Sport-practice style questionnaire (EPD). Design and validation / Cuestionario de estilos en la práctica deportiva (EPD). Diseño y validación

The purpose of this research was to make a first contribution to the study of possible psychological styles in terms of the way in which athletes approach their sports practice, regardless of the specific sport they practice; allowing the identification of certain persistent and consistent tendencies in their motor and tactical behaviour. To this end, an instrument, the Sport-Practice Style Questionnaire (EPD, for its Spanish initials), was designed and validated, proceeding to determine its construct validity by means of a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and a structural equation model (SEM). The sample consisted of 645 participants, 38% male and 62% female, with a mean age of 21 years (20.6 ± 7.6 ± 7.6). The scale has shown good initial results in terms of validity and reliability, giving rise to an unpublished instrument, designed and validated in Spanish, aimed at athletes of different levels, and which allows them to identify different styles in their sporting practice. (AU)

El propósito del presente trabajo fue realizar una primera contribución al estudio de posibles estilos psicológicos en cuanto al modo en que los deportistas abordan su práctica deportiva, independientemente del deporte concreto que practiquen; permitiendo identificar ciertas tendencias, persistentes y consistentes, en su conducta motriz y táctica. Para ello, se diseñó y validó un instrumento, el cuestionario EPD de Estilos de Práctica Deportiva, procediendo a determinar su validez de constructo a través de un análisis factorial confirmatorio (CFA) y un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM). La muestra fue constituida a partir de 645 participantes, 38% hombres y 62% mujeres, con una edad media de 21 años (20,6 ± 7,6). La escala ha mostrado buenos resultados de partida en cuanto a validez y fiabilidad, dando lugar a un instrumento inédito, diseñado y validado en español, dirigido a deportistas de diferentes niveles, y que permite identificar distintos estilos en su práctica deportiva. (AU)

4-Hydroxydibenzyl: a novel metabolite from the human gut microbiota after consuming resveratrol.

Resveratrol (RSV) was known to be metabolised by the gut microbiota to dihydroresveratrol, lunularin (LUNU), and (or) 3,4'-dihydroxy-trans-stilbene (DHST). We describe here for the first time that LUNU can be further dehydroxylated, but only at the 3-position, to yield 4-hydroxydibenzyl, a novel metabolite found in human urine after RSV intake in 41 out of 59 healthy participants. In contrast, DHST was not further dehydroxylated, and thus, 4-hydroxy-trans-stilbene was not detected as a gut microbial metabolite of RSV. Faecal in vitro incubations confirmed the in vivo results.

Homo and heteroassembly of amide-based [2]rotaxanes using α,α'-dimethyl-p-xylylenediamines.

The formation of [2]rotaxanes via a fumaramide-templated clipping reaction using α,α'-dimethyl-p-xylylenediamines is described. This process selectively affords two out of seven possible interlocked isomers due to a noticeable effect of the methyl groups on the in/out disposition of the amide CO groups.

Differences Between Men and Women in Chronic Scratching: A Psychodermatologic Study in Lichen Simplex Chronicus / Diferencias de personalidad entre hombres y mujeres con liquen simple crónico. Implicaciones para la conducta de rascado crónico

Introduction: Chronic scratching is common to many skin disorders. Being a female and presenting a high level of psychopathology are risk factors for chronic scratching. Yet, it is unclear why. Certain personality characteristics that are more prevalent in women are also known to influence emotional states (i.e. emotional tension). Objective: The present study aims to explore whether these personality styles might help understand why gender and emotional distress are associated with scratching. Material and methods: We compared the personality patterns of 103 patients (69.9% women) diagnosed with Lichen Simplex Chronicus, against a sample of healthy individuals. Results: Significant differences were found in the personality styles of men and women with LSC. Women were more pessimistic, oriented to fulfil the needs of others, traditional, insecure, submissive, and reserved, with moderate (d= .43) to strong (d= .96) size effects ranges. Some of these differences, such as in traditionalism, dutifulness, other-orientation, and pessimism, were also observed when compared with healthy men and women, with small (d= .03) to moderate (d= .47) size effects ranges. Conclusions: These psychological factors may help explain the mechanisms underlying gender differences in chronic scratching, at least in Lichen Simplex Chronicus. The findings might open new avenues for research and treatment (AU)

Introducción: El rascado crónico es común a varias enfermedades dermatológicas. Ser mujer y presentar niveles elevados de psicopatología son factores de riesgo para el rascado crónico. Sin embargo, aún se desconoce la causa de esta relación. Ciertas características de personalidad relacionadas con el estrés son más prevalentes en mujeres. Objetivo: Explorar si los estilos de personalidad pueden explicar las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en las variables psicológicas asociadas con el rascado crónico. Material y métodos: Comparamos los perfiles de personalidad de 103 pacientes (69,9% mujeres) diagnosticados de liquen simple crónico y una muestra de sujetos sanos. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre hombres y mujeres con liquen simple crónico, siendo las mujeres más pesimistas, orientadas a los demás, tradicionales, inseguras, sumisas y reservadas en cuanto a sus emociones negativas, con rangos del tamaño del efecto entre moderados (d = 0,43) y altos (d = 0,96). También se encontraron entre la muestra de liquen simple crónico y los controles, como por ejemplo en tradicionalismo, sumisión, orientación al otro y pesimismo, con rangos del tamaño del efecto entre bajos (d = 0,03) y moderados (d = 0,47). Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos podrían ayudar a explicar los mecanismos subyacentes a las diferencias de sexo en rascado crónico, al menos en el liquen simple crónico (AU)

Differences Between Men and Women in Chronic Scratching: A Psychodermatologic Study in Lichen Simplex Chronicus.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic scratching is common to many skin disorders. Being a female and presenting a high level of psychopathology are risk factors for chronic scratching. Yet, it is unclear why. Certain personality characteristics that are more prevalent in women are also known to influence emotional states (i.e. emotional tension). OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to explore whether these personality styles might help understand why gender and emotional distress are associated with scratching. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We compared the personality patterns of 103 patients (69.9% women) diagnosed with Lichen Simplex Chronicus, against a sample of healthy individuals. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the personality styles of men and women with LSC. Women were more pessimistic, oriented to fulfil the needs of others, traditional, insecure, submissive, and reserved, with moderate (d=.43) to strong (d=.96) size effects ranges. Some of these differences, such as in traditionalism, dutifulness, other-orientation, and pessimism, were also observed when compared with healthy men and women, with small (d=.03) to moderate (d=.47) size effects ranges. CONCLUSIONS: These psychological factors may help explain the mechanisms underlying gender differences in chronic scratching, at least in Lichen Simplex Chronicus. The findings might open new avenues for research and treatment.

Light-responsive peptide [2]rotaxanes as gatekeepers of mechanised nanocontainers.

Novel mechanized silica nanoparticles incorporating a peptide-based molecular shuttle as a photo-responsive interlocked gatekeeper of nanocontainers are described including the uptake and delivery studies of a model cargo.

Comparative inhibitory activity of the stilbenes resveratrol and oxyresveratrol on African swine fever virus replication.

Stilbenols are polyphenolic phytoalexins produced by plants in response to biotic or abiotic stress. These compounds have received much attention because of their significant biological effects. One of these is their antiviral action, which has previously been documented for two members of this class, namely resveratrol and oxyresveratrol. Here we tested the antiviral effect of these two compounds on African swine fever virus, the only member of the newly created family Asfarviridae and a serious limitation to porcine production worldwide. Our results show a potent, dose-dependent antiviral effect of resveratrol and oxyresveratrol in vitro. Interestingly, this antiviral activity was found for these synthetic compounds and also for oxyresveratrol extracted from new natural sources (mulberry twigs). The antiviral effect of these two drugs was demonstrated at concentrations that do not induce cytotoxicity in cultured cells. Moreover, these antivirals achieved a 98-100% reduction in viral titers. Both compounds allowed early protein synthesis but inhibited viral DNA replication, late viral protein synthesis and viral factory formation.

Urethrography in the male: the clamp method.

BACKGROUND: Retrograde urethrography is considered the gold standard for evaluating stenosis or urethral disease. PURPOSE: To describe the clamp method for optimizing retrograde urethrography (RUG) using a perfected device and a drip infusion system. material and methods: RUG was performed in 42 patients with a mean age of 63.4+/-16.5 years suspected of having urethral stenosis. The modifications to the device are shown, and the steps of the technique described. The intensity of pain from both catheterization and external compression was measured on a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: All the RUG examinations were conducted satisfactorily. The use of the drip infusion system enabled visualization of the posterior urethra in 97.6% of cases, and bladder repletion was achieved in 95.2% of cases. The urethrograms revealed images of stenosis in 31 patients. With catheterization the mean pain intensity registered by VAS was 0.7+/-0.6 (SD), whereas with external compression the mean pain intensity was 0.06+/-0.02 (SD). CONCLUSION: The clamp method and drip infusion system used in this study are efficient and reduce patient discomfort. The procedure makes it possible to assess cases with stenosis close to the meatus that are difficult to manage with the conventional method.

La carpeta de aprendizaje: una innovación docente en la asignatura de Radiología y Medicina Física Especial / The portfolio: an innovate educational project on the subject of Radiology and Special Physical Medicine

Objetivo. Presentar una innovación docente desarrollada en la asignatura de Radiología y Medicina Física Especial durante el curso académico 2006-2007. Sujetos y métodos. Los alumnos realizaron una rotación durante dos semanas en los servicios de Radiodiagnóstico y Medicina Nuclear, en grupos pequeños. La metodología docente utilizada fue la carpeta de aprendizaje o portafolio. Se describen los aspectos fundamentales para la elaboración de la carpeta y de los casos clínicos, así como del sistema de evaluación. Dentro del ciclo de mejora continuada se llevó a cabo una encuesta de satisfacción. Resultados. Los resultados académicos obtenidos fueron excelentes. La mayoría de los alumnos consideraron que la asignatura fue interesante. También señalaron una valoración positiva de la rotación, de los seminarios y del sistema de evaluación. Asimismo, la opinión de los alumnos acerca de la experiencia docente realizada fue muy favorable. Conclusión. La satisfacción global de los alumnos ha sido muy alta con la metodología docente implantada en la asignatura (AU)

Aim. To introduce a learning innovation on the subject of Radiology and Special Physical Medicine along the academic year 2006/2007. Subjects and methods. Working in small groups, students carried out a two-week rotation in the departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. The portfolio was the educational methodology used. The main aspects to elaborate the portfolio, the case reports, aswell as the evaluation system are described. A satisfaction survey within the continuous improvement course was performed. Results. The academic results achieved were excellent. The subject was considered interesting by most of the students. A positive evaluation about the rotation made by the students, the seminaries and the evaluation system was made. Students’ opinion about the educational experience performed was also, very favourable. Conclusion. The educational methodology introduced in the subject has produced a high level of satisfaction among the students (AU)

The promise of spirit at work: increasing job satisfaction and organizational commitment and reducing turnover and absenteeism in long-term care.

The effectiveness of a spirit at work program in long-term care was evaluated using a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design. These findings, along with focus group results, provide strong support that the program increased spirit at work, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and organizational culture (particularly teamwork and morale), leading to a reduction in turnover and absenteeism--two major concerns in the long-term care sector. This study suggests that implementation of a spirit at work program is a relatively inexpensive way to enhance the work satisfaction of employees, increase their commitment to the organization (thus reducing turnover and absenteeism), and ultimately improve the quality of resident care.

Reproducibility of sonographic measurements of carotid intima-media thickness.

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), measured with B-mode ultrasound, is a marker for atherosclerosis and widely used as an outcome in intervention trials. PURPOSE: To evaluate the reproducibility of carotid intima-media thickness measurements using tissue harmonic imaging (THI) sonography between two observers with different levels of experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: IMT measurement was performed in 40 patients: 26 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 62.6 years. The measurements were taken on the posterior wall of the right common carotid artery using a standardized protocol. Observer measurement of the IMT was independent and blind. Statistical analysis was done with parametric tests and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The measurements of the IMT were taken satisfactorily in all cases. IMT measurement time was 5 min/study. No significant differences were noted between the means obtained by the two observers. The interobserver correlation of the measurements was very high (97.2%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that carotid IMT measurement using THI sonography and a standardized protocol is accurate and reproducible.

New sample treatment for determination of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in agricultural soils by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

A new sample-treatment procedure has been developed for determination of total linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), i.e. homologues and isomers, in agricultural soil. The procedure involves two steps, ultrasound-assisted extraction of LAS from the samples with methanol then clean-up of the methanolic extracts and preconcentration of the LAS by solid-phase extraction on two adsorbent cartridges (SAX and C18). The ultrasound-assisted procedure reduces extraction time (10 min in contrast with 6-12 h for conventional Soxhlet extraction) and requires only small volumes of organic solvent. The effect of different variables interacting in the ultrasound-assisted extraction process was studied. Finally, separation and quantification of the homologues and isomers of LAS was performed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FD). 2-Octylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt (Na-2ØC8-LAS) was used as internal standard. The proposed method was satisfactorily used for determination of LAS in agricultural soil samples from the fertile plain of Granada (Spain).

Influence of water hardness on the bioavailability and toxicity of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS).

In the present work, the influence of Ca2+ concentration on the toxicity of single cut linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) homologues was studied. Precipitation boundary diagrams for each homologue were obtained, indicating turbid and clear zones depending on the LAS and Ca2+ concentrations. The separation between transparent and turbid zones is given by the so-called precipitation line. LAS toxicity to Daphnia magna was determined at concentrations close to this precipitation line. It was observed that when Ca(LAS)2 precipitation progresses, LAS bioavailability decreases for test animals, and the toxicity diminishes even at high nominal LAS concentrations. According to the "free ion activity model" (FIAM), the toxicity of a given chemical compound is mainly due to the ionic species (Ca2+-LAS-) and not due to the precipitated molecule, Ca(LAS)2. The significance of the present study is in connection with the assessment of LAS sorption/precipitation studies in soils and sediments, where in situ toxicity is strongly influenced by Ca2+/Mg2+ ions, according to the results presented in this work.

A multimodality approach to the diagnosis of breast hamartomas with atypical mammographic appearance.

The ultrasonographic appearance of breast hamartomas (BHs) is described and its diagnostic utility is discussed in this study of 27 women with mammographic findings both typical and atypical of BH. The role of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of BH of atypical mammographic appearance is also analyzed. These 27 cases of BH were detected in women submitted to mammographic screening. Ages ranged from 45 to 65 years (mean age 52.6 years). In all cases physical and ultrasonographic examinations were carried out. CT studies were carried out in seven cases. Core biopsy was performed in 18 cases of lesions with a mammographic appearance atypical of BH. Lesions were palpable in 9 cases and nonpalpable in 18. Mammographic appearance was characteristic in nine cases. In 19 cases a hypoechoic solid mass with hyperechoic lines and/or bands was seen. This ultrasonographic image is suspicious of BH. Finally, both CT and core biopsy findings were of great help in the diagnosis of BH in the cases where mammographic and ultrasonographic studies were inconclusive. We consider that a combination of mammography, ultrasonography, CT, and core biopsy is fundamental for the successful diagnosis of breast hamartomas not seen in typical form in mammograms.

Electrical nerve stimulation in the management of enterocutaneous low-output fistulas: a report of two cases.

Two patients with low-output enterocutaneous fistulas after surgery were treated with electrical nerve stimulation (ENS). Ultrasonography was useful for the application of this treatment method and for the charting of its progress. Fistula output diminished rapidly in both cases, and the closure of the track was achieved after several sessions of ENS. The procedure is simple and safe and is suggested as an option for the treatment of low-output enterocutaneous fistulas.

Conservative treatment of large rectus sheath hematoma in patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe our experience in the conservative management of large rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) in patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the medical histories of 12 cases of RSH (11 female, one male; mean age = 67.6 years). Seven patients were taking oral anticoagulants, three were taking intravenous unfractionated heparin, and two were taking subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin. Six patients had a history of coughing fits. Ultrasound examination and computed tomography (CT) was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Clinically, the majority of patients presented acute abdominal pain, infraumbilical masses, and anemic syndrome. Ultrasonography demonstrated nine of the 12 cases of RSH, and CT showed the hematoma in all 12 cases. Type II (five cases) and type III (seven cases) indicate moderate and severe hematomas, respectively. Excessive anticoagulation was observed in eight cases, and coagulation within correct ranges was seen in the remaining four cases. In five patients the normalization of coagulation was achieved by administering vitamin K1 and fresh frozen plasma. All cases of type III hematoma required blood transfusion. Conservative treatment was effective in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: RSH must be suspected in women of advanced age undergoing treatment with anticoagulants who present the clinical triad of acute abdominal pain, infraumbilical mass, and anemic syndrome. CT is the examination of choice for the diagnosis of RSH. Early diagnosis of RSH permits conservative management, even in the case of large hematomas with hemodynamic repercussions and avoids unnecessary surgical intervention.

Scaphoid fractures and nonunions: a comparison between panoramic radiography and plain X-rays.

This study describes the diagnostic potential of the panoramic X-ray technique in the evaluation of scaphoid fractures and nonunions. Fifty-eight symptomatic wrists were examined using both plain X-rays and the panoramic procedure. The panoramic images showed in detail the line of the scaphoid fracture and nonunion in detail; they revealed four scaphoid fractures and five nonunions that were not shown clearly with plain X-rays. The panoramic technique is a useful complement to plain X-rays for the investigation of scaphoid fractures and nonunions.

[Alkaline encrusted cystitis secondary to Proteus mirabilis infection in a HIV infected patient]. / Cistitis alcalina incrustante secundaria a infección por Proteus mirabilis en un paciente VIH.

We described for the first time an alkaline encrusting cystitis in a patient with the acquired immune deficiency. This is an entity characterized by severe dysuria and long standing urinary frequency, alkaline urine and radiographically visible calcification of the urinary bladder. It has been observed in patients with permanent Foley catheter, persistent infections due to microorganisms with urolytic activity, urinary bilharziosis or tuberculosis, or malignant bladder tumors. None of these entities were described and the patient had all conditions for this syndrome.