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A Sierra López

Publications and source records attributed to A Sierra López.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

[Conclusions of the Canary Islands Nutrition Survey (1997-98). Foundations for a nutrition policy in Canary Islands].

The principal findings of the Canary Island Nutrition survey (ENCA). 1997-98 are presented. This survey was realised to obtain the following objectives: to evaluate eating habits and nutritional status utilising dietary, anthropometric and biochemical indicators in the Canary Island population along with determining lifestyle factors and the prevalence of the main cardiovascular risk factors. Additionally, a survey evaluating food-related knowledge and attitudes was also carried out. To attain this end, a cross-sectional study was realised in a representative sample of the Canary Island population aged 6 to 75 years (n = 1,747). This article summarises the key findings related to study objectives as well as study-derived recommendations to be realised within a Canary Island health and nutrition policy framework. For this purpose, the development of food based dietary guidelines addressed to meet target nutrients is needed.

Adolescent↗

[Usefulness of a gene amplification technique (LCx MTB) in the diagnosis of tuberculosis: preliminary results with different sputum samples].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use in non-sputum samples of a commercial molecular amplification kit (LCx MTB, Abbott Diagnostica) (LCx) for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ninety-nine non-sputum samples from the same number of patients (bronchoalveolar, pleural and ascitic fluid, fecal samples, blood cultures, biopsies from different sites, cerebrospinal fluid, urine and gastric juices) and 14 sputum samples (10 from patients clinically suspected of having tuberculosis and 4 from patients diagnosed of tuberculosis and undergoing appropriate treatment for at least one month). All samples were LCx processed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The reference diagnosis was obtained by the Löwestein-jensen method and when results were inconsistent, we took into account the degree of clinical suspicion, response to treatment and histology. RESULTS: Seven of the 99 samples were positive by the LCx technique, and 6 of the 7 were also LJ positive; 1 could not be evaluated because of culture contamination. One LJ positive culture was LCx negative. Only one sample was positive by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining. Ninety-two samples were LCx negative, with 91 showing no growth at all. Sensitivity was 86% and specificity 98%. Atypical mycobacteria were detected in 4 cases, all of which were LCx negative. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of tuberculosis by applying the LCx system to various types of samples other than sputum is simple, rapid, sensitive and specific.

Humans↗

[Detection of psychopathology in two populations of institutionalized elderly using a questionnaire].

Simple instruments to detect psychiatric pathology in the elderly patients are sorely needed. We assessed 222 old patients living in nursing homes by means of the Spanish version of the Pfeiffer's Functional Assessment Inventory. The results of the mental health section of the inventory, which includes the Short Psychiatric Evaluation Schedule and four questions about self-perception of mental health, are presented. There were no statistical differences between those who need help in most of the activities of daily living and those who need not. The only exception was that the feeling of loneliness was more frequent among the most able (p = 0.023). Almost half of the 173 patients who completed the evaluation scored in the range of definite psychopathology. Nearly another 10% scored in the range of severe psychopathology or hypochondriasis. This assessment instrument allows and easier study of the prevalence of psychopathology in nursing home residents. It also makes feasible the detection of latent needs for psychiatric care in the elderly living in nursing homes.

Aged↗

[Mortality indicators in a small community].

The death rates have been much used in Public Health thanks to the ease in obtaining them. But our Primary Health Care Teams encounter the obstacle of a low denominator in that the populations of the basic health areas are small and the rates appear unstable. This means that they are often not produced in those cases where the calculation might be of use. We present our experience in the calculation of these indicators for the community of San Matías de Taco on Tenerife Island. It is a small township in very deteriorated surroundings and with very low socio-economic conditions. The death rates, which we have calculated, and the life expectancy show clearly the existence of a community with a health level much below that of the province as a whole. We have resorted to the use of a few large age groups and to the calculation of mean values over long periods of time. We Believe that methodology employed may be useful in Health care Centres.

Adolescent↗