techniques programs. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We analyze the level of depression in couples referred from the Human Reproduction Unit to study the male factor using the Beck Depression Inventory and the clinical information contained in the SARAplus program. RESULTS: Depressive ranges appear in approximately half of the participants. The degree of depression correlates in a statistically significant way between both members of the couple. Among the analyzed clinical factors, we observed relational tendency between depression and obesity and depression and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Depression in infertile couples is a fact. ART specialists should be on the lookout for symptoms of depression in order to provide patients psychological and psychiatric care and treatments, as part of the overall therapeutic framework for infertility.

Associations of Semen Quality with Seminal Non-essential Heavy Metals in Males from the Canary Islands.

Semen quality and levels of non-essential metals such as strontium (Sr), aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V) were measured. Metals were determined by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry) in semen samples from 102 men who were recruited in a Reproduction Unit in the Canary Islands. The presence of each metal was as follows: Sr: 56.9%, Al: 73.5%, Pb: 45.1%, Ni: 15.7%, and V: 79.4% of the samples. No significant differences were found in the relationship between the spermiogram, the sperm motility, and the concentration of spermatozoa levels of non-essential metals. It is noteworthy that Ni levels tend to be lower in patients with oligozoospermia (t (46.4) = 1.84; p = 0.070). Between lifestyle and non-essential metals, there was a significant relationship between the level of occupational exposure to metals and Ni (χ2(2) = 13.91; p = 0.001). We did not find significant differences in non-essential seminal metal content and smoking status but, there were differences between drinkers and the concentration of V in semen (t (100) = -1.99; p = 0.050). The occupational exposure to metals and place of residence have effects on Al and V levels in semen. Regarding obesity, significant differences were found in Pb levels (t (18.0) = 2.34; p = 0.031). Obese patients have a lower Pb level, and the percentage of progressive sperm motility was lower in obese men (t (98) = 2.14; p = 0.035). The detection of metals in semen opens a new field in the study of male infertility with the possibility of performing treatments aimed at correcting these possible anomalies.

Long-term Outcomes of Sacral Nerve Stimulation in Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in both idiopathic and neurogenic pelvic floor disorders in patients treated at a referral center. METHODS: This retrospective observational study analyzed the records of 106 patients tested at our department from December 1999 to January 2017. The efficacy variables evaluated were the Global Response Assessment (range, 0%-100%) and, according to the clinical indication, other specific variables such International Consultation on Incontinence QuestionnaireShort Form, number of catheterizations or pads/day, and the numerical pain scale. The safety variables analyzed were complications (pain, migration, infection), reinterventions and explants. Patients' quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with the procedure were evaluated through telephone interviews. RESULTS: The clinical indications were overactive bladder (OAB) (n=36), urinary retention (UR) (n=37), bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) (n=19), fecal incontinence (FI) (n=8), and double incontinence (DI) (n=6). The implant rates according to the clinical indication were as follows: OAB, 55.6%; UR, 56.8%; BPS/IC, 63.15%; FI, 87.5%; and DI, 66.7%. Clinical and/or statistically significant improvements in all efficacy variables were observed. Loss of therapeutic effect at 75 months of follow-up was observed in 34% of patients. Device-related pain appeared in 25 patients (39%); in 20 patients, it was resolved by reprogramming and 5 patients required device removal. An overall improvement in QoL and high levels of satisfaction with the procedure were observed. More than 90% of patients would recommend SNS to a friend or relative. CONCLUSION: SNS is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a real alternative to patients with refractory pelvic floor dysfunction. Its safety profile is very favorable and it provides a long-lasting improvement in symptoms and QoL.

Longitudinal Study of Cognitive Functioning in Friedreich's Ataxia.

OBJECTIVE: Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is the most common hereditary ataxia. It is a neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive ataxia. FRDA is also associated with cognitive impairments. To date, the evolution of cognitive functioning is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the changes in the cognitive functioning of FRDA patients over an average eight-year timeframe. In addition, we aimed to study the relationship between cognitive changes and clinical variables. METHODS: Twenty-nine FRDA patients who had been part of the sample of a previous study participated in the present study. The mean average time between the two assessments was 8.24 years. The participants completed an extensive battery of neuropsychological tests chosen to examine cognitive functioning in various cognitive domains: processing speed, attention, working memory, executive functions, verbal and visual memory, visuoperceptive and visuospatial skills, visuoconstructive functions and language. RESULTS: At follow-up, cerebellar symptoms had worsened, and patients presented greater disability. Differences between baseline and follow-up were observed in motor and cognitive reaction times, several trials of the Stroop test, semantic fluency, and block designs. No other cognitive changes were observed. Deterioration in simple cognitive reactions times and block designs performance correlated with the progression of cerebellar symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has demonstrated for the first time that patients with FRDA experience a significant decline over time in several cognitive domains. Specifically, after an eight-year period, FRDA patients worsened in processing speed, fluency, and visuoconstructive skills. This progression is unlikely to be due to greater motor or speech impairment.

What Goes on in This House Do Not Stay in This House: Family Variables Related to Adolescent-to-Parent Offenses.

Research on adolescent-to-parent violence (APV) associates specific psychosocial characteristics with adolescents who assault their parents, whether they are within or outside the juvenile justice system, or whether these characteristics are shared by other adolescents convicted of other crimes. The aim of this paper is to compare three groups of adolescents. Those who have been sentenced for APV are compared with adolescents who have committed other crimes, and with a group who have not been involved in the justice system. The sample used consists of 148 male participants between the ages of 14 and 21. A comparison is made regarding type of self-reported behavior, frequency of drug use, academic performance, exposure to violence, self-concept, and parents' conflict resolution tactics. The results obtained indicate that adolescents with judicial measures, regardless of the crime committed, differ from those who have not been in trouble with the justice system in terms of them having suffered violence in the street, the frequency with which they use drugs and in their academic achievement. Likewise, adolescents convicted of APV differ from the other two groups in the frequency with which they are victims of violence at home, in that their mothers use the tactic of asking somebody else for help as a way of solving marital conflicts, and in having a more negative family self-concept. The results are discussed highlighting the importance of taking into account whether a sample is judicial, clinical, or community, and the specific APV behaviors which are measured.

Versión paralela del test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC). Réplica / Alternate form of the test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC). Reply

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Versión paralela del test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC) / Alternate form of the test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC)

Introducción. La disponibilidad de formas paralelas de instrumentos de evaluación neuropsicológica es escasa. El uso repetido del material y el consiguiente efecto de la práctica dificultan la interpretación de los cambios observados en evaluaciones sucesivas. La memoria es una de las funciones más afectadas por este efecto. Objetivo. Obtener una versión paralela de uno de los instrumentos disponibles en español para la evaluación del aprendizaje y la memoria verbal, el test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC). Sujetos y métodos. Se realizó un estudio normativo con una muestra de 110 sujetos para la obtención de los ítems de la forma paralela, siguiendo los criterios utilizados en la versión original. La muestra para el estudio de la versión paralela estuvo formada por 70 sujetos neurológicamente sanos, de 18-89 años. Se aplicaron ambas versiones en un intervalo de 15-20 días. Resultados. Los análisis multivariados mostraron que no se producía efecto de la forma, del orden de administración ni de la sesión. Las correspondientes interacciones tampoco fueron significativas. Estos resultados se observaron tanto para la muestra total como para el grupo de jóvenes (18-29 años), edad intermedia (30-59 años) y envejecimiento (60-89 años). Los análisis correlacionales mostraron la validez y consistencia interna de la forma alternativa. Conclusiones. Los resultados muestran la equivalencia entre la versión original del TAVEC y la versión elaborada en esta investigación. Es, por tanto, una versión recomendable para su uso en el estudio de la evolución de los déficits de aprendizaje y memoria (AU)

Introduction. Parallel forms of neuropsychological tests are scarce. Practice effects associated to repeated testing with the same test confound the interpretation of observed changes in serial assessments. Practice effects are especially likely with memory testing. Aim. To develop an alternate form to the test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC), one of the most common memory tests used for Spanish speaking population. Subjects and methods. Participants in the normative study were 110 undergraduates. Participants in the study of the alternate vs original forms were 70 neurologically normal volunteers ranged in age from 18 to 89 years. Forms were administered in counterbalanced order, with a test-retest interval of 15-20 days. Results. Multivariate analyses showed that none of the effects for form, order of administration or session achieved significance. Interactions also failed to reach significance. Aforementioned results were observed in the total sample and the different age groups: young adults (18-29 years), middle-age (30-59 years) and older (60-89 years). Correlational analyses supported the validity and internal consistence of the alternate form. Conclusions. Results indicate the equivalence between the original TAVEC and the form elaborated in this study. This alternate form may be used in serial assessment of learning and memory deterioration (AU)

[Alternate form of the test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC)]. / Version paralela del test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC).

INTRODUCTION: Parallel forms of neuropsychological tests are scarce. Practice effects associated to repeated testing with the same test confound the interpretation of observed changes in serial assessments. Practice effects are especially likely with memory testing. AIM: To develop an alternate form to the test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC), one of the most common memory tests used for Spanish speaking population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants in the normative study were 110 undergraduates. Participants in the study of the alternate vs original forms were 70 neurologically normal volunteers ranged in age from 18 to 89 years. Forms were administered in counterbalanced order, with a test-retest interval of 15-20 days. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses showed that none of the effects for form, order of administration or session achieved significance. Interactions also failed to reach significance. Aforementioned results were observed in the total sample and the different age groups: young adults (18-29 years), middle-age (30-59 years) and older (60-89 years). Correlational analyses supported the validity and internal consistence of the alternate form. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate the equivalence between the original TAVEC and the form elaborated in this study. This alternate form may be used in serial assessment of learning and memory deterioration.

TITLE: Version paralela del test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC).Introduccion. La disponibilidad de formas paralelas de instrumentos de evaluacion neuropsicologica es escasa. El uso repetido del material y el consiguiente efecto de la practica dificultan la interpretacion de los cambios observados en evaluaciones sucesivas. La memoria es una de las funciones mas afectadas por este efecto. Objetivo. Obtener una version paralela de uno de los instrumentos disponibles en español para la evaluacion del aprendizaje y la memoria verbal, el test de aprendizaje verbal España-Complutense (TAVEC). Sujetos y metodos. Se realizo un estudio normativo con una muestra de 110 sujetos para la obtencion de los items de la forma paralela, siguiendo los criterios utilizados en la version original. La muestra para el estudio de la version paralela estuvo formada por 70 sujetos neurologicamente sanos, de 18-89 años. Se aplicaron ambas versiones en un intervalo de 15-20 dias. Resultados. Los analisis multivariados mostraron que no se producia efecto de la forma, del orden de administracion ni de la sesion. Las correspondientes interacciones tampoco fueron significativas. Estos resultados se observaron tanto para la muestra total como para el grupo de jovenes (18-29 años), edad intermedia (30-59 años) y envejecimiento (60-89 años). Los analisis correlacionales mostraron la validez y consistencia interna de la forma alternativa. Conclusiones. Los resultados muestran la equivalencia entre la version original del TAVEC y la version elaborada en esta investigacion. Es, por tanto, una version recomendable para su uso en el estudio de la evolucion de los deficits de aprendizaje y memoria.

Comportamiento muestral de los coeficientes del análisis discriminante / Sample behaviour of the discriminant analisys coeficients

En la investigación aplicada, la relevancia de las variables introducidas en un Análisis Discriminante, se asigna a través de una evaluación heurística de los coeficientes típicos y de estructura de las funciones discriminantes. En este contexto, es una cuestión fundamental conocer cuál de los dos coeficientes presenta una mejor eficiencia relativa y, en consecuencia, cuál es más seguro a la hora de tomar decisiones sobre la contribución de las variables empíricas. En el presente trabajo se analiza el sesgo y la estabilidad de los coeficientes típicos y de estructura, asociados a las funciones discriminantes. De la combinación de estos dos índices resulta la eficiencia relativa de los coeficientes, desmostrándose que los coeficientes de estructura presentan un mejor comportamiento muestral que los típicos, siendo, por lo tanto los primeros los que deben ser utilizados a la hora de interpretar el espacio discriminante (AU)

In applied research, the relevance of the variables introduced in a Discriminant Analysis is assigned through a heuristic evaluation based on the standardized coefficients and structure coefficients of the discriminant functions. In this context, it is a basic matter knowing which of both coefficients presents a better relative efficiency and, consequently, which one is safer when making decisions about the contribution of the empirical variables. We analyzed the bias and the stability of those coefficients. The relative efficiency of the coefficients results from joining these two indexes, demonstrating that the structure coefficients show a better sampling behavior than the standardized ones (AU)