Situation In Spain Research Articles

Knowledge, perception and attitude about Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) among veterinary students and professionals of Spain

The Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tropical viral zoonosis first reported in Spain with 17 detected cases since 2010–2024. Health professionals, including veterinarians, play a crucial role in controlling and preventing this disease. This study aimed to analyse and compare the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of veterinary students and professionals in Spain regarding CCHF and zoonoses in general. Additionally, the study highlighted the value of epidemiological surveys as a tool for identifying knowledge gaps related to specific diseases. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2024 among 4th and 5th-year veterinary students, Masters and Doctorate students, and veterinarians from the public and private sectors using a validated online questionnaire. A total of 135 individuals participated, 80.7 % professionals and 19.3 % students. The study found that 76.9 % of students and 64.2 % of veterinarians had good or very good knowledge of CCHF, yet significant gaps remained, particularly in epidemiology and diagnosis. Notably, only 34.8 % had good or very good knowledge of the disease’s situation in Spain, and many respondents felt their training and the information provided by official sources were inadequate. Additionally, the perception of infection risk from pets and attitudes towards preventing zoonoses through medication, vaccination, or regular analysis were concerning. Despite CCHF being an emerging disease in Spain, this survey—the first in Spain and Europe—reveals that veterinarians’ knowledge and attitudes in affected regions are not as advanced as needed, underscoring the importance of targeted epidemiological surveys on the knowledge of the disease.

Invasive group A Streptococcus infection (Streptococcus pyogenes): Current situation in Spain.

Group A ß-hemolytic Streptococcus (S. pyogenes), also known as GAS, is a Gram-positive bacterium. It can be easily identified in the microbiology laboratory by its ability to hemolyse blood in culture media. This bacterium is highly virulent due to its production of enzymes and toxins, and its ability to cause immunologically mediated diseases such as rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. GAS is the primary cause of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis, although it is typically a benign and non-invasive disease. However, it also has the potential to cause severe skin and soft tissue infections, necrotising fasciitis, bacteraemia and endocarditis, pneumonia and empyema, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, without any age or predisposition limits. The term invasive GAS disease (iGAS) is used to refer to this group of conditions. In more developed countries, iGAS disease has declined thanks to improved hygiene and the availability of antibiotics. For example, rheumatic fever has practically disappeared in countries such as Spain. However, recent data suggests a potential increase in some iGAS diseases, although the accuracy of this data is not consistent. Because of this, the COVID and Emerging Pathogens Committee of the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) has posed several questions about invasive GAS infection, especially its current situation in Spain. The committee has enlisted the help of several experts in the field to answer these questions. The following lines contain the answers that we have collaboratively produced, aiming to assist not only the members of ICOMEM but also anyone interested in this topic.

New materials and complications of prostheses in humans: situation in Spain.

Prostheses or implantable medical devices (IMDs) are parts made of natural or artificial materials intended to replace a body structure and therefore must be well tolerated by living tissues. The types of IMDs currently available and usable are very varied and capable of replacing almost any human organ. A high but imprecise percentage of Spaniards are carriers of one or more IMDs to which they often owe their quality of life or survival. IMDs are constructed with different types of materials that are often combined in the same prosthesis. These materials must combine harmlessness to human tissues with high wear resistance. Their durability depends on many factors both on the host and the type of prosthesis, but the vast majority last for more than 10-15 years or remain in function for the lifetime of the patient. The most frequently implanted IMDs are placed in the heart or great vessels, joints, dental arches or breast and their most frequent complications are classified as non-infectious, particularly loosening or intolerance, and infectious. Complications, when they occur, lead to a significant increase in morbidity, their repair or replacement multiplies the health care cost and, on occasions, can cause the death of the patient. The fight against IMD complications is currently focused on the design of new materials that are more resistant to wear and infection and the use of antimicrobial substances that are released from these materials. Their production requires multidisciplinary technical teams, but also a willingness on the part of industry and health authorities that is not often found in Spain or in most European nations. Scientific production on prostheses and IMD in Spain is estimated to be less than 2% of the world total, and probably below what corresponds to our level of socio-economic development. The future of IMDs involves, among other factors, examining the potential role of Artificial Intelligence in their design, knowledge of tissue regeneration, greater efficiency in preventing infections and taking alternative treatments beyond antimicrobials, such as phage therapy. For these and other reasons, the Ramón Areces Foundation convened a series of experts in different fields related to prostheses and IMDs who answered and discussed a series of questions previously formulated by the Scientific Council. The following lines are the written testimony of these questions and the answers to them.

Development of Institutional Arbitration in Spain

INTRODUCTION. The development of the statuto­ry regulation of institutional arbitration in Spain has been briefly outlined at the present study. The legal status of arbitral institution, the legal nature of its rights, obligations and liabilities have been examined. The role of arbitral institutions at the current arbitra­tion situation in Spain has been briefly outlined.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study has been based upon Spanish legislation, key judicial acts and works of Spanish and Latin American experts in the field. General scientific methods of knowledge – analy­sis, synthesis, induction and deduction – have been applied during the study. Special legal methods – for­mal-legal, technical-legal, the method of legal analogy, as well as the comparative legal method – have been also applied.RESEARCH RESULTS. The study demonstrates three factors which obstacle a full-scale development of institutional arbitration in Spain. The first factor is that the commercial arbitration itself has been a new phenomenon and it has been still unknown to the most of the Spanish population except a rather narrow community of professionals. As a consequence, the most of Spanish business community members put their best faith upon the judicial way of disputes reso­lution. As another consequence, confidentiality of pro­ceedings and absence of appellation remedy have been treated rather as weaknesses than advantages of arbi­tration. The second factor is that there has been a deep-rooted point of view across Spanish business and lawyers communities that an arbitrator is rather legal representative of the party he has been appointed by. Which provokes reasonable doubts regarding inde­pendence and impartiality not only of an arbitrator, but an arbitral institution as well. The both factors outcome a low number of arbitrations in Spain and activate the third one. The third factor is a rather low level of competence of arbitrators and arbitral institu­tions staff due to the lack of practice. The study dem­onstrates significant efforts of the leading Spanish ar­bitral institutions in order to eliminate the factors.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The devel­opment of the statutory regulation of institutional ar­bitration in Spain has been briefly outlined. The legal status of arbitral institution, the legal nature of its rights, obligations and liabilities have been examined. The role of arbitral institutions at the current arbitra­tion situation in Spain has been briefly outlined. Based upon the results of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that despite a significant progress in im­proving of legal regulation of institutional arbitration and the commercial arbitration as a whole, Spain has still quite a long way to go in order to create an effi­cient system of commercial arbitration and to become an attractive jurisdiction for international commer­cial arbitration as well.

Models Used by Nurse Case Managers in Different Autonomous Communities in Spain: A Scoping Review.

(1) Background: The role of the nurse case manager is unknown to the population. The main objective is to analyze the existing differences within the national territory in order to make known the situation in Spain with a view to the recognition of its functions and the creation of the professional profile in an equal manner. (2) Methods: A scoping review was conducted in order to achieve the main aim. Selected articles were subjected to a critical reading, and the levels of evidence and grades of recommendation of the Joanna Briggs Institute were verified. The search field was limited to the last ten years. (3) Results: Case management models are heterogeneous in different autonomous communities in Spain. Case nurse management is qualified for high-complexity patients, follow up on chronic patients, and coordinate health assistance. (4) Conclusions: It concludes that nursing's role is crucial in the field of case management, being required in the follow-up of chronic patients of high complexity. Despite the proven health benefits, efficacy, and efficiency of case management, there are many heterogeneous models that coexist in Spain. This involves a restriction in the development of a nursing career because of the lack of a definition of its functions and competences.

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis isolates from humans and animals in Spain from 2006 to 2021.

While an increase in the levels of MDR in Salmonella enterica sevorar Choleraesuis has been reported in Europe, little is known about the situation in Spain. Therefore, we first aimed to assess the phenotypic resistance profile and to determine the presence of genetic determinants of resistance of S. Choleraesuis isolates collected in animal and human. Our second objective was to identify and characterize clusters of highly related isolates. We analysed 50 human and 45 animal isolates retrieved from 2006 to 2021 using the disc diffusion method and performed WGS followed by analyses of genetic determinants and phylogenetic analysis. All isolates were of ST145 and corresponded to the variant Kunzendorf. Swine isolates harboured a significantly higher number of antimicrobial resistance genes than human isolates, and often carried plasmid replicons of the IncHI2/IncHI2A type (42% of all animal isolates). In addition, we identified several MDR S. Choleraesuis strains circulating in humans and swine between 2006 and 2021. The phylogenetic analyses identified four clades associated with specific patterns of resistance genes and plasmid replicons. The clades also included isolates that differed in terms of year and region of isolation as well as host of origin. This One Health approach highlights that reducing human MDR S. Choleraesuis infections may require the adoption of strategies that not only seek to prevent cases in humans but also to characterize and reduce the infection burden in swine.

Empirical approach to the gender gap in students' reading consumption in international contexts.

Reading is a very important aspect today, which is why it is a recurring topic in research. This study aims to analyze the gender gap in the reading consumption of adolescents and compare the situation in Spain with that of other countries. It addresses, for the first time, the influence of the gender factor on the reading habits of adolescents who have just begun secondary education. This is an empirical study carried out based on the research projects "Determining factors in the reading habits of secondary education students. A study from the variables of the educational context" and "Reading habits in international contexts of Secondary Education students. A study of educational practices to promote reading." It is based on the hypothesis that reading consumption is conditioned by gender and country-specific educational policies and, therefore, by the place where the study is carried out. To do this, an international sample of students was taken as a reference, made up of a matrix group of Spanish students contrasted with small samples from three different countries that we are interested in comparing with the Spanish context: Portugal, Poland, and Chile. The results have shown that the gender gap in reading is perceived in all the contexts studied and that it increases in contexts with less developed co-education programs; therefore, it is necessary to implement effective policies in the educational field to eliminate the existence of gender stereotypes.

Cultura de la seguridad pública en Europa

Culture can be understood as a system of human adaptation to the environment. When the latter changes, the former also tends to evolve. However, there are cultural inertias that allow us to understand some patterns in the behavior of the population, even in contexts of rapid change such as the current one. Identifying the cultural traits of European countries in the field of public security is the purpose of this article. For this, firstly, a system of indicators is proposed that departs from a theoretical review. They collect aspects of thought and behavior. Secondly, these indicators are applied looking for the best comparative data available according to a series of quality criteria. Broad time series are used to identify trends that are maintained over time and that may result from cultural inertia. The main contribution of this study, compared to previous ones, is to use a wider range of geographical, temporal, and cultural dimensions. With this, a more refined drawing of the different representations and behaviors of the Europe of security is achieved. The text begins by reviewing how the concept of "security culture" has been defined and addressed in the international literature. Next, its key dimensions are identified, a system of indicators is proposed for each of them, and a set of European sources of data on public safety are selected. The work is more descriptive than explanatory of cultural differences. By drawing, in a comparative way, the culture of public safety in Europe, this article also contributes to a better understanding of the current situation in Spain, and to anticipate possible scenarios in a context of strong changes in risks, such as those analyzed in the various contributions to this issue of the magazine.

COVID-19: On the threshold of the fifth year. The situation in Spain.

Despite having emerged from pandemic status, the incidence of COVID-19 episodes has recently increased in Spain, including pediatric cases and admissions to Intensive Care Units. Several recombinant variants are circulating among us, particularly XBB arising from two Omicron BA.2 sublineages with mutations in the genes encoding the spicule proteins that could increase binding to the ACE2 receptor and be more prone to immune escape. Faced with these, 3 pharmaceutical companies have developed vaccines adapted to the XBB.1.5 sublineage that are already available for administration in our setting with risks that should not be different from those of previous mRNA vaccines and with clearly favorable benefit/risk ratios. They should be applied to patients with potential for poor COVID-19 evolution and to collectives that have a particular relationship of proximity with them. Their application should be understood not only from a perspective of individual convenience but also from that of collective responsibility. The most convenient seems to be a simultaneous immunization of COVID-19 and influenza in our environment. In the therapeutic aspect, there is little to expect right now from antisera, but the already known antiviral drugs are still available and indicated, although their efficacy will have to be reevaluated due to their impact on populations that are mostly immunized and with a better prognosis than in the past. In our opinion, it is necessary to continue to make a reasonable and timely use of masks and other non-pharmacological means of protection.

Hospital pharmacy initiatives for improving the management of patients with congenital coagulopathies

ObjectiveTo identify and promote initiatives aimed at improving the management by hospital pharmacists of patients with congenital coagulopathies in the Spanish healthcare context. MethodA series of initiatives to improve the care of patients with congenital coagulopathies were identified, evaluated, and prioritized by a panel of hospital pharmacists. Prioritization was based on an assessment of each initiative's impact and feasibility on a scale of 1 to 5. Once initiatives were prioritized, those assigned the highest priority were grouped into three action areas. ResultsSeven areas of activity were identified in which the role of hospital pharmacists is key for the management of patients with congenital coagulopathies: coordination with the healthcare team; drug evaluation and selection; dispensing; patient information and education; pharmacotherapeutic follow-up; research and innovation in the field of congenital coagulopathies; and capacity-building and training of hospital pharmacists. Fifteen initiatives were considered a priority, with an average impact score ≥ 3.8 and a feasibility score ≥ 3.2. A total of, 29.4% of the prioritized initiatives corresponded to healthcare, 23.5% to patient information and education, 11.8% to drug evaluation and selection, 11.8% to pharmacotherapeutic monitoring, 11.8% to cross-sectional initiatives, 5.9% to dispensing and 5.9% to research and innovation in the field of congenital coagulopathies: In contrast, initiatives related to capacity-building and training were not prioritized. ConclusionsThree main action areas were proposed based on the initiatives identified as high priority for the management of patients with congenital coagulopathies by a panel of 16 hospital pharmacists. Action areas revolved around specific activities that hospital pharmacy departments can undertake to contribute to improving the healthcare situation in Spain.

Survey of oncohematological pharmaceutical care situation in Spain

ObjectiveTo learn about the baseline of Oncohematological Pharmacy Units in Spanish hospitals in order to identify areas for improvement. MethodA survey in line with the objectives set in GEDEFO 2020 Strategic Plan of Pharmaceutical Care for oncohematological patients was designed. The survey was hosted on GEDEFO's website during March and April 2017. Activity data for 2016 was collected. ResultsA total of 95 hospitals responded to the survey. Out of which, 76% had an integrated information system of pharmacotherapeutic process management, where a variability in technological and organizational processes were found. The oncohematological pharmacist led the implementation of the principles of medicine, based on evidence and results obtained in routine clinical practice. It was shown that 88% of hospitals had standardized protocols. As for safety practices, in 83% of hospitals, oncohematological pharmacists actively participated in the development and maintenance of risk management program, implemented to prevent errors. Preparation was centralized in 89% of hospitals. Variability was observed in pharmaceutical care depending on where the patient was attended. In 92% of hospitals, pharmacists served as reference for Oncohematology, although with different levels of training. Major deficiencies were observed in training programs and teaching. Of all oncohematological pharmacists, 53% had been a researcher over the past three years. ConclusionsThese results mark the starting point for Spanish Oncohematological Pharmacy Units to develop strategies for improving the quality of pharmaceutical care offered to oncohematological patients and led by GEDEFO, heads of service, and oncohematological patients themselves.

Spanish-American Relations in the 1890s in the Context of the Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine, proclaimed in 1823, was successfully used by the United States throughout the 19th century to protect US territorial and political interests in the Western Hemisphere. One of the most obvious examples of its application in international relations was the Spanish-American War of 1898. The Russian ambassador in Madrid, Dmitry Shevich, was an unbiased witness of the application of the Monroe Doctrine by the Americans to Spain and Cuba in the 1890s. Based on his reports, we analyze the stages of the escalation of the conflict, examine the evolution of the aggressive US policy towards Madrid under the pretext of protecting the interests of Spain from Cuban «insurgents», we address the role and participation of Russia in the conflict. The Monroe Doctrine was applied where and when the position of the US government was absolutely strong. Whereas in the 1870s the situation in Cuba, and even in the United States itself, was not very appropriate, it is in the 1890 that the position of the United States in the international arena, the stabilization of the situation in the country as a result of the Reconstruction era and the chaos in the domestic political situation in Spain served as key factors for Washington’s confidence in the success of its enterprise. The United States used various methods of pressure on Spain in order to squeeze it out of Cuba and get the island into its undivided possession. At the same time, whereas in 1896–1897 the relations were dominated by diplomatic rhetoric about the need to «pacify» the situation in Cuba and the willingness to act as an intermediary between the metropole and the insurgents, the relations with Spain turned into threats and ultimatums after the explosion of the battleship Maine. Washington openly voiced its right to decide the fate of the states and nations of the Western Hemisphere.

Ecolinguistic Approach to Overcoming the Linguistic Inequality in Spain (by the Example of the Language Situation in Russia)

The problem of preserving and protecting the native language today is relevant in a multinational and polyconfessional state in today’s era of globalisation and European economic integration. The purpose of the article is to examine the internal destruction of the linking function of a single official language, to analyze the discriminatory status of the Spanish language in modern Spain, to predict the consequences of such a language policy and to carry out a comparative analysis of the language situation in Spain and Russia. The object of the study is the Spanish language as the official language of the Kingdom of Spain and its role, significance and functions in the regions of the country, reflecting the political processes of recent decades. Comparative, historical and typological approaches are used, as well as the methods of observation, analysis and modeling. The author investigates the causes of the linguistic inequality in Spain and states the negative consequences of the language policy pursued by the government. Practical recommendations have been developed to overcome the current problems in the country’s language policy, based on the example of Russia.

Women in urology: what is their current situation in Spain?

ObjectiveTo analyze the current state of women in urology in Spain. Material and methodsDescriptive study based on the results of an online survey sent between February and April 2020 through the database of the Residents and Young Urologists group (RAEU) of the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU). Characteristics of the survey and its results were analyzed. ResultsIn total, 257 responses were obtained from 210 women (81.71%) and 47 men (18.29%) belonging to 111 hospitals. Statistically significant differences were observed (p < 0.001) with a higher proportion of men in all categories except for the group of young female and male attendings (29−39 years, p = 0.789), and the group of female residents against male residents (p = 0.814). The number of men was higher in hospitals with subspecialty units except for the Pelvic Floor Unit, where no statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.06). Regarding positions of responsibility, only 7 out of 111 hospitals had female Department Chiefs. ConclusionsWomen's representation in urology is increasing, mainly due to the younger generations. However, the access of these women to relevant positions is anecdotal.

Advantages and disadvantages of maintaining the mandatory use of masks in health centers and nursing homes in Spain. How and when is it justified to maintain it?

We address the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining the mandatory use of masks in health centers and nursing homes in the current epidemiological situation in Spain and after the declaration of the World Health Organization on May 5, 2023 of the end of COVID-19 as public health emergency. We advocate for prudence and flexibility, respecting the individual decision to wear a mask and emphasizing the need for its use when symptoms suggestive of a respiratory infection appear, in situations of special vulnerability (such as immunosuppression), or when caring for patients with those infections. At present, given the observed low risk of severe COVID-19 and the low transmission of other respiratory infections, we believe that it is disproportionate to maintain the mandatory use of masks in a general way in health centers and nursing homes. However, this could change depending on the results of epidemiological surveillance and it would be necessary to reconsider returning to the obligation in periods with a high incidence of respiratory infections.

"How do We Manage an Insufficient Graft Diameter During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction? Current Situation in Spain"

"How do We Manage an Insufficient Graft Diameter During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction? Current Situation in Spain"

EHS guidelines for inguinal hernia repair. The reality of the current situation in Spain. A proposal to standardize its implementation during surgical training

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs are underused in our country and do not fulfil to the recommendations of the European Hernia Society (EHS) guidelines. Thus, it is essential to establish measures that increase its use. We propose that the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC) promote these actions and that they should be incorporated into the specialty program.The proposed measures include Standardization of learning; reinforce anatomical knowledge; regulated practices with simulators; promote the use of the open posterior approach; rotations through centers of excellence; accreditation of specialized units and use a registry of activity as quality control.

Russian diplomats in Spain and Antonio Ugarte (1812-1813): the controversial cooperation

The article focuses on several cases in the history of Russian-Spanish diplomatic relations during the Spanish War of Independence, especially during the first year of the Alliance treaty between the two powers. Basing on the Russian and Spanish archives, the author studies the interaction of Pavel Mohrenheim and Yuly Wallenstein, Russian diplomats in Spain, with Antonio Ugarte y Larrazábal, the Spanish bureaucrat, responsible for the property and archive of the Russian mission in Madrid in 1812 – 1813. The article tends to reveal the characteristics of Russian diplomatic activity in the extraordinary war situation and in the absence of a plenipotentiary representative of Russia in Spain. The initial period of Russian-Spanish relations in the Iberian Peninsula after the conclusion of the treatise in Velikiye Luki is still presented in historiography in the most general form; the biographies and activities of its participants have not been studied in details. The primary sources used in the article enable to reconstruct the historical context and the relationship between Russian and Spanish diplomats, their perception of allied cooperation, and the obstacles they had to overcome. Thanks to the orders of Pavel Mohrenheim, the Chargé d’Affaires of Russia, given before his compelled departure from Spain, the interests of Russian Empire were ensured by balancing the official activities of the Spanish representative and the activity of the Russian agent Wallenstein, whose diplomatic status was doubtful. Ugarte, a trustee of the Russian mission, was guided by the instructions of the Regency Council and sought to establish his monopoly on the affairs of the Russian mission, including informing the Government of the Russian empire about the situation in Spain. Despite the personal rivalry between the Russian and Spanish representatives, both sides managed to avoid conflict and created the basis for the development of allied relations between Spain and Russia.

Realism and Reconstruction: A Comparative Perspective

Realism and Reconstruction: A Comparative Perspective

Catastrophic Consequences of Spain’s Language Policy against the Background of Russia’s Language Policy

Introduction. The problem of preserving and protecting the native language today is one of the main ones facing any people thinking about their future in the conditions of globalization, European economic integration and a modern multinational and multi-confessional state. The purpose of this article is to examine the internal processes of the destruction of the status of a single official language as a link between the country and the analysis of the discriminatory status of the Spanish language in modern Spain and the prediction of the consequences of such discrimination of language policy, as well as a comparative analysis of the language situation in Spain and Russia. Materials and Methods. This section specifies what has served as material for the analysis and describes the research techniques used. The object of the study is the Spanish language as the official language of the Kingdom of Spain, its role and its changes in the regions in the process of political processes over the past decades. Comparative- historical and typological research methods are used, as well as methods of observation, analysis, modeling. Results. This is the main section, which aims to confirm or reject a working hypothesis (or hypotheses) by means of analysis, synthesis and elucidation of data. The reasons for the unbalanced state of the language situation in Spain, as well as the negative consequences of the language policy pursued by the government, are analyzed. Practical recommendations have been developed to overcome the existing critical problems in the field of the country's language policy, based on the Russian example. Discussion and Conclusion. In this part, the results are to be briefly summarized and the main directions for further research indicated. The results presented in the article contribute to the scientific understanding of the problem of the status of the state official language in modern Spain. They contribute to the development of awareness of the seriousness and danger of the problem. If we Spaniards do not realize the seriousness of what is happening and do not force the government, the opposition and all legitimate parties to respond to this critical situation, then the future of the Spanish language and the Spaniards themselves in Spain seems pessimistic, since we will be foreigners in our beautiful country.