Feed supplementation with Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 optimises intestinal morphology and gut microbiota composition in weaned piglets.

Post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets remains an important cause of economic losses for swine producers. Feed supplementation with probiotics is one of the alternatives to antibiotics used to reduce the impact of such gastrointestinal disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 supplementation on the intestinal structure and the gut microbiota composition of weaned piglets. Safety and tolerance of L. salivarius PS21603 were previously evaluated in a 28-days study using 384 weaned piglets (28 ± 2 days old and 7.5 ± 1.5 kg) divided in three treatment groups: T1: Basal diet + L. salivarius PS21603 109 cfu/day, T2: Basal diet + L. salivarius PS21603 107 cfu/day, and T3: Basal diet (control group). For the present study, 16 piglets per treatment group were randomly selected and faecal samples were collected on day 0 (weaning) and 28 of study. At the end of study, three males and three females per treatment were euthanised. Intestinal morphometric values were measured after necropsy. Faecal counts of Escherichia coli were evaluated by culture techniques, and faecal microbiota composition was assessed by high-throughput sequencing. All data were analysed and compared between treatment groups. Supplementation with L. salivarius PS21603 caused an increase in the intestine length of piglets from T1 and in the villous height:crypt ratio of piglets from T2 (P < 0.05) compared to T3 on day 28. According to the Shannon Diversity Index, microbiota diversity increased on day 28 compared to day 0, with no significant differences observed between treatments. The main changes in the relative abundance of bacteria at the phylum, family, and genus levels were observed between different sampling time points. However, piglets from T1 and T2 had lower faecal E. coli counts than T3 on day 28 (P < 0.05). Moreover, supplementation with L. salivarius PS21603 modulated gut microbiota through a more optimal composition, reducing Escherichia and increasing Bifidobacterium relative abundance in piglets from T1 (P < 0.05) from the beginning to the end of the study. Therefore, the strain L. salivarius PS21603 has shown probiotic properties to be used as feed additive in the pig industry, along with good hygiene and farm management practices, for the prevention and/or treatment of post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets.

Safety assessment and characterisation of Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 as potential feed additive for swine.

The present study aimed to characterise in vitro properties of the strain Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 and evaluate in vivo piglets' tolerance for its use as feed additive in swine. The ability of L. salivarius PS21603 of inhibiting enteropathogens' growth in vitro was evaluated using a co-culture assay. Low pH tolerance, bile tolerance, and resistance to osmotic changes were evaluated. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of L. salivarius PS21603 was assessed through broth microdilution method. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to exclude the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. L. salivarius PS21603 showed a high antimicrobial activity in vitro, reducing in a mean of 6.16 log cfu/ml eight different enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains. Moreover, L. salivarius PS21603 showed resistance to osmotic changes and was able to survive to a pH above 3.5 during 24 h and up to pH 2 at least during 2 h. In addition, WGS revealed that L. salivarius PS21603 did not harbour any resistance genes and thus there was no risk of transmissibility. Finally, an in vivo 28-days safety and tolerance study was performed. For that, 384 healthy piglets (28±2 days old and 7.5±1.5 kg, at weaning) were divided into three treatment groups receiving a different dose of L. salivarius PS21603: T1, 109 cfu/day; T2, 107 cfu/day; T3, control. Piglet's health status was daily controlled. Individual bodyweight and feed intake per pen were weekly recorded to determine performance parameters. Blood samples were collected in 16 piglets from each treatment group on days 0 and 28 for determination of cytokine profiles. L. salivarius PS21603 was safe and well tolerated by piglets, there were no differences in performance nor cytokine profile between treatment groups. In conclusion, L. salivarius PS21603 is a potential candidate for a probiotic prevention strategy against pig diarrhoea.

Results of a self-management program added to standard physical therapy in chronic neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a self-management treatment added to a physical therapy program compared to a physical therapy program in patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated to a physical therapy intervention (control group) or an individualized self-management combined with physical therapy intervention (experimental group). Both interventions were developed over a four-week period. Outcome measures included were Disability, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs, Health-Related Quality of Life, Pain, and Anxiety and Depression. All outcomes were measured before and after the treatment and at three-month follow-up. RESULTS: There were not significant differences between groups at baseline. After the intervention both groups obtained better results in the Neck Disability Index but there were not significant differences between them (p > 0.05). At follow-up, the self-management group obtained significant better results compared to the control group (95 % CI: -5.20(-6.8 to -1.5), p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: An individualized self-management program added to a physical therapy program led to a greater improvement in disability at 3 months follow up compared to a physical therapy program alone. Catastrophizing, pain, and health-related quality of life improved significantly after the intervention and at follow-up compared to the standard care alone. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study indicates that physical therapy for patients with chronic neck pain preferably should include self-management education.

Proyecto internacional INSPIRE: «¿Qué es normal en la leche humana» (II). Compuestos inmunológicos solubles / Project INSPIRE: «What's normal in human milk?» (II). Soluble immune factors

La protección inmunológica del recién nacido depende principalmente de factores inmunitarios maternos proporcionados a través de la leche. Sin embargo, muy pocos estudios han evaluado la variabilidad natural de los diferentes compuestos inmunitarios presentes en la leche humana de mujeres sanas pertenecientes a poblaciones heterogéneas. En este contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue la detección y cuantificación de una amplia gama de factores inmunitarios solubles, entre los que se incluyen factores de inmunidad innata (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, INFγ, TNFα) y adquirida (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17), quimioquinas (IL-8, Groα, MCP1, MIP1β), factores de crecimiento (IL-5, IL-7, EGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, TGFβ2) e inmunoglobulinas (IgA, IgG, IgM), en la leche producida por mujeres sanas de diversas etnias procedentes de distintos entornos geográficos, dietéticos, socioeconómicos y ambientales. A partir de los resultados de este trabajo, pudimos determinar que un grupo de estos factores (IgA, IgG, IgM, EGF, TGFβ2, IL-7, IL-8, Groα y MIP1β) estaba presente en todas o en la mayoría de las muestras recogidas en todas las cohortes y, por tanto, podría considerarse como el núcleo común (core) de la leche humana en condiciones fisiológicas

Newborn immune protection mostly relies on maternal immune factors provided through milk. However, studies dealing with an in-depth profiling of the different immune compounds present in human milk and with the assessment of their natural variation in healthy women from different populations are very scarce. In this context, the objective of this work was the detection and quantification of a wide array of immune compounds, including innate immunity factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, INFγ, TNFα), acquired immunity factors (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17), chemokines (IL-8, Groα, MCP1, MIP1β), growth factors (IL-5, IL-7, EGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, TGFβ2), and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM), in milk produced by healthy women of different ethnicities living in different geographic, dietary, socioeconomic, and environmental settings. Among the analyzed factors (IgA, IgG, IgM, EGF, TGFβ2, IL-7, IL-8, Groα, and MIP1β) were detected in all or most of the samples collected in each population and, therefore, this specific set of compounds might be considered as a universal core of soluble immune factors in milk produced by healthy women worldwide

Efectividad de la terapia acuática en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular: una revisión sistemática / Effectiveness of aquatic therapy in stroke patients: A systematic review

Antecedentes y objetivos: A pesar del avance científico existe una gran cantidad de pacientes con discapacidad tras sufrir un accidente cerebrovascular. Desde la fisioterapia y la terapia acuática se han llevado a cabo diferentes investigaciones. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar de forma sistemática la efectividad de la terapia acuática en el tratamiento del paciente con accidente cerebrovascular. Métodos: Se llevaron a cabo búsquedas en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus y Web Of Science sobre terapia acuática y su efectividad. Se seleccionaron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados sin limitación en el tiempo y publicados en inglés o español. Se evaluó la calidad de los artículos seleccionados con la escala Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Resultados: Trece ensayos clínicos aleatorizados cumplieron los criterios de selección. Se incluyeron un total de 336 participantes, de los cuales un 64% habían sufrido un incidente isquémico. Ciento noventa y siete participantes se encontraban en fase crónica. Las intervenciones se llevaron a cabo en una piscina terapéutica en 11 de los estudios y en una piscina de natación en 2. Se evaluaron los efectos de las intervenciones sobre: equilibrio, marcha, función cardiorrespiratoria, fuerza muscular, función muscular, tono muscular, funcionalidad y calidad de vida. Conclusión: La terapia acuática es efectiva en el tratamiento de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular en todas las variables analizadas

Background and objectives: Despite scientific advances there are a great number of patients with disability after suffering stroke. Previous studies have investigated the effects of physiotherapy and aquatic therapy. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in the treatment of stroke patients. Methods: The searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and the topic was aquatic therapy and its effectiveness on stroke patients. Randomised controlled trials were selected without limitation over time, and published in English or Spanish. The quality of the selected articles was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Results: A total of 13 randomised controlled trials met the selection criteria. A total of 336 participants were included, of whom 64% had suffered an ischaemic event, with 197 participants in the chronic phase. The interventions were carried out in therapeutic pool in 11 of the studies, with 2 using swimming pool. The effects of interventions were assessed on: balance, gait, cardiorespiratory function, muscle strength, muscle function, muscle tone, functionality, and an evaluation of the quality of life. Conclusion: Aquatic therapy is effective in the treatment of stroke patients in all the variables analysed

Relación entre el perfil clínico y la tensión neural en personas con dolor cervical crónico / Relationship between clinical profile and neural tension in people with chronic neck pain

Introducción y objetivos: El dolor cervical crónico (DCC) confluye con una gran variedad de signos y síntomas, tales como la tensión neural y las alteraciones conductuales. Este estudio pretende evaluar la relación entre la tensión neural y el perfil clínico de los pacientes con DCC. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional de corte transversal. Se incluyeron 25 pacientes con DCC y 25 personas sin dolor. Se evaluó el perfil clínico incluyendo las variables físicas (dolor, discapacidad), y las variables psicológicas y/o comportamentales (ansiedad, depresión, calidad de vida, miedo al movimiento y conductas de miedo-evitación). La tensión neural se midió a través de pruebas de neurodinamia. Resultados: Los sujetos con DCC presentaron una alteración significativa de la tensión neural, en comparación con las personas sin dolor. Se halló una correlación significativa entre los test de neurodinamia y las conductas y creencias sobre el dolor, así como su interferencia en la vida diaria. Adicionalmente se mostró una relación significativa entre las creencias y actitudes sobre el dolor y la intensidad e interferencia del mismo, la discapacidad y el estado de salud percibido. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con DCC muestran peores resultados que el grupo sin dolor en los test de neurodinamia del miembro superior. La neurodinamia se relaciona con las variables psicológicas y comportamentales medidas

Introduction and objectives: Chronic neck pain includes a wide variety of signs and symptoms, such as neural tension and behavioural changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between neural tension and the clinical profile of patients with chronic neck pain. Materials and methods: We carried out a cross-sectional observational study. We included 25 patients with chronic neck pain and 25 without pain. The clinical profile was evaluated including physical variables (pain, disability), and psychological and / or behavioural variables (anxiety, depression, quality of life, fear of movement and fear-avoidance behaviours). Neural tension was measured through neurodynamic tests. Results: The subjects with chronic neck pain had worse neural tension results compared with the controls. A significant correlation was found between the neurodynamic tests and the psychological and behavioural variables. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between beliefs and attitudes about pain and daily life interference, disability and perceived health status. Conclusions: The patients with chronic neck pain had worse results than the painless group in the upper limb neurodynamic tests. Neurodynamics related to the psychological and behavioural variables

Efectos del kinesiotape en el equilibrio y la marcha en mayores inactivos / The effects of kinesio tape on balance and gait of inactive older adults

Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la aplicación de un vendaje neuromuscular de kinesiotape (KT) de manera inmediata y a las 48h en miembros inferiores en personas mayores inactivas. Método: Estudio cuasiexperimental. Un total de 23 personas mayores inactivas (un 69,6% mujeres; un 34,4% hombres) formaron parte de este estudio con una edad media de 72,74 ± 6,67 años y con un índice de masa corporal de 27,08 ± 3,85 kg/m2. Las variables fueron equilibrio estático, equilibrio dinámico y calidad de la marcha. Las evaluaciones se llevaron a cabo en 3 fases: 1) previa a la colocación del KT, 2) tras la colocación inmediata del KT, 3) después de 48h. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias entre la evaluación previa a la colocación del KT y la evaluación inmediata a la colocación del KT en: 6 Minutos Marcha (p = 0,011), Levántate y anda (p = 0,004), Mini-Best test (p = 0,024); y diferencias entre la evaluación previa a la colocación del KT y la evaluación a las 48 h fueron encontradas en las pruebas: 6 Minutos Marcha (p = 0,046), Levántate y anda (p < 0,001), Mini-Best test (p = 0,001). Conclusión: Se demuestra que la aplicación del KT inmediatamente mejora el equilibrio estático, el equilibrio dinámico y la calidad de la marcha. Además, el KT mejora el equilibrio a las 48 h de haber sido colocado cuando se compara con los valores iniciales. Uno de los hallazgos clínicos más relevantes es que el equilibrio mejora y se mantiene durante 48 h tras su aplicación en personas mayores de la comunidad

Aim: To investigate the effects of applying a neuromuscular kinesiotape(TM) (KT) immediately, and at 48 hours in the lower limbs of inactive older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on a total of 23 inactive older adults (69.6% females and 34.4% males), with a mean age of 72.74 ± 6.67 years and body mass index of 27.08 ± 3.85 Kg/m2. The outcomes were standing balance, dynamic balance, and quality of walking. The evaluations were carried out in 3 stages: 1) before applying the KT, 2) immediately after applying the KT, 3), after 48 hours. Results: The differences between before applying the KT and immediately after applying the KT, were found in the Six Minutes Walking Test (P = .011), Time Up and Go Test (P = .004), Mini-Best test (P=.024), with differences also being found between before applying the KT and 48h after applying it, in the Six Minutes Walking Test (P = .046), Time Up and Go Test (P < .001), and Mini-Best test (P < .001). Conclusion: It has been shown demonstrated that the applying of KT immediately, increases static balance, dynamic balance, and quality of walking. Moreover, the KT improved balance after it had been applied for 48 h when compared with the pre-test. One of the most clinically important findings is that balance improvements were retained during 48 h in elderly people living in the community

Modulatory effect of three probiotic strains on infants' gut microbial composition and immunological parameters on a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised study.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal health. Current use of probiotics is aimed at modulating the bacterial gut composition to alleviate specific diseases. The safety and tolerance of three probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis R0033, Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071) has recently been described. The objective of the present study was to analyse the microbiological composition and immunological parameters of faecal samples obtained from healthy infants from 3 to 12 months of age after receiving either one of the three probiotic strains or placebo for 8 weeks. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and multiplexing technology was used for analysis. Faecal sample analysis showed that the most abundant genus in all four groups of infants pre- and post-intervention was Bifidobacterium, representing approximately 50% of the sequences. After the intervention period the microbial composition of faecal samples in the probiotic groups did not display notable changes. In contrast, a decrease in different Bifidobacterium species, such as B. bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve and an increase in Bacteroides, Blautia, Clostridium, Coprococcus and Faecalibacterium genera was observed in the placebo group. The analysis of a wide range of immune factors in faecal samples suggests a modulatory effect by these three probiotic strains during the intervention period. The anti-inflammatory ratio interleukin (IL)-10/IL-12 increased at the end of the intervention period in the B. infantis R0033 group while the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio increased in the L. helveticus R0052 group. The decrease of the IL-10/IL-12 ratio together with the increase of the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/IL-10 ratio demonstrated a pro-inflammatory profile in the placebo group. In conclusion, the species profile of the microbiome observed in all three probiotic groups resembled that of a younger infant, similar to an unweaned infant, when compared to the placebo group which may also be related with an anti-inflammatory effect.

Adsorption equilibrium of nitrogen dioxide in porous materials.

The effect of confinement on the equilibrium reactive system containing nitrogen dioxide and dinitrogen tetroxide is studied by molecular simulation and the reactive Monte Carlo (RxMC) approach. The bulk-phase reaction was successfully reproduced and five all-silica zeolites (i.e. FAU, FER, MFI, MOR, and TON) with different topologies were selected to study their adoption behavior. Dinitrogen tetroxide showed a stronger affinity than nitrogen dioxide in all the zeolites due to size effects, but exclusive adsorption sites in MOR allowed the adsorption of nitrogen dioxide with no competition at these sites. From the study of the adsorption isotherms and isobars of the reacting mixture, confinement enhanced the formation of dimers over the full range of pressure and temperature, finding the largest deviations from bulk fractions at low temperature and high pressure. The channel size and shape of the zeolite have a noticeable influence on the dinitrogen tetroxide formation, being more important in MFI, closely followed by TON and MOR, and finally FER and FAU. Preferential adsorption sites in MOR lead to an unusually strong selective adsorption towards nitrogen dioxide, demonstrating that the topological structure has a crucial influence on the composition of the mixture and must be carefully considered in systems containing nitrogen dioxide.

Capacidades físicas y motoras de miembro superior y su relación con la independencia funcional en parálisis cerebral infantil / Physical and motor skills of upper limb and its relation with functional independence in childhood cerebral palsy

Objetivo: Analizar las capacidades físicas de miembro superior y su relación con el nivel funcional en parálisis cerebral infantil (PCI). Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo. Los participantes fueron niños diagnosticados de PCI escolarizados en colegios de educación especial. Las capacidades física y motora fueron evaluadas mediante la destreza manual, fuerza y rango de movimiento activo. Resultados: La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 31 niños con PCI escolarizados. Se dividieron en 2 grupos según el nivel funcional de los miembros superiores mediante la escala MACS. El grupo de menor afectación (n=18) englobaba los valores I y II de la MACS, mientras que el grupo de mayor afectación recogió los valores III, IV y V (n=13). Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre grupos en las variables GMFCS (p = 0,009), capacidad de movilidad evaluada con el PEDI (p = 0,016), en la destreza manual de la mano dominante evaluada con Nine Hole Peg Test (p=0,004), fuerza de la pinza de la mano no dominante (p=0,042), rango de movimiento activo de la articulación de la muñeca de ambas manos, postura al escribir y total de números escritos. Conclusiones: Los niños con PCI presentan una afectación de las capacidades motoras y funcionales. La afectación de la fuerza de la pinza digital, la destreza y la movilidad activa de la muñeca mostraron gran repercusión en la ejecución de las actividades de la vida diaria. Estrategias terapéuticas centradas en estas habilidades pueden resultar en mejores tasas de independencia funcional

Objective: to analyse upper limb physical and motor skills of and their relation with functional independence in childhood cerebral palsy. Material and methods: Descriptive survey. Participants were children diagnosed with childhood cerebral palsy (CCP) enrolled in special education schools. Physical and motor skills were evaluated through manual dexterity, strength and active range of motion. Results: The final sample consisted of 31 children with CCP. They were divided in two groups according to the functional level of the upper limbs using MACS scale. The less affected group (n=18) encompassed the MACS's values I and II, while the group most affected collected values III, IV and V (n=13). Significant differences were found between groups in the variables GMFCS (P=.009), assessed mobility capacity using PEDI (P =.016) in the manual dexterity of the dominant hand assessed Nine Hole Peg Test (P=.004), clamp force of the non-dominant hand (P=.042), active range of motion of the wrist joint in both hands, typing position and total numbers written. Conclusions: Children with CCP show a motor and functional skills’ affectation. The strength of the digital clamp's affectation, the dexterity and the wrist's active mobility showed great impact on the implementation of the Activities of Daily Living. Therapeutic strategies focusing on these skills can result in best rates of functional independence

Safety and tolerance of three probiotic strains in healthy infants: a multi-centre randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Some strains of species belonging to the genera Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are used in order to maintain health. Although these organisms have a long record of safe use, it is important to assess their safety and tolerance in potentially vulnerable populations, such as infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerance of three probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis R0033, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 and Lactobacillus helveticus R0052) in healthy infants aged 3 to 12 months. A multi-centre randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention study with 221 healthy full-term infants was conducted. Infants received either a placebo or one of the 3 probiotic strains (3×109 cfu) daily during an 8 week intervention period. Growth (weight, height and head circumference), adverse events (AEs)/serious adverse events (SAEs), concentrations of D-lactic acid in urine samples, characteristics of the stools and use of medication were collected for safety evaluation. All 4 groups were homogeneous with respect to age, gender, feeding type, ethnicity, height, weight and head circumference at the start of the study. The results showed that changes in growth (weight, height and head circumference) were equivalent in all 4 groups. No SAEs were reported. Total number of AEs recorded was equivalent in all groups. Thus, the use of B. infantis R0033, L. helveticus R0052 and B. bifidum R0071 in infancy is safe, and well tolerated.

Modificaciones musculoesqueléticas en mujeres embarazadas con dolor lumbopélvico / Postural modifications in the last trimester of pregnancy: Comparison between women with and without lumbopelvic pain

Objetivo: Evaluar la postura en el plano sagital, el equilibrio dinámico y la estabilidad lumbopélvica en mujeres embarazadas sobre la base de la presencia o ausencia de dolor lumbopélvico durante el último trimestre de embarazo. Material y método: Estudio observacional en el que se completó un seguimiento de 6 semanas en mujeres embarazadas durante el tercer trimestre de gestación. Se incluyó a 26 mujeres embarazadas (14 con dolor lumbopélvico y 12 sin dolor lumbopélvico; edad 34,36 ± 3,13 y 32,70 ± 3,50 años, respectivamente). La valoración postural en el plano sagital se realizó con el dispositivo Spinal Mouse®, el equilibrio dinámico con el test mini-Balance Evaluation Systems y la estabilidad lumbopélvica con el test Active Straight Leg Raising. Resultados: El grupo de mujeres con dolor lumbopélvico mostró mayores valores de inclinación del sacro (p = 0,036) y menor equilibrio dinámico (p = 0,049) a las 6 semanas de seguimiento. Adicionalmente, el grupo con dolor mostró menor estabilidad lumbopélvica en la valoración inicial y a las 6 semanas (p<0,05) respecto al grupo de embarazadas sin dolor. Conclusión: Las mujeres con dolor lumbopélvico presentan una mayor inclinación del sacro y una menor puntuación en equilibrio dinámico. Asimismo, su estabilidad lumbopélvica se encuentra significativamente disminuida en comparación con mujeres sin dolor lumbopélvico en el tercer trimestre del embarazo

Objective: To evaluate posture in the sagittal plane, dynamic balance and lumbopelvic stability in pregnant women depending on the presence or absence of lumbopelvic pain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Material and method: Observational study with a 6-week follow-up in pregnant women during the third trimester of pregnancy. We included 26 pregnant women (14 with lumbopelvic pain and 12 without lumbopelvic pain; age 34.36 ± 3.13 and 32.70 ± 3.50 years, respectively). The postural evaluation in the sagittal plane was carried out with the Spinal Mouse®, dynamic balance was evaluated with the mini-Balance Evaluation Systems test and the Active Straight Leg Raising test was used to evaluate lumbopelvic stability. Results: The group of women with lumbopelvic pain showed higher values of inclination of the sacrum (P = .036) and less dynamic balance (P = .049) at 6 weeks of follow-up. In addition, the group with lumbopelvic pain showed lower lumbopelvic stability in the evaluation at baseline and at 6 weeks (P < .05) compared with the group of pregnant women without lumbopelvic pain. Conclusion: Women with lumbopelvic pain have a greater inclination of the sacrum and a lower score in dynamic balance. Additionally, lumbopelvic stability is significantly decreased compared with women without lumbopelvic pain in the third trimester of pregnancy

Results of a Pilates exercise program in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a Pilates exercise program on disability, pain, lumbar mobility, flexibility and balance in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 54 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly allocated to an experimental group ( n=27) included in a Pilates exercise program or to a control group ( n=27) receiving information in a form of a leaflet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index), current, average and pain at it least and at its worst (Visual Analogue Scales), lumbar mobility (modified Shober test), flexibility (finger-to-floor test) and balance (single limb stance test) were measured at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: A between-group analysis showed significant differences in the intervention group compared to the control group for both disability scores, the Rolland-Morris questionnaire (mean change±standard deviation of 5.31±3.37 and 2.40±6.78 respectively and between-groups mean difference of 3.2 ± 4.12, p=0.003) and the Oswestry Disability Index ( p<0.001), current pain ( p=0.002) and pain at it least ( p=0.033), flexibility (0.032) and balance (0.043). CONCLUSIONS: An 8-week Pilates exercise program is effective in improving disability, pain, flexibility and balance in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Effects of manual therapy on treatment duration and motor development in infants with severe nonsynostotic plagiocephaly: a randomised controlled pilot study.

PURPOSE: Despite growing evidence regarding nonsynostotic plagiocephaly and their repercussions on motor development, there is little evidence to support the use of manual therapy as an adjuvant option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a therapeutic approach based on manual therapy as an adjuvant option on treatment duration and motor development in infants with severe nonsynostotic plagiocephaly. METHODS: This is a randomised controlled pilot study. The study was conducted at a university hospital. Forty-six infants with severe nonsynostotic plagiocephaly (types 4-5 of the Argenta scale) referred to the Early Care and Monitoring Unit were randomly allocated to a control group receiving standard treatment (repositioning and an orthotic helmet) or to an experimental group treated with manual therapy added to standard treatment. Infants were discharged when the correction of the asymmetry was optimal taken into account the previous clinical characteristics. The outcome measures were treatment duration and motor development assessed with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) at baseline and at discharge. RESULTS: Asymmetry after the treatment was minimal (type 0 or 1 according to the Argenta scale) in both groups. A comparative analysis showed that treatment duration was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in the experimental group (109.84 ± 14.45 days) compared to the control group (148.65 ± 11.53 days). The motor behaviour was normal (scores above the 16th percentile of the AIMS) in all the infants after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Manual therapy added to standard treatment reduces the treatment duration in infants with severe nonsynostotic plagiocephaly.

Milk and blood biomarkers associated to the clinical efficacy of a probiotic for the treatment of infectious mastitis.

Previous studies have shown the efficacy of oral administration of selected lactobacilli strains to treat mastitis. The objective of this study was to find microbiological, biochemical and/or immunological biomarkers of the probiotic effect. Women with (n=23) and without (n=8) symptoms of mastitis received three daily doses (10(9) cfu) of Lactobacillus salivarius PS2 for 21 days. Samples of milk, blood and urine were collected before and after the probiotic intervention, and screened for a wide spectrum of microbiological, biochemical and immunological parameters. In the mastitis group, L. salivarius PS2 intake led to a reduction in milk bacterial counts, milk and blood leukocyte counts and interleukin (IL)-8 level in milk, an increase in those of immunoglobulin (Ig)E, IgG3, epidermal growth factor and IL-7, a modification of the milk electrolyte profile, and a reduction of some oxidative stress biomarkers. Such biomarkers will be useful in future clinical studies involving a larger cohort.

Zeolites for the selective adsorption of sulfur hexafluoride.

Molecular simulations have been used to investigate at the molecular level the suitability of zeolites with different topology on the adsorption, diffusion and separation of a nitrogen-sulfur hexafluoride mixture containing the latter at low concentration. This mixture represents the best alternative for the sulfur hexafluoride in industry since it reduces the use of this powerful greenhouse gas. A variety of zeolites are tested with the aim to identify the best structure for the recycling of sulfur hexafluoride in order to avoid its emission to the atmosphere and to overcome the experimental difficulties of its handling. Even though all zeolites show preferential adsorption of sulfur hexafluoride, we identified local structural features that reduce the affinity for sulfur hexafluoride in zeolites such as MOR and EON, providing exclusive adsorption sites for nitrogen. Structures such as ASV and FER were initially considered as good candidates based on their adsorption features. However, they were further discarded based on their diffusion properties. Regarding operation conditions for separation, the range of pressure that spans from 3 × 10(2) to 3 × 10(3) kPa was identified as the optimal to obtain the highest adsorption loading and the largest SF6/N2 selectivity. Based on these findings, zeolites BEC, ITR, IWW, and SFG were selected as the most promising materials for this particular separation.

Valoración del dolor crónico de hombro en población mayor: un enfoque biopsicosocial / Assessment of chronic shoulder pain in the elderly population: A biopsychosocial approach

Introducción. La prevalencia de dolor crónico de hombro entre la población mayor es muy alta. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron establecer el perfil clínico del paciente con dolor crónico de hombro incorporando un enfoque biopsicosocial a la valoración del paciente y examinar la interacción entre discapacidad y variables físicas y psicológicas. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo en el que se incluyeron 70 personas mayores de 60 años que acudieron al Servicio de Rehabilitación del Hospital por presentar dolor crónico inespecífico de hombro con duración de los síntomas superior a 3 meses, sin comorbilidades motoras asociadas a la extremidad superior. Un fisioterapeuta valoró las variables físicas referentes al rango de movimiento, la dinamometría, la algometría y la intensidad del dolor. Los participantes completaron un cuestionario de creencias de evitación por temor, kinesiofobia y de percepción de discapacidad. La interacción entre estas variables se estableció mediante un análisis correlacional. Resultados. Se encontró una correlación negativa significativa (p < 0,05) entre las variables físicas y en los aspectos psicológicos relativos al cuestionario de evitación por temor y la escala de kinesiofobia. Una correlación significativa (p < 0,001) se encontró entre discapacidad y las variables físicas y psicológicas. Conclusión. Nuestros resultados apoyan la existencia de una relación entre discapacidad y variables físicas y psicológicas en el dolor crónico de hombro. Estos hallazgos refuerzan la idea de que una aproximación biopsicosocial es necesaria para adecuar la terapéutica al paciente (AU)

Introduction. The prevalence of chronic shoulder pain within the elderly population is very high. This study has aimed to establish the clinical profile of patients with chronic shoulder pain, incorporating a biopsychosocial approach for the assessment and to study the relationship between disability and physical and psychological variables. Material and methods. A descriptive survey in which 76 participants aged over 60 years old who came to rehabilitation in the hospital with non-specific chronic shoulder pain without motor comorbidities associated to the upper limbs and with a duration of more than 3 months was performed. A physical therapist assessed the physical variables regarding range of motion, dynamometry, algometry, and pain intensity. The participants also filled out a questionnaire on fear-avoidance beliefs, kinesiophobia, and perception of disability. A correlation analysis was conducted to determine the interaction between these variables. Results. A significant negative significant (P < .05) correlation was found between the physical variables and psychological aspects regarding the fear avoidance questionnaire and the Kinesiophobia scale. There was a significant correlation (P < .001) between disability and physical and psychological variables. Conclusion. Our results support the existence of a strong association between disability and psychological and physical variables in chronic shoulder pain. These findings reinforce the idea that a biopsychosocial approach is necessary to adapt the therapy to the patient (AU)

Zeolite screening for the separation of gas mixtures containing SO2, CO2 and CO.

We used a combination of experiments and molecular simulations to investigate at the molecular level the effects of zeolite structure on the adsorption and diffusion of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide as well as separation processes of their mixtures. Our study involved different zeolite topologies and revealed numerous structure-property trends depending on the temperature and pressure conditions. Sulfur dioxide, which has the strongest interactions with zeolites due to its size and polarity, showed the largest adsorption across investigated temperatures and pressures. Our results indicate that structures with channel-type pore topology and low pore volume are the most promising for selective adsorption of sulfur dioxide over carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide under room conditions, while structures with higher pore volume exhibit better storage capacity at higher pressure. Our results emphasize the need for considering both adsorption and diffusion processes in the selection of the optimal structure for a given separation process. Our findings help to identify the best materials for effective separation processes under realistic operating conditions.

The effects of a physiotherapy programme on patients with a pleural effusion: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a physiotherapy protocol on patients with pleural effusion. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 104 consecutive inpatients with a medical diagnosis of pleural effusion. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly allocated to a control group receiving standard treatment (medical treatment and drainage) or an intervention group treated with physiotherapy added to standard treatment. The physiotherapy programme included deep breathing exercises, mobilizations and incentive spirometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Spirometric predicted values and chest radiographs were measured before treatment and at discharge and the length of hospital stay was recorded. Assessors were blinded to the intervention. RESULTS: A comparative analysis showed a significant improvement of spirometric parameters in the intervention group; pre-to-post hospitalization predicted values showed significant changes in vital capacity (73.1 ± 12.6% to 72.13 ± 13.7 %, P<0.001 ), forced expiratory volume in first second (72.13 ± 13.7% to 78.98 ± 16.9%, P<0.001) and forced expiratory flow at 25-75 % (64.8 ± 35.1% to 76.78 ± 35.3%, P=0.198) compared to the control group that showed no significant changes across treatment. The radiographic findings showed better scores on the affected side of the thorax at discharge in the physiotherapy group. Length of hospital stay was also significantly (P=0.014) shorter in the intervention group (26.7 ± 8.8 days) compared to the control group (38.6 ± 10.7 days). CONCLUSIONS: A physiotherapy programme added to standard treatment improves the spirometric parameters and the radiological findings and reduces the hospital stay in patients with a pleural effusion.

The influence of body mass index on the functional prognosis of patients with hip fracture.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: To examine the contribution of patient body mass index to functional status, physical independence and emotional distress in various age groups (third and fourth age) of female hip-fracture patients. METHODS: A sample of 123 older females (>65 years) admitted in a major regional hospital with a diagnosis of hip fracture participated in this cross-sectional study. The outcome measures used in this study were body mass index (BMI), the Modified Barthel Index, the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire, the Tinetti Mobility Test and a survey collecting data from participants 24-72 h after admission. For our analysis, patients were divided into two groups according to their age: <80 years (third age) and >81 years (fourth age). In addition, three groups were made according to patients' body mass index <24 h prior to surgery: a normal weight group, an overweight group and an obese group. An ANCOVA was performed with age group as a between-subjects variable (third age, fourth age) and gender, educational level, marital status, type of fracture, type of surgery, presence of other fractures and BMI as covariates. RESULTS: Patients in the third-age group obtained significantly higher values in the Barthel Index (P = 0.040) and the Tinetti Mobility Test (P = 0.001) and lower values in the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (P = 0.035) compared to the fourth-age group. When BMI was considered, significance was maintained only in the Tinetti Mobility Test. CONCLUSIONS: The BMI could be a relevant mediator of the relationship between functional decline and the aging process in the transition between third to fourth age in females.