Search

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of lung transplantations using grafts from donors aged over 70 years against those performed using younger donors., Methods: This retrospective single-centre analysis includes lung transplants conducted at our institution from January 2014 to June 2022. Lung recipients were classified into 2 groups based on donor age (group A <70 years; group B ≥70 years). Variables regarding demographics, peri and postoperative outcomes and survival were included. The statistical analysis approach included univariable analysis, propensity score matching to address imbalances in donor variables (smoking status), recipient characteristics (sex, age, diagnosis and lung allocation score) and calendar period and survival analysis., Results: A total of 353 lung transplants were performed in this period, 47 (13.3%) using grafts from donors aged over 70 years. Donors in group B were more frequently women (70.2% vs 51.6%, P = 0.017), with less smoking history (22% vs 43%, P = 0.002) and longer mechanical ventilation time (3 vs 2 days, P = 0.025). Recipients in group B had a higher lung allocation score (37.5 vs 35, P = 0.035). Postoperative variables were comparable between both groups, except for pulmonary function tests. Group B demonstrated lower forced expiratory volume 1 s levels (2070 vs 2580 ml, P = 0.001). The propensity score matching showed a lower chance of chronic lung allograft dysfunction by 12% for group B. One-, three- and five-year survival was equal between the groups., Conclusions: The use of selected expanded-criteria donors aged over 70 years did not result in increased postoperative morbidity, early mortality or survival in this study., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

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 progressive aging and comorbidities of the population have led to an increase in the number of patients with polypharmacy attended to in the emergency department. Drug-related problems (DRPs) have become a major cause of admission to these units, as well as a high rate of short-term readmissions. Anticoagulants, antibiotics, antidiabetics, and opioids have been shown to be the most common drugs involved in this issue. Inappropriate polypharmacy has been pointed out as one of the major causes of these emergency visits. Different ways of conducting chronic medication reviews at discharge, primary care coordination, and phone contact with patients at discharge have been shown to reduce new hospitalizations and new emergency room visits due to DRPs, and they are key elements for improving the quality of care provided by emergency services.

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 < 0.001) between reduced functionality, lower physical activity levels, increased fatigue severity, and poorer QoL in Long COVID patients. Furthermore, these variables are also related to worse QoL, but only functional status predicts it. In conclusion, our results have shown highly significant correlations between the group with COVID-19 and Long COVID regarding functional status, level of physical activity, QoL, and fatigue., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: To evaluate differences in measurements of the lateral recesses and foramina in degenerative lumbar segments on MR images in symptomatic patients obtained with the patient standing versus lying down and to analyze the relationship between possible differences and patients' symptoms., Material and Methods: We studied 207 disc levels in 175 patients aged between 17 and 75 years (median: 47 years) with low back pain. All patients underwent MRI in the decubitus position with their legs extended, followed by MRI in the standing position. We calculated the difference in the measurements of the lateral recesses (in mm) and in the foramina (area in mm 2 and smallest diameter in mm) obtained in the two positions. To eliminate the effects of possible errors in measurement, we selected cases in which the difference between the measurements obtained in the two positions was ≥10%; we used Student's t-tests for paired samples to analyze the entire group and subgroups of patients according to age, sex, grade of disc degeneration, and postural predominance of symptoms., Results: Overall, the measurements of the spaces were lower when patients were standing. For the lateral recesses, we observed differences ≥10% in 68 (33%) right recesses and in 65 (31.5%) left recesses; when patients were standing, decreases were much more common than increases (26% vs. 7%, respectively, on the right side and 24% vs. 7.5%, respectively, on the left side; p < 0.005). For the foramina, decreases in both the area and in the smallest diameter were also more common than increases when patients were standing: on the right side, areas decreased in 23% and increased in 4%, and smallest diameters decreased in 20% and increased 6%; on the left side, areas decreased in 24% and increased in 4%, and smallest diameters decreased in 17% and increased in 8% (p < 0.005). Considering the group of patients in whom the postural predominance of symptoms was known, we found significant differences in patients whose symptoms occurred predominantly or exclusively when standing, but not in the small group of patients whose symptoms occurred predominantly while lying. We found no differences between sexes in the changes in measurements of the recesses or foramina with standing. The differences between the measurements obtained in different positions were significant in patients aged >40 years, but not in younger groups of patients. Differences in relation to the grade of disc degeneration were significant only in intermediate grades (groups 3-6 in the Griffith classification system)., Conclusion: MRI obtained with patients standing can show decreases in the lateral recesses and foramina related to the predominance of symptoms while standing, especially in patients aged >40 years with Griffith disc degeneration grade 3-6, thus providing additional information in the study of patients who have low back pain when standing in whom the findings on conventional studies are inconclusive or discrepant with their symptoms. Further studies are necessary to help better define the value of upright MRI studies for degenerative lumbar disease., (Copyright © 2021 SERAM. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

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.

β-alanine does not have an ergogenic effect by itself, but it does as a precursor for the synthesis of carnosine in human skeletal muscle. β-alanine and carnosine together help improve the muscles' functionality, especially in high-intensity exercises such as combat sports. Therefore, β-alanine could be considered a nutritional ergogenic aid to improve sports performance in combat athletes. We aimed to critically review clinical trial evidence on the impact of β-alanine supplementation on sports performance, perception, and anthropometric parameters, as well as circulating biochemical markers in combat athletes. This systematic review was conducted following the specific methodological guidelines of the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA), the PICOS question model, the Critical Review Form of McMaster, and the PEDro scale. Furthermore, the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was used. The search was carried out in the SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and Medline (PubMed) databases for studies published from the beginning of the database until July 31, 2023. Of the 41 registers identified, only 7 met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. Overall, performance parameters related to strength, power, total exercise work capacity, and combat-specific parameters were significantly improved ( p < 0.05). Perception parameters increased non-significantly ( p > 0.05). Regarding biochemical parameters, carnosine increased significantly ( p < 0.05), pH decreased non-significantly ( p > 0.05), and the results for blood bicarbonate and blood lactate were heterogeneous. Finally, there was a non-significant ( p > 0.05) improvement in the anthropometric parameters of lean mass and fat mass. β-alanine supplementation appears to be safe and could be a suitable nutritional ergogenic aid for combat athletes.

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.

Skin aging is characterized by structural and functional changes that contribute to age-associated frailty. This probably depends on synergy between alterations in the local niche and stem cell-intrinsic changes, underscored by proinflammatory microenvironments that drive pleotropic changes. The nature of these age-associated inflammatory cues, or how they affect tissue aging, is unknown. Based on single-cell RNA sequencing of the dermal compartment of mouse skin, we show a skew towards an IL-17-expressing phenotype of T helper cells, γδ T cells and innate lymphoid cells in aged skin. Importantly, in vivo blockade of IL-17 signaling during aging reduces the proinflammatory state of the skin, delaying the appearance of age-related traits. Mechanistically, aberrant IL-17 signals through NF-κB in epidermal cells to impair homeostatic functions while promoting an inflammatory state. Our results indicate that aged skin shows signs of chronic inflammation and that increased IL-17 signaling could be targeted to prevent age-associated skin ailments., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objectives: To draft a list of actions and quality indicators for pharmacist care in hospital emergency departments, based on consensus among a panel of experts regarding which actions to prioritize in this setting., Material and Methods: A panel of experts from the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SEFH) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) evaluated a preliminary list of potential actions and quality of care indicators. The experts used a questionnaire to assess the proposals on the basis of available evidence. In the first round, each expert individually assessed the importance of each proposed action based on 4 dimensions: evidence base, impact on clinical response and patient safety, ease of implementation, and priority. In the second round the experts attended a virtual meeting to reach consensus on a revised list of proposals; suggestions and comments that had been made anonymously in the first round were included. The group then prioritized each action as basic, intermediate, or advanced., Results: The experts evaluated a total of 26 potential actions and associated quality indicators. No items were eliminated in the analysis of scores and comments from the first round. After the second round, 25 actions survived. Nine were considered basic, 10 intermediate, and 6 advanced., Conclusion: The expert panel's list of pharmacist actions and care quality indicators provides a basis for developing a pharmacist care program in Spanish emergency departments on 3 levels of priority. The list can serve as a guide to pharmacists, managers, physicians, and nurses involved in the effort to improve drug therapy in this hospital setting.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is used as a sports supplement for its ability to modulate exercise-induced oxidative damage through its antioxidant actions and maintenance of glutathione homeostasis, positioning NAC as a strategy to improve physical performance. We aimed to evaluate the current evidence on the benefits of NAC supplementation on physical performance and laboratory biomarkers in adult men. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed to assess the effects of NAC on physical performance, laboratory biomarkers, and adverse effects in adult men. Original articles published up to 30 April 2023 with a controlled trial design comparing NAC supplementation with a control group were included. The modified McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies was used as an assessment tool and the Cochrane Risk of Bias was applied. Of the 777 records identified in the search, 16 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, most of the trials reported beneficial effects of NAC supplementation and no serious adverse events were reported. Participants supplemented with NAC showed significant improvements in exercise performance, antioxidant capacity, and glutathione homeostasis. However, there was no clear evidence of beneficial effects of NAC supplementation on haematological markers, inflammatory response, and muscle behaviour. NAC supplementation appears to be safe and may regulate glutathione homeostasis, have antioxidant effects, and improve exercise performance. However, further studies are needed to clarify the relevance of its use.

Current treatments to prevent thrombosis, namely anticoagulants and platelets antagonists, remain complicated by the persistent risk of bleeding. Improved therapeutic strategies that diminish this risk would have a huge clinical impact. Antithrombotic agents that neutralize and inhibit polyphosphate (polyP) can be a powerful approach towards such a goal. Here, we report a design concept towards polyP inhibition, termed macromolecular polyanion inhibitors (MPI), with high binding affinity and specificity. Lead antithrombotic candidates are identified through a library screening of molecules which possess low charge density at physiological pH but which increase their charge upon binding to polyP, providing a smart way to enhance their activity and selectivity. The lead MPI candidates demonstrates antithrombotic activity in mouse models of thrombosis, does not give rise to bleeding, and is well tolerated in mice even at very high doses. The developed inhibitor is anticipated to open avenues in thrombosis prevention without bleeding risk, a challenge not addressed by current therapies., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Antenatal corticosteroids reduce mortality and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm newborns. These benefits decrease after a week of administration, recommending a rescue therapy if there is a new threat of premature delivery. Repeated administration of antenatal corticosteroids may have deleterious effects and their benefits are controversial in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)., Objective: to verify the effects in the IUGR population of antenatal betamethasone rescue therapy on neonatal morbidity and mortality, RDS, and neurodevelopment at 2 years., Patients and Method: Retrospective study including ≤ 34 weeks and ≤ 1,500g preterm newborns divided according to antenatal betamethasone exposure: Single-cycle (2 doses) vs Rescue therapy (3 doses). Subgroups were created for those ≥ 30 weeks. Both cohorts were followed up to 24 months of corrected age. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ)® was administered to assess neurodevelopment., Results: 62 preterm infants with a diagnosis of IUGR were included. The rescue therapy group compared with the single-dose group showed no differences in morbidity and mortality and less intubation rate at birth (p = 0.02), with no differences in respiratory support at 7 days of life. Preterm newborns ≥ 30 weeks exposed to rescue therapy showed higher morbidity and mortality (p = 0.03) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (p = 0.02), showing no differences in RDS. The rescue therapy group showed worse mean scores on the ASQ-3 scale, with no significant differences in cerebral palsy or sensory deficits., Conclusions: Rescue therapy reduces intubation at birth but does not reduce morbidity and mortality. However, at > 30 weeks, this benefit is not observed and the IUGR population exposed to rescue therapy presented more BPD and lower scores on the ASQ-3 scale at 2 years. Future studies should be aimed at the individualization of antenatal corticosteroid therapy.

Donor lung preservation at 10 °C appears to be an innovative and promising method that may improve transplant logistics by extending the cold ischemia time with excellent outcomes. We report the case of two lung transplants from two different donors involving the use of two different preservation methods, highlighting the benefits of using 10 °C lung storage., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, neurodegenerative movement disorder, whose symptoms have a negative impact on quality of life and functionality. Although its main treatment is pharmacological, non-pharmacological aids such as the dynamic elastomeric fabric orthosis (DEFO) merit an evaluation. Our objective is to assess the DEFO in upper limb (UL) functional mobility and in the quality of life of PD patients. A total of 40 patients with PD participated in a randomized controlled crossover study, and were assigned to a control group (CG) and to an experimental group (EG). Both groups used the DEFO for two months, the experimental group the first two months of the study and the control group the last two. Motor variables were measured in the ON and OFF states at the baseline assessment and at two months. Differences from the baseline assessment were observed in some motor items of the Kinesia assessment, such as rest tremor, amplitude, rhythm or alternating movements in the ON and OFF states with and without orthosis. No differences were found in the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) or the PD quality-of-life questionnaire. The DEFO improves some motor aspects of the UL in PD patients but this does not translate to the amelioration of the standard of functional and quality-of-life scales.

BACKGROUND Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the echinococcus microorganism, a parasite with 6 described species in the literature, the main one in humans being Echinococcus granulosus. Transmission is via the fecal-oral route, with main hepatopulmonary involvement but with high risk of dissemination. Diagnosis is often incidental and patients present a wide range of non-specific symptoms, closely related to localization, size, and quantity of cysts. The latent risk of the infection is septic shock secondary to intraperitoneal rupture, which increases the risk of mortality. The criterion standard of management involves anthelmintic therapy and radical surgical management. CASE REPORT We present the case of a man in the third decade of life from a rural area of Colombia, presenting abdominal pain and febrile peaks for 2 months. Imaging studies showed a cystic lesion with thoracic and hepatic involvement. He was treated in 2 surgical stages, the first achieving partial resection of the cyst involving lung, diaphragm, and rib cage, and the second with extracorporeal circulation assistance due to infiltration of the retrohepatic vena cava, achieving radical resection of the disease. CONCLUSIONS Echinococcosis is a condition endemic to rural areas, with wide geographical distribution. Given the slow growth, it is mostly asymptomatic, which causes diagnostic and therapeutic challenges involving high rates of complications and mortality. An individualized surgical and medical approach is recommended. Extracorporeal circulation assistance helps achieve hemodynamic stability in patients with cardiac or great vessel involvement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of extracorporeal circulation assistance for large hepatic-diaphragmatic and pericardial cyst resection.

(1) Background: loss of quality of life (QoL) and functional independence are two of the most common consequences of suffering a stroke. The main objective of this research is to study which factors are the greatest determinants of functional capacity and QoL a month after suffering a stroke so that they can be considered in early interventions. (2) Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted which sample consisted of 81 people who had previously suffered a stroke. The study population was recruited at the time of discharge from the Neurology Service and Stroke Unit of the hospitals of Burgos and Córdoba, Spain, through a consecutive sampling. Data were collected one month after participants experienced a stroke, and the main study variables were quality of life, measured with the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Measure (NEWSQOL), and functional independence, measured with the Functional Independence Measure-Functional Assessment Measure (FIM-FAM). (3) Results: the factors associated with a worse QoL and functional capacity one month after having suffered a stroke were living in a different dwelling than the usual flat or house (p < 0.05), a worse cognitive capacity (p < 0.001) and a worse functional capacity of the affected upper limb (p < 0.001). A higher age was related to a worse functional capacity one month after suffering a stroke (p = 0.048). (4) Conclusions: the type of dwelling, age, cognitive ability and functional capacity of the affected upper limb are determining aspects in functional independence and QoL during the first weeks after a stroke.

Formic acid has recently been revealed to be an excellent hydrogen carrier, and interest in the development of efficient and selective catalysts towards its dehydrogenation has grown. This reaction has been widely explored using homogeneous catalysts; however, from a practical and scalable point of view, heterogeneous catalysts are usually preferred in industry. In this work, formic acid dehydrogenation reactions in both liquid- and vapor-phase conditions have been investigated using heterogeneous catalysts based on mono- or bimetallic Pd/Ru. In all of the explored conditions, the catalysts showed good catalytic activity and selectivity towards the dehydrogenation reaction, avoiding the formation of undesired CO.

Background: The validation of assessment instruments is of great importance when they are applied in clinical and healthcare settings, since their safe and reliable use is essential for the application of appropriate and high-quality treatments. The motor activity log (MAL-30) is an instrument widely used by professionals in the clinic, which has been validated in different countries, languages and populations. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the MAL-30 scale for post-stroke patients in a Spanish sample., Methods: For this purpose, internal consistency tests were carried out using Cronbach's alpha, item-item and item-total correlations, and a half-and-half test for reliability. For the validation, criterion validity tests were performed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale as the gold standard, and the convergent validity tests were carried out by correlation with the action research arm test (ARAT), box and block test (BBT), functional independence measure (FIM)-functional assessment measure (FAM), Lawton and Brody index and stroke quality of life scale (ECVI-38)., Results: The results showed good internal consistency, as well as a good criterion and convergent validity., Conclusions: The MAL-30 instrument can be considered a valid and reliable tool for assessing the quantity and quality of the use of the affected upper limb in the performance of the activities of daily living and the instrumental activities of daily living after stroke in a Spanish sample.

Background: Since 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 Methods: An 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)., Results: Hospitalization, 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., Conclusion: This study provides evidence on the clinical characterization of patients suffering from long COVID in order to offer them the most appropriate treatments., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Romero-Rodríguez, Pérula-de Torres, Castro-Jiménez, González-Lama, Jiménez-García, González-Bernal, González-Santos, Vélez-Santamaría, Sánchez-González and Santamaría-Peláez.)

We investigated the interrelations between chronological age, theory of mind (ToM), Yield (as a measure of individual suggestibility), memory and acceptance of experimental suggestion in a sample of children between 3 and 7 years old ( N = 106). One week after participants interacted with 'a Teacher', they were asked to recall activities carried out with the Teacher (direct experience) and the contents of a story read to them by the Teacher (indirect experience). Data were examined with an analysis of developmental trajectories, which allows establishing the predictor value of socio-cognitive developmental factors regardless of participants' chronological age. It also estimates predictor values in interaction with the age and determines whether age is the best predictor for performance. As in previous research, results showed that chronological age was the main predictor of memory performance, both for direct experience (i.e., activities performed) and indirect experience (i.e., contents of the story). However, ToM and Yield, together with participants' ages, modulated their acceptance of the external suggestions received (presented only once, one week after the event). A turning point was observed at age 4.6. Below this age, the greater the mentalist skills (higher ToM), the lower was the vulnerability to external suggestion. Still, children below this age characterized individually as being suggestible (Yield medium or high) were more vulnerable to suggestion the younger they were. Thus, developmental socio-cognitive factors might modulate young children's vulnerability to external suggestions, even if received only once.

Objectives: Bronchial anastomotic complications remain a major concern in lung transplantation. We aim to compare 2 different techniques, continuous suture (CS) versus interrupted suture (IS) by analysing airway complications requiring intervention., Methods: Lung transplantations between January 2015 and December 2020 were included. Airway complications requiring intervention were classified following the 2018 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus and analysed comparing 3 groups of patients according to surgical technique: group A, both anastomosis performed with CS; group B, both with interrupted; and group C, IS for 1 side and CS for the contralateral side., Results: A total of 461 anastomoses were performed in 245 patients. The incidence of airway complications requiring intervention was 5.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8-8.6] per patient (14/245) and 3.7% (95% CI: 2.0-5.4) per anastomosis (17/461). Complications that required intervention were present in 5 out of 164 (3.1%) anastomosis with interrupted technique, and in 12/240 (5%) with CS. No significant differences were found between techniques (P = 0.184). No statistical differences were found among group A, B or C in terms of incidence of anastomotic complications, demographics, transplant outcomes or overall survival (log-rank P = 0.513). In a multivariable analysis, right laterality was significantly associated to complications requiring intervention (OR 3.7 [95% CI: 1.1-12.3], P = 0.030). Endoscopic treatment was successful in 12 patients (85.7%). Retransplantation was necessary in 2 patients., Conclusions: In summary, although it seems that anastomotic complications requiring intervention occur more frequently with CS, there are no statistical differences compared to IS. Endoscopic treatment offers good outcomes in most of the airway complications after lung transplantation., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

In the era of globalization and technology, society demands young generations of citizens able to work in a kind of environment characterized by complexity and diversity. Therefore, the education system faces a new kind of challenge, as graduates are reported to need transversal skills, which are unlikely to be learned through traditional classroom teaching. The overall aim of this article is to examine the needs for these skills and their acquisition by higher education teachers to cope with the evolving European labour market of the 2020s. The article envisions the importance of soft skills in the teaching profession. The empirical part consists of a comparative study with Italian and Portuguese teachers, highlighting the status of a set of crucial soft skills (assertiveness, networking skills, teamwork, sensitivity, socialization, action-orientation, ability to work under pressure and social desirability).

Background: Hip fracture in the elderly means that between a quarter and a half of patients do not regain the levels of independence and walking ability that they previously had, according to the literature, after the fracture., Material and Methods: Retrospective study of 537 patients aged ≥65 years who survived at the sixth month after fracturing their hip, of which the age, sex, type of fracture, surgical risk, independence (BI), walking ability, cognitive level (PS), comorbidities, indicated drugs, complications, surgical delay, hospital stay, and surgical technique are known. Using Pearson's χ 2 test, all the variables were contrasted with respect to the limitation or not, at the sixth month of the recovery of both independence and pre-admission walking ability. Multivariate analysis provides the necessary adjustment to the previous contrast., Results: We have found that age and PS ≥ 5 at admission limit recovery from both dependency and walking ability. Surgical risk, independence (BI) upon admission, anemia, and constipation during the hospital stay limit the recovery of the BI. Worsening of walking ability during the hospital stay and the type of extra-articular fracture, which was surgically treated by osteosynthesis, limit the recovery of walking ability., Conclusions: The factors previously exposed, and perhaps the fact that patients with hip fractures are not routinely referred to rehabilitation, explain the high proportion of patients who do not recover their previous independency (36%) or walking ability (45%) to the fact of fracturing.

Background: Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social and communication functioning. Previous studies suggest that people with autism spectrum disorders have deficits in executive functions, having found a relationship with cognitive flexibility, planning, working memory, inhibition or self-control, but it is especially with respect to cognitive flexibility where the greatest dysfunctions have been found. The objective of this research was to compare the executive functioning of a group of children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders with another with neurotypical development in an educational context., Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and multicenter confirmatory study in which 121 people who participated acted as informants, with 70 of them being education professionals who work with people with autism spectrum disorders grade 1 and 2 and 51 of them being teachers who work with people of neurotypical development; these individuals were selected through non-probabilistic sampling., Results: People diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders obtained significantly higher scores on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 scale for the nine clinical scales and the four indexes that compose it compared to the group of people with neurotypical development; in addition, the average scores obtained are clinically significant, with them being elevated for the group with autism spectrum disorders. This study confirms that children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders experience greater difficulties with respect to their executive functions than children with neurotypical development.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of difficulties in communication and social interaction, often associated with deficits in executive functions (EF). The EF correct development is related to a more effective functioning in all its daily activities, while being associated with more efficient social relations. The objective of this research is to analyze the level of development of EF in children and adolescents with ASD in school and at home. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and multicenter study with 102 participants selected by non-probabilistic sampling, 32 parents of children with ASD, and 70 professionals in the field of education of students with ASD. The study confirms that although children and adolescents with ASD have problems in executive functioning, the perception of informants, parents, and education professionals is similar but not the same in the different contexts: school and home.

Introduction: As of 30 April 2020, 203.715 SARS-CoV-2 infections had been reported in Spain, 54.486 in Madrid, 21.4% were health care workers. Our objective is to determine seroprevalence of COVID-19 among workers in a monographic pediatric hospital., Methods: Between April13 th and 30 th , 1.523 health workers were recruited to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 serology screening (All Test®) and they answered a questionnaire with demographic, epidemiological and clinical information and previous exposure to COVID-19., Findings: One thousand two hundred ninety two (84.8%) were tested. Positive serology (IgM and/or IgG) to SARS-CoV-2 was found in 17.2% (222/1.292), in 15.5% (201/1.292) if only IgG was considered. Median age was 44±13 years, 73% were female. The 33.8% (75/222) were asymptomatic. Eighty one had a previous positive rRT-PCR. The 14% (32/222) referred a family contact., Conclusion: Serology prevalence for SARS-CoV-2 in workers of a pediatric hospital was higher than in general population. Many of them had an unnoticed infection., (Copyright © 2021 Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Recent research has challenged the idea that cervid antlers are such costly traits, supporting the assertion early-life antler investment is an honest signal of adult phenotypic quality. However, inferences were made based on antler measurements while growing (velvet) and thus, studies on fully-formed clean antlers are needed to avoid possible bias caused by the inter-individual variation in antler growth phenology. We studied a semi-captive population of European roe deer inhabiting a sub-Mediterranean area (Valsemana research station) and living under optimal conditions (ad libitum food supply and veterinary care). Based on repeated measurements taken from 146 individuals, we assessed whether allocation to secondary sexual traits during early life affected body mass or antler development during adulthood. Furthermore, we evaluated which body measurements better predicted future male quality. Additionally, using 488 individuals, we described age-class-specific variation in male body measurements and assessed the decline in antler size between adult and senescent stages (i.e. magnitude of senescence). Results agree with the assertion that there is no negative effect of a high investment in antler during early life on adult antler size or body mass, but we suggest the use of clean antlers as a more robust and reliable measure. The variables that better predicted body mass during adulthood were yearling body mass and body size at 6 months. Antler score between 10 and 18 months resulted in the best indicator of adult antler size. Finally, we support the idea that the magnitude of senescence in antler size is smaller in environments with higher resource availability during winter., (© 2021 International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: Lymphedema, secondary to breast cancer (BCRL), is the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium caused by a malfunction of the lymphatic system. It causes swelling, deficiencies in upper limb functions and structures, sensory pain and emotional alterations, which have a chronic course and affect the upper limb's functionality. This study aims to verify the efficacy and efficiency in the upper limb´s functionality of a protocolized experimental approach based on occupational therapy, TAPA (activity-oriented proprioceptive antiedema therapy), in the rehabilitation of BCRL in stages I and II, comparing it with the conservative treatment considered as the standard, complex decongestive therapy (CDT), through a multicenter randomized clinical trial., Methods: a randomized and prospective clinical trial was conducted with experimental and control groups. Women diagnosed with BCRL belonging to institutions in Córdoba and Aragon (Spain) participated. Sociodemographic variables and those related to the functionality of the affected upper limb were evaluated before and after the intervention., Results: The results showed statistically significant differences in the analysis of covariance performed for the variable joint balance of the shoulder´s external rotation ( p = 0.045) that could be attributed to the intervention performed; however, the effect size was minimal (η 2 ≤ 0.080). In the rest of the variables, no significant differences were found., Conclusions: TAPA may be an alternative to the conservative treatment of women with BCRL. It was shown to be just as effective for volume reduction and activity performance as CDT but more effective in improving external rotation in shoulder joint balance.

Background: Alterations derived from lymphedema in the upper-limb secondary to breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) decrease the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but there is limited evidence of the impact of the different interventions on it. The aim of this research was to compare the effect of conventional treatment with another treatment based on Activity-Oriented Antiedema Proprioceptive Therapy (TAPA) on HRQoL in women diagnosed with BCRL., Methods: A prospective clinical study was designed with two parallel arms. The study population consisted of women diagnosed with BCRL in stage I and II, belonging to different institutions in Córdoba and Aragon, Spain. Sociodemographic and HRQoL-related variables, pain, tightness, heaviness and functionality were obtained before and after treatments., Results: 51 women participated in the study, 25 received the conventional treatment and 26 the TAPA, with a mean age of 59.24 ± 9.55 years. HRQoL was significantly related to upper-limb function and pain on the participants' affected side. In addition, covariance analysis (ANCOVA) showed that the TAPA treatment interfered less in the performance of activities of daily life and produced significant improvements in the social dimension of HRQoL., Conclusions: the non-use of compressive elements in the rehabilitative treatment of the BCRL that is proposed with TAPA improves aspects such as self-image and participation in social and recreational activities.

Background: Despite the impact that the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection has presented in Spain, data on the diagnostic capacity of the symptoms associated with this infection are limited, especially among patients with mild symptoms and who are detected in the primary care field (PC). The objective of the present study was to know the associated symptoms and their predictive criterial validity in SARS-CoV-2 infection among professionals working in PC., Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter study was carried out in the Spanish National Health System, through an epidemiological survey directed to patients who underwent the PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 in the PC setting., Results: A total of 1612 patients participated, of which 86.6% were PC healthcare professionals, and of these, 67.4% family doctors. Hyposmia, with a sensitivity of 42.69% (95% CI: 37.30-48.08) and a specificity of 95.91% (95% CI: 94.78-97.03), and ageusia with a sensitivity of 39.47% (34.15-44.80) and a specificity of 95.20% (93.98-96.41) were the symptoms with the highest criteria validity indexes., Conclusions: This study identifies the specific symptoms of loss of smell or taste as the most frequently associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, essential in the detection of COVID-19 given its high frequency and predictive capacity.

In Mediterranean areas, severe drought events are expected to intensify in forthcoming years as a consequence of climate change. These events may increase physiological and reproductive stress of wild populations producing demographic changes and distribution shifts. We used retrospective life tables to understand demographic changes on a wild population after severe drought events. We studied the impact of two extreme events (2003 and 2005) on the population dynamics of our model species, the red deer ( Cervus elaphus ). During both years, population density was high (40 and 36 ind/100 ha, respectively). Thus, we reconstructed retrospectively the age structure of the female part of the population for the period 2000-2010 by using data of known-age individuals culled during the period 2000-2019 ( n  = 4176). Also, based on previous study results, we aimed to validate this methodology. Both extremely dry years, 2003 and 2005, produced marked and lasting cohort effects on population demography. Age pyramid the following years (2004 and 2006) revealed that the extreme drought caused the female fawn cohort to be similar or even smaller than the yearling cohort. Furthermore, these cohort effects were still perceptible 3 years after these severe events. Results agree with previous findings that showed a negative effect of severe drought events on female pregnancy rates and conception dates. Although simple, this study provides an empirical quantification of the demographic effects of severe drought events for a wild population which might be useful to understand future demographic changes under the context of climate change., Competing Interests: No potential competing interest was reported by the authors., (© 2021 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In primary health care, the work environment can cause high levels of anxiety and depression, triggering relevant expert and individual change. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs reduce signs of anxiety and depression. The purpose of this sub-analysis of the total project, was to equate the effectiveness of the standard MBSR curriculum with the abbreviated version in minimizing anxiety and depression. This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 112 mentors and resident specialists from Family and Community Medicine and Nurses (FCMN), distributed across six teaching units (TU) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS). Experimental group participants received a MBRS training (abbreviated/standard). Depression and anxiety levels were measured with the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS) at three different time periods during the analysis: before (pre-test) and after (post-test) participation, as well as 3 months after the completion of intervention. Taking into account the pre-test scores as the covariate, an adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed significant depletion in anxiety and depression in general (F (2.91) = 4.488; p = 0.014; η 2 = 0.090) and depression in particular (F (2, 91) = 6.653; p = 0.002; η 2 = 0.128 at the post-test visit, maintaining their effects for 3 months (F (2.79) = 3.031; p = 0.050; η 2 = 0.071-F (2.79) = 2.874; p = 0.049; η 2 = 0.068, respectively), which is associated with the use of a standard training program. The abbreviated training program did not have a significant effect on the level of anxiety and depression. The standard MBSR training program had a positive effect on anxiety and depression and promotes long-lasting effects in tutors and resident practitioners. New research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of abbreviated versions of training programs.

Lattice simulations of the QCD correlation functions in the Landau gauge have established two remarkable facts. First, the coupling constant in the gauge sector-defined, e.g., in the Taylor scheme-remains finite and moderate at all scales, suggesting that some kind of perturbative description should be valid down to infrared momenta. Second, the gluon propagator reaches a finite nonzero value at vanishing momentum, corresponding to a gluon screening mass. We review recent studies which aim at describing the long-distance properties of Landau gauge QCD by means of the perturbative Curci-Ferrari model. The latter is the simplest deformation of the Faddeev-Popov Lagrangian in the Landau gauge that includes a gluon screening mass at tree-level. There are, by now, strong evidences that this approach successfully describes many aspects of the infrared QCD dynamics. In particular, several correlation functions were computed at one- and two-loop orders and compared with ab-initio lattice simulations. The typical error is of the order of ten percent for a one-loop calculation and drops to few percents at two loops. We review such calculations in the quenched approximation as well as in the presence of dynamical quarks. In the latter case, the spontaneous breaking of the chiral symmetry requires to go beyond a coupling expansion but can still be described in a controlled approximation scheme in terms of small parameters. We also review applications of the approach to nonzero temperature and chemical potential., (© 2021 IOP Publishing Ltd.)

Controlled donation after circulatory death donors (cDCD) are becoming a frequent source of lungs grafts worldwide. Conversely, lung transplantations (LTx) from uncontrolled donors (uDCD) are sporadically reported. We aimed to review our institutional experience using both uDCD and cDCD and compare to LTx from brain death donors (DBD). This is a retrospective analysis of all LTx performed between January 2013 and December 2019 in our institution. Donor and recipient characteristics were collected and univariate, multivariate and survival analyses were carried out comparing the three cohorts of donors. A total of 239 (84.7%) LTx were performed from DBD, 29 (10.3%) from cDCD and 14 (5%) from uDCD. There were no statistically significant differences in primary graft dysfunction grade 3 at 72 h, 30- and 90-day mortality, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after procedure, ICU and hospital length of stay, airway complications, CLAD incidence or survival at 1 and 3 years after transplant (DBD: 87.1% and 78.1%; cDCD: 89.7% and 89.7%; uDCD: 85.7% and 85.7% respectively; P = 0.42). Short- and mid-term outcomes are comparable between the three types of donors. These findings may encourage and reinforce all types of donation after circulatory death programmes as a valid and growing source of suitable organs for transplantation., (© 2021 The Authors. Transplant International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Steunstichting ESOT.)

Stress is one of the most common problems among healthcare professionals, as they are exposed to potentially stressful and emotionally challenging situations in the workplace. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training programs have been shown to decrease stress. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of an abbreviated 4-weeks MBSR training program in relation to a standard 8-weeks one on the stress levels. A controlled and randomized clinical trial was designed, in which 112 tutors and resident intern specialists in Family and Community Medicine and Nursing of six Spanish National Health System teaching units (TUs) participated. Participants included in the experimental groups (EGs) received a MBRS training program (standard or abbreviated), while control group (CG) participants did not receive any intervention. The stress levels were assessed by the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) in three different moments during the study: before, immediately after, and 3 months after the intervention. Adjusted covariance analysis (ANCOVA), using pretest scores as the covariate, showed a significant reduction in stress (F (2,91) = 5.165; p = 0.008; η 2 = 0.102) in the post-test visit, attributable to the implementation of the standard training program, but without the maintenance of its effects over time. No significant impact of the abbreviated training program on stress levels was observed in the intergroup comparison. A standard 8-weeks MBSR training program aimed at tutors and resident intern specialists in Family and Community Medicine and Nursing produces significant improvements in stress levels compared with the abbreviated intervention and no intervention. New studies about abbreviated training programs are needed to provide effective treatments which improve well-being of these professionals.

H 4 HBEDpa, a new octadentate chelator inspired by the 1960s ligand HBED of Arthur E. Martell, has been investigated for a selection of trivalent metal ions useful in diagnostic and therapeutic applications (Sc 3+ , Fe 3+ , Ga 3+ , In 3+ , and Lu 3+ ). Complex formation equilibria were thoroughly investigated using combined potentiometric and UV-vis spectrophotometric titrations which revealed effective chelation and high metal-sequestering capacity, in particular for Fe 3+ , log K FeL = 36.62, [Fe(HBEDpa)] - . X-ray diffraction study of single crystals revealed that the ligand is preorganized and forms hexa-coordinated complexes with Fe 3+ at acidic pH. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied to probe the geometries and energies of all the possible conformers of [M(HBEDpa)] 3+ (M = Sc - (M = Sc 3+ , Fe 3+ , Ga 3+ , In 3+ , and Lu 3+ ). DFT calculations confirmed the experimental findings, indicating that [Fe(HBEDpa)] - is bound tightly in an asymmetric pattern as compared to the symmetrically bound and more open [Ga(HBEDpa)] - , prone to hydrolysis at higher pH. DFT calculations also showed that a large metal ion such as Lu 3+ fully coordinates with HBEDpa 4- , forming a binary octadentate complex in its lowest-energy form. Smaller metal ions form six or seven coordinate complexes with HBEDpa 4- .

Objective:  The aim of this study was to describe the surgical technique and outcomes of dogs with congenital thoracic vertebral body malformations (CTVBM) treated with unilateral vertebral distraction and stabilization with monocortical screws and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)., Study Design:  Medical records of 10 client-owned dogs with CTVBM were retrospectively searched for signalment, history, neurological examination, neurological grade based on the modified Frankel scale (MFS), diagnostic method, CTVBM location, Cobb's angle, and vertebral canal angle (VCA), surgical procedure, complications and long-term follow-up., Results:  One dog suffered cardiac arrest 24 hours post-surgery and died. Median follow-up in nine dogs was 26.5 months (12-50 months). Cobb's angle improved from 33-83 to 10-46 degrees and the VCA ratio from 97-138 to 122-164 degrees. The MFS improved from 3 ( n  = 3)-4 ( n  = 7) to 4 ( n  = 2)-6 ( n  = 7). Seven dogs recovered full function. Nine dogs improved after surgery compared with preoperative status, recovering ambulation when lost or achieving normal neurological examination in seven cases. No complications were reported during the follow-up period (12-50 months)., Conclusion:  Unilateral transthoracic vertebral distraction and stabilization with monocortical screws and PMMA for treatment of compressive myelopathy due to CTVBM achieved long-term neurological improvement in 9 of 10 dogs., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: The high incidence of idiopathic scoliosis worldwide as well as the serious health problems it can cause in adulthood, make it necessary to seek effective treatments to prevent the progression of the disease to more aggressive treatments such as surgery and improve patients' quality of life. The use of night braces, besides a less severe influence on the patient's quality of life, is effective in stopping the progression of the curve in idiopathic scoliosis., Methods: A longitudinal study was performed with an experimental population of 108 participants who attended orthotic treatment at the University Hospital of Barcelona, with ages between 4 and 15 years old, with a main curvature greater than 25 degrees and a Risser between 0 and 3. The participants received treatment with Providence ISJ-3D night braces until their pubertal change (mean duration of 2.78 years for males and 1.97 years for females)., Results: The implementation of night-time orthotic treatment in children with idiopathic scoliosis is effective in slowing the progression of the curve and in the prevention of more aggressive treatments such as surgery, maintaining the patient's quality of life., Conclusions: The use of night braces is efficacious in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, although new studies including more sociodemographic data as well as curves from 20 degrees of progression are necessary.

(1) Background: Home confinement and social distancing are two of the main public health measures to curb the spread of SARS-Cov-2, which can have harmful consequences on people's mental health. This systematic review aims to identify the best available scientific evidence on the impact that home confinement and social distancing, derived from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, have had on the mental health of the general population in terms of depression, stress and anxiety. (2) Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect between 2 January 2021 and 7 January 2021, in accordance with the recommendations of the PRISMA Declaration. The selection of studies and the evaluation of their methodological quality were performed in pairs, independently and blindly, based on predetermined eligibility criteria. (3) Results: The 26 investigations reviewed were developed in different regions and countries. Factors that are associated with poor mental health were female gender, young ages, having no income and suffering from a previous psychiatric illness. Inadequate management of the pandemic by authorities and a lack or excess of information also contributed to worse mental health. (4) Conclusions: There are groups of people more likely to suffer higher levels of anxiety, depression and stress during the restrictive measures derived from COVID-19.

(1) Background: A balanced life is related to good health in young people, one of the groups most affected by confinement and social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the occupational balance of young adults during home confinement and its association with different sociodemographic factors. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed, and an online survey was disseminated to collect sociodemographic and occupational balance data, using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ). The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical software package version 24.0. (3) Results: 965 young adults between 18 and 30 years old participated in the study. A predictive model showed that the main predictors of a lower occupational balance were a negative self-perception (β= 0.377; p = <0.0001), student status (β = 0.521; p = 0.001), not receiving enough information (β = 0.951; p = 0.001) and long periods of quarantine (β = 0.036; p = 0.007). (4) Conclusions: Considering people's occupational health and related factors could lessen many of the psychosocial consequences of isolation and contribute to the well-being of young people.

In Morocco, the social and environmental context influences the volition and development of meaningful activities, creating physical, personal and social barriers to the occupational performance of people with disabilities. This study develops a community Occupational Therapy program in order to verify its effectiveness in the volition, quality of life and perceived self-stigma of people with disabilities in the Moroccan city of Azrou, and to reduce the stigma of the community towards people with disabilities in the city. Data were collected from people with disabilities who participated in the program (N = 52), using the Volitional Questionnaire (VQ), The World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF), the Stigma Awareness Questionnaire (SCQ) and an ad hoc interview. In addition, community stigma was assessed by the Attribution Questionnaire (AQ-27) in citizens without disabilities (N = 42). Results confirmed that this intervention favors the inclusion of people with disabilities in their closest environment, improving volition and quality of life and reducing self-stigma. Furthermore, the community's stigma towards people with disabilities was also significantly reduced after the intervention.

The bisoxine hexadentate chelating ligand, H 3 glyox was investigated for its affinity for Mn 2+ , Cu 2+ and Lu 3+ ions; all three metal ions are relevant with applications in nuclear medicine and medicinal inorganic chemistry. The aqueous coordination chemistry and thermodynamic stability of all three metal complexes were thoroughly investigated by detailed DFT structure calculations and stability constant determination, by employing UV in-batch spectrophotometric titrations, giving pM values (pM = -log[M n + ] free when [M n + ] = 1 μM, [L] = 10 μM at pH 7.4 and 25 °C) - pCu (25.2) > pLu (18.1) > pMn (12.0). DFT calculated structures revealed different geometries and coordination preferences of the three metal ions; notable was an inner sphere water molecule in the Mn 2+ complex. H 3 glyox labels [ 52g Mn]Mn 2+ , [ 64 Cu]Cu 2+ and [ 177 Lu]Lu 3+ at ambient conditions with apparent molar activities of 40 MBq μmol -1 , 500 MBq μmol -1 and 25 GBq μmol -1 , respectively. Collectively, these initial investigations provide insight into the effects of metal ion size and charge on the chelation with the hexadentate H 3 glyox and indicate that further investigations of the Mn 2+ -H 3 glyox complex in 52g/55 Mn-based bimodal imaging might be worthwhile., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

A family of phosphonate-bearing chelators was synthesized to study their potential in metal-based (radio)pharmaceuticals. Three ligands (H 6 phospa, H 6 dipedpa, H 6 eppy; structures illustrated in manuscript) were fully characterized, including X-ray crystallographic structures of H 6 phospa and H 6 dipedpa. NMR spectroscopy techniques were used to confirm the complexation of each ligand with selected trivalent metal ions. These methods were particularly useful in discerning structural information for Sc 3+ and La 3+ complexes. Solution studies were conducted to evaluate the complex stability of 15 metal complexes. As a general trend, H 6 phospa was noted to form the most stable complexes, and H 6 eppy associated with the least stable complexes. Moreover, In 3+ complexes were determined to be the most stable, and complexes with La 3+ were the least stable, across all metals. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to calculate structures of H 6 phospa and H 6 dipedpa complexes with La 3+ and Sc 3+ . A comparison of experimental 1 H NMR spectra with calculated 1 H NMR spectra using DFT-optimized structures was used as a method of structure validation. It was noted that theoretical NMR spectra were very sensitive to a number of variables, such as ligand configuration, protonation state, and the number/orientation of explicit water molecules. In general, the inclusion of an explicit second shell of water molecules qualitatively improved the agreement between theoretical and experimental NMR spectra versus a polarizable continuum solvent model alone. Formation constants were also calculated from DFT results using potential-energy optimized structures. Strong dependence of molecular free energies on explicit water molecule number, water molecule configuration, and protonation state was observed, highlighting the need for dynamic data in accurate first-principles calculations of metal-ligand stability constants.