Tracer test modeling for characterizing heterogeneity and local-scale residence time distribution in an artificial recharge site

Artificial recharge of aquifers is a technique for improving water quality and increasing groundwater resources. Understanding the fate of a potential contaminant requires knowledge of the residence time distribution (RTD) of the recharged water in the aquifer beneath. A simple way to obtain the RTDs is to perform a tracer test. We performed a pulse injection tracer test in an artificial recharge system through an infiltration basin to obtain the breakthrough curves, which directly yield the RTDs. The RTDs turned out to be very broad and we used a numerical model to interpret them, to characterize heterogeneity, and to extend the model to other flow conditions. The model comprised nine layers at the site scaled to emulate the layering of aquifer deposits. Two types of hypotheses were considered: homogeneous (all flow and transport parameters identical for every layer) and heterogeneous (diverse parameters for each layer). The parameters were calibrated against the head and concentration data in both model types, which were validated quite satisfactorily against 1,1,2-Trichloroethane and electrical conductivity data collected over a long period of time with highly varying flow conditions. We found that the broad RTDs can be attributed to the complex flow structure generated under the basin due to three-dimensionality and time fluctuations (the homogeneous model produced broad RTDs) and the heterogeneity of the media (the heterogeneous model yielded much better fits). We conclude that heterogeneity must be acknowledged to properly assess mixing and broad RTDs, which are required to explain the water quality improvement of artificial recharge basins.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Hacia la creación de un índice de riesgo para diseñar y evaluar un servicio ecosistémico de regulación de inundaciones en microcuencas urbanas.

En este trabajo se plantean los elementos necesarios para construir un índice de riesgo espacialmente explícito, que sirva para evaluar el servicio ecosistémico de regulación de inundaciones en una microcuenca urbana. Para este fin, se realizaron las siguientes acciones: (1) Revisión de los conceptos de servicios ecosistémicos, riesgo y sus componentes y los sistemas de información geográfica como instrumento para evaluación de riesgo de desastres por fenómenos naturales; (2) Discusión de los conceptos a utilizar; (3) Exploración sobre diferentes metodologías viables para la construcción de un índice de riesgo inundación apropiado para evaluar el servicio ecosistémico de regulación de inundación. Se ilustró e n cómo las diferentes conceptualizaciones del riesgo y sus componentes, resultan en diferentes maneras de enmarcar el problema. Se ratificó al SIG como un marco analítico idóneo para la evaluación del riesgo de inundación debido a la capacidad que tiene de evaluar espacio temporalmente el peligro y la vulnerabilidad dentro de un área en un marco de servicios ecosistémicos

Index of T-wave variation as a predictor of sudden cardiac death in chronic heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation

Chronic heart failure (CHF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are worldwide leading causes of morbidity and mortality in elders, a large part due to sudden cardiac deaths (SCD). The high irregularity of ventricular response in AF patients makes the use of standard SCD-risk markers inappropriate in this target population. The aim of this study was twofold: i) to propose a new index, suitable for AF patients, able to quantify ventricular repolarization changes; and ii) to evaluate its prognostic value in a CHF population with AF. Holter ECG recordings from 176 consecutive CHF patients with AF (22 SCD) were analyzed. The index of T-wave variation (ITV), quantifying the average T-wave changes in pairs of consecutive beats under stable rhythm conditions, was computed using a fully-automatic method. Survival analysis was performed considering SCD as an independent endpoint. ITVwas higher for SCD than non-SCD victims (median (Q1;Q3): 24.9 (14.4;85.4) μV vs 17.1 (11.3;28.2) μV, p=0.06). In a survival analysis where the threshold was set on the third quartile of ITVvalues, ITV(+) outcome was successfully associated to SCD (Hazard Ratio (CI):3.22 (1.36, 7.58)per μV, p=0.008). In conclusion, we show in this work that Ijy stratifies CHF patients with AF according to their risk of SCD, with larger ITVassociated to lower survival probability

Index of T-wave variation as a predictor of sudden cardiac death in chronic heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation

Chronic heart failure (CHF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are worldwide leading causes of morbidity and mortality in elders, a large part due to sudden cardiac deaths (SCD). The high irregularity of ventricular response in AF patients makes the use of standard SCD-risk markers inappropriate in this target population. The aim of this study was twofold: i) to propose a new index, suitable for AF patients, able to quantify ventricular repolarization changes; and ii) to evaluate its prognostic value in a CHF population with AF. Holter ECG recordings from 176 consecutive CHF patients with AF (22 SCD) were analyzed. The index of T-wave variation (ITV), quantifying the average T-wave changes in pairs of consecutive beats under stable rhythm conditions, was computed using a fully-automatic method. Survival analysis was performed considering SCD as an independent endpoint. ITV was higher for SCD than non-SCD victims (median (Q1;Q3): 24.9 (14.4;85.4) µV vs 17.1 (11.3;28.2) µV, p=0.06). In a survival analysis where the threshold was set on the third quartile of ITV values, ITV (+) outcome was successfully associated to SCD (Hazard Ratio (CI):3.22 (1.36, 7.58)per µV, p=0.008). In conclusion, we show in this work that Ijy stratifies CHF patients with AF according to their risk of SCD, with larger ITV associated to lower survival probability

A compressive review about Taxol® : history and future challenges

©2020. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This document is the Published, version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Molecules. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245986Taxol®, which is also known as paclitaxel, is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used to treat different cancers. Since the discovery of its antitumoral activity, Taxol® has been used to treat over one million patients, making it one of the most widely employed antitumoral drugs. Taxol® was the first microtubule targeting agent described in the literature, with its main mechanism of action consisting of the disruption of microtubule dynamics, thus inducing mitotic arrest and cell death. However, secondary mechanisms for achieving apoptosis have also been demonstrated. Despite its wide use, Taxol® has certain disadvantages. The main challenges facing Taxol® are the need to find an environmentally sustainable production method based on the use of microorganisms, increase its bioavailability without exerting adverse effects on the health of patients and minimize the resistance presented by a high percentage of cells treated with paclitaxel. This review details, in a succinct manner, the main aspects of this important drug, from its discovery to the present day. We highlight the main challenges that must be faced in the coming years, in order to increase the effectiveness of Taxol® as an anticancer agent

Regular Consumption of Cocoa and Red Berries as a Strategy to Improve Cardiovascular Biomarkers via Modulation of Microbiota Metabolism in Healthy Aging Adults

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of cocoa flavanols and red berry anthocyanins on cardiovascular biomarkers, such as homocysteine, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), nitric oxide (NO), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), blood pressure and lipid profile. Additionally, we aimed to ascertain their possible interactions with microbiota related metabolites, such as secondary bile acids (SBA), short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). A randomized, parallel-group study, single-blind for the research team, was performed on 60 healthy volunteers between the ages of 45 and 85, who consumed 2.5 g/day of cocoa powder (9.59 mg/day of total flavanols), 5 g/day of a red berry mixture (13.9 mg/day of total anthocyanins) or 7.5 g/day of a combination of both for 12 weeks. The group that had consumed cocoa showed a significant reduction in TMAO (p = 0.03) and uric acid (p = 0.01) levels in serum, accompanied by an increase in FMD values (p = 0.03) and total polyphenols. corrected by creatinine (p = 0.03) after the intervention. These latter values negatively correlated with the TMAO concentration (R = −0.57, p = 0.02). Additionally, we observed an increase in carbohydrate fermentation in the groups that had consumed cocoa (p = 0.04) and red berries (p = 0.04) between the beginning and the end of the intervention. This increase in carbohydrate fermentation was correlated with lower levels of TC/HDL ratio (p = 0.01), systolic (p = 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.01). In conclusion, our study showed a positive modulation of microbiota metabolism after a regular intake of cocoa flavanols and red berry anthocyanins that led to an improvement in cardiovascular function, especially in the group that consumed cocoa

Audience interaction in fiction series: the case of SKAM Spain

The way fiction series are consumed is in a transformation that gives importance to the interaction between the spectators and the different narrative elements. This transition is mainly determined by the new consumption habits of the audience, influenced by the social networks and the value they give to the participation with the content and the rest of the viewers. The main objective of this research is the analysis of the interaction generated in the social network Twitter with respect to the remake SKAM Spain (Movistar+, 2018-present) of the Norwegian series SKAM (NRK, 2015-2017). The series approaches the real life of teenagers and has given rise to a network of interactions by the audience. This makes it possible for viewers to feel identified and immersed in the fiction. For the elaboration of this article, a qualitative analysis based on virtual ethnography and ecological perspectives is used in order to interpret the actions of the viewers and thus be able to study this social phenomenon. In conclusion, it is determined that the effectiveness of the interaction between the young audience and the different narrative elements arises from the adaptation of the narrative of the series so that the viewers feel identified with the plots and characters.El modo de consumo de las series de ficción se encuentra en una transformación que dota de importancia a la interacción entre los espectadores y los diferentes elementos narrativos. Esta transición viene principalmente determinada por los nuevos hábitos de consumo de la audiencia, influenciados por las redes sociales y el valor que le otorgan a la participación con el contenido y el resto de espectadores. El objetivo principal de esta investigación es el análisis de la interacción que se genera en la red social Twitter respecto al remake SKAM España (Movistar+, 2018-actualidad) de la serie noruega SKAM (NRK, 2015-2017). La serie se aproxima a la vida real de los adolescentes y ha dado lugar a una red de interacciones por parte de la audiencia. Esto posibilita que los espectadores sean capaces de sentirse identificados e inmersos en la ficción. Para la elaboración de este artículo se emplea un análisis cualitativo basado en la etnografía virtual y perspectivas ecológicas con el fin de interpretar las acciones de los espectadores y así poder estudiar este fenómeno social. El artículo concluye que la eficacia de la interacción entre la audiencia joven y los elementos narrativos surge de la adaptación de la narrativa de la serie para que los espectadores se sientan identificados con las tramas y los personajes

Conocimientos de estudiantes portugueses de Enfermería sobre donación de sangre

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge of nursing students regarding blood donation, to identify the importance consider challenges for blood donation, and to determine the most used digital communication channels. Methods: This research was performed at University of Central Portugal in 2018/2019. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 165 nursing students completed online two ad hoc questionnaires. Results: The level of knowledge can be classifi ed as very low (interval between donations, waiting time after getting a tattoo or piercing, waiting time after taking iron supplements), low (amount of blood, eating before donation), medium (age and minimum weight, universal donor) and high (cases in which the blood was analyzed). The reasons for not donating blood that gained considerable and great importance were: “Because I have a physical or medical condition that makes me ineligible to donate” and “Because I had a risky sexual behavior”. Conclusion: The lack of knowledge about the eligibility requirements can make someone wrongly consider that he or she cannot donate blood. Considering the results obtained and the access to digital communication channels, the implementation of eHealth programs is recommended to promote more knowledge, and to reduce the barriers for blood donationObjetivo: Avaliar o nível de conhecimento de estudantes de Enfermagem face à doação de sangue; identifi car a importância atribuída às barreiras para a doação de sangue; e, identifi car os meios de comunicação digital mais utilizados. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa realizada numa Instituição de Ensino Superior da Região Centro de Portugal no ano letivo de 2018/2019. O estudo é descritivo, de natureza transversal, através de dois questionários ad hoc, preenchido on-line por 165 estudantes de Enfermagem. Resultados: Os conhecimentos podem ser considerados de muito baixos (intervalo entre as doações; tempo de espera depois de fazer uma tatuagem ou um piercing; tempo de espera entre a ingestão de ferro; baixos (quantidade de sangue e alimentação prévia), médios (idade e peso mínimo, dador universal) e altos (casos em que o sangue é analisado). Os motivos para não doar sangue que assumiram bastante e muita importância foram “Porque tenho alguma condição física ou médica que me impede doar” e “Porque mantive práticas sexuais de risco”. Conclusão: A falta de conhecimentos sobre as condições de elegibilidade pode fazer com que uma pessoa considere, de forma errada, que não pode doar sangue. Tendo em conta os resultados obtidos e o acesso aos meios de comunicação digital, sugere-se que sejam implementados programas de e-saúde que promovam o aumento de conhecimentos e a redução de barreiras à doação de sangueObjetivo: Evaluar el nivel de conocimiento de estudiantes de Enfermería sobre la donación de sangre, identificar la importancia atribuida a las barreras para la donación de sangre e identificar los medios de comunicación digital más utilizados. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio realizado en una Institución de Enseñanza Superior de la región centro de Portugal en el año lectivo 2018/2019. El estudio es descriptivo, de naturaleza transversal, a través de dos cuestionarios ad hoc que fueron completados en línea por 165 estudiantes de Enfermería. Resultados: Los conocimientos pueden considerarse muy bajos (intervalo entre las donaciones, tiempo de espera después de hacerse un tatuaje o piercing, tiempo de espera después de la ingesta de hierro); bajos (cantidad de sangre y alimentación previa); medios (edad y peso mínimo, donante universal) y altos (casos en que se analiza la sangre). Los motivos para no donar sangre que tuvieron bastante y mucha importancia fueron “Porque tengo alguna condición física o médica que me impide donar” y “Porque mantuve prácticas sexuales de riesgo”. Conclusión: La falta de conocimientos sobre las condiciones de elegibilidad puede provocar que una persona considere, de forma equivocada, que no puede donar sangre. Teniendo en cuenta los resultados obtenidos y el acceso a los medios de comunicación, se sugiere implementar programas de eSalud que promuevan el aumento de conocimientos y la reducción de barreras para la donación de sangreS

Plan de capacitación enfocado en el personal de mantenimiento para mejorar la atención de los usuarios y del personal en el Hospital de Especialidades Santa Rosa de Lima, La Unión, año 2019

RESUMEN: El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como principal objetivo identificar las necesidades que tiene un plan de capacitación enfocado en el personal de mantenimiento para mejorar la atención de los usuarios y del personal en el hospital de Especialidades de Santa Rosa de Lima que contribuya a mejorar la atención de los empleados hacia los usuarios los trabajos que realizan y así lograr fortalecer el servicio que se brinda en el hospital. La investigación da origen al encontrar deficiencias que tiene el personal de mantenimiento en cuanto a la limpieza que realizan dentro del hospital por lo que es delicado que en un hospital todo se debe mantener en orden y limpio en las instalaciones. Para realizar la investigación de campo se aplicaron las técnicas de observación, encuesta y entrevista; con cada instrumento se le realizo al personal de mantenimiento a los usuarios y a la gerente del hospital. Se obtuvo una muestra que nos permitió poder distribuir las encuestas a los empleados y usuarios lo cual nos dio información para seguir con la investigación. Luego de los resultados de la recolección de datos se realizó la tabulación, análisis e interpretación de los mencionados anteriormente, lo cual nos sirvió para elaborar el diagnóstico para lograr las conclusiones y recomendaciones de la investigación. Entre algunas conclusiones se mencionan las siguientes: Que la mayoría de los empleados están de acuerdo con que se implementen programas para capacitarlos dentro del hospital, también que la mayoría de los usuarios la atención por parte de los empleados si cumple con sus expectativas, pero es poca la que considera que no cumplen con sus expectativas, Por último que si se realizan evaluaciones del desempeño a los empleados pero empíricamente mediante observaciones y llamados de atención y sería recomendable crear un formato que les ayude a sacar conclusiones de una manera más exacta. ABSTRAC: The main objective of this research work is to identify the needs of a training plan focused on maintenance personnel to improve the care of users and staff at the Santa Rosa de Lima Specialty Hospital that contributes to improving care. of the employees towards the users the work they carry out and thus be able to strengthen the service provided in the hospital. The investigation gives rise to finding deficiencies that the maintenance personnel have in terms of the cleaning they carry out within the hospital, for delicate that in a hospital everything must be kept in order and clean in the facilities. To carry out the field research, the techniques of observation, survey and interview were applied; With each instrument, maintenance personnel, users and the hospital manager were performed. A sample was obtained that allowed us to distribute the surveys to employees and users, which gave us information to continue with the investigation. After the results of the data collection, the tabulation, analysis and interpretation of those mentioned above was carried out, which helped us to prepare the diagnosis to achieve the conclusions and recommendations of the investigation. Among some conclusions, the following are mentioned: That the majority of the employees agree with the implementation of programs to train them within the hospital, also that the majority of the users, the attention provided by the employees does meet their expectations, but it is little that considers that they do not meet their expectations, Finally, if performance evaluations are carried out on employees but empirically through observations and calls for attention and it would be advisable to create a format that helps them draw conclusions in a more exact wa

High consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with increased risk of micronutrient inadequacy in children: The SENDO project

Due to its rising prevalence, which parallels that of ultraprocessed food (UPF) consumption, inadequate micronutrient intake in childhood is a public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the association between UPF consumption and inadequate intake of 20 micronutrients in a sample of children from the Mediterranean area. Cross-sectional information from participants in the “Seguimiento del Niño para un Desarrollo Óptimo” (SENDO) project 2015–2021 was used. Dietary information was gathered with a previously validated 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and the NOVA system was used to classify food items. Children were classifed by tertiles of energy intake from UPF. Twenty micronutrients were evaluated, and inadequate intake was defned using the estimated average requirement as a cutof. Crude and multivariable adjusted OR (95% CI) for the inadequacy of≥3 micronutrients associated with UPF consumption were calculated ftting hierarchical models to take into account intra-cluster correlation between siblings. Analyses were adjusted for individual and family confounders. This study included 806 participants (51% boys) with a mean age of 5 years old (SD: 0.90) and an average energy intake from UPF of 37.64% (SD: 9.59). An inverse association between UPF consumption and the intake of 15 out of the 20 micronutrients evaluated was found (p<0.01). After the adjustment for individual and family confounders, compared with children in the frst tertile of UPF consumption, those in the third tertile showed higher odds of inadequate intake of≥3 micronutrients (OR 2.57; 95%CI [1.51–4.40]). Conclusion: High UPF consumption is associated with increased odds of inadequate intake of micronutrients in childhood