COVID-19 as a turning point in the need for specialized units for the sense of smell

Coronavirus infections; Olfaction disorders; OtolaryngologistsInfecciones por coronavirus; Trastornos del olfato; OtorrinolaringólogosInfeccions per coronavirus; Trastorns olfactius; OtorinolaringologiaThe high prevalence of olfactory dysfunction (OD) by SARS-CoV-2 has revealed the lack of specialized units [1,2]. The main objective is to know the new olfactory units (OU) since the COVID-19 pandemic, and to evaluate the tests used for diagnosis, management and treatment of OD and providing up-to-date data on the current practice in Spain. Due to the increase in COVID-19 and other diseases related to OD, the creation of new OUs is necessary, considering that OD is a predictive symptom of these diseases that affects all ages [3]. To our knowledge this is the first study on OU and no studies were found in other countries. A prospective cross-sectional study, carried out by means of a survey that contains 17 items (supplementary file 1). The survey was developed by 6 experts and was distributed to all members of Spanish ENT and Allergy societies through the Google platform. We considered the "OU" to be a team (ENT or Allergist) with the infrastructure and staff to perform the assigned functions (validated test, well ventilated cabin with controlled humidity and temperature). Statistical analysis was performed with STATA using Shapiro Wilk test, chi-2 test and Spearman correlation analysis. Finally, 136 facilities were included (112/82.4% otolaryngologist and 24/17.6% allergists)

Becarios de grado en un grupo de investigación: Una experiencia de 20 años y 200 estudiantes.

Este artículo está dedicado a documentar la experiencia que al respecto de la figura del becario de grado con cargo a proyectos hemos tenido en el Grupo de Investigación del Canal de Ensayos Hidrodinámicos de la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Navales de la Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). Se trata por tanto de describir las particularidades del proceso de selección, formación y evolución laboral de los becarios que nuestro grupo viene gestionando. El becario es una pieza angular que debe ser manejada con extraordinario cuidado para que el progreso de un grupo de investigación sea el adecuado. Nuestros planteamientos a este respecto han sido contrastados con los resultados de una encuesta que hemos realizado sobre antiguos becarios de nuestro grup

Análisis exploratorio de firmas espectrales e índices de vegetación para la monitorización de emisiones de CO2 en un análogo natural.

Se ha analizado el problema de la detección de fugas de CO2 en reservorios naturales utilizados como almacenes de este gas. Los trabajos han sido realizados sobre un área del Campo de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, España, donde a causa de la actividad volcánica remanente se pueden encontrar puntos de emisión de CO2. Se han utilizado imágenes QuickBird y WorldView-2 para la generación de firmas espectrales e índices de vegetación. Estos índices han sido evaluados para obtener los más idóneos para la detección de fugas de CO2. Palabras clave: teledetección, CO2, vegetación, satélite. ABSTRACT The problem of detecting CO2 leaks in natural reservoirs used to store the gas has been analyzed. The works have been done over an area where, because of the residual volcanic activity, CO2 delivery spots can be found. This area is located in Campo de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, Spain. QuickBird and WorldView-2 imagery has been used to generate spectral signatures and vegetation indexes. These indexes have been evaluated in order to obtain the most suitable ones to detect CO2 leaks. Keywords: remote sensing, CO2, vegetation, satellite

Monitorización de emisiones de CO2 en un análogo natural mediante correlación con Índices de Vegetación

Entre las soluciones más satisfactorias al problema de las emisiones de CO2 está la captura y almacenamiento de este gas de efecto invernadero en reservorios profundos. Esta técnica implica la necesidad de monitorizar grandes extensiones de terreno. Utilizando una zona de vulcanismo residual, en la provincia de Ciudad Real, se han monitorizado las emisiones de CO2 utilizando imágenes de muy alta resolución espacial. Se han generado índices de vegetación, y estos se han correlacionado con medidas de contenido de CO2 del aire en los puntos de emisión. Los resultados han arrojado niveles de correlación significativos (p. ej.: SAVI = -0,93) y han llevado a descubrir un nuevo punto de emisión de CO2. Palabras clave: teledetección, CO2, vegetación, satélite Monitoring CO2 emissions in a natural analogue by correlating with vegetation indices Abstract: Among the most satisfactory solutions for the CO2 emissions problem is the capture and storage of this greenhouse gas in deep reservoirs. This technique involves the need to monitor large areas. Using a volcanic area with residual activity, in the province of Ciudad Real, CO2 emissions were monitored through very high spatial resolution imagery. Vegetation indexes were generated and correlated with measurements of the air?s CO2 content at the emission points. The results yielded significant correlation levels (e.g.: SAVI = -0.93) and led to the discovery of a new CO2 emission point. Keywords: remote sensing, CO2, vegetation, satellite

Interleukin-6 receptor blockade or TNFa inhibition for reducing glycaemia in patients with RA and diabetes: post hoc analyses of three randomised, controlled trials

Background: Diabetes is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Interleukin (IL)-6 is implicated in both the pathogenesis of RA and in glucose homeostasis; this post hoc analysis investigated the effects of IL-6 receptor vs. tumour necrosis factor inhibition on glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with RA with or without diabetes. Methods: Data were from two placebo-controlled phase III studies of subcutaneous sarilumab 150/200 mg q2w + methotrexate or conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and a phase III monotherapy study of sarilumab 200 mg q2w vs. adalimumab 40 mg q2w. Patients with diabetes were identified by medical history or use of antidiabetic medication (patients with HbA1c ? 9% were excluded from all three studies). HbA1c was measured at baseline and weeks 12/24. Safety and efficacy were assessed in RA patients with or without diabetes. Results: Patients with diabetes (n = 184) were older, weighed more and exhibited higher RA disease activity tan patients without diabetes (n = 1928). Regardless of diabetes status, in patients on background csDMARDs, least squares (LS) mean difference (95% CI) in change from baseline in HbA1c for sarilumab 150 mg/200 mg vs. placebo at week 24 was ? 0.28 (? 0.40, ? 0.16; nominal p < 0.0001) and ? 0.42 (? 0.54, ? 0.31; nominal p < 0.0001), respectively. Without csDMARDs, LS mean difference for sarilumab 200 mg vs. adalimumab 40mg at week 24 was ? 0.13 (? 0.22, ? 0.04; nominal p = 0.0043). Greater reduction in HbA1c than placebo or adalimumab was observed at week 24 with sarilumab in patients with diabetes and/or baseline HbA1c ? 7%. There was no correlation between baseline/change from baseline in HbA1c and baseline/change from baseline in C-reactive protein, 28-joint Disease Activity Score, or haemoglobin, nor between HbA1c change from baseline and baseline glucocorticoid use. Medical history of diabetes or use of diabetes treatments had limited impact on safety and efficacy of sarilumab and was consistent with overall phase III findings in patients with RA. Conclusions: In post hoc analyses, sarilumab was associated with a greater reduction in HbA1c than csDMARDs or adalimumab, independent of sarilumab anti-inflammatory effects. Prospective studies are required to further assess these preliminary findings. Trial registration: ClinTrials.gov NCT01061736: date of registration February 03, 2010; ClinTrials.gov NCT01709578: date ofregistration October 18, 2012; ClinTrials.gov NCT02332590: date of registration January 07, 2015. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2020) 22:20

The ballast pick-up problem. A theoretical approach and two experimental campaigns

The aim of this contribution is to present a theoretical approach and two experimental campaigns (on wind tunnel and on the track) concerning the research work about the ballast train-induced-wind erosion (BTIWE) phenomenon. When a high speed train overpasses the critical speed, it produces a wind speed close to the track large enough to start the motion of the ballast elements, eventually leading to the rolling of the stones (Kwon and Park, 2006) and, if these stones get enough energy, they can jump and then initiate a saltation-like chain reaction, as found in the saltation processes of soil eolian erosion (Bagnold, 1941). The expelled stones can reach a height which is larger than the lowest parts of the train, striking them (and the track surroundings) producing considerable damage that should be avoided. There is not much published work about this phenomenon, in spite of the great interest that exists due to its relevant applications in increasing the maximum operative train speed. Particularly, the initiation of flight of ballast due to the pass of a high speed train has been studied by Kwon and Park (2006) by performing field and wind tunnel experiments

Best Nursing Intervention Practices to Prevent Non-Communicable Disease: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To explore nursing health education interventions for non-communicable disease patients. Methods: The design was a systematic review of research work published between 2008 and 2018. The data sources included the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, COCHRANE, and LILACS. The studies that met the inclusion were assessed, and the analysis for methodological quality through the recommended tools CASPe, and JADAD. Results: Fifteen original studies from eight counties were included in the review; Findings revealed 13 studies with randomized samples and six used power analysis. Nurses’ interventions included house calls, home care, and individual and group health education. Conclusion: Nursing interventions showed 76.4% the effectiveness of results in patient outcomes to promote and improve healthier lifestyles and quality of life of noncommunicable disease patients. This review discloses the significant impact of nursing health education interventions. Nursing leadership and political decision-makers should consider providing programs to enhance health education knowledge and abilities. All of this can favor the sustainability of the global economy by changing the life style of thousands of people worldwide.post-print970 K

Adaptación de las asignaturas básicas de primer curso de la ETSI Navales de la UPM: Actividades 2008-2009

En el marco de la reforma de las titulaciones con motivo del Espacio Europeo de Educación un grupo de profesores hemos coordinado, durante el curso 2008-2009, todas las asignaturas básicas de primer curso y una más de segundo curso en la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Navales. Las actividades realizadas son: a) Coordinación de todas las asignaturas básicas de primer curso, con reuniones periódicas de coordinación horizontal y el establecimiento de una página web de moodle para profesores como espacio para el trabajo cooperativo. Particularmente importante es el establecimiento de un calendario conjunto de pruebas de evaluación continua. b) Redacción de guías de aprendizaje, con un formato común para todas las asignaturas, incluyendo los objetivos formativos, los contenidos, las actividades formativas, los enlaces y la bibliografía. c) Establecimiento de una plataforma de teleeducación común para todas las asignaturas, uno de los objetivos fundamentales del proyecto, ya que coexistían dos plataformas distintas. Igualmente importante ha sido reforzar los contenidos y las actividades que se podían realizar en la plataforma. d) Seguimiento del tiempo dedicado por los alumnos, hemos ido siguiendo el tiempo dedicado por los alumnos a las distintas asignaturas, para detectar si el tiempo que se dedica está en los márgenes establecidos en los créditos ECTS. Igualmente, hemos hecho dos encuestas a la mitad de cada semestre, para recoger las opiniones de los alumnos sobre las asignaturas y sobre los aspectos relevantes del proyecto. e) Organización de actividades de nivelación, para los alumnos de nuevo ingreso, con la organización de cursos cero y la participación y coordinación en la Plataforma de Punto de inicio de la UPM. f) Organización de actividades formativas, para poder llevar a cabo estas tareas, hemos organizado, en colaboración con el Centro y el Gabinete de Tele-Educación (GATE) actividades formativas relacionadas con la plataforma moodle, métodos de evaluación y de formación en competencias.En la presentación haremos una descripción de las actividades realizadas, así como una primera evaluación de las mismas. Por último, describiremos las tareas a desarrollar en los próximos cursos