Sun Exposure during Water Sports: Do Elite Athletes Adequately Protect Their Skin against Skin Cancer?

Excessive sun exposure is the main avoidable cause of skin cancer. Outdoor sports performed without adequate photoprotection are risky practices in this respect. This study examines whether elite athletes in water sports (specifically surfing, windsurfing, and sailing) take appropriate measures to protect their skin from the sun, and whether there are differences in this respect according to age, gender, or sports discipline. This study is based on a questionnaire-based health survey. World championship competitors completed a self-administered questionnaire on their sun protection and exposure habits, as well as sunburns during the last sports season. In total, 246 participants, with an age range of 16-30 years, completed the questionnaire. Of these, 49.6% used inadequate sun protection. Those who protected their skin appropriately tended to be older than those who did not (average age = 23.28 and 20.69 years, respectively; p = 0.000). There were no significant differences in sun protection habits between male and female athletes. The rate of sunburn was very high (76.7%). A high proportion (22.5%) of participants never used sunscreen. Elite athletes in water sports are at real risk of skin lesions from overexposure to the sun, associated with inadequate photoprotection practices. Campaigns to raise awareness and to promote the early detection of skin cancer should target these risk groups

Hamstring extensibility in female elite soccer players

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la extensibilidad de la musculatura isquiosural en futbolistas femeninas de élite. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en una muestra de 75 jugadoras de élite de fútbol de cuatro categorías: Sub12 (n=20, edad: 11,42 ± 0,90 años), Sub15 (n=21, edad: 13,38 ± 1,50 años), Provincial (amateur) (n=15, edad: 17,13 ± 1,85 años), y Nacional (profesional) (n=20, edad: 22,80 ± 5,25 años). Como instrumentos de medición se utilizaron el test sit and reach (SRT) y el test de flexión profunda (FP) de tronco. Los valores medios presentados en el SRT fueron de 9,74 ± 5,62 cm. para el grupo Sub12, 13,86 ± 4,82 cm. para el grupo Sub15, 9,73 ± 3,58 cm para el grupo Provincial (amateur) y 7,55 ± 8,39 cm para el grupo Nacional (profesional). En el SRT las participantes del grupo Sub15 obtuvieron resultados significativamente superiores que las participantes del grupo Nacional (p<.05), mientras que en la prueba FP el grupo Sub12 obtuvo resultados significativamente superiores que el grupo Nacional (p<.05). En el análisis de correlaciones bivariadas, se observaron correlaciones moderadas entre la altura y los resultados en las pruebas de FP (r=.561; p<.05) y SRT (r=.491; p<.05) en el grupo Sub12. En conclusión, los resultados de este estudio indican que la extensibilidad isquiosural de las jugadoras de élite de fútbol estudiadas es limitada, por lo que deberíamos implementar programas específicos de estiramientos de la musculatura isquiosural en futbolistas féminas desde las categorías inferiores hasta las categorías profesionales. Palabras clave. flexibilidad, fútbol femenino, flexión profunda, sit and reach test.The aim of this study was to evaluate hamstring extensibility in female elite soccer players. A descriptive transversal study was carried out with a sample of 75 female elite soccer players into four categories: Under12 (n=20, age: 11,42 ± 0,90 years), Under15 (n=21, age: 13,38 ± 1,50 years), Provincial (amateur) (n=15, age: 17,13 ± 1,85 years), and National (professional) (n=20, age: 22,80 ± 5,25 years). The sit and reach test (SRT) and the deep trunk flexion test were used as measurement tools. The average values showed in the SRT were 9,74 ± 5,62 cm. for the Under12 group, 13,86 ± 4,82 cm. for the Under15 group, 9,73 ± 3,58 cm for the Provincial (amateur) group and 7,55 ± 8,39 cm for the National (professional) group. In the SRT the members of Under15 group showed significantly higher results than the members of National group (p<.05), while in the deep trunk flexion test the Under12 group showed significantly higher results than the National group (p<.05). In the analysis of bivariate correlations, in the Under12 group moderate correlations were observed between height and scores in the deep trunk test (r = .561; p <.05) and SRT (r = .491; p <.05). In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the hamstring extensibility in female elite soccer players studied is limited, so we should implement stretching specific programs of the hamstring muscles in female soccer players from the lower categories to the professional categories. Key words. flexibility, female soccer, deep trunk, sit and reach test

What Sun Protection Practices Should Be Adopted by Trainee Teachers to Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer and Other Adverse Outcomes?

Excessive sun exposure and insufficient protection are the main risk factors for the onset of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (the most common types of cancer suffered by fair-skinned populations) and other adverse effects on the skin and eyes. Epidemiological data highlight the scant awareness of this risk among young people and the high rates of sunburn often recorded among this population. The main aim of the present study is to examine sun exposure and protection behavior by university students. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was undertaken to investigate sun exposure and protection practices among students of education sciences at a university in southern Spain. The data obtained were used to perform a descriptive, comparative analysis, by groups and by gender, of photoprotection and skin self-examination practices. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were both tested. Of the 315 students who completed the questionnaire, 74.6% had suffered at least one sunburn during the previous year. Few made frequent use of sunscreen or protective clothing and 89.5% did not self-examine their skin. The metric properties of the questionnaire revealed its excellent reliability and validity. Among the Spanish university students considered, there was little awareness of the risk of excessive sun exposure, self-protection was insufficient, the potential exposure to dangerous levels of ultraviolet radiation was high, and most had suffered one or more sunburns in the last year. Intervention strategies should be implemented to highlight the risks involved and the need for more appropriate sun protection practices. Information campaigns should be conducted in this respect so that, when these students become teachers, they will have adequate knowledge of the risks involved and of the benefits of addressing this problem effectively, and will ultimately transfer these health education competences to their own students

Evaluación de los conocimientos y prácticas sobre la norma para la atención, control y prevención del dengue por parte del personal médico, enfermería, inspectores de saneamiento ambiental y promotores de salud del sistema básico de salud integral San Miguel año 2008

RESUMEN: En ésta investigación se trató de evaluar los conocimientos y prácticas acerca de la norma para la atención, control y prevención del dengue por parte del personal médico, enfermería, inspectores de saneamiento ambiental y promotores de salud pertenecientes al SIBASI San Miguel. El estudio se llevó a cabo durante los meses de septiembre y octubre del año 2008. Se realizó una investigación de tipo prospectiva, transversal, descriptiva, documental y de campo; utilizando para la recolección de información, técnica documental y la técnica de trabajo de campo como es la encuesta a través de un cuestionario administrado a una población conformada por 56 médicos, 127 enfermeras, 202 promotores de salud y 41 inspectores de saneamiento ambiental. Los resultados encontrados son los siguientes: En relación a la vigilancia epidemiológica el personal médico y de enfermería manejan este apartado en un 24.69%. En cuanto a los promotores e inspectores de saneamiento ambiental lo conocen en un 40.92%. Para la vigilancia serológica los médicos y enfermeras tienen conocimientos en un 50%; en el caso de los promotores e inspectores de saneamiento ambiental en un 57.42%. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and practices of medical personnel, nurses, environmental sanitation inspectors and health promoters belonging to SIBASI San Miguel regarding the standard of care, control and prevention of dengue fever. The study was carried out during September and October 2008. A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, documentary and field research was carried out, using a documentary technique and a fieldwork technique such as a survey through a questionnaire administered to a population made up of 56 physicians, 127 nurses, 202 health promoters and 41 environmental sanitation inspectors. The results found are as follows: In relation to epidemiological surveillance the medical and nursing personnel handle this section in 24.69%. As for the promoters and environmental sanitation inspectors, 40.92% are familiar with it. For serological surveillance, doctors and nurses have 50% knowledge; in the case of environmental sanitation promoters and inspectors, 57.42%

Impact of operatoŕs experience on peri-procedural outcomes with Watchman FLX: Insights from the FLX-SPA registry

Background: The Watchman FLX is a device upgrade of the Watchman 2.5 that incorporates several design enhancements intended to simplify left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) and improve procedural outcomes. This study compares peri-procedural results of LAAO with Watchman FLX (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) in centers with varying degrees of experience with the Watchman 2.5 and Watchman FLX. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, 'real-world' registry including consecutive patients undergoing LAAO with the Watchman FLX at 26 Spanish sites (FLX-SPA registry). Implanting centers were classified according to the center's prior experience with the Watchman 2.5. A further division of centers according to whether or not they had performed ≤ 10 or > 10Watchman FLX implants was prespecified at the beginning of the study. Procedural outcomes of institutions stratified according to their experience with the Watchman 2.5 and FLX devices were compared. Results: 359 patients [mean age 75.5 (SD8.1), CHA2DS2-VASc 4.4 (SD1.4), HAS-BLED 3.8(SD0.9)] were included. Global success rate was 98.6%, successful LAAO with the first selected device size was achieved in 95.5% patients and the device was implanted at first attempt in 78.6% cases. There were only 9(2.5%) major peri-procedural complications. No differences in efficacy or safety results according to the centeŕs previous experience with Watchman 2.5 and procedural volume with Watchman FLX existed. Conclusions: The Watchman FLX attains high procedural success rates with complete LAA sealing in unselected, real-world patients, along with a low incidence of peri-procedural complications, regardless of operatoŕs experience with its previous device iteration or the number of Watchman FLX devices implanted

Economic evaluation of complete revascularization versus stress echocardiography-guided revascularization in the STEACS with multivessel disease

[Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. Los estudios económicos pueden ayudar a tomar decisiones en el tratamiento de la enfermedad multivaso en el infarto. Se planteó realizar una evaluación económica del ensayo clínico CROSS-AMI (Complete Revascularization or Stress Echocardiography in Patients With Multivessel Disease and ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction). Métodos. Se realizó un análisis de comparación de costes económicos de las estrategias (revascularización angiográfica completa [RCom] y revascularización selectiva guiada por isquemia en ecocardiograma de estrés [RSel]) comparadas en el ensayo clínico CROSS-AMI (N = 306), derivados de la hospitalización inicial y del primer año de seguimiento, según las tarifas oficiales vigentes en nuestro sistema de salud. Resultados. El coste de la hospitalización inicial resultó superior en el grupo de RCom que en la rama de RSel (19.657,9 ± 6.236,8 frente a 14.038,7 ± 4.958,5 euros; p < 0,001). No hubo diferencias entre ambos grupos en el coste del primer año de seguimiento (RCom, 2.423,5 ± 4.568,0 euros; Rsel, 2.653,9 ± 5.709,1 euros; p = 0,697). El coste total fue 22.081,3 ± 7.505,6 euros en la rama de RCom y 16.692,6 ± 7.669,9 euros en la rama de RSel (p < 0,001). Conclusiones. En el ensayo clínico CROSS-AMI, el sobrecoste inicial de la RCom frente a la RSel no se vio compensado por un ahorro significativo en el seguimiento. La RSel parece ser una estrategia más eficiente que la RCom para los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST y enfermedad multivaso tratados mediante angioplastia emergente.[Abstract] Introduction and objectives. Economic studies may help decision making in the management of multivessel disease in the setting of myocardial infarction. We sought to perform an economic evaluation of CROSS-AMI (Complete Revascularization or Stress Echocardiography in Patients With Multivessel Disease and ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction) randomized clinical trial. Methods. We performed a cost minimization analysis for the strategies (complete angiographic revascularization [ComR] and selective stress echocardiography–guided revascularization [SelR]) compared in the CROSS-AMI clinical trial (N = 306), attributable the initial hospitalization and readmissions during the first year of follow-up, using current rates for health services provided by our health system. Results. The index hospitalization costs were higher in the ComR group than in SelR arm (19 657.9 ± 6236.8 € vs 14 038.7 ± 4958.5 €; P < .001). There were no differences in the costs of the first year of follow-up rehospitalizations between both groups for (ComR 2423.5 ± 4568.0 vs SelR 2653.9 ± 5709.1; P = .697). Total cost was 22 081.3 ± 7505.6 for the ComR arm and 16 692.6 ± 7669.9 for the SelR group (P < .001). Conclusions. In the CROSS-AMI trial, the initial extra economic costs of the ComR versus SelR were not offset by significant savings during follow-up. SelR seems to be more efficient than ComR in patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome and multivessel disease treated by emergent angioplasty

Practical guideline for Benign paroxismal positional vertigo

Introduction and objective: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vertigo, characterized by brief attacks of rotatory vertigo associated with nystagmus, which are elicited by specific changes in head position relative to gravity. The observation of positional nystagmus is essential for the diagnosis of BPPV. The treatment consists in maneuvers of canalith repositioning procedure to move otoconial debris from the affected semicircular canal to the utricle. These guidelines are intended for all who treat the BPPV in their work, with an intention to assist in the diagnosis and application of an appropriate therapeutic method. Method: The experience and analysis of different national and international consensus on BPPV, has allowed to a large group of ENT specialists of the Communities of Castilla y León, Cantabria and La Rioja (Spain), carry out this guide. Results: The different clinical entities are reviewed. BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal, horizontal canal and anterior canal, BPPV affecting several canals, atypical and central BPPV, subjective BPPV and the characteristics of this process in the elderly. Canalith repositioning procedures have been illustrated with explanatory drawings. Discussion and conclusions: Although the pathophysiology of BPPV is canalolithiasis comprising free-floating otoconial debris within the endolymph of a semicircular canal, or cupulolithiasis comprising otoconial debris adherent to the cupula, there are still many issues to be resolved. We think that the best way to find answers is part of using a common methodology in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients.Introducción y Objetivo: El vértigo periférico más frecuente es el Vértigo Posicional Paroxístico Benigno (VPPB), caracterizado por bruscos ataques de sensación rotatoria, que aparecen como consecuencia de determinados cambios en la posición de la cabeza con relación a la gravedad. La observación del nistagmo posicional es fundamental para el diagnóstico de VPPB. El tratamiento consiste en aplicar maniobras de reposición, para intentar trasladar los restos otoconiales libres, desde el conducto semicircular (CS) afectado hasta el utrículo. Esta guía, está orientada para quienes tratan el VPPB, con la intención práctica de ayudarles en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Método: La experiencia y el análisis de diferentes acuerdos nacionales e internacionales sobre el VPPB, han permitido a un amplio grupo de especialistas ORL de las Comunidades de Castilla y León, Cantabria y La Rioja (España), llevar a cabo esta guía. Resultados: Se revisan las diferentes entidades clínicas. VPPB del conducto semicircular posterior (CSP), horizontal (CSA) y anterior (CSA), incluyéndose también el VPPB multicanal, VPPB atípico y central, VPPB subjetivo y las características de este proceso en el anciano. Las maniobras de reposición se han ilustrado con dibujos explicativos. Discusión y conclusiones: Aunque la fisiopatología del VPPB se explica por la presencia de restos otoconiales libres en la endolinfa de uno o varios conductos semicirculares (canalitiasis) y en algunos casos por su adherencia a la cúpula del CS (cupulolitiasis), aún quedan muchas cuestiones por resolver. Pero creemos que la mejor manera de encontrar respuestas parte de utilizar una metodología común en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de estos pacientes

Crítica, periodismo y divulgación musical en espacios digitales

Mediante el presente proyecto se ha ofrecido formación en recursos y prácticas de crítica y periodismo musical, profundizando en la importancia de la divulgación en espacios digitales. Se trata de la continuación del anterior proyecto de innovación no 21 "Herramientas de comunicación y divulgación musical orientadas a la transferencia: entornos digitales 2.0". El nuevo proyecto se ha centrado en los ámbitos de la crítica y el periodismo, concretamente en la actualidad de la prensa escrita y la radio, así como ha tenido en cuenta el uso extendido de redes sociales y plataformas online en tareas de divulgación de contenidos. Dicha formación ha querido dar respuesta a la necesidad de que el profesorado y el alumnado en Musicología actualice y refuerce su conocimiento sobre los códigos, recursos, y entornos en los que se desarrollan estos campos, ya que se trata actualmente de uno de los ámbitos principales de proyección profesional de los egresados de Musicología, a través de la demanda de publicaciones digitales que requieren especialización en música, , radios - en las cuales la interacción con el usuario de internet es crucial-, e instituciones culturales y musicales que necesitan reseñas, crónicas, y breves escritos enfocados a sus espacios de difusión y promoción en internet. Se trata de un proyecto interfacultativo e interdepartamental ya que ha implicado a profesionales, docentes, investigadores y alumnado del Departamento de Musicología, el ICCMU (ambos de la Facultad de Geografía e Historia), y el Departamento de Periodismo y Nuevos medios (Facultad de Ciencias de la Información)