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Above all, bird ringing must be safe for birds, for ethical reasons but also to ensure that data collection is not biased by marking effects. Bird ringing schemes are responsible for determining the size of the rings used to mark birds individually. This paper critically reviews the recommended ring sizes in the Aranzadi Ringing Scheme and proposes an objective criterion for ringers. A morphological analysis of tarsus width (MTW) and the width of the tibia–tarsus articulation (MAW), over a sample of more than 4000 individuals of 74 species of both passerines and non-passerines captured in Spain, revealed that the mean difference between the internal diameter of the recommended ring (IDR) and MTW was 32% in relation to MTW (sd 15.8%, 95% confidence interval 28–35%). Experience demonstrates that this clearance is adequate, but recommendations for rings with clearances either too narrow (<6%) or too wide (>50–60%) should be reviewed and changed, if possible, to bring them closer to a 32% standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the moderating role of alcohol-related risk perception and perceived vulnerability to alcohol consequences in the relationship between descriptive drinking norms and personal alcohol use, and to determine if this moderation was, in turn, moderated by gender Methods: 538 college students (78.0% women, mean age = 21.2) from three Spanish universities completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Simple moderation and moderated moderation analyses were conducted Results: Risk perception and perceived vulnerability moderated the relationship between drinking norms and alcohol use. This relationship weakened as perceived vulnerability and risk perception increased. High levels of risk perception and perceived vulnerability nullified the effect of perceived peer drinking on drinking quantity among both men and women, but higher values were necessary to nullify these effects among men Conclusions: Risk perception and perceived vulnerability appear to be useful in identifying specific subgroups more vulnerable to the effects of drinking norms and might be effective strategies for weakening its impact on alcohol use, with such strategies being more beneficial for women than men. These variables could thus be incorporated into norm-based interventions as they may improve their effectiveness. Our findings highlight the importance of designing gender-specific interventions to reduce the potential negative impact of alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The primary purpose of this paper is to examine youth addiction and other justifications for adolescent smoking, and how they affect the level of consumption.Methods:Data from the Spanish ‘State Survey on Drug Use among High School Students’ aged between 14 and 18 years old were used in this paper. To account for the nature of the cigarette consumption data, several count data models were estimated in order to select the one that best fits adolescent smoking consumption.Results:Most adolescent smokers smoke because it relaxes them, and about a quarter of them recognize that they are addicted. Moreover, the latter group smoke 44% more cigarettes than the rest (IRR = 1.444), revealing the strong addictive nature of tobacco, even at early ages. Moreover, parents’ smoking increases the probability of smoking and has an impact on the level of consumption.Conclusions:The implications of these findings offer insight for parents, researchers, educators, and cessation interventionists, as awareness of self-reported and other predictors held by smoking youth creates a vantage point to facilitate changes in smoking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper reports new evidence on students’ evaluation of a first-year induction experience programme and examines the relationship between gender and perceptions. The programme was provided to 610 business studies students at the University of Granada (Spain). The programme includes individual and group sessions providing psychosocial and instrumental support. Gender differences were investigated using nonparametric techniques. Structural equation models were used to test relationships between variables of overall satisfaction with the programme and its activities and the moderating effects of gender. The results obtained show that gender significantly influences enrolment and satisfaction with the programme and with the individual sessions. Satisfaction with group and individual activities is directly related to overall satisfaction with the programme. Gender has a moderating effect on the relation of overall satisfaction with individual sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HIV epidemic has had a widespread impact on global scientific and cultural discourses related to gender, sexuality, and identity. ‘Male sex workers’ have been identified as a ‘key population’ in the global HIV epidemic; however, there are methodological and conceptual challenges for defining inclusion and exclusion of transgender women within this group. To assess these potential implications, this study employs self-critique and reflection to grapple with the empiric and conceptual implications of shifting understandings of sexuality and gender within the externally re-created etic category of ‘MSM’ and ‘transgender women’ in epidemiologic HIV research. We conducted a sensitivity analysis of our previously published meta-analysis which aimed to identify the scope of peer-reviewed articles assessing HIV prevalence among male sex workers globally between 2004 and 2013. The inclusion of four studies previously excluded due to non-differentiation of cisgender male from transgender women participants (studies from Spain, Thailand, India, and Brazil: 421 total participants) increased the overall estimate of global HIV prevalence among ‘men’ who engage in sex work from 10.5% (95% CI 9.4–11.5%) to 10.8% (95% CI 9.8–11.8%). The combination of social science critique with empiric epidemiologic analysis represents a first step in defining and operationalising ‘reflexive epidemiology’. Grounded in the context of sex work and HIV prevention, this paper highlights the multiplicity of genders and sexualities across a range of social and cultural settings, limitations of existing categories (i.e. ‘MSM’, ‘transgender’), and their global implications for epidemiologic estimates of HIV prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper examines the transmission of smoking in-home across three generations in Spain. Methods: Multilevel logistic regression is used to assess the significance and magnitude of intergenerational transmissions of smoking in-home. We use the survey data “Encuesta Estatal Sobre Uso De Drogas en Estudiantes de Enseñanzas Secundarias (ESTUDES)” corresponding to year 2010. This survey with 32 234 students constitutes a representative survey of Spanish students between 14 and 18 years of age. Results: Estimates reported show a significant association of students’ smoking with mothers’ smoking (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.31–1.51), fathers’ smoking (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.16–1.35) and grandparents’ smoking (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.07–1.57). Our results also suggest that, although mothers’ and parents’ smoking impacts sons’ and daughters’ smoking, grandparents’ smoking significantly increases grandsons’ smoking but does not influence granddaughters’ smoking. Conclusions: Parents and grandparents could reduce adolescents’ smoking by quitting smoking themselves, a decision that would have beneficial effects for parents, grandparents and, indirectly, for adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Women experience poorer health than men despite their longer life expectancy, due to a higher prevalence of non-fatal chronic illnesses. This paper aims to explore whether the unequal gender distribution of roles and resources can account for inequalities in general self-rated health (SRH) by gender, across social classes, in a Southern European population. Methods: Cross-sectional study of residents in Catalonia aged 25-64, using data from the 2006 population living conditions survey (n = 5,817). Poisson regression models were used to calculate the fair/poor SRH prevalence ratio (PR) by gender and to estimate the contribution of variables assessing several dimensions of living conditions as the reduction in the PR after their inclusion in the model. Analyses were stratified by social class (non-manual and manual). Results: SRH was poorer for women among both non-manual (PR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09-1.76) and manual social classes (PR 1.36, 95% CI 1.20-1.56). Adjustment for individual income alone eliminated the association between sex and SRH, especially among manual classes (PR 1.01, 95% CI 0.85-1.19; among nonmanual 1.19, 0.92-1.54). The association was also reduced when adjusting by employment conditions among manual classes, and household material and economic situation, time in household chores and residential environment among non-manual classes. Discussion: Gender inequalities in individual income appear to contribute largely to women's poorer health. Individual income may indicate the availability of economic resources, but also the history of access to the labour market and potentially the degree of independence and power within the household. Policies to facilitate women's labour market participation, to close the gender pay gap, or to raise non-contributory pensions may be helpful to improve women's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to identify the most frequent causes of accidents in the manufacturing sector in Andalusia, Spain, to help safety practitioners in the task of prioritizing preventive actions. Official accident investigation reports are analyzed. A causation pattern is identified with the proportion of causes of each of the different possible groups of causes. We found evidence of a differential causation between slight and non-slight accidents. We have also found significant differences in accident causation depending on the mechanism of the accident. These results can be used to prioritize preventive actions to combat the most likely causes of each accident mechanism. We have also done research on the associations of certain latent causes with specific active (immediate) causes. These relationships show how organizational and safety management can contribute to the prevention of active failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper sought to quantify the particulate matter (PM2.5) pollutant's impact on short-term daily respiratory-cause mortality in the city of Madrid. Methods: As our dependent variable, we took daily mortality registered in Madrid from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2005, attributed to all diseases of the respiratory system as classified under heads J00-J99 of the ICD 10 and broken down as follows: J12-J18, pneumonia; J40-J44, chronic diseases of the respiratory system except asthma; J45-J46, asthma; and J96, respiratory failure. Results: The relative risk (RR) for daily overall respiratory mortality was RR 1.0281 (1.0043-1.0520), with a proportional attributable risk (PAR) of 2.74%. This effect occurred in lag 1; respiratory failure, RR 1.0816 (1.0119-1.1512) and PAR 7.54% at lag 5; and pneumonia, RR 1.0438 (1.0001-1.0875) and PAR 4.19% at lag 6. Conclusions: Our results reflect the association that exists between PM2.5 concentrations and daily respiratory-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of data regarding knowledge and intention to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among sex workers exists in Spain. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis based on data from SexCohort study, which included male (MSW) and trans women sex workers (TWSW), aged ≥18 and recruited in two community-based centres in Barcelona, Spain. Of 116 TWSW and 79 MSW, 49.1% and 58.2% had factual knowledge of PrEP, and 40.3% and 70.1% had the intention to use PrEP, respectively. In the multivariable analyses, we found that education and condomless anal sex with stable partners were associated with PrEP knowledge. Regarding intention to use PrEP, TWSW were less likely than MSW to report an intention to use it (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16–0.74). Furthermore, intention to use PrEP was associated with being foreign-born, practicing chemsex, and visiting a medical service in the last 12 months. The results of this study inform future trans-specific guidance for PrEP to be effectively implemented in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are prevalent in Europe but occurrence in primary care and the proportion of treated cases are understudied. This study reports prevalence of AUDs and their treatment in European primary health care settings and compares them with general population estimates.Procedure. We sampled 358 general practitioners (GPs, refusal rate: 56.4%) across six European countries (Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Spain) who assessed 13,003 patients including providing AUD diagnoses. A subsample of 8,476 patients (refusal rate: 17.8%) was interviewed subsequently, assessing DSM-IV AUD diagnoses via the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Final AUD diagnoses combined GP and patient interview information.Findings. Past year AUDs were prevalent with 11.8% (95% CI: 11.2–12.5%) across all regions, which is 1.6 times the European general population AUD estimate. Of those diagnosed with AUDs, 17.7% (95% CI: 15.4–20.0%) received professional help. Compared to general population estimates, AUDs and their treatment were more prevalent in primary care settings in most countries, with disproportionally high AUD rates in Italy and Spain and unexpectedly low AUD rates in Hungary.Conclusions. We found higher prevalence and treatment rates of AUDs in primary health care compared to general population surveys, with large variability between the observed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many interprofessional education programs are being designed to help students improve their collaborative practice. Traditionally, the evaluation of these programs is focused on attitudes, knowledge and skills, but according to some authors, the evaluation of these activities should be expanded to include the evaluation of the development of an interprofessional identity. The Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS) is a self-report tool used to measure interprofessional socialization, but it has not been validated with Spanish students. In this study, the tool was translated into Spanish and administered to a sample of 645 undergraduate students. The data were analyzed to estimate structural validity, internal consistency and convergent validity. Regarding the structural validity, our data supported the unidimensional model found in the English version of the ISVS-21 (normed chi-square = 2.3, RMSEA = 0.045, SRMR = 0.087, CFI = 0.963 and TLI = 0.969). The internal consistency reliability of the scale was adequate, Cronbach α = 0.913 [95% CI 0.903, 0.923]. The Spanish version of the ISVS-21 shows adequate psychometric properties in terms of the construct validity (structural validity and convergent validity) and internal consistency of its scores. This study provides the Spanish-speaking population with an adaptation of the only instrument that has been specifically developed to assess interprofessional socialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aim was to cross-culturally adapt the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) into a Spanish-language version (IdFAI-Sp), which would then be validated and its psychometric properties evaluated for use in possible cases of ankle instability. The cross-cultural adaptation was performed following the guidelines of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. Pearson correlations were calculated to assess the convergent validity between IdFAI and the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool. Cronbach's alpha and test re-test reliability values were calculated and floor/ceiling effects analysed. Construct validity was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The study population was composed of 110 participants, with a mean age of 40.49 years (10.43) and of whom 62 (56.36%) were female. Good test-retest results were obtained, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.85 (ICC2,1: 95% CI: 0.82 − 0.88). The structure matrix was examined by CFA, which revealed a three-factor solution that accounted for 79.89% of the variance. The IdFAI-Sp obtained an excellent fit (RMSEA 0.068, GFI 0.94, CFI 0.98 and NFI 0.97). This study validates the IdFAI-Sp questionnaire, corroborating its value to researchers and medical professionals as a self-reported outcomes measure for use with a Spanish-speaking population. The Spanish-language version of the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability questionnaire (IdFAI-Sp) is a valid and reliable tool. The IdFAI-Sp enables researchers and healthcare professionals to identify and classify chronic ankle instability among Spanish-speaking patients. Accordingly, it can be considered a useful clinical instrument. Aapplication of the questionnaire before and after treatment can reveal the patient's degree of recovery over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The etiology of lung cancer in never smokers is partly unknown. We aimed to assess the effect of fruits and vegetables consumption on lung cancer risk in never smokers. We pooled five multicenter case-control studies performed in Northwestern Spain. Cases and controls were all never smokers. All lung cancer cases had anatomopathological confirmed diagnoses. We performed a multivariate logistic regression to analyze the effect of different types of fruits and vegetables consumption on lung cancer risk. A total of 438 cases and 781 controls were included. We observed that a consumption from one to six times per week shows a negative association with lung cancer risk for: kiwis (OR 0.67; 95%CI 0.46-0.95), oranges (OR 0.55; 95%CI 0.37-0.80), turnip tops (OR 0.48; 95%CI 0.34-0.66), "berza gallega" (OR 0.70; 95%CI 0.51-0.97) and broccoli (OR 0.55; 95%CI 0.35-0.83) compared to less than once a week consumption. On the other hand, we found an increased risk for lung cancer with a daily consumption of tomatoes, carrots and potatoes. Oranges, kiwis, turnip tops, berza gallega and broccoli may play a protective role on lung cancer development in never smokers while tomatoes, carrots and potatoes might have some association with this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to report the prevalence and factors associated with non-medical use of BZD and Z-Drugs in adolescents and young adults residing in Spain from a gender perspective. Nationwide, cross-sectional study on the misuse of BZD and Z-Drugs by young adult population of both sexes. Method: We used individualized secondary data retrieved from the 2015–2016 Household Survey on Alcohol and Drugs in Spain. A total of 10,824 survey respondents aged 15 to 34 years. Results: Prevalence of non-medical use of BZD and Z-Drugs was.42%, 1% in men vs. 1.84% in women, p =.00. Zolpidem presents the highest misuse rate in young males (45.8%), females showing a greater misuse prevalence for Lormetazepam (35.8%). The variables associated with a greater probability of misuse were, smoking habit, consumption of an illicit drug other than marijuana during last year. Low-perceived risk for BZD and Z-Drug consumption, was the variable showing the greatest value in young population (aOR = 3.88, 95% CI 2.53–5.93). Conclusions: Spanish young women are more likely to misuse BZD and Z-Drugs than men. Differentiated consumption is observed for these substances. A low perception of consumption risk and negative perception of health are strongly associated with non-medical use of BZD and Z-Drug among young Spanish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To determine the profile of the main informal caregivers, the evolution of the caregiver burden, and the influencing factors of caregiver burden at 1-year after hip fracture surgery. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, a total of 172 informal caregivers of patients were interviewed at four points during 1 year following hip fracture surgery in a regional hospital in southern Spain. The perceived caregiver burden was assessed using the Caregiver Strain Index (0-13 points). Results: The mean (Standard Deviation) age of the 172 caregivers was 56 (13) years, of which 133 (77%) were woman and 94 (55%) were daughters of the patient. Seventy-nine of the 172 (46%) caregivers perceived a high level of burden (≥ 7 points on the Caregiver Strain Index) at the hospital. The corresponding numbers with perceived high level of burden at 1-month, 3-months, and 1-year were 87 (50%), 61 (36%), and 45 (26%) caregivers. A low pre-fracture functional status, post-operative complications, older age of patients, and younger age of caregivers negatively influence caregiver burden at 1-year. Conclusions: The main caregiver is predominantly female and is most often the daughter of the patient. New treatment strategies such as the support and training of the caregivers in patient handling during hospital stay could be carried out to reduce caregiver burden. Implications for rehabilitation: The main caregiver of a hip fracture patient is usually a woman who is the daughter of the patient, and reducing her burden of care should be included as one of the objectives of rehabilitation treatment. The caregivers of hip fracture patients must be considered as part of the treatment during the patient's recovery period, and patient handling training should be provided to the caregivers of hip fracture patients during the hospital stay to prepare the process of going back home. The caregivers of older patients, those with a low pre-fracture functional level, and of those who suffered post-operative complications, should receive more attention prior to hospital discharge and receive more assistance at home to reduce caregiver burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study recruited 4799 university students to complete a Spanish language version of Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure and an ad hoc questionnaire to determine the presence and severity of psychological problems and identify potential explanatory factors. The percentage of participants who exceeded the cut-off point for consideration as a clinical population ranged from 4.3% on the Risk scale to 63.3% on the Well-being scale. Differences by gender and academic subject area were observed for all the scales, but associated effect sizes were very low. The five variables that showed the most predictive power were having a poor relationship with living companions, psychological problems that required medical attention, poor self-perception of academic performance, taking tranquilisers without a prescription and believing that recreational use of new technologies had negatively affected academic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to validate the S100B protein as a diagnostic tool for ruling out the presence of intracranial lesion (IL) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Subjects with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15 and at least one neurological symptom post-trauma were selected from a large Spanish cohort. Methods: A number of 260 patients with mTBI were enrolled. Blood samples were extracted within 6 h and CT scan performed within 24 h post-injury. Blood samples were also drawn from 18 healthy subjects. Results: CT scan revealed the presence of IL in 22 patients (8.5%). Patients with mTBI had higher S100B serum levels (p = 0.008) than the healthy subjects (p < 0.001). The ROC analysis of S100B discriminated between patients with and without IL (AUC: 0.671; 95%CI: 0.574-0.769; p = 0.008). The multivariate analysis identified male gender (OR: 5.39; 95%CI: 1.45-20.10; p = 0.012), age > 65 (OR: 2.97; 95%CI: 1.04-8.44; p = 0.041) and S100B level >0.10 µg/L (OR: 7.93; 95%CI: 1.03-60.76; p = 0.046) as independent risk factors for IL in patients with mTBI. Conclusion: Measurement of S100B within 6 h of mTBI accurately predicts risk of IL in patients with a GCS score of 15 and at least one neurological symptom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child abuse affects people’s ways of thinking, feeling, and observing the world, resulting in dysfunctional beliefs and maladaptive schemas. Thus, consequences of child abuse may persist during adulthood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the psychological consequences (anxiety, phobic anxiety, depression, and hopelessness) of different types of maltreatment (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and physical and emotional neglect) and to study the role of early maladaptive schemas in the onset of symptomatology in adult female victims of child abuse. The sample consisted of 75 women referred by associations for treatment of abuse and maltreatment in childhood. Sexual abuse was the type of maltreatment that was most strongly related to most dysfunctional symptomatology, followed by emotional abuse and physical abuse, whereas physical neglect was the least related. Also, early maladaptive schemas were found to correlate with child abuse and dysfunctional symptomatology. Finally, early maladaptive schemas mediated the relationship between sexual abuse and dysfunctional symptomatology when the effect of other types of abuse was controlled. These results may provide important guidance for clinical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Alcohol is one of the least intervened risk factors in the management of hypertension at the primary care level. In order to improve alcohol interventions, a better understanding of knowledge, attitudes and clinical practice of lifestyle interventions in the management of hypertension is needed. Method:As a part of a European study (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), 211 German general practitioners (GPs) were recruited in Bavaria and Hamburg and surveyed via an Internet-based questionnaire. Results were compared with the European sample (n = 2870). Results:One-third of the patients seen by German GPs had hypertension (36.2%, standard deviation (SD): 14.6) and among cases with hypertension, less than half were ever screened for alcohol (4.5 out of 10 patients). The foremost reasons for not screening for alcohol were that alcohol was not considered a major risk factor for hypertension plus the lack of knowledge of appropriate alcohol screening instruments. The majority of German GPs managed patients with hazardous drinking levels themselves or in their practice (71.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 64.6–77.2%), but only 42.0% (95% CI: 35.2–49.0%) managed alcohol dependent patients. German screening rates were slightly lower but interventions of screened positive patients higher than the European average. Conclusions:Rates of alcohol screening in patients with hypertension in primary health care may be increased by improving GPs knowledge of alcohol as a major risk factor for hypertension, increasing GPs education on alcohol and screening instruments, and providing reimbursement. This may increase treatment of alcohol problems in patients with hypertension and reduce hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate running kinematic characteristics and foot strike patterns (FSP) during early and late stages of actual and common high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT): 5 × 2000 m with 120-s recovery between runs. Thirteen healthy, elite, highly trained male endurance runners participated in this study. They each had a personal record in the half-marathon of 70 ± 2.24 min, and each had a minimum experience of 4 years of training and competition. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during HIIT. High levels of exhaustion were reached by the athletes during HIIT (HRpeak: 174.30 bpm; RPE: 17.23). There was a significant increase of HRpeak and RPE during HIIT; nevertheless, time for each run remained unchanged. A within-protocol pairedt-test (first vs. last run) revealed no significant changes (P ≥ 0.05) in kinematics variables and FSP variables during HIIT. There were no substantial changes on kinematics and FSP characteristics in endurance runners after fatigue induced by a HIIT. Only the minimum ankle alignment showed a significant change. The author suggests that these results might be due to both the high athletic level of participants and their experience in HIIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effect of 6 weeks of resistance training or combined resistance training and change of direction exercises on physical performance and motor skills in futsal players. Thirty-four futsal players were divided into full squat group (SG, n = 12), combined full squat and change of direction exercises group (S+CDG, n = 12) and control group (CG, n = 10). The resistance training for SG consisted of full squat with low load (∼45-58% 1RM) and low volume (4-6 repetitions), whereas the S+CDG performed the same resistance training program combined with loaded change of direction. Sprint time in 10 and 20 m, change of direction test, countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) height, maximal strength and force-velocity relationship in full squat exercise, kicking speed ball (BSmean ) and repeated sprint ability (RSAmean ) were selected as testing variables. Both experimental groups showed significant improvements for CMJ, BSmean and all strength parameters. Only SG resulted in significant sprint gains, whereas S+CDG also achieved significant improvements in RSAmean.The CG remained unchanged after training period. No significant differences were found between both experimental groups. These findings suggest that only 12 sessions of either lightweight resistance training alone, lifting the load at maximal intended velocity or combined with change of direction exercises is enough to improve several physical and skills capacities critical to futsal performance in adult players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of exercise on the core musculature have not been investigated in prepubescents. The main purpose of the present study was to determine the volume and degree of asymmetry ofrectus abdominis, obliquesandtransversus abdominis, quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, gluteusandparavertebralismuscles in prepubescent tennis players and in untrained boys. The muscle volume was determined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 7 male prepubescent tennis players and 10 untrained controls (mean age 11.0 ± 0.8 years, Tanner 1–2). After accounting for height and body weight as covariates, the tennis players had 14–34% greater volume than the controls in all the muscles analysed (P < 0.05) except inparavertebralis, dominantquadratus lumborumand non-dominantgluteus, which had similar volumes in both groups (P = NS). Compared to controls, the tennis players displayed a greater degree of asymmetry inquadratus lumborumandrectus abdominis(3% vs. 15%,P < 0.01 and 8% vs. 17%,P = 0.06, respectively). The level of asymmetry ofobliquesandtransversus abdominis, iliopsoas, gluteus andparavertebralismuscles was similar in both groups (P = NS). In conclusion, tennis playing at prepubertal ages induces a selective hypertrophy of the core musculature and exaggerates the degree of asymmetry ofquadratus lumborumandrectus abdominiscompared to untrained boys. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of the present study was to analyse the training load in wheelchair basketball small-sided games and determine the relationship between heart rate (HR)-based training load and perceived exertion (RPE)-based training load methods among small-sided games bouts. HR-based measurements of training load included Edwards’ training load and Stagno’s training impulses (TRIMPMOD) while RPE-based training load measurements included cardiopulmonary (session RPEres) and muscular (session RPEmus) values. Data were collected from 12 wheelchair basketball players during five consecutive weeks. The total load for the small-sided games sessions was 67.5 ± 6.7 and 55.3 ± 12.5 AU in HR-based training load (Edwards’ training load and TRIMPMOD), while the RPE-based training loads were 99.3 ± 26.9 (session RPEres) and 100.8 ± 31.2 AU (session RPEmus). Bout-to-bout analysis identified greater session RPEmus in the third [P < 0.05; effect size (ES) = 0.66, moderate] and fourth bouts (P < 0.05; ES = 0.64, moderate) than in the first bout, but other measures did not differ. Mean correlations indicated a trivial and small relationship among HR-based and RPE-based training loads. It is suggested that HR-based and RPE-based training loads provide different information, but these two methods could be complementary because one method could help us to understand the limitations of the other. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of psychiatric comorbidity and severity of dependence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: One hundred and ninety-eight substance use disorder (SUD) patients were recruited from an outpatient center that provides treatment for SUD. The International Personality Disorder Examination Screening Questionnaire (IPDE-SQ), Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Substance Dependence Severity Scale (SDSS) and Health-Related Quality of Life for Drug Abusers test (HRQoLDA test) were administered. Results: Patients with psychiatric comorbidity evaluated their HRQoL more negatively than patients without psychiatric comorbidity. An analysis of the relationship between severity of dependence and HRQoL scores indicated significant correlations among alcohol-, cocaine-, heroin- and cannabis-dependent patients. According to multivariate analyses, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, severity of dependence on alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, paranoid, borderline and avoidant personality disorders (PDs) were observed to have a major impact on HRQoL. Conclusions: SUD (severity of dependence on alcohol, cannabis and cocaine) and other mental disorders (anxiety disorders; mood disorders; paranoid, borderline and avoidant PDs) are involved in the deterioration of the SUD patients’ HRQoL. This study demonstrates the need for integrated treatment for SUD patients. Treating only a part of the problem (whether SUD or other mental disorders are present) is insufficient for improving quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study focuses on multichannel retailing strategies and describes the state of consumer behavior regarding “showrooming” (the practice of examining merchandise or products in a retail store and then buying it online). Founded on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the authors examine the antecedents of showrooming using data collected from a sample of 176 retail consumers. Based on their results, they define perceived control, website compatibility, and subjective norms as the main antecedents of consumer attitudes toward online purchases. Additionally, they state that previous experience and reasons against purchasing online are directly associated with consumers’ intention to purchase on the retailer’s website. Finally, some theoretical conclusions and practical implications for retailers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:An understanding of the determinants of quality of life in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is required in order to develop effective interventions to promote patients’ well-being. Most studies have pointed out depression, functional ability and environmental factors. However, unmeasured confounders can jeopardize the interpretation of the results. Objectives:To explore the mediating role of depression in the association between functional status and QoL, and establish a procedure to detect confounding variables. Methods:A sample of 192 AD patients and their respective caregivers were recruited from day centers and health care centers in the region of Murcia (Spain). The mediating effect was evaluated using causal mediation analysis. Covariates were introduced into the model in a stepwise fashion and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the influence of potential confounders. Results:Self-rated depression acted as a partial mediator between functional status and quality of life. The mediating effect was positive and significant even after including both patient- and caregiver-related covariates. Only if confounders explained more than 80% of the residual variance in the mediator or in the outcome, the mediating effects would not be positive. Conclusions:The effect of lack of autonomy on the QoL is mostly explained by the negative consequences on mood status. The sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives: Validity and reliability of the cross-cultural adaptive translation of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), to monitor gross motor development in infants from 0 to 18 months of age, were evaluated. Methods: A cross-cultural translation was used to generate a Spanish version of the AIMS. Fifty infants at risk or with diagnosis of motor delay, 0–18 months of age, participated in this study. Two independent physical therapists scored infants on the AIMS. Concurrent validity was tested using the AIMS and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development – III (Bayley – III). Results: Reliability and the internal consistency were high (ICCs ranged from 0.94 to 1.00 and KR-20 ranged from 0.90 to 0.98, respectively). AIMS and Bayley – III scores correlated strongly (r = 0.97). Conclusion: The Spanish version of the AIMS presented excellent validity and reliability. Further studies are suggested in order to assess the AIMS in preterm babies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions:Sensorineural hearing loss must be considered within the clinical picture of systemic lupus erythematosus. The results confirm the usefulness of extended high-frequency audiometry in the audiologic testing of these patients, enabling the possibility of modifying or applying a preventive treatment for a possible hearing loss. Objectives:Hearing involvement is usually under-diagnosed with routine auditory examination. This study proposes the use of extended high-frequency audiometry to achieve a correct detection of a possible asymptomatic hypoacusis in early stages of the disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the hearing levels in extended high-frequencies in these patients and to correlate the hearing loss with the severity of the disease and the immunological parameters. Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Fifty-five patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were included in the study. The control group consisted of 71 patients paired by age and sex with the study population. Both a pure tone audiometry and an extended high-frequency audiometry (8–18 KHz) were performed. Results:In total, 70% were diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss with extended high-frequency audiometry, overcoming the results obtained with pure tone audiometry (30.9%). Statistically significant correlations were found within the patients regarding sensorineural hearing loss related with age, disease activity and cryoglobulinemia. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aims of this study are (a) to describe the evolution of neuromuscular performance over an 18 year period within a Spanish elite reserve team; (b) to check if there were any relation between the playing position and sprint and jump performances and (c) to look into the alleged impact of this factor on the top playing level attained by the soccer players. We considered the physical tests (5 m and 15 m sprint times and countermovement jump (CMJ) height) made by 235 players enrolled in the reserve team of the Club from 1994 to 2012 and the highest competitive-level they achieved: Spanish first (n = 39) and second divisions (n = 36) and semi-professional (n = 160). Furthermore, the players were classified according to their playing positions. The main findings were a very-likely/most-likely lower neuromuscular performance (ES = 0.48–0.68, small to moderate) in the last six-season term (2006–2012) than in the first term (1994–2000); possibly/very-likely lower performances in sprinting and CMJ (ES = 0.22–0.55, small) by central defenders (CDs) and midfielders than by other playing positions; very-likely better performances in sprinting and jumping by first and second divisions central defenders than by semi-professional central defenders (ES = 0.90–1.02, moderate). Sprint and jump performances are not a relevant physical parameter to promote to the top level of soccer in Spain except for one in six of the playing positions: CDs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on a study which estimate prevalence of gambling among European professional athletes and explore factors that are associated with gambling practice and gambling problems in professional athletes. It states that self-completion questionnaire was designed for this study and socio-demographic variables, variables linked to gambling and impulsive behavior data were gathered. It mentions that instruments used for screening problem gambling were all validated.

The Perfil-es study demonstrated that, while non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)- based initial antiretroviral therapy (ART) is more frequently used in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected naïve patients, ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors (PI/r)-based regimens are the preferred option in patients with advanced infectious stages or high baseline viral load. The present analysis focused on the second phase of the Perfil-es study, where sociodemographic and clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients starting NNRTI- or PI/r-based regimens in order to identify factors that could influence the choice of initial ART. Patients' characteristics were compared by both bivariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 642 patients were evaluated. The main transmission group was men who have sex with men (MSM) (48%), and 24% of patients were coinfected with hepatitis B or C. Patients with cardiovascular risk accounted for 56%, and 15% had a neuropsychiatric history. Anxiolytics (29%), antidepressants (18%) and methadone (18%) were the most frequent concomitant medications. The use of PI/r-based regimens was more frequent in older patients, childbearing potential women patients coinfected with hepatitis B or C, and those with cardiovascular risk and a neuropsychiatric history. The presence of a neuropsychiatric disorder (OR: 1.912; CI 95%: 1.146- 3.191; p < .05) and the use of concomitant medication (OR: 1.736; CI 95%: 1.204-2.502; p < .01) were identified as independent factors associated with the selection of PI/r-based regimens. MSM sexual conduct was the only independent factor related to the selection of NNRTI-based ART (OR: 0.699; CI 95%: 0.504-0.970; p < .05). Neither the physicians' characteristics nor the geographical area where HIV patients were attended influenced the choice of ART. In conclusion, patients' comorbidity, pregnancy potential and lifestyle seem to influence the choice of ART. Neuropsychiatric comorbidity and concomitant medication, mainly related to this condition, appear to be associated with the use of PI/r-based initial ART while MSM seem more likely to receive NNRTI-based regimens in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are recognized as one of the conditions in which HIV testing is most clearly indicated. We analyse whether people diagnosed with an STI are being tested for HIV according to the experience of participants in an outreach rapid testing programme in Spain. Between 2008 and 2010, 6293 individuals underwent rapid testing and completed a self-administered questionnaire. We calculated the percentage of individuals that were diagnosed with an STI in the last 5 years and identified the setting where the last episode occurred. We then determined the percentage not receiving an HIV test after the last STI diagnosis and estimated the associated factors. Overall, 17.3% (N = 959) of participants reported an STI diagnosis in the last 5 years, of which 81.5% occurred in general medical settings. Sixty-one percent reported not undergoing HIV testing after their last STI diagnosis, 2.2% of whom reported they had refused the test. Not receiving an HIV test after the last STI diagnosis was independently associated with not being a man who has sex with men (MSM), having had fewer sexual partners, being diagnosed in general medical settings and having received a diagnosis other than syphilis. An unacceptably large percentage of people diagnosed with STI are not being tested for HIV because healthcare providers frequently fail to offer the test. Offering routine HIV testing at general medical settings, regardless of the type of STI diagnosed and population group, should be a high priority and is probably a more efficient strategy than universal screening in general healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Child sexual abuse is one of the most serious forms of abuse due to the psychological consequences that persist even into adulthood. Expressions of anger among child sexual abuse survivors remain common even years after the event. While child sexual abuse has been extensively studied, the expression of displaced aggression has been studied less. Some factors, such as the maladaptive early schemas, might account for this deficiency. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationships between child sexual abuse, displaced aggression, and these schemas according to gender and determine if these early schemas mediate the relationship between child sexual abuse and displaced aggression. A total of 168 Spanish subjects who were victims of child sexual abuse completed measures of childhood trauma, displaced aggression, and early maladaptive schemas. The results depict the relationship between child sexual abuse, displaced aggression, and early maladaptive schemas. Women scored higher than men in child sexual abuse, emotional abuse, disconnection or rejection and impaired autonomy. Mediational analysis found a significant mediation effect of disconnection or rejection on the relationship between child sexual abuse and displaced aggression; however, impaired autonomy did not mediate significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess differences in the prevalence of HIV and HCV infection and associated risk factors between new (injecting for ≤5 years) and long-term injectors and to estimate HIV/HCV incidence among new injectors.Methods:Cross-sectional study among people who inject drugs (PWID) who attended harm reduction centers in Catalonia in 2010–11. Anonymous questionnaires and oral fluid samples were collected. Poisson regression models were applied to determine the association between HIV/HCV infection and risk factors.Results:Of the 761 participants, 21.4% were new injectors. New injectors were younger than long-term injectors (mean age = 31.6 vs. 37.8) and were more likely to be immigrants (59.0% vs. 33.4%). HIV and HCV prevalence was 20.6% and 59.4% among new injectors, and estimated HIV and HCV incidence 8.7 and 25.1 /100 person-years, respectively. Among new injectors, HIV infection was associated with homelessness (PR = 3.10) and reporting a previous sexually transmitted infection (PR = 1.79). Reporting front/backloading (PR = 1.33) and daily injection (PR = 1.35) were risk-factors for HCV infection. For long-term injectors, HIV risk factors were: having shared syringes (PR = 1.85), having injected cocaine (PR = 1.38), reporting front/backloading (PR = 1.30) and ever having been in prison (PR = 2.03).Conclusion:A large proportion of PWID in Catalonia are new injectors, a subgroup with a high level of both sexual and parenteral exposure and a high incidence rate of HIV/ HCV infections. It is important to improve early diagnosis of these infections among this group, in particular among migrants. To identify and address risk factors for homelessness PWID should be a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conclusion:The low clinical efficacy of the treatment for patients included in this work correlates with no noticeable effect on the vestibular function.Objective:To assess follow-up in patients with idiopathic and secondary Ménière’s disease after treatment with intra-tympanic dexamethasone and correlate clinical findings with changes in the vestibular-ocular reflex elicited after stimulation of each of the six semicircular canals.Methods:This is a single center retrospective review of patients presenting the clinical symptomatology of Meniérè’s disease treated with intra-tympanic dexamethasone. An audiometric evaluation was performed in each patient before and after treatment. The study cohort was divided into two groups: those evaluated after a short period of time and after a long period of time.Results:The study included 30 patients, mean age = 61 years. Differences in mean pure-tone average before and after treatment were non-significant for both treated (0.61 dB,p= 0.723) and untreated (0.59 dB,p= 0.609) ears. Vestibular–ocular reflex gain averages in the treated ear after treatment were 0.73 (superior semicircular canal), 0.86 (horizontal semicircular canal), and 0.69 (posterior semicircular canal). The gain did not vary significantly in the Superior (p= 0.194), the Horizontal (p= 0.646), or the Posterior Semicircular Canal (p= 0.820). Similar were obtained for the untreated ear. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine whether gender affects global mortality and functional outcome after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 629 patients with severe TBI (14.9% female) admitted to the ICU of a university hospital. Patients were split into gender groups to study potential differences in global mortality and functional outcome at ICU discharge and 6 months post-trauma using the GOS. The following variables were analysed: age, intracranial injury, injury mechanism, injury severity, factors contributing to secondary brain injury, monitoring level, treatment, complications, length of stay in the ICU and cause of death. Results: No differences were found between gender groups in neuromonitoring level or surgical procedures. Women had higher APACHE II scores, a higher incidence of pre-hospital hypotension, anaemia and transfusion and higher mortality rates in the ICU (OR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.09–2.77) and 6 months post-trauma (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.02–2.67). There were no significant differences in functional outcome at ICU discharge or 6 months post-injury. The multivariate analysis did not show gender as an independent predictive factor in mortality after severe TBI. Conclusion: In this study, gender was not found to be an independent predictor for poorer outcome after severe TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in paediatric patients after the first year of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of locally administered allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), in the acute period after a TBI. Methodology: MSC were isolated from peritoneal fat of healthy rats, expandedin vitroand labelled with the green fluorescent protein. Rats were placed in one of three experimental groups: (1) Control: TBI, (2) IP-Control: TBI + local saline and (3) IP-Treat: TBI + 2 × 105MSC 24 hours after receiving a moderate, unilateral, controlled cortical impact. Motor and cognitive behavioural tests were performed to evaluate functional recovery. Histological examination and immunohistochemistry were used to identify cell distribution. Main results: Improved performance was found on motor tests in the MSC-treated group compared to control groups. MSC were found in the perilesional area and their number decreased with time after transplantation. MSC treatment increased the cell density in the hippocampus (CA3 pyramidal cells and granule cells in the dentate gyrus) and enhanced neurogenesis in this area. Conclusion: MSC cell therapy resulted in better recovery of motor function compared with the control group. This cellular therapy might be considered for patients suffering from TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of a subsidy policy for construction companies in Andalusia (Spain), which enables them to acquire new scaffolds. The rate of falls from scaffolds within the Andalusian construction sector in the period 2009–2011 was analysed. A randomised controlled trial was not possible as the subsidy was granted according to a public and competitive call. A quasi-experimental design based on an intervention group (subsidised companies) and a control group was chosen. Companies in the control group were selected from the social security census of companies in order to avoid selection bias. The subsidy policy has led to an overall 71% decrease in the rate of accident involving falls to a lower level in the companies that received grants in the period 2009–2011. The confidence interval for the comparison for the before–after difference in rates between the intervention group and the control group is found significant (confidence 95%,p= 0.05). The improvement of scaffolds was effective in reducing rates of accident with falls to a lower level. This intervention should be a priority in public policies. The process of standardisation of equipment with high accident risk should be developed further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: The TricOs™/MBCP® and fibrin sealant composite was a convenient, effective, and well-tolerated material for mastoid cavity filling and immediate reconstruction of the external auditory meatus after cholesteatoma surgery with canal wall down (CWD). Objective: To assess the tolerance and osteointegration of a bone graft substitute, TricOs™/MBCP®, in association with fibrin sealant for filling the mastoid cavity after cholesteatoma surgery using the CWD technique. Methods: In this prospective observational study 57 patients with cholesteatoma suitable for CWD were recruited from April 2006 to April 2008 and followed up for 1 year. The mastoid cavity was filled with TricOs™/MBCP® followed by immediate reconstruction of the external auditory meatus covered with fascia temporalis and/or cartilage. The main outcome was skin tolerance assessed by a novel weighted score emphasizing long-term results. The typical weighted reference score was 1.67; skin tolerance was considered acceptable if 75% of patients had a score ≤ 1.67. Secondary outcomes were otorrhea and/or otalgia, hearing, and osteointegration assessed through computed tomography scanning at 12 months. Results: Forty-one patients had a complete follow-up; 34 (82.3%) patients achieved the main end point with scores ≤ 1.67. Otorrhea decreased postoperatively. No otalgia interfering with daily tasks was reported. Ossicular reconstruction was carried out in 29 patients. Absence of cochlear toxicity was confirmed by unimpaired bone conduction. Preoperative and postoperative speech audiometry results were similar. No serious adverse events were observed. Osteointegration was satisfactory with hyperdensity or intermediate density in 95% of patients at 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor comprehension of verbal passives in agrammatism is well attested; however, short passives have been seldom investigated, only for some Germanic languages. Aims: Here we investigate long and short passives in two Romance languages, Catalan and Spanish and, consider the implications of our results for our understanding of comprehension deficits in Broca’s aphasia and for the theoretical construal of passive sentences. We test the hypothesis that long and short passives are equally misunderstood because their underlying structures are more similar than their surface form may indicate. Methods: To that effect, we designed a truth-value judgement task and tested fourteen patients with Broca’s aphasia, seven speakers per language. Results: We show that long and short passives are equally miscomprehended, consistently across the two languages and speakers: patients performed at chance with both types of passives, while they performed above chance with active sentences. Conclusion: The results for Romance are in line with those previously found for English (the only formerly investigated Germanic language with the same word order as Spanish and Catalan). The indistinguishable performance with long and short passives provides an argument to be added to those in the linguistic literature for the analysis of short passives as involving a covert external argument. It also provides an argument for structural accounts over processing accounts of the comprehension deficit of Broca’s aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to identify the importance of basketball performance indicators in predicting the effectiveness of ball possessions in men's and women's basketball, when controlling for situational variables and game periods. The sample consisted of 7234 ball possessions, corresponding to 40 games from the Spanish professional leagues. The effects of the predictor variables on successful ball possessions according to game period were analysed using binary logistic regressions. Results from men's teams show interactions with number of passes and ending player during the first five minutes, with starting and ending zone, defensive systems, screens used and possession duration during the middle thirty minutes, and there were interactions with passes used, possession duration and players involved during the last five minutes. Results from women's teams show interactions with starting and ending zone, passes used, defensive systems and ending player during the first five minutes, and with starting and ending zone, and screens used during the middle thirty minutes. The results show no interaction with situational variables in men's basketball, while league stage was important during the middle thirty minutes and last five minutes in women's basketball, whereas match status was only important during the last five minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive sampling is a well-established methodology for the evaluation of exposures to enviromnental volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique is a reliable means of sampling VOCs in ail: SPME is also being applied as a passive sampler to determine time-weighted average exposure. The use of SPME as a diffusive sampler was evaluated. The passive sampler is based on the use of a cylindrical diffusion cell (porous hydrophobic polyethylene) with an 80 µm carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber to obtain radial diffusion of the analytes to the sorbent. Standard atmospheres of organic vapors in air were used to determine the experimental uptake rates for toluene and chlorobenzene. Toluene concentrations between 2 and 38 mg/m³ with sampling times between 15 and 60 rain were evaluated, as well as chlorobenzene concentrations between 2 and 47 mg/m³ with sampling times between 30 and 60 min. The mean diffusive uptake rate was 2.14 mL/min for toluene and 2.57 mL/min for chlorobenzene, and no statistical significant effects of concentration and sampling time were observed under the studied conditions for the two compounds. Relative standard deviation ranged from 2.6 to 6.5%. The performance of the sampler under varying concentrations of toluene was also tested, showing that the sampler reflects the average exposure concentration. Effects of temperature, relative humidity, velocity of the air, back diffusion, competitive adsorption, and the stability of chlorobenzene in the sampler were also studied. Sampler behavior was tested in gas stations, and the results were successfully compared with a 3M-3500 diffusive sampler: The results are promising for using this new SPME device for diffusive monitoring for occupational exposure assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of three types of aesthetics (classical, expressive, and design aesthetics) on users' quality perceptions about websites based on very short exposure (one second) to websites. It also examines the consistency of website quality perceptions based on very short exposure with the quality perceptions based on a long exposure and the impact of the quality perception based on a very short exposure on users' buying intentions. An experimental design was developed on participants exposed to different web shops for different exposure times. The findings indicate that quality perceptions and buying intentions are not affected by the first impression of a website if this is based on one second exposure. Longer exposure to a website is an important determinant of buying behavior, while all three types of aesthetics are important determinants of the customer's quality perception about the site and the customer's intention to buy a product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: In our study, pedicled nasal flap (NF) did not provide better results than free nasal graft (NG) for primary closure of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. In the future, a multicenter randomized study would be needed to confirm this result. The choice of surgical technique will depend on the surgeon's experience, and the position and size of the defect. Objectives: To evaluate our results in repairing CSF leaks, comparing the two techniques we used: free NG and pedicled NF. Methods: A total of 33 patients diagnosed with CSF rhinorrhea were operated on between June 2000 and May 2010; 17 were women. The mean age was 44.7 years (± 13.0). Twenty-two (66.6%) NFs of the middle and lower turbinate and septum were performed, the rest being NGs of the middle and lower turbinate only. A descriptive statistical analysis and a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were carried out and the log-rank statistic was used to compare both techniques. Results: In the present study, 78% of defects were closed in all cases; NF was used in 86% (19) and NG in 63.63% (7). The mean follow-up was 71.5 (95% confidence interval (CI), 56.9-86.1) months. There were no statistically significant differences ( p > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: To explore the construct validity of the Spanish version of the Frontal Systems Behavioral Scale (FrSBe) using Rasch modelling. Methods: Item responses of 245 Spanish subjects were analysed using Rasch analysis: self-rating of 65 participants with TBI or stroke (sample A), family-rating of the same 65 participants (sample B) and self-rating of 115 healthy individuals (sample C). Results: After removing or grouping several problematic items, the Apathy and the Executive Dysfunction sub-scales were found to be valid measures for samples A and B and the Disinhibition sub-scale was valid for samples B and C. Person Separation Index of reliability of sub-scales was greater than 0.83 for sample B and ∼0.72 for A and C. All items showed disordered threshold categories in samples A and B and five items were ordered in sample C. Conclusions: With a few modifications, the sub-scales of the FrSBe-Spanish version are adequate measures for the assessment of the behavioural syndromes derived from frontal systems dysfunction in persons with brain injury. The family-rating form is preferable to the self-rating form. Only the Disinhibition scale is a valid measure for the behavioural assessment of the normal population. A reduction of response categories is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety disorders are high prevalent disorders that include both somatic and mental dimensions. Several medical conditions have been found associated to this group, in particular digestive, cardiovascular and osteo-muscular diseases. Our group found an strong association between joint hypermobility, an heritable condition of the connective tissue (probably Ehlers Danlos type III) and several anxiety disorders like panic, agoraphobia and social phobia. Data from several cross-sectional studies show that more than sixty per cent of panic and/or agoraphobic subjects meet criteria for joint hypermobility, whereas this only happens in about 10% of controls. A recent incidence study showed that sufferers from joint hypermobility syndrome have an absolute risk for panic disorder of 44.1% versus 2.8% in nonhypermobile subjects, which corresponds to a R.R. of 22.3. In summary, the joint hypermobility syndrome, a heritable disease of the connective tissue, is a risk factor for anxiety disorders worthy of identification in the context of preventive psychiatry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Pharyngo-cutaneous fistula is the most common complication after total laryngectomy (TL), with many factors linked to its emergence. However, it has rarely been associated with the type of pharyngeal suture. We conclude that the technique of surgical closure of the pharynx and care in the tightness of the suture seem to be fundamental factors for pharyngo-cutaneous fistula development. Objective: The aim of present work was to determine whether the type of pharyngeal suture can be considered as a major risk factor for developing a pharyngo-cutaneous fistula following TL. Methods: We carried out a series of 157 consecutive TLs. In the first 90 procedures, we performed a pharyngeal closure technique with T-shaped interrupted stitches reinforced with constrictors. In the other 67 cases, a doubled continuous suture technique with reinforcement with the cutaneous flap was developed. Results: In all, 25.5% of the cases sutured with the interrupted stitches developed a fistula while only 2.9% of the patients that underwent continuous suture developed a fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A time-series study was conducted to ascertain the short-term effects of different-sized airborne particulate matter (PM) on daily respiratory and cardiovascular cause-specific mortality in winter and summer, among subjects aged over 75 years in Madrid. Poisson regression was used to analyse the time-series, in which the dependent variable was daily mortality due to different specific respiratory and circulatory causes, and the principal independent variables were daily mean PM10, PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 concentrations; other variables: other air pollutants (chemicals, biotic and acoustic), influenza, trend, seasonality and autocorrelation of the series. The results indicated an association between coarser PM fractions (PM10 and PM10-2.5) and respiratory-specific mortality on the one hand, and between PM2.5 and cardiovascular-specific mortality on the other. While the risk of mortality due to exposure to particulate matter was greater in summer than in winter, this difference was statistically significant solely for total organic-cause mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]