Effect of the Infiltrator Device on soil moisture in olive orchards of semi‐arid Mediterranean regions

En las regiones semiáridas, los períodos de sequía representan uno de los mayores desafíos para la agricultura. El Hidroinfiltrador o Dispositivo Infiltrador (DI) (Patente Española No. ES 2793448 A1) ayuda a reestablecer el equilibrio hídrico de los suelos. El DI tiene forma cilíndrica que permite su colocación vertical, enterrado parcialmente en el suelo alrededor de los árboles de cultivo, facilitando así la infiltración profunda de agua de lluvia, riego o escorrentía. Es especialmente útil en zonas áridas y semiáridas afectadas por largos períodos de sequía y fuertes tormentas. En una finca experimental de olivar ubicada en Baena (Córdoba), se instalaron 90 DI en olivos, dejando 10 árboles como control (sin DI). Los suelos de esta finca presentan una baja tasa de infiltración, lo cual reduce la eficacia de la precipitación y aumenta significativamente el riesgo de erosión hídrica. Para analizar los efectos del DI, se simuló una lluvia torrencial en la que se pasaron 600 litros de agua a través del DI instalado en un olivo 3 años antes del experimento. Mediante el método geofísico de Tomografía Eléctrica de Resistividad (ERT en sus siglas en inglés) y análisis directos de muestras de suelo tanto in situ como en laboratorio, se observó un considerable aumento de la humedad del suelo donde había DI. En comparación con los olivos control (sin DI), la humedad casi se triplicó gracias a la rápida penetración del agua en el suelo, evitando así la escorrentía y la erosión hídrica. Además, se registró un incremento del 211% en la producción de aceitunas y un aumento del 177% en el rendimiento graso. Los perfiles ERT mostraron que el agua que penetra en el suelo se acumula en la zona de raíces del olivo, alejada de la superficie, favorecida su distribución por las rutas preferentes creadas por las raíces. Esto evita una evaporación rápida durante las altas temperaturas de primavera y verano. En este estudio, se muestra cómo el uso del sistema de recolección de agua de lluvia con DI representa una mejora significativa en la gestión de los escasos recursos hídricos provocados por el cambio climático. Además, proporciona beneficios agronómicos y ambientales para los sistemas agrícolas mediterráneos de secano

Medidas para reducir la exposición de los ciclistas a los principales contaminantes atmosféricos urbanos

Recoge los principales resultados generados durante la realización del proyecto LIFE+RESPIRA, llevado a cabo en la ciudad de Pamplona (Navarra, España) por un equipo interdisciplinar constituido por más de 30 investigadores pertenecientes a la Universidad de Navarra, el Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT) y Gestión Ambiental de Navarra (GAN-NIK). El libro, que se ha publicado en castellano y en inglés, se ha dividido en 7 capítulos: 1. ¿Ciudades sostenibles? 2. Exposición de los ciudadanos a la contaminación atmosférica 3. Papel de la vegetación urbana en la calidad del aire 4. Modelos de alta resolución para evaluar la calidad del aire 5. Impactos de la contaminación urbana 6. Movilidad y sostenibilidad urbanas 7. Comunicación y educación ambiental. Este libro pretende ser una guía de utilidad para científicos, gestores y ciudadanos, aportando un conjunto de herramientas que permitan mejorar la calidad de vida de nuestras ciudades. Además, quiere rendir un homenaje a todos los voluntarios ciclistas que han participado en dicho proyecto y que son los verdaderos artífices del mismo, ya que gracias a su dedicación incondicional durante más de dos años, han proporcionado una cantidad ingente de datos sobre la calidad del aire de la ciudad de Pamplona

Reduction of exposure of cyclists to urban air pollution

This book collects the main outcomes that were generated during the implementation of the LIFE+RESPIRA project (LIFE13 ENV/ES/000417), carried out in the city of Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. The research was conducted by a cross-functional team made up of more than 30 researchers belonging to three entities: The University of Navarra, the Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) and Environmental Management of Navarra (GAN-NIK)

Nosocomial Myiasis Caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Neonatal Myiasis by Sarcophaga spp. (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in Mexico

The presence of nosocomial myiasis reflects a lack of adequate medical attention, due to the physical facilities and/or the health care personnel. Patients requiring special attention are more susceptible, such as those with a loss of consciousness, assisted mechanical ventilation, tracheal tubes, or nasogastric probes. Nosocomial myiasis is a rare event that has a greater occurrence in the hospitals of poor and developing countries. The two cases herein described represent the first report of nosocomial myiasis in Mexico. The causal agents were found to be Lucilia sericata and Sarcophaga spp. The taxonomical identification of the larvae of the second and third instar was based on the morphology of the cephaloskeleton, anterior spiracles, and peritreme plaques

Nosocomial Myiasis Caused by Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in a Pediatric Patient in Mexico

Prevention of nosocomial myiasis, or hospital-acquired larvae infestation, should be an essential part of all hospital infection control programs. However, little is known about nosocomial myiasis, despite the extensive medical and psychological effects it has on patients and their families and the negative effects it has on hospitals’ reputation and finances. This report describes a case of nosocomial myiasis of a 13-year-old boy who was admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit for congestive heart failure, anemia, uremic encephalopathy, hypertension, and severe respiratory distress. Ten days after admission, the pediatrician and the nurse perceived an increase in the volume of the gingival mucosa of the upper buccal vestibule and the presence of fly larvae. The maggots were sent to the Instituto de Diagnostico y Referencia Epidemiologicos for identification and were found to be Lucilia sericata larvae. This report highlights the need to educate medical and paramedical personnel, as well as creation and implement protocols in hospitals to avoid nosocomial myiasis and improvement of general sanitation

Asociación del índice de masa corporal y conductas de riesgo en el desarrollo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria en adolescentes mexicanos

La percepción corporal y su insatisfacción se relacionan con las conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR), pudiendo desarrollar trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TAC) frecuentemente identificados en los adolescentes. El objetivo fue describir la asociación del índice de masa corporal (IMC) con los hábitos y las CAR en un grupo de adolescentes. Fue un estudio transversal, descriptivo realizado con 671 adolescentes de 12 a 15 años de edad, ambos sexos. Se aplicó una encuesta validada en población mexicana que identificó las CAR para el desarrollo de los TAC. Se obtuvo el IMC, además de información sobre práctica y conocimiento del consumo de alimentos. La prevalencia promedio de las CAR fue 12%, el sobrepeso u obesidad se presentó en 48% de los participantes, 20% de ellos no desayunaba, y sólo el 16% tomaba sus alimentos sin ningún distractor (p=0.012). La variables asociadas a las CAR para el desarrollo de TAC fueron: realizar cualquier actividad simultánea al consumo de alimentos (RM:4.23, p=0.006), sobrepeso u obesidad (RM:2.59, p=0.001), comer sin compañía (RM:2.04, p=0.005), no comer frutas (RM:1.96, p=0.008) y/o leche (RM:1.79, p=0.026), ser mujer (RM:1.74 p=0.024) y no desayunar (RM:1.57, p=0.035). El consumo de alimentos que los adolescentes practicaron fue diferente del que recomendaron para estar sanos, fue menor en verduras, frutas y leguminosas, y mayor en azúcares, lípidos y bebidas gaseosas. Se concluye que existe una asociación entre el IMC y las CAR. No se encontró coherencia entre lo que los adolescentes refirieron comer y lo que ellos recomiendan, según sus conocimientos

Serum Concentration of Leptin in Pregnant Adolescents Correlated with Gestational Weight Gain, Postpartum Weight Retention and Newborn Weight/Length

Introduction: Gestational weight gain is an important modifiable factor known to influence fetal outcomes including birth weight and adiposity. Leptin is normally correlated with adiposity and is also known to increase throughout pregnancy, as the placenta becomes a source of leptin synthesis. Several studies have reported positive correlations between cord blood leptin level and either birthweight or size for gestational age, as well as body mass index (BMI). Objective: To determine the correlation of prenatal leptin concentration in pregnant adolescents with their gestational weight gain, postpartum weight retention, and weight/length of their newborn. Methods: A cohort study was conducted on pregnant Mexican adolescents from Gestational Week 26–28 to three months postpartum (n = 168 mother–child dyads). An anthropometric assessment was made of each pregnant adolescent, and the serum level of leptin and the intake of energy were determined. The newborn was evaluated each month during postpartum. Clinical records were reviewed to obtain sociodemographic data. Bivariate correlations, tests for repeating measurements and logistic regression models were performed. Results: Leptin concentration gradually increased during the third trimester of pregnancy. At Gestation Week 36, leptin level correlated with gestational weight gain. When comparing adolescents that had the lowest and highest concentration of leptin, the former presented a mean of 6 kg less in gestational weight gain (inter-subject leptin concentration, p = 0.001; inter-subject energy intake, p = 0.497). Leptin concentration and gestational weight gain exerted an effect on the weight of the newborn (inter-subject leptin concentration for Week 32, p = 0.024; inter-subject gestational weight gain, p = 0.011). Newborn length was associated with leptin concentration at Week 28 (leptin effect, p = 0.003; effect of gestational weight gain, p = 0.722). Conclusions: Pregnant adolescents with leptin concentration over 20 ng/mL showed a greater gestational weight gain. Leptin concentration correlated with length and weight of the newborn

Dietary and Nutrient Intake, Eating Habits, and Its Association with Maternal Gestational Weight Gain and Offspring’s Birth Weight in Pregnant Adolescents

Pregnant adolescents’ diet and eating habits are inadequate; however, their association with gestational weight gain (GWG) is uncertain. We aimed to analyze whether there is an association between dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits with GWG among pregnant adolescents and their offspring’s birth weight. A longitudinal study was performed with 530 participants. We assessed GWG and applied several tools, such as a food frequency questionnaire and 24-h recall, to obtain dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits. The birth weight of adolescents’ offspring was registered. Later, we performed crude and adjusted Poisson models. The mean age was 15.8 ± 1.3 years. Of all food groups, the lowest frequency of adequate intake corresponded to vegetables (7%) and legumes (10.2%). Excessive (36.8%) and insufficient (40.9%) GWG were observed. Pregnant adolescents with inadequate legumes intake increased the probability of excessive GWG: (PR 1.86 95% CI 1.00–3.44). Cereals and grains were positively associated with GWG: (PR 1.65, 95% CI 1.18–2.29). Energy, macronutrient intake, and eating habits were not associated with GWG. Offspring’s small gestational age (SGA) increased when pregnant adolescents had inadequate sugar-sweetened beverages intake: PR (1.58, 95% CI 1.01–2.49) and when pregnant adolescent watched television (TV). In our sample of Mexican adolescents, dietary and nutrient intake and eating habits were inadequate. Excessive dietary intake from cereals, grains, and animal-sourced foods along with insufficient legumes were associated with excessive GWG. Watching TV while adolescents ate was associated with the birth weight of the offspring

Characteristics of the Family Support Network of Pregnant Adolescents and Its Association with Gestational Weight Gain and Birth Weight of Newborns

It has been proposed that, in the Mexican culture, family support can be a factor that contributes to protect the maternal and child health of pregnant adolescents. There may be complex associations between family support and the circumstances of a pregnancy during adolescence. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between the family support network (FSN) characteristic and the maternal and neonatal outcomes in Mexican adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 352 pregnant adolescents participated; their FSN during pregnancy was assessed. The gestational weight gain and birth weight/length of newborns were registered. The size of the FSN was described and divided into quartiles; the main members for each quartile were identified. Then, sociodemographic and clinical variables were compared by FSN quartiles. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the association of FSN size and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Our results indicate that the mean age was 15 ± 1 year old. The primary support member in the FSN was the mother of the adolescent in each quartile, except for quartile 3, where the primary support was the mother-in-law. In quartile 3 there was a significantly lower gestational weight gain compared to quartile 4 (11.8 ± 5 vs. 13 ± 5 kg, p = 0.054). According to the regression model, a higher risk of small for gestational age (OR 2.99, CI 95% 1.25–7.15) newborns was found in quartile 3. We conclude that the maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ between quartiles of FSN size, except for quartile 3. Small for gestational age newborns were observed when a non-blood relative was present in the FSN. The quality rather than the network size might be more important for improving pregnancy outcomes

Biomarcadores óseos y su relación con la densidad mineral ósea en adultas jóvenes y adolescentes en su primer año posparto

La información sobre biomarcadores óseos en adolescentes y adultas durante el periodo posparto es incierta, por lo que el objetivo de este artículo fue analizar el patrón de biomarcadores óseos en adolescentes y adultas a 15, 90, 180 y 365 días posparto (dpp) y su asociación con la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y lactancia materna. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte en 32 madres adolescentes ≤17 años y 41 adultas de 18 a 29 años de edad en el primer año posparto. Se realizaron medidas antropométricas, DMO y biomarcadores óseos y así como datos del tipo y la duración de lactancia. Como resultados se encontró asociación entre la concentración basal de N-telopéptidos ≤24 μg/L y mayor aumento de DMO. Las adolescentes tuvieron mayor concentración de N-telopéptidos (p≤0.004) y menor concentración de osteocalcina (5±3 vs13±4, p <0.001) que las adultas. La lactancia no afectó el cambio de DMO (p>0.050), ni de biomarcadores óseos. La osteocalcina se asoció con el cambio en DMO (p<0.040). La prolactina fue mayor entre las que practicaron lactancia materna exclusiva (p<0.001). A menor edad menores concentraciones de osteocalcina (p<0.001) y mayores concentraciones de N-telopéptidos (p<0.001). Se concluyó que a menor concentración de N-telopéptidos y mayor de osteocalcina hubo un mayor aumento de DMO, lo cual implica menor aumento de ésta en el grupo de adolescentes. La lactancia no afectó la DMO.The objective of this study was to describe the trend of bone biomarkers in adults and adolescents women at 15, 90, 180 and 365 postpartum days (ppd) and its relation with bone mineral density (BMD). It was a prospective cohort of 32 teenager’s ≤17 and 41 women from 18 to 29 years old. We evaluated diet, anthropometry, BMD, bone biomarkers and hormonal profile. In all, the concentration of N-telopeptide was higher at 15 days postpartum decreasing during first year postpartum, but adolescents had the highest concentration. The lowest N-telopeptide concentration was associated with highest increasing of the BMD. Osteocalcin concentration was lower in adolescents than in adults women (5 ± 3 vs 13 ± 4 ng/mL, p<0.001) during first year postpartum. Exclusive breastfeeding did not affect the BMD (p>0.050) or bone biomarkers. Osteocalcin concentration was positively associated with bone BMD (p<0.040), breastfeeding did not affect osteocalcin concentrations. Prolactin was higher among women who breastfed exclusively (p<0.001). Age and breastfeeding inversely correlated with bone biomarkers (p<0.001) N-telopeptide and PTHi respectively. We concluded that a lower N-telopeptide concentration and a higher osteocalcin concentration were associated with a higher increasing of BMD, so then, adolescents showed the lowest recovery of the BMD. Breastfeeding does not affect the BMD