Temporal Stability of Management Zone Patterns: Case Study with Contact and Non-Contact Soil Electrical Conductivity Sensors in Dryland Pastures.

Precision agriculture (PA) intends to validate technological tools that capture soil and crop spatial variability, which constitute the basis for the establishment of differentiated management zones (MZs). Soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) sensors are commonly used to survey soil spatial variability. It is essential for surveys to have temporal stability to ensure correct medium- and long-term decisions. The aim of this study was to assess the temporal stability of MZ patterns using different types of ECa sensors, namely an ECa contact-type sensor (Veris 2000 XA, Veris Technologies, Salina, KS, USA) and an electromagnetic induction sensor (EM-38, Geonics Ltd., Mississauga, ON, Canada). These sensors were used in four fields of dryland pastures in the Alentejo region of Portugal. The first survey was carried out in October 2018, and the second was carried out in September 2020. Data processing involved synchronizing the geographic coordinates obtained using the two types of sensors in each location and establishing MZs based on a geostatistical analysis of elevation and ECa data. Although the basic technologies have different principles (contact versus non-contact sensors), the surveys were carried out at different soil moisture conditions and were temporarily separated (about 2 years); the ECa measurements showed statistically significant correlations in all experimental fields (correlation coefficients between 0.449 and 0.618), which were reflected in the spatially stable patterns of the MZ maps (averaging 52% of the total area across the four experimental fields). These results provide perspectives for future developments, which will need to occur in the creation of algorithms that allow the spatial variability and temporal stability of ECa to be validated through smart soil sampling and analysis to generate recommendations for sustained soil amendment or fertilization.

Using a Non-Contact Sensor to Delineate Management Zones in Vineyards and Validation with the Rasch Model.

The production of high-quality wines is one of the primary goals of modern oenology. In this regard, it is known that the potential quality of a wine begins to be determined in the vineyard, where the quality of the grape, initially, and later that of the wine, will be influenced by the soil properties. Given the spatial variability of the fundamental soil properties related to the potential grape production, such as texture, soil organic matter content, or cation exchange capacity, it seems that a uniform management of a vineyard is not the most optimal way to achieve higher grape quality. In this sense, the delineation of zones with similar soil characteristics to implement site-specific management is essential, reinforcing the interest in incorporating technologies and methods to determine these homogeneous zones. A case study was conducted in a 3.3 ha vineyard located near Évora, south of Portugal. A non-contact sensor (DUALEM 1S) was used to measure soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) in the vineyard, and later, a kriged ECa map was generated. ECa and elevation maps were utilised to delineate homogeneous zones (management zones, MZs) in the field through a clustering process. MZs were validated using some soil properties (texture; pH; organic matter-OM; phosphorous-P2O5; potassium-K2O; the sum of the exchange bases-SEB; and cation exchange capacity-CEC), which were determined from 20 soil samples taken in the different MZs. Validation was also performed using Rasch measures, which were defined based on the formulation of the objective and probabilistic Rasch model, integrating the information from the aforementioned soil properties at each sampling location. The comparison of the MZs was more evident with the use of the Rasch model, as only one value was to be employed in each MZ. Finally, an additional validation was conducted using a vegetation index to consider the plant response, which was different in each MZ. The use of a non-contact sensor to measure ECa constitutes an efficient technological tool for implementing site-specific management in viticulture, which allows for the improvement of decision-making processes by considering the inherent spatial variability of the soil.

Influenza vaccination in people with type 2 diabetes, coverage, predictors of uptake, and perceptions. Result of the MADIABETES cohort a 7years follow up study.

OBJECTIVES: We aim to determine influenza vaccination uptake among people with diabetes included in the MADIABETES cohort study in order to identify predictors of uptake and to analyze reasons for adherence and non-adherence with vaccination. METHODS: Using data from the MADIABETES Study we conducted a retrospective case record form based study without controls. We included outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Information was obtained from computerized clinical records and by telephone survey. The main dependent variables were influenza vaccination uptake in the year 2013 and the reason for receiving or refusing vaccination. RESULTS: Overall, 65.7% had received the influenza vaccine in 2013. The mean number of influenza vaccines received from 2007 to 2013 was 3.24 (SD1.15), although 19.23% had not received any influenza vaccine and 23.3% had been vaccinated against pneumococcus. The variables that increased the probability of being vaccinated were inclusion in the age-based recommendation (⩾60years), having a chronic respiratory disease, previous pneumococcal vaccination, higher number of visits to the general practitioner, higher number of influenza vaccines, and longer time since diabetes diagnosis. A higher mean glycated haemoglobin value in 2013 was associated with a reduced probability of vaccination. Most patients (90%) agreed to be vaccinated following their physician's advice because of their age or their chronic conditions. The most common reason for refusal among men was the belief that they were not at risk (41.6% vs. 29.79% in women); the most common reason for refusal among women was fear of adverse reactions (32.53% vs. 20.23% in men). CONCLUSIONS: The uptake of influenza vaccination among diabetic patients in the present study was below desirable levels. The main barrier to vaccination was lack of knowledge regarding the need for and risks and advantages of influenza vaccination. Healthcare professionals should educate and encourage influenza vaccination among people with diabetes.

Five-year incidence of chronic kidney disease (stage 3-5) and associated risk factors in a Spanish cohort: the MADIABETES Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence rate of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 3-5 (persistent decreased kidney function under 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) among patients with type 2 diabetes over five years, to identify the risk factors associated with CKD, and develop a risk table to predict five-year CKD stage 3-5 risk stratification for clinical use. DESIGN: The MADIABETES Study is a prospective cohort study of 3,443 outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, sampled from 56 primary health care centers (131 general practitioners) in Madrid (Spain). RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of CKD stage 3-5 at five-years was 10.23% (95% CI = 9.12-11.44) and the incidence density was 2.07 (95% CI = 1.83-2.33) cases per 1,000 patient-months or 2.48 (95% CI = 2.19-2.79) cases per 100 patient-years. The highest hazard ratio (HR) for developing CKD stage 3-5 was albuminuria ≥ 300 mg/g (HR = 4.57; 95% CI= 2.46-8.48). Furthermore, other variables with a high HR were age over 74 years (HR = 3.20; 95% CI = 2.13-4.81), a history of Hypertension (HR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.42-2.89), Myocardial Infarction (HR= 1.72; 95% IC= 1.25-2.37), Dyslipidemia (HR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.30-2.17), duration of diabetes mellitus ≥ 10 years (HR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.14-1.88) and Systolic Blood Pressure >149 mmHg (HR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.02-2.24). CONCLUSIONS: After a five-year follow-up, the cumulative incidence of CKD is concordant with rates described in Spain and other countries. Albuminuria ≥ 300 mg/g and age over 74 years were the risk factors more strongly associated with developing CKD (Stage 3-5). Blood Pressure, lipid and albuminuria control could reduce CKD incidence of CKD in patients with T2DM.

[Development and validation of the first Spanish questionnaire of quality of life in patients with prostate cancer, based on the patient's perception]. / Desarrollo y validación del primer cuestionario español de calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer de próstata, basado en la percepción del paciente.

BACKGROUND: To ensure health related quality of life (HRQOL) during the survival of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) is a priority. The development of specific HRQOL questionnaires aids to assess the disease impact, its treatment and the patient's perception (concerns, expectations and interests) that might go unnoticed. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate the first Spanish HRQL questionnaire specific for patients with PCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire CAVIPRES had 3 phases of development: 1.-generation of items (literature research, expert meeting and 2 focus groups with patients), 2.- reduction of items (self-administered survey with a preliminary version and clinimetric and psychometric analyses), 3: validation of the questionnaire (observational study with 2 visits where patients completed the CAVIPRES, SF-36 and UCLA-PCI tests and analysis of psychometric properties in terms of validity, reliability and sensitivity to change). RESULTS: A preliminary list of 75 potential items was obtained in phase 1.412 patients were recruited and answered this preliminary version in phase 2. 35 items were deleted. 436 patients responded to the definitive-30-items obtained version (CAVIPRES-30) in Phase 3. CAVIPRES-30 showed feasibility (items lost <4%, ceiling effect: 0% floor effect: 0% in the overall score), high reliability in terms of internal consistency (alpha = 0.77) and re-test reliability (ICC = 0.92). There was a good correlation between tests CAVIPRES and SGF-36 and UCLA-PCI for similar domains CONCLUSION: The questionnaire CAVIPRES-30 is a feasible, reliable and sensitive to change, useful in clinical research for prostate cancer.

Desarrollo y validación del primer cuestionario español de calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer de próstata, basado en la percepción del paciente / Development and validation of the first spanish questionnaire of quality of life in patients with prostate cancer, based on the patient’s perception

Introducción: Asegurar calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) durante la supervivencia del paciente con cáncer de próstata (CaP) es primordial. El desarrollo de cuestionarios específicos de CVRS facilita evaluar el impacto de la enfermedad, de su tratamiento y aspectos de percepción del paciente (preocupaciones, expectativas e intereses) que podrían pasar desapercibidos. Objetivos: Desarrollar y validar el primer cuestionario español de CVRS específico para pacientes con CaP. Materiales y métodos: El cuestionario CAVIPRES tuvo 3 fases de desarrollo: 1-generación de ítems (investigación documental, sesión de expertos y 2 grupos de discusión con pacientes), 2-reducción de ítems (encuesta auto administrada con el precuestionario y análisis clinimétrico y psicométrico), 3: validación del cuestionario (estudio observacional con 2 entrevistas al paciente que completaba los tests CAVIPRES, SF-36 y UCLA-PCI y análisis de propiedades psicométricas en términos de validez, fiabilidad y sensibilidad al cambio).Resultados: La fase 1 generó un precuestionario de 75 potenciales ítems. En la fase 2, 412 pacientes respondieron a la versión preliminar y se excluyeron 35 ítems. En la fase 3, 436 pacientes respondieron a la versión prevalidada. Se obtuvo un cuestionario de 30 ítems para investigación clínica (CAVIPRES-30). El CAVIPRES-30 mostró viabilidad (ítems perdidos <4%), factibilidad (efecto techo: 0% y efecto suelo: 0% en la puntuación global), alta fiabilidad en cuanto a consistencia interna (alfa=0,77) y a fiabilidad re-test (CCI=0,92). Hubo una buena correlación entre CAVIPRES y los tests SGF-36 y UCLA-PCI para dimensiones semejantes. Conclusión: El cuestionario CAVIPRES-30 es un instrumento factible, fiable y sensible al cambio, útil en la investigación clínica del cáncer de próstata (AU)

Background: To ensure health related quality of life (HRQOL) during the survival of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) is apriority. The development of specific HRQOL questionnaires aids to assess the disease impact, its treatment and the patient’s perception (concerns, expectations and interests) that might go unnoticed. Objectives: To develop and validate the first Spanish HRQL questionnaire specific for patients with PCa. Materials and methods: The questionnaire CAVIPRES had 3 phases of development:1.-generation of items (literature research, expert meeting and 2 focus groups with patients), 2.- reduction of items (self-administered survey with a preliminary version and clinimetric and psychometric analyses), 3: validation of the questionnaire (observational study with 2 visits where patients completed the CAVIPRES, SF-36 and UCLA-PCI tests and analysis of psychometric properties in terms of validity, reliability and sensitivity to change).Results: A preliminary list of 75 potential items was obtained in phase 1.412 patients were recruited and answered this preliminary version in phase 2. 35 items were deleted. 436 patients responded to the definitive-30-ítems obtained version (CAVIPRES-30) in Phase 3. CAVIPRES-30 showed feasibility (items lost <4%, ceiling effect: 0% floor effect: 0% in the overall score),high reliability in terms of internal consistency (alpha = 0.77) and re-test reliability (ICC = 0.92). There was a good correlation between tests CAVIPRES and SGF-36 and UCLA-PCI for similar domains. Conclusion: The questionnaire CAVIPRES-30 is a feasible, reliable and sensitive to change, useful in clinical research for prostate cancer (AU)