Factores motivacionales y de autoconcepto implicados en la predicción del rendimiento académico en Educación Secundaria / Motivational and self-concept factors implicated in academic performance at Secondary School

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el papel de la motivación y del autoconcepto en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO). Los resultados mostraron que la autoeficacia académica per-cibida, las atribuciones del éxito a la capacidad, y el autoconcepto académico predijeron mayores niveles de rendimiento académico. Por otro lado, la motivación de evitación de fracaso, las atribuciones del éxito a la suerte y del fracaso a la dificultad de la tarea predijeron un peor rendimiento académico. Las atribuciones internas del éxito académico (capa-cidad y esfuerzo), y las atribuciones internas y estables del fracaso (capacidad), predijeron mayores y menores niveles de expediente académico, respectivamente, indirectamente a través de su influencia sobre el autoconcepto académico. Nuestros resultados muestran la importancia del papel del estilo atribucional en el desarrollo del autoconcepto y su influencia en el rendimiento académico en alumnos de Educación Secundaria (AU)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of motivational factors and self-concept in predicting aca-demic performance at the end of academic year in secondary school students. Results showed that perceived academic self-efficacy, attributions of academic success to one’s ability, and academic self-concept were predictive of higher levels of academic sucsess. In contrast, motivation to avoid failure, attributions of academic success to good luck, and attributions of failure to task difficulties predicted lower levels of academic success. Results also showed that attributions of academic success to one’s ability and effort, and attributions of failure to one’s ability were indirectly predictive of higher and lower academic performance, respectively, via their influence in academic self-concept. Our results point out the importance of attributional styles in the development of self-concept and their influence in academic performance in secondary school students (AU)

Feasibility and reliability of the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity health-related fitness test battery in adults with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities (IDs) seem to have a lower physical fitness (PF) than their peers without disabilities, which coincides with reduced autonomy, life expectancy and quality of life. To assess PF in these individuals, it is necessary to use appropriate tools that permit the assessment of their physical capacities taking into account their specific characteristics. The aim of this work is to study the feasibility and reliability of the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity (ALPHA)-Fit test battery for adults in a group of men and women with mild to moderate ID. METHODS: Forty-one adults with ID of both sexes, ranging in age from 20 to 60 years old, participated in the study. To identify the feasibility and reliability of the ALPHA-Fit test battery for adults, two complete assessments were done for each one of the tests included in the battery. The assessments were performed for a period of no more than 2 weeks (test-retest). An intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determinate test-retest reliability, and a mixed analysis of variance factorial was used for each of the dependent variables. Bland-Altman plots were also used to assess consistency between the two measurements. Feasibility was calculated as the percentage of people who were able to perform the tests correctly (not feasible <50%, fairly feasible 50%-75% and feasible >75%). In order to determine other psychometric properties, minimal detectable change and standard error of measurement (SEM) were also calculated. RESULTS: Of the 10 tests in the ALPHA-Fit test battery, eight were shown to be feasible. High reliability was obtained (>0.90) for the variables related to body composition. In the hand-grip test, reliability was high in the men's group but low in the women's group. Good reliability results were also found (0.80-0.89) in the dynamic sit-up test for women, but not for men. Fair reliability (0.70-0.79) was found in jump-and-reach and neck-shoulder mobility tests. The variables in the 2-km walk and agility tests indicated poor reliability. All tests showed SEM values related to high variability. However, Bland-Altman plots showed results related to lack of consistency. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility and reliability calculations, as well as the SEM values, confirm that not all the tests of the ALPHA-Fit Test Battery for Adults are suitable for the assessment of PF in adults with ID, probably because of the complexity of the motor fitness tests. The authors emphasise the necessity of making adaptations to the protocols used or of using other tests more appropriate to the characteristics of people with mild to moderate ID.

The influence of physical activity in water on sleep quality in pregnant women: A randomised trial.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep is a physiological state of self-regulation. The international classification of sleep disorders now includes as a new category those occurring during pregnancy. Regular physical activity is known to improve the quality of life, one aspect of which is sleep quality. During pregnancy, physical activity is decreased but should not be eliminated, as studies have reported a high correlation between sleep disorders and the absence of physical activity. Regular physical exercise during pregnancy, whether performed in water or out of it, provides greater control of gestational weight gain. Furthermore, the reduced weight gain during pregnancy, as a result of physical exercise, is associated with greater physical resistance to the demands of childbirth, combats the fatigue caused by pregnancy and reduces back pain. All of these outcomes tend to enhance sleep quality, among other beneficial effects. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether, in pregnant women, there is an association between moderate-intensity physical activity in an aquatic environment and sleep quality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomised clinical trial was conducted with a sample of 140 pregnant women aged 21-43 years, divided into two groups; Intervention Group and Control Group. The women were recruited in the twelfth week of gestation and took part in the [Study of] Water Exercise in Pregnancy programme from week 20 to week 37. Sleep quality was evaluated in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. RESULTS: The Mann-Whitney U test showed that the results obtained were statistically significant (p<0.05). In the Intervention Group, 44 of the women (65.67%) were classified as "poor sleepers" versus 62 women (92.54%) in the Control Group. CONCLUSIONS: The [Study of] Water Exercise in Pregnancy method improves the quality of sleep in pregnant women, both subjectively and in terms of latency, duration and efficiency.

Optimization of isolation and cultivation of bacterial endophytes through addition of plant extract to nutrient media.

Many endophytes have beneficial effects on plants and can be exploited in biotechnological applications. Studies hypothesize that only 0.001-1% of all plant-associated bacteria are cultivable. Moreover, even after successful isolations, many endophytic bacteria often show reduced regrowth capacity. This research aimed to optimize isolation processes and culturing these bacteria afterwards. We compared several minimal and complex media in a screening. Beside the media themselves, two gelling agents and adding plant extract to media were investigated to enhance the number and diversity of endophytes as well as the growth capacity when regrown after isolation. In this work, 869 medium delivered the highest numbers of cultivable bacteria, as well as the highest diversity. When comparing gelling agents, no differences were observed in the numbers of bacteria. Adding plant extract to the media lead to a slight increase in diversity. However, when adding plant extract to improve the regrowth capacity, sharp increases of viable bacteria occurred in both rich and minimal media.

Regulation of cannabinoid receptor gene expression and endocannabinoid levels in lymphocyte subsets by interferon-ß: a longitudinal study in multiple sclerosis patients.

Evidence suggests the involvement of the cannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied cannabinoid receptor (CB)1 and CB2 receptor gene expression in B, natural killer (NK) and T cells from MS patients before and after 1 year of interferon beta therapy, and compared these levels to those of healthy controls. We also measured the production of the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and the gene expression of the endocannabinoid-degrading enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in these cells. Prior to interferon therapy, MS patients showed significantly elevated CB2 expression in B cells, but not in T or NK cells. These levels decreased gradually within 6 months to 1 year of interferon treatment. CB1 expression was elevated in all cell subsets, but only reached statistical significance in T cells; all levels decreased progressively over time. Before treatment, AEA but not 2-AG levels were significantly elevated in the three cell populations; after 1 year of treatment, all values decreased to control levels. The expression of FAAH was unchanged. The different expression of cannabinoid receptor genes and the increased level of AEA in lymphocytes point to a possible role of the cannabinoid system in MS immune response and its modulation by interferon.

[Physical activity programmes to reduce overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; a systematic review]. / Programas de actividad física para reducir sobrepeso y obesidad en niños y adolescentes; revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity treatment has been the subject of much controversy; various authors have recommended the application of a comprehensive treatment programme, and in the light of this previous research, we consider the question of what is the most effective programme of physical activity to reduce overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. AIMS: To analyse major studies on the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. METHOD: Systematic review of the results of physical activity programmes, published in scientific articles, to reduce overweight and obesity. Using an automated database search in PubMed and Google Scholar, conducted from October 2013 to March 2014, we identified 85 valid items. In selecting the items, the criteria applied included the usefulness and relevance of the subject matter and the credibility or experience of the research study authors. The internal and external validity of each of the articles reviewed was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: This review confirmed the effectiveness of physical activity in reducing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. The most effective programmes were those combining aerobic and anaerobic exercises. It is generally accepted that at least 180 minutes per week should be dedicated to exercise, in the form of three 60-minute sessions of moderate intensity. Such programmes could be sufficient for persons with overweight or obesity. Researchers in this field agree that when a diet based on an appropriate distribution of meals is combined with regular physical activity, they reinforce each other, and thus optimum results are obtained. Weight reduction programmes that take account of family involvement are more effective than nutrition education itself or other routine interventions that fail to consider family involvement. The role of pa rents and of the persons around the child or adolescent is essential to reinforce positive behaviour toward lifestyle change.

Introducción: El tratamiento contra la obesidad ha sido muy discutido y varios autores abogan por un tratamiento integral de la obesidad. Todos los referentes conducen a plantear ¿cuál es el programa de actividad física más efectivo para reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad de niños y adolescentes? Objetivo: Analizar los principales estudios sobre la eficacia de la actividad física para reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad de niños y adolescentes. Método: Revisión sistemática de los resultados de programas de actividad física para reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad publicados en artículos científicos. Se identificaron 85 artículos a través de la búsqueda automatizada en las bases de datos PUBMED y Google Scholar; se llevó a cabo entre los meses de octubre de 2013 y marzo de 2014. Para seleccionar los artículos fue preciso considerar la utilidad y la relevancia del tema estudiado y la credibilidad o experiencia de los autores en la temática. Se tuvo en cuenta la validez interna y externa de cada uno de los artículos revisados. Conclusiones: Se identificó la efectividad de la actividad física para reducir el sobrepeso y la obesidad de niños y adolescentes. El programa de actividad física más efectivo es el que combina ejercicios aeróbicos y anaeróbicos. Existe consenso en acumular más de 180 minutos a la semana dedicados a estos fines, con 3 sesiones de 60 minutos cada una de ejercicio físico a la semana. De una intensidad moderada, podrían ser suficientes para ejecutar un programa de ejercicio físico para esas personas con sobrepeso y obesidad. Coinciden los autores en que, cuando se combina una dieta controlada por una adecuada distribución de las comidas y con la práctica de actividad física, se potencian mutuamente, con lo que se obtie nen los mejores resultados. Los programas de reducción de peso que tengan en cuenta la participación familiar son más eficaces que la propia educación alimentaria y otras intervenciones de rutina que no consideren esa participación familiar. El rol de los padres y de las personas que rodean al niño y al adolescente es fundamental para reforzar las conductas positivas hacia el cambio de estilo de vida.

[Physical activity by pregnant women and its influence on maternal and foetal parameters; a systematic review]. / Actividad física en embarazadas y su influencia en parámetros materno-fetales; revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Regular physical activity is known to be very beneficial to health. While it is important at all stages of life, during pregnancy doubts may arise about the suitability of physical exercise, as well as the type of activity, its frequency, intensity and duration. AIMS: To analyse major studies on the influence of physical activity on maternal and foetal parameters. METHOD: Systematic review of physical activity programmes for pregnant women and the results achieved, during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. 45 items were identified through an automated database search in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, carried out from October 2013 to March 2014. In selecting the items, the criteria applied included the usefulness and relevance of the subject matter and the credibility or experience of the research study authors. The internal and external validity of each of the articles reviewed was taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the review highlight the importance of physical activity during pregnancy, and show that the information currently available can serve as an initial benchmark for further investigation into the impact of regular physical exercise, in an aquatic environment, on maternal-foetal health.

Introducción: Las múltiples ventajas que aporta a la salud la práctica de una actividad física de forma continuada son conocidas. Aunque es importante en todas las etapas de la vida, cuando llega la gestación aparecen algunas dudas sobre la conveniencia de realizar ejercicio físico, así como del tipo de actividad, de su frecuencia, intensidad y duración. Objetivo: Analizar los principales estudios sobre la influencia de la actividad física sobre los parámetros materno- fetales. Método: Revisión sistemática de programas de actividad física destinados a las mujeres embarazadas y sus resultados durante el embarazo, el parto y el postparto. Se identificaron 45 artículos a través de la búsqueda automatizada en las bases de datos PUBMED, Scopus y Google Scholar; se llevó a cabo entre los meses de octubre de 2013 y marzo de 2014. Para seleccionar los artículos fue preciso considerar la utilidad y la relevancia del tema estudiado y la credibilidad o experiencia de los autores en la temática. Se tuvo en cuenta la validez interna y externa de cada uno de los artículos revisados. Conclusiones: Los resultados de la revisión ponen de manifiesto la importancia de la actividad física durante el periodo gestacional y se constata que la información disponible en la actualidad puede servir de referente inicial para continuar profundizando en los resultados que sobre la salud materno fetal tiene la práctica de actividad física en el medio acuático.

[Accelerometer description as a method to assess physical activity in different periods of life; systematic review]. / Descripción del acelerómetro como método para valorar la actividad física en los diferentes periodos de la vida; revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: The accelerometer is shown as one of the most accurate techniques in recording and saving the amount and level of physical activity, by each person in a given period of time. AIMS: This review aims to describe and analyze the main items that use this method to assess physical activity. METHODS: The review articles were identified through the following specialized Internet browser: SCOPUS, PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, those were selected for inclusion with a total of 56 items. The validity of the articles was given by the degree of evidence demonstrated by describing the recommendations and the applicability to our context. This review has considered studies evaluating physical activity through accelerometers. RESULTS: The results show that this method can be used in ages 3 to 90 years. It can also be used in subjects with overweight/obesity, articulation injuries, Down syndrome (just children), autism and people with psychological problems. Studies in pregnant women show satisfactory results. CONCLUSION: The literature reviewed provides the accelerometer as a reliable and effective method to assess physical activity.

Introducción: La acelerometría, se muestra como una de las técnicas más fiables, en el registro y almacenamiento de la cantidad y el nivel de actividad física, realizada por cada persona y en un periodo de tiempo determinado. Objetivo: Esta revisión tiene como objetivo describir y analizar los principales artículos que utilizan este método para valorar la actividad física. Método: Los artículos seleccionados para ser incluidos en esta revisión se identificaron a través de los siguientes motores de búsqueda especializados: SCOPUS, PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR; con un total de 56 artículos. La validez de los artículos estuvo dada por el grado de evidencias demostrado, por las recomendaciones que describen y por la aplicabilidad a nuestro contexto. Esta revisión ha considerado los estudios que evalúan la actividad física a través de acelerómetros. Resultados: Los resultados demuestran que este método se puede utilizar en edades comprendidas entre 3 y 90 años. También se puede utilizar en personas con sobrepeso/ obesidad, con lesiones articulares, niños con síndrome de Down, autistas, así como personas con problemas psicológicos. Los estudios en mujeres embarazadas muestran datos fiables. Conclusión: La literatura analizada establece la acelerometría como un método eficaz para valorar la actividad física.

[Salivary cortisol as an indicator of physological stress in children and adults; a systematic review]. / Cortisol salival como indicador de estrés fisiológico en niños y adultos; revisión sistemática.

Salivary cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and secreted into saliva when persons are under stress. High levels of cortisol in saliva can be produced by many different factors, including obesity and certain psychological disorders. The articles selected for inclusion in this review were identified using Google Scholar and Medline, and this search obtained a total of 57 items. The validity of these studies was established according to the degree of evidence presented, by citations and by their applicability to the healthcare context in Spain. Specifically, this review takes into consideration studies of salivary cortisol and stress in children and adults, and those examining the relation between high levels of salivary cortisol and other disorders such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, social phobia or emotional deprivation. These studies show that salivary cortisol is a clear indicator of stress in both children and adults. High levels of this hormone in saliva are associated with the following main consequences: reduced immune function, affecting healing and thus prolonging recovery time; delayed growth in children; increased blood pressure and heart rate in both children and adults.

El cortisol salival es una hormona esteoridea producida en el eje hipotálamo-pitutitario-adrenal que se segrega en la saliva, sobre todo cuando las personas se estresan. Un nivel elevado de cortisol en saliva puede ser producido por muchos factores diferentes, entre los que se encuentran algunas alteraciones, como la obesidad y otras afecciones psicológicas. Los artículos seleccionados para ser incluidos en esta revisión se tomaron de Google Scholar y Medline, y con un total de 57 artículos. La validez de los mismos viene dada por el grado de evidencias demostrado, por las recomendaciones allí recogidas y por la aplicabilidad a nuestro contexto. En esta revisión se han considerado los estudios que investigan el cortisol salival y el estrés en niños y adultos. También se han tenido en cuenta los que relacionan unos niveles altos de cortisol salival con otras alteraciones, como ansiedad, TDAH, fobia social o la carencia afectiva. Los estudios demuestran que el cortisol salival es un claro indicador de estrés, tanto en niños como en adultos. Las principales consecuencias de un alto nivel de esta hormona en la saliva son las siguientes: reducción de la función inmunológica, que afecta a la cicatrización y, como consecuencia, a un mayor tiempo de recuperación. También se relaciona con un déficit en el crecimiento físico de los niños, así como con un aumento de la presión arterial y de la frecuencia cardíaca, tanto en niños como en adultos.

Central obesity and altered peripheral adipose tissue gene expression characterize the NAFLD patient with insulin resistance: Role of nutrition and insulin challenge.

OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance (IR) and white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction frequently are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to their clustering are not well defined. The aim of this study was to define some nutritional, anthropometric, metabolic, and genetic mechanisms contributing to their clustering. METHODS: Forty-five (20 men, 25 women) patients (age 45.7 ± 11.1 y) with recent diagnosis of NAFLD were grouped according to IR state. Energy balance was assessed using a food questionnaire and indirect calorimetry, and body composition with anthropometry and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Biochemical and hormonal parameters combined with adipose tissue gene expression were determined. Microarray analysis of gene expression was performed in a subset of WAT samples from IR patients (n = 9), in the fasted state, after specific test meals (monounsaturated fatty acid [MUFA], saturated fat [SAT], and carbohydrate-rich) and after being challenged with insulin. RESULTS: IR patients exhibited higher trunk fat to leg fat ratio (P < 0.05) and had a higher ratio of SAT/MUFA fat intake (P < 0.05) than insulin-sensitive (IS) individuals. Deposition of fat in the trunk but not in the leg was directly related to liver enzyme levels (P < 0.05). IR patients also had lower adiponectin serum levels and leptin (LEP) mRNA expression in WAT compared with IS patients (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Microarray analysis after insulin challenge confirmed that insulin treatment induces the expression of PPARG gene and LEP and decreases GCGR gene (P < 0.05 for all) in WAT. No changes in these genes were observed in the postprandial state induced after the acute effect of specific diets. CONCLUSIONS: Patients exhibiting NAFLD and IR had preferential central fat deposition directly related to their serum alanine aminotransferase levels. These patients showed peripheral adipose tissue dysfunction and exhibited inappropriately low LEP biosynthesis that could be partially restored after anabolic conditions induced by insulin signaling.

[Effect of nutrition on growth and neurodevelopment in the preterm infant: a systematic review]. / Efecto de la nutrición sobre el crecimiento y el neurodesarrollo en el recién nacido prematuro; revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: The energy needs of preterm infants are high and more so when the body weight is lower; for this reason, and to safeguard the infant's future development, it is important to ensure an optimal caloric intake is obtained. AIM: To analyse leading research papers related to nutrition in the preterm newborn and its effects on growth and development. METHOD: Systematic review of relevant studies, based on the application of a search strategy, from March to September 2014. The literature search was conducted using document analysis and information synthesis to classify and compile the information extracted, followed by a comparative evaluation. The validity of the articles obtained was corroborated by the weight of findings obtained, by the citations received by the articles and by their applicability to our healthcare environment. RESULTS: The search process produced 61 studies that met the selection criteria. The research question addressed has been widely examined and many studies have reported findings related to the nutrition of preterm infants. The direct relationship between nutritional intake and the growth rate of preterm infants is well documented. CONCLUSIONS: Proper nutrition in the preterm infant has positive effects on its growth and neurodevelopment. It has been reported that a greater intake of proteins and lipids favours the growth of preterm infants, but not weight gain. Studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of breast milk on the brain, the retina and the blood vessels; however, there is a negative correlation between adiposity and brain volume.

Introducción: Las necesidades energéticas de los bebés pretérmino son elevadas y se incrementan en la medida en que el peso corporal es menor; para ello, es importante el aporte calórico óptimo, como garantía del desarrollo posterior. Objetivo: Analizar los principales artículos relacionados con la nutrición del recién nacido pretérmino y los efectos en su crecimiento y desarrollo. Método: Revisión sistemática, con etapas dirigidas a la selección de los estudios y estrategia de búsqueda y entre los meses de marzo y septiembre del año 2014. Para la búsqueda bibliográfica se siguieron los métodos: Análisis de documentos y síntesis de la información para hacer posible la ordenación y la combinación de la información extractada, así como una evaluación comparativa. La validez de los artículos seleccionados estuvo dada por el grado de evidencias demostrado, por las recomendaciones del artículo y por la aplicabilidad a nuestro contexto. Resultados: El proceso de búsqueda permitió seleccionar 79 estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Se trata de un tema ampliamente tratado por la literatura y se constata su frecuencia en los estudios referidos a la nutrición del prematuro a corto plazo. Se evidencia la relación directa entre la ingesta nutricional y el crecimiento de la longitud de los recién nacidos prematuros. Conclusiones: Una nutrición adecuada del recién nacido pretérmino tiene efectos positivos en su crecimiento y neurodesarrollo. Se constata que, a mayor ingesta de proteínas y lípidos, la altura de los bebés prematuros resulta favorecida, pero no el peso corporal. Los estudios denotan el efecto beneficioso de la leche materna sobre el cerebro, la retina y los vasos arteriales, pero una correlación negativa entre la adiposidad y el volumen cerebral.

[Influence of a program of physical activity in children and obese adolescents with sleep apnea; study protocol]. / Influencia de un programa de actividad física en niños y adolescentes obesos con apnea del sueño; protocolo de estudio.

Recent studies show an alarming increase in the rate of overweight / obesity among the infant - juvenile population. Obesity in childhood is associated with a significant number of complications, such as sleep apnea syndrome, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. It is estimated that the prevalence of sleep apnea in children is 2-3% in the general population, while in obese adolescents, varies between 13% and 66%, according to various studies. It is associated with impairment of neurocognitive function, behavior, cardiovascular system, metabolic disorders and growth. Sleep apnea is a serious public health problem that increases when children and adolescents are overweight or obese. We hypothesize that aerobic endurance exercise can be an effective treatment for obesity and apnea at the same time. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of physical activity in children and adolescents with overweight / obesity in sleep apnea. An observational, descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study will be carried out in children with sleep apnea and obesity. The universe will be made up of 60 children and adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years, attending the endocrinology service for suffering of obesity in the Hospital Clinico San Cecilio of Granada during the period September 2012-September 2013. The smple will consist of children and adolescents that meet these characteristics and to whom their parents/tutors have authorized through the informed consent. Sleep apnea in children wil be measured by polysomnography and sleep quality questionnaire. There will also be a nutritional assessment by a food frequency questionnaire and an anthropometric assessment. Among the expected results are the lower overweight and obesity in children through the physical activity program. To reduce apnea and to improve sleep quality.

Estudios recientes muestran un incremento alarmante en la tasa de sobrepeso/obesidad entre la población infanto - juvenil. La obesidad en la infancia se asocia con un importante número de complicaciones, como síndrome de apnea del sueño insulinorresistencia y diabetes tipo 2, hipertensión, enfermedad cardiovascular, algunos tipos de cáncer. Se estima que la prevalencia de apnea en niños es de un 2-3% en la población general, mientras que, en adolescentes obesos, varía entre el 13% y el 66%, según distintos estudios. Se asocia con la afectación de la función neurocognitiva, comportamiento, sistema cardiovascular, alteraciones metabólicas y del crecimiento. La apnea del sueño es un grave problema de salud pública que aumenta cuando los niños y adolescentes padecen sobrepeso y obesidad. Se postula el ejercicio de resistencia aeróbica como un tratamiento efectivo para la obesidad y la apnea de forma conjunta. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer si la actividad física en niños con sobrepeso/obesidad disminuye la apnea del sueño. Se realizará un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, longitudinal con niños que padecen apnea del sueño y obesidad. El universo estará constituido por 60 niños y adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre 10 y 18 años que acudan a la consulta de endocrinología por tener obesidad en el Hospital Clínico San Cecilio de Granada durante el período de septiembre 2012-septiembre 2013. La muestra estará formada por niños y adolescentes que cumplan estas características y que sus padres/tutores hayan autorizado a través del consentimiento informado. La apnea del sueño se medirá en los niños mediante una polisomnografía y un cuestionario de calidad del sueño. También se hará una valoración nutricional a través de un cuestionario de frecuencia de consumo alimentario y una valoración antropométrica. De entre los resultados esperados están el bajar el sobrepeso y obesidad en los niños mediante el programa de actividad física. Disminuir la apnea y mejorar la calidad del sueño.

[Influence of a program of physical activity in children and obese adolescents; evaluation of physiological stress by compounds in saliva; study protocol]. / Influencia de un programa de actividad física en niños y adolescentes obesos; evaluación del estrés fisiológico mediante compuestos en la saliva; protocolo de estudio.

Different studies4, 5 relate that stress increases in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity, and consequently their salivary physiological responses (AEA salivary alpha-amylase, cortisol, cytokines, leptin), so in this study we relate these two parameters to see their progress through a program of physical activity. If we manage to reduce overweight or obesity, these physiological responses and stress should also be reduced, thus improving the overall health status of these children and adolescents. The overall objective of the study was to determine the influence of physical activity in obese children and adolescents in perceived stress. An observational, descriptive, prospective and longitudinal study will be carried out. The universe is made up of 60 overweight / obese children and adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years. The assessment will take place from September 2012 to September 2013. To collect saliva samples, the ELISA8 method will be used. Variables such as BMI, lifestyle and diet will also be collected Among the expected results are to lower overweight and obesity in children through physical activity program. To reduce stress and to normalize physiological salivary parameters.

Diferentes estudios1,2 relacionan que el estrés aumenta en los niños y adolescentes con sobrepeso y obesidad, y en consecuencia sus respuestas fisiológicas salivales (Alfaamilasa salivar AEA, Cortisol, Citoquinas, Leptina), por eso en este estudio queremos relacionar estos dos parámetros para ver su evolución a través de un programa de Actividad Física. Si logramos reducir el sobrepeso u obesidad se debería reducir también estas respuestas fisiológicas y el estrés, por lo que mejoraría el estado de salud general de estos niños y adolescentes. El objetivo general del estudio es conocer la influencia de la actividad física, en niños y adolescentes obesos, en el estrés percibido. Se realizará un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo y longitudinal. El universo estará constituido por 60 niños y adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre 10 y 18 con sobrepeso/obesidad. La valoración tendrá lugar desde septiembre de 2012 hasta septiembre de 2013. Para la recogida de las muestras de saliva se utilizará el método ELISA3. También se recogerán variables como el IMC, hábitos de vida y alimentación. De entre los resultados esperados están el bajar el sobrepeso y obesidad en los niños mediante el programa de actividad física. Disminuir el estrés fisiológico y normalizar los parámetros salivares.

[Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: risk factors in children and adolescents; a systematic review]. / Síndrome de apneas-hipoapneas del sueño y factores de riesgo en el niño y el adolescente; revisión sistemática.

The sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is a disorder that currently affects a large number of children and adolescents. The aim of this review is to assess the factors causing this condition and the risk of suffering another disease associated with SAHS. The 50 articles selected for inclusion in this review were identified through GOOGLE SCHOLAR. The validity of the items was established by the degree of evidence obtained, by recommendations made in this respect and by the applicability to the situation observed. The review considers studies of SAHS in children and adolescents, taking into account those relating this disorder with obesity, hypertension, physical activity and other variables. The studies reviewed show that SAHS is associated with childhood obesity and that it increases the risk of cerebro-cardiovascular disease. It is also shown that SAHS decreases children's and adolescents' physical capacity and quality of life. Psychological aspects are also affected, impacting on academic performance, which is poorer than in healthy children. Therefore, early paediatric diagnosis of SAHS is important in order to prevent associated disorders.

El síndrome de apneas-hipoapneas del sueño, en lo adelante (SAHS) es una alteración que actualmente afecta a un número elevado de niños y adolescentes. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo evaluar los factores que generan esta alteración y el riesgo de padecer otro tipo de enfermedad asociada al SAHS. Los artículos seleccionados para ser incluidos en esta revisión se identificaron a través de GOOGLE SCHOLAR con un total de 50 artículos. La validez de los artículos estuvo dada por el grado de evidencias demostrado, por las recomendaciones que dejan y por la aplicabilidad a nuestro contexto. Esta revisión ha considerado los estudios que investigan el SAHS en niños y adolescentes. También se han tenido en cuenta los que relacionan esta alteración con la obesidad, la hipertensión arterial, la actividad física y otras variables. Los estudios demuestran que el SAHS está relacionado con la obesidad infantil y aumenta el riesgo de enfermedades cerebrocardiovascular. También se evidencia que disminuye la capacidad física y la calidad de vida de niños y adolescentes. Los aspectos psicológicos también se ven afectados, lo que influye en el rendimiento académico, que es inferior al de los niños sanos. Así pues, es importante un diagnóstico precoz del SAHS pediátrico, de modo que se eviten las alteraciones asociadas.

[Overweight and obesity as a prognosis factor of desmotivation in children and adolescents]. / Sobrepeso y obesidad como factor pronóstico de la desmotivación en el niño y el adolescente.

Spain has become the country in the European Union with the fourth highest number of overweight and obese children. This condition directly affects physical health as well as mental health. The objective of this research study was to evaluate motivational aspects in one group of obese or overweight adolescents and another group of normal-weight adolescents. For this purpose a descriptive observational study was carried out in an educational institution in Guadix (Granada). The universe was composed of 200 children of ages 10 to 14. A sample of 24 children was selected by means of proportional random sampling with an error of 0.19, and was divided into the following groups (i) 12 normal-weight children; (ii) 12 obese children. Motivation was measured by means of the School Motivation Analysis Test (SMAT), a multidimensional measuring instrument based on Cattell's dynamic model of motivation and emotions. Our study evaluated five motivational parameters: TAO (total autism-optimism), TGI (total general information), TIN (total integration), TPI (total personal interest), and TCO (total conflict). Our results showed that for each of the SMAT variables, the overweight and obese children obtained an average value of 4.5 in contrast to the normal-weight children, who obtained an average value of 5.9. This indicates that overweight and obese children have low motivational states and a higher level of frustration. They also tend to distort reality by alleging the existence of obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goals.

Vaccination of mice with recombinant bacille Calmette-Guérin harboring Rv1357c protects similarly to native BCG.

Despite the availability of a Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccine, tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health problem. In this study, we introduced the c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase gene Rv1357c, implicated in regulating mycobacterial replication within macrophages, into BCG Pasteur, and tested the resulting strain for its capacity to serve as a vaccine against TB in a murine model. Modified BCG was more phagocytosed than its parental strain, but halted bacterial replication, and protected against M. tuberculosis challenge similarly to unmodified BCG.

[Risk factors in the development of breast cancer, state of Mexico]. / Factores de riesgo como pronóstico de padecer cáncer de mama en un estado de México.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent diseases in women today, and its social impact is devastating. The risk factors focused on in recent research are mainly hormonal, genetic, and environmental though toxic habits, overweight, and obesity have also been studied. In contrast, protective factors against breast cancer include breastfeeding and daily exercise. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the risk factors for the women with breast cancer in our study sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study of cases and controls was performed on 115 women diagnosed with breast cancer and on 115 healthy women, who had been patients at the National Cancer Institute ISSEMYM in Mexico from January to December 2011. Information was collected from the women in the sample pertaining to their family history of cancer, personal background, life style, and body mass index (BMI). Breast cancer risk was estimated with multivariate logistic regression models and the chi-square test. RESULTS: It was found that there was a greater risk of breast cancer in overweight or obese women who did not do any physical exercise and either who had breastfed their children for a very short time or who had not breastfed them at all. No significant differences were found between breast cancer and toxic habits. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study found a direct relation between breast cancer and overweight, obesity, and physical inactivity. Breastfeeding during the first months of the baby's life was found to be a protective factor against breast cancer.

Evidence that some imidazoline derivatives inhibit peripherally the vasopressor sympathetic outflow in pithed rats.

Imidazoline derivatives (e.g. clonidine and moxonidine) and alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists (e.g. B-HT 933) have been shown to inhibit sympathetically-induced [(3)H]noradrenaline release in several isolated blood vessels. The present study has compared the potential capability of agonists at imidazoline I(1/2) receptors and/or alpha(1/2)-adrenoceptors to inhibit the sympathetically-induced vasopressor responses in pithed rats. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were pithed and prepared for measurement of diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Then, the vasopressor responses induced by either selective electrical stimulation (2 ms, 60 V; 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1 and 3 Hz) of the vascular sympathetic outflow (T(7)-T(9)) or i.v. bolus injections of exogenous noradrenaline (0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1 and 3 microg/kg) were determined before and during i.v. continuous infusions of the agonists B-HT 933 (alpha(2)), clonidine (alpha(2), I(1)), moxonidine (alpha(2), I(1)), cirazoline (alpha(1), I(2)), agmatine (putative endogenous ligand of imidazoline receptors) and methoxamine (alpha(1)), or equivalent volumes of physiological saline. Electrical sympathetic stimulation elicited frequency-dependent vasopressor responses which were significantly inhibited during the continuous infusions of B-HT 933, clonidine, moxonidine, cirazoline and agmatine, but not of physiological saline. Interestingly, the vasopressor responses to exogenous noradrenaline, which remained unaffected during the infusions of physiological saline, B-HT 933, moxonidine, cirazoline and agmatine, were significantly blocked during the infusions of clonidine or methoxamine. These results suggest that B-HT 933, moxonidine, cirazoline and agmatine induced a prejunctional inhibition of the vasopressor sympathetic outflow in pithed rats, whilst clonidine inhibited the vasopressor sympathetic outflow by both prejunctional and postjunctional mechanisms.

Donitriptan, but not sumatriptan, inhibits capsaicin-induced canine external carotid vasodilatation via 5-HT1B rather than 5-HT1D receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It has been suggested that during a migraine attack capsaicin-sensitive trigeminal sensory nerves release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), resulting in cranial vasodilatation and central nociception; hence, trigeminal inhibition may prevent this vasodilatation and abort migraine headache. This study investigated the effects of the agonists sumatriptan (5-HT(1B/1D) water-soluble), donitriptan (5-HT(1B/1D) lipid-soluble), PNU-142633 (5-HT(1D) water-soluble) and PNU-109291 (5-HT(1D) lipid-soluble) on vasodilator responses to capsaicin, alpha-CGRP and acetylcholine in dog external carotid artery. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: 59 vagosympathectomized dogs were anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbitone. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded with a pressure transducer, connected to a cannula inserted into a femoral artery. A precalibrated flow probe was placed around the common carotid artery, with ligation of the internal carotid and occipital branches, and connected to an ultrasonic flowmeter. The thyroid artery was cannulated for infusion of agonists. KEY RESULTS: Intracarotid infusions of capsaicin, alpha-CGRP and acetylcholine dose-dependently increased blood flow through the carotid artery. These responses remained unaffected after intravenous (i.v.) infusions of sumatriptan, PNU-142633, PNU-109291 or physiological saline; in contrast, donitriptan significantly attenuated the vasodilator responses to capsaicin, but not those to alpha-CGRP or acetylcholine. Only sumatriptan and donitriptan dose-dependently decreased the carotid blood flow. Interestingly, i.v. administration of the antagonist, SB224289 (5-HT(1B)), but not of BRL15572 (5-HT(1D)), abolished the inhibition by donitriptan. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our results suggest that the inhibition produced by donitriptan of capsaicin-induced external carotid vasodilatation is mainly mediated by 5-HT(1B), rather than 5-HT(1D), receptors, probably by a central mechanism.

[Malnutrition prevalence in patients admitted to a rehabilitation and orthopedic surgery hospital]. / Prevalencia de desnutrición en pacientes ingresados en un hospital de rehabilitación y traumatología.

OBJECTIVE: Different studies show the scarce attention granted to the nutritional state in historical and clinical practice, what determines the ignorance of the patient's nutritional status to their entrance in the hospital and, therefore, the impossibility to prevent the hospital malnutrition. The objective of our study has been to determine the prevalence of patients' malnutrition entered in a Hospital of Orthopedic surgery and Rehabilitation. METHODS: Observational and analytical study in 250 randomized patients (60% men and 40% women), who were nutritionally evaluated when entering, the hospital, by means of anthropometry (Weigh, height, BMI, skin-fold, corporal circumferences) and biochemical tests (Albumin, Prealbumin and Transferrin). RESULTS: According to the BMI the prevalence of malnutrition was of 8%, the average of caloric malnutrition was of 2.8% (according to anthropometry) and the prevalence of many-sided malnutrition rises to 54.8% (according to biochemical markers). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of fundamental malnutrition (54.8%) demonstrated in this study, it shows the importance of determining the nutritional status when entering the hospital, particularly surgical type' patiens as is the case of most of those who enter the Orthopedic surgery hospitals.