Search Results (8)

Background: Prostate cancer is highly prevalent in Spanish men. Although physical activity has benefits on several factors in prostate cancer survivors, this is diminished after medical oncology treatment. Cancer-related fatigue is one of the main barriers to physical activity, leading to a decrease in activity levels in these patients. Therefore, it is essential to assess physical activity in an efficient and simple way in order to design rehabilitation programmes for this population. Objective: The aim was to translate and adapt the Godin–Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSLTPAQ) for Spanish-speaking prostate cancer patients and to assess its validity and reliability using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) as a reference standard. Methods: Following Beaton’s guidelines, the GSLTPAQ was back-translated and cross-culturally adapted. Validity and reliability were assessed with a sample of thirty prostate cancer patients. Internal consistency and test-retest variability were also evaluated. Results: The Spanish GSLTPAQ demonstrated excellent validity, with high correlations with the IPAQ for light (r = 0.924), moderate (r = 0.931), and vigorous activities (r = 0.882). Internal consistency was strong (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.845–0.950). Test-retest reliability showed strong intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for all activity levels, indicating good reliability. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the GSLTPAQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing physical activity in prostate cancer patients. It shows strong correlations with the IPAQ, excellent internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Full article

Background and Objectives: Previous studies showed that, paradoxically, obese patients with heart failure (HF) have better clinical outcomes compared to overweight, normal, or underweight patients. Scientific societies emphasize the importance of integrating quality of life (QoL) assessment in cardiovascular care. However, the association between QoL and weight remains understudied. Given the significant correlation between HF survival and QoL, it is essential to assess how obesity impacts patient-reported outcomes in this clinical setting. Methods: This cross-sectional multicenter study in 1028 HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) aims to evaluate the association between obesity and QoL, and whether the obesity paradox holds for HF patients regarding QoL. Specific and generic QoL questionnaires were administered alongside clinical parameters like body mass index (BMI) and body adiposity estimator (BAE). Results: Obese compared to non-obese reported worse QoL. In the adjusted linear regression models, neither BMI nor obesity were associated with QoL. Generalized additive models confirmed a strong non-parametric association between BMI, subdomain scores from Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) (OSS p = 0.004, CSS p = 0.006, TSS p = 0.02), and summary measurements of EQ-5D (EQ-5D index p = 0.003, visual analogue scale (VAS) p = 0.01). In contrast, BAE showed a statistically significant linear relation among QoL (OSS p ≤ 0.001, CSS p ≤ 0.001, TSS p ≤ 0.001) and EQ-5D summary measurements (EQ-5D index p ≤ 0.001, VAS p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, obese patients have worse QoL; therefore, obesity cannot be considered a protective factor in terms of QoL in established HF. Full article

It is known that lung cancer survivors experience sequelae due to the evolution of the disease and oncological treatment. However, there is no consensus about their sequelae after radiotherapy treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical–functional profile of lung cancer survivors who receive radiotherapy treatment. This prospective observational study evaluated lung cancer patients who were candidates for radiotherapy treatment in the oncological radiotherapy unit of San Cecilio University Hospital in Granada. Symptoms (i.e., fatigue, cough, and dyspnea), functionality (i.e., physical activity levels and muscle mass), and quality of life were evaluated pre- and post-radiotherapy treatment. Sixty-five participants were included, and sixty-one completed both evaluations. Patients showed a significant increase in symptoms (p < 0.05) and a decline in functionality (p < 0.001) after completing radiotherapy. Quality of life was significantly lower after completing radiotherapy treatment (p < 0.05). Lung cancer survivors showed an increase in symptoms, a decline in physical activity levels, and a decline in perceived quality of life after receiving radiotherapy treatment. These results provide more accurate knowledge about the functional impairment experienced by lung cancer patients and can facilitate the future management of impairment in lung cancer patients, thus improving their quality of life. Full article

Introduction: It is a matter of controversy whether the therapeutic strategy for severe aortic stenosis (AS) differs according to gender. Methods: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with severe AS (transvalvular mean gradient ≥ 40 mmHg and/or aortic valvular area < 1 cm²) between 2009 and 2019. Our aim was to assess the association of sex on AVR or medical management and outcomes in patients with severe AS. Results: 452 patients were included. Women (51.1%) were older than men (80 ± 8.4 vs. 75.8 ± 9.9 years; p < 0.001). Aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed less frequently in women (43.4% vs. 53.2%; p = 0.03), but multivariate analyses showed that sex was not an independent predictor factor for AVR. Age, Charlson index and symptoms were predictive factors (OR 0.81 [0.82–0.89], OR 0.81 [0.71–0.93], OR 22.02 [6.77–71.64]). Survival analysis revealed no significant association of sex within all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities (log-rank p = 0.63 and p = 0.07). Cox proportional hazards analyses showed AVR (HR: 0.1 [0.06–0.15]), Charlson index (HR: 1.13 [1.06–1.21]) and reduced LVEF (HR: 1.9 [1.32–2.73]) to be independent cardiovascular mortality predictors. Conclusions: Gender is not associated with AVR or long-term prognosis. Cardiovascular mortality was associated with older age, more comorbidity and worse LVEF. Full article

In October 2020, we conducted a population-based prospective cohort study to determine post-COVID-19 complications, recovery, return to usual health, and associated risk factors in 536 cases of COVID-19 outbreak in Borriana (Spain) by administering an epidemiological questionnaire via phone interviews. A total of 484 patients participated (90.3%), age mean 37.2 ± 17.1 years, and 301 females (62.2%). Mild illness was the most common COVID-19 manifestation. After six months, 160 patients (33.1%) suffered at least one complication post-COVID-19, and 47 (29.4%) of them sought medical assistance. The most frequent persistent symptoms were hair loss, fatigue, loss of smell or taste, and headache. Risk factors associated with a complication were female sex (adjusted relative risk, [aRR] = 1.93 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–2.65), age 35 years and above (aRR = 1.50 95% CI 1.14–1.99), B blood group (aRR = 1.51 95% CI 1.04–2.16), current smoker (RR = 1.61 95% CI 1.02–2.54), and at least a COVID-19 exposure (aRR = 2.13 95% CI 1.11–4.09). Male sex, age younger than 35 years, and low COVID-19 exposures were associated with better recovery and return to usual health. A third of patients presented persistent symptoms compatible with the long-COVID-19 syndrome. In conclusion, an active medical follow-up of post-COVID-19 patients must be implemented. Full article

The gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic ecosystem essential for the proper functioning of the organism, affecting the health and disease status of the individuals. There is continuous and bidirectional communication between gut microbiota and the host, conforming to a unique entity known as “holobiont”. Among these crosstalk mechanisms, the gut microbiota synthesizes a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds or metabolites which exert pleiotropic effects on the human organism. Many of these microbial metabolites can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) or have significant effects on the brain, playing a key role in the so-called microbiota-gut-brain axis. An altered microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis is a major characteristic of many neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Significative differences between gut eubiosis and dysbiosis in mental disorders like MDD with their different metabolite composition and concentrations are being discussed. In the present review, the main microbial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids -SCFAs-, bile acids, amino acids, tryptophan -trp- derivatives, and more), their signaling pathways and functions will be summarized to explain part of MDD pathophysiology. Conclusions from promising translational approaches related to microbial metabolome will be addressed in more depth to discuss their possible clinical value in the management of MDD patients. Full article

After a COVID-19 outbreak in the Falles festival of Borriana (Spain) during March 2020, a cohort of patients were followed until October 2020 to estimate complications post-COVID-19, considering ABO blood groups (ABO). From 536 laboratory-confirmed cases, 483 completed the study (90.1%) carried by the Public Health Center of Castelló and the Emergency and Microbiology and Clinical Analysis of Hospital de la Plana Vila-real. The study included ABO determination and telephone interviews of patients. The participants had a mean age of 37.2 ± 17.1 years, 300 females (62.1%). ABO were O (41.4%), A (45.5%), B (9.1%), and AB (3.9%). We found no difference in the incidence of COVID-19 infections. A total of 159 (32.9%) patients reported one or more post-COVID-19 complications with divergent incidences after adjustment: O (32.3%), A (32.6%), B (54.1%), and AB (27.6%); B groups had more complications post-COVID-19 when compared with O group (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.68, 95% CI 1.24–2.27), and symptoms of fatigue (1.79, 95% CI 1.08–2.95), myalgia (2.06, 95% CI 1.10–3.84), headache (2.61, 95% CI 1.58–4.31), and disorder of vision (4.26 95% CI 1.33–13.60). In conclusion, we observed significant differences in post-COVID-19 complications by ABO, with a higher incidence in B group. Additional research is justified to confirm our results. Full article

In March 2020, several mass gathering events were related to the Falles festival in Borriana (Spain), resulting in a 536 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases outbreak among participants. This article estimates anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies persistence six months after and factors associated with antibody response. A prospective population-based cohort study was carried out by the Public Health Centre of Castellon and the Emergency and Clinical Analysis and Microbiology Services of Hospital de la Plana in Vila-real. In October 2020, a seroepidemiologic study was used to estimate the persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against nucleocapsid protein (N) by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was implemented. We enrolled 484 (90.2%) of the 536 members of the initial outbreak cohort and detected persistent antibodies in 479 (99%) without reinfection episodes. Five participants had a negative antibody test. Factors associated with a negative result were a lower body mass index (BMI), and less contact with other COVID-19 cases. Among the 469 participants with two ECLIA tests, 96 (20.5%) had an increase of antibodies and 373 (79.5%) a decline. Increased antibodies were associated with older age, higher BMI, more severe illness, and low current smokers. Our results show that after a COVID-19 infection, a high proportion of cases maintain detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Full article