Socio-economic factors linked with mental health during the recession: a multilevel analysis.

Background: Periods of financial crisis are associated with higher psychological stress among the population and greater use of mental health services. The objective is to analyse contextual factors associated with mental health among the Spanish population during the recession.

Methodology: Cross-sectional, descriptive study of two periods: before the recession (2006) and after therecession (2011-2012).

Evolution of the Maillard Reaction in Glutamine or Arginine-Dextrinomaltose Model Systems.

Enteral formulas are foods designed for medical uses to feed patients who are unable to eat normally. They are prepared by mixing proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and fats and submitted to sterilization. During thermal treatment, the Maillard reaction takes place through the reaction of animo acids with reducing sugars.

Evaluation of the Availability and Antioxidant Capacity of Maillard Compounds Present in Bread Crust: Studies in Caco-2 Cells.

Bread crust is one of the major contributors to the intake of Maillard reaction products (MRP). MRP improve the organoleptic properties of foods and can provide biological actions such as antioxidant properties. The transport and availability of Amadori compounds (measured as furosine) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)-early and intermediary MRP-from enzymatically digested bread crust (BC) and from its soluble low-molecular weight (LMW) and high-molecular weight (HMW) fractions were investigated in the Caco-2 cell line.

Improvements in health-related quality of life, cardio-metabolic health, and fitness in postmenopausal women after a supervised, multicomponent, adapted exercise program in a suited health promotion intervention: a multigroup study.

Objectives: This study explored the multidimensional outcomes that resulted from the adherence to regular exercise among previously sedentary postmenopausal women. The exercise was managed through a supervised, multicomponent, adapted approximately 20-week program in a suited health promotion intervention.

Methods: A multigroup, mixed-design study with between-group (intervention, sedentary, and active women) and within-subject measures (baseline, postintervention, and 3- and 12-month follow-ups) was conducted using intention-to-treat methodology.

Molecular, Cellular and Pharmaceutical Aspects of Biomaterials in Dentistry and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. An Internationalization of Higher Education and Research Perspective.

In dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery, the development of implantable biomaterials and the understanding of their molecular, cellular and pharmaceutical aspects are currently major fields of research and education, with a considerable impact on the daily clinical practice and the evolution of therapeutic strategies. In the era of globalized economy of knowledge and science, this scientific domain needs the development of global cooperation and a paradigm evolution in the organizational culture of the dental sciences and related dental industry. Despite political pressure and theoretical efforts, the internationalization of higher education and research today in dentistry and biomaterials remains in general quite superficial and mostly dependent on the efforts of a few leaders of internationalization working through their personal networks, as it was assessed through the FAST scores (Fast Assessment Screening Test) calculated in various dental schools and groups worldwide through the ISAIAS program (Intercultural Sensitivity Academic Index &Advanced Standards).

Cost analysis and cost-benefit analysis of a medication review with follow-up service in aged polypharmacy patients.

Background: Drug related problems have a significant clinical and economic burden on patients and the healthcare system. Medication review with follow-up (MRF) is a professional pharmacy service aimed at improving patient's health outcomes through an optimization of the medication.

Objective: To ascertain the economic impact of the MRF service provided in community pharmacies to aged polypharmacy patients comparing MRF with usual care, by undertaking a cost analysis and a cost-benefit analysis.

Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and thyroid function in pregnant women and children: A systematic review of epidemiologic studies.

Introduction: Thyroid hormones (THs) are especially important for brain maturation and development during the fetal period and childhood. Several epidemiological studies have assessed the possible association between exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and thyroid outcomes during the early stages of life. We aimed to review this evidence.

Numeracy Predicts Risk of Pre-Hospital Decision Delay: a Retrospective Study of Acute Coronary Syndrome Survival.

Background: Many patients delay seeking medical attention during acute coronary syndromes (ACS), profoundly increasing their risk for death and major disability. Although research has identified several risk factors, efforts to improve patient decision making have generally been unsuccessful, prompting a call for more research into psychological factors.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to estimate the relationship between ACS decision delay and numeracy, a factor closely related to general decision making skill and risk literacy.

Liquid biopsy in early stage lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths worldwide. Surgery is the standard treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, 30% to 80% of these patients will die within 5 yearS of diagnosis.

Voice Habits and Behaviors: Voice Care Among Flamenco Singers.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the vocal behavior of flamenco singers, as compared with classical music singers, to establish a differential vocal profile of voice habits and behaviors in flamenco music.

Method: Bibliographic review was conducted, and the Singer's Vocal Habits Questionnaire, an experimental tool designed by the authors to gather data regarding hygiene behavior, drinking and smoking habits, type of practice, voice care, and symptomatology perceived in both the singing and the speaking voice, was administered. We interviewed 94 singers, divided into two groups: the flamenco experimental group (FEG, n = 48) and the classical control group (CCG, n = 46).

Main nutrient patterns and colorectal cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study.

Background: Much of the current literature on diet-colorectal cancer (CRC) associations focused on studies of single foods/nutrients, whereas less is known about nutrient patterns. We investigated the association between major nutrient patterns and CRC risk in participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study.

Methods: Among 477 312 participants, intakes of 23 nutrients were estimated from validated dietary questionnaires.

Gene polymorphisms as predictors of response to biological therapies in psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune skin disease, characterized by the formation of erythematous scaly plaques on the skin and joints. The therapies for psoriasis are mainly symptomatic and sometimes with poor response. Response among patients is very variable, especially with biological drugs (adalimumab, etarnecept, infliximab and ustekimumab).

Coexisting with dependence and well-being: the results of a pilot study intervention on 75-99-year-old individuals.

Background: The objective of this study is to design and implement an intervention program centered on preventing functional dependence.

Methods: A pre/post quasi-experimental (typical case) design study with a control group was conducted on a group of 75-90-year-old individuals with functional dependence (n = 59) at three nursing homes in Madrid (Spain). The intervention program consists of two types of activities developed simultaneously.

Relationship between hospitalization and functional and cognitive impairment in hospitalized older adults patients.

Objectives: To study changes in the cognitive status and dependency of patients aged over 65 years during hospitalization for bone fracture and how these changes relate to the total number of days of admission and absolute rest during hospitalization. Along with cognitive decline, musculoskeletal disorders are considered key factors in this patient population. As well as requiring hospital admission and/or surgical treatment, fractures increase the risk factors that contribute to disability and dependency in older adults.

Qualitative study on the implementation of professional pharmacy services in Australian community pharmacies using framework analysis.

Background: Multiple studies have explored the implementation process and influences, however it appears there is no study investigating these influences across the stages of implementation. Community pharmacy is attempting to implement professional services (pharmaceutical care and other health services). The use of implementation theory may assist the achievement of widespread provision, support and integration.

Pharmacogenetic predictors of toxicity to platinum based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for NSCLC patients with EGFR wild-type, and as alternative to failure to EGFR inhibitors. However, this treatment is aggressive and most patients experience grade 3-4 toxicities. ERCC1, ERCC2, ERCC5, XRCC1, MDM2, ABCB1, MTHFR, MTR, SLC19A1, IL6 and IL16 gene polymorphisms may contribute to individual variation in toxicity to chemotherapy.

Application of randomized response techniques for investigating cannabis use by Spanish university students.

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in developed countries, and has a significant impact on mental and physical health in the general population. Although the evaluation of levels of substance use is difficult, a method such as the randomized response technique (RRT), which includes both a personal component and an assurance of confidentiality, provides a combination which can achieve a considerable degree of accuracy. Various RRT surveys have been conducted to measure the prevalence of drug use, but to date no studies have been made of the effectiveness of this approach in surveys with respect to quantitative variables related to drug use.

Effectiveness of an intervention to improve diabetes self-management on clinical outcomes in patients with low educational level.

Objective: To determine whether an intervention based on patient-practitioner communication is more effective than usual care in improving diabetes self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes with low educational level.

Methods: 12-month, pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial. Nine physicians and 184 patients registered at two practices in a deprived area of Granada (Andalusia, Spain) participated in the study.

Effectiveness of a protocolized dispensing service in community pharmacy for improving patient medication knowledge.

Background Sufficient patient medication knowledge is essential for appropriate use. The dispensing service provided in community pharmacies is one method that may be used to educate patients on their medications. Objective To compare the effectiveness of protocolized dispensing (following a dispensing protocol that includes standardized patient education), with the effectiveness of traditional dispensing (provision of medication without standardized patient education and information provided only if directly requested), for improving patient medication knowledge.

Fermented goat milk consumption during anaemia recovery: ergogenic effect and improvement of skeletal muscle homeostasis.

Purpose: Anaemia is associated with fatigue and diminished muscular oxygenation, which may affect skeletal muscle (SM). No studies are available about the SM modifications during anaemia recovery; therefore, the aim of this study is to study SM homeostasis during anaemia recovery with fermented milks.

Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were placed on a pre-experimental period of 40 days, divided in two groups (control group receiving normal-Fe diet and Fe-deficient group receiving low-Fe diet).

Adoption of trastuzumab for breast cancer in four emerging countries in the use of health technology assessment: a case study.

Aim: To describe processes for the adoption of trastuzumab in four countries in the use of health technology assessment (HTA): Poland, Albania, Brazil and Colombia.

Materials & Methods: Mixed methods were used for collection and triangulation of data. Data were examined following a conceptual framework connecting HTA process steps and key principles.

Beneficial effects of legumes on parameters of the metabolic syndrome: a systematic review of trials in animal models.

Legume consumption plays a pivotal role in the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). This systematic review aimed to highlight the beneficial effects of legume interventions for the prevention and/or improvement of parameters related to the MetS and the implicated metabolic pathways so far reported. The methodology involved a search in four electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library) from January 2007 to December 2014, considering as descriptors 'Metabolic Syndrome' and 'Fabaceae' and adequately adjusting the equation in each one of them.

Pre-diagnostic meat and fibre intakes in relation to colorectal cancer survival in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

Improvements in colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and treatment have led to greater numbers of CRC survivors, for whom there is limited evidence on which to provide dietary guidelines to improve survival outcomes. Higher intake of red and processed meat and lower intake of fibre are associated with greater risk of developing CRC, but there is limited evidence regarding associations with survival after CRC diagnosis. Among 3789 CRC cases in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort, pre-diagnostic consumption of red meat, processed meat, poultry and dietary fibre was examined in relation to CRC-specific mortality (n 1008) and all-cause mortality (n 1262) using multivariable Cox regression models, adjusted for CRC risk factors.

ABCB1 C3435T gene polymorphism as a potential biomarker of clinical outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

HER2-positive breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab schemes have good initial clinical outcomes. Despite this beneficial effect, many patients experiment resistance to these drugs. Several gene polymorphisms in ABCB1, HER2, and CCND1 have been proposed as potential predictors of clinical outcomes of trastuzumab schemes.