Reducing test request for anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies: trends before and after interventions based on rejection rules and profile management

Introduction: The objective of this study was to identify trends in requests for anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TGab) tests before and after applying set of interventions based on rejection rules and profile management. Materials and methods: Trend analysis was made at semester time intervals (from May-October 2010 to May-October 2017), before and after the intervention semester (May-October 2016). Number of tests (N) TPOab and TGab / 1000 total requests based on total N of both tests and total N of biochemical analysis laboratory requests, was calculated. To find out where the interventions had more impact we distinguished N of requests between Primary Care (PC) and Specialized Care (SC). A joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine time segments and time points in these indicators where the trend changed. Results: Trend analysis of the request of TPOab and TGab showed two clearly differentiated trend lines with a statistically significant Joinpoint (P < 0.001) with an increase in each semester from May 2010 of 7.4% and 7.5% respectively, to the semester of the interventions where there was a decrease of - 45% and - 61% located mainly in PC. Trend analysis in SC setting did not show any Joinpoint and any trend line. Conclusions: Results showed that applied interventions enabled change of trend for TPOab and TGab test requests, especially in PC where the interventions proved to be the most successful

Momento Económico (22)

En este número Temas de hoy. 2/ Acerca de la contaminación en la zona metropolitana de la Ciudad de México, Gloria González Salazar, 3/ Dificultades y posibilidades de Cordemex, Esther Iglesias 7/ Cepal en 1985, Ruth Cuevas Orozco, 8/ Detras de la crisis textil, la pobreza de las masas, Ma. Luisa González Marín,12/ Problemas de inversión en el sector agropecuario de México, Adolfo Sánchez Almanza, 13

Evaluation of mechanical properties of matrices derived from fish scale collagen

The development of biodegradable materials arises as an alternative to reduce the pollution caused by plastic waste to the environment, with this premise this study was proposed to develop plastic biopolymers from bioactive compounds with different matrices modified cassava starch (5 – 12 %), fish scale collagen (10 – 40 %), lemon essential oil (0,5 - 1,5 %) and gelatinization temperature (70 – 80 °C); A Box Behnken response surface experimental design was used; with the determination of their mechanical properties (maximum stress, Young's modulus, shear strength, stress at break and percentage elongation at break). According to the results found, it was determined that the modified cassava starch had the greatest influence on the mechanical properties, taking into account its importance to create more resistant materials, but it evidences plasticizing difficulties, where the fish scale collagen has a significant influence. In addition, it is evidenced that lemon essential oil had a great influence on Young's modulus (46,28 ± 2,31 MPa) and the percentage of elongation (69,69 ± 2,16 %); while the gelatinization temperature of 80 °C is not recommended for this type of starch-protein matrices due to damage of the structure; determining a better mechanical resistance and a great increase of Young's modulus. In conclusion, the characteristics and performance of the film based on cassava starch, collagen flakes and lemon essential oil have a positive impact on the maximum level of mechanical efficiency of the biodegradable films, achieving a better performance in their mechanical properties.La elaboración de materiales biodegradables surge como alternativa para disminuir la contaminación causada por los desechos plásticos al medio ambiente, con esta premisa, se propuso este estudio comprendido en el desarrollo de biopolímeros plásticos, a partir de compuestos bioactivos con diferentes matrices de almidón modificado de yuca (5 – 12 %), colágeno de escamas de pescado (10 – 40 %), aceite esencial de limón (0,5 - 1,5 %) y temperatura de gelatinización (70 – 80 °C). Se utilizó un diseño experimental de superficie de respuesta Box Behnken; con la determinación de sus propiedades mecánicas (esfuerzo máximo, módulo de Young, fuerza de corte, esfuerzo a la ruptura y porcentaje de elongación de ruptura). Según los resultados encontrados, se determinó que el almidón modificado de yuca fue el de mayor influencia en las propiedades mecánicas, teniendo en cuenta su importancia para crear materiales más resistentes, pero evidencia dificultades plastificantes, donde el colágeno de escamas de pescado incide significativamente. Además, se evidencia que el aceite esencial de limón presentó gran influencia en el módulo de Young (46,28 ± 2,31 MPa), y en el porcentaje de elongación (69,69 ± 2,16 %); mientras que la temperatura de gelatinización de 80 °C no es recomendada para este tipo de matrices almidón - proteína por daños de la estructura; determinando una mejor resistencia mecánica y un gran aumento del módulo de Young. En conclusión, las características y el rendimiento de la película a base de almidón de yuca, colágeno de escamas, y aceite esencial de limón; tienen un impacto al considerar el nivel máximo de eficacia mecánica de películas biodegradables y alcanzar un mejor comportamiento en sus propiedades mecánicas

Validation of the human chorionic gonadotropin immunoassay in cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnostic work-up of neurohypophyseal germinomas

Background: The measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is useful for the differential diagnosis of suprasellar lesions. However, the concentrations that prove diagnostic for neurohypophyseal germinoma have not been well defined. In addition, the immunoassays used for such measurements are the same as those applied in serum, and few studies have been performed regarding the validation of such techniques in CSF. The present study aims to apply the Elecsysw hCG þ b immunoassay from Roche Diagnostics to measure hCG in CSF, as a useful tool in the diagnosis of neurohypophyseal germinomas in children and young adults. Methods: Validation of the immunoassay involved calculation of the functional sensitivity and reference values for hCG in CSF in 35 controls in the absence of pregnancy, trophoblastic disease or tumour pathology. For the clinical application study, three patients diagnosed with neurohypophyseal germinoma have been reviewed. Results: The functional sensitivity obtained was 0.4 IU/L. The reference values for hCG in CSF ranged from undetectable values to 0.7 IU/L. The hCG concentrations in CSF in the three studied patients, with confirmed diagnosis of neurohypophyseal germinoma, were 21.1, 32.6 and 23 IU/L, respectively. Conclusions: The Elecsysw hCG þ b immunoassay from Roche Diagnostics can be used to detect hCG in CSF with high precision. According to our results, CSF-hCG concentrations that exceed the established reference interval (undetectable values to 0.7 IU/L) in the presence of suprasellar lesions and hypophyseal stalk thickening must be considered pathological, establishing the need to exclude the presence of germinoma

The Influence of the media and advertising on eating disorders

This article describes a literature review of the influence of advertising and the media on Eating Disorders (ED). Research published in scientific journals in various fields of social sciences such as sychology, psychiatry and communication science has enabled us to conclude that the content displayed in the media, including advertising, are enhancers of disorders and contribute significantly to body issatisfaction in relation to the perceived idea of beauty, it also facilitates the development of weight loss strategies in women and gain of muscle mass in men

Correlation of HbA1c with a basic math test in gestational diabetes

Background: A good metabolic control in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is crucial to avoid complications in the mother and the offspring. A limitation to reach a desired HbA1c in GDM is the education level of the mothers. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between the HbA1c and the points obtained in a basic mathematical test. Study Design: cross-sectional study. Methods: This was a pilot study, prospective and cross-sectional. Pregnant women, older than 18 years old, diagnosed with GDM were invited to participate resolving a mathematical test of ten questions. HbA1c was done in the first consultation. Spearman correlation test was used between HbA1c and the punctuation of the mathematical test. Results: 31 patients with a mean age of 29 ± 6.7 years old accepted to participate. The education level was as follows: 5 (16.12%) with Primary School, 20 (64.51%) with High School, 2 (6.45%) with Preparatory School, 2 (6.45%) with technical studies and 1 (3.22%) that finished the University. The Spearman test showed a negative correlation between the mathematical test and the HbA1c (r2 = -0.395, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: A low mathematics knowledge limits the expectation to get an optimal metabolic control in GDM

Comparison of ultrafiltration and dissolved air flotation efficiencies in industrial units during the papermaking process

The efficiency of an ultrafiltration unit has been studied and compared with a dissolved air flotation system to get water with a suited quality to be reused in the process. The study was done at a paper mill producing light weight coated paper and newsprint paper from 100% recovered paper. Efficiency was analysed by removal of turbidity, cationic demand, total and dissolved chemical oxygen demand, hardness, sulphates and microstickies. Moreover, the performance of the ultrafiltration unit and the membranes were studied deeply, analysing its variability during the filtration process. As expected, the ultrafiltration gave higher removal efficiencies than the dissolved air flotation cell in parameters like turbidity, cationic demand, dissolved chemical oxygen demand and microstickies. The greatest difference in performance between the units concerned cationic demand and dissolved chemical oxygen demand. Ultrafiltration was influenced by the operating time, decreasing the removal efficiency of the dissolved fraction by 75% and of the colloidal fraction by 30% after 312 of running. Membrane autopsy, carried out to identify the cause of poor membrane performance, showed that the active layer was degraded due to the effect of suspended solids

Validación al castellano de la escala sobre competencia del entrenador

El objetivo del estudio fue realizar una validación al castellano de la escala desarrollada por Myers, Chase, Beauchamp, y Jackson (2010) sobre la competencia del entrenador (Athletes' Perceptions of Coaching Competency Scale II-High School Teams: APCCS II-HST). La muestra del estudio estuvo formada por 581 jugadores, de los cuales 356 jugadores eran de género masculino y 225 de género femenino, con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 39 años (M = 24.51; DT = 3.73). Tras analizar diferentes modelos de medida, los resultados indican que la estructura Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) de primer orden es la que mejor se ajusta a los datos, mostrando además correlaciones entre factores más bajas. Además, la escala mostró una adecuada consistencia interna y validez concurrente a través de las relaciones con la satisfacción con el entrenador, y se mostró invariante para jugadores de ambos géneros. De esta manera, los entrenadores y psicólogos deportivos podrían utilizar esta escala para medir cada una de las dimensiones del instrumento de competencia del entrenador en deportistas de alto rendimiento.The aim of the study was to develop a validation into Spanish of the of the scale carried out by Myers, Chase, Beauchamp, and Jackson (2010) about coach' competence (Athletes' Perceptions of Coaching Competency Scale II-High School Teams: APCCS II-HST). The sample was formed by 581 players, whom 356 athletes were male and 225 individuals were female, ranging in age from 18 to 39 years old (M = 24.51; SD = 3.73). After analyzing different measurement models, the results indicate that Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) structure the first-order is the best fit for the data, showing correlations lower between factors. In addition, the scale showed adequate internal consistency and concurrent validity through relationships with coach satisfaction, and was shown to be invariant for players of both genders. Thus, coaches and sport psychologists might use this scale to measure each of the instruments' dimensions of coaching competency in high performance athletes.O objectivo do estudo foi realizar uma validação à língua castelhana da escala desenvolvida por Myers, Chase, Beauchamp, & Jackson (2010) sobre a competência do treinador (Athletes' Perceptions of Coaching Competency Scale IIHigh School Teams: APCCS II-HST). A amostra do estudo foi formada por 581 jogadores, dos quais 356 jogadores eram do género masculino e 225 do género feminino, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 39 anos (M = 24.51; DP = 3.73). Depois de analizar os diferentes modelos de medida, os resultados indicam que a estrutura Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) de primeira ordem é a que melhor se ajusta aos dados, mostrando ainda correlações entre factores mais baixas. A escala mostrou ainda uma adequada consistência interna e validade simultaneamente através das relações de satisfação com o treinador e invariável para os jogadores de ambos os sexos. Desta maneira os treinadores e psicólogos desportivos poderiam utilizar esta escala para medir cada uma das dimensões do instrumento de competência de treinador em desportistas de alto nível