ABSTRACT Traffic safety is an important social problem. Many accidents are due to non-compliance with traffic regulations. Serious or repeated offenses are sanctioned with penalty points or court conviction, and sanctions can lead to disqualification from driving. This paper explores the relevance of alcohol consumption and personality factors as predictors of driving disqualification. The aim of the study is to determine whether the behaviors of persistent offenders and their propensity for law-breaking are related to their characteristics and patterns of drinking. A sample of 358 drivers participated in the study: 126 non-offender habitual drivers and 232 persistent traffic offenders disqualified from driving for serious or repeated traffic offenses, 127 of them after conviction, 105 without conviction (by accumulation of penalties). Participants were given a battery of tests measuring a set of explanatory personality and alcohol consumption factors. We used a cross-sectional study design and performed statistical analysis of variance and regression searching for differences among the groups. The results reveal group effects, with significant differences in a number of factors between traffic offenders and non-offenders, and between both categories of offenders in a number of variables, including traffic violations that lead to demerit points and/or loss of a driver’s license and crash involvement. Certain variables, including problem drinking, high levels of activity or excitement, penchant for thrill or sensation seeking, and propensity to hostility while driving, can accurately predict group membership. Alcohol disorders are the best predictors of disqualification from driving for serious or repeat traffic offenses, both penalized and convicted.

RESUMEN La seguridad vial es un importante problema social. Muchos accidentes se deben al incumplimiento de las normas de tráfico. Las infracciones graves o reiteradas se sancionan por la vía administrativa o judicial y en ambos casos las sanciones pueden suponer la pérdida del permiso de conducir. Este artículo explora la relevancia del alcohol y la personalidad como factores predictivos. El objetivo del estudio es determinar si el comportamiento delictivo de los infractores persistentes está relacionado con sus características de personalidad y patrones de consumo de alcohol. Se utilizó una muestra de 358 conductores: 232 infractores persistentes, a los que les había sido retirado el carnet de conducir (127 por sentencia judicial y 105 por pérdida total de puntos), y 126 conductores habituales no infractores. Se administró una batería de pruebas que miden un conjunto de factores explicativos de personalidad y consumo de alcohol. Se utilizó un diseño transversal y se realizaron análisis estadísticos de varianza y regresión buscando diferencias entre los grupos. Los resultados revelan diferencias significativas en el tipo de infracciones y accidentes entre infractores de tráfico y no infractores y entre ambas categorías de infractores. Además, ciertas variables, como el abuso de alcohol, altos niveles de actividad, activación emocional, búsqueda de sensaciones y la tendencia a la hostilidad durante la conducción, pueden predecir con precisión la pertenencia a uno u otro grupo. Los problemas con la bebida son el mejor predictor de la pérdida del permiso de conducir, tanto por condena como por acumulación de sanciones.

ABSTRACT Dermatophytosis is a cutaneous mycosis caused by a plethora of keratinophilic fungi, but Trichophyton rubrum is the most common etiological agent. Despite its high prevalence worldwide, little is known about the host defense mechanisms in this infection, particularly the in situ immune response. Using an immunohistochemistry approach, we investigated the density of CD1a+, factor XIIIa+ and CD68+ cells in the skin of dermatophytosis patients. Langerhans cells (CD1a+ cells) were significantly decreased in the epidermis of patients, both in affected and unaffected areas. In the dermis, however, no differences in the density of macrophages (CD68+ cells) and dermal dendrocytes (factor XIIIa+ cells) were observed. These results suggest that the decreased number of Langerhans cells may be a risk factor for development of dermatophytosis.

Abstract: Mycological examination is still the cornerstone for the diagnosis of onychomycosis for many dermatologists, but sampling technique interferes on its sensitivity and specificity. Nail abrasion may be used to reach the most proximal part of the lesion and can be easily accomplished with an electric abrasor. We suggest nail plate dermoscopy to identify the best location for localized abrasion to obtain adequate samples for mycological examination.

Background: the C-section rate has been criticized as a performance indicator for not considering that different hospitals manage deliveries with diverse risks. In this work we explore the characteristics of a new indicator restricted to low C-section risk deliveries. Methods: retrospective cohort of all births (n=214,611) in all public hospitals during 2005-2010 in the Valencia Region, Spain (source: minimum basic dataset). A low-risk subpopulation consisting of women under-35, no history of c-section, between 37 and 41 gestational weeks, and with a single fetus, with cephalic presentation and normal weight (2500-3999 g) was constructed. We analyzed variability in the new indicator, its correlation with the crude indicator and, using multilevel logistic regression models, the presence of residual risks. Results: a total of 117 589 births (58.4% of the whole deliveries) were identified as low C-section risk. The c-section rate in these women was 11.9% (24.4% for all deliveries) ranging between hospitals from 7.0% to 28.9%. The c-section rate in low-risk and total deliveries correlated strongly (r=0.88). The remaining risks in the population of low risk did not alter the hospital effect on the c-section rate. Conclusion: the percentage of C-section in low risk women include a high volume of deliveries, correlated with the crude indicator and residual risks are not differentially influenced by hospitals, being a useful indicator for monitoring the quality of obstetric care in the National Health System.

Fundamentos: el uso del "porcentaje de cesáreas" como indicador de calidad ha sido criticado por no considerar que los hospitales atienden partos con riesgos diferentes que podrían justificar su variabilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es explorar las características de un indicador restringido al porcentaje de cesáreas en partos de bajo riesgo. Métodos: cohorte retrospectiva de todos los partos atendidos en hospitales públicos de la Comunidad Valenciana durante el periodo 2005-2010 (n=214.611; fuente: Conjunto mínimo de datos básicos), en la que se identificaron los partos de bajo riesgo (edad menor 35 años, sin antecedentes de cesárea, duración de lasgestación entre 37-41 semanas, y feto único, presentación cefálica y normopeso. Se analizó la variabilidad en el indicador, su correlación con el indicador bruto y, mediante modelos de regresión logística multinivel, la presencia de riesgos remanentes. Resultados: un total de 117.589 (58,4% del total) partos fueron identificados como de bajo riesgo. El porcentaje de cesáreas en este subgrupo fue del 11,9% (24,4% para el total) con un rango entre hospitales del 7,0% al 28,9%. El porcentaje de cesáreas en bajo riesgo y total se correlacionaron fuertemente (r=0,88). El ajuste de los riesgos remanentes en la población de bajo riesgo no alteró el efecto hospital sobre el porcentaje de cesáreas. Conclusiones: el porcentaje de cesáreas en partos de bajo riesgo incluye un alto volumen de partos, correlaciona con el indicador bruto y los riesgos remanentes no están influidos diferencialmente por los hospitales, siendo útil para monitorizar la calidad de la atención obstétrica en el Sistema Nacional de Salud.

Background: the C-section rate has been criticized as a performance indicator for not considering that different hospitals manage deliveries with diverse risks. In this work we explore the characteristics of a new indicator restricted to low C-section risk deliveries. Methods: retrospective cohort of all births (n=214,611) in all public hospitals during 2005-2010 in the Valencia Region, Spain (source: minimum basic dataset). A low-risk subpopulation consisting of women under-35, no history of c-section, between 37 and 41 gestational weeks, and with a single fetus, with cephalic presentation and normal weight (2500-3999 g) was constructed. We analyzed variability in the new indicator, its correlation with the crude indicator and, using multilevel logistic regression models, the presence of residual risks. Results: a total of 117 589 births (58.4% of the whole deliveries) were identified as low C-section risk. The c-section rate in these women was 11.9% (24.4% for all deliveries) ranging between hospitals from 7.0% to 28.9%. The c-section rate in low-risk and total deliveries correlated strongly (r=0.88). The remaining risks in the population of low risk did not alter the hospital effect on the c-section rate. Conclusion: the percentage of C-section in low risk women include a high volume of deliveries, correlated with the crude indicator and residual risks are not differentially influenced by hospitals, being a useful indicator for monitoring the quality of obstetric care in the National Health System.

Fundamentos: el uso del "porcentaje de cesáreas" como indicador de calidad ha sido criticado por no considerar que los hospitales atienden partos con riesgos diferentes que podrían justificar su variabilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es explorar las características de un indicador restringido al porcentaje de cesáreas en partos de bajo riesgo. Métodos: cohorte retrospectiva de todos los partos atendidos en hospitales públicos de la Comunidad Valenciana durante el periodo 2005-2010 (n=214.611; fuente: Conjunto mínimo de datos básicos), en la que se identificaron los partos de bajo riesgo (edad menor 35 años, sin antecedentes de cesárea, duración de lasgestación entre 37-41 semanas, y feto único, presentación cefálica y normopeso. Se analizó la variabilidad en el indicador, su correlación con el indicador bruto y, mediante modelos de regresión logística multinivel, la presencia de riesgos remanentes. Resultados: un total de 117.589 (58,4% del total) partos fueron identificados como de bajo riesgo. El porcentaje de cesáreas en este subgrupo fue del 11,9% (24,4% para el total) con un rango entre hospitales del 7,0% al 28,9%. El porcentaje de cesáreas en bajo riesgo y total se correlacionaron fuertemente (r=0,88). El ajuste de los riesgos remanentes en la población de bajo riesgo no alteró el efecto hospital sobre el porcentaje de cesáreas. Conclusiones: el porcentaje de cesáreas en partos de bajo riesgo incluye un alto volumen de partos, correlaciona con el indicador bruto y los riesgos remanentes no están influidos diferencialmente por los hospitales, siendo útil para monitorizar la calidad de la atención obstétrica en el Sistema Nacional de Salud.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos de pacientes submetidos a osteotomias de Smith-Petersen (SPO), de subtração pedicular (PSO) e vertebrectomias (VCR) em pacientes com desequilíbrio sagital fixo. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo observacional. Foram comparados 42 pacientes submetidos a 3 SPO (n = 14), 1 PSO (n = 16) e 1 VCR (n = 12) por desequilíbrio sagital no período 2003-2011. A amostra é constituída por 71,4% do sexo masculino e a média de idade é de 43 anos (17-74). O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 5 anos. Registraram-se as complicações, os resultados do questionário SRS-22, ângulos de cifose e SVA no pré-operatório e no pós-operatório, aos 2 anos. RESULTADOS: O tempo de cirurgia (minutos) foi menor em SPO comparado com PSO e VCR (420 ± 347 vs. 578 ± 459 vs. 533 ± 435) (p < 0,00). As perdas sanguíneas intraoperatórias (cc) foram menores em SPO quando comparadas com SPO PSO e VCR (1341 ± 804 vs. 2364 ± 1.459 vs. 2134 ± 1335) (p < 0,03). Do total, 38% apresentaram complicações. Não houve diferenças na correção média da cifose segmentar, mas sim na correção SVA, sendo menor SPO. No SRS-22, os três grupos apresentaram mudanças significativas em todas as áreas, em comparação com o pré-operatório, sem diferenças significativas entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferenças nas complicações, embora tenham sido mais graves em PSO e VCR. Não se verificaram diferenças na correção da cifose segmentar, mas PSO e VCR obtiveram melhores resultados na modificação do SVA. Não havia diferenças na qualidade de vida.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiological results of Smith-Petersen osteotomy (SPO), Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO) and Vertebral Column Resection (VCR) on sagittal imbalance. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. We compared 42 patients submitted to 3 SPO (n=14), 1 PSO (n=16) and 1 VCR (n=12) for fixed sagittal imbalance in the period 2003 to 2011. The sample consisted of 71.4% males, and the mean age was 43 years (17-74). The mean follow-up was 5 years. The complications, results of the SRS-22 questionnaire, sagittal Cobb angle and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) prior to surgery and 2 years after surgery were recorded. RESULTS: Mean operating time (min) was lower in SPO vs PSO and VCR (420 ± 347 vs. 578 ± 459 vs. 533 ± 435) (p<0.00). Average blood loss (cc) was lower in SPO vs PSO and VCR (1341 ± 804 vs. 2364 ± 1.459 vs. 2134 ± 1335) (p<0.03). The overall rate of complications was 38%. There were no differences in the mean segmental kyphosis correction achieved, but in the correction of SVA differences were observed, with SPO being lower. In SRS-22, the three groups showed significant differences in all areas, compared with the preoperative results, where there were no differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: there were no differences in complications, although these were more severe in PSO and VCR. No differences were found in correction of segmental kyphosis, but PSO and VSR achieved better results in terms of modifying the SVA. There was no difference in quality of life.

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos de pacientes sometidos a osteotomías de Smith-Petersen (SPO), de sustracción pedicular (PSO) y vertebrectomías (VCR) en pacientes con desequilibrio sagital. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional y retrospectivo. Se compararon 42 pacientes sometidos a 3 SPO (n=14), 1 PSO (n=16) y 1 VCR (n=12) por desequilibrio sagital fijo en el periodo de 2003-2011. La muestra constó de 71,4% de hombres y la edad promedio fue 43 años (17-74). El tiempo de seguimiento promedio fue 5 años. Se registraron las complicaciones, los resultados del cuestionario SRS-22, el ángulo de cifosis y eje sagital vertical (SVA) en el preoperatorio y a los 2 años postoperatorios. RESULTADOS: El tiempo quirúrgico (min.) fue menor en SPO respecto a PSO y VCR (420±347 vs. 578±459 vs. 533±435) (p<0,00). El sangrado intraoperatorio (cc) fue menor en SPO respecto a PSO y VCR (1341±804 vs. 2364±1459 vs, 2134±1335) (p<0,03). Del total, 38% presentaron complicaciones. No se observaron diferencias en el promedio de corrección en la cifosis segmentaria, pero sí en la corrección del SVA, siendo menor SPO. En el SRS-22, en los tres grupos se presentaron cambios significativos en todos los dominios respecto al preoperatorio, sin diferencias significativas entre grupos. CONCLUSIONES: No se encontraron diferencias en las complicaciones, aunque fueron de mayor gravedad en PSO y VCR. No había diferencias en la corrección de la cifosis segmentaria, pero PSO y VCR obtuvieron mejores resultados en la modificación del SVA. No había diferencias en la calidad de vida.

Traffic accidents are one of the most important problems in the health and social fields and affect directly the workplace. In fact a large part of industrial accidents are traffic accidents (in itinere and mission). According to DGT and EEC’s data, the increase of traffic accidents has been greater than any other kind of industrial accident. However, preventive actions developed in this field are still scarce. Therefore, the introduction of the penalty points system is an important action for industrial accidents. This article is intended to disclose the penalty point system, with particular emphasis on transport sector implications and industrial traffic accidents prevention.

Los accidentes de tráfico son un gran problema social y de salud y repercuten de una manera importante en el ámbito laboral ya que una gran parte de los accidentes laborales son en realidad accidentes de tráfico (accidentes in itinere y en misión). Según datos procedentes de la DGT y la CEE, el incremento experimentado por la siniestralidad laboral de tráfico ha sido mayor que el aumento de cualquier otro tipo de accidente laboral. Sin embargo, las actuaciones preventivas que se están desarrollando en este ámbito son todavía escasas. Por ello, la implantación del sistema de permiso por puntos constituye un foco de interés para todas las empresas. Con este trabajo se pretende divulgar el funcionamiento del permiso por puntos, haciendo especial hincapié en sus implicaciones para el sector del transporte y para la Prevención de Riesgos Laborales en el tráfico.

A pustulose exantemática aguda generalizada (AGEP) é uma dermatose induzida por droga, caracterizada por episódio agudo de aparecimento de pústulas estéreis sobre base eritemato-edematosa, acompanhado de febre. Este quadro regride espontâneamente após a suspensão da droga ou em resultado do tratamento com corticóide sistêmico. As principais drogas envolvidas são agentes antifúngicos, antiinflamatórios não hormonais, analgésicos, antiarrítmicos e anticonvulsivantes. Histologicamente caracteriza-se por vasculite associada a pústulas subcórneas não foliculares. Relatamos caso de paciente branca, feminina, que se apresentou com lesões pustulosas generalizadas após o uso de cefalosporina. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelos achados clínicos e histológicos; pela resolução do quadro após a suspensão da droga e pela introdução de corticóide sistêmico, e pela recorrência após a introdução de droga similar. A importância do reconhecimento deste tipo de dermatose induzida por droga reside na necessidade importante de seu diagnóstico diferencial, clínico e histológico, com a psoríase pustulosa generalizada e a pustulose subcórnea, particularmente no que tange às opções terapêuticas que se apresentam para o tratamento das mesmas.

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) is a drug-induced dermatosis characterized by an acute episode of sterile pustules over erythematous-edematous skin. It is accompanied by an episode of fever, which regresses a few days after discontinuation of the drug that caused the condition or as a result of corticosteroid treatment. The main triggering drugs are antibiotics, mainly beta-lactam ones. Other medications, such as antifungal agents, non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, antiarrhythmic, anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs, may also be responsible. Histologically, it is characterized by the existence of vasculitis, associated with non-follicular subcorneal pustules. A case of a Caucasian female outpatient unit of Dermatology with AGEP, who presented with generalized pustulosis lesions after the use of cephalosporin for urinary infection is related. The diagnosis was confirmed by the clinical and pathological correlations, the resolution of the dermatosis after discontinuation of the drug and use of systemic corticosteroid treatment, and the recurrence of the disorder after the introduction of a similar drug. The importance of the recognition of this drug-induced dermatosis is given by its main differential clinical and histological diagnoses: generalized pustular psoriasis and subcorneal pustulosis.