Diatomeas y calidad del agua de los ríos del Macizo Central Gallego (Ourense, N.O. España) mediante la aplicación de índices diatomológicos

Mountain rivers diatoms from a complex of sierras that form the Galician Central Massif (Ourense province), place of communitarian importance, have been studied. For that study, eight rivers and one spring have been sampled, over one and a half years (from 2001 to 2003) and water samples were also taken to obtain some physico-chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen). The most abundant species are Achnanthidium minutissimum, Diatoma mesodon, Fragilaria capucina, Gomphonema parvulum, G. rhombicum, and Hannaea arcus. With the diatoms' abundances, the IPS, IBD, and CEE indices were calculated to study the water quality, using the OMNIDIA program. The results of the indices classify the waters of these mountain rivers as of good or very good quality.Se han estudiado diatomeas de ríos de montaña de un conjunto de sierras que constituyen el Macizo Central Gallego (provincia de Ourense), lugar de importancia comunitaria (LIC). Se han muestreado 8 ríos y 1 fuente para dicho estudio durante un período de año y medio (2001-2003) y también se han tomado muestras del agua para la obtención de algunos parámetros físico-químicos (pH, conductividad, temperatura y oxígeno disuelto). Las especies más abundantes fueron Achnanthidium minutissimum, Diatoma mesodon, Fragilaria capucina, Gomphonema parvulum, G. rhombicum y Hannaea arcus. Con las abundancias de las diatomeas se calcularon los índices IPS, IBD y CEE para el estudio de la calidad de las aguas, utilizando el programa OMNIDIA. Los resultados de los índices clasifican las aguas de estos ríos de montaña como de calidad buena o muy buena

Erectile Dysfunction Associated with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Objectives: (1) Determine erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). (2) Assess ED incidence in relation to the extent of controlling CVRF. Methodology: Patients: Enrolled participants came to the health centres in the study area. In accordance with the incidence of diseases with cardiovascular risks (CVR) in the Basic Health Regions of the study area, sample size was calculated with a 95% confidence interval and an alpha error of 0.005, resulting in a sample of 210 people, of which 30 could not complete the study for various reasons (change of address, death, refused to complete questionnaire, etc.). A full awareness and diffusion campaign was organized with talks and leaflets. Letters: A standard letter was given to patients which explained the importance of sexual health, offering them an appointment with a DUE (Diploma in Nursing) survey taker. The questionnaire was devised by the research group and was given by a fully trained DUE survey taker. Previously, contact was made with all the health centres, physicians and nursing staff to give them information on ED and CVRF and to inform them about the work to be done in their health region. Those patients who did not come to the appointment were telephoned to insist on the importance of attending and completing the questionnaire. Variables analysis: We analysed age, level of education, civil status, height, weight and body mass index (BMI), SBP, DBP, smoking habit, number cigarettes/day, year smoking began, ex‐smoker, year smoking stopped, alcohol consumption, grams alcohol/week, as well as consumption of other drugs, frequency and type. Blood test: glucose, haemoglobin glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, artherogenic index, creatinine, urea, GOT, GPT, gamma‐GT and PSA. Urine test: micro‐albuminuria, proteinuria and creatinine clearance. ECG: Diabetes diagnosed at least 1 year ago and prescribed drugs to treat it. High blood pressure diagnosed at least 1 year ago and prescribed drugs to treat it. Dyslipidaemia (hypercholesterolaemia) diagnosed at least 1 year ago and prescribed drugs to treat it. Concomitant diseases of at least 1 year and drugs (up to 3) SHIM questionnaire and ED according to SHIM. Statistical analysis: an observational, descriptive, analytical, cross‐sectional study. Qualitative variables are presented as exact values and a percentage; quantitative variables as the mean and standard deviation (SD). A means comparison was done with the Student’s t‐test for independent groups, or the Mann‐Whitney U test if normality conditions (using the Kolmogorov‐Smirnoff or Shapiro‐Wilks test) were not fulfilled. The chi‐squared test was used for qualitative variables. Results: Of the 210 selected people, 179 completed the questionnaire (85.2%). The mean age was 64.5 ± 11.6 years. When analysing all the study variables in relation to the main variable, presence or absence of ED, age played an important role in ED appearing as ED incidence rises with age. Blood pressure had no significant relationship with the studied variable, and the same hold for BMI and its subdivision into normal weight and obesity. As regards toxic habits, neither cigarette smoking nor alcohol consumption influenced the presence of ED. The same hold for the sociological‐type variables (civil states, level of education). Regarding the biochemical variables from blood tests, a significant relationship with the atherogenic index and its recoded variable at high and low atherogenic risk (p < 0.04) was noted. In the glycaemic profile, a glycaemia mean of 126 mg/dl was obtained in the ED presence group, which is the cut‐off point proposed by ADA117 (American Diabetes Association) to consider a subject diabetic. Likewise, glycated haemoglobin presented figures in the two groups can be considered an alternation of a practically diabetic glucose metabolism. In our study, the presence of diabetic disease, high blood pressure (HBP) and dyslipidaemia showed no significant relationship with ED presence for each disease. However, in the combination of these diseases, a statistically significant relationship was seen when CVR increases, according to the Framinghan tables. Neither did each disease’s duration show a significant relationship with ED presence nor significant differences for the drugs used to treat the three pathologies were found. The coronary risk calculated according to the Framinghan tables indicated a statistically significant result, as did excessive risk (the difference between the coronary risk and the average assigned per age) for ED presence. The LISAT 8 test suggested that ED affected health‐associated quality of life and was statistically significant in two items of sex life and economic situation and was borderline statistically significant in the general life and working life items. Conclusions: There is a high ED prevalence in patients with high CVR. When ED improves, the better CVRFs are controlled. These patients’ pluripathology implies aggressive polymedication which doctors must consider as it increases the risk of ED

Qualidade de vida em mulheres climatéricas que trabalham no sistema sanitário e educativo

The objective of this study was to determine the association between the professional activity and the perceived quality of life in climacteric women who work in Health and Education. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was developed in a sample of 203 climacteric women, together with a correlation analysis of labor factors influence on health-related quality of life. Significant differences were found between working womens quality of life and some labor conditions. The perceived quality of life in perimenopausal women who work in Education is higher than that of those working in Health (p=0.004). Nursing professionals can develop health programs that deal with the work conditions that negatively influence the perceived quality of life in climacteric women.El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre la actividad profesional y la calidad de vida percibida en mujeres climatéricas que trabajan en las áreas sanitaria y educativa. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, en una muestra de 203 mujeres climatéricas, junto al análisis correlacional de la influencia de los factores laborales en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la calidad de vida de las trabajadoras y algunas condiciones laborales. La calidad de vida percibida por las mujeres perimenopáusicas que trabajan en educación es superior a la de las que trabajan en salud (p=0,004). Los profesionales de Enfermería pueden elaborar programas de salud, que aborden las condiciones de trabajo que influyen negativamente en la calidad de vida percibida por las mujeres climatéricas.O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a associação entre a atividade profissional e a qualidade de vida percebida em mulheres climatéricas que trabalham nas áreas da saúde e educação. Realizou-se estudo descritivo e transversal, numa amostra de 203 mulheres climatéricas, juntamente com análise correlacional da influência dos fatores de trabalho na qualidade de vida, relacionada à saúde. Encontraram-se diferenças significativas entre a qualidade de vida das trabalhadoras e algumas variáveis laborais. A qualidade de vida percebida pelas mulheres perimenopáusicas que trabalham na área da educação é superior à daquelas que trabalham na área da saúde (p=0,004). Os profissionais de enfermagem podem elaborar programas de saúde que abordem as condições de trabalho que influenciam negativamente a qualidade de vida percebida pelas mulheres climatéricas

Como evaluar las seis gestiones del talento en la administración del recurso humano en el CU UAEM Temascaltepec, extensión académica Tejupilco

Este proyecto tiene como fin evaluar la gestión del talento en la administración del recurso humano en el C. U. UAEM Temascaltepec, Extensión Académica Tejupilco, esto se logró aplicando un instrumento de autoevaluación, un test de formas de administrar al personal, un cuestionario que abarca las seis fases de gestión de recursos humanos según Liquidano (2005) y uno donde se da la opinión sobre el desempeño organizacional, donde después teniendo los resultados, se emite una propuesta al Centro para que nos ayude a mejorar la productividad, de acuerdo a las siguientes fases: de gestión, de recursos humanos, administrativa, de desarrollo, estratégica, de gestión por competencias y de gestión del conocimiento, donde como resultado final se tiene; fase estratégica con 93.3%, en seguida la fase de desarrollo con 86.7%, después las fases administrativa y del conocimiento con un 80%, y por ultimo las fases de gestión y fase por competencias con un 73.3%, así también se concluye diciendo que toda institución necesita evaluación, motivación y capacitar para lograr sus objetivos establecidos. Palabras claves: gestión del talento, administración, recursos humanos

Wikis colaborativas. Una experiencia en la facultad de economía y empresa

Colección: Contextos Universitarios Transformadores (CUT). Número 7[Resumen] Los estudios realizados en los últimos años señalan el aprendizaje colaborativo y el uso de las TICs en el aula como herramientas esenciales de cara a promover un proceso eficiente de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Las wikis colaborativas recogen ambos aspectos, favoreciendo la cooperación del alumnado y mejorando sus competencias digitales. Por este motivo, en el curso 2020-2021, se ha llevado a cabo una actividad de wikis colaborativas en la materia Análisis Económico de las Organizaciones, que se imparte en el cuarto curso del doble grado de Administración y Dirección de Empresas-Derecho de la Universidade da Coruña. Con el fin de evaluar el impacto de esta actividad en el alumnado y en su proceso de aprendizaje, se ha elaborado un cuestionario, que ha sido contestado por los alumnos al finalizar la actividad. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que los alumnos perciben claramente que una aportación de calidad a la wiki será recompensada luego en los resultados de la materia. Sin embargo, los resultados en cuanto a que la participación en la actividad les ha gustado, aunque son buenos, pueden ser mejorados. Por tanto, cabe seguir mejorando en su diseño y contenidos.[Abstract] Studies carried out in recent years point to collaborative learning and the use of ICT in the classroom as essential tools to promote an efficient teaching-learning process. Collaborative wikis include both aspects, favouring student cooperation and improving their digital competences. For this reason, in the 2020-2021 academic year, a collaborative wiki activity has been carried out in the subject Economic Analysis of Organisations, which is taught in the fourth year of the double degree in Business Administration and Management-Law at the Universidade da Coruña. In order to assess the impact of this activity on the students and their learning process, a questionnaire was prepared and answered by the students at the end of the activity. The results obtained show that students clearly perceive that a quality contribution to the wiki will be rewarded later in the results of the subject. However, the results in terms of liking participation in the activity, although good, can be improved. Therefore, the design and content of the wiki can be further improved.http://hdl.handle.net/2183/3249

Influence of Femtosecond Laser Modification on Biomechanical and Biofunctional Behavior of Porous Titanium Substrates

[Abstract] Bone resorption and inadequate osseointegration are considered the main problems of titanium implants. In this investigation, the texture and surface roughness of porous titanium samples obtained by the space holder technique were modified with a femtosecond Yb-doped fiber laser. Different percentages of porosity (30, 40, 50, and 60 vol.%) and particle range size (100–200 and 355–500 μm) were compared with fully-dense samples obtained by conventional powder metallurgy. After femtosecond laser treatment the formation of a rough surface with micro-columns and micro-holes occurred for all the studied substrates. The surface was covered by ripples over the micro-metric structures. This work evaluates both the influence of the macro-pores inherent to the spacer particles, as well as the micro-columns and the texture generated with the laser, on the wettability of the surface, the cell behavior (adhesion and proliferation of osteoblasts), micro-hardness (instrumented micro-indentation test, P–h curves) and scratch resistance. The titanium sample with 30 vol.% and a pore range size of 100–200 μm was the best candidate for the replacement of small damaged cortical bone tissues, based on its better biomechanical (stiffness and yield strength) and biofunctional balance (bone in-growth and in vitro osseointegration).This research was funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación del Gobierno de España (PID2019-109371GB-100), Junta de Andalucía (Spain), through the Project PAIDI P20-00671Junta de Andalucía; P20-0067

Changes in plasma total saturated fatty acids and palmitic acid are related to pro-inflammatory molecule IL-6 concentrations after nutritional intervention for one year

Systemic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Circulating fatty acids (FA) are known to be related to these conditions, possibly through their role in inflammation, although different types of FAs can have opposite effects on inflammatory mediators. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association of plasma FAs with inflammatory biomarkers in a PREDIMED trial subsample after one year of intervention. In a one-year longitudinal study of 91 participants of the PREDIMED trial (Barcelona-Clinic center), plasma FAs and inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed using gas chromatography and ELISA, respectively. In baseline plasma, a multivariable-adjusted ordinary least squares regression model showed that n-3 polyunsaturated FAs concentrations were inversely associated with concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and E-selectin, whereas the level of the most abundant saturated FA, palmitic acid, was directly associated with concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (β = 0.48 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.93 per 1-SD increase, p-value = 0.037). After one year of nutritional intervention, changes of plasma diet-derived total saturated FAs and palmitic acid were directly associated with changes in IL-6 (β = 0.59 pg/mL [95% CI: 0.28, 0.89] per 1-SD, p-value = 0.001; β = 0.64 pg/mL, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.98, p-value = 0.001), respectively, after correction for multiple testing. Our findings suggest that saturated FAs of dietary origin, especially palmitic acid, are directly involved in the increase of IL-6 in plasma

A genome-wide association study follow-up suggests a possible role for PPARG in systemic sclerosis susceptibility

Introduction: A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising a French cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) reported several non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing a nominal association in the discovery phase. We aimed to identify previously overlooked susceptibility variants by using a follow-up strategy.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Methods: Sixty-six non-HLA SNPs showing a P value &#60;10-4 in the discovery phase of the French SSc GWAS were analyzed in the first step of this study, performing a meta-analysis that combined data from the two published SSc GWASs. A total of 2,921 SSc patients and 6,963 healthy controls were included in this first phase. Two SNPs, PPARG rs310746 and CHRNA9 rs6832151, were selected for genotyping in the replication cohort (1,068 SSc patients and 6,762 healthy controls) based on the results of the first step. Genotyping was performed by using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Results: We observed nominal associations for both PPARG rs310746 (PMH = 1.90 × 10-6, OR, 1.28) and CHRNA9 rs6832151 (PMH = 4.30 × 10-6, OR, 1.17) genetic variants with SSc in the first step of our study. In the replication phase, we observed a trend of association for PPARG rs310746 (P value = 0.066; OR, 1.17). The combined overall Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis of all the cohorts included in the present study revealed that PPARG rs310746 remained associated with SSc with a nominal non-genome-wide significant P value (PMH = 5.00 × 10-7; OR, 1.25). No evidence of association was observed for CHRNA9 rs6832151 either in the replication phase or in the overall pooled analysis.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Conclusion: Our results suggest a role of PPARG gene in the development of SSc

SMAD3 rs17228212 Gene Polymorphism Is Associated with Reduced Risk to Cerebrovascular Accidents and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Anti-CCP Negative Spanish Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex polygenic inflammatory disease associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Previous genome-wide association studies have described SMAD3 rs17228212 polymorphism as an important signal associated with CV events. The aim of the present study was to evaluate for the first time the relationship between this gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to CV manifestations and its potential association with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by the evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in patients with RA

Effectiveness of an intervention for improving drug prescription in primary care patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy:Study protocol of a cluster randomized clinical trial (Multi-PAP project)

This study was funded by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias ISCIII (Grant Numbers PI15/00276, PI15/00572, PI15/00996), REDISSEC (Project Numbers RD12/0001/0012, RD16/0001/0005), and the European Regional Development Fund ("A way to build Europe").Background: Multimorbidity is associated with negative effects both on people's health and on healthcare systems. A key problem linked to multimorbidity is polypharmacy, which in turn is associated with increased risk of partly preventable adverse effects, including mortality. The Ariadne principles describe a model of care based on a thorough assessment of diseases, treatments (and potential interactions), clinical status, context and preferences of patients with multimorbidity, with the aim of prioritizing and sharing realistic treatment goals that guide an individualized management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention that implements the Ariadne principles in a population of young-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. The intervention seeks to improve the appropriateness of prescribing in primary care (PC), as measured by the medication appropriateness index (MAI) score at 6 and 12months, as compared with usual care. Methods/Design: Design:pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial. Unit of randomization: family physician (FP). Unit of analysis: patient. Scope: PC health centres in three autonomous communities: Aragon, Madrid, and Andalusia (Spain). Population: patients aged 65-74years with multimorbidity (≥3 chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs prescribed in ≥3months). Sample size: n=400 (200 per study arm). Intervention: complex intervention based on the implementation of the Ariadne principles with two components: (1) FP training and (2) FP-patient interview. Outcomes: MAI score, health services use, quality of life (Euroqol 5D-5L), pharmacotherapy and adherence to treatment (Morisky-Green, Haynes-Sackett), and clinical and socio-demographic variables. Statistical analysis: primary outcome is the difference in MAI score between T0 and T1 and corresponding 95% confidence interval. Adjustment for confounding factors will be performed by multilevel analysis. All analyses will be carried out in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: It is essential to provide evidence concerning interventions on PC patients with polypharmacy and multimorbidity, conducted in the context of routine clinical practice, and involving young-old patients with significant potential for preventing negative health outcomes. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02866799Publisher PDFPeer reviewe