A Longitudinal Study on Motherhood and Well-Being: Developmental and Clinical Implications

Pregnancy and puerperium are crucial periods at both the biological and psychological levels. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate women's perceived health and illness during pregnancy and puerperium through the assessment of hedonic and eudaimonic components of well-being, symptoms of peripartum depression, and their relationship. Nineteen women recruited at the Unit of Obstetrics and Gy-necology of a university hospital in Northern Italy were enrolled and answered a set of questionnaires at two time points: 20-22 weeks of gestation and 6 months after childbirth. Results showed a substantial lack of correlation between the dimensions of mental illness and mental health. The analysis of the well- and ill-being components showed low levels of depression as well as good levels of mental health, especially concerning the eudaimonic components of well-being, both during and after pregnancy. Overall, findings attested to a general stability of well-being over pregnancy and puerperium. El embarazo y el puerperio son periodos cruciales tanto a nivel biológico como psicológico. El objetivo de este estudio longitudinal fue investigar la percepción de las mujeres sobre su salud y enfermedad durante el embarazo y el puerperio mediante la evaluación de componentes hedónicos y eudaimónicos del bienestar, síntomas de depresión, y sus relaciones. Participaron 19 mujeres contactadas en la Unidad de Obstetricia y Ginecología de un hospital italiano, quienes respondieron a unos cuestionarios a las 20-22 semanas de la gestación y a los 6 meses tras el parto. Los resultados mostraron una sustancial falta de correlación entre dimensiones de salud y de enfermedad mental. El análisis del bienestar y malestar mostraron bajos niveles de depresión así como buenos niveles de salud mental, especialmente en los componentes eudaimónicos del bienestar, tanto durante como después del embarazo. Globalmente nuestros hallazgos indican una estabilidad general del bienestar en el embarazo y el puerperio

A supervisory sliding mode control approach for cooperative robotic system of systems

This paper deals with the formulation of a supervisory sliding mode (SM) control approach oriented to deal with the interesting class of system of systems of robotic nature. This class of systems is characterized by the fact of being inherently distributed, cooperative, and, possibly, heterogeneous. In this paper, we propose a modular and composable approach relying on basic modules featuring a multilevel functional architecture, including a supervisor and a couple of hybrid position/force control schemes associated with a couple of cooperative robotic manipulators. In principle, the overall robotic system we are referring to can be viewed as a collection of basic modules of that type. In this paper, we focus on the design of the basic module. The hybrid position/force control schemes therein included are based on position and force controllers. The proposed position and force controllers are of SM type, to assure suitable robustness to perform a satisfactory trajectory tracking even in presence of unavoidable modeling uncertainties and external disturbances. The verification and the validation of our proposal have been performed by simulating the supervisor and the hybrid control scheme applied to one of the two robotic manipulators while experimentally testing the position control on the other arm. The experimental part of the tests has been carried out on a COMAU SMART3-S2 anthropomorphic industrial robotic manipulator

Not Just Arterial Damage: Increased Incidence of Venous Thromboembolic Events in Cardiovascular Patients With Elevated Plasma Levels of Apolipoprotein CIII

Background Apolipoprotein CIII (apo CIII ) is a crucial player in triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism, but may also act pleiotropically, provoking inflammatory responses and stimulating coagulation. Elevated apo CIII plasma levels have been associated with increased activity of coagulation factors. Since these features of prothrombotic diathesis are linked with venous thromboembolism ( VTE ), we hypothesized that apo CIII plays a role in VTE . Methods and Results We recorded nonfatal VTE events in 1020 patients (age 63.3\ub111.4 years; 29.1% women) with or without coronary artery disease (79.1% with coronary artery disease and 20.9% without coronary artery disease) during a long follow-up. Complete plasma lipid and apolipoproteins were available for all patients. Forty-five patients (4.4%) experienced nonfatal VTE events during a median follow-up period of 144 months. Apo CIII plasma concentration at enrollment was higher in patients with VTE compared with patients without VTE (12.2 [95% CI, 11.10-13.5] mg/dL vs 10.6 [95% CI, 10.4-10.9] mg/dL, respectively; P=0.011). Patients with apo CIII levels above the median value (10.6 mg/dL) exhibited an increased risk of VTE (incidence rate, 6.0 [95% CI , 4.0-8.0] vs 1.8 [95% CI, 0.7-2.9] VTE events/1000 person-years; unadjusted hazard ratio [ HR ], 3.42 [95% CI , 1.73-6.75]; P<0.001). This association was confirmed after adjustment for sex, age, coronary artery disease diagnosis, body mass index, hypertension, and anticoagulant treatment at enrollment ( HR , 2.66; 95% CI , 1.31-5.37 [ P=0.007]), with inclusion of lipid parameters in the Cox model (HR, 3.74; 95% CI , 1.24-11.33 [ P=0.019]), and even with exclusion of patients who died at follow-up ( HR, 3.92; 95% CI , 1.68-9.14 [ P=0.002]) or patients taking anticoagulants ( HR , 3.39; 95% CI , 1.72-6.69 [ P<0.001]). Conclusions Our results suggest that high plasma apo CIII concentrations may predict an increased risk of VTE in patients with cardiovascular disease

Propuesta de lineamientos estratégicos orientados a intensificar la cobertura actual de mercado de una empresa sustentada en economía circular

Trabajo final (Licenciatura en Administración con orientación en Dirección General y Comercialización)Propósito: Brindar una propuesta de lineamientos estratégicos a la empresa sustentada en los principios de la Economía Circular orientados a intensificar la cobertura actual de mercado en el barrio de Nueva Córdoba, ya que en dicha zona se recolecta una proporción de bolsas que duplica el volumen total proveniente de zona norte. Metodología: Se desarrollaron entrevistas semiestructuradas tanto a socios como a empleados de la empresa, seguido por cuestionarios destinados a los responsables de los puntos de recolección y a los consumidores. Se identificaron los factores claves de éxito del sector, se realizó un mapa de posiciones competitivas y además un análisis descriptivo de los consumidores con el propósito de identificar los segmentos objetivos. Por último, se propuso lineamientos estratégicos en conjunto con un cuadro de mando integral e indicadores como mecanismo de control y evaluación. Conclusiones: Finalmente se arribó al resultado de que es de vital importancia determinar un marco estratégico sólido para el logro del objetivo de intensificar su cobertura actual de mercado en el barrio de Nueva Córdoba. A tal fin se identificaron los factores claves de éxito de la industria, el posicionamiento competitivo de la empresa y los segmentos objetivos de mercado para impulsar el crecimiento, el volumen procesado y, por lo tanto, la rentabilidad de la organización. Limitaciones: Es posible destacar la resistencia en los miembros de la organización a compartir información relevante, además la muestra tomada puede ignorar algún atributo clave y, por último, los riesgos a posibles sesgos en la información relevada.Fil: Astrada, Irina Trinidad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas; Argentina.Fil: Bassi, Camila Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas; Argentina.Fil: Bonaventura, Antonella. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas; Argentina.Fil: Garnero, Florencia Elizabeth. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas; Argentina

Effects of cigarette smoking on circulating leukocytes and plasma cytokines in monozygotic twins

AbstractDespite the well-documented role of cigarette smoke in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, biomarkers for screening or monitoring disease progression and outcome remain elusive, particularly for COPD and lung cancer. Inflammatory cells and mediators are likely to be involved in the disease processes, but their importance is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate early changes in immunological markers associated with smoking in healthy monozygotic twins without a detectable disease discordant for smoking, thereby minimising data variability due to genetic background.: Twenty-two monozygotic twin pairs, aged 31.5±6.3 years, entered the study. One of each twin pair was a smoker and the other a non-smoker. None of the subjects reported any diseases or clinically defined respiratory symptoms or airflow limitation. Each subject donated blood samples for determination of total leukocytes and subpopulations, lymphocyte subpopulation plus pro-inflammatory mediators (interleukin-8, tumour necrosis factor-α, soluble tumour necrosis factor-α receptors and C-reactive protein).: We observed a significant increase in the number of circulating leukocytes and neutrophils in smokers compared to non-smokers. Smokers also had significantly higher numbers of B cells and CD4While the prognostic significance of these changes is uncertain, results suggest that smoking is associated with immune changes, independent of genetic background and environmental conditions

miR-181b as a therapeutic agent for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the Eμ-TCL1 mouse model

The involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis suggests the possibility of anti-CLL therapeutic approaches based on miRNAs. Here, we used the Eµ-TCL1 transgenic mouse model, which reproduces leukemia with a similar course and distinct immunophenotype as human B-CLL, to test miR-181b as a therapeutic agent.In vitro enforced expression of miR-181b mimics induced significant apoptotic effects in human B-cell lines (RAJI, EHEB), as well as in mouse Eµ-TCL1 leukemic splenocytes. Molecular analyses revealed that miR-181b not only affected the expression of TCL1, Bcl2 and Mcl1 anti-apoptotic proteins, but also reduced the levels of Akt and phospho-Erk1/2. Notably, a siRNA anti-TCL1 could similarly down-modulate TCL1, but exhibited a reduced or absent activity in other relevant proteins, as well as a reduced effect on cell apoptosis and viability. In vivo studies demonstrated the capability of miR-181b to reduce leukemic cell expansion and to increase survival of treated mice.These data indicate that miR-181b exerts a broad range of actions, affecting proliferative, survival and apoptotic pathways, both in mice and human cells, and can potentially be used to reduce expansion of B-CLL leukemic cells

Promoting well-being in old age : the psychological benefits of two training programs of adapted physical activity

In the last few decades, the relationship between physical conditions and mental health has increasingly attracted the interest of researchers and professionals across disciplines. This relationship is especially relevant in old age, as the challenges posed by aging at various levels represent crucial concerns for policy makers. Due to the remarkable increase in life expectancy across countries, sustainable prevention strategies are needed to help individuals preserve psychophysical well-being in old age. In particular, the regular practice of a moderately intense physical activity is recommended by the World Health Organization to enhance balance, prevent falls, strengthen muscles, and promote psychophysical well-being. Daily physical exercise represents a beneficial and low-cost strategy, easily accessible to the general population and potentially customizable to specific needs through brief training programs. Based on these premises, the present research aimed at longitudinally evaluating mental well-being among 58 Italian people aged 67-85, who were involved in two Adapted Physical Activity (APA) training programs. Inclusion criteria for participation comprised high autonomy levels in daily activities, no cognitive impairment, sedentary habits or only occasional performance of moderate physical activity. Based on physical and functional assessment, 39 participants joined a program of adapted motor activity (PoliFit; Study 1), while 19 participants attended a variant program specifically designed for people with osteoporosis (OsteoFit; Study 2). Well-being dimensions were assessed through the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Physical functioning were evaluated before and after the programs through the Short Physical Performance Battery and the Handgrip Dynamometer Jamar Test. Findings highlighted that, besides physical benefits, participants reported significantly more adaptive emotion regulation strategies after both training programs; in addition, participants attending OsteoFit reported significantly higher levels of emotional well-being. Results suggest the potential of moderate physical activity in promoting mental health, emphasizing the additional role of training programs as cost-effective opportunities for elderly people to socialize and improve emotional functioning. Overall, the findings support the view of old age as a stage of competence development and adaptive adjustment, rather than a phase of mere psychophysical decline

Creación y validación de pauta fonoaudiológica de evaluación de la deglución pediátrica en niño de 1 a 2 años

Tesis (Fonoaudiología)En el siguiente documento presentamos un estudio de tipo mixto debido a que busca la creación y validación de una pauta de evaluación de la deglución pediátrica en niños de 1 a 2 años, mediante el uso del método Delphi, donde el estudio y la investigación de las variables cuantitativas y cualitativas utilizadas fueron analizadas por un grupo de expertos en el área de la deglución. Este estudio se desarrolló en dos etapas, la primera etapa consistió en la revisión bibliográfica y de la creación de la pauta de evaluación de la deglución pediátrica, la cual fue presentada frente a un comité de fonoaudiólogos con el fin de que entregaran opiniones o enriquecieran el instrumento acerca de sus contenidos. Este proceso se realizó a través de encuestas y una videoconferencia. Con los resultados obtenidos en este primer paso, se logró crear la pauta final de evaluación de la deglución pediátrica en niños de 1 a 2 años. Luego se prosiguió con la segunda etapa que consistió en la validación de la pauta, ésta fue aplicada a través de un pilotaje a una muestra de niños dentro de las edades especificadas, con el fin de verificar si el instrumento lograba cumplir con su objetivo, el cual es determinar un diagnóstico fonoaudiológico de la deglución en los usuarios pediátricos de uno a dos años de edad. La muestra tomada fue de 6 niños entre 1 a 2 años de la región y país mencionados, donde 3 de ellos eran niños sanos, es decir sin ninguna alteración de la deglución, ninguna patología o enfermedad y 3 niños que presentaban alguna patología de base con presencia de disfagia en la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. Tras las comparaciones realizadas en ambas poblaciones, se demostró que en niños sanos existían diferencias en el proceso de alimentación, demostrando distintos signos de deglución, en comparación a los con patología médica. Por lo que, se observa que, tras evaluar al primer grupo, todos los indicadores marcaron desarrollo acorde a la edad, mientras que el segundo grupo rindió de manera heterogénea en cada indicador de cada etapa, presentando de manera ocasional algunas concordancias. Esto indica que la pauta es sensible para pesquisar y determinar ya sea la indemnidad del proceso deglutorio o la alteración de este (disfagia). Además, este instrumento también sirve para determinar un Trastorno Conductual de la Alimentación, debido a que presenta características atribuibles a este diagnóstico en el ítem de Evaluación de la deglución en la etapa anticipatoria oral. Con nuestros objetivos logrados, damos resolución a la problemática de la inexistencia de una pauta estándar de la evaluación de la deglución en la población pediátrica de 1 a 2 años en Chile, ya que la creación de esta cubre la necesidad de poder utilizar un instrumento cómodo y de fácil aplicación con el fin de efectuar un diagnóstico fonoaudiológico. Por último, esperamos poder inspirar la creación de más instrumentos de evaluación de la deglución en la población infantil, ya que algunos parámetros de las etapas deglutorias difieren mucho por rango etario, adquisición psicomotora y tipo de alimento a ingerir, pudiendo efectuar diagnósticos erróneos y por consiguiente tratamientos inapropiados.In the following document we present a mixed type study because it seeks the creation and validation of a pediatric swallowing assessment guideline in children from 1 to 2 years old, through the use of the Delphi method, where the study and investigation of the Quantitative and qualitative variables used were analyzed by a group of experts in the swallowing area. This study was developed in two stages, the first stage consisted in the bibliographic review and the creation of the pediatric swallowing assessment guideline, which was presented to a committee of speech pathologists in order to deliver opinions or enrich the instrument about its contents. This process was carried out through surveys and a videoconference. With the results obtained in this first step, it was possible to create the final guideline of evaluation of pediatric swallowing in children from 1 to 2 years old. Then we continued with the second stage, which consisted in the validation of the guideline, this was applied through a pilot to a sample of children within the specified ages, in order to verify if the instrument was able to fulfill its objective, the which is to determine a phonoaudiological diagnosis of swallowing in pediatric users from one to two years of age. The sample taken was of 6 children between 1 and 2 years of the region and country mentioned, where 3 of them were healthy children, that is to say without any alteration of the swallowing, no pathology or disease and 3 children that presented some basic pathology with presence of dysphagia in the city of Santiago de Chile. After the comparisons made in both populations, it was shown that in healthy children there were differences in the feeding process, showing different signs of swallowing, in comparison to those with medical pathology. Therefore, it is observed that, after evaluating the first group, all the indicators marked development according to age, while the second group performed heterogeneously in each indicator of each stage, occasionally presenting some concordances. This indicates that the guideline is sensitive to investigate and determine either the indemnity of the swallowing process or the alteration of this (dysphagia). In addition, this instrument also serves to determine a Behavioral Eating Disorder, because it presents characteristics attributable to this diagnosis in the item of Swallowing Evaluation in the oral anticipatory stage. With our goals achieved, we solve the problem of the lack of a standard guideline for the evaluation of swallowing in the pediatric population from 1 to 2 years in Chile, since the creation of this covers the need to be able to use a comfortable instrument and easy to apply in order to make a diagnosis phonoaudiological. Finally, we hope to inspire the creation of more instruments to assess swallowing in children, since some parameters of the deglutition stages differ greatly by age range, psychomotor acquisition and type of food to be ingested, being able to make erroneous diagnoses and consequently inappropriate treatments