Effects of Brief Daily Kundalini Yoga Meditation on Self-Esteem, Mood and Emotional Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Comparison Study

This randomized comparison study measured the impact of brief daily use of two types of kundalini yoga meditation from the Yogi Bhajan lineage on self-esteem, regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and positive and negative affect in a non-clinical sample of 46 Spanish-speaking adults residing in Spain. Results of the two meditation types—Kirtan Kriya and Internal Conflict Resolution—are compared. Results showed that both types of meditation had positive impacts on all study variables, though the degree of change and effect size depended on the type of meditation used. Results point to these relevant forms of brief daily meditation as simple and inexpensive tools to improve welfare and support positive personality development in populations without psychological pathologies

Effects of Brief Daily Kundalini Yoga Meditation on Self-Esteem, Mood and Emotional Self-Efficacy: A Randomized Comparison Study

This randomized comparison study measured the impact of brief daily use of two types of kundalini yoga meditation from the Yogi Bhajan lineage on self-esteem, regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and positive and negative affect in a non-clinical sample of 46 Spanish-speaking adults residing in Spain. Results of the two meditation types—Kirtan Kriya and Internal Conflict Resolution—are compared. Results showed that both types of meditation had positive impacts on all study variables, though the degree of change and effect size depended on the type of meditation used. Results point to these relevant forms of brief daily meditation as simple and inexpensive tools to improve welfare and support positive personality development in populations without psychological pathologies

Effectiveness of procedural sedation and analgesia in pediatric emergencies. A cross-sectional study

Introduction. Pain is defined as an unpleasant emotional and sensory experience associated with bodily harm or with situations that cause fear and anxiety. However, it is often undertreated in pediatric emergency departments. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of sedation-analgesia techniques, level of satisfaction among healthcare professionals and relatives, and agreement between the satisfaction of healthcare professionals and relatives. Method. A cross-sectional design was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were recorded, together with those for effectiveness using the Face, Legs, Arms, Cry, Consolability scale (FLACC) and the Wong-Baker FACES scale, and the satisfaction using the 10-point Likert scale. STATA 16 was used for data analysis. Results. A total of 94 procedures were registered. Our results suggested that these techniques were effective or mildly effective in only half of the cases. Satisfaction was considered good across the board, and the agreement between healthcare professionals (i.e., pediatric nurses and pediatricians) was considered substantial. However, the agreement between healthcare professionals and relatives was moderate. Conclusions. Our results suggested that the adequate management of pain in pediatric emergency departments is still a challenge, although the availability of international guides. Future research lines should be focused on analyzing possible causes of the inefficacy of some sedation-analgesia techniques, and the causes of the differences between the perspectives of healthcare professionals and relatives. These research lines may be useful to improve our quality of care and pediatric patient comfort

Análise das propriedades psicométricas do questionário epistemológico-inventário de crenças epistemológicas (CEICE) em universitários espanhóis

Epistemological Beliefs (EB) are considerations about knowledge and learning that influence the performance and motivation of students. The aim of the present research is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Epistemological Questionnary-Epistemological Beliefs Inventory (EQEBI) in Spanish university students including factor analysis, reliability analysis, factor invariance testing according to gender, year and area of study and description of the test scores. To reach this objectives the EQEBI test was applied to a sample of 1231 students and analyzed through confirmatory, multi-group factor analysis and descriptive statistics. Results confirm the structure of four factors (simplicity of knowledge, certainty of knowledge, quick learning and innate ability). The Cronbach's Alpha show values similar to those obtained in previous studies, although the Alpha Ordinals exhibit higher reliabilities.. Configural and metric invariance were found between groups analyzed. The EQEBI exhibits adequate psychometric properties and may be used for psychologist and educators for the assessment of EB and comparison between groups.Las creencias epistemológicas (CE) son consideraciones sobre el conocimiento y el aprendizaje que influyen en el rendimiento y motivación de los alumnos. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario Epistemológico-Inventario de Creencias Epistemológicas (CEICE) en estudiantes universitarios españoles incluyendo un análisis confirmatorio de su estructura factorial, fiabilidad e invarianza factorial de acuerdo al género, año y área de estudio y descripción de las puntuaciones de las escalas. Para llevar a cabo los objetivos se aplicó el test CEICE a una muestra de 1.231 estudiantes españoles y se analizó mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio, multigrupo y estadística descriptiva. Los resultados confirman la estructura de cuatro factores (simpleza del conocimiento, certeza del conocimiento, velocidad del aprendizaje y habilidad innata). Los coeficientes Alpha de Cronbach muestran valores similares a los obtenidos en estudios previos y los Alpha Ordinal presentan fiabilidades más altas. Se confirma la invarianza factorial entre los grupos analizados a nivel configural y métrico. El CEICE presenta unas adecuadas propiedades psicométricas y puede ser utilizado por psicólogos y educadores para la medición de las CE y para establecer comparaciones entre grupos.Crenças Epistemológicas (CE) são considerações sobre conhecimento e aprendizagem que influenciam o desempenho e a motivação dos alunos. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as propriedades psicométricas do teste do questionário epistemológico-inventário de crenças epistemológicas (CEICE em espanhol) em estudantes universitários espanhóis, incluindo uma análise confirmatória de sua estrutura fatorial, confiabilidade e invariância fatorial de acordo com gênero, ano e área de estudo e descrição dos escores da escala. Para realizar os objetivos, o teste CEICE foi aplicado a uma amostra de 1.231 estudantes espanhóis e foi analisado por análise fatorial confirmatória, multigrupos e estatística descritiva. Los resultados confirman la estructura de cuatro factores (simpleza del conocimiento, certeza del conocimiento, velocidad del aprendizaje y habilidad innata). Los coeficientes Alpha de Cronbach muestran valores similares a los obtenidos en estudios previos y los Alpha Ordinal presentan fiabilidades más altas. A invariância fatorial entre os grupos analisados nos níveis configural e métrico é confirmada. O CEICE possui propriedades psicométricas adequadas e pode ser usado por psicólogos e educadores para medir EC e estabelecer comparações entre grupos

Excess abdominal fat is associated with cutaneous allodynia in individuals with migraine: a prospective cohort study

Objective: To investigate the specific relationship between cutaneous allodynia (CA) and the percentages of body fat (BF) and abdominal fat in migraineurs. Additionally, we compared serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with and without CA. Background: Excess abdominal fat might facilitate progressive changes in nociceptive thresholds causing central sensitization, clinically reflected as CA, which could drive migraine progression. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 80 patients with migraine (mean age 39 years, 81.2% female) and 39 non-migraine controls. We analysed each participant’s height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI). The amount and distribution of BF was also assessed by air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and ViScan, respectively. We analysed serum levels of markers of inflammation, during interictal periods. Results: We studied 52 patients with episodic migraine (EM) and 28 with chronic migraine (CM). Of the 80 patients, 53 (53.8%) had CA. Migraineurs with CA had a higher proportion of abdominal fat values than patients without CA (p = 0.04). The independent risk factors for CA were the use of migraine prophylaxis (OR 3.26, 95% CI [1.14 to 9.32]; p = 0.03), proportion of abdominal fat (OR 1.13, 95% CI [1.01 to 1.27]; p = 0.04), and presence of sleep disorders (OR 1.13, 95% CI [00.01 to 1.27]; p = 0.04). The concordance correlation coefficient between the ADP and BMI measurements was 0.51 (0.3681 to 0.6247). CA was not correlated with the mean plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusions: There is a relation between excess abdominal fat and CA. Abdominal obesity might contribute to the development of central sensitization in migraineurs, leading to migraine chronification

Fortalecimiento de habilidades cognitivas desde las ciencias naturales en estudiantes con discapacidad visual en el Colegio República de China - I.E.D

El proyecto presenta el uso de TIC para el fortalecimiento de la habilidad cognitiva de análisis en Ciencias Naturales dirigido a estudiantes con discapacidad visual integrados al sistema Educativo Distrital. Entre las conclusiones más relevantes se encuentra que el uso continuo de las TIC como apoyo al trabajo realizado en el aula, podría incrementar en el estudiante habilidades cognitivas específicas relacionadas con el área de Ciencias Naturales y especialmente en personas con alguna discapacidad física y/o cognitiva aumentando niveles de atención, motivación y participación. Este proyecto está enmarcado dentro de políticas nacionales e internacionales para la inclusión y atención de personas con discapacidad, mejorando su calidad de vida y desempeño dentro del proceso educativo

Fortalecimiento de habilidades cognitivas desde las ciencias naturales en estudiantes con discapacidad visual en el Colegio República de China - I.E.D

El proyecto presenta el uso de TIC para el fortalecimiento de la habilidad cognitiva de análisis en Ciencias Naturales dirigido a estudiantes con discapacidad visual integrados al sistema Educativo Distrital. Entre las conclusiones más relevantes se encuentra que el uso continuo de las TIC como apoyo al trabajo realizado en el aula, podría incrementar en el estudiante habilidades cognitivas específicas relacionadas con el área de Ciencias Naturales y especialmente en personas con alguna discapacidad física y/o cognitiva aumentando niveles de atención, motivación y participación. Este proyecto está enmarcado dentro de políticas nacionales e internacionales para la inclusión y atención de personas con discapacidad, mejorando su calidad de vida y desempeño dentro del proceso educativo

Design of the nutritional therapy for overweight and obese Spanish adolescents conducted by registered dieticians: the EVASYON study

Background: Dietary treatment for obese adolescents should aim to ensure adequate growth and development, by reducing excessive fat mass accumulation, avoiding loss of lean body mass, improving well-being and selfesteem and preventing cyclical weight regain. The aim of this article is to describe the dietary intervention design and the methods used to evaluate nutritional knowledge and behavior in the EVASYON study (Development, implementation and evaluation of the efficacy of a therapeutic programme for overweight/obese adolescents). Methods/design: EVASYON is a multi-centre study conducted in 5 Spanish hospital settings (Granada, Madrid, Pamplona, Santander and Zaragoza), where 204 overweight/obese Spanish adolescents were treated in groups of 9 to 11 subjects over 20 visits. The study was implemented in two stages: an intensive, calorie-restricted period for the first 9 weeks, and an extensive body-weight follow-up period for the last 11 months. A moderate energy intake restriction was applied in the intensive period according to the degree of obesity, on the basis of a balanced diet supplying 50-55% of daily energy as carbohydrates; 30-35% as fats and 10-15% as proteins. In the intensive period, adolescents were prescribed both a fixed full-day meal plan for the first three weeks and a full day meal plan with different food-choices for 6 weeks. Later, adolescents received a flexible meal plan based on food exchanges for the follow-up period until the end of the trial. Data on food intake, dietary and meal-related habits and behavior were collected by means of dietary questionnaires. To analyse nutritional knowledge, adolescents were examined regarding nutrient concepts and food items for a healthy diet with the appropriate tools. Participants were given nutritional information with complementary teaching material, which was available on the EVASYON website (www.estudioevasyon.com). Discussion: The dietary intervention of the EVASYON programme with a moderate calorie restriction for a limi - ted period of time could be a good strategy in treating overweight and obese adolescents and that will be tested further. Moreover, combining fixed plan with free-choice menus may help adolescents and their families to make right decisions for every day meals

Angiocrine polyamine production regulates adiposity.

Reciprocal interactions between endothelial cells (ECs) and adipocytes are fundamental to maintain white adipose tissue (WAT) homeostasis, as illustrated by the activation of angiogenesis upon WAT expansion, a process that is impaired in obesity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between ECs and adipocytes remain poorly understood. Here, we show that local production of polyamines in ECs stimulates adipocyte lipolysis and regulates WAT homeostasis in mice. We promote enhanced cell-autonomous angiogenesis by deleting Pten in the murine endothelium. Endothelial Pten loss leads to a WAT-selective phenotype, characterized by reduced body weight and adiposity in pathophysiological conditions. This phenotype stems from enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation in ECs concomitant with a paracrine lipolytic action on adipocytes, accounting for reduced adiposity. Combined analysis of murine models, isolated ECs and human specimens reveals that WAT lipolysis is mediated by mTORC1-dependent production of polyamines by ECs. Our results indicate that angiocrine metabolic signals are important for WAT homeostasis and organismal metabolism.We thank members of the Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group for helpful discussions. We thank the CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya and the Josep Carreras Foundation for institutional support. The research leading to these results has received funding from la Fundación BBVA (Ayuda Fundacion BBVA a Equipos de Investigación Científica 2019, PR19BIOMET0061) and from SAF2017-82072-ERC from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU) (Spain). The laboratory of M.G. is also supported by the research grants SAF2017-89116R-P (FEDER/EU) co-funded by European Regional Developmental Fund (ERDF), a Way to Build Europe and PID2020-116184RB-I00 from MCEI; by the Catalan Government through the project 2017-SGR; PTEN Research Foundation (BRR-17-001); La Caixa Foundation (HR19-00120 and HR21-00046); by la Asociación Española contra el Cancer-Grupos Traslacionales (GCTRA18006CARR, also to A.C.); European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes/Lilly research grant, also to M.C.); and by the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions; grant agreement 317250) of the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013 and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie (grant agreement 675392) of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research. The laboratory of A.C. is supported by the Basque Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (Elkartek) and the department of education (IKERTALDE IT1106-16), the MCIU (PID2019-108787RB-I00 (FEDER/ EU); Severo Ochoa Excellence Accreditation SEV-2016-0644; Excellence Networks SAF2016-81975-REDT), La Caixa Foundation (ID 100010434), under the agreement LCF/PR/HR17, the Vencer el Cancer foundation and the European Research Council (ERC) (consolidator grant 819242). CIBERONC was co-funded with FEDER funds and funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII). The laboratory of M.C. is supported by the ERC under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement 725004) and CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya (M.C.). The laboratory of D.S. is supported by research grants from MINECO (SAF2017- 83813-C3-1-R, also to L.H., cofounded by the ERDF), CIBEROBN (CB06/03/0001), Government of Catalonia (2017SGR278) and Fundació La Marató de TV3 (201627- 30). The laboratory of R.N. is supported by FEDER/Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades-Agencia Estatal de Investigación (RTI2018-099413-B-I00 and and RED2018-102379-T), Xunta de Galicia (2016-PG057 and 2020-PG015), ERC under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement 810331), Fundación BBVA, Fundacion Atresmedia and CIBEROBN, which is an initiative of the ISCIII of Spain, which is supported by FEDER funds. The laboratory of J.A.V. is supported by research grants from MICINN (RTI2018-099250-B100) and by La Caixa Foundation (ID 100010434, LCF/PR/HR17/52150009). P.M.G.-R. is supported by ISCIII grant PI15/00701 cofinanced by the ERDF, A Way to Build Europe. Personal support was from Marie Curie ITN Actions (E.M.), Juan de la Cierva (IJCI-2015-23455, P.V.), CONICYT fellowship from Chile (S.Z.), Vetenskapsradet (Swedish Research Council, 2018-06591, L.G.) and NCI K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (K99CA245122, P. Castel).S

Identification of CRF66_BF, a New HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Form of South American Origin

Circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) are important components of the HIV-1 pandemic. Among 110 reported in the literature, 17 are BF1 intersubtype recombinant, most of which are of South American origin. Among these, all 5 identified in the Southern Cone and neighboring countries, except Brazil, derive from a common recombinant ancestor related to CRF12_BF, which circulates widely in Argentina, as deduced from coincident breakpoints and clustering in phylogenetic trees. In a HIV-1 molecular epidemiological study in Spain, we identified a phylogenetic cluster of 20 samples from 3 separate regions which were of F1 subsubtype, related to the Brazilian strain, in protease-reverse transcriptase (Pr-RT) and of subtype B in integrase. Remarkably, 14 individuals from this cluster (designated BF9) were Paraguayans and only 4 were native Spaniards. HIV-1 transmission was predominantly heterosexual, except for a subcluster of 6 individuals, 5 of which were men who have sex with men. Ten additional database sequences, from Argentina (n = 4), Spain (n = 3), Paraguay (n = 1), Brazil (n = 1), and Italy (n = 1), branched within the BF9 cluster. To determine whether it represents a new CRF, near full-length genome (NFLG) sequences were obtained for 6 viruses from 3 Spanish regions. Bootscan analyses showed a coincident BF1 recombinant structure, with 5 breakpoints, located in p17 gag , integrase, gp120, gp41-rev overlap, and nef, which was identical to that of two BF1 recombinant viruses from Paraguay previously sequenced in NFLGs. Interestingly, none of the breakpoints coincided with those of CRF12_BF. In a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree, all 8 NFLG sequences grouped in a strongly supported clade segregating from previously identified CRFs and from the CRF12_BF "family" clade. These results allow us to identify a new HIV-1 CRF, designated CRF66_BF. Through a Bayesian coalescent analysis, the most recent common ancestor of CRF66_BF was estimated around 1984 in South America, either in Paraguay or Argentina. Among Pr-RT sequences obtained by us from HIV-1-infected Paraguayans living in Spain, 14 (20.9%) of 67 were of CRF66_BF, suggesting that CRF66_BF may be one of the major HIV-1 genetic forms circulating in Paraguay. CRF66_BF is the first reported non-Brazilian South American HIV-1 CRF_BF unrelated to CRF12_BF.This work was funded through Acción Estratégica en Salud Intramural (AESI), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, projects PI16CIII/00033 and PI19CIII/00042; Red de Investigación en SIDA (RIS), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Subdirección General de Evaluación y Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), Plan Nacional I+D+I, project RD16ISCIII/0002/0004; and scientific agreements with Consellería de Sanidade, Government of Galicia (MVI 1004/16) and Osakidetza-Servicio Vasco de Salud, Government of Basque Country (MVI 1001/16).S