Hyperglucagonemia and glucagon hypersecretion in early type 2 diabetes result from multifaceted dysregulation of pancreatic mouse α-cells.

Hyperglucagonemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In contrast to β-cells, studies on the function of the pancreatic α-cell in T2D are scarce. Consequently, the processes underlying hyperglucagonemia and α-cell dysfunction are largely unknown, limiting the appropriate design of specific pharmacological and therapeutic strategies.

Unraveling the differential mechanisms of revascularization promoted by MSCs & ECFCs from adipose tissue or umbilical cord in a murine model of critical limb-threatening ischemia.

Background: Critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) constitutes the most severe manifestation of peripheral artery disease, usually induced by atherosclerosis. CLTI patients suffer from high risk of amputation of the lower extremities and elevated mortality rates, while they have low options for surgical revascularization due to associated comorbidities. Alternatively, cell-based therapeutic strategies represent an effective and safe approach to promote revascularization.

Benefits of Music Therapy in the Cognitive Impairments of Alzheimer's-Type Dementia: A Systematic Review.

: Alzheimer's disease is a condition that can cause memory, thinking, and behaviour impairments. This type of dementia affects approximately 50 million people globally. Currently, there is no remedy for this disease, but there are different treatment approaches, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, that try to alleviate the symptoms.

Endothelial progenitor cells as biomarkers of diabetes-related cardiovascular complications.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) constitutes a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose which can also lead to the so-called diabetic vascular complications (DVCs), responsible for most of the morbidity, hospitalizations and death registered in these patients. Currently, different approaches to prevent or reduce DM and its DVCs have focused on reducing blood sugar levels, cholesterol management or even changes in lifestyle habits. However, even the strictest glycaemic control strategies are not always sufficient to prevent the development of DVCs, which reflects the need to identify reliable biomarkers capable of predicting further vascular complications in diabetic patients.

Benefits of the Light Consumption of Red Wine in Pain, Tender Points, and Anxiety in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic widespread pain, as well as anxiety, sadness, and depression. These symptoms are present in most patients and have a negative impact on their daily, family, and social life. The role of neurotransmitters in the pathophysiology of FM has been extensively discussed.

Effects of Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Background: Parkinson's disease is characterised by the loss of balance and the presence of walking difficulties. The inclusion of rehabilitation therapies to complement pharmacological therapy allows for comprehensive management of the disease. In recent years, virtual reality has been gaining importance in the treatment of neurological diseases and their associated symptoms.

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review of Treatment Approaches.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a diverse array of conditions affecting both the structure and function of the jaw. The aetiology of TMDs is multifactorial and may arise from muscular and joint disorders, degenerative processes, or a combination of various symptoms. The objective of this review was to analyse the physiotherapy treatment techniques used for the management of temporomandibular disorders.

Effects of an Exercise for Well-Being and Physical Training Programme on Muscle Strength, Range of Movement, Respiratory Capacity and Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of an active exercise physiotherapy programme versus an exercise for well-being programme improving muscle strength, range of movement, respiratory capacity and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia. A randomized, assessor-blind, controlled trial was conducted. A total of 141 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were randomized to a physiotherapy exercise group ( = 47), an exercise for well-being group ( = 47) and a control group ( = 47).

Effects of a Cognitive Stimulation Program in Institutionalized Patients with Dementia.

Background: The advances achieved by the available research that focus on understanding memory operation and cognitive functions have helped the development of specific treatment approaches. These can help to maintain or improve the cognitive function and well-being of people with dementia. The use of cognitive stimulation in dementia has a long history.

A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions on Pain and Range of Joint Movement Associated with Burn Injuries.

Background: Burns are mild or severe lesions produced in living tissue, due to the action of different agents. This pathology is considered the third cause of accidental death in the world by the World Health Organization. Among the most disabling sequelae in these patients, pain and range of motion have the greatest impact.

Cross-Sectional Descriptive Pilot Study on the Risk of Psychotic Disorders among Adolescents.

Background: Adolescence is a key stage for the development of different mental disorders, particularly psychotic disorders. This stage of life is accompanied by new habits or behaviours that can make a person more vulnerable to developing a psychotic disorder or, on the contrary, play a protective role.

Objective: To study the vulnerability to developing a psychotic disorder in adolescents and to analyse the main risk factors.

The Impact of a Preterm Baby Arrival in a Family: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Pilot Study.

Background: The rate of premature births is increasing every day, with an estimated 15 million premature babies born worldwide each year. When a child is born prematurely, he or she is transferred to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), requiring special care on an ongoing basis. The admission of the newborn to these units can negatively affect the family routine as it generates changes and requires adaptation to new roles.

Long Term Response to Circulating Angiogenic Cells, Unstimulated or Atherosclerotic Pre-Conditioned, in Critical Limb Ischemic Mice.

Critical limb ischemia (CLI), the most severe form of peripheral artery disease, results from the blockade of peripheral vessels, usually correlated to atherosclerosis. Currently, endovascular and surgical revascularization strategies cannot be applied to all patients due to related comorbidities, and even so, most patients require re-intervention or amputation within a year. Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) constitute a good alternative as CLI cell therapy due to their vascular regenerative potential, although the mechanisms of action of these cells, as well as their response to pathological conditions, remain unclear.

Non-Participation in Breast Cancer Screening in Spain and Potential Application in the Present and Future: A Cross Sectional Study.

Background: Currently, we are beginning to observe a stabilisation and even a decrease in breast cancer mortality in the world, which may be related, among other reasons, to breast cancer screening.

Methods: The objective of this study was to analyse the different reasons why women do not participate in the Breast Cancer Early Detection Programme in Extremadura (Spain) and to discuss the results, offering possible tools to improve the screening programs. This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study.

Effects of Non-Pharmacological Treatment on Pain, Flexibility, Balance and Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

Background: The functional deficits in people with fibromyalgia can be related to the level of physical activity performed. This study investigated the effectiveness of an active exercise programme versus exercise for well-being improving pain, flexibility, static balance, perceived exertion and quality of life of women with fibromyalgia; Methods: A randomised, single-blind, controlled trial was conducted. A total of 141 of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were enrolled and randomised to an active exercise program group ( = 47), where they performed physical active exercises, an exercise for well-being group ( = 47), which performed the Qi Gong exercises named 'the twenty Wang Ziping figures for health and longevity', and a control group ( = 47), which did not receive any intervention, for a period of 4 weeks.

Effects of Physiotherapy vs. Acupuncture in Quality of Life, Pain, Stiffness, Difficulty to Work and Depression of Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Fibromyalgia is a chronic clinical condition characterized by pain and other associated symptoms that have a negative impact on the quality of life of the affected person. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a core stability training physiotherapy program compared to an acupuncture treatment on quality of life, pain, joint stiffness, difficulty to work and depression of women with fibromyalgia.

Methods: This was a single-blind, randomized clinical controlled trial.

Kinesio Taping vs. Auricular Acupressure for the Personalised Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhoea: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Dysmenorrhoea is the medical term for menstrual pain. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 81% of women of childbearing age are affected by this condition, and it is one of the leading causes of absenteeism from work and school among women. Although there are pharmacological treatments available for menstrual-pain relief, they do not respond to all women's needs.

Orthopaedic Disorders in Cerebral Palsy in International Cooperation Projects: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In international cooperation projects that are carried out in less developed and developing countries, a large number of children with disabilities present cerebral palsy (CP). Orthopaedic disorders are frequent complications associated with this disorder. Their prevention and early intervention are essential to achieve an appropriate therapeutic approach for children with PC and to improve their quality of life.

Effects of a Cognitive Rehabilitation Programme on the Independence Performing Activities of Daily Living of Persons with Dementia-A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: In all types of dementia, cognitive abilities are affected, behaviour is altered and functional capacity is progressively lost. This cognitive deterioration manifests in the decrease of abilities required to perform the activities of daily living (ADL). The objective of this pilot study was to assess the effect of an Occupational Therapy programme based on the training of ADL through cognitive stimulation on the independence of ADL of persons with dementia.

Music-Based Interventions in Paediatric and Adolescents Oncology Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background: The implications of cancer and its medical treatment are traumatic, highly stressful and have great psychosocial impact. Therefore, a comprehensive treatment is essential and music-based interventions can play an important role. The objective of this study is to summarise research that assesses the effects of music therapy in paediatric and adolescent patients with cancer during the process of the disease.

REX-001, a BM-MNC Enriched Solution, Induces Revascularization of Ischemic Tissues in a Murine Model of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells (BM-MNC) constitute a promising alternative for the treatment of Chronic Limb-Threatening ischemia (CLTI), a disease characterized by extensive blockade of peripheral arteries, clinically presenting as excruciating pain at rest and ischemic ulcers which may lead to gangrene and amputation. BM-MNC implantation has shown to be efficient in promoting angiogenesis and ameliorating ischemic symptoms in CLTI patients. However, the variability seen between clinical trials makes necessary a further understanding of the mechanisms of action of BM-MNC, and moreover, to improve trial characteristics such as endpoints, inclusion/exclusion criteria or drug product compositions, in order to implement their use as stem-cell therapy.

Attitude towards People with Disability of Nursing and Physiotherapy Students.

Background: Attitudes are a component of our behaviour. Health professionals should have a global perspective of disability. They must provide treatment to people with disability and care for them, but they also should accept them with no judgements or discrimination.

Atherosclerotic Pre-Conditioning Affects the Paracrine Role of Circulating Angiogenic Cells Ex-Vivo.

In atherosclerosis, circulating angiogenic cells (CAC), also known as early endothelial progenitor cells (eEPC), are thought to participate mainly in a paracrine fashion by promoting the recruitment of other cell populations such as late EPC, or endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC), to the injured areas. There, ECFC replace the damaged endothelium, promoting neovascularization. However, despite their regenerative role, the number and function of EPC are severely affected under pathological conditions, being essential to further understand how these cells react to such environments in order to implement their use in regenerative cell therapies.

Molecular signatures of atherosclerotic plaques: An up-dated panel of protein related markers.

Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of ischemic syndromes such as myocardial infarction or brain stroke, mainly promoted by plaque rupture and subsequent arterial blockade. Identification of vulnerable or high-risk plaques constitutes a major challenge, being necessary to identify patients at risk of occlusive events in order to provide them with appropriate therapies. Clinical imaging tools have allowed the identification of certain structural indicators of prone-rupture plaques, including a necrotic lipidic core, intimal and adventitial inflammation, extracellular matrix dysregulation, and smooth muscle cell depletion and micro-calcification.