Physical frailty and gait speed in community elderly: a systematic review

Objective: To identify the outcomes of studies on gait speed and its use as a marker of physical frailty in community elderly. Method: Systematic review of the literature performed in the following databases: LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and ProQuest. The studies were evaluated by STROBE statement, and the PRISMA recommendations were adopted. Results: There were 6,303 studies, and 49 of them met the inclusion criteria. Of the total number of studies, 91.8% described the way of measuring gait speed. Of these, 28.6% used the distance of 4.6 meters, and 34.7% adopted values below 20% as cutoff points for reduced gait speed, procedures in accordance with the frailty phenotype. Regarding the outcomes, in 30.6% of studies, there was an association between gait speed and variables of disability, frailty, sedentary lifestyle, falls, muscular weakness, diseases, body fat, cognitive impairment, mortality, stress, lower life satisfaction, lower quality of life, napping duration, and poor performance in quantitative parameters of gait in community elderly. Conclusion: The results reinforce the association between gait speed, physical frailty and health indicator variables in community elderly

Estudio morfológico de Elaphoglossum balansae C. Chr. (Dryopteridaceae- Pteridophyta)

Se estudió Elaphoglossum balansae sobre la base de rasgos morfológicos del esporófito. Los paracteres seleccionados fueron: arquitectura foliar y venación, indumento de láminas y ejes, modelo epidérmico de las láminas. Esta especie se caracteriza por presentar pequeños rizomas rastreros, estípites con filopodios inconspicuos, frondes con láminas dimorfas de textura herbácea, venas visibles terminadas en inconspicuos hidatodos, soros acrosticoides y esporas monoletes. Las frondes fértiles son de menor longitud que las estériles, con estípites más largos y láminas más angostas. El indumento es escaso sobre ejes y láminas, las escamas del rizoma y del estípite son basifijas, mientras que las escamas de la lámina son peitadas, persistentes en el epifilo y caducas en el hipofilo

La biblioteca escolar y su contribución a la motivación por la lectura

The practice of routine and traditional readings during the educational process has become a problem, especially when the scholar needs to feel this activity as enjoyment and personal creation. In the article latent problems are identified and the theoretical bases are considered taking into account contributions from different sciences and disciplines related to the didactics of reading that are coherent with the educational ideas that identify the Cuban pedagogical tradition. Being the main objective to expose the tendencies and the main assumed assumptions that sustain the problem related to the motivation for reading. The activities project the process of training readers in a dynamic and creative way, from a perspective that integrates the use of reading animation techniques, a participatory and democratic style, causing emotional effects in school children. The study was carried out from September 2018 to March 2019. To evaluate the effectiveness of the study, the pedagogical experiment method was used, in its pre-experiment modality, with a pre-test and post-test design. The positive effects achieved in schoolchildren of the experimental group with respect to motivation levels have demonstrated the relevance and effectiveness of the proposed activities.La práctica de lecturas rutinarias y tradicionales durante el proceso educativo se ha convertido en una problemática, sobre todo, cuando el escolar necesita sentir esta actividad como disfrute y creación personal. En el artículo se identifican problemas latentes al respecto y se plantean las bases teóricas teniendo en cuenta aportes de diferentes ciencias y disciplinas afines a la didáctica de la lectura que son coherentes con las ideas educativas que identifican la tradición pedagógica cubana. Siendo el principal objetivo, exponer las tendencias y los principales presupuestos asumidos que sustentan el problema relacionado con la motivación por la lectura. Las actividades proyectan el proceso de formación de lectores de un modo dinámico y creativo, a partir de una perspectiva que integra el empleo de técnicas de animación de la lectura, un estilo participativo y democrático, provocando efectos emotivos en los escolares. El estudio se desarrolló en el período de septiembre de 2018 a marzo de 2019. Para evaluar la efectividad del estudio se empleó el método de experimento pedagógico, en su modalidad de pre - experimento, con un diseño de pre - test y pos - test. Los efectos positivos logrados en los escolares del grupo experimental con respecto a los niveles de motivación, han demostrado la pertinencia y efectividad de las actividades propuestas

Anxiety and mild microglial activation in the amygdala two weeks after NA-induced neuroinflammation

A single injection of neuraminidase (NA) within the cerebral ventricles (ICV) triggers an acute neuroinflammation. Neurological complications or behavioral alterations have been associated to neuroinflammation. While some of these symptoms decline with time along with inflammation, the possibility of long-term sequelae should be considered. Thus, we aimed to explore if NA-induced neuroinflammation provokes behavioral or neurological disturbances at medium (2 weeks) and long (10 weeks) term. Rats were ICV injected with NA or saline. First, neurological alterations of the sensorimotor reflexes were not found, suggesting that NA does not cause disturbances in major brain functions. While the open field test revealed normal locomotor capacity in the animals injected with NA, however the evaluation of specific behaviors (rearing and rearing with support) pointed out an increased anxiety state 2 weeks after NA administration, but not at long term (10 weeks). A histological study of brain areas related to emotions (amygdala) and stress response (hypothalamic PVN) revealed no significant differences in the number of microglia or astrocytes. Nevertheless, the morphological analysis of microglial cells demonstrated that, in the amygdala of NA injected rats, microglia presented a morphology consistent with a slightly activated state. Such morphological change, which was evident 2 weeks after NA injection, was virtually reverted 10 weeks post-ICV. These results point out that NA injected ICV may cause anxiety in the medium term (while not affecting other functions like sensorimotor functions or the locomotor capacity), a behavioral alteration that is transient and that concurs with a mild inflammation, evidenced by the overexpression of certain genes and, more notably, by the morphological bias of microglial cells located in the amygdala towards an activated profile.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Principales complicaciones asociadas a la administración de quimioterapia intraperitoneal y endovenosa en pacientes con cáncer de ovario

Background: Ovarian cancer displays the highest death rates amongst all gynaecologic cancers. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease and the treatment of choice is generally the combination therapy of intraperitoneal (IP) and intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. While this approach has been shown to prolong survival, multiple associated toxicities have been reported.Objective: To identify the side effects and complications resulting from IP+IV chemotherapy treatment in stage III and stage IV ovarian cancer patients during the 2007-2015 period. Methods:  A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was performed. A group of 17 women diagnosed with stage III and stage IV ovarian cancer were treated with IP+IV chemotherapy in Hospital Clínic de Barcelona during the period 2007-2015.Results: Of the 17 patients who were treated with IP+IV chemotherapy, only 5 (29,41%) completed the 6 cycles of treatment. Notably, 12 (70,58%) patients discontinued the treatment due to a series of complications, which were frequently associated with IP reservoir and psychological disorders. The most commonly reported side effects were asthenia, neurotoxicity and abdominal pain. Conclusions:  The majority of patients discontinued their prescribed therapy due to complications associated with IP reservoir and psychological disorders. We believe that the nurse plays a key role, not only in managing the technical aspects of the therapy but also in providing patients with emotional support throughout their journey.Antecedentes: El cáncer de ovario causa más muertes que cualquier otro tipo de cáncer ginecológico. La mayoría de casos se diagnostican en una etapa avanzada de la enfermedad y el tratamiento de elección es generalmente la terapia combinada de quimioterapia intraperitoneal (IP) y endovenosa (EV). A pesar de que esta opción farmacológica ha demostrado alargar la supervivencia, se han reportado múltiples efectos adversos asociados a dicho tratamiento.   Objetivo: Identificar los efectos adversos y las complicaciones derivadas del  tratamiento con quimioterapia IP+EV en pacientes con carcinoma de ovario avanzado a partir de estadio IIIC, durante el periodo 2007-2015.Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo. Un grupo de 17 mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer de ovario a partir de estadio III fueron tratadas con quimioterapia IP+EV en el Hospital Clínic de Barcelona durante el periodo 2007-2015.Resultados: De las 17 pacientes que recibieron tratamiento con quimioterapia IP+EV, sólo 5 (29,41%) finalizaron los 6 ciclos de tratamiento. De forma notable, 12 (70,58%) pacientes no completaron el tratamiento debido a una serie de complicaciones, que fueron frecuentemente asociadas al reservorio IP y a trastornos psicológicos. Los principales efectos adversos reportados fueron astenia, neurotoxicidad y dolor abdominal. Conclusiones: La mayoría de pacientes interrumpieron la terapia debido a complicaciones relacionadas con el reservorio IP y trastornos psicológicos. Creemos que la enfermera juega un papel importante, no sólo en el manejo de los aspectos técnicos de la terapia, sino también en el soporte emocional a dichas pacientes durante esta etapa

Vocational profile in Health Sciences Students, enrolled in first-year at University of Malaga (Spain): differences by degree.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine certain characteristics about the vocational profile of college students, especially if we consider the situation of transition that is taking place currently in college with the implementation of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Participants: Students enrolled in first grade of Health Sciences at University of Malaga (Spain) in Nursing, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Occupational Therapy. The population comprised 272 participants (90%), of a 300 total sample of Health Sciences students with a mean age of 19 years (SD=1.8). Methodology: It was a descriptive and a cross sectional study. Students were asked to fill out an on-line questionnaire in May 2011. It was a vocational interests scale adapted into Spanish by a cross-cultural study. The dimensions were: Leadership, Organization, Altruism, Creativity, Analysis, Production, Adventure, and Erudition. The differences between the four groups of students have been checked by Anova. Results: The vocational profile among Health Sciences students showed significant differences. By degree, the most altruistic were Physiotherapy students (F=3.022, p= 0.030), being also the most adventurous (F=3.658, p=0.013). The most creative were Nursing students (F=3.578, p=0.014) and also the most erudite (F=5.527, p=0.001). Conclusions: These results could be useful in order to study the development of competences that are necessary for finding a job, work with patients and work as a member of multidisciplinary group. Also, we are collecting data every day in order to know the variance with respect the academic year (longitudinal study).Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

La Química Orgánica: colección de materiales para el aprendizaje en un entorno abierto

Materiales creados para facilitar el autoestudio de la química Orgánica a nivel básico y medio, que se podrán implementar en una página web

The average-of-awards rule for claims problems

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUGGiven a claims problem, the average-of-awards rule (AA) selects the expected value of the uniform distribution over the set of awards vectors. The AA rule is the center of gravity of the core of the coalitional game associated with a claims problem, so it corresponds to the core-center. We show that this rule satisfies a good number of properties so as to be included in the inventory of division rules. We also provide several representations of the AA rule and a procedure to compute it in terms of the parameters that define the problem.Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. MTM2017-87197-C3-2-PAgencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. PID2019-106281GB-I0

Simulation of a biorefinery process as learning tool in chemical engineering degree

Currently, the search for alternative biomass to be used as renewable sources for energy production is one of the most important challenges to achieve a sustainable growth based on a bioeconomy strategy (Mendes et al., 2009). In this context, lignocellulosic waste are a renewable, clean, inexpensive and with high availability for the manufacture of biofuels. In this sense, the main objective of this study was the simulation and design of engineering processes that allows the valorization of lignocellulosic waste and the obtaining of biofuels as alternative to fossil fuels. This goal implies the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired by the student during the chemical engineering degree. Specifically, the students designed and simulated a biorefinery process that consisted of a Kraft pulping process as starting point of two main lines of production: (1) Process I: production of bioethanol and (2) Process II: direct and indirect production of dimethylether (DME), both from lignocellulosic biomass (Fig.1). Two commercial simulation packages, ASPEN HYSYS® and UNISIM were used to simulate the production of dimethylether and bioethanol, respectively. The first step was determining a strategic situation for the installation of the biorefinery. The central area of Andalusia (between the municipalities of Lucena and Antequera) was considered the most adequate area to develop the installation of the biorefinery plant after evaluating the biomass available inside of 100 kms of distance around this place. Specifically, different biomass mixtures were considered in order to ensure the viability of a constant inlet flow of biomass in the biorefinery. In function of this inlet flow of biomass, the installations were designed and dimensioned in each stage of the process. The student carried out a wide revision of state of the art to decide the most adequate processes among different alternatives to obtain dimethylether and bioethanol. The different stages selected as the most adequate in each line of the process can be observed in Fig.1. Moreover, the students evaluated the different alternatives for the valorisation and optimization of the by-products generated in each stage of the process in order to minimize the consuming of chemical compounds and energy requirements. Therefore, the students learnt to develop a real engineering process more sustainable and friendly with the environment. To sum up, the used of programs to simulate the transformation of lignocellulosic biomass in biofuels, such as, bioethanol or dimethylether, which is a process with several social, environmental and economic advantages, was an interesting learning tool for students of chemical engineering degree. Keywords Bioethanol, design, dimethylether, Kraft pulping process, simulations. References Mendes, C.V.T., Carvalho, M.G.V.S., Baptista, C.M.S.G., Rocha, J.M.S., Soares, B.I.G., Sousa, G.D.A., 2009. Valorisation of hardwood hemicelluloses in the kraft pulping process by using an integrated biorefinery concept. Food Bioproduct Process 87:197–207.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech MINECO: Proyecto CTQ2015-68654-

La evolución del Aprendizaje Integrado de Contenidos y Lenguas Extranjeras (CLIL) en Galicia

The CLIL methodology (Content and language integrated learning) is a way to increase proficiency in other languages of our students has become necessary to meet the demands of the present globalized world for multilingual citizens and with intercultural competencies. This study reflects the evolution of bilingual sections in Galicia from 2007 to the present academic year 2014-2015, in continuous progression both public education and private, despite the difficulties of each modality that slow down but fail to stop a reality imposed by its obviousness.La metodología CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning=aprendizaje integrado de contenidos y lenguas extranjeras)) es un modo para incrementar la competencia lingüística en otras lenguas de nuestros alumnos que se ha hecho necesaria para alcanzar las exigencias del presente mundo globalizado para formar ciudadanos plurilingües y con competencias interculturales. En Galicia su regulación parte desde 2002, con un plan experimental que comienza en  1999 en la educación secundaria, se extiende a los dos primeros cursos dela ESOy ciclos de FP en 2005 y se hace extensible a la primaria en el  curso 2006-2007. Desde entonces, la implantación de este tipo de metodologías ha ido en aumento constante pese a la insuficiente colaboración dela Administracióne términos organizativos y de inversión y la resistencia de algunos sectores que veían amenazada la normalización de la lengua gallega en las aulas por la mayor presencia como lenguas vehiculares de las lenguas extranjeras. Este estudio refleja la evolución en Galicia de las secciones bilingües desde 2007 hasta el presente curso 2014-2015, en continua progresión tanto en la enseñanza pública como en la privada, a pesar de las dificultades propias de cada modalidad que frenan pero no consiguen detener una realidad que se impone por su propio peso