The problematic relation between statistics and marine ostracods

This paper analyses the possibilities of the statistical techniques in the treatment of marine ostracod populations, with the indication of the commonest problems observed in the different stages (sampling, laboratory procedures, recognition of the biocoenosis). Some additional chapters indicate the most important limitations for the application of bivariate or multivariate techniques. In both cases, results can be considered as a graphic development of the initial database and never as the main support of the conclusion

Virtualization of niebla formation sites (upper miocene) in the Huelva province: valuating the paleontological heritage in differentiate educative settings II

El patrimonio paleontológico del Neógeno de la provincia de Huelva es uno de los más importantes de España y referente europeo de moluscos de este período. Sin embargo, no existe un inventario de catalogación básica de los principales yacimientos ni de los principales grupos fósiles presentes, así como de su importancia como patrimonio natural. El presente trabajo pretende rellenar este notable vacío con una proyección tanto hacia materias preuniversitarias como universitarias, así como hacia posibles instituciones y corporaciones públicas susceptibles de utilizarlo en sus planes de ordenación. Por otro lado, se pretende que actúe como mecanismo de interconexión entre titulaciones con bajo número de alumnos de nuevo ingreso y los centros de Bachillerato, de forma que incentive una posible elección de estos Grados por los alumnos de las opciones científico-tecnológicas. También puede ser interesante para captar egresados hacia Másteres Oficiales en Patrimonio Histórico y Natural. En este sentido, se ha realizado un DVD documental sobre el patrimonio paleontológico del Mioceno superior de la provincia de Huelva. Este documental incluye una visión de conjunto de los principales yacimientos de fósiles marinos de la Fm. Niebla, desarrollada en un marco transgresivo bajo unas condiciones más húmedas y cálidas que las actuales. Esta aportación es aplicable al trabajo de campo de varios Grados y Posgrados universitarios y de fácil uso como material didáctico en diversas asignaturas de E.S.O. y Bachillerato. Este trabajo se ha realizado en el marco del proyecto de innovación docente (PID nº 11003) de la Universidad de Huelva.The paleontological heritage from the Neogene in the province of Huelva is one of the most important in Spain and it is considered a European reference site for the mollusk fossil record from this period. However, there are not basic inventories neither for the main sites nor the major fossil groups. Furthermore, no inventories exist about their natural heritage importance. This work aims to fill this significant gap for both pre-university and university levels, as well as to public institutions and corporations that may use it in their management plans. In addition, it is intended to act as an linking mechanism between university degrees with low number of first-year students and high school centres, in order to encourage a possible choice of these Bachelor’s degrees by scientific and technological students. It may also be interesting to catch the attention of graduates for Official Masters in Historical and Natural Heritage. In this sense, a DVD-documentary has been made about the paleontological heritage from the Upper Miocene in the province of Huelva. This documental includes an overview of the main marine fossil sites from the Niebla Formation developed in a transgressive setting under more humid and warmer conditions than today. This contribution is useful for the fieldwork at Bachelor and Master Degree level and it is easy to use as teaching materials in different ESO (Obligatory Secondary Teaching) and High School subjects. This work has been funded for an Innovation in Teaching Project (PID No. 10050) of the Huelva University

Effect of Cytochrome P450 and ABCB1 Polymorphisms on Imatinib Pharmacokinetics After Single-Dose Administration to Healthy Subjects

Background: Validated genomic biomarkers for oncological drugs are expanding to improve targeted therapies. Pharmacogenetics research focusing on the mechanisms underlying imatinib suboptimal response might help to explain the different treatment outcomes and drug safety profiles. Objective: To investigate whether polymorphisms in genes encoding cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and ABCB1 transporter affect imatinib pharmacokinetic parameters.Methods: A prospective, multicenter, pharmacogenetic pilot study was performed in the context of two separate oral imatinib bioequivalence clinical trials, which included 26 healthy volunteers. DNA was extracted in order to analyze polymorphisms in genes CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and ABCB1. Imatinib plasma concentrations were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental methods using WinNonlin software. Results: Volunteers (n = 26; aged 24 ± 3 years; 69% male) presented regular pharmacokinetic imatinib data (concentration at 24 h, 436 ± 140 ng/mL and at 72 h, 40 ± 26 ng/mL; AUC0-72 32,868 ± 10,713 ng/mL⋅h; and Cmax 2074 ± 604 ng/mL). CYP2B6 516GT carriers showed a significant reduction of imatinib concentration at 24 h (23%, 391 ng/dL vs 511 ng/dL in 516GG carriers, p = 0.005) and elimination half-life (11%, 12.6 h vs 14.1 h in 516GG carriers, p = 0.041). Carriers for CYP3A4 (*22/*22, *1/*20 and *1/*22 variants) showed a reduced frequency of adverse events compared to *1/*1 carriers (0 vs 64%, p = 0.033). The other polymorphisms analyzed did not influence pharmacokinetics or drug toxicity. Conclusion: CYP2B6 G516T and CYP3A4 *20,*22 polymorphisms could influence imatinib plasma concentrations and safety profile, after single-dose administration to healthy subjects. This finding needs to be confirmed before it is implemented in clinical practice in oncological patients under treatment with imatinib

Morphosedimentary infilling and human settlement of the Tinto-Odiel Estuary (Huelva) during the Mid-Late Holocene.

The first human settlements (6000−4000 BP) in the early estuary of the Tinto and Odiel rivers were located in the ancient coastal banks or in the nearby hills. From 4000 years BP onwards, the estuarine sediments started to emerge as sand barriers and chenier plains, prograding towards the mouth. As the littoral strands stabilized morphologically, they are colonized by human settlements in successive periods, the oldest inland (Almendral) and more recent outward (Cascajera). These emerged morphologies were surrounded by muddy tidal flats in the estuary and only the high-energy marine events such as a tsunami or extraordinary storms were able to modify both the landscape and human settlements installed on them. This work also describes the morphodynamicmodel that built the chenier plain of La Cascajera.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades CGL2010-15810/BTEMinisterio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades HAR2012- 36008Junta de Andalucía SEJ-477

IL-6 serum levels predict severity and response to tocilizumab in COVID-19: An observational study

Background: Patients with coronavirus disaese 2019 (COVID-19) can develop a cytokine release syndrome that eventually leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Because IL-6 is a relevant cytokine in acute respiratory distress syndrome, the blockade of its receptor with tocilizumab (TCZ) could reduce mortality and/or morbidity in severe COVID-19. Objective: We sought to determine whether baseline IL-6 serum levels can predict the need for IMV and the response to TCZ. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed in hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Clinical information and laboratory findings, including IL-6 levels, were collected approximately 3 and 9 days after admission to be matched with preadministration and postadministration of TCZ. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions and survival analysis were performed depending on outcomes: need for IMV, evolution of arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, or mortality. Results: One hundred forty-six patients were studied, predominantly males (66%); median age was 63 years. Forty-four patients (30%) required IMV, and 58 patients (40%) received treatment with TCZ. IL-6 levels greater than 30 pg/mL was the best predictor for IMV (odds ratio, 7.1; P < .001). Early administration of TCZ was associated with improvement in oxygenation (arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio) in patients with high IL-6 (P = .048). Patients with high IL-6 not treated with TCZ showed high mortality (hazard ratio, 4.6; P = .003), as well as those with low IL-6 treated with TCZ (hazard ratio, 3.6; P = .016). No relevant serious adverse events were observed in TCZ-treated patients. Conclusions: Baseline IL-6 greater than 30 pg/mL predicts IMV requirement in patients with COVID-19 and contributes to establish an adequate indication for TCZ administrationThis study was funded by Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (grant nos. RD16/0011/0012 and PI18/ 0371 to I.G.A., grant no. PI19/00549 to A.A., and grant no. SAF2017-82886-R to F.S.-M.) and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The study was also funded by ‘‘La Caixa Banking Foundation’’ (grant no. HR17-00016 to F.S.-M.) and ‘‘Fondos Supera COVID19’’ by Banco de Santander and CRUE. None of these sponsors have had any role in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publicatio

Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Late Holocene evolution of the southwestern Doñana National Park (Guadalquivir Estuary, SW Spain): a multivariate approach

18 pages, 7 figures, 1 table, 67 references.-- Ruiz Muñoz et al.--Four phases are distinguished in the Late Holocene evolution of the southwestern Doñana National Park (SW Spain), based on a multidisciplinary analysis of the sediments present in drill cores. In the oldest phase (>2400–2500 cal. yr BP), a coastal lagoon (the Roman Lacus Ligustinus) was recognized in the central part of this area, partly closed by the Doñana spit and limited by fluvial levees. The following phase (∼2400–2200 cal. yr BP) is characterized by high-energy events, which caused the breakthrough of the Doñana spit and the creation of new littoral strands in the inner areas. In the third phase (∼2200–2050 cal. yr BP), this new outlet was closed, coinciding with the progradation of the Doñana spit. The last phase (∼2050 cal. yr BP–Recent) comprises three periods: (a) an unstable period (∼2050–1950 cal. yr BP), with the deposit of cheniers over the previous levees; (b) an infilling period, with a diminution of the marine influence; and (c) the appearance of temporary ponds between the emerged levees and cheniers.This work was funded by two Spanish DGYCIT Projects (AMB99-0226-C03-03 and BTE-2000-1153) and three Research Groups of the Andalusia Board (RNM-135, RNM-238 and RNM-293). This paper is a contribution to the IGCP 396 and 437.Peer reviewe

Análisis espacial mediante herramientas SIG de la vulnerabilidad ante tsunamis del casco urbano de Punta Umbría (Huelva, SO de España

La vulnerabilidad es la expectativa de daño o pérdida infligida a un elemento expuesto al peligro. Su cartografía ha demostrado ser una herramienta útil para paliar y prevenir las consecuencias de los procesos naturales catastróficos. La región costera del Golfo de Cádiz y, en general, toda la costa atlántica ibérica posee cierta peligrosidad por tsunami debido a su proximidad a la Falla Azores- Gibraltar. El registro histórico y geológico muestra que esta zona de fractura presenta periodos de recurrencia no muy altos para sismos de elevada magnitud que, sin embargo, han producido enormes daños en el litoral atlántico en los últimos 7.000 años. En este trabajo se cartografía analiza mediante herramientas espaciales, integradas en un Sistema de Información Geográfica, la vulnerabilidad ante tsunamis del casco urbano de la localidad de Punta Umbría (Huelva), potencialmente expuesto a estos eventos tsunamigénicos.A partir de la integración en el SIG de la información cartográfica y de la adquirida sobre las edificaciones del casco urbano, se ha elaborado un mapa de vulnerabilidad ante tsunami de Punta Umbría. El análisis de los componentes claves de la vulnerabilidad de los edificios, en base a la estructura, los materiales de construcción, el tipo de cimentación y el número de plantas ha permitido su clasificación en cinco clases: muy baja, baja, media, alta y muy alta vulnerabilidad. Este trabajo muestra que el 94% (1829 de un total de 1950 edificaciones) presentan niveles de vulnerabilidad de medio a muy alto. Tal y como se ha descrito en estudios previos, la proximidad inmediata de Punta Umbría a la costa, su suave topografía y su pequeña elevación media sobre el nivel del mar, hacen que esté muy expuesta al impacto de tsunamis. Estas circunstancias provocarían que la ciudad quedara completamente inundada en caso de experimentar la llegada de este tipo de procesos de alta energía marinos, incluso en casos de olas de alturas inferiores a 2,5 metros. Además, existen otra serie de factores a considerar que pueden hacer variar la intensidad de los daños que provocaría el tsunami, como la estacionalidad poblacional del municipio puntaumbrieño, la coincidencia de pleamar o bajamar con el evento y/o el momento del día en que éste ocurriera. Este trabajo evidencia los daños potenciales que experimentarían las infraestructuras de la ciudad y, por tanto, la necesidad de elaborar planes de evacuación y programas de concienciación e información para la población ante este tipo de procesos altamente destructivos

Ictiofauna del Mioceno superior del Suroeste de la Cuenca del Guadalquivir (Suroeste de España)

Se estudiaron los restos de ictiolitos obtenidos en seis localidades de la Formación Arcillas de Gibraleón (Tortoniense superior - messiniense). Esta Formación se caracteriza en su inicio por um nivel glauconítico, fechado en 7,512-8 millones de años. Suprayacente, aparece un potente tramo de arcillas azules masivas y margas que puede llegar hasta 1.000m encontrados em sondeos. Se encontram dientes de seláceos, otolitos y vertebras de osteíctios. Se registraron siete taxones de seláceos

Estructuras post-sedimentarias en el margen noroccidental de la cuenca del Guadalquivir (Niebla, Candón, Valverde del Camino), SO de España

Description of deformational structures in tertiary sediments, which have been interprerted as a result of a fluids migration process, along with the presence of preferential structural directions of fracture planes developed in the substratum. This fracture net could have been recently reactivated, so leading to the development of the described structures