Feeding Habits of Wolffishes (Anarhichas denticulatus, A. lupus, A. minor) in the North Atlantic

Feeding habits of 7995 individuals of three wolffish species distributed in the north Atlantic were analyzed: 1016 of northern wolffish (Anarhichas denticulatus), 4783 of Atlantic wolffish (A. lupus) and 2196 of spotted wolffish (A. minor). The individuals sampled were taken in the NAFO Area Divisions 3NO in spring in the period 2002-2005, Div. 3L in summer in the period 2003-2004, Div. 3M in summer in the period 1993-2005, and in the ICES Area Div. IIb in autumn in the period 2004-2005. Feeding intensity was higher in the NAFO Area than in the northeast Atlantic (spring-summer vs. autumn), mainly in spotted wolffish in Div. 3M. The importance of each prey taxa was evaluated using the weight percentage. Wolffish species diet showed geographical differences. Ontogenic diet changes and prey variation through the studied period were observed, mainly in Atlantic and spotted wolffishes. This two species preyed primarialy on bottom (echinoderms, gastropods and bivalves) and benthopelagic (northern shrimp and redfish) organisms on Flemish Cap and Grand Bank. However fish and northern shrimp predation were more important on the Flemish Cap, mainly in spotted wolffish, showing periods with higher predation on these prey when the biomass of these prey species increased. This fact might have been the cause of diet overlap between Atlantic and spotted wolffishes in some periods in Div. 3M. Less ontogenic, annual and geographical diet variations were found in northern wolffish in NAFO Area, feeding mainly on ctenophores; however in Svalbard area, this species showed to be highly piscivore. Three species showed cannibalism but only in the Div. 3M

Results for the Atlantic cod, roughhead grenadier, redfish, thorny skate and black dogfish of the Spanish Survey in the NAFO Div. 3L for the period 2003-2016

Since 2003, a stratified random spring bottom trawl survey was conducted by Spain in Division 3L of NAFO Regulatory Area (Flemish Pass). The surveys were carried out by the R/V “Vizconde de Eza” using bottom trawl net type Campelen. Entire series of mean catches, biomass and length distribution for Atlantic cod, roughhead grenadier, redfish, thorny skate and black dogfish are presented for the period 2003-2016.Postprin

Results for the Spanish Survey in the NAFO Regulatory Area of Division 3L for the period 2003-2015

Since 2003, a stratified random summer bottom trawl survey was conducted by Spain in the NAFO Regulatory Area of Division 3L (Flemish Pass). The surveys were carried out by the R/V “Vizconde de Eza” using bottom trawl net type Campelen 1800. Entire series of mean catches, biomass and length distribution for Greenland halibut, American plaice and witch flounder are presented for the period 2003-2015. Greenland halibut biomass and abundance estimates show an increasing trend since 2011, reaching the maximum values in the series in 2008 and 2014. In last years it can be seen a presence of juveniles (around 12-15 cm). American plaice biomass and abundance estimates present an increasing trend since 2010, reaching in 2015 the highest value in the series. Regarding witch flounder, the biomass and abundance increased in 2015, but there is no a clear trend in the whole period 2003-2015.Postprint0,000

Hydrogeophysical Assessment of the Critical Zone below a Golf Course Irrigated with Reclaimed Water Close to Volcanic Caldera

The geometry and the hydraulic properties of the unsaturated zone is often difficult to evaluate from traditional soil sampling techniques. Soil samples typically provide only data of the upper layers and boreholes are expensive and only provide spotted information. Non-destructive geophysical methods and among them, electrical resistivity tomography can be applied in complex geological environments such as volcanic areas, where lavas and unconsolidated pyroclastic deposits dominate. They have a wide variability of hydraulic properties due to textural characteristics and modification processes suh as compaction, fracturation and weathering. To characterize the subsurface geology below the golf course of Bandama (Gran Canaria) a detailed electrical resistivity tomography survey has been conducted. This technique allowed us to define the geometry of the geological formations because of their high electrical resistivity contrasts. Subsequently, undisturbed soil and pyroclastic deposits samples were taken in representative outcrops for quantifying the hydraulic conductivity in the laboratory where the parametric electrical resistivity was measured in the field. A statistical correlation between the two variables has been obtained and a 3D model transit time of water infiltration through the vadose zone has been built to assess the vulnerability of the aquifers located below the golf course irrigated with reclaimed water

A review of NAFO 3LMN roughhead grenadier (Macrourus berglax Lacepède, 1801) reproductive biology including the evaluation of maturity ogive estimates.

A collection of 4770 histological slides collected in NAFO divisions 3LMN in a depth range from 200 to 1500 m and covering a time period between 2001 and 2015, has been reviewed to obtain information on reproductive biology of Macrourus berglax. Especial attention has been paid in atresia because its potential impact on stock productivity. Spatial and temporal variability of size and age at maturity of female roughhead grenadier was analyzed in NAFO divisions 3LMN based on microscopic maturity staging and individual age readings. Spawning capable females are homogeneously distributed nearly year-round, but in scarce numbers what prevent to define a spawning season. This statement united to the high levels of atresia could indicate a reproductive migration. We observed a clear decrease in length at first maturity (L50) of females from 27.8 cm in the period 2005-2011 to 25.6 cm in the last four years. The age at first maturity, A50, varied between 13.1 and 15 years, and there is not an evident trend of change over the years.Postprint0,000

EFECTO DE LOS FOSFOLÍPIDOS MARINOS SOBRE BIOMARCADORES NUTRICIONALES Y DE ESTRÉS FISIOLÓGICO DE LAS PARALARVAS DEL PULPO COMÚN (OCTOPUS VULGARIS) BAJO CONDICIONES DE CULTIVO ESTANDARIZADAS EN TRES CENTROS

El efecto del enriquecimiento de la Artemia con fosfolípidos marinos (LC60), sobre el crecimiento, la supervivencia y los biomarcadores de condición nutricional (ARN/ADN) y de estrés fisiológico (proteínas de estrés (HSP70), enzimas antioxidantes y peroxidación lipídica) en paralarvas cultivadas de pulpo común (Octopus vulgaris) se evaluó bajo un protocolo estandarizado en tres centros. Las paralarvas recién eclosionadas mostraron diferencias significativas entre centros en peso seco y en la mayor parte de los biomarcadores analizados. Por el contario, en paralarvas cultivadas de 15 días, se encontraron diferencias significativas debidas a la dieta, presentando un incremento en la tasa de crecimiento específica (TCE) en el grupo alimentado con Artemia enriquecida con LC60 y mayores niveles de actividad GPX T y GR. Sin embargo, la dieta no tuvo efecto en la supervivencia de las paralarvas. Los biomarcadores de condición nutricional y de estrés fisiológicos presentaron diferencias entre los centros. Los resultados indican que el uso de fosfolípidos marinos como enriquecimiento de Artemia mejora el crecimiento de las paralarvas, si bien no se observa un efecto positivo de dicho tratamiento sobre la supervivencia de las mismas

Modifiable risk factors associated with prediabetes in men and women: A cross-sectional analysis of the cohort study in primary health care on the evolution of patients with prediabetes

Background: Prediabetes is a high-risk state for diabetes development, but little is known about the factors associated with this state. The aim of the study was to identify modifiable risk factors associated with the presence of prediabetes in men and women. Methods: Cohort Study in Primary Health Care on the Evolution of Patients with Prediabetes (PREDAPS-Study) is a prospective study on a cohort of 1184 subjects with prediabetes and another cohort of 838 subjects without glucose metabolism disorders. It is being conducted by 125 general practitioners in Spain. Data for this analysis were collected during the baseline stage in 2012. The modifiable risk factors included were: smoking habit, alcohol consumption, low physical activity, inadequate diet, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. To assess independent association between each factor and prediabetes, odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using logistic regression models. Results: Abdominal obesity, low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), and hypertension were independently associated with the presence of prediabetes in both men and women. After adjusting for all factors, the respective ORs (95% Confidence Intervals) were 1.98 (1.41-2.79), 1.88 (1.23-2.88) and 1.86 (1.39-2.51) for men, and 1.89 (1.36-2.62), 1.58 (1.12-2.23) and 1.44 (1.07-1.92) for women. Also, general obesity was a risk factor in both sexes but did not reach statistical significance among men, after adjusting for all factors. Risky alcohol consumption was a risk factor for prediabetes in men, OR 1.49 (1.00-2.24). Conclusions: Obesity, low HDL-cholesterol levels, and hypertension were modifiable risk factors independently related to the presence of prediabetes in both sexes. The magnitudes of the associations were stronger for men than women. Abdominal obesity in both men and women displayed the strongest association with prediabetes. The findings suggest that there are some differences between men and women, which should be taken into account when implementing specific recommendations to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in adult population

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality. Methods: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015. Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years, 65 to 80 years, and = 80 years.The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of the CCI to predict mortality risk. Results: A total of 3120 patients with IE (1327 < 65 years;1291 65-80 years;502 = 80 years) were enrolled.Fever and heart failure were the most common presentations of IE, with no differences among age groups.Patients =80 years who underwent surgery were significantly lower compared with other age groups (14.3%, 65 years; 20.5%, 65-79 years; 31.3%, =80 years). In-hospital mortality was lower in the <65-year group (20.3%, <65 years;30.1%, 65-79 years;34.7%, =80 years;p < 0.001) as well as 1-year mortality (3.2%, <65 years; 5.5%, 65-80 years;7.6%, =80 years; p = 0.003).Independent predictors of mortality were age = 80 years (hazard ratio [HR]:2.78;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.32–3.34), CCI = 3 (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.39–1.88), and non-performed surgery (HR:1.64;95% CI:11.16–1.58).When the three age groups were compared, the AUROC curve for CCI was significantly larger for patients aged <65 years(p < 0.001) for both in-hospital and 1-year mortality. Conclusion: There were no differences in the clinical presentation of IE between the groups. Age = 80 years, high comorbidity (measured by CCI), and non-performance of surgery were independent predictors of mortality in patients with IE.CCI could help to identify those patients with IE and surgical indication who present a lower risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality after surgery, especially in the <65-year group

Spread of a SARS-CoV-2 variant through Europe in the summer of 2020.

Following its emergence in late 2019, the spread of SARS-CoV-21,2 has been tracked by phylogenetic analysis of viral genome sequences in unprecedented detail3–5. Although the virus spread globally in early 2020 before borders closed, intercontinental travel has since been greatly reduced. However, travel within Europe resumed in the summer of 2020. Here we report on a SARS-CoV-2 variant, 20E (EU1), that was identified in Spain in early summer 2020 and subsequently spread across Europe. We find no evidence that this variant has increased transmissibility, but instead demonstrate how rising incidence in Spain, resumption of travel, and lack of effective screening and containment may explain the variant’s success. Despite travel restrictions, we estimate that 20E (EU1) was introduced hundreds of times to European countries by summertime travellers, which is likely to have undermined local efforts to minimize infection with SARS-CoV-2. Our results illustrate how a variant can rapidly become dominant even in the absence of a substantial transmission advantage in favourable epidemiological settings. Genomic surveillance is critical for understanding how travel can affect transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and thus for informing future containment strategies as travel resumes. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited

RICORS2040 : The need for collaborative research in chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a silent and poorly known killer. The current concept of CKD is relatively young and uptake by the public, physicians and health authorities is not widespread. Physicians still confuse CKD with chronic kidney insufficiency or failure. For the wider public and health authorities, CKD evokes kidney replacement therapy (KRT). In Spain, the prevalence of KRT is 0.13%. Thus health authorities may consider CKD a non-issue: very few persons eventually need KRT and, for those in whom kidneys fail, the problem is 'solved' by dialysis or kidney transplantation. However, KRT is the tip of the iceberg in the burden of CKD. The main burden of CKD is accelerated ageing and premature death. The cut-off points for kidney function and kidney damage indexes that define CKD also mark an increased risk for all-cause premature death. CKD is the most prevalent risk factor for lethal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the factor that most increases the risk of death in COVID-19, after old age. Men and women undergoing KRT still have an annual mortality that is 10- to 100-fold higher than similar-age peers, and life expectancy is shortened by ~40 years for young persons on dialysis and by 15 years for young persons with a functioning kidney graft. CKD is expected to become the fifth greatest global cause of death by 2040 and the second greatest cause of death in Spain before the end of the century, a time when one in four Spaniards will have CKD. However, by 2022, CKD will become the only top-15 global predicted cause of death that is not supported by a dedicated well-funded Centres for Biomedical Research (CIBER) network structure in Spain. Realizing the underestimation of the CKD burden of disease by health authorities, the Decade of the Kidney initiative for 2020-2030 was launched by the American Association of Kidney Patients and the European Kidney Health Alliance. Leading Spanish kidney researchers grouped in the kidney collaborative research network Red de Investigación Renal have now applied for the Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientadas a Resultados en Salud (RICORS) call for collaborative research in Spain with the support of the Spanish Society of Nephrology, Federación Nacional de Asociaciones para la Lucha Contra las Enfermedades del Riñón and ONT: RICORS2040 aims to prevent the dire predictions for the global 2040 burden of CKD from becoming true