Santiago De Compostela Research Articles

Increase in the percentage of attendance at outpatient consultations in the Health Area of Santiago de Compostela and Barbanza, after modifying the appointment management system

To assess whether or not the new appointment management system for hospital outpatient consultations, implementing the use of «mailboxes» (computerized appointment system, based on ideal date), improves adherence to appointments or not. Before-after study, in which the degree of patient adherence to hospital outpatient appointments is compared, before and after the change in the appointment process (period 2014-2018 vs. year 2022). Statistical analysis was performed with Stata v17. Adherence to consultations (percentage of consultations performed) remained stable in all years of the period 2014-2018, with an average value of 91%, and increased to 93% in 2022. All characteristics of the consultations were shown to be associated with adherence, but in the multivariate model sex, age group, setting, hospital, functional area and type of activity were significant. The change made in the appointment management system of hospital outpatient clinics in the Health Area of Santiago de Compostela and Barbanza has proven effective in improving adherence to the consultation. The reduction in the number of absences from consultations reduces waiting lists and improves patient care.

Photon mini-GRID therapy for preoperative breast cancer tumor treatment: A treatment plan study.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of female cancer mortality worldwide, accounting for 1 in 6 cancer deaths. Surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy are the three pillars of breast cancer treatment, with several strategies developed to combine them. The association of preoperative radiotherapy with immunotherapy may improve breast cancer tumor control by exploiting the tumor radio-induced immune priming. However, this requires the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy (3×8Gy), increasing the risk of toxicity. Mini-GRID therapy (mini-GRT) is an innovative form of spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) characterized by narrow beam widths between 1 to 2mm that promises a significant increase in normal tissue dose tolerances and could thereby represent a new alternative for preoperative breast cancer treatment. Mini-GRT has been successfully implemented at the Hospital de Santiago de Compostela (Spain) with a flattening filter-free LINAC (megavoltage x-rays). In this dosimetry proof-of-concept study, we evaluate the feasibility of photon mini-GRT for preoperative breast cancer treatment. We also assess the clinical potential of mini-GRT and compare it with the current treatment standard of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Seven unbiased breast cancer dosimetries of patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) (3×8Gy, IMRT) were selected for the study. Photon mini-GRT was compared with SBRT using three main criteria: (i) the dose to organs at risk (OARs), (ii) the dose constraints dictated by normal tissue tolerance, and (iii) the lateral penumbra in OARs. Tumor coverage was evaluated in terms of normalized total dose at 8Gy-fractions. The optimized SBRT by IMRT was realized at the Institut Curie, Paris, France. The dose in mini-GRT was calculated by means of Monte Carlo simulations based on the mini-GRT implementation realized at the University Hospital in Santiago de Compostela. Compared to SBRT plans, mini-GRT resulted in a reduction of the mean dose to the lungs, heart, chest wall, and lymph nodes in the studied cases by a factor ranging from 50% to 100%. Additionally, valley, mean, and peak doses to normal tissues meet the dose tolerance limits for the considered OARs, the most challenging of all being the skin. The mean dose to the skin was reduced (20%-60% less) for most of the studied cases. Mini-GRT also yielded sharper lateral penumbras in the skin and lungs (size reduced by at least 50%). Similar tumor integral doses were obtained for the two treatment modalities. Mini-GRT with megavoltage x-rays is an innovative treatment approach already implemented in a clinical context. In this proof-of-concept study, we evaluated mini-GRT for partial breast cancer irradiation, demonstrating its potential for preoperative treatment thanks to the high skin and normal tissue-sparing capabilities. These initial results represent a first step towards clinical use and encourage further prospective clinical studies.

Assessing the Reliability and Validity of a Questionnaire Evaluating Medical Students' Attitudes, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Antibiotic Education and Antimicrobial Resistance in University Training.

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics represent a critical global issue and one of the most pressing public health challenges of the 21st century. Training future healthcare professionals effectively is essential for ensuring responsible antibiotic use. This study aimed to validate a questionnaire designed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of medical students regarding the education they receive on infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and antibiotic stewardship during their university studies. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was developed and distributed to medical students at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Comprising 44 items, the questionnaire assessed eight key dimensions: "infection diagnosis", "criteria for not prescribing antibiotics", "initial antibiotic therapy", "re-evaluation of therapy", "quality of care", "communication skills", "antibiotic resistance", and "teaching methodology". Validation was carried out in two stages: Phase 1 involved content and face validity, while Phase 2 focused on reliability analysis. Results: A total of 295 students completed the questionnaire, with a mean age of 23.15 ± 1.78 years. The sample included 86 male (29.2%) and 209 female (70.8%) respondents. Content and face validity were established by a nominal group of five experts and a focus group of medicine and pharmacy students to ensure consensus on item understanding in the Spanish language. The questionnaire demonstrated high internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.92 and satisfactory item discrimination. Construct validity was confirmed through principal component analysis, which supported the presence of the eight predefined dimensions. Conclusions: The validated questionnaire exhibited strong reliability and validity, making it a valuable tool for assessing medical students' training in antibiotic-related topics. Its application will enable the identification of areas for improvement in university curricula, ultimately contributing to the promotion of appropriate antibiotic use and the reduction of antimicrobial resistance.

‘Yes, we care’: pro-environmental social identity framing to promote acceptance of decentralized wastewater treatment systems

ABSTRACT Decentralized wastewater treatment systems can help mitigate the water crisis. Their successful implementation depends not only on their technological design but also on the level of public support. We aim to assess how a pro-environmental social identity framing in which we present a decentralized wastewater treatment system as an environmentally responsible neighborhood initiative may increase public support of these systems. Two experimental studies examined the impact of pro-environmental social identity framing on public acceptance of decentralized wastewater systems in Groningen (the Netherlands) (n = 92) and Santiago de Compostela (Spain) (n = 208). As expected, pro-environmental social identity framing increased public acceptance in both studies, irrespective of the extent to which people identify with their neighborhood. Specifically, participants in the pro-environmental social identity framing condition displayed more positive attitudes, more positive and less negative emotions, and higher voting intentions toward the decentralized wastewater systems compared to those in the control condition. These results suggest that connecting such systems to shared neighborhood identities can be an effective strategy for overcoming barriers to their implementation. Our study offers valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and environmental advocates to craft messages to promote the adoption of decentralized wastewater systems.

Modern approaches to pancreatic cancer treatment (based on the 56th meeting of the European Pancreatic Club, Santiago de Compostela, Spain, June 26–29, 2024)

Modern approaches to pancreatic cancer treatment (based on the 56th meeting of the European Pancreatic Club, Santiago de Compostela, Spain, June 26–29, 2024)

A Pilgrim’s Tale: Walking the Camino de Santiago

The author describes his experience of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, an opportunity to rediscover the self, to heal, grow and learn in ways that defy modern learning methods. It is learning with others through movement, direct contact and engaged communication. The simplicity of life while walking the trail, the discomforts and the common goal trigger a sense of community that reawakens an openness towards nature and other people.

The Churches of Santiago de Compostela, a diachronic analysis of their orientations

The orientation of nearly 50 churches in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela are presented. These include churches built along the history of the town, from the early Medieval period until the end of the 20thcentury. Interestingly, all churches built before the Council of Trent appear to have orientations consistent with canonical prescriptions, notably in two flavors. One would be consistent with the canonical equinox at the date of construction, possibly dictated by the orientation of the Cathedral itself. The other orientation is set a few degrees south of due east and could be dictated by the streets of the Medieval town. After the Council of Trent churches were built mostly to have the façade perpendicular to a main street, so that the apse and the altar no longer are systematically facing towards the rising sun.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

XXXII Congress of the Spanish Society of Clinical Pharmacology, 16th - 18th October 2024, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Airborne Alternaria Spores: 70 Annual Records in Northwestern Spain.

This study presents data on the concentration of Alternaria spores in the atmosphere of the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. A non-viable volumetric method was used to collect the samples, resulting in a database of 70 annual. When the annual averages for each locality are calculated, Ourense stands out with 2152 spores/m3, followed by Vigo and Lugo, while Santiago de Compostela recorded the lowest concentrations. Focusing on the total data for each locality, the main sporulation period started in May and ended in October in all localities, centered on a single phase, with an earlier onset and longer duration in Ourense and Vigo. The number of days with concentrations in excess of 100 spores/m3 was very low in Santiago de Compostela, Ourense, and Vigo and null in Lugo. Temperature was the meteorological parameter for which the highest statistical correlation was obtained in all locations, being favorable to the concentration of spores in the air. Temperature ranges favorable to the presence of airborne spores in the study area ranged from 25.5 to 31.2 °C. Based on the analysis of the data collected, it is concluded that Alternaria spore concentrations are low throughout most of the year.

Two-Decade Retrospective Analysis of Endogenous Endophthalmitis in Spain and Mexico: A Comprehensive Study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) in Spain and Mexico, focusing on microbial patterns, antibiotic resistance, infection sources, risk factors, and patient outcomes. Methods: Over 20 years, 705 endophthalmitis cases were reviewed, and we identified 78 cases of EE in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and Mexico City, Mexico. Microbial etiology, infection sources, antibiotic resistance, and treatment outcomes were compared between patients from Spain and Mexico. Results: Among the 78 EE cases, 47 (60.25%) were from Spain and primarily had bacterial infections (57.1%, mainly Staphylococcus and Streptococcus). In contrast, 31 cases (39.74%) were from Mexico and had a higher prevalence of fungal infections, particularly Candida (47.1%). Diabetes mellitus was a significant risk factor, and was more common in Mexico (61.3%) than in Spain (37.0%). The Spanish cohort exhibited notable antibiotic resistance, especially in Staphylococcus. Treatment typically involved systemic and intraocular antibiotics, with vitrectomy performed in 61.5% cases. Post-treatment, bacterial infections had higher success rates (approximately 50%) compared with fungal infections (approximately 30%). Evisceration was necessary in 9% cases, and the overall mortality rate was approximately 4.4%; it was slightly higher in Mexico than in Spain. Conclusions: The study highlights significant regional differences in EE between Spain and Mexico, particularly regarding microbial etiology and antibiotic resistance. The findings emphasize the need to adapt healthcare practices to specific regions to improve EE treatment outcomes, underscoring the importance of ongoing research and interregional collaboration to better understand and manage this complex condition.

Unveiling Bishop Teodomiro of Iria Flavia? An attempt to identify the discoverer of St James's tomb through osteological and biomolecular analyses (Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain)

After St James the Apostle, Bishop Teodomiro of Iria-Flavia is the most important figure associated with the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. He supposedly discovered the apostolic tomb after a divine revelation between AD 820 and 830 yet, until the discovery, in 1955, of a tombstone inscribed with his name, his very existence was a matter of some debate. Here, the authors employ a multi-stranded analytical approach, combining osteoarchaeology, radiocarbon dating, stable isotope and ancient DNA analyses to demonstrate that human bones associated with the tombstone, in all likelihood, represent the earthly remains of Bishop Teodomiro.

Digital Documentation and Architectural Heritage Restoration with 3-D Geometry: The Ambulatory of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

ABSTRACT The SFM photogrammetry (Structure from Motion) is a technique developed in the field of computer vision that allows obtaining 3D models from images taken from different angles. Despite its extensive development, this technique faces methodological challenges when applied to complex heritage environments. Typically, heritage restoration documentation focuses on the initial and final stages when works have not yet begun or have already concluded, and the object of study is free of obstacles and workers, with its use in intermediate stages being uncommon. The aim of this article is to present geometric documentation using SFM-MVS photogrammetry across multiple stages of the roof restoration of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), showcasing an expert application of this technique in a real working scenario with multiple challenges, adapting to complex scenes without interfering with project timelines and providing high-quality outcomes at a low cost, even in areas temporarily obscured by scaffolding or plastic coverings. It provides essential data for geometric assistance in restoration design, adaptation, and stakeout. Moreover, continuous 3D documentation enables the creation of 3D stop-motion models, offering an innovative perspective for understanding and communicating a wide range of restoration and construction projects.

Kontinuita, proměna, zánik nebo obnova poutní tradice v České republice pohledem etnologie

The study deals with the phenomenon of pilgrimages after the year 1989. Except for the traditional pilgrimage festivities associated with the confession of faith, such as in Žarošice in South Moravia, where a pilgrimage ritual with many Baroque relicts is still practised on the so-called Golden Saturday, we can notice the disappearance of pilgrimages. At the same time, the traditional form of pilgrimages is transformed, and we can observe innovative trends after 1989. Pilgrimage tourism is developing significantly, professional and association pilgrimages (e.g. these of firefighters, gamekeepers, beekeepers, and teachers) are being organised, and cycling pilgrimages are becoming popular among all age groups. In contrast to Western Europe, the phenomenon of longdistance pilgrimages, not only to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, but also to Mariazell, Roma, Assisi, and the Holy Land, has arrived in the Czech Republic with a certain delay. After the year 2000, pilgrim routes have been replicated and trucked, modern pilgrim routes are being built. Last but not least, we try to answer the question of what role a pilgrimage site, a pilgrimage or a pilgrimage tradition plays in the Czech society of the twenty-first century.

Artificial Intelligence in Journalism: A Ten-Year Retrospective of Scientific Articles (2014–2023)

Academic interest in AI in journalism has been growing since 2018. Through a systematic review of the literature from 2014 to 2023, this study discusses the evolution of research in the field and how AI has changed journalism. The aim is to understand the impact of AI on journalism, based on a review of academic papers and a qualitative analysis of the most cited articles. This study combines: a systematic review of scientific articles extracted from Web of Science and Scopus (n = 699) and a qualitative approach with categorical content analysis of those with more than 50 citations (n = 59). The results (n = 699) highlight the prominence of authors from the Universities of Amsterdam and Santiago de Compostela. The United States has the largest number of authorships: 261 distributed across 99 institutions. The categorical content analysis (n = 59) shows a focus on issues like the work of the journalist, because AI is replacing journalists with repetitive and monotonous tasks, raising several questions about the role of the journalist. The findings show the rise of computational methods, highlighting the pervasiveness of AI in research, which has not been explored in previous work. Ethics, regulation, and journalism education remain under-discussed in research.

Descripción de un caso: ¿es factible realizar una biopsia selectiva de ganglio centinela en tumores de mama originados en el tejido ectópico axilar?

Breast cancer on axillary ectopic breast tissue is very rare, representing 0.3-0.6% of malignant breast cancers. Therefore, its early diagnosis is a real challenge. In this case, we describe a breast cancer on left axillary ectopic tissue in a 36-year-old female patient, who underwent local surgery with excision of the tissue. When approaching the nodal study of this patient, the possibility of selective study of the sentinel lymph node was considered. The absence of validated clinical guidelines in these cases and the exhaustive review of the literature led the multidisciplinary tumour committee of our hospital, the Hospital Clínico de Santiago de Compostela, to adopt the decision to attempt to perform this technique, adapting it, however, to this particular case. A double tracer was used, injecting technetium-99m in the periareolar area of the left breast and patent blue in the intratumoral area of the axillary ectopic tissue to determine whether both the breast and the tumour had the same lymphatic drainage pathways.Finally, 7 sentinel nodes and 1 palpable non-sentinel node were detected, of which the first was marked with both technetium-99m and patent blue, 4 with the radioisotope only, and 2 stained with patent blue. Two macrometastases were detected intraoperatively in the sentinel nodes, stained only with patent blue, while the rest were negative. The tumour committee took the decision to treat the axilla with radiotherapy. It is therefore concluded that in these cases the periareolar lymphatic drainage and that of the tumour itself may be different, so it would be advisable to use the double tracer injected in different areas to correctly identify the sentinel lymph node. The literature available for this type of situation is scanty and there are no approved clinical guidelines to support our therapeutic decisions, so it would be essential to study breast cancer in infrequent locations, in depth, in order to achieve protocols standardised by international societies that would serve as a benchmark for the management of these cases.