The Antimicrobial Activity of Human Defensins at Physiological Non-Permeabilizing Concentrations Is Caused by the Inhibition of the Plasma Membrane H+-ATPases.

Human defensins are cysteine-rich peptides (Cys-rich peptides) of the innate immune system. Defensins contain an ancestral structural motif (i.e., γ-core motif) associated with the antimicrobial activity of natural Cys-rich peptides. In this study, low concentrations of human α- and ß-defensins showed microbicidal activity that was not associated with cell membrane permeabilization. The cell death pathway was similar to that previously described for human lactoferrin, also an immunoprotein containing a γ-core motif. The common features were (1) cell death not related to plasma membrane (PM) disruption, (2) the inhibition of microbicidal activity via extracellular potassium, (3) the influence of cellular respiration on microbicidal activity, and (4) the influence of intracellular pH on bactericidal activity. In addition, in yeast, we also observed (1) partial K+-efflux mediated via Tok1p K+-channels, (2) the essential role of mitochondrial ATP synthase in cell death, (3) the increment of intracellular ATP, (4) plasma membrane depolarization, and (5) the inhibition of external acidification mediated via PM Pma1p H+-ATPase. Similar features were also observed with BM2, an antifungal peptide that inhibits Pma1p H+-ATPase, showing that the above coincident characteristics were a consequence of PM H+-ATPase inhibition. These findings suggest, for the first time, that human defensins inhibit PM H+-ATPases at physiological concentrations, and that the subsequent cytosolic acidification is responsible for the in vitro microbicidal activity. This mechanism of action is shared with human lactoferrin and probably other antimicrobial peptides containing γ-core motifs.

Cardiovascular events in CML patients treated with Nilotinib: validation of the HFA-ICOS baseline risk score.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic landscape of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has been transformed by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Nilotinib, showed higher rates of major molecular response than imatinib, however associated with higher cardiovascular (CV) toxicity. We sought to describe the CV events associated with nilotinib in a real-world population and assess the predictive value of the HFA-ICOS risk score. METHODS: The HFA-ICOS baseline risk was calculated for patients with CML treated with nilotinib beween 2006 and 2021. The primary end point was the incidence of all CV events. The secondary end point was the incidence of ischaemic events. Survival analysis evaluated the risk (hazard ratio [HR]) of events stratified by baseline risk category, whilst on nilotinib therapy. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-nine eligible patients were included. The incidence of CV events was 20.9% (95% CI: 15.7-26.2%) following a median duration of treatment of 34.4 months. The secondary end point occurred in 12.7% (95% CI: 8.4-16.9%) of the population. Patients with higher HFA-ICOS baseline score had higher rates of CV events (low: 11.2%, medium: 28.2% [HR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.17-5.66], high/very high: 32.4% [HR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.77-7.20]) and ischaemic events (low: 5.20%, medium: 17.9% [HR: 2.19, 95% CI: 0.97-4.96], high/very high: 21.6% [HR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.91-7.89]). In patients who did not have a CV event, the median total dose at last follow up or cessation of nilotinib therapy was lower when compared to the total daily median dose of nilotinib in patients who had a CV event (450 mg vs. 600 mg, p = 0.0074). CONCLUSIONS: The HFA-ICOS risk stratification tool is an efficient discriminator at low, medium and high/very high risk of developing cardiovascular events, with an overall positive trend towards increasing cardiotoxicity rates with rising risk catergories. This study provides evidence to support the use of this predictive tool in nilotinib treated patients.

Corrigendum: Essential Oils prime epigenetic and metabolomic changes in tomato defense against Fusarium oxysporum.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.804104.].

Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction of Melatonin with Graphene/Clay Mixtures and Fluorescence Analysis in Surfactant Aqueous Solutions.

In this work, the dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) of melatonin using graphene (G) mixtures with sepiolite (SEP) and bentonite (BEN) clays as sorbents combined with fluorescence detection has been investigated. The retention was found to be quantitative for both G/SEP and G/BEN 4/96 and 10/90 w/w mixtures. G/clay 4/96 w/w mixtures were selected to study the desorption process since the retention was weaker, thus leading to easier desorption. MeOH and aqueous solutions of the nonionic surfactant Brij L23 were tested as desorbents. For both clays and an initial sample volume of 25 mL, a percentage of melatonin recovery close to 100% was obtained using 10 or 25 mL of MeOH as desorbent. Further, using a G/SEP mixture, 25 mL as the initial sample volume and 5 mL of MeOH or 60 mM Brij L23 solution as the desorbent, recoveries of 98.3% and 90% were attained, respectively. The whole method was applied to herbal tea samples containing melatonin, and the percentage of agreement with the labeled value was 86.5%. It was also applied to herbal samples without melatonin by spiking them with two concentrations of this compound, leading to recoveries of 100 and 102%.

Antifeedant, antifungal and nematicidal compounds from the endophyte Stemphylium solani isolated from wormwood.

The continuous search for natural product-based biopesticides from fungi isolated from untapped sources is an effective tool. In this study, we studied a pre-selected fungal endophyte, isolate Aa22, from the medicinal plant Artemisia absinthium, along with the antifungal, insect antifeedant and nematicidal compounds present in the extract. The endophyte Aa22 was identified as Stemphylium solani by molecular analysis. The antifungal activity was tested by broth microdilution against Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, F. moniliforme and Botrytis cinerea, the insect antifeedant by choice bioassays against Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae and Rhopalosiphum padi and the in vitro mortality against the root-knot nematode Meloiydogyne javanica. The structures of bioactive compounds were determined on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The ethyl acetate extract obtained from the solid rice fermentation showed mycelial growth inhibition of fungal pathogens (EC50 0.08-0.31 mg/mL), was antifeedant to M. persicae (99%) and nematicidal (68% mortality). A bioguided fractionation led to the isolation of the new compound stempholone A (1), and the known stempholone B (2) and stemphol (3). These compounds exhibited antifeedant (EC50 0.50 mg/mL), antifungal (EC50 0.02-0.43 mg/L) and nematicidal (MLD 0.5 mg/mL) activities. The extract activities can be explained by 3 (antifungal), 1-3 (antifeedant) and 1 (nematicidal). Phytotoxicity tests on Lolium perenne and Lactuca sativa showed that the extract and 1 increased L. sativa root growth (121-130%) and 1 reduced L. perenne growth (48-49%). These results highlight the potential of the endophytic fungi Aa22 as biotechnological source of natural product-based biopesticides.

The Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Suicide-related Emergency Calls in a European City: Age and Gender Patterns, and Neighborhood Influences.

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive spatio-temporal analysis of suicide-related emergency calls in the city of Valencia (Spain) over a six-year period. To this end we first examined age and gender patterns and, second, the influence of neighborhood characteristics on general and gender-specific spatio-temporal patterns of suicide-related emergency calls. Method: Geocoded data on suicide-related emergency calls between 2017 and 2022 (N = 10,030) were collected from the 112 emergency service in Valencia. Data were aggregated at the census block group level, used as a proxy for neighborhoods, and trimesters were considered as the temporal unit. Two set of analyses were performed: (1) demographic (age and gender) and temporal descriptive analyses and (2) general and gender-specific Bayesian spatio-temporal autoregressive models. Results: Descriptive analyses revealed a higher incidence of suicide-related emergency calls among females and an increase in calls among the 18-23 age group from 2020 onwards. The general spatio-temporal model showed higher levels of suicide-related emergency calls in neighborhoods characterized by lower education levels and population density, and higher residential mobility, aging population, and immigrant concentration. Relevant gender differences were also observed. A seasonal effect was noted, with a peak in calls during spring for females and summer for males. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for comprehensive mental health targeted interventions and preventive strategies that account for gender-specific disparities, age-related vulnerabilities, and the specific characteristics of neighborhoods.

ECLIM-SEHOP: how to develop a platform to conduct academic trials for childhood cancer.

INTRODUCTION: ECLIM-SEHOP platform was created in 2017. Its main objective is to establish the infrastructure to allow Spanish participation into international academic collaborative clinical trials, observational studies, and registries in pediatric oncology. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the activity conducted by ECLIM-SEHOP since its creation. METHODS: The platform's database was queried to provide an overview of the studies integrally and partially supported by the organization. Data on trial recruitment and set-up/conduct metrics since its creation until November 2023 were extracted. RESULTS: ECLIM-SEHOP has supported 47 studies: 29 clinical trials and 18 observational studies/registries that have recruited a total of 5250 patients. Integral support has been given to 25 studies: 16 trials recruiting 584 patients and nine observational studies/registries recruiting 278 patients. The trials include front-line studies for leukemia, lymphoma, brain and solid extracranial tumors, and other key transversal topics such as off-label use of targeted therapies and survivorship. The mean time from regulatory authority submission to first patient recruited was 12.2 months and from first international site open to first Spanish site open was 31.3 months. DISCUSSION: ECLIM-SEHOP platform has remarkably improved the availability and accessibility of international academic clinical trials and has facilitated the centralization of resources in childhood cancer treatment. Despite the progressive improvement on clinical trial set-up metrics, timings should still be improved. The program has contributed to leveling survival rates in Spain with those of other European countries that presented major differences in the past.

Adaptation and Validation of the MapMe Body Image Scales in Spanish Parents of Schoolchildren.

Childhood overweight and obesity is a worldwide problem and to treat it parents' detection has to be improved. The MapMe Body Image Scales (BIS) are a visual tool developed to improve parental perception of child weight in the United Kingdon (UK) based on British growth reference criteria. The aim of this study was to make a transcultural adaptation and validation of the MapMe BIS in Spain based on International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut offs A descriptive cross-sectional study was done. First, a translation and cultural adaptation was carried out. A total of 155 10-11-year-old children and their parents participated in this study. Children were measured to calculate their weight status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Waist Circumference (WC), and their parents completed a purpose designed questionnaire about their perception and satisfaction of child's body weight status using the adapted BIS. Test-retest reliability, criterion validity and concurrent validity of the adapted BIS were analyzed. This study shows that the adapted MapMe BIS has good psychometric properties and is a suitable visual scale to assess parental perception of weight status in 10 and 11-year-old children in Spain.

[Barriers and facilitators in accessing and using primary health care centers for people experiencing homelessness]. / Barreras y facilitadores en el acceso y la utilización de los centros de atención primaria para las personas en situación de sinhogarismo.

OBJECTIVE: To identify barriers and facilitators for the access and use of primary care centers for people experiencing homelessness. DESIGN: Qualitative study, phenomenological theoretical-methodological approach. Between May 19 and July 27, 2023. LOCATION: Besòs Primary Health Care Center and Gregal social dining (Besòs and Maresme neighborhood, Barcelona). PARTICIPANTS: People experiencing homelessness attending the Gregal social dining and professionals from the Besòs Primary Health Care Center. METHOD: Theoretical purposive sampling. Individual and group interviews and open non-participant observation. Thematic content analysis, triangulation by independent analysis of three members of the research team and triangulation of methods. Discourse saturation was achieved through variability of discourse and techniques. RESULTS: Eleven individual interviews, three group interviews and two observations. Different barriers and facilitators were identified. These were classified into five categories: (1)concept and identification of people experiencing homelessness; (2)personal factors of people experiencing homelessness; (3)behaviors and attitudes of professionals; (4)structural factors related to health system regulation, anf (5)internal organizational factors of primary health care centers. CONCLUSIONS: People experiencing homelessness face multiple barriers to access primary health care, although there are also facilitators such as trusting relationships and multidisciplinary and intersectoral work that can be enhanced from primary health care centers to contribute to health equity.

Recombinant CD5 and CD6 Ectodomains Induce Antiparasitic and Immunomodulatory Effects in Secondary Cystic Echinococcosis.

Scavenger receptors participate in a wide range of biological functions after binding to multiple non-self or altered self-ligands. Among them, CD5 and CD6 are lymphocyte scavenger receptors known to interact with different microbial-associated molecular patterns, and the administration of the recombinant soluble ectodomains of human CD5 (rshCD5) and/or CD6 (rshCD6) has shown therapeutic/prophylactic potential in experimental models of fungal, bacterial and echinococcal infections. The latter is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, which in humans can induce secondary cystic echinococcosis (CE) after the spillage of protoscoleces contained within fertile cysts, either spontaneously or during surgical removal of primary hydatid cysts. Herein, we have analysed the mechanisms behind the significant protection observed in the mouse model of secondary CE following prophylactic administration of rshCD5 or rshCD6. Our results show that both molecules exhibit intrinsic antiparasitic activities in vitro, as well as immunomodulatory functions during early secondary CE, mainly through Th1/Th17 cytokine bias and promotion of peritoneal polyreactive antibodies. These data support the relevance of the parasite components bound by rshCD5 and rshCD6, as well as the potential of their prophylactic administration as a useful strategy to reduce secondary CE in patients.

Cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction as a result of Panitumumab.

Panitumumab is a human immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody designed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which is used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer alone or in combination with chemotherapy. In this report, we present a case of new onset heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in a patient following panitumumab therapy. A 73-year-old gentleman with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma presented to his local hospital with increased shortness of breath, two months after his first and only dose of panitumumab. A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated dilated left ventricle with global hypokinesis and an estimated left ventricular ejection fraction of 25%. Our patient underwent a comprehensive diagnostic assessment at his presentation, including ECG, transthoracic echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), invasive coronary angiogram and 18F-FDG PET-CT. These investigations revealed no evidence of ischemic events or inflammatory processes that could account for the severe left ventricular dysfunction. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction linked to panitumumab with subsequent deep phenotyping. The current guidelines do not recommend specific cardiovascular monitoring protocols for patients receiving anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Until more data are available, it would be prudent to implement the same cardiovascular surveillance measures outlined for individuals receiving osimertinib, which is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Type 1 Diabetes Onset in Latin American Children.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the patterns of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) occurrence in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) across several Latin American pediatric diabetes centers from 2018 to 2022. METHODS: A retrospective chart review included children under 18 with new-onset T1DM from 30 Latin American pediatric diabetes centers (Argentina, Chile, and Peru) between 30 December 2018 and 30 December 2022. Multiple logistic regression models examined the relationships between age, gender, medical insurance, BMI, and DKA at new-onset T1DM. As far as we know, there are no large studies in Latin American countries exploring the patterns of DKA in new-onset T1DM. RESULTS: A total of 2,026 (983 females) children, median age 9.12 (5.8 -11.7) years with new-onset-T1DM were included. Approximately 50% had no medical insurance. Mean glucose values were 467 mg/dL, pH 7.21, bicarbonate 13 mEq/L, HbA1c 11.3%, and BMI 18. The frequency of DKA was 1,229 (60.7%), out of which only 447 (36%) were severe. There was a significant decrease in the frequency of DKA as age increased: 373 (70.2%) in children under 6, 639 (61.6%) in those between 6 and 12, 217 and (47.5%) in those over 12. Children with medical insurance (58.8%) had a significantly lower frequency of DKA than those without (62.7%). The multiple logistic regression models showed that DKA was significantly and inversely associated with age [OR, 0.72 (95% CI 0.60-0.86)], BMI [OR, 0.95 (95% CI 0.92-0.99)], and medical insurance [OR, 0.75 (95% CI 0.60-0.94)] adjusted for sex. CONCLUSION: Latin American children with new-onset T1DM exhibited a substantial occurrence of DKA. Younger ages and the lack of medical insurance were significantly associated with DKA in new-onset T1DM.

Type 1 diabetes in pediatrics during the COVID-19 pandemic: Time from symptom onset and forms of presentation at a referral hospital. / Diabetes tipo 1 en pediatría durante la pandemia por COVID-19: tiempo de evolución de síntomas y formas de presentación en un centro de referencia.

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the health care of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). An increase in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as a form of diagnosis was reported. Objectives. To assess whether there were changes in the time from symptom onset, the causes of hospitalization due to DM1, and the proportion of severe forms, and to describe SARS-CoV-2 infection in these patients. Population and methods. Cross-sectional study in patients younger than 19 years hospitalized due to DM1 from March 2018 to August 2019 (pre-pandemic) and from March 2020 to August 2021 (pandemic). Results. The assessment included 135 hospitalizations in the pre-pandemic period and 96 during the pandemic. The time from symptom onset during the pandemic in those with debut of diabetes was shorter than in the pre-pandemic period (18.8 ± 10.2 versus 52.1 ± 12.1 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Hospitalizations due to all forms of diabetes debut and debut with DKA were more common during the pandemic than before it (59.4% versus 39.3%; odds ratio [OR]: 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-3.8; p = 0.003 and 40.6% versus 20.7%; OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4-5.2; p = 0.006, respectively). Severe forms of DKA did not change between both periods (48.1% versus 59.9%; p = 0.3). Only 6 patients developed SARS-CoV-2 infection; 3 were severe. Conclusion. During the pandemic, the time from symptom onset decreased and the frequency of hospitalizations due to debut of DM1 increased. The proportion of severe forms of DKA did not change.

Introducción. La pandemia por COVID-19 afectó la atención de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). Además, se reportó un aumento de cetoacidosis diabética (CAD) como forma de diagnóstico. Objetivos. Evaluar si durante la pandemia por COVID-19 se modificaron el tiempo de evolución de síntomas, las causas de hospitalización por DM1 y la proporción de formas graves, y describir la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en estos pacientes. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal que incluyó pacientes menores de 19 años hospitalizados por DM1 en un centro pediátrico de referencia de marzo de 2018 a agosto de 2019 (prepandemia) y de marzo de 2020 a agosto de 2021 (pandemia). Resultados. Se analizaron 231 internaciones, 135 prepandemia y 96 en pandemia. Los pacientes con debut diabético presentaron menor tiempo de evolución de síntomas en pandemia que en prepandemia (18,8 ± 10,2 vs. 52,1 ±12,1 días, respectivamente; p <0,001). Las hospitalizaciones por todas las formas de debut diabético y el debut con CAD fueron más frecuentes en pandemia que en prepandemia (59,4 % vs. 39,3 %; OR 2,3; IC95% 1,3-3,8; p = 0,003); y (40,6 % vs. 20,7 %; OR 2,6; IC95% 1,4-5,2; p = 0,006) respectivamente. La proporción de formas graves de CAD no se modificó entre ambos períodos (48,1 % vs. 59,9 %; p = 0,3). Solo 6 pacientes presentaron infección por SARS-CoV-2; 3 fueron formas graves. Conclusión. Durante la pandemia, disminuyó el tiempo de evolución de síntomas y aumentó la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones por debut de DM1, con mayor proporción de CAD. No se modificó la proporción de formas graves de CAD.

Gender differences in symptomatology, socio-demographic information and quality of life in Spanish population with long COVID condition: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Long COVID patients experience a decrease in their quality of life due to the symptomatology produced by the disease. It is also important to understand how long COVID affects both men and women. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of long COVID symptomatology on the quality of life of Spanish adults from a gender perspective. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out. Participants were able to complete an online questionnaire using an online platform. A sample of 206 people participated in the study. Results: The 80.6% of the sample were women with a mean age of 46.51 (±8.28) and the 19.4% were men with a mean age of 48.03 (±9.50). The medium score in the PAC19-QoL test was 141.47 (±24.96) and segmented by gender, 141.65 (±23.95) for women and 140.82 (±28.66) for men. The most common symptoms in women were muscle and joint pain (94.6%), fatigue (94.0%), discomfort (92.2%), difficulty concentrating (91.0%), and memory loss (88.6%). For men the symptoms included muscle and joint pain (97.5%) and fatigue (97.5%) both occupying first position, discomfort (92.0%), difficulty concentrating (90.0%), mood disturbances (90.0%), and memory loss (87.5%). The chi-square test showed statistical significance (p < 0.005) for socio-demographic information, quality of life scores, and long COVID symptoms by intensities. Conclusion: This study shows that there are gender differences in the way that long COVID is experienced.

Late cardiotoxicity related to HER2-targeted cancer therapy.

Long-term anti-HER2 therapy in metastatic HER2 + cancers is increasing, but data about the incidence and risk factors for developing late Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) are missing. We conducted a single-centre, retrospective analysis of a cohort of late anti-HER2 related cardiac dysfunction referred to our Cardio-Oncology service. We include seventeen patients with metastatic disease who developed CTRCD after at least five years of continuous anti-HER2 therapy. Events occurred after a median time of 6.5 years (IQR 5.3-9.0) on anti-HER2 therapy. The lowest (median) LVEF and GLS were 49% (IQR 45-55) and - 15.4% (IQR - 14.9 - -16.3) respectively. All our patients continued or restarted, after a brief interruption, their anti-HER2 therapy. Most (16/17) were started on heart failure medical therapy and normalized their left ventricular ejection fraction at a follow-up. Our study has demonstrated that CTRCD can occur after many years of stability on anti-HER2 therapy and reinforces the importance of continuing cardiovascular surveillance in this population.

Impact of initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor treatment on the development of arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardiac devices.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been associated with improved prognosis in patients with heart failure, but their impact on atrial arrhythmic (AA) and ventricular arrhythmic (VA) events is not fully understood. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators who initiated treatment with SGLT2i. AA and VA events were compared in 2 time periods for each patient: 1 year before and 1 year after starting SGLT2i. RESULTS: The study included 195 patients (66.8 [61.3-73.1] years, 18.5% women). In the post-SGLT2i period, there was a reduction in the percentage of patients with any VA (pre: 52.3% vs post: 30.3%; P<.001) and clinically relevant VA (excluding nonsustained ventricular tachycardia) (pre: 21.5% vs post: 8.7%; P<.001). There was also a decrease in the number of episodes per patient/y of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (pre: 2 (1-5) vs post: 1 (0-2); P<.001) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (pre: 1 (1-3) vs post: 0 (0-2); P=0.046). However, no differences were observed in the prevalence of AA (24.7% vs 18.8%; P=.117) or the burden of atrial fibrillation (pre: 0% (0-0.1) vs post: 0% (0-0); P=.097). CONCLUSIONS: Initiation of SGLT2i treatment was associated with a decrease in the percentage of patients with relevant VA but this effect was not observed for AA.

Executive Functions and Their Relation to Academic Performance in University Students / Funciones ejecutivas y su relación con el rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios

Academic performance, dropout rates, and low graduation rates constitute an area of concern in Latin American universities that has been the topic of various studies. Certain researchers suggest that some differences in academic performance could arise from interindividual variations in self-regulation mechanisms such as executive functions. Therefore, this study aimed to contribute to the investigation of the relationships between university performance and executive functions, specifically working memory, inhibition, and shifting. The study involved 196 students who completed the Reading Span Task, the Five Digits Test, and the Finger Task. Working memory, inhibition, and shifting exhibited a weak significant relationship with performance. Furthermore, additionally to age, socioeconomic status, and student work hours, inhibition and shifting accounted for 38% of the variance in academic performance. The findings provide a contribution to the understanding of this topic and to the discussion of previous contradictory findings. (AU)

El rendimiento académico universitario, el rezago y las bajas tasas de egreso suponen un área de preocupación en las universidades latinoamericanas que ha sido objeto de diferentes investigaciones. Algunos investigadores sugieren que determinadas diferencias en dicho rendimiento podrían surgir de diferencias interindividuales en distintos mecanismos de autorregulación, como las funciones ejecutivas. Por ello, este trabajo se propuso contribuir al estudio de las relaciones entre el rendimiento universitario y las funciones ejecutivas, específicamente la memoria de trabajo, la inhibición y la flexibilidad cognitiva. Se trabajó con 196 estudiantes que completaron la Tarea de Amplitud de Lectura, el Test de Cinco Dígitos y la Tarea de los Dedos. La memoria de trabajo, la inhibición y la flexibilidad presentaron una relación significativa baja con el rendimiento. Además, junto con edad, nivel socioeconómico y horas que trabaja el estudiante, la inhibición y la flexibilidad cognitiva, permitieron explicar el 38% de la varianza del rendimiento. Los resultados suponen un aporte al conocimiento de esta temática y a la discusión de los hallazgos contradictorios previos. (AU)

Muscle mass loss measured with portable ultrasound in hospitalized older adults: The ECOSARC study.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective was to analyze the evolution of muscle of the Quadriceps Rectus Femoris (QRF) between admission and discharge, in older adults hospitalized with an acute medical disease in Acute Geriatric Units (AGUs). DESIGN: Prospective multicentric observational cohort study. SETTING: Seven AGUs from University Hospitals in Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized adults ≥ 70 years old, able to ambulate and without severe dementia. MEASUREMENTS: Ultrasound measurements of QRF were acquired at 2/3 distal between anterior-superior iliac spine and patella in both legs by trained Geriatricians. Ultrasound Chison model ECO2 was used. QRF area, thickness, edema, echogenicity, and fasciculations were measured. RESULTS: From the complete sample (n = 143), in 45 (31.5%) participants, ultrasound images were classified as non-valid by an expert radiologist. Mean age was 87.8 (SD 5.4). Mean hospital stay 7.6 days (SD 4.3). From those with valid images, 36 (49.3%), 2 (2.7%), and 35 (47.9%) presented a decrease, equal values, or an increase in QRF area from baseline to discharge, respectively, and 37 (50.0%), 2 (2.7%), and 35 (47.3%) presented a decrease, equal values, or an increase in QRF thickness, respectively. 26 (35.6%) presented a decrease in more than 0.2 cm2 of QRF area, and 23 (31.1%) a decrease in more than 0.1 cm of QRF thickness. Only 4 (5.4%) patients presented new edema, while 13 (17.6%) worsened echogenicity. CONCLUSION: One third of older adults develop significant muscle loss during a hospitalization for acute medical diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05113758.