Effects of inorganic and compost tea fertilizers application on the taxonomic and functional microbial diversity of the purslane rhizosphere.

Introduction: Soil fertility is a major determinant of plant-microbial interactions, thus, directly and indirectly affecting crop productivity and ecosystem functions. In this study, we analysed for the first time the effects of fertilizer addition on the cropping of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) with particular attention to the taxonomic and functional characteristics of their associated soil microbiota. Methods: We tested the effects of different doses of inorganic fertilization differing in the amount of N:P:K namely IT1 (300:100:100); IT2 (300:200:100); IT3 (300:200:200); and IT4 (600:100:100) (ppm N:P:K ratio) and organic fertilization (compost tea) which reached at the end of the assay the dose of 300 ppm N. Results and discussion: Purslane growth and soil quality parameters and their microbial community structure, abundance of fungal functional groups and prevailing bacterial metabolic functions were monitored. The application of compost tea and inorganic fertilizers significantly increased the purslane shoot biomass, and some soil chemical properties such as pH and soil enzymatic activities related to C, N and P biogeochemical cycles. The bacterial and fungal community compositions were significantly affected by the organic and chemical fertilizers input. The majority of inorganic fertilization treatments decreased the fungal and bacterial diversity as well as some predictive bacterial functional pathways. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the inorganic fertilization might lead to a change of microbial functioning. However, in order to get stronger evidence that supports the found pattern, longer time-frame experiments that ideally include sampling across different seasons are needed. Thus, further research is still needed to investigate the effects of fertilizations on purslane productivity under commercial field conditions.

Improved cancer-related fatigue in a randomised clinical trial: methylphenidate no better than placebo.

INTRODUCTION: Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant drug used to treat fatigue in patients with advanced cancer, for which there is no gold standard of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy of methylphenidate in the relief of fatigue in patients with advanced cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled multicentre clinical trial, stratified according to the intensity of fatigue. The treatment was considered effective if the improvement in mean fatigue intensity between baseline values and day 6 was significantly higher in the methylphenidate group than in the placebo group. The responses were measured using the Edmonton Symptoms Assessment System (ESAS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) scales. RESULTS: 35 patients received placebo and 42 patients received methylphenidate. The populations of both groups were homogeneous. Patients receiving methylphenidate did not exhibit statistically significant improvement of fatigue in comparison to patients receiving placebo (p=0.52). The mean improvement of fatigue (ESAS) on day 6 was -1.9 (±2.5) in the placebo group, and -2.3 (±2.6) in the methylphenidate group (p=0.52). The results obtained with the FACT-F were congruent with those obtained by the ESAS. The responses in patients with severe fatigue were -2.4 (±2.9) in the placebo group and -3.4 (±2.5) in the methylphenidate group; the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.3). CONCLUSION: Methylphenidate was not more efficient than placebo to treat cancer-related fatigue. Fatigue improved significantly after 3 days of treatment and was stabilised on day 6, both with placebo and methylphenidate. The side effects of methylphenidate were mild and infrequent. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: EudraCT Registry (2008-002171-27).

[Consensus document for the detection and management of chronic kidney disease]. / Documento de consenso para la detección y manejo de la enfermedad renal crónica.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important global health problem, involving to 10% of the Spanish population, promoting high morbidity and mortality for the patient and an elevate consumption of the total health resources for the National Health System. This is a summary of an executive consensus document of ten scientific societies involved in the care of the renal patient, that actualizes the consensus document published in 2007. The central extended document can be consulted in the web page of each society. The aspects included in the document are: Concept, epidemiology and risk factors for CKD. Diagnostic criteria, evaluation and stages of CKD, albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate estimation. Progression factors for renal damage. Patient remission criteria. Follow-up and objectives of each speciality control. Nephrotoxicity prevention. Cardio-vascular damage detection. Diet, life-style and treatment attitudes: hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycemia, smoking, obesity, hyperuricemia, anemia, mineral and bone disorders. Multidisciplinary management for Primary Care, other specialities and Nephrology. Integrated management of CKD patient in haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplant patients. Management of the uremic patient in palliative care. We hope that this document may be of help for the multidisciplinary management of CKD patients by summarizing the most updated recommendations.

[Consensus document for the detection and management of chronic kidney disease]. / Documento de consenso para la detección y manejo de la enfermedad renal crónica.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important global health problem, involving to 10% of the Spanish population, promoting high morbidity and mortality for the patient and an elevate consumption of the total health resources for the National Health System. This is a summary of an executive consensus document of ten scientific societies involved in the care of the renal patient, that actualizes the consensus document published in 2007. The central extended document can be consulted in the web page of each society. The aspects included in the document are: Concept, epidemiology and risk factors for CKD. Diagnostic criteria, evaluation and stages of CKD, albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate estimation. Progression factors for renal damage. Patient remission criteria. Follow-up and objectives of each speciality control. Nephrotoxicity prevention. Cardio-vascular damage detection. Diet, life-style and treatment attitudes: hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycemia, smoking, obesity, hyperuricemia, anemia, mineral and bone disorders. Multidisciplinary management for Primary Care, other specialities and Nephrology. Integrated management of CKD patient in haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplant patients. Management of the uremic patient in palliative care. We hope that this document may be of help for the multidisciplinary management of CKD patients by summarizing the most updated recommendations.

[Consensus document for the detection and management of chronic kidney disease]. / Documento de consenso para la detección y manejo de la enfermedad renal crónica.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important global health problem, involving to 10% of the Spanish population, promoting high morbidity and mortality for the patient and an elevate consumption of the total health resources for the National Health System. This is a summary of an executive consensus document of ten scientific societies involved in the care of the renal patient, that actualizes the consensus document published in 2007. The central extended document can be consulted in the web page of each society. The aspects included in the document are: Concept, epidemiology and risk factors for CKD. Diagnostic criteria, evaluation and stages of CKD, albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate estimation. Progression factors for renal damage. Patient remission criteria. Follow-up and objectives of each speciality control. Nephrotoxicity prevention. Cardio-vascular damage detection. Diet, life-style and treatment attitudes: hypertension, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycemia, smoking, obesity, hyperuricemia, anemia, mineral and bone disorders. Multidisciplinary management for Primary Care, other specialities and Nephrology. Integrated management of CKD patient in haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplant patients. Management of the uremic patient in palliative care. We hope that this document may be of help for the multidisciplinary management of CKD patients by summarizing the most updated recommendations.

Consensus document for the detection and management of chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem that, in its different stages, may affect up to 10% of the Spanish population and results in high morbidity and mortality, as well as high consumption of National Health System resources. Ten scientific societies involved in the management of kidney patients agreed to update the 2007 CKD consensus document. The current version is an abridged edition of the detailed general document, which can be consulted on the webpages of each signatory society. It includes the following aspects: CKD definition, epidemiology and risk factors and criteria on diagnosis, assessment and staging of CKD, albuminuria and glomerular filtration estimation. Progression factors and concept. Criteria for referral to Nephrology. Patient follow-up, attitudes and objectives by specialty. Prevention of nephrotoxicity. Detection of cardiovascular damage. Attitudes, lifestyle and treatment: management of high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, smoking, obesity, hyperuricaemia, anaemia and mineral and bone metabolism disorders. Coordinated follow-up by Primary Care – other specialties – Nephrology. Management of renal replacement therapy, haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and renal transplantation patients. Palliative treatment of terminal uraemia. We hope that this document will be very useful in the multidisciplinary management of CKD patients, in view of the updated recommendations.

[The condition of the cardiovascular prevention in Spain]. / El estado de la prevención cardiovascular en España.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In Spain, where cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, control of their risk factors is low. This study analyzes the implementation of cardiovascular risk (CVR) assessment in clinical practice and the existence of control objectives amongst quality care indicators and professional incentive systems. METHOD: Between 2010 and 2011, data from each autonomous community were collected, by means of a specific questionnaire concerning prevalence and control of major CVR factors, CVR assessment, and implementation of control objectives amongst quality care indicators and primary care incentive systems. RESULTS: Fifteen out of 17 autonomous communities filled in the questionnaire. CVR was calculated through SCORE in 9 autonomous communities, REGICOR in 3 and Framingham in 3, covering 3.4 to 77.6% of target population. The resulting control of the main CVR factors was low and variable: hypertension (22.7-61.3%), dyslipidemia (11-45.1%), diabetes (18.5-84%) and smoking (20-50.5%). Most autonomous communities did not consider CVR assessment and control amongst quality care indicators or incentive systems, highlighting the lack of initiatives on lifestyles. CONCLUSIONS: Variability exists in cardiovascular prevention policies among autonomous communities. It is necessary to implement a common agreed cardiovascular prevention guide, to encourage physicians to implement CVR in electronic clinical history, and to promote CVR assessment and control inclusion amongst quality care indicators and professional incentive systems, focusing on lifestyles management.

Implementation of Spanish adaptation of the European guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in primary care.

BACKGROUND: The successful implementation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines relies heavily on primary care physicians (PCPs) providing risk factor evaluation, intervention and patient education. The aim of this study was to ascertain the degree of awareness and implementation of the Spanish adaptation of the European guidelines on CVD prevention in clinical practice (CEIPC guidelines) among PCPs. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of PCPs was conducted in Spain between January and June 2011. A random sample of 1,390 PCPs was obtained and stratified by region. Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: More than half (58%) the physicians were aware of and knew the recommendations, and 62% of those claimed to use them in clinical practice, with general physicians (without any specialist accreditation) being less likely to so than family doctors. Most PCPs (60%) did not assess cardiovascular risk, with the limited time available in the surgery being cited as the greatest barrier by 81%. The main reason to be sceptical about recommendations, reported by 71% of physicians, was that there are too many guidelines. Almost half the doctors cited the lack of training and skills as the greatest barrier to the implementation of lifestyle and behavioural change recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Most PCPs were aware of the Spanish adaptation of the European guidelines on CVD prevention (CEIPC guidelines) and knew their content. However, only one third of PCPs used the guidelines in clinical practice and less than half CVD risk assessment tools.

A new palliative care consultation team at the oncology department of a university hospital: an assessment of initial efficiency and effectiveness.

PURPOSE: Palliative care consultation teams (PCCT) in acute hospitals have increased in number over recent years. To assess whether these teams are both efficient in their role within a palliative care centre and effective in the care that is provided for patients, we reviewed the initial activity of a new PCCT at the Oncology Department of Clínica Universidad de Navarra, a European Society for Medical Oncology-designated centre of integrated oncology and palliative care. METHODS: All patients evaluated by the PCCT over the first 3 years of its activity were included. Data about diagnosis, demographic characteristics, survival and initial symptom burden were evaluated using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS); whenever possible, a follow-up ESAS for inpatients was collected within 1 week from the electronic charts and analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The PCCT evaluated 611 cancer patients within the initial 3 years of the service commencing. On the first visit, 392 patients (64%) completed the ESAS evaluation. Of those that completed the ESAS, 43% were outpatients, 52% had gastrointestinal tumours, and 16% died within a month. The evaluated patients had an average of six uncontrolled symptoms (≥4/10). The most common moderate to severe symptoms were fatigue (80%), anorexia (67%) and depression (62%); 70% of patients presented with pain (14% with severe pain). Of the 225 inpatients evaluated, 110 (49%) completed the follow-up ESAS within 1 week. A statistically significant decrease was observed for pain, nausea, depression, anxiety and somnolence as well as in the number of uncontrolled symptoms and in the symptom distress score. The patient's perception of his/her general well-being was better as meassured with the specific question of ESAS. CONCLUSION: From the initial stages, the PCCT was both efficient in its role within the palliative care centre and effective in the care that was provided for patients. A significant number of patients were evaluated, many of them with severe symptoms and/or at the end of life. Inpatients receiving care from the PCCT experienced an improvement in symptom control within just a few days.

Interaction between beet vinasse and iron fertilisers in the prevention of iron deficiency in lupins.

BACKGROUND: Recycling of organic byproducts for use as soil amendments or fertilisers may enhance the productivity of soils. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of sugar beet vinasse to correct iron chlorosis in crops when applied in conjunction with Fe fertilisers such as vivianite and ferrous sulfate (FS). An experiment involving two factors (Fe source and dialysed sugar beet vinasse (DBV) rate) was performed using white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) and calcareous sand as growing medium. RESULTS: Although vivianite provided lower chlorophyll contents than Fe-chelate, dry matter production was not significantly different between the two Fe sources. Vivianite was more effective than FS in preventing iron chlorosis in white lupin, but not when DBV was applied. DBV significantly increased chlorophyll content in plants treated with FS after 3 weeks of growth. CONCLUSION: DBV increased the effect of FS in preventing iron deficiency chlorosis in white lupin. This was due, at least in part, to the inhibition of the precipitation of Fe oxides by organic compounds and to the increase in the content of Fe complexed by organic compounds in the growing medium, as revealed by sequential Fe fractionation.

[European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice. CEIPC 2008 Spanish Adaptation]. / Guía Europea de Prevención Cardiovascular en la Práctica Clínica. Adaptación española del CEIPC 2008.

The present CEIPC Spanish adaptation of the European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice 2008. This guide recommends the SCORE model for risk evaluation. The aim is to prevent premature mortality and morbidity due to CVD by means of dealing with its related risk factors in clinical practice. The guide focuses on primary prevention and emphasizes the role of the nurses and primary care doctors in promoting a healthy life style, based on increasing physical activity, changing dietary habits, and not smoking. The therapeutic goal is to achieve a Blood Pressure<140/90mmHg, but in patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or definite CVD, the objective is<130/80mmHg. Serum cholesterol should be<200mg/dl and cLDL<130mg/dl, although in patients with CVD or diabetes, the objective is<100mg/dl (80mg/dl if feasible in very high-risk patients). Patients with type 2 diabetes and those with metabolic syndrome must lose weight and increase their physical activity, and drugs must be administered whenever applicable, with the objective guided by body mass index and waist circumference. In diabetic type 2 patients, the objective is glycated haemoglobin<7%. Allowing people to know the guides and developing implementation programs, identifying barriers and seeking solutions for them, are priorities for the CEIPC in order to put the recommendations into practice.

What is the best term in Spanish to express the concept of cancer-related fatigue?

INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is one of the most frequent symptoms in patients with cancer. No adequate term in Spanish has been defined to describe the English concept of fatigue. AIM: To identify the most suitable Spanish words that define the concept of fatigue and to check psychometric characteristics. METHOD: Consensus with professional experts on Spanish words that best suit the English concept of fatigue. A prospective study on oncologic patients was also undertaken, which included an evaluation of the intensity of fatigue through visual numeric scales (VNS) where the words had been previously selected. The fatigue subscale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F) questionnaire was taken as a reference. RESULTS: The experts highlighted the words cansancio, agotamiento, and debilidad (tiredness, exhaustion, and weakness) as the terms that best defined the concept of fatigue. In the psychometric assessment study, 100 patients were included, of which 61 (61%) presented diagnostic values for cancer-related fatigue in the FACT-F fatigue subscale (score 34/52 or lower). The VNS for the chosen terms obtained a high correlation with the FACT-F fatigue subscale results: cansancio (tiredness) r = -0.71, agotamiento (exhaustion) r = -0.74, debilidad (weakness) r = -0.74, with no statistical differences between them. For the detection of fatigue by means of the VNS, tiredness (cutoff point > or =4/10) gave sensitivity (S) 0.90 and specificity (E) 0.72; exhaustion (cutoff point > or =3/10) S 0.95 and E 0.90 and weakness (cutoff point > or =4/10) S 0.92 and E 0.72. The ROC curve was 0.88 for tiredness, 0.94 for exhaustion, and 0.92 for weakness, with no significant difference between the areas mentioned. The terms cansancio, agotamiento, and debilidad (tiredness, exhaustion, and weakness) are suitable for defining the English concept of fatigue in Spanish, and should be the preferred option for inclusion in evaluation tools.

[Prognostic value of ECGs in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus without known cardiovascular disease]. / Valor pronóstico del electrocardiograma en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 sin enfermedad cardiovascular conocida.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The predictive value of ECG abnormalities in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) has not been fully studied. Our objective was to assess the prognostic value of ECG abnormalities in patients with DM2 but without known cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Overall, 412 patients with DM2 were identified at two primary care centers in the same city. Two hundred and twenty one patients younger 80 years without known cardiovascular disease were included in the study. An ECG was recorded at baseline and annually during follow-up. The ECGs were evaluated using a system based on the Minnesota code. The main study end-point during follow-up was the occurrence of a cardiovascular event, as defined in the Framingham study. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 5.9 years (1.1-8.5 years). At the beginning of the study, 24.9% of patients had ECG abnormalities; at the end, 44.3% had abnormalities. Cardiovascular events occurred in 65 patients (29.4%). The relative risk (RR) of a cardiovascular event in a patient with an ECG abnormality was 8.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.36-20.42). Only hypertension (RR = 2.29; 95% CI, 1.24-4.22) and age were significantly related to the occurrence of a cardiovascular event. Multiple regression analysis that included classical risk factors and ECG findings showed that an ECG abnormality was a significant independent predictor, with adjusted RR = 5.95 (95% CI, 2.29-15.47). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of an ECG abnormality can predict the occurrence of a future cardiovascular event in patients with DM2 more accurately than risk factors alone. This finding could be helpful in selecting subgroups of high-risk diabetic patients.

[Spanish adaptation of the European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention]. / Adaptación española de la guía europea de prevención cardiovascular.

We are pleased to present the European Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, translated and adapted by the Interdisciplinary Spanish Committee for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. This guide is focused on the prevention of cardiovascular disease as a whole, recommending the SCORE model for risk assessment and placing priority on the care of patients and high-risk individuals. The objective is to prevent premature death due to CVD by means of dealing with its related risk factors in clinical practice. Hence, a maintained professional intervention is required in order to obtain an increase of physical activity and of healthy diets in patients high-risk individuals, and smoking cessation in smokers. The decision to start blood pressure treatment will depend upon the BP values, cardiovascular risk and possible damage to target organs. The treatment goal is to achieve BP < 140/90 mmHg, but among patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, a past history of ictus, coronary heart disease or heart failure, lower levels must be pursued. Serum cholesterol must be below 200 mg/dl and LDL cholesterol below 130 mg/dl, although among patients with CVD or diabetes, levels respectively below 175 mg/dl and 100 mg/dl must be pursued. Advice of a professional dietitian is always required in order to keep blood sugar levels controlled. Proper insulin therapy is required in Type I diabetes. Patients with Type II diabetes and those with metabolic syndrome must lose weight and increase their physical activity.,dngus beiln aiministered wherever applicable. Lastly, an appendix is included providing diet recommendations adapted to our environment and criteria related to referral or seeing a specialist for hypertensive or dyslipemic patients.