Variables de rendimiento y penalizaciones técnicas del salto zancada / Performance variables and technical penalties of the split leap

Se analizó la relación entre las penalizaciones técnicas obtenidas en la ejecución de un elemento gimnástico aislado con el nivel competitivo de las gimnastas, sus características antropométricas y las variables temporales y angulares más importantes analizadas en dicha habilidad. Fueron seleccionadas 29 gimnastas (17,1 ± 3,1 años) procedentes de distintos niveles competitivos. Tres entrenadores evaluaron la ejecución mediante una adaptación del Código de Puntuación. Se observaron asociaciones significativas directas e indirectas (p < 0,05): bajo índice de adiposidad (rho = 0,643), tiempo total de batida (rho = 0,619), tiempo total de vuelo (rho = - 0,596), máxima amplitud articular de caderas (rho = - 0,902) y máxima extensión de los tobillos (rho = - 0,738). La valoración de las penalizaciones así como el uso del nivel competitivo y del Salto Zancada como test específico han resultado ser herramientas útiles para la valoración del rendimiento

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the following aspects: the technical penalties obtained in the execution of an isolated gymnastics element, the competitive level of the gymnasts, their anthropometric characteristics, and the most important temporal and angular variables analyzed in this skill. Twenty nine gymnasts (aged 17.1 ± 3.1 years) from different competition levels were selected. Three coaches evaluated the execution through an adaptation of the Code of Points. Significant direct and indirect associations were observed (p < 0.05): low adiposity index (rho = 0.643), take-off total time (rho = 0.619), flight total time (rho = - 0.596), maximum range of motion of the hips (rho = - 0.902), and maximum extension of ankles (rho = - 0.738). The assessment of penalties as well as the use of competitive level and Split Leap as specific tests, have demonstrated to be useful tools for evaluating performance

Development of fly ash boards with thermal, acoustic and fire insulation properties.

This paper presents an experimental analysis on a new board composed of gypsum and fly ashes from coal combustion, which are mutually compatible. Physical and mechanical properties, sound absorption coefficient, thermal properties and leaching test have been obtained. The mechanical properties showed similar values to other commercial products. As far as the acoustic insulation characteristics are concerned, sound absorption coefficients of 0.3 and 0.8 were found. The board presents a low thermal conductivity and a fire resistance higher than 50 min (for 4 cm of thickness). The leaching of trace elements was below the leaching limit values. These boards can be considered as suitable to be used in building applications as partitions.

[Adverse reactions to human papillomavirus vaccine in the Valencian Community (2007-2011)]. / Notificación de reacciones adversas a la vacuna frente al virus del papiloma humano en la Comunidad Valenciana (2007-2011).

INTRODUCTION: In 2009, two cases of seizures in adolescents following quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) administration, generated important media attention, and adversely affected public trust in this vaccine. Our objectives were to describe suspected adverse reactions (SARs) reported to the Pharmacovigilance Centre in the Valencian Community (PCVC) after administration of HPV vaccine, and to compare reporting rates of syncope and seizures following this vaccine with those of other vaccines administered to girls aged 13-15 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study of SARs reported following this vaccine to the PCVC between 2007 and 2011. RESULTS: The clinical symptoms most frequently reported were dizziness, headache, and syncope. Reporting rates of syncope or loss of consciousness and seizures with qHPV vaccine were 17 and 3.2 per 100,000 doses administered, respectively, and 15 and 1.6 for syncope or loss of consciousness and syncopal seizures occurred on the day of vaccination. The reporting rates of syncope or loss of consciousness and seizures were 6.4 and 0.4, for the other vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with the media attention generated, and with results from other studies, the reporting rates of syncope or loss of consciousness and seizures were higher for the HPV vaccine than for other vaccines given in adolescence. Nevertheless, the overall information obtained on SARs following the qHPV vaccine suggests a good safety profile.

Sospecha de reacciones adversas a la vacuna triple vírica notificadas al Centro de Farmacovigilancia de la Comunidad Valenciana / Suspected adverse events to measles, mumps and rubella vaccine reported to the Community of Valencia Pharmacovigilance Centre

Introducción: El sistema de Farmacovigilancia de Medicamentos de Uso Humano constituye un importante mecanismo para el seguimiento postautorización de la seguridad de las vacunas. La vacuna triple vírica es una vacuna combinada de virus vivos atenuados de sarampión, rubéola y parotiditis. A pesar de que los episodios adversos asociados son considerados generalmente leves, la vacuna ha sido ampliamente cuestionada. Nuestro objetivo fue describir las notificaciones de sospecha de reacciones adversas relacionadas con esta vacuna, realizadas al Centro de Farmacovigilancia de la Comunidad Valenciana. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo a partir de los casos notificados entre el 15 de mayo de 2005 y el 15 de mayo de 2010.Tras agrupar las sospechas de reacciones adversas por criterios diagnósticos, fue realizado un análisis descriptivo de las variables. Resultados: Tras la administración de 545.830 dosis fueron notificadas 96 sospechas de reacciones adversas (1,76 notificaciones/100.000 dosis), que incluyeron un total de 181 reacciones. Las reacciones descritas con más frecuencia fueron fiebre (42,7%) e inflamación en la zona de inyección (36,5%). Fueron clasificadas como graves el 8,3% de las notificaciones. En todos los casos la recuperación fue completa. Conclusiones: Las sospechas de reacciones adversas notificadas coinciden con las reacciones descritas en las fichas técnicas de las vacunas. La frecuencia de notificaciones es notablemente inferior a la descrita en la literatura, no obstante, a pesar de las probables limitaciones y con los datos obtenidos podemos afirmar que la vacuna triple vírica ofrece un buen perfil de seguridad, acorde con los datos publicados hasta ahora (AU)

Introduction: A Pharmacovigilance system is an important tool for post-marketing monitoring on vaccine safety. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is a combined vaccine of live attenuated virus. Since its approval, and although the adverse events are considered generally mild, the vaccine has been widely questioned for the controversies arising around its safety. Our objective was to describe suspected adverse events related to MMR vaccine reported to the Valencian Pharmacovigilance Centre. Material and methods: Descriptive study from cases reported between May 15th, 2005 and May 15th, 2010. After grouping the suspected adverse events by diagnostic criteria, a descriptive analysis of variables was performed. Results: After 545,830 doses administered, 96 notifications were reported (1.76 notifications/100,000 doses) including 181 adverse events. Fever (42.7%) and local inflammation (36.5%) were the most reported events. There were 8.3% notifications classified as severe. Recovery was complete in all cases. Conclusions: The suspected adverse events reported coincided with those described in the Summary of Product Characteristics of the vaccine. The frequency of reports was lower than previously published estimates. Despite the limitations, the data obtained allowed us to conclude that MMR vaccine has a good safety profile, according to previously published studies (AU)

[Suspected adverse events to measles, mumps and rubella vaccine reported to the Community of Valencia Pharmacovigilance Centre]. / Sospecha de reacciones adversas a la vacuna triple vírica notificadas al Centro de Farmacovigilancia de la Comunidad Valenciana.

INTRODUCTION: A Pharmacovigilance system is an important tool for post-marketing monitoring on vaccine safety. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is a combined vaccine of live attenuated virus. Since its approval, and although the adverse events are considered generally mild, the vaccine has been widely questioned for the controversies arising around its safety. Our objective was to describe suspected adverse events related to MMR vaccine reported to the Valencian Pharmacovigilance Centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study from cases reported between May 15th, 2005 and May 15th, 2010. After grouping the suspected adverse events by diagnostic criteria, a descriptive analysis of variables was performed. RESULTS: After 545,830 doses administered, 96 notifications were reported (1.76 notifications/100,000 doses) including 181 adverse events. Fever (42.7%) and local inflammation (36.5%) were the most reported events. There were 8.3% notifications classified as severe. Recovery was complete in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The suspected adverse events reported coincided with those described in the Summary of Product Characteristics of the vaccine. The frequency of reports was lower than previously published estimates. Despite the limitations, the data obtained allowed us to conclude that MMR vaccine has a good safety profile, according to previously published studies.

Phenotypic and functional changes on phagocytic cells recruited at the site of Candida albicans infection after chronic varied stress exposure.

The transition of Candida albicans from commensalism to pathogenicity is associated with the immune status of the host; resistance to fungus involves macrophages (Mphi) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), which act as effector cells. T-cell function is also involved. Previously, we found that in Wistar rats exposed to chronic varied stress (CVS) immediately after C. albicans infection (Ca-S group) some functions of phagocytic cells, such as killer activity and NO production, were strongly modified compared with unstressed, infected animals (Ca group). We examined the phenotypic and functional changes of these effector cells recruited at the site of C. albicans infection. The recruitment of peritoneal cells (PC) was markedly reduced in Ca-S animals and the arrival of Mphi and PMN was selectively diminished after CVS exposure. The integrin CD11b/CD18, implicated in migration and C. albicans phagocytosis, was downregulated in Mphi of Ca-S animals. The activation markers CD54 and MHC-II were upregulated in Mphi after fungal contact. The expression of CD54 was only changed in Ca-S rats. Finally, TNF-alpha production was reduced in PC of Ca-S animals, suggesting an impairment of functional activity. Taken together, the phenotypic and functional changes detected in effector cells may account for the decreased resistance to candidiasis seen in conjunction with CVS. The changes seen also expand our knowledge of the role of Mphi in the control of C. albicans dissemination.

Impaired activity of phagocytic cells in Candida albicans infection after exposure to chronic varied stress.

OBJECTIVE: Candidiasis is a prototypic opportunistic fungal disease that may follow severe modulations of the immune system of the host. The purpose of this study was to evaluate which innate immune mechanisms involved in the protection against fungal invasion are impaired under stress conditions. METHODS: Wistar rats were infected intraperitoneally with Candida albicans and immediately exposed to chronic varied stress (CVS) over 10 days (CVS; Ca-S); the fungal burden (CFU), histopathological lesion and ACTH levels were evaluated. Additionally, functional assessment of peritoneal cells (PC) included the phagocytic and anticandidacidal activities and the production of H(2)O(2) and NO. RESULTS: In the only infected animals (Ca), C. albicans colonization stimulated an efficient inflammatory response, while in Ca-S rats poor tissue reactions were associated with increased CFU in livers and kidneys (p < 0.05, Ca vs. Ca-S). Whereas the phagocytic process was not modified, the candidacidal activity of PC was significantly decreased after the application of CVS (p < 0.001, Ca vs. Ca-S). The H(2)O(2) production by macrophages and neutrophils was downregulated by the infection, and while at early intervals these cells possessed a residual oxidative capacity, by day 10, the production of this metabolite was blocked. Spontaneous NO production by macrophages was significantly increased in both Ca and Ca-S animals (p < 0.001), but in stressed rats, this reactive nitrogen intermediate was noticeably downregulated (p < 0.05, Ca vs. Ca-S). The hyperactivity of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis after exposure to stress was confirmed by an increase in baseline plasma ACTH levels. CONCLUSION: These results show that during infection with C. albicans, the exposure to CVS contributes to the spread of the fungus and downregulates critical functions of phagocytic cells involved in the control of this opportunistic pathogen.

[Basic aspects of neuroendocrinoimmunology]. / Aspectos básicos de la Neuroendocrinoinmunología (NEI).

The purpose of this article is to discuss basic aspects of the interplay between the neuroendocrine and the immune systems. Two pathways link the brain and the immune system: the autonomic nervous system and the neuroendocrine outflow via the pituitary. Most of the influence of the brain on immune events is exerted through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Moreover, certain neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and neurohormones affect immune function both in vivo and in vitro. Receptors for these molecules are present on immune cells. This cell-to-cell communication is bi-directional, since impulses from the immune system can affect many functions of the central nervous system. Cytokines released during the activation of the immune system, in turn, can alter the function of the HPA axis. In this context, we also describe our main findings working with a model of Candida albicans infection in rats exposed to chronic varied stress.

Aspectos básicos de la Neuroendocrinoinmunología (NEI). / [Basic aspects of neuroendocrinoimmunology]

The purpose of this article is to discuss basic aspects of the interplay between the neuroendocrine and the immune systems. Two pathways link the brain and the immune system: the autonomic nervous system and the neuroendocrine outflow via the pituitary. Most of the influence of the brain on immune events is exerted through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Moreover, certain neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and neurohormones affect immune function both in vivo and in vitro. Receptors for these molecules are present on immune cells. This cell-to-cell communication is bi-directional, since impulses from the immune system can affect many functions of the central nervous system. Cytokines released during the activation of the immune system, in turn, can alter the function of the HPA axis. In this context, we also describe our main findings working with a model of Candida albicans infection in rats exposed to chronic varied stress.

Chronic varied stress modulates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Wistar rats.

Stress disturbs homeostasis by altering the equilibrium of various hormones which have a significant impact on immune responses. Few studies have examined the influence of stressors on autoimmune disease in animal models. In our work, we studied the effects of long-term exposure (14 days) to chronic varied stress (CVS) in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Wistar rats. We studied whether the exposure to CVS before or after the immune challenge would correlate with differences in the clinical course of the disease. We also examined whether the CVS would modulate the magnitude of the cellular or the humoral immune response. We observed opposite effects on the clinical signs in animals stressed before or after the immune challenge. The clinical signs of the disease were attenuated in animals stressed before but not after the immune challenge. Relationships were found in the modulation of the clinical severity related to the time of exposure to the CVS, the histological alterations and the proliferative results. Stressed animals with milder clinical signs presented an exacerbated humoral response against myelin antigens while stressed animals with more severe clinical symptoms exhibited a significantly diminished one. Besides, we detected the presence of specific IgG1 associated with the exposure to CVS before the induction of EAE. Our results show that, depending on the timing of the exposure of Wistar rats to the CVS, the neuroendocrine disbalance favors a more pronounced humoral or cellular profile of the response.