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J González

Publications and source records attributed to J González.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Analysis of accident inequality of the Spanish fishing fleet.

There is at present a clear tendency to consider safety as a vital factor in the running of a country's fishing sector. However, the planning of the necessary resources and their adequate distribution according to the sector's needs is only possible if detailed information is available about the degree of concentration of the accidentality of that sector. In this context, the aim of this work is two-fold: firstly, to formalise a methodology for the fishing sector of a country which allows the inequality in the concentration of accidents to be analysed; and secondly, to apply this methodology to the Spanish fishing fleet for the period 1994-2002. Thus, indices are built by regions and by types of vessel for two variables: fishermen and vessels. Results are obtained both for the inequality in the concentration of accidents and their associated Lorenz curves and for the rates and elasticities of fishing sector accidents.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2006

[Degree of public awareness regarding intensive care units (ICUs) and intensive care physicians in Castilla y León].

AIM: To determine degree of public awareness regarding the activities and health care professionals that comprise intensive care units (ICUs) in the autonomous community of Castilla y León. DESIGN: Questionaire in the form of a true-false test dealing with a) description of an ICU; b) description of ICU patients, and c) degrees and qualifications held by ICU physicians. LOCATION: Waiting rooms of outpatient clinics and ICUs of 9 hospitals in Castilla y León. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During the period from 1 October 2003 to 29 February 2004, there were surveyed a group of those persons accompanying outpatients arriving for appointments (OP, n = 2,293), and a group comprised of relatives of ICU patients (ICU, n = 727) upon discharge from the ICU. RESULTS: The average age of those subjects surveyed was 45.6 years old. 62.1% were women and 52.8% had received education through secondary level or higher. Of the 1,354 analyzed OP questionnaires, 27.7%, 25.5% and 48.4% responded correctly to questions A, B and C, respectively. Of the 284 analyzed ICU questionnaires, 38.6%, 41.0%, and 63.5% responded correctly to questions A, B and C, respectively. Differences between results from the two surveyed groups were statistically significant, and the best results from the ICU group were found among those subjects whose family members had remained in ICU for 2 days or more. CONCLUSIONS: In the described scope, of the citizens of Castilla y León, 27.7% know as it is a ICU, 25.5% know what type of patients usually is entered there, and 48.4% recognize their doctors like ICU specialists specifically. These knowledge improve significantly after having some relative entered in ICU for more than 2 days.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

In situ study of the relevance of bacterial adherence to feed particles for the contamination and accuracy of rumen degradability estimates for feeds of vegetable origin.

An in situ study was conducted on four rumen-cannulated wethers to determine (using (15)N infusion techniques) the microbial contamination (mg bacterial DM or crude protein (CP)/100 mg DM or CP) and the associated error on the effective degradability of fourteen feeds: barley and maize grains, soyabean and sunflower meals, full-fat soyabean, maize gluten feed, soyabean hulls, brewers dried grains, sugarbeet pulp, wheat bran, lucerne and vetch-oat hays, and barley and lentil straws. The DM or CP contamination in residues (M) fitted to single exponential or sigmoid curves. A general model (M=m (1-e(-ft) ) (j)) was proposed to match this fit. Asymptotic values (m) varied from 2.84% to 13.3% and from 2.85% to 80.9% for DM and CP, respectively. Uncorrected results underestimated the effective degradability of both DM (P<0.05) and CP (P<0.01). For CP, this underestimation varied from 0.59 % to 13.1%, with a higher but unascertainable error for barley straw. Excluding maize grain, the microbial contamination of both DM and CP, and the associated underestimation of the effective degradability of CP, were positively related to the cellulose content of the feed. The error in the effective degradability of CP was also negatively related to the CP content and its apparent effective degradability (R(2) 0.867). This equation allows easier and more accurate estimates of effective degradability, needed to improve protein-rationing systems.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2006

[Storage of antibiotics in Spanish households].

This study aimed to determine how many antibiotics were stored in Spanish households, analyzing their origin and characteristics (number, antibiotic type and pharmaceutical form). In addition, some general characteristics of the "home medicine cabinet" were investigated. The study was conducted by telephone interviews with one of the heads of the family in 1,000 randomly chosen Spanish homes, but in accordance with a territorial distribution proportional to the Spanish population and to the urban and rural setting. According to the results obtained, there was at least one antibiotic packet in 37% of Spanish households, mostly corresponding (96.5%) to broad-spectrum semisynthetic penicillin (amoxycillin or clavulanic-amoxycillin). A total of 59.2% of the packets found corresponded to solid oral forms (tablets, capsules, etc.) and 40.4% corresponded to liquid oral forms (syrup, suspension, sachet). The antibiotics were mostly obtained by medical prescription (84.9%), self-medication being the origin in almost 15% of them. There was a member of the family under antibiotic treatment at the time of the study in only 30% of the households that had one or more containers. The financial evaluation of the "leftover" antibiotic doses makes it possible to estimate a cost of about 18 million euros, more than 12 million of which would have been financed by the Health Care Administration. The results show that storing of antibiotics continues to be important in Spain, even though a considerable decrease has been observed in the last 10 years. This could be related to a progressive abandonment of self-medicating attitudes.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Crossover from the Luttinger-liquid to Coulomb-blockade regime in carbon nanotubes.

We develop a theoretical approach to the low-energy properties of one-dimensional electron systems aimed to encompass the mixed features of Luttinger-liquid and Coulomb-blockade behavior observed in the crossover between the two regimes. For this aim, we extend the Luttinger-liquid description by incorporating the effects of a discrete single-particle spectrum. The intermediate regime is characterized by a power-law behavior of the conductance, but with an exponent oscillating with the gate voltage, in agreement with recent experimental observations. Our construction also accounts naturally for the existence of a crossover in the zero-bias conductance, mediating between two temperature ranges where the power-law behavior is preserved but with a different exponent.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Abnormalities in the bone mineral metabolism in HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bone mineral metabolism in HIV infected and asymptomatic patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) containing protease inhibitors (PI) and naïve patients. METHODS: We studied 30 asymptomatic HIV infected male patients, 13 in the naive group and 17 in the IP group, both without differences in demographics characteristics. We excluded women and patients with any known factor associated to osteopenia. We did a nutritional questionnaire, a DEXA scan in lumbar spine and femur, a study of CD4 lymphocytes, viral load and an analysis of bone formation and resorption markers in all patients. We compared vitamin D and PTH levels with a control group of healthy male volunteers age-pareated. For the statistical analysis we used the SPSS program. RESULTS: Osteopenia was present in 17/30 (57%), 8/13 (61.5%) in the naïve group and 9/17 (53%) in the PI group (not significant differences). We found a vitamin D deficiency in 86% of patients, with mean serum levels that was found to be significantly lower than those from a healthy control group (p=0.04). Testosterone level was significantly related to bone mineral density in lumbar spine (p</=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HIV may be an individual risk factor in bone disorders, requiring calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Acute and persistent iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome after a single dose of triamcinolone acetonide.

Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome is a well-known adverse effect of glucocorticoids. It usually develops after prolonged exposure to excessive amounts of synthetic glucocorticolds. The development of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (ICS) after a single and low dose of synthetic glucocorticoid is an exceptional event. Up to now, only a few number of cases have been associated with triamcinolone acetonide and they have always been related to local administration. We report, for the first time, a patient who developed ICS after a single low dose of parenterally (im) administered triamcinolone acetonide. She was a 45-yr-old woman who referred to us because of cushingoid appearance, whose hormonal determinations were suggestive of secondary adrenal insufficiency. Clinical features were developed one month after the administration of a 40 mg single-dose of im triamcinolone acetonide because of acute laryngitis. Endocrinological evaluation confirmed the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression. Eight months later, cushingoid phenotype had completely disappeared and HPA function had spontaneously recovered. We review clinical features and comment on the possible pathogenic mechanisms of this particular and new form of ICS.

Cushing Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Epidemiology of transfusion-transmitted infections among multi-transfused patients in seven hospitals in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) constitute a major health problem worldwide where routine screening of blood or blood products is improperly done, and where non-medical injecting medications and/or drug use are prevalent. Prevalence and risk factors vary by geographic location and by the specific TTI (including HIV-1, HBV, HCV and HTLV-I). OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with TTIs among a sample of multi-transfused adult patients in Peru. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional multi-center study was conducted across seven major hospitals in Peru from February 2003 to September 2004. Self-reported behavior information (medical procedures, number of sexual partners, and drug use history) was analyzed, along with a review of exposure history from hospital medical records. Prevalences were calculated by TTI for different exposures, along with unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for infection risk. RESULTS: Overall, 192 (54.7%) of 351 multi-transfused patients were found infected with one or more TTIs. Number of transfusion units, years of transfusion history (6 or more), and number of treatment facilities (2 or more) were associated with HCV infection. Hemodialysis history was a common risk factor associated with HBV, HCV and HTLV-I infection. HIV infection was associated only with total number of transfusion units received. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalences of HBV and HCV infection were found among Peruvian multi-transfused patients and were associated with a past history and number of blood transfusions, as well as with past hemodialysis procedures. TTIs continue to represent a significant public health problem in Peru. Continued vigilant attention to blood safety procedures, including universal screening and health care provider education, is recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Bacteremic infection due to Nocardia otitidiscaviarum: case report and review].

We present a case of bacteremic pneumonia caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in a corticodependent COPD. Blood and sputum cultures on Mycobacterial media were positives and identification was done using 16S rDNA sequencing. In this article we review the most relevant communications about Nocardia spp infection and study the strain susceptibility using E-test.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Consensus conference on chronic viral hepatitis and HIV infection: updated Spanish recommendations.

Chronic hepatitis B and C represent a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients worldwide. New treatment options against both hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses have prompted us to update previous recommendations for the management of coinfected individuals. Fifteen topics (nine related to HCV, five to HBV and one to both viruses) were selected for this purpose. A panel of Spanish experts in the field was invited to review these areas and propose specific recommendations, which were scored according to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) grading system. These guidelines represent a comprehensive and updated overview on the management of hepatitis B and C in HIV-infected patients.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2004

GMR effect in CuCo annealed melt-spun ribbons.

A thorough microstructural and magnetic analysis has been performed on as-quenched and annealed (475 and 525 degrees C, 1 hour) melt-spun Cu100-xCox (x = 10 and 15) granular alloys, presenting a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect. The annealed samples are inhomogeneous with respect to the Co-particle sizes and interparticles distances and, therefore, these particles present superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic behaviours, which determine the GMR response. The samples x = 15, treated at 525 degrees C during 1 hour, presented the best GMR ratio (approximately 5% at room temperature to be the highest value approaching roughly to the saturation under an applied magnetic field of 15 KOe), with the coexistence of Co-particles with both kinds of magnetic behaviour.

Cobalt↗
PubMed2004

Fenticonazole nitrate for treatment of vulvovaginitis: efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 1-gram ovules, administered as ultra-short 2-day regimen.

Because of its potential as a low cost first-line monotherapy for the most common vulvovaginal infections, we evaluated fenticonazole nitrate in a prospective, open-label, multicenter pilot study with 101 sexually active women (per-protocol; 16 to 61 years of age) with vulvovaginitis involving single or mixed infections with Candida albicans, Trichomonas vaginalis, and/or Gardnerella vaginalis. Fenticonazole nitrate (1 g) was administered as vaginal ovules, once daily on days 1 and 3. Eradication (direct phase-contrast microscopy of vaginal swabs and/or microbiological culture) on day 8 was 90% (C. albicans, 26/29, p < 0.001), 70% (T. vaginalis, 7/10, p = 0.161), 67% (G. vaginalis, 22/33, p < 0.009), and 45% (mixed infection, 13/29, p = 0.001). After 28 days, relapse was 0% for candidiasis and trichomoniasis, 27% (6/22) for G. vaginalis, and 23% (3/13) for mixed infection. Overall, eradication of all offending pathogens was achieved in 67% of the total per-protocol population, with a relapse rate of only 16%. Score sums for symptoms improved from 7.0 (baseline) to 1.7 (day 8), and 0.71 (day 28), (p < 0.001). Treatment was safe and well tolerated. The results of our pilot study suggest that application of fenticonazole nitrate 1 g intravaginal ovules on 2 alternate days is a suitable first-line treatment of vulvovaginitis with acceptable broad-spectrum efficacy against the most commonly involved pathogens and with a low rate of early relapse, reserving antibiotics for patients with treatment failure or relapse of infection. Our results should encourage further examination of this approach in larger and well controlled clinical trials.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed2004

Study of resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs in five districts of Equatorial Guinea: rates, risk factors, genotyping of gene mutations and molecular epidemiology.

SETTING: Five districts in Equatorial Guinea, March 1999 to February 2001. OBJECTIVES: To determine tuberculosis drug resistance among new and previously treated cases, the risk factors associated with resistance, and the mutations associated with isoniazid and rifampicin (katG, inhA and rpoB genes) resistance, and to genotype resistant strains. RESULTS: A positive culture identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was obtained in 240/499 patients. Susceptibility testing was performed in 236 strains. The overall resistance rate in new cases was 16.9% compared to 41.6% in previously treated cases. Isoniazid resistance was the most frequent (respectively 12.5% and 16.6%) in the two groups, while multidrug resistance was observed in 1.7% and 25% of new and previously treated cases, respectively. Female sex was statistically associated with resistance in new cases. Of 41 isoniazid-resistant strains, 33 (80.5%) had mutations in the inhA gene; none had mutations in the katG gene and eight had no mutations in either gene. All strains had low-level isoniazid resistance. Of eight strains resistant to rifampicin, six had mutations in the rpoB gene. Genotyping defined seven clusters. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate resistance was found in new cases. Low-level isoniazid resistance predominated among mutations in the inhA gene, with a high percentage of clustering in resistant strains.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Effects of chronic administration of D-003, a mixture of sugar cane wax high molecular acids, in beagle dogs.

D-003 is a mixture of high molecular weight aliphatic primary acids purified from sugar cane wax (Saccharum officinarum, L) with cholesterol-lowering and antiplatelet effects. Previous studies, including a 6-month study conducted in rats, have shown no D-003-related toxicity. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of D-003 orally administered for 9 months in beagle dogs. The animals were randomly distributed in three groups: a control group receiving the vehicle only and two groups orally administered D-003 (200 and 400 mg/kg). Body weight gain, food consumption and clinical signs were controlled throughout the study. The effects of D-003 on collagen-induced platelet aggregation, bleeding time (BT) and coagulation parameters (prothrombin time and kaolin-activated thromboplastin time) were also investigated. Most blood biochemistry and hematological parameters were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 9 months of treatment, while total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, platelet aggregation, BT and coagulation parameters were determined at baseline and after 9 months of treatment. At study completion, the animals were sacrificed. D-003 at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced TC (p < 0.05), significantly inhibited platelet aggregation and increased BT compared with levels in controls. Data analyses of body weight gain, food consumption, clinical observations, the remaining blood biochemistry and hematology indicators (including coagulation parameters, organ weight ratios and histopathological findings) showed no trends with D-003 doses or significant differences between control animals and treated groups. In conclusion, D-003 administered for 9 months to beagle dogs induced the expected effects with no evidence of drug-related toxicity.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2004

Policosanol prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rats.

Osteoporosis is characterized by reduced bone mass, abnormal bone architecture and increased fracture risk. Ovariectomy impairs bone mass and metabolism in rats and ovariectomized rats are considered as a suitable model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Mevalonate is required for producing lipoids that are important in osteoclast activity and thus drugs affecting mevalonate production can prevent bone loss in rodents. Policosanol is a cholesterol-lowering drug isolated from sugar cane wax that inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis through an indirect regulation of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether policosanol could prevent bone loss in the bones of ovariectomized rats by comparing its effects with those induced by estradiol. Sprague Dawley female rats were randomly distributed in four groups: a sham-operated group treated with Tween/H2O vehicle and three groups of ovariectomized rats treated with 17beta-estradiol (30 microg/kg/day) or policosanol (50 and 200 mg/kg/day), respectively, for 3 months. At treatment completion the rats were sacrificed, their bones removed and variables of bone resorption and formation were investigated by histomorphometry. Ovariectomy increased trabecular separation but diminished the number and thickness of trabecules. Estradiol and policosanol prevented these effects compared with ovariectomized controls. Both treatments also prevented an increase in the number of osteoclasts and their surface area induced by ovariectomy. Estradiol, but not policosanol, significantly prevented an increase of osteoblast surface area compared with ovariectomized controls. In conclusion, policosanol prevented bone loss and decreased bone resorption in ovariectomized rats, suggesting that it should be potentially useful in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Insulating, superconducting, and large-compressibility phases in nanotube ropes.

The superconducting properties of carbon nanotube ropes are studied using a new computational framework that incorporates the renormalization of intratube interactions and the effect of intertube Coulomb screening. This method allows one to study both the limits of thin and thick ropes ranging from purely one-dimensional physics to the setting of 3D Cooper-pair coherence, providing good estimates of the critical temperature as a function of the rope physical parameters. We discuss the connection of our results with recent experiments.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Neuronal activity in the substantia nigra in the anaesthetized rat has fractal characteristics. Evidence for firing-code patterns in the basal ganglia.

Current models of the basal ganglia assume a firing-rate code for information processing. We have applied five complementary computing methods to assess firing patterns in 188 cells of the substantia nigra in the anaesthetized rat. Fractal firing activity was found in 100% of nigral cells projecting to the superior colliculus, in 51% of cells projecting to the thalamus and in 33% of cells projecting to the pedunculopontine nucleus, but was practically absent in dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons (3%). The finding of fractal firing patterns may lead to a better understanding of the normal operational mode and pathological manifestations of the basal ganglia.

Anesthesia↗