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A versatile strategy for the fabrication of block copolymers by the combination of two discrete living polymerization techniques-reversible complexation mediated living radical polymerization (RCMP) and photoinduced radical oxidation addition deactivation (PROAD) processes-is reported. First, RCMP is conducted to yield poly(methyl methacrylate) with iodide end groups (PMMA-I). In the following step, PMMA-I is used as macroinitiator for living PROAD cationic polymerization of isobutyl vinyl ether. Successful formation of the block copolymers is confirmed by 1H NMR, FT-IR, GPC, and DSC investigations. National Research Foundation (NRF) Submitted/Accepted version The authors acknowledge the financial support from The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (Project 120C121) and the Istanbul Technical University Research Fund and National Research Foundation (NRF) Investigatorship in Singapore (NRF-NRFI05-2019-0001).

A novel approach for the synthesis of miktoarm star copolymers by the combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and Type II photopolymerization is described. The method pertains to the use of a multifunctional initiator, bearing primary hydroxyl and tertiary amine functionalities, for the sequential or simultaneous polymerization of vinyl and lactone monomers under mild conditions. In the first step, phosphazene base (P2-t-Bu) catalyzed ROP of e-caprolactone is accomplished. Subsequently, thus obtained poly(e-caprolactone) with amine end groups was used as co-initiator for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate by utilizing conventional Type II photoinitiators. The structures, molecular weight characteristics and thermal properties of the polymers are analyzed by NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, respectively.

A new photoinitiating system involving electron acceptor dyes, namely, eosin Y and erythrosin B, in conjunction with alkyl halides and amines for photoinduced ATRP of (meth)acrylates and vinyl monomers in the absence of inorganic catalysts is reported. The polymerizations were efficiently activated by the photomediated redox processes to produce polymers with controlled chain end functionality and narrow molecular weight distribution. The dye/amine system was shown to be efficient under various colors of LED and industrially available visible light irradiation. The livingness nature of the polymerization was proved by GC analyses and the irradiation dependency of polymerization was confirmed by light on/off experiments.

A novel approach for the synthesis of miktoarm star copolymers by the combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and Type II photopolymerization is described. The method pertains to the use of a multifunctional initiator, bearing primary hydroxyl and tertiary amine functionalities, for the sequential or simultaneous polymerization of vinyl and lactone monomers under mild conditions. In the first step, phosphazene base (P-2-t-Bu) catalyzed ROP of epsilon-caprolactone is accomplished. Subsequently, thus obtained poly(epsilon-caprolactone) with amine end groups was used as co-initiator for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate by utilizing conventional Type II photoinitiators. The structures, molecular weight characteristics and thermal properties of the polymers are analyzed by NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, respectively.

With the goal of developing new pressure sensitive adhesive systems, the miscibility and the phase morphology of blends between novel symmetric four-arm star “all-acrylate” block copolymers synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and a rosin ester resin tackifier was studied with a combined differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) approach. Copolymer–resin compositions with increasing resin content in the blend were studied. The DSC results show good miscibility for compositions lower than 60 wt%, with a single glass transition at a temperature between those of the two pure compounds. The AFM results indicate that the initial two-phase morphology typical of the block copolymer matrix is preserved up to 60 wt% of resin. Above that value, a third phase, attributed to aggregates of the pure resin, is observed. Upon ageing, the homogeneous systems (e.g., blends with 40 wt% of resin) undergo a slow migration of the tackifying resin towards the surface of the sample, which can be understood in terms of surface free energy considerations. This eventually leads to the formation of a layer of pure resin at the surface.

Novel “all-acrylate” block copolymers have been synthesized by ATRP with a simple and cost-effective one-pot-two-step process. The (A−B)n copolymers are composed of an elastomer segment (A = P(2EHA-co-MA) = poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate-co-methyl acrylate)) and a thermoplastic segment (B = PMMA = poly(methyl methacrylate)). To study the relationship between the molecular architecture and the mechanical properties, a four-arm radial block copolymer (A−B)4 is compared to the linear diblock (A−B)1 and symmetric triblock (A−B)2 and compounds of similar composition. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that all block copolymers present a well-defined microphase separation, which is confirmed by the observation of two glass transitions in DSC. Thermomechanical data from viscoelastic, indentation, and tensile measurements are discussed in terms of the structural characteristics of the copolymers. The increase in the complexity of the molecular structure results in an enhanced elastic response, and the stress−strain ...

A novel four-arm radial block co-polymer (A-B)4 obtained by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and a random (statistical) co-polymer of similar composition have been prepared. In the presence of rosin esters, these materials show pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) properties. The aim of this investigation was to study the relationship between the molecular architecture of tackified systems and their typical PSA properties. First, the miscibility of these two co-polymers with a rosin ester resin was investigated. Then, the performance of PSA such as peel strength and shear resistance was studied. In contrast to the random co-polymer, the block co-polymer presents two glass transitions, as evidenced by DSC and TMA. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) further confirmed the well-defined microphase separation. The Gordon–Taylor expression provides an empirical description of the dependence of the T g on the tackifier content for the random co-polymer and the elastomer phase of the block co-polymer. The DSC r...

Pocos estudios analizan la epidemiologia de la hipertension arterial (HTA) en poblacion general de 15 a 85 anos aplicando los criterios actuales. Sujetos y metodo Realizamos un estudio epidemiologico transversal en etapas sucesivas sobre poblacion general de Valladolid (Espana). En una primera etapa destinada a garantizar la representatividad de muestras menores tomadas al azar, realizamos una encuesta por correo breve sobre una muestra aleatoria de 34.742 personas. En una segunda etapa estudiamos una muestra estratificada de 1.500 individuos mediante una encuesta por correo extensa, y de ellas seleccionamos a un tercio al azar y les hicimos ademas entrevista en consulta con toma de la presion arterial (PA) mediante un esfigmomanometro automatico Omron- 711 validado. Resultados La prevalencia de HTA (PA ≥140/90 mmHg) fue del 32% en la poblacion general y alcanzo el 77 % entre los mayores de 65 anos. La prevalencia fue mayor en mujeres y unicamente el 44% del total de los sujetos se reconocia hipertenso. La prevalencia de HTA sistolica aislada (PAS ≥140 mmHg y PAD Conclusion La HTA afecta a un tercio de nuestra poblacion, aunque menos de la mitad son conscientes de ello. Uno de cada 4 adultos padece una HTA sin control efectivo. El grado de control en poblacion general es malo, aunque con una leve tendencia a mejorar y similar al detectado en otros subgrupos de poblacion. Es necesario mejorar la deteccion y la eficiencia en el control de la HTA conocida y tratada.

El analisis del consumo de farmacos antihipertensivos en poblacion general tiene gran interes por permitirnos analizar los habitos de prescripcion medicos y de consumo por los pacientes; los datos existentes se basan en estimaciones a partir del numero de envases vendidos o se han obtenido de cohortes. Desarrollamos una encuesta por correo destinada a conocer de forma directa los antihipertensivos empleados en poblacion general. La prevalencia autodeclarada de hipertension es del 14,23% de la poblacion, la mitad de ellos no toma antihipertensivos, uno de cada cuatro tratados lo es con mas de un antihipertensivo, que en el 27 % es una asociacion comercial. Los hipertensos tratados suponen el 7,5% de la poblacion mayor de 14 anos. Los pacientes hipertensos toman mas farmacos/dia que la poblacion no hipertensa, el consumo es mayor en mujeres y aumenta con la edad. Uno de cada tres antihipertensivos corresponde a un inhibidor de la enzima de conversion de la angiotensina (IECA), uno de cada cuatro a un diuretico o diureticos asociados, uno de cada cinco a un calcioantagonista y solo uno de cada quince es un betabloqueante. Captoprilo fue el mas utilizado (16,7 %), seguido por amilorida- hidroclorotiazida, enalaprilo, nifedipino, amlodipino, clortalidona y atenolol; estos siete principios suponen algo mas de la mitad de los tratamientos empleados. Si suponemos que cada hipertenso toma la dosis habitual media de cada antihipertensivo (AH) cada dia, podemos estimar las dosis diarias definidas (DDD), 1.000 habitantes/ dia en mayores de 25 anos resultarian 144,6 DDD/1.000 habitantes/dia, aunque en realidad sabemos que son 110 los hipertensos tratados/1.000 habitantes/dia. Comparado con una encuesta directa, la estimacion del consumo de antihipertensivos a traves de los dispensados, aunque permite estimar el perfil de los antihipertensivos empleados, sobreestima el numero de hipertensos tratados si consideramos que los hipertensos son tratados con una DDD; ademas esos medicamentos vendidos pudieron ser indicados para tratar otros procesos o no ser realmente consumidos.

El tabaquismo es un factor de riesgo de alta morbimortali-dad evitable. El conocimiento del grado de consolidacion del tabaquismo y la motivacion para el abandono en los subgru-pos de poblacion general, facilita una planificacion correcta de los recursos sanitarios. Realizamos un estudio transversal polietapico aleatorio estratificado en la poblacion de Valladolid durante los anos 1998–1999 en el contexto de un estudio de factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Se recogen mediante encuesta y entrevista el consumo de tabaco, la dependencia a la nicotina y la fase de abandono, asi como el valor de la carboxihemoglobina en sangre venosa. El 29,3% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 25,7–32,9%) de la poblacion se declara fumadora. La prevalencia alcanzo el 41,8% (IC del 95%: 39,2–44,5%) en el estrato de edad de 26–45 anos, y disminuyo hasta el 6% (IC del 95%: 5,6–6,5%) en los mayores de 66 anos. El 31,2% (IC del 95%: 26,1–36,4%) de los varones eran fumadores mientras que en las mujeres lo era el 27,4% (IC del 95%: 24,1–30,7%). El 26,9% (IC del 95%: 20,2–33,5%) de la poblacion rural y el 31,2% (IC del 95%: 26,1–36,4%) de la urbana eran fumadores. El consumo de cigarrillos/dia, la carboxihe-moglobina venosa y la dependencia a la nicotina diferian en los estratos de edad, sexo y lugar de residencia, lo que ayudo a describir el grado de consolidacion del habito por estratos. Las fases de abandono se distribuyeron de forma similar en los estratos de edad pero no de sexo. La prevalencia del tabaquismo aunque tiende a disminuir es todavia elevada, especialmente en jovenes y mujeres. El habito esta mas consolidado en los estratos de 26–45 anos, varones, que viven en el medio rural y en aquellos fumado-res de mayor edad que, probablemente, no pueden abando-nar el habito por si mismos.

A dead dolphin found on Bonaire in August 2011 is identified as adult Fraser's dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei, a new species for the Dutch Caribbean. A first closer examination showed a collapsed lung, stomach parasite infection and abundant mouth ulceration as indications of its health status. The animal was relatively fresh and did not die very long before it was found. Like more often with stranded deep diving cetacean species within the area, remnants of crustacean were found in its beak indicating recent foraging.

To evaluate which health-related quality of life (HRQOL) aspects are affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and influence of glycemic control and associated cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF).A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the health coverage area of our hospital. Following a multiphase sampling a final sample of 495 people, representative of the general population, was analyzed. HRQOL was evaluated with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36).After adjustment for sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education level, marital status, number of persons residing together, labor situation, social class and rural or urban ambience), comorbidity and CVRF (smoking, systolic blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol level and body mass index), the patients with DM presented lower scores on four SF-36 scales: physical function, bodily pain, general health and vitality. Among people with diabetes systolic blood pressure, body mass index and glycosylated hemoglobin, but not lipid levels, were negatively correlated to some SF-36 scores.In our population patients with DM present a poorer HRQOL, specifically in the physical dimensions, but neither their social function nor their mental health was affected. Hypertension, obesity and poor glycemic control are associated with worst subjective state of health.

Objetivo: Evaluar qué aspectos de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) se ven afectados por la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM), y la influencia del control glucémico y de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) asociados. Método: Llevamos a cabo un estudio transversal descriptivo en el área sanitaria de nuestro hospital. Tras un muestreo polietápico analizamos una muestra final de 495 personas, representativa de la población general. La CVRS se valoró con el Short-Form 36 (SF-36). Resultados: Tras ajustar por variables sociodemográficas (edad, sexo, nivel de estudios, estado civil, número de persones residiendo juntas, situación laboral, clase social y medio rural o urbano), comorbilidad y FRCV (tabaquismo, tensión arterial sistólica, LDL-colesterol e índice de masa corporal), los pacientes con DM presentaban menores puntuaciones en cuatro escalas del SF-36: función física, dolor corporal, salud general y vitalidad. Entre los diabéticos tensión arterial sistólica, índice de masa corporal y hemoglobina glicosilada se correlacionaban negativamente con algunas escalas, pero no así los niveles lipídicos. Conclusiones: En nuestra población los pacientes con DM presentan una peor CVRS específicamente en las dimensiones físicas, sin que se vean afectadas ni su función social ni su salud mental. Hipertensión, obesidad y mal control glucémico se asocian en estos enfermos a un peor estado subjetivo de salud.

Although the epidemiology of subjects with end-stage renal disease is well-known in Spain, the prevalence of mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population is unknown. In order to measure this, it is necessary to carry out studies in the general population including those who are not health service patients. During epidemiology studies, the method of measuring glomerular filtration rate can change significantly the measurements of the prevalence of mild to moderate CKD.Between 1997 and 2000, we performed a multi-phase descriptive polistratified epidemiological transversal study. The section of public chosen was between the ages of 15 and 85 living in the health area of western Valladolid (Spain). We calculated creatinine clearance using four methods: serum creatinine concentration, creatinine clearance using 24-hour urine samples adjusting the volume to the expected creatinuria with the Walser formulas, using the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation and applying the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study abbreviated formula. We classified the level of kidney function, according to the National Kidney Foundation-Dialysis Outcomes Initiative (NFK-DOQI) guidelines.The instances of stages 2 and 3 CKD rise with age and are more common in women than men. This tendency is apparent in middle age and persons of 65 and above. Using the CG method, almost half the old women had a stage 3 CKD as opposed to a third of the men. If the measurement is performed using the abbreviated MDRD study, there are very few differences between the sexes. The prevalence of stage 3 CKD is similar (around 8%) but the prevalence of stage 2 CKD rises to 60% as opposed to 36% calculated using the CG equation. After comparing the results obtained with those of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Study (see table VII), the measurements of stage 3 CKD using the CG formula or by means of expected creatininuria coincide relatively, although the prevalence of stage 2 CKD is higher in persons of 65 and over. If we use the abreviated MDRD study, the prevalences increase by more than 20%.The prevalence of stages 2 and 3 CKD is clearly influenced by the method of calculation used. The prevalence of stage 2 CKD affects at least a third of the general population while those affected by stage 3 CKD are between 3.3% and 8.5%.

Background In order to determine the magnitude of the short- or medium-term effects of tobacco use on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of smokers and ex-smokers, and to compare them with the estimated long-term effects reported in other studies, a cross-sectional epidemiological study was designed. Methods A representative study of the general population over 14 years of age was conducted in the western health area of Valladolid, Spain. HRQOL was evaluated using the SF-36 Health Questionnaire. Differences in HRQOL among smokers, non-smokers, and former smokers were determined. Standardized scores from the general population and long-term effects of tobacco exposure were compared. Results Former smokers had a better HRQOL than smokers and non-smokers on the emotional dimensions, especially “vitality” and “role emotional”, while differences between the groups on the physical and emotional dimensions did not reach statistical significance. Smokers displayed deterioration in “bodily pain”, “general health”, “vitality”, “social function”, and “role emotional”, while deterioration in ex-smokers only occurred in “bodily pain” and “general health.” The variable package/year was correlated with “general health.” Conclusions Short- and medium-range effects of tobacco consumption on HRQOL cannot be demonstrated with the SF-36 Health Questionnaire in the general Spanish population, whereas long-term effects can.

To find in our population with diabetes mellitus (DM) the prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors, as well as their degree of control.A cross-sectional study was carried out in 15-82 years population of our health coverage area, by means of a mailed survey sent to a simple random sample composed of 33,022 individuals, and a interview with collection of exploration and analitic data to a 495 people sub-sample.Among patients with DM 47/ have history of hypertension, and 58/ blood pressure =140/90 mmHg. Only 33/ have values130/85 mmHg, and the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure is significantly inferior between the women. There is history of hipercholesterolaemia in 45 210 / of diabetic patients versus 19/ of non-diabetic population; in the former group the total and LDL cholesterol levels are significantly lower. Smoking affects equally to both groups, while obesity and central obesity are more frequent between diabetic patients, although only in the case of women.In our diabetic population blood pressure control is limited: two third parts of the patients show values above recommended. This fact forms a contrast with a high degree of dyslipidemia control. We should pay a greater attention to hypertension treatment in patients with diabetes, mainly in women, and promote smoking cessation interventions essentially in males.

Objetivo: Conocer en nuestra población con diabetes mellitus (DM) la prevalencia de otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular, así como su grado de control. Método: Estudio epidemiológico transversal llevado a cabo en la población de 15-82 años de nuestro área sanitaria, mediante una encuesta por correo enviada a una muestra aleatoria simple formada por 33.022 sujetos, y una entrevista con recogida de datos de exploración y analíticos a una submuestra de 495 individuos. Resultados: Un 47% de los pacientes con DM tiene antecedentes de hipertensión, y se detecta una tensión arterial ≥140/90 mmHg en el 58%. Tan sólo un 33% presenta valores

Smoking is a risk factor associated with high and preventable mortality and morbidity. An understanding of smoking consolidation and the desire to quit in specific subgroups of the general population will facilitate appropriate planning of health care resource utilization. We performed a multistage, random, stratified cross-sectional study in the general population of Valladolid (Spain) during 1998 and 1999 as part of a cardiovascular disease risk survey. Data collected by questionnaire and interview included number of cigarettes smoked per day, nicotine dependence and stage in the process of smoking cessation. Venous carboxyhemoglobin was also measured. The percentage of reported smokers in the general population was 29.3% (95% CI: 25.7-32.9%). Prevalence was 41.8% (95% CI: 39.2-44.5%) in the 26-to-45-year-old age group and fell to 6% (95% CI: 5.6-6.5%) among subjects over 66 years of age. Analysis by sex, 31.2% (95% CI: 26.1-36.4%) of men and 27.4% (95% CI: 24.1-30.7%) of women were smokers. In rural areas the percentage of smokers was 26.9% (95% CI: 20.2-33.5%) whereas the percentage in urban areas was 31.2% (95% CI: 26.1-36.4%). The number of cigarettes/day, venous carboxyhemoglobin and nicotine dependence differed by age range, sex and place of residence and helped to describe the degree of consolidation of smoking by strata. Phases of cessation were distributed similarly by age range but not by sex. The prevalence of smoking is still high, particularly among young people and women, although it is tending to decrease. Smoking is better established in the 26-45 year-old age range, among men, among those living in rural areas and among older smokers who, probably, can not quit smoking alone.

Psoas abscess is currently an uncommon disease and is often difficult to diagnose because of its minor initial symptoms. We compare treatment by percutaneous drainage and surgery.Five patients, all immunodepressed, which appears to be an important factor in the aetiology and pathogenesis of psoas abscess. Computed tomography appears to be the best diagnostic method.Three subjects underwent open surgery and developed serious complications in contrast with two patients treated by CT-guided percutaneous drainage, preceded by antibiotics.First-line percutaneous drainage appears to be the best approach at the present time, reserving open surgery for very large abscesses.

In chronic therapies, the less number of adverse effects (AE) to drugs is decisive to improve the rate of performance and reach the protective objective. We can make comparisons in the rate of tolerance of antihypertensive drugs (AD) if we study all of them with the same method in patients with real hypertension.Analyzed 922 hospitalized hypertensive patients looking for adverse effects (AE) reported systematically and spontaneously form, the causality must to excel in two algorithms the uncertain grade.13.47% of antihypertensive drugs presented an AE, beta-blockers presented more AE than diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.The AD haven't the same AE neither feature nor frequency. If to dependent on a poor fulfillment, we lose the protective effectiveness, the application independently of the economic cost isn't right.