Estructura familiar y rendimiento escolar en educación secundaria obligatoria

[Resumen] En el presente trabajo se analiza el contexto familiar de aquellos alumnos/ as de ESO que obtienen un bajo rendimiento escolar y ante los cuales la escuela no pone en marcha ninguna medida de atención a la diversidad. En estos casos las familias pueden permanecer pasivas o por el contrario tratar de paliar esta situación. Encontramos, en este estudio, que variables como la asistencia voluntaria de los padres al centro, las expectativas profesionales y académicas sobre el futuro de sus hijos, determinan la puesta en marcha de recursos compensatorios. Al tiempo, nos preguntamos si el hecho de que los padres acudan voluntariamente al centro, va a producir el despertar de la respuesta del sistema educativo, que hasta el momento era nulo. Los datos obtenido reflejan, que en esta situación se desencadena una mayor probabilidad de activación de respuesta por parte de la escuela. Nos apoyamos en la existencia de trabajos de recopilación que pretenden contribuir al estudio de la interrelación que existe entre familia y educación, desde una perspectiva teórica y metodológic

Microextracción en fase sólida "in-tube" para el análisis de compuestos orgánicos en matrices atmosféricas

Programa Oficial de Doutoramento en Química Ambiental e Fundamental. 5031V01[Resumen] En esta Tesis Doctoral se han desarrollado metodologías analíticas para la determinación de tres grupos de compuestos orgánicos de gran interés medioambiental (hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos, ésteres de ácido ftálico y aminas) en matrices atmosféricas (agua de lluvia y material particulado atmosférico). Los métodos desarrollados emplean la microextracción en fase sólida in-tube acoplada on-line a cromatografía de líquidos (IT-SPME-HPLC). Se reducen considerablemente el número de etapas de tratamiento de muestra, los volúmenes requeridos (de muestra y disolventes orgánicos) y el tiempo de análisis, y se alcanzan límites de detección y cuantificación a nivel traza/ultratraza. Además se presenta un estudio de alcance de la técnica, con una discusión crítica sobre fortalezas y debilidades y su estado actual. Los métodos se han aplicado a muestras de eventos cortos de precipitación, que no se pueden analizar por métodos clásicos, así como a un estudio de estabilidad de HAP en agua de lluvia. Se ha abordado la caracterización de muestras de PM10 analizando iones mayoritarios, metales traza, composición elemental, relaciones de isótopos estables y fracción carbonosa, que incluye el carbono orgánico soluble. Finalmente se ha realizado un estudio de identificación de fuentes con la aplicación de Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF).[Resumo] Nesta Tese Doutoral desenvolvéronse metodoloxías analíticas para a determinación de tres grupos de compostos orgánicos de grande interese ambiental (hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos, ésteres de ácido ftálico e aminas) en matrices atmosféricas (auga de choiva e particulado atmosférico). Os métodos desenvolvidos empregan a microextracción en fase sólida in-tube acoplada on-line a cromatografía de líquidos (IT-SPME-HPLC). Redúcense considerablemente o número de etapas de tratamento de mostra, os volumes requiridos (de mostra e disolventes orgánicos) e o tempo de análise, e alcánzanse límites de detección e cuantificación a nivel traza/ultratraza. Ademais preséntase un estudo de alcance da técnica, cunha discusión crítica sobre fortalezas e debilidades e o seu estado actual. Os métodos aplicáronse a mostras de eventos curtos de precipitación, que non se poden analizar polos métodos clásicos, así como a un estudo de estabilidade de HAP en auga de choiva. Abordouse a caracterización de mostras de PM10 analizando ións maioritarios, metais traza, composición elemental, relacións de isótopos estables e fracción carbonosa, que inclúe o carbono orgánico soluble. Finalmente realizouse un estudo de identificación de fontes coa aplicación de Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF).[Abstract] This PhD Thesis presents the development of analytical methodologies for the determination of three groups of organic compounds of a great interest (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates and amines) in atmospheric matrices (rainwater and atmospheric particulate matter). The developed methods use in-tube solid phase microextraction on-line coupled to liquid chromatography (IT-SPME-HPLC) to reduce significantly the steps of sample treatment, volume consumption of both sample and organic solvents and the time analysis, achieving detection and quantitation limits for trace/ultratrace analytes. In addition, a scoping review about IT-SPME, state of art and its strengths and weaknesses, has been performed. The methods have been applied to short precipitation events, which cannot be analysed by classic methods, and to study the stability of PAHs in rainwater. Characterization of PM10 has been performed by analysing major ions, trace metals, elemental composition, stable isotopic ratios and carbonaceous fraction, including water soluble organic carbon. Finally, a source apportionment study has been performed by Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF).

Occurrence of Proteus mirabilis associated with two species of venezuelan oysters

The fecal contamination of raw seafood by indicators and opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms represents a public health concern. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of enteric bacteria colonizing oysters collected from a Venezuelan touristic area. Oyster samples were collected at the northwestern coast of Venezuela and local salinity, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen of seawater were recorded. Total and fecal coliforms were measured for the assessment of the microbiological quality of water and oysters, using the Multiple Tube Fermentation technique. Analyses were made using cultures and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Diverse enrichment and selective culture methods were used to isolate enteric bacteria. We obtained pure cultures of Gram-negative straight rods with fimbriae from Isognomon alatus and Crassostrea rhizophorae. Our results show that P. mirabilis was predominant under our culture conditions. We confirmed the identity of the cultures by biochemical tests, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and data analysis. Other enterobacteria such as Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii and Klebsiella pneumoniae were also isolated from seawater and oysters. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in oysters could have serious epidemiological implications and a potential human health risk associated with consumption of raw seafood.A contaminação fecal de frutos do mar crus por microrganismos oportunistas patogênicos representa problema de saúde pública. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a presença de bactérias entéricas que colonizam ostras coletadas em área turística da Venezuela. Amostras de ostras foram coletadas na costa noroeste da Venezuela e foram registrados a salinidade local, pH, temperatura e o oxigênio dissolvido na água do mar. O total de coliformes fecais foi medido para a avaliação da qualidade microbiológica da água e das ostras, usando a técnica de fermentação em tubos múltiplos. Análises foram feitas usando culturas e seqüência do gene 16S rRNA. Enriquecimento diversificado e métodos de cultura seletivos foram usados para isolar a bactéria entérica. Obtivemos culturas puras de bastões retos Gram negativos com fímbrias de Isognomon alatus e Crassostrea rhizophorae. Nossos resultados mostram que P. mirabilis foi predominante nas nossas condições de cultura. Confirmamos a identidade das culturas por testes bioquímicos, seqüência do gene 16rRNA e a análise de dados. Outras enterobactérias como Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii e Klebsiella pneumoniae foram também isoladas da água do mar e ostras. A presença de bactérias patogênicas em ostras podem ter implicações epidemiológicas e potencial risco para a saúde humana quando do consumo de frutos do mar crus

Levels and Sources of Atmospheric Particle-Bound Mercury in Atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM₁₀) at Several Sites of an Atlantic Coastal European Region

[Abstract] Atmospheric particle-bound mercury (PHg) quantification, at a pg m⁻³ level, has been assessed in particulate matter samples (PM₁₀) at several sites (industrial, urban and sub-urban sites) of Atlantic coastal European region during 13 months by using a direct thermo-desorption method. Analytical method validation was assessed using 1648a and ERM CZ120 reference materials. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.25 pg m⁻³ and 0.43 pg m⁻³, respectively. Repeatability of the method was generally below 12.6%. PHg concentrations varied between 1.5–30.8, 1.5–75.3 and 2.27–33.7 pg m⁻³ at urban, sub-urban and industrial sites, respectively. PHg concentration varied from 7.2 pg m⁻³ (urban site) to 16.3 pg m⁻³ (suburban site) during winter season, while PHg concentrations varied from 9.9 pg m⁻³ (urban site) to 19.3 pg m⁻³ (suburban site) during the summer. Other trace elements, major ions, black carbon (BC) and UV-absorbing particulate matter (UV PM) was also assessed at several sites. Average concentrations for trace metals (Al, As, Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Si, Sr, V and Zn) ranged from 0.08 ng m⁻³ (Bi) at suburban site to 1.11 µg m⁻³ (Fe) at industrial site. Average concentrations for major ions (including Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, NH₄⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻) ranged from 200 ng m⁻³ (K⁺) to 5332 ng m⁻³ (SO₄²⁻) at urban site, 166 ng m⁻³ (Mg²⁺) to 4425 ng m⁻³ (SO₄²⁻) at suburban site and 592 ng m⁻³ (K⁺) to 5853 ng m⁻³ (Cl⁻) at industrial site. Results of univariate analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested crustal, marine and anthropogenic sources of PHg in PM₁₀ at several sites studied. Toxicity prediction of PHg, by using hazard quotient, suggested no non-carcinogenic risk for adults.This work was supported by Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas ref: ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020) FEDER-MINECO (UNLC15-DE-3097, financed together (80/20%) with Xunta de Galicia and Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Programa Estatal de I+D+i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad ref: RTI2018-101116-B-I00 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE). We are grateful to Alicia Cantarero-Roldán (SAI-University of A Coruña) for ICP-MS technical support. M. Fernández-Amado appreciates the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades support (PTA2017-13607-I). The authors would like to thank P. Esperón (PTA2013-8375-I) for her support.Xunta de Galicia; ED431C 2017/28-2017-202

Evolution of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants in the Air: What Changed after Five Lockdown Weeks at a Southwest Atlantic European Region (Northwest of Spain) Due to the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic?

[Abstract] Due to the exponential growth of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Spain (2020), the Spanish Government adopted lockdown measures as mitigating strategies to reduce the spread of the pandemic from 14 March. In this paper, we report the results of the change in air quality at two Atlantic Coastal European cities (Northwest Spain) during five lockdown weeks. The temporal evolution of gaseous (nitrogen oxides, comprising NOₓ, NO, and NO₂; sulfur dioxide, SO₂; carbon monoxide, CO; and ozone, O₃) and particulate matter (PM₁₀; PM₂․₅; and equivalent black carbon, eBC) pollutants were recorded before (7 February to 13 March 2020) and during the first five lockdown weeks (14 March to 20 April 2020) at seven air quality monitoring stations (urban background, traffic, and industrial) in the cities of A Coruña and Vigo. The influences of the backward trajectories and meteorological parameters on air pollutant concentrations were considered during the studied period. The temporal trends indicate that the concentrations of almost all species steadily decreased during the lockdown period with statistical significance, with respect to the pre-lockdown period. In this context, great reductions were observed for pollutants related mainly to fossil fuel combustion, road traffic, and shipping emissions (−38 to −78% for NO, −22 to −69% for NO₂, −26 to −75% for NOₓ, −3 to −77% for SO₂, −21% for CO, −25 to −49% for PM₁₀, −10 to −38% for PM₂․₅, and −29 to −51% for eBC). Conversely, O₃ concentrations increased from +5 to +16%. Finally, pollutant concentration data for 14 March to 20 April of 2020 were compared with those of the previous two years. The results show that the overall air pollutants levels were higher during 2018–2019 than during the lockdown period.This work was supported by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) (Programa Estatal de I+D+i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad, ref: RTI 2018-101116-B-I00), Xunta de Galicia (Programa de Consolidación y Estructuración de Unidades de Investigación Competitivas ref: ED431C 2017/28-2017-2020) and FEDER-MINECO (UNLC15-DE-3097, financed together (80/20%) with Xunta de Galicia). Joel Sánchez-Piñero acknowledges the Xunta de Galicia and the European Union (European Social Fund-ESF) for a predoctoral grant (ED481A-2018/164). María Fernández-Amado acknowledges the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (PTA2017-13607-I)

Consequences of child maltreatment victimisation in internalising and externalising mental health problems

Purpose: The literature on the prevalence of child maltreatment is extensive, but studies are required to assess the impact on mental health to enhance the effectiveness of intervention programs. Method: Thus, a field study was undertaken to evaluate depression, anxiety, and anger in 65 child victims of multiple types of maltreatment. Results: The results showed that child maltreatment victim (CM-V) reported more depressive (36%), anxiety (45%), and anger (69%) symptoms than the normative sample. However, subjects were asymptomatic in approximately 25% of depression, 20% anxiety, and 5% of anger. Epidemiologically, the results revealed that the probability of caseness among the CM-Vs sample increased to around 85% for depression and anxiety and 90% for anger.Conclusions: The clinical, social, and legal implications of the results are discussedThis research has been partially sponsored by a grant of the Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria of the Xunta de Galicia (ED431B 2020/46), and by a grant of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PSI2017-87278-R)S

Effects of changes in body weight and insulin resistance on inflammation and endothelial function in morbid obesity after bariatric surgery

Metabolic alterations such as insulin resistance are thought to underlie the endothelial dysfunction and low grade inflammation found in morbid obesity. Twenty-six morbidly obese patients, aged 39.0 +/- 10.0 (mean +/- sd), were evaluated before and 4.2 +/- 0.8 months after bariatric surgery. A marked increment in the insulin sensitivity index (S(I)) and the endothelium-dependent vasodilatory response in a dorsal hand vein was observed after weight loss following bariatric surgery. Circulating levels of E-selectin, P-selectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and von Willebrand factor, which were higher than those in the control group, decreased significantly after surgery. Plasma vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, angiotensin-converting enzyme, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, thrombomodulin, and plasma and intraplatelet cGMP levels did not change after weight loss. All inflammatory markers were higher in morbidly obese patients. After surgery, C- reactive protein and sialic acid diminished, whereas circulating levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and its soluble receptors did not. Positive correlations were found between changes in adiposity and S(I) and changes in C-reactive protein and between changes in sialic acid and changes in endothelial function. In conclusion, a marked improvement in S(I), endothelial function, and low grade inflammation was observed in the weight-losing, morbidly obese patients after bariatric surgery. S(I) and adiposity appear to play roles in obesity-related, low grade inflammation that contribute to the endothelial dysfunction observed in morbid obesity

Efectividad de una Intervención educativa sobre el nivel de conocimiento de la COVID-19 en adultos mayores

Introduction: the need for admission and mortality in older adults infected with COVID-19 is greater than in the general population, with knowledge about the disease determining risk perception and prevention.Objective: to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the level of knowledge of COVID-19 in older adults.Method: non-observational, quasi-experimental, before-after study without a control group, through an educational intervention in older adults belonging to the "Wilfredo Santana" Teaching Polyclinic between April and May 2020. The sample consisted of 84 older adults. The research was carried out during three predefined periods: diagnosis, intervention and evaluation. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.Results: patients predominated in the age group between 70 and 79 years (38,10 %), and female (54,76 %). A significant increase (p<0,05) was observed after the educational intervention of the adequate level of knowledge about the generalities of the COVID-19 (29,76 % vs. 66,66 %), the sanitary measures necessary to contain the contagion ( 19,04 % vs 73,8 %), and on warning signs and symptoms (16,66 % vs 64,28 %). 40,48 % of the older adults studied presented an inadequate level of general knowledge before the intervention, while after it, 97,62 % presented adequate levels.Conclusions: the application of the educational intervention had a favorable impact on the level of knowledge of older adults; guaranteeing tools to confront COVID-19 in this highly vulnerable population group.Introducción: la necesidad de ingreso y la mortalidad en adultos mayores infectados por la COVID-19 es mayor que en la población general, siendo el conocimiento sobre la enfermedad determinante en la percepción de riesgo y prevención.Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de una intervención educativa sobre el nivel de conocimiento de la COVID-19 en adultos mayores.Método: estudio no observacional, cuasi-experimental, antes-después sin grupo de control, mediante una intervención educativa en adultos mayores pertenecientes al Policlínico Docente “Wilfredo Santana” entre abril y mayo del 2020. La muestra estuvo conformada por 84 adultos mayores. La investigación se desarrolló durante tres períodos predefinidos: diagnóstico, intervención y evaluación. Se empleó estadística descriptiva e inferencial.Resultados: predominaron los pacientes en el grupo de edades entre 70 y 79 años (38,10 %), y del sexo femenino (54,76 %). Se observó un aumento significativo (p<0,05) tras la intervención educativa del nivel de conocimiento adecuado sobre las generalidades de la COVID-19 (29,76 % vs 66,66 %), las medidas sanitarias necesarias para contener el contagio (19,04 % vs 73,8 %), y sobre los signos y síntomas de alerta (16,66 % vs 64,28 %). El 40,48 % de los adultos mayores estudiados presentó un nivel de conocimiento general inadecuado antes de la intervención, mientras que posterior a esta el 97,62 % presentó niveles adecuados.Conclusiones: la aplicación de la intervención educativa tuvo un impacto favorable sobre el nivel de conocimiento de los adultos mayores; garantizando herramientas para el enfrentamiento a la COVID-19 en este grupo poblacional de gran vulnerabilidad

Effectiveness of Mental Health Literacy Programs in Primary and Secondary Schools : a Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Altres ajuts: IDIAP: 7Z20/010- 2020; Generalitat de Catalunya (PERIS) SLT002/16/00202In recent years, there has been an increase in studies evaluating the effectiveness of mental health literacy programs within the context of education as a universal, preventive intervention. A systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the effectiveness of mental health literacy interventions in schools, from 2013 to the present, on mental health knowledge, stigma, and help-seeking is conducted. Of the 795 identified references, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Mental health knowledge increased after the interventions (standardized mean difference: SMD = 0.61; 95% CI (0.05, 0.74)), at two months (SMD = 0.60; 95% CI (0.4, 1.07)) and six months (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI (0.27, 0.51)). No significant differences were observed between stigma and improving help-seeking. Mental health literacy interventions are effective in augmenting mental health knowledge, but not in reducing stigma or improving help-seeking behavior

Melioidosis, un souvenir caro e inolvidable

Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. It was introduced to Western countries as a result of tourism and commercial traffic. It is more frequent in patients with diabetes and alcoholism. It can produce cutaneous abscesses, pneumonia, bacteremia without focus and osteomyelitis, among other affectations. The delay in diagnosis in non-endemic regions increases mortality. The treatment is based on the use of antibiotics combined with surgical drainage when appropriate. Mortality is high, although early treatment with adequate duration reduces the risk of relapse and death. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman with tibial osteomyelitis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei after a trip to Thailand.La melioidosis es una enfermedad endémica en el Sudeste Asiático y norte de Australia, e importada a países occidentales como consecuencia del turismo y del tráfico comercial. Es más frecuente en pacientes con diabetes y alcoholismo. Puede producir abscesos cutáneos, neumonía, bacteriemia sin foco y osteomielitis, entre otras afectaciones. El diagnóstico en regiones no endémicas suele retrasarse, lo que aumenta la mortalidad. El tratamiento se basa en el uso de antibióticos combinado con drenaje quirúrgico cuando procede. La mortalidad es elevada, aunque un tratamiento precoz con duración adecuada disminuye el riesgo de recaídas y de muerte. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 26 años con una osteomielitis tibial por Burkholderia pseudomallei tras un viaje a Tailandia