Dating historical droughts from religious ceremonies, the international pro pluvia rogation database.

Climate proxy data are required for improved understanding of climate variability and change in the pre-instrumental period. We present the first international initiative to compile and share information on pro pluvia rogation ceremonies, which is a well-studied proxy of agricultural drought. Currently, the database has more than 3500 dates of celebration of rogation ceremonies, providing information for 153 locations across 11 countries spanning the period from 1333 to 1949. This product provides data for better understanding of the pre-instrumental drought variability, validating natural proxies and model simulations, and multi-proxy rainfall reconstructions, amongst other climatic exercises. The database is freely available and can be easily accessed and visualized via http://inpro.unizar.es/ .

[Usefulness of the third-hour plasma glucose measurement of the oral glucose tolerance test for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus]. / Utilidad de la determinación de la glucemia a la tercera hora de la sobrecarga oral de glucosa para el diagnóstico de diabetes gestacional.

OBJECTIVES: To value the utility of the third-hour plasma glucose measurement of the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). To analyse the relation of rate insulin therapy, type of delivery and morbidity and mortality perinatal with the third-hour plasma glucose measurement or not for diagnosis of GDM. METHODS: Historic cohort study. SUBJECTS: Women diagnosed of GDM from 1993 to March of 2002 in Pregnancy Consultation in periurban Primary Care Center in Camas (Seville, Spain) by consecutive sampling design (n=112). INTERVENTION: To apply the screening and diagnosis criteria from Third International Conference of GDM. To value obstetric outcome history, anthropometric parameter before, treatment and delivery type and perinatal complications. Statistic analysis: A chi2 test, with Fisher's correction was used. RESULTS: A 63% of women were diagnosed of GDM with normal third-hour plasma glucose measurement (Group 1). In 21.4% this value was increase (> 145 mg/dL) but it was not necessary to diagnosis (Group 2). In 15.1%, the third-hour plasma glucose measurement was essential to diagnose GDM (Group 3). Insulin therapy was recommended in 17% (Group 3) and 5% (Group 1 and 2). There are not significant difference between groups about perinatal complications and cesarean delivery incidence. DISCUSSION: We suggest it is not recommended the omission of the third-hour plasma glucose measurement of OGTT because a 15.1% were undiagnosed and would be a substantial decrease in sensitivity. In addition, that group was higher rate insulin therapy.