Molecular stratigraphic analysis with Raman spectroscopy of the shell of a mussel

Two different cristallographical forms of calcium carbonate (aragonite and calcite) has been identified in mussels with Raman spectroscopy.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Spatio-temporal variability of mid-size pelagic fishes in the Gulf of Cadiz shelf waters in relation to climatic and environmental drivers

Modeling spatio-temporal patterns of mid-size pelagic fish species (MSPFS) distribution and density is of great interest from the standpoint of both their management and conservation. Herein, temporal changes in the spatial patterns of five MSPFS off the Gulf of Cadiz are analyzed from acoustic surveys data (2007-2017). In particular, we evaluated intra-specific variability over time and space and relate such fluctuations to environmental and climatic drivers aimed to provide support to the implementation of a future ecosystem approach to fisheries management in this region

Gender- and hydration-associated differences in the physiological response to spinning

UniveIntroduction: There is scarce and inconsistent information about gender-related differences in the hydration of sports persons, as well as about the effects of hydration on performance, especially during indoor sports. Objective: To determine the physiological differences between genders during in indoor physical exercise, with and without hydration. Methods: 21 spinning sportspeople (12 men and 9 women) participated in three controlled, randomly assigned and non-sequential hydration protocols, including no fluid intake and hydration with plain water or a sports drink (volume adjusted to each individual every 15 min), during 90 min of spinning exercise. The response variables included body mass, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Results: During exercise without hydration, men and women lost ~2% of body mass, and showed higher body temperature (~0.2°C), blood pressure (~4 mmHg) and heart rate (~7 beats/min) compared to exercises with hydration. Body temperature and blood pressure were higher for men than for women during exercise without hydration, differences not observed during exercise with hydration. Between 42-99% of variance in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate could be explained by the physical characteristics of subjects and the work done. Conclusions: During exercise with hydration (either with water or sport drink), the physiological response was similar for both genders. Exercise without hydration produced physical stress, which could be prevented with either of the fluids (plain water was sufficient). Gender differences in the physiological response to spinning (body temperature, mean blood pressure and heart rate) can be explained in part by the distinct physical characteristics of each individual. (Nutr Hosp. 2014;29:644-651) DOI:10.3305/nh.2014.29.3.701

Optimized beam shaping assembly for a 2.1‑MeV proton‑accelerator‑based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is facing a new era where diferent projects based on accelerators instead of reactors are under development. The new facilities can be placed at hospitals and will increase the number of clinical trials. The therapeutic efect of BNCT can be improved if a optimized epithermal neutron spectrum is obtained, for which the beam shape assembly is a key ingredient. In this paper we propose an optimal beam shaping assembly suited for an afordable low energy accelerator. The beam obtained with the device proposed accomplishes all the IAEA recommendations for proton energies between 2.0 and 2.1 MeV. In addition, there is an overall improvement of the fgures of merit with respect to BNCT facilities and previous proposals of new accelerator-based facilities.Junta de Andalucía (Andalusian Regional Government, Programa Operativo FEDER Andalucia 2014–2020 under contract A-FQM-371-UGR18)University Chair “Neutrons for Medicine”: Spanish Fundación ACS, Capitán Antonio, La Kuadrilla de Iznalloz and Sonriendo se Puede GanarSpanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities - FPU grant FPU17/0230

Effect of the implementation of clinical guidelines on management of candidemia in elderly patients

Introduction: Mortality from candidemia is higher in elderly population than in younger patients, which may be related to suboptimal management. The aim of the present study is to evaluate adherence to the recommendations for the clinical management of candidemia in a population over 75 years before and after implementing specific training. Patients and Methods: We recorded retrospectively data from candidemia episodes in elderly patients during two periods of time: 2010–2015 years (before training) and 2017–2022 years (after training), as well as adherence to the recommendations of the clinical practice guidelines, mortality and consultation to infectious disease specialists. Results: Forty-five episodes of candidemia were recorded in the first period and 29 episodes in the second period. A better compliance to the recommendations of the clinical practice guidelines was observed in the second period: echocardiogram performance (75.9% vs. 48.9% p= .021), fundoscopy (65.5% vs. 44.4% p= .076), follow-up blood cultures (72.4% vs. 42.2% p= .011), removal of central venous catheter (80% vs. 52.9% p= .080) and adequate antifungal treatment (82.6% vs. 52.6% p= .018). A trend towards lower mortality was observed during the second period (27.6% vs. 44.4% p= .144). Conclusion: The improvement of knowledge of clinical guidelines on candidemia and the participation of infectious disease specialists may increase the quality of care in elderly patients with candidemia. It would be necessary to enlarge the sample size to evaluate the real impact of this intervention on mortality

A new zenith looking narrow-band radiometer based system (ZEN) for dust Aerosol Optical Depth monitoring

This study presents a new zenith looking narrow-band radiometer based system (ZEN), conceived for dust aerosol optical depth (AOD) monitoring. Our results suggest that ZEN is a suitable system to fill the current observational gaps and to complement observations performed by sun-photometer networks in order to improve mineral dust monitoring in remote locations.AERONET sun photometers at Izaña have been calibrated within the AERONET Europe TNA, supported by the European Community-Research Infrastructure Action under the FP7 15 ACTRIS grant agreement no. 262254

Endogenous GUS-like activity in Capsicum chinense Jacq.

The gene uidA, codes for β-glucuronidase, which is one of the reporters more frequently utilized in transgenic plants. However, this can only be use if the selected organism does not present endogenous GUS-like activity. In tissues of C. chinense we found a GUS-like activity showing different levels of intensity. Histochemical screening showed that endogenous GUS-like activity decreased, or reduced significantly, in almost all tissues with exception of stament, when phosphate buffer was adjusted to pH 8. Subsequently, C. chinense zygotic embryo explants were transient transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 (pCAMBIA2301) and plantlets regenerated were histochemically stained in phosphate buffer pH 8. Observations of incubated tissues of C. chinense regenerants showed blue staining, suggesting expression of uidA. Incubated tissues of non-transformed regenerants did not show blue staining in phosphate buffer pH 8. The results show that for transformation experiments of C. chinense with uidA gene, pH 8 is recommended for histochemical staining

Desert dust remote sensing with the new zenith looking narrow‐band radiometer based system (ZEN)

Comunicación presentada en: TECO-2016 (Technical Conference on Meteorological and Environmental Instruments and Methods of Observation) celebrada en Madrid, del 27 al 30 de septiembre de 2016.This work has been developed within the framework of the activities of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observations (CIMO) Izaña Testbed for Aerosols and Water Vapor Remote Sensing Instruments. AERONET sun photometers at Izaña have been calibrated within the AERONET Europe TNA, supported by the European Community ‐ Research Infrastructure Action under the FP7 ACTRIS grant agreement no. 262254

Assessing soil contamination and temporal trends of heavy metal contents in greenhouses on semiarid land

Information about the behavior and temporal evolution of heavy metals in agricultural soils is limited, particularly about greenhouse soils on semiarid lands, indeed it nonexistent. Western Almería (Southern Spain) is a semiarid land where some 30,000 ha are occupied by greenhouses with high productivity. As these greenhouses are fundamental to the socioeconomic development of this area, they should be maintained and well conserved. However, there are indications that long‐term intensive agriculture with considerable agrochemicals use can deteriorate soil quality, which in turn, would reduce productivity and food quality. This study was conducted to investigate soil contamination and the temporal trends of heavy metal concentrations in greenhouse soils of western Almería. Contamination level, availability, and sources of metals were evaluated by the extractable fraction percentage, by indices zinc equivalent, geoaccumulation, enrichment factor and pollution load, and by a correlation analysis between soil properties and metal contents. The results showed that the total contents of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb, and the available concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn, were significantly higher than background levels. Temporal patterns indicated that these elements accumulate in greenhouse soils. After more than 20 years of intensive agriculture, the available concentration of elements, and contamination, had clearly increased