Investigating the effectiveness of a new indoor ventilation model in reducing the spread of disease: A case of sports centres amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ventilation of buildings is crucial to ensure indoor health, especially when demanding physical activities are carried out indoors, and the pandemic has highlighted the need to develop new management methods to ensure adequate ventilation. In Spain, there are no specific ventilation regulations to prevent the spread of pathogens such as the coronavirus. Therefore, it is necessary to have a theoretical tool for calculating occupancy to maintain sports facilities in optimal safety conditions. The proposed theoretical method is based on the analysis of mathematical expressions from European standardisation documents and uses the concentration of CO2 as a bioeffluent. It is also based on the concept of background and critical concentration, which allows its application to be extrapolated to future crises caused by pathogens. This study presents a unique and novel dataset for sports centres. For this purpose, the calculation methods were applied to the data set provided by Mostoles City Council, Spain, during the pandemic years with the highest incidence of COVID-19, when the government introduced the assimilation of COVID-19 sick leave to occupational accidents. The data on this type of sick leave provided by the City Council correspond to the period between March 2020 and February 2022. Similarly, the data on the average use of sports facilities by activity, provided by the Sports Department, correspond to the years 2020 and 2021. In this way, it was possible to verify the effectiveness in preventing the spread of any type of coronavirus. In conclusion, the implementation of a theoretical occupancy calculation method based on the concentration of carbon dioxide as a bioeffluent can be an effective tool for the management of future crises caused by pathogens or hazardous chemicals in the air, and demonstrated its effectiveness in sports centres such as gyms, sports fields, and indoor swimming pools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Electronic device or regulated tobacco product? Learning from the diffusion of heated tobacco products in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: Tobacco companies have introduced heated tobacco product (HTP) in many countries and marketed it on the grounds that it is a less harmful alternative to health. However, tobacco companies have been widely criticized for taking advantage of a loophole that allows electronic devices to circumvent regulations limiting tobacco advertising. This work aims to determine whether HTPs respected the rules that regulate tobacco advertising when it was introduced in Spain. STUDY DESIGN: This is an observational epidemiological study. METHODS: Using monthly time series data from September 2016 to June 2020, we analyzed whether the adoption of HTPs has followed the same behavior patterns as other brands that were introduced under the same conditions of use. The Bass model is used to analyze the diffusion of HTPs, and 30 other traditional cigarette brands introduced under the same conditions as this HTPs. RESULTS: The adoption of HTPs in Spain has been like that of brands of slim cigarettes that are mistakenly considered to be healthier than traditional cigarettes. The results indicate that the use of HTPs has spread in the same way as additive-free and ultra-slim cigarette brands. CONCLUSIONS: Policymakers should keep in mind that laws should restrict any marketing of tobacco products that promotes positive connotations between tobacco use and being healthy. If manufacturers are allowed to classify a category and/or brand of tobacco products as less harmful to health, the imitation effect is very high, leading to the proliferation of smoking.

A spatial analysis of the Spanish tobacco consumption distribution: Are there any consumption clusters?

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this short communication is to provide a previous empirical analysis to locate the regions that have distortions in per capita tobacco consumption. The location of these regions and their proximity to other countries allow us to detect the need that governments have to harmonize policies. STUDY DESIGN: The design of this study is a cross-sectional spatial descriptive analysis. METHODS: By using panel data from the 47 Spanish provinces from 2002 to 2017, we implement the Moran's I test which allows us to detect areas where low or high per capita tobacco consumption clusters are generated. RESULTS: The results show that areas of Spain bordering countries with high price differentials, such as Gibraltar and France, generate clusters of low and high per capita tobacco consumption, respectively. Indeed, maintaining a low price differential seems not to generate distortions, as revealed by the Portugal case. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial clusters of per capita tobacco consumption are located in regions close to countries where there is high price differential.

Price and income elasticities of demand for cigarette consumption: what is the association of price and economic activity with cigarette consumption in Spain from 1957 to 2016?

OBJECTIVES: Extensive empirical and theoretical studies have been devoted to analyzing the relationship between tobacco and income. The price and income elasticities of demand for cigarette consumption are the main focus of studies in this body of literature. However, few empirical studies exist that analyze how economic growth affects the cigarette market, and no one has studied the effects of economic expansions and recessions. Spain, as in the other countries of the European Union, has suffered a strong recession since 2008. Therefore, this article aims to detect if income elasticity takes different values in economic growth and recession and, in addition, to check whether price elasticity in Spain is consistent with previous studies. STUDY DESIGN: This is an observational epidemiological study. METHODS: In this article, the price and income elasticities of demand for cigarette consumption are measured for the Spanish cigarette market using time series data from 1957 to 2016 and by applying a non-linear autoregressive dynamics lag model. The novel specification proposed in this study is the determination of the possible effects of asymmetries in the economic shocks on cigarette consumption. RESULTS: Our results reveal that cigarette consumption maintains a notable asymmetric relationship. In particular, our results show that in expansion shocks, cigarette consumption increases (a 10% economic growth is associated with a 4.05% increase in cigarette consumption), whereas in recession shocks, cigarette consumption decreases dramatically, with a more pronounced pattern in recession phases than in expansion phases (a 10% economic decline is associated with a 58.16% decrease in cigarette consumption). On the other hand, price elasticity maintains the same behavior shown in the previous literature (a 10% price increase is associated with a 2% decrease in cigarette consumption). CONCLUSIONS: Higher cigarette prices are associated with decreased smoking. In addition, the economic recession helps in decreasing cigarette consumption. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that tax authorities have our results in mind before establishing health policies. If the authorities do not, it is possible that they will not obtain the expected results in terms of decreased tobacco consumption.

[Use of tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty]. / Uso de ácido tranexámico en la artroplastía total primaria de rodilla.

BACKGROUND: Reducing blood loss and transfusions in patients operated on primary TKR is associated with a better clinical and functional outcome. The use of Tranexamic Acid (ATX) is one of the methods used to decrease that bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Results in Hb, Hto, rate of bleeding and transfusion, surgical time and pain between groups A (with ATX) and group B (without tranexamic acid) after TKR are compared. Results: Statistically significant differences were found during surgery and perisurgical bleeding, in the decrease of Hb at 24 hours, transfusion rate, surgical time and pain to wandering in favor of group A. DISCUSSION: There are no published studies in Mexico on the use of ATX in patients operated on TKR. We consider its use to be increasingly common, the optimal dose and route of administration remains a controversial topic. CONCLUSION: The use of ATX in the proposed scheme is safe and effective in reducing the rate of bleeding and transfusions in patients operated on ATR.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La reducción de la pérdida sanguínea y de las transfusiones en pacientes operados de artroplastía total de rodilla (ATR) primaria se asocia a un mejor resultado clínico y funcional. El uso de ácido tranexámico (ATX) es uno de los métodos utilizados para disminuir ese sangrado. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se compararon los resultados en hemoglobina (Hb), hematocrito (Hto), tasa de sangrado y de transfusión, tiempo quirúrgico y dolor entre los grupos A (con ATX) y grupo B (sin ATX) posterior a la ATR. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la disminución del sangrado transquirúrgico y periquirúrgico global, en la disminución de la Hb a las 24 horas, en la tasa de transfusión, en el tiempo quirúrgico y en el dolor a la deambulación a favor del grupo A. DISCUSIÓN: En México no hay literatura publicada sobre el uso de ATX en pacientes operados de ATR. A pesar del uso cada vez más común del ATX, la mejor dosis y vía de administración sigue siendo un tema controversial. CONCLUSIÓN: El uso de ATX en el esquema propuesto es un método seguro y eficaz para disminuir la tasa de sangrado y de transfusiones en los pacientes operados de ATR.

Vascular ultrasound in pediatrics: utility and application of location and measurement of jugular and femoral vessels.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the depth (D p) and diameter (D m) of the internal jugular vein (IJV), femoral vein (FV), and femoral artery (FA) in pediatric patients to evaluate the clinical implications. METHODS: This study included 125 pediatric patients. All of them underwent bilateral ultrasound study of vessels and were classified into three groups based on anthropometric and demographic parameters. RESULTS: Measured mean D p values were: 0.72 (0.34) cm for the FA, 0.79 (0.35) cm for the FV, and 0.77 (0.24) cm for the IJV. Mean antero-posterior D m values were: 0.37 (0.17) cm for the FA, 0.42 (0.22) cm for the FV, and 0.59 (0.23) cm for the IJV. D p and D m increased with age (A), weight (W), height (H), and body surface area (BSA). In the lower ranges of these variables, D p was similar for all three studied vessels (0.6-0.7 cm). In the higher ranges, femoral vessel D p values (1.1-1.2 cm) were larger than jugular ones (0.9 cm). Additionally, in these low ranges, IJV D m values were larger than femoral ones (0.45-0.50 vs. 0.25 cm). In the higher ranges, diameter values were similar (0.6-0.7 cm). CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients, major vessels can be located and their depth and diameter measured by vascular ultrasound. In younger patients, jugular and femoral vessels had similar depth values; in older ones, they had similar diameters. Ultrasound measurements in pediatric patients could facilitate the choice of the vessel to be cannulated, the catheter diameter, and the length of the needle to be used. Vascular canalization of IJV may be recommended as the first choice because of its low depth and large diameter.

Vascular ultrasound in pediatrics: estimation of depth and diameter of jugular and femoral vessels.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate, on the basis of anthropometric and demographic variables, the depth (Dp) and diameter (Dm) of femoral and jugular vessels, which have been located and measured by ultrasound, in pediatric patients. METHOD: 750 measurements of Dp and Dm of the femoral vein (FV), femoral artery (FA) and internal jugular vein (IJV) were made in 125 pediatric patients. The values were correlated with patients' sex, weight, age, size and body surface area (BSA). RESULTS: Mean Dp values were 0.72 (0.34) cm for FA, 0.79 (0.35) cm for FV and 0.77 (0.24) cm for IJV. Mean antero-posterior Dm values were 0.37 (0.17) cm for FA, 0.42 (0.22) cm for FV and 0.59 (0.23) cm for IJV. In the studied pediatric patients, femoral and jugular vessels depth correlated with age, size, weight and BSA (R = 0.46-0.60); vascular depth could be estimated from patients' weight and size (FA-Dp: R = 0.71; FV-Dp: R = 0.72; IJV-Dp: R = 0.53). Correlation with diameter was better for FA and FV (R = 0.81-0.89) than for IJV (R = 0.42-0.51); vascular diameter could be estimated from patient's size (FA-Dm: R = 0.89; FV-Dm: R = 0.86; IJV-Dm: R = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: FV, FA and IJV depth and diameter correlated with weight, size, age and body surface area in the studied pediatric patients. Correlation was better for femoral than for jugular vessels. Depth could be estimated from patients' weight and size, while diameter could be estimated from the size. Such estimations may facilitate the choice of vessels to be cannulated, length and diameter of cannulation needles and the diameter of catheters to be used in pediatric patients.

Potato Psyllid (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Response to Insecticides Under Controlled Greenhouse Conditions.

Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) is a common pest of solanaceous crops largely known for vectoring "psyllid yellows" in potatoes. In recent years, however, this pest has attracted considerable attention for vectoring Zebra Chip, a devastating bacterial disease that was first reported in the United States in 2004 and has spread across the southern and northwestern states, causing significant economic losses to potato growers and the industry. Management of the disease is mainly achieved by reducing the psyllid population using insecticides, including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids; however, new insecticides with different modes of action are needed to avoid the acquisition of resistance. In the current study, the immediate and residual effects of conventional and new materials were tested under greenhouse conditions against adults and nymphs. Cyantraniliprole at a high rate and spinetoram showed the highest immediate and residual activity against adults, whereas cyantraniliprole and oxamyl (low and high rates) were effective against nymphs, with no differences between rates. Soil applications of cyantraniliprole, oxamyl, and imidacloprid were still toxic to adults and nymphs 7 and 14 d after treatment. Also, cyantraniliprole and tolfenpyrad were detrimental to psyllid reproduction. The incorporation of new chemistry in rotation programs may provide a useful management tool against this pest.

Design and application of model for training ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation in pediatric patients.

UNLABELLED: Central vascular cannulation is not a risk-free procedure, especially in pediatric patients. Newborn and infants are small and low-weighted, their vascular structures have high mobility because of tissue laxity and their vessels are superficial and with small diameter. These characteristics, together with the natural anatomical variability and poor collaboration of small children, make this technique more difficult to apply. Therefore, ultrasound imaging is increasingly being used to locate vessels and guide vascular access in this population. OBJECTIVE: (a) To present a model that simulates the vascular system for training ultrasound-guided vascular access in pediatrics patients; (b) to ultrasound-guided vascular cannulation in the model. RESULTS: The model consisted of two components: (a) muscular component: avian muscle, (b) vascular component: elastic tube-like structure filled with fluid. 864 ecoguided punctures was realized in the model at different vessel depth and gauge measures were simulated, for two medical operators with different degree of experience. The average depth and diameter of vessel cannulated were 1.16 (0.42)cm and 0.43 (0.1)cm, respectively. The average number of attempts was of 1.22 (0.62). The percentage of visualization of the needle was 74%. The most frequent maneuver used for the correct location, was the modification of the angle of the needle and the relocation of the guidewire in 24% of the cases. The average time for the correct cannulations was 41 (35.8)s. The more frequent complications were the vascular perforation (11.9%) and the correct vascular puncture without possibility of introducing the guidewire (1.2%). The rate of success was 96%. CONCLUSIONS: The model simulates the anatomy (vascular and muscular structures) of a pediatric patient. It is cheap models, easily reproducible and a useful tool for training in ultrasound-guided puncture and cannulation.

Effect of Cyantraniliprole on Probing Behavior of the Potato Psyllid (Hemiptera: Triozidae) as Measured by the Electrical Penetration Graph Technique.

Zebra chip (ZC), an economically important disease of potato, is caused by 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso) transmitted by the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae). Currently, using insecticides against potato psyllid is the only means to manage ZC. However, the ability of the potato psyllid to rapidly transmit Lso represents a substantial challenge in preventing the spread of ZC. Cyantraniliprole, a novel second-generation anthranilic diamide insecticide has been shown to deter insect feeding and reduce disease transmission. During this study, the effect of cyantraniliprole on potato psyllid probing behavior was assessed using electrical penetration graph technology and compared with abamectin, a commonly used insecticide to control potato psyllid. Results showed that both cyantraniliprole and abamectin significantly deterred probing behavior of the potato psyllid. Average duration of intercellular stylet penetration on cyantraniliprole- and abamectin-treated and untreated control plants was 2.36, 1.80, and 9.15 h, respectively. It took psyllids 1.82, 1.10, and 2.42 h to reach the xylem of cyantraniliprole- and abamectin-treated and untreated plants, respectively. Xylem sap ingestion duration averaged 0.53, 0.57, and 3.66 h on cyantraniliprole- and abamectin-treated and untreated controls, respectively. None of the psyllids exposed to insecticide-treated plants reached the phloem tissue, except one that bypassed the xylem. The insects completely ceased probing after 4.44 and 3.64 h on cyantraniliprole- and abamectin-treated plants, respectively, in contrast with those on untreated plants that probed throughout the entire 24-h experiment duration. These results indicate that cyantraniliprole is as effective as abamectin in deterring potato psyllid feeding and could significantly reduce transmission of Lso and the spread of ZC.

Integrating ecotoxicity and chemical approaches to compare the effects of ZnO nanoparticles, ZnO bulk, and ZnCl2 on plants and microorganisms in a natural soil.

This work compared the toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), ZnO bulk, and ZnCl2 on microbial activity (C and N transformations and dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities) and their uptake and toxic effects (emergence, root elongation, and shoot growth) on three plant species namely wheat, radish, and vetch in a natural soil at 1000 mg Zn kg(-1). Additionally, plants were also tested at 250 mg Zn kg(-1). The effects of the chemical species on Zn extractability in soil were studied by performing single and sequential extractions. ZnCl2-1000 presented the highest toxicity for both taxonomic groups. For microorganisms, ZnO-NPs demonstrated adverse effects on all measured parameters, except on N transformations. The effects of both ZnO forms were similar. For plants, ZnO-NPs affected the growth of more plant species than ZnO bulk, although the effects were small in all cases. Regarding accumulation, the total Zn amounts were higher in plants exposed to ZnO-NP than those exposed to ZnO bulk, except for vetch shoots. The soil sequential extraction revealed that the Zn concentration in the most labile forms (water soluble (WS) and exchangeable (EX)) was similar in soil treated with ZnO (NP and bulk) and lower than that of ZnCl2-treated soil, indicating the higher availability of the ionic forms. The strong correlations obtained between WS-Zn fraction and the Zn concentrations in the roots, shoots, and the effects on shoot weight show the suitability of this soil extraction method for predicting bioavailable Zn soil for the three plant species when it was added as ZnO-NPs, ZnO bulk, or ZnCl2. In this work, the hazard associated with the ZnO-NPs was similar to ZnO bulk in most cases.

Toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles, ZnO bulk, and ZnCl2 on earthworms in a spiked natural soil and toxicological effects of leachates on aquatic organisms.

The present study assessed the uptake and toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), ZnO bulk, and ZnCl2 salt in earthworms in spiked agricultural soils. In addition, the toxicity of aqueous extracts to Daphnia magna and Chlorella vulgaris was analyzed to determine the risk of these soils to the aquatic compartment. We then investigated the distribution of Zn in soil fractions to interpret the nature of toxicity. Neither mortality nor differences in earthworm body weight were observed compared with the control. The most sensitive end point was reproduction. ZnCl2 was notably toxic in eliminating the production of cocoons. The effects induced by ZnO-NPs and bulk ZnO on fecundity were similar and lower than those of the salt. In contrast to ZnO bulk, ZnO-NPs adversely affected fertility. The internal concentrations of Zn in earthworms in the NP group were greater than those in the salt and bulk groups, although bioconcentration factors were consistently <1. No relationship was found between toxicity and internal Zn amounts in earthworms. The results from the sequential extraction of soil showed that ZnCl2 displayed the highest availability compared with both ZnO. Zn distribution was consistent with the greatest toxicity showed by the salt but not with Zn body concentrations. The soil extracts from both ZnO-NPs and bulk ZnO did not show effects on aquatic organisms (Daphnia and algae) after short-term exposure. However, ZnCl2 extracts (total and 0.45-µm filtered) were toxic to Daphnia.

Cadmium and lead concentrations in the fish tissues of a coastal lagoon system of the SE Gulf of California.

Mean Cd trend in the muscle of omnivorous (O), planktivorous (P), benthopelagic-carnivorous (BPC), and benthic carnivorous (BC) fish of one lagoon of NW Mexico was BPC > BC > P > O (0.89, 0.59, 0.55 and 0.24 µg g(-1)). That of Pb was P > BC > O > BPC (1.07, 0.48, 0.17 and 0.04 µg g(-1)). In the liver Cd was P > BPC > O > BC (5.09, 2.40, 2.07 and 1.95 µg g(-1)). Pb was P > O > BPC > BC (0.63, 0.40, 0.13 and 0.07 µg g(-1)). There were no differences in Cd and Pb contents due to feeding habits, and the correlations between metals and troph level were not significant (p > 0.05 in all cases).

[Severe pediatric head injuries (II): factors associated to morbidity-mortality]. / Traumatismo craneoencefálico pediátrico grave (II): factores relacionados con la morbilidad y mortalidad.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the factors associated to morbidity-mortality in pediatric patients with severe head injury (SHI). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A review was made of the patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with SHI between July 1983 and December 2009. RESULTS: Of the 389 patients with head injuries, 174 (45%) presented SHI. The mean age of these subjects was 67 (9) months, with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 5.5 (1.8) and a PRISM score of 10.6 (6.7). Thirty-nine percent of the patients showed diffuse encephalic injury (DEI) in the computed tomography (CT) study. Seventy-nine percent of the patients subjected to intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) presented intracranial hypertension. These patients had a greater incidence of serious sequelae (66.7 vs. 23.1%; p=0.01). Sequelae of clinical relevance were recorded in 59 patients (34%), and proved serious in 64% of the cases. The mortality rate among the patients with SHI was 24.7%, and mortality was significantly associated with a lower GCS score, hyperglycemia, intracranial hypertension and the presence of mydriasis or shock. The mortality rate associated to severe DEI was significantly higher than in the case of mild-moderate DEI (87.5 vs. 7.2%; p<0.001). The independent mortality risk factors in the pediatric patients with SHI were found to be the presence of mydriasis (OR: 31.27), intracranial hypertension (OR: 13.23) and hyperglycemia (OR: 3.10). CONCLUSIONS: a) SHI in pediatric patients was associated with high morbidity-mortality; b) intracranial hypertension was associated to the development of serious sequelae; c) independent mortality risk factors were the existence of mydriasis, intracranial hypertension and hyperglycemia.

[Severe pediatric head injuries (I). Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and course]. / Traumatismo craneoencefálico pediátrico grave (I). Epidemiología, clínica y evolución.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and evolutive characteristics of pediatric patients with severe head injury (SHI). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A review was made of the patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with SHI between July 1983 and December 2009. RESULTS: Of the 389 patients with head injuries admitted to the PICU during the study period, 174 (45%) presented SHI. The mean age in this group was of 67±9 months, with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 5.5±1.8 and a PRISM score of 10.7±6.7. The most frequent etiology of SHI was traffic accidents (56%), though these have decreased significantly in the last decade (58.5% vs 45.3%; P<.001). Twenty-one percent of the patients required evacuation of the lesions detected by computed tomography (CT), and 39% presented severe diffuse encephalic injury (DEI). Seventy-nine percent of the patients in whom intracranial pressure (ICP) was monitored presented intracranial hypertension. Sequelae of clinical relevance were recorded in 59 patients (39%), and proved serious in 64% of the cases. The mortality rate in this patient series was 24.7%. Intracranial hypertension decreased significantly in the last decade (88% vs 54%; P<.05), and clinical recovery has improved (23.3% vs 63.1%; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: a) The incidence of traffic accidents has decreased in the last decade in the studied population; b) patients with SHI in which ICP was monitored showed a high incidence of intracranial hypertension; c) morbidity-mortality among pediatric patients with SHI has decreased over the course of the study period.

Professional burnout and work satisfaction in Spanish allergists: analysis of working conditions in the specialty.

BACKGROUND: Burnout is a worrying problem in the medical profession and has proven to be highly prevalent in all the care settings and specialty areas in which it has been studied.We applied 2 widely used questionnaires to analyze the working conditions of Spanish allergists in terms of quality of professional life and degree of burnout perceived. METHODS: Participants completed 2 questionnaires: the 22-item Maslach scale, a structured questionnaire covering different aspects of the feelings and attitudes of professionals toward their work and patients; and the Spanish Quality of Professional Life Questionnaire (CPV-35), a 35-item questionnaire evaluating job satisfaction and perceived quality of life at work. RESULTS: We received 404 questionnaires from throughout Spain. The main sources of motivation were better pay (94.4%), more available resources/technology (85.1%), access to research activities (81%), and promotion in one's professional career (80.1%). Analysis of the scores from the Maslach scale revealed that two-thirds of the allergists interviewed experienced medium and high levels of negative burnout (67.9% and 66.2%, respectively, for emotional exhaustion and depersonalization). This situation was in part compensated for by the fact that a slightly lower proportion of the group (59.2%) obtained very high scores on personal accomplishment in their work. Analysis of the scores from the CPV-35 questionnaire revealed 3 complementary aspects of job satisfaction: perceptions of the workload borne (5.8), management support available to cope with daily patient workload (5.6), and levels of intrinsic motivation for work (7.7), which was the highest value. The score for the item summarizing self-perceived overall quality of working life was acceptable (6.4). CONCLUSION: Promoting intrinsic motivation of Spanish allergists using the motivating factors identified in this study could protect against professional burnout.

Carbon paste electrodes modified with biosolids, soils and biocomposites utilized to study the interaction between organic matter and copper.

Carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) modified with a biosolid, two types of soils with different amounts of organic matter (OM), and two biocomposites (soils mixed with a biosolid) were used to assess and compare the Cu(II) ion retention properties of the organic matter contained in the samples. The accumulation of Cu(II) on the surface of the modified carbon paste electrodes (MCPEs) was performed under open-circuit conditions. When comparing the response of the MCPEs while assessing parameters such as pH, preconcentration time, and adsorption/desorption capacity, it was found that the reaction mechanism of the two soils is different between the soils and dissimilar from the biosolid; while the biocomposites show reaction mechanisms that are intermediate between those of the soils and the biosolid. This was proven with the use of infrared spectroscopy, since the FTIR spectra show similarities between the two soils and significant differences between the soils and the biosolid.

Cystic lymphangioma as a cause of massive abdominal hemorrhage.

We report the case of two-year-old girl with hypovolemic shock caused by bleeding from an abdominal cystic lymphangioma. The whole blood was contained within a large omental bag that could be completely removed. There were no associated anomalies. The child progressed satisfactorily.

Metal contents of four commercial fish species of NW Mexico.

The metal contents in tissues of fish species: M. cephalus, Diapterus sp., Scomberomorus sierra and Oreochromis aureus, were determined in order to evaluate if their consumption might become a health risk. The liver and gills of M. cephalus and Diapterus sp. had the highest values of Cu, Fe and Pb. In the muscle, there were no interspecific differences in the Cd, Cu and Pb contents (0.27-0.32, 0.96-1.30 and 2.12-2.80 microg/g dw, respectively). Cd and Pb may be of concern, since their mean contents in the edible muscle of the four species are higher than the limits of the European Community.