Between barriers and inclusion. Multidisciplinary reflections on gender and disability

The European project RISEWISE offered a possible model for a multidisciplinary collaboration. During the four years, innovative goals were pursued for breaking down barriers ranging from creating spaces for dialogue and communication, to exchanging knowledge and experience between disciplines by bringing together academics and associations

Temperature and current flow effects of different electrode placement in shoulder capacitive-resistive electric transfer applications: a cadaveric study

Background: Impingement syndrome is currently estimated to represent 60% of all shoulder pain disorders. Capacitive-Resistive electric transfer therapy is aimed to provoke temperature and current flow changes in superficial and deep tissues. This in vitro study has evaluated the variation of temperature and current flow in the shoulder tissues during two different areas of application of the movable capacitive-resistive electric transfer electrode. Methods: A cross-sectional study designed, five fresh cryopreserved cadavers (10 shoulders) were included in this study. Four interventions (capacitive and resistive modes; low- and high-power) were performed for 5 min each by a diathermy “T-Plus” device in two shoulder regions: postero-superior and antero-lateral. Supraspinatus tendon, glenohumeral capsule and superficial temperatures were recorded at 1-min intervals and 5 min after treatment. Results: A statistically significant difference was found only for the superficial area and time interaction, with high power-resistive application at the postero-superior shoulder area (P< 0.035). All the applications showed a 5 min after treatment temperature increase compared with the basal data, in all the application points. Superficial temperature in the high power-resistive application showed the greatest percent increase (42.93% ± 22.58), followed by the temperature in the tendon area with the same high power-resistive application (22.97% ± 14.70). The high power-resistive application showed the greatest percent of temperature increase in the applications, reaching 65.9% ± 22.96 at 5-min at the superficial level, and 32% ± 24.25 at 4-min at the level of the supraspinatus tendon. At the capsule level, high power-resistive was also the application that showed the greatest percent of increase, with 21.52% ± 16.16. The application with the lowest percent of temperature increase was the low power-capacitive, with a mean value of 4.86% at supraspinatus tendon level and 7.47% at capsular level. Conclusion: The shoulder postero-superior or antero-lateral areas of application of capacitive-resistive electric transfer did not cause statistically significant differences in the temperature changes in either supraspinatus tendon or glenohumeral capsule tissues in cadaveric samples. The high power-resistive application in the postero-superior area significantly increased superficial temperature compared with the same application in the antero-lateral position area

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Pattern among Spanish Adults Attending a Medical Centre: Nondiabetic Subjects and Type 1 and 2 Diabetic Patients.

Objective. To identify adherence to Mediterranean diet among two groups of Spanish adults: diabetic patients and nondiabetic subjects. Methods. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was measured by a 14-item screener (scale: 0–14; =5: low, 6–9: moderate, and =10: high) in 351 volunteers. Results. Mean age was 50.97±12.58 in nondiabetics (n=154) and 59.50±13.34 in diabetics (n = 197). The whole sample scored 8.77 ± 1.82. Score was 9.19 ± 1.84 in nondiabetic females (n = 58) and 8.15 ± 1.79 in diabetic females (n = 85) (p = 0 003), due to lower consumption of olive oil (p = 0 005) and nuts (p = 0 000). Type 2 diabetic males (n = 79; 8.76 ± 1.88) consumed less olive oil than healthy males (n = 28; 9.36 ± 1.59) (p = 0 046). Up to 30-year-old nondiabetics scored lower than more than 60-year-old nondiabetics (8.40 ± 1.5 versus 9.74 ± 2.03; p = 0 047). The youngest ate less olive oil (p = 0 002) and more pastries (p = 0 007). Conclusions. The sample presented moderate adherence to Mediterranean diet in all subgroups. Scientific evidence about the benefits of Mediterranean diet, olive oil, and nuts supports the recommendation to increase consumption of olive oil and nuts in diabetic women and of daily olive oil in type 2 diabetic men, reducing consumption of red meat, butter, and pastries, and to promote Mediterranean diet among the youngest of the sample studie

Thermal and current flow effects of a capacitive–resistive electric transfer application protocol on chronic elbow tendinopathy. A cadaveric study

Lateral elbow tendinopathy, or “tennis elbow”, is a pathology that affects around 1.3% of the general population. Capacitive–resistive electric transfer therapy aims to provoke temperature and current flow changes in superficial and deep tissues. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the thermal behavior and transmission of electric current on the superficial and deep tissues of the elbow during the application of different modalities of a capacitive–resistive electric transfer treatment protocol for chronic elbow tendinopathy. A cross-sectional study was designed; five fresh cryopreserved cadavers (10 elbows) were included in this study. A 30 min intervention was performed based on a protocol commonly used in clinics for the treatment of chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy by diathermy using the “T-Plus.” Common extensor tendon, radiohumeral capsule, and superficial temperatures were registered after each application for the duration of the 30 min treatment protocol. During all applications, we observed a current flow of over 0.03 A. The protocol showed a statistically significant increase in superficial temperature by 24% (5.02¿) (p &lt; 0.005), the common extensor tendon by 19.7% (4.36¿) (p &lt; 0.007), and the radiohumeral joint capsule by 17.5% (3.41¿) (p &lt; 0.005) at the end of the 30 min protocol compared with the baseline temperature. The different applications of the protocol showed specific effects on the temperature and current flow in the common extensor tendon and radiohumeral capsule. All applications of the protocol produced a current flow that is associated with the generation of cell proliferation. These results strengthen the hypothesis of cell proliferation and thermal changes in deep and distal structures. More studies are needed to confirm these results

Effect of diacutaneous fibrolysis on the muscular properties of gastrocnemius muscle

Diacutaneous fibrolysis is a noninvasive technique that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder pain, lateral epicondylalgia, patellofemoral pain syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. However, while diacutaneous fibrolysis is applied to soft tissue, its effects on muscular properties are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis on muscle properties as measured by tensiomyography and myotonometry in asymptomatic subjects. An analytical descriptive study was performed. A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis on the gastrocnemius muscle was applied to one limb (treated limb group) and the other limb was the control (control limb group). Subjects were assessed with tensiomyography and myotonometry before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1) and 30 minutes later (T2). The primary outcomes were tensiomyography and myotonometry variables. The treated limb group showed a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in tensiomyography parameters. A decrease in rigidity and increase in relaxation was also observed on myotonometry at T1, with some of the effects being maintained at T2. Rigidity and relaxation at T1 were statistically significant between groups (p<0.05). A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis to the gastrocnemius muscle of asymptomatic subjects produced immediate changes in muscle properties. These changes were maintained 30 minutes after the application of the technique

Effects of the manual therapy approach of segments C0-1 and C2-3 in the flexion-rotation test in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Flexion-rotation test predominantly measures rotation in C1-2 segment. Restriction in flexion-rotation may be due to direct limitation in C1-2, but also to a premature tightening of the alar ligament as a result of lack of movement in C0-1 or C2-3. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a 20-min single cervical exercise session, with or without manual therapy of C0-1 and C2-3 segment in flexion-rotation test, in patients with chronic neck pain and positive flexion-rotation test. Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trial in 48 subjects (24 manual therapy+ exercise/24 exercise). Range of motion and pain during flexion-rotation test, neck pain intensity and active cervical range of motion were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Significant differences were found in favour of the manual therapy group in the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); pain during the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); neck pain intensity: (p < 0.001); cervical flexion (p < 0.038), extension (p < 0.010), right side-bending (p < 0.035), left side-bending (p < 0.002), right rotation (p < 0.001), and left rotation (p < 0.006). Conclusions: Addition of one C0-C1 and C2-C3 manual therapy session to cervical exercise can immediately improve flexion-rotation test and cervical range of motion and reduce pain intensity

Le barrage de Muel (Zaragoza, España): une étude interdisciplinaire

CONTEXTE GÉOGRAPHIQUE ET RECHERCHES DANS LA VALLÉE MOYENNE DE L’ÈBRE Dans la vallée moyenne de l’Èbre, une série de territoires aux climats variés se combine. Ils ont tous deux éléments en commun : des caractéristiques géologiques particulières et de faibles précipitations qui engendrent des débits hydriques insuffisants pour l’approvisionnement urbain. Ces singularités s’illustrent par l’abondance des systèmes de stockage de l’eau et par des moyens techniques spécifiques liés à ces systèmes dans chacun des centres urbains d’époque romaine (fig. 1).La retenue romaine de Muel (Saragosse) se trouvait à l’origine dans le lit de La Huerva, bien qu’aujourd’hui ce fleuve, en raison de l’augmentation de la sédimentation subie au cours des siècles postérieurs à sa construction, coule à quelques mètres à l’ouest de son lit primitif.Le barrage se trouve dans la zone d’étranglement d’une largeur inférieure à 100 m, formée par une falaise calcaire dans la zone orientale et par la colline où s’élevait le château des Marquis de Camara dans la zone occidentale. Ces deux formations calcaires massives furent exploitées afin d’y adosser la construction de la retenue qui repose sur un terrain rocheux. Un indice supplémentaire témoigne de la robustesse du site : cette structure constitue le soubassement de l’ermitage de Nuestra Señora de la Fuente construit en 1770, à l’intérieur duquel se trouvent les pendentifs peints par F. de Goya

Efectos inmediatos de la fibrolisis diacutánea en deportistas con dolor anterior en la rodilla

Introducción: el dolor anterior en la rodilla es un síntoma frecuente entre los deportistas. Puede tener múltiples causas incluido un desequilibrio muscular que puede determinar mal alineamiento o mayor presión femoropatelar. En la práctica clínica, se ha observado que la fibrolisis diacutánea proporciona buenos resultados en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar sus efectos sobre la distancia femoropatelar y sobre el dolor percibido en flexión de rodilla, en deportistas afectados de dolor anterior de rodilla. Material y método: estudio de intervención no controlado no aleatorizado, en deportistas con dolor anterior de la rodilla relacionado con la actividad deportiva. Se realizó una sesión de fibrolisis diacutánea y se evaluó, antes y después de la sesión, la distancia femoropatelar medida con ecografía y la intensidad de dolor (EVA) percibida en apoyo monopodal en posición de 90º de flexión de rodilla. Resultados: la media de edad de los participantes era 25,6 años (DE 6,36), 4 eran mujeres y 6 hombres. La intensidad de dolor (EVA) se redujo de 2,90 a 0,93 (p < 0,01). La distancia femoropatelar se incrementó significativamente en las tres referencias medidas: en el centro de la tróclea de 0,42 a 0,50 cm (p < 0,03), en la tróclea lateral de 0,22 a 0,31 cm (p < 0,02), y en la tróclea medial de 0,18 a 0,28 cm (p < 0,02). Discusión y conclusión: en la muestra de estudio, una sesión de fibrolisis diacutánea ha podido influir en la disminución de la intensidad del dolor y en el incremento de la distancia femoropatelar, lo que podría implicar una disminución de estrés sobre el cartílago probablemente por un mecanismo similar a los estiramientos musculares. La inmediatez de efectos observados aconseja utilizar fibrolisis diacutánea como coadyuvante del tratamiento conservador de estos pacientes

A genome-wide association study follow-up suggests a possible role for PPARG in systemic sclerosis susceptibility

Introduction: A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising a French cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) reported several non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing a nominal association in the discovery phase. We aimed to identify previously overlooked susceptibility variants by using a follow-up strategy.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Methods: Sixty-six non-HLA SNPs showing a P value &#60;10-4 in the discovery phase of the French SSc GWAS were analyzed in the first step of this study, performing a meta-analysis that combined data from the two published SSc GWASs. A total of 2,921 SSc patients and 6,963 healthy controls were included in this first phase. Two SNPs, PPARG rs310746 and CHRNA9 rs6832151, were selected for genotyping in the replication cohort (1,068 SSc patients and 6,762 healthy controls) based on the results of the first step. Genotyping was performed by using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Results: We observed nominal associations for both PPARG rs310746 (PMH = 1.90 × 10-6, OR, 1.28) and CHRNA9 rs6832151 (PMH = 4.30 × 10-6, OR, 1.17) genetic variants with SSc in the first step of our study. In the replication phase, we observed a trend of association for PPARG rs310746 (P value = 0.066; OR, 1.17). The combined overall Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis of all the cohorts included in the present study revealed that PPARG rs310746 remained associated with SSc with a nominal non-genome-wide significant P value (PMH = 5.00 × 10-7; OR, 1.25). No evidence of association was observed for CHRNA9 rs6832151 either in the replication phase or in the overall pooled analysis.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Conclusion: Our results suggest a role of PPARG gene in the development of SSc

Long-term follow-up of certolizumab pegol in uveitis due to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: multicentre study of 80 patients

ObjectivesTo evaluate effectiveness and safety of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in uveitis due to immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID).MethodsMulticentre study of CZP-treated patients with IMID uveitis refractory to conventional immunosuppressant. Effectiveness was assessed through the following ocular parameters: best-corrected visual acuity, anterior chamber cells, vitritis, macular thickness and retinal vasculitis. These variables were compared between the baseline, and first week, first, third, sixth months, first and second year.ResultsWe studied 80 (33 men/47 women) patients (111 affected eyes) with a mean age of 41.6 +/- 11.7 years. The IMID included were: spondyloarthritis (n=43), Behcet's disease (n=10), psoriatic arthritis (n=8), Crohn's disease (n=4), sarcoidosis (n=2), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n=1), reactive arthritis (n=1), rheumatoid arthritis (n=1), relapsing polychondritis (n=1),ConclusionsCZP seems to be effective and safe in uveitis related to different IMID, even in patients refractory to previous biological drugs