Feasibility of Using New Sustainable Mineral Additions for the Manufacture of Eco-Cements.

Due to a continuously developing population, our consumption of one of the most widely used building materials, concrete, has increased. The production of concrete involves the use of cement whose production is one of the main sources of CO2 emissions; therefore, a challenge for today's society is to move towards a circular economy and develop building materials with a reduced environmental footprint. This study evaluates the possibility of using new sustainable supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) from waste such as recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and mixed recycled aggregates (MRAs) from construction and demolition waste, as well as bottom ash from olive biomass (BBA-OL) and eucalyptus biomass ash (BBA-EU) derived from the production of electricity. A micronisation pre-treatment was carried out by mechanical methods to achieve a suitable fineness and increase the SCMs' specific surface area. Subsequently, an advanced characterisation of the new SCMs was carried out, and the acquired properties of the new cements manufactured with 25% cement substitution in the new SCMs were analysed in terms of pozzolanicity, mechanical behaviour, expansion and setting time tests. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of using these materials, which present a composition with potentially reactive hydraulic or pozzolanic elements, as well as the physical properties (fineness and grain size) that are ideal for SCMs. This implies the development of new eco-cements with suitable properties for possible use in the construction industry while reducing CO2 emissions and the industry's carbon footprint.

[Cost of medical care in severe hand trauma]. / Costo de la atención médica en el trauma severo de mano.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the direct and indirect costs in the High Specialty Medical Unit Hospital de Traumatology y Orthopedic "Lomas Verdes" of the pathology of complex hand trauma classified as occupational risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 complete clinical records with a diagnosis of complex hand trauma were analyzed from January 2019 to August 2020. The perspective of the study is to determine the costs of medical care for complex hand trauma in active workers. RESULTS: 50 clinical records of patients with clinical and radiological diagnosis of trauma severe de mano, insured workers with a work risk opinion, were reviewed. CONCLUSION: the presence of these injuries in the active age of our patients speaks to us of the great importance of timely and adequate care for severe hand trauma, which has a significant impact on the country's economy. Hence the great need to establish methods of prevention of such injuries in companies and the need to establish medical care protocols for these injuries and seek to reduce surgical procedures to resolve this pathology.

OBJETIVO: determinar los costos directos e indirectos en la Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Traumatología y Ortopedia "Lomas Verdes" de la patología del trauma complejo de mano calificado como riesgo de trabajo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se analizaron 50 expedientes clínicos completos con diagnóstico de trauma complejo de mano de Enero de 2019 a Agosto de 2020. La perspectiva del estudio es determinar los costos de la atención médica del trauma complejo de mano en trabajadores activos. RESULTADOS: se revisaron 50 expedientes clínicos de pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y radiológico de trauma severo de mano, trabajadores asegurados con dictamen de riesgo de trabajo. CONCLUSIÓN: la presencia de estas lesiones en la edad activa de nuestros pacientes nos habla de la gran importancia que conlleva una atención oportuna y adecuada del trauma severo de mano, que impacta de manera importante en la economía del país. De ahí de la gran necesidad de establecer métodos de prevención de dichas lesiones en las empresas y la necesidad de establecer protocolos de atención médica para estas lesiones y buscar disminuir los procedimientos quirúrgicos para resolver esta patología.

[Measurement of the pressure force and hand clamps in healthy patients]. / Medición de la fuerza de prensión y de las pinzas de la mano en pacientes sanos.

INTRODUCTION: The biomechanical characterization of grip involves the determination of the different kinematic and dynamic variables that affect its different phases: transport, grip formation and manipulation, as well as its relationship with the anthropometric characteristics of the subject and those of the object. The contact force in the fingers during the making of bidigital or multi-digital grips but involving only the use of distal phalanges (grip type clamp) and cylindrical power grip are among the most used for daily activities. Hand grip force measurement is an essential element for follow-up during growth, injury, rehabilitation and therapeutic trials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study with 61 patients without upper extremity pathology, 30 male, 31 female, with age range of 20 to 59 years, anthropometric measurements and Force test (kg/strength) were performed. The variables were statistically analyzed with Pearson's "r" and Mann-Whitney's U. RESULTS: The hand grip and clamp 1 Force of the dominant hand as non-dominant is correlated with weight, size, body fat percentage and wrist circumference, HGF and clamp 1 in both the dominant and non-dominant hand is higher in men than in women, with p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The average HGF of the dominant hand is higher than in the non-dominant for men and women. This is related to weight, size, body fat percentage and wrist circumference.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La caracterización biomecánica de agarre supone la determinación de las diferentes variables cinemáticas y dinámicas que afectan sus distintas fases: transporte, formación del agarre y manipulación; su relación con las características antropométricas del sujeto y las propias del objeto. La fuerza de contacto en los dedos durante la realización de agarres bidigitales o multidigitales pero que involucran únicamente uso de las falanges distales (agarre tipo pinza) y el agarre de potencia cilíndrico son de los más empleados para las actividades diarias. La medición de la fuerza de presión (FPM) es un elemento esencial para seguimiento durante el crecimiento, lesiones, rehabilitación y ensayos terapéuticos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, transversal con 61 pacientes sin patología de miembro torácico, 30 hombres y 31 mujeres, con rango de edad de 20 a 59 años, se realizaron mediciones antropométricas y prueba de fuerza (kg/fuerza). Se analizaron las variables estadísticamente con "r" de Pearson y U de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: La fuerza de prensión de la mano y la pinza 1 de la mano dominante como la no dominante está correlacionada con el peso, talla, porcentaje de grasa corporal y circunferencia de la muñeca, la FPM y la pinza 1 tanto en la mano dominante como en la no dominante es mayor en los hombres que en las mujeres, con p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONES: La FPM promedio de la mano dominante es mayor que en la no dominante para hombres y mujeres, relacionado con el peso, talla, porcentaje de grasa corporal y circunferencia de la muñeca.

[Proximal carpectomy versus four-cornered arthrodesis in patients with lesions SLAC and SNAC]. / Carpectomía de fila proximal versus artrodesis de cuatro esquinas en pacientes con lesiones de SLAC y SNAC.

Advanced scafosemilunar collapse (SLAC) and advanced scaphoid pseudoarthrosis (SNAC) collapse are the result of trauma causing scaphoid fracture and the consequent pseudoarthrosis resulting in abnormal kinematics of the wrist and a scapholunate ligament injury, respectively. Current surgical options for SLAC/SNAC treatment include partial arthrodesis, carpal proximal row resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, cross-cutting and descriptive study was carried out in the period from January 2010 to December 2015. 52 patients operated on with 4-cornered arthrodesis and 19 patients with carpectomy were studied. RESULTS: 71 patients, 62 male patients and 9 female patients were analysed. For the carpectomy procedure were 5 female patients, for patients with four-corner arthrodesis 48 male patient and 4 female patient were included. 48 patients with SNAC and 23 patients with SLAC were identified. 19 carpectomies and 52 arthrodesis of four corners of the total patients 65 of them were carried without any complications, 3 patients with delay of consolidation two with residual pain, and one with superficial infectious process. DISCUSSION: The four-corner arthrodesis technique involves longer surgery and costs in relation to carpectomy, however arthrodesis has a faster return to pain-improvement work with respect to carpectomy; the final decision will depend on the case, the patients activity.

Las lesiones por el colapso escafosemilunar avanzado y el colapso avanzado por seudoartrosis del escafoides son consecuencia de un traumatismo que origina la fractura de escafoides y la consecuente seudoartrosis, resultando en una cinemática anormal de la muñeca y en una lesión de ligamento escafosemilunar, respectivamente. Las opciones quirúrgicas actuales para el tratamiento incluyen artrodesis parcial y carpectomía de la línea proximal del carpo. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal y descriptivo en el período comprendido de Enero de 2010 a Diciembre de 2015. Se estudiaron 52 pacientes operados con artrodesis de cuatro esquinas y 19 pacientes manejados con carpectomía. Resultados: Del total de 71 pacientes, 62 fueron masculinos y nueve femeninos. Para el procedimiento de carpectomías, fueron 14 varones y cinco mujeres, para los pacientes con artrodesis de cuatro esquinas se incluyeron 48 masculinos y cuatro femeninos. Se identificaron 48 pacientes con colapso avanzado por seudoartrosis del escafoides y 23 pacientes con colapso escafosemilunar avanzado. Se realizaron 19 carpectomías y 52 artrodesis de cuatro esquinas del total de pacientes, 65 de ellos cursaron sin ninguna complicación, tres pacientes con retardo de la consolidación, dos con dolor residual, y uno con proceso infeccioso superficial. Discusión: La técnica de artrodesis de cuatro esquinas implica mayor tiempo de cirugía y de costos en relación con la carpectomía; sin embargo, la artrodesis tiene una reincorporación más rápida al trabajo con mejoría del dolor con respecto a la carpectomía; la decisión final en nuestra institución dependerá del caso y de la actividad del paciente.

[Proximal row carpectomy in patient with wrist osteoarthritis]. / Carpectomía proximal en paciente con artrosis de muñeca.

The arthrosis of the wrist is a degenerative, traumatic or idiopathic process, which cause problem for patient characterized by pain, loss of mobility, swelling and deformity of the affected wrist. A surgical alternative is proximal row carpectomy, which consists of resection of the lunate, scaphoid and triquetrum, forming a new joint between the radius and the distal row carpus. Material and methods: Observational, descriptive, case series. 15 patients were evaluated who underwent proximal row carpectomy during the period January 2007-August 2009, with clinical follow-up until august 2010 through mayo and DASH scores, measuring strength. Range of motion and pain. 80% of patients were between 35 and 64 years. The predominant sex was male in 67%. The result was satisfactory in 73%, according to the scale of Mayo. The DASH scale in the postoperative period also improves. Conclusions: The proximal carpectomy is a surgical alternative, it preserves some joint mobility, reduced pain and improved disability of the limb.

La artrosis de la muñeca es un proceso degenerativo, postraumático o idiopático que provoca al paciente dolor, pérdida de la movilidad, inflamación y deformidad. Las opciones quirúrgicas incluyen: artrodesis total de muñeca que produce una mejoría del dolor y disminución de la inflamación, otros tratamientos que permiten movilidad relativa son las artrodesis parciales. Otra solución quirúrgica es la carpectomía o la resección de la primera hilera del carpo, de tal manera que constituya una nueva articulación entre el radio y la segunda fila del carpo, obteniendo una congruencia articular adecuada. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, serie de casos. Se valoraron 15 pacientes con carpectomía proximal durante el período de Enero de 2007 a Agosto de 2009, a quienes se realizó medición de arcos de movilidad y fuerza mediante las escalas de Mayo-DASH. Resultados: En 80% de los pacientes entre 35 y 64 años se encontró predominio del sexo masculino en 67%. La mejoría del dolor fue evidente, pasando de una media 7.7 en el preoperatorio a 2.7 en el postoperatorio, 10% de los casos presentaron dolor residual. Conclusiones: La carpectomía proximal representa una alternativa terapéutica que permite conservar la movilidad con mejora del dolor en la artrosis de muñeca.

Association of matrix Gla protein gene functional polymorphisms with loss of bone mineral density and progression of aortic calcification.

UNLABELLED: Two matrix Gla protein (MGP) polymorphisms were associated with progression of aortic calcification and femoral neck bone loss in men. All these findings were also functionally corroborated in two vascular and bone in vitro systems indicating that MGP genetic variations can be partly responsible of higher risk of bone loss and vascular calcification. INTRODUCTION: MGP plays an important role in bone and vascular mineralization as confirmed by MGP-deficient murine model. We therefore aimed to find a genetic association among -138T>C, -7G>A, and Thr83Ala MGP single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), bone loss, and progression of aortic calcification in a randomly selected general population of 296 individuals who participated in the European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study. METHODS: To evaluate the rate of change in bone mineral density (BMD) and the progression of aortic calcification, dual X-ray absorptiometry and lateral spine X-rays were performed at baseline and after 4 years of follow-up. Genotyping for the three polymorphisms was carried out using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length analysis. In addition, functional studies of MGP-7G>A and Thr83Ala SNPs were performed on transiently transfected osteoblast-like UMR-106 and vascular smooth muscle A7r5 cells. RESULTS: The proportion of men who had lost BMD in the femoral neck was higher among homozygous -7AA and 83Ala-Ala (p = 0.039 and p = 0.009, respectively), and also featured a higher risk of progression of aortic calcifications (OR = 5.6, 95% CI = 1.2-27.8 and OR = 6.8, 95% CI = 1.4-32.3, respectively). No effect was observed in women. The MGP-7A allele produced a reduction in luciferase activity compared to MGP-7G: 47% less in vascular cells and 34% less in bone cells (p = 0.001 and 0.012, respectively). In vascular cells under calcifying conditions, the MGP 83Thr allele showed a slightly higher, although not significant, inhibition than the MGP 83 Ala allele in calcium content suggesting functional differences between both variants. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that MGP genetic variations could predict a higher risk of bone loss and progression of vascular calcification in men.

Low calcidiol levels and risk of progression of aortic calcification.

UNLABELLED: In this observational study, we found a positive relationship between low calcidiol levels and the risk of aortic calcification progression. A 10-ng/mL increase of calcidiol was associated with a decrease in the risk of progression by 44%. This figure was higher than that observed if we increased age by 10 years. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum calcidiol levels and the onset and progression of aortic calcifications in a community-based sample of ambulatory subjects. METHODS: Three hundred two men and women aged 50 and over underwent two lateral X-rays and were followed up for 4 years. Abdominal aortic calcifications were classified as absent, mild-moderate, and severe. The biochemical measurements of serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, total alkaline phosphatase, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, creatinine, calcidiol, calcitriol, and osteocalcin were determined. Subjects who had received anti-osteoporotic treatments were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Subjects with progression of aortic calcifications had significantly lower serum calcidiol levels than those without progression. In the multivariate analysis, using the agreed upon serum levels for calcidiol (>30 ng/mL) as the reference, those subjects with calcidiol levels between 10 and 20 ng/mL showed a higher risk of progression of aortic calcification (odds ratio (OR) = 3.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16 to 13.40). An even higher OR was observed in subjects with calcidiol values <10 ng/mL (OR = 4.10; 95% CI = 1.12 to 14.99). In addition, an increase by 1 ng/mL in osteocalcin levels was associated with a 17% reduction of the risk of aortic calcification progression. CONCLUSIONS: An increase by 10 ng/mL of calcidiol was associated with a decrease in the risk of aortic calcifications progression by 44%. This figure was even higher than that observed if we increased age by 10 years. Levels of calcidiol higher than 30 ng/mL seem to be desirable to reduce the progression of aortic calcification and to maintain bone turnover.

[Evaluation of the management of inhalers by the nursing personnel in a reference hospital]. / Valoración del manejo de los inhaladores por el personal de enfermería en un hospital de referencia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the knowledge and skills of nurses on the management of inhaled therapy in different hospitalization wards. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study, in which nurses were asked to perform a practical demonstration of the management of a pressurized canister with an inhalation chamber, without previous theoretical instruction about the technique. The inhalation technique was evaluated step by step following the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Pneumologists and Chest Surgeons (SEPAR). RESULTS: We could obtain the participation of 144 of the 177 nurses working in different wards (29 males, 115 females, mean age 42.5 + 7 years). Previous knowledge of the management of inhalers was declared by 85.4%. We found that 70.8% of the nurses did not correctly perform all the steps: 24.5% made only one mistake, while the rest had mistakes in two or more steps. The most common mistakes were: not to perform a slow and deep exhalation before using the inhaler (27.3%), not to hold the breath after the inhalation (24.4%), and not to wait 30 seconds between inhalation manoeuvres (21.5%). When evaluating different wards, we found that 44.4% of the nurses in the Short Stay Unit performed the technique correctly in contrast to 31.3% of the nurses in the Pneumology Ward. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of mistakes in the inhalation technique by the nursing personnel was high. The health personnel must have an adequate level of training in order to correctly instruct the patient, because the efficacy of inhaled treatment greatly depends on the adequacy of the technique.

Valoración del manejo de los inhaladores por el personal de enfermería en un hospital de referencia / Evaluation of the managemente of inhalers by the nursing personner in a reference hospital

Objetivo: valorar los conocimientos y adiestramiento del personal de enfermería con el paciente respiratorio en el manejo de la terapia inhalada en distintas salas de hospitalización.Material y métodos: se diseñó un estudio prospectivo con 144 enfermos/as mediante una encuesta individual en la que se solicitó a cada unode ellos una demostración práctica del manejo del cartucho presurizado con cámara inhalatoria, sin realizar una instrucción teórica previa sobrela técnica. Se revisó la técnica inhalatoria siguiendo los pasos establecidos en la normativa SEPAR.Resultados: participaron 144 de los 177 enfermeros/as (81,4%) que trabajan en las diferentes salas de hospitalización (29 varones, 115 mujeres,edad media 42,5 + 7 años). El 85,4% (123/144) reconocía tener conocimientos previos del manejo de los inhaladores. Tras la demostración práctica se comprobó que el 70,8% de los enfermeros realizaban incorrectamente algún paso de la maniobra inhalatoria; de ellos el 24,5% cometió un sólo error y el resto dos o más. Los errores más frecuentes fueron: no efectuar una espiración lenta y profunda antes de iniciar la inhalación (27,3%), no aguantar la respiración durante 10 segundos (24,4%), y no esperar 30 segundos antes de iniciar la siguiente inhalación (21,5%). Analizando estos resultados por salas de hospitalización, el 44,4% de la Unidad de Corta Estancia efectuaba correctamente la técnica frente al 31,3% en Neumología. Conclusiones: el porcentaje de errores en la técnica de inhalación es elevado por parte del personal de enfermería. Es importante que el personal sanitario posea un grado de conocimientos adecuado para poder instruir adecuadamente al paciente, ya que de ello depende en gran medida la eficacia del tratamiento

Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and skills of nurses on the management of inhaled therapy in different hospitalization wards. Material and methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study, in which nurses were asked to perform a practical demonstration of the management of a pressurized canister with an inhalation chamber, without previous theoretical instruction about the technique. The inhalation technique was evaluated step by step following the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Pneumologists and Chest Surgeons (SEPAR). Results: We could obtain the participation of 144 of the 177 nurses working in different wards (29 males, 115 females, mean age 42.5 + 7 years). Previous knowledge of the management of inhalers was declared by 85.4%. We found that 70.8% of the nurses did not correctly perform all the steps: 24.5% made only one mistake, while the rest had mistakes in two or more steps. The most common mistakes were: not to perform a slow and deep exhalation before using the inhaler (27.3%), not to hold the breath after the inhalation (24.4%), and not to wait 30 seconds between inhalation manoeuvres (21.5%). When evaluating different wards, we found that 44.4% of the nurses in the Short Stay Unit performed the technique correctly in contrast to 31.3% of the nurses in the Pneumology Ward. Conclusions: The percentage of mistakes in the inhalation technique by the nursing personnel was high. The health personnel must have an adequate level of training in order to correctly instruct the patient, because the efficacy of inhaled treatment greatly depends on the adequacy of the technique

Progression of vascular calcifications is associated with greater bone loss and increased bone fractures.

UNLABELLED: In this prospective study, we found a positive relationship between the prevalence of aortic calcifications and age. Aortic calcifications at baseline were positively associated with osteoporotic fractures. In addition, progression of aortic calcifications was also positively associated with the rate of decline in BMD at lumbar spine. INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the progression of abdominal aortic calcification and osteoporosis in a Spanish cohort of men and women older than 50. METHODS: Men and women (n=624) aged 50 and over underwent two lateral X-rays of thoracic and lumbar spine and a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) study at lumbar spine and hip, and were followed during 4 years. Abdominal aortic calcifications were classified as absent, mild-moderate and severe. RESULTS: There was a positive relationship between the prevalence of aortic calcifications and age. In both sexes, prevalent severe aortic calcifications were positively associated with prevalent osteoporotic fractures [odds ratio (OR)=1.93 (1.02-3.65)]. The association was stronger when only vertebral fracture was considered [OR=2.45 (1.23-4.87)]. In addition, progression of aortic calcifications showed a positive association with the rate of decline in bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic calcifications at baseline were positively associated with osteoporotic fractures. The progression of aortic calcifications was also positively associated with the rate of decline in BMD at lumbar spine.

Exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco en el medio laboral / No disponible

No disponible

Determinants of incidence of osteoporotic fractures in the female Spanish population older than 50.

It is well known that the adoption of preventive measures for osteoporosis may contribute to minimizing its impact as a result of bone fractures. However, there are well-recognized risk factors involved in the onset of osteoporosis that are not possible to modify. Better knowledge of these non-modifiable factors could aid prevention in subjects at high risk of fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the likely association between gynecological, reproductive and family history of hip fracture with the incidence of vertebral and nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures in women older than 50. We studied 255 women aged 50 and over, randomly selected from a Spanish population that had participated in a study of prevalence of vertebral fractures (EVOS study). This cohort was prospectively followed for 8 years by means of four postal questionnaires, in order to find out the incidence of nonvertebral fractures. Concerning the incidence of vertebral fractures, participants were invited to repeat the lumbar spine X-rays 4 years after the initial study. A total of 31 women had incident osteoporotic fractures. The analysis of gynecological variables showed that an increase in the age at menarche was a risk factor for all incident osteoporotic fractures [OR=1.57 (1.04-2.37)]. The presence of amenorrhea at any age during the fertile period was associated with higher incidence of all osteoporotic fractures [OR=6.30 (1.61-24.70)]. Among all the reproductive variables analyzed (pregnancy, number of live births and breast-feeding) only pregnancy was an important protective factor in preventing incident Colles fracture [OR=0.15 (0.03-0.62)]. A family history of hip fracture was associated with a higher incidence of all osteoporotic fractures [OR=3.59 (1.01-12.79)]. In summary, a late age at menarche, the presence of amenorrhea and having close relatives with hip fracture were all risk factors which, independently of bone mineral density (BMD) and age, were associated with higher incidence of all osteoporotic fractures. Pregnancy was an important protective factor for the incidence of Colles fractures.

Prevalence of osteoporosis in men and determinants of changes in bone mass in a non-selected Spanish population.

Osteoporotic studies conducted exclusively in men have been limited by the discrepancies in defining densitometric osteoporosis and, also, because osteoporosis has traditionally been associated only with women. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporotic fractures as well as the rate of bone loss. The analysis of some risk factors for accelerated bone loss was also evaluated. Men aged 50 years and over, randomly selected from the Oviedo municipal register (n = 308), completed a questionnaire regarding risk factors related to osteoporosis; they underwent two lateral radiographs of the dorsal and lumbar spine and a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) study at the lumbar spine and hip. In the 4th year of the follow-up period, participants were invited to undergo repeats of the same tests that had been carried out in the initial study. The prevalence of densitometric osteoporosis in men older than 50 years, standardized by age, was 8.1% with regard to at least one of the four studied bone areas, with a slight increase with age. The prevalence of osteoporotic fracture, standardized by age, was 24.4%, with a marked increase with age. Osteoporotic prevalent fracture was independently associated only with the rate of change in lumbar spine BMD. From all the osteoporotic risk factors analyzed, only low milk consumption and regular smoking were independently associated with loss of bone mass. In summary, prevalent osteoporotic fracture was independently associated with the rate of change in the lumbar spine BMD but not in the other segments studied. Avoiding smoking and ensuring an adequate milk intake might prevent the loss of bone mass in men.

¿Institucionalización o marginación?: análisis etnográfico de una residencia de Tercera Edad / Institucionalization or isolation?: etnographical analysis of an Elderly Residence

El presente trabajo muestra, mediante una actividad multidisciplinar entre enfermeros y antropólogos, cómo las Residencias de Tercera Edad, uno de los recursos actualmente imprescindibles dentro del sistema sociosanitario, pueden llegar a convertirse en un centro de marginación social para los ancianos allí ingresados. Igualmente, se plantean una serie de propuestas para evitar dicha marginación y contribuir tanto a la mejora de la salud de los ancianos residentes en dichos centros como para mantener su integración social (AU)

[Osteoporosis, estrogens, and bone metabolism. Implications for chronic renal insufficiency]. / Osteoporosis, estrógenos y metabolismo óseo. Implicaciones en la insuficiencia renal crónica.

The relationship between estrogens, bone metabolism and osteoporosis is well known. Chronic renal failure in women is associated with menstrual disorders, lower bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures. However, most studies on renal osteodystrophy have not taken into account the role of oestrogen deficiency, its interaction, and the possible benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in uremic women. According to these limitations and the actual evidence of benefits and risks of HRT, we conclude that: a) Osteoporosis must be evaluated as a part of renal osteodystrophy; b) HRT would be considered in women with climateric symptoms and osteoporosis, and should not be used for prevention of cardiovascular disease, and c) Clearly we need to do more studies related to osteoporosis and estrogens in CRF, but right now we have to try to optimize bone turnover in our uremic patients.

[Prevalence of vertebral fractures and aortic calcifications in hemodialysis patients: comparison with a population of the same age and sex]. / Prevalencia de fracturas vertebrales y calcificaciones aórticas en pacientes en hemodiálisis: comparación con una población de la misma edad y sexo.

Dialysis patients have bone metabolic disorders and a higher prevalence of fractures, principally peripheral fractures. However, there are few studies focusing on the prevalence of vertebral fractures. Moreover, aortic calcifications are very common and are an independent predictive factor of vascular morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of vertebral fractures and vascular calcifications in haemodialysis (HD) patients (n = 99), in comparison with a random sample of general population of similar age and from the same geographical area (n = 624) and study their relationship with clinical, biochemical and therapeutical data. The prevalence of vertebral fractures in HD patients and general population was 19.1% and 24.1% respectively (non-significant statistical differences). In both, sexes, the presence of vertebral fractures was positively associated with age, mean maximum Ca, mean maximum CaxP. In women, time in HD was positively associated as well. On the other hand, the prevalence of aortic calcifications was much higher in HD patients (77.9% vs 37.5%, p < 0.001). HD was a risk factor for aortic calcification in women [OR = 7.7 (IC 95% = 2.6-22.9)] as in men [OR = 5 (IC 95% = 1.9-12.9)]. Severe vascular calcifications were more frequent in HD patients, it reached 57.4% compared with 17% of general population (p < 0.001). Both, in women (64.5% vs 13.3% p < 0.001) and in men (51.4% vs 20.9%), respectively (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the prevalence of vertebral fractures was similar in HD patients and in general population. Nevertheless, frequency and severity of aortic calcifications was higher in HD patients.

The effect of vertebral fracture as a risk factor for osteoporotic fracture and mortality in a Spanish population.

There is little data concerning the morbidity, mortality, and epidemiology of vertebral fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of prevalent and incident vertebral fractures as risk factors for further osteoporotic fractures and mortality. The study was performed on a cohort of 316 women and 308 men older than 50 belonging to the EVOS study, randomly selected from our city register. At the beginning of the study and 4 years later, lateral dorsal and lumbar X-rays were performed. In addition, evaluation of the incidence of osteoporotic nonvertebral fractures was performed throughout 8 years. The incidence of all osteoporotic fractures was higher in women than in men (two-fold increase in vertebral fracture incidence and five-fold increase in Colles' and femur incidence). Vertebral fracture was a strong risk factor for a new vertebral fracture [RR=4.7 (1.8-11.9)], hip fracture [RR=6.7 (2.0-22.7)] and Colles' fracture [RR=3.0 (1.1-7.8)]. Prevalent and incident vertebral fractures were associated with a higher risk of having a hip fracture [RR=10.0 (2.0-50.2)] and Colles' fracture [RR=5.5 (1.3-23.4)]. In addition, in women, the vertebral fracture was associated with a higher mortality. By contrast, no association was found in men. These results demonstrate the association between a previous vertebral fracture with increments in the incidence of osteoporotic fractures of any type. In addition, we found a significantly higher mortality rate in women having vertebral fractures. These findings support the necessity of preventing the occurrence of vertebral fractures to limit their strong negative impact on mortality.

Influence of polymorphisms in VDR and COLIA1 genes on the risk of osteoporotic fractures in aged men.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis in chronic renal failure is a common finding caused by several factors, including age. In the last decade, the likely effect of genetic markers related with the appearance and evolution of osteoporosis has been mainly studied in women, with no categorical results. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and COLIA1 genes on the risk of osteoporotic fractures in men older than 50 years. METHODS: The study population comprised 156 men, aged 64 +/- 9 (50-86), randomly selected from the population list of Oviedo, Spain. Prevalent vertebral fractures and incident non-vertebral fractures were identified, as well as several genetic polymorphisms. Prevalent vertebral fractures were considered according to the Genant grade 2 classifications. The analyzed genetic polymorphisms were located on restriction sites BsmI (B,b), ApaI (A,a), and TaqI (T,t) in the VDR and on Sp1 (S,s) in COLIA1. RESULTS: Although none of the VDR gene polymorphisms separately analyzed showed any differences between fractured and non-fractured men, the utilization of haplotypes could be employed in order to find osteoporotic fractures in men. By contrast, the COLIA1 polymorphism was associated with osteoporotic fractures. The percentage of prevalent vertebral fractures was significantly higher in the "ss" genotype with respect to the other genotypes. These results show that in men, the "ss" genotype of COLIA1 polymorphism could be the best osteoporotic fracture risk genetic predictor, independent of bone mass values.

[Influence of computed tomography of the abdomen for staging lung cancer]. / Influencia de la tomografía computarizada abdominal en la estadificación del cáncer de pulmón.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the influence of routine imaging of the upper abdomen by conventional computed tomography (CT) to stage bronchopulmonary carcinoma and to detect liver or adrenal metastasis. A second objective was to describe the characteristics of a large group of patients in our practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 387 patients (367 men and 20 women; mean age [+/-SD] 62.3 +/- 10.4 years, range 34-90 years) who had received a diagnosis of lung cancer (203 epidermoid carcinoma, 75 adenocarcinoma, 15 non-small cell carcinoma, 68 small cell carcinoma and 25 mixed tumors). CT images were obtained of the chest and upper abdomen with intravenous contrast except in patients with a history of allergy or renal insufficiency. The characteristics associated with abdominal CT images aiding or confusing diagnosis were analyzed by Spearman coefficient. Differences related to sex or histology were studied using a Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The upper abdominal CT changed the staging of 27 patients (7%): non-small cell carcinoma 5% (16/319) and small-cell carcinoma 16.2% (11/68). Twelve patients (3.1%) showed evidence of unconfirmed adrenal or hepatic metastasis. Change of staging after CT was associated with a high creatinine concentration in blood (p = 0.032), whereas confusion of diagnosis after CT was more common for women (p = 0.002) and patients for whom the diagnosis was established by cytology of sputum or bronchial aspirate (p = 0.019). Differences between men and women were found for from pathology (p = 0.027), confusion after CT (p = 0.002), hemoglobin (p = 0.011), hematocrit (p = 0.019) and smoking (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Given the considerable limitations of CT imaging of the upper abdomen, new technologies should be developed to facilitate a more rational approach to the problem.