Flowering patterns of <i>Thymelaea velutina</i> at the extremes of an altitudinal gradient

Environmental variability may cause changes in flowering phenology affecting plant reproductive success. Plasticity in phenological processes may guarantee species survival under new environmental conditions, such as those caused by global warming. Here we examined the flowering patterns of <i>Thymelaea velutina</i> (Thymelaeaceae), a dioecious shrub endemic to the Balearic Islands. We compared the two contrasting habitats where the species occurs: coastal dunes at sea level and mountain areas (c. 1200 m a.s.l.). We determined the relationship between three components of flowering phenology: initial date, flower duration, and synchrony, and assessed their association with traits describing plant size and fecundity. The increase in altitude results into a delayed flowering initiation and a shorter flowering period. In both habitats, male plants flowered earlier and for longer periods than females. At the mountain site, fruit set was associated to flower initiation, so that plants flowering earlier produced greater proportions of fruits. By contrast, fruit set at the dune site did not depend upon either flower initiation or flowering period; here, larger plants had longer flowering periods, though not necessarily produced more flowers and did not set more fruits than smaller plants. We attribute the differences in flowering patterns at different altitudes to phenotypic plasticity of the species; it is adapted to mountain conditions delaying the flowering period (probably adjusting it to the insect abundance at this altitude). Moreover, shortening of the flowering period may be also advantageous to reduce the stressful effects of higher temperature, radiation and drought that occur later in the summer.<br><br>La variabilidad ambiental puede afectar a la fenología de la floración y al éxito reproductivo de la plantas, por tanto la plasticidad en los procesos fenológicos podría garantizar la supervivencia de las especies ante el cambio climático. En este estudio examinamos los patrones de floración de <i>Thymelaea velutina</i> (Thymelaeaceae), una especie dioica endémica de las Islas Baleares. Comparamos los dos ambientes en los que vive la especie: dunas costeras y áreas montañosas, aproximadamente a 1200 m de altitud. Estudiamos las relaciones entre el comienzo, la duración y la sincronía en la floración, con el tamaño y éxito reproductivo de las plantas. El incremento de altitud se tradujo en un retraso y disminución del período de floración. En ambas poblaciones, los individuos macho florecieron antes y durante más tiempo que las hembras. En las dunas, los individuos de mayor tamaño florecieron durante más tiempo, aunque ello no conllevó una mayor producción de flores o frutos. En la montaña, en cambio, la producción de frutos estuvo positivamente asociada al comienzo de la floración. Atribuimos las diferencias en los patrones de floración a distinta altitud a la plasticidad fenotípica de la especie; ésta se adapta a las condiciones de montaña retrasando el periodo de floración (probablemente ajustándolo a la abundancia de insectos a esta altitud) y también acortándolo, lo que probablemente reduce los efectos estresantes de mayor temperatura, radiación y sequía que tienen lugar más entrado el verano

Narrativas como técnica de pesquisa em enfermagem La narración como técnica de investigación en enfermeria Narrations as a nursing research technique

O texto apresenta a narrativa como possibilidade de abordagem para pesquisas na enfermagem, especialmente como técnica de coleta e análise de dados, destacando seus aspectos teóricos e práticos. Inclui uma revisão do conceito de narrativa, por meio da compreensão dos autores de diferentes áreas do conhecimento: filosofia, antropologia, lingüística e enfermagem. Quanto ao aspecto prático de sua aplicação na pesquisa, introduz três diferentes tipos de narrativas, identificadas a partir das histórias que as pessoas contam: narrativas breves, narrativas de vivências e narrativas populares. Inclui, também, formas de apresentação das narrativas em textos científicos e seu processo de interpretação. Destaca que as narrativas criam um campo de ação coletiva e permitem aos profissionais de saúde a construção de conhecimento alicerçado na experiência das pessoas.<br>El texto presenta a la narración como posibilidad de abordaje para investigaciones en enfermería, especialmente como técnica de recolección y análisis de datos, destacando sus aspectos teóricos y prácticos. Incluye una revisión del concepto de narrativa evidenciando que viene siendo comprendida por autores de diferentes áreas de conocimiento: filosofía, antropología, lingüística y enfermería. En cuanto al aspecto práctico de su aplicación en investigación, incluye tres diferentes tipos de narraciones, identificadas a partir de las historias que las personas cuentan: narraciones breves, narraciones de vivencias, y narraciones populares. Incluye también formas de presentación de las narraciones en textos científicos y en procesos de interpretación de los mismos. Destaca que las narraciones crean un campo de acción colectiva y permiten a los profesionales de la salud una construcción de conocimiento próximo a las experiencias de las personas.<br>The text introduces the narrations as a possibility of approach in nursing research, specially as a technique of data collection and analysis, emphasizing its theoretical and practical aspects. A review of the narrative concept is included, through the understanding of authors from different knowledge areas: philosophy, anthropology, linguistics and nursing. With respect to the practical aspect of its application to research, three different types of narrative are introduced, identified based on the accounts rendered by individuals: short narrations, narrations of lived experiences, and popular narrations. The study also includes ways to present the narratives in scientific texts and their process of interpretation. Authors highlight that the narrations create a field of collective action, allowing health professionals to build up knowledge based on the individuals' experience

Adherence to chemoprophylaxis and Plasmodium falciparum anti-circumsporozoite seroconversion in a prospective cohort study of Dutch short-term travelers

Contains fulltext : 117478.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: We conducted a prospective study in a cohort of short-term travelers assessing the incidence rate of anti-circumsporozoite seroconversion, adherence to chemoprophylaxis, symptoms of malaria during travel, and malaria treatment abroad. METHODS: Adults were recruited from the travel clinic of the Public Health Service Amsterdam. They kept a structured daily travel diary and donated blood samples before and after travel. Blood samples were serologically tested for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum anti-circumsporozoite antibodies. RESULTS: Overall, the incidence rate (IR) of anti-circumsporozoite seroconversion was 0.8 per 100 person-months. Of 945 travelers, 620 (66%) visited high-endemic areas and were advised about both chemoprophylaxis and preventive measures against mosquito bites. Most subjects (520/620 = 84%) took at least 75% of recommended prophylaxis during travel. Travel to Africa, use of mefloquine, travel duration of 14-29 days in endemic areas, and concurrent use of DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) were associated with good adherence practices. Four travelers without fever seroconverted, becoming anti-circumsporozoite antibody-positive. All four had been adherent to chemoprophylaxis; two visited Africa, one Suriname, one India. Ten subjects with fever were tested for malaria while abroad and of these, three received treatment. All three were adherent to chemoprophylaxis and tested negative for anti-circumsporozoite antibodies. CONCLUSION: Travel to Africa, using mefloquine, travel duration of 14-29 days in endemic areas, and use of DEET were associated with good adherence to chemoprophylaxis. The combination of chemoprophylaxis and other preventive measures were sufficient to protect seroconverting travelers from clinical malaria. Travelers who were treated for malaria abroad did not seroconvert