Ramón Rubio

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Systemic Hypertension

RATIONALE Obstructive sleep apnea and systemic hypertension (SH) are highly prevalent. Although their association has been suggested in cross-sectional studies, conflicting evidence has emerged from longitudinal studies. OBJECTIVES To assess the association between obstructive sleep apnea and SH in the middle-aged general population. METHODS A total of 2,148 subjects were included in a longitudinal study of the Vitoria Sleep Cohort, a general population sample aged 30-70 years. We analyzed data on office blood pressure, anthropometric measures, health history, and home polygraphy. Out of 1,557 subjects who completed the 7.5-year follow-up, 377 were excluded for having SH at baseline. The odds ratios for the incidence of SH, according to the respiratory disturbance index (RDI) at baseline, were estimated in 1,180 subjects (526 men and 654 women) after adjustment for age; sex; body mass index; neck circumference; fitness level; and alcohol, tobacco, and coffee consumption. The RDI was divided into quartiles (0-2.9, 3-6.9, 7-13.9, and ≥ 14), using the first quartile as reference. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The crude odds ratio for incident hypertension increased with higher RDI category with a dose-response effect (P < 0.001), but was not statistically significant after adjustment for age (P = 0.051). Adjustments for sex (P = 0.342), body mass index (P = 0.803), neck circumference (P = 0.885), and fitness level and alcohol, tobacco, and coffee consumption (P = 0.708) further reduced the strength of the association between RDI and SH. No differences were observed between men and women. CONCLUSIONS Our findings do not suggest an association between obstructive sleep apnea and the incidence of SH in the middle-aged general population. Long-term follow-up longitudinal studies are needed to better ascertain this association.

Food sources of nutrients in the diet of Spanish children: the Four Provinces Study

The aim of the present study was to assess the principal food sources of energy and nutrients among Spanish children. We used a cross-sectional study design, based on results obtained from a food-frequency questionnaire. The sample included 1112 children, aged 6-7 years, from Cadiz, Madrid, Orense and Murcia, Spain. Children were selected through random cluster-sampling in schools. We analysed the percentage contributed by each food item to total energy and nutrient intake. The most important food sources were: white bread in the case of carbohydrate (13.4 %); olive oil in the case of total lipids (18.3 %) and monounsaturated fatty acids (29.2 %); whole milk in the case of protein (10.2 %) and saturated fatty acids (14.9 %); chips (French fried potatoes) in the case of polyunsaturated fatty acids (30.4 %). The greatest proportion of Na, consumed in excess, came from salt added to meals. Ham ranked second as a source of saturated fats. Fruits and green leafy vegetables proved to have great relevance as sources of fibre and vitamins, though with regard to the latter, it was observed that fortified foods (breakfast cereals, dairy products, fruit juices, etc.) had come to play a relevant role in many cases. In conclusion, the nutritional profile of Spanish school-aged children aged 6-7 years could be improved by nutritional policies targeted at limiting their consumption of ham (cured or cooked) and of salt added to meals, replacing whole milk with semi-skimmed milk, encouraging the consumption of products rich in complex carbohydrates already present in childrens diets (bread, pasta, rice) and promoting less fatty ways of cooking food.

Construction of accurate geological cross-sections along trenches, cliffs and mountain slopes using photogrammetry

This paper discusses the application of close range photogrammetry for the construction of geological cross-sections from outcrops located on trenches, cliffs and mountain slopes. Our methodology is based on stereoscopic pairs of photographs of the outcrops on which geological interpretations may be carried out directly using a digital stereo viewer. It is also possible to automatically obtain point clouds. Through control points of known coordinates taken on the field and located in the photographs, the three-dimensional model recovered is correctly geo-referenced and the residual error is minimized. Layers and tectonic structures recognized in the photographs can be easily projected in any desired direction, as, for example, in the direction of the fold axes to obtain a proper view of the geometry of the structures, or in one direction parallel to the tectonic transport vector if a restoration is demanded. The application of this methodology is shown by constructing a detailed geological cross-section at the cliffs of La Conejera Inlet (Asturias, Spain). The studied structures, involving Jurassic rocks, are located in a Permian-Mesozoic extensional basin called Asturian Basin (NW Iberian Peninsula). This basin was partially formed during the opening of the Bay of Biscay and partially inverted during a Cenozoic contraction responsible for the Pyrenees and its western prolongation along the north margin of the Iberian Peninsula.

Active materials for adaptive architectural envelopes based on plant adaptation principles

In this paper, the authors present research into adaptive architectural envelopes that adapt to environmental changes using active materials, as a result of application of biomimetic principles from plants to architecture. Buildings use large amounts of energy in order to maintain their internal comfort, because conventional buildings are designed to provide a static design solution. Most of the current solutions for facades are not designed for optimum adaptation to contextual issues and needs, while biological solutions to adaptation are often complex, multi-functional and highly responsive. We focus on plant adaptations to the environment, as, due to their immobility, they have developed special means of protection against weather changing conditions. Furthermore, recent developments in new technologies are allowing the possibility to transfer these plant adaptation strategies to technical implementation. These technologies include: multi-material 3D printing, advances in materials science and new capabilities in simulation software. Unlike traditional mechanical activation used for dynamic systems in kinetic facades, adaptive architectural envelopes require no complex electronics, sensors, or actuators. The paper proposes a research of the relationship that can be developed between active materials and environmental issues in order to propose innovative and low-tech design strategies to achieve living envelopes according to plant adaptation principles.

Valoración del cumplimiento de la quimioprofilaxis antituberculosa en la población reclusa del centro penitenciario de Jaén

FUNDAMENTO: El presente estudio resalta la importancia de la quimioprofilaxis antituberculosa con Isoniacida, para el control y prevencion de la tuberculosis en el medio penitenciario. Se ha valorado la relacion existente entre el cumplimiento de la quimioprofilaxis con factores de estudio; asi como, hemos determinado si la educacion sanitaria dispensada en nuestro centro, ha motivado a la poblacion reclusa en el cumplimiento de este tratamiento. METODOS: Se estudio el cumplimiento de la quimioprofilaxis con Isoniacida de 52 internos del Centro Penitenciario de Jaen, durante el periodo de febrero a mayo de 1995, calculando la dosis de Isoniacida tomada, mediante la determinacion espectrofotometrica de metabolitos de Isoniacida en orina, por el metodo de Eidus Hamilton. Asimismo, se estudio la influencia sobre el cumplimiento de variables como sexo, infeccion por VIH, situacion judicial y nivel cultural. RESULTADOS: De los 52 internos, 23 (44.23%) tomaban diariamente una dosis de Isoniacida considerada como efectiva; y 29 internos (55.77%) tomaban menos de la dosis de Isoniacida efectiva para la quimioprofilaxis. En cuanto a las variables estudiadas, los hombres (variable sexo) y aquellos internos con mayor grado educacional (nivel cultural) mostraron un mayor cumplimiento de la quimioprofilaxis, a pesar de no encontrar diferencias significativas. CONCLUSIONES: El cumplimiento de la quimioprofilaxis en nuestra poblacion es deficiente, aunque se halla en consonancia con estudios similares realizados tambien sobre la poblacion reclusa; no ocurre lo mismo con la poblacion comunitaria donde encontramos un mayor cumplimiento de la quimioprofilaxis. ste bajo cumplimiento nos obliga a revisar el actual programa de educacion sanitaria, asi como aplicar medidas que puedan aumentar este grado de cumplimiento, como la observacion directa del tratamiento, el regimen de tratamiento intermitentes, etc.

Teaching applications of the new computer‐aided modelling technologies in the recovery and diffusion of the industrial heritage

This paper describes the technical development of a 3D computer simulation model as a reconstruction of a fulling mill. Details of the fulling mill and its operation are presented, and innovative technical developments to accurately convert existing data (technical drawings, CAD models, etc) into a 3D model are described. Preliminary evaluation of the usefulness of the model as an aid to support the undergraduate teaching module are also presented.

GLSV: Graphics library stereo vision for OpenGL

This work proposes the development of an auxiliary library for use with OpenGL, to facilitate the creation of graphic applications incorporating stereoscopic representation. This library, christened graphics library stereo vision (GLSV), is designed to remove all calculations involving knowledge of stereo vision theory from the task performed by the programmer without the latter having to change the way he/she has been working with the OpenGL library. The GLSV is distributed under the terms of the GNU Library General Public License agreement.

Parallax cues in the design of graphics used in technical education to illustrate complex spatial problems

The explanation of certain 3D concepts is based on 2D drawings. These drawings should contain certain depth cues, such as perspective and overlapping. Until recently, parallax has not been used as a depth cue. Nevertheless, new technologies allow it to be incorporated. This forms the background to our study of the design of interactive educational resources and stereoscopic graphics. The results obtained demonstrate that (1) the use of parallax cues improves the interpretation of the figures and (2) that the assistance they afford is most appreciated by the students with less highly developed spatial perception.

Innovative Teaching Methods in the Industrial Design Lecture Room

The decrease in the levels of knowledge of industrial design shown by students starting their university courses, together with the reduction in the number of hours assigned to this subject in the new study plans, has driven teachers to use new teaching methods in order to optimise the time they dedicate to their students. This article describes two different experiments carried out with engineering students to improve their abilities in industrial design, in which various methodologies were used. The innovations were well received by students and pass rates increased.