Hydrogen sulfide pathway and skeletal muscle: an introductory review.

The presence of the H2 S pathway in skeletal muscle (SKM) has recently been established. SKM expresses the three constitutive H2 S-generating enzymes in animals and humans, and it actively produces H2 S. The main, recognized molecular targets of H2 S, that is, potassium channels and PDEs, have been evaluated in SKM physiology in order to hypothesize a role for H2 S signalling. SKM dysfunctions, including muscular dystrophy and malignant hyperthermia, have also been evaluated as conditions in which the H2 S and transsulfuration pathways have been suggested to be involved. The intrinsic complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling together with the scarcity of preclinical models of SKM-related disorders have hampered any advances in the knowledge of SKM function. Here, we have addressed the role of the H2 S pathway in E-C coupling and the relative importance of cystathionine β-synthase, cistathionine γ-lyase and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in SKM diseases

Predictor factors of perceived health in family caregivers of people diagnosed with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease

Caring for a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease has a negative impact on family caregivers’ psychological health. This study examined the factors related to ‘perceived health’ and ‘presence of new-onset mental health problems’ in family caregivers of people diagnosed with mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease. A cross-sectional observational study carried out in Almeria’s Healthcare District (Spain). A total of 255 family caregivers (42.4% cared for people with mild Alzheimer’s disease and 57.6% cared for people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease) participated in the study from January to December 2015. Mainly, caregivers were women (81.5% in the mild Alzheimer’s disease group and 88.4% in the moderate Alzheimer’s disease group), and their average age was 56.54 years (standard deviation (SD) = 13.13) and 54.47 years (SD = 11.71), respectively. Around 47% of the caregivers had been caring for the person with Alzheimer’s between two and five years. The Goldberg General Health Questionnaire was used to measure perceived health and the presence of new-onset mental health problems. An exploratory descriptive analysis and a multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted. For caregivers of people with mild Alzheimer’s disease, ‘perceived health’ was related to ‘perceived social support’ (r = −0.21; p = 0.028), ‘person’s level of dependency’ (r = −0.24, p = 0.05), ‘severity of the person’s neuropsychiatric symptoms’ (r = 0.22; p = 0.05), and ‘caregiver’s emotional distress in response to the person’s neuropsychiatric symptoms’ (r = 0.22; p = 0.05). For caregivers of people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease, ‘perceived health’ was related to ‘perceived social support’ (r = −0.31; p ˂ 0.01), ‘presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms’ (r = 0.27, p = 0.01), ‘severity of the person’s neuropsychiatric symptoms’ (r = 0.32, p = 0.01) and ‘caregiver’s emotional distress in response to the person’s neuropsychiatric symptoms’ (r = 0.029; p = 0.01). The presence of new-onset mental health problems was detected in 46.3% (n = 50) of caregivers of people with mild Alzheimer’s and 61.9% (n = 91) of caregivers of people with moderate Alzheimer’s. When people are diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s disease, intervention programs for caregivers should aim to regulate emotions and promote positive coping strategies. When people are diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer’s disease, intervention programs for caregivers must allow them to adapt to caregiving demands that arise with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

One year follow-up of a randomized trial with a dilemma-focused intervention for depression: Exploring an alternative to problem-oriented strategies

© 2018 Feixas et al.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is aimed to counteract cognitions and behaviours that are considered as dysfunctional. The aim of the study is to test whether the inclusion of a non-counteractive approach (dilemma-focused intervention, DFI) in combination with CBT group therapy will yield better short- and long-term outcomes than an intervention conducted entirely using CBT.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Fractura de Maisonneuve abierta: una entidad infrecuente: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Introducción. La fractura de Maisonneuve representa aproximadamente el 5% de todas las fracturas de tobillo tratadas quirúrgicamente. Debido a que suelen ser fracturas cerradas, presentamos el caso de una fractura de Maisonneuve abierta por su infrecuencia. Caso Clínico. Varón de 63 años que acudió a urgencias tras traumatismo de miembro inferior derecho. En la exploración se evidenció una solución de continuidad de la piel en cara medial de tobillo con exposición de maléolo tibial. La radiografía mostró una apertura de la mortaja tibio-peronea y una fractura espiroidea en el tercio proximal del peroné. Se realizó osteosíntesis con dos tornillos canulados. Tras 12 meses de seguimiento, el paciente presenta una puntuación media de 86,8 puntos en la escala AOFAS. Conclusión. Ante una luxación abierta de tobillo, debe sospecharse una fractura de Maisonneuve aunque sea poco frecuente, siendo la osteosíntesis una opción terapéutica eficaz en este tipo de fracturas.Introduction. Maisonneuve fracture represents approximately 5% of all surgically treated ankle fractures. Because these fractures are usually closed, we present the case of a Maisonneuve open fracture owing to its rarity. Case report. A 63-year-old man presented to his emergency department after a right leg trauma. Physical examination revealed a skin solution of continuity above the ankle joint, with a medial tibial malleolus exposure. The radiography showed an opening of the tibiofibular mortise and a spiral fracture of the proximal third of the fibula. Fixation with two cannulated screws was performed. After 12 months of follow up, the patient has an average score of 86.8 points on the AOFAS scale. Conclusion. In the face of an open ankle dislocation, a Maisonneuve open fracture should be suspected in spite of its infrequency, being the osteosynthesis an effective therapeutic option in this type of fracture