An expert patient program to improve the empowerment and quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis : protocol for a multicenter pre-post intervention study

Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes a progressive disability, which substantially impacts the quality of life (QoL). Health interventions that meet the needs and demands of people with MS are essential to minimize QoL impairment. Expert patient programs (EPPs) facilitate health-related empowerment through peer learning. Based on a previous focus group study, we designed an EPP for MS coordinated by nursing professionals for implementation in the different MS reference units of Catalonia (Southwestern Europe). This study aims to evaluate the effects on quality of life, disease-related knowledge, and self-management related to the health process of the participants of the Expert Patient Program Catalonia™ for people with multiple sclerosis (EPPC-MS). Pre-post intervention multicenter clinical study involving 12 groups of 12 participants: six groups including relapsing and six groups including progressive MS patients, with 144 participants from 7 MS reference units from all over Catalonia, organized in six teams. The intervention will consist of nine telematic learning peer-led sessions (one weekly session). The expert patient (EP) leading the sessions will be an individual with MS with disease-related knowledge, who will be further trained by nurses to lead the sessions. Study variables will be measured before and immediately after the intervention and 6 and 12 months after the end of the sessions and will include: QoL, emotional impact, activation of the person, MS-related knowledge, fatigue, habits and lifestyles, health services use, and program-related experience. Baseline characteristics considered will be sociodemographic data, date of MS diagnosis and type, family history, and treatment characteristics. Variables related to disease follow-up will be new relapses and characteristics and changes in the ongoing treatment. The number of sessions attended will also be collected. Study variables will be analyzed using a pre-post comparison. Peer-led learning programs led by EP help empower people with chronic conditions and offer them tools to improve their autonomy and QoL. This study's intervention will be performed remotely, offering advantages both for people with chronic conditions and the healthcare system regarding the facilitation of family and work conciliation, saving time, simplifying attendance to meetings, lowering costs, and using fewer material resources

Geological context and origin of the mineralization of the historic and prehistoric iron mines in the Gavà area, Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula)

Mining for iron resources in the Gavà area of Catalonia occurred intermittently during the Iberian and Roman epochs, the Middle Ages, and continuing until the industrial era, as evidenced by historical and archaeological documents. Iron mining in this area could have occurred even earlier, during the Neolithic period. Iron ores were formed in two stages: (1) a regional hydrothermal alteration associated with Hercynian thrusts that produced the ankeritization of limestones within the Paleozoic series, and (2) the karstic replacement of these iron-rich carbonates during the Pliocene and Quaternary by means of supergenic fluids that produced ochres with goethite and hematite. The style of mineralization largely depends on the characteristics of the replaced protolith, and three styles of mineralization can be defined: (1)The supergenic replacement of ankeritized massive Pridolian limestones only produced local replacements that were restricted to structural or stratigraphic discontinuities, therefore, the mineralization has reduced dimensions and occurs as irregular veinlets or pipes; (2) The replacement of interbedded ankeritized limestones and pyrite-bearing shales (Lockovian) produced massive ores in pod-shaped bodies rich in silica impurities derived from the altered shales; and (3) The replacement of carbonates overthrust by pyrite- and phosphate-rich shales favored the formation of massive stratabound deposits, which are the largest and highest grade deposits in the study area, and may be locally enriched in minerals of the alunite supergroup and Ca- and Fe-rich phosphates. Outcrops of all of these styles of mineralization were mined by the Iberian cultures, during the roman period and in the Middle Ages, taking advantage of the relatively high metallurgical quality of the ores.Therefore, the exploitation during these epochs was artisanal by means of trenches or small pits. In contrast, during the industrial era only the massive stratabound deposits were exploited in open pits and underground galleries

Famílies botàniques de plantes medicinals

Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona. Ensenyament: Grau de Farmàcia, Assignatura: Botànica Farmacèutica, Curs: 2013-2014, Coordinadors: Joan Simon, Cèsar Blanché i Maria Bosch.Els materials que aquí es presenten són els recull de 175 treballs d’una família botànica d’interès medicinal realitzats de manera individual. Els treballs han estat realitzat per la totalitat dels estudiants dels grups M-2 i M-3 de l’assignatura Botànica Farmacèutica durant els mesos d’abril i maig del curs 2013-14. Tots els treballs s’han dut a terme a través de la plataforma de GoogleDocs i han estat tutoritzats pel professor de l’assignatura i revisats i finalment co-avaluats entre els propis estudiants. L’objectiu principal de l’activitat ha estat fomentar l’aprenentatge autònom i col·laboratiu en Botànica farmacèutica

L'envelliment actiu i saludable a la província de Girona i a Europa segons diferents models

To determine the prevalence of Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA) in the province of Girona and 14 European countries according to various models, to analyze the association between health variables and social determinants of health. This was a cross-sectional, observational analysis of a representative sample of population aged 50 years and older in Girona and Europe consisted of 55.278 participants. The data were obtained by MESGI50 and SHARE studies. AHA was measured using Rowe Kahn model (AHA-RK) and a model based on the WHO definition (AHA-WHO). The prevalence was 23.5% in AHA-RK model and 38.8% in AHA-WHO model. In the geographic analysis, there was a north-central to south-east Europe gradient. In both models, AHA was significantly associated with: self-perception of excellent-very good health status; high-very high quality of life; less use of health services. AHA was more strongly associated with socioeconomic status, mainly with to work and not financial difficulties.L’objectiu és determinar la prevalença de l’Envelliment Actiu i Saludable (EAS) a la província de Girona i a 14 països d’Europa segons diferents models i analitzar l’associació de l’EAS amb variables de salut i determinants socials de la salut. Estudi transversal observacional analític d’una mostra representativa de població de 50 i més anys de la província de Girona i Europa de 55.278 participants. S’analitzaren dades de MESGI50 i SHARE. Es va mesurar l’EAS amb el model Rowe i Kahn i amb un model basat en la definició de l’OMS. Les prevalences d’EAS eren 23,5% model EAS-RK i 38,8% model EAS-OMS. Hi havia un gradient geogràfic Nord-Centre amb Sud-Est d’Europa. En els dos models l’EAS s’associava significativament amb: salut autopercebuda excel•lent o molt bona; qualitat de vida alta o molt alta; menys ús de recursos sanitaris. L’EAS està fortament associat a les condicions socioeconòmiques, principalment treballar i no tenir dificultats econòmiques

Analysis of highly polar marine biotoxins in seawater by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry

The monitoring of marine biotoxins (MBTs) in seawater is presented as an alternative strategy to determine their presence and the possible implications in the ecosystem. For this, an analytical method based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC-HRMS) has been developed to identify and quantify some hydrophilic MBTs in seawater: saxitoxin (STX), decarbamoyl-saxitoxin (dcSTX), neosaxitoxin (NeoSTX), gonaytoxin-2,3 (GTX-2,3) and tetrodotoxin (TTX), which are responsible of gastrointestinal and central nervous system distress in humans when are consumed via seafood. Particulate and filtrate portion were analyzed separately in order to characterize the extracellular toxins dissolved in the water and those present in the particulate. Ultrasound assisted solid-liquid extraction with methanol was used for the isolation of the MBTs from particulate and solid phase extraction using silica cartridges for the filtrate. Extraction procedure was the most critical step during the analytical method due to the high polarity of the toxins and the absolute recoveries obtained ranged from 15 to 47 % in the filtrate and 26 to 71 % in the particulate portions. Limits of detection of the method ranged from 0.5 to 5 µg/L in the filtrate portion and from 3.1 to 62 µg/L in the particulate portion.•Saxitoxins and tetrodotoxins have been analysed by using HILIC-HRMS.•UAE with methanol and SPE with silica cartridges have been employed for the extractions of the polar MBTs from seawater.The work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and competitiveness through the project PLAS-MED (CTM2017-89701C3-1-R). The authors would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Roser Chaler and Dori Fanjul, because of their technical support during the HPLC-HRMS analyses.Peer reviewe

Analysis of highly polar marine biotoxins in seawater by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry

The monitoring of marine biotoxins (MBTs) in seawater is presented as an alternative strategy to determine their presence and the possible implications in the ecosystem. For this, an analytical method based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC-HRMS) has been developed to identify and quantify some hydrophilic MBTs in seawater: saxitoxin (STX), decarbamoyl-saxitoxin (dcSTX), neosaxitoxin (NeoSTX), gonaytoxin-2,3 (GTX-2,3) and tetrodotoxin (TTX), which are responsible of gastrointestinal and central nervous system distress in humans when are consumed via seafood. Particulate and filtrate portion were analyzed separately in order to characterize the extracellular toxins dissolved in the water and those present in the particulate. Ultrasound assisted solid-liquid extraction with methanol was used for the isolation of the MBTs from particulate and solid phase extraction using silica cartridges for the filtrate. Extraction procedure was the most critical step during the analytical method due to the high polarity of the toxins and the absolute recoveries obtained ranged from 15 to 47 % in the filtrate and 26 to 71 % in the particulate portions. Limits of detection of the method ranged from 0.5 to 5 µg/L in the filtrate portion and from 3.1 to 62 µg/L in the particulate portion.•Saxitoxins and tetrodotoxins have been analysed by using HILIC-HRMS.•UAE with methanol and SPE with silica cartridges have been employed for the extractions of the polar MBTs from seawater.The work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and competitiveness through the project PLAS-MED (CTM2017-89701C3-1-R). The authors would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Roser Chaler and Dori Fanjul, because of their technical support during the HPLC-HRMS analyses.Peer reviewe

Ultra-trace determination of domoic acid in the Ebro Delta estuary by SPE-HILIC-HRMS

Marine phytoplankton, such as diatoms, are responsible for a considerable part of carbon fixation and form the basis of the marine food web. However, different factors, such as eutrophication, can affect their population growth and induce the production of toxins. During the last few years, the presence of domoic acid (DA) has increased worldwide in coastal areas. Its toxic properties and capacity to bioaccumulate through the food chain have reinforced the need for developing monitoring strategies to ensure the safety and quality of marine resources. In this work, a highly sensitive analytical method has been developed to be used as an early detection and quantification tool for DA in seawater. The method is based on a sample pre-treatment step by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and an instrumental analysis by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC-HRMS). The method has been validated, showing good results in terms of sensitivity and repeatability. Limits of detection and quantification were 0.25 and 0.75 ng L−1 respectively, and acceptable recovery was in the range of 48–69%. Then, the method was applied to study a real scenario in the Ebro Delta where mariculture activities are relevant for the economy of the area. A total of 34 samples were collected in different campaigns during three seasons covering the two main delta bays (Alfacs and Fangar) and four lagoons (La Tancada, Illa de Buda, l'Encanyissada and Canal Vell). 65% of the samples had concentrations of DA at the ng L−1 level, ranging from 0.90 to 69.6 ng L−1. The highest levels were found in samples from Alfacs bay and the summer campaign. In the case of the lagoons, DA was detected only in La Tancada at 8.78 ng L−1 in the winter campaign. This study proves the prevalence of DA in highly eutrophic areas, during all seasons, often at trace level concentrations.This study was funded by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the project PLAS-MED (CTM 2017-89701C3-1-R) and by the Generalitat de Catalunya (Consolidated Research Group 2017 SGR 01404 – Water and Soil Quality Unit). The authors express their deepest gratitude to R. Chaler and D. Fanjul for their technical assistance.Peer reviewe

Development and validation of a multianalyte immunoassay for the quantification of environmental pollutants in seawater samples from the Catalonia coastal area

Five different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) have been developed and applied for the detection of five representatives of important families of chemical pollutants in seawater: Irgarol 1051® (triazine biocide), sulfapyridine and chloramphenicol (antibiotics), 17β-estradiol (hormone), and domoic acid (algae toxin). The assays were validated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) showing good correlation between both immunochemical and chemical techniques. A process of extraction and clean-up was added prior to the analysis based on solid-phase extraction (SPE). The multianalyte platform presented good specificity for each compound and adequate sensitivity, with limits of detection (LOD) after the SPE treatment of 0.124 ± 0.006, 0.969 ± 0.09, 0.20 ± 0.05, 1.11 ± 0.012, and 1.39 ± 0.09 ng L−1 for Irgarol 1051®, sulfapyridine, chloramphenicol, 17β-estradiol, and domoic acid, respectively. No matrix effects were noticed in working with the seawater extracts. Afterward, seawater samples from the Mediterranean Sea (coastal area of Catalonia) were analyzed by both techniques and only one sample presented one contaminant, 17β-estradiol, in the concentration of 0.011 ± 0.04 μg L−1.The Nb4D group (formerly Applied Molecular Receptors group, AMRg) is a consolidated research group (Grup de Recerca) of the Generalitat de Catalunya and has support from the Departament d’Universitats, Recerca i Societat de la Informació de la Generalitat de Catalunya (expedient: 2014 SGR 1484). CIBER-BBN is an initiative funded by the Spanish National Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2013-2016, Iniciativa Ingenio 2010, and Consolider Program; CIBER Actions are financed by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III with assistance from the European Regional Development Fund. The ICTS “NANOBIOSIS”, and particularly the Custom Antibody Service (CAbS, IQAC-CSIC, CIBER-BBN), is acknowledged for the assistance and support related to the immunoreagents used in this work.This work has been funded by SEA-on-a-CHIP project (FP7-OCEAN-2013, no. 614168).Peer reviewe