Deterioration of graffiti spray paints applied on granite after a decade of natural environment.

Graffiti spray paints are commonly used in contemporaneous mural paintings in public spaces, contributing to the transformation of sites and urban life. These outdoor artworks are now beginning to show different deterioration forms, such as physical-mechanical alteration (loss of material and cohesion, etc.) and chromatic changes. However, the deterioration has not been formally characterized, and the influence of the paint composition and underlying substrate are not known. In this study, three non-metallic (red, blue and black) alkyd graffiti spray paints and one metallic (silver) polyethylene graffiti spray paint were applied to two granite stones with different mineralogy and texture and exposed to a natural urban-marine environment near Vigo (NW Spain) for one decade (2010-2020). Physical changes were evaluated by stereomicroscopy, colour spectrophotometry, measurements of gloss, surface roughness and static contact angle, and peeling test. Mineralogical changes were determined by x-ray diffraction and molecular changes by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, micromorphological and chemical characterization of the surfaces was conducted by scanning electron microscopy. Physical-mechanical changes, such as craquelure and paint loss, depended on the texture of the granite. More specifically, paint on the granite with the finest grain size showed most intense cracking and loss of material. Chemical changes, which were not related to the granite substrate, were most intense in the red and silver paint coatings. In the red paint, loss of binder was accompanied by an intense fading of the colour (due to titanium dioxide relative enrichment), while in the silver paint coating, chemical changes occurred in both the organic binder and aluminium particles, thus darkening the colour. Fewer chemical changes were observed in the blue and black paints. Physical and chemical changes detected in these paints were not correlated.

Influence of the weathering rate on the response of granite to nanosecond UV laser irradiation.

Laser ablation is an accepted cleaning technology for cultural heritage stonework. Optimized laser ablation may, however, have different side effects depending on the mineralogical composition of the stone. In the case of granitic rocks, observed side effects - colour changes, fracturing or/and mineral melting - have been attributed to laser parameter interactions with the patina to be cleaned from this complex rock with a grained texture and polymineral composition. We describe the influence of the weathering degree of a granite on its response to laser irradiation, confirming that the existence of secondary minerals in the rock influences the intensity and typology of side effects. Knowledge of this influence is of special relevance to the conservation of heritage built with Western European Variscan granites, which are already slightly weathered in quarry. Two specimens of the same Variscan granite taken from the same quarry but with different colours (suggesting different weathering rates) were subjected to nanosecond (ns) Nd:YVO4 laser irradiation, working at 355 nm (UV irradiation) under different fluences. The specimens responded very differently to laser irradiation in terms of colour changes and resistance of the main minerals to laser radiation. The existence on one of the specimens of kaolinite deposits covering feldspar grains and Fe oxyhydroxides filling fissures seemed to be the reason for the different response to laser radiation. Our findings would suggest the need, during laser interventions, to take into account - in addition to texture and porosity - the degree of weathering of this particular kind of granite, widely used in the architectural and archaeological heritage of Western Europe.

Marking petroglyphs with calcite and gypsum-based chalks: Interaction with granite under different simulated conditions and the effectiveness and harmfulness of cleaning methods.

Marking petroglyphs with chalk is a common practice to enhance them for documentation and reproduction. Although this procedure has started to be less frequently used, there is no knowledge about the interaction between the rock engravings nor about the effectiveness achieved by the common cleaning procedures of such markers considering the chalk extraction and the induced damage to the rock. This study evaluates the interaction between two chalks of different composition (calcite and gypsum) and a granite on which the majority of NW Iberian Peninsula-petroglyphs are carved. Granitic samples marked with these chalks were subjected to artificial rain events and high temperatures (700°C) related to fires. After each aging test, chemical and physical modifications on the rock were analysed by means of stereomicroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and colour spectrophotometry. Moreover, the evaluation of the effectiveness and harmfulness of several mechanical and chemical cleaning procedures commonly used in the field of cultural heritage conservation was carried out. Both chalks remained at different extent on the surface after the artificial rain events. Water would promote a different penetration-depth of the chalks into the stone, depending on their solubility. High temperatures led to mineral phase transformations of the chalks influencing the interaction with the rock. Regarding cleaning effectiveness, despite a few chalk remains were found in all the cleanings, chemical methods showed higher effectiveness than mechanical procedures even though some of them leave chemical contamination. Benzalkonium chloride can be considered as the cleaner with the best results to extract both types of chalk on granite.

Effectiveness of granite cleaning procedures in cultural heritage: A review.

Most of the Cultural Heritage built in NW Iberian Peninsula is made of granite which exposition to the environment leads to the formation of deposits and coatings, mainly two types: biological colonization and sulphated black crusts. Nowadays, another form of alteration derives from graffiti paints when these are applied as an act of vandalism. A deep revision needs to be addressed considering the severity of these deterioration forms on granite and the different cleaning effectiveness achieved by cleaning procedures used to remove them. The scientific literature about these topics on granite is scarcer than on sedimentary carbonate stones and marbles, but the importance of the granite in NW Iberian Peninsula Cultural Heritage claims this review centred on biological colonization, sulphated black crusts and graffiti on granite and their effectiveness of the common cleaning procedures. Furthermore, this paper carried out a review of the knowledge about those three alteration forms on granite, as well as bringing together all the major studies in the field of the granite cleaning with traditional procedures (chemical and mechanical) and with the recent developed technique based on the laser ablation. Findings concerning the effectiveness evaluation of these cleaning procedures, considering the coating extraction ability and the damage induced on the granite surface, are described. Finally, some futures research lines are pointed out.

Sulphur and oxygen isotope analysis to identify sources of sulphur in gypsum-rich black crusts developed on granites.

We describe the results of sulphur and oxygen isotope analyses used to identify sources of the gypsum present in black crusts that grow on the granite of historical buildings. The crusts were sampled at various locations in and near the city of Vigo (NW Spain) and were analysed for their sulphur content and δ(34)S and δ(18)O isotope ratios. Sampled crusts had δ(34)S values of 7.3‰ to 12.9‰ and δ(18)O values of 6.56‰ to 12.51‰. Sampled as potential sulphur sources were bulk depositions, seawater, foundation, ashlar and construction materials and combustion residues. The results indicated marine and, to a lesser extent, anthropogenic, origins for the sulphur and ruled out the contribution of sub-soil sulphates by capillary rise from building foundations. Isotope analyses would indicate that cement and mortar were enriched in sulphur after their application in buildings. The fact that facade orientation (towards the sea or fossil fuel pollution sources) was correlated with sulphur isotope distribution pointed to various contributions to black crust formation.

Complicaciones mecánicas de los accesos venosos centrales / Mechanical complications of central venous access

Las complicaciones mecánicas de los accesos venosos centrales son frecuentes, 2 a 15 por ciento y en ocasiones pueden comprometer la vida del paciente. Hay factores que determinan el riesgo de una u otra, que pueden ser modificados o enfrentados de diferente forma para minimizarlo. En esta puesta al día se describen las complicaciones más frecuentes o de mayor gravedad como son: el neumotórax, la embolia aérea, mal-posición del catéter, perforación de grandes venas, punción arterial, arritmias, trombosis venosa asociada a catéter venoso central (CVC) y oclusión del CVC; algunos elementos de prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento así como el impacto que puede tener la ultrasonografía rutinaria para instalar un CVC.

Mechanical complications of central venous access are frequent , 2 to 15 percent and occasionally may become life threathening. There are many risk factors that can be handled to increase the safety of the procedure. In this update there is a description of the commonest and the most serious complications as : pneumothorax, air embolism, catheter malposition, great veins perforations , accidental arterial puncture, arrhythmia , vein thrombosis related to central access and central venous catheter (CVC) occlusion; some prevention strategies, diagnostic and treatment and the impact of routinely use ultrasound guidance during CVC placement.

Implementación de un aula de la Farmacia en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad CEU - Cardenal Herrera / Implementation of Classroom of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Health Sciences

El Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) supone un cambio en nuestras metodologíasdocentes, que deben orientarse hacia una mayor participación del alumno en el proceso de enseñanzaaprendizaje,así como a satisfacer la necesidad de formación del mundo laboral. Por ello, y en base a lanecesidad de nuestra Universidad de adaptar la docencia de Farmacia al Espacio Europeo deEducación Superior, la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, hadesarrollado un proyecto para implantar un aula que simule una Oficina de Farmacia.Entre los perfiles laborales del farmacéutico, el de Oficina de Farmacia es el más frecuente, por seresta la ocupación laboral mayoritaria. La labor en las farmacias comunitarias consiste básicamente enla conservación, dispensación, asesoramiento y elaboración de medicamentos. Todo ello, unido alejercicio de la atención farmacéutica, conlleva una gran carga de responsabilidad, un conocimiento yvigilancia de la legislación establecida al respecto y una base científica y técnica importante. Lafarmacia es, a su vez, un centro de educación y prevención sanitaria, dietética y cosmética.Con el objetivo de que nuestros alumnos desarrollen todas las competencias necesarias para elfarmacéutico en la Facultad de Salud se implantó el Aula de la Farmacia(AU)

The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) represents a shift in our teaching methodology, whichshould now be steered towards a greater participation of students in the teaching-learning process andshould satisfy the employment market’s need for trained professionals. In this context, our universityhas sought to adapt its pharmacy teaching programme to the EHEA, and so the Faculty of HealthSciences of the CEU Cardenal Herrera University has developed a project to create a space thatsimulates a working pharmacy.Among the different professional profiles within the discipline of pharmacy, a position in achemist’s/drugstore is the most common, as the majority of pharmacists are employed as such. Thework of community pharmacies basically consists of the storing, dispensing and preparation ofmedication. These tasks, combined with the pharmaceutical care provided to patients and customers,involve a great deal of responsibility that depends on knowledge and safeguarding of the currentlegislation and a solid scientific and technical training. A pharmacy is, at the same time, a centre ofeducation and prevention in health, diet and cosmetics(AU)

Linfangioma cervical cavernoso en un gemelo: analísis crítico del diagnóstico y manejo perinatal / Cervical lymphangioma in a twin: prenatal diagnosis and perinatal management

Los tumores fetales son hallazgos infrecuentes y muchas veces no diagnosticados prenatalmente. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar y discutir en forma critica el diagnostico y manejo prenatal de un gemelo portador en un linfangioma cervical cavernoso, incluyendo el procedimiento EXIT.

Fetal cervical tumors are uncommon, and not always prenataly diagnosticated. We describe the prenatal findings and prenatal management in a case of cervical cavernous lymphangioma in one twin, including EXIT procedure.

[Oral anti-coagulants in an urban health centre. The first years results]. / Anticoagulación oral en un centro de salud urbano. Resultados del primer año.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the management of oral anti-coagulation treatment (OAT) by family doctors and nurses from a health centre (HC) during its first year. DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study.Setting. La Chana, an urban HC in Granada, covering 19,362 inhabitants in family care units. PARTICIPANTS: 220 patients with acenocumarol prescribed during the year 2000. The criterion for inclusion was to have at least 3 OAT check-ups a year. 24 people were excluded.Interventions. Recruitment by personal invitation at the clinic. Capillary blood analyses and dose adjustments by the 10 nurses and 10 family doctors of the HC. Internationally recognised therapeutic ranges. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence of OAT: prescriptions of acenocumarol. Recruitment: patients monitored at the HC. INDICATIONS: those found in the clinical records. Monitoring: % of patients with INR within range in final annual check-up. COMPLICATIONS: rate of haemorrhages, thrombo-embolic accidents and other secondary effects. RESULTS: 196 patients followed OAT, a prevalence of 10.12 per thousand, with 19.6 patients per family doctor. The HC monitored 122 (62.24%); and the hospital, 74 (37.76%). The HC carried out 1,224 check-ups, 208 in the homes of 21 patients. There were 70.5% within the therapeutic range. Only 13% were in a situation of dose adjustment. Most common indications: non-rheumatic auricular fibrillation 65, TVP/TEP 27, mechanical cardiac prostheses 22. There were no fatal haemorrhages. Major haemorrhages ran at 2.22% of patients a year; and minor ones, at 6.68%. There were no thrombo-embolic accidents. There were two skin allergies. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed good results, in line with the findings of other studies.

Anticoagulación oral en un centro de salud urbano. Resultados del primer año / Oral anti-coagulants in an urban health centre. The first year's results

Objetivos. Valorar el manejo del tratamiento anticoagulante oral (TAO) por médicos de familia (MF) y enfermeras de un centro de salud (CS) en el primer año de su realización. Diseño. Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Emplazamiento. CS urbano de Granada, La Chana, con 19.362 habitantes, en 10 unidades de atención familiar (UAF). Participantes. Un total de 220 pacientes con prescripciones de acenocumarol en el año 2000. El criterio de inclusión era tener al menos 3 controles del TAO anuales. Se excluyeron 24. Intervenciones. Captación por invitación personal en consulta. Analíticas en sangre capilar y ajustes de dosis por las 10 enfermeras y 10 MF del CS. Rangos terapéuticos internacionalmente establecidos. Mediciones principales. Prevalencia del TAO, prescripciones de acenocumarol. Captación, pacientes controlados en el CS. Indicaciones, recogidas de la historia clínica. Grado de control, porcentaje de pacientes con INR en rango en último control anual. Complicaciones, tasa de hemorragias, accidentes tromboembólicos y otros efectos secundarios. Resultados. Un total de 196 pacientes siguen TAO; prevalencia, 10,12 por mil, con 19,6 pacientes por MF; el CS controla 122 (62,24 por ciento) y 74 (37,76 por ciento) el hospital. El CS realiza 1.224 controles, 208 en los domicilios de 21 pacientes. Hay un 70,5 por ciento en rango terapéutico. Sólo un 13 por ciento estaba en situación de ajuste de dosis. Indicaciones más frecuentes: fibrilación auricular no reumática, 65; TVP/TEP, 27; prótesis cardíacas mecánicas, 22. No hubo hemorragias fatales. La tasa de hemorragias mayores fue de 2,22 por ciento pacientes-año y la de menores de 6,68 por ciento pacientes-año. No se presentaron accidentes tromboembólicos. Se detectaron 2 alergias cutáneas. Conclusiones. Se obtienen buenos resultados, en línea con lo encontrado en otros estudios (AU)

Capillary Rise in Granitic Rocks: Interpretation of Kinetics on the Basis of Pore Structure.

The capillary transport of water into granitic rocks has been interpreted on the basis of the structure of its porous network. An effective pore radius has been calculated from a three-sized single-pore model proposed by F. A. L. Dullien, El-Sayed, and V. K. Batra (J. Colloid Interface Sci. 60, 497, 1977) Considering the porous network of granites as consisting of fissures grouped in two size types, macro- and microfissures, an effective radius was found from the characteristic radii for each type and the average of these two values. Good agreement between the effective radius calculated and the radius estimated using a capillary rate value measured experimentally provides a suitable basis for identifying interrelationships between the pore structure and moisture capillary rise. In fact, it is possible to predict the process rate from only two characteristic pore sizes, corresponding to the radii of macrofissures and microfissures. The abnormally low rate of capillary rise observed in one of the granites studied could be easily interpreted as due to the involvement exclusively of the macrofissures of its porous network in capillary transport. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Microbial contamination of carcasses and equipment from an Iberian pig slaughterhouse.

The microbial contamination of carcasses and equipment has been studied in an industrial slaughterhouse of Iberian pigs. Samples of the surface of carcasses were taken at different stages of the process and aerobic plate count at 37 degrees C (APC), Enterobacteriaceae-count (E-count) and Escherichia coli-count (EC-count) were determined. It was demonstrated that in scalding and singeing the APC decreased (P < 0.01), while in the dehairing it increased (P < 0.01). The E-count and EC-count decreased in the scalding but increased in the evisceration (P < 0.001). The implementation of good manufacturing practices (GMP) in the stages of closure of the anus and evisceration significantly decreased the EC-count. It changed from 61.1% in carcasses without GMP that had counts higher than 1 log CFU/cm2 to only 7.4% in GMP carcasses. A final wash of the carcasses with potable water at high pressure (the only decontaminating treatment permitted in the European Union) was tested and failed to decrease the counts. It was also demonstrated that cleaning and disinfection of the dehairing and scraping machines is not effective.

Biodeterioration of granite monuments by Ochrolechia parella (L.) mass: an FT Raman spectroscopic study.

Ochrolechia parella is one of the most abundant lichens colonizing granite monuments in the region of Galicia (N.W. Spain). Its interaction with granite used in the construction of four ancient monuments was studied using FT Raman spectroscopy to evaluate the production of calcium oxalate by this lichen and the relationship of this production with different environmental conditions, particularly humidity. The results obtained showed that Ochrolechia parella is an aggressive colonizer, causing chemical disturbances to the granite through the formation of both calcium oxalate monohydrate and dihydrate. Apothecial development appears to be related to the production of calcium oxalate, and humidity determines the state of hydration of the calcium oxalate in the thallus.

Difference in the breakfast habits of overweight/obese and normal weight schoolchildren.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the differences between the breakfast habits of obese/overweight (O) (those with body mass index [BMI] above the 75th percentile) and normal weight schoolchildren (N) (those with BMI equal to or below the 75th percentile). A seven consecutive days "food record" was used to record the intake of foods at breakfast and throughout the rest of the day. O subjects, and in particular female O subjects, omitted breakfast more frequently and took significantly smaller quantities of cereals than did N subjects. The energy supplied by breakfast, measured as a percentage of energy expenditure, was significantly lower in O subjects (17.0 +/- 8.5% in males and 14.6 +/- 6.1% in females) than in N subjects (20.9 +/- 9.4% in males and 17.6 +/- 6.5% in females). With respect to the energy and nutrients supplied by breakfast, O subjects took lower quantities of carbohydrates, thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, vitamin D and iron than did N subjects. The energy profiles of O subjects breakfasts were more imbalanced than those of N subjects. A significant difference was seen between the amounts of energy supplied by carbohydrates. Without doubt, O subjects have less satisfactory breakfast habits than N subjects. This might be a reflection of whole diet that is less adequate, however, it is possible that an inadequate breakfast contributes to the making of poor food choices over the rest of the day, and, in the long term, to an increased risk of obesity.

The importance of breakfast in meeting daily recommended calcium intake in a group of schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the breakfast intake of calcium and milk products and to determine whether these correlate with total intake of both calcium and milk products. METHODS: Food taken at breakfast and throughout the day was recorded using a 7 consecutive day food record in 200 schoolchildren aged between 9 and 13 years. RESULTS: 65.3% of boys and 80.5% of girls showed intakes of calcium which were lower than recommended. Milk products were the foods most frequently included in breakfast (95.5% of subjects included them in this meal). A relationship was seen between energy provided by breakfast and the quantities of milk products (r = 0.5735) and calcium (r = 0.6908) taken at this meal. A relationship was also seen between energy provided by breakfast and daily intake of milk products (r = 0.4633) and calcium (r = 0.4954). The percentage of intakes of calcium lower than those recommended decreased when breakfast provided > or = 20% of total energy intake, and when the consumption of milk products at breakfast was greater than the 50th percentile (200 ml). Subjects with breakfast milk product intakes > or = 200 ml showed higher intakes of the same over the rest of the day (233.3 +/-140.4 g) than did those who took lesser quantities of these foods at breakfast (161.5 +/- 100.6 g). Further, those who took > or = 25% of the recommended intake of calcium at breakfast showed greater intakes of the same over the rest of the day (600.4 +/- 213.8 mg compared to 510.8 +/- 200.7 mg in subjects with lower calcium intakes). CONCLUSIONS: The intake of milk products (r = 0.7587) and calcium (r = 0.7223) at breakfast correlates with the consumption of these foods in the whole diet. However, the total daily intake of milk products and calcium does not depend solely on breakfast intake. Subjects with the greatest intakes at breakfast also showed greater intakes over the rest of the day (r = 0.3953 for milk products and r = 0.4122 for calcium).

Dietary intake and cognitive function in a group of elderly people.

Associations between dietary intake and cognitive performance were examined in 260 elderly people aged 65-90 y who were free of significant cognitive impairment. Dietary intake was monitored with a weighed-food record for 7 consecutive days. The subjects' cognitive capacity was tested by using Folstein et al's Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Pfeiffer's Mental Status Questionnaire (PMSQ). Subjects with adequate MMSE results (> or = 28 points) had lower intakes of monounsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and cholesterol, and higher intakes of total food, fruit, carbohydrate, thiamine, folate, and vitamin C compared with those with less satisfactory results. Subjects who made no errors on the PMSQ had greater intakes of total food, vegetables, fruit, carbohydrate, fiber, folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, and zinc, and lower intakes of saturated fatty acids compared with those who made errors. Our results agree with those of other authors indicating that intakes of different nutrients or the consumption of a more satisfactory global diet is associated with better cognitive function in the elderly. However, more research is required to determine whether differences in intake of a particular nutrient are the result of or a conditioning factor for incipient impaired cognition. Unmeasured confounding factors may also affect both dietary intake and risk of cognitive impairment. A diet with less fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and more carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins (especially folate, vitamins C and E, and beta-carotenes), and minerals (iron and zinc) may be advisable not only to improve the general health of the elderly but also to improve cognitive function.

Pharmacology and mode of action of bradykinin on mouse-isolated trachea.

In the present study, the effect of bradykinin on basal and precontracted mouse-isolated trachea was investigated. In basal conditions mouse-isolated tracheal rings do not respond to bradykinin. However, when the tracheal rings were precontracted with carbachol (10(-7) M) a relaxation with bradykinin (3 x 10(-9)-3 x 10(-7)) was found. The maximal response amounted 69.7+/-4.1% (n=15) with a pD2 value of 7.2+/-0.21. The selective bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist HOE 140 (10(-10)-10(-8) M) antagonized the bradykinin-induced relaxation, while the bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist des-Arg9-Leu8-bradykinin (10(-6) M) had no influence. The selective bradykinin B1 receptor agonist des-Arg9-bradykinin (10(-6) M) caused a small relaxation (8.4+/-2.5%, n=6), which could be antagonized completely by the selective bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist des-Arg9-Leu8-bradykinin (10(-6) M) while addition of the selective bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist HOE 140 (10(-8) M) was without effect. In the presence of indomethacin (10(-6) M) the relaxation of bradykinin was completely abolished. Pretreatment of the tracheal rings with capsaicin, or the presence of the selective NK1 receptor antagonist RP 67851 (10(-6) M) or the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (3 x 10(-4) M) had no effect on the bradykinin-induced relaxation. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the mouse-isolated tracheal is a preparation in which bradykinin exerts a relaxant response via stimulation of bradykinin B2 receptors. This response is probably mediated by prostaglandins.

The relationship between breakfast and whole diet energy profiles in a group of preschool children.

The energy profile of the diet of the Spanish population is imbalanced, showing excessive intake of fats and protein and insufficient intake of carbohydrates. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this imbalance also existed in 110 preschool children between 2 and 6 years of age, and to examine the relationship between their breakfast and whole diet energy profiles. The results obtained show that subjects who consumed less carbohydrate (< 50% of energy intake) or more fat (> 35% of total intake) at breakfast showed poorer energy profiles and poorer fat quality over their whole diet. Significant and positive correlations were found between energy supplied at breakfast by protein, fats, carbohydrates, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the same parameters measured for the whole diet.