Multi-constellation GNSS interferometric reflectometry with mass-market sensors as a solution for soil moisture monitoring

[EN] Per capita arable land is decreasing due to the rapidly increasing population, and fresh water is becoming scarce and more expensive. Therefore, farmers should continue to use technology and innovative solutions to improve efficiency, save input costs, and optimise environmental resources (such as water). In the case study presented in this paper, the Global Navigation Satellite System interferometric reflectometry (GNSS-IR) technique was used to monitor soil moisture during 66¿d, from 3 December 2018 to 6 February 2019, in the installations of the Cajamar Centre of Experiences, Paiporta, Valencia, Spain. Two main objectives were pursued. The first was the extension of the technique to a multi-constellation solution using GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO satellites, and the second was to test whether mass-market sensors could be used for this technique. Both objectives were achieved. At the same time that the GNSS observations were made, soil samples taken at 5¿cm depth were used for soil moisture determination to establish a reference data set. Based on a comparison with that reference data set, all GNSS solutions, including the three constellations and the two sensors (geodetic and mass market), were highly correlated, with a correlation coefficient between 0.7 and 0.85.Martín Furones, ÁE.; Ibañez Asensio, S.; Baixauli, C.; Blanc Clavero, S.; Anquela Julián, AB. (2020). Multi-constellation GNSS interferometric reflectometry with mass-market sensors as a solution for soil moisture monitoring. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences. 24(7):3573-3582. https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3573-2020S35733582247Chan, S. K., Bindlish, R., O'Neill, P. E., Njoku, E., Jackson, T., Colliander, A., Chen, F., Burgin, M., Dunbar, S., Piepmeier, J., Yueh, S., Entekhabi, D., Cosh, M. H., Caldwell, T., Walker, J., Wu, X., Berg, A., Rowlandson, T., Pacheco, A., McNairn, H., Thibeault, M., Martiìnez-Fernaìndez, J., Gonzaìlez-Zamora, A., Seyfried, M., Bosch, D., Starks, P., Goodrich, D., Prueger, J., Palecki, M., Small, E. E., Zreda, M., Calvet, J.-C., Crow, W., and Kerr, Y.: Assessment of the SMAP passive soil moisture product, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 54, 4994–5007, 2016.Chen, Q., Won, D., Akos, D. M., and Small, E. E.: Vegetation using GPS interferometric reflectometry: experimental results with a horizontal polarized antenna, IEEE J. Sel. Top. Appl., 9, 4771–4780, 2016.Chew, C. C., Small, E. E., Larson, K. M., and Zavorotny, V. U.: Effects of near-surface soil moisture on GPS SNR data: development and retrieval algorithm for soil moisture, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 52, 537–543, 2014.Chew, C. C., Small, E. E., Larson, K. M., and Zavorotny, U.Z.: Vegetation sensing using GPS-interferometric reflectometry: theoretical effects of canopy parameters on signal-to-noise ratio data, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 53, 2755–2764, 2015.Chew, C. C., Small, E. E., and Larson, K. M.: An algorithm for soil moisture estimation using GPS-interferometric reflectometry for bare and vegetated soil, GPS Solut., 20, 525–537, 2016.Hofmann-Wellenhof, B., Lichtenegger, H., and Wasle, E.: GNSS Global Navigation Satellite Systems, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO and more, Springer, Vienna, Austria, New York, USA, 2008.Katzberg, S. J., Torres, O., Grant, M. S., and Masters, D.: Utilizing calibrated GPS reflected signals to estimate soil reflectivity and dielectric constant: results from SMEX02, Remote Sens. Environ., 100, 17–28, 2005.Kerr, Y., Waldteufel, P., Wigneron, J., Martinuzzi, J., Font, J., and Berger, M.: Soil moisture retrieval from space: The Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 39, 1729–1735, 2001.Larson, K. M. and Nievinski, F. G.: GPS snow sensing: results from the EarthScope plate boundary observatory, GPS Solut., 17, 41–52, 2013.Larson, K. M., Small, E. E., Gutmann, E. D., Bilich, A. L., Axelrad, A., and Braun, J. J.: Using GPS multipath to measure soil moisture fluctuations: initial results, GPS Solut., 12, 173–177, 2008a.Larson, K. M., Small, E. E., Gutmann, E. D., Bilich, A. L., Braun, J. J., and Zavorotny, V. U.: Use of GPS receivers as a soil moisture network for water cycle studies, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L24405, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008GL036013, 2008b.Larson, K. M., Braun, J. J., Small, E. E., and Zavorotny, V. U.: GPS multipath and its relation to near-surface soil moisture content, IEEE J. Sel. Top. Appl., 3, 91–99, 2010.Leick, A., Rapoport, L., and Tatarnikov, D.: GPS satellite surveying, 4th edn., John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA, 840 pp., 2015.Li, G. and Geng, J.: Characteristics of raw multi-GNSS measurement error from Google Android smart devices, GPS Solut., 23, 1–5, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-019-0885-4, 2019.Lomb, N. R.: Least-squares frequency – Analysis of unequally spaced data, Astrophys. Space Sci., 39, 447–462, 1976.Masters, D., Axelrad, P., and Katzberg, S.: Initial results of land-reflected GPS bistatic radar measurements in SMEX02, Remote Sens. Environ., 92, 507–520, 2002.Mattia, F., Balenzano, A., Satalino, G., Lovergine, F., Peng, J., Wegmuller, U., Cartus, O., Davidson, M. W. J., Ki<span id="page3582"/>m S., Johnson, J., Walker, J., Wu, X., Pauwels, V. R. N., McNairn, H., Caldwell, T., Cosh, M., and Jackson, T.: Sentinel-1 & Sentinel-2 for SOIL Moisture Retrieval at Field Scale, IGARSS 2018–2018, IEEE I. Geosci. Rem. Sens. Symposium, 22–27 July 2018, Valencia, Spain, 6143–6146, https://doi.org/10.1109/IGARSS.2018.8518170, 2018.Press, W. H., Teukolsky, S. S., Vetterling, W. T., and Flannery, B. P.: Numerical recipes in Fortran 77, vol. 1, 2nd edn., Cambirdge University Press, New York, USA, 569–573, 1992.Roesler, C. and Larson, K. M.: Software tools for GNSS interferometric reflectometry (GNSS-IR), GPS Solut., 22, 80, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-018-0744-8, 2018.Roussel, N., Frappart, F., Ramillien, G., Darroes, J., Baup, F., Lestarquit, L., and Ha, M. C.: Detection of soil moisture variations using GPS and GLONASS SNR data for elevation angles ranging from 2∘ to 70∘, IEEE J. Sel. Top. Appl., 9, 4781–4794, 2016.Small, E. E., Larson, K. M., Chew, C. C., Dong, J., and Ochsner, T. E.: Validation of GPS-IR soil moisture retrievals: comparison of different algorithms to remove vegetation effects, IEEE J. Sel. Top. Appl., 9, 4759–4770, 2016.Strang, G. and Borre, K.: Linear algebra, Geodesy and GPS, Wellesley-Cambride Press, 624 pp., available at: https://www.unavco.org/data/gps-gnss/derived-products/pbo-h2o/documentation/documentation.html#soil (last access: 18 December 2019), 1997.Vey, S., Güntner, A., Wickert, J., Blume, T., and Ramatschi, M.: Long-term soil moisture dynamics derived from GNSS interferometric reflectometry: a case study for Sutherland, South Africa, GPS Solut., 20, 641–654, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-015-0474-0, 2016.Wan, W., Larson, K. M., Small, E. E., Chew, C. C., and Braun, J. J.: Using geodetic GPS receivers to measure vegetation water content, GPS Solut., 19, 237–248, 2015.Zavorotny, V. U., Masters, D., Gasiewski, A., Bartram, B., Katzberg, S., Aselrad, P., and Zamora, R.: Seasonal polarimetric measurements of soil moisture using tower-based GPS bistatic radar, IGARSS 2003, 2003 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Proceedings (IEEE Cat. No.03CH37477), Toulouse, France, 2003, vol. 2, 781–783, https://doi.org/10.1109/IGARSS.2003.1293916, 2003.Zhang, S., Roussel, N., Boniface, K., Ha, M. C., Frappart, F., Darrozes, J., Baup, F., and Calvet, J.-C.: Use of reflected GNSS SNR data to retrieve either soil moisture or vegetation height from a wheat crop, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 4767–4784, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4767-2017, 2017

Python software to transform GPS SNR wave phases to volumetric water content

[EN] The global navigation satellite system interferometric reflectometry is often used to extract information about the environment surrounding the antenna. One of the most important applications is soil moisture monitoring. This manuscript presents the main ideas and implementation decisions needed to write the Python code to transform the derived phase of the interferometric GPS waves, obtained from signal-to-noise ratio data continuously observed during a period of several weeks (or months), to volumetric water content. The main goal of the manuscript is to share the software with the scientific community to help users in the GPS-IR computation.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature.Martín Furones, ÁE.; Anquela Julián, AB.; Ibañez Asensio, S.; Baixauli Soria, C.; Blanc Clavero, S. (2022). Python software to transform GPS SNR wave phases to volumetric water content. GPS Solutions. 26(1):1-5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-021-01190-315261Chen Q, Won D, Akos DM, Small EE (2016) Vegetation using GPS interferometric reflectometry: experimental results with a horizontal polarized antenna. IEEE J Sel Top Appl Earth Obs Remote Sens 9(10):4771–4780Chew CC, Small EE, Larson KM, Zavorotny VU (2014) Effects of near-surface soil moisture on GPS SNR data: development and retrieval algorithm for soil moisture. IEEE T Geosci Remote Sens 52(1):537–543Chew CC, Small EE, Larson KM, Zavorotny UZ (2015) Vegetation sensing using GPS-interferometric reflectometry: theoretical effects of canopy parameters on signal-to-noise ratio data. IEEE Trans Geosci Remote Sens 53(5):2755–2764Chew CC, Small EE, Larson KM (2016) An algorithm for soil moisture estimation using GPS-interferometric reflectometry for bare and vegetated soil. GPS Solut 20(3):525–537Larson KM, Nievinski FG (2013) GPS snow sensing: results from the earthscope plate boundary observatory. GPS Solut 17(1):41–52Larson KM, Small EE (2015) PBO H2O data portal: documentation and derived data products. https://www.unavco.org/data/gps-gnss/derived-products/pbo-h2o/documentation/documentation.html#soil. Accessed Dec 2019Larson KM, Small EE, Gutmann ED, Bilich AL, Axelrad A, Braun JJ (2008a) Using GPS multipath to measure soil moisture fluctuations: initial results. GPS Solut 12(3):173–177Larson KM, Small EE, Gutmann ED, Bilich AL, Braun JJ, Zavorotny VU (2008b) Use of GPS receivers as a soil moisture network for water cycle studies. Geophys Res Lett 35:L24405. https://doi.org/10.1029/2008GL036013Larson KM, Braun JJ, Small EE, Zavorotny VU (2010) GPS multipath and its relation to near-surface soil moisture content. IEEE J Sel Top Appl Earth Obs Remote Sens 3(1):91–99Martín A, Ibañez S, Baixauli C, Blanc S, Anquela AB (2020a) Multi-constellation interferometric reflectometry with mass-market sensors as a solution for soil moisture monitoring. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci. https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3573-2020Martín A, Luján R, Anquela AB (2020b) Python software tools for GNSS interferometric reflectometry (GNSS-IR). GPS Solut 24:94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-020-01010-0Nievinski GG, Larson KM (2014) An open source GPS multipath simulator in Matlab/Octave. GPS Solut 18:473–481. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-014-0370-zRoesler C, Larson KM (2018) Software tools for GNSS interferometric reflectometry (GNSS-IR). GPS Solut. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-018-0744-8Roussel N, Frappart F, Ramillien G, Darroes J, Baup F, Lestarquit L, Ha MC (2016) Detection of soil moisture variations using GPS and GLONASS SNR data for elevation angles ranging from 2 to 70°. IEEE J Sel Top Appl Earth Obs Remote Sens 9(10):4781–4794Small EE, Larson KM, Chew CC, Dong J, Ochsner TE (2016) Validation of GPS-IR soil moisture retrievals: comparison of different algorithms to remove vegetation effects. IEEE J Sel Top Appl Earth Obs Remote Sens 9(10):4759–4770Vey S, Güntner A, Wickert J, Blume T, Ramatschi M (2016) Long-term soil moisture dynamics derived from GNSS interferometric reflectometry: a case study for Sutherland, South Africa. GPS Solut 20:641–654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10291-015-0474-0Wan W, Larson KM, Small EE, Chew CC, Braun JJ (2015) Using geodetic GPS receivers to measure vegetation water content. GPS Solut 19:237–248Zhang S, Roussel N, Boniface K, Ha MC, Frappart F, Darrozes J, Baup F, Calvet JC (2017) Use of reflected GNSS SNR data to retrieve either soil moisture or vegetation height from a wheat crop. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci 21:4767–478

Tracking gypsophily across the phylogeny: 3 study cases

To gain an evolutionary understanding of plant gypsophily, is essential to incorporate phylogeny in the analyses. Here we present an overview of three different approaches that we are currently undertaking to tackle this issue. (I) we have selected 5 Iberian genera with gysophite or gypsovag species in which a fairly complete and reliable phylogeny is published (Ononis, Helianthemum, Chaenorrhinum, Reseda and Teucrium). In each of these 5 lineages we plan to explore the events of gypsophily and to evaluate the existence of preadaptations along the clades in terms of ionome. (II) Within the Ononis tridentata-fruticosa-rotundifolia clade, we intend to carry out Hyb-Seq taking the leaf and soil chemical composition into account. Among other biogegraphic and phylogenetic inferences, we are particularly interested on the comparison of the ionome of O. fruticosa populations growing in and out gypsum. (III)We plan to reconstruct the phylogeny of the genus Frankenia based on HybSeq, which comprises a relevant amount of halophyte, gypso-halophyte and gypsum species, particularly in Australia. This worldwide distributed genus is crucial for the understanding of chemical adaptations of gypso-halophytes, a poorly described functional group, but requires a taxonomic and phylogenetic clarification before further analysis. Approaches II and III will use the Angiosperms-353 kit (myBaits), which will allow integrating the results in further studies beyond our current particular purposes

Trayectorias laborales y asimilación ocupacional de la inmigración

En este artículo exploramos dos hipótesis relacionadas con la situación de la población inmigrante en el mercado de trabajo. La primera sostiene la idea de la asimilación ocupacional de la inmigración a través de la antigüedad en el mercado de trabajo. Esta hipótesis se apoya en el salario como indicador de la convergencia entre trabajadores autóctonos e inmigrantes. Y la segunda hipótesis sostiene la idea de la inserción estratificada en el mercado de trabajo en función de otras variables: seguridad en el empleo, cualificaciones profesionales, origen y género. Nuestro argumento central es que la asimilación se configura de forma estratificada en algunas pocas categorías profesionales y sectores de actividad, mientras que en otros persiste a lo largo de los años la brecha en las trayectorias laborales según el origen.In this article we explore two hypotheses about the conditions of immigrants in the labour market. The first one sustains that there is occupational assimilation of immigration over time. This hypothesis focuses on earnings as an indicator of convergence between native and immigrant workers. The second hypothesis argues that there is a segmented insertion in the labour market as a function of other variables different from earning: employment security, professional qualification, origin and gender. Our argument is that there is a segmented assimilation in some occupations and sectors of activity, whilst in others the origin-based gap in labour market trajectories of workers persists over the yearsFil: Martín Ardiles, Antonio. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Lopez Roldan, Pedro. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Molina, Oscar. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Moreno, Sara. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Esteban, Fernando Osvaldo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Instituto de Investigaciones "Gino Germani"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Development of mental health first-aid guidelines for depression: a Delphi expert consensus study in Argentina and Chile

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental health problems worldwide and, while prevalence rates in Latin America are relatively high, most people who meet the criteria for diagnosis do not receive treatment. Family and friends of a person with depression can play an important role in supporting a person to seek and engage with treatment. However, many people do not have the necessary skills or confidence to help. English-language mental health first aid guidelines have been developed to support people to provide such help. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt these guidelines for Chile and Argentina. Methods: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted with two expert panels, one of people with lived experience of depression (either their own or as a carer; n = 26) and one of health professionals (n = 29). Overall, 172 statements from the English-language guidelines were translated and compiled into a questionnaire. Participants were asked to rate statements based on how essential or important those statements were for Chile and Argentina and to suggest new statements if necessary. Results: Data were obtained over two survey rounds. Consensus was achieved on 172 statements. A total of 137 statements were adopted from the English-language guidelines, whereas 35 new endorsed statements were generated from panel suggestions. There were similarities between the English-language guidelines and those for Chile and Argentina. The adapted guidelines did not include some of the items from the English-language guidelines related to commenting on a person’s strengths or making judgements about their character, and also incorporated new items related to the incorporation of sociocultural considerations as causes of depression and attention to inequities in mental health. Conclusions: The significant number of new items underscores the importance of undertaking a careful process of cultural adaptation. Further research on dissemination and incorporation of the guidelines into the Mental Health First Aid training course for Chile and Argentina is still required.Fil: Encina Zúñiga, Esteban. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Agrest, Martín. No especifíca;Fil: Tapia Munoz, Thamara. University College London; Estados UnidosFil: Vidal-Zamora, Isidora. Universidad de Chile.; ChileFil: Ardila Gómez, Sara Elena. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Psicología. Instituto de Investigaciones; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Alvarado, Rubén. Universidad de Valparaíso; ChileFil: Leiderman, Eduardo A.. Universidad de Palermo. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales; ArgentinaFil: Reavley, Nicola. University of Melbourne; Australi

Adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by natural, synthetic and modified clays

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of major scientific concern owing to their widespread presence in environmental compartments and their potential toxicological effects on humans and biota. In this study, the adsorption capacity of natural (montmorillonite (Mt)), synthetic (Na-Mica-4), and modified (with octadecylamine and octadecyltrimethylamine (ODA-Mt, ODA-Mica-4, and ODTMA-Mt and ODTMA-Mica-4)) clays were assessed and compared for the removal of 16 PAHs. Materials were synthesized and characterized by X-Ray diffraction, Zeta potential, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed its correct preparation and the incorporation of PAHs in the structure of the clays after the adsorption tests. The proposed materials were effective PAH adsorbents, with adsorption percentages close to 100%, in particular those using Mt. Mt and Na-Mica-4 presented a better adsorption capacity than their organofunctionalized derivatives, indicating that the adsorption of PAHs may occur both in the surface part and in the interlayer. The proposed adsorbents take the advantage of being a low cost and highly effective. They can be an interesting alternative for wastewater treatment and soil remediation to prevent PAH contamination.Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness CTM2017-82778-

Development of mental health first-aid guidelines for suicide risk: a Delphi expert consensus study in Argentina and Chile

Background: Suicide continues to pose a significant global public health challenge and ranks as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Given the prevalence of suicide risk in the community, there is a significant likelihood of encountering individuals who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or plans, creating an opening for non-health professionals to offer support. This study aims to culturally adapt the original Australian Mental Health First Aid Guidelines for suicide risk to the Chilean and Argentine context. Methods: A two-round Delphi expert consensus study was conducted involving two panels, one comprising individuals with personal experience in suicide thoughts/attempts or caregiving for those with such experiences (n = 18), and the other consisting of professionals specialized in suicide assessment and support for individuals at risk (n = 25). They rated a total of 179 items mainly derived from guidelines developed by Australian experts and translated into Spanish (168), and new items included by the research team (11). The panel members were requested to assess each item utilizing a five-point Likert scale. During the second round, items that received moderate approval in the initial round were re-evaluated, and new items suggested by the local experts in the first round were also subjected to evaluation in the next round. Inclusion in the final guidelines required an 80% endorsement as “essential” or “important” from both panels. Results: Consensus of approval was reached for 189 statements. Among these, 139 statements were derived from the English-language guidelines, while 50 locally generated statements were accepted during the second round. A significant difference from the original guideline was identified concerning the local experts’ reluctance to discuss actions collaboratively with adolescents. Furthermore, the local experts proposed the inclusion of an entirely new section addressing suicide risk in older individuals, particularly focusing on suicide methods and warning signs. Conclusions: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted to culturally adapt mental health first aid guidelines for assessing suicide risk in Chile and Argentina. This study involved professionals and individuals with lived experience. While many items were endorsed, some related to inquiring about suicide risk and autonomy, particularly for adolescents, were not. An additional section for older individuals was introduced. Future research should explore the implementation and impact of these adapted guidelines in training courses. This is vital for enhancing mental health support and implementing effective suicide prevention strategies in Chile and Argentina.Fil: Encina Zúñiga, Esteban. Universidad de Chile; ChileFil: Rodante, Demián. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Agrest, Martín. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Psicología; ArgentinaFil: Tapia Muñoz, Thamara. University College London; Estados UnidosFil: Vidal Zamora, Isidora. Universidad de Chile.; ChileFil: Ardila Gómez, Sara Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Psicología. Instituto de Investigaciones; ArgentinaFil: Alvarado, Rubén. Universidad de Chile.; ChileFil: Leiderman, Eduardo A.. Universidad de Palermo. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales; ArgentinaFil: Reavley, Nicola. University of Melbourne; Australi

Association of oral bisphosphonates with cardioembolic ischemic stroke: a nested case-control study

Background: Bisphosphonates have been reported to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Therefore, it is conceivable that they may increase the risk of cardioembolic ischemic stroke (IS). However, most epidemiological studies carried out thus far have not shown an increased risk of IS, though none separated by the main pathophysiologic IS subtype (cardioembolic and noncardioembolic) which may be crucial. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the use of oral bisphosphonates increases specifically the risk of cardioembolic IS, and explored the effect of treatment duration, as well as the potential interaction between oral bisphosphonates and calcium supplements and anticoagulants. Methods: We performed a case-control study nested in a cohort of patients aged 40?99 years, using the Spanish primary healthcare database BIFAP, over the period 2002-2015. Incident cases of IS were identified and classified as cardioembolic or non-cardioembolic. Five controls per case were randomly selected, matched for age, sex, and index date (first recording of IS) using an incidence-density sampling. The association of IS (overall and by subtype) with the use of oral bisphosphonates within the last year before index date was assessed by computing the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% CI using a conditional logistic regression. Only initiators of oral bisphosphonates were considered. Results: A total of 13,781 incident cases of IS and 65,909 controls were included. The mean age was 74.5 (SD ± 12.4) years and 51.6% were male. Among cases, 3.15% were current users of oral bisphosphonates, while among controls they were 2.62%, yielding an AOR of 1.15 (95% CI:1.01?1.30). Of all cases, 4,568 (33.1%) were classified as cardioembolic IS (matched with 21,697 controls) and 9,213 (66.9%) as non-cardioembolic IS (matched with 44,212 controls) yielding an AOR of 1.35 (95% CI:1.10?1.66) and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.88?1.21), respectively. The association with cardioembolic IS was clearly duration-dependent (AOR?1 year = 1.10; 95% CI:0.82?1.49; AOR>1?3 years = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.01?1.97; AOR>3 years = 1.81; 95% CI:1.25?2.62; p for trend = 0.001) and completely blunted by anticoagulants, even in long-term users (AOR>1 year = 0.59; 0.30?1.16). An interaction between oral bisphosphonates and calcium supplements was suggested. Conclusion: The use of oral bisphosphonates increases specifically the odds of cardioembolic IS, in a duration-dependent manner, while leaves materially unaffected the odds of non-cardioembolic IS.Research Foundation of the University Hospital Príncipe de Asturia

URJCx para la elaboración e impartición de Cursos Abiertos en Línea (MOOC)

La creciente relevancia de los MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) ha establecido un nuevo escenario de formación abierta en el que numerosas instituciones universitarias nacionales e internacionales están participando. Así, con el objetivo de afianzar y ampliar su estrategia de formación digital abierta para toda la sociedad, la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos se ha sumado a las iniciativas implementadas con Open Edx a través de la puesta en marcha de una plataforma propia, URJCx, que le ha permitido la impartición de cursos MOOC. Para el despliegue del proyecto ha sido necesaria la colaboración y coordinación de distintos equipos de trabajo compuestos por profesionales de distintas áreas, tanto técnicas como pedagógicas, así como la creación de un modelo de producción en el que se han establecido los distintos elementos a tener en cuenta en cada fase del proyecto, los distintos tipos de recursos: textuales, multimedia y audiovisuales, que deben contener los cursos MOOC y los criterios de calidad a tener en cuenta en la creación de este tipo de cursos. Este trabajo presenta el modelo de producción para la creación de cursos MOOC estandarizados, que ofrecen contenidos interactivos, audiovisuales y multimedia de alta calidad, y que ha sido evaluado y refinado en los ocho MOOC que tiene actualmente URJCx. Esta iniciativa ha permitido introducir lógicas de conocimiento abierto en el seno de la institución, proyectar la marca y el compromiso social de la universidad, dirigir la formación a sectores y perfiles laborales con alta demanda de empleo y alinear esta estrategia con los retos de la Agenda Digital Europea 2020

Actividad cicatrizante in vivo del polvo carbonizado de Punica granatum Linn y Eichhornia crassipes

Introducción: Las especies vegetales constituyen el remedio primero a los problemas de salud que aquejan a las personas. La granada es rica en ácido ascórbico, mejora la barrera epidérmica y reduce la contracción de las heridas. La flor de agua posee actividad antibacteriana. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto cicatrizante del polvo carbonizado de Punica granatum Linn (granada) y de Eichhornia crassipes (flor de agua), en un modelo experimental en ratas. Métodos: Estudio analítico experimental con el empleo 30 ratas macho distribuidas en 3 grupos (n= 10). Grupo I y II; tratadas con el polvo carbonizado de la granada y flor de agua respectivamente. Grupo III: Tratadas con cloruro de sodio al 0,9 %. Se realizó un modelo de herida por escisión en el dorso. La evolución de la cicatrización fue seguida por la velocidad de contracción de la herida en milímetros. Se realizó histología sobre biopsias de tejido cicatrizado. Para el análisis estadístico se empleó la prueba no paramétrica de Mann- Whitney. El nivel de significación se fijó en p < 0,05. Resultados: Se comprobó el efecto cicatrizante de los polvos carbonizados de la granada y flor de agua; disminuyó el área de las heridas de manera significativa respecto al grupo control. El estudio histológico mostró dermis madura grado III en los grupos I y II. Conclusiones: La aplicación tópica del polvo carbonizado de granada y de flor de agua influyó sobre el cierre de las heridas y en la maduración de la dermis, por lo cual favoreció la cicatrización