Takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to electroconvulsive therapy in a young adult with Down syndrome regression disorder.

We report the case of an 18-year-old woman with Down syndrome (DS) who developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TSC) immediately after the administration of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment prescribed for Down syndrome regression disorder resistant to oral psychotropic drugs. TSC is a nonischemic cardiomyopathy related to psychological or physical stress, which has been described as a rare complication of ECT (Kinoshita et al., 2023, Journal of Electroconvulsive Therapy, 39, 185-192). The clinical description of the case is accompanied by a discussion of the peculiarities of the autonomic nervous system in DS.

Risk factors and incidence of peripheral venous catheters-related phlebitis between 2017 and 2021: A multicentre study (Flebitis Zero Project).

BACKGROUND: The peripheral venous catheter is one of the most frequently used devices in inpatient units worldwide. The risk of complications arising from use of peripheral venous catheters is low, but phlebitis frequently develops. METHODS: A multicentre, prospective cohort study was conducted in 65 Spanish hospitals on 10,247 inpatients who had had a total of 38,430 peripheral venous catheters inserted. Data were collected for 15 consecutive days in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Central tendency and dispersion were measured, cumulative incidence and incidence density were determined and odds ratios (OR) were also calculated using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The incidence density of phlebitis, during the period from 2017 to 2021, was 1.82 cases of phlebitis per 100 venous catheter-days. The difference between average cumulative incidence of phlebitis per year was statistically significant as determined by ANOVA test results (F = 10.51; df = 4; p < 0.000). Unequivocal risk factors for phlebitis were revealed to be hospitals with more than 500 beds (OR = 1.507; p < 0.001), patients suffering from neoplastic disease (OR = 1.234; p < 0.001) and the first 3-4 days after insertion (OR = 1.159; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A correct knowledge of insertion technique and venous catheter maintenance is likely to reduce the incidence of phlebitis and other complications, and hence continuing education of nurses is essential.

Assessment and Diagnosis of Down Syndrome Regression Disorder: International Expert Consensus.

Objective: To develop standardization for nomenclature, diagnostic work up and diagnostic criteria for cases of neurocognitive regression in Down syndrome. Background: There are no consensus criteria for the evaluation or diagnosis of neurocognitive regression in persons with Down syndrome. As such, previously published data on this condition is relegated to smaller case series with heterogenous data sets. Lack of standardized assessment tools has slowed research in this clinical area. Methods: The authors performed a two-round traditional Delphi method survey of an international group of clinicians with experience in treating Down syndrome to develop a standardized approach to clinical care and research in this area. Thirty-eight potential panelists who had either previously published on neurocognitive regression in Down syndrome or were involved in national or international working groups on this condition were invited to participate. In total, 27 panelists (71%) represented nine medical specialties and six different countries reached agreement on preliminary standards in this disease area. Moderators developed a proposed nomenclature, diagnostic work up and diagnostic criteria based on previously published reports of regression in persons with Down syndrome. Results: During the first round of survey, agreement on nomenclature for the condition was reached with 78% of panelists agreeing to use the term Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD). Agreement on diagnostic work up and diagnostic criteria was not reach on the first round due to low agreement amongst panelists with regards to the need for neurodiagnostic testing. Following incorporation of panelist feedback, diagnostic criteria were agreed upon (96% agreement on neuroimaging, 100% agreement on bloodwork, 88% agreement on lumbar puncture, 100% agreement on urine studies, and 96% agreement on "other" studies) as were diagnostic criteria (96% agreement). Conclusions: The authors present international consensus agreement on the nomenclature, diagnostic work up, and diagnostic criteria for DSRD, providing an initial practical framework that can advance both research and clinical practices for this condition.

Comparison of COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Pneumonia in Down Syndrome.

Whether the increased risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization and death observed in Down syndrome (DS) are disease specific or also occur in individuals with DS and non-COVID-19 pneumonias is unknown. This retrospective cohort study compared COVID-19 cases in persons with DS hospitalized in Spain reported to the Trisomy 21 Research Society COVID-19 survey (n = 86) with admissions for non-COVID-19 pneumonias from a retrospective clinical database of the Spanish Ministry of Health (n = 2832 patients). In-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher for COVID-19 patients (26.7% vs. 9.4%), especially among individuals over 40 and patients with obesity, dementia, and/or epilepsy. The mean length of stay of deceased patients with COVID-19 was significantly shorter than in those with non-COVID-19 pneumonias. The rate of admission to an ICU in patients with DS and COVID-19 (4.3%) was significantly lower than that reported for the general population with COVID-19. Our findings confirm that acute SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to higher mortality than non-COVID-19 pneumonias in individuals with DS, especially among adults over 40 and those with specific comorbidities. However, differences in access to respiratory support might also account for some of the heightened mortality of individuals with DS with COVID-19.

Medical vulnerability of individuals with Down syndrome to severe COVID-19-data from the Trisomy 21 Research Society and the UK ISARIC4C survey.

BACKGROUND: Health conditions, immune dysfunction, and premature aging associated with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome, DS) may impact the clinical course of COVID-19. METHODS: The T21RS COVID-19 Initiative launched an international survey for clinicians or caregivers on patients with COVID-19 and DS. Data collected between April and October 2020 (N=1046) were analysed and compared with the UK ISARIC4C survey of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with and without DS. FINDINGS: The mean age of COVID-19 patients with DS in the T21RS survey was 29 years (SD = 18). Similar to the general population, the most frequent signs and symptoms of COVID-19 were fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Joint/muscle pain and vomiting or nausea were less frequent (p < 0.01), whereas altered consciousness/confusion were more frequent (p < 0.01). Risk factors for hospitalization and mortality were similar to the general population with the addition of congenital heart defects as a risk factor for hospitalization. Mortality rates showed a rapid increase from age 40 and were higher in patients with DS (T21RS DS versus non-DS patients: risk ratio (RR) = 3.5 (95%-CI=2.6;4.4), ISARIC4C DS versus non-DS patients: RR = 2.9 (95%-CI=2.1;3.8)) even after adjusting for known risk factors for COVID-19 mortality. INTERPRETATION: Leading signs/symptoms of COVID-19 and risk factors for severe disease course are similar to the general population. However, individuals with DS present significantly higher rates of medical complications and mortality, especially from age 40. FUNDING: Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, DSMIG-USA, GiGi's Playhouse, Jerome Lejeune Foundation, LuMind IDSC Foundation, The Matthew Foundation, NDSS, National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices.

Insulin doses requirements in patients with type 1 diabetes using glargine U300 or degludec in routine clinical practice.

There are not many real-world studies evaluating daily insulin doses requirements (DIDR) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using second-generation basal insulin analogs, and such comparison is necessary. The aim of this study was to compare DIDR in individuals with T1D using glargine 300 UI/mL (IGlar-300) or degludec (IDeg) in real clinical practice. An observational, retrospective study was designed in 412 patients with T1D (males: 52%; median age 37.0±13.4 years, diabetes duration: 18.7±12.3 years) using IDeg and IGla-300 ≥6 months to compare DIDR between groups. Patients using IGla-300 (n=187) were more frequently males (59% vs 45.8%; p=0.004) and had lower glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (7.6±1.2 vs 8.1%±1.5%; p<0.001) than patients using IDeg (n=225). Total (0.77±0.36 unit/kg/day), basal (0.43±0.20 unit/kg/day) and prandial (0.33±0.23 unit/kg/day) DIDR were similar in IGla-300 and IDeg groups. Patients with HbA1c ≤7% (n=113) used significantly lower basal (p=0.045) and total (p=0.024) DIDR, but not prandial insulin (p=0.241), than patients with HbA1c between 7.1% and 8% and >8%. Patients using IGla-300 and IDeg used similar basal, prandial and total DIDR regardless of metabolic control subgroup. No difference in basal, prandial and total DIDR was observed between patients with T1D using IGla-300 or IDeg during at least 6 months in routine clinical practice.

Development and Internal Validation of a Predictive Model for Individual Cancer Risk Assessment for Thyroid Nodules.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop and validate a predictive model for the assessment of the individual risk of malignancy of thyroid nodules based on clinical, ultrasound, and analytic variables. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was carried out with 542 patients whose thyroid nodules were analyzed at our endocrinology department between 2013 and 2018 while undergoing treatment for thyroidectomy. Starting with a multivariate logistic regression analysis, which included clinical, analytic, and ultrasound variables, a predictive model for thyroid cancer (TC) risk was devised. This was then subjected to a cross-validation process, using resampling techniques. RESULTS: In the final model, the independent predictors of the risk of malignancy were: being male, age of the extremes, family history of TC, thyroid-stimulating hormone level >4.7 µU/L, presence of autoimmune thyroiditis, solid consistency, hypoechogenicity, irregular or microlobed borders, nodules that are taller than they are wide, microcalcifications, and suspicious adenopathy. With a cut-off point of 50% probability of thyroid cancer, the predictive model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.925 (95% confidence interval 0.898 to 0.952). Finally, using the 10-fold cross-validation method, the accuracy of the model was found to be 88.46%, with a kappa correlation coefficient of 0.62. CONCLUSION: A predictive model for the individual risk of malignancy of thyroid nodules was developed and validated using clinical, analytic, and ultrasound variables. An online calculator was developed from this model to be used by clinicians to improve decision-making in patients with thyroid nodules.

Cognitive Training Therapy Improves the Effect of Hypocaloric Treatment on Subjects with Overweight/Obesity: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

Obesity has been associated with impaired cognitive performance. This study aimed to determine whether improvements in cognitive function may contribute to higher weight loss in patients with obesity. In this randomised, 12-week trial, participants with overweight/obesity were randomised into a cognitive training intervention (Cognitive) group or a cognitive-behavioural (Control) group. In addition, both groups followed a hypocaloric dietary treatment. Cognitive functioning measurements and anthropometrical parameters were evaluated. All cognitive measures improved in the intervention group (p < 0.005 in all contrasts). In controls, significant improvements in attention, flexibility and task planning were also observed. Regarding anthropometrical parameters, the effect of the intervention in the cognitive group was higher for the total percentage of weight loss, body mass index (BMI), body fat and waist circumference. Biochemical parameters improved in both groups. Attending to our data, cognitive training was more effective that the hypocaloric intervention alone, partly related to an improvement in the working memory. Despite the shortage of training interventions for executive functions in the context of weight control, this type of combined intervention could establish the first steps towards a more appropriate intervention for patients with obesity.

Actitudes y percepción del profesorado de centros educativos públicos sobre la atención a alumnos con diabetes tipo 1 / Teachers' attitudes and perceptions about preparation of public schools to assist students with type 1 diabetes

Objetivo: Evaluar las actitudes y la percepción del profesorado sobre la preparación de los centros públicos de educación infantil, primaria y secundaria del área del Hospital Universitario Puerto Real para atender a alumnos con diabetes tipo 1 (DM1). Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo en el que se analizan las respuestas a un cuestionario de actitud y percepción sobre la preparación del centro educativo (17 preguntas) para la atención de los alumnos con DM1 de 765 profesores (edad media: 44,3±8,8 años; 61,7% mujeres) de 44 centros educativos públicos del área del Hospital Universitario Puerto Real (Cádiz, España) seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio. Resultados: El 43,2% había tenido o tiene actualmente alumnos con DM1 y solo el 0,8% reconoce haber recibido formación sobre diabetes. El 18,9% refería que alguno de sus alumnos con DM1 había experimentado al menos un episodio de hipoglucemia en el colegio (el 42,5% de los profesores que tienen o han tenido alumnos con DM1) y la mitad opinaba que su centro educativo no está capacitado para atender las urgencias diabéticas. El 6,4% refería que su centro dispone de glucagón en su equipo de primeros auxilios y el 46,9% estaría dispuesto a administrarlo personalmente. Las mujeres, los profesores de educación física y los directores mostraron una percepción más positiva del centro educativo con respecto a sus compañeros. Los profesores con percepción positiva de la preparación del centro y con actitud positiva para administrar glucagón eran significativamente más jóvenes que aquellos con percepción y actitud no positiva. Conclusiones: Los resultados del estudio orientan a que los profesores de los centros educativos públicos de nuestra área sanitaria no han sido formados específicamente en la atención a pacientes con DM1 y perciben que sus centros educativos no están capacitados para atender urgencias diabéticas (AU)

Objective: To assess teachers' attitudes and perceptions about preparation of public primary and secondary education schools in the Puerto Real University Hospital (Cádiz, Spain) area to care for students with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) Methods: A descriptive observational study where answers to an attitude and perception questionnaire on the preparation of schools to care for pupils with T1DM were analyzed. A total of 765 teachers (mean age, 44.3±8.8 years; 61.7% women) from 44 public schools in the area of the Puerto Real University Hospital were selected by random sampling. Results: Overall, 43.2% of teachers surveyed had or had previously had students with T1DM, but only 0.8% had received specific training on diabetes. 18.9% of teachers reported that one of their students with T1DM had experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia at school, and half of them felt that their school was not prepared to deal with diabetic emergencies. 6.4% stated that their school had glucagon in its first aid kit, and 46.9% would be willing to administer it personally. Women, physical education teachers, and headmasters had a more positive perception of the school than their colleagues. Teachers with a positive perception of school preparation and with a positive attitude to administer glucagon were significantly younger than those with no positive perception and attitude. Conclusions: The study results suggest that teachers of public schools in our health area have not been specifically trained in the care of patients with T1DM and perceive that their educational centers are not qualified to address diabetic emergencies (AU)

Teachers' attitudes and perceptions about preparation of public schools to assist students with type 1 diabetes. / Actitudes y percepción del profesorado de centros educativos públicos sobre la atención a alumnos con diabetes tipo 1.

OBJECTIVE: To assess teachers' attitudes and perceptions about preparation of public primary and secondary education schools in the Puerto Real University Hospital (Cádiz, Spain) area to care for students with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) METHODS: A descriptive observational study where answers to an attitude and perception questionnaire on the preparation of schools to care for pupils with T1DM were analyzed. A total of 765 teachers (mean age, 44.3±8.8 years; 61.7% women) from 44 public schools in the area of the Puerto Real University Hospital were selected by random sampling. RESULTS: Overall, 43.2% of teachers surveyed had or had previously had students with T1DM, but only 0.8% had received specific training on diabetes. 18.9% of teachers reported that one of their students with T1DM had experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia at school, and half of them felt that their school was not prepared to deal with diabetic emergencies. 6.4% stated that their school had glucagon in its first aid kit, and 46.9% would be willing to administer it personally. Women, physical education teachers, and headmasters had a more positive perception of the school than their colleagues. Teachers with a positive perception of school preparation and with a positive attitude to administer glucagon were significantly younger than those with no positive perception and attitude. CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that teachers of public schools in our health area have not been specifically trained in the care of patients with T1DM and perceive that their educational centers are not qualified to address diabetic emergencies.

Evaluation of a Psychological Intervention for Patients with Chronic Pain in Primary Care.

According to evidence from recent decades, multicomponent programs of psychological intervention in people with chronic pain have reached the highest levels of efficacy. However, there are still many questions left to answer since efficacy has mainly been shown among upper-middle class patients in English-speaking countries and in controlled studies, with expert professionals guiding the intervention and with a limited number of domains of painful experience evaluated. For this study, a program of multicomponent psychological intervention was implemented: (a) based on techniques with empirical evidence, but developed in Spain; (b) at a public primary care center; (c) among patients with limited financial resources and lower education; (d) by a novice psychologist; and (e) evaluating all domains of painful experience using the instruments recommended by the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT). The aim of this study was to evaluate this program. We selected a consecutive sample of 40 patients treated for chronic non-cancer pain at a primary care center in Utrera (Seville, Spain), adults who were not in any employment dispute, not suffering from psychopathology, and not receiving psychological treatment. The patients participated in 10 psychological intervention sessions, one per week, in groups of 13-14 people, which addressed psychoeducation for pain; breathing and relaxation; attention management; cognitive restructuring; problem-solving; emotional management; social skills; life values and goal setting; time organization and behavioral activation; physical exercise promotion; postural and sleep hygiene; and relapse prevention. In addition to the initial assessment, measures were taken after the intervention and at a 6-month follow-up. We assessed the program throughout the process: before, during and after the implementation. Results were analyzed statistically (significance and effect size) and from a clinical perspective (clinical significance according to IMMPACT standards). According to this analysis, the intervention was successful, although improvement tended to decline at follow-up, and the detailed design gave the program assessment a high degree of standardization and specification. Finally, suggestions for improvement are presented for upcoming applications of the program.

Incidencia y factores de riesgo de flebitis asociadas a catéteres venosos periféricos / Incidence and risk factors of phlebitis associated to peripheral intravenous catheters

OBJETIVO: Determinar la incidencia de flebitis y los factores de riesgo relacionados con el cuidado de los catéteres venosos periféricos (CVP). MÉTODO: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo en el Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. Se incluyeron 178CVP que fueron observados diariamente hasta su retirada. La ocurrencia de flebitis fue medida con la escala visual de flebitis por infusión, que permite distinguir entre gradoI (posible flebitis) y gradoII (flebitis). También se recogió el diagnóstico de flebitis que realizó de forma independiente el personal de enfermería de las unidades. Por último, se obtuvo información sobre la inserción y el cuidado del CVP. Se calculó la incidencia de flebitis y la validez de los diagnósticos realizados en la unidad y, mediante regresión logística, se identificaron los factores de riesgo de flebitis. RESULTADOS: El 5,6% de los CVP presentaron flebitis, el 21,3% posibles flebitis y el 11,2% flebitis según el criterio del personal enfermero. La sensibilidad de los profesionales para diagnosticar flebitis fue del 100%, la especificidad, del 94%, y el valor predictivo positivo, del 50%. Después de controlar los potenciales confusores, la utilización de alargadera como accesorio del CVP incrementó el riesgo de flebitis (odds ratio: 4,8; p = 0,04) e insertar un catéter de calibre 22/24 gauges lo disminuyó (odds ratio: 0,2; p = 0,02). CONCLUSIONES: La falta de consenso sobre el diagnóstico de la flebitis dificulta su valoración por parte de los profesionales. Para minimizar la incidencia de flebitis sería aconsejable elegir el calibre de CVP más pequeño posible y evitar el uso de alargaderas como accesorio

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and risk factors of phlebitis associated to the care of peripheral vascular catheters (PVC). Method: Prospective cohort study at the Central University Hospital of Asturias (Spain). A total of 178PVC were observed daily until their extraction. The incidence of phlebitis was measured using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis Scale, that distinguishes between gradeI (possible phlebitis) andII (phlebitis). The independent diagnoses of phlebitis made by staff nurses were also collected. Finally, data about the insertion and the care of the PVC was also obtained. The incidence of phlebitis and the validity of the diagnoses made by staff nurses were calculated and the risk factors of phlebitis were determined by means of logistic regression. RESULTS: 5.6% of the PVC presented phlebitis, 21.3% possible phlebitis and 11.2% had phlebitis according to nurses' criteria. The staff nurses had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 94% and a positive predictive value of 50% in the diagnosis of phlebitis. After adjusting for potential confounders, the use of an extension tube as an accessory of the PVC was an independent predictor of phlebitis (odds ratio: 4.8; P=.04), but a PVC size of 22/24 gauges was associated with lower phlebitis incidence (odds ratio: 0.2; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical phlebitis assessment is difficult because the agreement for phlebitis diagnosis is low. To minimize the incidence of phlebitis would be recommended to choose the smallest PVC size possible and to avoid using an extension tube as an accessory of the PVC

Incidence and risk factors of phlebitis associated to peripheral intravenous catheters. / Incidencia y factores de riesgo de flebitis asociadas a catéteres venosos periféricos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and risk factors of phlebitis associated to the care of peripheral vascular catheters (PVC). METHOD: Prospective cohort study at the Central University Hospital of Asturias (Spain). A total of 178PVC were observed daily until their extraction. The incidence of phlebitis was measured using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis Scale, that distinguishes between gradei (possible phlebitis) andii (phlebitis). The independent diagnoses of phlebitis made by staff nurses were also collected. Finally, data about the insertion and the care of the PVC was also obtained. The incidence of phlebitis and the validity of the diagnoses made by staff nurses were calculated and the risk factors of phlebitis were determined by means of logistic regression. RESULTS: 5.6% of the PVC presented phlebitis, 21.3% possible phlebitis and 11.2% had phlebitis according to nurses' criteria. The staff nurses had a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 94% and a positive predictive value of 50% in the diagnosis of phlebitis. After adjusting for potential confounders, the use of an extension tube as an accessory of the PVC was an independent predictor of phlebitis (odds ratio: 4.8; P=.04), but a PVC size of 22/24 gauges was associated with lower phlebitis incidence (odds ratio: 0.2; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical phlebitis assessment is difficult because the agreement for phlebitis diagnosis is low. To minimize the incidence of phlebitis would be recommended to choose the smallest PVC size possible and to avoid using an extension tube as an accessory of the PVC.

Comentarios sobre «Hipoglucemia desapercibida en personas con diabetes tipo 1» / Comments on «Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia in subjects with type 1 diabetes»

No disponible

[Not Available]. / Desarrollo y validación de una aplicación para smartphones para analizar variables subjetivas de apetito.

Introducción: actualmente el tratamiento dietético de la obesidad no suele ser efectivo en muchos casos, probablemente porque se diseña fundamentalmente teniendo en cuenta el gasto energético mientras que otros aspectos relevantes, como los ritmos de hambre/saciedad, apenas son considerados. Los nuevos dispositivos móviles (smartphones) podrían ayudar a este respecto. Objetivo: desarrollar una aplicación para smartphones con el fin de analizar variables subjetivas relacionadas con el apetito de forma precisa y fiable. Métodos: se analizaron las sensaciones subjetivas de apetito de 15 voluntarios sanos mediante dos métodos: papel-lápiz (P-P) y una nueva aplicación para smartphones. Las sensaciones de apetito se analizaron cada 30 minutos durante 4 horas en dos situaciones: desayuno alto en carbohidratos (HC) y alto en grasas (HF). Además, los sujetos completaron la aplicación cada 30 minutos en condiciones ambientales. Resultados: los datos derivados del ANOVA indican que no existieron diferencias respecto al método (P-P vs. aplicación) o comida (HC vs. HF) (p > 0.05) para las puntuaciones de hambre, deseo de comer y saciedad. Los coeficientes de regresión mostraron una elevada concordancia (R 2 : 0.94-0.98). El test de Bland-Altman también reveló una alta reciprocidad entre ambos métodos. Además, la aplicación fue capaz de medir las variaciones subjetivas de apetito en condiciones ambientales. Conclusión: la aplicación para smartphones fue capaz de determinar de forma fiable y precisa las variables subjetivas de apetito tanto en condiciones de laboratorio como ambientales, lo que confirma la idoneidad de esta aplicación para llevar a cabo futuros estudios en los que se evalúe la regulación del apetito en humanos.

Development and validation of a smartphone application to analyze subjective appetite variables / Desarrollo y validación de una aplicación para smartphones para analizar variables subjetivas de apetito

Introduction: Nowadays dietary treatment for obesity is not effective in most cases, probably because it is designed taking into account patient’s total energy expenditure while other important circumstances such as hunger/satiety daily rhythms are usually not considered. New electronic devices may help in this regard. Objective: The objective of the present work was to develop an accurate and reliable smartphone application to analyze subjective appetite variables. Methods: Subjective appetite sensations were evaluated in 15 healthy volunteers by two different methods: paper and pen (P-P) and a new Android and iOS application. Appetite scores were completed every 30 minutes for 4 hours in two conditions: high-carbohydrate (HC) or high-fat (HF) breakfast. Secondly, subjects completed the new application every 30 minutes in free-living conditions. Results: Our repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant differences regarding method (P-P or new application) or meal (HC or HF) (p > 0.05 in all cases) for hunger, desire to eat or fullness scores. Correlation coefficients showed a high agreement between both methods (R2 from 0.94-0.98). In addition, Bland-Altman test also revealed a high concordance between both methods. The application was also able to measure daily variation of subjective sensations under free-living conditions. Conclusion: The smartphone application was able to accurately determine subjective appetite scores in both laboratory and free-living conditions. The application was able to detect the effect of meal and recovery of appetite during two different conditions, following HC or HF breakfasts, which confirm the suitability of this application to future studies conducted to evaluate appetite regulation in humans (AU)

Introducción: actualmente el tratamiento dietético de la obesidad no suele ser efectivo en muchos casos, probablemente porque se diseña fundamentalmente teniendo en cuenta el gasto energético mientras que otros aspectos relevantes, como los ritmos de hambre/saciedad, apenas son considerados. Los nuevos dispositivos móviles (smartphones) podrían ayudar a este respecto. Objetivo: desarrollar una aplicación para smartphones con el fin de analizar variables subjetivas relacionadas con el apetito de forma precisa y fiable. Métodos: se analizaron las sensaciones subjetivas de apetito de 15 voluntarios sanos mediante dos métodos: papel-lápiz (P-P) y una nueva aplicación para smartphones. Las sensaciones de apetito se analizaron cada 30 minutos durante 4 horas en dos situaciones: desayuno alto en carbohidratos (HC) y alto en grasas (HF). Además, los sujetos completaron la aplicación cada 30 minutos en condiciones ambientales. Resultados: los datos derivados del ANOVA indican que no existieron diferencias respecto al método (P-P vs. aplicación) o comida (HC vs. HF) (p > 0.05) para las puntuaciones de hambre, deseo de comer y saciedad. Los coeficientes de regresión mostraron una elevada concordancia (R2 : 0.94-0.98). El test de Bland-Altman también reveló una alta reciprocidad entre ambos métodos. Además, la aplicación fue capaz de medir las variaciones subjetivas de apetito en condiciones ambientales. Conclusión: la aplicación para smartphones fue capaz de determinar de forma fiable y precisa las variables subjetivas de apetito tanto en condiciones de laboratorio como ambientales, lo que confirma la idoneidad de esta aplicación para llevar a cabo futuros estudios en los que se evalúe la regulación del apetito en humanos (AU)

Academic training of nursing professionals and its relevance to the workplace.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the training nursing professionals receive and its relevance to the workplace, as well as professional demand for continuous education. METHODOLOGY: this was a descriptive observational study using a questionnaire entitled "Training and Adaptation of the Nursing Professional to the Workplace" available at: http://enfermeriadocente.es for nursing professionals. RESULTS: 53.8% of nurses do not consider the training received to be relevant to the needs of the workplace and 94.2% reported that linking academic education to the workplace impacts on the quality of care provided. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing professionals think that continuous education needs to be adjusted to their jobs and careers. Education should be viewed as a continuum, which begins with training.

Academic training of nursing professionals and its relevance to the workplace / Formação acadêmica do profissional de enfermagem e sua adequação às atividades de trabalho / Formación académica del profesional de enfermería y su adecuación al puesto de trabajo

to identify the training nursing professionals receive and its relevance to the workplace, as well as professional demand for continuous education.

identificar a formação dos profissionais de enfermagem e sua adequação ao trabalho que realizam, assim como, a demanda de formação continuada.

identificar la formación de los profesionales en enfermería y su adecuación al puesto de trabajo que desempeñan, así como la demanda profesional de formación continuada.

Página web DiabeTIC: estudio piloto de la satisfacción e impacto sobre el control metabólico / DiabeTIC website: a pilot study of satisfaction and impact on metabolic control

OBJECTIVOS: Evaluar la satisfacción y el impacto sobre el control metabólico a corto plazo del seguimiento de la diabetes a través de la página web DiabeTIC. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo de intervención no controlado realizado en 32 pacientes de 29,7 ± 9,7 años de edad (65% mujeres) incorporados a la plataforma de telemedicina DiabeTIC entre marzo y septiembre de 2012. Todos los pacientes cumplimentaron en el primer mes un cuestionario de satisfacción, analizándose la evolución del control metabólico a los 3 y 6 meses de seguimiento. RESULTADOS: En la encuesta de satisfacción realizada en el primer mes de seguimiento se obtuvieron las siguientes puntuaciones medias (0 a 10): impresión general con la plataforma: 8,6 ± 1,8; facilidad de uso: 8,1 ± 1,5; navegación intuitiva: 6,7 ± 3,0; utilidad de las mediciones: 9,1 ± 1,1; importancia de la plataforma en el control de la diabetes: 9,5 ± 0,9; sensación de seguridad: 9,5 ± 0,8; utilidad de la biblioteca: 9,4 ± 1,1; utilidad de los mensajes: 9,1 ± 1,4, y recomendación de uso de la plataforma: 9,4 ± 0,9. Las concentraciones de hemoglobina glicosilada mejoraron significativamente a los 6 meses de seguimiento respecto al inicio del estudio (7,0 ± 0,8 versus 8,1 ± 1,9%; p = 0,007). Nueve pacientes fueron dados de baja de DiabeTIC antes de completar 6 meses de seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con diabetes seguidos a través de la página web DiabeTIC comunican un elevado grado de satisfacción, observándose a corto plazo una evolución favorable del control metabólico

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate satisfaction and short-term impact on metabolic control of diabetes monitoring through the DiabeTIC website. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, uncontrolled intervention study was conducted in 32 patients aged 29.7 ± 9.7 years (65% female) incorporated to the telemedicine platform DiabeTIC between March and September 2012. All patients completed a satisfaction questionnaire in the first month, and impact on metabolic control was evaluated at three and six months. RESULTS: In the satisfaction survey conducted in the first month of follow-up, the following mean scores (0-10) were obtained: overall impression with the platform: 8.6 ± 1.8; ease of use: 8.1 ± 1.5; intuitive navigation: 6.7 ± 3.0; value of measurements: 9.1 ± 1.1; importance of the platform in diabetes management: 9.5 ± 0.9; sense of security: 9.5 ± 0.8; value of the library: 9.4 ± 1.1; value of messages: 9.1 ± 1.4, and recommendation to use the platform: 9.4 ± 0.9. Glycosilated hemoglobin concentrations significantly improved at six months as compared to study start (7.0 ± 0.8 versus 8.1 ± 1.9; p = 0.007). Nine patients were discharged from DiabeTIC before completing six months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes monitored through the DiabeTIC website report a high degree of satisfaction, showing improved metabolic control at short-term follow-up