Changes in radiological protection and quality control in Spanish dental installations : 1996-2003

Introduction: The European Union has established specific directives concerning radiological protection which are obligatory for member States. In addition, all Spanish dental clinics with radiological equipment are required to have an annual quality control check. Objective: To analyze the effect of new European legislation on dental radiological practice in Spain and to determine whether it has resulted in lower doses being administered to patients. Material and Methods: A total of 10,171 official radiological quality control reports on Spanish dental clinics, covering 16 autonomous regions, were studied following the passing of Royal Decree 2071/1995 on quality criteria in radiodiagnostic installations. The reports, compiled by U.T.P.R Asigma S.A., a company authorised by the Nuclear Safety Council, cover the years 1996 to 2003, which has enabled us to monitor the evolution of radiological procedures in dental clinics over a seven year period. Results: According to the reports for 2003, 77.3 % of clinics complied with EU requirements, using equipment of 70 kVp, 8 mA, 1.5 mm Al filters, with a collimator length of 20 cm. However, non-compliance was detected in approximately a third (30.8%) of the equipment inspected: alterations in the kilovoltage used, exposure time, performance of the tubing, dosage, linearity/intensity of current and acoustic-luminous signal 6.86%. The mean skin dose reached 3.11 mGy for patients who received an x-ray of an upper molar, representing a decrease of 18% over the seven years studied. Conclusion: there has obviously been a general improvement in the parameters studied, but only 77.3% of the installations complied fully with official EU regulations concerning dental radiological protection

Continuous convex relaxation methodology applied to retroperitoneal tumors

In this paper, two algorithms for the segmentation of tumors in soft tissues are presented and compared. These algorithms are applied to the segmentatiion of retroperitoneal tumors. Method: The algorithms are based on a continuous convex relaxation methodology with the introduction of an accumulated gradient distance (AGD). Algorithm 1 is based on two-label convex relaxation and Algorithm 2 applies multilabel convex relaxation. Results: Algorithms 1 and 2 are tested on a database of 6 CT volumes and their results are compared with the manual segmentation. The multilabel version performs better, achieving a 91% of sensitivity, 100% of specificity, 88% of PPV and 89% of Dice index. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the segmentation of retroperitoneal tumors has been addressed. Two segmentation algorithms have been compared and the multilabel version obtains very good resultsJunta de Andalucía P11-TIC-7727Junta de Andalucía PT13/0006/003

Análisis de la Neuropatía diabética periférica en diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en Latinoamérica y el mundo

Introduction: The World Health Organization -WHO- estimates that Diabetes Mellitus (DM) by the year 2030 will be the first cause of death worldwide; in addition, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is the main complication of this pathology, as it occurs in approximately 50% of diabetic patients, this alteration is the main cause of disability due to the appearance of plantar ulcers, which leads to amputations and injuries from falls. Main objective: To analyse "Diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus in Latin America and the world" through a literature review. Methodology: an integrative literature review was carried out, using fifty-nine articles selected from different databases, which responded to the research questions posed in the study. Results: a significant prevalence of NDP was obtained in the analysis of the studies carried out; the main factors associated with this pathology were identified as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, advanced age, time of diagnosis of DM2 greater than 10 years and poor glycaemic control; on the other hand, different drugs and therapies have been investigated in different countries around the world that have been shown to be capable of reducing the symptoms produced by this complication.Conclusion: there is a high frequency of NDP in patients with DM2 according to the analysis of studies carried out in several countries; due to the lack of a specific treatment for this pathology; prevention has been shown to be a fundamental factor applied, since if NDP is managed in an adequate way, the appearance of the complications produced by this alteration can be significantly reduced.  Introducción: La Organización Mundial de la Salud —OMS— estima que la Diabetes Mellitus (DM) para el año 2030 será la primera causa de muerte en todo el mundo; además, la Neuropatía Diabética Periférica (NDP) es la principal complicación de esta patología, ya que se presenta aproximadamente en el 50% de pacientes diabéticos, esta alteración es la principal causa de discapacidad por la aparición de ulceras plantares, lo que conlleva a amputaciones y lesiones por caídas. Objetivo principal: Analizar a través de una revisión bibliográfica la “Neuropatía diabética periferia en diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en Latinoamérica y el mundo”. Metodología: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de tipo integrador, con la utilización de cincuenta y nueve artículos seleccionados de diferentes bases de datos, que respondieron a las preguntas de investigación planteadas en el estudio. Resultados: se obtuvo una significativa prevalencia de NDP en el análisis de estudios realizados; se identificó como principales factores asociados a esta patología la obesidad, sedentarismo, edad avanzada, tiempo de diagnóstico de DM2 mayor a 10 años y mal control glicémico; por otro lado, en diferentes países del mundo se han investigado distintos fármacos y terapias que han demostrado ser capaces de disminuir los síntomas producidos por esta complicación. Conclusión: existe una alta frecuencia de NDP en pacientes con DM2 de acuerdo al análisis de los estudios realizados en varios países; debido a la falta de un tratamiento específico para esta patología; la prevención ha demostrado ser un factor fundamental aplicado, ya que si se maneja de una forma adecuada la NDP se puede disminuir significativamente la aparición de las complicaciones producidas por esta alteración

Desarrollo de un espacio web de prácticas de neuroanatomía y embriología humanas

Presentamos dos proyectos que se relacionan, el primero con la mejora en las prácticas de neuroanatomía para alumnos de segundo de medicina, y el segundo con la enseñanza de la embriología humana, un proyecto bastante complejo del que presentamos aquí su inicio, pero que deseamos convertirlo a medio plazo en una asignatura virtual

LA TECNOLOGÍA EN EL PROCESO DE ATENCIÓN DE ENFERMERÍA TAXONOMÍA NANDA, NIC Y NOC. ARTÍCULO DE REVISIÓN

Introducción: Las nuevas tecnologías y el uso de la información es un proceso progresivo que sigue creciendo, ha tenido un impacto en la profesión de enfermería. Esta disciplina se basa en el cuidado y en la aplicación de nuevas enseñanzas el campo de ciencias de la salud que exige a los profesionales estar actualizados en conocimientos teóricos para así brindar una intervención adecuada basada en el uso de la taxonomía NANDA, NIC y NOC. Objetivo: Analizar el uso de las tecnologías en el proceso de atención de enfermería. Métodos: Se realizó la revisión de literatura mediante la búsqueda de artículos científicos en bases de datos científicas como: ProQuest, Taylor & Francis, Scielo y Páginas oficiales como “Organización Mundial de la Salud, “Organización Panamericana de la Salud”, en la selección se utiliza cadenas de búsqueda con los descriptores de Ciencias de Salud (DeCs) y Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Resultados: la Taxonomía NANDA, NIC y NOC es una metodología para brindar cuidado individualizado y holístico, identificando las necesidades humanas por medio de la valoración de patrones funcionales y mejorando la calidad del cuidado. Conclusiones: La tecnología en la actualidad es una herramienta muy útil en la profesión de enfermería, en la relación enfermera paciente aporta una reacción positiva al favorecer la comunicación y la utilización de la taxonomía en los procesos que se realizan. Palabras clave: tecnología, enfermería, taxonomía, terminología normalizada de enfermería ABSTRACT   Introduction: New technologies and the use of information is a progressive process that continues to grow, it has had an impact on the nursing profession. This discipline is based on care and the application of new teachings in the field of health sciences that requires professionals to be up-to-date in theoretical knowledge in order to provide an adequate intervention based on the use of the NANDA, NIC and NOC taxonomy. Objective: Analyze the use of technologies in the nursing care process. Methods: The literature review was carried out by searching for scientific articles in scientific databases such as: ProQuest, Taylor & Francis, Scielo and official pages such as "World Health Organization, "Pan American Health Organization", in the selection search strings are used with the descriptors of Health Sciences (DeCs) and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Results: the NANDA, NIC and NOC Taxonomy is a methodology to provide individualized and holistic care, identifying human needs through the assessment of functional patterns and improving the quality of care. Conclusions: Technology is currently a very useful tool in the nursing profession, in the nurse-patient relationship it provides a positive reaction by favoring communication and the use of taxonomy in the processes that are carried out. Keywords: technology, nursing, taxonomy, standard nursing terminolog

Parenting Practices, Life Satisfaction, and the Role of Self-Esteem in Adolescents

Introduction: Studies have shown significant associations between parenting practices, life satisfaction, and self-esteem, and the role of parenting practices in adolescent adjustment, emphasizing its influence on wellbeing. Objectives: To analyze the relationships between parenting practices, self-esteem, and life satisfaction, and test the mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between the different parenting practices and life satisfaction of adolescents. Method: The sample came to a total of 742 adolescents, with an average age of 15.63 (SD = 1.24; range 13–19). The Parenting Style Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were used. Results: Perception by adolescents of high levels of affect and communication, self-disclosure, and a sense of humor related to their parents, as well as low levels of psychological control, explained the life satisfaction of the adolescents. Self-esteem exerted a partial mediating effect on the relationship between parenting practices and satisfaction with the life of the adolescent. Finally, self-esteem also appeared to be a moderator variable, specifically in the effect of self-disclosure on the life satisfaction of the adolescent. Conclusions: The results reinforce the role of personal variables, especially self-esteem, in parent-child interaction and in the improved subjective wellbeing of the adolescent

Galectins-1, -3 and -9 Are Present in Breast Milk and Have a Role in Early Life Development

Galectins (Gal) are a family of conserved soluble proteins with high affinity for β-galactoside structures. They have been recognized as important proteins for successful pregnancy. However, little is known about their presence in breast milk and their role in early infancy. Gal-1, -3 and -9 concentrations were evaluated by Multiplex immunoassays in mother-infant pairs from the MAMI cohort in maternal plasma (MP) (n = 15) and umbilical cord plasma (UCP) (n = 15) at birth and in breast milk samples (n = 23) at days 7 and 15 postpartum. Data regarding mother and infant characteristics were collected. Gal-9 was present in a lower concentration range than Gal-1 and Gal-3 in plasma, specifically in UCP. A major finding in the current study is that Gal-1, -3 and -9 were detected for the first time in all the transitional breast milk samples and no differences were found when comparing the two breastfeeding time points. Finally, Gal levels were associated with some maternal and infant characteristics, such as gestational age, pregnancy weight gain, maternal diet, the gender, infant growth and infant infections. In conclusion, Gal levels seem to be involved in certain developmental aspects of early life. Keywords: galectin; breast milk; umbilical cord plasma; maternal plasm

Validación y estandarización de pruebas neuropsicológicas para la evaluación de funciones ejecutivas en población universitaria

Objective: To standardize and validate a group of tests for the evaluation of executive functioning in university students between 16 and 26 years of age. Methodology: 208 healthy university students from Manizales (Colombia) were evaluated. The Wisconsin Classification Tests (WCST), Controlled Association of Words (COW), Stroop Colors and Words (SCW), and Trail Making Test (TMT-B) were used. Appearance validity tests (expert judgment), content validity (principal component analysis), concurrent criterion validity (correlation coefficient), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient), and intra- and inter-rater reliability (proportion of correct answers and correlation coefficient) were developed. Finally, normative data for the population were calculated. Results: Adequate psychometric properties were evidenced in most of the tests: content validity for the COW-FAS, SCW and WCST (r>[0,42]), concurrent validity of the COW-FAS with phonological verbal fluency tests (p<0 .05), internal consistency for the WCST and COW-FAS (Cronbach > 0,70), intra-rater reliability for all tests (r=0,29-0,80; p<0,05), except for COW-FAS , and inter-rater reliability for all tests (agreements greater than 92% and correlation coefficients greater than 0,85). Conclusions: In general, the results of the psychometric tests are adequate, which allowed us to establish normative data for Colombian university students aged 16 to 26 years.El presente estudio busca estandarizar y validar un grupo de pruebas para la evaluación del funcionamiento ejecutivo en estudiantesuniversitarios entre 16 y 26 años. Para ello, se evaluaron 208 estudiantes universitarios sanos de Manizales (Colombia). Se emplearon las pruebas de Clasificación de Wisconsin (WCST), Asociación Controlada de palabras (COW), Colores y Palabras de Stroop (SCW) y Rastreo (TMT-B). Se buscó evidencia de validez respecto de las relaciones con constructos asociados conceptualmente y de relaciones con variables de criterio, así como evidencia de consistencia interna y confiabilidad intra e interevaluador. Finalmente, se calcularon datos normativos para la población. Se evidenció la independencia de los constructos conceptuales de las cuatro pruebas valoradas, es decir, que cada una de las medidas evalúan dimensiones diferentes de las funciones ejecutivas.En general, no se evidenció validez de las pruebas respecto a las medidas de criterio utilizadas: fluidez verbal semántica y fonológica del Neuropsi y funciones frontales del Banfe 2. Todas las tareas mostraron adecuada consistencia interna y confiabilidad inter e intraevaluador, excepto esta última propiedad para el COW-FAS. En general, los resultados de las pruebas psicométricas son adecuadas, lo cual permitió establecer datos normativos para jóvenes universitarios colombianos de 16 a 26 años

Clinicopathological and prognostic characterization of oral lichenoid disease and its main subtypes : a series of 384 cases

To clinicopathologically characterize the diagnosis of oral lichenoid disease (OLD) and its main subtypes: oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesion (OLL), in order to correctly asses their prognosis. Ambispective cohort study of 384 patients with diagnosis of OLD, based on pre-established clinical and histopathological criteria. We have analysed 272 (70.8%) women and 112 (29.2%), whose mean age was 57.1+/-11.8 years (range 21-90); minimum follow-up time was 36 months. A specific protocol was designed for this study, where we gathered the data of each patient, including malignant transformation. OLP was diagnosed in 229 cases (77.9%) and OLL in 85 (22.1%). Tobacco consumption was found in 20.3% of the patients and alcohol intake in 41.1%. Liver pathology was present in 10.7% of the cases, thyroid pathology in 11.5%, arterial hypertension in 15.6%, diabetes mellitus in 7.6%, psycho-emotional disorders in 33.3%, skin involvement in 12% and genital involvement in 4.9%. Ten patients (2.6%) developed an oral squamous cell carcinoma, 5 (1.7%) with OLP and 5 (5.9%) with OLL. OLD is a potentially malignant disorder of the oral mucosa which has to be correctly diagnosed as either OLP or OLL, since the risk of malignancy of these subtypes is significantly different

Clinical and pathological effects of different acrylic intracorneal ring segments in corneal additive surgery

Producción CientíficaThe objective of this work was to evaluate the potential use of less stiff materials based on acrylic copolymers of methyl methacrylate/2-ethylhexyl acrylate (MMA/EHA) as devices to correct, stabilize and improve the effect of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intracorneal ring segments. MMA/EHA and PMMA intracorneal ring segments were surgically implanted in the corneas of Lohmann Classic hens. The effects of the intracorneal ring segments were assessed by optical measurements and corneal tolerance was evaluated through biomicroscopic examination over a 90-day observation period and by conventional histology. The experimental results demonstrated that the intracorneal ring segments made of MMA/EHA copolymers provided a significant change in the corneal curvature and an improved in vivo response compared to those obtained for PMMA rings, which was attributed to the higher flexibility of the copolymeric materials, indicating that these systems might be considered suitable as an alternative to those currently used, for application in clinical practice