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Copyright of Virtual Archaeology Review is the property of Virtual Archaeology Review and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The protection of pregnant workers should be based on evidence regarding the risks to reproductive health from exposure to specific work environments and conditions. The objective of this study was to identify the effects on mothers and newborns resulting from environmental exposure to various occupational risks. Methods: The study cohort was composed of 399 women admitted to the Obstetrics/Postpartum ward at Hospital La Fe in Valencia, Spain. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to establish associations between workplace exposure during pregnancy and its effects on maternal and newborn health. Sex, anthropometric characteristics, and blood gas analysis in arterial and venous umbilical cord blood at delivery were collected. Results: A total of 138 women were exposed to biological and/or chemical risks, 122 to physical risks, and 139 at no risk of exposure. In the group with chemical and/or biological risks, the frequency of women who resorted to in vitro fertilization to achieve the studied pregnancy is less than half of the group exposed to physical risks, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.047). The mean values for the arterial analysis in both exposure groups were within average values, with similar pH values between them, but the mean values of PCO2 and PO2 were lower in the group of neonates of mothers exposed to physical risks, with a significant difference for arterial PO2 (p = 0.027). Conclusion: Our analysis contributes evidence for planning and prioritizing preventive actions to protect women's reproductive health. The results suggest the continuation of a future project that would consider more factors and potentially increase the sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the restoration of historic facades, specialists need to tackle the problem of colors applied to the ornamental elements that appear different on a facade than if they were isolated, because the colors of the surrounding surfaces influence them through color induction. This study evaluates the difference between the colors of ornaments observed in isolation, which we call nominal colors, and on different background colors, which we call induced colors, considering the historic color palette of Valencia as studied by the Color Research Group in Architecture of the Universitat Politècnica de València. The study consisted of the evaluation of 108 color pairs painted on physical cardboards, rated by 26 female students (average age 26.5), under natural lighting conditions, and using the Natural Color System (NCS) Color Atlas for the color match. Results indicate that induced colors have lower NCS blackness compared with nominal ones, and slightly higher or no NCS chromaticness shift. Nominal colors with low chromaticness exhibit an important hue induction effect and tend to shift to a hue that is located opposite to that of the background color in the NCS color circle, this effect being larger when the background has a warm color. The induction effect is larger when ornamental elements and background have similar nominal NCS blackness, and different nominal NCS chromaticness,with nominal hue difference no significant in the induction effect. The colors of ornamental elements that entailed greater induction were those with the lowest NCS chromaticness, and in the case of the background color, those with the highest chromaticness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Running is a physical-sport practice that has gained enormous popularity and diffusion in the last two decades in most European countries, which has sparked research interest from social scientists. Most research has focused on describing the profiles of runners, examining their life experiences, understanding how they develop their relationship with their bodies and analysing the health benefits of running. Less frequent have been studies that aim to explain the recent growth of this practice in a given territorial context. This article presents a case study on decisive aspects in the growth of running in the last ten years in the Spanish city of Valencia. The main contribution lies in the application of the Social Practice Theory perspective. The study revealed that the changes occurring in this city in relation to the three types of elements that make up social practices – materials, competences and meanings – and the way in which the interconnections between them have developed – were instrumental in the growth of the practice of running. The findings obtained could be useful to develop more effective actions to promote the physical-sport practice of citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Europe has seen a steady increase in the use of prescription opioids, especially in non-cancer indications. Epidemiological data on the patterns of use of opioids is required to optimize prescription. We aim to describe the patterns of opioid therapy initiation for non-cancer pain and characteristics of patients treated in a region with five million inhabitants in the period 2012 to 2018. Methods: Population-based retrospective cohort study of all adult patients initiating opioid therapy for non-cancer pain in the region of Valencia. We described patient characteristics at baseline and the characteristics of baseline and subsequent treatment initiation. We used multinominal regression models to identify individual factors associated with initiation. Results: A total of 957,080 patients initiated 1,509,488 opioid treatments (957,080 baseline initiations, 552,408 subsequent initiations). For baseline initiations, 738,749 were with tramadol (77.19%), 157,098 with codeine (16.41%) 58,436 (6.11%) with long-acting opioids, 1,518 (0.16%) with short-acting opioids and 1,279 (0.13%) with ultrafast drugs. When compared to tramadol, patients initiating with short-acting, long-acting and ultrafast opioids were more likely to be older and had more comorbidities, whereas initiators with codeine were more prone to be healthier and younger. Treatments lasting less than 7 days accounted for 41.82% of initiations, and 11.89% lasted more than 30 days. 19.55% of initiators with ultrafast fentanyl Received more than 120 daily Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME), and 16.12% of patients initiating with long-acting opioids were prescribed more than 90 daily MME (p < 0.001). Musculoskeletal indications accounted for 65.05% of opioid use. Overlap with benzodiazepines was observed in 24.73% of initiations, overlap with gabapentinoids was present in 11.04% of initiations with long-acting opioids and 28.39% of initiators with short-acting opioids used antipsychotics concomitantly. In subsequent initiations, 55.48% of treatments included three or more prescriptions (vs. 17.60% in baseline initiations) and risk of overlap was also increased. Conclusion: Opioids are initiated for a vast array of non-oncological indications, and, despite clinical guidelines, short-acting opioids are used marginally, and a significant number of patients is exposed to potentially high-risk patterns of initiation, such as treatments lasting more than 14 days, treatments surpassing 50 daily MMEs, initiating with long-acting opioids, or hazardous overlapping with other therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective was to evaluate maternal Mediterranean diet (MD) pattern adherence during pregnancy and its association with small for gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth. A secondary objective of the current study was to describe the sociodemographic, lifestyle and obstetric profile of the mothers studied as well as the most relevant paternal and newborn characteristics.Design: The current study is a two-phase retrospective population-based study of maternal dietary habits during pregnancy and their effect on newborn size and prematurity. The descriptive first phase examined maternal dietary habits during pregnancy along with the maternal sociodemographic, lifestyle and obstetric profile in a cross-sectional period study. In the second phase, newborn outcomes were evaluated in a nested case-control study. Adherence to MD during pregnancy was measured with the Spanish version of Kidmed index.Setting: Obstetrics ward of the La Fe Hospital in Valencia.Participants: All mother-child pairs admitted after delivery during a 12-month period starting from January 2018 were assessed for eligibility. A total of 1118 provided complete outcome data after signing informed consent.Results: 14·5 % met the criteria of poor adherence (PA); 34·8 %, medium adherence (MA); and 50·7 %, optimal adherence (OA). Medium adherence to MD was associated in the adjusted scenarios with a higher risk of giving birth to a preterm newborn. No association was found between MD adherence and SGA.Conclusions: Early intervention programmes geared towards pregnant women, where women were aided in reaching OA to MD, might reduce the risk of preterm newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Doxa Comunicación is the property of Fundacion Universitaria San Pablo - CEU and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

[Display omitted] • We evaluated the determinants of low vitamin D levels in Spanish pregnant women. • Younger women, smokers, overweight, and in deprived areas had lower Vitamin D levels. • High air pollution and humidity were associated with lower vitamin D levels. • Machine learning models promise effective vitamin D insufficiency screening. • Insights from this study may be useful for implementing preventive measures. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL circulating levels) is a worldwide public health concern and pregnant women are especially vulnerable, affecting the health of the mother and the fetus. This study aims to evaluate the sociodemographic, lifestyle, and environmental determinants associated with circulating vitamin D levels in Spanish pregnant women. We used data from the Spanish INMA ("Infancia y Medio Ambiente") prospective birth cohort study from the regions of Gipuzkoa, Sabadell, and Valencia. 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25(OH)D 3) was measured in plasma collected in the first trimester of pregnancy. Information on 108 determinants was gathered: 13 sociodemographic, 48 lifestyle including diet, smoking and physical activity, and 47 environmental variables, representing the urban and the chemical exposome. Association of the determinants with maternal 25(OH)D 3 levels was estimated in single- and multiple-exposure models. Machine learning techniques were used to predict 25(OH)D 3 levels below sufficiency (30 ng/mL). The prevalence of < 30 ng/mL 25(OH)D 3 levels was 51 %. In the single-exposure analysis, older age, higher socioeconomic status, taking vitamin D, B12 and other sup*plementation, and higher humidity, atmospheric pressure and UV rays were associated with higher levels of 25(OH)D 3 (IQR increase of age: 1.2 [95 % CI: 0.6, 1.8] ng/mL 25(OH)D 3). In the multiple-exposures model, most of these associations remained and others were revealed. Higher body mass index, PM 2.5 and high deprivation area were associated with lower 25(OH)D 3 levels (i.e., Quartile 4 of PM 2.5 vs Q1: −3.6 [95 % CI: −5.6, −1.5] ng/mL of 25(OH)D 3). History of allergy and asthma, being multiparous, intake of vegetable fat, vitamin B6, alcohol consumption and molybdenum were associated with higher levels. The machine learning classification model confirmed some of these associations. This comprehensive study shows that younger age, higher body mass index, higher deprived areas, higher air pollution and lower UV rays and humidity are associated with lower 25(OH)D 3 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which validates the effectiveness of chemosterilisation method against Mediterranean fruit flies in Valencia, Spain. The study conducted a series of field tests in isolated or wide regions to lessen the population and fruit damage of fruit flies in citrus orchads. The results show a major decrease in persimmon damage in the region treated with chemosterilant medication than areas treated with a malathion aerial medication.

Water chlorination leads to the formation of trihalomethanes (THM). In this case study, the levels of THM during the chlorination process of the drinking water in Valencia (Spain) were determined over a 12-year period. Different control areas and points were strategically sampled and samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. Temporal tendencies, as well as spatial and seasonal variations, were established. The individual distribution of THM was also evaluated. Factors such as distances from chlorination points and inter-month seasonal distribution, including ambient temperature effect, were assessed. The range of total THM concentrations measured in the water network goes from 4 to 184 µg L-1. However, from the year 2000, coinciding with an improvement in the quality scheme of the analytical method, no more than one sample per year is above the limiting level of 100 µg L-1 and the annual data dispersion becomes lower. Although the levels of THM virtually do not exceed the limits established by law, the variability in their concentrations suggests the need for adaptable control plans combined with factors such as ambient temperature and distances from disinfection points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo proporciona información sobre la arte y la representación de Valencia, España, enfocando en la imagen de la ciudad creado por Anthonie van den Wijngaerde. El artículo empieza con la historia de la ciudad y las primeras representaciones gráficas, enfocando en su desarrollo urbano. Concluye con la transición del carácter de la ciudad presente en la imagen de Valencia de Wijngaerde.

Presents a comparative study of the evolution of blood and hematopoietic cancers in the agricultural and industrial zones in Valencia, Spain. Concern over the increase in the frequency of cancer in the industrialized world; Collection of mortality data corresponding to age and sex groups; Calculation of the Mean Standardized Mortality Rates.

Investigates the evolution of nitrates contamination of public drinking water in Valencia, Spain. Concentration of fertilizer consumption; Correlation between nitrate levels and the cultivation of citrus fruits, vegetables and cereals and the use of fertilizers; Relationship between the nitrates in underground water and citrus fruit production.

Presents results of a survey to evaluate acoustic contamination in the historical center of Valencia, Spain and its effects on residents. Finding of excess environmental noise; Need for the development of an urban policy with measures such as adequate spacing between buildings and large traffic ways.

The evolution of sulfur oxides and suspended particles (smoke and settleable materials) in the atmosphere of the Spanish Mediterranean city of Valencia, corresponding to the period 1979-1989, were determined. The contamination levels in industrial versus residential areas of the city were contrasted, as were the relative contributions of each zone to the mean total of each contaminant. Also determined were the mean annual concentrations of each contaminant in order to investigate long-term risks and the 98 percentile value in the case of short-term risk. Finally, a simple regression analysis was performed to find the inter-associations of these atmospheric contaminants and their relation to traffic density in each area. A decrease was observed in the emission levels of sulfur oxides and settleable materials in this period. On the other hand, the smoke levels were found to increase. A positive correlation was found between sulfur oxide concentration and traffic density. Likewise, no effectively reliable association was seen between smoke and traffic density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective is to determine the changes in the wastewater treatment process in the city of Valencia by taking into account population changes during the period 1983-1990. We have consulted analytical data and information regarding this volume of water treated in a biological treatment plant of activated sludge; data was collected daily and introduced into a data matrix from which the distribution and central tendency measures were calculated. We then obtained the correlations of the different parameters according to population variations. We observed an increase in the volume of water treated during our study period: from 74,220 m³/day in 1983 to 183,850 m³/day in 1990. This was in contrast to a gradual decrease in the population of Valencia: 729,900 in 1983 to 699,600 inhabitants in 1990. As parameters indicating pollution, we studied the changes of suspended matter (S.M.) and the biochemical oxygen demand (B.O.D.) in relation to population changes. The variations of the suspended matter produced annually and the population correlate through a second degree polynomial curve with a r = 0.73. The biochemical oxygen demand correlates with the number of inhabitants through a second degree polynomial curve, although in this case r = 0.86. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the pathogenic mechanisms of ALS disease is perturbed energy metabolism particularly glucose metabolism. Given the substantial difference in the severity and the prognosis of the disease, depending on whether it has a bulbar or spinal onset, the aim of the study was to determine metabolic differences between both types of ALS, as well as the possible relationship with muscle function. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, analytical, quantitative, and transversal study was carried out in hospitals and Primary Care centers in the region of Valencia, Spain. Fasting glucose and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels in venous blood, muscle percentage, fat percentage, muscle strength (MRC scale), and functional capacity (Barthel Index) were measured in 31 patients diagnosed with ALS (20 with spinal onset ALS and 11 with bulbar onset ALS). A healthy control of 29 people was included. Results: No significant differences were observed in blood AP and glucose levels between spinal onset and bulbar onset ALS patients. However, a significant positive correlation was observed between the mean values of both substances in patients with spinal onset ALS. Moreover, a lower percentage of muscle mass and a higher percentage of fat mass were also seen in spinal ALS patients, who also presented lower muscle strength and lower functional capacity. Conclusion: The results of this study seem to point to a possible difference in the peripheral use of glucose between patients with bulbar onset ALS and spinal onset ALS, who appear to have possible insulin resistance. These metabolic differences could explain the lower muscle percentage and lower muscular function in spinal onset ALS patients, although further studies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the incidence of Wra antigen and anti-Wra in Valencia, Spain. The incidence of the Wra antigen in 110,000 healthy blood donors was estimated. Likewise, the incidence of anti-Wra was analyzed in a population consisting of 730 healthy blood donors, 356 pregnant women, and 581 patients who received transfusions from the area of Valencia, Spain. The incidence of Wra antigen was 1 in 785. Overall, anti-Wra was found in 59 samples: 20 healthy blood donors (1/37), 18 pregnant women (1/20), and 21 patients who received transfusions (1/28). The most frequent immunoglobulin class of anti-Wra in healthy blood donors was immunoglobulin M, either alone (8 cases) or plus immunoglobulin G (IgG; 8 cases); the IgG1 and IgG3 were the IgG subclasses most frequently detected in pregnant women (12 cases) and in patients who received transfusions (12 cases). Only 51 percent of the anti-Wra appeared to have the potential to be clinically significant. These data show that the incidence of Wra antigen and anti-Wra among the population from Valencia is similar to that reported in other European areas and suggest that the development of anti-Wra is facilitated by the presence of a hyperactive immune system. The clinical relevance of anti-Wra is limited, however. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo proporciona información sobre la arte y la representación de Valencia, España, enfocando en la imagen de la ciudad creado por Anthonie van den Wijngaerde. El artículo empieza con la historia de la ciudad y las primeras representaciones gráficas, enfocando en su desarrollo urbano. Concluye con la transición del carácter de la ciudad presente en la imagen de Valencia de Wijngaerde,

During restoration of the Torres de Quart in Valencia (15th C.) some puzzling yet very beautiful graffiti were discovered. They consist of a set of drawings containing motifs commonly found in other medieval defensive buildings: architectural features, crosses, letters, floral motifs, etc. But what makes these so striking is the naturalism of the zoomorphic representations, with scenes of fish and shoals of fish in a very engaging style. We discuss the possible interpretation of these graffiti and why they appear on the southernmost entranceway to the city, against the cultural backdrop and customs of a post-medieval Valencia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some urban regulations oblige to replace buildings with visual impact in the surroundings of a historical monument, what implies undesired sustainable and social consequences. We conducted a study to evaluate if alternative façade solutions can improve the assessment of cityscape integration and preferences for six tall buildings with visual impact in the surroundings of the Serranos Towers of Valencia (XIVth Century). Results show that, although replacing buildings is the most integrated solution, some alternatives also improve the landscape integration of visually-impacting architectures and are better preferred than demolition. Citizens are in favor of intermediate positions between actual state and demolition, with people unfamiliar with the area more inclined towards demolition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]