Atribuciones causales en el ámbito de la actividad física y el deporte : propiedades psicométricas de la escala de dimensión causal CDS-II

A partir del reconocimiento científico de la importancia de las atribuciones causales en la motivación y en el comportamiento, se han dado muchos intentos de construir un instrumento válido y fiable para medir la atribución causal. El presente estudio analiza las características psicométricas de la Causal Dimension Scale II (CSD II) (McAuley, Duncan y Russell, 1992), en el ámbito de la actividad física y el deporte. Los resultados obtenidos a partir de dicho análisis factorial parecen confirmar relativamente el modelo de cuatro factores oblicuos propuesto por los autores originales, estableciéndose así la validez del instrumento para medir las atribuciones. Por último, se discuten estos resultados respecto a la oblicuidadortogonalidad de las dimensiones causales.Since the scientific acknowledgement of the importance of the causal attributions on motivation and behavior, there have been many attempts to build a valid and reliable instrument for its measurement. The present study analyzes the psychometric properties of the Causal Dimension Sacle II (McAuley, Duncan and Russell, 1992) in the field of physical activity and sport. The results provided by the confirmatory factor analysis give relative support to the four factor oblique model proposed by the original authors, thus establishing the validity of the instrument to measure causal attributions. Furthermore, the results have been discused with reference to the obliquity-orthogonality of the causal dimensions

Participación en actividad física de una muestra universitaria a partir del modelo de las etapas de cambio en el ejercicio físico : un estudio piloto

Los beneficios saludables derivados de la práctica de actividad física sólo se llegan a conseguir como consecuencia de una participación continuada. Los estudios sobre la participación de la población universitaria en actividades físicas no llegan a describir qué tipo de práctica realiza dicha población quedándose de manera frecuente en los porcentajes de frecuencia y duración. Con el fin de profundizar en el tipo de participación en actividades físicas de una muestra universitaria, se aplica en este estudio el Modelo de las Etapas de Cambio en el Ejercicio Físico de Prochaska y Marcus (1994). Los resultados parecen indicar que un gran porcentaje de los participantes en el estudio es insuficientemente activo a pesar del reconocimiento general de la importancia de la práctica de actividad física para la salud. Asimismo, los resultados parecen confirmar que el acercamiento teórico de las etapas de cambio resulta práctico a la hora de diferenciar y definir el patrón de actividad física de la muestra en estudio.The benefits for the health derived from physical activity participation are only achieved through continuous participation. Studies of the College's students participation in physical activity usually do not describe the type of participation that they do and only give us a perspective of frequency and duration rates. In order to understand the participation type of the university population, the Prochaska & Marcus (1994) Stages of Change in Exercise Model is adopted. The results of the study seem to suggest that a high percentage of the sample are insufficiently active in spite of the general acknowledgment of the benefits to health from participation in Physical activity. At the same time, the results confirm that the Stage of Change approach is very practical in defining and differentiating the activity pattern of the sample under study

Spermatozoa recovery and post-thawing quality of brown bear ejaculates is affected for centrifugation regimes

P. 77–84Sperm cryopreservation protocols for brown bear (Ursus arctos) require the centrifugation of semen samples to increase sperm concentration and to clean urine in contaminated samples. We evaluated the effect of centrifugation regimes (time and relative centrifugal force—RCF) on the quantity of sperm recovered and the quality of post-thawed sperm. Thirteen brown bears were electroejaculated. The ejaculates were diluted 1:1 in Tris–citric acid–glucose (TCG) extender and centrifuged with different RCF/time combinations: 600×g, 1,200×g and 2,400×g, for 3, 6 or 12 min. After centrifugation, spermatozoa were diluted in TES–Tris–fructose extender with egg yolk and glycerol (final glycerol concentration of 8%) and frozen in 0.25-mL straws. In the post-thawed semen, motility was assessed by CASA, and acrosomal status (PNA-FITC), viability (SYBR-14 with propidium iodide) and chromatin status (SCSA) were determined by flow cytometry. The longest centrifugation time (12 min) significantly decreased some motility parameters. Sperm recovery significantly decreased in brown bear at 600×g. Our results suggest that brown bear spermatozoa are more sensitive to long centrifugation times than to high RCF. Centrifugation regimes showed no effects on the post-thawing chromatin status. We recommend preparing the brown bear semen for freezing by centrifugation 1,200×g or 2,400×g for 6 min, after electroejaculation and dilution 1:1 in TCG extender, since these procedures increase the spermatozoa recovery without harmful effects on the post-thawed quality of brown bear spermatozoa.S

Reinforced silica-carbon nanotube monolithic aerogels synthesised by rapid controlled gelation

This work introduces a new synthesis procedure for obtaining homogeneous silica hybrid aerogels with carbon nanotube contents up to 2.50 wt.%. The inclusion of nanotubes in the highly porous silica matrix was performed by a two-step sol–gel process, resulting in samples with densities below 80 mg/cm3. The structural analyses (N2 physisorption and SEM) revealed the hierarchical structure of the porous matrix formed by nanoparticles arranged in clusters of 100 and 300 nm in size, specific surface areas around 600 m2/g and porous volumes above 4.0 cm3/g. In addition, a relevant increase on the mechanical performance was found, and an increment of 50% for the compressive strength and 90% for the maximum deformation were measured by uniaxial compression. This reinforcement was possible thanks to the outstanding dispersion of the CNT within the silica matrix and the formation of Si–O–C bridges between nanotubes and silica matrix, as suggested by FTIR. Therefore, the original synthesis procedure introduced in this work allows the fabrication of highly porous hybrid materials loaded with carbon nanotubes homogeneously distributed in the space, which remain available for a variety of technological applications

The duration of intervals on the oral cancer care pathway and implications for survival: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This work was supported by the Spanish Association Against Cancer [Asociación Española contra el Cáncer, PROYE20023SANC “High resolution study of social inequalities in cancer (HiReSIC)”], the Cancer Epidemiological Surveillance Subprogram of the CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health and the Health Institute Carlos III (VICA), and the Health Institute Carlos III (PI18/01593 “Multilevel population-based study of socioeconomic inequalities in the geographical distribution of cancer incidence, mortality and net survival”). DP was supported by a Juan de la Cierva Fellowship from the Ministry of Science and the National Research Agency of Spain (MCIN/AEI, JC2019- 039691-I, http://doi.org/10.13039/501100011033, Accessed October 4, 2021). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, the decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.The Supplementary material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1183244/full#supplementary-materialIntroduction: Previous studies measuring intervals on the oral cancer care pathway have been heterogenous, showing mixed results with regard to patient outcomes. The aims of this research were (1) to calculate pooled meta-analytic estimates for the duration of the patient, diagnostic and treatment intervals in oral cancer, considering the income level of the country, and (2) to review the evidence on the relationship of these three intervals with tumor stage at diagnosis and survival. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (pre-registered protocol CRD42020200752). Following the Aarhus statement, studies were eligible if they reported data on the length of the patient (first symptom to first presentation to a healthcare professional), diagnostic (first presentation to diagnosis), or treatment (diagnosis to start of treatment) intervals in adult patients diagnosed with primary oral cancer. The risk of bias was assessed with the Aarhus checklist. Results: Twenty-eight studies reporting on 30,845 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled median duration of the patient interval was 47 days (95% CI = 31–73), k = 18, of the diagnosis interval 35 days (95% CI = 21–38),k = 11, and of the treatment interval 30 days (95% CI = 23–53), k = 19. In lower-income countries, the patient and treatment intervals were significantly longer, and longer patient intervals were related to later stage at diagnosis. In studies with a lower risk of bias from high-income countries, longer treatment intervals were associated with lower survival rates. Conclusion: Interval duration on the oral cancer care pathway is influenced by the socio-economic context and may have implications for patient outcomes.Asociación Española contra el Cáncer, PROYE20023SANCCancer Epidemiological Surveillance Subprogram of the CIBER of Epidemiology and Public HealthHealth Institute Carlos III (VICA)Health Institute Carlos III: PI18/01593MCIN/AEI, JC2019-039691-

Estados de ánimo y rendimiento deportivo en fútbol : ¿existe la ventaja de jugar en casa?

Los estados de ánimo previos a la competición han sido asociados con la selección de deportistas y el rendimiento deportivo. Recientes investigaciones parecen haber demostrado que la relación entre el estado de ánimo precompetitivo y el rendimiento, podría estar mediado por una serie de variables como son la duración del evento, el tipo de deporte e incluso la localización del partido (Terry, 1997). En el presente estudio, tenemos intención de observar cómo los estados de ánimo, previos a la competición, influyen en el rendimiento de un equipo de fútbol durante toda la temporada, y si esta relación está mediada por la variable localización del partido. Según los resultados obtenidos, la variable localización del partido parece mediar en la relación existente entre estados de ánimo y rendimiento, siendo los partidos jugados fuera de casa donde más se manifiestan los estados de ánimo y su consiguiente influencia en el rendimiento.Emotional states, previous to competition, have been associated to competition outcomes and athletes selection. Recent investigations have demonstrated that some variables could being mediating the relationships between emotional states and competition outcome, such as duration of the event, type of sport and game location (Terry, 1997). The present study's intention is to observe how the emotional states, previous to competition, relate to competition performance, in a soccer team during a season. Also, we are interested in the possible mediating role of game location. The study results, seem to confirm that game location mediate the relationship between emotional states and performance, with home matches having the more positive emotional states and performance

The percentage of spermatozoa lost during the centrifugation of brown bear (Ursus arctos) ejaculates is associated with some spermatozoa quality and seminal plasma characteristics

P. 113-121Cryopreservation of brown bear (Ursus arctos) semen requires centrifugation to increase concentration and/or remove urine contamination. However, a percentage of the spermatozoa are lost in the process. This percentage varies considerably between males and ejaculates, and we have studied the effect of sperm quality and seminal plasma characteristics on the spermatozoa recovery rate after centrifugation. One hundred and thirty one sperm samples obtained from fifteen brown bear males by electroejaculation under general anaesthesia were used. The ejaculates were centrifuged 600 × g for 6 min. Motility was assessed by CASA, and acrosomal status (PNA-FITC) and viability (SYBR-14/propidium iodide) were determined by flow cytometry. Seminal plasma characteristics (albumin, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, cholesterol, creatine, glucose, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), lactate, lipase, magnesium, phosphate and total protein) were determined by a biochemical and gas analysis. Total motility (r = 0.26; P = 0.005) and cell viability (r = 0.20; P = 0.033) were positively correlated with the percentage of recovered spermatozoa. Sperm recovery was correlated with the concentration of several components of seminal plasma: negatively with glucose concentration (r = −0.47; P = 0.005) and positively with the enzymes GOT (r = 0.36; P = 0.040) and lactate dehydrogenase (r = 0.36; P = 0.041). After sorting the data into classes according to sperm recovery (Low: 0–39, Medium: 40–69, High: 70–100), we observed that the samples with a lower recovery rate derived from ejaculates with lower values for TM, VAP and viability (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis rendered two models to define the post-centrifugation spermatozoa recovery which included total motility and damaged acrosome or glucose, GOT and lactate dehydrogenase. We discuss these relationships and their implications in the electroejaculation procedure and the handling of the sample during centrifugation.S

Stability study of MOF@IL composite materials

Abstract enviado al congresos 5th International Conference on Multifunctional, Hybrid and Nanomaterials (6-10 March 2017 | Lisbon, Portugal) y poster presentado en dicho congreso.Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) offer unique advantages for many applications due to their ordered structures, high thermal stability, tunable chemical functionality, ultra-high porosity and the availability of hundreds of well characterized structures.[1] On the other hand, Ionic Liquids (IL), which are ionic salts liquid at ambient conditions, have suitable properties for many applications, such as negligible volatility, non-flammability, high thermal and chemical stability, and high ionic conductivity. However, their liquid nature hinders their handling, making it necessary the use solid supports. [2] The insertion of ILs into MOFs has resulted in a new generation of materials with properties of both MOF and IL. [3] The studies of potential applications of MOF@IL composite materials are still very incipient, but they point out that the properties of MOFs could be improved by the insertion of ILs.[4] In order to know whether MOF@IL could be used as new materials it is necessary to study their stability, both thermal and chemical. In this work, three MOFs were selected, CuBTC, ZIF-8 and MOF-74,[5] to produce MOF@IL with two ILs, [BMIM][BF4] and [EMIM][BF4]. Themogravimetry was used to determine the thermal stability of the composites, as well as, to quantify the IL content before and after the leakeage tests both in water and toluene. Other characterization techniques, such as, IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction were used. The insertion of ILs was successful for CuBTC and ZIF-8, but not for MOF-74. The thermal stability of the MOF@IL is related to the interactions established between thet MOF and the IL. However, the chemical stability of the composites in water and toluene depend on that of the MOFs and, consequently, a poor stability is observed for CuBTC@IL in water. The use of these new materials is, therefore, determined by the stability of the MOFs acting as host structures.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad: MAT2013-42092-R Gobierno Vasco: IT-630-13 Dpto. desarrollo economico y competitividad (GV), programa ELKARTEK: ACTIMAT KK-2015/00094 y LISOL KK-2016/0009

Evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of three media of centrifugation (Maxifreeze, Cushion Fluid Equine, and PureSperm 100) in preparation of fresh or frozen-thawed brown bear spermatozoa

P. 1119-1128Centrifugation is a crucial procedure in sperm cryopreservation protocols of brown bear (Ursus arctos), because the semen must be processed to increase sperm concentration and/or clean urine-contaminated samples. The efficacy of three media for centrifugation (Maxifreeze [IMV technologies, L'Aigle, France], Cushion Fluid Equine (Minitübe, Tiefenbach, Germany), and PureSperm [Nidacon, Gothenburg, Sweden]) on the quality of bear spermatozoa was evaluated. In experiment one, two cushioned media used for protecting against mechanical stress during centrifugation were analyzed. In experiment two, a density gradient based on PureSperm was assessed in relation to the maximum retrieval and the quality of fresh spermatozoa, and the freezability of the spermatozoa selected in this density gradient was studied in experiment three. Finally, the selection of frozen-thawed sperm using PureSperm was analyzed in experiment four. Our results indicate that the use of dense isotonic cushion solutions (Maxifreeze, Cushion Fluid Equine) in centrifugation did not improve the quality of recovered spermatozoa compared with standard centrifugation. However, a density gradient prepared with PureSperm improved the quality of spermatozoa in fresh semen and frozen-thawed semen, but the spermatozoa selected from the fresh sample with this density gradient did not show a better resistance to freezing with this density gradient in comparison with the control sample.S

Effects on brown bear (Ursus arctos) spermatozoa freezability of different extender and dilution ratios used for pre-freezing centrifugation

P. 259–266The objective of this study was to determine how the extender and dilution ratio used during centrifugation affect bear spermatozoa quality before and after freezing–thawing. Semen was collected from 15 brown bears by electroejaculation. In experiment 1, semen was divided into five aliquots and diluted using one of the following extenders: Tris-citric-glucose (TCG), Tris-citric-glucose-3% BSA, Tris-citric-glucose-1% egg yolk or CaninePro. In experiment 2, semen was divided into five aliquots and diluted 1:1, 1:4, 1:8 or 1:16 (semen:extender) with Tris-citric-glucose. In both experiments, one aliquot was left undiluted and it was used as a control. All the aliquots were centrifuged at 600×g for 6 min and frozen. Samples were analysed by post-thawing for motility (CASA) and, by flow cytometry, for viability (YO-PRO-1), acrosomal status (PNA-FITC/PI) and mitochondrial status (JC-1). CaninePro rendered the highest motility with respect to the undiluted control (total motility, 53.1% vs. 38.5%, P < 0.001), and CaninePro and TCG significantly increased the percentage of viable and acrosome-intact spermatozoa (43.2 and 43.4, respectively, vs. 39.4, P < 0.05). In experiment 2, dilution 1:4 yielded the highest value of total motility (78.8 vs. 67.2, P < 0.05) and proportion of spermatozoa with intact membrane and acrosome (64.5 vs. 54.4, P < 0.01). In general, diluting 1:4 or 1:8 brown bear semen prior to centrifugation improved the motility and acrosome status of the thawed spermatozoa