"Beach Lifeguards' Sun Exposure and Sun Protection in Spain"

de Troya Martin, Magdalena,Sanchez, Nuria Blazquez,Garcia Harana, Cristina,Leiva, Ma Carmen Alarcon,Arjona, Jose Aguilera,Ruiz, Francisco Rivas,de Galvez Aranda, Ma Victoria Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute 2021 Safety and health at work Vol.12 No.2

Background: Sunburn is the main avoidable cause of skin cancer. Beach lifeguards spend many hours exposed to the effects of solar radiation during their work day, precisely at times of the year when levels of solar irradiation are highest. The aim of this study is to quantify the risk to beach lifeguards of sun exposure. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Western Costa del Sol, southern Spain, during the summer of 2018. The research subjects were recruited during a skin cancer prevention course for beach lifeguards. All participants were invited to complete a questionnaire on their habits, attitudes, and knowledge related to sun exposure. In addition, ten were specially monitored using personal dosimeters for three consecutive days, and the results were recorded in a photoprotection diary. A descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation for the quantitative variables) was performed, and inter-group differences were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Two hundred fifteen lifeguards completed the questionnaire, and 109 met the criteria for inclusion in this analysis. The mean age was 23.8 years (SD: 5.1), 78.0% were male, 71.5% were phototype III or IV (Fitzpatrick's phototype), and 77.1% had experienced at least one painful sunburn during the previous summer. The mean daily personal ultraviolet exposure per day, the minimal erythema dose, and the standard erythema dose, in J/m², were 634.7 [standard deviation (SD): 356.2], 2.5 (SD: 1.4) and 6.35 (SD: 3.6), respectively. Conclusion: Beach lifeguards receive very high doses of solar radiation during the work day and experience correspondingly high rates of sunburn. Intervention strategies to modify their sun exposure behavior and working environment are necessary to reduce the risk of skin cancer for these workers and to promote early diagnosis of the disease.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure Living in the Tropics

de Oliveira Lucian Batista,de Figueiredo Martins Siqueira Mariana Andrade,de Macedo Gadêlha Rafael Buarque,Garcia Jessica,Bandeira Francisco 대한심부전학회 2024 International Journal of Heart Failure Vol.6 No.2

Background and Objectives Vitamin D, as a steroid hormone, has multiple effects on human body and its deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF) and unfavorable outcomes. The present study investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and its relationship with cardiometabolic parameters in patients hospitalized for HF living in the city of Recife (latitude 8° South). Methods Analytical cross-sectional study, with men and women aged 40–64 years. The HF group was recruited during hospitalization due to decompensation. A matched control group was recruited from the general endocrine clinics. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), considering deficiency when 25OHD <20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L). Results A total of 243 patients were evaluated (HF group: 161, control group: 82). Lower serum 25OHD levels were observed in the HF group (25.2±9.4 vs. 30.0±7.7ng/mL; p<0.001), as well as a higher prevalence of VDD (27.3% vs. 9.8%; prevalence ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–5.67; p=0.002). In patients with HF, VDD was associated with diabetes mellitus (65.9% vs. 41.0%; p=0.005) and female sex (65.9% vs. 44.4%; p=0.015). In the subgroup with VDD, higher values of hemoglobin A1c (7.9% [6.0–8.9] vs. 6.2% [5.7–7.9]; p=0.006) and dyslipidemia were also observed. Conclusions We found higher rates of VDD in patients hospitalized for HF and this was associated with deleterious laboratory metabolic parameters. Background and Objectives Vitamin D, as a steroid hormone, has multiple effects on human body and its deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF) and unfavorable outcomes. The present study investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and its relationship with cardiometabolic parameters in patients hospitalized for HF living in the city of Recife (latitude 8° South). Methods Analytical cross-sectional study, with men and women aged 40–64 years. The HF group was recruited during hospitalization due to decompensation. A matched control group was recruited from the general endocrine clinics. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), considering deficiency when 25OHD <20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L). Results A total of 243 patients were evaluated (HF group: 161, control group: 82). Lower serum 25OHD levels were observed in the HF group (25.2±9.4 vs. 30.0±7.7ng/mL; p<0.001), as well as a higher prevalence of VDD (27.3% vs. 9.8%; prevalence ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–5.67; p=0.002). In patients with HF, VDD was associated with diabetes mellitus (65.9% vs. 41.0%; p=0.005) and female sex (65.9% vs. 44.4%; p=0.015). In the subgroup with VDD, higher values of hemoglobin A1c (7.9% [6.0–8.9] vs. 6.2% [5.7–7.9]; p=0.006) and dyslipidemia were also observed. Conclusions We found higher rates of VDD in patients hospitalized for HF and this was associated with deleterious laboratory metabolic parameters.

Mechanical properties related to the microstructure of seven different fiber reinforced composite posts

de la Pena, V?ctor Alonso,Darriba, Iria L,Valea, Martin Caserio,Rivera, Francisco Guitian The Korean Academy of Prosthodonitics 2016 The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics Vol.8 No.6

PURPOSE. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical properties (bending strength and hardness) of seven different fiber reinforced composite posts, in relation to their microstructural characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Two hundred eighty posts were divided into seven groups of 40, one group for each type of post analyzed. Within each group, 15 posts were subjected to three-point bending strength test, 15 to a microhardess meter for the Knoop hardness, and 10 to Scanning Electron Microscope in order to determine the diameter of the fibers and the percentage of fibers embedded in the matrix. To compare the flexural strength in relation to the type of fiber, matrix, and the hardness of the posts, a Kruskal-Wallis H test was used. The Jonckheere-Terpstra test was used to determine if the volume percent of fibers in the post influenced the bending strength. RESULTS. The flexural strength and the hardness depended on the type of fibers that formed the post. The lower flexural strength of a post could be due to deficient bonding between the fiber and the resin matrix. CONCLUSION. According to the results, other factors, besides the microstructural characteristics, may also influence the mechanical properties of the post. The feature that has more influence on the mechanical properties of the posts is the type of fiber.

Do changes in inflammatory markers predict hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and survival after liver transplantation?

Lucas Jose Caram,Francisco Calderon,Esteban Masino,Victoria Ardiles,Ezequiel Mauro,Leila Haddad,Juan Pekolj,Jimena Vicens,Adrian Gadano,Eduardo de Santibanes,Martin de Santibanes 한국간담췌외과학회 2022 Annals of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery Vol.26 No.1

Backgrounds/Aims: The role of inflammation in malignant cell proliferation has been well described. High values of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as markers of systemic inflammation have shown associations with unfavorable long-term outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine values of NLR and PLR evaluated prior to and after surgery and their associations with mortality and recurrence rates of liver transplant patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A total of 105 patients with HCC who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) were retrospectively reviewed. NLR and PLR values were obtained from complete blood counts prior to and after surgery. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in relation with delta NLR and PLR were estimated. Results: Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels > 100 ng/mL (p = 0.014) and lymphovascular emboli in the specimen (p = 0.048) were identified to be significant predictors of RFS. Child-Pugh score (p = 0.016) was found to be an independent factor associated with poorer OS. An increasing delta PLR was associated with worse RFS, although it showed no significant association with OS. Conclusions: The analysis of PLR as a continuous variable may predict recurrence outcomes in patients undergoing OLT for HCC. It is more representative than isolated values.

The Music Within: A Doppler Harmonic Pattern Report in Non-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Related Cerebral Vasospasm

Alessandra Braga Cruz Guedes de Morais,George Nilton Nunes Mendes,Ana Silvia Sobreira Lima Verde,Adson Freitas de Lucena,Francisco José Arruda Mont’Alverne,Fabricio Oliveira Lima,Fernanda Martins Maia 대한신경초음파학회 2023 대한신경초음파학회지 (JNN) Vol.15 No.2

A 40-year-old male presented an episode of severe thunderclap headache with right hemiparesis. Imaging revealed severe stenosis in the left middle cerebral artery, associated with increased mean velocities detected by Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD). Notably, a distinctive "tin whistle" sound, known as a doppler harmonic effect, near the highest velocity point was observed during the examination. Extensive workup was performed, including CSF analysis and laboratory investigations, and the diagnosis of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) was established. Treatment involving medication and daily monitoring led to a decline in the left MCA's velocity, enabling the patient's discharge with no recurrent headaches or neurological deficits. Notably, a follow-up MRI exhibited the disappearance of the left MCA stenosis. This report discusses the rare occurrence of "musical murmurs" in cerebrovascular diseases, underscoring the potential for early diagnosis using techniques like TCD in emergency settings, particularly in conditions like RCVs.

Pleural effusion secondary to minoxidil in a peritoneal dialysis patient

Palomar, Rosa,Morales, Pedro,Sanz de Castro, Saturnino,Tasis, Ana,Rodrigo, Emilio,Piñ,era, Celestino,Ruiz, Juan Carlos,Ferná,ndez-Fresnedo, Gema,Martin de Francisco, Angel Luis,Arias, Manu Oxford University Press 2004 Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation Vol.19 No.10