W. Somerset Maugham and a philosophy of life

'Man is nothing else but that which he makes of himself'. This, which is the first principle of Existentialism, is the starting point of the present study on Maugham's production. The heroes and heroines of the works analyzed here are people who, at a certain time in their lives and due to different circumstances, wonder about the meaning of life. They reach the conclusion that life has no meaning and that it is each person who has to create his own pattern and thus make of life something bearable. Starting from the idea that life has no meaning, it is clear that these characters are not going to find a blissful happiness; first, because we know that 'happiness is something you must under no circumstances seek, it just comes if you interest yourself in absorbing pursuit'; and second, because this kind of happiness can never exist in a meaningless world. Thus, what they are looking for is a kind of life to which they can resign themselves with a certain degree of contentment, and in which they feel fulfilled. All this, of course, without having any great expectations from life. Maugham proposes in his works three different ways by means of which his characters can reach this state of satisfaction: through Love, Art, and Truth. Although this writer also reminds us that the only other way open for those who cannot come to terms with life is suicide, he seems also to suggest that the best thing one can do is resign oneself to the fact that life is meaningless and try to make the most of it

Comparative analysis of the perception of school violence in teachers, pupils, and families

The main aim of the present study is to analyze the opinion of pupils, families and teachers in four European countries (Spain, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic) on the prevalence of violent behavior and other problematic aspects related to coexistence in schools, and on the way in which individuals are personally affected by them. For this purpose, a single instrument was used. From the results obtained it emerges, first of all, that there are significant differences depending on who is analyzing the school problems. Generally, families perceive the problems analyzed as less common and feel less affected by them personally. Hungary was considered to be the country with the lowest levels of school violence. Pupils indicate their concern about the high levels of lack of motivation or boredom, whilst teachers are more preoccupied about the serious problems of coexistence, due in particular to the presence or use of weapons and drugs and to intercultural conflicts.El objetivo principal de este estudio es analizar la opinión de alumnos, familias y profesores en cuatro países europeos (España, Hungría, Austria y la República Checa) sobre la prevalencia del comportamiento violento y otros aspectos problemáticos relacionados con la convivencia en la escuela, y sobre la forma en que los individuos se ven afectados personalmente por ellos. Para ello, se empleó un solo instrumento. De los resultados, se observa, primero, que hay diferencias significativas en función de quién analiza los problemas de la escuela. En general, las familias perciben los problemas analizados como menos habituales y se sienten menos afectados por ellos. Hungría se consideró el país con los niveles más bajos de violencia escolar. Los alumnos comentan su preocupación por los altos niveles de falta de motivación o aburrimiento, mientras que los profesores están más preocupados por los problemas serios de convivencia, debidos en particular a la presencia o el uso de armas y drogas y a los conflictos interculturales

Aerobiological and allergenic analysis of Cupressaceae pollen in Granada (Southern Spain)

Cupressaceae pollen has been cited in recent years as one of the major airborne allergens of the Mediterranean region, prompting us to conduct an exhaustive analysis on the aerobiological behaviour of this pollen in the Iberian Peninsula and the repercussion that it has had on the atopic population. The aerobiological study, performed from 1996 to 2003 in the city of Granada (S. Spain), used a volumetric Hirst collector. The results indicate that this pollen is present in the air most of the year, registering a high incidence during the winter months. This type of pollen behaved irregularly in the air, fluctuating yearly, seasonally, and within the same day. Temperature and humidity were the parameters that most directly influence the variability of this allergen, while rainfall prior to flowering increased pollen production. The predictive models used estimated a high percentage of the levels reached over the short term by this pollen in the atmosphere of Granada. The clinical study performed with atopic patients showed that some 30% of the population with pollinosis are sensitive to Cupressaceae pollen, affecting people of both genders equally. On the other hand, the most sensitive age group was 21-40 years of age, while children and the elderly registered almost negligible values. Most of the sensitive subjects resided within the city or in the metropolitan area, where environmental pollution reached high levels, while the pathology was found to be less frequent in rural zones. The most frequent symptoms were upper-respiratory ailments and an asthmatic profile.En los últimos años el polen de Cupressaceae se ha considerado uno de los principales alérgenos aéreos de la región Mediterránea, lo que motivó la realización de un análisis exhaustivo del comportamiento aerobiológico de este polen en la Península Ibérica y de la repercusión que tenía en la población atópica. En el estudio aerobiológico, llevado a cabo entre 1996 y 2003 en la ciudad de Granada (sur de España), se utilizó un captador volumétrico tipo Hirst. Los resultados indican que este polen se encuentra presente en el aire la mayor parte del año, pero registra una alta incidencia en los meses de invierno. Este tipo de polen mostró un comportamiento irregular en el aire, con fluctuaciones anuales, estacionales y en un mismo día. La temperatura y la humedad fueron los parámetros que influyeron más directamente en la variabilidad de este alérgeno, mientras que la lluvia antes de la floración incrementó la producción de polen. Los modelos predictivos utilizados estimaron un porcentaje elevado de los niveles alcanzados a corto plazo por este polen en la atmósfera de Granada. El estudio clínico realizado con pacientes atópicos mostró que un 30% de la población con polinosis es sensible al polen de Cupressaceae, afectando a ambos sexos por igual. Por otra parte, el grupo de edad más sensible fue el de 21 a 40 años, mientras que los niños y los ancianos registraron valores casi insignificantes. La mayoría de los sujetos sensibles residían en el núcleo urbano o en el área metropolitana, donde la contaminación ambiental alcanza niveles elevados, mientras que la patología fue menos frecuente en la zona rural. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron afecciones de las vías respiratorias altas y un perfil asmático.The authors wish to thank the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology for financing this study with the “Análisis de la actividad alergénica de la atmósfera” project (BOS2002-03474)

Analysis of predicting factors which cause functional dependence among elderly people

El presente estudio, analiza la relación que existe entre diversos factores susceptibles de ser considerados predictores de la dependencia (nivel educativo, percepción de la salud, percepción de las limitaciones a causa de enfermedades, realización de ejercicio físico, consumo de alcohol y tabaco, satisfacción vital, y nivel de ingresos) y el nivel de dependencia mostrado por los diferentes sujetos en las actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria. Así, podemos ver como a medida que aumenta el nivel educativo, la satisfacción vital, la realización de actividades físicas y el consumo de alcohol (para las actividades básicas) disminuye el nivel de dependencia. Y por otro lado, a medida que aumenta la percepción negativa hacia la salud, la percepción de incapacidad y el consumo de tabaco (para las actividades instrumentales) aumenta también el nivel de dependencia.This paper analyzes the relation which exists among various factors which can be considered to cause dependence (education level, physical exercise, consumption of alcohol and tobacco, life satisfaction, and income level) and the level of dependency demonstrated by different subjects during basic and instrumental activities of daily living. In this way, we can observe that as education level, life satisfaction, physical activity and consumption of alcohol increase (with basic activities) level of dependency decreases. Furthermore, we can observe that as negative perception toward health, perception of incapability and tobacco consumption increase (with instrumental activities) level of dependency increases.Trabajo subvencionado por el Programa Nacional I+D del Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología (Ref.: BSO2003-01894)

ANÁLISIS Y SATIDFACCIÓN DEL SERVICIO DE AYUDA A DOMICILIO EN LA PROVINCIA DE ALMERÍA (ESPAÑA)

The increase of the dependency to make Activities of the Daily Living requires political and social answers for this new and emergent social challenge. The present paper presents the characteristics of the Home Help Service (SAD) in the province of Almería, with respect to activities of domestic, personal and educative character, besides to evalu-ate the satisfaction of the users. Thus, we observed as the demanded SAD more is the related one to domestic activities, followed of the activities of personal and educative character. A greater prevalence in the use for the women exists, increasing the difference with respect to the men as it in-creases the age. Most of the subjects that use the domestic aid are located in the groups of 70-79 and 80-89 years, not being observed differences based on the civil state in the use of activities related to the dress and the cleanliness. The degree of satisfaction, with the service and the treatment of the responsible personnel, is considerably high, whereas approximately 35% don’t consider the benefit sufficient that receives.El aumento de la dependencia para la realización de Activida-des de la Vida Diaria exige respuestas político-sociales de cara a tomar responsabilidades ante este nuevo y emergente reto social. El presente estudio da a conocer las características de la prestación del Servicio de Ayuda a Domicilio (SAD) en la provincia de Almería, respecto a activida-des de carácter doméstico, personal y educativo, además de evaluar la satisfacción de los usuarios. Así, observamos como el SAD más demanda-do es el relacionado con actividades domésticas, seguido de las actividades de carácter personal y educativo. Existe una mayor prevalencia en el uso por parte del género femenino, aumentando la diferencia respecto al mas-culino a medida que aumenta la edad. La mayoría de los sujetos que utili-zan la ayuda doméstica se sitúan en los grupos de 70-79 y 80-89 años, no observándose diferencias en función del estado civil en el uso de activida-des relacionadas con el vestido y el aseo. Es considerablemente alto el grado de satisfacción con el servicio y el trato del personal responsable, mientras que aproximadamente el 35% no considera suficiente la presta-ción que recibe

Enfoques de aprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios: comparación de resultados con los cuestionarios ASSIST y R-SPQ-2F

This study compared the approaches to learning and studying of a sample of 350 Psychology students. Approaches were measured with two of the most widely used questionnaires, namely the ASSIST and the R-SPQ-2F, which were translated into Spanish. Internal validity and reliability were analysed. A correlation pattern was identified in two dimensions: superficial and deep-strategic. No sex or year differences were found in the approaches to learning measured with the ASSIST, yet differences were found in the deep approach measured with the R-SPQ-2F. It may be argued that students in upper levels have more learning experience and achieve higher scorings in constructive and deep approach. Results are discussed in the light of current theories of approaches to learning and studying.Se comparan empíricamente los enfoques de aprendizaje y estudio en una misma muestra de estudiantes universitarios a través de los dos cuestionarios más utilizados, el ASSIST y el R-SPQ-2F. Participaron 350 alumnos de todos los cursos de la titulación de Psicología. Se adaptaron ambos cuestionarios al castellano y se estudió su validez interna y su fiabilidad. Se observa un patrón de correlaciones que implica la existencia de dos grandes dimensiones diferentes entre sí: superficial y profundo-estratégico. No se aprecian diferencias por género y curso en los enfoques de aprendizaje mediante el ASSIST, aunque  sí aparecen a través del R-SPQ-2F en el enfoque profundo, de tal modo que conforme avanzan los cursos y con ello la experiencia de aprendizaje y estudio, los estudiantes mejoran sus puntuaciones en enfoques profundos y constructivos. Se discuten estos resultados en función de las actuales teorías sobre enfoques de aprendizaje y estudio

Effects of sardine-enriched diet on metabolic control, inflammation and gut microbiota in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot randomized trial

Nutrition therapy is the cornerstone of treating diabetes mellitus. The inclusion of fish (particularly oily fish) at least two times per week is recommended by current international dietary guidelines for type 2 diabetes. In contrast to a large number of human studies examining the effects of oily fish on different cardiovascular risk factors, little research on this topic is available in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aims of this pilot study were to investigate the effects of a sardine-enriched diet on metabolic control, adiponectin, inflammatory markers, erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (EMFA) composition, and gut microbiota in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: 35 drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to follow either a type 2 diabetes standard diet (control group: CG), or a standard diet enriched with 100 g of sardines 5 days a week (sardine group: SG) for 6 months. Anthropometric, dietary information, fasting glycated hemoglobin, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, inflammatory markers, EMFA and specific bacterial strains were determined before and after intervention. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in glycemic control between groups at the end of the study. Both groups decreased plasma insulin (SG: -35.3%, P = 0.01, CG: -22.6%, P = 0.02) and homeostasis model of assessment--insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SG: -39.2%, P = 0.007, CG: -21.8%, P = 0.04) at 6-months from baseline. However only SG increased adiponectin in plasma compared to baseline level (+40.7%, P = 0.04). The omega-3 index increased 2.6% in the SG compared to 0.6% in the CG (P = 0.001). Both dietary interventions decreased phylum Firmicutes (SG and CG: P = 0.04) and increased E. coli concentrations (SG: P = 0.01, CG: P = 0.03) at the end of the study from baseline, whereas SG decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (P = 0.04) and increased Bacteroides-Prevotella (P = 0.004) compared to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Although enriching diet with 100 g of sardines 5 days a week during 6 months to a type 2 diabetes standard diet seems to have neutral effects on glycemic control in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes, this nutritional intervention could have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, both dietary interventions decreased HOMA-IR and altered gut microbiota composition of drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes

Effects of sardine-enriched diet on metabolic control, inflammation and gut microbiota in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot randomized trial

Nutrition therapy is the cornerstone of treating diabetes mellitus. The inclusion of fish (particularly oily fish) at least two times per week is recommended by current international dietary guidelines for type 2 diabetes. In contrast to a large number of human studies examining the effects of oily fish on different cardiovascular risk factors, little research on this topic is available in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aims of this pilot study were to investigate the effects of a sardine-enriched diet on metabolic control, adiponectin, inflammatory markers, erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (EMFA) composition, and gut microbiota in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods 35 drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to follow either a type 2 diabetes standard diet (control group: CG), or a standard diet enriched with 100 g of sardines 5 days a week (sardine group: SG) for 6 months. Anthropometric, dietary information, fasting glycated hemoglobin, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, inflammatory markers, EMFA and specific bacterial strains were determined before and after intervention. Results There were no significant differences in glycemic control between groups at the end of the study. Both groups decreased plasma insulin (SG: −35.3 %, P = 0.01, CG: −22.6 %, P = 0.02) and homeostasis model of assessment - insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (SG: −39.2 %, P = 0.007, CG: −21.8 %, P = 0.04) at 6-months from baseline. However only SG increased adiponectin in plasma compared to baseline level (+40.7 %, P = 0.04). The omega-3 index increased 2.6 % in the SG compared to 0.6 % in the CG (P = 0.001). Both dietary interventions decreased phylum Firmicutes (SG and CG: P = 0.04) and increased E. coli concentrations (SG: P = 0.01, CG: P = 0.03) at the end of the study from baseline, whereas SG decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (P = 0.04) and increased Bacteroides-Prevotella (P = 0.004) compared to baseline. Conclusions Although enriching diet with 100 g of sardines 5 days a week during 6 months to a type 2 diabetes standard diet seems to have neutral effects on glycemic control in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes, this nutritional intervention could have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, both dietary interventions decreased HOMA-IR and altered gut microbiota composition of drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabete

Estimación del tiempo de aprendizaje y estudio fuera de clase en estudiantes universitarios: comparación de asignaturas enteramente con metodología ABP (Aprendizaje Básico en Problemas) vs.asignaturas tradicionales. = Estimating learning and study time outside of classroom in university students: a comparison of subjects with entirely PBL methodology (Problem-Based Learning) vs. traditional subjects

[SPA]En este trabajo se compara el tiempo de trabajo no presencial de los estudiantes de asignaturas enteramente con métodos activos del tipo de Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas (ABP) con asignaturas de metodologías tradicionales basadas en la lección magistral en una misma titulación de Psicología. A partir de la carga de trabajo no presencial preestablecida en el sistema ECTS, con metodología de encuesta de autorregistro diario de tiempo de trabajo no presencial, se compara la carga global en el curso cuatrimestral completo así como en la distribución temporal a lo largo del cuatrimestre. Los resultados indican que en ningún caso se sobrepasa la estimación previa ECTS (aunque es algo mayor la carga en la asignatura ABP) y la distribución de la carga a lo largo del cuatrimestre presenta un perfil ascendente en la asignatura tradicional (pocas prácticas a lo largo del curso y examen final) y horizontal con carga de trabajo sostenida en la asignatura ABP. Se evidencia así la mayor adecuación de los métodos docentes activos a los objetivos del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES). [ENG]This work compares the student non presencial (outside of classroom) working time in all subjects with active methods of the type of problem-based learning (PBL) with subjects of traditional methodologies based on the lecture, both in the same degree in Psychology. Since the non presencial workload included in the ECTS system, with daily self-registration survey methodology of non presencial working time, we compare the overall load in the full four-month course and temporal distribution throughout the semester. Results indicate that in no case exceeds the previous estimate ECTS (although it is somewhat higher load on the subject ABP) and load distribution throughout the semester has a rising 1526 profile in the traditional course (few practices over the course and final exam) and horizontal workload sustained in the course ABP. It is thus more appropriate for evidence of active teaching methods to the objectives of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Universidad de Murcia, Región de Murci

NLRP3 inflammasome activation and symptom burden in KRAS-mutated CMML patients is reverted by IL-1 blocking therapy

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is frequently associated with mutations in the rat sarcoma gene (RAS), leading to worse prognosis. RAS mutations result in active RAS-GTP proteins, favoring myeloid cell proliferation and survival and inducing the NLRP3 inflammasome together with the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), which promote caspase-1 activation and interleukin (IL)-1(3 release. Here, we report, in a cohort of CMML patients with mutations in KRAS, a constitutive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in monocytes, evidenced by ASC oligomerization and IL-1(3 release, as well as a specific inflammatory cytokine signature. Treatment of a CMML patient with a KRASG12D mutation using the IL-1 receptor blocker anakinra inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduces monocyte count, and improves the patient's clinical status, enabling a stem cell transplant. This reveals a basal inflammasome activation in RAS-mutated CMML patients and suggests potential therapeutic applications of NLRP3 and IL-1 blockers