Evaluation of metaperception of goal orientation and moral functioning in soccer spectators

La violencia en el fútbol es un grave problema social. Algunas de sus manifestaciones están relacionadas con el espectáculo deportivo y su tratamiento en los medios de comunicación. La finalidad de este estudio ha sido analizar las propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas en español que miden la meta-percepción de orientación de meta y el funcionamiento moral en espectadores de fútbol. Los participantes fueron estudiantes universitarios (N = 616) que completaron cuestionarios valorando el tiempo dedicado al consumo de programas deportivos sobre fútbol, la meta-percepción de orientación de meta y el funcionamiento moral. Las escalas definitivas mostraron una adecuada validez de constructo, validez convergente y validez concurrente. Estos resultados indican que las nuevas escalas poseen adecuadas propiedades psicométricas, lo que permite una evaluación válida y fiable que mejore el entendimiento de los procesos que operan en los espectadores de deportes como el fútbolSoccer violence is a serious social problem. Some of its manifestations are related to competitive sport and its treatment by the mass media. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of two Spanish scales which measure the metaperception of goal orientation and moral functioning in soccer spectators. Participants (N = 616) reported the time spent viewing soccer sport programming, and rated metaperception of goal orientation and moral functioning. The scales exhibited adequate construct, convergent and concurrent validity. These results indicate that the new scales have adequate psychometric properties, allowing a valid and reliable assessment in order to explain the processes that take place in sport spectators like soccer viewer

Hydrosoluble fiber (Plantago ovata husk) and levodopa I: Experimental study of the pharmacokinetic interaction

P. 497.503Fiber therapy could be used in patients with Parkinson disease to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders; however, it could interact with levodopa reducing its effectiveness. In this experimental study we have investigated whether the presence of Plantago ovata husk (water-soluble fiber) modifies in rabbits the bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of levodopa (20 mg/kg) when administered by the oral route at the same time. We have also studied whether pharmacokinetic modifications are fiber–dose dependent (100 and 400 mg/kg). The extent of levodopa absorbed when administering 100 mg/kg of fiber (AUC=43.4 Ag min ml 1) is approximately the same as when levodopa is administered alone (AUC=47.1 Ag min ml 1); however, Cmax is lower (1.04 versus 1.43 Ag ml 1). Results obtained indicate that fiber at the higher dose increases the extent of levodopa absorbed (AUC=62.2 Ag min ml 1), being the value of Cmax similar (1.46 Ag ml 1). The value of tmax increases from 10 min when levodopa is administered alone to 20 min when the animals receive fiber. On the other hand, since certain time on, levodopa concentrations are always higher in the groups that receive fiber: 60 min with 100 mg/kg fiber and 20 min with 400 mg/kg fiber. Fiber also increases the mean residence time (MRT). P. ovata husk administration with levodopa could be beneficial, not only in patients with constipation, due to: lower adverse reactions (lower values of Cmax) and longer and more stable effects (higher final concentrations and more time in the body).S

Hydrosoluble fiber (Plantago ovata husk) and levodopa II: Experimental study of the pharmacokinetic interaction in the presence of carbidopa

P. 505-509Levodopa combined with carbidopa constitutes one of the most frequent medication in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Plantago ovata husk (water-soluble fiber) improves levodopa absorption conditions, but when this drug is administered with carbidopa, fiber could reduce its effectiveness. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the presence of P. ovata husk modifies in rabbits the bioavailability and other pharmacokinetic parameters of levodopa (20 mg/kg) when administered by the oral route with carbidopa (5 mg/ kg). We have also studied whether pharmacokinetic modifications are fiber–dose dependent (100 and 400 mg/kg). When levodopa and carbidopa were administered with 100 mg/kg P. ovata husk, the value of AUC for levodopa diminishes 29.7% (sign, n =6, P b0.05) and Cmax 28.1% (sign, n =6, P b0.05) in relation to the values obtained when these drugs were administered without fiber. If the dose of fiber was 400 mg/kg, the decrease was smaller: 20.4% for AUC (no significant difference) and 24.6% for Cmax (sign, n =6, P b0.05), that may indicate an inhibitory action of AADC by the fiber or any of its partial hydrolysis products. On the other hand, since certain time on, levodopa concentrations are always higher in the groups that receive fiber: 210 min with 100 mg/kg and 150 min with 400 mg/kg. The administration of P. ovata husk with levodopa/carbidopa to patients with Parkinson disease could be beneficial and in particular in those patients who also suffer constipation due to an improvement of levodopa kinetic profile with higher final concentrations, a longer plasma half-life and lower Cmax.S

A randomised clinical trial to evaluate the effects of Plantago ovata husk in Parkinson patients: changes in levodopa pharmacokinetics and biochemical parameters

P. 296-305Background: Plantago ovata husk therapy could be used in patients with Parkinson disease to reduce the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, but it is important to know whether this compound modifies levodopa pharmacokinetics. The maintenance of constant plasma concentrations of levodopa abolishes the clinical fluctuations in parkinsonian patients. The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to establish the influence of the fiber Plantago ovata husk in the pharmacokinetics of levodopa when administered to Parkinson patients well controlled by their oral medication. Methods: To evaluate the effects of this fiber on several biochemical parameters. 18 volunteers participated in the study and received alternatively two treatments (Plantago ovata husk or placebo) with their usual levodopa/carbidopa oral dose. On days 0 (initial situation), 14 and 35 of the study, blood samples were taken to assess levodopa pharmacokinetics and to determine biochemical parameters. Results: Levodopa Cmax was very similar in the initial situation (603.2 ng/ml) and after placebo administration (612.0 ng/ml), being slightly lower (547.8 ng/ml) when Plantago ovata husk was given. AUC was very similar in the three groups: initial situation.- 62.87 μg.min/ml, fiber treatment.- 64.47 μg.min/ml and placebo treatment.- 65.10 μg.min/ml. Fiber reduced significantly the number of peaks observed in the levodopa concentrations, maintaining concentrations more stable. No significant differences were found in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides with the administration of Plantago ovata husk. Conclusions: Plantago ovata husk administration caused a smoothing and homogenization of levodopa absorption, providing more stable concentrations and final higher levels, resulting in a great benefit for patients.S

Effects of ispaghula husk and guar gum on postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in healthy subjects

P. 235-243The aim of this study was to evaluate, under the same experimental conditions and in the same subjects, the effects of ispaghula husk and guar gum on postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in healthy female subjects(ten healthy female volunteers aged 30 ± 48 y with normal body mass indices).S

Therapeutic effects of psyllium in type 2 diabetic patients

P. 830-842The study included three phases: phase 1 (1 week), phase 2 (treatment, 14 g fibre=day, 6 weeks) and phase 3 (4 weeks). At the end of each phase a clinical evaluation was performed after the ingestion of a test breakfast of 1824.2 kJ (436 kcal). Measurements included concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, fructosamine, GHbA1c, C-peptide and 24 h urinary glucose excretion. In addition, uric acid, cholesterol and several mineral and vitamin concentrations were also evaluated. Twenty type 2 diabetic patients (12 men and 8 women) participated in the study with a mean age of 67.4 y for men and 66 y for women. The mean body mass index of men was 28.2 kg=m2 and that of women 25.9 kg=m2. Glucose absorption decreased significantly in the presence of psyllium (12.2%); this reduction is not associated with an important change in insulin levels (5%). GHbA1c, C-peptide and 24 h urinary glucose excretion decreased (3.8, 14.9 and 22.5%, respectively) during the treatment with fibre (no significant differences) as well as fructosamine (10.9%, significant differences). Psyllium also reduced total and LDL cholesterol (7.7 and 9.2%, respectively, significant differences), and uric acid (10%, significant difference). Minerals and vitamins did not show important changes, except sodium that increased significantly after psyllium administration.S

Solution processable phosphorescent dendrimers based on cyclic phosphazenes for use in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs)

A novel solution processable phosphorescent dendrimer based on cyclic phosphazene (CP) cores has been prepared and used as emissive layers in simple OLED architectures, providing efficiencies of 24.0 cd A^-1 and 16.7 lm W^-1.Bolink, Henk, [email protected] ; Garcia Santamaria, Sonsoles Amor, [email protected]

Reflection seismic imaging to unravel subsurface geological structures of the Zinkgruvan mining area, central Sweden

The Zinkgruvan mining area is located on the south-eastern part of the Bergslagen district, one of the three major mineral producing regions in Sweden. In this study, we present the results from three (P1, P2 and P8) reflection seismic profiles each approximately 3000 m-long crossing the Zinkgruvan Zn-Pb-Ag-(Cu) mining area. P1 was acquired using cabled geophones with 10 m receiver and source interval and crossed major geological features. The other two profiles (P2 and P8) were acquired by wireless recorders with 20 m receiver and 10 m source interval and ran perpendicular to P1. Through a special data processing workflow adapted to this dataset, good quality seismic sections were obtained along these profiles, although a high noise level due to high voltage electric power lines was present. The interpretations were constrained by (1) seismic P-wave velocity and density data from a series of downhole logging measurements, (2) 3D forward reflection traveltime modelling in both pre- and post-stack domains, and (3) other geophysical and geological observations available from the site. Despite the notably complex geology, the processed seismic sections clearly reveal a series of horizontal to gently dipping reflections associated with known geological formations. Results indicate that most structures and lithological contacts dip or plunge to the northeast, including the targeted Zinkgruvan Formation. The results from this seismic survey are encouraging regarding the potential of the seismic method for base-metal exploration in Sweden and in particular in the Bergslagen district. It shows the high resolving power of the reflection seismic methods for imaging complex geological structures in a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way.EIT-RawMaterials is gratefully thanked for funding this up-scaling project 17024.Peer reviewe