RIUCV (Univ. Católica de Valencia)
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Anatomical basis of a safe mini-invasive technique for lengthening of the anterior gastrocnemius aponeurosis
Background: The surgical procedure itself of lengthening the gastrocnemius muscle aponeurosis is performed to treat multiple musculoskeletal, neurological and metabolical pathologies related to a gastro-soleus unit contracture such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, metatarsalgia, cerebral palsy, or diabetic foot ulcerations. Therefore, the aim of our research was to prove the effectiveness and safety of a new ultrasound-guided surgery-technique for the lengthening of the anterior gastrocnemius muscle aponeurosis, the “GIAR”- technique: the gastrocnemius-intramuscular aponeurosis release. Methods and results: An ultrasound-guided surgical GIAR on ten fresh-frozen specimens (10 donors, 8 male, 2 females, 5 left and 5 right) was performed. Exclusion criteria of the donated bodies to science were BMI above 35 (impaired ultrasound echogenicity), signs of traumas in the ankle and crural region, a history of ankle or foot ischemic vascular disorder, surgery or space-occupying mass lesions. The surgical procedures were performed by two podiatric surgeons with more than 6 years of experience in ultrasound-guided procedures. The anterior gastrocnemius muscle aponeurosis was entirely transected in 10 over 10 specimens, with a mean portal length of 2 mm (± 1 mm). The mean gain at the ankle joint ROM after the GIAR was 7.9° (± 1.1°). No damages of important anatomical structures could be found. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that our novel ultrasound-guided surgery for the lengthening of the anterior gastrocnemius muscle aponeurosis (GIAR) might be an effective and safe procedure.Fisioterapi
Plantas atípicas de Cymbalaria aequitriloba (Viv.) A. Chev. cultivadas en la comarca del Matarraña (Teruel).
Cymbalaria aequitriloba (Viv.) A.Chev., es una planta endémica del área Tirrénica (Sicilia, Córcega, Cerdeña y algunos puntos de Italia peninsular), que también alcanza las Islas Baleares. Ha sido encontrada en Torre de Arcas (Teruel) como una planta cultivada o accidental, presente en jardineras de floración invernal, constituyendo un elemento muy particular de la jardinería popular del Matarraña aragonés. Que sepamos, es la primera vez que se cita esta especie en España peninsular. Presenta una gran variabilidad morfológica lo que dificulta su identificación, no obstante es fácilmente diferenciable de C. muralis, la especie más cultivada en la zona. En esta región, tienen por costumbre remover la tierra tras la floración pues la planta pierde belleza, luego vuelve a aparecer en la siguiente estación por renuevo vegetativo o algunas plantas de semilla, motivo que no nos ha permitido estudiar plantas en fructificación. Todo Aragón, pero especialmente el Matarraña, tuvieron estrechos lazos comerciales con Italia durante el s. XIV-XV (principalmente exportando la lana), hecho que pudo favorecer el intercambio de materiales vegetales, como ya se ha podido constatar previamente con otras plantas similaresCymbalaria aequitriloba (Viv.) A.Chev., is an endemic plant of the Tyrrhenian area (Sicily,
Corsica, Sardinia and some points of Italian mainland), that also reaches the Balearic Islands. It has been found in
Torre de Arcas (Teruel, Spain) as a growed or accidental plant, present in winter-flowering planters, being a very
particular element in the popular gardening of the aragonese Matarraña. To our knowledge, this is the first citation of
this specie in mainland Spain. It presents a great morphological variability which makes it difficult to identify.
However it is easily distinguishable from C. muralis, the most cultivated specie of this genus in the area. In this
region, people have the habit to disturbing the soil after flowering, because the plant loses beauty, reappearing at the
next station by vegetative shoot or by seedlings. This reason has not allowed us to study fruiting plants. Aragon, but
specially the Matarraña region, had close trade ties with Italy during the x. XIV-XV (mainly exporting wool). This
fact could facilitate the exchange of plant material, as it has been shown previously with other similar plants.Ciencias Experimentale
Computational fluid dynamics comparison of the upper airway velocity, pressure, and resistance in cats using an endotracheal tube or a supraglottic airway device
Intoduction: In veterinary medicine, airway management of cats under general
anesthesia is performed with an endotracheal tube (ETT) or supraglottic airway
device (SGAD). This study aims to describe the use of computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) to assess the velocities, pressures, and resistances of cats with
ETT or SGAD.
Methods: A geometrical reconstruction model of the device, trachea, and lobar
bronchi was carried out from computed tomography (CT) scans that include the
head, neck, and thorax. Twenty CT scans of cats under general anesthesia using
ETT (n = 10) and SGAD (n = 10) were modeled and analyzed. An inspiratory flow
of 2.4 L/min was imposed in each model and velocity (m/s), general and regional
pressures (cmH2O) were computed. General resistance (cmH2O/L/min) was
calculated using differential pressure differences between the device inlet and
lobar bronchi. Additionally, regional resistances were calculated at the device’s
connection with the breathing circuit (region A), at the glottis area for the SGAD,
and the area of the ETT exit (bevel) (region B) and the device itself (region C).
Results: Recirculatory flow and high velocities were found at the ETT’s bevel
and at the glottis level in the SGAD group. The pressure gradient (Δp) was more
enhanced in the ETT cases compared with the SGAD cases, where the pressure
change was drastic. In region A, the Δp was higher in the ETT group, while in
regions B and C, it was higher in the SGAD group. The general resistance was
not statistically significant between groups (p = 0.48). Higher resistances were
found at the region A (p = <0.001) in the ETT group. In contrast, the resistance
was higher in the SGAD cases at the region B (p = 0.001).
Discussion: Overall, the provided CT-based CFD analysis demonstrated
regional changes in airway pressure and resistance between ETT and SGAD
during anesthetic flow conditions. Correct selection of the airway device size is
recommended to avoid upper airway obstruction or changes in flow parameters.MM and RF-P are supported by the grants PID2021-125731OB-C31 and PID2021-125731OB-C33, respectively, which are financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ and FEDER (“A way to build Europe”).Veterinari
Usnea aurantiaco-atra (Jacq) Bory: Metabolites and Biological Activities
Background: Lichens are complex symbiotic associations between a fungus and an alga or
cyanobacterium. Due to their great adaptability to the environment, they have managed to colonize
many terrestrial habitats, presenting a worldwide distribution from the poles to the tropical regions
and from the plains to the highest mountains. In the flora of the Antarctic region, lichens stand out due
to their variety and development and are a potential source of new bioactive compounds. Methods:
A phytochemical study of the Antarctic lichen Usnea aurantiaco-atra (Jacq) Bory was conducted
with the intention of determining the most important metabolites. In addition, the cytotoxic and
antioxidant activities of its extracts were determined. Results: Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the
hexane extract contains usnic acid as a majority metabolite, in addition to linoleic acid, ergosterols
and terpenes, and demonstrates cytotoxic activity against an A375 melanoma cell line. On the
other hand, the presence of total phenols in the extracts did not influence their antioxidant activity.
Conclusions: U. aurantiaco-atra contains mainly usnic acid, although there are terpenes and ergosta
compounds that could be responsible for its cytotoxic activity. The presence of phenols did not confer
antioxidant properties.This work was supported by Catholic University of Valencia “San Vicente Mártir” (Grant number: 2011-011-012).Biotecnologí
Implant-Supported Fixed Partial Dentures with Posterior Cantilevers: In Vitro Study of Mechanical Behavior
Rehabilitation with dental implants is not always possible due to the lack of bone quality
or quantity, in many cases due to bone atrophy or the morbidity of regenerative treatments. We
find ourselves in situations of performing dental prostheses with cantilevers in order to rehabilitate
our patients, thus simplifying the treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the mechanical
behavior of four types of fixed partial dentures with posterior cantilevers on two dental implants
(convergent collar and transmucosal internal connection) through an in vitro study (compressive
loading and cyclic loading). This study comprised four groups (n = 76): in Group 1, the prosthesis was
screwed directly to the implant platform (DS; n = 19); in Group 2, the prosthesis was screwed to the
telescopic interface on the implant head (INS; n = 19); in Group 3, the prosthesis was cemented to the
telescopic abutment (INC; n = 19); and in Group 4, the prosthesis was cemented to the abutment (DC;
n = 19). The sets were subjected to a cyclic loading test (80 N load for 240,000 cycles) and compressive
loading test (100 KN load at a displacement rate of 0.5 mm/min), applying the load until failure
occurred to any of the components at the abutment–prosthesis–implant interface. Subsequently, an
optical microscopy analysis was performed to obtain more data on what had occurred in each group.
Results: Group 1 (direct screw-retained prosthesis, DS) obtained the highest mean strength value
of 663.5 ± 196.0 N. The other three groups were very homogeneous: 428.4 ± 63.1 N for Group 2
(INS), 486.7 ± 67.8 N for Group 3 (INC), and 458.9 ± 38.9 N for Group 4 (DC). The mean strength
was significantly dependent on the type of connection (p < 0.001), and this difference was similar
for all of the test conditions (cyclic and compressive loading) (p = 0.689). Implant-borne prostheses
with convergent collars and transmucosal internal connections with posterior cantilevers screwed
directly to the implant connection are a good solution in cases where implant placement cannot
avoid extensions.Odontologí
Resistance training of peripheral muscles benefits respiratory parameters in older women with sarcopenia: Randomized controlled trial
Ageing entails a decrease in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, which also affects respiratory function. Physical exercise is an appropriate intervention to treat both conditions. This study aims to assess the efficacy of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on clinical parameters of respiratory function and health-related quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling older women with sarcopenia.Medicin
Presence of/search for meaning and positive psychological functioning in Spanish emerging adults
The feeling that one’s life has meaning is important throughout the human lifespan, and it is considered a factor related to optimal psychological functioning. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the Presence and/or Search for Meaning and several positive psychological functioning variables in emerging adults, and analyze the differences associated with gender. Due to the transitional nature of emerging adulthood, it is important to know the relationships between meaning in life and variables of personal well-being, as well as the differences related to gender in emerging adults, in order to carry out educational and/or clinical interventions to improve their satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and happiness, among other personal well-being variables. The study involved 349 Spanish emerging adults (224 women, 64.20%, and 125 men, 35.80%) with ages ranging between 18 and 26 years, M = 20.81, SD = 2.17. Spanish adaptations of the Purpose-In-Life Test-10 Items, Seeking Of Noetic Goals-8 Items, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and Psychological Well-Being Scales were used. Descriptive statistics, t tests for differences between women and men, correlation analyses, and simple linear regression analyses were carried out. Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning showed a negative correlationship. Presence of Meaning had a negative significant correlation with negative self-esteem, and a positive significant correlation with satisfaction with life, positive self-esteem, happiness, and psychological well-being. Search for Meaning had a negative significant correlation with satisfaction with life, positive self-esteem, happiness, and psychological well-being, and a positive significant correlation with negative self-esteem. Women obtained higher scores on Presence of Meaning, whereas men had higher scores on self-esteem. The experience of meaning in life (MiL) is a factor in optimal psychological functioning in emerging adulthood. Feeling that life has meaning is related to greater psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and happiness, and it is a significant predictor of positive psychological functioning. By contrast, Search for Meaning is associated with greater life dissatisfaction, less happiness, and lower well-being. The relationship between MiL and positive psychological functioning suggests the importance of providing resources to promote psychological well-being during emerging adulthood.Psicologí
Static Postural Control during Single-Leg Stance in Endurance, Team and Combat Athletes from the Spanish National Sport Technification Program
In the context of pediatric physical exercise, the analysis of factors affecting postural control (PC) provides insight into the development of sport-specific motor skills. This study aims to evaluate the static PC during single-leg stance in endurance, team and combat athletes from the Spanish National Sport Technification Program. A total of 29 boys and 32 girls, aged 12 to 16 years old, were recruited. Centre of pressure (CoP) was measured on a force platform in standing position for 40 s under two sensorial and leg dominance conditions. Girls showed lower MVeloc (p 0.001) and Sway (p < 0.001) values than boys in both sensorial conditions (open and closed eyes). The highest values in all PC variables were observed with eyes closed in both genders (p < 0.001). Sway values were lower in boys combat-athletes compared to endurance athletes in two sensorial conditions and with non-dominant leg (p < 0.05). Young athletes in their teens enrolled in a Sport Technification Program have shown differences in PC when comparing different visual conditions, sport disciplines and gender. This study opens a window to a better understanding of the determinants of PC during single-leg stance as a critical element in the sport specialization of young athletes.Fisioterapi
Visualisation of Avogadro’s Number
Con motivo de la redefinición de la constante de Avogadro, se presenta una breve historia y algunas reflexiones didácticas sobre su magnitud. Se revisan algunas analogías y se sugieren otras para ayudar a visualizar el alcance de su magnitud y se evalúa su utilidad. Estas analogías se enmarcan en el contexto docente de los cursos primero y segundo de las titulaciones en diversas disciplinas científicas y técnicas. Su efectividad se discute por primera vez sobre la base de un cuestionario realizado por los estudiantes correspondientes. Los resultados sugieren que los modelos más útiles, siguiendo la opinión de los estudiantes, son aquellos relacionados con ítems más sustanciales, por ejemplo, neuronas, individuos, planetas, por encima de analogías sobre construcciones geométricas. Podemos concluir, en contraste el pensamiento actual, que las descripciones visuales no siempre son las más ventajosas.On the occasion of the redefinition of the Avogadro constant, a brief history and some didactic reflections on its magnitude are presented. Some analogies are reviewed and others are suggested to help visualize the extent of its magnitude, and their usefulness is assessed. These analogies are set in the teaching context of the first and second courses of the degrees in several scientific and technic disciplines. Their effectiveness is discussed for the first time on the basis of a questionnaire filled by the corresponding students. The suggestions for educating and learning are that the most helpful models, following the opinion of the students, are those related to more substantial items, for example, neurons, individuals, planets, above analogies on geometric constructions. Challenging current thought, pictorial descriptions are not all the times so
advantageousCiencias Experimentale
Importance of Salmonella spp. control in pig slaughterhouse
El presente estudio se ha realizado con el objetivo de determinar la prevalencia de Salmonella spp. en las canales de porcino procesadas en el matadero de la empresa Industrias Cárnicas La Cope S. A. durante el año 2020 y el periodo comprendido entre enero y junio del año 2021. Además, también pretende valorar la tendencia en el número de canales positivas a Salmonella spp. y concluir si las medidas aplicadas tanto por el Veterinario Oficial como por el Departamento de Calidad son efectivas para disminuir los niveles del microorganismo en dichas canales. Para ello, se realizó una toma de muestras semanal en cinco canales aleatorias con esponjas estériles impregnadas con agua de peptona. En el año 2020 se analizaron un total de 265 canales, de las cuales 40 dieron resultado positivo a Salmonella spp., y en el periodo comprendido de enero a junio de 2021 se analizaron 125 canales, de las cuales fueron positivas 8. Tras la recopilación de los datos, los resultados reflejaron una tendencia a la baja a lo largo del estudio, obteniendo en el año 2020 un 15,09% de casos positivos y un 6,04% en el periodo comprendido de enero a junio de 2021, resultando así una prevalencia global de 12,30%. Como conclusión, se ha podido determinar una disminución de los casos positivos de Salmonella spp. en las canales procesadas en Industrias Cárnicas La Cope S.A., pudiendo considerarse así que las medidas correctivas aplicadas por parte de la empresa y los operarios han resultado efectivas.The present study has been conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in pig carcasses processed in the slaughterhouse of Industrias Cárnicas La Cope S. A. during the year 2020 and the period between January and June of 2021. In addition, it also aims to assess the trend in the number of positive carcasses to Salmonella spp. and conclude whether the measures applied by both the Official Veterinarian and the Quality Department are effective in reducing the levels of the microorganism in these carcasses. To do this, samples were taken weekly in five random carcasses with sterile sponges impregnated with peptone water. In 2020, a total of 265 carcasses were tested, 40 of them were positive for Salmonella spp., and in the period from January to June 2021, 125 carcasses were tested and 8 of them were positive. After
data collection, the results reflected a downward trend throughout the study, obtaining 15.09% of
positive cases in 2020 and 6.04% in the period from January to June 2021, resulting in an overall
prevalence of 12.30%. In conclusion, it has been possible to determine a decrease in positive
cases of Salmonella spp. in the carcasses processed in Industrias Cárnicas La Cope S.A., thus
being able to consider that the corrective measures applied by the company and the operators
have been effective.Ciencias Experimentale