Blind shots: non-natural mortality counteracts conservation efforts of a threatened waterbird

Waterbirds are particularly affected by the high hunting pressure they face in many regions, which in some cases is compromising conservation actions for threatened species. The marbled teal Marmaronetta angustirostris is one of the most endangered waterbirds in Europe. In order to restore its population, several conservation actions have recently been undertaken, including a population reinforcement programme in Spain using captive-bred birds. With the aim of assessing the success of the reinforcement programme to establish a long-term self-sustaining population, we identified mortality causes of marbled teal, evaluated the survival of individual birds of the reinforcement programme and estimated the viability of the population under different management scenarios. We used data from wild and captive-bred individuals tracked by GPS since 2018 (n = 42) and from a mark–recapture programme initiated in 2015 (n = 297). We recovered 15 dead birds or transmitters: 20% died of natural causes, 60% of non-natural causes (including all anthropic causes) and 20% of unknown causes. Furthermore, the GPS tags of 24 birds unexpectedly stopped transmitting without any indication of malfunction, and for 66.7% of these disappeared birds, the cessation was suspected to be caused by illegal shooting. Survival during the hunting season was higher for males (31.3%) than for females (12.5%), and for the wild (50%) than for the captive-bred birds (9.4%), probably due to differences in migration patterns to North Africa. Population viability models revealed that maintaining the breeding population at the current mortality rates is only possible with a permanent release programme of captive-bred individuals, and that in order to establish a self-sustaining population, non-natural mortality would have to be reduced by at least 40%. We recommend management measures to reduce marbled teal mortality, such as limiting legal hunting to hours with clear visibility, prosecuting illegal shootings, controlling exotic predators and improving water management to reduce disease outbreaks. Some improvements can be implemented in captive-breeding programmes, such as earlier release times and incorporating anti-predator training.The transmitters were funded by the Generalitat Valenciana, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Biodiversity Foundation. JMPG was supported by a Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities postdoctoral contract IJC-2019-038968 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. ESG and ASA received the grants RYC2019-027216-I and RYC-2017-22796 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ESF Investing in your future. RCRC was supported by the European Union-Next Generation EU in the Maria Zambrano Program (ZAMBRANO 21-26). The present research was carried out within the framework of the activities of the Spanish Government through the ‘Maria de Maeztu Centre of Excellence’ accreditation to IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB) (CEX2021-001198)

Diseñar la nutrición. El encuentro interdisciplinario en el abordaje de las prácticas de cuidado nutricional infantil

Fil: Ivetta, Mario Emilio. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Capeletti, Daniel Angel. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Dovis, Sebastián. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaEl Proyecto “Promoción, protección y apoyo de buenas prácticas de cuidado nutricional infantil en Centros de Salud basados en APS” y los que le anteceden “Promoción de buenas prácticas de cuidado nutricional infantil en Centros de Salud basados en APS” y “Diálogo de saberes en la construcción de buenas prácticas de cuidado nutricional infantil” (Programa de Subsidios SEU, UNC R.H.C.S. 592/2011 y 540/2012) han permitido el desarrollo de actividades de Nutrición articuladas con diferentes disciplinas como Odontología, Comunicación Social, Ciencias de la Educación y Diseño Industrial, desde el asiento del mismo en actividades llevadas a cabo en los Centros Formadores de la Práctica Pre profesional en Salud Pública de la Escuela de Nutrición de la UNC. De todas estas vinculaciones el trabajo de docentes y estudiantes de la Carrera de Diseño industrial y Nutrición ha resultado inédito, de allí que el objetivo del presente trabajo es socializar los resultados de las intervenciones de docencia-extensión realizadas en forma conjunta buscando dar cuenta del potencial integrador de las mismas en diferentes niveles.Fil: Ivetta, Mario Emilio. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Capeletti, Daniel Angel. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaFil: Dovis, Sebastián. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Diseño; ArgentinaOtras Ingenierías y Tecnología

Microglial Activation in the Retina of a Triple-Transgenic Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model (3xTg-AD)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in the world. The main biomarkers associated with AD are protein amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and protein tau neurofibrillary tangles, which are responsible for brain neuroinflammation mediated by microglial cells. Increasing evidence has shown that the retina can also be affected in AD, presenting some molecular and cellular changes in the brain, such as microglia activation. However, there are only a few studies assessing such changes in the retinal microglia in animal models of AD. These studies use retinal sections, which have some limitations. In this study, we performed, for the first time in a triple-transgenic AD mouse model (3xTg-AD), a quantitative morphometric analysis of microglia activation (using the anti-Iba-1 antibody) in retinal whole-mounts, allowing visualization of the entire microglial cell, as well as its localization along the extension of the retina in different layers. Compared to age-matched animals, the retina of 3xTg-AD mice presents a higher number of microglial cells and a thicker microglial cell body area. Moreover, the microglia migrate, reorient, and retract their processes, changing their localization from a parallel to a perpendicular position relative to the retinal surface. These findings demonstrate clear microglia remodeling in the retina of 3xTg-AD mice

Reproductive traits of the round sardinella in the Canary Islands (Spain, NW Africa)

The present study aims to investigate the reproductive biology of the small pelagic Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847 in the Canary Islands, to enable its reliable assessment and advise on appropriate management measures for a fishing resource showing a declining trend in landings. Reproductive biology and sexual patterns of round sardinella were examined from monthly random samples of commercial catches landed by the artisanal purse-seine fleet. The landings' length frequencies, ranging between 9–32 cm (based on the total lengths, TL), were recorded from 2013–2019. The overall mean value of TL was 20.9 cm, with annual mean values between 20–22 cm, except in 2016 (TL = 19 cm). The overall sex ratio M:F was 1:0.92, with males significantly predominant. Sex ratios fluctuated as a function of size and month: females were more abundant in the larger length classes, as well as before and after spawning, whereas males were more abundant in the smaller length classes and during spawning. Based on gonad maturity stages and gonadosomatic index, round sardinella spawns during almost all the year, with a peak in January–February and a resting period during October–November. The length at first maturity was estimated at TL of 18.2 cm, notably smaller than the value obtained for the NW African coastal waters where the demographic structure in round sardinellas' landings is totally different.Versión del edito

La enseñanza del derecho en el siglo XX: Homenaje a Mariano Peset

Este libro cierra el tracto que se inició, en octubre de 2002 con la investidura como doctor honoris causa del profesor Mariano Peset. El hecho de que la historia de las universidades haya sido una línea ininterrumpida a lo largo de su investigación y el que hayamos tratado de materializar sus enseñanzas de tantos años en el Instituto Antonio de Nebrija de Estudios sobre la Universidad explican que le hayamos dedicado este homenaje científico en un seminario que tuvo lugar en el campus de Colmenarejo de la Universidad Carlos III durante los días 22 y 23 de septiembre de 2003. Quisimos que el encuentro científico tuviera carácter monográfico, para centrar el interés de nuestro encuentro y evitar la dispersión de los discursos. Y pensamos que tratar de la enseñanza del derecho en el siglo XX era un buen tema por varias razones, entre las que subrayo dos: porque la centuria pasada ya puede ser tratada históricamente y, sobre todo, para continuar la labor de Mariano Peset que, en su día, hizo lo propio para el siglo XIX, con incursiones también en el que nos ocupa en este libro.Prólogo / Adela Mora Cañada. -- La enseñanza de la historia del derecho y la LRU / Ramon Aznar i Garcia y Manuel Martínez Neira. -- Vicente Santamaría de Paredes, político y administrativista / Yolanda Blasco Gil. -- La enseñanza del Derecho en Valencia durante la autonomía de César Silió (1919-1921) / Daniel Comas Caraballo. -- Críticas a la codificación foral prevista en el código civil a la luz de la doctrina jurídico-civil contemporánea / Manuel Vicente Febrer Romaguera. -- La Facultad de Derecho de Valencia en el primer tercio del siglo xx (1900-1938) / Jorge Correa y Fco. Javier Palao. -- La política desde una asignatura: el Derecho Natural / Eusebio Fernández García. -- La institución del Senado en los catedráticos de Derecho Político (1900-1940) / Pilar García Trobat. -- Catedráticos de derecho en la Asamblea Nacional Consultiva de 1927 / María Pilar Hernando Serra. -- El Derecho político en Valencia, con especial referencia a Mariano Gómez González (1915-1932) / M.ª Fernanda Mancebo. -- Fe católica y razón liberal en el Derecho político. La anónima relevancia de Juan de Dios Vico y Brabo (1845-1908) / Sebastián Martín. -- Una polémica profesional: catedráticos y magistrados durante la II República / Pascual Marzal Rodríguez. -- Centro y periferia: el Doctorado en Derecho durante el siglo XX / Antonio Merchán. -- La irrupción de nuevos sectores: el Derecho Laboral / Miguel C. Rodríguez-Piñero Royo. -- El trabajo de cátedra de Adolfo Posada / Mónica Soria. -- Sobre los inicios en la enseñanza del Derecho del Trabajo / Carlos Tormo Camallonga. -- La enseñanza del mercantil a principios del siglo XX. El manual de Lorenzo Benito y Endara / Sergio Villamarín Gómez. – Clausura / Mariano Pese

Health-related quality of life and mental health in the medium-term aftermath of the Prestige oil spill in Galiza (Spain): a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In 2002 the oil-tanker <it>Prestige </it>sank off the Galician coast. This study analyzes the effect of this accident on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health in the affected population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using random sampling stratified by age and sex, 2700 residents were selected from 7 coastal and 7 inland Galician towns. Two exposure criteria were considered: a) residential exposure, i.e., coast versus interior; and b) individual exposure-unaffected, slightly affected, or seriously affected-according to degree of personal affectation. SF-36, GHQ-28, HADS and GADS questionnaires were used to assess HRQoL and mental health. Association of exposure with suboptimal scores was summarized using adjusted odds ratios (OR) obtained from logistic regression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>For residential exposure, the SF-36 showed coastal residents as having a lower likelihood of registering suboptimal HRQoL values in physical functioning (OR:0.69; 95%CI:0.54–0.89) and bodily pain (OR:0.74; 95%CI:0.62–0.91), and a higher frequency of suboptimal scores in mental health (OR:1.28; 95%CI:1.02–1.58). None of the dimensions of the other questionnaires displayed statistically significant differences.</p> <p>For individual exposure, no substantial differences were observed, though the SF-36 physical functioning dimension rose (showed better scores) with level of exposure (91.51 unaffected, 93.86 slightly affected, 95.28 seriously affected, p < 0.001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Almost one and a half years after the accident, worse HRQoL and mental health levels were not in evidence among subjects exposed to the oil-spill. Nevertheless, some of the scales suggest the possibility of slight impact on the mental health of residents in the affected areas.</p

IL-6 serum levels predict severity and response to tocilizumab in COVID-19: An observational study

Background: Patients with coronavirus disaese 2019 (COVID-19) can develop a cytokine release syndrome that eventually leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Because IL-6 is a relevant cytokine in acute respiratory distress syndrome, the blockade of its receptor with tocilizumab (TCZ) could reduce mortality and/or morbidity in severe COVID-19. Objective: We sought to determine whether baseline IL-6 serum levels can predict the need for IMV and the response to TCZ. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed in hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Clinical information and laboratory findings, including IL-6 levels, were collected approximately 3 and 9 days after admission to be matched with preadministration and postadministration of TCZ. Multivariable logistic and linear regressions and survival analysis were performed depending on outcomes: need for IMV, evolution of arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, or mortality. Results: One hundred forty-six patients were studied, predominantly males (66%); median age was 63 years. Forty-four patients (30%) required IMV, and 58 patients (40%) received treatment with TCZ. IL-6 levels greater than 30 pg/mL was the best predictor for IMV (odds ratio, 7.1; P < .001). Early administration of TCZ was associated with improvement in oxygenation (arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio) in patients with high IL-6 (P = .048). Patients with high IL-6 not treated with TCZ showed high mortality (hazard ratio, 4.6; P = .003), as well as those with low IL-6 treated with TCZ (hazard ratio, 3.6; P = .016). No relevant serious adverse events were observed in TCZ-treated patients. Conclusions: Baseline IL-6 greater than 30 pg/mL predicts IMV requirement in patients with COVID-19 and contributes to establish an adequate indication for TCZ administrationThis study was funded by Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO) and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (grant nos. RD16/0011/0012 and PI18/ 0371 to I.G.A., grant no. PI19/00549 to A.A., and grant no. SAF2017-82886-R to F.S.-M.) and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The study was also funded by ‘‘La Caixa Banking Foundation’’ (grant no. HR17-00016 to F.S.-M.) and ‘‘Fondos Supera COVID19’’ by Banco de Santander and CRUE. None of these sponsors have had any role in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publicatio

Functional biogeography of vertebrate scavengers drives carcass removal across biomes

Resumen del trabajo presentado en el XVI Congreso Nacional de la AEET 2023: la ecología en una biosfera humanizada, celebrado en Almería entre el 16 y el 20 de octubre de 2023.Vertebrate scavengers play a crucial role in food web stability and cycling of organic matter and nutrients. However, the global factors that influence their functional biogeography and impact on ecosystem functioning at regional and local levels remain poorly understood. We aim to address this challenge by analyzing a global dataset covering 49 regions in all inhabited continents, including information on 1,847 locally monitored carcasses and 204 vertebrate scavenger species along with their functional traits. We investigate the importance of biogeographical (spatial), environmental and anthropogenic factors in structuring vertebrate scavengers¿ functional trait composition, diversity and abundance. Additionally, we investigate how these biodiversity attributes affect carcass removal at regional and local scales. Our results show that the functional trait composition of assemblages across studied regions was primarily explained by latitude and lon¬gitude, suggesting a strong biogeographical signature. In addition, while functional richness remained unexplained, scavenger abundance responded to both environmental and spatial factors. Further, we found that carcass removal was mainly driven by functional composition, but with the relative importance of particular functional traits varying from local to regional scales. At the local scale, carcass removal was positively related to large carnivorous species with large home ranges, while at the regional scale, carcass removal was better explained by the presence of vultures, other raptors and diurnal birds. Our study provides a better understanding of the factors controlling the func¬tional biogeography of terrestrial vertebrates and their role in maintaining essential ecological functions and services.Peer reviewe

The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer, MEDA. A Suite of Environmental Sensors for the Mars 2020 Mission

86 pags., 49 figs., 24 tabs.NASA’s Mars 2020 (M2020) rover mission includes a suite of sensors to monitor current environmental conditions near the surface of Mars and to constrain bulk aerosol properties from changes in atmospheric radiation at the surface. The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) consists of a set of meteorological sensors including wind sensor, a barometer, a relative humidity sensor, a set of 5 thermocouples to measure atmospheric temperature at ∼1.5 m and ∼0.5 m above the surface, a set of thermopiles to characterize the thermal IR brightness temperatures of the surface and the lower atmosphere. MEDA adds a radiation and dust sensor to monitor the optical atmospheric properties that can be used to infer bulk aerosol physical properties such as particle size distribution, non-sphericity, and concentration. The MEDA package and its scientific purpose are described in this document as well as how it responded to the calibration tests and how it helps prepare for the human exploration of Mars. A comparison is also presented to previous environmental monitoring payloads landed on Mars on the Viking, Pathfinder, Phoenix, MSL, and InSight spacecraft.This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, through the projects No. ESP2014-54256-C4-1-R (also -2-R, -3-R and -4-R) and AYA2015-65041-P; Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, projects No. ESP2016-79612-C3-1-R (also -2-R and -3-R), ESP2016-80320-C2-1-R, RTI2018-098728-B-C31 (also -C32 and -C33) and RTI2018-099825-B-C31; Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial; Ministry of Science and Innovation’s Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology; Grupos Gobierno Vasco IT1366-19; and European Research Council Consolidator Grant no 818602. The US co-authors performed their work under sponsorship from NASA’s Mars 2020 project, from the Game Changing Development program within the Space Technology Mission Directorate and from the Human Exploration and Operations Directorate