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Abstract Background Substantial discoveries during the past century have revealed that transposable elements (TEs) can play a crucial role in genome evolution by affecting gene expression and inducing genetic rearrangements, among other molecular and structural effects. Yet, our knowledge on the role of TEs in adaptation to extreme climates is still at its infancy. The availability of long-read sequencing has opened up the possibility to identify and study potential functional effects of TEs with higher precision. In this work, we used Drosophila montana as a model for cold-adapted organisms to study the association between TEs and adaptation to harsh climates. Results Using the PacBio long-read sequencing technique, we de novo identified and manually curated TE sequences in five Drosophila montana genomes from eco-geographically distinct populations. We identified 489 new TE consensus sequences which represented 92% of the total TE consensus in D. montana. Overall, 11–13% of the D. montana genome is occupied by TEs, which as expected are non-randomly distributed across the genome. We identified five potentially active TE families, most of them from the retrotransposon class of TEs. Additionally, we found TEs present in the five analyzed genomes that were located nearby previously identified cold tolerant genes. Some of these TEs contain promoter elements and transcription binding sites. Finally, we detected TEs nearby fixed and polymorphic inversion breakpoints. Conclusions Our research revealed a significant number of newly identified TE consensus sequences in the genome of D. montana, suggesting that non-model species should be studied to get a comprehensive view of the TE repertoire in Drosophila species and beyond. Genome annotations with the new D. montana library allowed us to identify TEs located nearby cold tolerant genes, and present at high population frequencies, that contain regulatory regions and are thus good candidates to play a role in D. montana cold stress response. Finally, our annotations also allow us to identify for the first time TEs present in the breakpoints of three D. montana inversions.

Abstract A genomic database of all Earth’s eukaryotic species could contribute to many scientific discoveries; however, only a tiny fraction of species have genomic information available. In 2018, scientists across the world united under the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), aiming to produce a database of high-quality reference genomes containing all ~1.5 million recognized eukaryotic species. As the European node of the EBP, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) sought to implement a new decentralised, equitable and inclusive model for producing reference genomes. For this, ERGA launched a Pilot Project establishing the first distributed reference genome production infrastructure and testing it on 98 eukaryotic species from 33 European countries. Here we outline the infrastructure and explore its effectiveness for scaling high-quality reference genome production, whilst considering equity and inclusion. The outcomes and lessons learned provide a solid foundation for ERGA while offering key learnings to other transnational, national genomic resource projects and the EBP.

Background: Burns are a common and severe medical emergency requiring immediate specialized care to minimize damage and prevent complications. Burn severity depends on depth, extent, and location, with more complex care needed for burns on critical areas or extensive burns. Nursing is essential in burn management, providing immediate care, adapting treatments, managing pain, preventing infections, and offering emotional support for recovery. The study aims to analyse the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of burns treated at the Hospital Emergency Department of the Hospital Complex of Cáceres (Spain) from January 2018 to December 2022. It looks at factors like gender, age, hospital stay duration, emergency type (paediatric or adult), main diagnosis, skin thickness, burn degree, affected body areas, percentage of body surface area burned, and treatment types. It also investigates how treatment varies by gender, age, skin thickness, and burn severity. The relevance of this research lies in the fact that periodic epidemiological studies are essential to monitor changes in diseases, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, detect outbreaks quickly, update knowledge on risk factors, and guide health policy decisions. This ensures an adapted and effective response to the needs of the population. Methods: Retrospective, observational study that analysed burn cases treated at the Hospital Complex of Cáceres (Spain) 2018–2022. Inclusion criteria were based on ICD-10 codes for burns, excluding severe cases not treated in this service. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-tests, Chi-square tests, and ANOVA. Results: 220 patients surveyed, with a mean age of 47 years and 60.9% male. Most burns (95.5%) affected the external body surface, with a mean hospital stay of 7.86 days. Medical treatment was provided to 75.5% of patients, and 24.5% required surgical intervention. Significant differences in treatment procedures were observed according to age, skin thickness, and burn degree. Older patients had more procedures and longer hospital stays. Excision and transfer procedures were more common in full-thickness and severe burns. Conclusions: The findings align with previous research on burn demographics and treatment approaches. Treatment differences by age and burn severity highlight the need for tailored interventions. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive burn management, including psychological support for improved long-term outcomes. Further research could explore the impact of socio-economic factors on burn incidence and treatment. This study was not registered.

Abstract The epigenome is the suite of interacting chemical marks and molecules that helps to shape patterns of development, phenotypic plasticity and gene regulation, in part due to its responsiveness to environmental stimuli. There is increasing interest in understanding the functional and evolutionary importance of this sensitivity under ecologically realistic conditions. Observations that epigenetic variation abounds in natural populations have prompted speculation that it may facilitate evolutionary responses to rapid environmental perturbations, such as those occurring under climate change. A frequent point of contention is whether epigenetic variants reflect genetic variation or are independent of it. The genome and epigenome often appear tightly linked and interdependent. While many epigenetic changes are genetically determined, the converse is also true, with DNA sequence changes influenced by the presence of epigenetic marks. Understanding how the epigenome, genome and environment interact with one another is therefore an essential step in explaining the broader evolutionary consequences of epigenomic variation. Drawing on results from experimental and comparative studies carried out in diverse plant and animal species, we synthesize our current understanding of how these factors interact to shape phenotypic variation in natural populations, with a focus on identifying similarities and differences between taxonomic groups. We describe the main components of the epigenome and how they vary within and between taxa. We review how variation in the epigenome interacts with genetic features and environmental determinants, with a focus on the role of transposable elements (TEs) in integrating the epigenome, genome and environment. And we look at recent studies investigating the functional and evolutionary consequences of these interactions. Although epigenetic differentiation in nature is likely often a result of drift or selection on stochastic epimutations, there is growing evidence that a significant fraction of it can be stably inherited and could therefore contribute to evolution independently of genetic change.

Abstract A prominent feature of COVID-19, both in the short and long term, is the reduction in quality of life (QoL) due to low functionality scores and the presence of fatigue, which can hinder daily activities. The main objective of this study is to compare the functional status, level of physical activity, fatigue, and QoL of patients with Long COVID to other COVID-19 patients who did not develop persistent illness, and to determine whether there is a relationship between these variables and QoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 170 participants who had been infected with COVID-19 or had developed Long COVID. The main variables studied were functionality, physical activity, QoL and fatigue, measured using the PostCOVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Short Form 12 (SF-12), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The main findings show a significant relationship (p

Background: In order to be used safely, accurately and reliably, measuring instruments in the health field must first be validated, for which the study of their psychometric properties is necessary. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tool is a widely used clinical assessment test that has been approved for usage across several nations, languages and demographics. Finding SPPB’s psychometric properties for a sample of institutionalized older individuals is the aim of this research. Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective and observational study of the psychometric properties of the Short Physical Performance Battery tool with a convenience sample of 194 institutionalized older adults. Reliability (internal consistency) and validity (construct validity and convergent validity) tests were performed. Results: The results show a very good internal consistency, construct validity and convergent validity. In addition, the factorial structure of the SPPB is provided, which reflects that it is a unidimensional scale. Conclusions: In conclusion, the Short Physical Performance Battery is a valid and reliable tool for use with institutionalized older adults. Its use is recommended as part of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for the evaluation of the physical or functional sphere. This study was not registered.

Cyberbullying is a growing problem in the Italian educational sector, with a prevalence of 17%. This study analyzes its impact on the psychosocial well-being and academic performance of Italian adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 502 students from six schools in different Italian regions, using the European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire (ECIPQ) to assess cyberbullying, in addition to collecting data on satisfaction, friends, and academic performance. Chi-square and ANOVA analyses were conducted to identify significant associations between the variables. Results: The analyses showed significant associations between cyberbullying and gender and in psychosocial well-being, with significant differences in personal satisfaction and body satisfaction. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in academic performance or in the ability to make new friends, although victims showed a significantly lower ability to make new friends compared to those who were neither victims nor aggressors. Conclusions: Cyberbullying has a significant impact on students’ psychosocial well-being, especially on personal satisfaction and school happiness, making it essential to implement interventions that promote safe school environments to mitigate these negative effects.

Purpose: To retrospectively analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis, mortality rate, and survival period of malignant bronchial and lung neoplasms in the Burgos region, with the aim of promoting the development of strategies to improve cancer care management during health crises, highlighting the importance of non-pharmacological approaches to mitigate the negative impacts of future pandemics on lung cancer patients. Methods: This retrospective, longitudinal, single-center study was conducted in Burgos from 2019 to 2021. Participants included all patients diagnosed with malignant bronchial and lung neoplasms by the Pneumology unit of Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Burgos during the year immediately before and the year immediately after 31 March 2020, the official start date of the pandemic. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients diagnosed through histological or clinicoradiological methods, who provided informed consent. Data were systematically gathered using a specific template that included demographic information, disease stage, death, and survival time. Statistical analysis involved descriptive methods, ANOVA, and chi-square tests to assess differences in survival time and associations between categorical variables. Results: The results reveal a decrease in the number of patients diagnosed during the pandemic period (154 vs. 105), which could indicate delays in detection. However, there were no significant differences between the two periods, in which more than 60% of cases were detected in stage IV, being incompatible with survival. Although fewer patients died during the pandemic than expected (p = 0.015), patients diagnosed after the onset of the pandemic had a shorter survival time (182.43 ± 142.63 vs. 253.61 ± 224.30; p = 0.038). Specifically, those diagnosed in stage I during the pre-pandemic had a much longer survival time (741.50 days) than the rest of the patients (p < 0.05). In addition, among those diagnosed in stage IV, those diagnosed after the beginning of the pandemic had a shorter survival time (157.29 ± 202.36 vs. 241.18 ± 218.36; p = 0.026). Conclusions: Understanding these changes can support both medical strategies and non-pharmacological therapies to improve cancer care management during health crises, thus contributing to the optimization of public health.

This study evaluates teacher self-efficacy perceptions among students in the Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and Baccalaureate, Vocational Training, and Language Teaching (MDSE), as well as the variables influencing these perceptions and their connection to the program’s training. The research sheds light on how self-efficacy affects views on concerns, feelings, and attitudes towards diversity and inclusive education in the current educational landscape. Out of 205 female and 100 male MDSE students surveyed, who are either graduates or nearing completion, data were gathered using the “Teacher Education in Secondary Education: Key Elements for Teaching in an Inclusive School for All” (FORPES-IN) questionnaire distributed across Spanish universities. Three primary instruments from the questionnaire were utilized: the Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Short Form (TSES-SF), the Questionnaire for Future Secondary Education Teachers regarding Perceptions of Diversity, and the Revised Scale of Feelings, Attitudes, and Concerns about Inclusive Education (SACIE-R). Findings suggest that the majority of prospective teachers exhibit moderate-to-high levels of self-efficacy. Variables such as non-formal teaching experiences, the reason for joining the MDSE program, and regular interactions with vulnerable individuals, especially in Social and Health Science domains, moderately influence self-efficacy. This study reveals a strong link between the received training and the perceived level of self-efficacy. In particular, participants with higher self-efficacy feel better equipped to handle classroom diversity and rate the MDSE program positively. Areas for enhancement are identified, such as classroom management and diversified assessment strategies. Finally, a positive correlation is observed between high self-efficacy and positive attitudes toward disability, inclusive education principles, and reduced apprehensions about inclusive teaching.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic generated uncertainty and disruption among the child and adolescent population. Multiple studies have documented a worsening of mental health following the pandemic. The main objective of this longitudinal study is to analyze the short-, medium-, and long-term evolution of the overall functioning of children and adolescents treated by a child and adolescent mental health team in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 420 patients aged 3 to 18 were assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale at three time points: during the lockdown, three months later, and three years later. Differences based on gender, diagnosis, and time were analyzed. Results: A significant improvement was observed in the short-term (three months) and long-term (three years) compared to the lockdown period. This improvement was maintained in all diagnostic subgroups except for mixed cases (severe mental pathology), which showed the least improvement. No significant differences were found between males and females. Conclusions: The child and adolescent population showed a greater capacity for adaptation to the lockdown than expected. Family support, decreased stress, and therapeutic intervention appear to have played an important role in improving mental health.

Summary: We present a protocol for generating a precise deletion, without altering the genetic background of the strain, of a transposable element (TE) in a natural population of Drosophila melanogaster using two steps of CRISPR-Cas9 homology-directed repair. We describe steps for replacing the TE by a fluorescent marker and for subsequent marker removal using single-guide RNAs, repair plasmids, and microinjection. We also detail steps for screening the deletion of the TE and generating a homozygous mutant strain.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Merenciano and Gonzalez.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Abstract Background Climate change is one of the main factors shaping the distribution and biodiversity of organisms, among others by greatly altering water availability, thus exposing species and ecosystems to harsh desiccation conditions. However, most of the studies so far have focused on the effects of increased temperature. Integrating transcriptomics and physiology is key to advancing our knowledge on how species cope with desiccation stress, and these studies are still best accomplished in model organisms. Results Here, we characterized the natural variation of European D. melanogaster populations across climate zones and found that strains from arid regions were similar or more tolerant to desiccation compared with strains from temperate regions. Tolerant and sensitive strains differed not only in their transcriptomic response to stress but also in their basal expression levels. We further showed that gene expression changes in tolerant strains correlated with their physiological response to desiccation stress and with their cuticular hydrocarbon composition, and functionally validated three of the candidate genes identified. Transposable elements, which are known to influence stress response across organisms, were not found to be enriched nearby differentially expressed genes. Finally, we identified several tRNA-derived small RNA fragments that differentially targeted genes in response to desiccation stress. Conclusions Overall, our results showed that basal gene expression differences across individuals should be analyzed if we are to understand the genetic basis of differential stress survival. Moreover, tRNA-derived small RNA fragments appear to be relevant across stress responses and allow for the identification of stress-response genes not detected at the transcriptional level.

Abstract Aims To assess the effect of a multicomponent intervention on reducing social isolation and loneliness and improving the quality of life in community‐dwelling older adults. Design A cluster‐randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods A total of 56 older adults participated in the control group and 63 older adults in the experimental group. The intervention consisted of 6 home‐based face‐to‐face sessions, intercalated with 5 telephone calls and was conducted by nursing students and volunteer staff with experience in the subject. The study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2019. In terms of statistical analysis, several procedures were carried out: a statistical analysis per protocol and intention to treat, considering isolation, loneliness and quality of life as endpoints; a comparison of paired means, to analyse the behaviour of the outcome variables at baseline and the end of the study; and finally, a binary logistic regression analysis, considering social support as a dependent variable. Results The study results do not show the effectiveness of the modified CARELINK programme, analysed as a whole, on the decrease in social isolation or loneliness or the improvement in HRQL. However, a detailed analysis of the behaviour of some of the variables during the study indicates some results that deserve to be commented on. Comparing the mean confidential support scores between the experimental and control group at the initial and final stages shows significant differences in the analysis by protocol, and close to statistical significance in the analysis by intention to treat. Comparing the paired means obtained in the experimental group, an improvement in emotional loneliness scores was found. Finally, the variables associated with the social support of the subjects at the end of the follow‐up period were as follows: having people who help them and mobility. Conclusion Although the results obtained do not allow us to affirm that the intervention programme is effective, these same results point to improved confidential support and emotional loneliness in older adults participating in the intervention. Having people to help them and a greater degree of mobility are factors favouring the decrease in social isolation. Impact This study suggested that modified CARELINK, a multicomponent intervention performed by trained volunteers, could improve confidential support in community‐dwelling older adults. It also reports the importance of considering the level of mobility and support networks as determinants of the improvement caused by the intervention.

Abstract Background Escalation in industrialization and anthropogenic activity have resulted in an increase of pollutants released into the environment. Of these pollutants, heavy metals such as copper are particularly concerning due to their bio-accumulative nature. Due to its highly heterogeneous distribution and its dual nature as an essential micronutrient and toxic element, the genetic basis of copper tolerance is likely shaped by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Results In this study, we utilized the natural variation present in multiple populations of Drosophila melanogaster collected across Europe to screen for variation in copper tolerance. We found that latitude and the degree of urbanization at the collection sites, rather than any other combination of environmental factors, were linked to copper tolerance. While previously identified copper-related genes were not differentially expressed in tolerant vs. sensitive strains, genes involved in metabolism, reproduction, and protease induction contributed to the differential stress response. Additionally, the greatest transcriptomic and physiological responses to copper toxicity were seen in the midgut, where we found that preservation of gut acidity is strongly linked to greater tolerance. Finally, we identified transposable element insertions likely to play a role in copper stress response. Conclusions Overall, by combining genome-wide approaches with environmental association analysis, and functional analysis of candidate genes, our study provides a unique perspective on the genetic and environmental factors that shape copper tolerance in natural D. melanogaster populations and identifies new genes, transposable elements, and physiological traits involved in this complex phenotype.

Applying evidence-based therapies in stroke rehabilitation plays a crucial role in this process, as they are supported by studies and results that demonstrate their effectiveness in improving functionality, such as mirror therapy (MT), cognitive therapeutic exercise (CTE), and task-oriented training. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of MT and CTE combined with task-oriented training on the functionality, sensitivity, range, and pain of the affected upper limb in patients with acute stroke. A longitudinal multicenter study recruited a sample of 120 patients with acute stroke randomly and consecutively, meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were randomly allocated into three groups: a control group only for task-oriented training (TOT) and two groups undergoing either MT or CTE, both combined with TOT. The overall functionality of the affected upper limb, specific functionality, sensitivity, range of motion, and pain were assessed using the Fugl–Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) scale validated for the Spanish population. An initial assessment was conducted before the intervention, a second assessment after completing the 20 sessions, and another three months later. ANCOVA analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the assessments and the experimental groups compared to the control group, indicating significant improvement in the overall functionality of the upper limb in these patients. However, no significant differences were observed between the two experimental groups. The conclusion drawn was that both therapeutic techniques are equally effective in treating functionality, sensitivity, range of motion, and pain in the upper limb following a stroke.

The clinical manifestation of median nerve entrapment at the carpal tunnel level is known as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Electroneurography (ENG) is considered the gold standard in CTS evaluation. We conducted a retrospective study and analyzed some clinical and demographic variables, relating them to the degree of neuropathy using ENG, to better understand the role of ENG in this very common disease. We studied 816 patients referred to our service for neurographic evaluation. Their symptoms were classified as compatible with CTS (cCTS) (n = 646) and atypical for CTS (aCTS) (n = 170). A blind ENG was performed on 797 patients. Patient characteristics were coded as variables and analyzed to study whether they could predict neuropathy severity (sensory and motor involvement or grade ≥ 3 in our classification). We found a correlation between typical symptomatology, age over 50 years, male gender, positivity of Phalen’s maneuver and Tinel’s sign, and a neuropathy grade ≥ 3. We also found a correlation with CTS in the contralateral hand if the other hand showed neuropathy, despite the lack of symptoms in this hand. We propose a practical algorithm for ENG referral based on clinical symptoms, demographic factors, and neurophysiological variables.

The aim of this study was to estimate the level of empathy among primary care (PC) health professionals and its relationship with their approach to patients at risk due to alcohol consumption. This is an observational, descriptive, and multicenter study that included 80 PHC professionals. The professionals completed a questionnaire comprising socio-occupational questions and inquiries regarding their actions when dealing with patients suspected of risky alcohol consumption. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy was used to measure their level of empathy and was completed by 80 professionals, of whom 57.5% were family physicians, 10% were nurses, and 32.5% were family- and community-medicine residents. The mean age was 39.5 ± 13.1 (SD) (range of 24–65 years) and 71.3% were females. The mean empathy level score was 112.9 ± 11.1 (95% CI: 110.4–115.4; range: 81–132 points). Actions that stood out for their frequency were providing health advice in the general population, offering advice to pregnant women, and recommending abstinence to users of hazardous machinery or motor vehicles. The level of empathy was associated with age (p = 0.029), the health center’s scope (p = 0.044), systematic alcohol exploration (p = 0.034), and follow-ups for patients diagnosed with risky consumption (p = 0.037). The mean score obtained indicated a high level of empathy among professionals. Professionals with greater empathy more frequently conducted systematic screening for risky alcohol consumption.

Even in well-studied species, there is still substantial natural genetic variation that has not been characterized. Here, the authors use long read sequencing to discover transposable elements in the Drosophila genome not detected by short read sequencing, and link them to gene expression.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) of the upper limb is a very common condition in women undergoing breast cancer treatment; it can cause considerable alterations in the daily life of patients and a decrease in their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Currently, there are many conservative therapies that try to palliate the symptoms, but the results are still controversial and there are still no globally accepted treatments. The purpose of this article is to determine the effect, according to the current available evidence, on HRQoL of different conservative interventions in the rehabilitation of BCRL in the upper limb in women. Eighteen articles that compared the effects of standard treatments, such as manual lymphatic drainage-based decongestive therapy or compression measures, and other newer treatments, including new technologies and other types of treatment programs, were reviewed. According to the results of this review, the most recommended modality for the improvement of HRQoL would be a complex decongestive technique without manual lymphatic drainage. Although there are clinical trials that have demonstrated the effectiveness of various treatments, the results of the positive effects on HRQoL remain highly controversial. There is a need to continue to develop studies to help guide therapeutic decisions that can promote HRQoL in women affected by upper limb BCRL.

Abstract Background Variation in gene expression underlies interindividual variability in relevant traits including immune response. However, the genetic variation responsible for these gene expression changes remains largely unknown. Among the non-coding variants that could be relevant, transposable element insertions are promising candidates as they have been shown to be a rich and diverse source of cis-regulatory elements. Results In this work, we use a population genetics approach to identify transposable element insertions likely to increase the tolerance of Drosophila melanogaster to bacterial infection by affecting the expression of immune-related genes. We identify 12 insertions associated with allele-specific expression changes in immune-related genes. We experimentally validate three of these insertions including one likely to be acting as a silencer, one as an enhancer, and one with a dual role as enhancer and promoter. The direction in the change of gene expression associated with the presence of several of these insertions is consistent with an increased survival to infection. Indeed, for one of the insertions, we show that this is the case by analyzing both natural populations and CRISPR/Cas9 mutants in which the insertion is deleted from its native genomic context. Conclusions We show that transposable elements contribute to gene expression variation in response to infection in D. melanogaster and that this variation is likely to affect their survival capacity. Because the role of transposable elements as regulatory elements is not restricted to Drosophila, transposable elements are likely to play a role in immune response in other organisms as well.

BackgroundSince the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a great variability of symptoms that affect all organs and systems of the body has been identified in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection; this symptomatology can sometimes persist over time, giving rise to the so-called long COVID or post-COVID. The aim of this study is to delve into the clinical characterization of these patients, as well as to take into account the influence of factors such as hospitalization, admission to ICU, history of pneumonia, or vaccination status on the persistence of symptoms.Material and methodsAn observational, descriptive, multicenter, and retrospective study was designed with a series of cases of people who presented long COVID, which includes univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Data were obtained from an online ad hoc questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Software Version 25 (IBM-Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).ResultsHospitalization, ICU admission, history of pneumonia, and vaccination were predictive factors (positive or negative) for the following long-COVID symptoms: headache, menstrual disorders, joint pain, cough, chills, nasal congestion, back pain, abdominal pain, weight loss, eye discomfort, facial erythema, itching, tremors, dizziness, seizures, sleeping difficulty, dry eyes, palpitations, fatigue, paresthesia, dyspnea, aphonia, chest pain, high blood pressure, vomiting, memory loss, brain fog, hypothermia, low blood pressure, sputum or phlegm, lack of concentration, hair loss, and erectile dysfunction.ConclusionThis study provides evidence on the clinical characterization of patients suffering from long COVID in order to offer them the most appropriate treatments.

Health professionals have been one of the groups most affected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Currently, there is little scientific evidence on the similarities and differences between COVID-19 infection and the development of long COVID in primary care (PC) workers. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse their clinical and epidemiological profiles in depth. This study was observational and descriptive, including PC professionals who were divided into three comparison groups based on the diagnostic test for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. The responses were analysed using descriptive and bivariate analysis to examinate the relationship between independent variables and the presence or not of long COVID. Binary logistic regression analysis was also conducted, with each symptom as the dependent variable and each group as the independent variable. The results describe the sociodemographic characteristics of these population groups, revealing that women in the health sector are the most affected by long COVID and that being in this group is associated with its development. Furthermore, individuals with long COVID exhibited the highest number of symptoms and pathologies. Certain symptoms were found to be associated with long COVID development in this population, including an altered sense of smell, pneumonia, fever, and sore throat, among others. Similarly, altered senses of smell and taste, chest tightness, and joint pain, among others, were found to be associated with acute COVID-19 infection. Additionally, patients with pre-existing overweight or obesity were more likely to experience acute COVID-19 and develop long COVID. The data obtained can be crucial for improving the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of long COVID patients, ultimately leading to an enhancement in their quality of life.

La llamada “tercera edad” es una fase de la vida, marcada por prejuicios. La imagen corporal es la representación del cuerpo que cada persona construye en su mente, influenciada por cambios psicológicos. La ropa cambia nuestra manera de pensar y podemos sentirnos superhéroes solamente cambiando la vestimenta. Hablar de moda en la tercera edad, rompiendo los cánones de belleza preestablecidos, es extraño, la “arruga no es bella”, sin embargo, como consumidores, son un grupo activo, y se convertirán en el motor de la llamada silver economy, ya que “Son personas activas a las que les gusta cuidarse, hacer deporte, comer bien, ir a la moda y divertirse”. Sentirse guapa influye en la percepción de la salud, es decir sentirse bien por fuera hace que se sienta bien por dentro. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es evaluar la influencia de la moda en las personas mayores como potenciador de la autoestima, por lo tanto, como mejora de su salud y hacer de Zamora un referente de silverización del sector de la moda. (Espacio fashion week de la moda Silver). Metodología: revisión de la literatura. Resultados alcanzados: las personas mayores son un mercado en aumento, con rentas considerables, buena salud, interés por disfrutar, ilusiones y una estructura de consumo característica, se debería considerar sus exigencias a la hora de diseñar y comercializar haciendo una moda cómoda y funcional. Discusión: son pocos los resultados obtenidos; ante este hecho vemos que es un tema novedoso. Es un tema a desarrollar en nuevas investigaciones. Conclusión: el escaparate que vemos de las personas, es en principio, como va vestida; la forma de combinar los colores, de utilizar los complementos, se sentirse cómoda y elegante, influye sobre la percepción de la salud.

Academic performance (AP) is a topic of particular interest in the academic context. Attributions for academic success (AAS) have been shown to have a significant impact on AP, and more specifically internal controllable attributions (ICA) are closely linked to academic success. Similarly, positive emotions (PE) have a significant influence on AP and may in turn be influenced by bullying. This study examines the connections between ICA of academic success and AP mediated through PE in late primary and early secondary school students and analyzes the relationships between PE and bullying categories. Students (N = 562, 49.46% female, Mage = 11.6 SD = 1.2) reported on their perceptions of ICA and PE in relation to exams and their relationship with bullying through validated questionnaires. The AP was obtained as the average mark of all subjects in the immediately preceding assessment. First, a multiple linear regression analysis considering ICA and PE as predictor variables was carried out, which showed a significantly positive link between ICA and PE, between ICA and AP, and between PE and AP. Subsequently, using the SPSS macro PROCESS, a simple mediation model was implemented to quantify the effect of ICA on AP through PE in exams, and finally an ANOVA between the categories of bullying and PE was performed. The results showed a significant indirect relationship with a positive predictive relationship for AP. The model shows that PE proves to be a significant mediator between ICA and AP, and it is shown that students disengaged from bullying score higher in PE.

Genomic studies of paleopteran insects, such as mayflies, are needed to reconstruct early insect evolution. Here, Almudi and colleagues present the genome of the mayfly Cloeon dipterum and use transcriptomics to characterize its adaptations to distinct habitats and the origin of insect wings.

The consolidation of telerehabilitation for the treatment of many diseases over the last decades is a consequence of its cost-effective results and its ability to offer access to rehabilitation in remote areas. Telerehabilitation operates over a distance, so vulnerable patients are never exposed to unnecessary risks. Despite its low cost, the need for a professional to assess therapeutic exercises and proper corporal movements online should also be mentioned. The focus of this paper is on a telerehabilitation system for patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease in remote villages and other less accessible locations. A full-stack is presented using big data frameworks that facilitate communication between the patient and the occupational therapist, the recording of each session, and real-time skeleton identification using artificial intelligence techniques. Big data technologies are used to process the numerous videos that are generated during the course of treating simultaneous patients. Moreover, the skeleton of each patient can be estimated using deep neural networks for automated evaluation of corporal exercises, which is of immense help to the therapists in charge of the treatment programs.

Persistent COVID-19 condition includes a wide variety of symptoms and health problems of indeterminate duration. The present study examined the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the population with Long COVID seen in Primary Care using a questionnaire based on the existing scientific literature. It was an observational and descriptive study of the characteristics of the Spanish population with Long COVID over 14 years of age. The responses were analysed by means of a descriptive analysis of the variables recorded, in addition to a bivariate analysis to determine the existence of a relationship between persistent COVID-19 and variables such as gender, age, vaccination status or concomitant pathology. The results obtained clearly describe the sociodemographic characteristics of the population, highlighting the predominance of female gender and the prevalence of tiredness and fatigue. Furthermore, relevant information was obtained on the differences in symptomatology according to gender, age, previous pathologies and alterations derived from infection and/or vaccination. These data are important for better detection, diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID and the improvement of the quality of life of this population.

Abstract Background Transposable elements (TEs) are an important source of genomic variability in eukaryotic genomes. Their activity impacts genome architecture and gene expression and can lead to drastic phenotypic changes. Therefore, identifying TE polymorphisms is key to better understand the link between genotype and phenotype. However, most genotype-to-phenotype analyses have concentrated on single nucleotide polymorphisms as they are easier to reliable detect using short-read data. Many bioinformatic tools have been developed to identify transposon insertions from resequencing data using short reads. Nevertheless, the performance of most of these tools has been tested using simulated insertions, which do not accurately reproduce the complexity of natural insertions. Results We have overcome this limitation by building a dataset of insertions from the comparison of two high-quality rice genomes, followed by extensive manual curation. This dataset contains validated insertions of two very different types of TEs, LTR-retrotransposons and MITEs. Using this dataset, we have benchmarked the sensitivity and precision of 12 commonly used tools, and our results suggest that in general their sensitivity was previously overestimated when using simulated data. Our results also show that, increasing coverage leads to a better sensitivity but with a cost in precision. Moreover, we found important differences in tool performance, with some tools performing better on a specific type of TEs. We have also used two sets of experimentally validated insertions in Drosophila and humans and show that this trend is maintained in genomes of different size and complexity. Conclusions We discuss the possible choice of tools depending on the goals of the study and show that the appropriate combination of tools could be an option for most approaches, increasing the sensitivity while maintaining a good precision.

To advance our understanding of adaptation to temporally varying selection pressures, we identified signatures of seasonal adaptation occurring in parallel among Drosophila melanogaster populations. Specifically, we estimated allele frequencies genome-wide from flies sampled early and late in the growing season from 20 widely dispersed populations. We identified parallel seasonal allele frequency shifts across North America and Europe, demonstrating that seasonal adaptation is a general phenomenon of temperate fly populations. Seasonally fluctuating polymorphisms are enriched in large chromosomal inversions, and we find a broad concordance between seasonal and spatial allele frequency change. The direction of allele frequency change at seasonally variable polymorphisms can be predicted by weather conditions in the weeks prior to sampling, linking the environment and the genomic response to selection. Our results suggest that fluctuating selection is an important evolutionary force affecting patterns of genetic variation in Drosophila.

Para cumplir con los objetivos sanitarios será preciso modificar el modelo de atención, adaptándose a los tiempos actuales; será necesario el desarrollo de las tecnologías informáticas en la salud para prestar una atención con valor añadido. Las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación tienen que jugar un papel cada vez más importante en el sistema sanitario con el propósito de mejorar la salud de las personas de una manera eficiente, y representarán un cambio de paradigma tanto para los enfermos como para los profesionales y las organizaciones sanitarias. Objetivo: conocer la mejor evidencia disponible relacionada con la implantación del programa de teleenfermería/telemedicina para la reducción de la carga de las enfermedades crónicas, seguimiento de los cuidados y dar mayor accesibilidad al sistema. Material y Método: Revisión bibliográfica de la literatura. Resultados: La teleenfermería resultó ser eficaz, en la educación y el asesoramiento para el autocuidado por personal de enfermería que proporciona educación a pacientes con diabetes, hipertensión arterial, dislipemias, insuficiencia cardiaca, disminuyendo los ingresos hospitalarios. Reduce el número de visitas a la consulta, los costes y distancias. Discusión: La rápida información sobre el estado de los pacientes, es una de sus mejores armas, supone un avance importante ya que la tendencia actual es que los pacientes mejoren y tomen responsabilidades sobre su “autocuidado”

Music therapy is the use of music and all kinds of musical experiences to restore, maintain and / or improve the physical and psychological health of people. Music therapy is a therapy that supports pharmacological therapy and is part of one of the complementary therapies recommended by the World Health Organization to nurses as one of the strategies to achieve the goal of “Health for all” in the year 2000 . The intervention programs are specifically designed to meet the individual needs of people and help them in achieving different therapeutic objectives, which can be directed to the following dimensions: physical, cognitive, socio-emotional and / or spiritual. The objective of this review is to evaluate the available evidence on the beneficial effects of the application of music as a nurse intervention. A systematic review has been carried out in the main databases, Medlin, Cochrane Plus, Scielo, Cuiden, Scopus, google scholar, tripdatabase. 48 studies were found using different combinations of the descriptors. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, after a first selection of reading the title and summary, 35 articles were selected. 3 articles of referential search are added. After reading the full article we are left with 7 articles that are the reason for our review, the 14 articles are 10 Systematic Reviews and 4 Randomized Clinical Trials, in the absence of Meta-analysis. After the detailed analysis of the bibliography, we can conclude that a good use of music produces positive effects in patients, this being an economic and complementary intervention of pharmacology. Positive effects occur in hospitalized patients, with cancer, with depression and in patients undergoing invasive processes

Objective: To analyze the influence of different risk factors on the age at which a stroke occurs. Method: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted including all patients admitted consecutively with ischemic stroke at the University Hospital of Burgos (Spain). Sociodemographic and clinical, parameters were collected, exploring possible association with patient’s age by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: 436 patients were included, with a mean age of 75.39 years (SD ±12.674). The most frequent risk factors were high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. In the case of having a personal history of arterial hypertension (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.49; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.49-4.16), having a sedentary lifestyle (OR 3.24; 95%CI 1.97-5.31) was related with a greater probability that the patient is aged 75 years or older. However, being overweight/obese (OR 0.51; 95%CI 0.30-0.88), being an active smoker (OR 0.47; 95%CI 0.02-0.11) or alcohol consumption (OR 0.42; 95%CI 0.26-0.69) increased the probability of stroke occurrence before 75 years. Conclusion: The age of occurrence of a case is related to the occurrence of certain risk factors, which are determined in the planning of future education campaigns.

Objective: To develop a protocol in thecare of patients with advanced dementiaand feed problems,according to thescientific evidence. Method: A systematic review was carried out, consulting CUIDEN, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCIELO, HEALTH GUIDE and NHS databases as well as protocols of Scientific Societies and Health Centers. The DeCs and MeSH terms related to the objective of the study were used. Studies published in English or Spanish were selected, since 2000, which assessed dysphagia and eating disorders in the person with dementia, with at least the summary available. Results: Nine studies were selected, whose results allowed to develop an action protocol in patients with advanced dementia and feed problems. In the protocol obtained, any intervention in this type of patients should be based on the previous comprehensive geriatric and nutritional assessment. Conclusion: The implementation of the dysphagia and eating disorders protocol in patients with advanced dementia improves their clinical and nutritional status.

This descriptive transversal research studies the relationship between number of falls in the last month and fall risk on one side; and frailty situation in older adults on the other side; through a 194 old institutionalized people sample. Frailty is measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery; previous falls in the last month are measured with the number of events, and fall risk with Downton scale. The results do not show any significant differences in frailty groups related to the number of previous falls in the last month. However, significant differences do exist between frailty groups established in SPPB and fall risk; then, since descriptive results, they show how the arithmetical averages in fall risk increase as the continuum robust-prefrail-frail-dependent advances towards dependency. Concerning differences between groups, it is found that dependent group has got significant differences with all other (p=,001), there are significant differences also in frail-robust (p=,003). In opposition, the relation frail-prefrail and frail-robust do not show any significant differences Results allow the detection of high level fall risk population, which enables early intervention implementations aimed to falls prevention based on differences found between groups.

This descriptive transversal research studies frailty situation in older adults and basic and instrumental activities of daily living relationship through a 194 old institucionalized people sample. Frailty is measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery; basic activities of daily living with Barthel Index and instrumental activities of daily living with Lawton and Brody scale. Descriptive results show how the arithmetical averages in both activities of daily living decrease as the continuum robust-prefrail-frail-dependent advances towards dependency. There are significant differences in all subscales of Short Physical Performance Battery, as well as in Barthel and Lawton and Brody (p,001). Regarding to Barthel and SPPB groups, significant differences among all of them were found (,007p,001), except in the robust-prefrail relation, where differences are not meaningful. Concerning Lawton and Brody, differences are significant (,041p,001); except in fragil-prefrail relation. The differences found between groups allow an early diagnosis and interventions aimed to prevent or reverse the progress towards a dependency situation.

Abstract Transposable elements (TEs) are not randomly distributed in the genome. A genome-wide analysis of the D. melanogaster genome found that differences in TE density across 50 kb genomic regions was due both to transposition and duplication. At smaller genomic scales, promoter regions of hsp genes and the promoter region of CG18446 have been shown to accumulate TE insertions. In this work, we have further analyzed the promoter region of CG18446. We screened 218 strains collected in 15 natural populations, and we found that the CG18446 promoter region contains 20 independent roo insertions. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we suggest that the presence of multiple roo insertions in this region is likely to be the result of several bursts of transposition. Moreover, we found that the roo insertional cluster in the CG18446 promoter region is unique: no other promoter region in the genome contains a similar number of roo insertions. We found that, similar to hsp gene promoters, chromatin accessibility could be one of the factors explaining the recurrent insertions of roo elements in CG18446 promoter region.

Estudio descriptivo y transversal que pretende estableces la relación de la situación de fragilidad en adultos mayores institucionalizados y la calidad de vida de los mismos en una muestra compuesta por 194 participantes. La fragilidad se mide con la herramienta Short Physical Performance Battery y la calidad de vida con la escala GENCAT; ambas con buenas propiedades psicométricas. Los resultados muestran que existen diferencias significativas entre los grupos de fragilidad en relación a la calidad de vida, tanto en su puntuación total como en cada una de sus subescalas. Además, tomando el valor numérico total de la escala SPPB, aparece una correlación estadísticamente significativa con la puntuación total en calidad de vida y con todas sus subescalas; de forma que, a medida que el estado de fragilidad avanza hacia la dependencia, la calidad de vida disminuye. Los resultados sugieren que, el síndrome de fragilidad, además de tratamientos encaminados a paliar el deterioro físico y funcional de las personas mayores, debería ser abordado igualmente desde las esferas social y emocional.

Investigación transversal y de tipo descriptivo para estudiar la relación entre la situación de fragilidad de las personas mayores institucionalizadasyla presencia de úlceras por presión yel riesgo desufrirlas;en una muestra de 194 participantes. La presencia de úlceras por presión se recoge a través de un registro ad hoc, el riesgo de padecer úlceras por presión se mide con la escala de Norton y la fragilidad se con la herramienta Short Physical Performance Battery; ambos instrumentos con buenas propiedades psicométricas. Los resultados no muestran relación significativa entre los grupos de fragilidad y la presencia de UPP, aunque resulta destacable la no existencia de ninguna persona con úlceras por presión en los grupos de personas robustas y prefrágiles; así, todas las personas que presentan úlceras por presión se catalogan como frágiles (21,4%) o dependientes (78,6%). Sin embargo, sí que existen diferencias significativas entre los grupos de fragilidad que establece el Short Physical Performance Battery y el riesgo de úlceras por presión entre todos los grupos de fragilidad (,060 mayor que p mayor que ,001) excepto en la relación prefrágil-robusto. Además, aparece una correlación positiva entre el riesgo de úlceras por presión y la situación de fragilidad, de forma que a mayor riesgo de UPP, existe mayor situación de fragilidad y/o dependencia. Los resultados obtenidos permiten la detección de la población con mayor riesgo de úlceras por presión, lo que posibilitaría implementar intervenciones precoces encaminadas a la prevención de las mismas en base a las diferencias encontradas entre los grupos.

Resumen: Objetivo: Revisar la mejor evidencia científica disponible sobre el uso de las nuevas tecnologías para evaluar actividad física y su relación con la salud. Diseño: Revisión sistemática de 39 artículos. Fuentes de datos: Artículos publicados en PubMed, Web of Science, Medline y Science Direct, durante los últimos 10 años. Selección de estudios: Se seleccionaron artículos relacionados con ensayos clínicos publicados en inglés/español en base a los siguientes términos: «aging», «physical activity assessment», «wearable technology», «telemedicine», «new technologies» y «disease». Extracción de datos: Mediante método PRISMA. Resultados: La actividad física (AF) diurna y nocturna se registra con dispositivos electrónicos inteligentes (DEI). Estos acoplan sensores de movimiento que permiten una monitorización activa y pasiva. Este sistema de registro está dentro del grupo de biomarcadores digitales. La gran ventaja que proporcionan los DEI es la posibilidad de estudiar evaluación remota y longitudinalmente la AF. Pero existen importantes limitaciones también, como son la falta de patrones de AF establecidos como gold standard, que caractericen a la población con base en los grupos de edad, sexo y enfermedad de base. Conclusiones: El uso de los DEI representa un nuevo sistema de monitorización de AF, dentro del grupo de biomarcadores digitales. No obstante, faltan estudios que permitan establecer su asociación con el estado de salud dentro de los diferentes grupos de población. Abstract: Objective: Review the best scientific evidence available on the use of new technologies to assess physical activity and its relationship with health. Design: Systematic review of 39 articles. Data sources: Articles published in PubMed, Web of Science, Medline and Science Direct, during the last 10 years. Selection of studies: Articles related to clinical trials published in English/Spanish were selected based on the following terms: «aging», «physical activity assessment», «wearable technology», «telemedicine», «new technologies» y «disease». Data extraction: Using the PRISMA method. Results: Day and night physical activity (PA) is recorded with intelligent electronic devices (DEI). These couple motion sensors that allow active and passive monitoring. This registration system is within the group of digital biomarkers. The great advantege provided by intelligent electronic devices is the possibility of stuyding reomte and longitudinal evaluation of PA. But there are important limitations as well, such as the lack of established PA standards such as gold-standard, that characterize the population based on age groups, sex and underlying disease. Conclusions: The use of DEI represents a new AF monitoring system, within the group of digital biomarkers. However, studies are lacking to establish its association with the health status within the different population groups.

Background and Objetives: Currently, total knee arthroplasty is one of the most common surgeries, increasing with the increase in life expectancy. Whether or not to replace the patella has been a subject of debate over the years, remaining in controversy and without reaching a consensus. Over the years, different meta-analyses have been carried out in order to provide evidence on the subject, although, in recent times, there have not been many new studies in this regard. Therefore, it is considered necessary that the latest works form part of a new meta-analysis. Materials and Method: We searched the literature using PUBMED, SCOPUS, the Cochrane database and VHL from 2010 to 2020. The search terms used were “patellar” AND “resurfacing” OR “Replacement” and “no resurfacing” OR “no replacement”. A meta-analysis was performed with Stata software (Stata version 15.1). Forest plots were generated to illustrate the overall effect of knee arthroplasty interventions. Results: As a result, it was obtained that there is a significantly higher risk of suffering AKP in the non-resurfacing group, in addition to a significant increase in the risk of undergoing a reoperation in the non-resurfacing group. On the other hand, significant differences were obtained in favor of the resurfacing group in both the clinical and Feller KSS, with functional KSS being inconclusive. After analyzing different variables throughout the literature, it does seem clear that the non-resurfacing group may present a higher risk of reoperation than the resurfacing group. Conclusions: For all these reasons, we think that, although it does seem that not replacing the patella can precipitate a reoperation, it is not clear whether this reoperation is a direct consequence of not having replaced the patella. Therefore, in our opinion, the treatment must be individualized for each patient.

(1) Background: Visual impairment of people with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its high impact on different dimensions of their lives can cause a significant deterioration in the quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the association and relationship between quality of life related to vision and the relevant clinical and sociodemographic variables in a group of patients with DR in Spain. (2) Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in all patients with DR over 18 years under follow-up in the Retina Service of the University Hospital of Burgos (HUBU), recruited during the months of January and February 2020. The main study variable was quality of life related to health and vision, obtained using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ-25). (3) Results: In total 87 participants made up the sample, and significant differences were found in the NEI-VFQ-25 according to gender, type of diabetes, episodes of decompensated diabetes and high blood pressure (HBP) (p < 0.05). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was also correlated with the NEI-VFQ-25 (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: These data could facilitate the design of action protocols focused on the well-being of the patient, in addition to considering the clinical characteristics. Further studies are needed to help understand the causal relationship between variables and that includes a wider variety of factors.

Citrulline (CIT) and nitrate-rich beetroot extract (BR) are ergogenic aids and nitric oxide (NO) precursors. In addition, both supplements seem to have other actions at the level of muscle metabolism that can benefit strength and aerobic power performance. Both supplements have been studied in numerous investigations in isolation. However, scientific evidence combining both supplements is scarce, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no current study of endurance athletes. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 9 weeks of CIT plus BR supplementation on maximal and endurance-strength performance and aerobic power in male triathletes. This study was a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where participants (n = 32) were randomized into four different groups: placebo group (PLG; n = 8), CIT plus BR group (CIT- BRG; 3 g/kg/day of CIT plus 3 mg/kg/day of nitrates (NO3−); n = 8), CIT group (CITG; 3 g/kg/day; n = 8) and BR group (BRG; 3 mg/kg/day of NO3−; n = 8). Before (T1) and after 9 weeks (T2), four physical condition tests were carried out in order to assess sport performance: the horizontal jump test (HJUMP), handgrip dynamometer test, 1-min abdominal tests (1-MAT) and finally, the Cooper test. Although, no significant interactions (time × supplementation groups) were found for the strength tests (p > 0.05), the CIT- BRG supplementation presented a trend on HJUMP and 1-MAT tests confirmed by significant increase between two study moments in CIT-BRG. Likewise, CIT-BRG presented significant interactions in the aerobic power test confirmed by this group’s improve estimated VO2max during the study with respect to the other study groups (p = 0.002; η2p = 0.418). In summary, supplementing with 3 g/day of CIT and 2.1 g/day of BR (300 mg/day of NO3−) for 9 weeks could increase maximal and endurance strength. Furthermore, when compared to CIT or BR supplementation alone, this combination improved performance in tests related to aerobic power.

Los últimos datos aportados por la Comisión Europea señalan que la demencia afecta actualmente a casi cincuenta millones de personas en todo el mundo y que cada año se detectan 7.7 millones de nuevos casos. A día de hoy, el Alzheimer es la demencia más padecida por la población mundial pudiendo constituir en términos relativos el 70% de las demencias. En la actualidad no existen tratamientos farmacológicos que den una respuesta definitiva a este tipo de patologías. Las utilizaciones de terapias no farmacológicas abren un amplio abanico de posibilidades desde el ámbito de la prevención, y de la mejora de la calidad de vida en cuidadores y familiares de enfermos con demencia, básicamente con sintomatología de “sobrecarga”. En este articulo hacemos una revisión sobre investigaciones relacionadas con la “atención plena” ( MF) y de su implementación como estrategias potenciales en el abordaje de este tipo de patologías. Los últimos trabajos aportados con técnicas morfométricas por neuroimagen constituyen un importante avance a la hora de intentar aportar evidencia científica en este campo.

Introduction: Ageing is a natural process which is accompanied by a gradual decline of both functional, cognitive and affective capacities which can make it hard for somebody to lead a normal daily life in a normal way since the performance is influenced and cognitive, sensorial, motor and emotional skills can be altered. Non-pharmacological interventions are very important when it comes to cover the various problems that the elderly present. Snoezelen therapy or multisensorial stimulation is highly relevant for patients with dementia and cognitive damage with the aim of creating interaction between the person, the task and the environment by means of the activation of the various senses, experimenting different types os feelings. Aim: To prove the effect that an occupational therapy intervention has on a Snoezelen environment as a means to boost cognitive, sensorial, motor and emotional skills on patients with minor, moderate and severe cognitive damage and its repercussion on their quality of life. Methodology: It deals with a quasi-experimental study with a pre and post assessment, data are collected by means of MMSE, Barthel and Cornell tools. Results: After carrying out the corresponding statistic analysis, no significative results at a cognitive, affective and functional level were found, except at the affective level where severe damage was found. Discussion: Although this article does not show the effectiveness of the intervention in a Snoezelen environment in a significant way, various studies prove its effectiveness, particulary at a cognitive and behavioural level. Conclusion: The results seem to denote that an intervention in a Snoezelen environment during a short time span does not show any type of repercussion.

The Center where the study is carried out works with the model of care centered on the person, as fundamental objective intends to maintain or improve the operation in several areas of his life, promoting social skills on residents in an individualized manner. The experience is carried out in two nursing of day (one as a control group and one experimental), directed by two occupational therapists and caregivers fixed in each one of them, located in the residence for greater Los Royales. After making an assessment prior to the residents (cognitive, physical, functional, everyday and affective life skills) and knowing their social skills and peculiarities of aging in an individualized manner, the experimental group are given guidelines to their caregivers that develop a small plan of attention focused on the person that enhances your skills and be able to personal autonomy to promote the maintenance of their capabilities and even see if this improvement is experienced in the resident. Results: The experimentation is carried out for three weeks, and then a statistical analysis with nonparametric tests, where notes the effectiveness in different areas.

Introduction: Intellectual disability presents a series of clinical manifestations that affect psychological, emotional, social, and functional level. The Mindfulness aims to change the relationship that people have with daily activities, trying to point them at the present moment. In this way you will know better answers in the Middle, and you will favour emotional regulation, and behavioral. Objective: Demonstrate the effect of applying the Mindfulness technique as a means to improve communication skills and social in people with intellectual disabilities from occupational therapy. Methodology: Type longitudinal, quasi-experimental study. Collected data about the social skills of the users and the facets of the Mindfulness, using the EHS and FFMQ scales respectively. The intervention was carried out with the Mindfulness technique in 8 sessions of 45 minutes. And a sample of 12 users, with an average age of 40 years (DT = ± 8,21307). Results: Were statistically significant improvement in self-expression in social situations and in the beginning of positive interactions with the opposite sex. Conclusions: Scores have improved in all the variables in the post-test, but not all in a meaningful way. Likely to increase the number of sessions would increase the probability of finding more significant results.

The present study analyzes the effectiveness of a procedure of automatic reduction of prejudice, based on the assumption of the perspective of the members of stereotyped groups. Specifically, the evaluation of this cognitive strategy in the elderly population is addressed, and potentially modulating variables between the intervention and its effects on prejudice are considered: personality, values, empathy and attribution. Data were collected from a sample of 58 participants with a mean age of 63 years, in which an intervention based on mental imagery aimed at reducing prejudice was implemented. The results show a moderate effectiveness of the strategy and find interaction with several modulating variables, notably particularly kindness, along with attributional activity and values of benevolence, universalism, self direction and conformity, which modulated the effectiveness of perspective taking. The discussion, in addition to contrasting parallels and divergences with the results of other experiments, suggests some applications in the training of elder people, demonstrating that cognitive self-regulation is considered as a relevant competence in the advanced stages of life, decisive for achieving a satisfactory and inclusive active ageing.