Geomorphological units and distribution of sedimentary facies in the Alburquerque Key Island, Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, Colombian Caribbean

Geomorphological units were characterized by remote sensing techniques (satellite images and acoustic) and the distribution of sedimentary facies was validated with in situ data in Albuquerque Key Island as a contribution to the knowledge of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. The Key Island presents the typical atoll geomorphology with Low reefs, Lagoon basin, Lagoon terrace, Prereef terrace, Slope, and Peripheral reef, which presents an approximate extension of 6 km; these reefs are impacted by the strong waves originated by the northeast trade winds. Ten sedimentary facies of biolithic and bioclastic composition of coral formations and the atoll volcanic base were established, with a heterogeneous distribution. This study provides a baseline for understanding the dynamics of sediment transport and deposition on reef platforms.Se caracterizaron las unidades geomorfológicas mediante técnicas de sensoramiento remoto (imágenes satelitales y acústico) y se determinó la distribución de las facies sedimentarias validadas con datos in situ en la Isla Cayos de Alburquerque como una contribución al conocimiento de la Reserva de Biosfera de Seaflower. Esta isla cayos presenta una geomorfología típica de un atolón con Bajos arrecifales, Cuenca lagunar, Terraza lagunar, Terraza prearrecifal, Talud y Arrecife periférico, el cual presenta una extensión aproximada de 6 km que son impactados por el fuerte oleaje originados por los vientos alisios del noreste. Se lograron establecer 10 facies sedimentarias de composición biolitoclástica y bioclástica de formaciones coralinas y del basamento volcánico del atolón, con una distribución heterogénea. Este estudio permite establecer una línea base para el conocimiento de la dinámica del transporte y depósito de los sedimentos en las plataformas arrecifales

Bacteria-Carried Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Treatment of Anemia

The efficiency of maghemite nanoparticles for the treatment of anemia was sensibly higher when nanoparticles were incorporated onto the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum (MNP-bacteria) than when administrated as uncoated nanoparticles (MNP). Plasma iron and hemoglobin, intestine expression of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and duodenal Cytochrome b (DcytB), as well as hepatic expression of the hormone hepcidin were fully restored to healthy levels after administration of MNP-bacteria but not of MNP. A magnetic study on biodistribution and biodegradation showed accumulation of maghemite nanoparticles in intestine lumen when MNP-bacteria were administrated. In contrast, MNP barely reached intestine. In vivo MRI studies suggested the internalization of MNP-bacteria into enterocytes, which did not occur with MNP. Transmission electronic microscopy confirmed this internalization. The collective analysis of results point out that L. fermentum is an excellent carrier to overcome the stomach medium and drive maghemite nanoparticles to intestine, where iron absorption occurs. Due the probiotic ability to adhere to the gut wall, MNP-bacteria internalize into the enterocyte, where maghemite nanoparticles are delivered, providing an adequate iron level into enterocyte. This paper advances a new route for effective iron absorption in the treatment of anemia.The efficiency of maghemite nanoparticles for the treatment of anemia was sensibly higher when nanoparticles were incorporated onto the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum (MNP-bacteria) than when administrated as uncoated nanoparticles (MNP). Plasma iron and hemoglobin, intestine expression of divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and duodenal Cytochrome b (DcytB), as well as hepatic expression of the hormone hepcidin were fully restored to healthy levels after administration of MNP-bacteria but not of MNP. A magnetic study on biodistribution and biodegradation showed accumulation of maghemite nanoparticles in intestine lumen when MNP-bacteria were administrated. In contrast, MNP barely reached intestine. In vivo MRI studies suggested the internalization of MNP-bacteria into enterocytes, which did not occur with MNP. Transmission electronic microscopy confirmed this internalization. The collective analysis of results point out that L. fermentum is an excellent carrier to overcome the stomach medium and drive maghemite nanoparticles to intestine, where iron absorption occurs. Due the probiotic ability to adhere to the gut wall, MNP-bacteria internalize into the enterocyte, where maghemite nanoparticles are delivered, providing an adequate iron level into enterocyte. This paper advances a new route for effective iron absorption in the treatment of anemia

A repairability index for reinforced concrete members based on fracture mechanics

This paper proposes a repairability index for damage assessment in reinforced concrete structural members. The procedure discussed in this paper differs from the standard methods in two aspects: the structural and damage analyses are coupled and it is based on the concepts of fracture and continuum damage mechanics. The relationship between the repairability index and the well-known Park and Ang index is shown in some particular cases

Field deployment of a man-portable stand-off laser-induced breakdown spectrometer: A preliminary report on the expedition to the Cumbre Vieja volcano (La Palma, Spain, 2021)

This paper reports on the expedition to the Cumbre Vieja volcano (Canary Islands, Spain) in November 2021 to assess stand-off laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for real-time measurements of the lava streams from a safe point. The paper provides insight on the analytical approach to the problem, the rationale of the instrument design and construction carried out in three weeks, the experience with the new-born instrument at the volcano and the preliminary results. Despite the subtle spectral differences among the samples and the signal variability induced by the strong wind gusts at site, a statistical approach to data processing such as PCA, made possible to extract sufficient information and provide a robust classification tool.We express our sincere gratitude to the Spanish Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) for providing essential support, security, and expertise at the field. We would like to thank Carlos Malag ́on (Astro- shop, M ́alaga, Spain) for donating the telescope used in the stand-off LIBS instrument, to the personnel of the Chemical Analysis Area and the Machine Shop of the Central Facility for Research Support (SCAI-UMA) and to Profs. E.R. Losilla and A. Cabeza (Dept. Química Inorgánica, Cristalografía y Mineralogía, UMA) and D. Marrero (Dept. Física Aplicada I, UMA) for their valuable comments and advice with the surrogate samples. This work has been partially supported by the I Plan Propio de Investigaci ́on de la Universidad de M ́alaga, the Extraordinary Funding (RD 1078/2021, 7th December, Núm. 293 Sec. I. P ́ag. 150,995) and PID2020-113407RB-I00 granted by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN). Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBU

Enfrentando los riesgos socionaturales

El objetivo del libro es comprender la magnitud de los Riesgos Socionaturales en México y Latinoamérica, para comprender el peligro que existe por algún tipo de desastre, ya sea inundaciones, sismos, remoción en masa, entre otros, además conocer qué medidas preventivas, correctivas y de contingencias existen para estar atentos ante alguna señal que la naturaleza esté enviando y así evitar alguna catástrofe. El libro se enfoca en los aspectos básicos de análisis de los peligros, escenarios de riesgo, vulnerabilidad y resiliencia, importantes para la gestión prospectiva o preventiva

A genome-wide association study follow-up suggests a possible role for PPARG in systemic sclerosis susceptibility

Introduction: A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising a French cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) reported several non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing a nominal association in the discovery phase. We aimed to identify previously overlooked susceptibility variants by using a follow-up strategy.<p></p> Methods: Sixty-six non-HLA SNPs showing a P value <10-4 in the discovery phase of the French SSc GWAS were analyzed in the first step of this study, performing a meta-analysis that combined data from the two published SSc GWASs. A total of 2,921 SSc patients and 6,963 healthy controls were included in this first phase. Two SNPs, PPARG rs310746 and CHRNA9 rs6832151, were selected for genotyping in the replication cohort (1,068 SSc patients and 6,762 healthy controls) based on the results of the first step. Genotyping was performed by using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Results: We observed nominal associations for both PPARG rs310746 (PMH = 1.90 × 10-6, OR, 1.28) and CHRNA9 rs6832151 (PMH = 4.30 × 10-6, OR, 1.17) genetic variants with SSc in the first step of our study. In the replication phase, we observed a trend of association for PPARG rs310746 (P value = 0.066; OR, 1.17). The combined overall Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis of all the cohorts included in the present study revealed that PPARG rs310746 remained associated with SSc with a nominal non-genome-wide significant P value (PMH = 5.00 × 10-7; OR, 1.25). No evidence of association was observed for CHRNA9 rs6832151 either in the replication phase or in the overall pooled analysis.<p></p> Conclusion: Our results suggest a role of PPARG gene in the development of SSc

Soil fungal abundance and plant functional traits drive fertile island formation in global drylands

Dryland vegetation is characterized by discrete plant patches that accumulate and capture soil resources under their canopies. These “fertile islands” are major drivers of dryland ecosystem structure and functioning, yet we lack an integrated understanding of the factors controlling their magnitude and variability at the global scale.EEA BarilocheFil: Ochoa-Hueso, Raúl. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Department of Ecology; EspañaFil: Eldridge, David J. University of New South Wales. School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; AustraliaFil: Delgado-Baquerizo, Manuel. University of Colorado. Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences; Estados Unidos. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología. Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica; EspañaFil: Soliveres, Santiago. University of Bern. Institute of Plant Sciences; SuizaFil: Bowker, Matthew A. Northern Arizona University. School of Forestry; Estados UnidosFil: Gross, Nicolás. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología. Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica; España. Institut Nationale de la Recherche Agronomique; Francia. Université La Rochelle. Centre d’étude biologique de Chizé; FranciaFil: Le Bagousse-Pinguet, Yoann. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología. Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica; EspañaFil: Quero, José L. Universidad de Córdoba. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y de Montes. Departamento de Ingeniería Forestal: EspañaFil: García-Gómez, Miguel. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología. Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica; EspañaFil: Valencia, Enrique. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología. Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica; EspañaFil: Arredondo, Tulio. Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica. División de Ciencias Ambientales; MéxicoFil: Beinticinco, Laura. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Bran, Donaldo Eduardo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Cea, Alex. Universidad de La Serena. Departamento de Biología; ChileFil: Coaguila, Daniel. Instituto de Ensino Superior de Rio Verde; BrasilFil: Dougill, Andrew J. University of Leeds. School of Earth and Environment; Gran BretañaFil: Espinosa, Carlos I. Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja. Departamento de Ciencias Naturales; EcuadorFil: Gaitan, Juan Jose. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Suelos; ArgentinaFil: Guuroh, Reginald T. University of Cologne. Botanical Institute. Range Ecology and Range Management Group; Alemania. CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana; GhanaFil: Guzmán, Elizabeth. Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja. Departamento de Ciencias Naturales; EcuadorFil: Gutiérrez, Julio R.. Universidad de La Serena. Departamento de Biología; Chile. Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA); Chile. Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad; ChileFil: Hernández, Rosa M. Universidad Experimental Simón Rodríguez. Centro de Agroecología Tropical. Laboratorio de Biogeoquímica; VenezuelaFil: Huber-Sannwald, Elisabeth. Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica. División de Ciencias Ambientales; MéxicoFil: Jeffries, Thomas. Western Sydney University. Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment; AustraliaFil: Linstädter, Anja. University of Cologne. Botanical Institute. Range Ecology and Range Management Group; AlemaniaFil: Mau, Rebecca L. Northern Arizona University. Center for Ecosystem Science and Society: Estados UnidosFil: Monerris, Jorge. Université du Québec à Montréal. Pavillon des Sciences Biologiques. Département des Sciences Biologiques; CanadáFil: Prina, Anibal. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Agronomía; ArgentinaFil: Pucheta, Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Departamento de Biología; ArgentinaFil: Stavi, Ilan. Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, IsraelFil: Thomas, Andrew. Aberystwyth University. Department of Geography and Earth Sciences; Gran BretañaFil: Zaady, Eli. Agricultural Research Organization. Gilat Research Center. Natural Resources; IsraelFil: Singh, Brajesh K. Western Sydney University. Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment; Australia. Western Sydney University. Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation; AustraliaFil: Maestre, Fernando T. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología. Departamento de Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica; Españ

HTLV-1 infection in solid organ transplant donors and recipients in Spain

HTLV-1 infection is a neglected disease, despite infecting 10-15 million people worldwide and severe illnesses develop in 10% of carriers lifelong. Acknowledging a greater risk for developing HTLV-1 associated illnesses due to immunosuppression, screening is being widely considered in the transplantation setting. Herein, we report the experience with universal HTLV testing of donors and recipients of solid organ transplants in a survey conducted in Spain. All hospitals belonging to the Spanish HTLV network were invited to participate in the study. Briefly, HTLV antibody screening was performed retrospectively in all specimens collected from solid organ donors and recipients attended since the year 2008. A total of 5751 individuals were tested for HTLV antibodies at 8 sites. Donors represented 2312 (42.2%), of whom 17 (0.3%) were living kidney donors. The remaining 3439 (59.8%) were recipients. Spaniards represented nearly 80%. Overall, 9 individuals (0.16%) were initially reactive for HTLV antibodies. Six were donors and 3 were recipients. Using confirmatory tests, HTLV-1 could be confirmed in only two donors, one Spaniard and another from Colombia. Both kidneys of the Spaniard were inadvertently transplanted. Subacute myelopathy developed within 1 year in one recipient. The second recipient seroconverted for HTLV-1 but the kidney had to be removed soon due to rejection. Immunosuppression was stopped and 3 years later the patient remains in dialysis but otherwise asymptomatic. The rate of HTLV-1 is low but not negligible in donors/recipients of solid organ transplants in Spain. Universal HTLV screening should be recommended in all donor and recipients of solid organ transplantation in Spain. Evidence is overwhelming for very high virus transmission and increased risk along with the rapid development of subacute myelopathy

TRY plant trait database – enhanced coverage and open access

Plant traits - the morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants - determine how plants respond to environmental factors, affect other trophic levels, and influence ecosystem properties and their benefits and detriments to people. Plant trait data thus represent the basis for a vast area of research spanning from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology, to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem and landscape management, restoration, biogeography and earth system modelling. Since its foundation in 2007, the TRY database of plant traits has grown continuously. It now provides unprecedented data coverage under an open access data policy and is the main plant trait database used by the research community worldwide. Increasingly, the TRY database also supports new frontiers of trait‐based plant research, including the identification of data gaps and the subsequent mobilization or measurement of new data. To support this development, in this article we evaluate the extent of the trait data compiled in TRY and analyse emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness. Best species coverage is achieved for categorical traits - almost complete coverage for ‘plant growth form’. However, most traits relevant for ecology and vegetation modelling are characterized by continuous intraspecific variation and trait–environmental relationships. These traits have to be measured on individual plants in their respective environment. Despite unprecedented data coverage, we observe a humbling lack of completeness and representativeness of these continuous traits in many aspects. We, therefore, conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements. This can only be achieved in collaboration with other initiatives