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Biomedical subjects

A Luna

Publications and source records attributed to A Luna.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Violence in the family setting: an analysis of mistreatment of minors and women.

Family structure is one of the most important reference models in the learning of antisocial patterns of behaviour, and has been described as one of the major socialization agencies for children. Violence in the family setting is a fact in Spanish society, and must be analysed within the wider framework of social violence. We studied the incidence of physical and psychological abuse in the family setting. Our analysis included the incidence of all types of aggression which required medical attention in the city of Murcia (Spain) between February and June 1991. We detected a total of 191 victims of probable mistreatment in the family setting, involving persons who ranged in age from three to 68 years. After a detailed study of the type of lesions together with the personal and sociofamilial circumstances, the rate of abuse was 25.16 per 100,000 inhabitants per year.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Anti-hypertensive effects of intravenous compared with oral captopril.

Twenty mild to moderate hypertensive subjects (11 men, 9 women, mean age 54.3 years, range 39-65 years) were studied to determine whether an intravenous form of captopril could be as safe and efficacious as an oral form and to estimate the time course of anti-hypertensive action over a wide dose range (100-fold) of i.v. doses versus oral captopril and placebo. Each subject demonstrated supine diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < or = 90 mm Hg following prospective ACE inhibitor monotherapy, with return of supine DBP to within 95-110 mm Hg 4 weeks after ACE inhibitor discontinuation. These subjects were then admitted to an inpatient unit for six 24 h periods; an initial acclimation period followed by five single doses of i.v. captopril (1.25, 12.5 and 125 mg) or placebo given as a 20 min infusion and oral captopril (25 mg) or placebo in a double-blind, double-dummy crossover study. Each dose was separated by 48 h. All 20 patients completed the study with no clinically significant adverse events. Captopril at doses of 125 mg i.v., 12.5 mg i.v. and 25 mg orally produced similar BP reductions over the 12 h postdose interval, and were more effective in lowering BP than intravenous captopril 1.25 mg or placebo. The 125 mg intravenous captopril dose was no more effective overall in BP reduction than the 12.5 mg i.v. and 25 mg oral doses and was associated with a greater incidence of adverse events. Treatment with 12.5 mg i.v. captopril is safe and comparable to 25 mg oral therapy.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

Legal status of persons with chronic mental illness admitted to psychiatric hospitals.

Psychiatric patients have been, and continue to be, victims of social rejection, a phenomenon that has led to their de facto marginalization. The historical evolution of Western society has been characterized by a tendency to move from laws that preferentially protect society from a perceived threat from individuals with mental illness towards laws intended to protect and defend the interests of these individuals. The spirit of the current legislative framework is to protect persons with mental illness and to guarantee the protection of each and every one of their rights. However, it should be recognized that promulgation of a new law is not tantamount to its enforcement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the actual legal status of persons admitted to psychiatric hospitals.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Study of the enzymatic activity of GGT, LDH, PAP and PSA in semen stains: application to age calculation.

The conditions under which semen stains are stored can markedly affect the stability of some of their biochemical parameters. Because of the resistance of semen to processes of degradation and denaturation, the age of the stain may, under optimum conditions, be calculated. We studied six series of semen stain placed on absorbent natural cloth under three different storage temperatures: 5 degrees C (refrigerator), 18-25 degrees C (room temperature), and 38 degrees C (incubator). Seminal fluid was obtained from nonvasectomized and vasectomized individuals aged 25-40 years (mean age 30 +/- 0.32 years, SD 3.06). A total of 240 strains were divided into groups depending on the duration of storage: 24, 48 or 72 h, 1 week, 1, 2, 4 or 6 months. Eluates were analyzed for gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), and p30 or prostate specific antigen (PSA). The results of regression analyses showed that a large proportion of the dependent variable (age of the stain) was explained by the rest of the biochemical markers tested. Calculation of the age of the semen stain thus requires consideration of several biochemical parameters.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Medicolegal problems associated with do not resuscitate orders.

The use and potential abuse of the do not resuscitate (DNR) order has wide-ranging ethical, legal and economic implications. A DNR order is essential for clear communication between health care professionals, but the order itself may affect the care that patients subsequently receive. In addition, the DNR order may be a crucial therapeutic decision point in the care of the critically ill. Although general guidelines exist for withholding resuscitative measures from the terminally ill and general principles have been established, Spanish legislation is ambiguous on a number of points, forcing medical professionals to make difficult choices. This has led to the systematic, indiscriminate application of resuscitative measures, motivated in many cases by the desire to avoid a possible future lawsuit. We believe clearer and more precise legislation should be developed to bring Spanish criteria into line with those of international organizations that provide a common set of guidelines on important issues relating to the right to life and the right to refuse treatment.

Beneficence↗
PubMed1994

Placing medical information in the hands of the judiciary: medicolegal problems.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the potential problems associated with sending hospital patients' medical records to different levels of the judiciary. Transmittal of such information may create a conflict between the duty to cooperate with the legal system and the patient's right to privacy. In our analysis of a total of nearly 380 such transmittals of medical histories in Spain, we found that approximately 90% involved possible negligence on the part of the hospital administration. In view of the current mobility of populations in different countries, and the increasing availability of medical data on electronic databases, we believe a coherent system of in-house regulations and international legislation should be passed to create a systematized framework for the protection of the patient's right to privacy.

Confidentiality↗
PubMed1993

Biological monitoring of occupational exposure to n-hexane by exhaled air analysis and urinalysis.

To compare two methods of biological monitoring for the evaluation of risk of occupational exposure to n-hexane, we analyze the relationship between environmental exposure to this solvent and urinary excretion of 2,5-hexanedione and n-hexane in exhaled air in 69 workers employed in the shoe industry. Environmental exposure to the solvent was monitored with personal diffusive samplers, which were desorbed with carbon sulfide and analyzed by gas chromatography. To measure 2,5-hexanedione, urine was subjected to acid hydrolysis, separation in octadecyl silane columns, elution with 5% aqueous acetonitrile solution and extraction with dichloromethane, followed by gas chromatography. In exhaled air, n-hexane was measured with a sampling system that permitted concentration of aliquots of end-exhaled air (alveolar air) from one or more exhalations in a tube packed with activated charcoal, which was then desorbed with carbon sulfide and analyzed by gas chromatography. Concentrations of n-hexane in breathing zone air were significantly correlated with urinary concentrations of 2,5-hexanedione (r = 0.88) and with exhaled air n-hexane (r = 0.86); in addition, the two biological indicators correlated significantly (r = 0.70). Analyses in both exhaled air and urine were thus considered useful for biological monitoring of the risk of exposure to n-hexane.

Adhesives↗
PubMed1993

Psychological traits and criminal profiles.

The aim of this study was to determine whether certain personality traits in adolescents and children were significantly associated with juvenile maladjustment, and, if so, whether these psychological variables could be used in individual criminological classification. We studied a total of 303 subjects (185 males, 118 females) ranging in age from 11 to 21 years inclusive. All subjects were from centres under the administration of the juvenile court and from the Murcia City Penitentiary (Spain). Impulsivity and attention-perception were found to be highly diagnostic of maladjustment, and thus appear to be complementary traits that provide a useful means of classifying individuals for criminological prognosis. In addition, different personality traits were found to be effective in distinguishing subgroups characterized by different patterns of criminal behaviour.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Morphometric study of teeth in age calculation.

The diagnostic usefulness of some morphometric parameters of teeth in age determination were studied. In the first series 173 central incisors from 13-83 year-old individuals were examined and in the second series 72 teeth from 30 individuals (aged 39 to 80 years). Root transparency and dentinal tubule diameter were the most reliable parameters on the basis of image analysis (IBAS system) of scanning electron microscopic images. These variables were used in multiple linear regression analyses which led to the exclusion of secondary dentine as it did not improve the fit and therefore did not help to explain the dependent variable. The precise measurement of the morphometric variables we used facilitates age determination, reducing the mean error reported by other authors who used subjective estimates. Our results document the limited effectiveness of these parameters in age estimation due to individual variations caused by genetic factors and chewing habits.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Design and evaluation of an exhaled breath sampler for biological monitoring of organic solvents.

We designed a breath sampler based on a tube which collects the final portion of exhaled air. The passage of successive fractions through a layer of activated charcoal is controlled by a three-way valve. This system was validated in a controlled atmosphere of n-hexane and toluene at four concentrations between 12 and 110 mg m-3 and 12 and 115 mg m-3, respectively. Uptake volumes of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.31 were tested at relative humidities of 46% and 98%. There were no significant differences in the recoveries obtained under any of the conditions tested. We confirmed the reproducibility between successive samples in volunteers and exposed workers, and found no significant differences between the different sampling conditions studied. Our system enriches the sample in an adsorbent cartridge by collecting successive fractions of end-exhaled breath from one or more exhalations until the amount required by the analytical method has been accumulated. It is portable, economical and highly operative in the field.

Breath Tests↗
PubMed1992

Incidence of residual levels of organophosphorus insecticides in farm produce in the Region of Murcia, Spain. Comparison of intake in the 1985-86 and 1989 campaigns.

We calculated the effective dietary exposure to 20 organophosphorus insecticides in a sample of residents of the Region of Murcia (Spain). Calculations were based on the contamination of 2310 specimens of citrus fruits, pitted and seedy fruits and vegetables collected in the 1985-86 and 1989 campaigns. A comparison of the results from the two campaigns showed that the mean annual insecticide ingestion determined from the mean consumption of each type of farm produce fell from 7.82 mg to 5.55 mg over the 4-year period studied. The total annual ingestion of insecticides during the 1985-86 and 1989 campaigns was ca. 0.133 and 0.1 mg kg-1 body weight; these values are well below the admissible annual ingestion of 29.565 mg kg-1 body weight.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1992

Efficacy of cerebro-spinal fluid biochemistry in the diagnosis of brain insult.

Postmortem biochemical indices may provide a useful adjunct to morphological studies in the identification of antemortem brain insult. We studied 34 routine medico-legal cases categorising them into one of four diagnostic groups. There were 11 cases of head trauma, 7 of 'hypoxia' (3 hangings and 4 carbon monoxide or drug poisonings), 7 sudden cardiac deaths and 9 miscellaneous cases. Survival time and postmortem interval was known for each case. The degree of cranio-cerebral trauma was graded. Cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) and vitreous humour were analysed for calcium, glucose, total proteins, aldolase, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase BB isoenzyme (CK-BB). CK-BB was also measured in superior vena cava serum. In CSF there was a significant correlation between the severity of cranio-cerebral trauma and levels of aldolase, CK-BB, AST, ALT and total proteins. CSF CK-BB, median units/l (range), for the groupings of head trauma, hypoxia, sudden cardiac death and miscellaneous were respectively 823 (2-3431); 96 (2-187); 4 (2-25); 5 (1-69). Corresponding serum CK-BB levels were 240 (28-322); 390 (26-411); 180 (20-482); 79 (18-530).

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1992

Doctors' death experience and attitudes towards death, euthanasia and informing terminal patients.

In daily practice physicians are professionally obliged to interpret ethical precepts and laws in emergency situations under extreme pressure when resuscitation measures leave little or no time to consider deontological issues. The extent to which extraprofessional experiences influence physicians' attitudes towards death and terminal patients is a difficult issue to approach with precision. The purpose of this study was to analyse the influence of some personal biographical circumstances on physicians' attitudes towards death and terminal patients. A total of 153 doctors ranging in age from 22 to 77 years (mean 38.24; SD 13.08) were randomly chosen. Physicians, as an integral part of society, cannot be expected to be immune to the influences which mould our attitudes. We suggest that young physicians and medical students should receive information and training aimed at equipping them to face death and dying patients.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1992

Family violence as a determinant factor in juvenile maladjustment.

The family is one of the major socialization agencies for children. Parents are one of the most important models from whom the child and adolescent acquire a wide variety of behavior patterns, attitudes, values, and norms. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of factors related to family conflicts in the genesis of social maladjustment. A total of 189 young people (110 boys and 79 girls) from training schools connected with the juvenile court in Murcia (Spain) were studied. The subjects' ages ranged from 11 to 18 years (mean 13.51, SD 0.16). Our sample comprised a group of minors who experienced a high incidence of intrafamilial pathology, which was found to be a significant discriminant factor. Aggressive behavior, rules, norms, values, opinions, and attitudes toward aggressivity can be learned in the family setting.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The relationship between the perception of alcohol and drug harmfulness and alcohol consumption by university students.

University students find themselves at a stage when many attitudes and habits undergo change and consolidation, and it is during this period when patterns of consumption of toxic substances are partially or definitively established. A group of 955 university students (328 medical students, 347 students of veterinary medicine, and 280 law students) were studied. Sex and religion played a decisive role in determining the relation between the use of toxic substances and the subjects' attitude toward consumption in our sample. Also, the three campuses were found to differ significantly with regard to students' assessment of harmfulness and patterns of consumption.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Personality traits in juvenile maladjustment.

The aim of this study was to establish the role of some personality traits, measured by psychological tests, in minors and adolescents experiencing problems in their social integration. We studied 189 subjects (110 male, 79 female) ranging in age from 11 to 18 years. All the subjects were from centers under the administration of the juvenile court of Murcia, Spain. Each subject underwent individual clinical psychological examination as well as psychometric and psychological studies. Our results show a statistically significant association between the scores on some of the tests used and variables related to familial and social maladjustment. These personality traits define a set of individuals with a characteristic profile, for whom unfavorable biographical events have made integration in, and adaptation to, the established social milieu difficult.

Adolescent↗