Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Changes in the Clinical Condition of Patients With Complex Chronic Diseases: 2-Phase Pilot Prospective Single-Center Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Functional impairment is one of the most decisive prognostic factors in patients with complex chronic diseases. A more significant functional impairment indicates that the disease is progressing, which requires implementing diagnostic and therapeutic actions that stop the exacerbation of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to predict alterations in the clinical condition of patients with complex chronic diseases by predicting the Barthel Index (BI), to assess their clinical and functional status using an artificial intelligence model and data collected through an internet of things mobility device. METHODS: A 2-phase pilot prospective single-center observational study was designed. During both phases, patients were recruited, and a wearable activity tracker was allocated to gather physical activity data. Patients were categorized into class A (BI≤20; total dependence), class B (2060; moderate or mild dependence, or independent). Data preprocessing and machine learning techniques were used to analyze mobility data. A decision tree was used to achieve a robust and interpretable model. To assess the quality of the predictions, several metrics including the mean absolute error, median absolute error, and root mean squared error were considered. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and Python for the machine learning modeling. RESULTS: Overall, 90 patients with complex chronic diseases were included: 50 during phase 1 (class A: n=10; class B: n=20; and class C: n=20) and 40 during phase 2 (class B: n=20 and class C: n=20). Most patients (n=85, 94%) had a caregiver. The mean value of the BI was 58.31 (SD 24.5). Concerning mobility aids, 60% (n=52) of patients required no aids, whereas the others required walkers (n=18, 20%), wheelchairs (n=15, 17%), canes (n=4, 7%), and crutches (n=1, 1%). Regarding clinical complexity, 85% (n=76) met patient with polypathology criteria with a mean of 2.7 (SD 1.25) categories, 69% (n=61) met the frailty criteria, and 21% (n=19) met the patients with complex chronic diseases criteria. The most characteristic symptoms were dyspnea (n=73, 82%), chronic pain (n=63, 70%), asthenia (n=62, 68%), and anxiety (n=41, 46%). Polypharmacy was presented in 87% (n=78) of patients. The most important variables for predicting the BI were identified as the maximum step count during evening and morning periods and the absence of a mobility device. The model exhibited consistency in the median prediction error with a median absolute error close to 5 in the training, validation, and production-like test sets. The model accuracy for identifying the BI class was 91%, 88%, and 90% in the training, validation, and test sets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using commercially available mobility recording devices makes it possible to identify different mobility patterns and relate them to functional capacity in patients with polypathology according to the BI without using clinical parameters.

The energy crossroads: Exploring the moderating role of the energy crisis on the acceptance of the development of a uranium mine.

The energy crisis caused by the lack of supply from some countries involved in armed conflicts, coupled with society's continuous demand for energy production, is leading to the proposal of new energy sources, such as the development of uranium mines to increase nuclear energy production. Mine projects (MPs) trigger numerous conflicts in the local societies involved. While for some people, they represent an opportunity for development and benefits, for others these proposals are perceived as a threat and a health risk. However, energy scarcity and price increases create a social dilemma that moderates the established relationships between the perceived risks and benefits and the valuation of energy proposals. This research aims to analyze both the weight of the factors influencing the acceptance of a uranium MP and the moderating role of the energy crisis on these factors. A total of 629 people participated in this study (371 before and 258 after the energy crisis). The participants answered a questionnaire assessing their socio-demographic characteristics, beliefs about the environment, the perceived risks and benefits, and their emotional balance, as well as their level of knowledge and acceptance of the uranium mine proposal. The results show that age, gender, and level of education and knowledge both directly and indirectly influence the acceptance of a mine. In addition, the perception of risks and benefits is associated with the emotional balance generated, explaining the level of final acceptance of the proposal. The moderation-mediated energy crisis hypothesis influences the relationship between the perceived risks and acceptance of the uranium mine. The results are discussed in order to determine factors for intervention to alleviate the social conflicts created by new energy proposals.

Application of a hydrophobic coating to a pressurized pipe and its effect on energy losses and fluid flow profile.

The use of additives, generally called DRAs (Drag Reducing Additives), has been proposed to re-duce the energy consumption in pressurized pipes. Although many research works have been conducted to analyze the effect of these additives, less attention have been devoted to the application of coatings to the pipe wall. This paper demonstrates that the application of a hydrophobic coating to the pipe can lead to a head loss reduction for a transition flow regime with moderate Reynolds number values (Re). For this purpose, an experiment was conducted to compare the performance of both coated and uncoated pipes by measuring the head losses and assessing the Drag Reduction Percentage (%DR) and the pipe friction factor (f). This was done for two Polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes with different nominal diameters (PVC90 and PVC63). In addition, the flow velocity distribution was also measured in all these tests. The %DR decreased as the Re values increased, with the reduction being notably less pronounced for higher Re values. This could be explained by the fact that a partial slip condition is induced by the hydrophobic product. Its effect is significant for a transition regime where the effect of viscosity is important, but it becomes negligible for increasing levels of turbulence. No significant differences were observed in the flow distribution between coated and uncoated pipes, which seems to indicate that the velocity change could be limited to the near-wall viscous sublayer. The results of this work open an important research line aimed at reducing energy costs and the carbon footprint in pipe fluid distribution systems.

Network analysis to examine sex differences linked to emotional well-being in cardiovascular disease.

Psychosocial dimensions are essential to guarantee an optimal approach to improve emotional well-being in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is evidence of sex differences regarding these dimensions. Thus, the connections between them are crucial to implement personalized therapies. Network model analyses were conducted on data from 593 CVD patients. The models included scores from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), positive (PA) and negative affect (NA), positivity (PS), satisfaction of life (SLS), social support (SS), self-efficacy on emotion regulation (RESE), cardiac self-efficacy (CSE) and the Short Form-12 Health Survey. The main sex differences were found in: PA-PS (p = 0.03), SS-RESE (p = 0.04), for which the positive associations are stronger for men than for women and PA-RESE (p < 0.01) for which the positive association is stronger for women than for men. These nuances should be considered to implement tailored and integrative therapies for each CVD patient.

Study protocol of translation into Spanish and cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the problem areas in diabetes-Pediatric version (PAID-Peds) survey.

AIM: The metabolic and psychological management of paediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can be challenging over time given that T1DM may cause a negative emotional burden and, consequently, result in poor metabolic control of the disease. The objectives of this study are to translate the Problem Area in Diabetes Survey-Pediatric version (PAID-Peds) into Spanish, adapt it culturally and validate it. DESIGN: Multicenter cross sectional study. METHODS: 636 patients aged 8-17 years, diagnosed with T1DM, under treatment with insulin and follow-up at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in Zaragoza (Aragón, Spain), the Ramón y Cajal University Clinical Hospital in Madrid (Spain) and at the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024 will be included. This study will consist of two phases: (1) Translation and cultural adaptation of the original PAID-Peds® survey into Spanish following eight steps; (2) Validation of the Spanish version of the PAIS-Peds® survey. The statistical analysis will be performed using Jamovi® 2.1.23. The reliability or internal consistency will be calculated using Cronbach's alpha index (considering an index higher than 0.8 to be good) and the test-retest will be evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. For validity, confirmatory factor analysis will be calculated. This study has been approved by the ethics and research committees at each centre. RESULTS: The translation and validation into Spanish language of the Problem Area in Diabetes Survey-Pediatric version will be feasible, valid and reliable to detecting the youth-perceived burden of T1DM. Therapeutic education in diabetes-recommended by the WHO and the Diabetes Education Study Group-has shown encouraging results in glycaemia and psychosocial and behavioural factors in T1DM.

[Survey to know the perception of sexual education in adolescents]. / Encuesta para conocer la percepción sobre la educación sexual en adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: Sex education is essential for an accurate approach of sexuality in adolescents, being more effective when it is carried out at early ages. This study aimed to estimate the sexual health knowledge and the information in this regard perceived by adolescents, as well as where it came from. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was performed in students from two public high schools in Castilla-La Mancha who were surveyed about sexual knowledge. Comparisons were made by using the Student's t test or Mann Whitney U test, the Chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test) depending on the variables. RESULTS: 248 students were included (68.1% from Madridejos and 31.9% from Herencia) with a mean age of 14.67±1.1 years. The 47.2% were women. Only 4.8% of the participants affirm to talk about sexuality with their parents. The 56% declared had consumed pornographic content, with a mean first access age of 12.8±1 years. Significant statistically differences were found between the information received in schools and in the familiar surroundings, being alcohol and drug intake, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and contraceptive methods more frequently treated at the educational centers. A 25% of the surveyed students who reported having performed sexual relations stated not having used condom. Approximately, half of the participants did not perceive a high risk of getting STIs (HIV, herpes and chlamydia) in the case of having sex without condom. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of sexual knowledge in adolescents, perceiving a noteworthy heterogeneity in the offered information depending on it is received in high school or in familiar surroundings.

OBJECTIVE: La educación sexual es un pilar fundamental para un correcto enfoque de la sexualidad en los adolescentes, siendo más efectiva si se realiza en edades tempranas. El objetivo de este trabajo se fundamentó en estimar los conocimientos de salud sexual y la información percibida por los adolescentes, así como de dónde provenía. METHODS: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal en estudiantes de dos centros educativos públicos de Castilla-La Mancha a los que se les realizó una encuesta sobre conocimientos de sexualidad. Se hicieron comparaciones mediante t de student o U de Mann Whitney, o test de Chi-cuadrado (o test exacto de Fisher), según variables. RESULTS: Se incluyeron 248 encuestados/as (68,1% de Madridejos y 31,9% de Herencia) con una edad media de 14,67±1,1 años. El 47,2% fueron mujeres. Solo un 4,8% de los/as encuestados/as afirmaron hablar sobre sexualidad con sus progenitores. Un 56% afirmaron haber consumido contenido pornográfico, siendo la edad media de la primera visualización de 12,8±1 años. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la información recibida en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar, tratándose más frecuentemente el consumo de alcohol y drogas, las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y los métodos anticonceptivos en los centros. Un cuarto de los/as encuestados/as que afirmaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales no habían utilizado preservativo. Aproximadamente, la mitad de los/as participantes no percibieron un riesgo alto de contraer ITS (VIH, herpes y clamidia) en el caso de mantener relaciones sexuales sin preservativo. CONCLUSIONS: Existe una falta de educación sexual en los/as adolescentes, percibiendo gran heterogeneidad en los conocimientos ofrecidos en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar.

Encuesta para conocer la percepción sobre la educación sexual en adolescentes / Survey to know the perception of sexual education in adolescents

Fundamentos: la educación sexual es un pilar fundamental para un correcto enfoque de la sexualidad en los adolescentes, siendo más efectiva si se realiza en edades tempranas. El objetivo de este trabajo se fundamentó en estimar los conocimientos de salud sexual y la información percibida por los adolescentes, así como de dónde provenía. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional transversal en estudiantes de dos centros educativos públicos de castilla-la mancha a los que se les realizó una encuesta sobre conocimientos de sexualidad. Se hicieron comparaciones mediante t de student o u de mann whitney, o test de chi-cuadrado (o test exacto de fisher), según variables. Resultados: se incluyeron 248 encuestados/as (68,1% de madridejos y 31,9% de herencia) con una edad media de 14,67±1,1 años. El 47,2% fueron mujeres. Solo un 4,8% de los/as encuestados/as afirmaron hablar sobre sexualidad con sus progenitores. Un 56% afirmaron haber consumido contenido pornográfico, siendo la edad media de la primera visualización de 12,8±1 años. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la información recibida en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar, tratándose más frecuentemente el consumo de alcohol y drogas, las infecciones de transmisión sexual (its) y los métodos anticonceptivos en los centros. Un cuarto de los/as encuestados/as que afirmaron haber tenido relaciones sexuales no habían utilizado preservativo. Aproximadamente, la mitad de los/as participantes no percibieron un riesgo alto de contraer its (vih, herpes y clamidia) en el caso de mantener relaciones sexuales sin preservativo. Conclusiones: existe una falta de educación sexual en los/as adolescentes, percibiendo gran heterogeneidad en los conocimientos ofrecidos en los centros educativos y el ámbito familiar.(AU)

Background: sex education is essential for an accurate approach of sexuality in adolescents, being more effective when it is carried out at early ages. This study aimed to estimate the sexual health knowledge and the information in this regard perceived by adolescents, as well as where it came from.methods: a cross-sectional observational study was performed in students from two public high schools in castilla-la mancha who were surveyed about sexual knowledge. Comparisons were made by using the student’s t test or mann whitney u test, the chi-square test (or fisher’s exact test) depending on the variables.results: 248 students were included (68.1% from madridejos and 31.9% from herencia) with a mean age of 14.67±1.1 years. The 47.2% were women. Only 4.8% of the participants affirm to talk about sexuality with their parents. The 56% declared had consumed pornographic content, with a mean first access age of 12.8±1 years. Significant statistically differences were found between the information received in schools and in the familiar surroundings, being alcohol and drug intake, sexually transmitted infections (sti), and contraceptive methods more frequently treated at the educational centers. A 25% of the surveyed students who reported having performed sexual relations stated not having used condom. Approximately, half of the participants did not perceive a high risk of getting stis (hiv, herpes and chlamydia) in the case of having sex without condom.conclusions: there is a lack of sexual knowledge in adolescents, perceiving a noteworthy heterogeneity in the offered informa-tion depending on it is received in high school or in familiar surroundings.(AU)

Survival Estimation Using Multistate Cormack-Jolly-Seber Models-The Case of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus in Spain.

The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is an endangered species with a specialist osteophagous (bone) diet. We estimated the survival and productivity of this vulture in the Aragonese Pyrenees, where the main population of the species in Europe is found. We used a database covering a period of 33 years (1987-2020). To estimate the probability of survival, we used Cormack-Jolly-Seber models with a Bayesian approach. Our models estimated a survival rate of 0.90 ± 0.08 in juveniles, 0.95 ± 0.04 in subadults and 0.92 ± 0.05 in adults. The survival probability increased over the study period in adults and subadults but not in juveniles. By contrast, productivity decreased over the same period. Our study provides updated information on the status of two demographic parameters of great importance to the species and allows us to identify the most vulnerable age classes and to plan conservation actions to improve the situation of the species in a territory that is a donor of specimens for reintroduction projects. The estimated survival values suggest that more caution should be exercised when planning these feeding points according to the use the species makes of them.

Disease-free survival and response to therapy of clinically node- negative Papillary Thyroid Cancer treated without central neck dissection: Retrospective study of 321 patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Nodal metastases in the central compartment are frequent in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). However, they are mostly micrometastases with no impact on survival and their relevance on the risk of locoregional relapse is controversial. There is no consensus regarding optimal management of the central neck in patients with PTC cN0. In our center, we do not perform prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND). The objective of this study is to review our long-term results and compare them with the most recent literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) without CND between 2005 and 2017. Primary result was disease-free survival in the neck (DFS). RESULTS: 321 patients were identified, mostly T1-T2 tumors (94.1%). Median follow-up was 90 months. DFS in the central compartment was excellent (96.1% at 10 year's follow-up). 19 patients had cervical recurrence, of which 15 underwent salvage surgery. On their last visit, including salvage surgery when appropriate, 77% of patients had excellent response, 18.7% had indeterminate response, 3.1% had biochemically incomplete response and 1.2% had morphologically incomplete response. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis after TT was transient in 4.7% of patients and permanent in 0.9% of patients. There were no RLN paralysis after salvage surgery. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 3.4% of patients. Only one patient had hypoparathyroidism after salvage surgery and it was permanent. CONCLUSIONS: Based on long-term results and low rate of complications associated with salvage surgery in our experience, we consider routine pCND is not justified.

Importance of Growth Factors and Bone Maturation Ratio in the Response to Growth Hormone Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to identify the influence of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and bone age (BA)/chronological age (CA) ratio on the response to GH therapy after 1 and 2 years of treatment and upon reaching final height. METHODS: Longitudinal, retrospective, observational study of 139 patients treated for idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. Variables examined during follow-up: (1) genetic background; (2) perinatal history; (3) anthropometry; (4) height velocity, BA, BA/CA and height prognosis; (5) analytical results (IGF-1, IGFBP-3). Final response variables: adult height (AH), AH with respect to target height, AH with respect to initial height prognosis, AH with respect to height at the start of treatment, and AH with respect to height at onset of puberty. RESULTS: Lower pretreatment IGF-1 levels and a greater increase in IGF-1 at the end of treatment imply a better response (r = -0.405, P = .007 and r = 0.274, P = .014, respectively), as does a greater increase in IGFBP-3 after 2 years of treatment and at the end of treatment (r = 0.207, P = .035 and r = 0.259, P = .020, respectively). A lower BA/CA ratio pretreatment and at the onset of puberty results in a better response (r = -0.502, P = .000 and r = -0.548, P = .000, respectively), as does a lower increase in BA and BA/CA ratio after the 1 and 2 years of treatment (r = -0.337, P = .000 and r = -0.332, P = .000, respectively). CONCLUSION: Low pretreatment IGF-1, a greater BA delay with respect to CA pretreatment and at the onset of puberty, a greater increase in IGFBP-3 after 2 years of treatment, and a lower increase in BA and BA/CA ratio after 1 and 2 years of treatment imply a better long-term response.

Eligibility test for advanced chronic kidney disease: Revision and proposal.

Nowadays, chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence keeps increasing worldwide. The management of these patients usually requires renal replacement therapy (RRT). However, the complexity of patients' profiles comprises a great challenge to overcome. During the last decades, CKD units have been developed to offer multidisciplinary and coordinated attention to patients, helping in the decision-making of the RRT. Nevertheless, there is a huge variability in the performance and organization of care practice, implying an existing necessity to homogenize the RRT modality chosen. We propose a test composed of two parts: one to be completed by the medical staff (to evaluate contraindications for the different RRT techniques) and another by the patient or nursing staff (to consider patients' preferences). In this sense, it would be possible to have a common and useful tool to complement patient education in RRT, as well as sharing decision-making in the ACKD units taking into account patient preferences.

Modelo de atención sanitaria a la infancia y adolescencia en Atención Primaria. La realidad de una atención integral compartida / Health Care Model for Children and Adolescents in Primary Care. The reality of shared comprehensive care

En la actualidad, el modelo de asistencia sanitaria a la población infantojuvenil en Atención Primaria es variable en todo el territorio nacional. La Atención Primaria es el primer contacto del paciente pediátrico y su familia, atención que mayoritariamente recaía sobre el pediatra y que debe ser abordada de forma integral por las categorías profesionales implicadas en la promoción, educación para la salud y atención integral del menor, como son el pediatra, la enfermería pediátrica y la enfermería referente de centro educativos. El pediatra y el enfermero de Pediatría son los profesionales formados adecuadamente para atender a la población infantojuvenil en la Atención Primaria y una buena atención requiere de la interdependencia de ambos profesionales y de la cooperación con otras figuras profesionales del centro educativo y del centro de salud. Son necesarias actividades de salud comunitaria y trabajar con los activos de la comunidad para conseguir una atención sanitaria basada en la equidad y en la calidad desde una perspectiva global del niño en su naturaleza biopsicosocial. (AU)

Currently, the health care model for the paediatric and juvenile population in primary care varies throughout Spain. Primary care is the first contact for paediatric patients and their families, care that was mainly provided by paediatricians and which must be addressed in an integrated manner by the professional categories involved in the promotion, health education and comprehensive care of children, such as paediatricians, paediatric nurses and nurses in charge of educational centres. The paediatrician and the paediatric nurse are the professionals adequately trained to care for the paediatric population in primary care and good care requires the interdependence of both professionals and cooperation with other professional figures in the educational centre and the health centre. Community health activities are necessary, working with the assets of the community to achieve health care based on equity and quality from a global perspective of the child in his or her biopsychosocial nature. (AU)

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common concomitant condition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aim to assess the magnitude of this association. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus libraries for the period up to February 2023 to identify studies reporting cohorts of IBD patients in which NALFLD was evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-nine studies were analyzed. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 24.4% (95%CI, 19.3-29.8) in IBD, 20.2% (18.3-22.3) in Crohn's disease and 18.5% (16.4-20.8) for ulcerative colitis. Higher prevalence was found in male compared to female patients, in full papers compared to abstracts, and in cross-sectional studies compared to prospective and retrospective ones. The prevalence of NAFLD in IBD has increased in studies published from 2015 onwards: 23.2% (21.5-24.9) vs. 17.8% (13.2-22.9). Diagnostic methods for NAFLD determined prevalence figures, being highest in patients assessed by controlled attenuation parameter (38.8%; 33.1-44.7) compared to ultrasonography (28.5%; 23.1-34.2) or other methods. The overall prevalence of fibrosis was 16.7% (12.2-21.7) but varied greatly according to the measurement method. CONCLUSION: One-quarter of patients with IBD might present with NAFLD worldwide. This proportion was higher in recent studies and in those that used current diagnostic methods.

Strengthening Privacy and Data Security in Biomedical Microelectromechanical Systems by IoT Communication Security and Protection in Smart Healthcare.

Biomedical Microelectromechanical Systems (BioMEMS) serve as a crucial catalyst in enhancing IoT communication security and safeguarding smart healthcare systems. Situated at the nexus of advanced technology and healthcare, BioMEMS are instrumental in pioneering personalized diagnostics, monitoring, and therapeutic applications. Nonetheless, this integration brings forth a complex array of security and privacy challenges intrinsic to IoT communications within smart healthcare ecosystems, demanding comprehensive scrutiny. In this manuscript, we embark on an extensive analysis of the intricate security terrain associated with IoT communications in the realm of BioMEMS, addressing a spectrum of vulnerabilities that spans cyber threats, data manipulation, and interception of communications. The integration of real-world case studies serves to illuminate the direct repercussions of security breaches within smart healthcare systems, highlighting the imperative to safeguard both patient safety and the integrity of medical data. We delve into a suite of security solutions, encompassing rigorous authentication processes, data encryption, designs resistant to attacks, and continuous monitoring mechanisms, all tailored to fortify BioMEMS in the face of ever-evolving threats within smart healthcare environments. Furthermore, the paper underscores the vital role of ethical and regulatory considerations, emphasizing the need to uphold patient autonomy, ensure the confidentiality of data, and maintain equitable access to healthcare in the context of IoT communication security. Looking forward, we explore the impending landscape of BioMEMS security as it intertwines with emerging technologies such as AI-driven diagnostics, quantum computing, and genomic integration, anticipating potential challenges and strategizing for the future. In doing so, this paper highlights the paramount importance of adopting an integrated approach that seamlessly blends technological innovation, ethical foresight, and collaborative ingenuity, thereby steering BioMEMS towards a secure and resilient future within smart healthcare systems, in the ambit of IoT communication security and protection.

Biocidal and synergistic effect of three types of biologically synthesised silver/silver chloride nanoparticles.

Three types of silver/silver chloride nanoparticles were obtained by green synthesis from three types of microbial biomass. Their biocidal capacity was tested against six microorganisms. Two filamentous fungi were used that had previously demonstrated the ability to synthesise nanoparticles, Penicillium sp. 8L2 and Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05. Also, the synthesis capacity of a yeast, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa 1S1, was evaluated. The original protocols underwent slight modifications. At the same time, the fractional inhibitory concentration was obtained. The interaction between specific antibiotics and the nanoparticles that showed the greatest biocidal capacity came from Penicillium sp.8L2, and it was studied further. All nanoparticles were characterised by UV-vis spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Also, their size distribution was analysed, which was in the range of 4 to 34 nm. The biocidal capacity of the nanoparticles for a group of bacteria and fungi was studied, presenting very low values in the range of 2.5-10 µg/mL for bacteria and 4-256 µg/mL for fungi. The interactions between the nanoparticles synthesised by Penicillium sp. 8L2 and a group of specific antibiotics for the tested microorganisms were also studied, proving that there was a synergistic interaction with vancomycin and ciprofloxacin and Staphylococcus epidermidis CECT 4183 and Escherichia coli CECT 101 bacteria, respectively.

Postnatal Overfeeding during Lactation Induces Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiac Insulin Resistance in Adult Rats.

Early overnutrition is associated with cardiometabolic alterations in adulthood, likely attributed to reduced insulin sensitivity due to its crucial role in the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to assess the long-term effects of early overnutrition on the development of cardiovascular insulin resistance. An experimental childhood obesity model was established using male Sprague Dawley rats. Rats were organized into litters of 12 pups/mother (L12-Controls) or 3 pups/mother (L3-Overfed) at birth. After weaning, animals from L12 and L3 were housed three per cage and provided ad libitum access to food for 6 months. L3 rats exhibited elevated body weight, along with increased visceral, subcutaneous, and perivascular fat accumulation. However, heart weight at sacrifice was reduced in L3 rats. Furthermore, L3 rats displayed elevated serum levels of glucose, leptin, adiponectin, total lipids, and triglycerides compared to control rats. In the myocardium, overfed rats showed decreased IL-10 mRNA levels and alterations in contractility and heart rate in response to insulin. Similarly, aortic tissue exhibited modified gene expression of TNFα, iNOS, and IL-6. Additionally, L3 aortas exhibited endothelial dysfunction in response to acetylcholine, although insulin-induced relaxation remained unchanged compared to controls. At the molecular level, L3 rats displayed reduced Akt phosphorylation in response to insulin, both in myocardial and aortic tissues, whereas MAPK phosphorylation was elevated solely in the myocardium. Overfeeding during lactation in rats induces endothelial dysfunction and cardiac insulin resistance in adulthood, potentially contributing to the cardiovascular alterations observed in this experimental model.

Translation and psychometric evaluation of the Spanish version of the problem areas in diabetes-pediatric version (PAID-Peds) survey.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic control and psychological management of paediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) can be challenging over time. Development of an instrument to assess the youth-reported burden could aid in preventing T1DM-associated diseases. METHODS: The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Spanish version of the Problem Area in Diabetes Survey-Pediatric version (PAID-Peds). A multicentre, cross-sectional translation and linguistic validation study was performed on a sample of 30 participants aged 8-17 years with a minimum 1-year history of T1DM diagnosed at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in Zaragoza (Aragon, Spain), Ramón y Cajal University Clinical Hospital in Madrid (Spain), and Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). The qualitative validation consisted of translation into Spanish and back-translation into English of the Paid-Peds survey and subsequent administration to the sample population. Data were gathered on parameters related to sociodemographic characteristics and metabolic control. Validity, feasibility, and test-retest reliability were evaluated. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, test-retest reliability by means of interclass correlation, and paired samples using the Wilcoxon W-test. The study was approved by the ethics and research committees at each participating centre. RESULTS: The study assessed 30 children (46.7% female) with an average age of 13.33 ± 2.98 years; mean age at onset was 5.70 ± 3.62 years, and the mean disease duration was 7.63 ± 4.36 years. The mean score on the PAID-Peds survey was 42.88 ± 17.85. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.90. Test-retest reliability measured by interclass correlation coefficient was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.63-0.90). No significant differences in total scores were found between test and retest (Wilcoxon W-test: 289; p = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the PAID-Peds survey is a feasible, valid, and reliable instrument to assess the youth-perceived burden of T1DM.

West Nile virus in the Iberian Peninsula: using equine cases to identify high-risk areas for humans.

BackgroundWest Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus with an enzootic cycle between birds and mosquitoes; humans and horses are incidental dead-end hosts. In 2020, the largest outbreak of West Nile virus infection in the Iberian Peninsula occurred, with 141 clusters in horses and 77 human cases.AimWe analysed which drivers influence spillover from the cycle to humans and equines and identified areas at risk for WNV transmission.MethodsBased on data on WNV cases in horses and humans in 2020 in Portugal and Spain, we developed logistic regression models using environmental and anthropic variables to highlight risk areas. Models were adapted to a high-resolution risk map.ResultsCases of WNV in horses could be used as indicators of viral activity and thus predict cases in humans. The risk map of horses was able to define high-risk areas for previous cases in humans and equines in Portugal and Spain, as well as predict human and horse cases in the transmission seasons of 2021 and 2022. We found that the spatial patterns of the favourable areas for outbreaks correspond to the main hydrographic basins of the Iberian Peninsula, jointly affecting Portugal and Spain.ConclusionA risk map highlighting the risk areas for potential future cases could be cost-effective as a means of promoting preventive measures to decrease incidence of WNV infection in Europe, based on a One Health surveillance approach.

Organ xenotransplantation acceptance in veterinary students: A multicentric opinion study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of available transplant organs has made it necessary to search for alternatives, one of which is xenotransplantation. However, the use of animal organs could face rejection from society and the personnel involved in its implementation. OBJECTIVES: (a) to analyze the attitudes of Veterinary Degree students in six Spanish Universities towards xenotransplantation; and (b) to determine the factors that affect its acceptance. METHODS: Of the 2815 students surveyed in the degree program, 2683 valid surveys were obtained. Attitudes towards organ xenotransplantation were evaluated using a validated questionnaire of organ donation. RESULTS: If xenotransplantation was confirmed as a clinical reality, 93% (n = 2493) of those surveyed would accept a xenotransplanted organ, whilst 7% would not. If the results of xenotransplantation were worse than those obtained with human donors and it entailed more risk, 12% (n = 318) would be in favor. 56% (n = 1497) of the students would accept a xenotransplantation provisionally pending the arrival of a human organ. Attitudes towards xenotransplantation were affected by the academic year in which a student was studying, with more favorable attitudes among students in the last year (88% in first year vs. 95% in fifth year; p < .001). More favorable attitudes are also observed depending on the attitude they have towards organ transplantation, with those students being more in favor of donating their organs when they die (94% vs. 88%; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Veterinary students would have a very favorable attitude toward xenotransplantation if these animal organs functioned as well as human organs. Therefore, these students could play an important role in the future promotion of this technique.