Kinetics of the anaerobic purification of aerobically prebiotreated olive mill wastewater

Se ha efectuado un estudio cinético del proceso de depuración anaerobia de un alpechín previamente tratado vía aerobia con objeto de eliminar la mayor parte de los compuestos fenólicos responsables de su poder inhibidor. Se utilizan dos reactores anaerobios, uno con soporte Pansil y un Testigo sin relleno, para estudiar la influencia del soporte de inmovilización tanto sobre las constantes biocinéticas como sobre la eficiencia del proceso de digestión anaerobia o biometanización de este alpechín pretratado. A diferencia de lo que ocurre con el alpechín natural, se observa sólo una pequeñísima disminución de las constantes aparentes de velocidad del proceso anaerobio al aumentar la densidad de carga. Por otra parte, no se aprecian fenómenos de inhibición en el proceso de biometanización de este agua residual previamente tratada de forma aerobiaA kinetic study has been carried out on the process of anaerobic purification of an olive mill wastewater pre-treated aerobically to eliminate the greater part of the phenolic compounds responsible for inhibition. Two anaerobic digesters were used, one with Pansil support, and the other a Reference without filling. The aim was to study the influence of the immobilization support both on the biokinetic constants and on the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion process or biomethanization of this pre-treated olive mill wastewater. In contrast to what takes place with natural olive mill wastewater, only a very small decrease in the apparent rate constants of the anaerobic process was observed on increasing load density. At the same time, no inhibition was found in the biomethanization of this aerobically pre-treated wastewate

Biodegradation of phenolic compounds present in oil-mill wastewater

Las aguas residuales de la obtención del aceite de oliva o alpechines son responsables de la mayor contaminación medioambiental de Andalucía por su elevada carga de materia orgánica. Su depuración por biometanización es difícil debido a la actividad antimicrobiana de los compuestos fenólícos. Este tipo de sustancias puede eliminarse en gran parte tratando previamente el alpechín por vía aerobia con microorganismos específicos, después de lo cual la depuración anaerobia tiene lugar sin inhibiciones, siendo la constante de velocidad cinco veces superior a la de antes del pretratamiento. En este trabajo se hace un estudio cualitativo de los fenoles por cromatografía en capa fina y cuantitativo de los fenoles totales, orto- y meta-difenoles, así como de la Demanda Química de Oxígeno del alpechín antes del tratamiento, después del pretratamiento y después de la biometanización. Se ha comprobado también la ausencia de leucoantocianinas que pudieran dar origen a fenoles polimerizadosOil-mill wastewater is the main responsible of the pollution in Andalusian due to high content of organic substances. Its depuration by methanization is difficult because of the antimicrobial activity of phenolic derivatives. These compounds can be drastically reduced by a previous aerobic treatment of the oilmill wastewater with specific microorganisms. After this pretreatment, anaerobic depuration takes place without inhibition, the velocity of the reaction being 5 times higher than before the pretreatment. In this paper a qualitative study of the phenols present in oil-mill wastewater by thin layer chromatography has been done. Beside that, quantitative determination of total phenols, ortoand meta-diphenols as well as Chemical Oxigen Demand (COD) before the treatment, after the pretreatment and after biomethanization have been carried out. Finally, leucoanthocyanins that could originate polymerized phenols have not been foun

Qualidade do sono e satisfação profissional em enfermeiros espanhóis: as consequências da COVID-19

Highlights This study reveals that Spanish nurses have significantly poor sleep quality post-COVID-19, with a mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of 9.75. Factors such as not having dependents and having a master's degree were linked to poor sleep quality among the nurses surveyed. Job satisfaction was the highest among female nurses and those not working with COVID-19 patients, indicating that sex and work conditions influenced satisfaction levels. Improving nurse-to-patient ratios and shift distributions are crucial for enhancing sleep quality and reducing stress and burnout among nurses. Introduction: Sleep is fundamental to the quality of life and can affect individuals' well-being and mental health. Objective: This study analyzed sleep quality and job satisfaction among Spanish nurses following the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Font Roja Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, and sociodemographic and work-related variables. A “snowball” sampling method was employed through social media dissemination. Results: The mean PSQI score was 9.75 ± 4,36 points. The poorest sleep quality was identified in participants without dependents (p=0.031; β=3.329; 95% CI=0.035-6.354) and those with dependents other than children (p=0.022; β=4.121; 95% CI=0.575-7.667). However, having a Ph.D degree (p=0.001; β=-3.406; 95% CI=-5.503-1.309) or specialist degree (p=0.021; β=-1.639; 95% CI=-3.031- -0.247) was associated with better sleep quality. Higher job satisfaction was found among women (p=0.034; β=0.104; 95% CI=0.007-0.201) who did not work with COVID-19 patients (p=0.049; β=-0.085; 95% CI=-0.174- -0.003).   Discussion: Improving working conditions, such as the nurse-to-patient ratio and distribution of work shifts, is crucial to enhancing nurses' sleep quality. Conclusions:  Spanish nurses reported poor sleep quality. Not having dependents or having dependents other than children were risk factors for poor sleep quality. Job satisfaction was higher among women who did not work with COVID-19 patients. No relationship was found between job satisfaction and sleep quality. How to cite this article: Maestro-González Alba, Zuazua-Rico David, Juan-García Carmen, Villalgordo-García Salvador, Mosteiro-Díaz María Pilar, Plaza-Carmona María. Sleep quality and job satisfaction in Spanish nurses: the consequences of COVID-19. Revista Cuidarte. 2024;15(2):e3452.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.3452Introducción: El sueño es fundamental para la calidad de vida y puede afectar el bienestar y la salud mental de los individuos. Objetivo: Analizar la calidad del sueño y satisfacción laboral en enfermeras españolas tras la pandemia por COVID-19. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio transversal utilizando el Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), el Cuestionario de Satisfacción Laboral Font Roja y variables sociodemográficas y laborales. Se empleó un muestreo en "bola de nieve" mediante divulgación en redes sociales. Resultados: La puntuación media del PSQI fue de 9,75 ± 4,36 puntos. La peor calidad del sueño se identificó en participantes sin personas a cargo (p=0,031;β=3,329;IC95%=0,035-6,354) y en aquellos con dependientes distintos de los hijos (p=0,022;β=4,121; IC95%= 0,575-7,667). Sin embargo, ser doctor (p=0,001; β=-3,406; IC95%=-5,503-1,309) o especialista (p=0,021; β=-1,639; IC95%=-3,031- -0,247) se asoció con una mayor calidad del sueño. La mejor satisfacción laboral se identificó en mujeres (p=0,034;β=0,104;IC95%=0,007-0,201), que no trabajaban con pacientes COVID (p=0,049;β=-0,085; IC95%=-0,174- -0,003). Discusión: Es crucial mejorar las condiciones laborales, como la ratio enfermera-paciente y la distribución de los turnos de trabajo, para mejorar la calidad del sueño de las enfermeras.    Conclusiones: Las enfermeras españolas presentan una mala calidad del sueño. No tener personas a cargo y tener dependientes distintos de los hijos fueron factores de riesgo de mala calidad del sueño. La satisfacción laboral fue mayor en mujeres que no trabajaban con pacientes COVID-19. No se encontró relación entre la satisfacción laboral y la calidad del sueño de los trabajadores. Como citar este artículo: Maestro-González Alba, Zuazua-Rico David, Juan-García Carmen, Villalgordo-García Salvador, Mosteiro-Díaz María Pilar, Plaza-Carmona María. Sleep quality and job satisfaction in Spanish nurses: the consequences of COVID-19. Revista Cuidarte. 2024;15(2):e3452.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.3452Introdução: O sono é fundamental para a qualidade de vida e pode afetar o bem-estar e a saúde mental dos indivíduos. Objetivo: Este estudo analisou a qualidade do sono e a satisfação no trabalho entre enfermeiros espanhóis após a pandemia de COVID-19. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal utilizando o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh (PSQI), o Questionário de Satisfação no Trabalho Font Roja e variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas ao trabalho. Um método de amostragem “bola de neve” foi empregado por meio de divulgação em redes sociais. Resultados: A pontuação média do PSQI foi de 9,75 ± 4,36 pontos. A pior qualidade do sono foi identificada nos participantes sem dependentes (p=0,031; β=3,329; IC 95%=0,035-6,354) e naqueles com outros dependentes que não sejam filhos (p=0,022; β=4,121; IC 95%=0,575-7,667). Entretanto, possuir doutoramento (p=0,001; β=-3,406; IC 95%=-5,503-1,309) ou especialista (p=0,021; β=-1,639; IC 95%=-3,031- -0,247) esteve associado a melhor qualidade do sono. Maior satisfação no trabalho foi encontrada entre mulheres (p=0,034; β=0,104; IC 95%=0,007-0,201) que não trabalhavam com pacientes com COVID-19 (p=0,049; β=-0,085; IC 95%=-0,174- -0,003).   Discussão: Melhorar as condições de trabalho, tais como o rácio enfermeiro/paciente e a distribuição dos turnos de trabalho, é crucial para melhorar a qualidade do sono dos enfermeiros. Conclusões: Os enfermeiros espanhóis relataram má qualidade do sono. Não ter dependentes ou ter outros dependentes além dos filhos foram fatores de risco para má qualidade do sono. A satisfação no trabalho foi maior entre as mulheres que não trabalharam com pacientes com COVID-19. Nenhuma relação foi encontrada entre satisfação no trabalho e qualidade do sono. Como citar este artigo: Maestro-González Alba, Zuazua-Rico David, Juan-García Carmen, Villalgordo-García Salvador, Mosteiro-Díaz María Pilar, Plaza-Carmona María. Sleep quality and job satisfaction in Spanish nurses: the consequences of COVID-19. Revista Cuidarte. 2024;15(2):e3452.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.345

No preferential C-allocation to storage over growth in clipped birch and oak saplings

Herbivory is one of the most globally distributed disturbances affecting C-cycling in trees, yet our understanding of how it alters tree C-allocation to different functions like storage, growth or rhizodeposition is still limited. We performed continuous 13C-labelling coupled to a clipping experiment to quantify the effects of simulated browsing on the growth, leaf morphology and relative allocation of stored vs. recently assimilated C to the growth (bulk biomass) and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) stores (soluble sugars and starch) of the different organs of two tree species with contrasting wood anatomy: diffuse-porous (Betula pubescens) and ring-porous (Quercus petraea). Transfers of C from plants to bulk and rhizosphere soil were also evaluated. Clipped birch and oak trees shifted their C-allocation patterns above-ground as a means to recover from defoliation. However, such increased allocation to current-year stems and leaves did not entail reductions in the allocation to the rhizosphere, which remained unchanged between clipped and control trees of both species. B. pubescens and Q. petraea showed differences in their vulnerability and recovery strategies to clipping, the ring-porous species being less affected in terms of growth and architecture to clipping than the diffuse-porous. These contrasting patterns could be partly explained by differences in their C cycling after clipping. Defoliated oaks showed a faster recovery of their canopy biomass, which was supported by increased allocation of recently fixed C, but associated with large decreases in the fine root biomass of clipped trees of this species. Following clipping, both species recovered NSC pools to a larger extent than growth, but the allocation of 13C-labelled photo-assimilates into storage compounds was not increased as compared to controls. Despite their different response to clipping, our results indicate no preventative allocation into storage occurred during the first year after clipping in any of the two studied tree species

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

Incremental prognostic value of lung ultrasound on contemporary heart failure risk scores

Introduction: Over the last decades, several scores have been developed to aid clinicians in assessing prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF) based on clinical data, medications and, ultimately, biomarkers. Lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a promising prognostic tool for patients when assessed at discharge after a HF hospitalization. We hypothesized that contemporary HF risk scores can be improved upon by the inclusion of the number of B-lines detected by LUS at discharge to predict death, urgent visit, or HF readmission at 6- month follow-up. Methods: We evaluated the discrimination improvement of adding the number of B-lines to 4 contemporary HF risk scores (Get with the Guidelines -GWTG-, MAGGIC, Redin-SCORE, and BCN Bio-HF) by comparing the change in the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), the net reclassification index (NRI), and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). The population of the study was constituted by the 123 patients enrolled in the LUS-HF trial, adjusting the analyses by the intervention. Results: The AUC of the GWTG score increased from 0.682 to 0.789 (p = 0.02), resulting in a NRI of 0.608 and an IDI of 0.136 (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed when adding the number of B-lines to the MAGGIC score, with an AUC that increased from 0.705 to 0.787 (p < 0.05). This increase translated into a NRI of 0.608 and an IDI of 0.038 (p < 0.05). Regarding Redin-SCORE at 1-month and 1-year, the AUC increased from 0.714 to 0.773 and from 0.681 to 0.757, although it did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.08 and p = 0.06 respectively). Both IDI and NRI were significantly improved (0.093 and 0.509 in the 1-month score, p < 0.05; 0.056 and 0.111 in the 1-year score, p < 0.05). Lastly, the AUC for the BCN Bio-HF score increased from 0.733 to 0.772, which was statistically non-significant, with a NRI value of 0.363 (p = 0.06) and an IDI of 0.092 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Adding the results of LUS evaluated at discharge improved the predictive value of most of the contemporary HF risk scores. As it is a simple, fast, and non-invasive test it may be recommended to assess prognosis at discharge in HF patients

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

Cinética del proceso de depuración anaerobia de alpechín previamente biotratado vía aerobia

A kinetic study has been carried out on the process of anaerobic purification of an olive mill wastewater pre-treated aerobically to eliminate the greater part of the phenolic compounds responsible for inhibition. Two anaerobic digesters were used, one with Pansil support, and the other a Reference without filling. The aim was to study the influence of the immobilization support both on the biokinetic constants and on the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion process or biomethanization of this pre-treated olive mill wastewater. In contrast to what takes place with natural olive mill wastewater, only a very small decrease in the apparent rate constants of the anaerobic process was observed on increasing load density. At the same time, no inhibition was found in the biomethanization of this aerobically pre-treated wastewater.In contrast to what takes place with natural olive mill wastewater, only a very small decrease in the apparent rate constants of the anaerobic process was observed on increasing load density. At the same time, no inhibition was found in the biomethanization of this aerobically pre-treated wastewater. Se ha efectuado un estudio cinético del proceso de depuración anaerobia de un alpechín previamente tratado vía aerobia con objeto de eliminar la mayor parte de los compuestos fenólicos responsables de su poder inhibidor. Se utilizan dos reactores anaerobios, uno con soporte Pansil y un Testigo sin relleno, para estudiar la influencia del soporte de inmovilización tanto sobre las constantes biocinéticas como sobre la eficiencia del proceso de digestión anaerobia o biometanización de este alpechín pretratado. A diferencia de lo que ocurre con el alpechín natural, se observa sólo una pequeñísima disminución de las constantes aparentes de velocidad del proceso anaerobio al aumentar la densidad de carga. Por otra parte, no se aprecian fenómenos de inhibición en el proceso de biometanización de este agua residual previamente tratada de forma aerobia

Frequency of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis among elderly patients with transthyretin cardiomyopathy

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is increasingly recognized as a cause of heart failure in the elderly. Although wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis is the most frequent form of ATTR-CM found in the elderly, hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) can also occur. We sought to determine the prevalence of ATTRv among elderly ATTR-CM patients, identify predictors of ATTRv and evaluate the clinical consequences of positive genetic testing in this population. Prevalence of ATTRv in elderly ATTR-CM patients (≥70 years) was assessed in a cohort of 300 consecutive ATTR-CM patients (median age 78 years at diagnosis, 82% ≥70 years, 16% female, 99% Caucasian). ATTRv was diagnosed in 35 (12%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1–8.8) and 13 (5.3%; 95% CI 5.6–26.7) patients in the overall cohort and in those ≥70 years, respectively. Prevalence of ATTRv among elderly female patients with ATTR-CM was 13% (95% CI 2.1–23.5). Univariate analysis identified female sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.66; 95% CI 1.13–11.85; p = 0.03), black ancestry (OR 46.31; 95% CI 3.52–Inf; p = 0.005), eye symptoms (OR 6.64; 95% CI 1.20–36.73; p = 0.03) and polyneuropathy (OR 10.05; 95% CI 3.09–32.64; p<0.001) as the only factors associated with ATTRv in this population. Diagnosis of ATTRv in elderly ATTR-CM patients allowed initiation of transthyretin-specific drug treatment in 5 individuals, genetic screening in 33 relatives from 13 families, and identification of 9 ATTRv asymptomatic carriers. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is present in a substantial number of ATTR-CM patients aged ≥70 years. Identification of ATTRv in elderly patients with ATTR-CM has clinical meaningful therapeutic and diagnostic implications. These results support routine genetic testing in patients with ATTR-CM regardless of ageThis study has been funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) through the projects ‘PI18/0765 & PI20/01379’ (co-funded by European Regional Development Fund/European Social Fund ‘A way to make Europe’/‘Investing in your future’). AMB receives grant support by ISCIII (CM20/002209). The CNIC is supported by the ISCIII, MCIN, the Pro-CNIC Foundation, and the Severo Ochoa grant (CEX2020-001041-S