Vegetation vulnerability to drought in Spain

Revista oficial de la Asociación Española de Teledetección[EN] Frequency of climatic extremes like long duration droughts has increased in Spain over the last century.The use of remote sensing observations for monitoring and detecting drought is justified on the basis that vegetation vigor is closely related to moisture condition. We derive satellite estimates of bio-physical variables such as fractional vegetation cover (FVC) from MODIS/EOS and SEVIRI/MSG time series. The study evaluates the strength of temporal relationships between precipitation and vegetation condition at time-lag and cumulative rainfall intervals. From this analysis, it was observed that the climatic disturbances affected both the growing season and the total amount of vegetation. However, the impact of climate variability on the vegetation dynamics has shown to be highly dependent on the regional climate, vegetation community and growth stages. In general, they were more significant in arid and semiarid areas, since water availability most strongly limits vegetation growth in these environments.[EN] Los extremos climáticos se han incrementado en España a los largo del último siglo; por ello, su análisis se ha convertido en una línea prioritaria de conocimiento con objeto fundamental de diseñar planes para la gestión y mitigación de sus efectos. Los datos de satélite permiten analizar las variaciones en la actividad de la vegetación a varias escalas temporales y su respuesta a la variabilidad climática. En este trabajo se pone de manifiesto la vulnera-bilidad de la vegetación en España ante condiciones ambientales extremas a través de las correlaciones entre índices meteorológicos de sequía (SPI) y variables biofísicas extraídas de datos MODIS/EOS y SEVIRI/MSG. Las anomalías en la vegetación, como indicadores de las condiciones de humedad de la misma, pueden ayudar a cuantificar y gestionar episodios meteorológicos extremos y hacer un seguimiento de la misma. Las mayores correlaciones se han obtenido en las regiones áridas y semiáridas y durante los meses de máxima actividad de la vegetación, generalmente entre mayo y junio.Este trabajo se enmarca en los proyectos DULCINEA (CGL2005–04202), RESET CLIMATE (CGL2012–35831), LSA SAF (EUMETSAT) y ERMES (FP7-SPACE-2013, Contract 606983).García-Haro, F.; Campos-Taberner, M.; Sabater, N.; Belda, F.; Moreno, A.; Gilabert, M.; Martínez, B.... (2014). Vulnerabilidad de la vegetación a la sequía en España. Revista de Teledetección. (42):29-38. https://doi.org/10.4995/raet.2014.2283SWORD29384

Igneous origin of CO2 in ancient and recent hot-spring waters and travertines from the Northern Argeninian Andes

Thermal travertines are an archive of CO2 sources and sinks in hydrothermal systems. Two major regional factors control travertine precipitation: water availability and CO2 supply. Thus, travertines form a valuable archive of hydrodynamic variability and sources of main contributions to dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). It is relevant to determine the main DIC sources of thermal waters (i.e., organic-matter degradation, recycled from older carbonates, emission of deep-seated magmatic CO2), as they are key inputs to calculate the lithosphere - atmosphere CO2 budget. The Antuco travertine from the Central Andes represents one of such archives, with a total of 500 ky record of accretionary periods (dated as 425-320, 260 and 155 ky BP) related to high hydrothermal activity of hot springs. It consist of two travertine units: (1) a lower massive unit displaying large calcite pseudomorphs after aragonite that precipitated in proximal ponds with abundant water, and (2) an upper stratified unit showing more distal facies bearing siliciclastics and manganese and iron oxides. The replacement of aragonite by calcite in the lower unit was related to the decrease of water salinity in the thermal system through time. In the Antuco travertine, DIC δ 13C values of travertine parental waters of around -9¿ suggest that CO2 was related to igneous processes and volcanic activity, and released along deep-seated faults. Relative water/rock ratios derived from δ18O values and fluid-inclusion microthermometric data from travertine carbonates are consistent with an interpretation of greater water availability in the hydrothermal system during the Late Pleistocene than at present. The different petrographic features and isotopic signatures are interpreted to reflect increased water availability during more humid periods in the Altiplano, which triggered precipitation of travertine bodies. Travertine growth took place during interglacial-humid climate periods between Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 3 and 9, which correspond to highstand events in large lakes of the Andean Altiplano. Results of this study illustrate that volcanic activity, furnishing rather constant CO2 and heat fluxes, were the key controls of thermalism in the Altiplane region during the Quaternary, whilst climatic changes (humid vs. arid periods in the Late Pleistocene) controlled mineralogy, fàcies, and architecture of the travertines. The combined use of δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr signatures in carbonate precipitates has been proven to be of major relevance to evaluate the CO2 sources along fault zones in this study

The molecular mechanism and physiological role of silent nociceptor activation

Silent nociceptors are sensory afferents that are insensitive to noxious mechanical stimuli under normal conditions but become sensitized to such stimuli during inflammation. Using RNA-sequencing and quantitative RT-PCR we demonstrate that inflammation selectively upregulates the expression of the transmembrane protein TMEM100 in silent nociceptors and electrophysiology revealed that over-expression of TMEM100 is required and sufficient to un-silence silent nociceptors. Moreover, we show that mice lacking TMEM100 do not develop secondary hyperalgesia, i.e. pain hypersensitivity that spreads beyond the site of inflammation, in a mouse model of knee joint inflammation and that AAV-mediated overexpression of TMEM100 in articular afferents in the absence of inflammation is sufficient to induce secondary hyperalgesia in remote skin regions without causing knee joint pain. Thus, our work identifies TMEM100 as a key regulator of silent nociceptor un-silencing and reveals a physiological role for this hitherto enigmatic afferent subclass in triggering spatially remote secondary hyperalgesia during inflammation

Basin-scale phenology and effects of climate variability on global timing of initial seaward migration of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Migrations between different habitats are key events in the lives of many organisms. Such movements involve annually recurring travel over long distances usually triggered by seasonal changes in the environment. Often, the migration is associated with travel to or from reproduction areas to regions of growth. Young anadromous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) emigrate from freshwater nursery areas during spring and early summer to feed and grow in the North Atlantic Ocean. The transition from the freshwater (parr') stage to the migratory stage where they descend streams and enter salt water (smolt') is characterized by morphological, physiological and behavioural changes where the timing of this parr-smolt transition is cued by photoperiod and water temperature. Environmental conditions in the freshwater habitat control the downstream migration and contribute to within- and among-river variation in migratory timing. Moreover, the timing of the freshwater emigration has likely evolved to meet environmental conditions in the ocean as these affect growth and survival of the post-smolts. Using generalized additive mixed-effects modelling, we analysed spatio-temporal variations in the dates of downstream smolt migration in 67 rivers throughout the North Atlantic during the last five decades and found that migrations were earlier in populations in the east than the west. After accounting for this spatial effect, the initiation of the downstream migration among rivers was positively associated with freshwater temperatures, up to about 10 degrees C and levelling off at higher values, and with sea-surface temperatures. Earlier migration occurred when river discharge levels were low but increasing. On average, the initiation of the smolt seaward migration has occurred 2.5days earlier per decade throughout the basin of the North Atlantic. This shift in phenology matches changes in air, river, and ocean temperatures, suggesting that Atlantic salmon emigration is responding to the current global climate changes

Signal transduction controls heterogeneous NF-κB dynamics and target gene expression through cytokine-specific refractory states

Cells respond dynamically to pulsatile cytokine stimulation. Here we report that single, or well-spaced pulses of TNFα (>100 min apart) give a high probability of NF-κB activation. However, fewer cells respond to shorter pulse intervals (<100 min) suggesting a heterogeneous refractory state. This refractory state is established in the signal transduction network downstream of TNFR and upstream of IKK, and depends on the level of the NF-κB system negative feedback protein A20. If a second pulse within the refractory phase is IL-1β instead of TNFα, all of the cells respond. This suggests a mechanism by which two cytokines can synergistically activate an inflammatory response. Gene expression analyses show strong correlation between the cellular dynamic response and NF-κB-dependent target gene activation. These data suggest that refractory states in the NF-κB system constitute an inherent design motif of the inflammatory response and we suggest that this may avoid harmful homogenous cellular activation

Consenso sobre las actuaciones a seguir durante la edad fértil, el embarazo, el posparto y la lactancia en pacientes con psoriasis

Objetivo Desarrollar recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia y experiencia sobre el manejo de pacientes con psoriasis durante la edad fértil, el embarazo, el posparto y la lactancia. Métodos Se siguió la metodología de grupos nominales y Delphi. Se seleccionó un grupo director de expertos (12 dermatólogos —de los cuales 2 fueron los coordinadores—, 1 reumatólogo, 2 ginecólogos). Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre fertilidad, embarazo, posparto y lactancia en pacientes con psoriasis. Con esta información los coordinadores generaron una serie de recomendaciones preliminares. Todo ello se presentó y discutió con el resto de expertos en una reunión de grupo nominal donde se definió el alcance, los usuarios, los apartados del documento, y donde se generaron las recomendaciones definitivas. El grado de acuerdo con las recomendaciones se votó siguiendo la metodología Delphi, que se extendió a 51 dermatólogos más, según una escala de 1 (total desacuerdo) a 10 (total acuerdo), definiéndose el acuerdo como una puntuación = 7 por al menos el 70% de los participantes. El nivel de evidencia y el grado de recomendación se clasificaron según el modelo del Center for Evidence Based Medicine de Oxford. El documento completo final fue aprobado por el panel de expertos. Resultados Se generaron 23 recomendaciones sobre el periodo pre-concepcional (fertilidad y anticoncepción), el embarazo (planificación, manejo farmacológico y seguimiento) y la lactancia (manejo y seguimiento). Todas las recomendaciones menos una alcanzaron el nivel de acuerdo definido. Conclusiones En los pacientes con psoriasis en edad fértil estas recomendaciones pueden mejorar el manejo, los resultados y el pronóstico. Objective To develop evidence- and experience-based recommendations for the management of psoriasis during preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Methods The nominal group technique and the Delphi method were used. Fifteen experts (12 dermatologists, 2 of whom were appointed coordinators; 1 rheumatologist; and 2 gynecologists) were selected to form an expert panel. Following a systematic review of the literature on fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding in women with psoriasis, the coordinators drew up a series of preliminary recommendations for discussion by the panel at a nominal group meeting. The experts defined the scope, sections, and intended users of the statement and prepared a final list of recommendations. Consensus was obtained using a Delphi process in which an additional 51 dermatologists rated their level of agreement with each recommendation on a scale of 1 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement). Consensus was defined by a score of 7 or higher assigned by at least 70% of participants. Level of evidence and strength of recommendation were reported using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine categories. The final statement was approved by the expert panel. Results The resulting consensus statement includes 23 recommendations on preconception (fertility and contraception), pregnancy (planning, pharmacological management, and follow-up), and breastfeeding (management and follow-up). Consensus was achieved for all recommendations generated except one. Conclusions These recommendations for the better management of psoriasis in women of childbearing age could improve outcomes and prognosis

Technology-Enabled Remote Monitoring and Self-Management - Vision for Patient Empowerment Following Cardiac and Vascular Surgery: User Testing and Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Tens of thousands of cardiac and vascular surgeries (CaVS) are performed on seniors in Canada and the United Kingdom each year to improve survival, relieve disease symptoms, and improve health-related quality of life (HRQL). However, chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP), undetected or delayed detection of hemodynamic compromise, complications, and related poor functional status are major problems for substantial numbers of patients during the recovery process. To tackle this problem, we aim to refine and test the effectiveness of an eHealth-enabled service delivery intervention, TecHnology-Enabled remote monitoring and Self-MAnagemenT-VIsion for patient EmpoWerment following Cardiac and VasculaR surgery (THE SMArTVIEW, CoVeRed), which combines remote monitoring, education, and self-management training to optimize recovery outcomes and experience of seniors undergoing CaVS in Canada and the United Kingdom. OBJECTIVE: Our objectives are to (1) refine SMArTVIEW via high-fidelity user testing and (2) examine the effectiveness of SMArTVIEW via a randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: CaVS patients and clinicians will engage in two cycles of focus groups and usability testing at each site; feedback will be elicited about expectations and experience of SMArTVIEW, in context. The data will be used to refine the SMArTVIEW eHealth delivery program. Upon transfer to the surgical ward (ie, post-intensive care unit [ICU]), 256 CaVS patients will be reassessed postoperatively and randomly allocated via an interactive Web randomization system to the intervention group or usual care. The SMArTVIEW intervention will run from surgical ward day 2 until 8 weeks following surgery. Outcome assessments will occur on postoperative day 30; at week 8; and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The primary outcome is worst postop pain intensity upon movement in the previous 24 hours (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form), averaged across the previous 14 days. Secondary outcomes include a composite of postoperative complications related to hemodynamic compromise-death, myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke- all-cause mortality and surgical site infections, functional status (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale), health service utilization-related costs (health service utilization data from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences data repository), and patient-level cost of recovery (Ambulatory Home Care Record). A linear mixed model will be used to assess the effects of the intervention on the primary outcome, with an a priori contrast of weekly average worst pain intensity upon movement to evaluate the primary endpoint of pain at 8 weeks postoperation. We will also examine the incremental cost of the intervention compared to usual care using a regression model to estimate the difference in expected health care costs between groups. RESULTS: Study start-up is underway and usability testing is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2016. CONCLUSIONS: Given our experience, dedicated industry partners, and related RCT infrastructure, we are confident we can make a lasting contribution to improving the care of seniors who undergo CaVS

A compilation of global bio-optical in situ data for ocean colour satellite applications – version three

A global in situ data set for validation of ocean colour products from the ESA Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI) is presented. This version of the compilation, starting in 1997, now extends to 2021, which is important for the validation of the most recent satellite optical sensors such as Sentinel 3B OLCI and NOAA-20 VIIRS. The data set comprises in situ observations of the following variables: spectral remote-sensing reflectance, concentration of chlorophyll-a, spectral inherent optical properties, spectral diffuse attenuation coefficient, and total suspended matter. Data were obtained from multi-project archives acquired via open internet services or from individual projects acquired directly from data providers. Methodologies were implemented for homogenization, quality control, and merging of all data. Minimal changes were made on the original data, other than conversion to a standard format, elimination of some points, after quality control and averaging of observations that were close in time and space. The result is a merged table available in text format. Overall, the size of the data set grew with 148 432 rows, with each row representing a unique station in space and time (cf. 136 250 rows in previous version; Valente et al., 2019). Observations of remote-sensing reflectance increased to 68 641 (cf. 59 781 in previous version; Valente et al., 2019). There was also a near tenfold increase in chlorophyll data since 2016. Metadata of each in situ measurement (original source, cruise or experiment, principal investigator) are included in the final table. By making the metadata available, provenance is better documented and it is also possible to analyse each set of data separately. The compiled data are available at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.941318 (Valente et al., 2022)

A minimal system to establish microtubule-based cell polarity in vitro

In this thesis we took the challenge to in vitro reconstitute a minimal phenomenon essential for live: Cell polarity. This is an ubiquitous phenomenon that allows cells to define a direction for migration, growth or division. Our study focussed on microtubulebased establishment of polarity taking S. pombe as a model organism. In this rod-shaped unicellular organism, microtubules deposit polarity factor proteins to the poles of the cell, leaving only there cues for initiating the cascade for cellular growth. Such pattern formation is very robust and is believed to rely on feedback mechanisms. In our study, we hypothesized what would be the minimum components needed for the establishment of a polarized cortical pattern of proteins and developed an in vitro system that fulfils those requirements. Those where:• Microtubule-based transport of polarity factors.• Elongated cell shape.• Cortical receptor for the polarity factors.BN/Marileen Dogterom La