Prolegómenos para una bioética desde el principio de alteridad

El presente artículo exhibe un análisis sobre el principio de alteridad desde el planteamiento de Emmanuel Levinas, quien revela su visión antropológica basada en el reconocimiento del Otro. Mediante este estudio se establece un preludio a lo que se podría considerar como una bioética fundada en la alteridad

From sport to deporte: a discussion etymological, semantic and conceptual in the spanish laguage

En la lengua castellana la palabra deporte, plantea de entrada una triple discusión: de carácter etimológico, semántico y conceptual. Este es el objeto de estudio de este artículo analizar los precedentes históricos de la palabra deporte y trazar su evolución hasta desembocar en el término actual, desde este enfoque trinitario. Para ello nos basamos en la recuperación de fuentes documentales originales, algunas de ellas inéditas y otras poco conocidas o consideradas, que nos permitan adquirir nuevos conocimientos y nos obligan a reinterpretar y corregir algunas afirmaciones actuales.In Spanish, the word deporte (sport) raises a debate that is three-fold: etymological, semantic and conceptual. The study object of this article is to analize the historical precedents of the word deporte and to trace its evolution up to the present day term, from this trinitarian approach. For this purpose, we based our work on recovering original documentary sources, some of which were unpublished, other were little known or rarely considered. The aim is for these sources to allow us to acquire new knowledge and force us to reinterpret and correct some current claim

Sensor-based assessment of soil salinity during the first years of transition from flood to sprinkler irrigation

A key issue for agriculture in irrigated arid lands is the control of soil salinity, and this is one of the goals for irrigated districts when changing from flood to sprinkling irrigation. We combined soil sampling, proximal electromagnetic induction, and satellite data to appraise how soil salinity and its distribution along a previously flood-irrigated field evolved after its transformation to sprinkling. We also show that the relationship between NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and ECe (electrical conductivity of the soil saturation extracts) mimics the production function between yield and soil salinity. Under sprinkling, the field had a double crop of barley and then sunflower in 2009 and 2011. In both years, about 50% of the soil of the entire studied field— 45 ha—had ECe < 8 dS m-1i.e., allowing barley cultivation, while the percent of surface having ECe = 16 dS m-1 increased from 8.4% in 2009 to 13.7% in 2011. Our methodology may help monitor the soil salinity oscillations associated with irrigation management. After quantifying and mapping the soil salinity in 2009 and 2011, we show that barley was stunted in places of the field where salinity was higher. Additionally, the areas of salinity persisted after the subsequent alfalfa cropping in 2013. Application of differential doses of water to the saline patches is a viable method to optimize irrigation water distribution and lessen soil salinity in sprinkler-irrigated agriculture

Tryptophan and methionine levels in quality protein maize breeding germplasm

Because maize (Lea mays L.) is often used either as food for humans or as feed for monogastric animals, essential amino acid levels are important. Maize kernels containing the opaque-2 (o2) mutation have improved amino acid balance and poor agronomic qualities including opaque kernels that are soft and susceptible to mechanical and biological damage. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) developed through plant breeding has improved amino acid balance conferred by the opaque-2 (o2) mutation, but lacks the agronomic deficiencies normally associated with this mutation. To characterize the amino acid balance in QPM breeding germplasm, we determined the levels of nutritionally limiting amino acids tryptophan and methionine. Tryptophan levels were negatively correlated with endosperm translucence, a measure of kernel hardness suggesting the process of selection for hard-kernels reduces tryptophan levels. On average, germplasm containing the o2/ o2 mutation had lower methionine levels than 02/ 02 germ plasm regardless of kernel hardness, suggesting methionine levels could be reduced by the o2/ o2 mutation. A series of inbred lines was test-crossed to the o2/o2 soft endosperm inbred line Tx804. The predictive value of the characteristics of the inbred line for the characteristics of the hybrids was examined. The amino acid levels of the inbred lines were significantly correlated with those of the hybrids, although the predictive value was low (1{2 = 0.13 and 0.27 for methionine and t1yptophan, respectively). The reduction in tryptophan during conversion to the hard-kernel phenotype and the reduction in methionine in o2 germplasm both reduce the nutritional value of QPM. It may be possible to correct these deficiencies by breeding and selection for levels of tryptophan and methionine.This article is published as Scott, M. P., Sandeep Bhatnagar, and Javier Betran. "Tryptophan and methionine levels in quality protein maize breeding germplasm." Maydica 49 (2004): 303-311.</p

Influencia de diversos patrones ciruelo sobre las características agronómicas y la calidad del fruto de las variedades de ciruela ‘R.C. Bavay’ y ‘R.C. Tardía de Chambourcy’

4 Pags.- 1 Tabl.- 1 Fig. Contribución de los autores originalmente presentada, como comunicación, en el XIV Congreso Nacional de Ciencias Hortícolas (SECH 2015): Retos de la Nueva Agricultura Mediterránea (Orihuela, 3-5 junio 2015).En este trabajo se estudia la influencia de cinco patrones ciruelo (Adara, Ademir, Mirobolán 713 AD, Miral 3278 AD y Mirobolán B), sobre el comportamiento agronómico y la calidad del fruto de dos variedades de ciruela Reina Claudia (‘R.C. de Bavay’ y ‘R.C. Tardía de Chambourcy’). El ensayo se plantó en el invierno de 1994-95 en la finca de la Estación Experimental de Aula Dei-CSIC (Zaragoza), en un suelo pesado y calizo, característico del área mediterránea. Se ha evaluado la influencia del patrón sobre el vigor y supervivencia de los árboles, síntomas de clorosis, producción anual, acumulada y productividad de las distintas combinaciones. Entre los parámetros de calidad del fruto se determinaron: tamaño y firmeza, sólidos solubles (ºBrix), acidez valorable e índice de madurez. A los 18 años de la plantación, se han observado diferencias significativas entre patrones, tanto en los parámetros agronómicos como de calidad del fruto de la variedad injertada.Este trabajo ha sido financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) AGL-2005-05533 y AGL-2008-00283, cofinanciados por FEDER, así como por el Gobierno de Aragón (A44). C. Font es beneficiaria de una beca JAE-Pre del CSIC.Peer reviewe

Estado nutricional del árbol en las variedades de ciruelo ‘R.C. Bavay’ y ‘R.C. GF 1119’ injertadas sobre los patrones Ishtara y P. 8-13

4 Pags.- 2 Figs. Contribución de los autores originalmente presentada, como comunicación,en el XIII Congreso Nacional de Ciencias Hortícolas (SECH 2012): “Convergencia de las Tecnologías Hortofrutícolas” (Almería, abril 2012)En este trabajo se estudia la influencia de dos patrones ciruelo (Ishtara y P. 8-13), sobre el estado nutricional del árbol en las variedades de ciruelo ‘R.C. de Bavay’ y ‘R.C. GF 1119’. El ensayo se plantó en el invierno de 1993-94 en la finca de la Estación Experimental de Aula Dei – CSIC (Zaragoza), en un suelo pesado y calizo, característico del área mediterránea. Además se ha evaluado la influencia del patrón sobre el vigor y supervivencia de los árboles, síntomas de clorosis, producción anual, acumulada y productividad de las distintas combinaciones estudiadas. A los 18 años de la plantación, se han observado diferencias significativas entre patrones, tanto en el estado nutricional del árbol como en alguno de los parámetros agronómicos de la variedad injertada.Este trabajo ha sido financiado por proyectos CICYT (AGL 2005-05533 y AGL 2008-00283) y Gobierno de Aragón (Grupo A44). S. Jiménez es beneficiario de un contrato JAE-Doc del CSIC.Peer reviewe

National estimates for maternal mortality: an analysis based on the WHO systematic review of maternal mortality and morbidity

BACKGROUND: Despite the worldwide commitment to improving maternal health, measuring, monitoring and comparing maternal mortality estimates remain a challenge. Due to lack of data, international agencies have to rely on mathematical models to assess its global burden. In order to assist in mapping the burden of reproductive ill-health, we conducted a systematic review of incidence/prevalence of maternal mortality and morbidity. METHODS: We followed the standard methodology for systematic reviews. This manuscript presents nationally representative estimates of maternal mortality derived from the systematic review. Using regression models, relationships between study-specific and country-specific variables with the maternal mortality estimates are explored in order to assist further modelling to predict maternal mortality. RESULTS: Maternal mortality estimates included 141 countries and represent 78.1% of the live births worldwide. As expected, large variability between countries, and within regions and subregions, is identified. Analysis of variability according to study characteristics did not yield useful results given the high correlation with each other, with development status and region. A regression model including selected country-specific variables was able to explain 90% of the variability of the maternal mortality estimates. Among all country-specific variables selected for the analysis, three had the strongest relationships with maternal mortality: proportion of deliveries assisted by a skilled birth attendant, infant mortality rate and health expenditure per capita. CONCLUSION: With the exception of developed countries, variability of national maternal mortality estimates is large even within subregions. It seems more appropriate to study such variation through differentials in other national and subnational characteristics. Other than region, study of country-specific variables suggests infant mortality rate, skilled birth attendant at delivery and health expenditure per capita are key variables to predict maternal mortality at national level

An Examination of Cesarean and Vaginal Birth Histories Among Hispanic Women Entering Prenatal Care in Two California Counties with Large Immigrant Populations

Repeat cesarean delivery (CD) rates among US Hispanic women are the highest of all racial/ethnic groups (90%). Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is an alternative delivery method, but requires medical records documentation of a non-vertical incision and favorable conditions in the current pregnancy. VBAC rates for Hispanic women are extremely low. This study explores the birth histories and medical records access among Hispanic women in California, taking into account the potential role of immigration on access to VBAC. Study aims are to describe for a sample of Hispanic women: (1) CD and VBAC histories as well as history of vaginal delivery preceding CD; and (2) medical records access, among women who had previous births in Mexico. Chart review was conducted for prenatal patients from three safety net clinics in two California counties with large Mexican migrant populations between August, 2003 and February 2004—during which VBAC was widely available in these two counties to determine: obstetric histories, CD details, birthplace and whether or not medical records had been requested/obtained for CD. 355 multiparous Hispanic women were included. Thirty-three percent had a previous CD, almost two-thirds (64%) had only one CD. Over half of the women (55%) with 2+ births and CD history also reported a vaginal birth history. Medical records for CD were infrequently requested (29%). Of those requested, records were received for 77% of women with a US CD, compared with 13% of women with Mexican CD histories. Policies to address: (1) VBAC opportunities for low risk women, such as those with prior vaginal births and one CD, and (2) overcoming limited medical records access, could mitigate against unnecessary CD and associated medical expenditures and risks for future complications

Mapping randomized controlled trials of treatments for eczema - The GREAT database (The Global Resource of Eczema Trials: a collection of key data on randomized controlled trials of treatments for eczema from 2000 to 2010)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Massive duplication of effort occurs when researchers all over the world undertake extensive searches for randomized controlled trials when preparing systematic reviews, when developing evidence-based guidelines and when applying for research funding for eczema treatments. Such duplication wastes valuable resources.</p> <p>Searching for randomized controlled trials of eczema is a laborious task involving scrutiny of thousands of individual references from diverse electronic databases in order to obtain a few papers of interest. Clinicians and patients who wish to find out more about a particular treatment are at risk of missing the relevant evidence if they are not trained in electronic bibliographic searching. Systematic reviews cannot be relied upon to comprehensively inform current optimal eczema treatments due to incomplete coverage and because many may be out of date.</p> <p>An international, publically available and comprehensive resource which brings together all randomized controlled trials on eczema treatment using a highly sensitive search has the potential to release more filtered knowledge about patient care to those who need it most and to significantly shorten the duration and costs of many clinical eczema research and guideline projects.</p> <p>Description</p> <p>The Global Resource of EczemA Trials brings together information on all randomized controlled trials of eczema treatments published from the beginning of 2000 up to the end of 2010 and will be updated every month.</p> <p>We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in <it>The Cochrane Library </it>and the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, AMED and CINHAL databases. We included 268 RCTs (24^thMarch 2011) covering over 70 different treatment interventions.</p> <p>The structure of the Global Resource of Eczema Trials allows the user as much, or as little, specificity when retrieving information on trials as they wish, in an easy to use format. For each trial, the database gives the citation for the published report and also provides enough information to enable a user to decide whether the trial is worth further scrutiny.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The Global Resource of Eczema Trials has been created to facilitate knowledge mobilization into healthcare and to reduce wastage of research time through unnecessary duplication. The collective time saved by research groups around the world can now be used to make strides in optimising the treatment of eczema, in order to further benefit people with eczema. The database can be accessed free of charge at <url>http://www.greatdatabase.org.uk</url></p

WHO Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health in Latin America: classifying caesarean sections

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Caesarean section rates continue to increase worldwide with uncertain medical consequences. Auditing and analysing caesarean section rates and other perinatal outcomes in a reliable and continuous manner is critical for understanding reasons caesarean section changes over time.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analyzed data on 97,095 women delivering in 120 facilities in 8 countries, collected as part of the 2004-2005 Global Survey on Maternal and Perinatal Health in Latin America. The objective of this analysis was to test if the "10-group" or "Robson" classification could help identify which groups of women are contributing most to the high caesarean section rates in Latin America, and if it could provide information useful for health care providers in monitoring and planning effective actions to reduce these rates.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The overall rate of caesarean section was 35.4%. Women with single cephalic pregnancy at term without previous caesarean section who entered into labour spontaneously (groups 1 and 3) represented 60% of the total obstetric population. Although women with a term singleton cephalic pregnancy with a previous caesarean section (group 5) represented only 11.4% of the obstetric population, this group was the largest contributor to the overall caesarean section rate (26.7% of all the caesarean sections). The second and third largest contributors to the overall caesarean section rate were nulliparous women with single cephalic pregnancy at term either in spontaneous labour (group 1) or induced or delivered by caesarean section before labour (group 2), which were responsible for 18.3% and 15.3% of all caesarean deliveries, respectively.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The 10-group classification could be easily applied to a multicountry dataset without problems of inconsistencies or misclassification. Specific groups of women were clearly identified as the main contributors to the overall caesarean section rate. This classification could help health care providers to plan practical and effective actions targeting specific groups of women to improve maternal and perinatal care.</p