Search

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3)/Machado-Joseph disease (MJD) is a heritable proteinopathy disorder, whose causative gene, ATXN3, undergoes alternative splicing. Ataxin-3 protein isoforms differ in their toxicity, suggesting that certain ATXN3 splice variants may be crucial in driving the selective toxicity in SCA3. Using RNA-seq datasets we identified and determined the abundance of annotated ATXN3 transcripts in blood (n = 60) and cerebellum (n = 12) of SCA3 subjects and controls. The reference transcript (ATXN3–251), translating into an ataxin-3 isoform harbouring three ubiquitin-interacting motifs (UIMs), showed the highest abundance in blood, while the most abundant transcript in the cerebellum (ATXN3–208) was of unclear function. Noteworthy, two of the four transcripts that encode full-length ataxin-3 isoforms but differ in the C-terminus were strongly related with tissue expression specificity: ATXN3–251 (3UIM) was expressed in blood 50-fold more than in the cerebellum, whereas ATXN3–214 (2UIM) was expressed in the cerebellum 20-fold more than in the blood. These findings shed light on ATXN3 alternative splicing, aiding in the comprehension of SCA3 pathogenesis and providing guidance in the design of future ATXN3 mRNA-lowering therapies.

Introduction: Suicidal behaviour and self-harm are increasing in children and adolescents. Non-suicidal self-harm are a dysfunctional method of emotional regulation, and it must be distinguished from suicidal behaviours. Methods: Narrative review of the current situation on suicide and self-harm in Spain. Descriptive study of suicidal behaviours in paediatric emergencies. Results: Mental health consultations were analysed (March-2019 to March-2020 and March-2020 to March-2021) in a multicentric study of the SEUP (Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies), finding a 122 % increase of the diagnosis of ''non-accidental drug intoxication” and 56 % of “suicide/suicide attempt/suicidal ideation”. In another prospective analysis, 281 attempts were recorded, with the patient profile being: female (90.1 %), 14.8 years old, 34.9 % without previous psychiatric diagnosis; 57.7% with previous suicidal behaviour. The presence of psychiatric disorders, especially depression, and previous attempts, are the best-known risk factors for suicidal behaviour, although other factors are involved (family, personal or social). Pediatricians should be trained to deal with questions about suicide and acquire the skills to conduct an interview with a supportive and empathetic attitude. In Spain, suicide prevention plans are heterogeneous among communities, and there is not a unified national suicide prevention plan. Conclusions: Primary, hospital and mental health care resources for paediatric population should be strengthened to prevent suicidal behaviours. Specific training for school staff, and child and adolescent psychiatry training for paediatricians and nurses are crucial in the prevention of suicide in children and adolescent population. Resumen: Introducción: Las conductas suicidas y las autolesiones están aumentando en niños y adolescentes. Las autolesiones no suicidas suponen un método disfuncional de regulación emocional. Es importante aprender a distinguirlas de las conductas suicidas. Material y métodos: Revisión narrativa de la situación actual sobre suicidio y autolesiones en España. Estudio descriptivo conductas suicidas en urgencias pediátricas. Resultados: En un estudio multicéntrico de la SEUP (sociedad Española de Urgencias Pediátricas) se analizaron las consultas por salud mental (marzo-2019 a marzo-2020 y marzo-2020 a marzo-2021), encontrándose un aumento de 122% del diagnóstico “intoxicación no accidental por fármacos” y de 56% en “suicidio/ intento de suicidio/ideación autolítica”. En otro análisis prospectivo, se registraron 281 tentativas, siendo el perfil de paciente: sexo femenino (90,1%), 14,8 años, 34,9% sin diagnóstico psiquiátrico previo, 57,7% con conductas suicidas anteriormente. La presencia de trastornos psiquiátricos, en especial de depresión, y de intentos previos, son los factores de riesgo más implicados en la conducta suicida, aunque existen otros de índole diversa (familiares, personales o sociales). Los pediatras deben estar formados para atender consultas sobre suicidio, y adquirir habilidades para realizar una entrevista con actitud de apoyo y empatía. En España los planes de prevención de suicidio son heterogéneos y no existe un plan nacional de prevención del suicidio. Conclusiones: Se deben reforzar los recursos de atención primaria, hospitalaria y de salud mental de población pediátrica. Los centros escolares y la formación en psiquiatría infantil y adolescente para médicos y enfermeras resultan cruciales en la prevención del suicidio en niños y adolescentes.

Introduction: The most used product for surface acid conditioning for enamel is 37–40% phosphoric acid, which promotes greater mechanical retention. Aim: The objective of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of brackets bonded to bovine enamel with different acid conditioning protocols and to analyze the surface morphology. Materials and methods: 169 teeth (n = 13) were divided into 4 groups: control group without conditioning (G1), Dental Gel 37% phosphoric acid (Dentsply) (G2), Ultra Etch 35% (Ultradent) (G3) and Attaque gel 37% (Biodinâmica) (G4). Groups G2, G3 and G4 were subdivided according to the conditioning time into: 10 s (a), 15 s (b), 30 s (c) and 60 s (d). The superficial enamel morphology (n = 3) was analyzed using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the depth of the microporosities. The samples were submitted to the shear test (SBS) with the aid of a universal testing machine (INSTRON) with a speed of 1 mm/min. The enamel after debonding was analyzed to determine the adhesive remnant index (ARI) in a stereoscopic magnifying glass. Statistical analysis used: The SBS data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. ARI data were analyzed using generalized linear models and SEM measurements were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests. The 95% significance level was used. Results: The SBS within G2, G3 and G4 ranged from 11.11 to 12.66 MPa. ARI score 3 was observed in 35% of the samples. The samples analyzed in the SEM showed microporosity depth rangingfrom 1.28 to 2.48 μm. Conclusions: There was no difference between the acids and times evaluated for SBS. The ARI analysis showed that the studied acids provide protection to the enamel surface, keeping the adhesive attached to the buccal surface after debonding. The increase in conditioning time is directly proportional to the deterioration of the prismatic and interprismatic content.

A taxonomic list of 69 genera belonging to 33 families of the Polychaeta class (Annelida) collected in 54 deepwater sites of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico is presented. Abundance data of these 69 genera is also included. A dataset of geographical location and depth of sampling sites is given. Graphs of depth related community functional diversity variation are shown. The biological material was obtained from sediment samples collected aboard the Justo Sierra Oceanographic Vessel of the National Autonomous University of Mexico using a Reineck-type box corer with an effective area of 0.16 m2. In each core a subsample of 0.08 m2 and 13 cm deep was taken and washed through a 500-micron sieve with filtered seawater. Abundances were standardized to individuals per square meter. The average abundance contribution percentage graphs were done calculating the average standardized abundance of each guild and the contribution percentage of each one to the four depth categories established: Upper bathyal zone (UBZ); middle bathyal zone (MBZ); lower bathyal zone (LBZ) and abyssal zone (ABYZ). These data could be useful for comparative purposes with new data of polychaete communities in the same area or another region.

The objective of this study was to analyze the recycling possibility of the electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) in the form of a briquette. This paper studied the kinect behavior of the briquette's self-reduction and in contact with molten steel (steel-briquette system) and it was aimed at finding the optimal briquette composition used to recover elements such as Cr, V and W. Thermodynamic simulations with FactSage were carried out to validate the experimental results. The EAFD material as-received was magnetically separated to the form of a magnetic electric arc furnace dust (MEAFD) then characterized analytically and microstructurally. Analytical characterization demonstrated that the EAFD was rich in Cr, W and V. Microstructural analyses revealed the presence of oxides and spinel phases. Three different compositions of briquettes were prepared for the experiments: the first with 84% of MEAFD and 16% C; the second with 82% of MEAFD and 18% C; and the third with 80% of MEAFD and 20% C. Reduction experiments at the temperature of 1500 °C were carried out to study the reduction rate differences in the briquettes and the steel-briquettes systems. Reduction experiments showed that the fastest reaction occurred in the briquette with 20% C for both systems. Among the wide experimental dataset analyzed, the optimal measured recovery was 48.1% Cr, 72.7% W and 47.5% V (in wt%).

Machado-Joseph disease (MJD/SCA3) is a neurodegenerative polyglutamine disorder exhibiting a wide spectrum of phenotypes. The abnormal size of the (CAG)n at ATXN3 explains ~55% of the age at onset variance, suggesting the involvement of other factors, namely genetic modifiers, whose identification remains limited. Our aim was to find novel genetic modifiers, analyse their epistatic effects and identify disease-modifying pathways contributing to MJD variable expressivity. We performed whole-exome sequencing in a discovery sample of four age at onset concordant and four discordant first-degree relative pairs of Azorean patients, to identify candidate variants which genotypes differed for each discordant pair but were shared in each concordant pair. Variants identified by this approach were then tested in an independent multi-origin cohort of 282 MJD patients. Whole-exome sequencing identified 233 candidate variants, from which 82 variants in 53 genes were prioritized for downstream analysis. Eighteen disease-modifying pathways were identified; two of the most enriched pathways were relevant for the nervous system, namely the neuregulin signaling and the agrin interactions at neuromuscular junction. Variants at PARD3, NFKB1, CHD5, ACTG1, CFAP57, DLGAP2, ITGB1, DIDO1 and CERS4 modulate age at onset in MJD, with those identified in CFAP57, ACTG1 and DIDO1 showing consistent effects across cohorts of different geographical origins. Network analyses of the nine novel MJD modifiers highlighted several important molecular interactions, including genes/proteins previously related with MJD pathogenesis, namely between ACTG1/APOE and VCP/ITGB1. We describe novel pathways, modifiers, and their interaction partners, providing a broad molecular portrait of age at onset modulation to be further exploited as new disease-modifying targets for MJD and related diseases.

Smoldering fire exhibits low-velocity combustion rates and is a threat commonly presented in agriculture grain storages. Some physical and chemical properties of the grain, including particle size, porosity, moisture, and the environmental conditions influence the propagation of the smoldering process. Many works evaluate the conditions to develop smoldering combustion based on particulate size and granular materials. However, only a few studies focusing on smoldering propagation in cornflour and granular grains. In this work, different particle diameters (181.6 ​μm, 776.4 ​μm and 1411 ​μm) and moisture contents (0% and 15%) of corn are examined to understand the corresponding impact on the smoldering propagation. To achieve this, samples of corn were placed inside a cylindrical reactor with thermocouples distributed along the apparatus’ central axis and heated by a hot plate, then the smoldering reaction with a rising heating transfer profile was analyzed. Our results demonstrate how changing storage conditions can profoundly influence the smoldering propagation within a pile of corn.

Understanding academic achievement (AA) is one of the most global challenges, as there is evidence that it is deeply intertwined with economic development, employment, and countries’ wellbeing. However, the research conducted on this topic grounds in traditional (statistical) methods employed in survey (sample) data. This paper presents a novel approach, using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to predict the academic achievement of virtually every public high school student in Portugal, i.e., 110,627 students in the academic year of 2014/2015. Different AI and non-AI methods are developed and compared in terms of performance. Moreover, important insights to policymakers are addressed.

Objective: Introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) targeted against a limited number of serotypes substantially decreased invasive (IPD) and non-invasive pneumococcal diseases (NIPD) but it was accompanied by non-vaccine type replacement disease. After 9 years of introduction of PCV in Mexico, we analyze the evidence of the indirect effects on IPD and NIPD serotype distribution among groups not targeted to receive the vaccine. Methods: From January 2000 to December 2014, pneumococcal strains isolated from IPD and NIPD cases from patients ≥5 years of age from participant hospitals of the SIREVA II (Sistema Regional de Vacunas) network were serotyped. A regression analysis was performed considering year and proportion of serotypes included in the different vaccine formulations (PCV7, PCV10 and PCV13). The slope was obtained for each regression line and their correspondent p-value. The proportion of each serotype in the pre-PCV7 and post-PCV7 periods was evaluated by χ2 test. Results: From a total of 1147 pneumococcal strains recovered, 570 corresponded to the pre-PCV7 and 577 to the post-PCV7 periods. The proportion of vaccine serotypes included in the three PCV formulations decreased by 2.4, 2.6 and 1.3%, respectively per year during the study period. A significant increase of serotype 19A was observed in the post-vaccine period in all age groups. Conclusions: A percentage of annual decline of serotypes causing IPD and NIPD included in PCV was detected among groups not targeted to receive the vaccine, probably due to herd effect. Considering pneumococcal serotype distribution is a dynamic process, we highlight the importance of surveillance programs.

Both alterations in neurodevelopment and aversive experiences during childhood and adolescence seem important risk factors for schizophrenia. Animal models reproducing these alterations mimic some of the symptoms, constituting a valid approach to study the etiopathology of this disorder. Among these models, the perinatal injection of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists and the postweaning social isolation rearing are among the most widely used. Our aim is to combine them in a “double hit” model, which should produce a wider spectrum of alterations. Lister Hooded rats have been subjected to a single injection of MK-801 at postnatal day 7 and socially isolated from postweaning to adulthood. These animals presented increased body weight gain and volume reductions in their medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus. They also showed an increased number of activated pyramidal neurons and alterations in the numbers of parvalbumin and calbindin expressing interneurons in the mPFC. The expressions of the polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecule and GAD67 are decreased in the mPFC. The mRNA level of calbindin was decreased, while that of calretinin was increased in the mPFC. The mRNA level of ERbB4, a gene associated to schizophrenia, was also altered in this region. All these structural and neurochemical alterations, specially in cortical inhibitory circuits, are similar to those found in schizophrenic patients and are more numerous than in each of the single models. Consequently, the present “double hit” model may be a better tool to study the neurobiological basis of schizophrenia and to explore new therapeutic approaches.

Background and aim. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been shown to downregulate HCV expression; however, the involved mechanisms are unknown. We used proteomic analysis to compare protein expression profiles between human hepatocarcinoma cells (Huh7) and Huh7-HCV cells harboring expression of non-structural HCV proteins, to elucidate the mechanism(s) involved in ASA-mediated downregulation of HCV replication.Material and methods. Both cell lines were treated or untreated with 4 mM ASA and harvested at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h to isolate total proteins, which were resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) to separate them by isoelectric point (pI), followed by fractionation by molecular weight (MW). Gels were scanned and analyzed with PD-Quest software V8.0.1, and proteins were elucidated by the specific pI and MW using TAGIDENT software. Statistics analysis included the t-test.Results and Discussion. Different protein patterns among hepatocytes expressing HCV-proteins in ASA treated and untreated cells were found. Among proteins differentially expressed in Huh7-HCV cells, we found proteins related to cell proliferation (MTMR6, FAM22, HDGF and HCF–1) after 24 h of ASA treatment; and upregulation of angiostatin, PI4KA and STAT–1 after 48 h of treatment. Finally, at 72 h of ASA exposure, we identified overexpression of adenyl-succinate synthase, 2’–3’-di-deoxyadenosine, ubiquitin-protein-ligase E6A, adenylosuccinate-lyase and ni-brin (NBN).Conclusion. We found that ASA induces different protein patterns in Huh7-HCV cells promoting activation of proteins involved in cell progression, repair of double strand breaks, proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis and growth stimulation at the same time that it decreased HCV expression.

The circadian oscillations of many physiological processes provide an endogenous temporal program for the adaptive synchronization of mammals to the fluctuating external world. The lack of exposure to light causes the circadian system to undergo a process of dark adaptation similar to dark adaptation in the visual system. The aim of the present work was investigate the effect of acute treatment of constant darkness on mitochondrial ATP synthase activities and membrane fluidity in liver from male rat. We found that ATP synthase activity was not changed by the treatment. However ATPase activity and membrane fluidity were significantly diminished and pH gradient driven by ATP hydrolysis was incremented, in comparison from samples from rats kept on normal light/dark cycles. Additionally, the treatment of constant darkness diminishes the passive proton permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane. In conclusion constant darkness induces a more efficient coupling between proton transport and catalysis, and increment the efficiency of the enzyme because the ratio of ATP synthase/ATPase activity was higher. These results exhibited the physiological adaptation of liver mitochondria to acute treatment of constant darkness in order to satisfy the cellular energy demand.

A esclerodermia é uma doença do tecido conjuntivo de etiologia desconhecida, que tem sido associada a um risco acrescido de malignidade. O cancro do pulmão é a neoplasia mais frequente, nestes doentes. Apresenta-se o caso clínico de uma mulher de 42 anos, não fumadora, com esclerodermia, que desenvolveu agravamento progressivo do seu estado geral e derrame pleural com características de exsudado, sem evidência de infecção ou malignidade. A TAC torácica mostrou zonas de fibrose, a broncofibroscopia, os lavados brônquico e broncoalveolar foram normais. Foi excluída neoplasia extrapulmonar. Na pleuroscopia, observaram-se formações nodulares, cujas biópsias revelaram tratar-se de adenocarcinoma pulmonar. Iniciou quimioterapia, desenvolvendo ao 48.º dia neutropenia febril e sépsis, vindo a morrer 12 dias depois. Salientamos este caso pela relação, apesar de rara, entre a esclerodermia e o cancro do pulmão e pela importância de uma vigilância pulmonar cuidadosa, em indivíduos com esta doença reumatológica, pelo risco acrescido de neoplasia.Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a connective tissue disorder of unknown aetiology characterised by immune abnormalities, which has been related to an increased risk of malignancy. Lung cancer is the most prevalent among these patients. We present a clinical case of a 42 years old non smoker female with systemic sclerosis. She presented progressive general health status worsening and an exudative pleural effusion, with no evidence of infection or malignancy. Chest high resolution computed tomography revealed pulmonary fibrosis. Bronchoscopy, bronchial and bronchoalveolar lavage were normal. Extra-pulmonary malignancies were excluded. Pleural nodularities were found on pleuroscopy and the biopsy was compatible with lung adenocarcinoma. Chemotherapy was then started, which complicated with febrile neutropenia, sepsis and patient death 12 days after. The purpose of this case report is to bring attention to the relationship, although rare, between systemic sclerosis and lung cancer, stressing the importance of adequate pulmonary surveillance in these patients.

Relationship between cirrhosis and renal dysfunction is not yet fully understood. A model of cirrhosis with acute hepatic and renal damage (RF), produced by CCl4 in rats, with hemodynamic and renal functional alterations, similar to those observed in decompensated cirrhosis (DC) in man, was used to study chemical nephrotoxicity in animals. We performed in male Wistar rats hepatic and renal functional and hemodynamic studies in control, cirrhotic and decompensated cirrhotic (DC) groups. Cirrhosis was induced with carbon tetrachloride by chronic administration. Association between liver and renal functional alterations was detected in rats with decompensated cirrhosis, showing fall in mean arterial pressure and reduction of glomerular filtration rate and filtration fraction. Renal hemodynamics did not change in cirrhotic rats, similarly to what occurs in compensated cirrhotic patients. However, DC rats exhibited increased sodium, glucose and phosphate urinary excretions and decreased ATP in renal cortex. DC animals had severe hypoglycemia. There was an extensive liver fibrosis. Glomeruli had hypercellularity and tubules showed extensive vacuolization in cirrhotic and DC rats. The present study suggests that in this model, damage typical of acute tubular necrosis ensues in cirrhotic rats. We describe functional and morphological damage in liver and kidney in a model of cirrhosis that might predispose to the development of acute renal failure when an individual with hepatic damage is exposed in acute way to chemical toxicants.

Introdução: A tuberculose é considerada uma doença ocupacional nos profissionais de saúde e a sua transmissão, nas instituições de saúde, constitui um problema importante. Alguns serviços hospitalares estão particularmente expostos a risco de infecção. Objectivo: Caracterizar os casos de tuberculose detectados na sequência de um rastreio efectuado aos profissionais de saúde de um serviço hospitalar (otorrinolaringologia) que contactaram com casos de tuberculose activa. Material e métodos: Procedeu-se à realização de rastreio de tuberculose a todos os funcionários (73) do serviço de Otorrinolaringologia do Hospital de São João que contactaram com dois doentes internados com tuberculose activa. A todos aqueles que referiram sintomas foi realizada radiografia torácica e exame micobacteriológico de expectoração. Resultados: Dos 73 profissionais de saúde submetidos ao rastreio, foi estabelecido o diagnóstico de tuberculose em 9 (8 do sexo feminino; idade mediana: 30 anos; uma médica, seis enfermeiros e dois auxiliares de acção médica). Em 8 profissionais de saúde foi diagnosticada tuberculose pulmonar, tratando-se o outro caso de tuberculose extra-pulmonar. O diagnóstico microbiológico foi obtido em 7 casos pelos seguintes métodos: exame micobacteriológico directo de expectoração, n=2; exame cultural de lavado brônquico, n=4; exame histológico de tecido pleural, n=1. Em 4 casos, o DNA do Mycobacterium tuberculosis foi extraído das culturas, tendo sido efectuada tipagem molecular. Todos estes casos apresentaram tipagem idêntica, o que permite a identificação de uma ligação epidemiológica. Conclusão: A tuberculose nosocomial é relevante, sendo necessário efectuar um esforço para implementar, com sucesso, medidas de controlo de infecção nas instituições de saúde, assim como um programa eficaz de rastreio de tuberculose entre os profissionais de saúde. A tipagem molecular do Mycobacterium tuberculosis facilita a identificação de clusters de infecção.Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is considered an occupational disease in health care workers (HCW) and its transmission in health care facilities is an important concern. Some hospital departments are at higher risk of infection. Objective: To describe TB cases detected after TB screening in HCW from a hospital department (Ear, Nose and Throat - ENT) who had had contact with active TB cases. Material and methods: All HCW (73) from Hospital São João’s ENT Unit who had been in contact with two in-patients with active TB underwent TB screening. Those who had symptoms underwent chest X-ray and mycobacteriological sputum exam. Results: Of 73 HCW who underwent TB screening, TB diagnosis was established in 9 (8 female; median age: 30 years; 1 doctor, 6 nurses, 2 nursing auxiliaries). Pulmonary TB was found in 8 and extra-pulmonary TB in 1. Microbiology diagnosis was obtained in 7 cases by sputum smear, n=2; culture exam in bronchial lavage, n=4 and histological exam of pleural tissue, n=1. In 4 cases, Mycobacterium tuberculosisgenomic DNA was extracted from cultures and molecular typing was done. All cases had identical MIRU types, which allowed identification of the epidemiological link. Conclusion: Nosocomial TB is prominent and efforts should be made to implement successful infection control measures in health care facilities and an effective TB screening program in HCW. Molecular typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis facilitates cluster identification.

Resumo: A hipertensão pulmonar (HP) constitui uma entidade rara mas devastadora, com mau prognóstico e elevada mortalidade. Para além da forma idiopática e familiar, a HP pode associarse a uma grande variedade de patologias, mas constitui um diagnóstico raro em idade pediátrica.Os autores apresentam o caso de uma criança de 4 anos, admitida no departamento de Pediatria do Hospital de S. João, para investigação de síncope. Logo na admissão foi feito o diagnóstico ecográfico de HP. O estudo diagnóstico ulterior permitiu identificar doença pulmonar previamente desconhecida (bronquiolite obliterante).A terapêutica neste caso consistiu na associação de um antagonista dos canais de cálcio, o diltiazem, com um antagonista dos receptores da endotelina, o bosentan, e com oxigenioterapia contínua.Este é o primeiro caso de bronquiolite obliterante diagnosticado no nosso Serviço na sequência do estudo etiológico de HP. Neste caso não foi possível determinar o evento desencadeante da doença pulmonar.Rev Port Pneumol 2005; XI (3): 327-335 Abstract: Pulmonary hypertension is a rare but devastating disease, with poor prognosis and high mortality. The disease may present as Primary Pulmonary Hypertension where no clear aetiology can be identified, or be related to a variety of underlying conditions. This is a rare disease in paediatric age.The authors present the clinical case of a 4 years old child, admitted in Paediatric Department of S. João Hospital for syncope episode. The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension was made by echocardiogram. Ulterior studies revealed pulmonary disease (obliterans bronchiolitis).The treatment included a calcium channel blocker (diltiazem), an endothelin antagonist (bosentan) and supplemental oxygen.This is the first case of obliterans bronchiolitis diagnosed during etiological study for pulmonary hypertension, in our Pediatricâs Department. In this case we could not determine the pulmonary disease precipitating event.Rev Port Pneumol 2005; XI (3): 327-335 Palavras-chave: Hipertensão pulmonar, etiologia, terapêutica, bronquiolite obliterante, Key words: Pulmonary hypertension, aetiology, treatment, obliterans bronchiolitis

Objetivos: Identificar la influencia de las dimensiones del apartado personas y características sociodemográficas del modelo EFQM en la alta satisfacción de los trabajadores de un hospital comarcal. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en noviembre de 2003. Se ha utilizado la encuesta de satisfacción de las personas del País Vasco. Variable resultado: alto grado de satisfacción (percentil 75 o mayor). Variables independientes: características sociodemográficas de las personas y las organizacionales. Para cuantificar el grado de asociación se ha utilizado la odds ratio (OR) y su intervalo de confianza del 95% (IC del 95%). Los factores de confusión se ajustaron mediante regresión logística no condicional. Resultados: En una escala del 0 al 10, la satisfacción general obtuvo una puntuación media (desviación estándar) de 5,95 (2). El 25% de los trabajadores valoró su satisfacción general con el clima organizacional como ≥ 8. Los aspectos mejor considerados fueron: el plan medioambiental, la relación jerárquica, la promoción y el desarrollo profesional. Los apartados peor valorados han sido la retribución, el conocimiento y la identificación con los objetivos, y la formación. Las variables más relacionadas con el efecto fueron la percepción favorable de la formación (OR ajustada = 5,04; IC del 95%, 2,16-11,77), y el reconocimiento del trabajo realizado (OR ajustado = 4,68; IC del 95%, 2,20-10,08). Los factores sociodemográficos presentaron menor influencia sobre la satisfacción. Conclusiones: En nuestro hospital casi la mitad de las personas se consideran satisfechas/muy satisfechas con el clima organizacional. La satisfacción está fuertemente asociada a la valoración positiva de características propias de la organización.Objectives: To identify the influence of the dimensions of people items and sociodemographic characteristics included in the EFQM model on high satisfaction of healthcare workers in a district hospital. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in November 2003. The questionnaire used was the personal satisfaction survey of the Basque Country (Spain). The outcome measure was a high degree of satisfaction (75th percentile or higher). Independent variables were sociodemographic and organizational characteristics. The association among variables was assessed using odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI). Adjustment for confounders was performed by unconditional logistic regression. Results: On a scale from 0 to 10, the mean general satisfaction score was 5.95 (standard deviation, 2). Twenty-five percent of workers gave their general satisfaction with the organizational climate a score of 8 or more points. The most positively considered features were the environmental policy, hierarchical relations, promotion, and professional development. The most negatively viewed items were salary, knowledge and identification of objectives, and training. The variables most closely related to outcome were a favorable perception of training (adjusted OR = 5.04; 95% CI, 2.16-11.77) and recognition of the work performed (adjusted OR = 4.68; 95% CI, 2.20-10.08). Sociodemographic factors had less influence on satisfaction. Conclusions: Almost half of the staff surveyed in our hospital were satisfied or highly satisfied with the organizational climate. Satisfaction was strongly associated with positive evaluation of organizational characteristics.

This study focusses on young entrepreneurs and considers the extent of business incubators’ impact on the development and visibility of projects headed by young people. To do so, we analyse incubators’ role as ecosystems for entrepreneurship in Spain based on the 2023 Funcas survey. First, we categorised incubators according to entrepreneurs’ age, defining young incubators as those in which most of the businesses are run by individuals under 35, excluding those over that age. We analyse variables that include the services offered and the frequency of events or training within the incubators to determine which approaches benefit or harm young entrepreneurs. This study uses a statistical approach, with quantitative data from the questionnaire as a starting point to characterise and identify young entrepreneurial profiles in business incubators. We develop and test two hypotheses using the chi-squared test, which is a non-parametric (distribution free) technique. Finally, we include a brief analysis of young entrepreneurs’ personality traits to shed light on some defining characteristics, concluding that personal initiative is a key feature amongst entrepreneurs under the age of 35. We conclude that the incubator system in Spain harms young entrepreneurs and propose some relevant recommendations to reverse this trend.