Murcia Region Of Spain Research Articles

Percepción de los médicos de familia acerca de un programa de ayuda a la prescripción para reducir las interacciones medicamentosas

ObjectiveTo assess GP views on the usefulness and the kind of issue of a programme aimed to reduce the occurrence of drug interactions (DI) in primary care. Material and methodsCross-sectional study. Questionnaire survey of GPs participating in the PRISMAp programme. Setting: Primary care, Murcia Region of Spain. Participants: 189 GPs participating in the PRISMAp programme who received periodic information about the DI detected in the electronic medical records of their patients. Measurements: questions about the usefulness (6), opportunities to improve (5) and the kind of issue of the report received (3) where asked using a 5-items Likert scale. The agreement/disagreement were obtained considering the percentage of Likert scores greater and smaller than 3, respectively. ResultsThe response rate was 43.9% (83 of 189). Of these, 77.5% think that PRISMAp is suitable to warn them about DI, 41.3% have changed their prescriptions, and 52.0% have frequently been informed about DI that they did not know. The best valued opportunities to improve were the incorporation of recommendations to the electronic prescription module (93.3%) and the warning of potential DI when prescribing (94.7%). ConclusionsThis study provides an approach to the perceptions and a better understanding of the GPs attitudes toward the programmes aimed to assist their prescriptions and, specially, toward those aimed to reduce the DI. They are considered useful and able to improve the safety or their prescription.

Genetic diversity of 10 X-STR markers in a sample population from the region of Murcia in Spain

The purpose of this study was to apply autosomal STRs and X-STRs to confirm paternity and sibship in a sample of 315 female twins and triplets from the region of Murcia in Spain. X-STR amplification was performed using GEP-ISFG X-STR decaplex primers. Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were not observed at any loci. Acceptable levels of power of discrimination and mean exclusion chance were determined. The highest locus diversity and power of discrimination was determined for loci GATA172D05 and GATA31E08. Combined power of discrimination was 0.9999999997 (females) 0.999998548 (males). Mean exclusion chance was 0.999993172 (trios) and 0.999708265 (duos). Pairwise genetic distance (Fst) of X-STR frequencies suggest that Murcia can be closely grouped to other Iberian populations, and genetically furthest from Pas Valley, Navarra and Basque Country.

Transgenic nematodes as biosensors for metal stress in soil pore water samples

Caenorhabditis elegans strains carrying stress-reporter green fluorescent protein transgenes were used to explore patterns of response to metals. Multiple stress pathways were induced at high doses by most metals tested, including members of the heat shock, oxidative stress, metallothionein (mtl) and xenobiotic response gene families. A mathematical model (to be published separately) of the gene regulatory circuit controlling mtl production predicted that chemically similar divalent metals (classic inducers) should show additive effects on mtl gene induction, whereas chemically dissimilar metals should show interference. These predictions were verified experimentally; thus cadmium and mercury showed additive effects, whereas ferric iron (a weak inducer) significantly reduced the effect of mercury. We applied a similar battery of tests to diluted samples of soil pore water extracted centrifugally after mixing 20% w/w ultrapure water with air-dried soil from an abandoned lead/zinc mine in the Murcia region of Spain. In addition, metal contents of both soil and soil pore water were determined by ICP-MS, and simplified mixtures of soluble metal salts were tested at equivalent final concentrations. The effects of extracted soil pore water (after tenfold dilution) were closely mimicked by mixtures of its principal component ions, and even by the single most prevalent contaminant (zinc) alone, though other metals modulated its effects both positively and negatively. In general, mixtures containing similar (divalent) metal ions exhibited mainly additive effects, whereas admixture of dissimilar (e.g. trivalent) ions often resulted in interference, reducing overall levels of stress-gene induction. These findings were also consistent with model predictions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10646-011-0804-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

New regulations regarding Postgraduate Medical Training in Spain: perception of the tutor's role in the Murcia Region

BackgroundRecently introduced regulatory changes have expanded the Tutor role to include their primary responsibility for Postgraduate Medical Training (PMT). However, accreditation and recognition of that role has been devolved to the autonomic regions. The opinions of the RT may be relevant to future decisions;MethodsA comprehensive questionnaire, including demographic characteristics, academic and research achievement and personal views about their role, was sent to 201 RTs in the Murcia Region of Spain. The responses are described using median and interquartile ranges (IQR);ResultsThere were 147 replies (response rate 73%), 69% male, mean age 45 ± 7 yrs. RTs perception of the residents' initial knowledge and commitment throughout the program was 5 (IQR 4-6) and 7 (IQR 5-8), respectively. As regards their impact on the PMT program, RTs considered that their own contribution was similar to that of senior residents. RTs perception of how their role was recognised was 5 (IQR 3-6). Only 16% did not encounter difficulties in accessing specific RT training programs. Regarding the RTs view of their various duties, supervision of patient care was accorded the greatest importance (64%) while the satisfactory completion of the PMT program and supervision of day-to-day activities were also considered important (61% and 59% respectively). The main RT requirements were: a greater professional recognition (97%), protected time (95%), specific RT training programs (95%) and financial recognition (86%);ConclusionsThis comprehensive study, reflecting the feelings of our RTs, provides a useful insight into the reality of their work and the findings ought to be taken into consideration in the imminent definitive regulatory document on PMT.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorder–related findings in violinists compared with control subjects

The aim of this study was to determine if there is an association between violin playing and the presence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). We studied a group of violinists in the Murcia region of Spain, who were examined for TMD. The results were compared with those from a random control group who did not play any musical instrument. The groups were matched by age and gender. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 15.0 statistical software. Compared with the control subjects, the violinists as a group had significantly more pain in maximum mouth opening (P < .005), parafunctional habits (P = .001), and occurrence of temporomandibular joint sounds (P < .005) as determined by chi-squared. Violin playing appears to be a factor associated with TMD-related findings.

Tomato torrado virus is Transmitted by Bemisia tabaci and Infects Pepper and Eggplant in Addition to Tomato.

Torrao or torrado is an emerging disease that is causing serious economic losses in tomato crops of southeastern Spain. The causal agent has been shown to be a new picorna-like plant virus, tentatively named Tomato torrado virus (ToTV) (4). By using trap tomato plants in a greenhouse affected by torrado located in the Murcia Region of Spain, we obtained a ToTV isolate (ToTV-CE) that we have biologically and molecularly characterized. Subtracted cDNA libraries (1) and expressed sequence tags sequencing were used to determine the partial nucleotide sequence of ToTV-CE. We covered ≈53% of the virus genome (GenBank Accession Nos. EU476181 and EU476182) and found that ToTV-CE RNAs 1 and 2 had a high nucleotide similarity (98 and 99%, respectively) with the ToTV published sequences (2,4). ToTV-CE sequences also showed a 70% nt similarity with those of Tomato apex necrosis virus, a newly identified virus in tomato crops of the Culiacan area (Sinaloa, Mexico) (3). To characterize the host range of ToTV-CE, 6 to 10 plants belonging to 14 species were mechanically inoculated with extracts from ToTV-CE-infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The presence of ToTV in these plants was analyzed at 3 and 6 weeks postinoculation (PI) by molecular hybridization in dot-blots. The determined host range was in agreement with that described earlier (2,4), but additional hosts and nonhosts were identified. Thus, the virus did not infect melon (Cucumis melo var. cantaloupe), cucumber (C. sativus cv. Marketmore), squash (Cucurbita pepo cv. Negro Belleza), Chenopodium album ssp. Amaranticolor, or Chenopodium quinoa. The virus infected systemically N. benthamiana, N. glutinosa, N. rustica, tobacco (N. tabacum cvs. Xanthi nc and Samsun), Physalis floridana, pepper (Capsicum annuum cv. Italian Long Sweet), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Boludo), and eggplant (S. melongena cv. Black Beauty). Pepper plants displayed severe symptoms of infection consisting of marked mosaics and stunting (but no necrosis), but eggplant remained asymptomatic for up to 6 weeks PI. A simple assay was devised to analyze whether ToTV can be transmitted by whiteflies. ToTV-CE-infected tomato plants were placed together with three to eight healthy tomato seedlings inside insect-proof glass boxes. Adult Bemisia tabaci (100 to 800 individuals in three replicates) or Trialeurodes vaporariorum (100 individuals in one replicate) were released into each box. For both treatments, symptoms typically induced by ToTV appeared in one to seven tomato seedlings by 1 week after the release of the whiteflies. ToTV infection was confirmed by molecular hybridization in tissue prints of petiole cross sections at 10 days PI. These data are in agreement with those reported by Pospieszny et al. (2) and strongly suggest that both B. tabaci and T. vaporariorum can transmit ToTV.

Bruxism Related to Violin Playing

The violinist's profession involves situations of stress and tension, and bruxism is a clinical phenomenon that is occurring among these musicians with increasing frequency. Materials and Methods: We studied a group of 41 violinists from the region of Murcia in Spain, who completed clinical questionnaires designed to detect bruxism. The results were compared with those from a random control group who did not play any musical instrument. The SPSS 13.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. Evaluations were done with Pearson's chi-squared test. Results: In the study group, 73% were diagnosed with bruxism, whereas in the control group, only 34% suffered from this complaint. We found a statistically significant relationship (p&lt;0.05) between violinists and the parafunctional bruxism habit. Conclusions: It could be said that violin playing can be a factor that predisposes or triggers the appearance of signs and symptoms of bruxism. It is necessary to establish a health education program and preventive measures for professional musicians in order to avoid the development or worsening of bruxism and related problems.

Qualitative Analysis of Feed Management Practice on Goat Herds by Self Organizing Maps in Murcia Region of Spain

Fernández, C., Soria, E., Magdalena, R., Martín, J.D. and Mata, C. 2007. Qualitative analysis of feed management practice on goat herds by self organizing maps in Murcia region of Spain. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 41–47. Self organizing maps (SOM) were used to analyze data from ninety four herds. Data were obtained from surveys and management practices were evaluated. The 18% of farms were dairy goat farms with milking machines, with a herd size of 100 to 200 goats and most of these bought compound feed. 12% has the same characteristics but farmers prepared their own diet. 16% were similar to previous prototypes, but farmers in addition to dairy goat production kept sheep as well. 23% of dairy goat farms practised hand milking. 14% of dairy goat farms had larger herd size (200–400) and fed goats with total mixed rations. Remaining 17% were sheep farms dedicated to lamb production for meat purposes. Such information can be used for better utilization of available resources in a particular area.

Identification and characterisation of tomato torrado virus, a new plant picorna-like virus from tomato

Summary.A new virus was isolated from tomato plants from the Murcia region in Spain which showed symptoms of ‘torrado disease’ very distinct necrotic, almost burn-like symptoms on leaves of infected plants. The virus particles are isometric with a diameter of approximately 28 nm. The viral genome consists of two (+)ssRNA molecules of 7793 (RNA1) and 5389 nts (RNA2). RNA1 contains one open reading frame (ORF) encoding a predicted polyprotein of 241 kDa that shows conserved regions with motifs typical for a protease-cofactor, a helicase, a protease and an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. RNA2 contains two, partially overlapping ORFs potentially encoding proteins of 20 and 134 kDa. These viral RNAs are encapsidated by three proteins with estimated sizes of 35, 26 and 23 kDa. Direct protein sequencing mapped these coat proteins to ORF2 on RNA2. Phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide and derived amino acid sequences showed that the virus is related to but distinct from viruses belonging to the genera Sequivirus, Sadwavirus and Cheravirus. This new virus, for which the name tomato torrado virus is proposed, most likely represents a member of a new plant virus genus.

A survey of Salmonella spp and Campylobacter spp in dairy goat faeces and bulk tank milk in the Murcia region of Spain

This study was designed to investigate the occurrence of Salmonella spp and Campylobacter spp in faeces samples from 222 healthy Murciano-Granadina dairy goats reared on 12 farms in Spain and in samples of bulk tank milk from 11 of those herds. Neither Salmonella spp nor Campylobacter spp were isolated from any of the samples. Our results suggest that, under the management practices applied to this breed in Spain, Murciano-Granadina goats are not likely to be a significant reservoir for these food-borne pathogens.

Tolerance and accumulation of heavy metals by Brassicaceae species grown in contaminated soils from Mediterranean regions of Spain

Cultivation of crops in or close to contaminated sites may result in both growth inhibition and tissue accumulation of heavy metals, with resulting possible risks to humans or livestock health if these tissues are ingested. In this work, growth inhibition and accumulation of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn for three Brassica crop species ( B. oleracea L., B. carinata A. Br. and B. juncea (L.) Czern.) and the autochthonous Cu-accumulating species Hirschfeldia incana (L.) Lagrèze-Fossat were studied, in two contaminated soils from the Murcia region of Spain and one from Valencia, over a 80-day period (40 days for H. incana) in pot experiments. Growth parameters indicated a tolerance index averaged for the two contaminated soils (relative to non-contaminated substrate) of the Brassica species in the order: B. juncea (mean value 97.6%) > B. carinata cv. 117 (74.2%) > B. carinata cv. 2920 (66.5%) ≈ B. oleracea (65.6%), with an average of 72% for H. incana. Above-ground tissue metal concentrations indicated a possible risk to human and livestock health from Cd and Pb for B. oleracea and H. incana. H. incana did not show a marked shoot accumulation of Cu, possibly due to inhibition of Cu uptake by the high soil levels of Zn and Pb. Its shoot tissue concentrations of Pb and Zn were related more closely to the total soil metal concentrations than to the DTPA-extractable, concentrations of these elements.

Clinical and prognostic characteristics associated with age and gender in acute myocardial infarction: a multihospital perspective in the Murcia region of Spain.

Age and female gender have been associated with poor prognosis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Data currently available about the prognostic significance of gender in AMI might well have led to inappropriate/incomplete conclusions. A multicenter, prospective study on 1239 patients with AMI was conducted. Clinical characteristics, complications during the acute phase and one-year follow-up were monitored. Women constituted 24.1% of all patients. Female patients were older with more prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and previous congestive heart failure. Compared with men, the following complications were more frequently found in women: heart failure, 43% vs. 22% (p < 0.001); reinfarction, 5% vs. 2% (p < 0.05); use of pacemaker, 7% vs. 4% (p < 0.05). Women had higher mortality: early, during the first 24 hours post-admission, 10.7 vs. 3.1%; in-hospital, 23% vs. 8.1%; and 1-year, 33.7% vs. 16% (p < 0.001 for all the 3 cases of mortality). In the age-groups considered (<65, 65-74, and > or =75 years), 1-year mortality increased exponentially with ageing in men: 7.8%, 21.3%, and 38.9%, whereas in women the figures were: 15.3%, 41.5%, and 38.8%. Multivariate analysis showed that, among other variables, age and female gender had independent prognostic value for in-hospital mortality whereas gender lost its prognostic significantly for 1-year mortality. Multivariate analysis restricted to those patients aged over 75 years showed that age but not gender had independent prognostic value. In conclusion, age and female sex have independent prognostic value for predicting mortality in patients with AMI. Mortality increases exponentially with ageing in men whereas it stabilises in the case of women over 65 years. Female gender loses its independent value for predicting mortality in patients over 75 years.