Measurement of the ßß decay half-life of 130Te with the NEMO-3 detector.

We report results from the NEMO-3 experiment based on an exposure of 1275 days with 661 g of (130)Te in the form of enriched and natural tellurium foils. The ßß decay rate of (130)Te is found to be greater than zero with a significance of 7.7 standard deviations and the half-life is measured to be T(½)(2ν) = [7.0 ± 0.9(stat) ± 1.1(syst)] × 10(20) yr. This represents the most precise measurement of this half-life yet published and the first real-time observation of this decay.

[Assessment of behavioral dependence with the Glover-Nilsson test in smoking cessation treatment]. / Evaluación de la dependencia psicológica mediante el test de Glover-Nilsson en el tratamiento del tabaquismo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess behavioral dependence using the Glover-Nilsson test and determine its association with successful smoking cessation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytical longitudinal study was carried out, the target population of which consisted of smokers who enrolled in a smoking cessation clinic for treatment. The following variables were examined: age, sex, nicotine dependence (Fagerström test), psychoactive drug use, prior attempts at quitting, and behavioral dependence measured with the Glover-Nilsson test. The most recent version of this test is an 11-item questionnaire which classifies behavioral dependence according to the scores obtained: mild (<12), moderate (12-22), severe (23-33), and very severe (>33). Successful cessation was defined as self-reported abstinence confirmed by measurement of expired CO level (< or =10 ppm). Results were expressed as means (SD) for quantitative variables and percentages and absolute frequencies for qualitative variables. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 167 smokers--89 men (53.3%) and 78 women (46.7%)--with a mean age of 43.5 (9.9) years, a nicotine dependence score (Fagerström test) of 6.5 (2.2) points, and a Glover-Nilsson score of 23.3 (6.6). Of the study population, 65.9% (n=110) had made previous attempts at quitting. Abstinence at 3 months was 55.1% (n=92). Differences between the sexes were found for age and previous attempts at quitting. Younger patients had higher scores on the Glover-Nilsson test and the Fagerström test and lower abstinence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Severe behavioral dependence can result in less successful cessation outcome. All aspects related to dependence must be assessed to help select the most adequate pharmacological and psychological treatment for results to be optimized.

[A survey on the relationship between tobacco use and physical exercise among university students]. / Encuesta sobre tabaquismo en estudiantes universitarios en relación con la préde ejercicio físico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of tobacco use among university students who participate in sports activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on a self-administered questionnaire completed by students who participated in activities at a university sports center. The variables studied were age, sex, tobacco use, cigarettes/day, prior history of physical exercise, awareness of the regulations concerning tobacco use in force on the university campus, opinion on the relationship between smoking and reduced physical performance, and desire to quit smoking. RESULTS: A total of 406 completed questionnaires were received (41.2% of the target population); 71.7% were from women and 28.3% from men. The mean (SD) age of the sample was 22 (3.6) years, and the prevalence of smoking was 30.3%. The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 10.5 (6.7) for the sample as a whole, 9.3 (6.1) for women, and 14.7 (7.4) for men; the differences were statistically significant. No significant differences were found with respect to the relationship between exercise and tobacco use. A total of 98.8% of the subjects were of the opinion that smoking reduced physical performance, and 46.3% expressed a desire to quit. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of physical exercise during adolescence as part of a prevention program might interfere with the factors that lead young people to start smoking and thereby contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use in the population as a whole.

[Predictors of success at 6-month follow-up for smokers treated at a smoking cessation clinic]. / Factores predictores de éxito a los 6 meses en fumadores tratados en una unidad de tabaquismo.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictors of successful outcome in a smoking cessation program at 6-month follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study of a sample of smokers who attended a smoking cessation clinic for combined medical and cognitive-behavioral group therapy. The independent variables assessed included age, sex, level of education, nicotine dependence (Fagerström test), prior attempts to quit smoking, medication prescribed, compliance with group therapy regimen, and success at one week and 3 months. Success was defined as self-reported abstinence, confirmed by CO-oximetry (carbon monoxide <10 ppm). Odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) were calculated for the categorical variables and a test of statistical significance of differences between means was performed for quantitative variables. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed and significant variables were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: The study population comprised 248 individuals, 67.7% male and 32.3% female, with a mean (SD) age of 43.1 (10.5) years. The mean score on the Fagerström test was 6.3 (2.1) points and 84.7% of the individuals complied with the treatment regimen. Success rates were as follows: 77% at one week, 30.2% at 3 months, and 31.9% at 6 months. Three variables--success at 3 months, age, and nicotine dependence--were entered into the multivariate logistic regression model; the only variable predictive of successful smoking cessation at 6 months was success at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who fully comply with treatment and abstain from smoking during the first weeks are more likely to be successful at 6 months.

[Withdrawal of high estrogen containing oral contraceptives and the demand for medical service]. / Hljlstrogene p-pillers tilbagetraekning og eftersplrgsel på laegelig service

PIP: The results of a survey are presented conerning the effectiveness of mass media publicity with the public. After oral contraceptives containing high levels of estrogen were prohibited in Denmark, a telephone survey of 23 doctors was taken to determine the fluctuation in demand for medical information from patients, and the reason for the fluctuation. The reasons were divided into 3 groups: 1) resulting from mass media publicity, 2) resulting from the unavailability of a particular contraceptive, and 3) other. 3 surveys were conducted of the frequency of demand for information on the high estrogen contraceptives, 1 for each of the 2 weeks after the prohibition and withdrawal of the contraceptives took place, and 1 1 month after the prohibition. 2-3% of the inquiries received by the doctors concerned the prohibited contraceptives, and half of these could be attributed directly to the mass media publicity. The number of requests in categories 1 and 2 dropped sharply in the 2nd and 3rd surveys, indicating that the effect of the mass meida publicity and the withdrawal of the contraceptive from the market had only a very immediate effect. It is also shown that the telephone can be used successfully to ascertain the effects of a short-term social phenomenon on the public.^ieng

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a need for classification.

UNLABELLED: Classification of Atrial Fibrillation. INTRODUCTION: Clinical aspects of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation are heterogeneous. The attacks of atrial fibrillation may differ in their duration frequency and presence and severity of symptoms. Therefore, a proposal for a clinical classification of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may be helpful. We tested a new classification system in a cohort of 51 consecutive hospitalized patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was subdivided into three classes. Class I included a first attack of symptomatic atrial fibrillation either with spontaneous termination (IA) or requiring cardioversion because of poor tolerance (IB). Class II included recurrent attacks in untreated patients within three subgroups: IIA with no symptoms, IIB with < 1 symptomatic attack per 3-month period, and IIC > with 1 symptomatic attack per 3-month period. Class III included recurrent atrial fibrillation unresponsive to one or more antiarrhythmic agents for prevention of recurrences. Class III also consisted of three subgroups: IIIA with no or mild symptoms, IIIB with < 1 symptomatic attack per 3-month period, and IIIC with > 1 symptomatic attack per 3-month period. The criteria for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (episode > 2 minutes and < 7 days in duration) were fulfilled by 51 patients (29 men, 22 women; mean age 61 +/- 14 years). Structural heart disease was present in 31 patients; the atrial fibrillation was idiopathic in 18 (35%). All 51 patients could be classified within the three classes and their subgroups: 14 patients (27%) in Class I, 13 (25%) in Class II, and 24 (47%) in Class III. The incidences of idiopathic atrial fibrillation were 21%, 30%, and 45% of the patients in Classes I, II, and III, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this new classification system, all hospitalized patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation could be classified. This classification may be useful to delineate better the clinical subgroups of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, to characterize better the patient population in future studies, and to improve treatment strategies.

Evaluación de la dependencia psicológica mediante el test de Glover-Nilsson en el tratamiento del tabaquismo / Assessment of behavioral dependence with the glover-nilsson test in smoking cessation treatment

Objetivo: Evaluar la dependencia psicológica mediante el test de Glover-Nilsson y establecer su relación con el éxito al finalizar el tratamiento. Material y métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio analítico longitudinal, cuya población objetivo han sido los fumadores que accedieron a una unidad de tabaquismo para deshabituación tabáquica. Se estudiaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, dependencia a la nicotina (test de Fagerström), consumo de psicofármacos, intentos previos de cesación y dependencia psicológica mediante el test de Glover-Nilsson. Este cuestionario, en su versión más reciente, consta de 11 ítems y clasifica la dependencia psicológica, según la puntuación obtenida, en leve ( 33). Se consideró éxito la abstinencia autodeclarada confirmada con cooximetría (monóxido de carbono ≤ 10 ppm). Los resultados se expresan como medias ± desviación estándar (variables cuantitativas) y como proporciones y frecuencias absolutas (variables cualitativas). Resultados: La población de estudio estaba compuesta por 167 fumadores --89 varones (53,3%) y 78 mujeres (46,7%)--, con una edad media de 43,5 ± 9,9 años, dependencia a la nicotina (test de Fagerström) de 6,5 ± 2,2 puntos y media en el test de Glover-Nilsson de 23,3 ± 6,6 puntos. El 65,9% (n = 110) había hecho intentos previos para dejar de fumar. El éxito a los 3 meses fue del 55,1% (n = 92). Según el sexo, se observaron diferencias en la edad y en la existencia de intentos previos. Los individuos más jóvenes obtuvieron mayor puntuación en el test de Glover-Nilsson y en el test de Fagerström y presentaron una menor tasa de éxito. Conclusiones: La elevada dependencia psicológica puede condicionar peores resultados en el éxito de la deshabituación. Es necesario valorar todos los aspectos relacionados con la dependencia, ya que puede ayudar a seleccionar el tratamiento farmacológico y psicológico más adecuado para optimizar los resultados

Objective: To assess behavioral dependence using the Glover-Nilsson test and determine its association with successful smoking cessation. Material and Methods: An analytical longitudinal study was carried out, the target population of which consisted of smokers who enrolled in a smoking cessation clinic for treatment. The following variables were examined: age, sex, nicotine dependence (Fagerström test), psychoactive drug use, prior attempts at quitting, and behavioral dependence measured with the Glover-Nilsson test. The most recent version of this test is an 11-item questionnaire which classifies behavioral dependence according to the scores obtained: mild (33). Successful cessation was defined as self-reported abstinence confirmed by measurement of expired CO level (≤10 ppm). Results were expressed as means (SD) for quantitative variables and percentages and absolute frequencies for qualitative variables. Results: The study population consisted of 167 smokers --89 men (53.3%) and 78 women (46.7%)--with a mean age of 43.5 (9.9) years, a nicotine dependence score (Fagerström test) of 6.5 (2.2) points, and a Glover-Nilsson score of 23.3 (6.6). Of the study population, 65.9% (n=110) had made previous attempts at quitting. Abstinence at 3 months was 55.1% (n=92). Differences between the sexes were found for age and previous attempts at quitting. Younger patients had higher scores on the Glover-Nilsson test and the Fagerström test and lower abstinence rates. Conclusions: Severe behavioral dependence can result in less successful cessation outcome. All aspects related to dependence must be assessed to help select the most adequate pharmacological and psychological treatment for results to be optimized

Calidad de vida en pacientes trasplantados de corazón / Quality of life in heart transplanted patients

Se ha realizado un estudio prospectivo de calidad de vida en 62 pacientes que recibieron un trasplante de corazón en nuestro Centro analizando los parámetros objetivos (vuelta al trabajo, actividad física, actividad sexual y patología discapacitante asociada) así como los parámetros subjetivos (percepción del estado físico y psíquico, depresión, cambios en las relaciones personales, actividad de ocio y capacidad subjetiva para trabajar). El 71 por ciento de los trasplantados tuvieron una percepción buena de su estado de salud, tanto física como psicológica, un 38,7 por ciento se consideraron aptos para trabajar, pero sólo lo hicieron un 26,6 por ciento, porcentaje muy inferior al de otras series. Asimismo el 91,9 por ciento presentó alguna patología asociada y percibida por ellos como discapacitante en mayor o menor grado, especialmente del aparato locomotor (debilidad muscular, mialgias, artralgias y dolor de espalda), patología que con frecuencia fue la responsable de la sensación de incapacidad laboral y que fue tratada solamente en el 56,5 por ciento y únicamente fue evaluada por un Médico Rehabilitador en el 26,6 por ciento. (AU)

Patología post-trasplante cardíaco / Post-transplantation cardiac pathology

Se han estudiado 250 pacientes trasplantados de corazón entre agosto del año 1988 y mayo de 1998 en nuestro Centro, de los que 212 fueron hombres (85 por ciento) y 38 mujeres (15 por ciento). La edad media era 52 ñ 10 años y la supervivencia al año de la recepción llegó al 64 por ciento mientras que a los cinco años bajó al 31 por ciento.La patología post-trasplante más frecuentemente observada correspondió a la de los receptores con factores de riesgo cardiovascular (hipertensión arterial, hipercolesterolemia, diabetes mellitus y obesidad), donde la diabetes mellitus tuvo una prevalencia máxima en los mayores de 50 años de edad. Siguió en frecuencia de aparición la clínica del sistema músculo-esquelético (alteraciones musculares, dolor de espalda, artralgias, fracturas vertebrales y osteoporosis), donde así mismo las lumbalgias y la osteoporosis prevalecieron en los mayores de 60 años de edad.Ante estos cuadros sintomáticos post-trasplante pensamos que los programas de Rehabilitación Cardíaca en los trasplantados de corazón deben y tienen que incluir protocolos para su temprana detección y para su adecuado tratamiento rehabilitador. (AU)

Vuelta al trabajo tras el trasplante de corazón / Return to work after heart transplantation

La reincorporación laboral postrasplante cardiaco está tomando mayor importancia a medida que los resultados médicos mejoran. El propósito de este estudio es determinar la tasa de reempleo postrasplante cardiaco y estudiar qué factores influyen en este sentido. Hemos entrevistado a sesenta y dos enfermos trasplantados de nuestro hospital. Todos habían recibido un trasplante de corazón al menos seis meses antes. Encontramos una tasa de vuelta al trabajo del 24 por ciento, pese a que el 38,7 por ciento se sentía capaz (o quería) trabajar. Coincidimos con otras publicaciones en la influencia positiva de factores como una breve discapacidad previa al trasplante, sensación subjetiva del paciente de poder trabajar,edad menor, satisfacción con sus trabajo previo y un alto nivel educativo. Los pacientes no se ven influenciados por una mala situación económica al buscar empleo. Hay un importante número de pacientes que trabajan y cobran pensión por incapacidad simultáneamente. El 61 por ciento (38 pacientes) no se sentían físicamente capaces de trabajar, alegando 27 debilidad física y 10 algún tipo de patología osteomuscular. Subrayamos la necesidad de una rehabilitación cardíaca integral postrasplante cardiaco para conseguir que estos enfermos disfruten de mejor calidad de vida y sean miembros producticos de nuestra sociedad. (AU)

Encuesta sobre tabaquismo en estudiantes universitarios en relación con la práctica de ejercicio físico / A survey on the relationship between tobacco use and physical exercise among university students

OBJETIVO: Conocer la prevalencia de tabaquismo en estudiantes universitarios que practican ejercicio físico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal con encuesta autoadministrada a la población universitaria que realiza ejercicio físico en el Servicio de Actividades Deportivas de la Universidad. Las variables de estudio son: edad, sexo, consumo de tabaco, cigarrillos/día, práctica de ejercicio físico previo, conocimiento de la legislación vigente en la Universidad sobre tabaco, opinión sobre la relación entre fumar y disminución del rendimiento físico y deseo de cesación tabáquica. RESULTADOS: Se recogieron 406 cuestionarios (el 41,2 por ciento de la población diana), un 71,7 por ciento respondidos por mujeres, y un 28,3 por ciento por varones. La media de edad ñ desviación estándar de la muestra era de 22 ñ 3,6 años, y la prevalencia de fumadores, del 30,3 por ciento. La media de cigarrillos/día del total de la muestra era de 10,5 ñ 6,7; en mujeres, de 9,3 ñ 6,1, y en varones, de 14,7 ñ 7,4, existiendo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. No se encontraron diferencias significativas al relacionar la práctica de ejercicio con el consumo de tabaco. El 98,8 por ciento opina que el consumo de tabaco disminuye el rendimiento físico y el 46,3 por ciento quiere dejar de fumar. CONCLUSIONES: La práctica de ejercicio físico durante la adolescencia, incluida dentro de los programas de prevención, podría interferir con los factores de inicio en el consumo de tabaco y contribuir a disminuir la prevalencia de tabaquismo en la población (AU)