The Role of Supraspinal Structures for Recovery after SCI: From Motor Dysfunction to Mental Health

Neural circuitry controlling limbed locomotion is located in the spinal cord, known as Central Pattern Generators (CPGs). After a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), ascending and descending tracts are damaged, interrupting the communication between CPGs and supraspinal structures that are fundamental to initiate, control and adapt movement to the environment. Although low vertebrates and some mammals regain some physiological functions after a spinal insult, the capacity to recover in hominids is rather limited. The consequences after SCI include physiological (sensory, autonomic and motor) and mental dysfunctions, which causes a profound impact in social and economic aspects of patients and their relatives Despite the recent progress in the development of therapeutic strategies for SCI, there is no satisfactory agreement for choosing the best treatment that restores the affected functions of people suffering the devastating consequences after SCI. Studies have described that patients with chronic SCI can achieve some degree of neurorestoration with strategies that include physical rehabilitation, neuroprosthesis, electrical stimulation or cell therapies. Particularly in the human, the contribution of supraspinal structures to the clinical manifestations of gait deficits in people with SCI and its potential role as therapeutic targets is not well known. Additionally, mental health is considered fundamental as it represents the first step to overcome daily adversities and to face progression of this unfortunate condition. This chapter focuses on the consequences of spinal cord disconnection from supraspinal structures, from motor dysfunction to mental health. Recent advancements on the study of supraspinal structures and combination of different approaches to promote recovery after SCI are discussed. Promising strategies are used alone or in combination and include drugs, physical exercise, robotic devices, and electrical stimulation

Analysis of the Gálvez–Davison Index for the forecasting formation and evolution of convective clouds in the tropics: Western Cuba

The Gálvez–Davison Index (GDI) is an atmospheric stability index recently developed to improve the prediction of thunderstorms and shallower types of moist convection in the tropics. Because of its novelty, its use for tropical regions remains largely unexplored. Cuba is a region that suffers extreme weather events, such as tropical storms and hurricanes, some of them worsened by climate change. This research analyzes the effectiveness of the GDI in detecting the potential for convective cloud development, using forecast data from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for Western Cuba. To accomplish this, here, we evaluated the performance of the GDI in ten study cases from the dry and wet seasons. As part of our study, we researched how GDI correlates with brightness temperatures (BTs) measured using GOES-16. In addition, the GDI results with the WRF model are compared with results using the Global Forecast System (GFS). Our results show a high correlation between the GDI and BT, concluding that the GDI is a robust tool for forecasting both synoptic and mesoscale convective phenomena over the region studied. In addition, the GDI is able to adequately forecast stability conditions. Finally, the GDI values computed from the WRF model perform much better than those from the GFS, probably because of the greater horizontal resolution in the WRF model.Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021/44Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481A-2020/19

Photovoltaic power resource at the Atacama Desert under climate change

The Atacama desert is a region with exceptional conditions for solar power production. However, despite its relevance, the impact of climate change on this resource in this region has barely been studied. Here, we use regional climate models to explore how climate change will affect the photovoltaic solar power resource per square meter ( ) in Atacama. Models project average reductions in of 1.5% and 1.7% under an RCP8.5 scenario, respectively, for 2021-2040 and 2041-2060. Under RCP2.6 and the same periods, reductions range between 1.2% and 0.5%. Also, we study the contribution to future changes in of the downwelling shortwave radiation, air temperature and wind velocity. We find that the contribution from changes in wind velocity is negligible. Future changes of downwelling shortwave radiation, under the RCP8.5 scenario, cause up to 87% of the decrease of for 2021-2040 and 84% for 2041-2060. Rising temperatures due to climate change are responsible for drops in ranging between 13%–19% under RCP2.6 and 14%–16% under RCP8.5.Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431C 2021/44Universidad de Vigo/CISUGMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. IJC2020-043745-IMinisterio de Universidade

Extratropical age of air trends and causative factors in climate projection simulations

Climate model simulations show an acceleration of the Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) in response to climate change. While the general mechanisms for the BDC strengthening are widely understood, there are still open questions concerning the influence of the details of the wave driving. Mean age of stratospheric air (AoA) is a useful transport diagnostic for assessing changes in the BDC. Analyzing AoA from a subset of Chemistry–Climate Model Initiative part 1 climate projection simulations, we find a remarkable agreement between most of the models in simulating the largest negative AoA trends in the extratropical lower to middle stratosphere of both hemispheres (approximately between 20 and 25 geopotential kilometers (gpkm) and 20–50∘ N and S). We show that the occurrence of AoA trend minima in those regions is directly related to the climatological AoA distribution, which is sensitive to an upward shift of the circulation in response to climate change. Also other factors like a reduction of aging by mixing (AbM) and residual circulation transit times (RCTTs) contribute to the AoA distribution changes by widening the AoA isolines. Furthermore, we analyze the time evolution of AbM and RCTT trends in the extratropics and examine the connection to possible drivers focusing on local residual circulation strength, net tropical upwelling and wave driving. However, after the correction for a vertical shift of pressure levels, we find only seasonally significant trends of residual circulation strength and zonal mean wave forcing (resolved and unresolved) without a clear relation between the trends of the analyzed quantities. This indicates that additional causative factors may influence the AoA, RCTT and AbM trends. In this study, we postulate that the shrinkage of the stratosphere has the potential to influence the RCTT and AbM trends and thereby cause additional AoA changes over time.Czech Science Foundation (GACˇ R) | Ref. 16- 01562JCzech Science Foundation (GACˇ R) | Ref. 18-01625SMinisterio de Ciencia e Innovación | Ref. CGL2015-71575-PXunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481B 2018/103Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad | Ref. RYC-2013-1456

Coupling of stratospheric warmings with mesospheric coolings in observations and simulations

AbstractThe vertical coupling between the stratosphere and the mesosphere is diagnosed from polar cap temperatures averaged over 60°–90°N with a new method: the joint occurrence of a warm stratosphere at 10 hPa and a cold mesosphere at 0.01 hPa. The investigation of an 11-yr-long dataset (2004–15) from Aura-MLS observations shows that such mesospheric coupling days appear in 7% of the winter. During major sudden stratospheric warming events mesospheric couplings are present with an enhanced average daily frequency of 22%. This daily frequency changes from event to event but broadly results in five of seven major warmings being classified as mesospheric couplings (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013). The observed fraction of mesospheric coupling events (71%) is compared with simulations of the Kühlungsborn Mechanistic Circulation Model (KMCM), the Hamburg Model of the Neutral and Ionized Atmosphere (HAMMONIA), and the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM). The simulated fraction of mesospheric coupling events ranges between 57% and 94%, which fits the observations. In searching for causal relations weak evidence is found that major warming events with strong intensity or split vortices favor their coupling with the upper mesosphere. More evidence is found with a conceptual model: an effective vertical coupling between 10 and 0.01 hPa is provided by deep zonal-mean easterlies at 60°N, which are acting as a gravity-wave guide. The explained variance is above 40% in the four datasets, which indicates a near-realistic simulation of this process

Conflictos sociales y mediación universitaria en el Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior

Este artículo expone los principales datos y conclusiones obtenidas en el Workshop realizado en el año 2016 entre la Universidad de Málaga y Leuven (Bélgica). La líneas de investigación se centra en los conflictos sociales que se producen en el ámbito universitario.El presente trabajo, trata de analizar los conflictos que se producen en el ámbito universitario relacionados con la implementación del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior y la nueva metodología docente derivada del mismo, que provocan disyuntivas sociales específicas. Estos conflictos, se hacen plausibles en la conciliación, el aprendizaje y el desarrollo del proceso educativo. Por un lado, con la asistencia obligatoria y la dedicación de tiempo que requiere al estudiante en la Universidad y de trabajo en casa. Por otro, por la situación devenida de los recortes en becas universitarias y la necesidad que impone esta reforma educativa de acreditación del B1 como lengua extranjera para la obtención del Título de Graduado. Estas circunstancias, construyen realidades relativas a los significados que el ámbito universitario tiene para las personas, e inciden en las oportunidades del alumnado en condiciones de igualdad en función de su situación social y personal. En el estudio, se analizan las causas y se definen los tipos de conflictos, así como su relación con la citada reforma

Analysis of vitamin C content of fruits from five pepper varieties showing different pungency levels and antimicrobial potentiality of capsaicin

In this work, the nutritional properties and antimicrobial activity of five pepper varieties, including dulce italiano (bell pepper), boiro (a Padron-type pepper), green jalapeño, red chilli, and habanero, have been investigated. The dry matter provided by each of these varieties was analyzed, and their caloric content were withdrawn from searches in databases. Thus, it was found the following caloric contents: Habanero and red chilli provided 40 kcal/100 g; jalapeño green, 29 kcal/100 g; dulce italiano, 23 kcal/100 g; and boiro (padrón), 21 kcal/100 g. On the other hand, an easy and simple method was set up to determine vitamin C (ascorbic acid, ascorbate) in crops, using lugol and starch. The data provided by the application of this method indicated that red chili was the variety with the highest vitamin C content, and boiro the one with the lowest. The antimicrobial activity of both crude extracts from pepper fruits and pure capsaicin was probed against five bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Xanthomonas campestris, Dickeya dadantii and Ralstonia solanacearum. Solid (Petri dishes with agar) and liquid media were used for the assays. Our data indicated that capsaicin is able to inhibit the growth of B. subtilis, but not that of E. coli, perhaps this latter case due to the great adaptation of this species to environmental conditions.Peer reviewe

Risk factors for unfavorable outcome and impact of early post-transplant infection in solid organ recipients with COVID-19: A prospective multicenter cohort study

The aim was to analyze the characteristics and predictors of unfavorable outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) with COVID-19. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 210 consecutive SOTRs hospitalized with COVID-19 in 12 Spanish centers from 21 February to 6 May 2020. Data pertaining to demographics, chronic underlying diseases, transplantation features, clinical, therapeutics, and complications were collected. The primary endpoint was a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or death. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with these unfavorable outcomes. Males accounted for 148 (70.5%) patients, the median age was 63 years, and 189 (90.0%) patients had pneumonia. Common symptoms were fever, cough, gastrointestinal disturbances, and dyspnea. The most used antiviral or host-targeted therapies included hydroxychloroquine 193/200 (96.5%), lopinavir/ritonavir 91/200 (45.5%), and tocilizumab 49/200 (24.5%). Thirty-seven (17.6%) patients required ICU admission, 12 (5.7%) suffered graft dysfunction, and 45 (21.4%) died. A shorter interval between transplantation and COVID-19 diagnosis had a negative impact on clinical prognosis. Four baseline features were identified as independent predictors of intensive care need or death: advanced age, high respiratory rate, lymphopenia, and elevated level of lactate dehydrogenase. In summary, this study presents comprehensive information on characteristics and complications of COVID-19 in hospitalized SOTRs and provides indicators available upon hospital admission for the identification of SOTRs at risk of critical disease or death, underlining the need for stringent preventative measures in the early post-transplant period

Guidance on noncorticosteroid systemic immunomodulatory therapy in noninfectious uveitis: fundamentals of care for uveitis (focus) initiative

Topic: An international, expert-led consensus initiative to develop systematic, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis in the era of biologics. Clinical Relevance: The availability of biologic agents for the treatment of human eye disease has altered practice patterns for the management of noninfectious uveitis. Current guidelines are insufficient to assure optimal use of noncorticosteroid systemic immunomodulatory agents. Methods: An international expert steering committee comprising 9 uveitis specialists (including both ophthalmologists and rheumatologists) identified clinical questions and, together with 6 bibliographic fellows trained in uveitis, conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol systematic reviewof the literature (English language studies from January 1996 through June 2016; Medline [OVID], the Central Cochrane library, EMBASE,CINAHL,SCOPUS,BIOSIS, andWeb of Science). Publications included randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies with sufficient follow-up, case series with 15 cases or more, peer-reviewed articles, and hand-searched conference abstracts from key conferences. The proposed statements were circulated among 130 international uveitis experts for review.Atotal of 44 globally representativegroupmembersmet in late 2016 to refine these guidelines using a modified Delphi technique and assigned Oxford levels of evidence. Results: In total, 10 questions were addressed resulting in 21 evidence-based guidance statements covering the following topics: when to start noncorticosteroid immunomodulatory therapy, including both biologic and nonbiologic agents; what data to collect before treatment; when to modify or withdraw treatment; how to select agents based on individual efficacy and safety profiles; and evidence in specific uveitic conditions. Shared decision-making, communication among providers and safety monitoring also were addressed as part of the recommendations. Pharmacoeconomic considerations were not addressed. Conclusions: Consensus guidelines were developed based on published literature, expert opinion, and practical experience to bridge the gap between clinical needs and medical evidence to support the treatment of patients with noninfectious uveitis with noncorticosteroid immunomodulatory agents

The Mexican consensus on alcoholic hepatitis

Alcoholic hepatitis is a frequent condition in the Mexican population. It is characterized by acute-on-chronic liver failure, important systemic inflammatory response, and multiple organ failure. The severe variant of the disease implies elevated mortality. Therefore, the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología and the Asociación Mexicana de Hepatología brought together a multidisciplinary team of health professionals to formulate the first Mexican consensus on alcoholic hepatitis, carried out utilizing the Delphi method and resultingin 37 recommendations. Alcohol-related liver disease covers a broad spectrum of patholo-gies that includes steatosis, steatohepatitis, different grades of fibrosis, and cirrhosis and itscomplications. Severe alcoholic hepatitis is defined by a modified Maddrey’s discriminant func-tion score ≥ 32 or by a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score equal to or above 21.There is currently no specific biomarker for its diagnosis. Leukocytosis with neutrophilia, hyper-bilirubinemia (>3 mg/dl), AST > 50 U/l ( 1.5-2 can guide thediagnosis. Abstinence from alcohol, together with nutritional support, is the cornerstone oftreatment. Steroids are indicated for severe disease and have been effective in reducing the28-day mortality rate. At present, liver transplantation is the only life-saving option for patientsthat are nonresponders to steroids. Certain drugs, such as N-acetylcysteine, granulocyte-colonystimulating factor, and metadoxine, can be adjuvant therapies with a positive impact on patientsurvival