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The development of functional organic materials is crucial for the advancement of various fields, such as optoelectronics, energy storage, sensing, and biomedicine. In this context, we successfully prepared a stable ambipolar perfluoroporphyrin-based polymeric film by electrochemical synthesis. Our strategy involved the synthesis of a novel tetra-pentafluorophenyl porphyrin covalently linked to four 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) moieties. The resulting monomer, EDOT-TPPF16, was obtained through a straightforward synthetic approach with a good overall yield. The unique molecular structure of EDOT-TPPF16 serves a dual function, with EDOT moieties allowing electropolymerization for polymeric film formation, while the electron-acceptor porphyrin core enables electrochemical reduction and electron transport. The electrochemical polymerization permits the polymer (PEDOT-TPPF16) synthesis and film formation in a reproducible and controllable manner in one step at room temperature. Spectroelectrochemical experiments confirmed that the porphyrin retained its optoelectronic properties within the polymeric matrix after the electrochemical polymerization. The obtained polymeric material exhibited stable redox capabilities. Current charge-discharge cycles and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the electrochemically generated organic film demonstrated that the polymer could be applied as a promising active material in the development of supercapacitor energy storage devices.
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Purpose: Understanding early vascular ageing has become crucial for preventing adverse cardiovascular events. To this respect, recent AI-based risk clustering models offer early detection strategies focused on healthy populations, yet their complexity limits clinical use. This work introduces a novel recommendation system embedded in a web app to assess and mitigate early vascular ageing risk, leading patients towards improved cardiovascular health. Methods: This system employs a methodology that calculates distances within multidimensional spaces and integrates cost functions to obtain personalized optimisation of recommendations. It also incorporates a classification system for determining the intensity levels of the clinical interventions. Results: The recommendation system showed high efficiency in identifying and visualizing individuals at high risk of early vascular ageing among healthy patients. Additionally, the system corroborated its consistency and reliability in generating personalized recommendations among different levels of granularity, emphasizing its focus on moderate or low-intensity recommendations, which could improve patient adherence to the intervention. Conclusion: This tool might significantly aid healthcare professionals in their daily analysis, improving the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.
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Amaranth is a pseudocereal that contains between 50 and 60% starch, gluten-free protein, and essential amino acids. This study investigates the physicochemical changes in Amaranthus spp. grains, flour, isolated starch and nanocrystals during germination and malting. The moisture content increased from 8.9% to 41% over 2 h of soaking. The percentage of germination increased rapidly, reaching 96% after 60 h, a remarkable advantage over other cereals. The nutrient composition varied, including protein synthesis and lipid degradation. Lipid concentration decreased during malting, except for soaking, which increased by 62%. Scanning electron microscopy shows that germination does not cause morphological changes on the outer surface of the grains, while transmission electron microscopy indicates the presence of isolated nanocrystals with orthorhombic crystal structure confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The viscosity profile shows a decrease in peak viscosity. Therefore, amaranth is a potential pseudocereal that can be used as an additive in the production of fermented beverages.
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El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo, caracterizar la violenciaen pareja en personas con seropositividad (prevalencia,tipos de acciones violentas, variables de riesgo/ protectorasy consecuencias), para lo cual se realizó una revisión sistemáticaa través del protocolo PRISMA. La búsqueda de artículos serealizó en Scopus, Web of Science, Eric, Scielo y Pubmedpublicados hasta 2021. Se encontraron 113 artículos, de loscuales 22 cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad. Losresultados indican que la violencia en pareja en personasseropositivas, además de manifestarse de manera física,psicológica, patrimonial, sexual y verbal, se puede presentar através del uso del VIH para ejercer la violencia. La prevalenciavaría en función del contexto geográfico en un intervalo del19,6% al 43,1%; la cual es superior en población migrantey en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) mujeresseropositivas, parejas no heterosexuales y en parejas en la queambos miembros son seropositivos. Las variables de riesgo/protectoras identificadas se asociaron con las dimensiones:informativas, motivacionales, de habilidades conductuales,sociodemográficas, culturales, de salud, sociofamiliares ypolíticas. Asimismo, se evidenciaron consecuencias sociales,económicas y de salud.(AU)
The objective of this work is to characterize partner violencein people with seropositivity (prevalence, types of violentactions, risk/protective variables, and consequences), for whicha systematic review was carried out through the PRISMAprotocol. The search for articles was carried out in Scopus,Web of Science, Eric, Scielo and Pubmed published up to 2021. 113 articles were found, of which 22 met the eligibilitycriteria. The results indicate that intimate partner violencein seropositive people, in addition to manifesting itself ina physical, psychological, patrimonial, sexual, and verbalway, can be presented using HIV to exercise violence. Theprevalence varies depending on the geographical contextin a range from 19.6% to 43.1%, which is higher in themigrant population and in men who have sex with men(MSM), seropositive women, non-heterosexual couples andin couples in which both members are seropositive. Therisk/protective variables identified were associated with thedimensions: informational, motivational, behavioral skills,sociodemographic, cultural, health, socio-family and political.Likewise, social, economic and health consequences wereevidenced.(AU)
O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar a violência conjugalem pessoas com soropositividade (prevalência, tipos de açõesviolentas, variáveis de risco/proteção e consequências), paraa qual foi realizada uma revisão sistemática por meio doprotocolo PRISMA. A busca de artigos foi realizada no Scopus,Web of Science, Eric, Scielo e Pubmed publicados até 2021.Foram encontrados 113 artigos, dos quais 22 atenderamaos critérios de elegibilidade. Os resultados indicam que aviolência por parceiro íntimo em pessoas soropositivas, alémde se manifestar de forma física, psicológica, patrimonial,sexual e verbal, pode se apresentar por meio do uso do HIVpara exercer a violência. A prevalência varia de acordo como contexto geográfico em uma faixa de 19,6% a 43,1%; queé maior na população migrante e em homens que fazemsexo com homens (HSH), mulheres soropositivas, casais nãoheterossexuais e em casais em que ambos os membros sãosoropositivos. As variáveis de risco/proteção identificadasforam associadas às dimensões: informacional, motivacional,habilidades comportamentais, sociodemográficas, culturais,de saúde, sociofamiliares e políticas. Da mesma forma, foramevidenciadas consequências sociais, econômicas e de saúde.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Domestic Violence , Intimate Partner Violence , HIV Seropositivity , Gender-Based ViolenceABSTRACT
Background: Spasticity is a motor disorder characterised by exaggerated movements of the tendons and accompanied by hyperreflexia and hypertonia. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used as a treatment for spasticity, although more evidence is needed on the effectiveness of this therapy in the treatment of spasticity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness ESWT in the treatment of upper and lower limbs spasticity in both children and adults through different aetiologies. Methods: A systematic search was performed in different databases from inception to December 2023. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the efficacy of ESWT on spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale. Results: Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The effect of ESWT on spasticity measured with the Modified Ashworth Scale shows a significant decrease in spasticity in the upper limbs and in the lower limbs in adults with chronic stroke and in children with cerebral palsy, is more effective immediately after application, and maintains its effect up to 12 weeks post treatment. Conclusions: These findings are important for clinical practice since they show evidence that ESWT is effective in reducing spasticity in both children and adults.
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OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of epilepsy and febrile seizures and their association with genotype, i.e., 15q11-q13 deletions, uniparental chromosome 15 disomy (UPD) and other mutations, in the population with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). METHODS: A systematic search of Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies estimating the prevalence of seizures, epilepsy and febrile seizures in the PWS population were included. Meta-analyses of the prevalence of epilepsy and febrile seizures and their association with genotype using the prevalence ratio (PR) were performed. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included. The prevalence of epilepsy was 0.11 (0.07, 0.15), similar to the prevalence of febrile seizures, with a prevalence of 0.09 (0.05, 0.13). The comparison "deletion vs. UPD" had a PR of 2.03 (0.90, 4.57) and 3.76 (1.54, 9.18) for epilepsy and febrile seizures. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of seizure disorders in PWS is higher than in the general population. In addition, deletions in 15q11-q13 may be associated with a higher risk of seizure disorders. Therefore, active screening for seizure disorders in PWS should improve the lives of these people. In addition, genotype could be used to stratify risk, even for epilepsy, although more studies or larger sample sizes are needed.
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BACKGROUND: Spasticity is a very common neurological sequelae that significantly impacts the quality of life of patients, affecting more than 12 million people worldwide. Botulinum toxin is considered a reversible treatment for spasticity, but due to the large amount of available evidence, synthesis seems necessary. Therefore, we conducted an overview of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin injections in the treatment of spasticity of different etiologies. METHODS: A systematic search of different databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, was performed from inception to February 2024. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of botulinum toxin compared to that of the control treatment using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). All the statistical analyses were performed using STATA 15 software. RESULTS: 28 studies were included in the umbrella review. The effect of botulinum toxin injections on spasticity, as measured by the MAS, was significantly lower in all but three studies, although these studies also supported the intervention. The SMDs reported by the meta-analyses ranged from -0.98 to -0.01. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin injections were effective at treating spasticity of different etiologies, as indicated by the measurements on the MAS. This implies an improvement in muscle tone and, consequently, in the patient's mobility and quality of life.
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BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major global health concern, necessitating advanced risk assessment beyond traditional factors. Early vascular aging (EVA), characterized by accelerated vascular changes, has gained importance in cardiovascular risk assessment. METHODS: The EVasCu study in Spain examined 390 healthy participants using noninvasive measurements. A construct of four variables (Pulse Pressure, Pulse Wave Velocity, Glycated Hemoglobin, Advanced Glycation End Products) was used for clustering. K-means clustering with principal component analysis revealed two clusters, healthy vascular aging (HVA) and early vascular aging (EVA). External validation variables included sociodemographic, adiposity, glycemic, inflammatory, lipid profile, vascular, and blood pressure factors. RESULTS: EVA cluster participants were older and exhibited higher adiposity, poorer glycemic control, dyslipidemia, altered vascular properties, and higher blood pressure. Significant differences were observed for age, smoking status, body mass index, waist circumference, fat percentage, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, diabetes prevalence, lipid profiles, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure levels. These findings demonstrate the association between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and EVA. CONCLUSIONS: This study validates a clustering model for EVA and highlights its association with established risk factors. EVA assessment can be integrated into clinical practice, allowing early intervention and personalized cardiovascular risk management.
Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases , Vascular Stiffness , Humans , Risk Factors , Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Pulse Wave Analysis , Risk Assessment , Heart Disease Risk Factors , Aging , LipidsABSTRACT
The aim of this multicentre project (seven hospitals across the Spanish National Health Service) was to study the phenotypic and genotypic susceptibility of C. trachomatis to the main antimicrobials used (macrolides, doxycycline, and quinolones) in isolates from patients with clinical treatment failure in whom reinfection had been ruled out. During 2018-2019, 73 clinical isolates were selected. Sixty-nine clinical specimens were inoculated onto confluent McCoy cell monolayers for phenotypic susceptibility testing. The minimum inhibitory concentration for azithromycin and doxycycline was defined as the lowest concentration associated with an at least 95% reduction in inclusion-forming units after one passage in the presence of the antibiotic compared to the initial inoculum for each strain (control). Sequencing analysis was performed for the genotypic detection of resistance to macrolides, analysing mutations in the 23S rRNA gene (at positions 2057, 2058, 2059, and 2611), and quinolones, analysing a fragment of the gyrA gene, and searching for the G248T mutation (Ser83->Ile). For tetracyclines, in-house RT-PCR was used to test for the tet(C) gene. The phenotypic susceptibility testing was successful for 10 isolates. All the isolates had minimum inhibitory concentrations for azithromycin ≤ 0.125 mg/L and for doxycycline ≤ 0.064 mg/L and were considered sensitive. Of the 73 strains studied, no mutations were found at positions T2611C or G248T of the gyrA gene. We successfully sequenced 66 isolates. No macrolide resistance-associated mutations were found at positions 2057, 2058, 2059, or T2611C. None of the isolates carried the tet(C) gene. We found no evidence for genomic resistance in this large, clinically relevant dataset.
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Early detection of firearm discharge has become increasingly critical for situational awareness in both civilian and military domains. The ability to determine the location and model of a discharged firearm is vital, as this can inform effective response plans. To this end, several gunshot audio datasets have been released that aim to facilitate gunshot detection and classification of a discharged firearm based on acoustic signatures. However, these datasets often suffer from a lack of variety in the orientations of recording devices around the source of the gunshot. Additionally, these datasets often suffer from the absence of proper time synchronization, which prevents the usage of these datasets for determining the Direction of Arrival (DoA) of the sound. In this paper, we present a multi-firearm, multi-orientation time-synchronized audio dataset collected in a semi-controlled real-world setting - providing us a degree of supervision - using several edge devices positioned in and around an outdoor firing range.
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Chlamydia trachomatis infection is an important public health problem. Our objective was to assess the dynamics of the transmission of this infection, analysing the distribution of circulating ompA genotypes and multilocus sequence types of C. trachomatis in Spain as a function of clinical and epidemiological variables. During 2018 and 2019, we genetically characterized C. trachomatis in tertiary hospitals in six areas in Spain (Asturias, Barcelona, Gipuzkoa, Mallorca, Seville and Zaragoza), with a catchment population of 3.050 million people. Genotypes and sequence types were obtained using polymerase chain reaction techniques that amplify a fragment of the ompA gene, and five highly variable genes (hctB, CT058, CT144, CT172 and pbpB), respectively. Amplicons were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was conducted. We obtained genotypes in 636/698 cases (91.1%). Overall and by area, genotype E was the most common (35%). Stratifying by sex, genotypes D and G were more common among men, and genotypes F and I among women (p < 0.05). Genotypes D, G and J were more common in men who have sex with men (MSM) than in men who have sex with women (MSW), in whom the most common genotypes were E and F. The diversity index was higher in sequence typing (0.981) than in genotyping (0.791), and the most common sequence types were ST52 and ST108 in MSM, and ST30, ST148, ST276 and ST327 in MSW. Differences in genotype distribution between geographical areas were attributable to differences in population characteristics. The transmission dynamics varied with sexual behaviour: the predominant genotypes and most frequent sequence types found in MSM were different to those detected in MSW and women.
Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Male , Humans , Female , Homosexuality, Male , Chlamydia trachomatis/genetics , Phylogeny , Multilocus Sequence Typing , Spain/epidemiology , Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology , Genotype , Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/geneticsABSTRACT
Objetivos: Analizar la eficacia de un tratamiento multicomponente para dejar de fumar llevado a cabo en Atención Primaria y evaluar la evolución del consumo de tabaco que tuvieron las personas que participaron, transcurridos más de 5 años desde la finalización del tratamiento. Diseño: Estudio longitudinal de 307 personas participantes en un programa multicomponente en formato grupal de deshabituación de tabaco. Emplazamiento: Centro de Salud de Atención Primaria de Santander. Participantes: Personas fumadoras de la Zona Básica de Salud que deseaban dejar de fumar entre 2006 y 2012 y solicitaron ayuda. Intervenciones: Tratamiento multicomponente de 5sesiones presenciales y seguimiento hasta los 12 meses.Mediciones principales: La actividad se evaluó en 263 sujetos, una vez transcurridos más de 5años desde que finalizaron el tratamiento. Los resultados de abstinencia continua y puntual se obtuvieron por autodeclaración y los datos registrados en la historia clínica. La puntual se validó también con cooximetría. Resultados: Al año declararon abstinencia continua el 42,7% de las participantes. Transcurridos entre 5 y 12 años, la abstinencia continua declarada mayor de 12meses fue del 40,7%. No volvieron a fumar desde que finalizaron el tratamiento 66 personas. El 68,0% de las que recayeron realizaron nuevos intentos y de ellas el 45,5% solicitaron ayuda para dejar de fumar. Conclusiones: El tratamiento multicomponente propuesto es eficaz. La abstinencia a los 12 meses predice el mantenimiento a largo plazo y participar en grupos de deshabituación favorece la realización de nuevos intentos en caso de recaída y la solicitud de ayuda para dejar de fumar.(AU)
Objectives: To analyze the effectiveness of a multicomponent treatment for smoking cessation carried out in primary care and to evaluate the evolution of the consumption of tobacco that the people who participated had, more than 5 years after the end of the treatment. Design: Longitudinal study of 307 participants in a multicomponent program in group format of tobacco cessation. Emplacement: Santander (Spain) Primary Care Health Center. Participants: Smokers from the basic health zone who wanted to quit smoking between 2006 and 2012 and requested help. Interventions: Multicomponent treatment of 5face-to-face sessions and follow-up for up to 12 months. Primary measurements: The activity was evaluated in 263 participants more than 5years after the end of treatment. The results of continuous and punctual withdrawal were obtained by self-declaration and the data recorded in the medical record. The punctual was also validated with co-oximetry. Results: After a year 42.7% of participants declared continuous abstinence. From 5 to 12 years later, the continuous declared abstinence further than 12 months was 40.7%. They did not smoke again since the end of the treatment 66 people; 68.0% of those who relapsed made new attempts and 45.5% of them requested help to quit smoking. Conclusions: The proposed multi-component treatment is effective. Abstinence at 12 months predicts long-term maintenance and participating in disabling groups favors further attempts in case of relapse and the request for help to quit smoking.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Smoking Prevention , Primary Health Care , Tobacco Use Disorder , Smoking Cessation , Recurrence , Longitudinal Studies , Spain , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effectiveness of a multicomponent treatment for smoking cessation carried out in primary care and to evaluate the evolution of the consumption of tobacco that the people who participated had, more than 5 years after the end of the treatment. DESIGN: Longitudinal study of 307 participants in a multicomponent program in group format of tobacco cessation. EMPLACEMENT: Santander (Spain) Primary Care Health Center. PARTICIPANTS: Smokers from the basic health zone who wanted to quit smoking between 2006 and 2012 and requested help. INTERVENTIONS: Multicomponent treatment of 5face-to-face sessions and follow-up for up to 12 months. PRIMARY MEASUREMENTS: The activity was evaluated in 263 participants more than 5years after the end of treatment. The results of continuous and punctual withdrawal were obtained by self-declaration and the data recorded in the medical record. The punctual was also validated with co-oximetry. RESULTS: After a year 42.7% of participants declared continuous abstinence. From 5 to 12 years later, the continuous declared abstinence further than 12 months was 40.7%. They did not smoke again since the end of the treatment 66 people; 68.0% of those who relapsed made new attempts and 45.5% of them requested help to quit smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed multi-component treatment is effective. Abstinence at 12 months predicts long-term maintenance and participating in disabling groups favors further attempts in case of relapse and the request for help to quit smoking.
Subject(s)
Smoking Cessation , Humans , Follow-Up Studies , Longitudinal Studies , Smoking Cessation/methods , Primary Health Care/methodsABSTRACT
The goal of this study is to understand the relationship between the problematic use of WhatsApp among young adolescents and parental mediation. The rise of mobile phone use among young people is a cause for concern, especially among parents themselves. The literature suggests that parents have a certain amount of room for maneuver through different parental strategies (parental mediation) to maximize the benefits of technology and reduce its possible risks, although this has not been sufficiently analyzed in the case of problematic use of the mobile phone and its applications. This study therefore examined three different parental mediation strategies (restrictive, modeling and stimulation) and their possible impact on the problematic use of WhatsApp. The sample comprised 1,144 13- and 14-year-old students during three academic years (2015-2018) in 17 schools in 7 Spanish provinces. One of the novelties of the study was the use of adolescent voices to understand the parental mediation of their parents. The results showed a direct relationship between the level of restrictive mediation and a problematic use of WhatsApp. In addition, the number of mobile phones that students have enjoyed, as well as whether parents use their mobile phone during dinner, also has a positive relationship with the problematic use of WhatsApp. These results are useful for understanding a responsible use of the mobile phone, as well as to guide parents about the problematic use of WhatsApp among adolescents.
El objetivo del presente estudio es comprender la relación entre el uso problemático del WhatsApp entre jóvenes adolescentes y la mediación parental. El auge del uso del teléfono móvil entre los jóvenes es motivo de preocupación, especialmente entre los propios padres y madres. La literatura sugiere que los progenitores disponen de cierto margen de maniobra a partir de distintas estrategias parentales (mediación parental) para maximizar los beneficios de la tecnología, y reducir sus posibles riesgos, sin ser suficientemente analizadas en el caso del uso problemático del móvil y sus aplicaciones. Por este motivo, este estudio examina tres distintas estrategias de mediación parental (restrictiva, modelado y estimulación) y su posible impacto en el uso problemático del WhatsApp. Para ello, se empleó una muestra de 1.144 estudiantes de 13 y 14 años durante tres cursos académicos (2015-2018) en 17 colegios de 7 provincias españolas. Una de las novedades del estudio es el uso de las voces de los adolescentes para comprender la mediación parental de sus padres. Los resultados muestran una relación entre el nivel de mediación restrictiva y un uso problemático de WhatsApp. Además, el número de móviles que han gozado los estudiantes, así como si los padres cenan con el móvil durante la cena también tiene una relación positiva con el uso problemático de WhatsApp. Estos resultados son útiles para entender un uso responsable del teléfono móvil, así como para orientar a padres sobre el uso problemático de WhatsApp entre adolescentes.
ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of this study was to relate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in an elderly population from the north of Spain. Methods: We carried out an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study involving 556 non-institutionalised individuals aged 65 to 79 years. The MEDAS-14 questionnaire score was used to define the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The diagnosis of MetS was conducted using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results: In 264 subjects with an average age of 71.9 (SD: ±4.2), 39% of whom were men, 36.4% had good adherence (score ≥ 9 in MEDAS-14), with no differences by gender or age. The prevalence of MetS was 40.2%, with 47.6% in men and 35.4% in women (p < 0.05). The prevalence of MetS was 2.4 times more frequent among individuals who consumed less than two servings (200 g) of vegetables daily compared with those who consumed two or more servings of vegetables daily (OR: 2.368, 95%CI: 1.141−4.916, p = 0.021). Low adherence to the MedDiet (MEDAS-14 score ≤ 8) was associated with an 82% higher prevalence of MetS (OR: 1.817, 95%CI: 1.072−3.081, p = 0.027). Conclusion: An inverse relationship was established between adherence to the MedDiet and the prevalence of MetS.
Subject(s)
Diet, Mediterranean , Metabolic Syndrome , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Cross-Sectional Studies , Metabolic Syndrome/epidemiology , Metabolic Syndrome/prevention & control , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Spain/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Introducción: La implementación del diagnóstico en un solo paso (DUSP) de la infección activa por virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) conjuntamente con la incorporación de alertas informativas ha demostrado que reduce de forma significativa, respecto al diagnóstico tradicional, la cifra de pacientes que no eran remitidos para valoración terapéutica. Métodos: A partir de la implementación en 2018 del DUSP en los servicios de microbiología de los hospitales del Servicio Gallego de Salud (SERGAS), se identifican y caracterizan de manera retrospectiva los nuevos diagnósticos de infección activa por VHC. Resultados: En 2018 se identificaron mediante DUSP un total de 258 pacientes con infección activa por VHC desconocida (70,2% hombres, mediana de edad de 52 años) procedentes de consultas de unidades de atención primaria y especializada en un 54,8% y 39,8%, respectivamente, así como de otras localizaciones en un 5,4%. De los 258 pacientes, el 81,0% fueron derivados para valoración terapéutica, con una mediana de 54 días desde su diagnóstico. En el 58,3% de los casos se determinó el DUSP mediante carga viral, el genotipo predominante fue el 1a (30,7%), un 52,1% fue tratado y se observó una respuesta viral sostenida en el 93,7% de estos. Conclusión: La implementación en toda Galicia del DUSP de la hepatitis C conjuntamente con alertas informativas ha permitido obtener, en conjunto, tasas de derivación para tratamiento similares a las obtenidas en otros estudios. Sin embargo, existe una amplia variabilidad entre los distintos centros, que exigen la incorporación de mejoras, como la formación o la utilización de medidas de rescate para su optimización.(AU)
Introduction: The implementation of reflex testing of active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, together with the incorporation of informative alerts in the reports, has shown that it significantly reduces the number of patients who were not referred for therapeutic evaluation. Methods: Since the implementation in 2018 of the DUSP in the microbiology services of the Galician Health Service hospitals (SERGAS), new diagnoses of active HCV infection have been retrospectively identified and characterized. Results: In 2018, a total of 258 patients with unknown active HCV infection (70,2% men, middle age 52 years) were identified through by reflex testing from consultations of primary and specialized care units in 54.8% and 39.8% respectively, as well as from other locations by 5.4%. Of the 258 patients, 81.0% were referred for therapeutic evaluation, with a median of 54 days from their diagnosis. In 58.3% of the cases the reflex testing was determined by viral load, the predominant genotype was 1a (30,7%) and 52,1% were treated, observing sustained viral response in 93.7% of these. Conclusion: The generalized implementation of the HCV reflex testing together with informative alerts in Galicia has allowed us to obtain referral rates for treatment similar to those obtained in other studies. However, there is a wide variability between the different centers that require the incorporation of improvements, such as training or the use of rescue measures for optimization.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Hepatitis C/diagnosis , Hepatitis C/drug therapy , Therapeutics , Diagnosis , Viral Load , Retrospective Studies , Spain , Microbiology , Communicable DiseasesABSTRACT
Resumen Debido al arquetipo tradicional del género como una construcción binaria, la visibilidad emergente de la comunidad trans sigue siendo una cuestión social cargada de mitos y actitudes discriminatorias. El objetivo de este trabajo fue construir y validar dos escalas, una de actitudes negativas hacia las personas transexuales y transgénero y otra sobre la interiorización de mitos sobre las personas trans. Se trabajó con una muestra aleatoria estratificada de 302 mujeres de la Facultad de Trabajo Social de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) en Monterrey (México). La escala de actitudes está conformada por 26 ítems agrupados en tres dimensiones y la escala de interiorización de mitos hacia la transexualidad, por 25 ítems agrupados en cuatro dimensiones. Ambos instrumentos se diseñaron con formato de respuesta tipo Likert con puntajes de 1 a 5. El ajuste de ambas escalas se probó mediante indicadores de consistencia interna, con valores satisfactorios de alfa de Cronbach en cuanto a la escala de actitudes (transfobia institucional: .878, malestar personal: .882, desviación/cambiabilidad: .745) y para la escala de mitos (conducta y orientación sexual: .739, sistema sexo/género: .638, relacional: .769, aspectos psicológicos y medicalización: .835). Por otro lado, se realizó el análisis de modelamiento por ecuaciones estructurales y se obtuvieron índices de ajuste satisfactorios y relaciones aceptables entre las escalas. Se encontraron puntuaciones más altas en la escala de mitos que en la escala de actitudes; esto se explica en parte por la reproducción de acciones estigmatizantes hacia las personas trans. Se corrobora que las actitudes y los mitos se correlacionan de forma directa entre sí.
Abstract Due to the traditional archetype of gender as a binary construction, the emerging visibility of the transgender community (transsexuals, transgender and transvestites) remains as a social issue with myths and discriminatory attitudes. Also, it is generally accepted that social attitudes toward minority groups are related to opinions about policy affecting those groups. After reviewing past literature and existing measures about attitudes towards transgendered people, it is well-known that their construction includes items referring to attitudes, myths and stereotypes. This study aimed to develop and validate two scales: (1) Attitudes toward transgender scale (attitudes scale); and (2) Myths about transgender individuals (myths scale). Quantitative analysis comes from a stratified random sampling of Social Work undergraduate female students (n = 302) at the Faculty of Social Work of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), in Mexico (95 % confidence level and 5 % margin of error). The attitudes scale evaluates the responses for a total of 38 items (14 inverted) divided into 3-item subscales: institutional transphobia, personal discomfort, and deviance/changeability. The myths scale includes a total of 39 items (13 inverted) grouped into 4-item subscales: sexual behavior and orientation, the sex/gender system, relational aspects (labor issues and social influence), and psychological aspects and medicalization. In this study, undergraduate students completed a survey containing both scales and a number of validity-testing variables. Each item took the form of a statement with which participants were asked to rate their agreement on a 5-point Likert-type scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Within each half of the questionnaire, items were rotated randomly to minimize potential order effects in participant's responses. Higher scores indicated greater anti-transgender prejudice, while lower scores indicated less prejudice. Items in which saturation is similar in two or more factors are excluded from the analysis, and items with greater relevance in the attitudinal scale and better theoretical dimension are maintained. The attitudes scale consists of 26 items and the myths scale, 25 items. Initial test of the scale's Cronbach's alpha(s) indicated that sub-scales are highly reliable as follows: for the attitude scale's alpha(s) (institutional transphobia: .878, personal discomfort: .882, deviation/changeability: .745); and for the myths scale alpha(s) (sexual behavior and orientation: .739, sex/gender system: .638, relational: .769, psychological aspects and medicalization: .835). Next, the hypothesized structural model was tested to evaluate the unique relationships of each scale and its subscales. Overall, fit index values of the structural model were found for the myths scale and the attitudes scale. These results explain the reproduction of stigmatizing actions towards transgender people. Also, it is confirmed that attitudes and myths are directly correlated with each other. In methodological terms, the results demonstrate that the attitudes scale and myths scale, as well as its subscales independently, offer a consistent, valid and useful measure of attitudes toward transgender community. Based on the results, it is confirmed that ignorance about transsexual and transgender people represent an influential factor for discriminatory attitudes; the deepness of the myths about transgender people are outlined as means of production of stereotypes. Taking into consideration the intolerance towards LGTBI community and especially towards transsexual people, the use of scales to determine the level of aversion and the internalization of myths is particularly important to prevent situations of victimization. This study contributes to research on anti-transgender prejudice by examining the relations of such prejudice with a number of theoretically relevant constructs. Results from this study suggest that anti-transgender prejudice is more closely related to sexual orientation and gender role-specific attitudes. Future studies are seeking to address other populations such as education and labor institutions, in order to design preventive engagements concerning attitudes about transphobia, transmission of erroneous information and actions to prevent the re-victimization of transgender people in different contexts.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The implementation of reflex testing of active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, together with the incorporation of informative alerts in the reports, has shown that it significantly reduces the number of patients who were not referred for therapeutic evaluation. METHODS: Since the implementation in 2018 of the DUSP in the Microbiology Services of the Galician Health Service hospitals (SERGAS), new diagnoses of active HCV infection have been retrospectively identified and characterized. RESULTS: In 2018, a total of 258 patients with unknown active HCV infection (70,2% men, middle age 52 years) were identified through by reflex testing from consultations of primary and specialized care units in 54.8% and 39.8% respectively, as well as from other locations by 5.4%. Of the 258 patients, 81.0% were referred for therapeutic evaluation, with a median of 54 days from their diagnosis. In 58.3% of the cases the reflex testing was determined by viral load, the predominant genotype was 1a (30,7%) and 52,1% were treated, observing sustained viral response (SVR) in 93.7 % of these. CONCLUSION: The generalized implementation of the HCV reflex testing together with informative alerts in Galicia has allowed us to obtain referral rates for treatment similar to those obtained in other studies. However, there is a wide variability between the different centers that require the incorporation of improvements, such as training or the use of rescue measures for optimization.
Subject(s)
Hepacivirus , Hepatitis C , Middle Aged , Male , Humans , Female , Hepacivirus/genetics , Retrospective Studies , Hepatitis C/diagnosis , Hepatitis C/drug therapy , Viral Load , ReflexABSTRACT
A novel BOPHY-fullerene C60 dyad (BP-C60 ) was designed as a heavy-atom-free photosensitizer (PS) with potential uses in photodynamic treatment and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated applications. BP-C60 consists of a BOPHY fluorophore covalently attached to a C60 moiety through a pyrrolidine ring. The BOPHY core works as a visible-light-harvesting antenna, while the fullerene C60 subunit elicits the photodynamic action. This fluorophore-fullerene cycloadduct, obtained by a straightforward synthetic route, was fully characterized and compared with its individual counterparts. The restricted rotation around the single bond connecting the BOPHY and pyrrolidine moieties led to the formation of two atropisomers. Spectroscopic, electrochemical, and computational studies disclose an efficient photoinduced energy/electron transfer process from BOPHY to fullerene C60 . Photodynamic studies indicate that BP-C60 produces ROS by both photomechanisms (typeâ I and typeâ II). Moreover, the dyad exhibits higher ROS production efficiency than its individual constitutional components. Preliminary screening of photodynamic inactivation on bacteria models (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) demonstrated the ability of this dyad to be used as a heavy-atom-free PS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that not only a BOPHY-fullerene C60 dyad is reported, but also that a BOPHY derivative is applied to photoinactivate microorganisms. This study lays the foundations for the development of new BOPHY-based PSs with plausible applications in the medical field.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents , Fullerenes , Photochemotherapy , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology , Staphylococcus aureusABSTRACT
El sexting hace referencia a la recepción, envío y/o reenvío de fotografías, videos y/o mensajes de texto de contenido erótico-sexual a través del teléfono y/o medios virtuales. Se propone este estudio con el objetivo de determinar si las variables relativas al sexo, la situación sentimental, las creencias religiosas y el nivel de instrucción son determinantes en las actitudes, las conductas y las consecuencias del sexting en el alumnado universitario de Nuevo León y Jalisco. Mediante una metodología cuantitativa y un muestreo aleatorio simple se analizó una muestra de 610 alumnos de la Licenciatura de Trabajo Social de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León y la Universidad de Guadalajara. Los resultados revelan que el 79,5% realiza sexting pasivo y el 53,6% sexting activo; asimismo el 27,9% declara haber recibo coacciones, el 10,8% chantajes y el 4% burlas. Con base en estos resultados se considera necesario proponer medidas preventivas desde el ámbito educativo y comunitario.
