Towards discard quantification of Data Limited Stocks based in on-board observers data: the case of Spanish fresh trawlers targeting black hake in NW Africa

Quantification of discard per unit effort rates (DPUE) has been proposed by the European Commission as a measure to manage the discarding of commercially fished organisms. In the Spanish fresh trawling fleet operating in North West Africa, both target species of black hakes, Merluccius polli and Merluccius senegalensis are data limited stocks (DLS). Hence, discards of these fleets are even more unknown but not unimportant part of the total catch (retained and discarded). Onboard observer data from commercial surveys from 2016 to 2018 provide a detailed source of scientific information about catches, discards, effort and technical factors in this fleet. This is the first quantitative analysis to model DPUE through generalised linear mixed models (GLMM), based on the explicit distinction between abundance and technical factors coming from information of observer surveys. We describe the relationship between discards and environment, catches of target and other species, effort of the fleet, spatial and temporal variation in discard accessibility, vessel characteristics, strategy of the skippers and market decisions. Unlike hake catches, discards were higher and more dispersed in shallower than in deeper waters. We identified two separate métiers for the Spanish fresh trawling fleet determined by depth and treated total discards as a stock unit susceptible of being monitored, managed and assessed. The strategy of the skipper appears to have a more important effect on discards than vessel characteristics. This study shows the importance of observer data for this fishery and identifies recommendations for the improvement in the scientific usefulness of logbook information.En prens

Dual crop coefficient approach in vitis vinifera L. cv. Loureiro

Vineyard irrigation management in temperate zones requires knowledge of the crop water requirements, especially in the context of climate change. The main objective of this work was to estimate the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) of Vitis vinifera cv. Loureiro for local conditions, applying the dual crop coefficient approach. The study was carried out in a vineyard during two growing seasons (2019?2020). Three irrigation treatments, full irrigation (FI), deficit irrigation (DI), and rainfed (R), were considered. The ETc was estimated using the SIMDualKc model, which performs the soil water balance with the dual Kc approach. This balance was performed by calculating the basal coefficients for the grapevine (Kcb crop) and the active soil ground cover (Kcb gcover), which represent the transpiration component of ETc and the soil evaporation coefficient (Ke). The model was calibrated and validated by comparing the simulated soil water content (SWC) with the soil water content data measured with frequency domain reflectometry (FDR). A suitable adjustment between the simulated and observed SWC was obtained for the 2019 R strategy when the model was calibrated. As for the vine crop, the best fit was obtained for Kcb full ini = 0.33, Kcb full mid = 0.684, and Kcb full end = 0.54. In this sense, the irrigation schedule must adjust these coefficients to local conditions to achieve economically and environmentally sustainable production.E518-D54F-9490 | Susana Miguel Afonso Mendes MouraN/

Mitochondrial haplogroups H and J: risk and protective factors for ischemic cardiomyopathy

[Abstract] Background. Since mitochondria are the principal source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), these organelles may play an important role in ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) development. The mitochondrial genome may influence this disease. The aim of the present study was to test the relationship between IC development and the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defining the mitochondrial haplogroups in a population study. Methodology and principal findings. Ten major European haplogroups were identified by using the single base extension technique and by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Frequencies and Odds Ratios for the association between IC patients (n = 358) and healthy controls (n = 423) were calculated. No convincing associations between classical risk factors for ischemic cardiomyopathy development and haplogroups were found. However, compared to healthy controls, the prevalence of haplogroup H was significantly higher in IC patients (40.0% vs 50.0%, p-value  = 0.039) while the frequency of haplogroup J was significantly lower (11.1% vs 5.6%, p-value  = 0.048). The analysis of the SNPs characterizing the European mtDNA haplogroups showed that the m.7028C allele (40.0% vs 50.0%, p-value  = 0.005) and m.14766C allele (43.0% vs 54.2%, p-value  = 0.002) were overrepresented in IC patients, meanwhile the m.10398G allele (19.8% vs 13.1%, p-value  = 0.015) and m.4216C allele (22.2% vs 16.5%, p-value  = 0.044) were found as protective factors against IC. Conclusions and significance. Our results showed that the haplogroups H and J were found as a risk and protective factors for ischemic cardiomyopathy development, respectively.Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PS09/0084

Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup H as a risk factor for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in Spanish population

[Abstract] Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) is a structural heart disease with strong genetic background. The different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that constitute mitochondrial haplogroups could play an important role in IDC progression. The aim of this study was to test frequencies of mitochondrial haplogroups in healthy controls (n = 422) and IDC patients (n = 304) of a Caucasian Spanish population. To achieve this, ten major European haplogroups were identified. Frequencies and Odds Ratios for the association between IDC and haplogroups were calculated in both groups. We found that compared to healthy controls, the prevalence of haplogroup H was significantly higher in IDC patients (40.0% vs 50.7%, p-value = 0.040).Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PS09/0084

Indoleamine, 2-3 dioxygenase activity could be an early marker of graft rejection in heart transplantation

[Abstract] Background. The indoleamine, 2-3 dioxygenase (IDO) is an inducible intracellular enzyme with immunosuppressive effects mainly on lymphocyte populations. It has been postulated that indirect determination of IDO serum activity may be a marker of renal graft rejection, but its potential usefulness in heart transplantation (HT) is unknown. Methods. This longitudinal study included 98 HT patients (83% males) who survived ≥1 year. Mean age was 54.14 ± 11.57 years. Serum IDO activity was analyzed one month after HT by means of high performance liquid chromatography and correlated with the cumulative incidence of acute rejection (AR) during one-year follow-up. AR was defined as biopsy-proven ≥ ISHLT grade 2R rejection or empirically treated non-biopsy-proven rejection. The study sample was divided into two groups: AR group (n = 51), including patients who experienced at least one AR episode during the first year after HT; No-AR group (N = 47), including the remaining patients. Results. Mean serum IDO activity one month after HT was significantly higher (P = .021) in the AR group (3.32 ± 1.56) than in the no-AR group (2.62 ± 1.35). No significant association between serum IDO activity and gender (male: 3.1 ± 1.56, women: 2.43 ± 0.99, P = .092), recipient age (r = −.07, P = .943) or donor age (r = 0.108, P = 0.293) was observed. By means of binary logistic regression, an odds ratio of 1.4 [CI 95%: 1.033-1.876, P = .03] per unit increase of act-IDO was estimated, with no significant modification upon forced adjustment for age and sex. Mean glomerular filtration rate 1 month after HT was 67.01 ± 28.51 mL/min/m2. No significant correlation between this parameter and serum IDO activity was observed (r = .160, P = .117). Conclusions. Our study suggests that serum IDO activity one month after HT might be associated with a higher risk of AR during one-year follow-up. This association seems to be independent of recipient gender, age or renal function

Polymorphisms in genes related to the complement system and antibody-mediated cardiac allograft rejection

[Abstract] Background. Heart transplantation (HT) is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure. One of the main problems after HT is the humoral response termed antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Complement activation plays a key role in AMR contributing to graft damage. The aim of this study was to analyze genetic variants in genes related to the complement pathways that could be associated with the development of AMR. Methods. Analysis of 51 genes related to the complement pathway was performed by next-generation sequencing in 46 HT recipients, 23 with and 23 without AMR. Statistical analysis was performed with SNPstats and R. Results. We identified 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms, 1 in the mannose-binding lectin 2 gene (p.Gly54Asp-MBL2) and 1 in the complement factor properdin gene (p.Asn428(p=)-CFP), that showed significant association with the absence and development of AMR, respectively. Moreover, the presence of the rare allele in p.Gly54Asp-MBL2 control patients correlated with an immunodeficiency of mannose-binding lectin (6.24 ng/ml vs 207.50 ng/ml, p < 0.01), whereas the presence of the rare allele p.Asn428(p=)-CFP in patients with AMR correlated with higher levels of properdin protein (14.65 μg/ml vs 10.77 μg/ml, p < 0.05). Conclusions. AMR is a complex phenotype affected by many recipient factors. Variants in p.Gly54Asp-MBL2 and p.Asn428(p=)-CFP genes, encoding mannose-binding lectin 2 and properdin, may influence the risk of AMR.Instituto de Salud Carlos III; PI13/0217

Analysis of variants in the HCN4 gene and in three single nucleotide polymorphisms of the CYP3A4 gene for association with ivabradine reduction in heart rate: a preliminary report

[Abstract] Background: Ivabradine, a selective bradycardic drug, inhibits the If. In patients with heart failure (HF), ivabradine reduces the risk of rehospitalization and mortality. The average heart rate (HR) reduction is 8–10 beats, although clinical trials reveal interindividual variability. The aim of the study is to identify variants associated with HR reduction produced by ivabradine in genes involved in the drug metabolism (CYP3A4) or related to the drug target (HCN4). Methods: In an exploratory cohort (n = 11), patients started on ivabradine were genotyped and the HR reduction was studied. Results: The mean HR reduction after the treatment was 18.10 ± 12.26 bpm. The HR reduction was ≥ 15 bpm in 3 patients and > 5 and < 15 bpm in 7 patients. Four synonymous variants, L12L, L520L, P852P, and P1200P, were detected in the HCN4 gene (frequency = 0.045, 0.045, and 0.681, respectively). Moreover, the CYP3A4*1F and CYP3A4*1B were found in one patient each and CYP3A4*1G was presented in 3 patients. Conclusions: This is the first study using an exploratory pharmacogenetic approach that attempts to explain interindividual variability in ivabradine HR reduction. However, more research must be undertaken in order to determine the role of variants in HCN4 and CYP3A4 genes in response to ivabradine.Instituto de Salud Carlos III; RD12/004

Anemia crónica en el trasplante cardiaco: prevalencia, factores predisponentes y significado pronóstico

[Abstract] Introduction and objectives. Data on chronic anemia following heart transplantation (HT) are scarce and contradictory. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of chronic anemia after HT, to identify predisposing factors for the condition at 12 months, and to evaluate its influence on mediumterm and long-term survival. Methods. Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent HT between 1991 and 2005 (n=457). Chronic anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level <12 g/dL. Results. The prevalence of post-HT chronic anemia was 75.5% at 1 month, 31% at 12 months, and 26.2% at 120 months. The condition was significantly more prevalent among women than men. Predisposing factors for chronic anemia 1 year post-HT were mild-to-moderate chronic renal failure (ie, creatinine level > 1.5 mg/dL; odds ratio [OR]=2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-5.0), female sex (OR=6.4; 95% CI, 3.1-13.2), and immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil compared with azathioprine (OR=2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.8). The prevalence of chronic anemia 12 months after HT was independent of the donor's sex, the recipient's age, the etiology of the recipient's heart failure, diabetes mellitus, mild-to-moderate graft rejection, cytomegalovirus infection, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment. The presence of chronic anemia 12 months after HT did not influence either long-term survival (mean, 11.5 years with chronic anemia vs 13.0 years without) or actuarial survival. Conclusions. Post-HT chronic anemia is common, but improves with time and treatment. Predisposing factors for the condition 1 year post-HT include chronic renal failure, female sex, and immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil. The presence of chronic anemia does not appear to influence long-term survival.[Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. La información disponible sobre anemia crónica (AC) en pacientes con trasplante cardiaco (TC) es escasa y discordante. Nuestro objetivo fue estudiar la prevalencia de AC en pacientes post-TC, factores predisponentes de AC a 12 meses y su significa-do pronóstico a medio y largo plazo. Métodos. Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con TC entre 1991 y 2005 (n = 457). AC fue definida como hemoglobina < 12 g/dl. Resultados. La prevalencia de AC post-TC fue del 75,5% a 1 mes, el 31% a los 12 meses y el 26,2% a los 120 meses, significativamente más prevalente en mujeres que en varones. Factores predisponentes de AC a 12 meses: insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC) leve-mode-rada (creatinina > 1,5 mg/dl) (odds ratio [OR] = 2,8; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,5-5); sexo femenino (OR = 6,4; IC del 95%, 3,1-13,2), e inmunosupresión con micofenolato mofetilo (MMF) respecto a azatioprina (OR = 2,6; IC del 95%, 1,4-4,8). La prevalencia de AC 1 año tras el TC no se relacionó con el sexo del donante, la edad del receptor, la cardiopatía del receptor, la diabetes mellitus, el rechazo leve o moderado del injerto (= 3A), infección por citomegalovirus o tratamiento con inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de angiotensina. Tener AC a 1 año del TC no supuso diferencias en la supervivencia a largo plazo (tiempo de vida medio con AC, 11,5 años y sin AC, 13 años) ni en la supervivencia actuarial. Conclusiones. La AC post-TC es un problema frecuente que mejora con el tiempo y el tratamiento. La IRC, el sexo femenino y la inmunosupresión con MMF predisponen a AC a los 12 meses del TC. Tener AC no parece influir en la supervivencia a largo plazo

Efeitos da rega superficial e subsuperficial sobre a fisiologia e produção da variedade ‘Godello’ na Galiza, Noroeste de Espanha

Irrigation has been considered a controversial practice in European traditional viticulture due to potential alterations in the balance between vegetative growth and yield. In this regard, the influence of surface (DI) and subsurface (SDI) drip irrigation on physiological performance of the ‘Godello’ grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar was compared with a non-irrigated control (R) over three consecutive growing seasons (2012- 2014) in NW Spain. Irrigation improved vine water status; R plants reached a minimum of midday leaf water potential of –1.5 MPa, whereas DI and SDI plants reached –1.3 MPa. Stomatal conductance was unaffected by irrigation as well as chlorophyll a fluorescence. However, photosynthetic pigments were present at higher concentrations in leaves from irrigated plants than in those from R plants in 2013. In addition, R plants showed higher values for the indicators of oxidative damage. No significant yield improvements were observed for irrigated plants, although the trend was to obtain slightly higher yields under irrigation in years with low rainfall amounts. This may not encourage growers to establish irrigation systems on their vineyards. However, these results may be important with the objectives of stabilizing yield from year to yearA rega tem sido considerada uma prática controversa na viticultura tradicional Europeia devido a potenciais alterações no equilíbrio entre crescimento vegetativo e rendimento. A este respeito, a influência da irrigação por gotejamento superficial (DI) e subsuperficial (SDI) sobre o desempenho fisiológico da variedade ‘Godello’ (Vitis vinifera L.) foi comparada com uma testemunha em condições de sequeiro (R) ao longo de três anos consecutivos (2012-2014) no noroeste de Espanha. A rega melhorou o estado hídrico da videira; as plantas do tratamento R atingiram potenciais hídricos foliares ao meio-dia de –1.5 MPa, comparativamente a um valor de –1.3 MPa para as plantas dos tratamentos DI e SDI. A conductância estomática e a fluorescência da clorofila a não foram afectadas pela rega. No entanto, os pigmentos fotossintéticos apresentaram maiores concentrações em folhas de plantas regadas quando se comparam com as plantas do tratamento R em 2013. Além disso, as plantas do tratamento R apresentaram valores superiores para os indicadores de danos oxidativos. Não foi detectado nenhum incremento do rendimento nas plantas regadas, embora se tenha observado uma tendência para obtenção de rendimentos ligeiramente mais elevados sob rega em anos com baixa pluviosidade. Tal poderá não encorajar aos viticultores a implementar sistemas de rega nas suas vinhas. No entanto, estes resultados podem ser importantes para a estabilização do rendimento de ano para anoThis research was supported by the Spanish Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Project nº RTA2011-00041-C02-00, with 80% FEDER funds. J.M. Mirás-Avalos and E.M. Martínez thank Xunta de Galicia for funding their contracts through the “Isidro Parga Pondal” and “Isabel Barreto” Programmes. E. Trigo-Córdoba thanks INIA for their PhD scholarship (FPI-INIA)S

Comparación de mortalidad pronosticada y mortalidad observada en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca tratados en una unidad clínica especializada

Meta-análisis[Abstract] Introduction and objectives: To analyze survival in heart failure (HF) patients treated at a specialized unit. Methods: Prospective cohort-based study of HF patients treated at a specialized unit from 2011 to 2017. Observed 1- and 3-year mortality rates were compared with those predicted by the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) risk score. Results: We studied 1280 patients, whose median MAGGIC risk score was 19 [interquartile range, 13-24]. Prescription rates of beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sacubitril-valsartan were 93%, 67%, 22%, 73%, and 16%, respectively. The MAGGIC risk score showed good discrimination for mortality at 1 year (c-statistic=0.71) and 3 years (c-statistic=0.76). Observed mortality was significantly lower than predicted mortality, both at 1 year (6.2% vs 10.9%; observed/predicted ratio=0.57; P 70 years (29.9% vs 34.7%; observed/predicted ratio=0.86; P=.126) and in patients with ejection fraction> 40% (19.6% vs 20.7%; observed/predicted ratio=0.95; P=.640). Conclusions: Mortality in HF patients treated at a specialized clinic was significantly lower than that predicted by the MAGGIC risk score.[Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. Analizar la supervivencia de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) tratados en una unidad especializada. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de una cohorte de pacientes con IC tratados en una unidad especializada entre 2011 y 2017. Se comparó la mortalidad observada a 1 y 3 años con la mortalidad pronosticada por la puntuación de riesgo del Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC). Resultados. Se estudió a 1.280 pacientes, con una mediana de la puntuación MAGGIC de 19 [intervalo intercuartílico, 13-24]. Las tasas de prescripción de bloqueadores beta, inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de la angiotensina, antagonistas del receptor de la angiotensina II, antagonistas del receptor de mineralcorticoides y sacubitrilo-valsartán fueron del 93, el 67, el 22, el 73 y el 16% respectivamente. La puntuación MAGGIC mostró una discriminación adecuada de la mortalidad a 1 año (estadístico c = 0,71) y a 3 años (estadístico c = 0,76). La mortalidad observada fue significativamente menor que la pronosticada, tanto a 1 año (el 6,2 frente al 10,9%; cociente observada/pronosticada = 0,57; p 40% (el 19,6 frente al 20,7%; cociente observada/pronosticada = 0,95; p = 0,640). Conclusiones. Los pacientes con IC tratados en una unidad especializada presentaron una mortalidad inferior a la pronosticada por la puntuación MAGGIC