Preliminary study of the atmospheric pollen in "Sierra de las Nieves" Natural Park (Southern Spain)

‘Sierra de las Nieves’ is a Natural Park and a Biosphere Reserve located in the south of Spain. This protected area has a high diversity of ecosystems with abundant endangered species which have led it to be in ways to become a National Park. Some of those species have anemophilous pollination strategies. Since 1991, the Aerobiology research team of the University of Malaga has been sampling and studying airborne pollen in different cities of Malaga province. Nevertheless, a pollen trap has never been installed inside a Natural Park for a continuous sampling process. The objectives of this study were to determinate the atmospheric pollen behaviour of the main taxa registered during winter and spring months in this protected area, as well as compare the results with the data obtained in urban stations during the same period searching for significant differences. The pollen samplings were made by means of a Hirst-type volumetric pollen trap inside the protected area of the Natural Park. The samples obtained were mounted and counted according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network (REA). The high vegetal diversity of ‘Sierra de las Nieves’ are reflected in the pollen counts. Significant differences between the sampligs obtained at ‘Sierra de las Nieves’, Malaga and the neraby city of Ronda stations were found regarding to the daily pollen concentration. The qualitative and quantitative differences can be explained by the different land use, altitude, climatic characteristics and by the distance between aerobiological stations and pollen emission sources. There is an important influence of wind dymanic and others meteorological factors.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

Backward air trajectory models for detecting pollen airborne sources of Castanea in Ronda (South Spain)

Ronda is located in a rural area close to the natural Parks Sierra de Grazalema and Sierra de las Nieves, surrounded by crops, natural and seminatural vegetation. The Genal Valley, which is located at the southwest of Ronda, is the biggest Castanea sativa Mill. crop area in Andalusia (South Spain) but there are also others C. sativa crops in different areas close to Ronda. This increases the Castanea atmospheric pollen levels in Ronda, the highest of Malaga province. Castanea pollen has been cited by different authors as potentially allergenic. The objective of this preliminary study was to determine the main sources of Castanea pollen detected in Ronda during the period in which the highest concentrations were detected along the year 2017. The pollen samplings were made by means of a Hirst-type volumetric pollen trap. The samples obtained were mounted and counted according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network (REA). Backward air trajectories were calculated according to HYSPLIT 4 model. Models were run five times a day by using R software for the whole month of June 2017. Due to the wind dynamics in Ronda, the main source of Castanea airborne pollen was not the expected (the Genal Valley). The dominant winds in June 2017 came from the southeast of Ronda and brought Castanea pollen from the crops of two nearby localities, Istan and Ojen, which are widely smaller than those situated in the Genal Valley. Therefore, due to the high pollen production of these crops, predictive models for the Castanea airborne pollen in Ronda should be done in future researches in order to prevent allergic diseases in the population. Additionally, by studing air trajectory models, the cross pollination between Castanea populations in the area can be estimated.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Preliminary study of the airborne pollen in the atmosphere of Puerto Ayora (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador)

Galapagos is an archipelago of volcanic islands located 972 km west from the continental Ecuador. They were declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve due to their singular environmental value, where a third part of the native plants are endemic to this archipelago (Jaramillo et al., 2011). In spite of the numerous scientific studies carried out in Galapagos, there are not any aerobiological samplings being performed currently. The main objectives of this study were to install a pollen trap for detecting the presence of pollen in the atmosphere of Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands) and qualitatively identify the different pollen types detected during the studied period. A Durham (1946) gravimetric pollen trap was modified to turn it into a passive impact pollen trap based on Pla Dalmau (1957) modifications. It was placed on the roof of the Galapagos National School (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island) at a height of 15m above ground level. The samples were obtained by using silicone fluid as adhesive substance and glycerine gelatine as mounting mean. The pollen grains were counted in a surface of 14 x 48 mm in each sample. The pollen types were identified with the aid of the pollen guide of the Galapagos Island by Jaramillo & Trigo (2011) and the Charles Darwin Foundation pollen bank. Pollen types of endemic plants such as Darwiniothamnus sp., Passiflora foetida var. galapagensis Killip, Justicia galapagana Lindau and Castela galapageia Hook. f. were detected together with those of other native and introduced species. A high diversity of pollen types was detected, reflecting the particular vegetation of the island. This preliminary aerobiological information can be used as precedent for further studies on the pollination of native and introduced species of the Galapagos Islands, as well as for detecting possible allergic diseases in the population.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Atmospheric pollen dynamics in Malaga (s. Spain) during 2013-2014. Seasonal trends

In this work we present the atmospheric pollen results obtained in Malaga, a coastal Mediterranean city situated in southern Spain, throughout 2013 and 2014. The main objective is to compare the results obtained these years with those registered during the 21 previous years (1992-2012) and detect possible significant trends. The samplings were made with the aid of a Hirst-type volumetric pollen trap (Hirst, 1952) situated on the roof of the building of the Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos. The mounting of the samples and the pollen counting were according to the methodology proposed by the Spanish Aerobiology Network, the REA (Galán et al., 2007). In this work, the seasonal evolution of the different taxa, annual pollen index and features of the main pollen season (length and start, end and peak days) are studied and the results obtained in 2013 and 2014 are compared to the average values of the previous years in order to detect differences related to climate change. The annual mean temperature have been rising in 2013 and 2014 (19.1 and 19.9ºC) comparing to the average of the last 20 years (18.7ºC). The annual total rainfall have been declining in 2013 and 2014 (354.7 and 373.1 mm) comparing to the average of the last 20 years (546.2 mm). The relative humidity declined in 2014 (60.6%) compared to last 20 years (66.6%). Among the significant trends that we have observed are: increase in the annual pollen index of Quercus and Olea, decrease in the annual pollen index of Chenopodiaceae, Plantago and Cyperaceae, delay in the end and increase in the length of the main pollen season of Quercus, delay and reduction in the length of the main pollen season of Gramineae pollen.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

Caged-carvedilol as a new tool for visible-light photopharmacology of β-adrenoceptors in native tissues

Biochemistry; Cell biology; PharmacologyBioquímica; Biologia cel·lular; FarmacologiaBioquímica; Biología celular; FarmacologíaAdrenoceptors are G protein-coupled receptors involved in a large variety of physiological processes, also under pathological conditions. This is due in large part to their ubiquitous expression in the body exerting numerous essential functions. Therefore, the possibility to control their activity with high spatial and temporal precision would constitute a valuable research tool. In this study, we present a caged version of the approved non-selective β-adrenoceptor antagonist carvedilol, synthesized by alkylation of its secondary amine with a coumarin derivative. Introducing this photo-removable group abolished carvedilol physiological effects in cell cultures, mouse isolated perfused hearts and living zebrafish larvae. Only after visible light application, carvedilol was released and the different physiological systems were pharmacologically modulated in a similar manner as the control drug. This research provides a new photopharmacological tool for a wide range of research applications that may help in the development of future precise therapies.This work was supported by ERDF-FEDER European Fund (projects CTQ2017-89222-R) and by the Catalan government (2017SGR 1604) to AL. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Agencia Estatal de Investigación (PID2020-120499RB-I00) supported XR and AL. XR research was financed by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (SAF2015-74132-JIN). MF was supported by the “Agencia Estatal deInvestigación” from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the IDAEA-CSIC, a Centre of Excellence Severo Ochoa (CEX2018-000794-S). ARS has a consolidated Miguel Servet contract and was financed by by the Catalan government (2017-SGR-1807). ADC received the support of a fellowship from “la Caixa” Foundation (ID 100010434) under the fellowship codeLCF/BQ/DE18/11670012

Estrategias Educativas para el profesorado de alumnado con TEA a través de la metodología TEACCH

El presente Trabajo de Fin de Grado plantea una propuesta educativa dirigida a integrar al alumnado con Trastorno de Espectro Autista durante la etapa de Educación Infantil, en un aula ordinaria. Para ello, se facilita al profesorado diferentes estrategias a través de una guía de intervención, con la finalidad de abordar desde la intervención educativa individualizada diversas conductas que presenta este alumnado en el contexto escolar. Dicha propuesta toma como referencia la metodología de Tratamiento y Educación de Niños con Autismo y Problemas Asociados de Comunicación, en torno a la cual girará esta guía de intervención. A su vez, se establecen unas pautas a seguir por el personal docente, y donde la familia cobra un protagonismo especial, con la finalidad de intervenir y dar respuestas a las necesidades específicas del alumnado. Dichas pautas favorecerán el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje, así como la relación entre el profesorado y el alumnado con autismo.In this End Degree Project a method of action is proposed to include students with autism, belonging to the Early Childhood Education stage, in an ordinary classroom. For this, teachers are provided with different strategies, through an intervention guide, in order to approach from the individualized educational intervention diverse behaviors that this students presents in the school context. Among the previously mentioned strategies is the methodology of Treatment and Education of Children with Autism and Associated Communication Problems around which this intervention guide will revolve. At the same time, guidelines to be followed by teachers are specified to intervene and respond to the specific needs of this student. These guidelines will favor the teaching and learning process of the same, as well as the relationship between teachers and students with autism

Prevention pressure ulcers

Las ulceras por presión son lesiones de la piel producidas por fuerzas de presión, cizalla o rozamiento, generalmente en los lugares anatómicos donde las prominencias oseas se encuentran más expuestas. En función desu extension, grosor y caracteristicas del lecho se clasifican en estadio I, II, III o IV. Las principales maneras para evitar las UPP es evitar los principales factores de riesgo que las causan, como la presión, humedad, mal estado nutricional, deshidratación,… y mediante la educación.Pressure ulcers are skin lesions caused by forces of pressure, shear or friction, usually in anatomical places where bone prominences are more exposed. Depending on the extension, thickness and characteristics of the bed, they are classified as stage I, II, III or IV. The main ways to avoid UPPs is to avoid the main risk factors that cause them, such as pressure, humidity, poor nutritional status, dehydration,... and through education

Incidence of urinary incontinence after hip fracture surgery and associated risk factors: a prospective study

Background The contribution of the postoperative process to developing or worsening urinary incontinence (UI) after hip fracture surgery (HFS) remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate UI incidence and worsening among older patients undergoing HFS, and explore associated risk factors.Methods This prospective cohort study included patients >= 75 years admitted between October 2019 and October 2021 to the Traumatology Service of three hospitals in the Consorci Sanitari de Alt-Pened & egrave;s i Garraf (Barcelona, Spain) with hip fracture requiring surgical treatment. UI was assessed using the first two questions of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF) at baseline and at days 30 (+/- 3 days) and 90 (+/- 3 days) after HFS. Surgery-related data and post-surgical complications were recorded.Results A total of 248 patients with a mean (SD) age of 85.8 (6.78) years were included; 77.8% were female and 154 (62.1%) had UI at baseline. After HFS, 3.24% experienced urinary tract infections (UTIs), 3.64%, acute urinary retention (AUR), 8.57%, constipation, and 53.9%, prolonged catheterization (> 24 h). Fifty-eight patients without baseline UI developed UI at 30 days, resulting in a UI incidence of 61.7% (95% CI 51.1-71.54) between days 0 and 30. Of the 248 patients, 146 (59.1%) experienced worsening of UI. AUR and UTIs were identified as risk factors for UI development and worsening after HFS, respectively.Conclusion The incidence of UI in older patients after HFS is significant. Patient management protocols should consider AUR and UTIs to reduce or eliminate the incidence of UI in older patients undergoing HFS

Tendencias en el periodo principal de polinación del tipo polínico Quercus en Málaga (Andalucía) y su relación con el cambio climático

El cambio climático está afectando a la temporalidad e intensidad de la floración de muchos taxones arbóreos, y también a los procesos de transporte y dispersión del polen (Zhang y Steiner 2022). Esto repercute en las concentraciones de polen detectadas en la atmósfera de las ciudades, lo que puede suponer un riesgo para las personas que presentan alergias respiratorias. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es estudiar las posibles tendencias del periodo principal de polinación del tipo polínico Quercus en Málaga, sus causas y su relación con el cambio climático. Los datos aerobiológicos se obtuvieron mediante un captador volumétrico de tipo Hirst instalado en el tejado de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad de Málaga. Para el cálculo de tendencias se utilizaron datos del periodo 1992-2021. El Periodo Principal de Polinación (PPP) se determinó mediante el ajuste de una regresión logística y el cálculo de derivadas (Cunha et al. 2015). Se detectó una tendencia significativa a retrasar el final del PPP y, consecuentemente, aumentó su duración. El cambio climático ha alterado la dinámica de vientos en la zona, y se ha detectado un aumento de la frecuencia de los vientos provenientes de las fuentes de emisión de polen durante los meses de mayo y junio. También se ha reducido la humedad relativa media de estos meses, lo que en conjunto propicia unas condiciones meteorológicas favorables para el transporte de polen. Estos cambios pueden implicar que las personas alérgicas a este tipo polínico vean sus síntomas prolongados en el tiempo.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación y fondos FEDER dentro del Programa Operativo Plurirregional de Crecimiento de España 2014-2020 (Proyecto Environmental and Biodiversity Climate Change Lab, EnBiC2-Lab). Universidad de Málaga bajo el programa de proyectos liderados por jóvenes investigadores/as (I Plan Propio de Investigación y trasnferencia; B1-2021_24). A Picornell está respaldado por una beca postdoctoral financiada por la Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades (Junta de Andalucía, POSTDOC_21_00056