From e-service quality to behavioral intention to use e-fitness services post COVID-19 lockdown: When a crisis changes the social mindset.

Lockdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic forced fitness centers to quickly adapt their entire offering to an online format. The subsequent health situation facilitated the maintenance of the online offer and has been a paradigm shift for sports centers. Success in the nowadays situation requires a proper understanding of what factors influence e-service quality and how these factors behave in relation to consumer satisfaction, attitudes toward online fitness services, and behavioral intentions. This research was conducted in April 2020, with 745 participants (492 women, 253 men) completing the Carlson and O'Cass e-service quality evaluation battery. The results showed that e-service quality during the lockdowns predicted attitudes toward the digital platforms and behavioral intentions, and e-service quality predicted attitudes and behavioral intentions. However, attitudes did not predict behavioral intentions; the possible influence of subjective norms and low perceived control in this particular situation is discussed. When offering services on digital platforms, fitness service managers must take into account the importance of the quality of the e-fitness service, but also the social context in which it is offered. Psychosocial functioning in times of crisis influences users' perceived control and their future intention to use online services.

Cocaine-related ischemic priapism. Systematic review and presentation of a single center series.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic priapism is a medical emergency that, if not treated, could lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. The association between cocaine and priapism is well-known; however, data on patient characteristics, treatment, and outcomes is missing. This work aimed to answer the research question: What are the characteristics, management strategies, and erectile prognosis of patients consuming cocaine and presenting with priapism? METHODS: We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines and described our case series. RESULTS: Eight studies were selected for qualitative synthesis, presenting information on ten patients. In our case series, we showed information regarding four patients. From the systematic review, the mean presentation time was 42.6 h, and the mean number of procedures to solve priapism was 2,4; in our case series was 42.75 h and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cocaine-related priapism might present with a delayed diagnosis, need more procedures to be managed, and have a worse prognosis. More extensive and prospective studies are required.

Measurement Invariance of the Satisfaction with Life Scale by Sexual Orientation.

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) has shown strong evidence of reliability, validity, and gender invariance, and there is some evidence of invariance across age, culture, and educational levels. So far, invariance across sexual orientation has not been studied, despite the number of works that relate well-being to sexual orientation. The SWLS should be invariant across sexual orientation to be able to compare group means. This study aimed to explore the invariance of the SWLS across sexual orientation. A non-probabilistic sample with 553 Spanish adults (208 males, 345 females; 212 heterosexuals, 182 gays, and 138 bisexuals among other sexual orientations) participated in a survey. We tested a one-factor model using confirmatory factor analysis. We tested the configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the factorial structure of the SWLS across sexual orientation with heterosexual, lesbian/gay, and bisexual groups. According to our results, the Spanish version of the SWLS shows scalar invariance across sexual orientations, allowing a valid comparison between sexual minority and heterosexual people. Moreover, in our sample, lesbian/gay and bisexual participants obtained lower scores in life satisfaction than heterosexual participants. Bisexual people obtained the lowest score in well-being compared with the other groups. Implications related to the importance of checking instrument invariance before comparing mean differences between groups are discussed.

Factors Related to the Performance of Elite Young Sailors in a Regatta: Spatial Orientation, Age and Experience.

The objective of this study was to examine the role of spatial orientation in the performance of sport sailors. Participants were 30 elite male sailors from classes 420, Laser, Windsurfing RS:X and Windsurfing Techno, grouped into two categories: Monohull (18 sailors) and Windsurfing (12 sailors). Ages ranged between 13 and 18 years old (M = 15.7, SD = 1.05). To assess spatial orientation, the Perspective Taking/Spatial Orientation Test was used, and performance was inferred from the final classification at the regatta. In addition, the influence of experience and age on the performance was analyzed. The results show that in the Monohull group, the performance is determined by the spatial orientation (18% of the explained variance), while in the Windsurfing group, the variables that are related to performance are sailing experience and age (60% of the explained variance). Spatial orientation seems to be the more important variable for performance in the Monohull group, while in classes belonging to the Windsurfing group, this variable does not seem to be decisive for obtaining good results in the regatta.

Spirituality, Religiosity and Coping Strategies Among Spanish People Diagnosed with Cancer.

The present study evaluates the influence of spirituality/religiosity (S/R) on the coping strategies used by people with cancer (breast and prostate) compared with those without cancer, in a sample of 445 Spanish participants (160 with cancer and 285 without). Significant interactions between the presence of cancer and S/R are observed in the use of coping strategies such as religion, humor and disconnection. Spirituality as a predictor variable through the use of religion as a strategy, increased the explanatory capacity of age by 58.9% (ß = .794) while praying/talking to God predicts the use of this strategy with a ß = .383. In people with cancer, active coping was predicted by spirituality (ß = .327). However, spirituality was a negative predictor of maladaptive coping, with a beta coefficient equal to .383. The data suggest that patients' beliefs need to be considered by health care professionals when designing interventions.

The Promotion of Physical Activity from Digital Services: Influence of E-Lifestyles on Intention to Use Fitness Apps.

E-Lifestyles are individual forms of behavior in the digital environment that reflect the values, activities, interests, and opinions of consumers. Likewise, fitness Apps are considered technological tools for promoting physical activity online. Although there are studies related to sports lifestyles, it has not been analyzed yet how e-lifestyles are related to the use of fitness Apps. Based on this, this study represents a step to clarify how e-lifestyles influence different relationships with perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, and intentions to use Fitness Apps. Therefore, the objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between the e-lifestyles of consumers of Boutique fitness centers and their relationship with the perceived ease of use, the perceived usefulness, the attitude, and the intention to use Fitness Apps. The sample was 591 customers (378 women and 213 men) of 25 Boutique fitness centers. An online questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model. Findings provide an insight into the importance of e-lifestyles in the intention of using fitness Apps and therefore in promoting physical activity through online fitness services. The results showed positive relationships between e-lifestyles, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and attitude toward fitness Apps. Finally, the attitude toward fitness Apps offered a very high predictive value on use intention. This study provides a better understanding of consumer´s intention to use fitness Apps. The conclusions and recommendations for sports managers of fitness centers highlight the importance of e-lifestyles as a predecessor for the use of fitness Apps.

Estudio de invariancia del autoconcepto social en practicantes de actividad física individual y colectiva / Study of social self-concept invariance in physical activity individual and collective practitioners / Estudo da invariância do autoconceito social em praticantes individuais e coletivos de atividade física Resumo

Este estudio tiene como objetivo explorar la invariancia configural, métrica y escalar en función del sexo y de la práctica de actividad física colectiva del AUSO de Fernández-Zabala et al. (2016) y comparar las puntuaciones obtenidas por los subgrupos. La muestra fue de 278 estudiantes universitarios (M = 21.16 años; DT = 19.238) divididos de forma equivalente en función del género y de la práctica de actividad física. Tras comprobar la invariancia estricta en ambos supuestos, los resultados demuestran que no existen diferencias significativas en ninguno de los factores en función del sexo, pero sí en función de la práctica de actividad física: aquellos estudiantes que realizan actividad física colectiva obtienen puntuaciones más elevadas en Responsabilidad Social y Competencia Social. Involucrarse en deportes colectivos ofrece oportunidades socializadoras que permiten a los participantes desarrollar competencias de interacción y facilita la comprensión de la estructura social existente por medio de la práctica de actividad física colectiva

This study aims to explore the configural, metric and scalar invariance according to gender and the practice of collective physical activity of the AUSO questionnaire of Fernández-Zabala et al. (2016); also to compare the scores obtained by the subgroups. The sample consisted of 278 university students (M = 21.16 years old, DT = 19,238) divided equally according to gender and physical activity practice. After verifying the strict invariance in both cases, the results show that there are no significant differences in any of the factors according to sex, but rather as a function of physical activity practice: those students who perform collective physical activity obtain higher scores in Social Responsibility and Social Competence. Involving in collective sports offers socializing opportunities that allow participants to develop interaction skills and facilitates understanding of the existing social structure through the practice of collective physical activity

Este estudo tem como objetivo explorar a invariância configural, métrica e escalar segundo gênero e a prática de atividade física coletiva do questionário AUSO de Fernández-Zabala et al. (2016); também comparar os escores obtidos pelos subgrupos. A amostra foi composta por 278 estudantes universitários (M = 21.16 anos, DT = 19.238) divididos igualmente de acordo com gênero e prática de atividade física. Após veri"car a invariância estrita em ambos os casos, os resultados mostram que não há diferenças signi"cativas em nenhum dos fatores segundo o sexo, mas sim em função da prática de atividade física: os estudantes que realizam atividade física coletiva obtêm pontuações mais altas em Responsabilidade Social. e Competência Social. Envolver-se em esportes coletivos oferece oportunidades de socialização que permitem aos participantes desenvolver habilidades de interação e facilita a compreensão da estrutura social existente através da prática de atividade física coletiva

Evidence of Alternative Splicing as a Regulatory Mechanism for Kissr2 in Pejerrey Fish.

Kisspeptin receptors are G-Protein-Coupled Receptors that regulate GnRH synthesis and release in vertebrates. Here, we report the gene structure of two kisspeptin receptors (kissr2 and kissr3) in pejerrey fish. Genomic analysis exposed a gene structure with 5 exons and 4 introns for kissr2 and 6 exons and 5 introns for kissr3. Two alternative variants for both genes, named kissr2_v1 and _v2, and kissr3_v1 and v2, were revealed by gene expression analyses of several tissues. For both receptors, these variants were originated by alternative splicing retaining intron 3 and intron 4 for kissr2_v2 and kissr3_v2, respectively. In the case of kissr2, the intron retention introduced two stop codons leading to a putatively truncated protein whereas for kissr3, the intron retention produced a reading shift leading to a stop codon in exon 5. Modeling and structural analysis of Kissr2 and Kissr3 spliced variants revealed that truncation of the proteins may lead to non-functional proteins, as the structural elements missing are critical for receptor function. To understand the functional significance of splicing variants, the expression pattern for kissr2 was characterized on fish subjected to different diets. Fasting induced an up-regulation of kissr2_v1 in the hypothalamus, a brain region implicated in control of reproduction and food intake, with no expression of kissr2_v2. On the other hand, fasting did not elicit differential expression in testes and habenula. These results suggest that alternative splicing may play a role in regulating Kissr2 function in pejerrey.

"L'Eliana: school of values". A program of transmission of values through sport

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Kisspeptins and their receptors in the brain-pituitary-gonadal axis of Odonthestes bonariensis: Their relationship with gametogenesis along the reproductive cycle.

In vertebrates, the reproduction is controlled by the brain-pituitary-gonadal (BPG) axis and kisspeptin has emerged as a key player of this axis. In this study, we analyzed changes in the expression levels of kiss1, kiss2, and their receptors, kissr2 and kissr3 during gametogenesis in the BPG axis of feral Odontesthes bonariensis. In females, levels of brain kiss1 showed an increase at final maturation (Fm), while kiss2 levels were shown to be high at primary growth (Pg) stage, with no differences in the expression of their receptors. In the pituitary, kiss1 and kiss2 peaked at the cortical alveoli (Ca) stage, and kissr3 at initial vitellogenesis. In parallel, there was an increase of kiss1, kissr2 and kissr3 in the ovary during the Ca stage and both receptors again at Fm stage. In males, the four genes were highly expressed in the brain at the arrested (A) stage. In the pituitary, kiss2 peaked at spermatogonial (SG) and spermatocytary (SC) stages; while kissr3 reached a peak at the spermiogenic stage (SP). In testes, kiss1 and kiss2 significantly increased during the SG and SC stages; meanwhile, kissr2 increased at SG and SC, whereas kissr3 levels were significantly high at SC and SP stages. Taken together these results showed that the kisspeptin system in pejerrey is expressed in the three levels of the BPG axis with different expression profiles during the gonadal cycle. These findings pointed that kisspeptins have different roles in gametogenesis in this species.

Kisspeptin system in pejerrey fish (Odontesthes bonariensis). Characterization and gene expression pattern during early developmental stages.

In vertebrates, kisspeptins and their receptors are known to be related to puberty onset and gonadal maturation, however, there are few studies concerning their role in early development. Here, we characterize the kisspeptin system in the pejerrey, Odontesthes bonariensis, a fish with strong temperature-dependent sex determination. We reconstructed the phylogenetic history of the two ligands (kiss1 and kiss 2) and two receptors (kissr2 and kissr3) in pejerrey in the context of recent classifications of bony fishes, determined their tissue distribution and documented the early expression pattern of these ligands and receptors. Phylogenetic analysis of these gene families clearly resolved the percomorph clade and grouped pejerrey with Beloniformes. Paralogous sets of genes putatively arising from the teleost-specific genome duplication event (3R) were not detected. Kisspeptins and their receptors showed a wide tissue distribution in adult pejerrey, including tissues not related to reproduction. In larvae reared at 24°C, the four kisspeptin elements were expressed in the head from week 1 to week 8 of life, with no differences in transcript levels. Larvae kept at a female-producing temperature (17°C) did not show statistically significant differences in the transcript levels of all analyzed genes during the sex determination/differentiation period; however, in those larvae raised at male producing temperature (29°C), kiss2 levels were increased at week 4 after hatching. These results showed that all members of the kisspeptin system are expressed at this early period, and the increase of kiss2 transcripts at week 4 could be interpreted as it would be related to the differentiation of the brain-pituitary axis in male development.

Estado emocional y situaciones de estrés en árbitros de baloncesto / Emotional state and stress situations in basketball referees

El objetivo de este estudio fue crear un listado de situaciones de estrés pre y durante partido, basándonos en la experiencia personal de 59 árbitros de la liga LEB durante un Clinic de árbitros del grupo I de la Asociación Española de Árbitros de Baloncesto y la Federación Española de dicho deporte. El Listado de Situaciones Estresantes para el Arbitraje (LISEA) evalúa no sólo la intensidad de la experiencia emocional, sino también la direccionalidad de la misma- El instrumento mostró una alta fiabilidad general (.897). Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que dichas fuentes influyen de forma significativa y diferente según el momento competitivo, siendo más estresante durante el partido menos en un item. Igualmente se observan correlaciones entre la experiencia arbitral en el nivel I y diferentes situaciones evaluadas, siendo más numerosas las correlaciones negativas. La intervención psicológica debería tener en cuenta especialmente estos hallazgos sobre las fuentes de más impacto y en el momento competitivo en que tienen mayor influencia (AU)

The objective of this study was to draw up a list of stress related situations both before and during the game, based on the experience of 59 LEB League referees who participated in a Clinic for Group 1 of the Spanish Association of Basketball Referees and the Spanish Basketball Federation. The List of Stress related situations for Referees (LISEA) not only assesses the emotional experience but also the directional consequences of stress. The survey showed a very high accuracy value (.897) Results show that different stress sources have a varying influence depending on the moment in the competition, being most stressful during the game except for one item. At the same time, there is a correlation between the refereeing experience at level 1 and different situations assessed, with negative correlations being most common. Psychological intervention should bear in mind these findings in relation to the stress sources with highest impact and the competitive moment during which they exert most influence (AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi de criar uma lista de situações de estresse prée durante um jogo, baseando na experiência pessoal de 59 árbitros da LigaLEB durante um Clinic de árbitros do grupo I da Associação Espanholade Árbitros de Basquete e da Federação Espanhola do mesmo esporte. Alista de Situações Estressantes para a arbitragem (LISEA) avalia nao só aintensidade da experiência emocional, mas também a direção da (..) (AU)

Influencia de la identidad grupal en la cohesión: estudio piloto / Influence of Group Identity in Cohesion: Preliminary Study

La cohesión grupal es uno de los procesos dinámicos más estudiados en los equipos deportivos, su relación con procesos como el climagrupal o la eficacia colectiva ha sido ampliamente abordada. Sin embargo, el estudio de la influencia que la identidad grupal pudiera tener sobre la cohesión está aún por emprender. Así, el objetivo de este estudio fue determinarla influencia que la identidad grupal pudiera tener sobre la cohesión de los equipos deportivos. En el experimento participaron 51 estudiantes de primer curso del Grado de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte como parte de las prácticas obligatorias de la asignatura Psicología Social del Deporte; los participantes fueron divididos en cuatro equipos distribuidos aleatoriamente que competían dos a dos; dos equipos crearon libremente su identidad grupal mientras que a los otros dos se les impuso. Los resultados muestran la influencia significativa que la imposición o no de una identidad grupal en los equipos deportivos tiene sobre la cohesión en sus diferentes dimensiones (Z=-2,768, p<0,01 para la atracción individual hacia la tarea; Z=-3,649, p<0,01 para la atracción individual hacia lo social, Z=-2,570, p<0,01 para la atracción grupal a la tarea y Z=-1,981,p<0,05 para la atracción grupal hacia lo social). Así, la identidad grupal se muestra como una variable manipulable a tener en cuenta en el trabajo deteambuilding (AU)

Group cohesion is one of the most studied dynamic processes in sports teams, its relationship with processes such as motivational climate or collective efficacy has been widely addressed. However, the study of the influence of static group elements have on cohesion has yet to address, so it would be necessary to study the relationship between cohesion and staticelements such as group norms, or differentiating reference elements, defining group identity of a team. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of group identity may have on the cohesion of sports teams. Participants were 51 pupils of Science Degree in Physical Activity and Sport as part of the practices of the subject Social Psychology of Sport; they were weredivided randomly into four teams that competed two to two. Two teams developed their group identity freely while the other two were imposed. The results show the significant influence that the imposition or not of a group identity in sports teams have on cohesion in its different dimensions(Z = -2.768, p <0.01 for individual attraction to the task, Z = -3.649, p<0.01 for individual attraction to the social, Z = -2.570, p <0.01 for the attraction to the task group and Z = -1.981, p <0.05 for the attraction to the social group) . Thus, group identity is shown as a manipulated variable to consider in the work of team building. (AU)

Autoestima como variable psicosocial predictora de la actividad física en personas mayores / Self-esteem as a predictive psycho-social variable in physical activity in seniors

El propósito del presente estudio es investigar acerca de la relación existente entre la Autoestima manifestada por personas mayores de 65 años y la realización de actividad física. El autoconcepto y la Autoestima aparecen como componentes psicológicos fundamentales de la calidad de vida durante la adultez mayor y del bienestar personal. La Autoestima ha sido propuesta como un área de intervención para mejorar la calidad de vida en la población mayor. La muestra la componen 184 personas mayores, de las que 92 realizan actividad física frecuentemente y otras 92 desarrollan un estilo de vida sedentario. Se aplicó el cuestionario de Autoestima personal de Rosenberg. Los resultados muestran diferentes niveles de Autoestima entre los mayores que realizan actividad física y los que no, siendo significativamente más alta en los primeros. Estudios con objetivos similares demuestran y apoyan la comprobación de la hipótesis de partida que establece la relación positiva entre la Autoestima y la realización de actividad física (AU)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-esteem expressed by people over 65 years of age and taking part in physical activity. Self-concept and self-esteem are psychologically fundamental components of quality of life in adulthood and well-being. Selfesteem has been proposed as an area of intervention to improve the quality of life in the senior population. The sample was composed of more than 184 people, 92 of whom took part in physical activity on a regular basis and another 92, who developed sedentary lifestyles. The results of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire applied to the sample showed different levels of self-esteem between seniors who are physically active and those who are not, with self-esteem being significantly higher in active seniors. Studies with similar objectives demonstrate and support the verification of the hypothesis that establishes a positive relationship between self-esteem and participation in physical activity (AU)

Screening for amblyopia in childhood.

BACKGROUND: Amblyopia is a reversible deficit of vision that has to be treated within the sensitive period for visual development. Screening programmes have been set up to detect this largely asymptomatic condition and refer children for treatment while an improvement in vision is still possible. The value of such programmes and the optimum protocol for administering them remain controversial. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of vision screening in reducing the prevalence of amblyopia. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register, on The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2005, MEDLINE (1966 to May 2005 week 1) and EMBASE (1980 to 2005 week 19). No language restrictions were placed on these searches. No handsearching was done. SELECTION CRITERIA: We planned to analyse data from randomised controlled trials and cluster-randomised trials comparing the prevalence of amblyopia in screened versus unscreened populations. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed study abstracts identified by the electronic searches. Full text copies of appropriate studies were obtained and, where necessary, authors were contacted. No data were available for analysis and no meta-analysis was performed. MAIN RESULTS: Despite the large amount of literature available regarding vision screening no trials designed to compare the prevalence of amblyopia in screened versus unscreened populations were found. Data currently under preparation may be available for updates to the review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The lack of data from randomised controlled trials makes it difficult to analyse the impact of existing screening programmes on the prevalence of amblyopia. The absence of such evidence cannot be taken to mean that vision screening is not beneficial; simply that this intervention has not yet been tested in robust trials. To facilitate such trials normative data on age-appropriate vision tests need to be available and a consensus reached regarding the definition of amblyopia. In addition, the consequences of living with untreated amblyopia have yet to be quantified and a cost-benefit analysis carried out.

[Epidemiologic studies of cerebellopontine angle tumors surgically treated in Maracaibo, Venezuela, in 1985-1999]. / Estudio epidemiológico de los tumores del ángulo pontocerebeloso operados en Maracaibo, Venezuela, durante el lapso 1985-1999.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological, clinical and neuropathological data of cases of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical records, neuroimaging and neuropathological studies of 50 patients with diagnosis of CPA tumor operated in different hospitals of Maracaibo, Venezuela, during the lapse January 1st, 1985-December 31, 1999 were reviewed. The variables age, gender, side of the lesion and neuropathological diagnosis were analyzed. RESULTS: A 2:1 female to male ratio was observed. Median age was 48 +/- 12.7 years. Acoustic neuromas (AN) represented 48% of the cases, whereas nonacoustic neuroma tumors (NANT) made up for the rest (52%). Meningiomas were the second more commonly diagnosed lesions, they constituted 32% of the cases. Meningiomas and AN were more frequent in women, their ratios being 7:1 and 1.6:1, respectively. In 60% of the cases the signs and symptoms became eloquent in patients of the fourth and fifth decades of life. CONCLUSIONS: The difference between our results and the ones previously reported in the medical literature are due in part to the predominance of female patients in our series. Endocrinologic, genetic and biochemical factors could also be responsible; nevertheless, this does not constitute the objective of the present study.

Estudio epidemiológico de los tumores del ángulo pontocerebeloso operados en Maracaibo, Venezuela, durante el lapso 1985-1999 / Epidemiological study of the cerebellopontine angle tumors operated in Maracaibo, Venezuela, during the lapse 1985-1999

Objetivo: Analizar los datos epidemiológicos, clínicos y neuropatológicos relacionados con los tumores del ángulo pontocerebeloso (APC).Material y métodos: Se revisaron las historias clínicas, estudios por imágenes y estudios neuropatológicos correspondientes a 50 pacientes con diagnóstico de tumor de APC intervenidos en diferentes hospitales de Maracaibo, Venezuela, entre el 1° de enero de 1985 y el 31 de diciembre de 1999. Se recabaron los datos correspondientes a las variables edad, género, lado de la lesión y diagnóstico neuropatológico. Resultados: Se observó una razón de 2:1 entre el género femenino y el masculino. La media de edad fue de 48+/-12.7 años. Los neuromas acústicos (NA) representaron el 48 por ciento de los casos y los tumores no neuromas acústicos (TNNA) el 52 por ciento. Los meningiomas fueron segundos en frecuencia, constituyendo el 32 por ciento del total. Los Meningiomas y los NA fueron mas frecuentes en mujeres a razón de 7:1 y 1.6:1, respectivamente. El 60 por ciento de los casos se presentaron en pacientes correspondientes a las décadas cuarta y quinta. Conclusiones: La diferencia entre los resultados de nuestra serie y los comunicados previamente a la literatura médica mundial en relación con la incidencia de NA y TNNA en el APC obedece en parte al predominio de pacientes del género femenino en la presente muestra y probablemente al concurso de factores endocrinos, genéticos y bioquímicos, entre otros; sin embargo ello no formó parte de los objetivos del presente estudio (AU)

Esteatohepatitis no alcohólica y obesidad / Fatty liver no alcoholic and obesity

Presentamos el primer caso pediatrico diagnosticado en nuestro medio de un paciente de 13 años de edad con esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (NASH) fibrosis hepática incipiente, ausencia de ingesta de medicamentos, obesidad y presencia de "transaminitis" en hiperlipidemia, a quien accidentalmente se le detecta hepatomegalia

Effect of Salts on the Micellization, Clouding, and Solubilization Behavior of Pluronic F127 Solutions.

We have examined the effect of NaCl, Na(2)SO(4), Na(3)PO(4), and NaSCN on F127 solutions; properties examined were critical micellization temperature (cmt), cloud point, and solubilization of a model hydrophobic drug, propyl paraben. Static light scattering showed that the first three salts lower the cmt of F127 in the order Na(3)PO(4)>Na(2)SO(4)>NaCl. The extent of lowering depends on the salt concentration and can be ascribed to the water structure-making properties of these salts. NaSCN, a water structure breaker, was found to increase cmt. Pyrene fluorescence was used to study the changes in micellar interior in the presence of salts. We found that the micellar micropolarity is not significantly changed by salts, evidenced by a constant I(1)/I(3) ratio of pyrene. However, the I(e)/I(3) ratio changes significantly with salts, being lower for NaCl, Na(2)SO(4), and Na(3)PO(4) and higher for NaSCN. This is consistent with an increase in the total hydrophobic micellar domain, in micellar microviscosity, or both. Solubilization of propylparaben increases in the presence of Na(3)PO(4), consistent with a larger hydrophobic domain for solubilization. The thermodynamics of micellization continue to be entropically driven in the presence of salts, evidenced by a positive entropy overcoming an unfavorable enthalpy. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

A Study of the Temperature-Dependent Micellization of Pluronic F127.

We have examined the temperature-dependent micellization of the pharmaceutically important PEO-PPO-PEO copolymer, Pluronic F127, using static light scattering and various aspects of the pyrene fluorescence spectrum (monomer intensity, excimer formation and the I1/I3 ratio). All techniques gave essentially the same value for the critical micellization temperatures (cmt) of various F127 solutions, and our results agreed with those reported in the literature. Cmt values decrease with increasing F127 concentration. We observed significant solubilization of pyrene in F127 solutions below the cmt, which was also reflected in the measured I1/I3 ratios. The thermodynamics of the micellization process were studied and gave different results at low and high F127 concentrations. In the low F127 concentration range (up to approximately 50 mg/mL), we obtain DeltaH = 312 kJ mol-1 and DeltaS = 1.14 kJ mol-1 K-1. Above 50 mg/mL we obtain DeltaH = 136 kJ mol-1 and a DeltaS = 0.54 kJ mol-1 K-1. This discontinuity in thermodynamic behavior can be due to a change in aggregation number with temperature and/or a change in the micellization process at higher concentrations. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.