The Oxidative Potential of Airborne Particulate Matter Research Trends, Challenges, and Future Perspectives-Insights from a Bibliometric Analysis and Scoping Review.

This study is a comprehensive analysis of the oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter (PM) and its environmental and health impacts. The researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis and scoping review, screening 569 articles and selecting 368 for further analysis. The study found that OP is an emerging field of study, with a notable increase in the number of publications in the 2010s compared to the early 2000s. The research is primarily published in eight journals and is concentrated in a few academic and university-based institutions. The study identified key research hotspots for OP-PM, emphasizing the importance of capacity building, interdisciplinary collaboration, understanding emission sources and atmospheric processes, and the impacts of PM and its OP. The study highlighted the need to consider the effects of climate change on OP-PM and the regulatory framework for PM research. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of PM and its consequences, including human exposure and its effects. It will also inform strategies for managing air quality and protecting public health. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the field of OP-PM research and highlights the need for continued research and collaboration to address the environmental and health impacts of PM.

Using artificial intelligence for exercise prescription in personalised health promotion: A critical evaluation of OpenAI's GPT-4 model.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare provides new possibilities for personalized health management. AI-based fitness applications are becoming more common, facilitating the opportunity for individualised exercise prescription. However, the use of AI carries the risk of inadequate expert supervision, and the efficacy and validity of such applications have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly in the context of diverse health conditions. The aim of the study was to critically assess the efficacy of exercise prescriptions generated by OpenAI's Generative Pre-Trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4) model for five example patient profiles with diverse health conditions and fitness goals. Our focus was to assess the model's ability to generate exercise prescriptions based on a singular, initial interaction, akin to a typical user experience. The evaluation was conducted by leading experts in the field of exercise prescription. Five distinct scenarios were formulated, each representing a hypothetical individual with a specific health condition and fitness objective. Upon receiving details of each individual, the GPT-4 model was tasked with generating a 30-day exercise program. These AI-derived exercise programs were subsequently subjected to a thorough evaluation by experts in exercise prescription. The evaluation encompassed adherence to established principles of frequency, intensity, time, and exercise type; integration of perceived exertion levels; consideration for medication intake and the respective medical condition; and the extent of program individualization tailored to each hypothetical profile. The AI model could create general safety-conscious exercise programs for various scenarios. However, the AI-generated exercise prescriptions lacked precision in addressing individual health conditions and goals, often prioritizing excessive safety over the effectiveness of training. The AI-based approach aimed to ensure patient improvement through gradual increases in training load and intensity, but the model's potential to fine-tune its recommendations through ongoing interaction was not fully satisfying. AI technologies, in their current state, can serve as supplemental tools in exercise prescription, particularly in enhancing accessibility for individuals unable to access, often costly, professional advice. However, AI technologies are not yet recommended as a substitute for personalized, progressive, and health condition-specific prescriptions provided by healthcare and fitness professionals. Further research is needed to explore more interactive use of AI models and integration of real-time physiological feedback.

An overview of air pollution research in Chile: Bibliometric analysis and scoping review, challenger and future directions.

This study provides a comprehensive overview and bibliometric analysis of air pollution research in Chile from 1980 to 2022. The analysis reveals a significant increase in scientific production, a 9.2 annual growth rate, and an H-index of 60. The research spans 33 countries and is influenced by environmental sciences, meteorology, and atmospheric sciences journals. The top ten authors account for 33.49 % of all publications, with local institutions contributing more than 35 %. The University of Chile and the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile are significant contributors. The most cited articles focus on health impacts and various pollutant sources, emphasizing air pollution as a critical public health concern. The study also emphasizes environmental science, meteorology, and atmospheric science, focusing on topics such as air pollution and health, pollutants, models, sources and chemistry, and social sciences. The findings are affirmed through rigorous discussion and review, providing a roadmap for future research, guiding decision-making processes, and expanding the knowledge frontier in the field.

Mejora de la dureza mental en halteristas universitarios mediante una intervención con biorretroalimentación basada en el modelo IZOF / Melhoria da resistência mental em halterofilistas universitários através de uma intervenção de biofeedback baseada no modelo IZOF / Mental toughness improvement in college weightlifters through an intervention based on the IZOF model

La intervención psicológica en el contexto del deporte ha intentado detectar un modelo que pueda predecir el máximo rendimiento deportivo; los estudios en donde se utilizan programas de intervención psicológica en las fases competitivas han mostrado cierta influencia en la mejora de habilidades psicológicas específicas para la práctica deportiva. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de un programa de control de activación basado en la Zona Individual de Funcionamiento Óptimo (IZOF), sobre los niveles de dureza mental en deportistas universitarios de halterofilia. La muestra constó de tres participantes, seleccionados por conveniencia. Se utilizó un diseño preexperimental de pretest-postest con un grupo único. Se aplicaron el Inventario Psicológico de Ejecución Deportiva y el Inventario de Ansiedad Estado Competitiva-2RD, este último de manera retrospectiva considerando tres momentos deportivos: a) Peor Rendimiento; b) Rendimiento Regular; c) Mejor Rendimiento; y uno de forma prospectiva, d) Post-intervención. Se registro la frecuencia cardiaca como herramienta para determinar la IZOF. El programa de intervención constó de 17 sesiones para la enseñanza y aplicación técnicas de control de activación. Se analizaron las variables psicológicas mediante la prueba T de Wilcoxon y el mínimo cambio apreciable, mientras que se obtuvieron medias para la frecuencia cardiaca para evaluar su comportamiento durante las ejecuciones de rendimiento. Los resultados posteriores a la intervención muestran cambios positivos en los niveles de ansiedad y autoconfianza, así como de las habilidades psicológicas para la práctica deportiva, y, la obtención y mantenimiento de la IZOF en los participantes. (AU)

Psychological intervention in the sports context has tried to detect a model that can predict maximum sports performance. Studies in which psychological intervention programs were used in the competitive phases have shown some influence in the improvement of specific psychological skills for sports practice. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an activation control program based on the Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) on the mental toughness levels in university weightlifting athletes. The sample was of three participants, selected by convenience. A pre-experimental pretest-posttest design with a single group was used. The Psychological Inventory of Sport Performance and Inventory of Competitive State Anxiety-2RD (CSAI-2R) questionnaires were applied, the CSAI-2R was responded to retrospectively considering three different sporting moments: a)Worst Performance; b) Regular Performance; c) Best Performance; and, one prospectively after intervention: d) Treatment Performance. Heart rate recording was used as a tool to determine the IZOF. The intervention program consisted of 17 sessions for the teaching and application of activation control techniques. Psychological variables were analyzed through a Wilcoxon test and the smallest worthwhile change, whilst heart rate means were obtained to evaluate their behavior throughout the performance executions. Post-intervention results show positive changes in anxiety and self-confidence levels as well as in the psychological skills for sports practice, and the attainment and maintenance of IZOF in the participants. (AU)

A intervenção psicológica no contexto do desporto tentou detectar um modelo que pode prever o máximo desempenho desportivo. Estudos nos quais são utilizados programas de intervenção psicológica nas fases competitivas mostraram uma certa influência na melhoria de competências psicológicas específicas para a prática desportiva. O objectivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da utilização de um programa de controlo de activação baseado na Zona Ótima de Funcioamento Individual(IZOF) sobre os níveis de resistência mental em atletas de halterofilismo universitários. A amostra consistiu em três participantes, seleccionados de forma não-probabilística por conveniência. Foi utilizado um desenho pré-experimental de pré-teste-pós-teste com um único grupo. Foram aplicados os seguintes questionários: 1) Inventário Psicológico do Desempenho Desportivo; e 2) Inventário da Ansiedade do Estado Competitivo-2RD, este último considerando retrospectivamente três momentos desportivos diferentes: a) pior desempenho; b) desempenho médio; c) melhor desempenho. Finalmente, um registo do ritmo cardíaco como ferramenta para determinar o IZOF. O programa de intervenção consistiu em 17 sessões para o ensino e aplicação de técnicas de controlo de activação. Os dados obtidos foram analisados utilizando um teste Wilcoxon para contrastar as diferenças entre as aplicações CSAI2-RD e IPED. Finalmente, a menor alteração mensurável (SWC) foi utilizada para detectar variações nas pontuações dos testes. Os resultados pós-intervenção mostram um aumento de algumas das capacidades psicológicas para a prática desportiva, e a obtenção e manutenção do IZOF em alguns participantes. (AU)

Comparative Study of the Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health and Nutritional Practices Among International Elite and Sub-Elite Athletes: A Sample of 1420 Participants from 14 Countries.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have shown that the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown has had negative impacts on mental health and eating behaviors among the general population and athletes, few studies have examined the long-term effects on elite and sub-elite athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 lockdown on mental health and eating behaviors in elite versus sub-elite athletes two years into the pandemic. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between March and April 2022, involving athletes from 14 countries, using a convenient non-probabilistic and snowball sampling method. A total of 1420 athletes (24.5 ± 7.9 years old, 569 elites, 35% women, and 851 sub-elites, 45% women) completed an online survey-based questionnaire. The questionnaire included a sociodemographic survey, information about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) for mental health assessment, and the Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants (REAP-S) for assessing eating behavior. RESULTS: The results showed that compared to sub-elite athletes, elite athletes had lower scores on the DASS-21 (p = .001) and its subscales of depression (p = .003), anxiety (p = .007), and stress (p < .001), as well as a lower REAP-S score indicating lower diet quality (p = .013). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, two years into the pandemic, elite athletes were likelier to have better mental health profiles than sub-elite athletes but surprisingly had lower diet quality.

The effects of female age on blood-feeding, insemination, sperm storage, and fertility in the dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Mating induces behavioral and physiological changes in female insects-collectively referred to as the female post-mating response (PMR)-that facilitate the production of progeny. PMRs are elicited by transfer of male-derived seminal components during mating, but are altered by other factors, including adult age. Increased female age is often accompanied by declines in fertility. However, mating shortly after emergence also impacts fertility in the insect model Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we determined the age post-emergence when females of the vector mosquito Aedes aegypti can be inseminated and blood-feed. We next examined fecundity, fertility, and the storage of sperm in the female reproductive tract in "young" (30-41 hours-old) and "old" (2- and 3-week-old) females, finding that blood-feeding began at 14 hours, and mating at ∼24 hours post-emergence. Although young females consumed smaller blood quantities and stored fewer sperm, they were similarly fertile to 4-day-old controls. Old females, however, suffered significant declines in fecundity by 2 weeks of age. Our results show that female Ae. aegypti start to become sexually receptive 1 day after their emergence, but can ingest blood much sooner, suggesting that mating is not a prerequisite to blood-feeding, and that females can ingest an arbovirus infected blood-meal shortly after emergence.

wMel Wolbachia alters female post-mating behaviors and physiology in the dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti.

Globally invasive Aedes aegypti disseminate numerous arboviruses that impact human health. One promising method to control Ae. aegypti populations is transinfection with Wolbachia pipientis, which naturally infects ~40-52% of insects but not Ae. aegypti. Transinfection of Ae. aegypti with the wMel Wolbachia strain induces cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), allows infected individuals to invade native populations, and inhibits transmission of medically relevant arboviruses by females. Female insects undergo post-mating physiological and behavioral changes-referred to as the female post-mating response (PMR)-required for optimal fertility. PMRs are typically elicited by male seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) transferred with sperm during mating but can be modified by other factors, including microbiome composition. Wolbachia has modest effects on Ae. aegypti fertility, but its influence on other PMRs is unknown. Here, we show that Wolbachia influences female fecundity, fertility, and re-mating incidence and significantly extends the longevity of virgin females. Using proteomic methods to examine the seminal proteome of infected males, we found that Wolbachia moderately affects SFP composition. However, we identified 125 paternally transferred Wolbachia proteins, but the CI factor proteins (Cifs) were not among them. Our findings indicate that Wolbachia infection of Ae. aegypti alters female PMRs, potentially influencing control programs that utilize Wolbachia-infected individuals.

Effects of home confinement on physical activity, nutrition, and sleep quality during the COVID-19 outbreak in amateur and elite athletes.

Introduction: Despite the progress in the management of the pandemic caused by COVID-19, it is necessary to continue exploring and explaining how this situation affected the athlete population around the world to improve their circumstances and reduce the negative impact of changes in their lifestyle conditions that were necessitated due to the pandemic. The aim of this study was to analyze the moderating influence of physical activity (PA) and dietary habits on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic experience on sleep quality in elite and amateur athletes. Materials and methods: A total of 1,420 elite (40.1%) and amateur (59.9%) athletes (41% women; 59% men) from 14 different countries participated in a cross-sectional design study. Data were collected using a battery of questionnaires that identified sociodemographic data, sleep quality index, PA levels, dietary habits, and the athletes' perception of their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Means and standard deviations were calculated for each variable. The analysis of variances and the correlation between variables were carried out with non-parametric statistics. A simple moderation effect was calculated to analyze the interaction between PA or dietary habits on the perception of the COVID-19 experience effect on sleep quality in elite and amateur athletes. Results: The PA level of elite athletes was higher than amateur athletes during COVID-19 (p < 0.001). However, the PA level of both categories of athletes was lower during COVID-19 than pre-COVID-19 (p < 0.01). In addition, amateurs had a higher diet quality than elite athletes during the pandemic (p = 0.014). The perception of the COVID-19 experience as controllable was significantly higher (p = 0.020) among elite athletes. In addition, two moderating effects had significant interactions. For amateur athletes, the PA level moderated the effect of controllable COVID-19 experience on sleep quality [F (3,777) = 3.05; p = 0.028], while for elite athletes, the same effect was moderated by dietary habits [F (3,506) = 4.47, p = 0.004]. Conclusion: Elite athletes had different lifestyle behaviors compared to amateurs during the COVID-19 lockdown. Furthermore, the relevance of maintaining high levels of PA for amateurs and good quality dietary habits by elite athletes was noted by the moderating effect that both variables had on the influence of the controllable experience during the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep quality.

Factores que influyen sobre las actitudes hacia la participación de la mujer en el deporte / Factors influencing attitudes towards women's participation in sport

El deporte a través de la influencia de las instituciones educativas favorece la promoción de la equidad de género. El objetivo fue analizar la influencia del género, área de formación académica y práctica deportiva sobre las actitudes hacia la participación de las mujeres en el deporte por parte de la comunidad estudiantil de la Universidad Autónoma de Occidente (UAdeO). Se realizó un estudio transversal con alcance correlacional-explicativo en 3,716 (71.3% mujeres y 28.7% hombres) estudiantes de la UAdeO. Se aplicó la escala sobre la percepción de las actitudes hacia la participación de las mujeres en el deporte (EAPMD). Se realizaron comparaciones en función del género, tipo de práctica deportiva y área de estudios y se calcularon los coeficientes de regresión entre las variables sociodemográficas y la EAPMD. Los resultados muestran que las variables género, práctica deportiva y área de estudios fueron predictores significativos de tres escalas de la EAPMD. Asimismo, se observaron diferencias en los factores de la EAPMD en función de las variables sociodemográficas. Es posible concluir que las actitudes hacia la participación de las mujeres en el deporte de los participantes están influidas por las variables género, práctica deportiva y área de estudios. (AU)

Sport through the influence of educational institutions improve the promotion of gender equity. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of gender, area of academic formation and sports practice over the attitudes towards women's participation in sports by the student community of the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente (UAdeO). A cross-sectional study with correlational-explanatory scope was realized with 3,716 (71.3% women and 28.7% men) UAdeO students. The scale about the perception of attitudes towards women's participation in sports (AWPS) was applied. Comparisons were made according to gender, type of sport practice and area of study and regression coefficients were calculated between the sociodemographic variables and the AWPS using the method of introducing variables. The results show that the gender, sports practice, and area of study variables were significant predictors of three scales of the AWPS. Likewise, differences were observed in the AWPS factors as a function of sociodemographic variables. It is possible to conclude that the attitudes towards women's participation in sport of the participants are influenced by the variables gender, sport practice and area of studies. (AU)

A Simple Approach to Produce Tailor-Made Chitosans with Specific Degrees of Acetylation and Molecular Weights.

Chitin is a structural polysaccharide that is found in crustaceans, insects, fungi and some yeasts. Chitin deacetylation produces chitosan, a well-studied biopolymer with reported chemical and biological properties for diverse potential applications for drug delivery, metal ion absorption, scaffolds and tissue engineering. Most known properties of chitosan have been determined from samples obtained from a variety of sources and in different conditions, this is, from chitosans with a wide range of degrees of N-acetylation (DA) and molecular weight (MW). However, as for any copolymer, the physicochemical and mechanical characteristics of chitosan highly depend on their monomer composition (DA) and chain size (MW). This work presents a simple methodology to produce chitosans with specific and predictive DA and MW. Reaction with acetic anhydride proved to be an efficient method to control the acetylation of chitosan, DAs between 10.6% and 50.6% were reproducibly obtained. In addition to this, MWs of chitosan chains were reduced in a controlled manner in two ways, by ultrasound and by acidic hydrolysis at different temperatures, samples with MWs between 130 kDa and 1300 kDa were obtained. DAs were determined by 1H-NMR and MWs by gel permeation chromatography.

Spatial and temporal population dynamics of male and female Aedes albopictus at a local scale in Medellín, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Diseases transmitted by invasive Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are public health issues in the tropics and subtropics. Understanding the ecology of mosquito vectors is essential for the development of effective disease mitigation programs and will allow for accurate predictions of vector occurrence and abundance. Studies that examine mosquito population dynamics are typically focused on female presence or total adult captures without discriminating the temporal and spatial distribution of both sexes. METHODS: We collected immature and adult mosquitoes bimonthly for 2 years (2018-2019) in the Medellín Botanical Garden. Collection sites differed in proximity to buildings and nearby vegetation, and were classified by their overhead vegetation cover. We used linear mixed models (LMMs) and Spatial Analysis by Distance Indices (SADIE) to assess the spatial distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Using our Ae. albopictus captures exclusively, we assessed (1) the spatial and temporal distribution of males and females using SADIE and a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), (2) the relationship between climatic variables/vegetation coverage and adult captures using GLMMs and LMMs, and (3) the correlation of male and female size in relation to climatic variables and vegetation coverage using LMMs. RESULTS: Spatial analysis showed that Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were distributed at different locations within the surveilled area. However, Ae. albopictus was the predominant species in the park during the study period. Adult Ae. albopictus captures were positively correlated with precipitation and relative humidity, and inversely correlated with temperature and wind speed. Moreover, we observed a spatial misalignment of Ae. albopictus males and females-the majority of males were located in the high vegetation coverage sites, while females were more evenly distributed. We observed significant associations of the size of our adult Ae. albopictus captures with precipitation, temperature, and wind speed for both sexes and found that overhead vegetation cover influenced male size, but observed no effect on female size. CONCLUSIONS: Our work elucidates the differential dynamics of Ae. albopictus males and females, which is pivotal to develop accurate surveillance and the successful establishment of vector control programs based on the disruption of insect reproduction.

Competitive Recovery-Stress and Mood States in Mexican Youth Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring recovery-stress balance in sport is becoming more relevant to prevent training maladaptation and reach the optimal performance for each athlete. The use of questionnaires that identify the athlete's recovery-stress state have much acceptance in sports due to reliability and useful, furthermore for its low cost. Identifying possible differences between sport modalities and sex is important to determine specific needs and possible intervention ways to keep a recovery-stress balance. The aim was to analyze the differences in the recovery-stress state and mood states by sex and sport type during the competitive phase in young Mexican athletes. As a secondary objective, the psychometric properties of the Mexican version of the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport) were analyzed. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried on with 461 athletes (61% women and 39% men), 17.95 (±1.2) years old, from six sports disciplines. The RESTQ-Sport and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were applied in a single moment. Differences by sex and sports modality were analyzed. RESTQ-Sport's confirmatory factor analysis was performed after the stress and recovery theoretical structure of two stress (general and sport) and two recovery (general and sport) dimensions, and last, the concurrent validation with the POMS was carried on. RESULTS: Significant differences by sex were found in the General Recovery and Sport Stress dimensions of the RESTQ-Sport as well as Vigor factor of the POMS, being higher for men; furthermore, both the Sport Recovery dimension of RESTQ-Sport and Cholera and the Fatigue and Depression factors from POMS also had differences by sport type, showing a less recovery and high stress for individual sport athletes. Goodness-of-fit indexes of the model for the RESTQ-Sport were acceptable. Pearson's correlation between questionnaires was moderate (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The recovery-stress state shows differences in the function of sex and sport modality. More special attention is suggested for women and individual sport athletes. The higher punctuation for men compared with women in sport stress dimension did not negatively affect the recovery-stress balance for male athletes. Finally, the Mexican context adaptation of the RESTQ-Sport provides a psychometric instrument suitable to assess the recovery-stress balance in Mexican athletes.

Impact of the internal training load over recovery-stress balance in endurance runners / Impacto de la carga de entrenamiento interna sobre el balance de estrés-recuperación en corredores de resistencia

The aim of the research was to analyze the response in the recovery-stress balance perception and the internal training load in resistance runners. 18 trained runners (age: 20.1±2.7 years, weight: 64.2±7.63kg, height, 174.32±6.2cm, VO2max: 57.54±7.34L), participate in tests of 800m (five), 1500m (four), 3000m steeplechase (one), 5000m (five), 10,000m (one) and 21km (two). Three weeks of training monitoring was performed, in which two were of moderate load and one of intense load. The daily S-RPE (Foster et al., 2001) and weekly RESTQ-Sport were applied to evaluate the perception of training load and recovery-stress balance. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was performed. A variance analysis was applied through the Friedman test, with post hoc Wilcoxon. The Spearman correlation coefficient between the RESTQ-Sport scales and the weekly S-RPE was analyzed. The results indicate that the S-RPE presented significant variations between the weeks, with week three reflecting the greater internal training load perceived. With respect to RESTQ-Sport, only the scale Disturbed Breaks (DB) shown significant differences, being this a specific scale of the sport, reflecting an increase in the perception of stress by the intensity of the training. There were no significant correlations, however, the S-RPE and the Disturbed breaks scale increased in week 3. The results coincide with other previous investigations in which the relationship between the increase in the training loads and the perception of this by the athletes (AU)

El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar la respuesta sobre la percepción del balance estrés-recuperación y la carga interna del entrenamiento en corredores de resistencia. 18 corredores de resistencia entrenados (edad: 20.1±2.7 años, peso: 64.2±7.63kg, estatura, 174.32±6.2cm, VO2max: 57.54±7.34L), participantes en pruebas de 800m (cinco), 1500m (cuatro), 3000m con obstáculos (uno), 5000m (cinco), 10,000m (uno) and 21km (dos). Se monitorearon tres semanas de entrenamiento, dos se realizaron con carga moderada y una con carga intensa. Se utilizó el S-RPE (Foster et al., 2001) diariamente y el RESTQ-Sport semanalmente para evaluar la percepción de estrés-recuperación. Se examinó la normalidad a través de la prueba Shapiro-Wilk y el análisis de varianza a través del test de Friedman con post hoc de Wilcoxon. Se analizó el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman entre las escalas del RESTQ-sport y el S-RPE semanal. El S-RPE tuvo diferencias significativas entre las semanas. La semana 3 presentó la mayor percepción de carga. interna del entrenamiento. El RESTQ-Sport presentó diferencias significativas en la escala de Periodos de Descanso Alterados (PDA), siendo ésta una escala específica del deporte, reflejando un incremento en la percepción de estrés debido a la intensidad del entrenamiento. No se presentaron correlaciones significativas, sin embargo, el S-RPE y la escala PDA muestran un incremento en la semana 3. Los resultados coinciden con estudios previos que señalan una relación entre el incremento de las cargas de entrenamiento y la percepción por parte de los atletas (AU)

Cortisol y estrés-recuperación durante un periodo competitivo en jugadores de balonmano / Cortisol e estresse-recuperação durante um período competitivo em jogadores de handebol / Cortisol and recovery-stress during a competitive period in handball players

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar los niveles de cortisol en plasma y su relación con la percepción de los niveles de estrés y recuperación en jugadores de balonmano durante un periodo de entrenamiento y competición. Participaron 14 jugadores de balonmano durante una competición nacional. Se recogieron un total de seis muestras de cortisol y se hicieron cuatro aplicaciones del RESTQ-Sport. Se observó disminución significativa (p < .01) en los niveles de cortisol post-competición (162.22 ± 69.83 ng/mL) en relación a la pre-competición (243.81 ± 36.46 ng/mL). Las sub-escalas de estrés general, estrés emocional, fatiga, recuperación física, calidad de sueño y periodos de descanso alterados del RESTQ-Sport presentaron cambios significativos entre las tomas pre y post-competición. Se encontró una correlación positiva entre los niveles de cortisol y la subescala de éxito (rho = .53; p < .05) y una negativa con la de lesiones (rho = -.57; p < .05). El estudio apoya el concepto de la respuesta anticipatoria del cortisol en relación a la competición. Además, proporciona mayor evidencia de la influencia del entrenamiento y la competición sobre la percepción del estrés-recuperación, resaltando la importancia de un registro psicofisiológico y hormonal con el objetivo de alcanzar un rendimiento deportivo óptimo (AU)

The aim of the study was to analyze plasma cortisol levels and their relation with the perception of recovery-stress balance in handball players during a training and competition period. Fourteen handball players took part in the study during a major competition. Data were collected from six blood samples in order to measure cortisol, and from four applications of the RESTQ-Sport for stress-recovery balance assessment. Compared to pre-competition (243.81 ± 36.46 ng/mL), a significative decrease (p < .01) in cortisol levels was observed in post-competition (162.22 ± 69.83 ng/mL). The RESTQ-Sport subscales general stress, emotional stress, fatigue, physical recovery, sleep quality, and disturbed breaks showed significant changes between pre and post-competition. Cortisol levels were found to have positive correlation with success subscale (rho = .53; p < .05), whilst negative with fitness/injury subscale (rho = -.57; p < .05). Our findings support the idea of an anticipatory cortisol response to competition. Moreover, they provide further evidence on the influence of training over recovery-stress perception, emphasizing the importance of the psychophysiological and hormonal monitoring in order to achieve optimal athletic performance (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os níveis de cortisol plasmático e sua relação com a percepção dos níveis de estresse e recuperação em jogadores de handebol durante um treinamento e competição. Participaram 14 jogadores de handebol durante uma competição nacional. Um total de seis amostras de cortisol foram recolhidas e quatro aplicações do RESTQ-Sport foram feitas. Foi observada uma diminuição significativa (p < .01) nos níveis de cortisol pós-competição (162,22 ± 69,83 ng / mL) em relação ao pré-competição (243,81 ± 36,46 ng / mL). As sub-escalas de estresse geral, estresse emocional, fadiga, recuperação física, qualidade do sono e de repouso alterados do RESTQ-Sport mostrou mudanças significativas entre as ingestões pré e pós-competição. Se encontrou uma correlação positiva entre os níveis de cortisol e a sub-escala de sucesso (rho = 0,53; p < .05) e uma correlação negativa com lesão (rho = -.57; p < .05). O estudo apoia o conceito de resposta do cortisol antecipatória em relação à competição. Ele também fornece mais uma prova da influência do treinamento e competição na percepção de estresse-recuperação, destacando a importância de um registo psicofisiológica e hormonal a fim de alcançar o desempenho atlético ideal (AU)

Crystal structure of bis-(µ2-tetra-bromo-phthalato-κ(2) O (1):O (2))bis[aqua(N,N,N',N'-tetra-methyl-ethane-1,2-di-amine-κ(2) N,N')copper(II)].

In the title complex, [Cu2(C8Br4O4)2(C6H16N2)2(H2O)2], the Cu(II) cation is chelated by a tetra-methyl-ethane-1,2-di-amine ligand and coordinated by a water mol-ecule as well as bridged by two tetra-bromo-phthalate anions in a distorted O3N2 trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. The two symmetry-related tetra-bromo-phthalate anions bridge the two Cu(II) cations, forming a centrosymmetric dinuclear complex in which the Cu⋯Cu separation is 5.054 (2) Å. Intra-molecular classic O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds occur in the dinuclear mol-ecule. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯Br and C-H⋯O inter-actions into supra-molecular chains propagating along the b-axis direction.

Estado actual de los sistemas de infusión subcutánea continua de insulina y monitorización continua de glucosa en la Comunidad de Madrid / Current status of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring systems in the Community of Madrid

OBJETIVO: Analizar la información disponible sobre el estado de los sistemas de infusión subcutánea continua de insulina (ISCI) y de monitorización continua de glucosa (MCG) en la red pública sanitaria de la Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (CAM). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se remitió una encuesta a los 28 servicios de endocrinología de los hospitales públicos de la CAM con 31 preguntas sobre los sistemas ISCI y MCG, que incluían registros de pacientes y aspectos asistenciales, administrativos y logísticos. Entre marzo y mayo de 2014 se recibieron respuestas de los centros y se recabó la información de los 20 servicios que realizaban este tipo de procedimientos en nuestra comunidad. Los datos sobre pacientes pediátricos se recibieron mayoritariamente a través de los servicios de adultos, con la excepción de 2 servicios de pediatría de los que la información se recibió directamente. RESULTADOS: En la CAM hay contabilizados un total de 1.256 sistemas ISCI en la población diabética. Los usuarios son mayoritariamente adultos (1.089 pacientes), mientras que 167 corresponden a pacientes pediátricos. Durante 2013 se instauraron 151 nuevos tratamientos (12% del total) mientras que se retiraron un total de 14 bombas. La disponibilidad de recursos asistenciales y la proporción de facultativos de plantilla encargados de estos tratamientos son muy desiguales entre distintos centros. Un 85% de los hospitales incluye entre sus prestaciones sistemas MCG retrospectivos, y un 40% los utiliza habitualmente al inicio de los tratamientos ISCI. Trece centros (65%) utilizan MCG a tiempo real (MCG-TR) a largo plazo en casos seleccionados, contabilizándose un registro acumulado de 67 pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: La implantación de las tecnologías en diabetes en la CAM es desigual en los distintos centros madrileños, y continúa siendo inferior a otros países de nuestro entorno, aunque parece observarse una discreta tendencia a recortar esas diferencias

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the available information about continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems in the public health care system of the Community of Madrid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey consisting of 31 items was sent to the 28 endocrinology department of the Madrid public hospitals. Items focused on CSII and CGM and included patients' registrations, as well as data regarding healthcare, administrative, and logistic aspects. Responses from a total of 20 hospitals where these procedures are used were received from March 2013 to May 2014. Data about pediatric patients were obtained from adult endocrinology departments, except for two hospitals which directly reported the information. RESULTS: A total of 1256 CSII pumps were recorded in the Madrid region, of which 1089 were used by adults, and the remaining 167 by pediatric patients. During 2013, 151 new CSII systems were implanted (12% of the total), while 14 pumps were withdrawn. Availability of human resources (medical assistance) and the number of staff practitioners experienced in management of these systems widely varied between hospitals. Eighty-five percent of hospitals used retrospective CGM systems, and 40% routinely placed them before starting an insulin pump. Thirteen hospitals (65%) used long-term, real-time CGM systems in selected cases (a total of 67 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Use of these technologies in diabetes is unequal between public health care hospitals in Madrid, and is still significantly lower as compared to other countries with similar incomes. However, there appears to be a trend to an increase in their use

[Current status of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring systems in the Community of Madrid]. / Estado actual de los sistemas de infusión subcutánea continua de insulina y monitorización continua de glucosa en la Comunidad de Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the available information about continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems in the public health care system of the Community of Madrid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey consisting of 31 items was sent to the 28 endocrinology department of the Madrid public hospitals. Items focused on CSII and CGM and included patients' registrations, as well as data regarding healthcare, administrative, and logistic aspects. Responses from a total of 20 hospitals where these procedures are used were received from March 2013 to May 2014. Data about pediatric patients were obtained from adult endocrinology departments, except for two hospitals which directly reported the information. RESULTS: A total of 1256 CSII pumps were recorded in the Madrid region, of which 1089 were used by adults, and the remaining 167 by pediatric patients. During 2013, 151 new CSII systems were implanted (12% of the total), while 14 pumps were withdrawn. Availability of human resources (medical assistance) and the number of staff practitioners experienced in management of these systems widely varied between hospitals. Eighty-five percent of hospitals used retrospective CGM systems, and 40% routinely placed them before starting an insulin pump. Thirteen hospitals (65%) used long-term, real-time CGM systems in selected cases (a total of 67 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Use of these technologies in diabetes is unequal between public health care hospitals in Madrid, and is still significantly lower as compared to other countries with similar incomes. However, there appears to be a trend to an increase in their use.

Factores de riesgo de complicaciones vasculares en extremidades inferiores en los pacientes con diabetes / Risk factors of vascular complications in lower limbs in diabetic patients

Fundamento y Objetivo: Evaluar en el paciente con diabetes los factores de riesgo que se asocian a la aparición de complicaciones vasculares en extremidades inferiores. Pacientes y método: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo en el que se evalúan 270 pacientes con diabetes seguidos en el Hospital la Paz desde 2000 hasta 2008. Medimos el índice tobillo-brazo (ITB), índice dedo-brazo (IDB) y presión arterial (PA) del primer dedo. Definimos evento vascular en extremidades inferiores. Comparamos distintas variables clínicas y epidemiológicas entre los pacientes con y sin evento vascular. Con un modelo de regresión de Cox se valora qué variables presentan asociación independiente con la aparición de evento. Resultados: Los valores medios de ITB, IDB y PA del primer dedo son significativamente menores en los pacientes con evento (ITB medio [DE] de 0,92 [0,30] frente a 0,78 [0,46], p=0,007; IDB medio de 0,86 [4,40] frente a 0,42 [0,22], p=0,001; PA media de 72,08 [30,62] frente a 56,25 [29,51], p=0,014). Resulta significativa la asociación de evento vascular con alteraciones biomecánicas (p=0,022), úlceras activas (p=0,000), antiguas (p=0,000) e insensibilidad (p=0,023). En la regresión de Cox demostraron tener valor independiente el IDB (hazard ratio [HR] 0,05; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0,00-0,52; p=0,013), alteraciones biomecánicas (HR 4,92; IC 95% 1,13-18,75; p=0,019), úlceras activas (HR 3,26; IC 95% 1,37-7,79; p=0,008) y previas (HR 5,55; IC 95%1,85-16,59; p=0,002). Conclusión: Los factores que nos sirven para predecir de forma independiente la aparición de eventos vasculares en extremidades inferiores en el futuro son el IDB, la existencia de alteraciones biomecánicas en los pies y el haber presentado úlceras. Son independientes de la edad, tipo de diabetes o existencia de otras complicaciones micro o macrovasculares de la misma (AU)

Background and Objetive: To evaluate the risk factors of complications in lower limbs in diabetic patients. Patients and methods: We evaluated 270 patients with diabetes followed in Hospital la Paz from 2000 to 2008.We measured the ankle-brachial index (ABI), toe-brachial index (TBII), and toe blood pressure (BP). We defined vascular complications in lower limbs. We compared some epidemiological and clinical variables between patients with and without a vascular event. We analyzed which variables have an independent association with the later appearance of a vascular event with Cox regression model. Results: The mean value of ITB, IDB and toe blood pressure were significantly lower in patients who had a vascular event compared to those who had not presented it (ITB mean 0.92±0.30 vs 0.78±0.46, P=.007; IDB mean 0.86±4.40 vs 0.42±0.22, P=.001; PA mean 72.08±30.62 vs 56.25±29.51, P=.014).The association of vascular event and biomechanical abnormalities (P=.022), active and old ulcers (P=.000), and insensivity (P=.023) were significantly. In the Cox regression model the toe brachial index (HR 0.05; IC:0.00-0.52; P=.013), the active (HR 3.26; IC:1.37-7.79; P=.008) and old ulcers (HR 5.55; IC:1.85-16.59; P=.002). and the biomechanical abnormalities (HR 4.92; IC:1.13-18.75; P=.019) had an independent value.Conclusions: Toe brachial index, biomechanical abnormalities and ulcers have an independent value to predict the later appearance of vascular events. In addition, they are independent of the age, type of diabetes and others diabetic complications (AU)