Breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Mammography, which is the current gold standard technique used to diagnose it, presents strong limitations in early ages where breast cancer is much more aggressive and fatal. MiRNAs present in numerous body fluids might represent a new line of research in breast cancer biomarkers, especially oncomiRNAs, known to play an important role in the suppression and development of neoplasms. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate dysregulated miRNA biomarkers and their diagnostic accuracy in breast cancer. Two independent researchers reviewed the included studies according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number “CRD42021256338”. Observational case-control-based studies analyzing concentrations of microRNAs which have been published within the last 10 years were selected, and the concentrations of miRNAs in women with breast cancer and healthy controls were analyzed. Random-effects meta-analyses of miR-155 were performed on the studies which provided enough data to calculate diagnostic odds ratios. We determined that 34 microRNAs were substantially dysregulated and could be considered biomarkers of breast cancer. Individually, miR-155 provided better diagnostic results than mammography on average. However, when several miRNAs are used to screen, forming a panel, sensitivity and specificity rates improve, and they can be associated with classic biomarkers such us CA-125 or CEA. Based on the results of our meta-analysis, miR-155 might be a promising diagnostic biomarker for this patient population.
Introduction: Many women change their lifestyles and habits when they become pregnant, to avoid potentially harmful effects to themselves and their babies. This is especially so with respect to physical exercise, which is often greatly reduced due to ignorance of the benefits it provides during pregnancy. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of spontaneous birth among women who participated in a water-based physical exercise program. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with a sample of 129 pregnant women (Control Group, CG = 64; Exercise Group, EG = 65). A physical exercise protocol, specifically designed for pregnant women, was created and applied. Those in the EG performed 60 min exercise sessions, three times per week for 17 weeks. The participants in the CG received routine check-ups and advice throughout their pregnancy. Findings: The women in the EG presented better results for the onset of spontaneous birth (OR = 2.060 (0.980–4.332)) and for neonate Apgar score of 10 at five minutes (OR = 8.53 (3.60–20.17)). Those who had normal weight at the start of pregnancy achieved better results for spontaneous delivery (OR = 2.099 (1.017–4.335)) than those with overweight/obesity. The rate of caesarean delivery was higher in the women with overweight/obesity (OR = 3.570 ((1.226–10.397)) than in those with normal weight. Conclusions: In our study, the women who followed the water-based exercise program gained less weight during pregnancy, which facilitated a better rate of spontaneous, non-instrumental childbirth, together with a better Apgar test score at five minutes.
Background: Sleep disorders are associated with overweight and obese children, and could decrease life quality with limitations to normal daily activities. The purpose of the study is to describe the prevalence of sleep disorders in a cohort of overweight/obese children using respiratory polygraphy. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Granada (Spain) on a sample of 98 children with overweight or obesity. The presence of sleep disorders was determined by respiratory polygraphy. Results: Regarding apnoea–hypopnea-index (AHI) results, 44% of affected children had severe sleep apnoea–hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), and the remaining 56% had a mild form of the disorder. With respect to oxygen-desaturation index, 56% of the same group had severe SAHS, 32% had mild SAHS, and the remaining 12% did not suffer from SAHS. Among participants, average scores of 13.8 obstructive apnoea, 7.7 central apnoea, and 13.6 hypopnoea were recorded. Conclusions: Respiratory polygraphy can provide conclusive results in the diagnosis of SAHS in overweight/obese children. Interventional programmes designed and implemented to reduce overweight and obesity can improve quality of sleep and life in children.
Objective: To determine the relationship between the characteristics and experiences of homeless persons and their state of happiness as a basis for designing appropriate social support strategies. Design: Exploratory observational study with an analytical and descriptive qualitative design. Setting: Participants were contacted, administered with questionnaires, and interviewed in the street (central and northern areas of the city) or at the “Asociación Calor y Café” center in Granada (Spain) between April 2017 and February 2018. Participants: Selected by intentional sampling, 25 participants completed questionnaires in the first study and 14 of these were administered with questionnaires and interviewed in the second study. Method: General and specific questionnaires were administered to determine the state of happiness and other variables. Descriptive statistics were followed by an analysis of the relationships between variables and the content analysis of semi-structured interviews. Results: A feeling of happiness was described by 64% of participants and confirmed by a happiness scale score of 50%. Participants who felt satisfied with their life were 4.5-fold more likely to feel happy (p = 0.021). Expectations for the future were not associated with happiness or satisfaction with life. Content analysis of interviews revealed three main themes: conditions for happiness, own happiness/unhappiness, and self-esteem. Conclusions: Many homeless people describe themselves as feeling happy and satisfied with their life. Material aspects, affective situations, daily life concerns, and self-esteem predominate in their discourse on happiness.
La población gitana es la principal minoría autóctona de España. Forman un grupo diferenciado culturalmente de la mayoría poblacional. Para comprender las estrategias reproductivas de este colectivo nos centramos en la estacionalidad de las concepciones, con lo que podemos obtener patrones cíclicos en la frecuencia de los nacimientos. Existen factores como el ciclo agrícola, la ganadería, creencias religiosas, etc. que pueden crear variaciones en la tendencia de la procreación. Por tanto, esta investigación pretende contribuir, a través de la demografía histórica y antropológica, a esclarecer la situación de la comunidad gitana del altiplano granadino, centrándonos en la ciudad de Guadix, desde el año 1800 hasta el 1917, para que pueda servir como modelo para futuros estudios referidos a esta población en la actualidad, ya que los estudios históricos se detienen en 1783, debido a la prohibición de la filiación étnica de documentos oficiales, que como veremos no se cumplió.