Spatial dependency of the PPG morphology at right carotid common artery.

PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG) is ubiquitously employed in wearable devices for health monitoring. Photodiode signal inversion is observed in rare occasions, most of the time when the sensor is pressed against the skin. We report in this article such observations made at the right common carotid artery site. Indeed we have systematically observed a photodiode signal inversion when the PPG sensor is placed where the pulse is the best felt at the carotid. In addition to be inverted, the pulse is steeper during the systolic phase. Such inversion has implications in terms of pulse arrival time (PAT) measurements In our experiments, this causes a difference of 20 ms in the carotid PAT when measured at the absolute maximum slope. The mechanical and optical properties of tissues must be better accounted to explain the PPG signal morphology. Clinical Relevance- Understanding the role of mechanical tissue properties seems relevant in order to obtain more reproducible results in PPG signal analysis.

Evaluation of a dual-PPG system for pulse transit time monitoring.

This work presents a new dual-photoplethysmographic (PPG) system for pulse transit time (PTT) monitoring. An experiment has been set up in order to compare the PTT measurement between carotid and radial arteries from two systems: our physiological multimodal platform (PMP) and the Complior® tonometer. This work explores the comparison between such optical and mechanical modalities. The results show that the PPG device tends to overestimate the PTT (RMSE = 16 ms). Furthermore, both mechanical and optical signals have been superposed and demonstrated that pulse morphologies are quite similar.Clinical Relevance-Carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) is compared on a small cohort of subjects and significant differences are observed between optical and mechanical-based systems.

Structural, magnetic and electronic properties of pulsed-laser-deposition grown SrFeO3-δ thin films and SrFeO3-δ /La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 multilayers.

We studied the structural, magnetic and electronic properties of [Formula: see text] (SFO) thin films and [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]MnO3 (LCMO) superlattices that have been grown with pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] (LSAT) substrates. X-ray reflectometry and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) confirm the high structural quality of the films and flat and atomically sharp interfaces of the superlattices. The STEM data also reveal a difference in the interfacial layer stacking with a SrO layer at the LCMO/SFO and a LaO layer at the SFO/LCMO interfaces along the PLD growth direction. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) data suggest that the as grown SFO films and SFO/LCMO superlattices have an oxygen-deficient [Formula: see text] structure with I4/ mmm space group symmetry ([Formula: see text]). Subsequent ozone annealed SFO films are consistent with an almost oxygen stoichiometric structure ([Formula: see text]). The electronic and magnetic properties of these SFO films are similar to the ones of corresponding single crystals. In particular, the as grown [Formula: see text] films are insulating whereas the ozone annealed films are metallic. The magneto-resistance effects of the as grown SFO films have a similar magnitude as in the single crystals, but extend over a much wider temperature range. Last but not least, for the SFO/LCMO superlattices we observe a rather large exchange bias effect that varies as a function of the cooling field.

Diseño de un programa de educación de la actividad física para personas con enfermedad mental crónica / No disponible

Las personas con enfermedad mental crónica requieren, a causa de los déficits que provoca su enfermedad, una serie de actuaciones, programas y actividades relacionadas con la rehabilitación psicosocial que mejoren su calidad de vida y les doten de una mayor autonomía. Por esta razón, decidimos elaborar un Programa de Educación de la Actividad Física para personas con Enfermedad Mental Crónica (E.M.C). Las personas que sufren enfermedad mental crónica y se encuentran ingresados en diversos centros, tienden a adoptar una vida sedentaria poco adecuada a sus necesidades vitales como personas adultas. Con este Programa se pretende no sólo que los pacientes lo lleven a cabo de una forma óptima y productiva, sino que puedan adoptar diversos hábitos, costumbres y actitudes y logren conseguir una motivación que les lleve a incorporar la actividad física a su vida cotidiana posibilitando la obtención de beneficios a nivel biológico, psicológico y social

People with chronic mental illness require, because of deficits caused by their illness, a series of actions, programs and activities related to psychosocial rehabilitation that will improve their quality of life and equip them with greater autonomy. For this reason, we decided to develop a Program of Education in Physical Activity for People with Chronic Mental Illness (EMC). People suffering chronic mental illness are admitted to various centers, they tend to adopt a sedentary lifestyle unsuitable for their vital needs as adults. This program is intended not only that patients carry out the optimal and productive but can adopt different habits, customs and attitudes and achieve motivation that leads them to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives enabling obtaining benefits to biological, psychological and social level

Jump percentile: a proposal for evaluation of high level sportsmen.

AIM: The goal of this study was to determine reference values of explosive strength for Spanish professional athletes using a force platform. Reference values are displayed as a sports-independent percentile distribution. METHODS: A total of 323 elite male athletes (age: 20.38 ± 4.65 years, body mass: 75.04 ± 14.30 kg, height: 178.62 ± 14.18 cm) from different disciplines performed the following test: squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), Abalakov test (AB), drop jump (DJ) and repeated jumps (RJ). We calculated: relative peak power, relative peak force, maximal height, symmetry index, explosive index of strength, relative effective impulse, duration of jump, elastic capacity, eccentric time, action of arm, jump number, average height, intensity and fatigue index of force. RESULTS: Significant differences were found among sports disciplines (P<0.05) in relative peak power, maximal height and relative effective impulse during the SJ, CMJ and AB tests. No significant differences were found among disciplines in DJ variables. In RJ, the main variable characterizing the disciplines analyzed was average height, which showed a significant negative association with athletics, soccer, volleyball and gymnastics. CONCLUSION: The results obtained suggest that a percentile table may be useful in assessing explosive strength in athletes, regardless of there being any reference values available for their sports discipline.

Time and frequency analysis of the static balance in young adults with Down syndrome.

The main objective of this study is to understand the differences in equilibrium control between normal subjects and those with Down syndrome. A total of 54 subjects participated voluntarily, divided into control group and Down syndrome group. The equilibrium of the subjects was tested under two conditions: bipedal support with eyes open and closed. The signals were analyzed in a time and frequency domain. The statistical parameters selected (i.e., RMS distance, mean velocity, mean frequency and sway area) to analyze the behavior of the center of pressures (CoP) are calculated employing the result of the combination of the time series data in both directions (i.e. resultant distance). In order to calculate the frequency bands produced by the displacements of the CoP, a Fast Fourier Transform of the data was performed. The group with Down syndrome showed poorer static equilibrium control than the control group in the time domain. In the frequency domain, we found differences between the groups in the distribution of energy in the frequency bands analyzed. In addition, we observed the existence of an interaction effect of the group and the condition tested (p<0.001). These findings show that in the absence of visual information, the control group increases the energy at low frequencies, while the group with Down syndrome decreases it. Additionally, the lower amount of energy observed in this band under the 'eyes closed' condition may serve to identify abnormalities in the functioning of the vestibular apparatus of individuals with Down syndrome and/or difficulties experienced by these individuals in extracting relevant information from this route.

Nonylphenol and octylphenol in adipose tissue of women in Southern Spain.

Alkylphenols (APs) and AP ethoxylates are environmental contaminants with endocrine disrupting activities in wildlife and humans. They have been largely used in industrial, agricultural, and domestic applications. Despite strong concerns about the consequences of human exposure to endocrine disrupters, little information is available on the presence in humans of compounds such as APs. The aim of the present study was to determine 4-nonylphenol (NP) and 4-octylphenol (OP) residues in adipose tissue of non-occupationally exposed women living in Southern Spain. NP was detected in 100% (n=20/20) and OP in 23.5% (n=4/20) of samples, with median levels of 57 and 4.5 ng g(-1) adipose tissue, respectively. Body mass index emerged as a determinant of exposure since it was associated with NP levels (p=0.041). Adipose tissue NP and OP levels are similar to the few data previously published in other countries. This is the first report on NP and OP levels in a population in Southern Spain. Further research is needed to determine trends in human exposure to these compounds and to investigate their consequences.

Use of beta2 agonists in sport: are the present criteria right?

BACKGROUND: The regulations for doping control prohibit the use of beta2 agonist bronchodilators (salbutamol, salmeterol, formoterol, and terbutaline) unless the subject follows the procedure known as abbreviated therapeutic use exemption (ATUE). OBJECTIVE: To highlight how the interest in discovering possible cheats may result in damage to athletes who really need bronchodilator treatment. METHODS: Thirty one high level athletes (18 men and 13 women) with a previous diagnosis of asthma were examined in our laboratory in order to obtain an ATUE for beta2 agonists. All the subjects underwent spirometry at rest. If the results were normal, the subjects underwent an effort test and, if negative, a methacholine test inhaling progressive doses of methacholine until a fall of 20% in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was achieved. The international anti-doping regulations require that the fall in FEV1 occurs with a concentration of methacholine (PC20) lower than 2 mg/ml (4 mg/ml for Torino 2006). In clinical practice, a test is positive if the response occurs with a PC20 lower than 8 mg/ml. RESULTS: Only one subject met the criterion for the bronchodilation test at rest. The remaining 30 athletes underwent an effort test, which was positive in nine of them. In 21 cases (13 men and 8 women) the effort test was negative so a methacholine test was carried out. Seven (33%) were negative for ATUE with a PC20 higher than 8 mg/ml, seven (33%) were positive for ATUE with a PC20 less than 2 mg/ml, in four (19%) the PC20 was 2-4 mg/ml, and in three (14%) it was 4-8 mg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Strict vigilance of fair play should be pursued, but excessive control can lead to situations of inequality for asthmatic athletes such that a third of athletes cannot be treated with beta2 agonists. Therefore under current regulations, asthmatic athletes are often denied the most effective therapeutic option.

[Implementation and evaluation of case management in Catalonia: the ISP-SMD program]. / La implementación y evaluación del modelo de gestión de casos (case management) en Cataluña: el programa PSI-TMS.

INTRODUCTION: The pilot study of the Individualized Service Program for people with Severe Mental Disorders (ISP-SMD) consists of the implementation of case management services in Catalonia. METHODOLOGY: The ISP-SMD has been implemented in two health care sectors and will be expanded to the rest of Catalonia in the next years. The program serves people with persistent mental disorders who have serious social or family problems and/or who have inadequate mental health service use (high use of inpatient services, no use of community services). The ISP-SMD is a community intervention program that focuses its activities on direct care and coordination between services. Thirty patients have been included in the evaluation. RESULTS: The results of the pilot study have shown that, compared to the year before entering the program, the patients show better clinical status, they decrease their unmet need level, they have more appropriate use of health services and have lower treatment costs. Satisfaction of the patients, family members and professionals with the program is very high. CONCLUSION: It is possible to adapt and implement case management services in Catalonia. When implemented, they improve patient quality of life.

La implantación y evaluación del modelo de gestión de casos (case management) en Cataluña: el programa PSI-TMS / Implementation and evaluation of case management in Catalonia: The ISP-SMD program

Introducción. La prueba piloto del Programa de servicios individualizados para las personas con trastornos mentales severos (PSI-TMS) constituye la implantación en Cataluña de lo que en otros países se ha llamado 'gestión de casos' (case management).Metodología. El PSI-TMS se ha implantado en dos circuitos asistenciales y se expandirá en los próximos años al resto de Cataluña. El programa va dirigido a las personas con trastornos mentales graves y persistentes que padecen una grave repercusión socio-familiar o una utilización inadecuada de recursos sanitarios. El PSI-TMS es un programa de intervención comunitaria que centra sus actividades en la atención directa y la coordinación entre servicios. Treinta pacientes han sido incluidos en la evaluación inicial. Resultados. La evaluación de la prueba piloto ha mostrado que, respecto a la entrada en el programa, los usuarios presentan un mejor estado clínico, disminuyen sus necesidades no cubiertas, utilizan mejor los recursos sanitarios y presentan unos costes de tratamiento menores. La satisfacción de los usuarios, familiares y profesionales con el programa es muy alta. Conclusiones. Como conclusión afirmamos que la adaptación e implantación del modelo de gestión de casos en Cataluña es posible y efectiva (AU)

[Traffic accidents in the Spanish population]. / Accidentes de tráfico en la población española.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to analyze the accident phenomenon in general, and in the particular case of road accidents, using to this purpose the 1993 National Health Survey. METHODS: The National Health Survey of 1993 was carried out in 26,334 inhabitants (21,084 adults > 16 years of age and 5,250 children). This survey tends to study the characteristics and distribution of the morbidity by the Spanish population. RESULTS: 7.8% of the population had suffered an accident in the last twelve months. 1.6% has suffered a road accident. Road accidents were more common in men and in the 11-30 age group. 52.1% out the casualties in road accidents were assisted in an emergency department. The most common injuries were bumps and contusions (53.4%) and fractures and wounds (42.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Road accidents are frequent in the Spanish population, specially in men and young adults; also, they often need to use sanitary services.

Drinking and driving in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the patterns of alcohol consumption among Spanish drivers and to evaluate possible repercussions on road safety policies. METHOD: A sample of 12,000 drivers aged over 16 were randomly selected from the National Register of Spanish Drivers. The questionnaires, with items on sociodemographic data and on patterns of driving and alcohol consumption, were mailed to selected drivers in the fall of 1993. The study was based on the 1,500 (1,016 from men, 484 from women) properly completed questionnaires received. RESULTS: Among those surveyed, 62.9% were regular drinkers, who had a mean daily alcohol intake of 46.9 grams/day; of these regular drinkers 26.8% drank at a dangerous level. Those who drove regularly were more likely to drink and had a higher alcohol intake. The majority of drinkers recognized that they drove after drinking, 14.3% even acknowledged that last year on some occasions they drove "in a drunken state." Those who drink show high figures of involvement in road accidents. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates widespread consumption of alcohol by Spanish drivers and the need to develop and improve driving and drinking policies in Spain.

Drugs and alcohol consumption amongst Spanish drivers.

We have analysed patterns of alcohol and regular drug consumption by Spanish drivers. Six hundred and seventy five properly completed questionnaires were received from drivers attending three medical traffic centres in Valladolid (Spain) for medical examination prior to obtaining or renewing their driving licence in 1990. Among those surveyed, 24% were 'daily' drinkers and 56.7% were 'weekly' drinkers, the majority (55.5%) being 'light' drinkers (1-39 g/day of pure alcohol). Of those surveyed 28.9% took drugs. The most commonly consumed drugs were analgesics (6.5%), anti-allergic drugs (5.2%) and oral contraceptives (4.6%). Of those drivers taking drugs 28.2% were 'daily' drinkers and 53.8% were 'weekly' drinkers. The study indicates widespread consumption of alcohol and drugs by Spanish drivers.

Patterns of drug consumption among Spanish drivers.

We have analysed regular drug consumption by Spanish drivers. 675 properly completed questionnaires were received from drivers attending three medical traffic centres in Valladolid (Spain) for medical examination prior to obtaining or renewing of their traffic licence in 1990. Among those surveyed, 28.9% were taking regularly drugs, mainly analgesics (6.5%), antiallergic drugs (5.2%), oral contraceptives (4.6%), anti-inflammatory drugs (4.1%), antihypertensive drugs (3.6%), tranquillizers (3.4%), hypnotics (2.8%) and drugs for rheumatic disorders (2.7%). The study indicates the frequent consumption of drugs by Spanish drivers, and suggests the need to regulate drug consumption by drivers.

Evaluacion del factor de seguridad en taludes compuestos de tierra sometidos a fuerzas horizontales

El presente trabajo tiene el proposito de llegar a conocer cuantitativamente la influencia de fuerzas horizontales en la evalucion del factor de seguridad al deslizamiento de taludes de tierra. El proyecto se basa en el siguiente esquema. Introduccion, generalidades y consideraciones acerca de la realidad sisimica de Bolivia. Teoria general de la estabilidad de taludes, talud sin drenaje, talud con drenaje y taludes infinitos en arcilla. Factor de seguridad en taludes. Estudio de algunos metodos de resolucion del problema. Consideraciones de fuerzas horizontales, el efecto sismico, parametros relativos al movimiento sismico. Modelo de computacion para resolver el problema. Ejemplos numericos. Conclusiones y Anexos.