Manejo de un brote de COVID-19 en un despliegue / Covid-19 outbreak management in a deployed setting

Antecedentes y objetivos: la pandemia por COVID-19 ha afectado a todos los ámbitos de la sociedad, las misiones internacionales no son una excepción. Con este trabajo pretendemos compartir nuestra experiencia con un brote de COVID-19 en zona de operaciones (ZO). Material y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo del 23 de noviembre de 2021 al 22 de febrero de 2022. Las variables estudiadas fueron: sexo, edad, días desde la última dosis de vacuna, tipo de vacuna en primera y segunda dosis (Moderna, Pfizer o Astrazeneca), despliegue a zona de operaciones con una dosis o dos dosis, covid-19 previo a despliegue, covid-19 en despliegue, sintomatología (asintomático, anosmia, tos, fiebre, malestar general, cefalea, mucosidad) y voluntariedad para la vacunación en zona de operaciones. Resultados: un total de 188 (31,6% del contingente) resultaron positivos en el periodo estudiado, generando un total de 183 contactos estrechos. Del contingente, 23 (3,9%) fueron mujeres y 572 (96,1%) varones, con una media de edad de 32 años. El 64,4% fueron asintomáticos. Los síntomas presentados fueron: 10,9% anosmia, 35,9% tos, 9,4% mucosidad, 32,8% cefalea, 57,8% malestar general y 20,3% fiebre. Todos fueron casos leves. De los casos positivos, el 90% de los vacunados con una sola dosis fueron asintomáticos al diagnóstico versus un 64% de los vacunados con dos dosis (p = 0,01). Conclusiones: la experiencia con un brote de COVID-19 en zona de operaciones refleja la importancia de tomar medidas de prevención y control para el correcto desarrollo de la misión. Es fundamental el uso de mascarillas, así como intentar respetar la distancia social en las bases. El uso de test rápido de detección de antígeno como diagnóstico y cribado es una medida útil y asequible. Protocolos de cuarentena laxos permiten continuar con las operaciones sin aumentar en exceso el riesgo de infección. (AU)

Background and objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all areas of our society, and international missions are not an exception. With this study we intended to share our experience with an outbreak of COVID-19 in an area of operations. Material and methods: A prospective observational study was performed from 11/23/2021 - 02/22/2022. The variables studied were: sex, age, days since the last vaccine dose, type of vaccine in the first and second doses (Moderna, Pfizer or Astrazeneca), in-theatre deployment with one or two doses, covid-19 prior to deployment, covid-19 during deployment, symptomatology (asymptomatic, anosmia, cough, fever, malaise, headache, runny nose) and volunteering for vaccination in area of operations. Results: A total of 188 (32.1% of the contingent) were positive during the period studied, with 183 close contacts. Of the contingent, 23 (3.9%) were women and 572 (96.1%) men, with a mean age of 32 years. 64.4% were asymptomatic. The symptoms presented were: 10.9% anosmia, 35.9% cough, 9.4% runny nose, 32.8% headache, 57.8% malaise and 20.3% fever. They were all mild cases. Of the positive cases, 90% of those who were vaccinated with a single dose were asymptomatic at diagnosis versus 64% of those vaccinated with two doses (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Our experience with a COVID-19 outbreak during a mission reflects the importance of prevention and control measures for the correct development of the mission. Use of masks is essential, as well as trying to maintain social distancing in the bases. The use of rapid antigen test for diagnosis and screening is a useful and affordable tool. Lax quarantine protocols allow the correct development of the operations without an increase in the risk of infection. (AU)

[Physiotherapy applied to the upper extremity in 0 to 10-year-old children with obstetric brachial palsy: a systematic review]. / Fisioterapia aplicada en la extremidad superior a niños de 0 a 10 años con parálisis braquial obstétrica: revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Obstetric brachial palsy is involved with affected upper limb, resulting in permanent structural and function sequelae that limit the motion articular range and reduce independence in daily activities, as well as the children participation in their natural environment. AIM: To describe the physiotherapy treatments currently used to increase the affected upper limb functionality in children from 0 to 10 years diagnosed with obstetric brachial palsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A bibliographic search of published studies between 2009 and 2018 was carried out in the PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect and The Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, ten studies were obtained with favorable results for the affected upper limb functionality and bone mineralization density, regardless of the technique of choice used during the intervention. The used physiotherapy programs in the different studies such as Constraint Induced movement therapy, kinesiotape, electrotherapy, virtual reality and use of splints or orthotics were analyzed. CONCLUSION: All the described techniques suggest favorable results for the affected upper limb functionality in obstetric brachial palsy from 0 to 10 years.

TITLE: Fisioterapia aplicada en la extremidad superior a niños de 0 a 10 años con parálisis braquial obstétrica: revisión sistemática.Introducción. La parálisis braquial obstétrica cursa con afectación del miembro superior y da lugar a secuelas estructurales y de la función permanentes que limitan el rango articular de movimiento y reducen la independencia en las actividades cotidianas, así como la participación del niño dentro de su entorno natural. Objetivo. Describir los tratamientos de fisioterapia empleados en la actualidad para incrementar la funcionalidad de la extremidad superior afectada en niños de 0 a 10 años diagnosticados de parálisis braquial obstétrica. Pacientes y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de los trabajos publicados entre 2009 y 2018 en las bases de datos PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect y Cochrane Library. Resultados. Tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión/exclusión, se obtuvieron diez estudios con resultados favorables para la funcionalidad de la extremidad superior afectada y la densidad de mineralización ósea, independientemente de la técnica de elección utilizada durante la intervención. Se analizaron los programas de fisioterapia empleados en los diferentes estudios, como la terapia de movimiento inducido por restricción, el kinesiotape, la electroterapia, la realidad virtual y el uso de férulas u ortesis. Conclusión. Todas las técnicas descritas sugieren resultados favorables para la funcionalidad del miembro superior en niños de 0 a 10 años con parálisis braquial obstétrica.

Evaluation of lens absorbed dose with Cone Beam IGRT procedures.

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the absorbed dose to the eye lenses due to the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system used to accurately position the patient during head-and-neck image guided procedures. The on-board imaging (OBI) systems (v.1.5) of Clinac iX and TrueBeam (Varian) accelerators were used to evaluate the imparted dose to the eye lenses and some additional points of the head. All CBCT scans were acquired with the Standard-Dose Head protocol from Varian. Doses were measured using thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) placed in an anthropomorphic phantom. TLDs were calibrated at the beam quality used to reduce their energy dependence. Average dose to the lens due to the OBI systems of the Clinac iX and the TrueBeam were 0.71 ± 0.07 mGy/CBCT and 0.70 ± 0.08 mGy/CBCT, respectively. The extra absorbed dose received by the eye lenses due to one CBCT acquisition with the studied protocol is far below the 500 mGy threshold established by ICRP for cataract formation (ICRP 2011 Statement on Tissue Reactions). However, the incremental effect of several CBCT acquisitions during the whole treatment should be taken into account.

Commissioning and initial experience with a commercial software for in vivo volumetric dosimetry.

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: Dosimetry Check (DC) (Math Resolutions) is a commercial EPID-based dosimetry software, which allows performing pre-treatment and transit dosimetry. DC provides an independent verification of the treatment, being potentially of great interest due to the high benefits of the in vivo volumetric dosimetry, which guarantee the treatment delivery and anatomy constancy. The aim of this work is to study the differences in dose between DC and the Treatment Planning System (TPS) to establish an accuracy level of the system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DC v.3.8 was used along with Varian Clinac iX accelerator equipped with EPID aS1000 and Eclipse v.10.0 with AAA and Acuros XB calculation algorithms. The DC evaluated version is based on a pencil beam calculation algorithm. Various plans were generated over several homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms. Isocentre point doses and gamma analysis were evaluated. RESULTS: Total dose differences at the isocentre between DC and TPS for the studied plans are less than 2%, but single field contributions achieve greater values. In the presence of heterogeneities, the discrepancies can reach up to 15%. In transit mode, DC does not consider properly the couch attenuation, especially when there is an air gap between phantom and couch. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of this in vivo evaluation and the potentiality of this new system have a very positive impact on improving patient QA. But improvements are required in both calculation algorithm and integration with the record and verify system.

Estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes): normas para las pruebas Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (copia y memoria) y Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test / Spanish normative studies in young adults ( NEURONORMA young adults project): norms for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (copy and memory) and Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test

Introducción: El test Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) y el Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) son pruebas ampliamente utilizadas en la práctica clínica. El ROCF es de gran utilidad para la exploración de la percepción visual, la praxis constructiva y la memoria visuoespacial. El FCSRT evalúa aprendizaje y memoria verbal. Objetivo: En el presente estudio, que forma parte del proyecto de obtención de datos normativos españoles en adultos jóvenes (proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes), se aportan datos normativos ajustados por edad y escolaridad para ambos test mediante la aplicación de regresiones lineales. Material y métodos: Se incluyó a 179 participantes sanos de entre 18 y 49 años de edad. Se aportan tablas para convertir las puntuaciones brutas en escalares, así como tablas de ajuste por los factores sociodemográficos. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos muestran influencia de la escolaridad en diversas variables de memoria y en la copia de la figura. La edad únicamente afecta el rendimiento en memoria visuoespacial y el efecto del género es despreciable. Conclusiones: Las referencias obtenidas son de gran utilidad clínica para la evaluación neuropsicológica de población adulta joven española (AU)

Introduction: The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) and the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) are widely used in clinical practice. The ROCF assesses visual perception, constructional praxis, and visuo-spatial memory. The FCSRT assesses verbal learning and memory. Objective: In this study, as part of the Spanish normative studies project in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults), we present age- and education-adjusted normative data for both tests obtained by using linear regression techniques. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 179 healthy participants ranging in age from 18 to 49 years. We provide tables for converting raw scores to scaled scores in addition to tables with scores adjusted by socio-demographic factors. Results: The results showed that education affects scores for some of the memory tests and the figure-copying task. Age was only found to have an effect on the performance of visuo-spatial memory tests, and the effect of sex was negligible. Conclusions: The normative data obtained will be extremely useful in the clinical neuropsychological evaluation of young Spanish adults (AU)

Estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes): normas para las pruebas Visual Object and Space Perception Battery y Judgment of Line Orientation / Spanish normative studies in young adults ( NEURONORMA young adults project): norms for the Visual Object and Space Perception Battery and Judgment of Line Orientation tests

Introducción: La Visual Object and Space Perception Battery (VOSP) y el Judgment of LineOrientation (JLO) son pruebas utilizadas para explorar habilidades visuoperceptivas y visuoespaciales. Objetivo: En el presente estudio, como parte de los estudios normativos españoles del proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes, se presentan datos normativos para una versión abreviada de la VOSP y el JLO. Material y métodos: La muestra está formada por 179 participantes, cognitivamente normales, de entre 18 y 49 años de edad. Se aportan tablas para convertir las puntuaciones brutas en escalares y tablas con los ajustes pertinentes por escolaridad y género a partir de regresiones lineales. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos muestran la influencia de la escolaridad y el género únicamente en el JLO, y nulo efecto de la edad. Conclusiones: Las normas obtenidas aportan datos de gran utilidad clínica para la evaluación de población adulta joven española. (AU)

Introduction: The Visual Object and Space Perception Battery (VOSP) and Judgment of Line Orientation tests (JLO) are used in clinical practice to assess visuoperceptual and visuospatial abilities. Objective: In this study, as part of the Spanish normative studies project in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults), we present normative data for a short version of the VOSP test and for the JLO test. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 179 participants who are cognitively normal and range in age from 18 to 49 years. Tables are provided to convert raw scores to scaled scores. Education- and sex-adjusted scores were obtained by applying linear regression techniques. Results: Our results show that education and sex only affect scores on the JLO test, and that age has no effect. Conclusions: The normative data obtained will be extremely useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults (AU)

Estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes): normas para las pruebas Stroop Color-Word Interference Test y Tower of London-Drexel University / Spanish normative studies in young adults ( NEURONORMA young adults project): norms for Stroop Color-Word Interference and Tower of London-Drexel University tests

Introducción: El Stroop Color-Word Interference Test (Stroop) se utiliza para explorar la flexibilidad mental, la atención selectiva, la inhibición cognitiva y la velocidad de procesamiento de la información. El test Tower of London-Drexel University version (TOLDX) es útil para explorar la habilidad para resolver problemas y la planificación. Objetivo: En el presente estudio, como parte de los estudios normativos españoles del proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes, se presentan datos normativos para el Stroop y la TOLDX. Material y métodos: La muestra está formada por 179 participantes, cognitivamente normales, de entre 18 y 49 años de edad. Se aportan tablas para convertir las puntuaciones brutas en escalares. Se aplican regresiones lineales para calcular los ajustes por factores sociodemográficos. Resultados: Se observó un efecto nulo de la edad y el género en ambas pruebas. La escolaridad influyó en la mayoría de variables del Stroop y en algunas medidas de la TOLDX (movimientos totales y tiempo de latencia). Conclusiones: Los datos normativos obtenidos son de gran utilidad clínica para la evaluación de población adulta joven española (AU)

Introduction: The Stroop Color-Word Interference Test (Stroop) measures cognitive flexibility, elective attention, cognitive inhibition and information processing speed. The Tower of London-Drexel University version test (TOLDX) assesses higher-order problem solving and executive planning abilities. Objective: In this study, as part of the Spanish normative studies project in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults), we present normative data for the Stroop and young adults TOLDX tests. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 179 participants who are cognitively normal and range in age from 18 to 49 years. Tables are provided to convert raw scores to scaled scores.Scores adjusted for sociodemographic factors were obtained by applying linear regression techniques. Results: No effects were found for age and sex in either test. Educational level impacted most of the Stroop test variables and some of the TOLDX scores (Total Moves score and Total Initiation Time score). Conclusions: The norms obtained will be extremely useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults (AU)

Estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes): normas para los test de fluencia verbal / Spanish normative studies in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults project): norms for verbal fluency tests

Introducción: Los test de fluencia verbal se utilizan con frecuencia en la práctica clínica con el fin de explorar el lenguaje y las funciones ejecutivas. Objetivo: En el presente estudio, como parte de los estudios normativos españoles del proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes, se aportan datos normativos ajustados por edad y escolaridad para 3 tareas de fluencia semántica (animales, frutas y verduras, y utensilios de cocina), 3 tareas de fluencia formal (palabras que empiezan por P, M, y R), 3 tareas de fluencia de letra excluida (palabras que no contienen A, E, y S) y una tarea de fluencia de verbos. Material y métodos: La muestra está formada por 179 participantes, cognitivamente normales, de entre 18 y 49 años de edad. Se aportan tablas para convertir las puntuaciones brutas en escalares y tablas para realizar los ajustes pertinentes por edad y escolaridad a partir de regresiones lineales. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos muestran la influencia de la escolaridad para la mayoría de los test de fluencia verbal, escaso efecto de la edad y mínimo efecto del género. Conclusiones: Las normas obtenidas aportan datos de gran utilidad clínica para la evaluación de población adulta joven española(AU)

Introduction: Lexical fluency tests are frequently used in clinical practice to assess language and executive function. Objective: As part of the Spanish normative studies project in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults project), we provide age- and education-adjusted normative data for 3 semantic fluency tasks (animals, fruits and vegetables, and kitchen tools), three formal lexical fluency tasks (words beginning with P, M and R), three excluded-letter fluency tasks (words excluding A, E and S) and a verb fluency task. Material and methods: The sample consisted of 179 participants who are cognitively normal and range in age from 18 to 49 years. Tables are provided to convert raw scores to scaled scores. Age- and education-adjusted scores are provided by applying linear regression techniques. Results: The results show that education impacted most of the verbal fluency test scores, with no effects related to age and only minimal effects related to sex. Conclusions: The norms obtained will be extremely useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults(AU)

Spanish normative studies in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults project): norms for Stroop Color-Word Interference and Tower of London-Drexel University tests.

INTRODUCTION: The Stroop Color-Word Interference Test (Stroop) measures cognitive flexibility, selective attention, cognitive inhibition and information processing speed. The Tower of London-Drexel University version test (TOL) assesses higher-order problem solving and executive planning abilities. OBJECTIVE: In this study, as part of the Spanish normative studies project in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults), we present normative data for the Stroop and young adults TOL tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 179 participants who are cognitively normal and range in age from 18 to 49 years. Tables are provided to convert raw scores to scaled scores. Scores adjusted for sociodemographic factors were obtained by applying linear regression techniques. RESULTS: No effects were found for age and sex in either test. Educational level impacted most of the Stroop test variables and some of the TOL scores (Total Moves score and Total Initiation Time score). CONCLUSIONS: The norms obtained will be extremely useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults.

Spanish normative studies in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults project): norms for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (copy and memory) and Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test.

INTRODUCTION: The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) and the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) are widely used in clinical practice. The ROCF assesses visual perception, constructional praxis, and visuo-spatial memory. The FCSRT assesses verbal learning and memory. OBJECTIVE: In this study, as part of the Spanish normative studies project in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults), we present age- and education-adjusted normative data for both tests obtained by using linear regression techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 179 healthy participants ranging in age from 18 to 49 years. We provide tables for converting raw scores to scaled scores in addition to tables with scores adjusted by socio-demographic factors. RESULTS: The results showed that education affects scores for some of the memory tests and the figure-copying task. Age was only found to have an effect on the performance of visuo-spatial memory tests, and the effect of sex was negligible. CONCLUSIONS: The normative data obtained will be extremely useful in the clinical neuropsychological evaluation of young Spanish adults.

Spanish normative studies in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults project): norms for the Visual Object and Space Perception Battery and Judgment of Line Orientation tests.

INTRODUCTION: The Visual Object and Space Perception Battery (VOSP) and Judgment of Line Orientation tests (JLO) are used in clinical practice to assess visuoperceptual and visuospatial abilities. OBJECTIVE: In this study, as part of the Spanish normative studies project in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults), we present normative data for a short version of the VOSP test and for the JLO test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 179 participants who are cognitively normal and range in age from 18 to 49 years. Tables are provided to convert raw scores to scaled scores. Education- and sex-adjusted scores were obtained by applying linear regression techniques. RESULTS: Our results show that education and sex only affect scores on the JLO test, and that age has no effect. CONCLUSIONS: The normative data obtained will be extremely useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults.

Spanish normative studies in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults project): norms for verbal fluency tests.

INTRODUCTION: Lexical fluency tests are frequently used in clinical practice to assess language and executive function. OBJECTIVE: As part of the Spanish normative studies project in young adults (NEURONORMA young adults project), we provide age- and education-adjusted normative data for 3 semantic fluency tasks (animals, fruits and vegetables, and kitchen tools), three formal lexical fluency tasks (words beginning with P, M and R), three excluded-letter fluency tasks (words excluding A, E and S) and a verb fluency task. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 179 participants who are cognitively normal and range in age from 18 to 49 years. Tables are provided to convert raw scores to scaled scores. Age- and education-adjusted scores are provided by applying linear regression techniques. RESULTS: The results show that education impacted most of the verbal fluency test scores, with no effects related to age and only minimal effects related to sex. CONCLUSIONS: The norms obtained will be extremely useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults.

Estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (Proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes): normas para el Boston Naming Test y el Token Test / Spanish normative studies in a young adult population (NEURONORMA young adults Project): Norms for the Boston Naming Test and the Token Test

Introducción: El Boston Naming Test (BNT) y el Token Test (TT) son pruebas ampliamente utilizadas en la práctica clínica para explorar la denominación y la comprensión.Objetivo: En este artículo se presentan los datos normativos del BNT y el TT obtenidos en el proyecto normativo español NEURONORMA jóvenes. Material y métodos: La muestra está formada por 179 sujetos sanos de entre 18 y 49 años de edad. Se aportan tablas para convertir las puntuaciones brutas en escalares y tablas con los ajustes pertinentes por edad y escolaridad obtenidas a partir de regresiones lineales. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos muestran influencia de la escolaridad en ambos tests, pero un mínimo efecto de la edad y del género. Conclusiones: Las normas obtenidas aportan datos de gran utilidad clínica para la evaluación de población adulta joven esañola (AU)

Introduction: The Boston Naming Test (BNT) and the Token Test (TT) are frequently used in clinical practice to assess naming and comprehension. Objective: The aim of this paper is to present normative data for the BNT and for the TT as part of the NEURONORMA young adults Project. Material and methods: A total of 179 Spanish healthy subjects from 18 to 49 years old were evaluated. Tables to convert raw scores to scaled scores are provided. Age- and education- adjusted scores are obtained by applying linear regressions. Results:The results show an effect of education in both tests, and a minimal effect of age and sex.Conclusions: The normative data obtained will be useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults (AU)

Estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (Proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes): normas para las pruebas span verbal, span visuoespacial, Letter-Number Sequencing, Trail Making Test y Symbol Digit Modalities Test / Spanish normative studies in a young adult population (NEURONORMA young adults Project): norms for the verbal span, visuospatial span, Letter-Number Sequencing, Trail Making Test and Symbol Digit Modalities Test

Introducción: El período verbales y El visuoespacial, la prueba de El letras y números de secuenciación , El Trail Making Test y El Símbolo Modalidades dígitos Prueba hijo Pruebas ampliamente utilizadas en la Práctica Clínica párrafo explorar la Atención, Funciones Ejecutivas y las la Memoria. Objetivo: En El Presente Estudio, Como instancia de parte de los Estudios normativos Españoles Inglés de Proyecto NEURONORMA Jóvenes, SE aportan Datos normativos ajustados Por EDAD y escolaridad Para Los DIGITOS, Los Cubos de Corsi, La Carta Número de Secuencia , El Trail Making Test Y El Symbol Digit Modalidades Prueba . Material y Métodos:La Muestra està formada Por 179 Participantes y cognitivamente Normales, de Entre 18 y 49 Años de Edad. Se aportan tablas párrafo convertir las puntuaciones brutas en escalares y tablas Con los ajustes pertinentes y escolaridad Por EDAD à partir de UNA regresión lineal. Resultados: Se observación Influencia de la escolaridad en la Mayoría de los pruebas de Atención Social, asi Como Efecto de la EDAD En El lapso de visuoespacial y en la VELOCIDAD de visuomotora tracking. El Efecto del Género es Mínimo. Conclusiones: Las Normas obtenidas aportan Datos de Gran Utilidad Clínica Para La evaluation de Población Adulta Joven española (AU)

Introduction: Verbal and visuospatial span, Letter-Number Sequencing, Trail Making Test, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test are frequently used in clinical practice to assess attention, executive functions and memory. Objective:In the present study, as part of the Spanish normative studies of NEURONORMA young adults Project, normative data adjusted by age and education are provided for digits, Corsi Block-Tapping Task, Letter-Number Sequencing, Trail Making Test, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test.Material and methods: The sample consisted of 179 participants from 18 to 49 years old, who were cognitively normal. Tables to convert raw scores to scaled scores are provided. Age and education adjusted scores are provided by applying linear regressions.Results: Education affected scores in most of the attention tests; age was found to be related to the visuospatial span and to speed of visuomotor tracking, and there was no relationship as regards sex. Conclusions: The data obtained will be useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults

Estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (Proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes): métodos y características de la muestra / Spanish normative studies in a young adult population (NEURONORMA young adults Project): methods and characteristics of the sample

Introducción: En neuropsicología clínica es necesario disponer de datos normativos con el fin de relacionar el comportamiento de un sujeto con un grupo de referencia. Estos datos normativos deben extraerse de una población pertinente, teniendo en cuenta las características propias de cada cultura y el efecto de las variables sociodemográficas.Objetivo: Describir los métodos y las características de la muestra de una serie de estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (Proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes). Se incluyen tests neuropsicológicos de uso extendido para valorar atención, lenguaje, habilidades visuoperceptivas, habilidades visuoconstructivas, memoria, y funciones ejecutivas. Material y métodos: Se estudió una muestra de 179 sujetos cognitivamente normales, con un rango de edad de 18 a 49 años. Se recogieron datos demográficos, socioculturales y médicos. Se describe el procedimiento estadístico utilizado en el estudio normativo. Resultados:Se presentan los datos sociodemográficos, los antecedentes familiares, los hábitos de salud, los antecedentes médicos y el uso de fármacos. Conclusiones: El uso de estas normas será de gran utilidad para el diagnóstico neuropsicológico en sujetos españoles jóvenes, así como para la comparación con otros estudios normativos (AU)

Introduction: In clinical neuropsychology, normative data are necessary to relate the performance of a subject to a reference group. These normative data should be collected from a pertinent population taking into account sociodemographic and cultural factors. Objective: This paper describes the methods and sample characteristics of a series of Spanish normative studies on young adults (NEURONORMA young adults Project). The normative information was based on a series of selected, commonly used, neuropsychological tests covering attention, language, visual-perceptual abilities, constructional tasks, memory, and executive functions. Material and methods: A sample of 179 cognitively normal subjects from 18 to 49 years was studied. Demographics, socio-cultural, and medical data were collected. The statistical procedure used in the normative studies is described.Results: Sociodemographic, family background, health habits, medical history and use of drugs are presented. Conclusions: The use of these norms should improve neuropsychological diagnostic accuracy in young Spanish subjects. These data may also be of considerable use for comparisons with other normative studies (AU)

Spanish normative studies in a young adult population (NEURONORMA young adults Project): norms for the Boston Naming Test and the Token Test.

INTRODUCTION: The Boston Naming Test (BNT) and the Token Test (TT) are frequently used in clinical practice to assess naming and comprehension. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to present normative data for the BNT and for the TT as part of the NEURONORMA young adults Project. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 179 Spanish healthy subjects from 18 to 49 years old were evaluated. Tables to convert raw scores to scaled scores are provided. Age- and education- adjusted scores are obtained by applying linear regressions. RESULTS: The results show an effect of education in both tests, and a minimal effect of age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: The normative data obtained will be useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults.

[Spanish normative studies in a young adult population (NEURONORMA young adults Project): norms for the verbal span, visuospatial span, Letter-Number Sequencing, Trail Making Test and Symbol Digit Modalities Test]. / Estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (Proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes): normas para las pruebas span verbal, span visuoespacial, Letter-Number Sequencing, Trail Making Test y Symbol Digit Modalities Test.

INTRODUCTION: Verbal and visuospatial span, Letter-Number Sequencing, Trail Making Test, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test are frequently used in clinical practice to assess attention, executive functions and memory. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, as part of the Spanish normative studies of NEURONORMA young adults Project, normative data adjusted by age and education are provided for digits, Corsi Block-Tapping Task, Letter-Number Sequencing, Trail Making Test, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 179 participants from 18 to 49 years old, who were cognitively normal. Tables to convert raw scores to scaled scores are provided. Age and education adjusted scores are provided by applying linear regressions. RESULTS: Education affected scores in most of the attention tests; age was found to be related to the visuospatial span and to speed of visuomotor tracking, and there was no relationship as regards sex. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained will be useful in the clinical evaluation of young Spanish adults.

[Spanish normative studies in a young adult population (NEURONORMA young adults Project): methods and characteristics of the sample]. / Estudios normativos españoles en población adulta joven (Proyecto NEURONORMA jóvenes): métodos y características de la muestra.

INTRODUCTION: In clinical neuropsychology, normative data are necessary to relate the performance of a subject to a reference group. These normative data should be collected from a pertinent population taking into account sociodemographic and cultural factors. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the methods and sample characteristics of a series of Spanish normative studies on young adults (NEURONORMA young adults Project). The normative information was based on a series of selected, commonly used, neuropsychological tests covering attention, language, visual-perceptual abilities, constructional tasks, memory, and executive functions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 179 cognitively normal subjects from 18 to 49 years was studied. Demographics, socio-cultural, and medical data were collected. The statistical procedure used in the normative studies is described. RESULTS: Sociodemographic, family background, health habits, medical history and use of drugs are presented. CONCLUSIONS: The use of these norms should improve neuropsychological diagnostic accuracy in young Spanish subjects. These data may also be of considerable use for comparisons with other normative studies.

Comparison of urine toxic metals concentrations in athletes and in sedentary subjects living in the same area of Extremadura (Spain).

Cadmium (Cd), tungsten (W), tellurium (Te), beryllium (Be), and lead (Pb), are non-essential metals pervasive in the human environment. Studies on athletes during training periods compared to non-training control subjects, indicate increased loss of minerals through sweat and urine. The aim of this study was to compare the level of these trace elements, determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in urine samples, between athletes and age-matched sedentary subjects living in the same geographical area, although anthropometric and cardiovascular measurements showed that athletes have significantly (P ≤ 0.001) lower BMI, body fat and heart rate, whereas the muscle and bone percentage was significantly (P ≤ 0.001) higher than in sedentary subjects. The validity of the methodology was checked by the biological certified reference material. Trace element analysis concentrations, expressed in µg/mg creatinine, of five toxic elements in urine from athletes (n = 21) versus sedentary subjects, (n = 26) were as follows: Cd (0.123 ± 0.075 vs. 0.069 ± 0.041, P ≤ 0.05); W (0.082 ± 0.053 vs. < limit of detection); Te (0.244 ± 0.193 vs. 0.066 ± 0.045, P ≤ 0.001), Be (0.536 ± 0.244 vs. 0.066 ± 0.035, P ≤ 0.001); Pb (0.938 ± 0.664 vs. 2.162 ± 1.444 P ≤ 0.001). With the exception of Pb, urine toxic metal concentrations from athletes were higher than from sedentary subjects. This fact suggests that physical activity counteracts, at least in part, the cumulative effect of toxic environment by increasing the urine excretion of toxic metals in trained people.

Genistein effects on Ca2+ handling in human umbilical artery: inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release and of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels.

Isoflavones are a group of natural phytoestrogens including the compound genistein. Health beneficial effects have been attributed to the consumption of this compound, but the fact that it has estrogen-like activity has raised doubts regarding its potential risk in infants, newborns, or in the fetus and placenta during pregnancy. This work is aimed at studying genistein effects on Ca2+ handling by smooth muscle cells of the human umbilical artery (HUA). Using fluorometric techniques, we found that in these cells genistein reduces the intracellular Ca2+ peak produced by serotonin. The same result could be demonstrated in absence of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that the isoflavone reduces Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Force measurement experiments strengthen these results, since genistein reduced the peak force attained by intact HUA rings stimulated by serotonin in a Ca2+-free solution. Moreover, genistein induced the relaxation of HUA rings precontracted either with serotonin or a depolarizing high-extracellular K+ solution, hinting at a reduction of extracellular Ca2+ entry to the cell. This was confirmed by whole-cell patch-clamp experiments where it was shown that the isoflavone inhibits ionic currents through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels. In summary, we show that genistein inhibits two mechanisms that could increase intracellular Ca2+ in human umbilical smooth muscle cells, behaving in this way as a potential vasorelaxing substance of fetal vessels. Taking into account that genistein is able to cross the placental barrier, these data show that isoflavones may have important implications in the regulation of feto-maternal blood flow in pregnant women who consume soy-derived products as part of their meals.