Factors driving the biogeochemical budget of the Amazon River and its statistical modelling Facteurs denext term contrôle du bilan biogéochimique previous termdenext term l'Amazone et modélisation statistique associée

International audienceThe seasonal and interannual fluctuations of the biogeochemical budget (solutes, suspended matter, isotopes) of the Amazon River basin were analyzed, with a special focus on 44 physicochemical parameters monitored over the period 1982-1984 during the Carbon in the AMazon River Experiment (CAMREX) project. The relevant factors driving this variability were identified and sorted through the implementation of a statistical-regressive model coupled to variance analysis. Basically, the compositional fluctuations in the Amazon River are related (1) to the variable contribution of major tributaries (variable regional source) to the river flow but also (2) to the variable contribution of hydrological sources, (3) to river processes, i.e. in-stream diagenesis and sediment dynamics and (4) to the hydrological budget of the floodplains. Their respective contributions to the variability of chemical signals observed in the stream waters depend on which parameter was investigated but their combination explains on average 85% of the observed variability. The variability related to regional sources was captured by the compared measures of flow discharge and biogeochemical fluxes at the outlet of the major tributaries. The variability of hydrological sources was described by the variable contribution of three runoffs of distinct but constant composition: forwarded direct runoff, delayed floodplain runoff and baseflow. Several methods were tested to depict the seasonal and interannual variations of their individual discharges. Biologically-mediated processes were related to a hydrobiological index IBIO = [O2]-[CO2] which allows tracking the nature of the dominant ecological regime (autotrophy vs. heterotrophy). The alteration of chemical signals related to the intermittent discharge of the floodplains (where specific processes occur such as: gas exchanges at the air-water interface, sorption of dissolved organic matter, chemical weathering, deposition vs. remobilization of sediments, etc.) was simulated by taking into account the default of hydrological balance between inflows and outflows, used as a marker of floodplains discharge. This analysis shows that the chemical baseline observed in the waters of the Amazon River is mostly acquired upstream from the junction of major tributaries with the Amazon main reach. Les fluctuations saisonnières et interannuelles du bilan biogéochimique (solutés, matière particulaire, isotopes) du fleuve Amazone ont été analysées, avec une attention particulière apportée à 44 paramètres physicochimiques mesurés entre 1982 et 1984 dans le cadre du programme CAMREX. Les facteurs exerçant une influence significative sur cette variabilité ont été identifiés et hiérarchisés par le biais d'un modèle statistique couplé à une analyse previous termdenext term variance. Les variations previous termdenext term composition des eaux previous termdenext term l'Amazone sont fondamentalement associées (1) à previous termlanext term contribution variable previous termdenext term ses affluents majeurs (source régionale variable) au débit total, mais aussi (2) à previous termlanext term contribution variable des pôles previous termdenext term mélange hydrologiques, (3) à des processus fluviaux correspondant au régime hydrobiologique et à previous termlanext term dynamique sédimentaire et (4) au bilan hydrologique des plaines d'inondation. Leurs contributions respectives à previous termlanext term variabilité des signaux chimiques observés dans les eaux du fleuve dépendent du paramètre considéré, mais leur combinaison explique en moyenne 85 % previous termde lanext term variabilité observée. previous termLanext term variabilité associée aux contributions régionales variables est appréhendée en procédant aux bilans entrées-sorties des débits et flux biogéochimiques. previous termLanext term variabilité previous termdenext term contribution des pôles previous termdenext term mélange est décrite par previous termlanext term contribution variable previous termdenext term trois écoulements previous termdenext term compositions distinctes mais constantes : l'écoulement direct à expression précoce, l'écoulement local previous termdenext term vidange alluviale à expression différée et l'écoulement previous termdenext term base. Douze méthodes ont été testées afin previous termdenext term décrire les variations saisonnières et interannuelles des débits individuels previous termdenext term chaque pôle previous termdenext term mélange. Les processus contrôlés par le vivant sont appréhendés à partir d'un indice hydrobiologique IBIO = [O2]-[CO2] qui permet previous termdenext term déterminer previous termlanext term nature du régime hydro-écologique dominant (autotrophe vs. hétérotrophe). L'altération des signaux chimiques générée par previous termlanext term vidange intermittente des plaines d'inondation (au niveau desquelles ont lieu des processus spécifiques : échanges gazeux, sorption previous termdenext term matière organique dissoute, érosion chimique, dépôt vs. remise en suspension previous termdenext term sédiments, etc.) est simulée en prenant en compte le défaut previous termdenext term bilan hydrologique entrées-sorties utilisé comme marqueur previous termdenext term débit des plaines d'inondation. Cette analyse montre que le bruit previous termdenext term fond chimique observé dans les eaux du fleuve Amazone est principalement acquis en amont des confluences entre le tronçon fluvial étudié et les principaux affluents qui l'alimentent

Biogeochemistry of the Amazonian Floodplains: Insights from Six End-Member Mixing Models

International audienceThe influence of Amazonian floodplains on the hydrological, sedimentary, and biogeochemical river budget was investigated along the Vargem Grande–Óbidos reach, by applying six mixing models based on variable regional and/or variable hydrological sources. By comparing the output of many different models designed for different purposes, the nature and the magnitude of processes linking water and biogeochemical budgets of the Amazonian floodplains were clarified. This study reveals that most of the chemical baseline of the Amazon River basin is acquired before the studied 2000-km Amazonian reach. However, the tight connection between the hydrograph stage of the river and the chemical signals provides insightful information on the dynamics of its floodplains. The chemical expression of biotic and abiotic processes occurring in the Amazonian floodplains can be particularly perceived during falling waters. It appears delayed in time compared to the maximum extension of submerged area, because the alternating water circulation polarity (filling versus emptying) between the main channel and the adjacent floodplains determines delayed emptying of floodplains during falling waters. It results also in a longer time of residence in the hydrograph network, which strengthens the rate of transformation of transiting materials and solutes. Biotic and biologically mediated processes tend to accentuate changes in river water chemistry initiated upstream, in each subbasin, along river corridors, indicating that processes operating downstream prolong those from upstream (e.g., floodplains of the large tributaries). Conversely, the flood wave propagation tends to lessen the seasonal variability as a result of the water storage in the floodplains, which admixes waters of distinct origins (in time and space). The morphology of floodplains, determining the deposition and the diagenesis of the sediments as well as the variable extension of submerged areas or the chronology of floodplains storage/emptying, appears to be the main factor controlling the floodplains biogeodynamics. By coupling classical end-member mixing models (providing insight on hydrological source) with a variable regional contribution scheme, relevant information on the biogeochemical budget of the Amazonian floodplains can be achieved

The LINCE Project: A Pathway for Diagnosing NCL2 Disease

NCL2 disease; Dried blood spot; Enzymatic activityEnfermedad de NCL2; Mancha de sangre seca; Actividad enzimáticaMalaltia de NCL2; Taca de sang seca; Activitat enzimàticaIntroduction: Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) comprises a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of 13 neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders. Neuronal Ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 disease (NCL2), caused by the deficient lysosomal enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1), is the only one with an approved enzyme replacement treatment (ERT). Early initiation of ERT appears to modify significantly the natural history of the disease. We aimed to shorten the time to diagnosis of NCL2. Methods: In March 2017, we started per first time in Spain a selective screening program, the LINCE project, in pediatric patients with clinical symptoms compatible with NCL2 disease. The program covered the whole country. We distributed kits to pediatricians with the necessary material to assess patients. All samples in this study were received within one week of collection. Enzymatic activity determined on dried blood spots was the main method used to screen for TPP1 and palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) for the differential diagnosis with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 1 (NCL1). Results: Over a period of three years, we received 71 samples. The analysis was minimally invasive, relatively cheap and fast-executing. Three cases identified as a direct result of the selective screening strategy were confirmed by genetic study of NCL2 disease with a median age of 4.5 years. Our screening method has a specificity of 100%, and, with the absence to date of false negatives. We did not detect any NCL1-positive cases. Conclusions: LINCE proved to be a simple, useful, and reliable tool for the diagnosis of NCL2, enabling clinicians to diagnose NCL2 faster. The presence of NCL2-positive cases in our population and availability of treatment may facilitate the inclusion of NCL2 in neonatal screening programs for early diagnosis.This study received funding from Grant Biomarin Inc. The funder was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article or the decision to submit it for publication

Interrupções nas atividades de enfermeiros intensivistas: repercussões cognitivas no profissional e na segurança do paciente

The aim was to analyze the interruptions in the primary activities of intensive care nurses. Exploratory research carried out in the Intensive Care Center of a university hospital, through the observation of the activities of 10 nurses. We classify the complexity of the activities considering the risk of errors and required cognitive demand. We registered 630 primary activities, of which 359 were interrupted, generating 359 secondary activities, increasing the professionals' workload by 60%. Prevalence of interruptions 0.57, average 35.9 interruptions / day, 3 interruptions / hour. The interruptions occurred: indirect technical procedures 169, direct 87, assistance management 97, from unit 3, personal activities 3. The primary activities of high complexity interrupted occurred in indirect technical procedures 99, direct 87, assistance management 49, totaling 235 interruptions. There were interruptions in the morning (171), afternoon (188), the main source being the nursing team 174. Main secondary activities recorded: informing / guiding (182), resolution / problem (39), providing material / medication (38). Disruptions were frequent in the nurses' primary activities, predominantly in those of high complexity, predisposing them to errors, compromising patient safety, in addition to increasing their workload with additional secondary activities.Objetivou-se analisar as interrupções nas atividades primárias de enfermeiros intensivistas. Pesquisa exploratória, realizada no Centro de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital universitário, através da observação das atividades de 10 enfermeiros. Classificamos a complexidade das atividades considerando o risco de erros e demanda cognitiva exigida. Registramos 630 atividades primárias, destas 359 foram interrompidas, gerando 359 atividades secundárias, aumentando 60% a carga laboral dos profissionais. Prevalência de interrupções 0,57, média 35,9 interrupções/dia, 3 interrupções/hora. As interrupções ocorreram: procedimentos técnicos indiretos 169, diretos 87, gestão da assistência 97, da unidade 3, atividades pessoais 3. As atividades primárias de alta complexidade interrompidas decorreram em: procedimentos técnicos indiretos 99, diretos 87, gestão da assistência 49, totalizando 235 das interrupções. Ocorrência de interrupções manhã (171), tarde (188), sendo a principal fonte a equipe de enfermagem 174. Principais atividades secundárias registradas: informar/orientar (182), resolução/problema (39), fornecer material/medicação (38). As interrupções foram frequentes nas atividades primárias dos enfermeiros, predominando naquelas de alta complexidade, predispondo-os a erros, comprometendo a segurança do paciente, além de aumentar sua carga de trabalho com atividades secundárias adicionais

Atenção e memória de enfermeiros intensivistas: repercussões na segurança do paciente

The aim was to measure the scores of the cognitive functions of attention and memory of intensive care nurses and to discuss their repercussions on patient safety. Quasi-experimental study using neuropsychological pre and post-tests in 10 intensive care nurses before and after their day shift. We found a reduction in the working memory score after duty (median 26.50 / mean 26.40), before (median 27.00 / mean 28.00), representing a 6% decrease. Considering 10% significance, the unilateral test of working memory was significant (p = 0.06), indicating a decrease in the score after shift in all participants. In the split attention tests (TEADI) after duty (median 167.00 / average 154.40), before (median 106.00 / average 110.40), an increase of 40% on average; alternate attention (TEALT), before duty (median 115.50 / average 109.00), after (median 124.00 / average 119.30), an increase of 9% on average. At 10% significance, bilateral tests were significant (TEADI p = 0.002; TEALT p = 0.009), indicating a difference in the scores before and after the shift. We observed an increase in the nurses' attention scores at the end of the shift, justified by facing problem situations along the journey, raising their attention levels. On the other hand, there was a decrease in the working memory score, associated with the multiple tasks performed and constant processing of new information during the shift, imposing high demands on memory.Objetivou-se medir os escores das funções cognitivas de atenção e memória de enfermeiros intensivistas e discutir suas repercussões na segurança do paciente. Estudo quase-experimental mediante aplicação de pré e pós-testes neuropsicológicos em 10 enfermeiros intensivistas antes e após seu plantão diurno. Constatamos redução do escore da memória de trabalho após plantão (mediana 26,50/média 26,40), antes (mediana 27,00/média 28,00), representando 6% de decréscimo. Considerando 10% de significância o teste unilateral da memória de trabalho foi significativo (p=0,06), indicando diminuição do escore após plantão em todos os participantes. Nos testes de atenção dividida (TEADI) após plantão (mediana 167,00/média 154,40), antes (mediana 106,00/média 110,40), aumento de 40% na média; atenção alternada (TEALT), antes plantão (mediana 115,50/média 109,00), após (mediana 124,00/média 119,30), aumento de 9% na média. A 10% de significância os testes bilaterais foram significativos (TEADI p=0,002; TEALT p=0,009), indicando diferença dos escores antes e depois do plantão. Observamos aumento dos escores de atenção dos enfermeiros ao final do plantão, justificado pelo enfrentamento de situações problema ao longo da jornada, elevando seus níveis atencionais. Em contrapartida, houve decréscimo do escore da memória de trabalho, associado às múltiplas tarefas realizadas e constante processamento de novas informações durante seu turno, impondo elevadas demandas à memória

SPECTRAL RESPONSE VARIATIONS AS INDICATORS OF SEASONAL FLOODS IN PANTANAL USING SPOT-VEGETATION TIME SERIES

Vegetation.s NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) in comparison to the historical standard (1998 to 2012) for each pixel and ten-day period, and compared it with the standardized rainfall estimates from TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission). The methodology used allows verifying how much the vegetation cover was above or below its normal behavior, enabling comparisons among different regions due to data standardization. We verified that the Standardized Vegetation Index (SVI) was an indicator of variability of seasonal floods for the Pantanal biome in the dry and rainy seasons of 2011/2012. We also verified a delay in the vegetation spectral response to water conditions. During the rainy season, the SVI was higher than normal due to the rainfall anomalies which led to a lower water layer thus causing an increase in NDVI. The analysis confirms that SVI and satellite-estimated rainfall anomalies were efficient indicators of flood variability in Pantana

White Paper 4: Challenges In Biomedicine & Health

Publicado en Madrid, 231 p. ; 17 cm.A lesson that we have learned from the pandemia caused by coronavirus is that solutions in health require coordinated actions. Beside this and other emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, millions of Europeans are suffering a plethora of disorders that are currently acquiring epidemic dimensions, including cancer, rare diseases, pain and food allergies, among others. New tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment need to be urgently designed and implemented using new holistic and multidisciplinary approaches at three different levels (basic research, translational/clinical and public/social levels) and involving researchers, clinicians, industry and all stakeholders in the health system. The CSIC is excellently positioned to lead and coordinate these challenges in Biomedicine and Health.Peer reviewe

Impact of SARS-Cov-2 infection in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : results of an international multicentre registry

To describe the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared with a control group and to identify predictors of adverse events. Three hundred and five patients [age 56.6 ± 16.9 years old, 191 (62.6%) male patients] with HCM and SARS-Cov-2 infection were enrolled. The control group consisted of 91 131 infected individuals. Endpoints were (i) SARS-CoV-2 related mortality and (ii) severe clinical course [death or intensive care unit (ICU) admission]. New onset of atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, shock, stroke, and cardiac arrest were also recorded. Sixty-nine (22.9%) HCM patients were hospitalized for non-ICU level care, and 21 (7.0%) required ICU care. Seventeen (5.6%) died: eight (2.6%) of respiratory failure, four (1.3%) of heart failure, two (0.7%) suddenly, and three (1.0%) due to other SARS-CoV-2-related complications. Covariates associated with mortality in the multivariable were age {odds ratio (OR) per 10 year increase 2.25 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-4.51], P = 0.0229}, baseline New York Heart Association class [OR per one-unit increase 4.01 (95%CI: 1.75-9.20), P = 0.0011], presence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction [OR 5.59 (95%CI: 1.16-26.92), P = 0.0317], and left ventricular systolic impairment [OR 7.72 (95%CI: 1.20-49.79), P = 0.0316]. Controlling for age and sex and comparing HCM patients with a community-based SARS-CoV-2 cohort, the presence of HCM was associated with a borderline significant increased risk of mortality OR 1.70 (95%CI: 0.98-2.91, P = 0.0600). Over one-fourth of HCM patients infected with SARS-Cov-2 required hospitalization, including 6% in an ICU setting. Age and cardiac features related to HCM, including baseline functional class, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and systolic impairment, conveyed increased risk of mortality