DNA barcoding of Iberian Peninsula and North Africa Tawny Owls Strix aluco suggests the Strait of Gibraltar as an important barrier for phylogeography

Eight subspecies have been proposed within the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) species. However, recent molecular data have challenged this view, encouraging further work in this species complex. Here we reevaluated the taxonomic status between the North-Western African Tawny Owl, S. a. mauritanica, and its closest Iberian Tawny Owl population (from the S. a. sylvatica to S. a. aluco clade) separated by the Strait of Gibraltar. The Tawny Owl is a non-migratory and territorial species, and juvenile dispersal is restricted to a few kilometers around the natal site. This limited dispersal and the barrier imposed by the Strait of Gibraltar predicted a strong differentiation between the two populations. We tested this using DNA barcoding, Bayesian phylogenetic and species delimitation analysis. We found that an 81.1% of variation is due to the intergroups variation. In addition, the inter-intraspecific distances distribution revealed a barcoding gap among the two subspecies. Also, posterior probabilities and the PAB value allowed to reject the hypothesis that observed degree of distinctiveness is due to random coalescence processes. These findings clearly support the Strait of Gibraltar as an isolating barrier for this species. The subspecific status is confirmed and species status is even suggested for S. a. mauritanica.Peer reviewe

Estimación de la evaporación/transpiración en un cultivo de viña mediante radiometría térmica

La estimación precisa de la evapotranspiración de cultivo (ETc), así como su partición en las componentes evaporativa (E) y transpirativa (T), resultan fundamentales para mejorar la eficacia en la gestión del riego de cultivos en hilera en regiones áridas y semiáridas. El objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir a un mejor entendimiento de la partición E/T sobre viña llevando a cabo un balance de energía por separado para las componentes de suelo y de vegetación. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de un experimento llevado a cabo en la finca de Las Tiesas, Albacete, de junio a octubre de 2013. Se instalaron un conjunto de radiómetros de infrarrojo térmico, apuntando directamente a las plantas y al suelo entre hileras. Se tomaron medidas de las cuatro componentes de la radiación neta, del flujo de calor en el suelo, además de variables meteorológicas y parámetros biofísicos. Todas las medidas se almacenaron en intervalos de 15 minutos, y se promediaron después a escala horaria y diaria. El valor medio observado de ETc fue de 3,1 mm día-1. La evaporación se estimó en torno al 30%. Los resultados presentados en este trabajo ofrecen una primera impresión de la partición E/T, y muestran el potencial de la caracterización térmica de la viña con este finAn accurate estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and its partition into both components, soil evaporation (E) and canopy transpiration (T), is known to be critical for a more effective irrigation scheduling of row-crops in arid and semi-arid environments. Vineyards are the best example in Mediterranean countries. The aim of this work is to improve our understanding of the E/T partition in vineyards by establishing a separate energy balance for soil and canopy components. An experiment was conducted in Las Tiesas experimental farm, Albacete (Spain), from June to October of 2013. A set of thermal-infrared radiometers were assembled pointing directly to the plants and the soil between rows. Measurements of the four components of the net radiation over the canopy and soil heat fluxes, as well as meteorological variables and biophysical parameters were all collected and stored every 15-min. Hourly and daily averages were then computed and analyzed. An average daily ETc value of 3.1 mm day-1 was observed in both sites. Interrow soil evaporation reached as much as 30% of the total ETc. These results provide a first insight into the partition E/T and show the potential of the vine thermal characterization with this aim.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad CGL2013-46862-C2-1/2-PUnión Europea, AGL2014-54201-C4-4-RInstituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrarias RTA 2011-00100-C05-04Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agrarias RTA 2014-00049-C05-03Generalitat Valenciana PROMETEOII/2014/08

Persistence of single species of symbionts across multiple closelyrelated host species

Some symbiont species are highly host-specific, inhabiting only one or a very few host species, and typically have limited dispersal abilities. When they do occur on multiple host species, populations of such symbionts are expected to become genetically structured across these different host species, and this may eventually lead to new symbiont species over evolutionary timescales. However, a low number of dispersal events of symbionts between host species across time might be enough to prevent population structure and species divergence. Overall, processes of evolutionary divergence and the species status of most putative multi-host symbiont systems are yet to be investigated. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding data of 6,023 feather mites (a total of 2,225 OTU representative sequences) from 147 infracommunities (i.e., the assemblage consisting of all mites of different species collected from the same bird host individual) to investigate patterns of population genetic structure and species status of three different putative multi-host feather mite species Proctophyllodes macedo Vitzthum, 1922, Proctophyllodes motacillae Gaud, 1953, and Trouessartia jedliczkai (Zimmerman, 1894), each of which inhabits a variable number of different closely related wagtail host species (genus Motacilla). We show that mite populations from different host species represent a single species. This pattern was found in all the mite species, suggesting that each of these species is a multi-host species in which dispersal of mites among host species prevents species divergence. Also, we found evidence of limited evolutionary divergence manifested by a low but significant level of population genetic structure among symbiont populations inhabiting different host species. Our study agrees with previous studies showing a higher than expected colonization opportunities in host-specific symbionts. Indeed, our results support that these dispersal events would allow the persistence of multi-host species even in symbionts with limited dispersal capabilities, though additional factors such as the geographical structure of some bird populations may also play a role.This work was supported by the MINECO CGL2011-24466 to RJ and CGL2015-69650-P to RJ and DS

Practical Guidelines for Perioperative Hypersensitivity Reactions

Perioperative hypersensitivity reactions constitute a first-line problem for anesthesiologists and allergists. Therefore, hospitals should have a consensus protocol for the diagnosis and management of these reactions. However, this kind of protocol is not present in many hospitals, leading to problems with treatment, reporting of incidents, and subsequent etiological diagnosis. In this document, we present a systematic review of the available scientific evidence and provide general guidelines for the management of acute episodes and for referral of patients with perioperative hypersensitivity reactions to allergy units. Members of the Drug Allergy Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) have created this document in collaboration with members of the Spanish Anesthesia Society (SEDAR). A practical algorithm is proposed for the etiologic diagnosis, and recommendations are provided for the management of hypersensitive patients

ESTIMACIÓN DE LA EVAPORACIÓN/TRANSPIRACIÓN EN UN CULTIVO DE TRIGO MEDIANTE RADIOMETRÍA TÉRMICA

[EN] This work shows the application of a two-source energy balance model, together with surface temperature measurements, to derive hourly and daily values of land surface energy fluxes of wheat, crop evapotranspiration (ETc) included. An experiment was carried out during the spring of 2014 in a wheat field located in the experimental farm of “Las Tiesas” in Barrax, Albacete. Soil and canopy radiometric temperatures were measured, as well as meteorological variables and biophysical parameters, from plantation to senescence. Results were compared to measurements in a weighing lysimeter installed within the wheat field. Estimation errors of ±0.10 mm h-1 and ±0.9 mm d-1 were obtained at hourly and daily scales, respectively. Cumulated value of ETc for the whole campaign was only 4% over that registered in the lysimeter. Furthermore, a percentage 30% - 70% between evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) components was obtained for the full campaign. Modeled values of the wheat crop coefficients were also retrieved and compared to those proposed by FAO56.[ES] En este trabajo se propone la aplicación de un modelo de balance de energía de dos fuentes que, junto con medidas de la temperatura de la superficie, proporcione valores horarios y diarios de los flujos energéticos en superficie, incluyendo la evapotranspiración real del cultivo de trigo (ETc). Para mostrar la aplicación y utilidad del método se realizó un experimento en la primavera de 2014 sobre una plantación de trigo situada dentro de la finca experimental “Las Tiesas” en el término de Barrax, Albacete. Se midieron temperaturas del suelo y de la vegetación, además de variables meteorológicas y parámetros biofísicos, desde el momento de la siembra hasta la recolección. Los resultados se compararon con las medidas de un lisímetro de pesada instalado en la parcela, obteniendo unos errores de estimación de ±0,10 mm h-1 y ±0,9 mm d-1 a escalas horaria y diaria, respectivamente. Por su parte el valor de ETc acumulado para toda la campaña fue solo el 4% mayor que el valor medido en el lisímetro. Además, el porcentaje entre la componente evaporativa (E) y transpirativa (T) fue de 30%-70% para el total de la campaña. El modelo también permite estimar los coeficientes de cultivo del trigo, y compararlos con los propuestos por FAO56.Sánchez, J.; López-Urrea, R.; Doña, C.; Caselles, V.; González-Piqueras, J. (2015). ESTIMACIÓN DE LA EVAPORACIÓN/TRANSPIRACIÓN EN UN CULTIVO DE TRIGO MEDIANTE RADIOMETRÍA TÉRMICA. En XXXIII CONGRESO NACIONAL DE RIEGOS. Valencia 16-18 junio de 2015. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/CNRiegos.2015.1504OCS

The influence of the carrier molecule on amoxicillin recognition by specific IgE in patients with immediate hypersensitivity reactions to betalactams

10 p.-4 fig.-1 tab.The optimal recognition of penicillin determinants, including amoxicillin (AX), by specific IgE antibodies is widely believed to require covalent binding to a carrier molecule. The nature of the carrier and its contribution to the antigenic determinant is not well known. Here we aimed to evaluate the specific-IgE recognition of different AX-derived structures. We studied patients with immediate hypersensitivity reactions to AX, classified as selective or cross-reactors to penicillins. Competitive immunoassays were performed using AX itself, amoxicilloic acid, AX bound to butylamine (AXO-BA) or to human serum albumin (AXO-HSA) in the fluid phase, as inhibitors, and amoxicilloyl-poli-L-lysine (AXO-PLL) in the solid-phase. Two distinct patterns of AX recognition by IgE were found: Group A showed a higher recognition of AX itself and AX-modified components of low molecular weights, whilst Group B showed similar recognition of both unconjugated and conjugated AX. Amoxicilloic acid was poorly recognized in both groups, which reinforces the need for AX conjugation to a carrier for optimal recognition. Remarkably, IgE recognition in Group A (selective responders to AX) is influenced by the mode of binding and/or the nature of the carrier; whereas IgE in Group B (cross-responders to penicillins) recognizes AX independently of the nature of the carrier.The present study has been supported by Institute of Health “Carlos III” of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (grants cofunded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): PI12/02529, PI15/01206, CP15/00103,Red de Reacciones Adversas a Alergenos y Farmacos RD12/0013/0001, RD12/0013/0003 and RD12/0013/0008,RD09/0076/00112 for the Biobank network and PT13/0010/0006 for the Biobank platform) and by State Secretariat for Research, Development and Innovation of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (grants cofunded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): MINECO SAF2012-36519, SAF2015-68590-R/FEDER and CTQ2013-41339-P). Andalusian Regional Ministry of Economy and Knowledge (grants cofunded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): CTS-06603); Andalusian Regional Ministry Health (grants:PI-0699-2011, PI-0159-2013 and PI-0179-2014) and Merck-Serono Research Grant from Fundación Salud 2000. CM holds a ‘Nicolas Monardes’ research contract by Andalusian Regional Ministry Health: C-0044-2012 SAS 2013. MIM holds a ‘Miguel Servet I’ research contract by Institute of Health “Carlos III” of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (grants cofunded by European Social Fund (ESF)): CP15/00103. AA thanks “pFIS fellowship” (FI08/00385) from ISCIII and Andalucia “Talent Hub Fellowship” (TAHUB/II-004) cofunded by the Junta de Andalucia and the European Union, VII Framework Programme of the European Commission (grant agreement No. 291780).Peer reviewe

Predicting the consumption of foods low in saturated fats among people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: the role of planning in the theory of planned behaviour

The present study tested the utility of an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour that included a measure of planning, in the prediction of eating foods low in saturated fats among adults diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease Participants (N = 184) completed questionnaires assessing standard theory of planned behaviour measures (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) and the additional volitional variable of planning in relation to eating foods low in saturated fats Self-report consumption of foods low insaturated fats was assessed 1 month later In partial support of the theory of planned behaviour, results indicated that attitude and subjective norm predicted intentions to eat foods low in saturated fats and intentions and perceived behavioural control predicted the consumption of foods low in saturated fats As an additional variable, planning predicted the consumption of foods low in saturated fats directly and also mediated the intention-behaviour and perceived behavioural control-behaviour relationships, suggesting an important role for planning as a post-intentional construct determining healthy eating choices. Suggestions are offered for interventions designed to improve adherence to healthy eating recommendations for people diagnosed with these chronic conditions with a specific emphasis on the steps and activities that are required to promote a healthier lifestyle. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserve

Silica Particle based nanocomposites for Specific IgE Determination to Betalactams

Current immunoassays for diagnosing betalactam (BL) allergy have limited sensitivity and poor specificity. These include ImmunoCAP, the commercial immunoassay, and the radioallergosorbent test (RAST), a handmade test performed only in specialized laboratories. Both are based on cellulose polymers modified with covalently attachedbetalactam-poly-L-lysine conjugates, which are able to interact with specific IgE (sIgE). In RAST, dendrimers have been used instead of poly-L-lysine in the formation of penicilloyl- conjugates, showing specific recognition by penicillin-sIgE. In this work, we propose the use of nanomaterials consisting on silica particles highly functionalized with drug-dendrimer conjugates (including mono- and bi-epitopic structures), as precise and controlled solid phases able to improve the tests’ reliability. The homogeneous composition of the nano-composites provides high reproducibility and quality, which is critical for hospital applications, while silica particles possess promising properties as biocompatibility, tuneable size, and functionalisation, and their preparation is affordable and reproducible. The use of nano-scaled silica particles improved the results of available immunoassays techniques in terms of sensitivity and specificity, providing the possibility of testing different betalactams, simultaneously.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Diagnosis of immediate reactions to amoxicillin: Comparison of basophil activation markers CD63 and CD203c in a prospective study

Amoxicillin (AX) combined or not with clavulanic acid (CLV) is frequently involved in IgE-mediated reactions. Drug provocation test (DPT) is considered as the gold standard for diagnosis, although contraindicated in high-risk patients. Basophil activation test (BAT) can help diagnose immediate reactions to beta-lactams, although controversy exists regarding the best activation marker. We have performed a real-life study in a prospective cohort to analyze the real value of BAT as diagnostic tool and the best activation marker, CD63 and CD203c, for the evaluation of immediate reactions to these drugs.We thank Claudia Corazza for her invaluable English language support; Verónica Prados and Ana Molina for their help in technical support in flow cytometry methods. This work has been supported by Institute of Health “Carlos III” (ISCIII) of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO; grants co-funded by European Regional Development Fund: PI15/01206, PI17/01237, PI18/00095, PI20/01734, RETICS ARADYAL RD16/0006/0001, and RICORS REI (RD21/0002/0008); Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health (grants PI-0241-2016, PE-0172-2018, and PI-0127-2020); Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación Proyectos de I + D + I «Programación Conjunta Internacional», EuroNanoMed 2019 (PCI2019-111825-2)). AA holds a Senior Postdoctoral Contract (RH-0099-2020) with the Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health (cofunded by European Social Fund (ESF): "Andalucía se mueve con Europa". GB holds a “Juan Rodes” contract (JR18/00054) by ISCIII of MINECO (cofounded by ESF). ID holds a clinical research stabilization contract by Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health (RB-0001-2022). ML holds a “Rio Hortega” contract (CM20/00210) by ISCIII of MINECO (cofounded by ESF). CF holds a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (agreement n° PI-0241-2016101027955). CM holds a “Nicolas Monardes” research contract by Andalusian Regional Ministry of Health (RC-0004-2021). // Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA

Photocatalytic activity of nanostructured anatase coatings obtained by cold gas spray

This article describes a photocatalytic nanostructured anatase coating deposited by cold gas spray (CGS)supported on titanium sub-oxide (TiO22x) coatings obtained by atmospheric plasma spray (APS) onto stainless steel cylinders. The photocatalytic coating was homogeneous and preserved the composition and nanostructure of the starting powder. The inner titanium sub-oxide coating favored the deposition of anatase particles in the solid state. Agglomerated nano-TiO2 particles fragmented when impacting onto the hard surface of the APS TiO22x bond coat. The rough surface provided by APS provided an ideal scenario for entrapping the nanostructured particles, which may be adhered onto the bond coat due to chemical bonding; a possible bonding mechanism is described. Photocatalytic experiments showed that CGS nano-TiO2 coating was active for photodegrading phenol and formic acid under aqueous conditions. The results were similar to the performance obtained by competitor technologies and materials such as dip-coating P25 photocatalysts. Disparity in the final performance of the photoactive materials may have been caused by differences in grain size and the crystalline composition of titanium dioxide