Search

The aim of this study was to analyse whether specialised musical training influences auditory discrimination, working memory, learning strategies and academic performance. Sixty students (30 with at least four years of musical training and 30 without) of the same socioeconomic level were compared. Significant differences were found between students with and without musical training in terms of learning strategies, working memory and academic performance (p= <0.05). This study shows the benefits of musical training offered at specialised centres, the development of students' cognitive skills and the contributions of neuroscience to improving professional practice.

BackgroundThe anti-inflammatory effect could be one of the mechanisms by which semaglutide reduces cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or obesity. Determining the anti-inflammatory effect of semaglutide was the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsThis meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed to detect randomised clinical trials that have quantified the effect of semaglutide on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels compared to placebo or a control group (other glucose-lowering drugs). The primary outcome was CRP index (final CRP/basal CRP). A random-effects model was used.ResultsThirteen randomised clinical trials were considered eligible (n = 26,131). Overall, semaglutide therapy was associated with lower CRP index values compared to the placebo group (SMD −0.56; 95% CI −0.69 to −0.43, I2 92%) or the control group (SMD −0.45; 95% CI −0.68 to −0.23, I2 82%).Such an association was similarly observed when different treatment regimens (subcutaneous vs. oral) or different populations (patients with or without T2DM) were analysed. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust.ConclusionThe present meta-analysis demonstrated that the use of semaglutide was associated with a reduction in inflammation irrespective of the population evaluated or the treatment regimen used. These findings would explain one of the mechanisms by which semaglutide reduces cardiovascular events.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO [CRD42024500551].

This Consensus comes to light in the midst of one of the worst global health crises in the last 100 years. SARS-CoV-2 and its clinical manifestation, COVID-19, have caused a disruption in how doctors and patients interact. Although it is an infectious disease, one of the most notable characteristics is that its mortality increases in patients with chronic non-communicable diseases and, in particular, with a history of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this context, then, we believe that the recommendations made in this document, which aim to identify and protect these patients, become more relevant, while the implementation, beyond the statements, of specific cardiometabolic prevention policies becomes a priority.

Introduction: One of the lines of research that has aroused great interest in recent years has been to determine the role played by certain cognitive abilities in academic performance. This article describes the relationship between executive functions (interference, flexibility and planning) and empathy and their influence on the academic performance of a group of students enrolled in an institute of Basic Vocational Training (BVT). Method: The sample was composed of 80 students between the ages of 15 and 19 years. The instruments used were: STROOP (interference), Trail Making Test (TMT) (flexibility), Tower of Hanoi (planning) and TCAE (Test of Cognitive and Affective Empathy). The academic performance variable was assessed using qualifications obtained in the Social/Language and Science/Technology areas (grades from the different subjects). Pearson correlations and multiple regressions were applied. Results: The results show no significant relation between executive functions and empathy. The level of executive functions explained 15% of the variability in academic performance, while empathy had no significant influence. Discussion and conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance of examining development of executive functions in adolescent BVT students, and determining their influence on academic performance.

Abstract Background: Different strategies have been proposed for the cardiovascular risk management of patients with psoriasis. Objective: To estimate the cardiovascular risk and evaluate two cardiovascular prevention strategies in patients with psoriasis, analyzing which proportion of patients would be candidates to receive statin therapy. Methods: A retrospective cohort was selected from a secondary database. All patients >18 years with psoriasis without cardiovascular disease or lipid-lowering treatment were included. The atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease calculator (2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines) and the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation risk calculator (2016 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Atherosclerosis guidelines) were calculated. The SCORE risk value was adjusted by a multiplication factor of 1.5. The recommendations for the indication of statins suggested by both guidelines were analyzed. Results: A total of 892 patients (mean age 59.9 ± 16.5 years, 54.5% women) were included. The median atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease calculator and Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation values were 13.4% (IQR 6.1-27.0%) and 1.9% (IQR 0.4-5.2), respectively. According to the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease calculator, 20.1%, 11.0%, 32.9%, and 36.4% of the population was classified at low, borderline, moderate, or high risk. Applying the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation, 26.5%, 42.9%, 20.8%, and 9.8% of patients were stratified as having low, moderate, high, or very high risk, respectively. The proportion of subjects with statin indication was similar using both strategies: 60.1% and 60.9% for the 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and 2016 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Atherosclerosis guidelines, respectively. Study limitations: This was a secondary database study. Data on the severity of psoriasis and pharmacological treatments were not included in the analysis. Conclusion: This population with psoriasis was mostly classified at moderate-high risk and the statin therapy indication was similar when applying the two strategies evaluated.

En la presente investigación se ha realizado una evaluación de la escritura en estudiantes con diagnóstico de Trastorno por Déficit de Atención con Hiperactividad (TDAH). Para ello, se analizan las diferencias en el desarrollo de la escritura en sujetos con TDAH a lo largo de 5 años, comparándolas con otros estudiantes sin diagnóstico de TDAH. Los participantes son 24 sujetos clasificados en dos grupos, con y sin TDAH, siendo evaluados a través de subpruebas del Test de Análisis de lectura y escritura (TALE) en el año 2014 y 5 años después, 2019. Los resultados muestran, en aquellos participantes sin TDAH, que a medida que mantienen la escolarización su grafismo tiende a mejorar. Por otra parte, aquellos estudiantes con TDAH muestran mejoría únicamente en el tamaño de las letras y en la interlineación. Por lo tanto, se evidencia que, 5 años después, este colectivo mejora menos en el grafismo y, resulta necesario realizar algún programa de intervención rehabilitadora en esta población.

Progress in applied neuroscience and neuropsychology in the educational context has revealed efficient methodologies for preventing academic failure and developing the potential of students. The aim of this work is to adopt a neuropsychological perspective to study learning-related differences between students with learning difficulties (LD), without LD, and with high capacity. We evaluated visual, auditory, motor, touch, writing, language, and memory functionality in 156 students between 5 and 8 years of age. The results of the 3 × 4 factorial analysis (p < 0.01) and the effect size (?[superscript 2][subscript p]) indicate a medium-large interaction effect between the three groups of subjects and the school year (most of the students with LD have lower scores in the neuropsychological areas evaluated than students with high abilities). These findings also hint at novel research areas for preventing academic failure and developing student capacities from a neuropsychological perspective based on basic cognitive functions.

The authors' aim was to analyze the relationship of eye movements, auditory perception, and phonemic awareness with the reading process. The instruments used were the King-Devick Test (saccade eye movements), the PAF test (auditory perception), the PFC (phonemic awareness), the PROLEC-R (lexical process), the Canals reading speed test, and the ACL-1 (reading comprehension). The sample was composed of 52 first-year primary school pupils. After the correlational analysis, results indicate that all of these factors correlate in reading (lexical process, speed, and word comprehension). Moreover, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney "U" test reveals that children with saccade eye movements and auditory perception problems obtain lower reading levels. In addition, children with lexical problems obtain a lower level of phonemic awareness. Given the importance of these variables, the authors conclude with a proposal of neuropsychological activities to improve reading skills.

ABSTRACT Objectives Cardiovascular risk estimated by several scores in patients with diabetes mellitus without a cardiovascular disease history and the association with carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) were the aims of this study. Materials and methods Cardiovascular risk was calculate using United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) risk engine, Framingham risk score for cardiovascular (FSCV) and coronary disease (FSCD), and the new score (NS) proposed by the 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol. Ultrasound was used to assess CAP occurrence. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. Results One hundred seventy patients (mean age 61.4 ± 11 years, 58.8% men) were included. Average FSCV, FSCD and NS values were 33.6% ± 21%, 20.6% ± 12% and 24.8% ± 18%, respectively. According to the UKPDS score, average risk of coronary disease and stroke were 22.1% ± 16% and 14.3% ± 19% respectively. Comparing the risks estimated by the different scores a significant correlation was found. The prevalence of CAP was 51%, in patients with the higher scores this prevalence was increased. ROC analysis showed a good discrimination power between subjects with or without CAP. Conclusion The cardiovascular risk estimated was high but heterogenic. The prevalence of CAP increased according to the strata of risk. Understanding the relationship between CAP and scores could improve the risk estimation in subjects with diabetes.

La lectura es un proceso complejo en el que intervienen factores perceptivos, lingüísticos, cognitivos y neuropsicológicos. Algunos factores neuropsicológicos participan en el proceso lector desde su inicio, tales como los movimientos oculares que se realizan en la lectura, la motricidad y la lateralidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relación entre estos factores neuropsicológicos y la comprensión lectora en alumnos de Educación Primaria. Para ello se seleccionó una muestra de 52 niños de ocho años de edad en los que se evaluaron los movimientos oculares sacádicos para leer, los patrones motores básicos, la lateralidad y la comprensión lectora. Con los datos obtenidos se ha realizado un estudio descriptivo y correlacional cuyos resultados mostraron que existe una relación positiva y significativa entre las variables y que los alumnos con mejor habilidad de movimientos oculares sacádicos, mejor ejecución en patrones motores básicos y lateralidad homogénea obtuvieron mayores puntuaciones en comprensión lectora. Este estudio abre nuevas perspectivas teóricas y científicas para el aprendizaje de la lectura y la calidad educativa.

Background:Previous reports have inferred a linear relationship between LDL-C and changes in coronary plaque volume (CPV) measured by intravascular ultrasound. However, these publications included a small number of studies and did not explore other lipid markers.Objective:To assess the association between changes in lipid markers and regression of CPV using published data.Methods:We collected data from the control, placebo and intervention arms in studies that compared the effect of lipidlowering treatments on CPV, and from the placebo and control arms in studies that tested drugs that did not affect lipids. Baseline and final measurements of plaque volume, expressed in mm3, were extracted and the percentage changes after the interventions were calculated. Performing three linear regression analyses, we assessed the relationship between percentage and absolute changes in lipid markers and percentage variations in CPV.Results:Twenty-seven studies were selected. Correlations between percentage changes in LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and percentage changes in CPV were moderate (r = 0.48, r = 0.47, and r = 0.44, respectively). Correlations between absolute differences in LDL-C, non‑HDL-C, and ApoB with percentage differences in CPV were stronger (r = 0.57, r = 0.52, and r = 0.79). The linear regression model showed a statistically significant association between a reduction in lipid markers and regression of plaque volume.Conclusion:A significant association between changes in different atherogenic particles and regression of CPV was observed. The absolute reduction in ApoB showed the strongest correlation with coronary plaque regression.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la relación entre creatividad, atención y su repercusión en los resultados académicos en las enseñanzas profesionales de música. Para ello, se ha seleccionado una muestra de 84 alumnos de entre 12 y 18 años (M = 14.79; DT = 2.29) que cursan Enseñanzas Profesionales en un Conservatorio de Música público y reglado. Se utilizaron como instrumentos de medida el Test de Inteligencia Creativa (CREA; Corbalán et al. 2003) y el Test de Atención (d2; Brickenkamp, 2004). Se hallaron correlaciones positivas y estadísticamente significativas entre (a) atención y creatividad y (b) atención y resultados académicos musicales. En cambio, se hallaron correlaciones negativas y estadísticamente significativas entre creatividad y rendimiento académico musical. Tras los resultados se pueden establecer programas preventivos o potenciadores de la creatividad y la atención, con el fin de fomentar que la totalidad del alumnado de conservatorio alcance su máximo potencial y un alto rendimiento, ya que éstos son el reflejo de un aprendizaje más eficaz.

Copyright of Revista Interuniversitaria de Formación del Profesorado is the property of Asociacion Universitaria de Formacion del Profesorado (AUFOP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background: Subjects with levels of non-HDL-C 30 mg/dL above those of LDL-C (lipid discordance) or with high remnant cholesterol levels could have a greater residual cardiovascular risk. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of lipid discordance in a primary prevention population and analyze the clinical variables associated with it; To investigate the association between lipid discordance and remnant cholesterol with the presence of carotid plaque. Methods: Primary prevention patients without diabetes or lipid-lowering therapy were included. Regardless of the LDL-C level, we define “lipid discordance” if the non-HDL-C value exceeded 30 mg/dL that of LDL-C. Remnant cholesterol was calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL-C minus LDL-C when triglycerides were < 4.0 mmol/L. Ultrasound was used to assess carotid plaque occurrence. Multiple regression logistic models were performed. Results: The study included 772 patients (mean age 52 ± 11 years, 66% women). The prevalence of lipid discordance was 34%. Male sex and body mass index were independently associated with discordant lipid pattern. The prevalence of carotid plaque was higher in subjects with lipid discordance (40.2% vs. 29.2, p = 0.002). The multivariate analysis showed that the discordant lipid pattern was associated with the greater probability of carotid plaque (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.08-2.34, p = 0.02). Similarly, a significant association between calculated remnant cholesterol and carotid plaque was found. Conclusion: Lipid discordance and presence of a higher level of calculated remnant cholesterol are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Our findings could be used to improve the residual cardiovascular risk evaluation.

Scientific achievements related to brain processes provide innovation and improvements in students’ learning. The aim of this study was to analyse, relate, and compare learning strategies and academic performance of students from a neuropsychological perspective. For this, we applied the ACRA scale to 438 students to evaluate learning strategies such as acquisition, codification, retrieval and information processing support. Further, we analysed the influence of these strategies on academic performance. The results reveal that, with respect to academic performance, the students show lower scores on acquisition strategies and retrieval compared with the others, and they show more difficulties in Language and Chemistry and Physics. We found that the use of strategies was related to enhanced academic performance for all the students. We also found differences in the use of all strategies depending on academic performance. Thus, we propose an innovative, neuropsychological and technological intervention program that focuses on learning strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]