Javier Montero Martín

Study of sociodemographic variables linked to lifestyle and their possible influence on cognitive reserve

Cognitive reserve is an active mechanism based on the application of resources learned thanks to a good education, profession, or premorbid intelligence. The aim of this research is to study whether the inclusion of sociodemographic variables linked to lifestyle can discriminate individuals more effectively regarding their level of cognitive reserve. Results show the importance of educational, intellectual, and professional type variables, which can contribute to a deeper knowledge of this construct. In our view, a broad number of variables should be used to assess cognitive reserve effectively.

Research article: Meta-analysis of microarray data: The case of imatinib resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia

With the proliferation of related microarray studies by independent groups, a natural approach to analysis would be to combine the results across studies. In this article, we address a meta-analysis of the gene expression data on imatinib resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia. First, an analysis of the overlapping among 6 published studies revealed that only 3 genes were coincident between 2 studies. A later reprocessing using different methods on 4 publicly available datasets revealed that 2 extra genes were overlapped between two sets. Both poor overlappings may be due to large differences in the sample source, the microarray platforms used, and a small difference in gene expression between the imatinib non-responder and responder patients. A search of common genes inside 4 public datasets afforded 404 well defined genes. Nevertheless, this necessary condition for meta-analysis caused the loss of many genes of possible interest. The expression signals of the common genes in the four datasets were reanalyzed using three summary statistical methods for combining quantitative information: Fisher, Stouffer and effect-size. Taking the three methods together and using an FDR<0.10 threshold, a gene-list with 33 differentially expressed genes was found. Considering all the reanalysis approaches used in this work, a final gene-list with 38 differentially expressed genes is reported. Despite the important limitations to this microarray meta-analysis, the presented procedures and integrated gene-list may have some potential value as regards imatinib resistance in CML patients since it is the first attempt to integrate evidence about gene-lists in this area.

Cognitive reserve and lifestyle in Spanish individuals with sporadic Alzheimer's disease.

Background: Some authors suggest that besides the fundamental components, cognitive reserve (CR) also reflects the influence of a combination of factors that improve mental health. Method: After obtaining the sociodemographic profile of each participant and evaluating their neurologic and neuropsychologic abilities, first, homogeneity analysis was used as a technique to select variables and reduce the number of categories with similar behavior; then CR construct was identified through a latent class analysis model. It was then possible to categorize participants according to their level in this construct and compare the neuropsychological performance of the subgroups that emerged, using a t test of differences of means for independent samples. Results: Participants with Alzheimer’s disease with low CR scores exhibited significantly greater deficits in measures of memory, attention, and language than patients with high CR. Conclusions: Our results ratify the effect of higher education, higher professional performance, and ludic activities on CR.

How material, visual and verbal cues on packaging influence consumer expectations and willingness to buy: The case of crisps (potato chips) in Spain

This paper analyses the influence that certain aspects of packaging design have on the consumer expectations of a series of sensory and non-sensory attributes and on willingness to buy for a bag of crisps in Spain. A two-part experiment was conducted in which 174 people evaluated the attributes for different stimuli using an online survey. In the first part, four stimuli were created in which two factors were varied: the packaging material and the image displayed. Interaction was identified between both factors for the attributes Crunchy, High quality and Artisan. For the attributes Salty, Crunchy and Willingness to buy, the image was the only significant factor, with the image displaying crisps ready for consumption being the only one that obtained higher scores. For the attribute Intense flavour, no statistically significant differences were identified among the stimuli. In general terms, the image displayed on the bag had a greater influence than the material from which the bag was made. In the second part, an analysis was made of the most effective way (visual cues versus verbal cues) to transmit the information that the crisps were fried in olive oil. To this end, two stimuli were designed: one displaying an image of an oil cruet and another with an allusive text. For all the attributes (Intense flavour, Crunchy, Artisan, High quality, Healthy and Willingness to buy), higher scores were obtained with the image than with the text. These results have important implications for crisps producers, marketers and packaging designers.

A Partial Least Squares Algorithm for Microarray Data Analysis Using the VIP Statistic for Gene Selection and Binary Classification

A package for simulation, curve fitting, statistical analysis, and graph plotting. 2. Meta-analysis of microarray data: The case of imatinib resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia. 3. Modelling the simultaneous processes occurring during the BOD5 test using synthetic waters as a pattern. 4. Hyper-adhesion in desmosomes: its regulation in wound healing and possible relationship to cadherin crystal structure. 5. Directed enzyme evolution guided by multidimensional analysis of substrate-activity space. 7. Uso del paquete Estadístico Simfit en la enseñanza del análisis de datos en ciencias experimentales.-Using the SIMFIT Statistical Package to teach Data Analysis in Experimental Sciences. 9. The photoreactivity of the retinal age pigment lipofuscin. 10. Intravitreal growth factors in proliferative diabetic retinopathy: correlation with neovascular activity and glycaemic management. 12. Using ASCII text files in post-fix notation (reverse Polish) to define mathematical models and systems of differential equations for simulation and nonlinear regression.

Diagnostic Utility of the Shortened Version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in Patients With Sporadic Late Onset Alzheimer Disease

Background: The classic version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) consists of correctly sorting 128 cards according to changing sorting criteria. Its application is costly in terms of the time employed, with all the negative consequences this entails (decrease in motivation, frustration, and fatigue). Method: The main objective of this study was to test the usefulness of the shortened version of the WCST as compared to the full test by analyzing the equivalence between the two decks comprising the full 128-card version on a sample of patients diagnosed with sporadic late onset Alzheimer disease (SLOAD) and to check its clinical usefulness. Results: The variables showed equivalence between the two decks and their ability to differentiate between the control group (CG) and the Alzheimer disease (AD) group. Conclusion: The scores obtained suggest equivalence between decks and that the application of only the first deck is sufficient.

Electromyographic biofeedback training for reducing muscle pain and tension on masseter and temporal muscles: A pilot study

Background Due to the absence of agreement about an effective unified treatment for temporomandibular disorders, non-invasive therapies such as EMG-biofeedback generate a greater interest. Furthermore, most studies to the present show methodological deficiencies that must be solved in the future, which makes important to emphasize this line of studies. Material and Methods Fourteen patients were selected for this case series study, and replied to a questionnaire concerning awareness of bruxism, painful muscles, and muscle tension. They also practiced an intraoral exploration (occlusal analysis and mandibular dynamics), and an extraoral exploration of the head and neck muscles and the temporomandibular joint. Before each session, patients responded to a questionnaire about the subjective perceived improvement. In each session, a period of three minutes of pre-biofeedback EMG activity of right masseter and temporal muscles was registered, then patients performed 30 iterations of visual EMG-biofeedback training and finally, a period of three minutes of post-EMG activity was also registered for those muscles. Patients performed four sessions. Results A decrease in painful symptoms was found for all patients since the first session. EMG activity decreases (p<0,05) in both muscles during the biofeedback training stage, in the four sessions. It is also observed a decrease (p<0,05) in EMG activity in the masseter muscle at the post-biofeedback stage, in the second and third sessions. There is likewise a decrease in EMG post-biofeedback activity of the temporal muscle (p<0,05) in sessions two, three, and four. Conclusions EMG-biofeedback training produces a decrease in EMG activity in both masseter and temporal muscles during the session. This decrease persists during the post-biofeedback period since the second session. Also there is a decrease in painful symptoms for all patients. Key words:Muscle tension, muscle pain, EMG-biofeedback, masseter muscle, temporal muscle.

Fístula Cutánea de Origen Dental

Cutaneous Fistula of Dental origin Orofacial cutaneous fistulas are often misdiagnosed as dermatological lesions without tak ing into account their relationship with dental disease. This leads to mistaken and unnecessary treatment for the patient., whose problem remains unresolved, and delays the endodontic therapy which will eliminate the dental infection and subsequent closure and scarring of the extraoral fistula. Accordingly, whenever this type of fistula occurs the physician should look for a dental cause and thus make an early diagnosis and refer the patient to his/her dentist so that treatment of the pulp canals can be performed.