Effect of hip muscle strengthening exercises on pain and disability in patients with non-specific low back pain—a systematic review

Low back pain (LBP) is a health problem that affects 70–80% of the population in Western countries. Because of the biomechanical relationship between the lumbar region and the hip, it is thought that strengthening the muscles of this joint could improve the symptoms of people with LBP. The objective of this study is to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of hip strengthening exercises to reduce pain and disability in people with LBP. Clinical trials were collected from the PubMed, PEDro, and Scopus databases published up to September 2022. Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and using CASP and PEDro tools for methodological quality assessment, we selected studies that included hip strengthening exercises as part of LBP treatment and measured pain and/or disability parameters. Among the 966 records identified in the search, a total of 7 studies met the established selection criteria. Overall, participants who performed hip strengthening exercises had significantly improved in pain and disability. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed as “good”. In conclusion, the addition of hip muscle strengthening exercises iterating interacted with LBP, effectively improving pain and disability

Grupos de Investigación e Innovación en el Área de Métodos de Investigación y Diagnóstico en Educación (MIDE) de las Universidades españolas

Este trabajo es el resultado de los grupos de innovación educativa que pretenden llevar a la práctica nuevos enfoques docentes, explorar distintas metodologías e instrumentos, en busca de una mejora en los aprendizajes de los estudiantes. Son una muestra de inquietud profesional que, como docentes, muestran la inmensa mayoría de los profesores del área MIDE. Demuestran con ello que, lejos de ser unos teóricos desconectados de la realidad docente, están preocupados por llevar a cabo sus inquietudes y por estudiarlas con rigor como fuente de conocimiento y mejora

Tectónica de placas, fallas, terremotos y riesgo sísmico. Una estrategia integradora

Los terremotos son uno de los recursos educativos más atractivos en ciencias de la Tierra. El tratamiento integrado de aspectos del currículo como la tectónica de placas, las fallas, los terremotos y el riesgo sísmico permite al alumnado desarrollar un pensamiento crítico. Los terremotos de Turquía de 2023 se han utilizado de ejemplo para que los alumnos y alumnas valoren las causas reales de esta catástrofe humanitaria

Transcriptomic Analysis of a Diabetic Skin-Humanized Mouse Model Dissects Molecular Pathways Underlying the Delayed Wound Healing Response

Defective healing leading to cutaneous ulcer formation is one of the most feared complications of diabetes due to its consequences on patients’ quality of life and on the healthcare system. A more in-depth analysis of the underlying molecular pathophysiology is required to develop effective healing-promoting therapies for those patients. Major architectural and functional differences with human epidermis limit extrapolation of results coming from rodents and other small mammal-healing models. Therefore, the search for reliable humanized models has become mandatory. Previously, we developed a diabetes-induced delayed humanized wound healing model that faithfully recapitulated the major histological features of such skin repair-deficient condition. Herein, we present the results of a transcriptomic and functional enrichment analysis followed by a mechanistic analysis performed in such humanized wound healing model. The deregulation of genes implicated in functions such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, and inflammatory signaling processes were evidenced, confirming published data in diabetic patients that in fact might also underlie some of the histological features previously reported in the delayed skin-humanized healing model. Altogether, these molecular findings support the utility of such preclinical model as a valuable tool to gain insight into the molecular basis of the delayed diabetic healing with potential impact in the translational medicine field

Exosome-like vesicles in uterine aspirates: a comparison of ultracentrifugation-based isolation protocols

Background: Uterine aspirates are used in the diagnostic process of endometrial disorders, yet further applications could emerge if its complex milieu was simplified. Exosome-like vesicles isolated from uterine aspirates could become an attractive source of biomarkers, but there is a need to standardize isolation protocols. The objective of the study was to determine whether exosome-like vesicles exist in the fluid fraction of uterine aspirates and to compare protocols for their isolation, characterization, and analysis. Methods: We collected uterine aspirates from 39 pre-menopausal women suffering from benign gynecological diseases. The fluid fraction of 27 of those aspirates were pooled and split into equal volumes to evaluate three differential centrifugation-based procedures: (1) a standard protocol, (2) a filtration protocol, and (3) a sucrose cushion protocol. Characterization of isolated vesicles was assessed by electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and immunoblot. Specifically for RNA material, we evaluate the effect of sonication and RNase A treatment at different steps of the protocol. We finally confirmed the efficiency of the selected methods in non-pooled samples. Results: All protocols were useful to isolate exosome-like vesicles. However, the Standard procedure was the best performing protocol to isolate exosome-like vesicles from uterine aspirates: nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed a higher concentration of vesicles with a mode of 135 +/- 5 nm, and immunoblot showed a higher expression of exosome-related markers (CD9, CD63, and CD81) thus verifying an enrichment in this type of vesicles. RNA contained in exosome-like vesicles was successfully extracted with no sonication treatment and exogenous nucleic acids digestion with RNaseA, allowing the analysis of the specific inner cargo by Real-Time qPCR. Conclusion: We confirmed the existence of exosome-like vesicles in the fluid fraction of uterine aspirates. They were successfully isolated by differential centrifugation giving sufficient proteomic and transcriptomic material for further analyses. The Standard protocol was the best performing procedure since the other two tested protocols did not ameliorate neither yield nor purity of exosome-like vesicles. This study contributes to establishing the basis for future comparative studies to foster the field of biomarker research in gynecology

Promotion of a sustainable gastronomy: the program El Setrill of Radio UA

Fundamentos: La pérdida de los referentes alimentarios, culinarios y gastronómicos propios de la dieta mediterránea, se traduce en un deterioro del estado nutricional y en una mayor incidencia de sobrepeso, obesidad y problemas de salud asociados, entre otras consecuencias. Frente al alejamiento de los parámetros de la cultura alimentaria mediterránea parece oportuno desarrollar estrategias que ayuden a su recuperación. Hacerlo de la mano de la nutrición y la gastronomía puede resultar clave. Los objetivos son analizar la experiencia del programa El Setrill emitido en Radio UA y abordar la utilidad de la divulgación radiofónica como estrategia didáctica y como instrumento para la promoción de una gastronomía sostenible. Métodos: Bajo el título de El Setrill, con el valenciano y el castellano como lenguas vehiculares, durante el curso académico 2017-2018 se inició en Radio UA la emisión de un programa radiofónico de 30 minutos sobre gastronomía, tradiciones culinarias y salud. Lo lleva a cabo un equipo su multidisciplinar conformado por dos periodistas, dos dietistas-nutricionistas, un cocinero con formación en enfermería y antropología, y un historiador de la ciencia con formación médica. Resultados: Se han realizado 21 programas en 3 temporadas, con temáticas que han abordado desde el aceite de oliva a la cocina de cuaresma, pasando por distintos arroces, la compra de proximidad, o los productos de temporada, entre otros. Con más de 15000 visualizaciones y reproducciones y una media de 732 por programa. Conclusiones: La experiencia ha mostrado la utilidad y las posibilidades del medio radiofónico como instrumento de divulgación científica, complemento formativo y promotor de una gastronomía saludable y sostenible basada en las tradiciones culinarias.Background: The loss of food, culinary and gastronomic references typical of the Mediterranean diet results in a deterioration of the nutritional status and a higher incidence of overweight, obesity and associated health problems, among other consequences. In this context, it seems appropriate to develop strategies that will help to recover the parameters of the Mediterranean food culture. Doing so hand in hand with nutrition and gastronomy can be the key. The objectives are to analyse the experience of the programme El Setrill broadcast on Radio UA and to tackle the usefulness of radio broadcasting as an educational strategy and as an instrument for the promotion of sustainable gastronomy. Methods: Under the title of El Setrill, with Valencian and Spanish as the vehicular languages, during the 2017-2018 academic year, a 30-minute radio programme on gastronomy, culinary traditions and health was started on Radio UA. It is carried out by a multidisciplinary team made up of two journalists, two dieticians, a cook with studies in nursing and anthropology, and a science historian with medical degrees. Results: 21 programs have been carried out in 3 seasons, with themes that have covered everything from olive oil to Lenten cooking, including different rice dishes, local shopping and seasonal products, among others. With more than 15,000 views and reproductions and an average of 732 per programme. Conclusions: Revista Española de Nutrición Comunitaria Revista Española de Nutrición Comunitaria Revista Española de The experience has shown the utility and the possibilities of radio as a tool for popularizing science, a formative complement and a promoter of healthy and sustainable gastronomy based on culinary traditions

Beneficial effect of systemic allogeneic adipose derived mesenchymal cells on the clinical, inflammatory and immunologic status of a patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: A case report

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an incurable inherited mucocutaneous fragility disorder characterized by recurrent blisters, erosions, and wounds. Continuous blistering triggers overlapping cycles of never-ending healing and scarring commonly evolving to chronic systemic inflammation and fibrosis. The systemic treatment with allogeneic mesenchymal cells (MSC) from bone marrow has previously shown benefits in RDEB. MSC from adipose tissue (ADMSC) are easier to isolate. This is the first report on the use of systemic allogeneic ADMSC, correlating the clinical, inflammatory, and immunologic outcomes in RDEB indicating long-lasting benefits. We present the case of an RDEB patient harboring heterozygous biallelic COL7A1 gene mutations and with a diminished expression of C7. The patient presented with long-lasting refractory and painful oral ulcers distressing her quality of life. Histamine receptor antagonists, opioid analgesics, proton-pump inhibitors, and low-dose tricyclic antidepressants barely improved gastric symptoms, pain, and pruritus. Concomitantly, allogeneic ADMSC were provided as three separate intravenous injections of 106 cells/kg every 21 days. ADMSC treatment was well-tolerated. Improvements in wound healing, itch, pain and quality of life were observed, maximally at 6-9 months post-treatment, with the relief of symptoms still noticeable for up to 2 years. Remarkably, significant modifications in PBL participating in both the innate and adaptive responses, alongside regulation of levels of profibrotic factors, MCP-1/CCL2 and TGF-beta, correlated with the health improvement. This treatment might represent an alternative for non-responding patients to conventional management. It seems critical to elucidate the paracrine modulation of the immune system by MSC for their rational use in regenerative/immunoregulatory therapies.This study was supported by a donation from Berritxuak-Elkartea (2015/00397/002), a collaborative rare disease association and, from La Paz University Hospital as well as by grants from the Community of Madrid (AvanCell-CM S2017/BMD-3692) and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (SAF2017-86810-R). The UCMteamis supported by grants from the Spanish Institute of Health Carlos III (RD16/0011/0002) and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (RTI2018-093899-B-I00). MJE is recipient of a contract funded by DEBRA-Spain

Exosome-like vesicles in uterine aspirates : a comparison of ultracentrifugation-based isolation protocols

Altres ajuts: This work was supported by the "Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional" FEDER (RTC-2014-3110-1), the AECC (Grupos Estables de Investigacion 2011 - AECC- GCB 110333 REVE), the Fundació La Marató TV3 (2/C/2013).Altres ajuts: MSCBS/RD12-0036-0035Uterine aspirates are used in the diagnostic process of endometrial disorders, yet further applications could emerge if its complex milieu was simplified. Exosome-like vesicles isolated from uterine aspirates could become an attractive source of biomarkers, but there is a need to standardize isolation protocols. The objective of the study was to determine whether exosome-like vesicles exist in the fluid fraction of uterine aspirates and to compare protocols for their isolation, characterization, and analysis. We collected uterine aspirates from 39 pre-menopausal women suffering from benign gynecological diseases. The fluid fraction of 27 of those aspirates were pooled and split into equal volumes to evaluate three differential centrifugation-based procedures: (1) a standard protocol, (2) a filtration protocol, and (3) a sucrose cushion protocol. Characterization of isolated vesicles was assessed by electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and immunoblot. Specifically for RNA material, we evaluate the effect of sonication and RNase A treatment at different steps of the protocol. We finally confirmed the efficiency of the selected methods in non-pooled samples. All protocols were useful to isolate exosome-like vesicles. However, the Standard procedure was the best performing protocol to isolate exosome-like vesicles from uterine aspirates: nanoparticle tracking analysis revealed a higher concentration of vesicles with a mode of 135 ± 5 nm, and immunoblot showed a higher expression of exosome-related markers (CD9, CD63, and CD81) thus verifying an enrichment in this type of vesicles. RNA contained in exosome-like vesicles was successfully extracted with no sonication treatment and exogenous nucleic acids digestion with RNaseA, allowing the analysis of the specific inner cargo by Real-Time qPCR. We confirmed the existence of exosome-like vesicles in the fluid fraction of uterine aspirates. They were successfully isolated by differential centrifugation giving sufficient proteomic and transcriptomic material for further analyses. The Standard protocol was the best performing procedure since the other two tested protocols did not ameliorate neither yield nor purity of exosome-like vesicles. This study contributes to establishing the basis for future comparative studies to foster the field of biomarker research in gynecology. The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-016-0935-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Comparative study of senescent Th biomarkers in healthy donors and early arthritis patients. Analysis of VPAC receptors and their influence

Pro-inflammatory CD4+CD28− T cells are characteristic of immunosenescence, but also of several autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mediator on these cells. Our objective was to study the mutual influence between senescent Th cells and VIP axis in early arthritis (EA), comparing with non-EA donors. We characterized the correlation between senescent Th cells and clinic parameters of EA as well as the behavior of senescent Th biomarkers by real-time PCR. Clinical data were systematically recorded at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up. The number of CD4+CD28− T cells measured by sorting is higher in patients who initially meet ACR classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to those who were classified as undifferentiated arthritis (UA). A slight positive correlation between EA CD4+CD28− T cells and CRP or ESR and a negative correlation with bone mineral density were found. Th senescent biomarkers in EA CD4+CD28− T cells were similar to donors, however some of them increased after 6 months of follow-up. VPAC receptors were analyzed by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence, and CD4+CD28− T cells showed higher expression of VPAC2 and lower of VPAC1, VPAC2 showing a significant increased expression in EA cells. Sorted CD4+CD28− T cells were in vitro expanded in presence of VIP, wherein VIP increased senescent biomarker CD27, while it diminished CD57 or NKG2 senescent biomarkers. Our study demonstrates for the first time the existence of a link between senescent Th cells and the VIP axis