Artificial Neural Network for Predicting Iodine Deficiency in the First Trimester of Pregnancy in Healthy Women

Iodine deficiency in Spain is a persisting public health problem and the prescription of potassium iodide is recommended during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to predict the risk factors of iodine deficiency during pregnancy, and compare the results obtained with a logistic regression model. Two hundred forty-four healthy pregnant women were included in a descriptive and prospective study in their first trimester of pregnancy. The women enrolled were asked specifically about their use of supplements containing potassium iodide, iron, folic acid and/or multivitamins during pregnancy. The consumption of iodine-rich foods was assessed thr…

Relationship between Thyroid Status during the First Trimester of Pregnancy and Neonatal Well-Being

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The proper functioning of the thyroid axis is essential for the normal development of the nervous system, especially in the first trimester of gestation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the perinatal outcomes, anthropometry, and APGAR test scores of newborns and to relate them to maternal thyroid status. A total of 190 newborns participated in the study. No correlation was found between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and maternal ioduria values in the first trimester of gestation with the weight or length of the newborn, or the APGAR score at one minute after birth. However, we found significant diffe…

Using the Reflective Journal to Improve Practical Skills Integrating Affective and Self-Critical Aspects in Impoverished International Environments. A Pilot Test

The reflective practice journal is a teaching methodology that facilitates the acquisition of professional, attitudinal values and skills, affording comprehensive training by reflecting on experiences that have been lived and showing feelings that, a priori, would be hidden. Our aim was to implement it in the international practicum in impoverished environments as a facilitating instrument of meaningful learning and the acquisition of professional skills, integrating affective and self-critical aspects. The project was developed with Nursing students at Catholic University of Valencia, in an impoverished environment. Qualitative reflections increased, highlighting humanity, closeness and at…

The Role of the Bisphenol A in Diabetes and Obesity

Bisphenol A is a compound commonly found in products meant for daily use. It was one of the first compounds to be identified as an endocrine disruptor that was capable of disrupting the endocrine system and producing very similar effects to those of metabolic syndrome. It has recently gained popularity in the scientific arena as a risk factor for obesity and diabetes due to its ability to imitate natural oestrogens and bind to their receptors. The aim was to study the possible relationship between the Bisphenol A endocrine disruptor with diabetes and obesity. The analysis of the articles allows us to conclude that Bisphenol A is an additional risk factor to consider in the development of di…

COVID-19: Social Irresponsibility of Teenagers Towards the Second Wave in Spain

Are the Growth Standards of the World Health Organization Valid for Spanish Children? The SONEV Study

Background: The use of different growth tables to assess the population's nutritional status has given rise to a series of limitations arising from the lack of consensus and uniform methodological criteria. This leads to a disparity of results that prevent an accurate and reliable diagnosis of whether a child is overweight or obese.Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop growth references for weight, height, and body mass index for Eastern-Spanish children from 6 to 16 years of age.Methods: The final sample used to fit the growth curves was made up of 1,102 observations. The 2007 WHO curves are currently used for Child Health Service Cards. Therefore, to make the comparison of t…

The Fast Territorial Expansion of COVID-19 in Spain.

COVID-19: Relationship and Impact on Breastfeeding-A Systematic Review.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). One major problem faced is whether breastfeeding by mothers infected with the virus is safe. The objective of this work is to study the impact that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can have on breastfeeding, and whether the virus or antibodies can be transmitted from mother to child through milk. We carried out a systematic review of studies focusing on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on breastfeeding by mothers infected with the virus. The bibliographic search was done through Medline (Pubmed), MedlinePlus and Google Scholar. From 292 re…

Reference Values of Thyroid Hormones During the First Trimester of Pregnancy in Valencian Community (Spain) and Their Relationship with Iodine Intake

Thyroid hormones require special monitoring during the first trimester of gestation. Local reference values should be applied if available, especially in iodine-deficient areas, as generalized iodine supplementation is controversial. The aim of the present study was to establish thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) reference values in the first trimester of gestation in the Valencian community (Spain) and relate them to iodine intake. A total of 261 healthy pregnant women participated in the study. The calculated reference values were 0.128&ndash