Interspecific evolutionary relationships of alpha-glucuronidase in the genus Aspergillus.

The increased availability and production of lignocellulosic agroindustrial wastes has originated proposals for their use as raw material to obtain biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) or derived products. However, for biomass generated from lignocellulosic residues to be successfully degraded, in most cases it requires a physical (thermal), chemical, or enzymatic pretreatment before the application of microbial or enzymatic fermentation technologies (biocatalysis). In the context of enzymatic technologies, fungi have demonstrated to produce enzymes capable of degrading polysaccharides like cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectin. Because of this ability for degrading lignocellulosic material, researchers are making efforts to isolate and identify fungal enzymes that could have a better activity for the degradation of plant cell walls and agroindustrial biomass. We performed an in silico analysis of alpha-glucoronidase in 82 accessions of the genus Aspergillus. The constructed dendrograms of amino acid sequences defined the formation of 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V, and VI), which demonstrates the high diversity of the enzyme. Despite this ample divergence between enzyme groups, our 3D structure modeling showed both conservation and differences in amino acid residues participating in enzyme-substrate binding, which indicates the possibility that some enzymes are functionally specialized for the specific degradation of a substrate depending on the genetics of each species in the genus and the condition of the habitat where they evolved. The identification of alpha-glucuronidase isoenzymes would allow future use of genetic engineering and biocatalysis technologies aimed at specific production of the enzyme for its use in biotransformation.

A Short-Term Resistance Training Circuit Improved Antioxidants in Sedentary Adults with Down Syndrome.

Previous studies have found aerobic training improved oxidative damage in people with Down syndrome (DS). However, there is a lack of information regarding the influence of resistance training on redox imbalance in this population. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine the effect of resistance training (RT) on antioxidant defence system in sedentary adults with DS. Thirty-six male adults with DS were recruited through different community support groups. Eighteen were randomly assigned to perform a circuit RT program with 6 stations, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), reduced glutathione (GHS), ascorbate, serum α-tocopherol, and erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity were assessed. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl groups (CG) were assessed as markers of oxidative damage. Muscle strength was also measured. Dynamic torque of knee extensors and flexors as well as maximal handgrip strength was significantly improved after the completion of the training program. Plasma levels of TAS and erythrocyte glutathione reductase (GR) activity were significantly increased. Conversely, MDA and CG levels were significantly reduced. It was concluded RT improved antioxidant defence system and reduced oxidative damage in adults with DS. Further, long-term studies are required to determine whether the increased antioxidant system may improve clinical outcomes of adults with DS.

Electrophysiological effects of slim straight intracochlear electrode position.

OBJECTIVE: The electrical current distribution of a cochlear implant electrode within the cochlea is essential for post-operative hearing performance. The slim straight electrode is designed to enable the placement of contacts in a lateral or medial direction to the modiolus. The electrophysiological effect of this different contact direction is so far unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of intracochlear laterally or medially directed electrode contacts on electrophysiological behaviour. METHOD: A slim straight electrode was inserted into the cochleae of five patients, and the neural response threshold was measured in a laterally and medially directed contact position. The cochleae in five temporal bone specimens were de-capped allowing an insertional observation of the contact position (lateral versus medial) of the electrode. RESULTS: There was no difference in neural response threshold between a lateral and a medial position of the contacts. Temporal bone study indicated no intracochlear torsion of the electrode. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that the intracochlear position of slim straight electrode contacts does not affect the neural response threshold.

Dynamic intracochlear pressure measurement during cochlear implant electrode insertion.

Background: Electrode insertion into the cochlea can cause significant pressure changes inside the cochlea with assumed effects on the cochlea's functionality regarding residual hearing. Model-based intracochlear pressure (ICP) changes were performed statically at the cochlear helix. Aims/objectives: The aim of this study was to observe dynamic pressure measurements during electrode insertion directly at the cochlear implant electrode. Material and methods: The experiments were performed in an uncurled cochlear model that contained a volume value equivalent to a full cochlea. A microfibre pressure sensor was attached at one of two positions on a cochlear implant electrode and inserted under different insertional conditions. Results: We observed the ICP increase depending on the insertional depth. A sensor-position-specific pressure change is insertional-depth dependent. Interval insertion did not lead to a lower peak insertional ICP. Conclusions and significance: In contrast to the static pressure-sensor measurement in the artificial model's helix, a dynamic measurement directly at the electrode shows the pressure profile to increase based on the insertional depth. A mechanical traumatic relevance of the observed pressure values cannot be fully excluded.

Residentes de medicina interna de quinto año en España: encuesta sobre educación, evaluación de competencias y perspectivas de empleo / Fifth-year internal medicine residents in Spain: a survey on education, assessment of competencies and job perspectives

Introducción: la formación de especialistas está basada en la adquisición gradual de conocimientos, habilidades y responsabilidades. El objetivo del estudio es conocer la opinión de los residentes sobre su formación. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal basado en una encuesta online realizada a los residentes de quinto año durante los meses de febrero y marzo de 2017. Resultados: respondieron la encuesta 194 residentes (62,8% del total); el 62,9% fueron mujeres y el 50% eran menores de 30años, con representación de hospitales de todos los niveles y de las 17 comunidades autónomas. Más del 80% volverían a elegir la especialidad y creen que la duración de la residencia es adecuada; sin embargo, el 76,3% eliminarían alguna de las rotaciones. La mayoría de los residentes desconocen los objetivos de cada rotación y un 37,1% no se han sentido adecuadamente supervisados. Un 82,5% cambiarían el sistema de evaluación y un 68,0% estarían a favor de realizar una prueba de excelencia. La mayoría de residentes han publicado al menos un artículo o realizado una comunicación en un congreso; sin embargo, solo el 27,8% están realizando una tesis doctoral. A pesar de que un 74,7% consideran que van a encontrar empleo, solo un 28,4% tienen una oferta a un mes de finalizar la residencia. Conclusiones: los residentes están satisfechos con la formación recibida, aunque sigue existiendo un déficit en la supervisión y un descontento tanto con la forma de evaluar sus conocimientos como con la precariedad laboral durante los primeros años de especialistas

Background: specialist training is based on the gradual acquisition of expertise, skills and responsibilities. The aim of this study is to determine the opinion of residents regarding their training. Material and methods: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study based on an online survey of 5th-year residents during February and March 2017. Results: a total of 194 residents (62.8% of the total) responded to the survey, 62.9% of whom were women and 50% of whom were younger than 30years, representing hospitals from all levels and from the 17 autonomous communities. More than 80% of the residents choose the specialty once again and believed that the duration of the residence was appropriate; however, 76.3% would eliminate some of their rotations. Most of the residents did not know the objectives of each rotation, and 37.1% felt they were not adequately supervised. Some 82.5% would change the evaluation system, and 68.0% would favour performing an excellence test. Most of the residents had published at least one article or performed one presentation at a congress; however, only 27.8% had completed a doctoral thesis. Although 74.7% of the internists believed they would find employment, only 28.4% had an offer 1month after completing their residence. Conclusions: the residents are satisfied with their training, although there is still a deficit in supervision and dissatisfaction with the method of assessing their knowledge and the precarious job market during the first year for specialists

Conociendo a los tutores de Medicina Interna: nuevas necesidades para la formación / Getting to know internal medicine mentors: new training requirements

Introducción y objetivos: los tutores son los responsables de planificar el aprendizaje de los residentes. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la situación de los tutores de Medicina Interna en España y detectar áreas de mejora que puedan facilitar su trabajo. Material y métodos: encuestas online a tutores de Medicina Interna de mayo a julio de 2017 con análisis posterior de los datos. Resultados: respondieron 110 tutores, de 13 comunidades autónomas y hospitales de todos los niveles con docencia en Medicina Interna. Sesenta y tres fueron hombres (57,3%), la media de edad fue de 48 años y tenían una experiencia como tutores de 8,5 años. En el 88,2% de los casos se respeta la ratio de cinco residentes por tutor; un 46% piensa que debería disminuirse esta ratio para optimizar su labor. Un tercio había sido elegido por el responsable del servicio y el 30% nunca ha realizado cursos sobre formación. La entrevista tutor-residentes es utilizada por la mayoría de los tutores (96,4%) como herramienta de comunicación. En relación a las rotaciones, la cuarta parte no son planificadas por los tutores y, solo la mitad, contacta con los centros donde los residentes realizan las rotaciones externas. El 61% cree que no se realiza bien la evaluación de residentes, con muy escasa utilización de las nuevas herramientas de evaluación. Conclusiones: disminuir la ratio tutor/residente y la formación en técnicas de evaluación y desarrollo del aprendizaje podría mejorar la calidad de la tutorización

Introduction and objectives: mentors are responsible for planning the residents' learning. The aim of this study was to determine the situation of internal medicine mentors in Spain and detect areas of improvement that can facilitate their work. Material and methods: online surveys were sent to internal medicine mentors from May to July 2017, the results of which were subsequently analysed. Results: a total of 110 mentors from 13 autonomous communities and from hospitals of all levels with courses in internal medicine responded to the survey. Of these mentors, 63 were men (57.3%), and the mean age was 48 years. The mean experience as mentors was 8.5 years. Some 88.2% of the cases had a ratio of 5 residents to 1 mentor; 46% of the mentors believed this ratio should be decreased to optimize their work. A third of the mentors were chosen by the heads of the department, and 30% had not previously taken courses on training. The mentor-resident interview was used by most mentors (96.4%) as a communication tool. A quarter of the rotations were not planned by the mentors, and only half had contact with the centres where the residents performed the external rotations. Sixty-one percent of the mentors were of the opinion that resident assessments were not conducted properly, with very little use of the new assessment tools. Conclusions: reducing the mentor-resident ratio and adding training in assessment techniques and learning development could improve the quality of the mentoring

Fifth-year internal medicine residents in Spain: A survey on education, assessment of competencies and job perspectives. / Residentes de medicina interna de quinto año en España: encuesta sobre educación, evaluación de competencias y perspectivas de empleo.

BACKGROUND: Specialist training is based on the gradual acquisition of expertise, skills and responsibilities. The aim of this study is to determine the opinion of residents regarding their training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study based on an online survey of 5th-year residents during February and March 2017. RESULTS: A total of 194 residents (62.8% of the total) responded to the survey, 62.9% of whom were women and 50% of whom were younger than 30years, representing hospitals from all levels and from the 17 autonomous communities. More than 80% of the residents choose the specialty once again and believed that the duration of the residence was appropriate; however, 76.3% would eliminate some of their rotations. Most of the residents did not know the objectives of each rotation, and 37.1% felt they were not adequately supervised. Some 82.5% would change the evaluation system, and 68.0% would favour performing an excellence test. Most of the residents had published at least one article or performed one presentation at a congress; however, only 27.8% had completed a doctoral thesis. Although 74.7% of the internists believed they would find employment, only 28.4% had an offer 1month after completing their residence. CONCLUSIONS: The residents are satisfied with their training, although there is still a deficit in supervision and dissatisfaction with the method of assessing their knowledge and the precarious job market during the first year for specialists.

Getting to know internal medicine mentors: new training requirements. / Conociendo a los tutores de Medicina Interna: nuevas necesidades para la formación.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Mentors are responsible for planning the residents' learning. The aim of this study was to determine the situation of internal medicine mentors in Spain and detect areas of improvement that can facilitate their work. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Online surveys were sent to internal medicine mentors from May to July 2017, the results of which were subsequently analysed. RESULTS: A total of 110 mentors from 13 autonomous communities and from hospitals of all levels with courses in internal medicine responded to the survey. Of these mentors, 63 were men (57.3%), and the mean age was 48 years. The mean experience as mentors was 8.5 years. Some 88.2% of the cases had a ratio of 5 residents to 1 mentor; 46% of the mentors believed this ratio should be decreased to optimize their work. A third of the mentors were chosen by the heads of the department, and 30% had not previously taken courses on training. The mentor-resident interview was used by most mentors (96.4%) as a communication tool. A quarter of the rotations were not planned by the mentors, and only half had contact with the centres where the residents performed the external rotations. Sixty-one percent of the mentors were of the opinion that resident assessments were not conducted properly, with very little use of the new assessment tools. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the mentor-resident ratio and adding training in assessment techniques and learning development could improve the quality of the mentoring.

Coping strategies and anxiety in caregivers of palliative cancer patients.

The study purpose was to determine the relationship between coping strategies and anxiety in primary family caregivers of palliative cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out in a Pain and Palliative Care Unit in Spain. Data were collected through interviews from fifty primary family caregivers of palliative cancer patients. Main research variables were: (1) dependent variable: anxiety (subscale of anxiety from Goldberg's scale); (2) independent variable: coping (Brief COPE); (3) control variables: functional capacity and perceived burden. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression. Anxiety was present in the majority of caregivers surveyed (76%). Anxiety was related to the perception of perceived burden (ß = 0.42, P < 0.001), the emotion-focused coping (ß = -0.28, P = 0.01) and dysfunctional coping (ß = 0.41, P < 0.001), after adjusting for control variables. Thus, emotion-focused coping is negatively associated with anxiety, while dysfunctional coping is positively associated with anxiety. Problem-focused coping is not related to anxiety. Assessment of coping should be done in a systematic way in caregivers of palliative cancer patients.

Salivary testosterone and immunoglobulin A were increased by resistance training in adults with Down syndrome.

This study was designed to assess the influence of resistance training on salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels and hormone profile in sedentary adults with Down syndrome (DS). A total of 40 male adults with DS were recruited for the trial through different community support groups for people with intellectual disabilities. All participants had medical approval for participation in physical activity. Twenty-four adults were randomly assigned to perform resistance training in a circuit with six stations, 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Training intensity was based on functioning in the eight-repetition maximum (8RM) test for each exercise. The control group included 16 age-, gender-, and BMI-matched adults with DS. Salivary IgA, testosterone, and cortisol levels were measured by ELISA. Work task performance was assessed using the repetitive weighted-box-stacking test. Resistance training significantly increased salivary IgA concentration (P=0.0120; d=0.94) and testosterone levels (P=0.0088; d=1.57) in the exercising group. Furthermore, it also improved work task performance. No changes were seen in the controls who had not exercised. In conclusion, a short-term resistance training protocol improved mucosal immunity response as well as salivary testosterone levels in sedentary adults with DS.

Home-based treadmill training improved seminal quality in adults with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: This was the first study conducted to determine the influence of home-based treadmill training on seminal quality in adults with type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty sedentary adults with type 2 diabetes volunteered for the current study. Thirty were randomly allocated to the intervention group and performed a a 14-week, home-based, treadmill training program, 3 sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up (10-15min), 40min treadmill exercise at a work intensity of 55-70% of peak heart rate (increasing by 2.5% each two weeks) measured during a maximal treadmill test, and cooling-down (5-10min). The control group included 30, age and BMI matched adults with type 2 diabetes who did not take part in any training program. Seminal quality analysis included semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphologic features. Furthermore, total antioxidant status (TAS) as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity were assessed in seminal plasma. This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. RESULTS: The home-based treadmill training significantly increased sperm concentration as well as percentages of total sperm motility and normal spermatozoa. Furthermore, TAS and GPX activity were increased after the completion of the training program. No significant changes in any of the measured variables were found in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based treadmill training improved seminal quality in adults with type 2 diabetes. A secondary finding was that seminal antioxidant defense system was significantly increased after being exercised.

Ecuación predictora de masa grasa corporal en deportistas con lesión medular crónica: estudio piloto / Predictive equation of body fat percentage in athletes with chronic spinal cord injury: a pilot study

La determinación del porcentaje de masa grasa en pacientes con lesión medular crónica (LMC) resulta de interés por la alta morbimortalidad cardiovascular que presenta este grupo. En el caso de deportistas, además, permitiría optimizar su rendimiento deportivo. Por consiguiente, el presente estudio se planteó como primer objetivo comparar diferentes métodos de estudio del porcentaje de masa grasa de deportistas con LMC. Y como objetivo secundario, identificar alguna ecuación que permita predecir los niveles de masa grasa de manera más económica, sencilla, rápida y no invasiva. Se diseño un estudio observacional y transversal en el que participaron voluntariamente 8 deportistas varones con LMC a nivel o por debajo de T5 que compiten a nivel nacional. El porcentaje de masa grasa corporal de los participantes se determinó mediante tres metodologías: densitometría (DEXA), antropometría convencional (Ecuación de Siri) e impedancia bioeléctrica (BIA). Este protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética Institucional. El porcentaje de masa grasa presentado por jugadores de baloncesto en silla de ruedas tras someterse al método de referencia (DEXA) fue del 28,76±9,16%. El análisis de concordancia de Bland-Altman entre métodos sugiere que tanto la antropometría convencional como la BIA subestiman el porcentaje de masa grasa de deportistas con LMC. la ecuación de predicción obtenida fue: Masa Grasa (%)= 1,9197 (pliegue tríceps (mm)) + 6,5063. Tanto las técnicas antropométricas convencionales como la propia BIA subestiman la masa grasa en deportistas con LMC. Asimismo se ha identificado una ecuación de regresión para la predicción del porcentaje de masa grasa de bajo coste y aplicable en cualquier entorno.

The assessment of fat mass (FM) is of great interest for people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) given that morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease are greater and occur earlier in this group. Furthermore, it may play a key role improving physical performance in athletes with SCI. For the reasons already mentioned, the current study was designed to compare different methods for assessing FM in athletes with SCI. A secondary objective was to identify a predictive equation for FM in this group that is easily reproducible elsewhere. A total of 8 male athletes with complete SCI at or below the 5th thoracic level (T5) competing in a national league volunteered for this study. The percentage of FM was assessed by three different methods: conventional anthropometry (Siri equation), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and densitometry (DEXA). This research was conducted in full accordance with ethical principles, including the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki (version, 2002). Furthermore, the present protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. Mean percentage of FM assessed by DXA was 28.76±9.16%. Moreover, Bland-Altman plots suggested conventional anthropometry and BIA underestimated fat mass percentage in this group. Lastly, a predictive equation for fat mass was established as follows: FM (%)=1.9197 (triceps skinfold thickness (mm))+6.5063. It was concluded that both conventional anthropometry and BIA underestimated fat mass in athletes with chronic SCI. Furthermore, a predictive equation of fat mass was recommended for this group due to its low cost and wide availability in any clinical setting.

Exercise reduced inflammation: but for how long after training?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that obese people with trisomy 21 suffer from low-grade systemic inflammation. A recent study has found that aerobic training reduced inflammation in obese women with Down syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, the study reported in this paper is the first to determine for how long these effects were maintained after completion of the programme. METHODS: Twenty premenopausal obese women (18-30 years old) with Down syndrome volunteered for this study. Eleven were randomly assigned to the intervention group and performed a 10-week aerobic training programme, 3 sessions per week, consisting of warming-up followed by treadmill exercise (30-40 min) at a work intensity of 55-65% of peak heart rate and a cooling-down period. The control group included 9, age, sex and BMI matched women with Down syndrome that did not perform any training programme. Fat mass percentage and distribution were measured. Plasma level of IL-6 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were monitored. Time-course changes for these outcomes were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Further, they were re-evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months after completion of the programme. RESULTS: Three months after completion of the programme, plasma levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP were significantly increased. Up to 6 months later, both fat mass percentage and waist circumference (WC) were significantly increased. Furthermore, physical fitness was also impaired in the intervention group. No changes were observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: A 3-month detraining period significantly impaired chronic inflammation in obese women with DS.

Aerobic training improved low-grade inflammation in obese women with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major health problem in people with intellectual disabilities. It is also widely accepted that low-grade systemic inflammation associated to obesity plays a key role in the pathogenic mechanism of several disorders. Fortunately, physical activity has shown to improve inflammation in people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, we assessed the influence of aerobic training on pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in women with Down syndrome. METHODS: To achieve this outcome, 20 premenopausal obese young women with Down syndrome volunteered for this study. Eleven were randomly assigned to the intervention group and performed a 10-week aerobic training programme, three sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up then a 30- to 40-min treadmill exercise at a work intensity of 55-65% of peak heart rate followed by a cooling-down period. The control group included nine age-, sex- and body mass index-matched women with Down syndrome. Fat mass percentage and fat distribution were measured. Plasmatic levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and fibrinogen were assessed by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. C-reactive protein (CRP) was assessed by nephelometry. RESULTS: Plasmatic levels of TNF-α (11.7 ± 1.6 vs. 9.2 ± 1.3 pg/ml; P = 0.022), IL-6 (8.2 ± 1.1 vs. 6.1 ± 0.9 pg/ml; P = 0.014) and high sensitive CRP (0.62 ± 0.11 vs. 0.53 ± 0.09 mg/dl; P = 0.009) were significantly reduced in the intervention group. Further, significant correlations between plasmatic and anthropometric parameters were found. CONCLUSION: A 10-week training programme reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in obese young women with Down syndrome. Long-term, well-conducted studies are still required to determine whether correction of this low-grade inflammation improves clinical outcomes of women with trisomy 21.

Correlaciones entre marcadores de grasa abdominal obtenidos por densitometría y técnicas antropométricas convencionales en mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico / Correlations between markers of abdominal fat obtained by dxa and anthropometric conventional techniques in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome

El presente estudio pretende identificar correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre parámetros de masa grasa abdominal obtenidos por densitometría (DXA) y otros de tipo cineantropométrico (índices de distribución de masa grasa) y bioquímico (perfil lipídico) en mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico. Se diseño un estudio de cohortes histórico que incluyó a un total de 1326 mujeres post-menopausicas con edad > 45 años que se habían sometido rutinariamente a DXA para conocer su densidad mineral ósea entre Enero de 2006 y Enero de 2011. Se utilizó un DXA tipo Lunar DPX-L para determinar la masa grasa abdominal en las regiones de interés L1-L4 y L3-L4. Además del DXA, se obtuvo de cada participante la correspondiente anamnesis, bioquímica, tensión arterial e índices de distribución de masa grasa mediante técnicas antropométricas convencionales. Se utilizó la clasificación NCEP-ATP-III para el diagnóstico de síndrome metabólico. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética Institucional. La mayor fuerza de asociación se estableció entre el porcentaje de masa grasa L1-L4 obtenido por DXA y el perímetro de la cintura (r= 0,77; p= 0,0016) además de con colesterol-HDL (r= -0,58; p= 0,0290). Finalmente se concluye que el perímetro de la cintura y los niveles de colesterol-HDL podrían recomendarse como predictores del comportamiento de la masa grasa abdominal de regiones de interés L1-L4 y L3-L4 obtenidas por DXA en mujeres postmenopausicas con síndrome metabólico.

The current study was conducted to identify potential correlations between abdominal fat mass obtained by DXA and several parameters obtained by anthropometric conventional techniques as well as lipid profile in postmenopausal women with MS. This historical cohort study included a total of 1326 postmenopausal women aged > 45 years old who had routinely undergone DXA to measure their bone mineral density between January 2006 and January 2011. The regions of interest envisaged in our study by using DXA were the lumbar regions L1-L4 and L4-L5. At the same time, they underwent a complete medical examination including personal medical history assessment, biochemical blood analysis, blood pressure measurements and anthropometrical evaluation. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed attending to the criteria established by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NECP-ATP-III). This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. Several significant correlations were found between DXA and indices of body fat distribution as well as lipid profile. The strongest correlations were found between fat mass L1-L4 and waist circumference (r= 0.77; p= 0.0016) and levels of HDL-cholesterol (r= -0.58; p= 0.0290). It was concluded that waist circumference and HDL-cholesterol may be recommended to predict fat mass in regions of interest L1-L4 and L3-L4 in postmenopausal women with MS.

Aerobic training at moderate intensity reduced protein oxidation in adolescents with Down syndrome.

Individuals with Down syndrome have been generally described as having high levels of oxidative stress, which have been associated to an increased morbidity. Fortunately, recent studies have reported that aerobic training may upregulate antioxidant defence system both in general population and individuals with trisomy 21. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of aerobic training in reducing protein oxidation. To achieve this goal, 31 adolescents with Down syndrome performed a 12-week training program on a treadmill with 3 days/week, consisting of warm-up (15 min), main part (20-35 min) at a work intensity of 60-75% of peak heart rate (HR(max) =194.5-[0.56 age]) and cool-down (10 min). A control group included seven age-, sex- and BMI-matched adolescents with trisomy 21 that did not perform any training program. Plasma carbonyl content was determined by means of a slightly modified Levine method. Pre- and post-training carbonyl contents were 1.98 ± 0.2 [95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.94-2.02] nmol/mg protein and 1.16 ± 0.1 (95% CI: 1.14-1.18) nmol/mg protein, respectively. When compared with baseline values, it was decreased significantly (1.98 ± 0.2 vs 1.16 ± 0.1; P<0.001). It was concluded that 12-week exercise program significantly reduced protein oxidation in adolescents with Down syndrome. Further long-term follow-up studies are required to determine whether correction of this oxidant imbalance improves clinical outcomes of individuals with trisomy 21.

A 12-week aerobic training programme reduced plasmatic allantoin in adolescents with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of a 12-week training programme on plasmatic levels of allantoin, an in vivo marker for oxidative stress, in adolescents with Down syndrome. This finding would be of great interest, since oxidative damage has been proposed as a pathogenic mechanism of several pathologies in this population. MATERIALS: To reach this goal, 31 male adolescents with Down syndrome (16.3 (1.1) years; 155.2 (5.7) cm; 70.8 (4.5) kg) performed a 12-week training programme, three sessions per week, consisting of warm-up (15 min) followed by a main part (20-35 min (increasing 5 min each 3 weeks)) at a work intensity of 60-75% of peak heart rate (increasing by 5% each 3 weeks) and then a cool-down period (10 min). According to previous studies, it should be emphasised that the maximal heart rate for individuals with Down syndrome was predicted by the equation HRmax = 194.5-(0.56 age). The control group included seven age-, sex- and BMI-matched adolescents with trisomy 21 that did not perform any training programme. The levels uric acid and allantoin were assayed in plasma by HPLC. This protocol was approved by an institutional ethics committee. RESULTS: When compared with baseline, plasmatic levels of allantoin were decreased significantly (22.09 (1.62) vs 18.74 (1.38) micromol/l; p<0.001) after being exercised. Furthermore, the allantoin/uric acid ratio was decreased significantly (0.071 (0.006) vs 0.059 (0.004); p<0.05). On the contrary, no changes were reported in controls. CONCLUSION: A 12-week aerobic programme significantly reduced oxidative damage expressed in terms of plasmatic allantoin content in adolescents with Down syndrome. Further studies on this topic are required.