Reliability and Construct Validity of a Mobile Application for the Finger Tapping Test Evaluation in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

The finger tapping test (FTT) is a tool to evaluate the motor performance of the hand and fingers and eye-hand coordination with applicability in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of the TappingPro® mobile app and the construct validity between this app and validated clinical scales for motor performance in healthy subjects and pwMS. 42 healthy subjects (mean age 25.05) and 13 pwMS (mean age 51.69, EDSS between 3 and 7.5E) participated. FTT was performed with the TappingPro® mobile app. All participants were examined twice, with a one-week interval between the two appointments. For the analysis of construct validity, the Jamar® hydraulic hand dynamometer, Box and Blocks Test (BBT), and Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) were used. The intra-rater reliability showed a good correlation (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC > 0.787) for both upper limbs and both times of FTT for healthy subjects, and an excellent correlation (ICC > 0.956) for upper limbs and both times of FTT for pwMS. The ICC for the inter-rater reliability was good (ICC = 0.869) for the non-dominant upper limb in the FTT 10 s of the healthy subjects, and excellent (ICC > 0.904) for all the other measurements of the healthy subjects and pwMS. However, the Bland-Altman plots showed disagreement between observers and measurements that should be considered in the interpretation of clinical evaluations. The correlation analysis for healthy subjects showed poor associations between all variables, except for the association between hand grip strength and the FTT 60 s in the non-dominant upper limb, which had a moderate coefficient. For pwMS, there were moderate to excellent associations between BBT and the NHPT and FTT for both upper limbs. The correlations between hand grip strength and FFT were poor. This mobile app could be a useful and low-cost assessment tool in pwMS, allowing a simple evaluation and follow-up that has excellent correlation with clinical scales validated in this pathology.

Economic Cost of Rehabilitation with Robotic and Virtual Reality Systems in People with Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Background: The prevalence of neurological disorders is increasing worldwide. In recent decades, the conventional rehabilitation for people with neurological disorders has been often reinforced with the use of technological devices (robots and virtual reality). The aim of this systematic review was to identify the evidence on the economic cost of rehabilitation with robotic and virtual reality devices for people with neurological disorders through a review of the scientific publications over the last 15 years. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on partial economic evaluations (cost description, cost analysis, description of costs and results) and complete (cost minimization, cost-effectiveness, cost utility and cost benefit) studies. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The main data sources used were PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS). Studies published in English over the last 15 years were considered for inclusion in this review, regardless of the type of neurological disorder. The critical appraisal instrument from the Joanna Briggs Institute for economic evaluation and the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) were used to analyse the methodological quality of all the included papers. Results: A total of 15 studies were included in this review. Ten papers were focused on robotics and five on virtual reality. Most of the studies were focused on people who experienced a stroke. The robotic device most frequently used in the papers included was InMotion® (Bionik Co., Watertown, MA, USA), and for those focused on virtual reality, all papers included used semi-immersive virtual reality systems, with commercial video game consoles (Nintendo Wii® (Nintendo Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan) and Kinect® (Microsoft Inc., Redmond, WA, USA)) being used the most. The included studies mainly presented cost minimization outcomes and a general description of costs per intervention, and there were disparities in terms of population, setting, device, protocol and the economic cost outcomes evaluated. Overall, the methodological quality of the included studies was of a moderate level. Conclusions: There is controversy about using robotics in people with neurological disorders in a rehabilitation context in terms of cost minimization, cost-effectiveness, cost utility and cost benefits. Semi-immersive virtual reality devices could involve savings (mainly derived from the low prices of the systems analysed and transportation services if they are applied through telerehabilitation programmes) compared to in-clinic interventions.

Effects of the powerball® system on muscle strength, coordination, fatigue, functionality and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Although clinical and functional impairments in the lower limbs have been extensively studied in patients with MS, the upper limb (UL) are also frequently affected. Clinical impairment of the UL in patients with MS is very common with muscle strength and hand dexterity as critical factors in maintaining functional activities that are the basis for independence and quality of life in people with MS. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a training protocol using the Powerball® system in combination with conventional physiotherapy on muscle strength, coordination, fatigue, functionality, and quality of life in persons with MS over an 8-week period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. The control group received conventional treatment, while the experimental group received additional UL training using the Powerball® system. Both groups received the same number of sessions and weeks of intervention. The following outcome measures were used: isometric grip and pinch strength, Box and Block Test (BBT), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Abilhand scale, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), and Likert satisfaction questionnaire for the experimental group. All measures were administered at baseline, after the treatment, and during a 3-week follow-up period. RESULTS: 25 patients completed the study (12 in the experimental and 13 in the control group). The experimental group showed significant improvements in coordination and manual dexterity of the more affected UL as measured by the BBT comparing pre- to post-treatment (p = 0.048) and pre-treatment to follow-up (p = 0.001), and on the less affected UP comparing pre-treatment to follow-up (p < 0.001) and post-treatment to follow-up (p = 0.034). The Likert-type satisfaction questionnaire obtained a mean score of 89.10 (± 8.54) out of 100 points. CONCLUSIONS: Upper limb treatment protocol using the Powerball® system, in combination with conventional physiotherapy for 8 weeks resulted in significant improvements in the intra-group analysis for UL coordination and manual dexterity in favor of the experimental group. The experimental group showed excellent satisfaction to the treatment.

sEMG-controlled forearm bracelet and serious game-based rehabilitation for training manual dexterity in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Muscle strength and dexterity impairments are common among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) producing limitations in activities of daily living related to the upper limb (UL). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of serious games specifically developed for the MYO Armband® capture sensor in improving forearm and wrist mobility, UL muscle strength, dexterity, fatigue, functionality, quality of life, satisfaction, adverse effects and compliance. METHODS: A double-blinded (allocation concealment was performed by a blinded investigator and by blinding for assessors) randomised controlled trial was conducted. The sample was randomised into two groups: an experimental group that received treatment based on UL serious games designed by the research team and controlled by the MYO Armband® gesture capture sensor, along with conventional rehabilitation and a control group that received the same conventional rehabilitation for the UL. Both groups received two 60-min sessions per week over an eight-week period. Wrist range of motion (goniometry), grip muscle strength (Jamar® dynamometer), coordination and gross UL dexterity (Box and Block Test), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale), functionality (ABILHAND), quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29), adverse effects (Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, SSQ), perceived workload (NASA-Task load index), satisfaction (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8), Satisfaction with Technology Scale, System Usability Scale (SUS) and QUEST 2.0) and compliance (attendance) were assessed in both groups pre-treatment, post-treatment and during a follow-up period of 2 weeks without receiving any treatment. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in the experimental group compared to the control group in the assessment of forearm supination (p = .004) and grip strength (p = .004). Adverse effects were minimal (SSQ: 7/100 points) and perceived workload was low (NASA-Task Load Index: 25/100 points) in the experimental group. The MYO Armband® technology proved to be useful for the participants (SUS: 80.66/100) and the satisfaction scales received high scores (QUEST 2.0: 59.4/70 points; Satisfaction with Technology: 84.36/100 points). There were significant differences between the groups in terms of attendance percentage (p = .029). CONCLUSIONS: An experimental protocol using MYO Armband®-based serious games designed for UL rehabilitation showed improvements in active wrist range of motion and handgrip strength in patients with MS, with high satisfaction, minimal adverse effects and workload and excellent compliance. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This randomised controlled trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04171908.

Psychometric Properties of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale in a Sample of Adolescents from Ecuador.

The Kessler psychological distress scale is a useful tool for identifying possible psychological problems and has been widely used in research and health services. Unfortunately, its application in various populations has not always been psychometrically supported. For this reason, the present study investigated the psychometric properties of its Spanish version in adolescents, verifying its factorial structure, measurement invariance by gender, internal consistency and the discrimination and difficulty parameters of its items according to the Item Response Theory (IRT). A sample of 5132 Ecuadorian adolescents was evaluated. The sample is equally distributed between male and female participants (50%) and basic and higher education (51% the former). All participants were between 11 and 20 years old. The results show that a 9-item version with correlated intercepts presents the best fit. In addition, it is invariant by gender at a strict level and has adequate internal consistency. IRT analyses indicated that all the items, except for item eight, present adequate discrimination and difficulty. Based on these results, we conclude that the 9-item version of the Psychological Distress Scale is the most appropriate for this population.

Accuracy and Precision of Agents Orientation in an Indoor Positioning System Using Multiple Infrastructure Lighting Spotlights and a PSD Sensor.

In indoor localization there are applications in which the orientation of the agent to be located is as important as knowing the position. In this paper we present the results of the orientation estimation from a local positioning system based on position-sensitive device (PSD) sensors and the visible light emitted from the illumination of the room in which it is located. The orientation estimation will require that the PSD sensor receives signal from either 2 or 4 light sources simultaneously. As will be shown in the article, the error determining the rotation angle of the agent with the on-board sensor is less than 0.2 degrees for two emitters. On the other hand, by using 4 light sources the three Euler rotation angles are determined, with mean errors in the measurements smaller than 0.35° for the x- and y-axis and 0.16° for the z-axis. The accuracy of the measurement has been evaluated experimentally in a 2.5 m-high ceiling room over an area of 2.2 m2 using geodetic measurement tools to establish the reference ground truth values.

The fear of COVID-19 scale: Its structure and measurement invariance across 48 countries.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been a source of fear around the world. We asked whether the measurement of this fear is trustworthy and comparable across countries. In particular, we explored the measurement invariance and cross-cultural replicability of the widely used Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S), testing community samples from 48 countries (N = 14,558). The findings indicate that the FCV-19S has a somewhat problematic structure, yet the one-factor solution is replicable across cultural contexts and could be used in studies that compare people who vary on gender and educational level. The validity of the scale is supported by a consistent pattern of positive correlations with perceived stress and general anxiety. However, given the unclear structure of the FCV-19S, we recommend using latent factor scores, instead of raw scores, especially in cross-cultural comparisons. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Factores sociodemográficos y educativos asociados a la procrastinación académica en adolescentes ecuatorianos / Fatores associados à procrastinação acadêmica em uma amostra de estudantes do Equador / Socio-demographic and educational factors associated with academic procrastination in Ecuadorian adolescents

El objetivo de la presente investigación es determinar los factores asociados a la procrastinación en una muestra de 210 estudiantes de educación básica y bachillerato de una institución educativa de Salcedo (Ecuador) con una media de M=13.81 años y una desviación estándar de DE=1.81 años. Para ello se aplicó la escala de Procrastinación Académica (EPA) y se analizaron los resultados de la misma con factores como el género, la procedencia (urbano/rural), el año académico, la situación económica y las actividades extracurriculares (estudiar y apoyar en empresas familiares o solo estudiar). Se encuentra que la situación económica y la ocupación tienen relación estadísticamente significativa (p< ,05) con la procrastinación académica. Siendo que los que tienen una situación económica mejor procrastinan menos al igual que los que apoyan en negocios familiares. Por otra parte, se encuentra que la procrastinación varía en base al año académico. Se concluye que la PA es sensible ante factores de carácter socioeconómico, académico y familiar.(AU)

This research aims to determine the factors associated with procrastination on a sample of 210 students of basic and baccalaureate education in Salcedo (Ecuador) with a mean of 13.81 of age and a standard deviation of 1.81 of age. The Academic Procrastination Scale (APS) was conducted based on gender, background (urban/rural), academic year, economic status, after school activities (such as studying and supporting family businesses or simply studying). The findings show that economic status and day-to-day activities are significantly associated (p< .05) with academic procrastination. Hence, those who procrastinate less are better off financially or support their family business. On the other hand, it was found that procrastination vary by school year. Results indicate that Academic Procrastination (AP) is particularly sensitive to socioeconomic, academic and family factors.(AU)

Procrastinação em uma amostra de 210 estudantes do ensino fundamental e médio de uma instituição de ensino de Salcedo (Equador) com média de M = 13,81 anos e desvio padrão de DP = 1,81 anos. Para isso, foi aplicada a escala de Procrastinação Acadêmica (EPA) e seus resultados foram analisados com fatores como sexo, procedência (urbana / rural), ano acadêmico, situação econômica e atividades extracurriculares (estudo e apoio em empresas familiares ou apenas estudar). Verifica-se que a situação econômica e a ocupação têm uma relação estatisticamente significante (p <, 05) com a procrastinação acadêmica. Sendo que aqueles que têm uma melhor situação econômica procrastinam menos como aqueles que apóiam nas empresas familiares. Por outro lado, verifica-se que a procrastinação varia de acordo com o ano acadêmico. Conclui-se que a PA é sensível a fatores socioeconômicos, acadêmicos e familiares.(AU)

Reliable Control Applications with Wireless Communication Technologies: Application to Robotic Systems.

The nature of wireless propagation may reduce the QoS of the applications, such that some packages can be delayed or lost. For this reason, the design of wireless control applications must be faced in a holistic way to avoid degrading the performance of the control algorithms. This paper is aimed at improving the reliability of wireless control applications in the event of communication degradation or temporary loss at the wireless links. Two controller levels are used: sophisticated algorithms providing better performance are executed in a central node, whereas local independent controllers, implemented as back-up controllers, are executed next to the process in case of QoS degradation. This work presents a reliable strategy for switching between central and local controllers avoiding that plants may become uncontrolled. For validation purposes, the presented approach was used to control a planar robot. A Fuzzy Logic control algorithm was implemented as a main controller at a high performance computing platform. A back-up controller was implemented on an edge device. This approach avoids the robot becoming uncontrolled in case of communication failure. Although a planar robot was chosen in this work, the presented approach may be extended to other processes. XBee 900 MHz communication technology was selected for control tasks, leaving the 2.4 GHz band for integration with cloud services. Several experiments are presented to analyze the behavior of the control application under different circumstances. The results proved that our approach allows the use of wireless communications, even in critical control applications.

A Generalized Approach for Evaluating the Mechanical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites Reinforced with Spherical Fillers.

In this work, the effective mechanical reinforcement of polymeric nanocomposites containing spherical particle fillers is predicted based on a generalized analytical three-phase-series-parallel model, considering the concepts of percolation and the interfacial glassy region. While the concept of percolation is solely taken as a contribution of the filler-network, we herein show that the glassy interphase between filler and matrix, which is often in the nanometers range, is also to be considered while interpreting enhanced mechanical properties of particulate filled polymeric nanocomposites. To demonstrate the relevance of the proposed generalized equation, we have fitted several experimental results which show a good agreement with theoretical predictions. Thus, the approach presented here can be valuable to elucidate new possible conceptual routes for the creation of new materials with fundamental technological applications and can open a new research avenue for future studies.

Structure of Dark Triad Dirty Dozen Across Eight World Regions.

The Dark Triad (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism) has garnered intense attention over the past 15 years. We examined the structure of these traits' measure-the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD)-in a sample of 11,488 participants from three W.E.I.R.D. (i.e., North America, Oceania, Western Europe) and five non-W.E.I.R.D. (i.e., Asia, Middle East, non-Western Europe, South America, sub-Saharan Africa) world regions. The results confirmed the measurement invariance of the DTDD across participants' sex in all world regions, with men scoring higher than women on all traits (except for psychopathy in Asia, where the difference was not significant). We found evidence for metric (and partial scalar) measurement invariance within and between W.E.I.R.D. and non-W.E.I.R.D. world regions. The results generally support the structure of the DTDD.

Estructura factorial y fiabilidad del Cyberbullying Questionnaire (CBQ) y su complemento (CBQ-V) en adolescentes ecuatorianos / Factorial structure and reliability of Cyberbullying Questionnaire (CBQ) and her complement (BCQ-V) in ecuadorian teenagers

Resumen Analizar la estructura factorial y la fiabilidad del Cyberbullying Questionnaire (CBQ), que mide la perpetración del cyberbullying, y además medir su complemento, la victimización (CBQ-V) en una muestra de adolescentes tungurahuenses. El estudio es de carácter instrumental para constatar la construcción factorial y la consistencia interna de las pruebas en una muestra de 998 estudiantes de bachillerato de seis centros educativos de Tungurahua. Se encontró que el CBQ explica el 58.5% de la varianza con tres factores con valores de S-B c2= 29.5;gl= 24;p> .05; S-B c2/gl= 1.2; NNFI = .95; CFI = .96; GFI = .90 y RMSEA = .08 IC 90% [.10 - .05]. Mientras que el CBQ-V igualmente con tres factores explica el 52.6% de la varianza con S-B c2= 29.5;gl= 24;p> .05; S-B c2/gl= 1.2; NNFI = .95; CFI = .96; GFI = .90 y RMSEA = .08 IC 90% [.10 - .05]. En cuanto a la fiabilidad, los puntajes alcanzados para el CBQ es α(ordinal)= .903 y CBQ-V es α(ordinal)= .879. Se concluye quelas pruebas bajo análisis son válidas como constructo y fiables en estudiantes de bachillerato de Tungurahua.

Abstract To analyze the factor structure and reliability of the Cyberbullying Questionnaire (CBQ), which measures the prevalence of cyberbullying; as well as measure the complement on victimization (CBQ-V).The study is instrumental in verifying the factorial construction and internal consistency of the tests in a sample of 998 high school students from six educational centres in Tungurahua. It was found that the CBQ explains 58.5% of the variance with three factors with values of S-B c2= 29.5;df= 24;p> .05; S-B c2/df= 1.2; NNFI = .95; CFI = .96; GFI = .90 and RMSEA = .08 IC 90% [.10 - .05]. While the CBQ-V also with three factors explains 52.6% of the variance with S-B c2= 29.5;df= 24;p> .05; S-B c2/df= 1.2; NNFI = .95; CFI = .96; GFI = .90 and RMSEA = .08 IC 90% [.10 -.05]. Regarding reliability, the scores reached for the CBQ is α(ordinal)= .903 and CBQ-V is α(ordinal)= .879. It is concluded that the tests under analysis are valid as a construct and reliable in Tungurahua high school students.

Female novelty and male status dynamically modulate ejaculate expenditure and seminal fluid proteome over successive matings in red junglefowl.

Theory predicts that males will strategically invest in ejaculates according to the value of mating opportunities. While strategic sperm allocation has been studied extensively, little is known about concomitant changes in seminal fluid (SF) and its molecular composition, despite increasing evidence that SF proteins (SFPs) are fundamental in fertility and sperm competition. Here, we show that in male red junglefowl, Gallus gallus, along with changes in sperm numbers and SF investment, SF composition changed dynamically over successive matings with a first female, immediately followed by mating with a second, sexually novel female. The SF proteome exhibited a pattern of both protein depletion and enrichment over successive matings, including progressive increases in immunity and plasma proteins. Ejaculates allocated to the second female had distinct proteomic profiles, where depletion of many SFPs was compensated by increased investment in others. This response was partly modulated by male social status: when mating with the second, novel female, subdominants (but not dominants) preferentially invested in SFPs associated with sperm composition, which may reflect status-specific differences in mating rates, sperm maturation and sperm competition. Global proteomic SF analysis thus reveals that successive matings trigger rapid, dynamic SFP changes driven by a combination of depletion and strategic allocation.

Thermoelectric Photosensor Based on Ultrathin Single-Crystalline Si Films †.

Ultrathin Si films have a reduced thermal conductivity in comparison to Si bulk due to phonon scattering at the surfaces. Furthermore, the small thickness guarantees a reduced thermal mass (in the µJ/K range), which opens up the possibility of developing thermal sensors with a high sensitivity. Based on these premises, a thermoelectric (TE) microsensor based on ultrathin suspended Si films was developed and used as a thermal photosensor. The photoresponse of the device was evaluated with an argon laser (λ = 457 nm) with a variable power ranging from 0 to 10 mW in air at atmospheric pressure, with laser diodes at 406 nm, 520 nm and 638 nm wavelengths, and fixed powers in high vacuum conditions. The responsivity per unit area, response time (τ) and detectivity (D*) of the device were determined in air at ambient pressure, being 2.6 × 107 V/Wm², ~4.3 ms and 2.86 × 10 7   c m H z ( 1 / 2 ) W - 1 , respectively. Temperature differences up to 30 K between the central hot region and the Si frame were achieved during open-circuit voltage measurements, with and without laser diodes. During illumination, the photogeneration of carriers caused a slight reduction of the Seebeck coefficient, which did not significantly change the sensitivity of the device. Moreover, the measurements performed with light beam chopped at different frequencies evidenced the quick response of the device. The temperature gradients applied to the thermoelectric Si legs were corrected using finite element modeling (FEM) due to the non-flat temperature profile generated during the experiments.

The effect of treadmill and overground walking on preferred walking speed and gait kinematics in healthy, physically active older adults.

PURPOSE: Preferred walking speed (PWS) represents a performance measure of mobility in older individuals. PWS is usually assessed during overground (via a 2-40 m walkway) or treadmill walking in older adults. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of treadmill and overground walking on preferred walking speed, spatiotemporal parameters and foot kinematics in healthy, physically active older and young adults after adequate treadmill familiarization. METHODS: PWS and spatiotemporal parameters were assessed during overground (PWSO) and treadmill (PWST) walking using two wearable inertial sensor systems and were compared between 25 older (72.2 ± 4.0, range 66-80 years) and 20 young (24.4 ± 2.1, range 20-30 years) adults. RESULTS: In the two groups, PWSO (older: 1.45 ± 0.17 m.s-1; young: 1.37 ± 0.16 m.s-1) was significantly faster than PWST (older: 1.31 ± 0.15 m.s-1; young: 1.25 ± 0.17 m.s-1; P < 0.001), with no significant difference between the groups in either walking condition (P = 0.11). The older adults walked with a significantly greater stride frequency (+8%; P ≤ 0.001) and lower plantarflexion angle (-5%; P ≤ 0.001) than the young participants under both walking conditions. In both groups, treadmill walking was characterized by significantly increased stance (+1%; P = 0.02) and double support (+1%; P = 0.04) duration, as well as reduced swing duration (-1%; P = 0.02) and heel-strike pitch angle (-8%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that healthy and physically active older and young adults who were adequately familiarized to the treadmill selected a slower PWS on the treadmill than during overground walking with small "safety-related" gait kinematic adaptations. Therefore, treadmill can be used for assessing PWS and gait kinematics in physically active older adults.

Factores sociodemográficos y educativos asociados a la procrastinación académica en adolescentes ecuatorianos

El objetivo de la presente investigación es determinar los factores asociados a la procrastinación en una muestra de 210 estudiantes de educación básica y bachillerato de una institución educativa de Salcedo (Ecuador) con una media de M=13.81 años y una desviación estándar de DE=1.81 años. Para ello se aplicó la escala de Procrastinación Académica (EPA) y se analizaron los resultados de la misma con factores como el género, la procedencia (urbano/rural), el año académico, la situación económica y las actividades extracurriculares (estudiar y apoyar en empresas familiares o solo estudiar). Se encuentra que la situación económica y la ocupación tienen relación estadísticamente significativa (p< ,05) con la procrastinación académica. Siendo que los que tienen una situación económica mejor procrastinan menos al igual que los que apoyan en negocios familiares. Por otra parte, se encuentra que la procrastinación varía en base al año académico. Se concluye que la PA es sensible ante factores de carácter socioeconómico, académico y familiar.

This research aims to determine the factors associated with procrastination on a sample of 210 students of basic and baccalaureate education in Salcedo (Ecuador) with a mean of 13.81 of age and a standard deviation of 1.81 of age. The Academic Procrastination Scale (APS) was conducted based on gender, background (urban/ rural), academic year, economic status, after school activities (such as studying and supporting family businesses or simply studying). The findings show that economic status and day-to-day activities are significantly associated (p< .05) with academic procrastination. Hence, those who procrastinate less are better off financially or support their family business. On the other hand, it was found that procrastination vary by school year. Results indicate that Academic Procrastination (AP) is particularly sensitive to socioeconomic, academic and family factors.

Procrastinação em uma amostra de 210 estudantes do ensino fundamental e médio de uma instituição de ensino de Salcedo (Equador) com média de M = 13,81 anos e desvio padrão de DP = 1,81 anos. Para isso, foi aplicada a escala de Procrastinação Acadêmica (EPA) e seus resultados foram analisados ​​com fatores como sexo, procedência (urbana / rural), ano acadêmico, situação econômica e atividades extracurriculares (estudo e apoio em empresas familiares ou apenas estudar). Verifica-se que a situação econômica e a ocupação têm uma relação estatisticamente significante (p <, 05) com a procrastinação acadêmica. Sendo que aqueles que têm uma melhor situação econômica procrastinam menos como aqueles que apóiam nas empresas familiares. Por outro lado, verifica-se que a procrastinação varia de acordo com o ano acadêmico. Conclui-se que a PA é sensível a fatores socioeconômicos, acadêmicos e familiares.

The Seminal fluid proteome of the polyandrous Red junglefowl offers insights into the molecular basis of fertility, reproductive ageing and domestication.

Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are emerging as fundamental contributors to sexual selection given their role in post-mating reproductive events, particularly in polyandrous species where the ejaculates of different males compete for fertilisation. SFP identification however remains taxonomically limited and little is known about avian SFPs, despite extensive work on sexual selection in birds. We characterize the SF proteome of the polyandrous Red junglefowl, Gallus gallus, the wild species that gave rise to the domestic chicken. We identify 1,141 SFPs, including proteins involved in immunity and antimicrobial defences, sperm maturation, and fertilisation, revealing a functionally complex SF proteome. This includes a predominant contribution of blood plasma proteins that is conserved with human SF. By comparing the proteome of young and old males with fast or slow sperm velocity in a balanced design, we identify proteins associated with ageing and sperm velocity, and show that old males that retain high sperm velocity have distinct proteome characteristics. SFP comparisons with domestic chickens revealed both qualitative and quantitative differences likely associated with domestication and artificial selection. Collectively, these results shed light onto the functional complexity of avian SF, and provide a platform for molecular studies of fertility, reproductive ageing, and domestication.

Colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad <70mg/dl en la enfermedad renal crónica. ¿Ficción o realidad? / No disponible

Objetivo Conocer el grado de control del colesterol de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL) en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC), su tratamiento farmacológico y el porcentaje de reducción necesario para alcanzar objetivos según las nuevas guías europeas para el manejo de la dislipidemia .Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal entre los pacientes atendidos en atención primaria con ERC (FG<60ml/min/1,73m2) entre 18 y 85 años. Se registraron edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, enfermedades cardiovasculares asociadas, presión arterial, glucosa, creatinina, filtrado glomerular estimado (FGE), colesterol total, triglicéridos, colesterol de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (cHDL) y cLDL. Se consideró control lipídico un valor <70mg/dl de cLDL. Se registró el tipo de fármaco y dosis, así como el porcentaje necesario de reducción para alcanzar objetivos Resultados Encontramos 384 pacientes con ERC, de los cuales la mayoría (92,4%) corresponden al estadio 3, con una media de edad de 75 años (62% mujeres). El 76,8% presentaban dislipidemia. El 10,7% de todos los pacientes alcanzaban el objetivo de cLDL<70mg/dl, mientras que entre los que recibían tratamiento farmacológico el control se lograba en el 16%. La mitad de los pacientes estaban tomando estatinas y un 5%, fibratos. De los tratados, el 45% estaban con dosis intermedias de estatinas, el 38% con dosis altas y, de estos, el 69% precisaban más de un 25% adicional de reducción de cLDL para alcanzar el objetivo. Conclusiones Se ha observado un escaso grado de control lipídico en la población estudiada, incluso en los tratados con dosis altas de estatinas (AU)

Objective: To find out the grade of control of LDL cholesterol in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), their pharmacological treatment and the percentage of lowering needed to reach objectives according to the new European Guidelines of treatment of dyslipidemia. Material and methods: It was made a cross-sectional descriptive study among patients with CKD attended in primary health care (GFR <60 ml/min/1,73 m2) between the age of 18 and85 years old. Age, sex, risk factors and cardiovascular disease presence, blood pressure, glucose, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration (..) (AU)

[Management of Descemet's membrane rupture by intracameral injection of SF6 in acute hydrops]. / Tratamiento de la rotura de la membrana de Descemet mediante SF6 intracamerular en hydrops agudo.

CASE REPORT: Hydrops occurring in the eye secondary to keratoconus, grade 4. It was managed by sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas injected into the anterior chamber, with an early resolution of corneal edema obtained. DISCUSSION: Intervention with intracameral SF6 injection has proven to be a safe and effective therapy for early reduction of corneal edema in an eye with Descemet's membrane detachment and acute hydrops (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2009; 84: 533-536).

Tratamiento de la rotura de la membrana de Descemet mediante SF6 intracamerular en hydrops agudo / Management of Descemet's membrane rupture by intracameral injection of SF6 in acute hydrops

Caso clínico: Hydrops corneal secundario a queratocono,grado 4. Se trató con inyección intracamerularde hexafluoruro de azufre (SF6) obteniéndoseuna resolución temprana del edema corneal.Discusión: La inyección de SF6 intracamerularfue efectiva para reducir el edema de córnea y nomostró complicaciones en un ojo que presentabauna rotura de la membrana de Descemet e hydrops agudo(AU)

Case report: Hydrops occurring in the eye secondaryto keratoconus, grade 4. It was managed bysulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas injected into the anteriorchamber, with an early resolution of cornealedema obtained.Discussion: Intervention with intracameral SF6injection has proven to be a safe and effective therapyfor early reduction of corneal edema in an eyewith Descemet’s membrane detachment and acutehydrops(AU)