Effectiveness of a preschool emotional education programme administered over 3 grades: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Emotional education programmes are universal preventive strategies for health promotion, especially mental health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of '1,2,3, emoció!': a preschool-based programme designed to improve emotional competence and targeted to 3-5-year-old children in Barcelona during three academic years. STUDY DESIGN: Cluster randomised trial, using schools as clusters. METHODS: The study's population included preschoolers 3-5 years old from Barcelona. Teachers offered the programme during one or three academic years in the intervention groups. We evaluated the emotional competence of each child at the beginning and the end of the academic year with the Emotional Competence Assessment Questionnaire (30-180 scale). We studied the implementation process and analysed the outcomes with nested linear regression models. Considering sociodemographic variables and implementation outcomes, we obtained the individual differences in emotional competence at the end of the school year-segregated by sex-for intervention and comparison groups. RESULTS: 1586 children participated in the study. The emotional competence level increased significantly after one year (4.1 in boys; 5.6 in girls; P < 0.05) and after three years of intervention (5.5 in boys; 8.0 in girls; P < 0.01), compared to comparison group. The level of emotional competence was the highest for the 3-year intervention group: we obtained an average ECAQ score of 131.1 (95% CI 126.9-135.2) for boys and 141 (95% CI 137.2-144.9) for girls. We observed that an accurate implementation improved its results. CONCLUSIONS: The programme '1,2,3, emoció!' effectively increases preschool children's emotional competence, especially when the programme is rigorously implemented for three years.

Effectiveness of school-based emotional education program: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The acquisition of emotional competencies through emotional education programs improves both short- and long-term health outcomes. The 1,2,3,emoció! program directed at children aged 3-5 years aims to promote health through the development of emotional competencies. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the program during its first year of implementation. STUDY DESIGN: Cluster randomized trial. METHODS: The information sources were an ad-hoc questionnaire to evaluate emotional competencies and focus group discussions with the teachers implementing the program. For the quantitative data analysis, we compared mean emotional competencies scores pre- and postintervention for the intervention group and the comparison group. We also conducted a multilevel regression with repeated measures, adjusted by sociodemographic variables and stratified by gender and school year. For the qualitative data, we performed a thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 2625 children (48.4% girls and 49.2% intervention group). Emotional competencies improved in both groups after the school year (P-value < 0.001), but the increase was greater in the intervention group. The multilevel analysis showed an improvement in the final scores attributed to the intervention, especially for those in the first year of preschool [boys: 12.33 points (95% CI 5.51-19.15), girls: 9.66 points (95% CI 3.36-15.96)]. The thematic content analysis also highlighted enhanced emotional competencies in the intervention group. The final scores did not vary by sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: The 1,2,3,emoció! program had a positive effect on emotional competencies among children, with effectivity being higher among younger children.

Oxidative stress and diabetic retinopathy: development and treatment.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication in diabetic patients and one of the main causes of acquired blindness in the world. From the 90s until date, the incidence of this complication has increased. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a free radical with impaired electron that usually participates in the redox mechanisms of some body molecules such as enzymes, proteins, and so on. In normal biological conditions, ROS is maintained in equilibrium, however its overproduction can lead to biological process called oxidative stress and this is considered the main pathogenesis of DR. The retina is susceptible to ROS because of high-energy demands and exposure to light. When the balance is broken, ROS produces retinal cell injury by interacting with the cellular components. This article describes the possible role of oxidative stress in the development of DR and proposes some treatment options based on its stages. The review of the topic shows that blindness caused by DR can be avoided by early detection and timely treatment.

Expression of metallothionein type 2 and 3 genes in Prosopis glandulosa leaves treated with copper.

For a better understanding of the strategies that are used by Prosopis glandulosa in heavy metal tolerance, the present study evaluated the gene expression of three metallothioneins (MTs; PgMt2-1, PgMt2, and PgMt3) in plants exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of copper. The PgMt2-1, PgMt2, and PgMt3 sequences were homologous to the MT type 2 (isoform 1), Mt2, and Mt3 sequences of other plant species found in GenBank. A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed that treatment with 100 mM Cu2+ induced a significant increase in PgMt2 and PgMt3 expression during the first 4 h of exposure compared to that of PgMt2-1. However, after 8 h of exposure, the expression levels of PgMt2 and PgMt3 were significantly lower than those of PgMt2-1. PgMt transcript levels only increased significantly during the first hour after exposure to copper, suggesting that PgMts could play a key role in the plant's detoxification mechanism. However, additional studies are required to confirm MTs as a mechanism of heavy metal tolerance and accumulation in this species.

Molecular identification of Fusarium species isolated from transgenic insect-resistant cotton plants in Mexicali valley, Baja California.

Cotton production in the Mexicali valley is adversely affected by wilt and root rot disease associated with Fusarium species. In the present study, we sought to isolate and identify the Fusarium species in the rhizosphere of transgenic insect-resistant cotton plants grown in the Mexicali valley. Our analyses isolated four native fungi from the rhizosphere of cotton plants, namely, T-ICA01, T-ICA03, T-ICA04, and T-ICA08. These fungal isolates were categorized as belonging to Fusarium solani using their phenotypic characteristics and ITS region sequence data. Examination of the infection index showed that T-ICA03 and T-ICA04 caused systemic colonization (90%) of seeds followed by the occurrence of radicle and coleoptile decay. In contrast, T-ICA08 strain was less pathogenic against seed tissues (40%) in comparison to the other strains isolated. Our study showed that in transgenic insect-resistant cotton the disease "Fusarium wilt" is caused by the fungus, F. solani. Future studies are necessary to characterize the F. solani populations to determine whether phenological stages might influence the genetic diversity of the fungal populations present.

Molecular identification of phosphate-solubilizing native bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of Prosopis glandulosa in Mexicali valley.

One of the main limitations in intensive crop production in Northwestern Mexico is the dependence on the use of phosphate fertilizer. In this study, we isolated indigenous microorganisms with phosphate solubilization capacities from mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) present in the Mexicali valley. In total, 4 bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of mesquite, including ICA01, ICA02Ba, ICA03Bs, and ICA04Ma. The bacterial isolates were identified based on their phenotypic and 16S rRNA gene sequencing data to be Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. The results showed that ICA01 was the most efficient in solubilizing phosphate, followed by ICA02Ba and ICA03Bs, while ICA04Ma showed the lowest phosphate-solubilizing activity. The pH value of the culture medium decreased with bacterial growth, suggesting that these strains produce organic acids that solubilize phosphorus. These results will be useful for biotechnological studies and A. calcoaceticus may be employed for biofertilization programs in northwest Mexico.

Análisis de asociación de los polimorfismos -725C>G (rs1233334), -201G>A (rs1233333) y 14 bp deleción/inserción (14-pb del/ins) (rs66554220) del gen HLA-G en mujeres mexicanas con pérdida gestacional recurrente / Analysis of association of polymorphisms -725C >G ( rs1233334 ), -201G >A ( rs1233333 ) and 14 bp deletion / insert (14 - bp / ins ) ( rs66554220 ) of HLA -G gene mexican women with recurrent pregnancy loss

Antecedentes: El antígeno leucocitario humano (HLA)-G es una molécula inmunomoduladora que contribuye a la aceptación del feto semialogénico. Algunos polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido (SNP) en las regiones no codificantes del gen HLA-G inducen a la disminución de moléculas HLA-G, lo cual contribuye a complicaciones en el embarazo, tales como la preeclampsia o pérdida gestacional recurrente. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación de los polimorfismos -725C>G (rs1233334), -201G>A (rs1233333) y 14 bp deleción/inserción (14-pb del/ins) (rs66554220) del gen HLA-G en mujeres mexicanas con PGR. Métodos: Los polimorfismos -725C>G (rs1233334), -201G>A (rs1233333) y 14-pb del/ins (rs66554220) se identificaron por medio de PCR-SSOP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe) y PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), respectivamente, en 58 mujeres con pérdida gestacional recurrente (> 2 abortos), sin factores de riesgo identificables y 56 mujeres fértiles no relacionadas (> 2 nacidos vivos). Resultados: El polimorfismo -725C>G (rs1233334) presentó diferencias significativas entre los grupos de estudio pero no se asoció con PGR (p=0,02601; OR=11,484; IC95 por ciento =0,617-213,659). Los polimorfismos -201G>A (rs1233333) y 14-pb del/ins (rs66554220) no se distribuyeron de manera diferente entre los grupos de estudio ni se asociaron con pérdida gestacional recurrente. Los polimorfismos analizados se encontraron en equilibrio de ligamiento (D'>0,3563; r²<0,1140). Conclusión. Este estudio sugiere que los polimorfismos -725C>G (rs1233334), -201G>A (rs1233333) y 14-pb del/ins (rs66554220) del gen HLA-G están en equilibrio de ligamiento y no influyen en el riesgo de pérdida gestacional recurrente en mujeres mexicanas.

Background: The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G is an important immunomodulatory molecule that contributes to the acceptance of the semi-allogeneic fetus. Some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the noncoding regions of the HLA-G gene may influence the cellular levels of HLA-G, contributing to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or recurrent pregnancy loss. Objective: To analyze the association of -725C>G (rs1233334),-201G>A (rs1233333) and 14 bp deletion/insertion (14-bp del/ins) (rs66554220) polymorphisms in the HLA-G gene in Mexican women with RPL. Methods: -725C>G (rs1233334), -201G>A (rs1233333) and 14-bp del/ins (rs66554220) polymorphisms in the HLA-G gene were identified by PCR-SSOP (polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe) and PCR (polymerase chain reaction), respectively, in 58 women with recurrent pregnancy loss (> 2 miscarriages) without identifiable risk factors and 56 unrelated fertile women (> 2 live births). Results: -725C>G (rs1233334) polymorphism showed significant differences between the study groups but it was not associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (p=0.02601, OR=11.484; 95 percent CI=0.617-213.659). -201G>A (rs1233333) and 14-bp del/ins (rs66554220) polymorphisms were not distributed differently in study groups and not associated with RPL. Analyzed polymorphisms were in linkage disequilibrium (D' > 0.3563, r² < 0.1140). Conclusion: This study suggests that -725C>G (rs1233334), -201G>A (rs1233333) and 14-pb del/ins (rs66554220) in the HLA-G gene are in linkage equilibrium and do not influence the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss in Mexican women.

Fast protocol for extraction of DNA from Prosopis spp leaves (plant adapted to arid environment) without liquid nitrogen.

The extraction of high-quality genomic DNA from Prosopis spp for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification is complicated, owing to the presence of a high percentage of secondary metabolites that bind to or co-precipitate with nucleic acids. In the present study, we report a modified sodium dodecyl sulfate/phenol protocol that eliminates the use of liquid nitrogen in the maceration process, ß-mercaptoethanol in the buffer extraction, and the ethanol precipitation step. The A260/A280 absorbance ratios of the isolated DNA were approximately 2.0 to 1.9, suggesting that the DNA fraction was pure and can be used for further PCR analysis. The DNA isolated by this protocol is of sufficient quality for molecular applications; this technique could be applied to other organisms that have similar substances that hinder DNA extraction. Finally, this proposal represents an alternative fast, cheap, and effective method for the isolation of genomic DNA from fresh leaves of Prosopis spp, even in low-technology laboratories.

A rapid and inexpensive method for isolation of total DNA from Trichoderma spp (Hypocreaceae).

Extraction of high-quality genomic DNA for PCR amplification from filamentous fungi is difficult because of the complex cell wall and the high concentrations of polysaccharides and other secondary metabolites that bind to or co-precipitate with nucleic acids. We developed a modified sodium dodecyl sulfate/phenol protocol, without maceration in liquid nitrogen and without a final ethanol precipitation step. The A(260/280) absorbance ratios of isolated DNA were approximately 1.7-1.9, demonstrating that the DNA fraction is pure and can be used for analysis. Additionally, the A(260/230) values were higher than 1.6, demonstrating negligible contamination by polysaccharides. The DNA isolated by this protocol is of sufficient quality for molecular applications; this technique could be applied to other organisms that have similar substances that hinder DNA extraction. The main advantages of the method are that the mycelium is directly recovered from culture medium and it does not require the use of expensive and specialized equipment.

A rapid method for isolation of total DNA from pathogenic filamentous plant fungi.

DNA isolation from some fungal organisms of agronomic importance is difficult because they have cell walls or capsules that are relatively unsusceptible to lysis. We have developed a fast DNA isolation protocol for Fusarium oxysporum, which causes fusarium wilt disease in more than 100 plant species, and for Pyrenochaeta terrestris, which causes pink root in onions. This protocol was based on the sodium dodecyl sulfate/phenol method, without beta-mercaptoethanol and without maceration in liquid nitrogen; it uses phenol/chloroform extraction to remove proteins and co-precipitated polysaccharides. The A(260/280) absorbance ratios of isolated DNA were around 1.9, suggesting that the DNA fraction was pure and may be used for further analysis. Additionally, the A(260/230) values were higher than 1.8, suggesting negligible contamination by polysaccharides. The DNA isolated by this protocol is of sufficient quality for molecular applications; this technique could be applied to other organisms that have similar substances that hinder DNA extraction.

Effects of two new steroids and cyproterone on some biomarkers of oxidative stress and serotonergic system on rat prostate and brain.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cyproterone acetate (CPA, A) compared with new synthetic steroids 3alpha-acetoxy-5,6-epoxy-16-pregnen-20-one (B) and 17alpha-hydroxy-16beta-methyl-1,4,6-pregnatriene-3,20-dione (C) in rat prostate and brain. Groups of animals were treated either with A, B or C (4 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) by the intraperitoneal route for 5 days. Levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), 5-hydroxy-indole acetic acid (5-HIAA), lipid peroxidation (as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and the activities of Na(+), K(+)- and total ATPases were assayed in prostate and brain for each group of animals including a control group. No appreciable changes were shown in Na(+), K(+)-ATPase and total ATPases and TBARS on prostate and brain of rats that received A, B and C steroids. However, the levels of GSH and 5-HIAA decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in both tissues for the steroids assayed. It is concluded that CPA and the homologues B and C steroids induce changes in the levels of GSH and serotonin in rat prostate and brain.

Mortality attributable to passive smoking in Spain, 2002.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is associated with a variety of health effects, including lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease. The objective of this study was to estimate the number of deaths caused by exposure to ETS among non-smokers in Spain during the year 2002 METHODS: Prevalence of ETS exposure among never smokers was gathered from three region based health interview surveys. The relative risks of lung cancer and ischaemic heart diseases were selected from three meta-analyses. Population attributable risk (PAR) was computed using a range of prevalences (minimum-maximum). The number of deaths attributable to ETS was calculated by applying PARs to mortality not attributable to active smoking in 2002. The analyses were stratified by sex, age and source of exposure (home, workplace and both combined). In addition, a sensitivity analysis was performed for different scenarios. RESULTS: Among men, deaths attributable to ETS ranged from 408 to 1703. From 247 to 1434 of these deaths would be caused by the exposure only at home, 136-196 by exposure only in the workplace and 25-73 by exposure at both home and the workplace. Among women, the number of attributable deaths ranged from 820 to 1534. Between 807 and 1477 of these deaths would be caused by exposure only at home, 9-32 by exposure only in the workplace and 4-25 by exposure both at home and in the workplace. CONCLUSION: Exposure to ETS at home and at work in Spain could be responsible for 1228-3237 of deaths from lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease. These data confirm that passive smoking is an important public health problem in Spain that needs urgent attention.

[Factors associated with smoking onset: 3-year cohort study of schoolchildren]. / Factores asociados con el inicio del tabaquismo: seguimiento a los 3 años de una cohorte de escolares.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictors of smoking onset among schoolchildren. METHODS: A cohort study of 1056 children starting in first year secondary school at 44 schools in Barcelona was carried out. Participating children were invited to answer a lifestyle questionnaire every year for 4 years. Each questionnaire carried a personal code to allow the 4 questionnaires to be matched. Matching questionnaires were found for 729 children, 70% of the initial sample. RESULTS: Over the study period, the prevalence of regular smokers increased from 1.7% to 22% among boys and from 1.6% to 38.2% among girls. The predictors of smoking onset among boys were scoring high on the pro-smoking attitudes index (odds ratio [OR]=1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.3), intention to smoke in the future (OR=2.2; 95% CI, 1.0-4.9), low self-efficacy in resisting pressures to smoke (OR=0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99), having siblings that smoke (OR=2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.4), and spending some free time in bars (OR=2.4; CI, 1.1-4.9). Among girls, the predictors were having low self-esteem (OR=0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99), scoring low on the anti-tobacco attitudes index (OR=0.92; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97), having siblings who smoke (OR=2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.5), spending some free time in discotheques (OR=4.5; 95% CI, 1.9-11.8), and living in high socioeconomic-status neighborhoods (OR=3.1; 95% CI, 1.4-10.9). CONCLUSIONS: The results show the importance of cognitive variables as well as a variety of environmental variables, particularly the pattern of free time use and the influence of sibling models. Prevention programs must take into account smoking onset risk factors as a whole.

Factores asociados con el inicio del tabaquismo: seguimiento a los 3 años de una cohorte de escolares / Factors associated with smoking onset: 3-year cohort study of schoolchildren

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio es analizar los factores predictivos del inicio del consumo de tabaco entre los escolares. MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un estudio longitudinal de seguimiento de 1.056 escolares de primer curso de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria de 44 escuelas de Barcelona. Durante los 4 años del estudio, se invitó a todos los escolares de la cohorte a responder cada año a un cuestionario sobre estilo de vida. A través de un código personal, al final del estudio se pudieron aparear los 4 cuestionarios de 729 escolares, un 70 por ciento de la muestra inicial. RESULTADOS: En el período estudiado la prevalencia de fumadores regulares pasó del 1,7 al 22 por ciento entre los chicos, y del 1,6 al 38,2 por ciento entre las chicas. Los factores predictivos del inicio del consumo fueron en los chicos tener una puntuación elevada en la escala de actitudes pro tabaco (odds ratio [OR] = 1,2; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95 por ciento, 1,1-1,3), la intención de fumar en el futuro (OR = 2,2; IC del 95 por ciento, 1,0-4,9), una baja autoeficacia para resistir presiones hacia el consumo (OR = 0,98; IC del 95 por ciento, 0,96-0,99), el consumo de tabaco de los hermanos (OR = 2,5; IC del 95 por ciento, 1,2-5,4) y pasar parte del tiempo libre en bares (OR = 2,4; 1,1-4,9). Para las chicas las variables predictoras fueron tener una baja autoestima (OR = 0,94; IC del 95 por ciento, 0,88-0,99), tener una baja puntuación en la escala de actitudes contra el tabaco (OR = 0,92; IC del 95 por ciento, 0,88-0,97), el tabaquismo de los hermanos (OR = 2,5; IC del 95 por ciento, 1,2-5,5), pasar parte del tiempo libre en discotecas (OR = 4,5; IC del 95 por ciento, 1,9-11,8) y vivir en barrios de nivel socioeconómico elevado (OR = 3,1; IC del 95 por ciento, 1,4-10,9). CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados señalan la importancia de las variables cognitivas, así como una diversidad de variables del entorno, entre las que destaca el patrón de tiempo libre y la influencia de modelos de los hermanos. Los programas preventivos deberían tener en cuenta el conjunto de factores de riesgo para el inicio del tabaquismo desde una perspectiva global (AU)

A neurobiologia do suicídio: evidências do papel do sistema serotoninérgico / Neurobiology of suicide: evidences of the role of serotonergic system

O suicídio figura entre as principais causas de morte nos países industrializados e, a despeito de tentativas de prevenção, suas taxas são crescentes, o que tem estimulado as pesquisas na biologia do suicídio, com o objetivo de auxiliar o clínico na identificação do suicida em potencial. Existem hoje muitas evidências oriundas de estudos com diferentes metodologias (estudos postðmortem, estudos de concentrações liquóricas de 5ðHIAA, estudos neuroendocrinológicos) mostrando que anormalidades no sistema serotoninérgico estariam associadas ao comportamento suicida. Hoje, o foco principal das pesquisas, após as evidências dos estudos de epidemiologia genética de que o suicídio seria, pelo menos parcialmente, geneticamente determinado, são os estudos de genética molecular. Esta abordagem, apesar de estar ainda em fase inicial e de ter resultados às vêzes inconsistentes, é promissora, e seus resultados sugerem que, pelo menos em parte, fatores genéticos influenciam o comportamento suicida através do sistema serotoninérgico. As pesquisas devem continuar, principalmente focando a associação de características psicopatológicas básicas, potencialmente associadas ao comportamento suicida, como a impulsividade, e sua associação com genes ligados à função serotoninérgica, assim como estudos postðmortem que podem examinar a expressão gênica e suas proteínas

Multisite control of the Crabtree effect in ascites hepatoma cells.

AS-30D hepatoma cells, a highly oxidative and fast-growing tumor line, showed glucose-induced and fructose-induced inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (the Crabtree effect) of 54% and 34%, respectively. To advance the understanding of the underlying mechanism of this process, the effect of 5 mM glucose or 10 mM fructose on the intracellular concentration of several metabolites was determined. The addition of glucose or fructose lowered intracellular Pi (40%), and ATP (53%) concentrations, and decreased cytosolic pH (from 7.2 to 6.8). Glucose and fructose increased the content of AMP (30%), glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate and fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (15, 13 and 50 times, respectively). The cytosolic concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ were not modified. The addition of galactose or glycerol did not modify the concentrations of the metabolites. Mitochondria isolated from AS-30D cells, incubated in media with low Pi (0.6 mM) at pH 6.8, exhibited a 40% inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. The data suggest that the Crabtree effect is the result of several small metabolic changes promoted by addition of exogenous glucose or fructose.

[Preventive behaviors for the sexual transmission of AIDS, other infections, and pregnancy in high-school students]. / Conductas preventivas de la transmisión sexual de sida, de otras infecciones y del embarazo en estudiantes de secundaria.

OBJECTIVES: To describe preventive behaviors and behavioral intentions related to AIDS sexual transmission, other sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies among 10th grade Barcelona students. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Stratified random sample from Barcelona secondary schools in 1996. SETTING: Secondary schools. PARTICIPANTS: 981 students at 35 10th grade classrooms. MAIN RESULTS: 82% of the students are 15-16 years old. 58% are girls. 16% have had sexual intercourse (boys 18% and girls 14%); among those, 43% of males and 30% of females have had only once sexual intercourse. 78% use always or almost always a condom. 22% of boys and 44% of girls have refused at least an opportunity of unprotected intercourse. Boys feel more confident to buy, carry on and use a condom, however girls feel more confident in convincing their partner and refusing unprotected sex. Among those with sexual experience, partner opinion predicts condom use (boys OR = 30.8 and girls OR = 8.8), as well as partner use (boys OR = 14.2 and girls OR = 15.4). Intention to use condoms with a regular partner is related to the perception of youth normative behaviors (boys OR = 10.9 and girls OR = 4.4) and friends opinion (boys OR = 6.2 and girls OR = 5.4). Condom use with a non regular partner is related also to the perception that its use avoids infections and unwanted pregnancies (boys OR = 9.9 and girls OR = 8.0). Intention to refuse unprotected sex relates, in both genders, to youth normative behaviors and self-efficacy to refuse unprotected intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: 16% of the 10th grade students have had a sexual intercourse. Only half part of them use always condom, although it is the contraceptive method more frequently used. Condom use relates mainly to partners opinions and their current use. Intentions to use condoms are associated also to friends opinion and youth social norm perception. Intention to use a condom with non regular partners aims avoiding diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

[AIDS prevention among adolescents in school: a systematic review of the efficacy of interventions]. / Prevención del SIDA en adolescentes escolarizados: una revisión sistemática de la efectividad de las intervenciones.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Preventive interventions are considered useful although poorly evaluated. Since 1990 there are growing evidences of effective school aids prevention interventions. This paper aims to identify school aids prevention programs among youngsters aged 13 to 19, published between 1990 and 1995, to analyze each evaluation and intervention quality, to assess their effectiveness as well as identifying the possible contributing factors. METHODS: Location of reports by means of a Medline computerized search of published articles and reviews, which should include the following criteria: school aids prevention programs, addressed to youngsters aged 13 to 19, published in Spanish, French or English between 1990 and 1995 in scientific literature, and evaluating changes in behavior or its determinants through quantitative measures. Analysis of the evaluation quality through the assessment of the sample size, the use of a control group, the groups comparability, the drop out analysis and the time between the pretest and the posttest. Intervention quality analysis through the use of a psychological behavioral change model and the number of sessions. The effectiveness of the high quality interventions in changing behaviors, intentions, attitudes and knowledge was assessed. RESULTS: 29 studies were selected. Of these studies, relating the quality of evaluation criteria, a 28% was considered a high quality study, a 14% an intermediate quality study and a 58% a low quality one. In relation to intervention quality criteria, a 27% was found to be a high quality study, a 41% an intermediate quality study and 32% a low quality one. 38% (11 studies) showed high or intermediate quality criteria at the same time in intervention and in evaluation. All these studies modified knowledge and attitudes, an 80% modified the intention to behave and a 86% modified behavior. The increase in knowledge and attitudes was in general quite important, greater than 10%, and changes in intentions and behaviors were smaller than 10%, although relevant. CONCLUSIONS: Only 38% of the studies may be considered of high or intermediate quality. Preventive interventions correctly evaluated which rely on a theoretical model and offer 4 or more sessions show evidence of moderate but relevant reduction of aids risk practices, and important changes of the future behavior determinants.

[Health-related behaviors in secondary-school students: sexual relations and tobacco, alcohol and cannabis consumption]. / Comportamientos relacionados con la salud en estudiantes de secundaria: relaciones sexuales y consumo de tabaco, alcohol y cannabis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The main premature mortality causes among youngsters are related to risk behaviors, usually initiated in adolescence. The study objective is to describe substance use and sexual behaviours among 10th-grade Barcelona students in 1996 (last year of compulsory education), as well as the interrelations between these variables and several sociodemographic variables. METHODS: Cross sectional study. Random sample including 35 10th grade classrooms (958 students whose mean age is 15.8 years old) stratified by academic or vocational studies, public or private school, school neighbourhood socioeconomical level and school size. Measurement instrument is a previously validated questionnaire. Tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption, sexual intercourse as well as gender, age, weekly available money, parental instruction and type of studies are studied. Bivariate chi 2 analysis and multivariate gender specific log-linear model are performed. RESULTS: 27% of the students smoke daily and 31% drink alcohol weekly. 15% have had sexual intercourse, and among those 79% use always or almost always condoms. Among girls tobacco consumption is related to alcohol (OR = 4.2), to cannabis (OR = 5.9) and sexual intercourse (OR = 3.9), and, less strongly, with age, available money and vocational studies. Alcohol is associated with tobacco and cannabis use (OR = 4.2). Having had sexual intercourse is related to tobacco use, age (OR = 3.4), vocational studies (OR = 2.4) and cannabis experience (OR = 2.8). Among boys tobacco consumption is related to alcohol, (OR = 2.7), to cannabis (OR = 7.6) and sexual intercourse (OR = 4.4), and, less strongly, to available money and type of studies. Alcohol consumption is associated with tobacco and cannabis use (OR = 5.5). Sexual intercourse is related to tobacco use and age (OR = 2.5). DISCUSSION: Risk behaviors among final year secondary school students are strongly and significantly interrelated, both among boys and among girls, and are more frequent among older students, those with more money available and those in vocational curricula.

La unidad de farmacología clínica: un recurso para la enseñanza y la asistencia farmacológica / Clinical pharmacology units: a resource for the teaching of pharmacology and therapeutic assistance

Mientras que la mayoría de los laboratorios clínicos, tanto privados como hospitalarios, pueden proporcionarle al médico resultados sobre las concentraciones de fármacos en plasma o suero de una amplia variedad de medicamentos, muy pocos proveen la asistencia farmacológica para la correcta interpretación de los resultados, así como el apoyo para individualizar el régimen de tratamiento a partir del conocimiento farmacocinético y farmacodinámico, ya que la mayoría de ellos carece del personal entrenado en estas disciplinas de la farmacología clínic, lo que dificulta oprimir el manejo terapéutico de los pacientes. En virtud de los grandes avances en el conocimiento y las nuevas tecnologías que permiten mejorar la eficacia y seguridad de los medicamentos, se propone la creación de una unidad o departamento de farmacología clínica en el INP, que cumpla con los objetivos señalados