Heterogeneous attitudes and behaviors in relation to participation in the ecotourism: Do customer segments play a role?

The potential of ecotourism is expanding year on year. Given the broad nature of the tourism market, it is necessary to identify smaller groups of individuals that have common traits. This study aims to explore if there are any segments of ecotourist based on attitude and behavior towards ecotourism, profiles the segments according to their sociodemographic characteristics, and analyzes the extent to which they differ by country of origin. The study used a sample of 809 ecotourists from Spain and Chile, while latent class cluster analysis was employed as the segmentation method. The ecotourists were divided into three segments (Basic ecotourists-ecotourists of thought-, Average ecotourists, and Conscientious and active ecotourists) and the bias-adjusted three-step methodology was used to examine the differences in the country of origin. In sum, the largest portion of tourists falls into the category of the average ecotourist segment, which lies between the two aforementioned segments and exhibits moderate attitudes and intentions to engage in ecotourism and pay a premium for it. This segment is more prevalent in Spain compared to Chile. This research adds to the body of knowledge on the marketing of ecotourism behavior by modeling the heterogeneity in the ecotourists' attitudes and behaviors. This study suggests that ecotourism organizations, whether they are accommodation providers, tourism operators, or companies that organize activities in nature, should be aware of the unique qualities of their customers, as well as their preferences, in order to create successful marketing strategies.

Invasive meningococcal disease epidemiology and vaccination strategies in four Southern European countries: a review of the available data.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a major health concern which can be prevented through vaccination. Conjugate vaccines against serogroups A, C, W, and Y and two protein-based vaccines against serogroup B are currently available in the European Union. AREAS COVERED: We present epidemiologic data for Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Spain using publicly available reports from national reference laboratories and national or regional immunization programs (1999-2019), aiming to confirm risk groups, and describe time trends in overall incidence and serogroup distribution, as well as impact of immunization. Analysis of circulating MenB isolates in terms of the surface factor H binding protein (fHbp) using PubMLST is discussed as fHbp represents an important MenB vaccine antigen. Predictions of potential reactivity of the two available MenB vaccines (MenB-fHbp and 4CMenB) with circulating MenB isolates are also provided as assessed using the recently developed MenDeVAR tool. EXPERT OPINION: Understanding dynamics of IMD and continued genomic surveillance are essential for evaluating vaccine effectiveness, but also prompting proactive immunization programs to prevent future outbreaks. Importantly, the successful design of further effective meningococcal vaccines to fight IMD relies on considering the unpredictable epidemiology of the disease and combining lessons learnt from capsule polysaccharide vaccines and protein-based vaccines.

CBCRisk model to determine the risk of contralateral breast cancer in sporadic breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The great majority of breast cancer (BC) cases are diagnosed in women who have no known family history of the disease and are not carriers of any risk mutation. During the past few decades an increase in the number of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) has been produced in these patients. The CBCRisk model calculates the absolute risk of suffering from contralateral breast cancer (CBC); thus, it can be used to counselling patients with sporadic breast cancer. METHOD: An observational, retrospective study including sporadic breast cancer patients treated with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy has been conducted between 2017 and 2019. A descriptive and comparative study with one variation of logistic regression has been carried out in order to identify predictive factors of occult tumors (OT) and medium/high risk damage (MHRD). Evaluation of the CBCRisk model published in 2017 and different limit values for the CPM recommendation. RESULTS: 42 patients were selected. Incidence of MHRD and OT was lower than that described in the literatura (9.52%MHRD, 2.38%OT). None of the evaluated variables reached statistical significance for predicting injuries. The average value of CBCRisk 5 years ahead found in patients with pathological findings was 2.08 (DE 0.97), higher than the average value of the whole group (1.87 ± 0.91) and the subgroup without pathological findings (1.84 ± 0.91). Only values >3 for CBCRisk were considered statistically significant (P = .04) for the prediction of histological lesions. CONCLUSION: Patients with sporadic breast cancer should be adequately informed about the estimated risks and benefits of undergoing a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. The CBCRisk may be useful for the counseling of these patients, but it requires validation in larger and prospective cohorts.

Nipple sparing mastectomy with a de-epithelialized derma-fat flap (modified Spira technique) and direct-to implant reconstruction. / Mastectomía preservadora de piel con colgajo dermograso desepitelizado (técnica de Spira modificada) y reconstrucción mediante implante directo.

INTRODUCTION: Spira technique is a type of nipple-sparing mastectomy that allows immediate reconstruction (IBR), ideal for ptosic breasts. Although, controversy persists regarding oncological results in breast cancer. The aim is to analyze complications, cosmetic outcomes, causes of reoperation and oncological results. METHODS: Retrospective observational analysis of patients undergone surgery during 2003-2018 in our center. Study population is based on patients with breast carcinoma or undergoing prophylactic mastectomy due to high-risk, in which a skin-sparing mastectomy with a de-epithelialized derma-fat flap (modified Spira technique) and direct to implant reconstruction was performed. Short and long-term complications, sequelae, tumor recurrence and survival rates are analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 247 mastectomies with immediate reconstruction in 139 patients, 216 bilateral (87.4%) and 31 unilateral (12.5%) were performed. 121 therapeutic (49%) and 126 prophylactic (51%). Median follow-up 81 months. Complications were observed in 16.2%; skin necrosis 5.3% and 5 cases of NAC necrosis (2%). Reoperation rate due to cosmetic sequelae was 17.4% (capsular contracture was the most frequent,11.3%) and a 39.3% of these patients have received RT. Recurrence of 14% (0.8% skin, 3.3% locoregional and 9.9% metastatic), 8 patients died (6.6%). Rates of FSD and OS were 92.6% and 93.3% respectively. CONCLUSION: Spira mastectomy is a safe option and provides good cosmetic and oncologic results as breast cancer treatment and prophylaxis in moderate-large ptosic breasts.

CBCRisk model to determine the risk of contralateral breast cancer in sporadic breast cancer. / Modelo CBCRisk para determinar el riesgo de cáncer de mama contralateral en el cáncer de mama esporádico.

INTRODUCTION: The great majority of breast cancer (BC) cases are diagnosed in women who have no known family history of the disease and are not carriers of any risk mutation. During the past few decades an increase in the number of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) has been produced in these patients. The CBCRisk model calculates the absolute risk of suffering from contralateral breast cancer (CBC); thus, it can be used to counselling patients with sporadic breast cancer. METHOD: An observational, retrospective study including sporadic breast cancer patients treated with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy has been conducted between 2017 and 2019. A descriptive and comparative study with one variation of logistic regression has been carried out in order to identify predictive factors of occult tumors (OT) and medium/high risk damage (MHRD). Evaluation of the CBCRisk model published in 2017 and different limit values for the CPM recommendation. RESULTS: 42 patients were selected. Incidence of MHRD and OT was lower than that described in the literatura (9.52% MHRD, 2.38% OT). None of the evaluated variables reached statistical significance for predicting injuries. The average value of CBCRisk 5 years ahead found in patients with pathological findings was 2.08 (SD 0.97), higher than the average value of the whole group (1.87 ± 0.91) and the subgroup without pathological findings (1.84 ± 0.91). Only values ≥ 3 for CBCRisk were considered statistically significant (p = 0.04) for the prediction of histological lesions. CONCLUSION: Patients with sporadic breast cancer should be adequately informed about the estimated risks and benefits of undergoing a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. The CBCRisk may be useful for the counseling of these patients, but it requires validation in larger and prospective cohorts.

Contralateral breast cancer and tumor recurrence in BRCA1/2 carriers and non-carriers at a high risk of hereditary breast cancer after bilateral mastectomy. / Cáncer de mama contralateral y recurrencia en portadoras BRCA1/2 y no portadoras con alto riesgo de cáncer de mama hereditario tras mastectomía bilateral.

INTRODUCTION: Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) has been reported to reduce risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) by at least 90%.In addition, BRCA carriers presents higher risk of ipsilateral recurrence and a second primary tumor. The aim is to evaluate risk of CBC and recurrence and to analyze predictive factors in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and non-carriers at high-risk of hereditary breast cancer patients. METHODS: Retrospective observational study. 46 patients underwent bilateral mastectomy during 2004-2018. RESULTS: Cohort comprised 9 patients BRCA1,12 BRCA2 and 25 at high-risk without mutation. Median follow-up 79 months. 16 patients recently diagnosed and 30 previously treated by breast cancer whom underwent CPM at second time (because of later detection of BRCA mutation in 10 cases). The external lateral incision was most frequent surgical technique. In all patients immediate reconstruction was performed. In CPM pieces, 4 in situ carcinoma, 3 invasive and 1 atypical hyperplasia were found. The incidence of occult contralateral cancer was 15.2%. Recurrence was observed in 5 patients a media of 21.2 months after surgery. FSD was 83.74 months and OS 84.33 months. Regression models identified BRCA1/2 mutation and high risk without mutation as significant occult tumor predictive factors while tumor size≥2cm was predictive of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In our series we found a10.8% recurrence despite CPM and 7 patients (15.2%) would have developed a CBC in subsequent years.

Effect of complete pathological response related factors after neoadjuvant chemotherapy on skin-sparing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. / Factores relacionados con la obtención de respuesta patológica completa tras quimioterapia neoadyuvante en cáncer de mama y su efecto sobre la reconstrucción tras mastectomía ahorradora de piel.

INTRODUCTION: Immediate breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy is still controversial. The objective of this study is to determine factors related with axillary downstaging and complete pathological response (CPR), and how CPR influences the decision to perform bilateral mastectomy with immediate reduction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of breast cancer patients who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy and bilateral mastectomy with immediate reduction between 2000-2018 was performed. Two groups were compared:1) CPR and 2) non-CPR. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses are provided. RESULTS: 69 patients; 26 (37.68%) reached CPR and 43 (62.32%) non-CPR. Median follow-up of 45.3 months (IQR: 23.0-94.0). Age under 35 (p <.001), small size tumor at diagnosis (p=.006) and subtype HER2 (p <.001) were associated with higher rates of CPR in bivariate analysis. Axillary negativization rate was 80% in group 1 and 59.3% in group 2, and lymphadenectomy rates were similar (73.1% and 83.72%). CONCLUSIONS: CPR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not influence the decision to perform bilateral mastectomy with immediate reduction.

Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A safe option? / Reconstrucción inmediata mediante implante directo tras quimioterapia neoadyuvante. ¿Es una práctica segura?

INTRODUCTION: Immediate reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare oncological results as well as complication and reoperation rates in patients undergoing NACT and a control group. METHODS: Retrospective observational case-control study of patients with breast cancer who underwent bilateral mastectomy and direct-to-implant IBR (BMIBR) from 2000-2016. The group that received NACT was matched 1:5 to patients without NACT (Control group). We evaluated differences between groups using the χ2 or Fisher test (qualitative variables), Mann-Whitney U or Student's t-test (quantitative variables). The survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test (SPSS 22.0). RESULTS: The study included a total of 171 patients with BMIBR: 62 patients (36.3%) after NACT and 109 patients (63.7%) in the control group without NACT. Median follow-up was 52.0 (IQR: 23.0-94.0) months. In both groups, the indication for BMIBR was patient choice (32.7%). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of complication rate (24.2% in the NACT group and 19.3% in the control group [P=.44]), but differences in oncological results were found. Patients in the NACT Group had three times more risk of recurrence at a given time than patients in the control group (3.009 [1.349-6.713]) according to the univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Direct-to-implant IBR after skin-sparing mastectomy is a viable option for breast cancer patients undergoing NACT.

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis after vaccination in a patient with inflammatory bowel disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are likely to receive immunomodulation treatment and therefore, should be properly vaccinated. Despite their proven safety, vaccines are not exempt from adverse reactions. The clinical case was a young female with ulcerative colitis under mesalazine treatment, who developed leukocytoclastic vasculitis following vaccination for pneumococci, varicella and hepatitis A. This adverse reaction after the previously mentioned vaccines is barely described in the literature and has never been reported in a patient with an underlying condition.

Influence of radiotherapy on immediate breast reconstruction after skin-sparing mastectomy. Before or after: Does it matter? / Influencia de la radioterapia sobre la reconstrucción mamaria inmediata posmastectomía ahorradora de piel. ¿Afecta igual antes que después?

INTRODUCTION: The use of bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is increasing. Radiotherapy increases complications; however, its uses have been extended. We evaluate the profile of the complications and long-term failure of reconstruction through a comparative analysis with a cohort without radiotherapy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy with immediate reconstruction during 2000-2016. Three groups were evaluated: 1) patients who received radiotherapy and posterior breast reconstruction; 2) patients with bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction following adjuvant radiotherapy; 3) patients who did not receive radiotherapy at all. Demographic variables, surgical techniques and postoperative morbidity were assessed. Outcomes and complications were compared between cohorts. Analysis was done with SPSS Statistics. RESULTS: 296 bilateral mastectomies with immediate reconstruction. Mean age 48.4 ± 9. No differences in comorbidity in the different groups. Group 1: 125 patients. Radiotherapy given 21.69 months before, on average. Complication rate: 20%. Failure of reconstruction rate: 20%. Reoperation rate: 33.6%. Group 2: 71 patients. Radiotherapy after reconstruction: mean 134.2 days. Complication rate: 36.7%. Failure of reconstruction rate: 21.1%. Reoperation rate: 16.9%. Group 3: 100 patients. Complication rate: 25%. Failure of reconstruction rate: 21%. Reoperation rate: 20%. Morbidity published in patients after radiotherapy before or after reconstruction is higher than complications in patients who did not receive radiotherapy. Even so, in our series they were similar. We found a higher sequelae rate in group 1, with almost double the rate of reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent radiotherapy before reconstruction had a higher risk of developing failure of reconstruction and needing reoperation than those patients who received radiotherapy after breast reconstruction or did not receive radiotherapy at all.

Impact of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on pneumococcal meningitis in children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on pneumococcal meningitis in children. METHODS: Children younger than 15years of age attending 27 hospitals in the Region of Madrid with confirmed pneumococcal meningitis were identified in a prospective surveillance study, from 2007 to 2015. Clinical data, neurological sequelae, pneumococcal vaccination status, serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and four cases of pneumococcal meningitis were identified, 63 during the period of routine 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine immunisation (May 2007-April 2010) and 41 during the period of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine immunisation (May 2010-April 2015). When both periods were compared, a 62% (95% CI: 45-75%) decrease in the incidence of pneumococcal meningitis was observed, from 2.19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the PCV7 period to 0.81 per 100,000 inhabitants in the PCV13 period (p=0.0001), mainly due to an 83% (95% CI: 30-96%) reduction in cases caused by serotype 19A. Isolates not susceptible to cefotaxime (MIC>0.5µg/L) decreased from 27% to 8%, (p=0.02). Mean patient ages rose from 28.7months to 38.5months (p<0.05). Case fatality rate across both periods was 5%. An unfavourable outcome (death or neurological sequelae) occurred in 27% of patients, while the rate was similar in both periods. There was no increase in meningitis caused by pneumococcal serotypes not included in 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine throughout the years of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Immunisation with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has reduced the rate of pneumococcal meningitis in children less than 15years, with a near-elimination of cefotaxime-resistant isolates, but morbidity has remained unchanged. A shift of pneumococcal meningitis towards slightly higher age groups was also observed.

Treatment of Implant Exposure due to Skin Necroses after Skin Sparing Mastectomy: Initial Experiences Using a Not Selective Random Epigastric Flap.

Breast prostheses exposure is probably the most devastating complication after a skin sparing mastectomy (SSM) and implant-based, one-stage, breast reconstruction. This complication may occur in the immediate post-operative period or in the weeks and even months after the procedure. In most cases, the cause is poor skin coverage of the implant due to skin necrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight consecutive cases of implant exposure (or risk of exposure) due to skin necrosis in SSM patients over a period of 5 years, all patients were treated using a random epigastric rotation flap, executed by the same medical team. RESULTS: A random epigastric flap (island or conventional rotation flap) was used to cover the skin defect. All the patients completed the procedure and all prostheses were saved; there were no cases of flap necrosis or infection. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of skin necrosis after SSM and immediate implant reconstruction, in which the implant is at risk of exposure, can be successfully treated with a random epigastric rotation flap.

Epidemiology of Otitis Media with Spontaneous Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane in Young Children and Association with Bacterial Nasopharyngeal Carriage, Recurrences and Pneumococcal Vaccination in Catalonia, Spain - The Prospective HERMES Study.

The Epidemiology of otitis media with spontaneous perforation of the tympanic membrane and associated nasopharyngeal carriage of bacterial otopathogens was analysed in a county in Catalonia (Spain) with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) not included in the immunization programme at study time. A prospective, multicentre study was performed in 10 primary care centres and 2 hospitals (June 2011-June 2014), including all otherwise healthy children ≥2 months ≤8 years with otitis media presenting spontaneous tympanic perforation within 48h. Up to 521 otitis episodes in 487 children were included, showing by culture/PCR in middle ear fluid (MEF): Haemophilus influenzae [24.2%], both Streptococcus pneumoniae and H. influenzae [24.0%], S. pneumoniae [15.9%], Streptococcus pyogenes [13.6%], and Staphylococcus aureus [6.7%]. Culture-negative/PCR-positive otitis accounted for 31.3% (S. pneumoniae), 30.2% (H. influenzae) and 89.6% (mixed S. pneumoniae/H. influenzae infections). Overall, incidence decreased over the 3-year study period, with significant decreases in otitis by S. pneumoniae and by H. influenzae, but no decreases for mixed S. pneumoniae/H. influenzae infections. Concordance between species in nasopharynx and MEF was found in 58.3% of cases, with maximal rates for S. pyogenes (71.8%), and with identical pneumococcal serotype in 40.5% of cases. Most patients (66.6%) had past episodes. PCV13 serotypes were significantly more frequent in first episodes, in otitis by S. pneumoniae as single agent, and among MEF than nasopharyngeal isolates. All non-PCV13 serotypes separately accounted for <5% in MEF. Up to 73.9% children had received ≥1 dose of PCV, with lower carriage of PCV13 serotypes than among non-vaccinated children. Pooling pneumococcal isolates from MEF and nasopharynx, 30% were multidrug resistant, primarily belonging to serotypes 19A [29.8%], 24A [14.3%], 19F [8.3%] and 15A [6.0%]. Our results suggest that increasing PCV13 vaccination would further reduce transmission of PCV13 serotypes with special benefits for youngest children (with none or uncompleted vaccine schedules), preventing first otitis episodes and subsequent recurrences.

Analyzing the User Behavior toward Electronic Commerce Stimuli.

Based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response paradigm this research analyzes the main differences between the effects of two types of web technologies: Verbal web technology (i.e., navigational structure as utilitarian stimulus) versus non-verbal web technology (music and presentation of products as hedonic stimuli). Specific webmosphere stimuli have not been examined yet as separate variables and their impact on internal and behavioral responses seems unknown. Therefore, the objective of this research consists in analyzing the impact of these web technologies -which constitute the web atmosphere or webmosphere of a website- on shopping human behavior (i.e., users' internal states -affective, cognitive, and satisfaction- and behavioral responses - approach responses, and real shopping outcomes-) within the retail online store created by computer, taking into account some mediator variables (i.e., involvement, atmospheric responsiveness, and perceived risk). A 2 ("free" versus "hierarchical" navigational structure) × 2 ("on" versus "off" music) × 2 ("moving" versus "static" images) between-subjects computer experimental design is used to test empirically this research. In addition, an integrated methodology was developed allowing the simulation, tracking and recording of virtual user behavior within an online shopping environment. As main conclusion, this study suggests that the positive responses of online consumers might increase when they are allowed to freely navigate the online stores and their experience is enriched by animate gifts and music background. The effect caused by mediator variables modifies relatively the final shopping human behavior.

Are the users of social networking sites homogeneous? A cross-cultural study.

The growing use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) around the world has made it necessary to understand individuals' behaviors within these sites according to different cultures. Based on a comparative study between two different European countries (The Netherlands versus Spain), a comparison of typologies of networked Internet users has been obtained through a latent segmentation approach. These typologies are based on the frequency with which users perform different activities, their socio-demographic variables, and experience in social networking and interaction patterns. The findings show new insights regarding international segmentation in order to analyse SNS user behaviors in both countries. These results are relevant for marketing strategists eager to use the communication potential of networked individuals and for marketers willing to explore the potential of online networking as a low cost and a highly efficient alternative to traditional networking approaches. For most businesses, expert users could be valuable opinion leaders and potential brand influencers.

Cost-effectiveness of an exercise intervention program in perimenopausal women: the Fitness League Against MENopause COst (FLAMENCO) randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of women that do not reach the recommended level of physical activity is worrisome. A sedentary lifestyle has negative consequences on health status and increases health care costs. The main objective of this project is to assess the cost-effectiveness of a primary care-based exercise intervention in perimenopausal women. METHODS/DESIGN: The present study is a Randomized Controlled Trial. A total of 150 eligible women will be recruited and randomly assigned to either a 16-week exercise intervention (3 sessions/week), or to usual care (control) group. The primary outcome measure is the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. The secondary outcome measures are: i) socio-demographic and clinical information; ii) body composition; iii) dietary patterns; iv) glycaemic and lipid profile; v) physical fitness; vi) physical activity and sedentary behaviour; vii) sleep quality; viii) quality of life, mental health and positive health; ix) menopause symptoms. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post intervention. The data will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis and per protocol. In addition, we will conduct a cost effectiveness analysis from a health system perspective. DISCUSSION: The intervention designed is feasible and if it proves to be clinically and cost effective, it can be easily transferred to other similar contexts. Consequently, the findings of this project might help the Health Systems to identify strategies for primary prevention and health promotion as well as to reduce health care requirements and costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02358109. Date of registration: 05/02/2015.

Classifying and profiling Social Networking Site users: a latent segmentation approach.

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) have showed an exponential growth in the last years. The first step for an efficient use of SNSs stems from an understanding of the individuals' behaviors within these sites. In this research, we have obtained a typology of SNS users through a latent segmentation approach, based on the frequency by which users perform different activities within the SNSs, sociodemographic variables, experience in SNSs, and dimensions related to their interaction patterns. Four different segments have been obtained. The "introvert" and "novel" users are the more occasional. They utilize SNSs mainly to communicate with friends, although "introverts" are more passive users. The "versatile" user performs different activities, although occasionally. Finally, the "expert-communicator" performs a greater variety of activities with a higher frequency. They tend to perform some marketing-related activities such as commenting on ads or gathering information about products and brands as well as commenting ads. The companies can take advantage of these segmentation schemes in different ways: first, by tracking and monitoring information interchange between users regarding their products and brands. Second, they should match the SNS users' profiles with their market targets to use SNSs as marketing tools. Finally, for most business, the expert users could be interesting opinion leaders and potential brand influencers.