Metodología de disgnóstico de humedades: La inspección higrotérmica con ayuda instrumental

El presente trabajo explica el método instrumental de inspección higrotérmica utilizado por las autoras en el diagnóstico de humedades en edificios históricos. Este método es, hasta el momento, el único que puede cuantificar de modo aproximado la intensidad de evaporación de muros y soleras, y permite asimismo hacer seguimiento de los edificios una vez completada la intervención Se utiliza para ello la toma de lecturas instrumentales mediante termohigrómetro, siguiendo un protocolo específico de toma de datos, análisis de los valores obtenidos, e interpretación de los resultados, cartografiando los focos sobre planos del edificio La utilidad del método se ilustra con casos de inspección y diagnóstico realizados en los últimos años, en algunos edificios de patrimoni

Los fármacos más consumidos en personas mayores con estado nutricional deteriorado

ResumenXunta de Galicia; ED431C2017/49Xunta de Galicia; IN607C 2016/0

The influence of neuroticism and extraversion on the perceived burden of dementia caregivers: an exploratory study

[Abstract] Most studies reflect dementia caregivers usually sustain higher levels of burden compared to other caregivers. However, they do not consider variability within the caregiver, such as personality traits. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of extraversion and neuroticism on dementia caregiver burden. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 33 caregivers looking after demented-patients. All caregivers had intense burden levels, and their personality, depression, anxiety and self-rated health were evaluated. Personality variables had important effects on the caregiver burden and consequences on their mental health. Neuroticism was significantly correlated with burden (r = 0.6, p < 0.01), depression (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) and both anxiety measures, state (r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and trait (r = 0.67, p < 0.01). Extraversion was significantly correlated with neuroticism (r = 0.42, p < 0.01) and burden (r = 0.46, p < 0.01). Finally, depression was significantly correlated with state (r = 0.63, p < 0.01) and trait anxiety (r = 0.66, p < 0.01). These results indicate the importance of considering the caregiver personality in the theoretical and empirical models of the caring process. It is necessary to adequately assess the caregiver personality, as those presenting high levels of neuroticism and low levels of extraversion are more vulnerable to experience negative caring effects

Label-free detection of nosocomial bacteria using a nanophotonic interferometric biosensor

Nosocomial infections are a major concern at the worldwide level. Early and accurate identification of nosocomial pathogens is crucial to provide timely and adequate treatment. A prompt response also prevents the progression of the infection to life-threatening conditions, such as septicemia or generalized bloodstream infection. We have implemented two highly sensitive methodologies using an ultrasensitive photonic biosensor based on a bimodal waveguide interferometer (BiMW) for the fast detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), two of the most prevalent bacteria associated with nosocomial infections. For that, we have developed a biofunctionalization strategy based on the use of a PEGylated silane (silane-PEG-COOH) which provides a highly resistant and bacteria-repelling surface, which is crucial to specifically detect each bacterium. Two different biosensor assays have been set under standard buffer conditions: One based on a specific direct immunoassay employing polyclonal antibodies for the detection of P. aeruginosa and another one employing aptamers for the direct detection of MRSA. The biosensor immunoassay for P. aeruginosa is fast (it only takes 12 min) and specific and has experimentally detected concentrations down to 800 cfu mL (cfu: Colony forming unit). The second one relies on the use of an aptamer that specifically detects penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), a protein only expressed in the MRSA mutant, providing a photonic biosensor with the ability to identify the resistant pathogen MRSA and differentiate it from methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Direct, label-free, and selective detection of whole MRSA bacteria has been achieved, making possible the direct detection of also 800 cfu mL. According to the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the device, a theoretical limit of detection (LOD) of around 49 and 29 cfu mL was estimated for P. aeruginosa and MRSA, respectively. Both results obtained under standard conditions reveal the great potential this interferometric biosensor device has as a versatile and specific tool for bacterial detection and quantification, providing a rapid method for the identification of nosocomial pathogens within the clinical requirements of sensitivity for the diagnosis of infections

Bright Light Therapy in Older Adults with Moderate to Very Severe Dementia: Immediate Effects on Behavior, Mood, and Physiological Parameters

[Abstract] Bright light therapy (BLT) has demonstrated positive short- and long-term effects in people with cognitive impairment or dementia; however, the immediate impact of BLT sessions has been scarcely investigated. In this study, we aimed to explore the immediate effects of BLT on behavior, mood, and physiological parameters (oxygen saturation/heart rate) in a sample of institutionalized older adults with moderate to very severe dementia, with a median age of 85.0 (interquartile range, IQR, 82.0–90.0), being higher in men (87.0 years, IQR 80.0–94.0) than in women (84.5 years, IQR 82.0–89.5). The BLT protocol consisted of 30-min morning sessions of 10,000 lux, Monday through Friday, for 4 weeks. The physiological parameters were recorded immediately before and after each session by pulse oximetry. Mood and behavior were assessed before, after, and during the sessions using the Interact scale. Post-session Interact scores showed a significant decrease in the items Tearful/sad and Talked spontaneously, and a significant increase in the items Enjoying self, active or alert, and Relaxed, content or sleeping appropriately. Interact scores during the sessions reflected a significant decrease in the speech-related items. Both physiological parameters changed positively from before to after sessions. Our results suggest that BLT provides immediate positive effects on mood, stimulation level, and physiological parameters, as well as a trend toward decreased speech. More robust research is needed to further explore the immediate impact of BLT. This study is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04949984).Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2017/49Xunta de Galicia; ED431F 2017/09Xunta de Galicia; IN607C 2016/08Xunta de Galicia; IN607C 2017/02This research was funded by the Xunta de Galicia (grant numbers ED431C 2017/49, ED431F 2017/09, FrailNet network IN607C 2016/08, and REGIDEM network IN607C 2017/02); and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, co-financed by the European Social Fund (grant number RYC-2015-18394

Circulating microRNAs as promising biomarkers in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite numerous advances in therapeutic approaches, this cancer has a poor prognosis when it is diagnosed at late stages. Therefore, the scientific e ort is nowadays directed towards the development of new non-invasive and dynamic biomarkers to improve the survival expectancy of CRC patients. In this sense, deregulated expression of many miRNAs has been shown to play an important role for CRC carcinogenesis and dissemination. Noticeably, an increasing number of studies highlight that circulating miRNAs, including those traveling inside exosomes or those released by tumor cells into circulation, constitute a promising tool for early detection, prognosis and therapy selection of CRC. Therefore, in this review we focus on the clinical potential of blood circulating miRNAs as emerging biomarkers with high value to improve the clinical management of CRC patients, providing a deep and complete perspective of the realities and challenges to translate these biomarkers to the clinical contextThis study was supported by the Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria da Xunta de Galicia (Spain), grant number: ED431B2017/029S

Use of Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is the most common oral condition of human population; if periodontitis is not treated in its initial stages, it can cause the loss of teeth. The diagnosis of periodontitis is based on clinical measurements. However, currently with the advancement of technology, other diagnostic and monitoring options are being search. In fact, different types of biomarkers have been evaluated where different biological fluids have been used as a source of the sample. We will try to summarize existing biomarkers of different periodontitis stages and make a comparison of the periodontal biomarkers evaluated so far and their usefulness in diagnosis and monitoring of periodontitis

Potencial teórico, social y metodológico en los trabajos finales de graduación de la maestría de Enfermería Ginecológica, Obstétrica y Perinatal

Introduction. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the research project No. 421-B2-A19 compared to the theoretical, social and methodological potential in the final works of the Masters Degree in Gynecological, Obstetric and Perinatal Nursing. The research component in an area of nursing, whose goal is to prepare professional clinical nurses about using research diligently.Method. Documentary research was applied as a variant of scientific research whose main objective is the analysis of different phenomena using very precise techniques of existing documentation, which directly or indirectly provide the information. 37 applied research projects, 22 in the qualitative approach and 15 in quantitative approach, from 2003 thru 2011. Each job was applied by using a critical analysis built from CASpe recomendations. We constructed a matrix for assessing documents of the quantitative approach (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Spanish). For critical analysis of the final work of qualitative research, a matrix was also constructed using aspects of CAT (Critically Appraised Topic): EBCP (Evidence-Based Clinical Practice).Result. The final graduation work proved not prevailing in change or improvement of professional practice in terms of improving the quality of care given to people. They have only been relevant for a large group of postgraduate students. There is little clarity, in general, of the methodological aspects of both research approaches: qualitative and quantitative.Conclusion. Research Master Degree in Gynecologic, Obstetric and Perinatal nursing does not provide a substantive nursing knowledge, which leads to poor disciplinary development Final papers appear to be only a graduation requirement, which does not contribute to the improvement of Gynecologic, Obstetric and Perinatal nursing practices based on researchIntroducción. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar los resultados del proyecto de investigación No. 421-B2-A19  en cuanto al potencial teórico, social y metodológico en los trabajos finales de graduación realizados en la maestría de Enfermería Ginecológica, Obstétrica y Perinatal. El componente de investigación en un área del quehacer de la Enfermería, cuya meta es preparar a los profesionales en enfermería clínica  acerca de utilizar diligentemente la investigación. Método. Se aplicó la investigación documental como una variante de la investigación científica cuyo objetivo fundamental es el análisis de diferentes fenómenos utilizando técnicas muy precisas de la documentación existente que, directa o indirectamente, aporte la información. Se incluyó 37 trabajos de investigación aplicada, 22 sustentados en el enfoque cualitativo y 15 en el cuantitativo, desde el año 2003 al 2011. A cada trabajo se le aplicó un análisis crítico utilizando una matriz construida a partir de elementos recomendados por CASpe para valorar documentos científicos cuantitativos (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Español). Para el análisis crítico de los trabajos finales de investigación de corte cualitativo también se construyó una matriz que incluye aspectos del CAT (Critically Appraised Topic): EBCP (Evidence-Based Clinical Practice).Resultado. Los trabajos finales de graduación no demostraron ser significativos en el cambio o mejoramiento de la práctica profesional en términos de mejorar la calidad de atención a las personas. Solo han sido relevantes para que se gradúe un grupo grande de estudiantes. Existe poca claridad –en general- de los aspectos metodológicos de los enfoques investigativos cualitativo y cuantitativo.Conclusión. La investigación en la maestría Ginecológica, Obstétrica y Perinatal no  aporta un conocimiento enfermero sustantivo, lo cual provoca poco desarrollo disciplinar. Los trabajos finales de graduación aparentan ser solo requisito de graduación, por tanto, no contribuyen al mejoramiento de las prácticas ginecológicas, obstétricas y perinatales

Resultados de la consulta multidisciplinaria de protección a las mujeres que denuncian la violencia íntima. Cienfuegos, 2010

Fundamento: la violencia hacia la mujer por su pareja constituye un acontecimiento devastador, generador de tensión, angustia y amenaza para la vida. Objetivo: evaluar nivel de satisfacción de mujeres víctimas de violencia con la Consulta Multidisciplinaria de Sanidad y valorar modificaciones a nivel cognitivo y afectivo. Métodos: estudio de intervención realizado durante 2009-2010, que incluyó todas las mujeres víctimas de violencia íntima, del municipio Cienfuegos, atendidas en Consulta Multidisciplinaria de Sanidad. Se analizó: edad, tiempo de convivencia bajo relaciones abusivas, ocupación, tipo de agresión, configuración del vínculo, modificaciones en esfera cognitiva y afectiva, clasificación de la lesión y satisfacción con la asistencia recibida.Resultados: predominó el grupo de 25 a 39 años y las amas de casa; 86 % eran parejas convivientes; 30 % reportó el abuso a los 10 años o más, 40 % a los cinco y el resto al año; 7 % sufrió lesiones graves; la atención brindada por instructores policiales fue valorada de regular: 57 %, mala: 30 %, buena: 13 %. La atención de los médicos legistas fue evaluada de buena: 46 %, regular y mala: 26 %. La atención de la psicóloga fue evaluada de buena: 100 %. Las modificaciones a nivel cognitivo fueron evaluadas de buenas: 80 %, regular: 20 %. El 100 % mejoró su estado afectivo.Conclusiones: la correcta organización de los recursos, integración de otros especialistas y la forma de atención en el manejo de la violencia hacia la mujer por su pareja, impacta positivamente en las mujeres sobrevivientes del maltrato y en la calidad de la asistencia.</p

Service-learning educational approach for undergraduate students: development of an outreach workshop for high school students

In the last decade, research institutes and universities have strengthened the development of outreach activities in the biomedical field, involving researchers and professors as well as graduate students, but with little or no implication of undergraduate students. However, the development of this type of activities, using the Service-Learning educational approach, could be a valuable tool that would manage the acquisition of learning competencies by undergraduate students of Health Science Degrees and would put science at the service of society. In this project, we present the development of the workshop entitled “Exploring the human body”, in which 205 students in their first and second year of a Degree in Nursing or Medicine (University of Málaga, Spain) acted as mentors of 753 high school students (15 to 16 years old) in several school years (since 2016-2017, excluding 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The workshop consisted of five work stations. Each station featured a set of different experiments and activities that were designed to teach the multiple levels by which the human body, and particularly the nervous system, can be studied: biomolecules, cells, tissues, organs and systems. Both high school and undergraduate students gave an evaluation of the workshop via questionnaires (Likert scale-based and short-answer questions) and a debriefing with the university professors. Data showed an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 points for the workshop by both high school and undergraduate students. In addition, undergraduate students pointed out that their participation had a positive impact on their academic background (4.8 out of 5 points), mainly due to the improvement of their oral communication skills (78 students) and self-confidence (58 students).Universidad de Málaga. Servicio de Publicaciones y Divulgación Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech