Production and performance evaluation of chitosan/collagen/honey nanofibrous membranes for wound dressing applications.

Persistent bacterial infections are the leading risk factor that complicates the healing of chronic wounds. In this work, we formulate mixtures of polyvinyl alcohol (P), chitosan (CH), collagen (C), and honey (H) to produce nanofibrous membranes with healing properties. The honey effect at concentrations of 0 % (PCH and PCHC), 5 % (PCHC-5H), 10 % (PCHC-10H), and 15 % (PCHC-15H) on the physicochemical, antibacterial, and biological properties of the developed nanofibers was investigated. Morphological analysis by SEM demonstrated that PCH and PCHC nanofibers had a uniform and homogeneous distribution on their surfaces. However, the increase in honey content increased the fiber diameter (118.11-420.10) and drastically reduced the porosity of the membranes (15.79-92.62 nm). The addition of honey reduces the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and the adsorption properties of the membranes. Mechanical tests revealed that nanofibers were more flexible and elastic when honey was added, specifically the PCHC-15H nanofibers with the lowest modulus of elasticity (15 MPa) and the highest elongation at break (220 %). Also, honey significantly improved the antibacterial efficiency of the nanofibers, mainly PCHC-15H nanofibers, which presented the best bacterial reduction rates against Staphylococcus aureus (59.84 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (47.27 %), Escherichia coli (65.07 %), and Listeria monocytogenes (49.58 %). In vitro tests with cell cultures suggest that nanofibers were not cytotoxic and exhibited excellent biocompatibility with human fibroblasts (HFb) and keratinocytes (HaCaT), since all treatments showed higher or similar cell viability as opposed to the cell control. Based on the findings, PVA-chitosan-collagen-honey nanofibrous membranes have promise as an antibacterial dressing substitute.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): Exploring a Superfood from Andean Indigenous Cultures with Potential to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Markers.

BACKGROUND: The pseudo-cereal quinoa has attracted worldwide attention in recent years, due to it being considered a functional food. This stress-tolerant crop has historically been used by Andean cultures as a staple food. Nowadays, the consumption of quinoa in high-income countries is increasing due to it being associated with numerous health benefits, namely related to cardiovascular health. OBJECTIVE: We have carried out an extensive review on quinoa, including its main uses, applications, and components (nutrients, antinutrients, and bioactives) and their relationship with biological activities and cardiovascular health. Key findings and Conclusions: Quinoa possesses numerous activities, including protection against cardiovascular, metabolic, and degenerative diseases, improvement of the immune system, reduction of symptoms associated with post-menopause, and promotion of muscle mass increase. Some of the quinoa's activities are due to its balanced amino acid profile, high fiber content, presence of phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, and B vitamins. A plethora of bioactives can also be found in quinoa, such as phytosterols, saponins, phenolics, bioactive peptides, and phytoecdysteroids. More research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of action involved in the biological/therapeutic action of some quinoa components, namely those related to the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers. The knowledge of factors that affect quinoa variability, such as processing conditions, is also of great importance for being able to obtain more benefits from this crop.

Effects of a 10-week running-retraining programme on the foot strike pattern of adolescents: A longitudinal intervention study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of ten weeks of different running-retraining programmes on rearfoot strike (RFS) prevalence in adolescents. RESEARCH QUESTION: it is possible to change foot strike pattern in adolescents? METHODS: A total of 180 children (45.3% girls), aged 13-16 years, participated in this intervention study. The children were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups (EGs) that each carried out a different retraining programme, based on running technique (n = 39), a 15% increased step frequency (SF) (n = 37) and barefoot training (n = 30), performed for three days each week. A control group (CG) (n = 43) did not perform any retraining. A 2D video-based analysis (240 Hz) was used to determine the RFS. RESULTS: At baseline, no significant differences in RFS prevalence were found between the EGs and the CG in either the left (χ2 = 2.048; p = 0.559) or the right foot (χ2 = 0.898; p = 0.825). In the post-test, no significant differences were found for the left foot (χ2 = 7.102; p = 0.069), but there were significant differences for the right foot (χ2 = 9.239; p = 0.025) were observed. In the re-test, no significant differences were found for either the left foot (χ2 = 2.665; p = 0.273) or the right foot (χ2 = 2.182; p = 0.325). In addition, no group displayed significant changes in RFS prevalence from the pre-test to the re-test. There was a trend towards a reduction in the RFS prevalence in both the increased SF group and the barefoot group. MEANING: The main finding of this study was that certain running-retraining programmes performed three times per week for ten weeks are not enough to modify the adolescent foot strike pattern (FSP).

Reference Values of Static Balance in Spanish Preschool Children.

The purpose of this study was to examine age and sex differences in static balance (SB) and to determine norm-referenced values for Spanish preschool children. A total of 3,575 children, aged 3-6 years (age = 56.08 ± 11.11 months; body mass index = 15.94 ± 1.91 kg/m2; 1,759 girls and 1,816 boys) were selected from 51 schools in southern Spain. To measure SB, we used the Stork Balance Stand Test, averaging both right and left foot data for determining SB normative values, expressed in percentiles. Girls exhibited a better performance than boys at four years of age ( p = .010, Cohen's d = -0.165), but a poorer performance at six years ( p = .002, Cohen's d = 0.247). SB performance of the entire sample was higher with increased age, except for 5-6 years.

Reference values for running sprint field tests in preschool children: A population-based study.

The purpose of this study was to determine reference values in the 20m sprint test for Spanish preschool children and to examine the influence of age, sex and anthropometrics characteristics in sprint performance. A cross-sectional study was used. A total of 3076 children, aged 3 to 6 years, participated in this study (1539 girls and 1537 boys). To measure running speed, the 20m sprint test was used. In the analysis of reliability, using test-retest with 89 children (48% boys), the following descriptive results were obtained (mean, SD): at pretest=5.72±0.98s, at retest=5.71±0.87s (p=0.819), and an intraclass correlation coefficient=0.929 (95% confidence interval 0.891-0.954). Boys are faster than girls at 3 to 5 years old, but no significant differences were found at 6 years old. In relation to age, the sprint time was shorter as kids got older. This study provides reference values for running speed assessment through a 20m sprint test carried out on a large sample of Spanish preschoolers.

Reference Values of Standing Long Jump in Preschool Children: A Population-Based Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine age and sex differences in standing long jump (SLJ) and to determine norm-referenced values for Spanish preschool children. METHOD: A total of 3555 children, aged 3-6 years, participated in this study (1746 girls and 1809 boys). To measure explosive leg power, the SLJ was used. RESULTS: In the analysis of reliability using test-retest with 86 children (48% boys, age = 56.22 ± 10.34 months), the following descriptive results were obtained (mean, SD): at pretest = 76.53 ± 20.20 cm, at retest = 74.56 ± 21.12 cm (p = .124), and an intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.913 (95% confidence interval = 0.866-0.943). Boys exhibited a greater performance than girls at 3- to 5-years old, but no significant differences were found at 6 years old. In whole group, the SLJ performance was higher with increased age. However, no significant differences were found between boys aged 5 and 6 years. CONCLUSION: This study provides references values for muscle strength assessment through SLJ test carried out on a large sample of Spanish preschoolers.

Prácticas de alimentación, actividad física y condición física de niños preescolares españoles: Influencia de variables sociodemográficas / Feeding practices, physical activity, and fitness in Spanish preschoolers: Influence of sociodemographic outcome measures

Introducción. La edad preescolar es un período esencial para establecer hábitos de nutrición y actividad física adecuados. Objetivo. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar el estado nutricional, el nivel de actividad física (AF) y la condición física (CF) de niños preescolares en relación con el sexo y con las variables sociodemográficas de los padres. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron niños preescolares seleccionados de 30 centros escolares del sur de España. Se registraron parámetros de CF, AF, antropometría, estado nutricional de los niños y variables sociodemográficas de los padres. Resultados. Participaron 1287 niños de entre 3 y 6 años, 643 niños y 644 niñas, y 1267 padres (el 72,4% eran madres y el 27,6%, padres). Las niñas presentaron niveles más bajos de sobrepeso y obesidad que los niños. Existieron diferencias significativas por sexos en el consumo de determinados alimentos: mayor consumo de lácteos en el desayuno y aceite de oliva en niñas y mayor consumo de comidas rápidas y pastas o arroz enlos varones. Los varones presentaron una mejor CF. Los niños del estrato socioeconómico más bajo mostraron mayor índice de masa corporal, peor estado nutricional y más bajo nivel de AF. Los niños de padres con estudios universitarios presentaron menor índice de masa corporal y mejor estado nutricional. Conclusiones. Los niños preescolares de este estudio presentaron valores elevados de sobrepeso y obesidad y bajo nivel de AF, teniendo en cuenta las referencias internacionales. Las niñas mostraron una CF inferior a la de los varones. Los niños cuyos padres presentaron un nivel socioeconómico bajo y sin estudios mostraron un nivel nutricional precario.

Introduction. Preschool age is critical for the development of adequate eating and physical activity habits. Objective. The purpose of this study was to analyze the nutritional status, physical activity (PA) and fitness levels in preschool children in relation to gender and parental sociodemographic outcome measures. Material and methods. Preschool children selected from 30 school facilities in Southern Spain were included. Children's PA and fitness parameters, anthropometry, and nutritional status, and parental sociodemographic outcome measures were recorded. Results. A total of 1287 children aged between 3 and 6 years old (643 boys and 644 girls) participated in the study, together with 1267 parents (72.4%: mothers, 27.6%: fathers). Girls had a lower overweight and obesity rate than boys. Significant differences were observed by gender in the consumption of certain food: girls ate more dairy products at breakfast and olive oil, whereas boys ate more fast food and pasta or rice. Boys had a better fitness level. Children from a lower socioeconomic level had a higher body mass index, a worse nutritional status, and a lower PA level. Children whose parents had completed university education had a lower body mass index and a better nutritional status. Conclusions. Preschoolers had a high overweight and obesity rate, and a low PA level, compared to international references. The fitness level of girls was lower than that observed in boys. Children whose parents had a low socioeconomic level and no education had a poor nutritional status.

Feeding practices, physical activity, and fitness in Spanish preschoolers: influence of sociodemographic outcome measures. / Prácticas de alimentación, actividad física y condición física de niños preescolares españole: influencia de variables sociodemográficas.

INTRODUCTION: Preschool age is critical for the development of adequate eating and physical activity habits. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the nutritional status, physical activity (PA) and fitness levels in preschool children in relation to gender and parental sociodemographic outcome measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Preschool children selected from 30 school facilities in Southern Spain were included. Children's PA and fitness parameters, anthropometry, and nutritional status, and parental sociodemographic outcome measures were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1287 children aged between 3 and 6 years old (643 boys and 644 girls) participated in the study, together with 1267 parents (72.4%: mothers, 27.6%: fathers). Girls had a lower overweight and obesity rate than boys. Significant differences were observed by gender in the consumption of certain food: girls ate more dairy products at breakfast and olive oil, whereas boys ate more fast food and pasta or rice. Boys had a better fitness level. Children from a lower socioeconomic level had a higher body mass index, a worse nutritional status, and a lower PA level. Children whose parents had completed university education had a lower body mass index and a better nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: Preschoolers had a high overweight and obesity rate, and a low PA level, compared to international references. The fitness level of girls was lower than that observed in boys. Children whose parents had a low socioeconomic level and no education had a poor nutritional status.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La edad preescolar es un período esencial para establecer hábitos de nutrición y actividad física adecuados. OBJETIVO: El propósito de este estudio fue analizar el estado nutricional, el nivel de actividad física (AF) y la condición física (CF) de niños preescolares en relación con el sexo y con las variables sociodemográficas de los padres. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron niños preescolares seleccionados de 30 centros escolares del sur de España. Se registraron parámetros de CF, AF, antropometría, estado nutricional de los niños y variables sociodemográficas de los padres. RESULTADOS: Participaron 1287 niños de entre 3 y 6 años, 643 niños y 644 niñas, y 1267 padres (el 72,4% eran madres y el 27,6%, padres). Las niñas presentaron niveles más bajos de sobrepeso y obesidad que los niños. Existieron diferencias significativas por sexos en el consumo de determinados alimentos: mayor consumo de lácteos en el desayuno y aceite de oliva en niñas y mayor consumo de comidas rápidas y pastas o arroz enlos varones. Los varones presentaron una mejor CF. Los niños del estrato socioeconómico más bajo mostraron mayor índice de masa corporal, peor estado nutricional y más bajo nivel de AF. Los niños de padres con estudios universitarios presentaron menor índice de masa corporal y mejor estado nutricional. CONCLUSIONES: Los niños preescolares de este estudio presentaron valores elevados de sobrepeso y obesidad y bajo nivel de AF, teniendo en cuenta las referencias internacionales. Las niñas mostraron una CF inferior a la de los varones. Los niños cuyos padres presentaron un nivel socioeconómico bajo y sin estudios mostraron un nivel nutricional precario.

Intellectual maturity and physical fitness in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: There is an important connection between body growth, physical fitness and cognition. The association between physical fitness and cognitive function has been investigated in some studies, but little is known about the relationship between physical and motor performance and intellectual maturity in preschool children. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the association between intellectual maturity and physical and motor fitness in preschool children. METHODS: A total of 1012 children aged 3-6 years participated voluntarily. A fitness test battery and the Goodenough-Harris drawing test (GHDT) were used. RESULTS: Boys did better in the standing broad jump and 20 m sprint (P < 0.001), and girls had a better crude GHDT score (P = 0.001). With regard to age group, there were significant differences (P < 0.01) between all groups in all fitness test variables and GHDT. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between crude GHDT score and the fitness test variables. CONCLUSIONS: From an early age, physical-motor performance and intellectual maturity are linked. Fitness condition is able to predict intellectual maturity. Increasing the amount of time devoted to physical education can promote cognitive benefits in preschool children.

TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY OF A FIELD-BASED PHYSICAL FITNESS ASSESSMENT FOR CHILDREN AGED 3-6 YEARS.

OBJECTIVE: the present study aims to determine the test-retest reliability of the Fitness Test Battery in children aged 3-6 years. METHODS: a total of 553 children voluntarily participated in the current study; all children were aged 3 to 6 years. Demographic characteristics reveal that 274 children were male (age: 4.63 ± 0.94 years old, Body max index [BMI] = 16.30 ± 2.07 kg/m2), and 279 were female (age 4.70 ± 0.97 years old, BMI = 16.28 ± 2.09 kg/m2), and they were selected from 8 schools in southern Spain. All selected tests for the Fitness Test Battery, except the 10 x 20 metres (m) test that was designed ad hoc for this study, have been used in previous studies and are focused on testing basic components of physical condition and motor development such as endurance, strength, speed, reaction time and balance (10 x 20 m, Standing Broad Jump, 20 m running speed, Ruler drop test and Balance). RESULTS: the results obtained in this study indicate that the Fitness Test Battery has obtained adequate reliability parameters, and is able to discriminate with age among the different tests in healthy children between 3 and 6 years old. The tests used were safe, easy to perform, very acceptable and understandable by children. CONCLUSION: the Fitness Test Battery is a valid, reliable and easy to assess the physical fitness of pre-schoolers children.

Objetivo: el presente estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la fiabilidad test-retest de una batería de evaluación de la condición física en niños de 3-6 años. Método: un total de 553 niños participaron voluntariamente en el estudio; todos los niños tenían entre 3 a 6 años. Las características demográficas revelan que 274 eran niños (edad: 4.63 ± 0.94 años, índice de masa corporal [IMC]= 16.30 ± 2.07 kg/m2), y 279 eran niñas (edad 4.70 ± 0.97 años, IMC = 16.28 ± 2.09 kg/m2), que fueron seleccionados de entre 8 escuelas en el sur de España. Todas las pruebas incluidas en la batería, con excepción de la prueba de 10 x 20 metros (m), que fue diseñada ad hoc para este estudio, se han utilizado en estudios anteriores y se centraron en los componentes básicos de la condición físico-motora, como la resistencia, la fuerza, la velocidad, el tiempo de reacción y el equilibrio. Resultados: los resultados obtenidos en este estudio indican que la batería de condición física para preescolares ha obtenido parámetros de fiabilidad test-retest adecuados y es capaz de discriminar según la edad entre las diferentes pruebas en niños sanos de 3 a 6 años. Conclusión: la batería de condición física para preescolares diseñada en este estudio es un instrumento válido, fiable y fácil de emplear para evaluar la condición física de los niños en edad preescolar. Las pruebas utilizadas eran seguras, fáciles de realizar, muy aceptables y comprensibles para los niños.

Test-retest reliability of a field-based physical fitness assessment for children aged 3-6 years / Fiabilidad test-retest de una batería de evaluación de la condición físicomotora en niños de 3 a 6 años

Objective: the present study aims to determine the test-retest reliability of the Fitness Test Battery in children aged 3-6 years. Methods: a total of 553 children voluntarily participated in the current study; all children were aged 3 to 6 years. Demographic characteristics reveal that 274 children were male (age: 4.63 ± 0.94 years old, Body max index [BMI] = 16.30 ± 2.07 kg/m2 ), and 279 were female (age 4.70 ± 0.97 years old, BMI = 16.28 ± 2.09 kg/m2 ), and they were selected from 8 schools in southern Spain. All selected tests for the Fitness Test Battery, except the 10 x 20 metres (m) test that was designed ad hoc for this study, have been used in previous studies and are focused on testing basic components of physical condition and motor development such as endurance, strength, speed, reaction time and balance (10 x 20 m, Standing Broad Jump, 20 m running speed, Ruler drop test and Balance). Results: the results obtained in this study indicate that the Fitness Test Battery has obtained adequate reliability parameters, and is able to discriminate with age among the different tests in healthy children between 3 and 6 years old. The tests used were safe, easy to perform, very acceptable and understandable by children. Conclusion: the Fitness Test Battery is a valid, reliable and easy to assess the physical fitness of pre-schoolers children (AU)

Objetivo: el presente estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la fiabilidad test-retest de una batería de evaluación de la condición física en niños de 3-6 años. Método: un total de 553 niños participaron voluntariamente en el estudio; todos los niños tenían entre 3 a 6 años. Las características demográficas revelan que 274 eran niños (edad: 4.63 ± 0.94 años, índice de masa corporal [IMC]= 16.30 ± 2.07 kg/m2), y 279 eran niñas (edad 4.70 ± 0.97 años, IMC = 16.28 ± 2.09 kg/m2), que fueron seleccionados de entre 8 escuelas en el sur de España. Todas las pruebas incluidas en la batería, con excepción de la prueba de 10 x 20 metros (m), que fue diseñada ad hoc para este estudio, se han utilizado en estudios anteriores y se centraron en los componentes básicos de la condición físico-motora, como la resistencia, la fuerza, la velocidad, el tiempo de reacción y el equilibrio. Resultados: los resultados obtenidos en este estudio indican que la batería de condición física para preescolares ha obtenido parámetros de fiabilidad test-retest adecuados y es capaz de discriminar según la edad entre las diferentes pruebas en niños sanos de 3 a 6 años. Conclusión: la batería de condición física para preescolares diseñada en este estudio es un instrumento válido, fiable y fácil de emplear para evaluar la condición física de los niños en edad preescolar. Las pruebas utilizadas eran seguras, fáciles de realizar, muy aceptables y comprensibles para los niños (AU)