Buccodental health and oral mucositis : clinical study in patients with hematological diseases

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue valorar si un buen estado buco-dental (valorado mediante índices dento-gingivales), se asociaba a una menor incidencia y gravedad de mucositis oral en pacientes con enfermedades hematológicas que iban a recibir tratamiento con quimioterapia o un trasplante de médula ósea. Diseño del estudio: El estudio se llevó a cabo en 97 pacientes ingresados en el Servicio de Hematología del Hospital Duran y Reynals en Barcelona en los años 2002-2003. Estos pacientes recibían tratamiento con quimioterapia o bien el acondicionamiento previo a un trasplante de médula ósea. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo analizando un índice dental, dos índices gingivales y la higiene oral y su relación con la aparición de mucositis. Resultados: Los pacientes que durante la quimioterapia mostraron valores elevados del índice de placa (IP) y gingival (IG) presentaron un mayor porcentaje de mucositis (77.4% y 65.7% respectivamente) frente a los que tenían poca placa o ésta no era visible. En el caso del IP las diferentas fueron estadísticamente significativas (p=0.015). Asimismo los pacientes que cepillaban los dientes 3veces/día sólo presentaron mucositis en un 26.7% de los casos, frente a los que no cepillaban o lo hacían una vez al día (65.9% y 68.4%), siendo estas diferencias también estadísticamente significativas (p=0.013). El ICAO mostró resultados similares en los pacientes con o sin mucositis (7.59 y 7.03 respectivamente). Conclusiones: En nuestro trabajo, un buen estado gingival así como una buena higiene oral durante la quimiorradioterapia, se asocian a una menor incidencia y gravedad de mucositis

La representatividad de las medidas de una media estacional frente a una media anual, en la relación entre la irradiación solar e insolación

Ponencia presentada en: I Congreso de la Asociación Española de Climatología “La climatología española en los albores del siglo XXI”, celebrado en Barcelona del 1 al 3 de diciembre de 1999.[ES]La sencilla relación lineal propuesta por Angstrom-Prescott en 1924 entre la irradiación solar global relativa H/Ho, y la insolación relativa n/N, ha sido sometida, con el transcurso de los años, a numerosos procedimientos experimentales, casi todos ellos tratando un período de varios años. En el Laboratorio de Enseñanza de Física del Medio Ambiente de la Universidad de Valencia, se ha estudiado esta relación utilizando datos correspondientes a días salteados de tres meses, prácticamente coincidentes con el período estacional de otoño. Sin embargo, los resultados finales coinciden en gran medida con los correspondientes a trabajos hechos sobre un período de varios años, lo cual puede significar que, en determinadas ocasiones, las medidas hechas sobre un período estacional, pueden ser representativas de las correspondientes a una media anual o de varios años.[EN]The simple linear relationship proposed by Angstrom-Prescott in 1924 between relative global solar irradiance, H/Ho, and relative insolation, n/N, has undergone, along the years, a number of experimental applications, almost always dealing with periods of several years. In the teaching Environmental Physics Laboratory of the University of Valencia we have studied this relationship using data corresponding to days within a period of three months, practically coinciding with the autumn season. In spite of that, the final results obtained largely coincide with those from other studies carried out over periods of several years. This means that in some occasions, the measurements carried out over a seasonal penod may also be representative of those corresponding to annual means over a number of years

Does grazing pressure modify diuron toxicity in a biofilm community?

Herbicides affect the structure and functional parameters of fluvial biofilm. Diuron is toxic to primary producers and disrupts endocrine activity. Here, we studied the interaction between this toxicant and several biological compartments in a simple food chain composed of herbivores (the snail Physella [Costatella] acuta) and biofilm. We used indoor experimental channels to which Diuron was added at a realistic concentration (2 μg/L). Bacterial survival and chlorophyll-a and photosynthetic activity were analyzed in the biofilm. We monitored biomass, mortality, reproduction, and motility as end points in the freshwater snail P. acuta. Our results showed that bacterial survival and photosynthetic activity were sensitive to Diuron. Snails were not affected by the herbicide at the concentration tested. No significant interactions between the toxicant and grazers were observed on the biofilm. Reproductive traits, however, were slightly affected, indicating a possible endocrine disruption

¿EL ÁMBITO PROFESIONAL MODIFICA LA CONCEPTUALIZACIÓN ENFERMERA? ESTUDIO COMPARATIVO ENTRE ENFERMERAS DEL ÁMBITO MÉDICO Y QUIRÚRGICO

Resting is essential for physical and mental well being of everyone and inadequate coverage of this requirement negatively affects the patient and disturbs life quality. Insomnia, defined as "a persistent weakness in the quantity of sleep that affects the normal activity and well being of the individual," is a common complaint among hospitalized patients; a reason that justifies the need of special attention to this problem. Our objectives were to identify factors that affect rest, and whether the nursing staff is aware of these factors. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the hematology and oncology units during the month of March 2008. To collect the data we created a survey for patients and for nurses.  A percentage of 91% of the sample responded that they woke up during the night in the hospital and 40% do so more than three times. The factors that affect the rest of the patient are the psychological factors (concern about the disease, the family, and boredom during hospitalization). To conclude it is emphasized that both patients and nurses agree that a high percentage do not sleep in the hospital. The nursing staff showed a good perception of the major causes of insomnia in patients. Both have agreed on the extent to which psychological factors influence the pattern of rest/sleep. Therefore it is important that the nursing staff devote special attention to the management of psychological factors through different techniques.La enfermería tiene una imagen estereotipada por la sociedad, la visión del paradigma de la categorización ha dominado la formación de las enfermeras, por lo que es interesante conocer qué piensan las enfermeras sobre la propia base de su disciplina a través del estudio de los elementos del metaparadigma enfermero y comparar si la especialidad del ámbito modifica nuestra perspectiva. Objetivo: Analizar y comparar la perspectiva sobre los elementos del metaparadigma enfermero entre enfermeros del ámbito médico y del ámbito quirúrgico. Método: Estudio comparativo, observacional, transversal. A través de cuestionario de elaboración propia entre abril-mayo 2006. Resultados: 40 enfermeras del ámbito quirúrgico y 61 del ámbito médico. Edad 38±9 en cirugía, 34,5±9 en medicina. Años experiencia laboral: 16±11 y 12±8. Modelo de formación mayoritario Henderson. Se identifican mayoritariamente con definiciones de enfermería basada en Henderson, salud basada en Erickson, entorno basadas en Roy y Henderson y persona fundada en Travelbee.  Conclusiones: los ámbitos estudiados no modifican la perspectiva sobre los elementos del metapradigma enfermer

Visión del profesional de enfermería sobre el entorno como parte integrante del metaparadigma

Objective: To know the theoretical standpoint on the concept of environment of nurses belonging to the Healthcare Corporation Parc Taulí (CSPT) and evaluate the relationship with demographic variables and nurses proposed model in their day-to-day practice. Methodology: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study. 546 professionals interviewed using a questionnaire of our own elaboration between April - May, 2006. Results: 205 questionnaires were collected. Age 37 ± 9, 89.7 % women. Years work experience: 14±9. Training: 23.5 % in models. Henderson training model 74 %. They were mainly identified with definitions of environment based in Roy and Henderson. We found statistically significant relationships in the choice of environment concept with age, nursing school, year of completion, the qualification, type of service (direct or non-direct assistance), and years of experience. Conclusions: The professionals are identified with the concept of environment from the paradigm of integration, although they see the vision of transforming possibly due to the organizational vision of biomedical assistance.Objetivo: Conocer el posicionamiento sobre el concepto de entorno de los profesionales de enfermería del Parc Taulí (CSPT) y evaluar relación con variables demográficas y modelo enfermero propuesto para la práctica diaria. Método: descriptivo, observacional, transversal. 546 profesionales encuestados a través de cuestionario de elaboración propia entre abril-mayo 2006. Resultados: 205 cuestionarios recogidos. Edad 37±9, 89,7% mujeres. Años experiencia laboral: 14±9. Formación: 23,5% en modelos. Modelo de formación Henderson 74%. Se identificaron con definiciones de entorno basadas en Roy y Henderson mayoritariamente. Se encontraron relaciones estadísticamente significativas en la elección del enunciado entorno con algunas de las variables estudiadas edad, escuela de Enfermería, año de finalización, la titulación, el tipo de servicio (atención directa o no), y los años de experiencia. Conclusiones: Los profesionales se identifican con el concepto de entorno del paradigma de la integración, aunque se vislumbra la visión de la transformación debido posiblemente a la visión organizativa biomédica de la asistencia

Bridging levels of pharmaceuticals in river water with biological community structure in the Llobregat river basin (NE Spain)

A wide range of human pharmaceuticals are present at low concentrations in freshwater systems, particularly in sections of polluted river. These compounds show high biological activity, often associated with a high stability. These characteristics imply a potential impact of these substances on aquatic biota even when present at low environmental concentrations. Low flow conditions in Mediterranean rivers, most of which flow through densely populated areas and are subjected to intensive water use, increase the environmental risk of these emergent compounds. Here, we studied whether pharmaceuticals in river water affect the local benthic community structure (diatoms and invertebrates). For this purpose, we analyzed the occurrence of pharmaceuticals along the Llobregat River and examined the benthic community structure (diatoms and invertebrates) of this system. Some pharmaceutical products in the Llobregat River registered concentrations greater than those cited in the literature. Multivariate analyses revealed a potential causal association between the concentrations of some anti-inflammatories and β-blockers and the abundance and biomass of several benthic invertebrates (Chironomus spp. and Tubifex tubifex). Further interpretation in terms of cause-and-effect relationships is discussed; however, it must be always taken with caution because other pollutants also may have significant contributions. Combined with further community experiments in the laboratory, our approach could be a desirable way to proceed in future risk management decisions

Relation between plasma antioxidant vitamin levels, adiposity and cardio-metabolic profile in adolescents: Effects of a multidisciplinary obesity programme

Background & aims In vivo and in vitro evidence suggests that antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids may be key factors in the treatment and prevention of obesity and obesity-associated disorders. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine the relationship between plasma lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid levels and adiposity and cardio-metabolic risk markers in overweight and obese adolescents participating in a multidisciplinary weight loss programme. Methods A therapeutic programme was conducted with 103 adolescents aged 12–17 years old and diagnosed with overweight or obesity. Plasma concentrations of a-tocopherol, retinol, ß-carotene and lycopene, anthropometric indicators of general and central adiposity, blood pressure and biochemical parameters were analysed at baseline and at 2 and 6 months of treatment. Results Lipid-corrected retinol (P < 0.05), ß-carotene (P = 0.001) and a-tocopherol (P < 0.001) plasma levels increased significantly, whereas lipid-corrected lycopene levels remained unaltered during the treatment. Anthropometric indicators of adiposity (P < 0.001), blood pressure (P < 0.01) and biochemical parameters (P < 0.05) decreased significantly, whereas fat free mass increased significantly (P < 0.001). These clinical and biochemical improvements were related to changes in plasma lipid-corrected antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid levels. The adolescents who experienced the greatest weight loss also showed the largest decrease in anthropometric indicators of adiposity and biochemical parameters and the highest increase in fat free mass. Weight loss in these adolescents was related to an increase in plasma levels of lipid-corrected a-tocopherol (P = 0.001), ß-carotene (P = 0.034) and lycopene (P = 0.019). Conclusions Plasma lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamin and carotenoid levels are associated with reduced adiposity, greater weight loss and an improved cardio-metabolic profile in overweight and obese adolescents

Morphological, physiological, and molecular scion traits are determinant for salt-stress tolerance of grafted citrus plants

IntroductionCitrus productivity has been decreasing in the last decade in the Mediterranean basin as a consequence of climate change and the high levels of salinity found in the aquifers. Citrus varieties are cultivated grafted onto a rootstock, which has been reported as responsible for plant tolerance to adverse situations. However, other important factors for stress tolerance relying in the scion have been less studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the grafted scion on citrus tolerance to salt stress.MethodsFour different citrus rootstock/scion combinations were subjected to salt stress for 30 days, using Carrizo citrange (CC) or Citrus macrophylla (CM) as rootstocks, and Navelina orange (NA) or Oronules mandarin (OR) as scions. CM-OR was the most tolerant combination, whereas CC-NA was the most sensitive one.Results and discussionOur results support the idea that the rootstock plays an important role in salt stress tolerance, but scion is also crucial. Thus, photosynthesis and transpiration, processes regulated by abscisic acid and jasmonic acid, are determinant of plant performance. These photosynthetic parameters were not affected in plants of the salt-tolerant combination CM-OR, probably due to the lower intoxication with Cl− ions, allowing a better performance of the photosynthetic machinery under stress conditions. The different stomatal density of the two citrus scions used in this work (higher in the sensitive NA in comparison to the tolerant OR) also contributes to the different tolerance of the grafted plants to this adverse condition. Additionally, CsDTX35.1 and CsDTX35.2, genes codifying for Cl− tonoplast transporters, were exclusively overexpressed in plants of the salt-tolerant combination CM-OR, suggesting that these transporters involved in Cl− compartmentalization could be crucial for salt stress tolerance. It is concluded that to improve citrus tolerance to high salinity, it is important that scions have a versatile photosynthetic system, an adequate stomatal density, and a proper modulation of genes coding for Cl− transporters in the tonoplast