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A randomized, double-blind and controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intake of 250 mL of lactose-free skimmed milk enriched with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) alone or combined with tryptophan vs. non-enriched milk (control) on the subjective quality of sleep in healthy adults with sleep problems. The duration of supplementation was 90 days. Fifty-two eligible subjects were assigned to the study arms of ashwagandha 250 mg, ashwagandha 250 mg plus tryptophan 175 mg, ashwagandha 600 mg, and control with 13 subjects in each group. It was hypothesized that ashwagandha plus tryptophan could be superior to ashwagandha alone for improving sleep-related variables. Changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleep quality were significantly higher in the three experimental groups as compared with controls (p = 0.014). Improvements in the subscales of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were found in all groups, but between-group differences were not significant. In the index of insomnia severity, decreases were higher in the three experimental groups as compared with controls especially in the group of ashwagandha 600 mg. Daytime somnolence was also reduced in the three experimental groups. Changes in anxiety levels and Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire were not observed. The study products did not elicit changes in body composition and were well tolerated and safe. The data did not support the hypothesis, as the combination of ashwagandha and tryptophan did not show greater benefits in improving sleep quality than ashwagandha alone. However, the results from the three experimental groups containing ashwagandha were more favorable compared to the placebo group.

BackgroundPatients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias are more frequently exposed to polymedication, mainly due to the presence of comorbidities, are particularly vulnerable to drug-related problems, and present greater risk of adverse effects due to drug–drug interactions (DDIs).PurposeTo assess the prevalence of clinically relevant interactions in dementia patients using a routine database, we describe the most frequent interactions and risk factors associated with them to facilitate specific interventions and programs to prevent and minimize them.MethodsAn observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study that included patients with AD and other types of dementia (n = 100, 64% female) was conducted to identify potential DDI in their treatment using the Lexi-Interact/Lexicomp® database.ResultsA total of 769 drugs were prescribed, involving 190 different active ingredients; 83% of the treatments included five or more drugs. DDI occurred in 87% of the patients, of which 63.2% were female. A total of 689 DDIs were found, grouped in 448 drug pairs, with a mean of 6.9 ± 7.1 (range, 0–31) DDIs per patient, and 680 DDIs were considered clinically relevant. It was observed that 89.8% of the DDIs had a moderate level of severity, 23.5% had a good level of relevance, and pharmacodynamic-based DDIs accounted for 89.5%. The drugs most frequently involved in DDIs were quetiapine (24.5%) and acetylsalicylic acid (10%). A total of 97 DDIs were detected between the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), and the remaining drugs were administered concomitantly. One of the most frequent DDIs was between AChEIs and beta-blocking agents (n = 29, 4.3%). The most important factors that showed the strongest association with the presence of drug interactions were the use of AChEIs (p = 0.01) and the total number of drugs (p = 0.014) taken by the patient.ConclusionPatients with dementia present increased risk of DDIs. Among the most common drugs are psychotropic drugs, which are involved in pharmacodynamic interactions caused by the concomitant use of CNS-targeted drugs. The results highlight the difficulty to evaluate DDIs in clinical practice due to polymedication and variety of comorbidities. Therefore, it is important to review their treatment and consider metabolism inhibition or induction, and potentially P450 substrate overlapping.

ObjectiveSmoking reduction or cessation are critical public health goals, given the well-documented risks of tobacco use to health. Reducing smoking frequency and cessation entirely are challenging due to nicotine addiction and withdrawal symptoms, which can significantly affect mental wellness and overall wellbeing. Previous research has suggested that certain dietary supplements may support smoking cessation and reduction efforts by mitigating these adverse effects. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of supplementation with 900 mg/day of Neuravena®, a green oat extract (GOE) of Avena sativa L., in enhancing wellness and wellbeing during a smoking reduction or cessation experience.MethodsThis was an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, ClinicalTrials Identifier: NCT04749017 (https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04749017). Participants were assigned to one of the study groups, 72 participants were assigned to GOE and 73 to placebo. The subjects were followed for 8-weeks intervention period as well as an additional 4-week follow-up period. At subsequent visits, they underwent clinical assessments including assessments of quality of life, perceived stress, depression, nicotine dependence, anxiety, cognitive performance, and specific assessments of craving intensity.ResultsGOE was associated with greater improvements in elements of the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire as compared with placebo. Similar results were obtained from the SF-36 questionnaire and a visual QoL analogue scale (VAS). Perceived stress levels showed greater decline from baseline among the GOE supplemented participants as compared to placebo. Sleep quality parameters improved with GOE supplementation and worsened in the placebo group. At the end of the intervention period, the percentage of successful reducers (defined as >20% reduction in daily cigarettes) was higher in the GOE group as compared to placebo (66.7% vs. 49.3%, p = 0.034). The improvements from baseline in QoL measures in the GOE group persisted at 4 weeks after termination of the intervention.ConclusionGOE supplementation demonstrated greater improvements in quality of life measures, stress and sleep related parameters during a smoking reduction or cessation experience and the product was shown to be safe and well tolerated.

BackgroundBack pain is a common health problem that affects both workers and older people, reducing their quality of life. The primary objective was to assess the effect of dietary supplementation with plant extracts of rosemary, ashwagandha, and sesame consumed for 12 weeks on the intensity of back pain.MethodsA single-center randomized double-blind study with three parallel arms depending on the product consumed. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. The investigational product, Berelief®, contained a blend of three polyphenolic standardized extracts: rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.), and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed. Two doses were tested: low dose (400 mg) and high dose (800 mg). There were 42 subjects in the placebo group, 39 in the low dose and 42 in the high dose groups. Study variables included back pain intensity [VAS score, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29), and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire; functionality Roland-Morris Disability (RMD) questionnaire]; quality of life (QoL) [36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)]; sleep quality [accelerometer and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)].ResultsThe improvement in back pain recorded by the visual analogue scale (VAS) at the study visits after the beginning of treatment, as well as on a weekly basis recorded in the diary card was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the placebo group (p

Scientists and coaches seek effective ergogenic aids for performance improvement. Cyclists commonly use β-Alanine, which may enhance post-exercise recovery and physical performance. High-dose β-Alanine supplementation's impact on World Tour cyclists during a 7-day camp remains unstudied. This study aimed to analyse the effect of a high dose of β-alanine in World Tour cyclist during a 7-day camp. A double-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted. 11 cyclists were included in the final analysis: β-alanine supplementation (n = 5; VO2max: 67.6±1.6 ml/kg/min) and a placebo group (n = 6; VO2max: 68.0±2.4 ml/kg/min). The duration of the supplementation protocol was seven days with four daily intakes. The subjects commenced supplementation after the physical tests (immediately following the snack) and consumed the final intake after breakfast on the day of the final test (a total of 7 days and 3 additional doses, 31 servings in total; 5g per dosage; 155g the total cumulative amount). Before and after seven days of supplementation, the cyclists performed an uphill time trial. Blood lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were measured during test. β-alanine supplementation improved the relative mean power attained during the time-trial compared with the control group (Z = -2.008; p = 0.045; Δ = 0.060), as well as the time needed to complete this trial (Z = -2.373; p = 0.018). As for physiological and metabolic variables, no significant change was found. In conclusion, the present study supports the effectiveness of one-week high dose of β-alanine during a cycling training in World Tour cyclists to improve their uphill time-trial performance. In addition, it is important to highlight the potential role of β-alanine in improving recovery power. This aspect is particularly relevant in the context of a training camp, where fatigue levels can increase alongside training intensity. Trial registration: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov: (identifier: NCT04427319).

The present randomized study investigated the effect of acute supplementation of 800 mg/kg of ketone monoester ingestion (KE) or placebo (PL) and 210 mg/kg of NaHCO3 co-ingestion on cycling performance of WorldTour cyclists during a road cycling stage simulation. Twenty-eight cyclists participated in the study (27.46 ± 4.32 years; 1.80 ± 0.06 m; 69.74 ± 6.36 kg). Performance, physiological, biochemical, and metabolism outcomes, gut discomfort, and effort perceived were assessed during a road cycling simulation composed of an 8-min time-trial (TT) performance + 30-s TT + 4.5 hr of outdoor cycling + a second 8-min TT + a second 30-s TT. Greater absolute and relative mean power during the first 8-min TT (F = 5.067, p =.033, η p 2 =.163 , F = 5.339, p =.029, η p 2 =.170 , respectively) was observed after KE than after PL (KE: 389 ± 34, PL: 378 ± 44 W, p =.002, d = 0.294 and KE: 5.60 ± 0.42, PL: 5.41 ± 0.44 W/kg, p =.001, d = 0.442). Additionally, greater concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate blood concentration (F = 42.195, p <.001, η p 2 =.619) was observed after KE than after PL during the first steps of the stage (e.g., after warm-up KE: 1.223 ± 0.642, PL: 0.044 ± 0.058 mM, p <.001, d = 2.589), although the concentrations returned to near baseline after 4.5 hr of outdoor cycling. Moreover, higher values of anion gap were observed (F = 2.333, p =.026, η p 2 =.080) after KE than after PL ingestion, after the warm-up and after the first 8-min and 30-s TT. Additionally, lower concentrations of HCO 3 − were reported in the KE condition after warm-up and after the first 8-min and 30-s TT. During the initial phase of the stage simulation, acute supplementation with KE + NaHCO3 co-ingestion enhanced 8-min TT cycling performance (3.1%) in WorldTour cyclists with a concomitant hyperketonaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionBeta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that has been a focus of increasing research by its role as ergogenic aid to improve muscle performance.MethodsA randomized, double-blind and controlled trial was conducted to determine the effect of a nutritional supplement of a sustained-release formulation of β-alanine in recreational trained men. The active product was an innovative sustained-release β-alanine microgranules powder blend, administered at high doses (15 g/day) divided into 3 intakes during 30 days. There were 10 participants in the experimental group and 9 in the placebo group, with a mean age of 22.5 ± 3.3 years. Participants were testing at baseline and at the end of study.ResultsIn the β-alanine group, there were statistically increases in serum triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and urea nitrogen at the end of the study as compared with baseline, although there were no differences with the control group. The occurrence of paresthesia, described above all as tickling, was the majority but presented VAS score less than 3/10 in almost all subjects.DiscussionMore studies are required to evaluate the changes in blood parameters that can be caused by high intake of β-alanine during a long period of time.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT05334121).

Legumes play an essential role in sustainable agriculture due to their ability to fix nitrogen and high protein content. Vicia is a relevant genus of the Fabaceae family that includes important crop species, such as V. faba and V. sativa, but also other species considered minor crops. They are mainly used as animal feed and usually cope resiliently with extreme conditions; therefore, they could play an essential role in sustainable agriculture under the present scenario of climate change and growing population. However, the scarcity of commercial cultivars limits their use. The Spanish National Plant Genetic Resources Center has collections of several species of the genus Vicia, including international landraces, which could be an essential source of biodiversity for breeding programs. These seed resources are underutilized due to the limited availability of characterization data, including the lack of molecular markers for these species. In this study, we analyzed the cross-transferability of SSR (simple sequence repeat) molecular markers from V. sativa and V. ervilia to distinct species of the genus Vicia. We also used heterologous validated markers for the genotypic characterization and genetic diversity analysis of almost 500 accessions of three undercharacterized Vicia collections: V. articulata (one-flower vetch), V. ervilia (bitter vetch), and V. narbonensis (narbon bean or French vetch). Subsequently, these molecular data were integrated with passport and agromorphological data to select representative varieties from these Vicia collections and establish core collections, with minimum loss of genetic diversity versus the Spanish total collections. The characterization of these legume collections is an essential step from an economic and ecological point of view to obtain selected Vicia varieties to be used in sustainable agriculture.

Purpose/Aim: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are the most common traumatic ligament injuries of the knee, which course with impaired balance. The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of kinesiology tape on balance in subjects with non-operated anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Materials and Methods: 36 subjects were randomly assigned to the kinesiology tape group (KT = 20) and the non-standardized tape group (NST = 16). Balance was assessed in the following 3 conditions: no bandage, immediately after application, and after four days of use. The outcome measures used were the Sensory Organisation Test (SOT), assessed by computerised dynamic Posturography (CDP), the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT), the Spanish version of the KOOS and the Lysholm Knee Score. A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, with time as a within-subject factor and group as a between-subjects factor. Bonferroni correction was applied when the ANOVA was significant. Results: ANOVA showed that there was no significant interaction between group and time for all outcome measures. However, a significant effect on the time factor was observed for: composite SOT score in both groups immediately after tape application; composite SOT after four days of use in the KT group; mSEBT in the KT group immediately after tape application. The KOOS improved in both groups after four days of tape use, while the Lysholm Knee Score improved only in the NST group. Conclusions: No differences were observed between the KT or NST groups in balance measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias are more frequently exposed to polymedication, mainly due to the presence of comorbidities, are particularly vulnerable to drug-related problems, and present greater risk of adverse effects due to drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Purpose: To assess the prevalence of clinically relevant interactions in dementia patients using a routine database, we describe the most frequent interactions and risk factors associated with them to facilitate specific interventions and programs to prevent and minimize them. Methods: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study that included patients with AD and other types of dementia (n = 100, 64% female) was conducted to identify potential DDI in their treatment using the Lexi-Interact/Lexicomp® database. Results: A total of 769 drugs were prescribed, involving 190 different active ingredients; 83% of the treatments included five or more drugs. DDI occurred in 87% of the patients, of which 63.2% were female. A total of 689 DDIs were found, grouped in 448 drug pairs, with a mean of 6.9 ± 7.1 (range, 0–31) DDIs per patient, and 680 DDIs were considered clinically relevant. It was observed that 89.8% of the DDIs had a moderate level of severity, 23.5% had a good level of relevance, and pharmacodynamic-based DDIs accounted for 89.5%. The drugs most frequently involved in DDIs were quetiapine (24.5%) and acetylsalicylic acid (10%). A total of 97 DDIs were detected between the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), and the remaining drugs were administered concomitantly. One of the most frequent DDIs was between AChEIs and beta-blocking agents (n = 29, 4.3%). The most important factors that showed the strongest association with the presence of drug interactions were the use of AChEIs (p = 0.01) and the total number of drugs (p = 0.014) taken by the patient. Conclusion: Patients with dementia present increased risk of DDIs. Among the most common drugs are psychotropic drugs, which are involved in pharmacodynamic interactions caused by the concomitant use of CNS-targeted drugs. The results highlight the difficulty to evaluate DDIs in clinical practice due to polymedication and variety of comorbidities. Therefore, it is important to review their treatment and consider metabolism inhibition or induction, and potentially P450 substrate overlapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementia patients may have severe difficulties to ensure medication adherence due to their generally advanced age, polymedicated and multi-pathological situations as well as certain degree of cognitive impairment. Thus, the role of patient caregivers becomes crucial to warrantee treatment compliance.PurposeTo assess the factors associated to patients and caregivers on medication adherence of patients with AD and other types of dementia as well as the degree of caregiver satisfaction with respect to treatment.MethodsAn observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study among the caregivers of 100 patients with AD and other types of dementia of the “Cartagena and Region Association of Relatives of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and other Neurodegenerative Diseases” was conducted to assess patient and caregiver factors that influence medication adherence evaluated with the Morisky-Green-Levine test.ResultsOverall, adherence to treatment was 71%, with similar proportions between male and female patients. Greater adherence was found in married or widowed patients (49.3%), first degree (85.9%) or female (81.7%) caregivers but lower in AD patients (75.9%). Multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant positive association between non-adherence and male sex of the caregiver (OR 3.512 [95%IC 1.124–10.973]), dementia (OR 3.065 [95%IC 1.019–9.219]), type of caregiver (non-first-degree relative) (OR 0.325 [95%IC 0.054–0.672]) and civil status of the patient (OR 2.011 [95%IC 1.155–3.501]) favorable for married or widowed patients. No or week association was found with gender, age, education level, number of drugs used or polymedicated status of the patient. Caregivers considered the use (90%) and administration (91%) of the treatment easy or very easy and rarely interfered with their daily life, especially for female caregivers (p = 0.016). Finally, 71% indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment received by the patient.ConclusionsCaregivers influence therapeutic management with predictors for improved adherence including female gender and first-degree kinship, together with patient's marital status. Thus, training caregivers about the disease and the importance of medication adherence in AD patients may ensure optimal treatment.

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the impact of an education intervention for primary health care physicians, based on the knowledge of clinical practice guidelines and availability of rapid antigen detection test for group A streptococci (GAS), on the improvement of antibiotic prescription for patients with acute respiratory tract infections. Before and after the intervention, physicians collected data from ten consecutive patients who attended during a 3-week period. This process was performed twice a year for 6 consecutive years (2012–2017). A total of 18,001 patients were visited by 391 primary care physicians during the study period, 55.6% before intervention and 44.4% after intervention. After intervention, the antibiotic prescription decreased significantly, from 33.0 to 23.4% (p

Scientists and coaches seek effective ergogenic aids for performance improvement. Cyclists commonly use β-Alanine, which may enhance post-exercise recovery and physical performance. High-dose β-Alanine supplementation's impact on World Tour cyclists during a 7-day camp remains unstudied. This study aimed to analyse the effect of a high dose of β-alanine in World Tour cyclist during a 7-day camp. A double-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted. 11 cyclists were included in the final analysis: β-alanine supplementation (n = 5; VO2max: 67.6±1.6 ml/kg/min) and a placebo group (n = 6; VO2max: 68.0±2.4 ml/kg/min). The duration of the supplementation protocol was seven days with four daily intakes. The subjects commenced supplementation after the physical tests (immediately following the snack) and consumed the final intake after breakfast on the day of the final test (a total of 7 days and 3 additional doses, 31 servings in total; 5g per dosage; 155g the total cumulative amount). Before and after seven days of supplementation, the cyclists performed an uphill time trial. Blood lactate, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were measured during test. β-alanine supplementation improved the relative mean power attained during the time-trial compared with the control group (Z = -2.008; p = 0.045; Δ = 0.060), as well as the time needed to complete this trial (Z = -2.373; p = 0.018). As for physiological and metabolic variables, no significant change was found. In conclusion, the present study supports the effectiveness of one-week high dose of β-alanine during a cycling training in World Tour cyclists to improve their uphill time-trial performance. In addition, it is important to highlight the potential role of β-alanine in improving recovery power. This aspect is particularly relevant in the context of a training camp, where fatigue levels can increase alongside training intensity. Trial registration: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov: (identifier: NCT04427319). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A randomized, double-blind and controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intake of 250 mL of lactose-free skimmed milk enriched with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) alone or combined with tryptophan vs. non-enriched milk (control) on the subjective quality of sleep in healthy adults with sleep problems. The duration of supplementation was 90 days. Fifty-two eligible subjects were assigned to the study arms of ashwagandha 250 mg, ashwagandha 250 mg plus tryptophan 175 mg, ashwagandha 600 mg, and control with 13 subjects in each group. It was hypothesized that ashwagandha plus tryptophan could be superior to ashwagandha alone for improving sleep-related variables. Changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleep quality were significantly higher in the three experimental groups as compared with controls (p = 0.014). Improvements in the subscales of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were found in all groups, but between-group differences were not significant. In the index of insomnia severity, decreases were higher in the three experimental groups as compared with controls especially in the group of ashwagandha 600 mg. Daytime somnolence was also reduced in the three experimental groups. Changes in anxiety levels and Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire were not observed. The study products did not elicit changes in body composition and were well tolerated and safe. The data did not support the hypothesis, as the combination of ashwagandha and tryptophan did not show greater benefits in improving sleep quality than ashwagandha alone. However, the results from the three experimental groups containing ashwagandha were more favorable compared to the placebo group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In professional soccer, body composition analysis is crucial to assess preparation and optimize performance. Different playing positions have different physical demands, which can lead to variations in body composition. However, there are few studies on women's soccer that consider the playing position. This study aims to fill that gap by examining position-specific differences in anthropometric and body composition characteristics among Spanish professional female soccer players at the beginning and end of pre-season. Furthermore, it investigates the possible changes during the pre-season period between positions and correlates the data obtained from anthropometric equations with bioimpedance (BIA) measurements. Methods: Thirty-four female soccer players: 8 midfielders, 12 defenders, 11 forwards, and 3 goalkeepers (age: 23.06 ± 4.29 years, height: 164.15 ± 5.84 cm, weight: 58.39 ± 6.62 kg, and ∑6 skinfolds: 74.57 ± 18.48 mm) completed the study that lasted 4 weeks (pre-season) where they were measured anthropometrically and by bioimpedance twice. Results: Goalkeepers showed greater wingspan (176.60 ± 7.06 p < 0.05) compared to other positions. Regarding differences during pre-season, midfielders had the greatest decrease in ∑6 skinfolds compared to other positions (∆ −12.10 ± 5.69 p < 0.05). There was a correlation of % fat between Faulkner's equation and BIA (Pearson's r = 0.817). Conclusions: It seems that there are no significant differences in terms of positions and body composition, except for the wingspan and ankle diameter. During pre-season, midfielders are the ones who improve their body composition the greatest. The anthropometric equation for body fat that shows the highest correlation with BIA is Faulkner's equation, followed by Durnin's equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Physical inactivity implies a significant individual and society health burden. Objectives To assess the feasibility of implementing a preventive physical exercise (PE) programme for the general population and to analyse changes in fitness-related variables and quality of life. Methods Pre-post comparison study in which general practitioners and nurses recommended PE to participants with sedentary behaviour and hypertension or dyslipidaemia attending in primary care for primary prevention of ischaemic cardiovascular disease. Eligible participants were referred to a PE programme (10 weeks, three days a week, a total of 30 sessions of one-hour duration). Data was collected for five years (2013–2017). Outcome measures were body weight, body mass index (BMI), physical condition (aerobic fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, balance), and quality of life (SF-36). Results The PE programme was offered to 6,140 eligible subjects; 5,077 (82.7%) accepted to participate and received a recommendation; 3,656 (69.6% women) started the programme and 2,962 subjects (80.9% women) finished the programme. After 10 weeks, there were significant improvements (mean difference, 95% CI) in aerobic fitness (2.55 ml/min/kg, 2.32–2.79), muscle strength (0.62 m, 0.57 to 0.67), flexibility (2.34 cm, 2.06 to 2.63) and balance (−0.46 falls, −0.60 to −0.33) as well as significant decreases in body weight (−0.41 kg, −0.64 to −0.17) and BMI (−0.27 kg/m2, −0.34 to −0.20). Conclusion Implementation of a government-supported PE programme for the general population recruited in the primary care setting and recommended by healthcare professionals is feasible, and was associated with health benefits, mainly improvements in physical fitness.

Resumen: Objetivo: Medir los beneficios de un programa comunitario de ejercicio físico, a través de las modificaciones que se producen en calidad de vida, y condición física de mujeres perimenopáusicas-menopáusicas. Emplazamiento: Las participantes fueron reclutadas en consultas de Atención Primaria (AP) de dos centros de Salud de Molina de Segura (Murcia). Participantes: Mujeres de entre 40 y 70 años o menores de 40 diagnosticadas de menopausia precoz. Diseño: Estudio cuasiexperimental, no aleatorizado, controlado, abierto y unicéntrico con dos ramas paralelas a estudio. Intervención: Grupo experimental: programa de ejercicio ACTIVA-Salud Ósea durante seis meses. Control: Inactivos. Mediciones principales: Calidad de vida mediante cuestionario SF36. Condición física: Condición aeróbica, flexibilidad, equilibrio y fuerza, medida con los test de la milla, flamenco y el cajón, así como lanzamiento del balón medicinal, respectivamente. Nivel de actividad física a través del General practice physical activity questionnaire (GPPAQ). Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas y se midió la adherencia al programa. Resultados: La calidad de vida mejoró en el grupo intervención vs. control, salvo la dimensión «dolor corporal» (p = 0,412). A nivel intragrupo, presentan mejoría significativa todas las dimensiones, a excepción de «función física» (p = 0,263) y «dolor corporal» (p = 0,136). Las capacidades físicas que más se beneficiaron fueron la condición aeróbica, fuerza y equilibrio. Conclusiones: El pilotaje del Programa de ejercicio físico Activa Salud Ósea demostró beneficios sobre la calidad de vida física y mental de las participantes. Además, se constata que la realización de un ejercicio específico para mujeres premenopáusicas-menopáusicas mejora su condición física. Abstract: Objective: To measure the benefits of a physical exercise program in a community, through the modifications in quality of life, and perimenopausal–menopausal women physical condition. Setting: The participants were recruited in PC consultations from two health centers in Molina de Segura (Murcia). Participants: Women between 40 and 70 years old, or under 40 of age diagnosed with early menopause. Design: Quasi-experimental study, non-randomized, controlled, open and single-center with 2 parallel branches to study. Intervention: Experimental group: ACTIVA Bone Health Program for six months. Control: inactive. Main measurements in both groups: The SF 36 questionnaire was used to measure the Quality of life. Physical condition: Aerobic condition, flexibility, balance and strength measured with the mile, flamenco, flexibility box tests, and throwing the medicine ball, respectively. Physical activity level through the GPPAQ Questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables were collected and the adherence to the program was measured. Results: The quality of life improved in the intervention group compared to the control group, except «Body Pain» dimension (p = 0.412). As regards the intragroup level, all dimensions showed significant improvement except both «Physical Function» (p = 0.263) and «Body Pain» (p = 0.136). The physical capacities that benefited most were aerobic fitness, strength and balance. Conclusions: The Active Bone Health Physical Exercise Program piloting showed benefits on participants’ physical and mental quality of life. In addition, it has been shown that performing a specific physical exercise for premenopausal–menopausal women improves their physical condition.

This study evaluates the degree of empathy among medical students and its influencing factors at three critical moments of their degree studies (beginning of first year and end of third and sixth years) as well as establishes low-, medium-, and high-empathy cut-off points to obtain valid and reliable results that can be extrapolated to the general population. This cross-sectional study of the eight (public and private) medical schools in the province of Madrid, used an electronic questionnaire with the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE), Medical Student Well-Being Index, and other independent characteristics as measuring instruments. Of the 2,264 student participants, 1,679 (74.0%) were women, with a 50.7% participation rate. No significant differences were found in empathy levels by academic year. Regarding range, percentile and cut-off point tables were established to identify students with high, medium, and low empathy levels. Women (p

This 8-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study aimed to assess the effectiveness of supplementation with an extract of Cucumis sativus L. (20 mg/day) on pain and other variables in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) over 40 years. The change in pain intensity using a 1–10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) was the primary endpoint. Fifty-five patients (mean age 50.6 ± 8.6 years) were included (experimental group, n = 29; placebo, n = 26). VAS scores for pain decreased significantly in both study groups, but decreases were higher in the experimental group (between-group p = 0.013). Improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were also significantly higher in the experimental group. The Timed Up and Go test result also decreased significantly in the experimental group. An improvement in muscle function was associated with significant increases in isokinetic and isometric dynamometry variables, particularly for isometric 60°·s−1 and 180°·s−1 knee flexion exercises in the experimental group. Plasma levels of interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) also decreased significantly in the experimental group. Based on the beneficial effects of cucumber on symptomatology and inflammatory and cartilage degradation biomarkers in knee OA, cucumber extract supplementation may a useful natural approach to maintain healthy joints.

Seventy-one healthy subjects with sleep disturbances participated in a randomized, double-blind controlled trial in which dietary supplementation with an extract of Aloysia citrodora (lemon verbena) (n = 33) or placebo (n = 38) was administered for 90 days. There were between-group differences in favor of the experimental group in the visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleep quality (6.5 ± 1.6 vs. 5.5 ± 2.1, p = 0.021) as well as in the overall score (5.8 ± 2.4, p = 0.008) and scores for sleep latency (1.6 ± 1.0 vs. 1.9 ± 0.7, p = 0.027) and sleep efficiency (84.5 ± 12.8 vs. 79.8 ± 13.6, p = 0.023) in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Sleep-related variables (latency, efficiency, wakefulness after sleep onset, awakenings) assessed by actigraphy also showed better scores in the experimental group (p = 0.001). Plasma nocturnal melatonin levels also increased significantly in the experimental group (199.7 ± 135.3 vs. 174.7 ± 115.4 pg/mL, p = 0.048). Changes in anthropometric parameters and physical activity levels were not found. In summary, a dietary supplement of lemon verbena administered for 3 months was associated with a significant improvement in sleep quality as compared with placebo in a population of healthy subjects with sleep problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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