Initial monotherapy with eslicarbazepine acetate for the management of adult patients with focal epilepsy in clinical practice: a meta-analysis of observational studies

To assess the effectiveness, overall tolerability of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) as an initial or early monotherapy treatment of adult patients with focal epilepsy under real-world practice conditions. We focused on real-world longitudinal studies that included or separately reported the results of at least one of the efficacy outcomes of interest. A DerSimonian-Laird random effects model was used with the presentation of the 95% confidence intervals of the estimate. 5 studies met our selection criteria and were included in the quantitative synthesis. All studies were observational and uncontrolled studies, and all but one were retrospective studies. The pooled proportion of patients who were seizure-free for the entire study period was 64.6% (95% CI, 45.7 to 79.8) at month 6 and 56.6% (95% CI, 50.2 to 62.8) at month 12. Pooled retention rates were 95.0% (95% CI, 90.3 to 97.5) at 6 months and 83.6% (95% CI, 73.9 to 90.1) at 12 months. The pooled proportion of patients who reported at least one adverse event was 27.2% (95% CI, 21.7 to 33.6), and the pooled proportion of patients who discontinued ESL due to adverse events was 8.9% (95% CI 6.2 to 12.6). Our results suggest that initial or early monotherapy with ESL is effective and well-tolerated for the management of adult patients with focal epilepsy in clinical practice, with results that are at least similar to those reported in the pivotal randomized clinical trial of ESL monotherapy. No new safety signals with ESL have been identified in this systematic reviewThis study was funded by Laboratorios Bial, S.A

Tesis doctorales españolas en educación matemática

This paper reports a research on the production of doctoral theses ( Ph, D, ) on Maths education in Spanish Universities from 1976 to 1998. A scientimetric and conceptual study was carried out in order to detect standards, trends and topic areas with a high research activity. Finally, the study confirms the consolidation of the area of Maths education as a scientific discipline in the Spanish research context.En este articulo se informa de una investigación sobre la producción de tesis doctorales de educación matemática en las universidades españolas desde 1976 a 1998. Se realizó un estudio cientimétrico y conceptual en ellas, detectándose patrones, tendencias y tópicos de gran actividad investigadora. Finalmente es constatada la consolidación del área de didáctica de las matemáticas como disciplina científica en el ámbito de la investigación española

Análisis cienciométrico de las tesis doctorales españolas en Educación Matemática (1976-1998)

Este estudio realiza una revisión cienciométrica usando indicadores de productividad y citación en una muestra de tesis españolas sobre Educación Matemática defendidas en la Universidad española desde 1976 hasta 1998. En concreto, se han analizado 135 tesis recuperadas usando un instrumento de recogida de datos ad hoc. Se infieren patrones cienciométricos contundentes que podrían ayudar a posicionar la Educación Matemática española sobre un estatus científico más firme.This study accomplishes a scientometric review relative to productivity and citation indicators over a sample of doctoral dissertations about Mathematics Education, defended in the Spanish university during the period 1976-1998. We have analysed 135 retrieved thesis using an ad hoc instrument for data collection. Strong scientometric patterns are inferred which could help the Spanish Mathematics Education stand on a sounder scientific status

Permeability and mechanical integrity of porous biomorphic SiC ceramics for application as hot-gas filters

Biomorphic SiC is a biotemplated material fabricated by Si melt-infiltration of carbon preforms from wood pyrolysis. In this work, porous bioSiC ceramics from five different wood precursors, with porosities between 45 and 72% were studied for their feasibility in filtering applications.Gas permeability and mechanical stability were investigated as a function of the microstructure of the starting wood precursor. Air-permeation performance at room temperature was measured for a range of flow rates, and the permeability constants were assessed by fitting of Forchheimer's equation to the experimental data. Darcian permeabilities were achieved in the range 10-10 m, while inertial terms were in the range 10-10 m, showing a correlation with the average pore size and orientation of the larger channels. Regarding the mechanical stability, maximum compressive strength values were reached in the range of 3-115 MPa.These results improve our understanding of the ways in which the microstructure influences permeability and mechanical robustness, enabling the device requirements to be tailored by selecting the wood precursor. It was also shown that these materials are promising for hot-gas filtering applications.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad MAT2013-41233-

Análisis cienciométrico de las tesis doctorales españolas en Educación Matemática (1976-1998)

This study accomplishes a scientometric review relative to productivity and citation indicators over a sample of doctoral dissertations about Mathematics Education, defended in the Spanish university during the period 1976-1998. We have analysed 135 retrieved thesis using an ad hoc instrument for data collection. Strong scientometric patterns are inferred which could help the Spanish Mathematics Education stand on a sounder scientific status.Este estudio realiza una revisión cienciométrica usando indicadores de productividad y citación en una muestra de tesis españolas sobre Educación Matemática defendidas en la Universidad española desde 1976 hasta 1998. En concreto, se han analizado 135 tesis recuperadas usando un instrumento de recogida de datos ad hoc. Se infieren patrones cienciométricos contundentes que podrían ayudar a posicionar la Educación Matemática española sobre un estatus científico más firme

Tesis doctorales españolas en educación matemática

En este artículo se informa de una investigación sobre la producción de tesis doctorales de educación matemática en las universidades españolas desde 1976 a 1998. Se realizó un estudio cientimétrico y conceptual en ellas, detectándose patrones, tendencias y tópicos de gran actividad investigadora. Finalmente es constatada la consolidación del área de didáctica de las matemáticas como disciplina científica en el ámbito de la investigación española

Quality of life as assessed by adults with cerebral palsy

We explored the quality of life of adults with cerebral palsy without an intellectual disability and the predictors of quality of life.Because cerebral palsy is a disease that manifests in childhood, much of the research into quality of life for those dealing with it focuses on children; there are few studies that evaluate the quality of life of adults with cerebral palsy. Therefore, it is important to consider their perceptions in order to improve their general wellbeing and self-determination.This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study.Quality of life was measured using the GENCAT Quality of Life Scale. Demographic and personal variables were also collected and examined. Participants comprised 75 adults (58.7 percent men, mean age = 40.84 years) with cerebral palsy who were members of the National Cerebral Palsy Association of Spain between 2014 and 2015. A linear multivariate model was examined as well.The overall mean score indicator of participants' quality of life was 103.29, which corresponds to the 56.6th percentile on the GENCAT scale. Examining the level of qualification, we found significant differences in the factors "personal development" and "self-determination," and those with a university education obtained higher scores than their less-educated counterparts. Having a partner was related to higher quality of life standard scores. After constructing a linear model, it was observed that maintaining sexual relationships was another factor that increased participants' quality of life.This study highlights the importance of social and romantic relationships to achieve a better quality of life in adults with cerebral palsy who do not have an intellectual disability. Social integration and sexuality education programs should be developed to improve their quality of life

Determinants of Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Pain Among Nurses in a Tertiary Hospital in Spain

Background: All nurses should receive training and education regarding pain as part of their pre-graduate stage, as its assessment and appropriate management when treating patients largely depends on them. With the right knowledge it is possible to reduce its high prevalence, as well as the serious consequences it can lead to. Aim: To determine the level of knowledge and attitudes towards pain of final-year nursing students in Spain. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of five Spanish universities during the academic year 2020-2021. The Spanish version of the Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP) was used. In addition, socio-demographic variables such as age, sex, relationship status, employment status, and the number of dependants were collected. The specific palliative or oncology subjects of each university was also assessed. Results: A total of 224 questionnaires were collected. One of the nursing universities obtained the best score in the KASRP (59.75%) which was significant (p = .001). This university was the only one that offers specific subjects in palliative or oncologic care. A training deficit in aspects related to pain assessment and pharmacologic concepts was detected. We found no relationship between the KASRP and the different sociodemographic variables. Conclusions: Specific training in palliative care improves the students' knowledge regarding pain, although the results did not reach an acceptable minimum. The universities' training programs for Spanish students need to be adapted in order to achieve better results

Comparación de técnicas ventilatorias ante el daño pulmonar inducido en modelo de cerdo recién nacido

Pilar Abella: Estudiante de Medicina, Ciclo de Metodología científica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.-- Martín Badía: Estudiante de Medicina, Ciclo de Metodología científica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.-- M. Belén Beltrán: Estudiante de Medicina, Ciclo de Metodología científica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.-- Tamara Cabral: Estudiante de Medicina, Ciclo de Metodología científica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.-- Lucía Farías: Estudiante de Medicina, Ciclo de Metodología científica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.-- M. Agustina Rico: Estudiante de Medicina, Ciclo de Metodología científica II, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.-- Cecilia Fernández: Departamento de Neonatología, Área Básica del Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay. -- Lucía Vaamonde: Departamento de Neonatología, Área Básica del Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.-- Fernanda Blasina: Departamento de Neonatología, Área Básica del Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.-- Contacto: Dra. Fernanda Blasina. Email: [email protected] estrategias ventilatorias durante patologías de la transición como la hipertensión pulmonar aún requieren mejorar los resultados para disminuir morbimortalidad neonatal. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la efectividad de terapias ventilatorias (invasivas/no invasivas) en el tratamiento de esta patología en el recién nacido, utilizando como modelo animal cerdos recién nacidos. Los animales fueron anestesiados, ventilados y quirúrgicamente preparados para inducir daño pulmonar combinando aspiración de meconio y ácido oleico sistémico y, posteriormente, fueron asignados a uno de los siguientes grupos: control, asistencia ventilatoria mecánica, ventilación de alta frecuencia (VAF), VAF-presión continua de la vía aérea por vía nasal. Cada técnica se aplicó durante 2 horas y 30 minutos comparando parámetros ventilo-respiratorios, hemodinámicos y metabólicos. El modelo indujo hipertensión pulmonar (HTP) e hipercapnia con una situación hemodinámica sistémica estable. Cualquiera de las estrategias ventilatorias presentó similar efectividad evidenciada por su disminución significativa en presión de dióxido de carbono y valores finales de presión pulmonar sistólica similares al estado basal. Se concluyó que todas las estrategias ventilatorias son eficaces en el tratamiento de daño pulmonar en cerdos recién nacidos, sin embargo, la no invasiva resulta muy atractiva ya que presenta una potencial ventaja en inducir menor injuria pulmonar iatrogénica. La mayor velocidad en actuar de la asistencia ventilatoria mecánica puede ser ventajosa ante la gravedad, aunque el riesgo de mayor daño pulmonar inducido podría asociarse a esta modalidad.Ventilatory strategies for the treatment of neonatal transitional pathologies such as pulmonary hypertension need to be deeply explored in order to improve results to decrease newborn mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ventilatory therapies (invasive/ non-invasive) in the treatment of this pathology in the newborn, using an animal model (newborn piglets). The animals were anesthetized, ventilated and surgically prepared to induce lung injury combining meconium aspiration and systemic oleic acid. They were assigned in 4 groups: control, mechanical ventilatory assistance, high frequency ventilation (HFV), HFV with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Each method was applied during 2 hours and 30 minutes comparing respiratory, ventilatory, hemodynamic and metabolic parameters. The lung injury model induced pulmonary hypertension and hipercapnia with a stable hemodynamic situation. All ventilatory strategies demonstrated a similar efficiency by a significant decrease in pCO2 and similar basal systolic pulmonary pressure at the end of the treatment. All the ventilatory strategies were effective in the treatment of the main parameters affected after lung injury in newborn piglets. The non-invasive strategy is more attractive, it has the potential advantage of inducing less iatrogenic lung injury. In severely affected patients the higher speed action of mechanical ventilatory assistance may be advantageous, even though this method could induce more iatrogenic injury

Performance evaluation of the high sensitive troponin I assay on the Atellica IM analyser

The Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction Global Taskforce recommends the use of high sensitive troponin (hs-Tn) assays in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. We evaluated the analytical performance of the Atellica IM High-sensitivity Troponin I Assay (hs-TnI) (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Tarrytown, USA) and compared its performance to other hs-TnI assays (Siemens Advia Centaur, Dimension Vista, Dimension EXL, and Abbott Architect (Wiesbaden, Germany)) at one or more sites across Europe. Precision, detection limit, linearity, method comparison, and interference studies were performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols. Values in 40 healthy individuals were compared to the manufacturer’s cut-offs. Sample turnaround time (TAT) was examined. Imprecision repeatability CVs were 1.1–4.7% and within-lab imprecision were 1.8–7.6% (10.0–25,000 ng/L). The limit of blank (LoB), detection (LoD), and quantitation (LoQ) aligned with the manufacturer’s values of 0.5 ng/L, 1.6 ng/L, and 2.5 ng/L, respectively. Passing-Bablok regression demonstrated good correlations between Atellica IM analyser with other systems; some minor deviations were observed. All results in healthy volunteers fell below the 99th percentile URL, and greater than 50% of each sex demonstrated values above the LoD. No interference was observed for biotin (≤ 1500 µg/L), but a slight bias at 5.0 g/L haemoglobin and 50 ng/L Tn was observed. TAT from was fast (mean time = 10.9 minutes) and reproducible (6%CV). Real-world analytical and TAT performance of the hs-TnI assay on the Atellica IM analyser make this assay fit for routine use in clinical laboratories