Indoor radon risk mapping of the Canary Islands using a methodology for volcanic islands combining geological information and terrestrial gamma radiation data.

Within the framework of the recent approval of the National Plan Against Radon by the Council of Ministers of the Spanish Government, one of its five axes focuses on the delimitation of priority action areas. In line with this objective, this paper presents the indoor radon risk maps of the Canary Islands. Due to the volcanic origin of the Canary Islands, there is a great deal of geological heterogeneity in the soils on which buildings settle, making it very difficult to delimit radon-risk areas in the process of creating maps. Following a methodology developed in previous works for a study area formed of a set of representative municipalities, this paper presents radon risk maps of the Canary Islands based on lithostratigraphic information and high-resolution terrestrial gamma radiation maps. The goodness of fit of these maps is verified based on a statistical analysis of indoor radon concentration measurements carried out at representative building enclosures. In order to analyse the level of risk to the population, these maps were combined with built up areas (urban fabric) maps and estimations of the annual effective doses due to radon was obtained by applying a dosimetric model. This methodology improves the capability to delimit indoor radon risk areas, with a greater margin of safety. In this respect, it is estimated that areas classified as low risk have indoor radon concentrations 41 % below the current reference level of 300 Bq/m3 established by national regulations in compliance with the precepts laid down in the European EURATOM Directive.

Multiparametric analysis for the determination of radon potential areas in buildings on different soils of volcanic origin.

The transposition of the European EURATOM directive into the regulations of the different member states of the European Union involved governments making great efforts to define priority action maps against indoor radon exposure in buildings over a short time period. In Spain, the Technical Building Code established 300 Bq/m3 as a reference level and set up a classification of municipalities in which remediation measures should be adopted for radon exposure in buildings. Oceanic volcanic islands, such as the Canary Islands, present high geological heterogeneity in a small space due to their volcanic origin. This variability poses a challenge to the elaboration of radiological risk maps, which makes it necessary to have a high density of data to collect local variations. This paper presents a methodology to obtain accurate radon risk maps based on geological criteria and terrestrial gamma radiation. The predictive efficiency of these maps is statistically verified using indoor radon concentration data measured in buildings. Other radiological variables, which are commonly used as criteria for radon risk prediction found in the literature, were also applied, such as the geogenic radon potential and the activity concentration of natural radioisotopes in soils. The higher resolution of the maps obtained allows for a more detailed classification of radon risk zones in the study area than the current risk maps published in the Spanish building regulations.

Diagnosed diabetes and optimal disease control of prisoners in Catalonia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes (DD) and its control amongst prisoners in Catalonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transversal study carried out in four Catalan prisons between April and May 2016. The prevalence of DD in inmates was calculated by intentional sampling and collecting the following variables about: a) type of diabetes, value of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and treatment; b) comorbidities; c) epidemiological and prison variables; knowledge of hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia, and e) participation in educational activities. Optimal control was considered to exist if Hb1A<7.5% and high risk if Hb1Ac >9%. Test x2 was used in order to study the association among qualitative variables. Multivariate analysis was carried out using logistic regression to determine variables associated with disease control. RESULTS: The study group considered 4,307 male patients, 50.2 years of average age. Ninety-three cases of DD were detected (prevalence 2.16%). 22.6% were treated with insulin, 51.6% with oral antidiabetics (OAD) and 25.8% with both. Type 1 users were younger, thinner, diagnosed at a younger age, heavy drug users and acknowledged to know how to act in the event of hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia. Optimal control was more common in type 2 diabetics, but multivariate analysis only associated it with OAD treatment. DISCUSSION: The prevalence observed in DD is much lower than that of the population outside prison and may be underestimated. Optimal control is low, and risk is very high, the results may be biased by the type of population, frequently drug-dependent and with few healthy habits. It is recommended to implement diabetes programmes or improve existing ones in order to increase the diagnosis and management of the disease.

Diabetes diagnosticada y control óptimo de la enfermedad en presos de Cataluña / Diagnosed diabetes and optimal disease control of prisoners in Catalonia

OBJETIVOS: Determinar la prevalencia de diabetes diagnosticada (DD) y su control en presos de Cataluña. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado en cuatro prisiones catalanas de hombres, entre abril y mayo de 2016. Se calculó la prevalencia de DD mediante un muestreo intencional, recogiéndose: a) datos de diabetes: tipo, valor de hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) y tratamiento; b) comorbilidades; c) variables epidemiológicas y penitenciarias; d) conocimiento sobre hiperglucemia/hipoglucemia; y e) participación en actividades educativas. Se consideró un control óptimo si la HbA1c era menor del 7,5%; y de alto riesgo si la HbA1c era mayor del 9%. Para estudiar la asociación entre variables cualitativas, se utilizó la prueba de chi cuadrado o Χ2. Para determinar las variables asociadas al control óptimo, se realizó un análisis multivariante mediante una regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 4.307 pacientes, con una edad media de 50,2 años. Se detectaron 93 DD (2,16%), 23,7% diabetes tipo 1 (DT1) y 76,3% tipo 2 (DT2). El 22,6% mantenía tratamiento con insulina, el 51,6% con antidiabéticos orales (ADO) y el 25,8% con ambos. Los pacientes con DT1 eran más jóvenes, delgados, diagnosticados más jóvenes, más consumidores de drogas y decían saber actuar ante hiperglucemias/hipoglucemias. El control óptimo era más frecuente en la DT2, pero solo se asoció al tratamiento con ADO. DISCUSIÓN: La prevalencia de DD es muy inferior a la extrapenitenciaria y posiblemente está subestimada. El control óptimo es bajo, y el de riesgo, muy alto, probablemente por el tipo de población, frecuentemente drogodependiente y con pocos hábitos saludables. Se recomienda aplicar programas de diabetes o mejorar los actuales con objeto de incrementar el diagnóstico y optimizar el control de la enfermedad

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes (DD) and its control amongst prisoners in Catalonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transversal study carried out in four Catalan prisons between April and May 2016. The prevalence of DD in inmates was calculated by intentional sampling and collecting the following variables about: a) type of diabetes, value of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and treatment; b) comorbidities; c) epidemiological and prison variables; knowledge of hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia, and e) participation in educational activities. Optimal control was considered to exist if Hb1A <7.5% and high risk if Hb1Ac >9%. Test χ² was used in order to study the association among qualitative variables. Multivariate analysis was carried out using logistic regression to determine variables associated with disease control. RESULTS: The study group considered 4,307 male patients, 50.2 years of average age. Ninety three cases of DD were detected (prevalence 2.16%).22.6% were treated with insulin, 51.6% with oral antidiabetics (OAD) and 25.8% with both. Type 1 users were younger, thinner, diagnosed at a younger age, heavy drug users and acknowledged to know how to act in the event of hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia. Optimal control was more common in type 2 diabetics, but multivariate analysis only associated it with OAD treatment. DISCUSSION: The prevalence observed in DD is much lower than that of the population outside prison and may be underestimated. Optimal control is low and risk is very high, the results may be biased by the type of population, frequently drug- dependent and with few healthy habits. It is recommended to implement diabetes programmes or improve existing ones in order to increase the diagnosis and management of the disease

Host immune reactions and worm kinetics during the expulsion of Ascaris suum in pigs.

Pigs single inoculated with Ascaris suum eggs expel the majority of larvae between days 14 and 21 post inoculation (p.i.), but the role of the immune system in expulsion is unclear. To investigate the dynamics of immune responses before, during and after the expulsion of A. suum larvae, pigs inoculated with 10 000 A. suum eggs were sequentially necropsied. Ascaris suum gradually moved distally from days 10-14 p.i. and only a few larvae were left by day 21 p.i. Pronounced increases in mucosal A. suum-specific IgA antibody secreting cells (ASCs) were already found by day 10 p.i. especially in the proximal jejunum, while only small increases in parasite-specific IgM ASCs were observed by day 21 p.i. in both proximal and distal jejunum. No mucosal IgG ASC responses could be detected. Increases in systemic A. suum-specific IgG1, IgM and to a lesser extent IgA antibodies were observed, while IgG2 remained almost unchanged. The levels of eosinophils and mast cells in the small intestinal mucosa did not change throughout infection. The results demonstrate that both systemic and mucosal A. suum-specific effector mechanisms are strongly stimulated in A. suum single infections and indicate that mucosal IgA may be an important mediator in the expulsion of A. suum.

[A clinico radiological study of patients with cavernous angiomas of the spinal cord]. / Estudio clinicorradiológico de pacientes con angiomas cavernosos medulares.

AIM: To define the spectrum of signs, symptoms and radiological features in patients with spinal intramedullary cavernous angioma. We analyze surgical management and clinical follow up in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 16 adult patients, 9 women and 7 men, were studied in our hospital each with one cavernous angioma of the spinal cord. All patients were diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging. The lesion location was intramedullary in all patients, 6 patients cervical level and 10 thoracic level. RESULTS: In 12 patients surgical resection of the malformation was performed and histological results confirmed the spinal cavernous diagnostic. In 10 patients, the clinical outcome had improved in Frankel grade. In the four nonoperated cases, successive monitoring studies demonstrated no radiological progression and the clinical symptomatology has remained stable. CONCLUSION: Women in the fertile period appear to be predisposed to develop spinal cavernous angioma. The bleeding risk, in our study, didn t have any relation with CMA level. Magnetic resonance imaging features cannot predict the CMA evolution.

Estudio clinicorradiológico de pacientes con angiomas cavernosos medulares / A clinico-radiological study of patients with cavernous angiomas of the spinal cord

Objetivos. El propósito de este estudio es definir el espectro de síntomas y signos clínicos junto con los hallazgos radiológicos que se presentan en pacientes con cavernomas intramedulares (ACM); se analiza el tratamiento y la evolución clínica en estos pacientes. Pacientes y métodos. Presentamos 16 casos de pacientes, nueve mujeres y siete hombres, con ACM únicos estudiados en nuestro hospital clínicamente, y que se diagnosticaron radiológicamente mediante una resonancia magnética (RM) medular. La localización de las lesiones era en todos los casos intramedular, en seis pacientes en la región cervical, y en 10, en la dorsal. Resultados. Fueron intervenidos 12 de los pacientes. En ellos, se resecó la lesión y se comprobó anatomopatológicamente el diagnóstico de presunción. En cuanto a la evolución clínica posquirúrgica, en 10 mejoró su estado, según la escala de valoración de Frankel. Se ha controlado la evolución de los otros cuatro pacientes, no operados por rechazo voluntario de la intervención, y no se han presentado modificaciones clínicas o radiológicas reseñables. Conclusiones. Encontramos esta patología con mayor frecuencia en mujeres, con inicio de la sintomatología en la edad fértil de la vida. No observamos en nuestra serie una predilección de localización en cuanto al riesgo de sangrado. No hay un patrón de RM claro de predicción evolutiva de los ACM (AU)

Aim. To define the spectrum of signs, symptoms and radiological features in patients with spinal intramedullary cavernous angioma. We analyze surgical management and clinical follow-up in these patients. Patients and methods. 16 adult patients, 9 women and 7 men, were studied in our hospital each with one cavernous angioma of the spinal cord. All patients were diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging. The lesion location was intramedullary in all patients, 6 patients cervical level and 10 thoracic level. Results. In 12 patients surgical resection of the malformation was performed and histological results confirmed the spinal cavernous diagnostic. In 10 patients, the clinical outcome had improved in Frankel grade. In the four nonoperated cases, successive monitoring studies demonstrated no radiological progression and the clinical symptomatology has remained stable. Conclusion. Women in the fertile period appear to be predisposed to develop spinal cavernous angioma. The bleeding risk, in our study, didn’t have any relation with CMA level. Magnetic resonance imaging features cannot predict the CMA evolution (AU)

Impact of diets varying in dietary fibre characteristics on gastric emptying in pregnant sows.

The effects of feeding two fibre-rich diets with contrasting solubility and a concentrated low dietary fibre on the rate of gastric emptying were examined in six gastric cannulated pregnant sows. Additionally, it was examined whether any effect could be related to the physico-chemical properties of digesta, i.e. viscosity and/or water binding capacity. The sows were fed each diet for one week in a 3 x 3 Latin Square design and the samples were taken in a randomised order 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 15.5 h after the morning meal. The stomach contents were evacuated through the gastric cannula once daily. The evacuated gastric digesta was quantified and a representative sample was taken to determine its viscosity, water binding capacity and its content of dry matter, dietary components and solid (Cr2O3) and liquid (polyethylene glycol) phase markers. The flow of liquid digesta was calculated as the difference between digesta and dry matter. Increasing the content of dietary fibre in the diet led to higher recovery of liquid digesta but did not have any significant effect on the gastric emptying of dry matter and dietary components. The effect of dietary fibre could not be attributed to the viscosity of the liquid phase of digesta but might be related to the ability of the increased gastric dietary fibre content to hold water. The stomach selectively retained the insoluble dietary fibre components most noticeably seen with the bran-supplemented diet where the concentration of insoluble NSP in digesta increased significantly from 2 hours and onward.

Addition of formic acid or starter cultures to liquid feed. Effect on pH, microflora composition, organic acid concentration and ammonia concentration.

Some of the charateristics of good quality fermented liquid feed (FLF) are low pH, high numbers of lactic acid bacteria, and low numbers of enterobacteria. In order to test strategies to avoid a proliferation of enterobacteria during the initial phase of FLF elaboration, two in vitro studies were carried out. Addition of various doses of formic acid or two different starter cultures were tested. Adding 0.1% formic acid or L. plantarum VTT E-78076 to the liquid feed seemed to be addecuate ways of inhibiting the growth of enterobacteria, without depleting the growth of lactic acid bacteria.