Different Regions Of Spain Research Articles

Haplotypes of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ identified in Umbeliferous crops in Spain

‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ is a phloem-limited Gram-negative bacterium that causes serious damage to different crops of the botanical families Solanaceae and Apiaceae. Five haplotypes have been described: LsoA and LsoB are present in solanaceous crops in America and vectored by the tomato/potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli; LsoC affects carrots from Northern and Central Europe, and is transmitted by the carrot psyllid Trioza apicalis; haplotypes LsoD and LsoE are present in Southern Europe and Morocco in carrot and celery, and are associated with the psyllid Bactericera trigonica. Thirty-four ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ isolates were collected in six different regions of Spain from distinct Apiaceae hosts (carrot, celery, parsley and parsnip) in eight consecutive years and were analysed. Their haplotypes were determined by a sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA, the 16S–26S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer, and the 23S ribosomal RNA and rplJ and rplL genes. Both haplotypes LsoD and LsoE were found across Spain, and no host specificity appeared between these two haplotypes. This is the first report of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ associated with parsley and parsnip.

The phenomenon of circulation of itinerant actors: the case of Calderon’s productions

El objetivo de este artículo es estudiar el alcance transnacional generado en México por las producciones cinematográficas de los hermanos José Luis, Pedro y Guillermo Calderón, quienes en las décadas del cuarenta y cincuenta recurrieron con frecuencia al intercambio de artistas extranjeros para las películas que financiaban. Para tal fin, se problematiza la noción de transnacionalidad en el cine, con foco en las experiencias de migración que llevaron a dichos artistas extranjeros a participar en el cine mexicano. En particular, se estudian los casos de la cubana Ninón Sevilla y los españoles Emilia Guiú y Jorge Mistral. Asimismo, se aborda el fenómeno de la migración desde su inclusión en la trama narrativa, por medio del análisis del sistema de personajes y sus traslados espaciales en películas como Los amores de un torero (José Díaz Morales, 1945) y Aventura en Río (Alberto Gout, 1953). El análisis considera cuestiones vinculadas a la producción de los filmes y la problemática de la distinción entre lo nacional y lo transnacional.

Frequency of different electrocardiographic abnormalities in a large cohort of Spanish workers.

Our aim was to describe the electrocardiographic findings of a large sample of Spanish workers from several different employment sectors. Between May 2008 and November 2010, 13 495 consecutive 12-lead resting electrocardiograms (ECGs) were obtained during health examinations of working adults aged 16-74 years in 5 cities in different regions of Spain. Of those, 13 179 ECGs suitable for interpretation were included in this study. All tracings were classified by the same cardiologist, according to the Minnesota Code criteria. The mean age of the sample was 40 years, and 73.4% were male. Frequencies of complete right bundle branch block, complete left bundle branch block, and left ventricular hypertrophy were 1.1, 0.2, and 3.6%, respectively. Major Q wave abnormalities were observed in 1.7% of the subjects, T wave abnormalities in 0.7%, early repolarization in 2.4%, and other ST segment abnormalities in 0.2%. Atrial fibrillation was present in 0.08% of the workers and atrial flutter in 0.02%. Frequencies of the Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern, Brugada pattern, long QT pattern, and short QT pattern were 0.2, 0.068, 0.038, and 0.015%, respectively. This study shows the electrocardiographic findings of a large sample of Spanish workers from several different employment sectors. The frequencies of many ECG patterns related to an adverse prognosis (left ventricular hypertrophy, complete left bundle branch block, T wave abnormalities, ST segment abnormalities, and atrial fibrillation) were low.

Nivel formativo sobre trastornos del espectro autista (TEA) entre los pediatras de atención hospitalaria

BackgroundTraining in autistic spectrum disorders is crucial in order to achieve an early diagnosis. However, the number of papers describing this training is limited. This study describes this level of knowledge among paediatricians from tertiary care hospitals in different regions of Spain and detects areas that need improvement. Material and methodA total of one hundred and fifty-seven (157) paediatricians working in tertiary healthcare hospitals located in three different regions in Spain consented to complete an online questionnaire divided in three sections (socio-demographic, knowledge about childhood autism, and opinion). Data were analysed using SPSS version 15. ResultsThe total mean score of participating paediatricians in the questionnaire was 20.34 (± 2.43 SD) out of a total possible score of 23. Approximately two-thirds (65%) of paediatricians scored more or equal to the mean score. The knowledge gap was found to be higher with symptoms of repetitive behaviour patterns, concept of autism, and comorbidity, with no statistical significance. There were no differences in paediatrician scores within different socio-demographic groups. Just under two-thirds (64%) of paediatricians subscribed to the opinion that their own knowledge about autism is limited, and there is a significant lack of knowledge about facilities in every region. ConclusionsThere is a sufficient level of knowledge about autism among paediatricians in tertiary healthcare, although a lack of awareness about the management of these patients, with poor coordination between the different specialists that are involved in their treatment. Efforts should focus on achieving a better coordination between these specialists, and update the knowledge gaps identified.

Skills and professional practices for the consolidation of the support group model to foster families

ABSTRACTThe research presented here is justified by the lack of tradition in Spain with regards to socio-educational intervention programmes based on training and group support, as well as the proven benefits of these methods in foster care. It addresses the need to go deeper into the acquisition and consolidation of the core professional competences for running socio-educational groups with foster families. After a process of participatory action-research with 39 professionals from the Child Protection System from different regions of Spain, we see an improvement in the development of the competences necessary to establish a supportive relationship with families, management and group dynamics, as well as the crystallization of attitudinal changes in professional practices. Data have been collected on the basis of methodological complementarity and a pre-test–post-test design that has identified and explained the changes in the evolution of competences and professional practices.

Consejo y prevención a pacientes mayores en hospitales y residencias geriátricas en España

ObjectiveTo establish the profile of elderly patients, and to assess current preventive actions in hospitals, geriatric residences, and different health-care centres in Spain. DesignCross-sectional descriptive study, based on a questionnaire to be answered by doctors who treat the elderly population in Spain (2013). SettingHealth-care centres from different regions of Spain. ParticipantsA total of 420 practitioners from hospitals, residences and other community centres, with data from 840 geriatric clinics. Main measurementsMain outcome variables are: dependence, reason for assistance, comorbidity, professional consultation, and life style recommendations. Association factor, type of institution where patients have been attended. Analysis of prevalence and association using Chi-squared test. OutcomesTwo-thirds (66.7%) of the study population were shown to be dependent, with a higher percentage among women than men: 68.9% vs. 62.4% (P=.055). It was also found that among the population aged 85 or more, 88.6% of the women and 85.2% of the men suffered comorbidity. In spite of these results, only 6.6% of the patients suffering comorbidity received additional advice concerning healthy-lifestyle. A large majority (79.6%) of the patients treated in hospitals received advice concerning healthy lifestyle, while 59.62% of those treated in nursing homes received it (P<.001). ConclusionsIt was observed that there is a lack of preventive action related to health promotion among the elderly, with differences between hospitals and geriatric residences. This suggests that it is time to put forward new specialised programs addressed to health professionals, in order to reinforce health promotion attitudes and preventive interventions in gerontology clinical practice.

Characterisation of exposure to non-ionising electromagnetic fields in the Spanish INMA birth cohort: study protocol.

BackgroundAnalysis of the association between exposure to electromagnetic fields of non-ionising radiation (EMF-NIR) and health in children and adolescents is hindered by the limited availability of data, mainly due to the difficulties on the exposure assessment. This study protocol describes the methodologies used for characterising exposure of children to EMF-NIR in the INMA (INfancia y Medio Ambiente- Environment and Childhood) Project, a prospective cohort study.Methods/DesignIndirect (proximity to emission sources, questionnaires on sources use and geospatial propagation models) and direct methods (spot and fixed longer-term measurements and personal measurements) were conducted in order to assess exposure levels of study participants aged between 7 and 18 years old. The methodology used varies depending on the frequency of the EMF-NIR and the environment (homes, schools and parks). Questionnaires assessed the use of sources contributing both to Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) and Radiofrequency (RF) exposure levels. Geospatial propagation models (NISMap) are implemented and validated for environmental outdoor sources of RFs using spot measurements. Spot and fixed longer-term ELF and RF measurements were done in the environments where children spend most of the time. Moreover, personal measurements were taken in order to assess individual exposure to RF. The exposure data are used to explore their relationships with proximity and/or use of EMF-NIR sources.DiscussionCharacterisation of the EMF-NIR exposure by this combination of methods is intended to overcome problems encountered in other research. The assessment of exposure of INMA cohort children and adolescents living in different regions of Spain to the full frequency range of EMF-NIR extends the characterisation of environmental exposures in this cohort. Together with other data obtained in the project, on socioeconomic and family characteristics and development of the children and adolescents, this will enable to evaluate the complex interaction between health outcomes in children and adolescents and the various environmental factors that surround them.

The Influence of Nitrogen Dioxide on Arrhythmias in Spain and Its Relationship with Atmospheric Circulation

Epidemiological studies suggest that increased ambient NO2 concentrations are associated with cardiovascular disease. However, none of them have examined the association between ambient air pollution and cardiac arrhythmias in the general population in Spain. This paper assesses the short-term association between the aforementioned air pollutant and hospital admissions for arrhythmia in nine different regions of Spain during a 6-year period (2005-2010), and the possible season-specific effects of the compound on this pathology, by performing a time-series analysis based on Poisson regression models. The results show statistically significant positive relationship increases between arrhythmia admissions and increments in NO2 concentration during the whole year, most notably in wintertime. Moreover, while trying to establish a threshold for NO2 concentration above which the incidence of arrhythmia episodes increases significantly, this study reveals that hospital admissions increased linearly in response to an increase in as we move to higher NO2 concentration levels. Finally, an analysis of NO2 concentrations and their relationship with atmospheric circulation is performed, showing higher values of NO2 under anticyclonic conditions during winter that could be used for implementing pollution level alert protocols depending on forecast circulation patterns.

Should ecomorphs be conserved? The case of Nostoc flagelliforme, an endangered extremophile cyanobacteria

Nostoc flagelliforme has been reported from deserts of all continents and more recently from semiarid environments in south-east Spain and Australia. Its cylindrical thalli are very conspicuous on soils after rains and can be easily differentiated from other taxa and it is considered endangered in some countries, e. g. China. It was firstly described as variety flagelliforme of Nostoc commune but later was considered a separate species. The morphology, fine structure and ecology of populations of both taxa from Australia and different regions of Spain were studied and 16S rRNA and trnLLeu (UAA) genes were sequenced to identify their intraspecific genetic variation. The morphological study revealed the presence of several intermediate morphs, from spheres and sheets to ribbons followed by the cylindrical thalli and the overlapping of cell dimensions, permitting the differentiation of cylindrical morphs from the others. The molecular data did not allow for a distinction between N. commune and N. flagelliforme which is clearly polyphyletic and both show a high genetic diversity. The presence of cylindrical thalli seems to be related to extreme conditions of aridity, usually on soils but occasionally on rock walls. The ecotype that N. flagelliforme represents deserves to be protected for itself and for the evolutionary process it represents opening up the possibility of implementation of recovery measures and even opportunities to explore its biotechnological production from a different point of view.

THE BIRTH OF NURSING AT THE INCEPTION OF THE FRANCOISM IN SPAIN (1939-1942)

ABSTRACT This study is aimed at analyzing the creation of the Nursing science in the early days of the Franco regime in Spain (1939-1942). This was a qualitative and historical study, that used as documentary sources, printed newspapers in different regions of Spain. Results. The importance of the work of nursing during the state of need, hunger, misery, for the post-war Spanish population was identified. Nurses with this attitude and commitment to one another, facilitated the administration of food for the needy, stocked up on clothes for those who were suffering from cold, and taught hygiene principles to mothers in order to reduce the high mortality rate of children and youth who was suffering due to the performance of social assistance. Therefore, in the face of adversity, nurses attended and cared for the children, sick, elderly and the poor. It is concluded that the humanitarian work of nurses became an element of repression, distributing benefits in exchange for an ideological model

Morphological, physiological and molecular characterization of Phytophthora alni isolates from Western Spain

During extensive surveys for Phytophthora associated with alder mortality in western Spain, isolates were consistently recovered from necrotic bark of the collar and lower stem of Alnus glutinosa. Morphological and molecular characteristics of the selected isolates together with their physiology were examined. Morphologically, the isolates were homothallic and characterized by abundant production of terminal oogonia predominantly with two-celled amphigynous antheridia exhibiting ornamentation. Simple sporangiophores were observed bearing terminal, non-papillate, ellipsoid to ovoid sporangia. Colony growth patterns developed on V8 juice agar (V8A), carrot agar (CA), corn-meal agar (CMA) and potato-dextrose agar (PDA) showed uniform, radial or irregular growth patterns with appressed and/or woolly morphology. Temperature (2 °C, 5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, 27 °C, 30 °C and 32 °C), pH (5, 7, 9 and 11) and osmotic potential (−0.6, −1.2, −1.8 and −2.4 MPa) significantly influenced radial mycelial growth of the isolates under laboratory conditions. Molecular analyses including ITS DNA region sequencing and subspecies specific primers amplification confirmed identification of the isolates as Phytophthora alni ssp. alni. Further research is under way to carry out more surveys in order to determine the extent of damage and severity of the disease in different regions of Spain.

Compliance of nutritional recommendations of Spanish pregnant women according to sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics: a cohort study.

To assess nutrient intakes and compliance with nutritional recommendations in pregnant women according to selected sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyles. Cross-sectional study based on data from Spanish INMA cohort which recruited 2,585 pregnant women between 2003 and 2008 from four different regions of Spain. Sociodemographic information and anthropometry was collected and dietary intake was assessed through Food Frequency Questionnaires. The adequacy of food group intake was assessed considering current recommendations and from the Spanish Society of Nutrition. Moreover, intake of vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, were compared with the Dietary Reference Intakes of the US Institute of Medicine. Percentage of women that did not fulfil the recommendations for cereals and legumes (3-4 servings/day) was 70.0%, for fruit intake (2-3 servings/day) it was 39.2%, for vegetables (2-4 servings/day) 47.3% and for dairy (3-4 servings/day) it was 51.6%. Intake of fruit and vegetables increased with age, educational degree and with physical activity (p<0.05). Also non-Spanish achieved better the recommendations. Percentage of pregnant women that did not fulfil the requirements (DRI) of vitamins A and C was 13.2 % and 16.2 respectively. More than 65% of the women did not met the recommended diary intake of vitamin E of 19 mg/day during the lactation period. Maternal age, education, having healthy habits, as well as country of origin are factors strongly associated with the composition of the diet. Sedentary women and those with a low education are at risk for low vitamin and antioxidant intake and non-optimal food choices during pregnancy.

Polymorphisms in endothelin system genes, arsenic levels and obesity risk.

Background/ObjectivesObesity has been linked to morbidity and mortality through increased risk for many chronic diseases. Endothelin (EDN) system has been related to endothelial function but it can be involved in lipid metabolism regulation: Receptor type A (EDNRA) activates lipolysis in adipocytes, the two endothelin receptors mediate arsenic-stimulated adipocyte dysfunction, and endothelin system can regulate adiposity by modulating adiponectin activity in different situations and, therefore, influence obesity development. The aim of the present study was to analyze if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the EDN system could be associated with human obesity.Subjects/MethodsWe analyzed two samples of general-population-based studies from two different regions of Spain: the VALCAR Study, 468 subjects from the area of Valencia, and the Hortega Study, 1502 subjects from the area of Valladolid. Eighteen SNPs throughout five genes were analyzed using SNPlex.ResultsWe found associations for two polymorphisms of the EDNRB gene which codifies for EDN receptor type B. Genotypes AG and AA of the rs5351 were associated with a lower risk for obesity in the VALCAR sample (p=0.048, OR=0.63) and in the Hortega sample (p=0.001, OR=0.62). Moreover, in the rs3759475 polymorphism, genotypes CT and TT were also associated with lower risk for obesity in the Hortega sample (p=0.0037, OR=0.66) and in the VALCAR sample we found the same tendency (p=0.12, OR=0.70). Furthermore, upon studying the pooled population, we found a stronger association with obesity (p=0.0001, OR=0.61 and p=0.0008, OR=0.66 for rs5351 and rs3759475, respectively). Regarding plasma arsenic levels, we have found a positive association for the two SNPs studied with obesity risk in individuals with higher arsenic levels in plasma: rs5351 (p=0.0054, OR=0.51) and rs3759475 (p=0.009, OR=0.53)ConclusionsOur results support the hypothesis that polymorphisms of the EDNRB gene may influence the susceptibility to obesity and can interact with plasma arsenic levels.

Habitat Fragmentation can Modulate Drought Effects on the Plant-soil-microbial System in Mediterranean Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) Forests

Ecological transformations derived from habitat fragmentation have led to increased threats to above-ground biodiversity. However, the impacts of forest fragmentation on soils and their microbial communities are not well understood. We examined the effects of contrasting fragment sizes on the structure and functioning of soil microbial communities from holm oak forest patches in two bioclimatically different regions of Spain. We used a microcosm approach to simulate the annual summer drought cycle and first autumn rainfall (rewetting), evaluating the functional response of a plant-soil-microbial system. Forest fragment size had a significant effect on physicochemical characteristics and microbial functioning of soils, although the diversity and structure of microbial communities were not affected. The response of our plant-soil-microbial systems to drought was strongly modulated by the bioclimatic conditions and the fragment size from where the soils were obtained. Decreasing fragment size modulated the effects of drought by improving local environmental conditions with higher water and nutrient availability. However, this modulation was stronger for plant-soil-microbial systems built with soils from the northern region (colder and wetter) than for those built with soils from the southern region (warmer and drier) suggesting that the responsiveness of the soil-plant-microbial system to habitat fragmentation was strongly dependent on both the physicochemical characteristics of soils and the historical adaptation of soil microbial communities to specific bioclimatic conditions. This interaction challenges our understanding of future global change scenarios in Mediterranean ecosystems involving drier conditions and increased frequency of forest fragmentation.

La competencia mediática y el área de lengua castellana y literatura de educación primaria. Análisis curricular en España

In this study the presence of media literacy in the curriculum of Spanish language and literature of Primary Education of the different regions of Spain is shown. The aim is to identify whether such competence is present or not in each of the objectives, content and evaluation criteria of the matter said. The research has been based on the theoretical framework of the R&D Compulsory education to competition in audiovisual communication in a digital environment (EDU2010-21395-C03-03), and the method has been used, from a panel of experts ten teachers and three researchers, analyzing the presence of the media associated with competence in the curricular area mentioned across six dimensions of media competence (language, technology, interaction processes, production and distribution processes, ideology and values and elements aesthetics). The results show that the presence of competition in the area of Spanish language and literature through different descriptors, emphasizing the relevance to the objectives and contents of the second cycle. Keywords: media competence, primary education, curriculum.

Mineral profile of kaki fruits (Diospyros kaki L.)

The main objective of this study was the determination of the mineral profile of 167 kaki fruit (Diospyros kaki L.) samples produced from different regions of Spain, including samples with the protected designation of origin (PDO) ‘Kaki Ribera del Xúquer’ Valencia (Spain). Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Consumption of one piece of kaki fruit (200–400g) would give a mineral intake providing 1–10% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium, 1–30% for copper and potassium, 1–15% from iron and magnesium, up to 1% of sodium, and up to 4% of zinc. ANOVA analysis indicates differences between samples from different Spanish region, thus offering a way for authentication of PDO sample origin.

Interventions to improve adherence to first-line antibiotics in respiratory tract infections. The impact depends on the intensity of the intervention

Background: Many interventions aimed at improving the quality of antibiotic prescribing have been investigated, but more knowledge is needed regarding the impact of different intensity interventions.Objectives: To compare the effect of two interventions, a basic intervention (BI) and intensive intervention (II), aimed to improve the adherence to recommendations on first-line antibiotics in patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs).Methods: General practitioners (GPs) from different regions of Spain were offered two different interventions on antibiotic prescribing. They registered all patients with RTIs during 15 days before (2008) and after (2009) the intervention. GPs in Catalonia were exposed to BI including prescriber feedback, clinical guidelines and training sessions focused on appropriate antibiotic prescribing. The other group of GPs was exposed to an II, which besides BI, also included training and access to point-of-care tests in practice.Results: The GPs registered 15 073 RTIs before the intervention and 12 760 RTIs after. The antibiotic prescribing rate reduced from 27.7% to 19.8%. Prescribing of first-choice antibiotics increased after the intervention in both groups. In the group of GPs following the BI, first-line antibiotics accounted for 23.8% of antibiotics before the intervention and 29.4% after (increase 5.6%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–10%), while in the group of GPs following the II these figures were 26.2% and 48.6% (increase 22.4%, 95% CI: 18.8–26%), respectively.Conclusion: Multifaceted interventions targeting GPs can improve adherence to recommendations for first-line antibiotic prescribing in patients with RTI, with intensive interventions that include point-of-care testing being more effective.

Cooperative Development of an Arduino-Compatible Building Automation System for the Practical Teaching of Electronics

This paper presents a cooperative project developed by a network of schools and company of different regions of Spain. The project consisted in the development of a home and building automation system for practical teaching in vocational training. The system is based on the Arduino platform to allow the easy development of new applications and hardware modules. This paper also presents the first experiences of practical use at schools. The project has been granted by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

Classification of persimmon fruit origin by near infrared spectrometry and least squares-support vector machines

The main objective of this work has been the authentication by Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectrometry of the origin of persimmon fruits cultivated in different regions of Spain. In order to achieve this goal, 166 persimmon samples from 7 different regions of Spain were analyzed by FT-NIR spectrometry. By splitting the spectral data in training and independent test sets, a classification model was built using least squares support vector machines chemometric technique. Orthogonal signal correction and principal component analysis were performed prior to conduct the classification strategy. The verified model was applied for the prediction of the origin of 50 samples from the independent test set being the prediction error 2%.

Diferencias territoriales en las intoxicaciones agudas en menores de 14 años en España

IntroductionThe identification of variations in different profiles of pediatric poisonings may improve the prevention of these episodes. ObjectivesTo analyze the profile of pediatric acute poisonings in different regions of Spain. Material and methodsA study was conducted, based on a prospective registry of the acute pediatric poisonings registered in 53 Spanish pediatric emergency departments included in the Toxicology Surveillance System of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies between 2008 and 2013. The regions were defined taking into account geographic factors, and the structuring of regional pediatric societies. ResultsA total of 566 poisoning were recorded in children less than 14 years. Poisonings due to dosage errors were more common in Madrid (12.4% of the whole group of poisonings vs 5.0% in the other regions, P=.009); recreational poisonings were more common in the Basque-Navarre region and Zaragoza (14.4% vs 3.4% in the others, P=.0008); and CO poisoning in Catalonia, Madrid and others (7.1% vs 0.3%, P<.0001). ConclusionsThe profiles of acute poisonings in children less than 14 years vary significantly between the different Spanish regions. An epidemiological Surveillance System is a good tool to collect information in order to design preventive actions.