Mathematical decision theory applied to land capability: a case study in the community of madrid.

In land evaluation science, a standard data set is obtained for each land unit to determine the land capability class for various uses, such as different farming systems, forestry, or the conservation or suitability of a specific crop. In this study, we used mathematical decision theory (MDT) methods to address this task. Mathematical decision theory has been used in areas such as management, finance, industrial design, rural development, the environment, and projects for future welfare to study quality and aptness problems using several criteria. We also review MDT applications in soil science and discuss the suitability of MDT methods for dealing simultaneously with a number of problems. The aim of the work was to show how MDT can be used to obtain a valid land quality index and to compare this with a traditional land capability method. Therefore, an additive classification method was applied to obtain a land quality index for 122 land units that were compiled for a case study of the Community of Madrid, Spain, and the results were compared with a previously assigned land capability class using traditional methods based on the minimum requirements for land attributes.

Observation of a subsurface oil-rich layer in the open ocean.

A layer of water at a depth of 200 meters containing 3 to 12 milligrams per liter of oil was found during February and March 1978 over a distance of 800 nautical miles in the southwest North Atlantic and the eastern Caribbean. The geochemistry and carbon-14 activity of the oil shows it to be a weathered crude, probably from a submarine seep. Although the dimensions of the oily layer were not determined, conservative estimates indicate that more than I megaton could have been present.

Transforming growth factor-ß1 functional polymorphisms in myeloablative sibling hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with sibling donors (s.d.) is a life-saving intervention for patients with hematological malignancies. Numerous genetic factors have a role in transplant outcome. Several functional polymorphisms have been identified in TGF-ß1 gene, such as single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at +29C>T within exon 1. Two hundred and forty five patient/donor pairs who underwent a s.d. HSCT in our centers were genotyped for this SNP. In the myeloablative cohort, +29CC donors were associated with an increase in severe chronic GvHD (32% vs 16%, hazard ratio (HR) 9.0, P=0.02). Regarding survival outcomes, +29CC patients developed higher non relapse mortality (NRM) (1-5 years CC 28-32% vs TC/TT 7-10%; HR 5.1, P=0.01). Recipients of +29TT donors experienced a higher relapse rate (1-5 years TT 37-51% vs TC 19-25% vs CC 13%-19%; HR 2.4, P=0.01) with a decreased overall survival (OS) (1-5 years TT 69-50% vs TC/CC 77-69%; HR 1.9, P=0.05). Similar to previous myeloablative unrelated donors HSCT results, we confirmed that +29CC patients had higher NRM. In addition we found that +29TT donors might be associated with a higher relapse rate and lower OS. These results should be confirmed in larger series. Identification of these SNPs will allow personalizing transplant conditioning and immunosuppressant regimens, as well as assisting in the choice of the most appropriate donor.

The Latin American experience of allografting patients with severe aplastic anaemia: real-world data on the impact of stem cell source and ATG administration in HLA-identical sibling transplants.

We studied 298 patients with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) allografted in four Latin American countries. The source of cells was bone marrow (BM) in 94 patients and PBSCs in 204 patients. Engraftment failed in 8.1% of recipients with no difference between BM and PBSCs (P=0.08). Incidence of acute GvHD (aGvHD) for BM and PBSCs was 30% vs 32% (P=0.18), and for grades III-IV was 2.6% vs 11.6% (P=0.01). Chronic GvHD (cGvHD) between BM and PBSCs was 37% vs 59% (P=0.002) and extensive 5% vs 23.6% (P=0.01). OS was 74% vs 76% for BM vs PBSCs (P=0.95). Event-free survival was superior in patients conditioned with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)-based regimens compared with other regimens (79% vs 61%, P=0.001) as excessive secondary graft failure was seen with other regimens (10% vs 26%, P=0.005) respectively. In multivariate analysis, aGvHD II-IV (hazard ratio (HR) 2.50, confidence interval (CI) 1.1-5.6, P=0.02) and aGvHD III-IV (HR 8.3 CI 3.4-20.2, P<0.001) proved to be independent negative predictors of survival. In conclusion, BM as a source of cells and ATG-based regimens should be standard because of higher GvHD incidence with PBSCs, although the latter combining with ATG in the conditioning regimen could be an option in selected high-risk patients.

[Relationship between lipid profile and body mass index. Five-year follow-up in children aged 6-11 years old. The Rivas-Vaciamadrid study]. / Relación entre el perfil lipídico y el índice de masa corporal. Seguimiento de los 6 a los 11 años. Estudio Rivas-Vaciamadrid.

BACKGROUND: To study the relationship between lipid profile and body mass index (BMI) in children after a 5-year follow-up. METHOD: A total of 281 children were evaluated at the ages of 6 and 11 years. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and apoproteins A1 (Apo A) and B100 (Apo B) were measured. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was determined and the Apo B/Apo A, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C indexes, and the atherogenic index were calculated. BMI was also calculated (BMI 5 kg/m2). Evolution parameters were calculated (EVO 5 value 11 years - value 6 years). Associations between BMI and lipid profile were studied. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity (according to the criteria of the International Obesity Task Force) was 4.98 % (6 years) and 16,72 % (11 years). In children who were in the fourth BMI quartile at the age of 11 years, LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C levels were significantly higher and than those in children in the first quartile but HDL-C and Apo A levels were lower. A significant positive correlation was found between the evolution of BMI and the four indexes studied and TG, but this correlation was negative for HDL-C and Apo A. The evolution of the indexes was positive in 11-year-old obese children and negative in nonobese children. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid profile was worse in 11-year-old children in the fourth BMI quartile than in the remaining children. Obese children had higher values of the indexes studied, supporting the importance of obesity as a cardiovascular risk factor.

Regulation of cell death receptor S-nitrosylation and apoptotic signaling by Sorafenib in hepatoblastoma cells.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a relevant role during cell death regulation in tumor cells. The overexpression of nitric oxide synthase type III (NOS-3) induces oxidative and nitrosative stress, p53 and cell death receptor expression and apoptosis in hepatoblastoma cells. S-nitrosylation of cell death receptor modulates apoptosis. Sorafenib is the unique recommended molecular-targeted drug for the treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study was addressed to elucidate the potential role of NO during Sorafenib-induced cell death in HepG2 cells. We determined the intra- and extracellular NO concentration, cell death receptor expression and their S-nitrosylation modifications, and apoptotic signaling in Sorafenib-treated HepG2 cells. The effect of NO donors on above parameters has also been determined. Sorafenib induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. However, low concentration of the drug (10nM) increased cell death receptor expression, as well as caspase-8 and -9 activation, but without activation of downstream apoptotic markers. In contrast, Sorafenib (10 µM) reduced upstream apoptotic parameters but increased caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation in HepG2 cells. The shift of cell death signaling pathway was associated with a reduction of S-nitrosylation of cell death receptors in Sorafenib-treated cells. The administration of NO donors increased S-nitrosylation of cell death receptors and overall induction of cell death markers in control and Sorafenib-treated cells. In conclusion, Sorafenib induced alteration of cell death receptor S-nitrosylation status which may have a relevant repercussion on cell death signaling in hepatoblastoma cells.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and nutritional status in female drug addicts undergoing detoxification: anthropometric and immunologic assessments.

To clarify the interrelations among drug abuse, malnutrition, and immunosuppression, the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on the nutritional status of 17 noninfected and 19 HIV-infected asymptomatic female drug addicts undergoing detoxification were evaluated by measuring anthropometric and immunologic indexes. Anthropometric measurements were normal in both groups as a result of weight gain (approximately 10 kg) in every patient after the detoxification period. Leukocyte and lymphocyte values and CD2 lymphocyte subset counts were also similar in both groups. CD4 counts (P = 0.04) and the ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells (P = 0.6 x 10(-4)) were lower whereas CD8 counts (P = 0.003) were higher in the HIV-infected than in the noninfected group. Responses to a delayed-hypersensitivity skin test were below normal in both groups but significantly more so in the HIV-positive group (P = 0.05). CD19 counts were lower (P = 0.02) and values for serum immunoglobulins G and M were higher (51% and 37%, respectively) in the HIV-infected females than in the noninfected women. These results may suggest that despite anthropometric recovery, the HIV-infected women had depleted immune function, resulting not only from HIV infection but also from the subclinical malnutrition triggered by previous drug addiction.

Effects of human immunodeficiency virus infection and detoxification time on anthropometric measurements and dietary intake of male drug addicts.

Anthropometric measurements and dietary intakes of male drug addicts (n = 62), infected (n = 23) or not infected (n = 39) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), who underwent two phases of detoxification (P1:15 d to 1 mo and P2: 5-6 mo) were assessed. Body weight, weight gain during detoxification, height, body mass index, and ideal body weight were measured. A prospective food-record questionnaire was compiled and energy and nutrient contents of ingested food were determined. Food intakes were compared with dietary recommendations for the Spanish population. At the time of the study, all patients had substantial weight gains, mostly in P1. Nutrient consumption was lower in P2 (energy, protein, and lipids) and in groups not infected with HIV. In P2, lipid intake was higher in the HIV-positive than in the HIV-negative group (P < 0.05, Student's t test). Moreover, an interactive effect of HIV by phase was shown for lipid intake (P = 0.04, two-way analysis of variance). Magnesium, folate, and vitamin E intakes were lower than recommended in nearly all patients. Energy, zinc, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6 intakes were lower than recommended or were borderline. HIV infection did not have a negative effect on anthropometric measurements or on nutrient intakes. The anthropometric assessment may suggest an adequate recovery of the indexes measured in all patients, which principally took place during P1. Measurement of nutrient intakes showed certain imbalances and deficits that should be corrected.

Dietary intake and cognitive function in a group of elderly people.

Associations between dietary intake and cognitive performance were examined in 260 elderly people aged 65-90 y who were free of significant cognitive impairment. Dietary intake was monitored with a weighed-food record for 7 consecutive days. The subjects' cognitive capacity was tested by using Folstein et al's Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Pfeiffer's Mental Status Questionnaire (PMSQ). Subjects with adequate MMSE results (> or = 28 points) had lower intakes of monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol, and higher intakes of total food, fruit, carbohydrate, thiamine, folate, and vitamin C compared with those with less satisfactory results. Subjects who made no errors on the PMSQ had greater intakes of total food, vegetables, fruit, carbohydrate, fiber, folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, and zinc, and lower intakes of saturated fatty acids compared with those who made errors. Our results agree with those of other authors indicating that intakes of different nutrients or the consumption of a more satisfactory global diet is associated with better cognitive function in the elderly. However, more research is required to determine whether differences in intake of a particular nutrient are the result of or a conditioning factor for incipient impaired cognition. Unmeasured confounding factors may also affect both dietary intake and risk of cognitive impairment. A diet with less fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and more carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins (especially folate, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotenes), and minerals (iron and zinc) may be advisable not only to improve the general health of the elderly but also to improve cognitive function.

Aspirin or acetaminophen? A comparison from data collected by the Spanish Drug Monitoring System.

To characterize and compare the toxicity profiles of aspirin and acetaminophen when used by large populations, all records of adverse drug reactions to these drugs reported to the Spanish Drug Monitoring System from 1982 to 1991 were analyzed. According to these data, aspirin-induced reactions were more serious than those reactions to acetaminophen; the severity of all the reactions in both cases was associated with time of exposure and with the accumulated dose administered. For GI reactions to aspirin no association was found between severity and time of exposure or dose, although an association with age was found. There were no differences between the proportions of deaths, malformations, and renal damage recorded for either of the two groups. Proportions of hematological and hepatic disturbances were greater with acetaminophen. Adverse drug reaction data for aspirin and acetaminophen from spontaneous reporting seem to be consistent with data coming from observational studies.

Diet therapy for hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents. A follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness and compliance of dietary restriction in a group of children and adolescents with hypercholesterolemia. RESEARCH DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. SETTING: Pediatric hospital in Madrid, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred fifty-one children and adolescents of both sexes aged 2 to 18 years diagnosed as having hypercholesterolemia and treated with dietary restriction (American Heart Association Step-One and Step-Two Diets). The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 years and was performed by one pediatrician. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B-100 levels as well as the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased significantly (P < .01) from the first month of dietary restriction, whereas the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level increased (P < .01). The apolipoprotein A-I level increased significantly (P < .01) only after 6 months of diet therapy. After 12 months of follow-up, 30.7% (58/189) of patients did not follow the diet strictly. In this group, significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B-100 were found. CONCLUSIONS: Diet therapy is effective in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents. Dietary restriction has a beneficial effect not only on total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels but also on apolipoprotein A-I and B-100 levels.

Pharmacoepidemiology in practice. Current status and future trends.

Pharmacoepidemiology is the application of epidemiological reasoning, methods and knowledge to the study of the uses and effects (beneficial and adverse) of drugs in human populations. As referred to by the term 'pharmacoepidemiology', the discipline now enters into its second decade, although its origins go back to the beginnings of this century. This article reviews the opinions of leading pharmacoepidemiologists on the scope and prospects for pharmacoepidemiology, and summarises the most important challenges that the discipline faces on its way towards the next century. The future of pharmacoepidemiology requires the development of research methods more able to cope with the specific problems posed by the study of drugs, notably the issue of confounding by indication and the ability to adjust accurately for severity of disease. Capacity building should also continue during the next years; training of professionals, the optimisation of computerised databases for research purposes and their joint use with more traditional epidemiological methods are major challenges. From a public health perspective, a critical task is to assess the impact that vaccines and drugs have on the overall patterns of disease in well defined populations.

Nutritional status assessment of HIV-positive drug addicts.

Since human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is known to lead to modifications of immune function and interrelationships among malnutrition, anergy and drug addiction have been shown, the aim of this work was to assess the nutritional status of 36 male heroin addicts under a period of detoxication (3 months). They were divided into two groups: (1) HIV negative (n = 20) and (2) HIV positive (n = 16); heights, weights and serum albumin concentration were measured and immune function was tested, using delayed hypersensitivity skin tests containing 7 antigens. No significant differences in anthropometric measurements were found between both groups, but anthropometric improvement was shown in every patient after the detoxication period. Serum albumin, often used as a classical index of malnutrition, remained within the normal values in both groups. The whole response to skin tests was depressed in both groups and no significant differences were shown between them. Therefore, these results might suggest that in spite of the apparent anthropometric recovery and the normal values of albumin, a subclinical malnutrition was indicated by the depressed immune function, which was more noticeable in the HIV-positive group.

Relationship between habitual breakfast and intellectual performance (logical reasoning) in well-nourished schoolchildren of Madrid (Spain).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationships between habitual breakfast habits and performance in verbal aptitude, logical reasoning and mathematical tests in a group of well-nourished scholars from Madrid. DESIGN: The study subjects were 180 children between 9 and 13 y of age. A dietetic study was undertaken using a 7-day food record. Scholastic aptitude was examined using the scholastic aptitude test (SAT-1) test. RESULTS: Breakfast made up 19.1% of total daily intake. No differences were found between subjects in terms of personal data or total diet with respect to whether they habitually took adequate breakfasts (AB) (ie, more than 20% of daily energy being provided by this meal) or inadequate breakfasts (IB) (less than 20%). However, AB subjects achieved better reasoning scores in the SAT-1 test. CONCLUSIONS: The normal breakfast habits of schoolchildren should be taken into account when studying diet-mental function relationships, even when studying well-nourished populations.

Influence of nutrition on cognitive function in a group of elderly, independently living people.

OBJECTIVE: To study the differences in cognitive status with respect to food habits and energy and nutrient intake in a group of non institutionalised, elderly people. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: The study subjects were independently living, elderly people who spent some of their time at day centres in the Comunidad de Madrid (the Madrid region). The study centres were selected by the Madrid City Hall. SUBJECTS: The study included 168 elderly people aged 65-90 y. All accepted the invitation to participate, met all inclusion criteria, and were free of significant cognitive impairment. INTERVENTIONS: Dietary intake was monitored using a 'food record' for 7 consecutive days including a Sunday. In addition, the 'precise individual weighing' method was used for 5 days in order to monitor the meals taken by the subjects at the centres' canteens. Cognitive capacity was measured using Folstein's mini-mental state examination (MMSE), validated for the Spanish population. RESULTS: Subjects with an adequate cognitive capacity (MMSE>/=28) showed a greater intake of total foods, fish, and alcoholic drinks, but took less foods from the 'various' group (chocolates, cakes, etc). These subjects had a more adequate intake of fatty acids and cholesterol, and a greater intake of vitamins implicated in correct brain function (thiamine, folic acid, vitamin C). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with satisfactory intellectual function generally had a better diet. This shows the importance of correct nutrition in its maintenance.

Influence of dietetic and anthropometric factors and of the type of sport practised on bone density in different groups of women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of dietetic and anthropometric data, as well as the sport practised, on the bone density of different groups of sportswomen. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Dietetic, anthropometric and bone density data were collected from 74 women who practised different sports (15 skiers, 26 basketball players and 33 ballet dancers), and compared to those of 90 women who led sedentary lifestyles. RESULTS: The sportswomen had higher bone mineral contents and bone densities than controls. However, the dancers showed similar spinal and hip values as those of controls, and lower forearm values. Low body weight and body mass index, and insufficient energy intake-characteristic of the dancers-were associated with poorer bone mineralisation status. Increased energy, protein, vitamin D, calcium, zinc and magnesium intakes were associated with greater bone density and mineral content at different sites. CONCLUSIONS: The worst bone density status was that of the dancers, who, as a group, displayed characteristics that have negative impacts in this respect (low energy intakes and low body weight). Dancers should therefore take steps to avoid suffering fractures and skeleto-muscular lesions which could negatively influence their health and physical performance. The greater consumption of milk products and calcium and better Ca/P ratio seen in the dancers could help this group to avoid bone deterioration.

Influence of the desire to lose weight on food habits, and knowledge of the characteristics of a balanced diet, in a group of Madrid university students.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the desire to lose weight in a group of university students, and to analyse the influence of this desire on declared food habits. The degree of knowledge on what constitutes a balanced diet was also determined. DESIGN: Cross-sectional population survey. SUBJECTS: The study subjects were 234 university students (48 males and 186 females) aged 22.3+/-1.5 y. The weight and height of each were recorded. All subjects were questioned on their desire to lose weight, habitual food intake frequencies, and about what they considered to constitute a balanced diet. RESULTS: Approximately half the population (47.9%), both male (47.8%) and female (47.9%), expressed a desire to lose weight, even though the percentage of overweight students was low (11.1% overall, although much greater among male students [39.6%] than female students [3.8]). The body mass index (BMI) of those who wanted to lose weight was greater than that of those who did not. Nonetheless, the majority of subjects (especially females) showed BMIs within the normal range (18-25 kg/m(2)). Among those who wished to lose weight, the consumption of sweet foods was lower - although these subjects believed they ought to consume even less. It was also thought necessary that egg consumption be reduced, although no differences were recorded in declared consumption between those who wished to lose weight and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that there is great concern over body weight, although no great differences were seen in the food habits and nutrition knowledge of those who wished to lose weight and those who did not.

Is a parental history of coronary arterial disease in children as discriminating as their lipoprotein profile? Niño Jesus Group.

The relationship between hyperlipidemia and a parental history of heart attack and other related disorders was studied in 2224 two- to 18-yr-old children in Madrid (Spain). Children were divided into three groups: those with a parental history of heart attack (first group), a parental history of stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypercholesterolemia (second group), and no parental history of disease (third group). The number of children with higher than normal levels of total cholesterol (greater than 200 mg/dl), LDL-cholesterol (greater than 135 mg/dl) and/or apolipoprotein B100 (greater than 75 mg/dl) was significantly higher in the first and second group (positive parental history) than in the third (no parental history). Children and adolescents with a parental history of heart attack (first group) had significantly higher mean levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol; in the 2- to 13-yr age group a significantly higher level of apolipoprotein B was also found. Children and adolescents belonging to the second group had a significantly higher level of LDL-cholesterol, and a significantly higher level of apolipoprotein B was also found in the 2- to 13-yr age group. However, only 15% of children with hypercholesterolemia had a parental history of heart attack or other related disorders. This percentage was 41% when second-degree relatives were included in the family history. We conclude that a parental history is not enough to detect children with an abnormal lipid profile who might be at risk for early development of coronary arterial disease.

Smoking and apolipoproteins in adolescents. The Niño Jesus Group.

The relation between smoking and blood lipids and apolipoproteins (A1,B100) were studied in a group of 1024 12- to 18-year-old school children in the Comunidad de Madrid. The percentage of smokers was 19% (17% for girls and 21% for boys). The average consumption of cigarettes per day was 7.83 +/- 5.06 in boys and 6.04 +/- 3.49 in girls (p less than 0.05). As compared with male nonsmokers, male smokers showed a higher mean level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (112 versus 100 mg/dL, p less than 0.05), a higher LDL cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio (2.27 versus 1.94, p less than 0.001), a higher mean level of apolipoprotein B100 (59 versus 53 mg/dL, p less than 0.05), and a higher apolipoprotein B100 to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (0.45 versus 0.40, p less than 0.01). Female smokers tended to show the same results, although significant differences were only found for LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio and apolipoprotein B100 to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (1.8 versus 1.59 and 0.41 versus 0.38 respectively, both p less than 0.05). This work provides new data about the effects of smoking on apolipoproteins in adolescents and emphasizes on the need for preventive programs.