A characterization of non-archimedeanly quasimetrizable spaces

In this paper we introduce a new structure on topological spaces which allows us to give a characterization of non-archimedeanly quasipseudometrizable spaces

Dimension, inverse limits and GF-spaces

In this paper we characterize (covering) dimension in metrizable spaces in terms of fractal structures. We will also study dimension for compact metric spaces, giving a theorem relating dimension and a certain class of inverse limits, similar to that of Freudenthal

Levetiracetam as an alternative therapy for Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a common childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by chronic tics and frequent comorbid conditions such as attention deficit disorder. Most currently used tic-suppressing drugs are frequently associated with serious adverse events. Thus, alternative therapeutic agents with more favorable side-effect profiles are being evaluated. New hypotheses and recent studies involving GABAergic system in the pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome suppose a reason for the evaluation of GABAergic drugs. Levetiracetam is a drug with an atypical GABAergic mechanism of action that might be expected to improve tics. Although trials performed to evaluate the efficacy of levetiracetam in the treatment of Tourette syndrome have provided conflicting results, it may be useful in some patients. The established safe profile of levetiracetam makes this drug an alternative for treatment if intolerance to currently used drugs appears, but additional evaluation with larger and longer duration controlled studies are necessary to assess the real efficacy in patients with Tourette syndrome

Development and psychometric assessment of the basic resuscitation skills self-efficacy scale

Background: Nurses are usually the first responders to an in-hospital cardiac arrest. As bystanders, nurses are expected to master some basic resuscitation skills. Self-efficacy levels are a key component in the acquisition of basic resuscitation skills. Aim: To develop, test and validate a self-efficacy scale that accurately measures nursing students’ confidence levels in their capabilities when responding to a cardiac arrest. Methods: This study enrolled a conveniently recruited sample of 768 nursing students from two different universities in Europe. The Basic Resuscitation Skills Self-Efficacy Scale (BRS-SES) was developed and its psychometrics established. Content validity, criterion validity, discriminant validity, and internal consistency were assessed. Performing item-analysis, principal component analysis and known group analysis evaluated construct validity. Results: Principal component analysis revealed the three-subscale structure of the final 18-item BRS-SES. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.96 for the overall measure demonstrated the internal consistency of the BRS-SES. Data also evidenced discriminant ability of the BRS-SES and known-group analysis showed its high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: The BRS-SES showed good psychometric properties for measuring self-efficacy in basic resuscitation skills that nursing students, as future first responders to an in-hospital cardiac arrest, will be expected to master. Implications for practice: The BRS-SES is a validated tool that could have a positive impact on the training of basic resuscitation skills and, therefore, on patients’ outcomes

Lesiones y problemas físicos padecidos por senderistas y cicloturistas en una ruta por etapas: el caso del Camino de Santiago

Este trabajo ha tenido por objetivo conocer los problemas físicos, dolencias o enfermedades padecidas por el peregrino mayor de 15 años que recorre el Camino de Santiago, andando o en bicicleta, analizando las diferencias producidas en función de la edad, sexo, medio de locomoción y nacionalidad. La investigación se ha desarrollado mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario autoadministrado en Compostela a una muestra de 1.091 sujetos, utilizando el procedimiento de muestreo estratificado polietápico con afijación proporcional, con un margen de error muestral del ±3 % y un nivel de confianza del 95,5%. Los resultados indicaron que el medio utilizado para realizar una ruta por etapas, y la distancia recorrida, son determinantes de los problemas físicos sufridos, comprobándose que las ampollas y las llagas en los pies, así como la tendinitis, las padecen más los senderistas, mientras que a los cicloturistas afectan más las insolaciones, resfriados y caídas y golpes

Genomic Population Structure of the Main Historical Genetic Lines of Spanish Merino Sheep

According to historiographical documentation, the Romans first began to select Merino sheep in the Iberian Peninsula during the first century, with the aim of obtaining a breed appreciated for the quality of its wool. This process continued locally during the Middle Ages, when Spanish sheep were protected, and their export to foreign countries was banned. It was during the 16th century when individual Merino sheep were allowed to spread around the world to be used to improve the wool quality of local breeds. However, the wool crisis of the 1960s shifted the selection criteria of the Merino breed towards meat production at the expenses of wool. Consequently, individuals that display the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of those sheep originally bred in the kingdom of Spain in the Middle Ages are extremely difficult to find in commercial herds. In this study, we characterized the genetic basis of 403 individuals from the main historical Spanish Merino genetic lines (Granda, Hidalgo, Lopez-Montenegro, Maeso, Donoso and Egea), which were bred in isolation over the last 200 years, using a genomic approach based on genotyping data from the Axiom™ Ovine 50 K SNP Genotyping Array. Our analysis included measuring population structure, genomic differentiation indexes, runs of homozygosity (ROH) patterns, and an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). The results showed large genetic differences between the historical lines, even though they belong to the same breed. In addition, ROH analysis showed differences due to increased inbreeding among the ancient generations compared with the modern Merino lines, confirming the breed’s ancestral and closed origin. However, our results also showed a high variability and richness within the Spanish historical Merino lines from a genetic viewpoint. This fact, together with their great ability to produce high-quality wool, suggests that ancestral Merino lines from Spain should be considered a valuable genetic population to be maintained as a resource for the improvement of wool-producing sheep breeds all around the world

Design and validation of a three-instrument toolkit for the assessment of competence in electrocardiogram rhythm recognition

Background: Rapid and accurate interpretation of cardiac arrhythmias by nurses has been linked with safe practice and positive patient outcomes. Although training in electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm recognition is part of most undergraduate nursing programmes, research continues to suggest that nurses and nursing students lack competence in recognising cardiac rhythms. In order to promote patient safety, nursing educators must develop valid and reliable assessment tools that allow the rigorous assessment of this competence before nursing students are allowed to practise without supervision. Aim: To develop and psychometrically evaluate a toolkit to holistically assess competence in ECG rhythm recognition. Methods: Following a convenience sampling technique, 293 nursing students from a nursing faculty in a Spanish university were recruited for the study. The following three instruments were developed and psychometrically tested: a knowledge assessment tool (ECG-KAT), a skills assessment tool (ECG-SAT) and a self-efficacy assessment tool (ECG-SES). Reliability and validity (content, criterion and construct) of these tools were meticulously examined. Results: A high Cronbach’s alpha coefficient demonstrated the excellent reliability of the instruments (ECG-KAT=0.89; ECG-SAT=0.93; ECG-SES=0.98). An excellent context validity index (S-CVI/Ave>0.94) and very good criterion validity were evidenced for all the tools. Regarding construct validity, principal component analysis revealed that all items comprising the instruments contributed to measure knowledge, skills or self-efficacy in ECG rhythm recognition. Moreover, known-groups analysis showed the tools’ ability to detect expected differences in competence between groups with different training experiences. Conclusion: The three-instrument toolkit developed showed excellent psychometric properties for measuring competence in ECG rhythm recognition

The diagnosis of hereditary angioedema: family caregivers’ experiences

The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of family caregivers in the process of diagnosing hereditary angioedema. An interpretive and qualitative research methodology based on Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics was carried out. Data collection took place between May 2015 and August 2016 and included a focus group and in-depth interviews with 16 family caregivers. Two themes define the experiences of family caregivers: “Family life focuses on identifying the problem” and “Discovering and coping with a complex diagnosis.” The process of diagnosis generates fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and incomprehension. Family caregivers are the main support for patients diagnosed with hereditary angioedema. As they share in the patients’ suffering, they need a diagnosis to be established to be able to cope with the disease and offer support. Family health nurses can contribute to improving the coping process in this phase of the disease

Programa de Conservación del Merino Negro: Caracterización de la aptitud productiva y valoración genética para caracteres de crecimiento

A pesar de que el merino negro como miembro del tronco merino nativo español, ha sufrido la mayoría de los vaivenes del merino blanco, no ha existido paralelismo en la evolución de los censos de ambas poblaciones a lo largo de la historia, principalmente debido al color de su fibra. En la actualidad está considerada una raza en peligro de extinción. Dentro de las actuaciones llevadas a cabo por la Asociación Nacional de Criadores para su conservación in situ, y en el ámbito del proyecto de investigación lNIA (RZ- 2004-00024), se ha realizado el control productivo de 170 corderos hijos de 5 moruecos pertenecientes al Censyra de Extremadura (Badajoz) que fueron sometidos a prueba de descendencia. Se realizaron 4 pesadas por cordero desde el nacimiento hasta el sacrificio (edad media 75 días). La ganancia media diaria osciló en el caso de los machos entre los 0,223 Kg. (ganancia en el primer mes de vida) hasta los 0,265 Kg. (en la última fase del cebo) y los 0,195 Kg. a 0,221 Kg. en los mismos periodos para las hembras. Esto determinó que los pesos medios obtenidos fueron en todos los casos estadísticamente menores a los del merino blanco que se controla dentro del Esquema de Selección de la raza (alrededor de 1 Kg. de media a los 30 días de edad, y 2 kgs. al final del cebo). Esto justifica en parte la situación en la que se encuentra actualmente esta raza. No obstante consideramos que las diferencias detectadas son más bien un reflejo de la diferente historia selectiva de ambas razas en la última década. Finalmente se ha realizado la primera valoración genética de esta raza empleando la metodología BLUP modelo animal para caracteres de crecimiento utilizando para ello los mismos parámetros y modelo que el merino blanco, contando en la actualidad con el valor genético de 898 animales para 4 caracteres de crecimiento (gmd hasta los 30 días y de 30 a los 75 dias, peso a los 3O y 75 días), y la calificación morfológica