Evaluation and comparison of selected methodologies to investigate occupational accidents.

BACKGROUND: The choice of the "right" methodology to carry out the occupational accident investigation process is not an easy task. Each methodology has different conceptual and practical characteristics. The choice will depend to a large extent on the conceptual accident model being used. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study has been to evaluate and compare a set of nine methodologies recognised as the most widely used in the field of occupational accident investigation. METHODS: For this purpose, six evaluation criteria are used which have already been applied and validated by the scientific community with a clear emphasis on the holistic nature of these methodologies. RESULTS: The results show a detailed analysis of the conceptual, methodological and practical characteristics of the nine selected occupational accident investigation methodologies. The conceptual framework of each of the methodologies, their holistic characteristics in terms of whether they cover the complete information cycle and its possible interrelation, reliability and validity of the methodologies, the experience required for their application, the flexibility in terms of being able to be used in different work environments and finally the ability of the methodology to motivate organisational improvement are presented. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, it is clear that the analysis of occupational accident investigation it is becoming increasingly necessary to employ scientific methodologies with a clear proactive approach in order to meet the challenges of changing socio-technical systems.

Caesalpinia palmeri: First Report on the Phenolic Compounds Profile, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Effect.

This study aimed to determine the phenolic compounds profile, antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity of extracts and fractions of Caesalpinia palmeri. Methanolic extracts were generated from C. palmeri berries, stems and flowers. The latter was subjected to liquid-liquid partition, obtaining hexane, ethyl acetate and residues fractions. Results showed that the flower extract and ethyl acetate fraction had a larger concentration of phenolic compounds (148.9 and 307.9 mg GAE/g, respectively), being ellagic acid (6233.57 and 19550.08 µg/g, respectively), quercetin-3-ß-glycoside (3023.85 and 8952.55 µg/g, respectively) and gallic acid (2212.98 and 8422.34 µg/g, respectively) the most abundant compounds. Flower extract and ethyl acetate fraction also presented the highest antioxidant capacity on all tested methods (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC and FRAP) and low cytotoxicity against ARPE-19 cells (IC50 >170 µg/mL). C. palmeri possessed high antioxidant potential, associated with the presence of phenolic compounds and low cytotoxicity, suggesting that they could represent an option to counter oxidative stress.

New method for antibiotic release from bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate): Redefining boundaries. / Nuevo método de liberación de antibióticos del cemento óseo (polimetilmetacrilato): redefiniendo los límites.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing antimicrobial resistance is promoting the addition of antibiotics with high antistaphylococcal activity to polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), for use in cement spacers in periprosthetic joint infection. Linezolid and levofloxacin have already been used in in-vitro studies, however, rifampicin has been shown to have a deleterious effect on the mechanical properties of PMMA, because it inhibits PMMA polymerization. The objective of our study was to isolate the rifampicin during the polymerization process using microencapsulation techniques, in order to obtain a PMMA suitable for manufacturing bone cement spacers. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Microcapsules of rifampicin were synthesized with alginate and PHBV, using Rifaldin®. The concentration levels of rifampicin were studied by UV-visible spectrophotometry. Compression, hardness and setting time tests were performed with CMW®1 cement samples alone, with non-encapsulated rifampicin and with alginate or PHBV microcapsules. RESULTS: The production yield, efficiency and microencapsulation yield were greater with alginate (P = .0001). The cement with microcapsules demonstrated greater resistance to compression than the cement with rifampicin (91.26±5.13, 91.35±6.29 and 74.04±3.57 MPa in alginate, PHBV and rifampicin, respectively) (P = .0001). The setting time reduced, and the hardness curve of the cement with alginate microcapsules was similar to that of the control. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Microencapsulation with alginate is an appropriate technique for introducing rifampicin into PMMA, preserving compression properties and setting time. This could allow intraoperative manufacturing of bone cement spacers that release rifampicin for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection.

Genome-wide identification, in silico characterization and expression analysis of ZIP-like genes from Trichomonas vaginalis in response to Zinc and Iron.

Trace elements such as Zinc and Iron are essential components of metalloproteins and serve as cofactors or structural elements for enzymes involved in several important biological processes in almost all organisms. Because either excess or insufficient levels of Zn and Fe can be harmful for the cells, the homeostatic levels of these trace minerals must be tightly regulated. The Zinc regulated transporter, Iron regulated transporter-like Proteins (ZIP) comprise a diverse family, with several paralogues in diverse organisms and are considered essential for the Zn and Fe uptake and homeostasis. Zn and Fe has been shown to regulate expression of proteins involved in metabolism and pathogenicity mechanisms in the protozoan pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis, in contrast high concentrations of these elements were also found to be toxic for T. vaginalis trophozoites. Nevertheless, Zn and Fe uptake and homeostasis mechanisms is not yet clear in this parasite. We performed a genome-wide analysis and localized the 8 members of the ZIP gene family in T. vaginalis (TvZIP1-8). The bioinformatic programs predicted that the TvZIP proteins are highly conserved and show similar properties to the reported in other ZIP orthologues. The expression patterns of TvZIP1, 3, 5 and 7 were diminished in presence of Zinc, while the rest of the TvZIP genes showed an unchanged profile in this condition. In addition, TvZIP2 and TvZIP4 showed a differential expression pattern in trophozoites growth under different Iron conditions. These results suggest that TvZIP genes encode membrane transporters that may be responsible for the Zn and Fe acquisition in T. vaginalis.

Tensor algebra-based geometric methodology to codify central chirality on organic molecules.

A novel mathematical procedure to codify chiral features of organic molecules in the QuBiLS-MIDAS framework is introduced. This procedure constitutes a generalization to that commonly used to date, where the values 1 and -1 (correction factor) are employed to weight the molecular vectors when each atom is labelled as R (rectus) or S (sinister) according to the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules. Therefore, values in the range [Formula: see text] with steps equal to 0.25 may be accounted for. The atoms labelled R or S can have negative and positive values assigned (e.g. -3 for an R atom and 1 for an S atom, or vice versa), opposed values (e.g. -3 for an R atom and 3 for an S atom, or vice versa), positive values (e.g. 3 for an R atom and 1 for an S atom) or negative values (e.g. -3 for an R atom and -1 for an S atom). These proposed Chiral QuBiLS-MIDAS 3D-MDs are real numbers, non-symmetric and reduced to 'classical' (non-chiral) QuBiLS-MIDAS 3D-MDs when symmetry is not codified (correction factor equal to zero). In this report, only the factors with opposed values were considered with the purpose of demonstrating the feasibility of this proposal. From QSAR modelling carried out on four chemical datasets (Cramer's steroids, fenoterol stereoisomer derivatives, N-alkylated 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidines, and perindoprilat stereoisomers), it was demonstrated that the use of several correction factors contributes to the building of models with greater robustness and predictive ability than those reported in the literature, as well as with respect to the models exclusively developed with QuBiLS-MIDAS 3D-MDs based on the factor 1 | -1. In conclusion, it can be stated that this novel strategy constitutes a suitable alternative to computed chirality-based descriptors, contributing to the development of good models to predict properties depending on symmetry.

Prevention, removal and inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms using selected monoterpenes of essential oils.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the antibiofilm potential of five essential oil (EO) components with cyclic (sabinene-SAB, carveol-C1, carvone-C2) and acyclic (citronellol-C3 and citronellal-C4) structures against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS AND RESULTS: The selected EO components prevented biofilm set-up, with C3 and C4 causing remarkable effects. When applied against pre-established biofilms, they promoted high biomass removal and inactivation of biofilm cells. Moreover, no viable E. coli biofilm cells were detected after exposure to SAB at 5 × MIC and 10 × MIC, and a significant viability decrease was observed for both bacteria with the other EO components. SAB, C3 and C4 caused the most prominent effects apparently due to their octanol-water partition coefficient (Po/w), the number of rotatable bonds (n-ROTB) and the free hydroxyl groups. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results demonstrated that the selected EO components, particularly SAB, C3 and C4 are of interest as new lead molecules to both prevent biofilm set-up and to control pre-established biofilms of E. coli and S. aureus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The tested EO components exhibited prominent antibiofilm properties against E. coli and S. aureus providing a novel and effective alternative/complementary approach to counteract chronic infections and the transmission of diseases in clinical settings.

LRP5/canonical Wnt signalling and healing of ischemic myocardium.

LRP5 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5) activates canonical Wnt signalling. LRP5 plays multiple roles including regulation of lipoprotein and cholesterol homeostasis as well as innate immunity cell function. However, it is not known whether LRP5 has a role in the myocardium. The aim of this study was to investigate LRP5 and Wnt signalling in myocardial remodelling after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Wnt protein levels were determined in a hypercholesterolemic porcine model of MI, in Lrp5 -/- C57Bl6 mice, in cultured cardiomyocytes and in human explanted hearts with previous MI episodes. 21 days post-MI, there was upregulation of LRP5 in the ischemic myocardium of hypercholesterolemic pigs as well as an upregulated expression of proteins of the Wnt pathway. We demonstrate via overexpression and silencing experiments that LRP5 induces Wnt pathway activation in isolated cardiomyocytes. Hypoxia and lipid-loading induced the expression of Wnt proteins, whereas this effect is blocked in LRP5-silenced cardiomyocytes. To characterize the function of the LRP5-Wnt axis upregulation in the heart, we induced MI in wild-type and Lrp5 -/- mice. Lrp5 -/- mice had significantly larger infarcts than Wt mice, indicating a protective role of LRP5 in injured myocardium. The LRP5 upregulation in post-MI hearts seen in pigs and mice was also evident in human hearts as dyslipidemic patients with previous episodes of ischemia have higher expression of LRP5 and Wnt-signalling genes than non-ischemic dilated hearts. We demonstrate an upregulation of LRP5 and the Wnt signalling pathway that it is a prosurvival healing response of cardiomyocytes upon injury.

LRP5 associates with specific subsets of macrophages: Molecular and functional effects.

Innate and acquired immunity is involved in the progression of atherosclerosis. The molecular mechanisms ruling monocyte to macrophage (Mø) differentiation are not yet fully understood. Different subtypes of plaque macrophages that have differentiated from monocytes recruited from circulating blood, have been characterized based on surface epitopes. We have recently shown that LRP5, a member of the LDL receptor superfamily supporting Wnt signalling, has an important role in monocyte to macrophage differentiation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the CD16- and CD16+ macrophage subsets found in human atherosclerotic plaques have a differential LRP5 expression/function and Wnt signalling potential. We show for the first time that LRP5 expression is significantly higher in human CD16+Mø derived from CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes than in CD16-Mø macrophages derived from CD14(+)CD16(-) monocytes. LRP5 is not found in human healthy vessel or arterial intimal thickening but is found in advanced human atherosclerotic lesions co-localizing only with the CD16+Mø macrophage subset. LRP5 expressing macrophages infiltrate the deep layers of atherosclerotic plaques towards the intima-media boundaries showing increased migratory activity and higher phagocytic activity. The equivalent for human patrolling CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes in mice, CD115(+)GR1(low) monocytes, also show an increased expression of LRP5. In summary, classical CD14(+)CD16(-)monocytes that differentiate into CD16-Mø do not express LRP5. Instead, human monocytes expressing LRP5 differentiate into CD16+Mø antiinflammatory macrophages. These antiinflammatory macrophages are found in advanced atherosclerotic human plaques. Thus LRP5 is a signature of the anti-inflammatory defensive phenotype of macrophages.

Respuesta endocrina a la aplicación de vibraciones de cuerpo completo en humanos / / Resposta endócrina à aplicação da vibração de corpo inteiro em humanos / Endocrine response to the application of Whole-Body Vibration in humans

La realización de ejercicio físico provoca un rompimiento de la homeostasis corporal, induciendo cambios metabólicos, neurales y humorales en el organismo de los seres humanos. Las hormonas cumplen múltiples tareas en el adecuado funcionamiento interno. Las vibraciones de cuerpo completo (VCC) se han sugerido en los últimos años como un medio alternativo para la realización de ejercicio físico. Según la bibliografía consultada a través de las VCC se encuentran modificaciones hormonales dependientes de las características intrínsecas de cada protocolo de intervención. El objetivo de esta revisión es recopilar la literatura científica más destacada sobre los efectos que se producen en el sistema endocrino (SE) de humanos a través del uso de las VCC (AU)

The physical exercise causes a breakdown of body homeostasis, inducing metabolic, neural and humoral changes in the human body. Hormones play multiple roles at the right inner workings. The Whole Body Vibration (WBV) has become an alternative to regular physical exercise. According to the consulted literature, WBV provokes a hormonal modification that is dependent on the intrinsic characteristics of each intervention protocol. The objective of this review is to compile the most prominent scientific literature on the effects that occur in the Endocrine System (ES) of humans through the use of WBV (AU)

O exercício físico causa um rompimento da homeostase corporal, induzindo alterações metabólicas, neurais e humorais no organismo dos seres humanos. Os hormónios desempenham diversas tarefas diretas em nosso funcionamento interno. As vibrações de corpo inteiro foram sugeridas nos últimos anos como um meio alternativo de exercício físico. De acordo com a literatura consultada, através da vibração de corpo inteiro foram encontradas alterações hormonais dependentes das características intrínsecas de cada protocolo de intervenção. O objetivo desta revisão foi reunir a literatura científica relevante sobre os efeitos que ocorrem no sistema endócrino dos seres humanos através do uso da vibração de corpo inteiro

Cholesterol modulates LRP5 expression in the vessel wall.

OBJECTIVE: Macrophages are key players in atherosclerotic lesion formation and progression. We have recently demonstrated that lipid-loaded macrophages show activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. METHODS: To test the in vivo role of the canonical Wnt pathway in atherosclerosis we used mice deficient in the Wnt signaling receptor LRP5 (LRP5(-/-)) fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (HC) to induce atherosclerosis. These dietary groups were further subdivided into two subgroups receiving their respective diets supplemented with 2% plant sterol esters (PSE). All mice remained on their assigned diets until age 18 weeks. RESULTS: HC WT mice had mildly increased non-HDL cholesterol levels, developed aortic atherosclerotic lesions and showed upregulated expression levels of aortic Lrp5. HC LRP5(-/-) mice develop larger aortic atherosclerotic lesions than WT mice indicating that LRP5 has a protective function in atherosclerosis progression. The oral administration of PSE, a dietary cholesterol-lowering agent, had an effect in the expression levels of the Wnt signaling receptor and in atherosclerosis progression. We found that PSE reduced serum total cholesterol levels, abolished HC-induced LRP5 overexpression and reduced aortic atherosclerotic plaques. CONCLUSION: The proatherogenic effects of the excess of plasma lipids are in part mediated by modulation of LRP5 in the aorta. LRP5 and canonical Wnt signaling exert a protective defense mechanism against hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis lesion progression.

Modeling injury rates as a function of industrialized versus on-site construction techniques.

It is often predicted that the industrialization of building activities will lead to a reduction of accident rates in the construction sector, particularly as a result of switching activities from building sites to factories. However, to date no scientific research has provided objective quantitative results to back up this claim. The aim of this paper is to evaluate how industrialization affects the accident rate in different industrialized building systems in Spain. Our results revealed that the industrialized steel modular system presents the lowest accident rate, while the highest accident rate was recorded in the construction method with cast-in-place concrete. The lightweight construction system also presents a high accident rate. Accordingly, industrialized building systems cannot claim to be safer than traditional ones. The different types of "on-site work" seem to be the main variable which would explain the accident rates recorded in industrialized construction systems.

[Sclerochoroidal calcification associated with hypovitaminosis D]. / Calcificaciones esclerocoroideas asociadas a hipovitaminosis D.

CASE REPORT: A 69 year-old woman was referred for a routine visit, during which funduscopy revealed white-yellow subretinal lesions in the superotemporal mid-periphery of both eyes. A and B scan ultrasound showed hyperechogenic lesions located at scleral and choroidal level. Computed tomography revealed posterolateral sclerochoroidal calcifications. Metabolic studies showed a severe vitamin D deficiency with no other remarkable findings. DISCUSSION: Sclerochoroidal calcifications are an infrequent finding that occur as a result of calcium deposit at scleral and choroidal level. They have a characteristic clinical picture and are idiopathic in most cases, but may be associated with some systemic diseases, such as calcium and phosphorous metabolic disorders; this fact warrants a thorough metabolic study. We report a case of bilateral sclerochoroidal calcifications associated with severe vitamin D deficiency with no other significant metabolic findings.

Chronic angle-closure glaucoma related to paroxetine treatment.

PURPOSE: To present a unique case of a 33-year-old woman using paroxetine who presented with acute unilateral visual loss due to chronic angle-closure glaucoma. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 33-year-old women who had been under paroxetine treatment for the past four months presented at the emergency room due to a sudden loss of visual acuity (VA) in the left eye (LE). Narrow anterior chamber was detected. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 29 mmHg right eye (RE) and 42 mm Hg LE. A fundus exam revealed a cup-to-disc ratio of 0.9-1 for the LE and of 0.1-0.2 for the RE. Paroxetine treatment was suspended, and after 48 h IOP was 10 mm Hg in both eyes (BE). ND-YAG laser iridotomy was performed in BE. In the subsequent visit, IOP was 25 mm Hg in the RE and 41 mm Hg in the LE; on her own initiative the patient had resumed paroxetine treatment. After requesting the patient again to stop taking the anti-depressant, IOP was 10 mm Hg in BE in the next exam 48 h later. CONCLUSIONS: As far as we are aware, there are no other reports of chronic angle-closure glaucoma related to the use of paroxetine. We thus consider that, before initiating treatment with this drug, patients should be informed of its potential ocular risks and they should be subjected to an ophthalmologic examination before its use is authorized.

Circulating biomarkers.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a leading cause of death worldwide. In the past years new biomarkers have drawn the clinician's attention for their use in primary prevention and in the identification of individuals at cardiovascular risk. Biomarkers also provide information on the progression and possible recurrence of cardiovascular events, and include inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and interleukin-18), endothelial dysfunction markers (intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1), neurohormonal markers (brain natriuretic peptide and copeptine), ischemia biomarkers (apolipoprotein J) and necrosis markers (troponins). Although biomarkers provide utility for predicting cardiovascular risk, the identification and characterization of new biomarkers to achieve increasing diagnosis and prognostic efficiency in CVD prevention is of high clinical interest. In this review we will discuss on recently discovered biomarkers and their clinical applications.

Influencia de cefazolina y vancomicina en la resistencia al desgaste del cemento óseo / Impact of cefazolin and vancomycin on resistance to bone cement wear

Objetivo: Evaluar experimentalmente la influencia de la mezcla de dos antibióticos, vancomicina y cefazolina, sobre la resistencia al desgaste del cemento óseo (PMMA). Material y métodos: Se definieron seis grupos de estudio en función del antibiótico y su dosis, realizando tres muestras por grupo, que fueron sometidas a desgaste de su superficie utilizando un tribómetro, según el estándar ASTM G99-05. Se midieron los coeficientes de rozamiento y se cuantificó el desgaste volumétrico de cada una de ellas. Obtuvimos imágenes de microscopía electrónica de barrido de cada muestra para observar las existencia de modificaciones en la superficie de las muestras. Resultados: Todos los grupos presentaron datos de desgaste por debajo de los máximos admitidos para uso comercial. No se demostraron diferencias significativas en el coeficiente de fricción o en el desgaste volumétrico, salvo el grupo 4 (vancomicina 2,5% + cefazolina 2,5%), que presentó un mayor desgaste frente al grupo 3 (vancomicina 2,5%) (p<0,05). Vimos una tendencia de mayor desgaste y menor homogeneidad en los grupos con cefazolina en su composición. Conclusiones: Los cementos óseos actuales pueden soportar mezclas con altas dosis de antibióticos sin modificar sus propiedades mecánicas. Además de la cantidad de antibiótico, es determinante su elección, puesto que no todos los antibióticos afectan por igual a las propiedades del PMMA (AU)

Objective: To evaluate experimentally the impact of the mixture of two antibiotics, vancomycin, and cefazolin, on resistance to bone cement wear (PMMA). Material and Methods: Six study groups were defined according to antibiotic and dose, performing three samples per group, which were subjected to wearing of the surface using a tribometer according to the ASTM G99-05 standard. The friction coefficients were measured and volumetric wear of each of them was quantified. We obtained electron scanning microscope images of each sample to observe the presence of changes in the surface of the samples. Results: All groups had wear data below the maximum admitted for commercial use. No significant differences were shown in friction coefficient or volumetric wear, except in group 4 (2.5% vancomycin + 2.5% cefazolin), which showed greater wear versus group 3 (2.5% vancomycin) (p<0.05). We saw a tendency towards greater wear and lower homogeneity in groups with cefazolin in its composition. Conclusions: Current bone cements can withstand mixtures with high doses of antibiotics without altering their mechanical properties. In addition to the amount of antibiotic, the choice is decisive, as not all antibiotics equally affect the properties of PMMA (AU)

[Subdural empyema secondary to sinusitis. A pediatric case report]. / Empiema subdural secundario a sinusitis. Descripción de un caso pediátrico.

We present the case of 9 year old male referred to the A and E service with right ocular proptosis and progressive migraine in the context of a sinusitis diagnosed two days earlier by compatible clinical and radiological tests, and receiving treatment with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Physcial exploration revealed right ocular proptosis with a slight limitation for conjugate gaze. Facing the suspicion of a possible neurological complication of the sinusitis, cranial computer aided tomography (CAT) was carried out, with right frontal subdural empyema observed. He was admitted for intravenous antibiotic treatment with cefotaxime, vancomicin and metronidazole. He was evaluated by child Neurosurgery, Maxillofacial Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) services; the decision was taken to only drain the primary focus, while an expectant neurosurgical attitude was maintained. The patient evolved favourably with a progressive disappearance of the symptoms. Periodical magnetic resonances were carried out, which showed a clear improvement up until the complete resolution of the empyema. Following four weeks of antibiotherapy iv., and after clinical and radiological normalization, the patient was discharged.

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with the use of a modified uterine manipulator for the management of stage IB1 cervix cancer.

We prospectively collected data on all patients with stage IB1 cervical cancer, who underwent total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with the use of a modified uterine manipulator. From January 2000 to December 2005, 54 patients met the study criteria. The mean age was 41.8 +/- 7.47 years. Average BMI (kg/m(2)) was 27.38 +/- 3.13. Squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were found in 88.88% and 11.11% of the cases, respectively. The average surgical time was 265 +/- 70.8 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 276.11 +/- 123.03 ml. The average patient lymph node count was 19.64 +/- 5.08. Positive malignant lymph nodes were identified in 11.11% of the cases. Surgical margins were free of disease in all patients. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 +/- 1 days. There was no mortality. Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy can be considered a safe alternative to laparotomy. The use of a uterine manipulator does not pose an increased surgical risk and allows for a simpler and more feasible procedure.

Efectividad clínica de un programa de fisioterapia multimodal complementado con carrera acuática de alta intensidad sobre la lumbalgia. Un estudio con evaluación previa en el postest / Clinical effectiveness of a multimodal physiotherapy program supplemented by high intensity deep water running on low back pain. A study with previous evaluation in the post-test

IntroducciónLa lumbalgia mecánica inespecífica crónica se presenta como un problema muy frecuente en la población en edad laboral. La fisioterapia multimodal se presenta como la combinación de las intervenciones que a corto plazo han dado mejores resultados: educación, terapia manual y ejercicio físico. Existen suficientes bases para pensar que la carrera acuática aumenta el tamaño del efecto de esta intervención cuando ambas se complementan. Se ha demostrado válido el uso de estudios donde la recogida de datos (pre y postintervención) se realiza únicamente al final de éste.Material y métodoEstudio con evaluación previa en el postest, en un grupo con intervención de 8 semanas según fisioterapia multimodal más carrera acuática en piscina profunda sobre 43 sujetos con lumbalgia mecánica inespecífica crónica de más de 12 semanas de evolución. Tras la intervención, los pacientes rellenan dos veces los mismos test referidos a dos momentos diferentes: antes y después de la intervención.ResultadosEn un grupo de 43 sujetos (28 mujeres) con una edad media de 48±7,97 años, en todas las variables medidas se obtuvieron cambios relevantes: 7,56 (IC 95%: 4,55 a 10,56); p<0,000 (estado general de salud física en SF-12); 4,82 (IC 95%: 0,67 a 8,97); p<0,024 (estado general de salud mental en SF-12); 0,275 (IC 95%: 0,19 a 0,35) p<0,000 (calidad de vida en EuroQoL-5D); 24,78 (IC 95%: 17,79 a 31,78); p< 0,000 (escala validad de vida en EuroQoL, escala visual analógica); −2,78 (IC 95%: −4,25 a −1,30); p<0,000 (grado de incapacidad física en Roland Morris); 35,52 (IC 95%: 44,51 a 26,53); p<0,000 (escala visual analógica).(..) (AU)

IntroductionNon-specific chronic low back pain is a common problem in the working age population. Multimodal physiotherapy is the combination of the best three short-time interventions; advice, manual therapy and physical exercise. There are sufficient bases to consider that deep water running increases the effects size when they complement each other. Use of studies that collect pre- and post-intervention data only at the end of it has been shown to be valid.Material and methodsStudy with a post than pre design, with an 8-week intervention group based on multimodal physiotherapy supplements with deep water running in 43 subjects with non-specific chronic low back pain with an evolution of 12 week or more. The patients, after having undergone the intervention, filled out the same tests corresponding to two different times: before and after the intervention.Results43 subjects (28 women), mean age 48 years old (±7.97). All variables measured showed significant changes: 7.56 (95% CI 4.55 to 10.56) p<0.000 (Physical general health state in SF-12); 4.82 (95% CI 0.67 to 8.97) p<0.024 (Mental general health state SF-12); 0.275 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.35) p<0.000 (EuroQoL 5D); 24.78 (95% CI 17.79 to 31,78) p<0.000 (EuroQol VAS); −2.78 (95% CI −4.25 to −1.30) p<0.000 (Roland Morris Questionnaire); 35.52 (95% CI 44.51 to 26.53) p<0.000 (VAS)ConclusionsAn individualized intervention strategy with evidence based physiotherapy program produces a relevant and significant improvement in all the variables studied. Supplementing the evidence based physiotherapy program with deep water running may cause an increase in effect size(AU)

Responsiveness of Trichomonas vaginalis to iron concentrations: evidence for a post-transcriptional iron regulation by an IRE/IRP-like system.

Trichomonas vaginalis has high iron-dependency, favoring its growth and multiplication in culture. Iron also regulates some of the trichomonal virulence properties by yet unknown mechanisms. Iron is an essential but potentially toxic metal for the majority of organisms. Thus, its concentration must be tightly regulated within the cell. In mammals, the iron homeostasis is mainly regulated at the post-transcriptional level by a well known mechanism mediated by the binding of iron regulatory proteins (IRP1 and IRP2) to hairpin-loop structures, dubbed iron-responsive elements (IREs), localized in the untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs. The knowledge of iron regulation in T. vaginalis is still very limited. An iron-responsive promoter and other regulatory elements in the 5'-UTR of the ap65-1 gene were identified as a mechanism for the positive transcriptional regulation of trichomonad genes by iron. Recently, two IRE-like hairpin-loop structures in mRNAs of differentially iron-regulated TVCP4 and TVCP12 cysteine proteinases, as well as IRP-like trichomonad proteins were identified in T. vaginalis, suggesting the existence in this protozoan of a post-transcriptional iron regulatory mechanism by an IRE/IRP-like system. The responsiveness of T. vaginalis to distinct iron concentrations was examined here. Also, the comparison of the atypical IRE-like sequences of T. vaginalis with the consensus IRE and other putative IRE sequences present in parasite and bacteria mRNAs suggest that these trichomonad IRE-like sequences might be the ancestral forms of the RNA stem-loop structures of the IRE/IRP system.