Tres posibles casos de lepra en la Plaza del Castillo (Pamplona, Navarra)

X Congreso Nacional de Paleopatología. Univesidad Autónoma de Madrid, septiembre de 200

A hydro-economic modelling framework for optimal management of groundwater nitrate pollution from agriculture

A hydro-economic modelling framework is developed for determining optimal management of groundwater nitrate pollution from agriculture. A holistic optimization model determines the spatial and temporal fertilizer application rate that maximizes the net benefits in agriculture constrained by the quality requirements in groundwater at various control sites. Since emissions (nitrogen loading rates) are what can be controlled, but the concentrations are the policy targets, we need to relate both. Agronomic simulations are used to obtain the nitrate leached, while numerical groundwater flow and solute transport simulation models were used to develop unit source solutions that were assembled into a pollutant concentration response matrix. The integration of the response matrix in the constraints of the management model allows simulating by superposition the evolution of groundwater nitrate concentration over time at different points of interest throughout the aquifer resulting from multiple pollutant sources distributed over time and space. In this way, the modelling framework relates the fertilizer loads with the nitrate concentration at the control sites. The benefits in agriculture were determined through crop prices and crop production functions. This research aims to contribute to the ongoing policy process in the Europe Union (the Water Framework Directive) providing a tool for analyzing the opportunity cost of measures for reducing nitrogen loadings and assessing their effectiveness for maintaining groundwater nitrate concentration within the target levels. The management model was applied to a hypothetical groundwater system. Optimal solutions of fertilizer use to problems with different initial conditions, planning horizons, and recovery times were determined. The illustrative example shows the importance of the location of the pollution sources in relation to the control sites, and how both the selected planning horizon and the target recovery time can strongly influence the limitation of fertilizer use and the economic opportunity cost for meeting the environmental standards. There is clearly a trade-off between the time horizon to reach the standards (recovery time) and the economic losses from nitrogen use reductions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.The authors thank the Editor, Geoff Syme, and two anonymous reviewers for their detailed and helpful comments on improving the paper. Support for this research was provided by the Mexican Ministry of Science and Technology (CONACyT).Peña Haro, S.; Pulido-Velazquez, M.; Sahuquillo Herráiz, A. (2009). A hydro-economic modelling framework for optimal management of groundwater nitrate pollution from agriculture. Journal of Hydrology. 373(1-2):193-203. doi:10.1016/j.jhydrol.2009.04.024S1932033731-

Photoacoustic dose monitoring in clinical high-energy photon beams

This work describes all stages of development (setup, optimization, performance, and first experimental measurements) of an acoustic sensor that can be used for range monitoring and dosimetry of clinical radiotherapy beams. The detection device consists of an ultrasonic transducer, a combination of preamplifiers and differential amplifiers with filtered outputs and a digital oscilloscope. Simulations of the experimental setup were carried out to study the optimal measurement geometry and choice of transducer. The dose distributions were calculated with the Monte Carlo code FLUKA, while the acoustic simulations were performed with the analytical wave transport code k-Wave. The temporal profiles of the dose pulses, in the order of mu s, were measured with a scintillating crystal coupled to a photomultiplier and used as input for the acoustic simulation. Measurements were performed in a Cyberknife (TM) radiosurgery beam and a TrueBeam unit. A lead block was submerged in water and placed partially or totally in the irradiation field in order to increase the acoustic signal. Photoacoustic signals were detected with both beams with the expected shape and time-delay, after the frequency response of the detection system was taken into account. The proposed setup can detect photoacoustic signals originating from the penumbra of the treatment fields after being processed with the appropriate image analysis tools

Donor-derived Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome after simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplantation

Most cases of strongyloidiasis associated with solid organ transplantation have been due to the reactivation of a latent infection in the recipient as a result of the immunosuppressive therapy; however, donor-derived infections are becoming increasingly frequent. The case of a patient who nearly died of a Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection after receiving simultaneous kidney/pancreas transplants is described herein. No specific parasitological tests were performed pre-transplantation, despite the fact that both the recipient and the donor originated from endemic areas. Serological analysis of the donor's serum performed retrospectively revealed the origin of the infection, which if it had been done beforehand would have prevented the serious complications. Current practice guidelines need to be updated to incorporate immunological and molecular techniques for the rapid screening of Strongyloides prior to transplantation, and empirical treatment with ivermectin should be applied systematically when there is the slightest risk of infection in the donor or recipient

Dynamic behaviour of a novel transition wedge composed by prefabricated reinforced concrete slabs

Abrupt variations of track stiffness in transitions from conventional to slab track, e.g., over bridges and tunnels, usually lead to passenger discomfort, vehicle and track damage and even safety issues. Therefore, to minimize this negative effect, it is very convenient to smooth the stiffness changes in such transitions; and wedges arise as a very effective technique. Although granular wedges are commonly suggested by railroad managers as a solution, this typology presents some disadvantages, e.g., high construction time and costs, that should be addressed. In this paper, a new solution based on prefabricated, reinforced concrete slabs is presented and its dynamical performance is assessed by means of a 3D FEM model. Results indicate that track vibrations both on the rail and over a sleeper are considerably reduced when the new slab-based wedge is considered instead of a traditional granular wedge

Influence of TFAP2B and KCTD15 genetic variability on personality dimensions in anorexia and bulimia nervosa

INTRODUCCIÓN: TFAP2B y KCTD15 son genes relacionados con la obesidad que interactúan para regular el comportamiento de alimentación. Nuestra hipótesis es que la variabilidad en estos loci, aislada o en combinación, también podría estar relacionada con el riesgo de trastornos de la alimentación (DE) y / o rasgos psicológicos asociados. MÉTODOS: Seleccionamos a 425 participantes (169 pacientes con DE, 75 sujetos obesos y 181 controles) para 10 polimorfismos de nucleótido único (SNP) clínicamente relevantes y marcados en KCTD15 y TFAP2B por la plataforma Sequenom MassARRAY y la secuenciación directa. La evaluación psicométrica se realizó con los inventarios de EDI-2 y SCL-90R. RESULTADOS: El alelo variante KCTD15 rs287103 T se asoció con un mayor riesgo de bulimia nerviosa (BN) (OR = 4.34 [1.47–29.52]; p = .003) y con puntuaciones de escalas psicopatológicas de estos pacientes. El haplotipo * 6 en KCTD15 fue más frecuente en los controles (OR = 0,40 [0,20-0,80], p = .009 para la anorexia nerviosa), mientras que el haplotipo * 4 en TFAP2B afectó las tres escalas del inventario SCL ‐ 90R en pacientes BN (p ≤ .01). Los análisis de epistasis revelaron interacciones relevantes con el índice de masa corporal de los pacientes con BN (p <.001). Los perfiles genéticos en pacientes obesos no difirieron significativamente de los encontrados en pacientes con DE. CONCLUSIONES: Este es el primer estudio que evalúa el papel combinado de los genes TFAP2B y KCTD15 en la DE. Nuestros hallazgos preliminares sugieren que la interacción de la variabilidad genética en estos loci podría influir en el riesgo de disfunción eréctil y / o parámetros antropométricos y psicológicos.INTRODUCTION: TFAP2B and KCTD15 are obesity‐related genes that interact to regulate feeding behavior. We hypothesize that variability in these loci, isolated or in combination, could also be related to the risk of eating disorders (ED) and/or associated psychological traits. METHODS: We screened 425 participants (169 ED patients, 75 obese subjects, and 181 controls) for 10 clinically relevant and tag single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KCTD15 and TFAP2B by the Sequenom MassARRAY platform and direct sequencing. Psychometric evaluation was performed with EDI‐2 and SCL‐90R inventories. RESULTS: The KCTD15 rs287103 T variant allele was associated with increased risk of bulimia nervosa (BN) (OR = 4.34 [1.47–29.52]; p = .003) and with scores of psychopathological scales of these patients. Haplotype *6 in KCTD15 was more frequent in controls (OR = 0.40 [0.20–0.80], p = .009 for anorexia nervosa), while haplotype *4 in TFAP2B affected all three scales of the SCL‐90R inventory in BN patients (p ≤ .01). Epistasis analyses revealed relevant interactions with body mass index of BN patients (p < .001). Genetic profiles in obese patients did not significantly differ from those found in ED patients. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that evaluates the combined role of TFAP2B and KCTD15 genes in ED. Our preliminary findings suggest that the interaction of genetic variability in these loci could influence the risk for ED and/or anthropometric and psychological parameters.• Alicia Koplowitz Foundation • Junta de Extremadura. Ayuda GR15012 • Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portugal). Beca postdoctoral SFRH/BPD/109043/2015, para David dos Santos AlbuquerquepeerReviewe

Energy dense salty food consumption frequency is associated with diastolic hypertension in Spanish children

High blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and sodium consumption is related to high BP. Moreover, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) influence BP. For this reason, we investigated whether: 1) children with risk of elevated BP had a higher consumption frequency (CF) of energy-dense salty foods (EDSF), high-sugary foods (HSF) and SSB or a low DASH score; and 2) children with a higher CF of EDSF showed a worse anthropometric and metabolic profile. Anthropometry, BP and general biochemical parameters were measured in 687 Spanish children (5-16 years) with normal or excess weight. A food frequency questionnaire was used to calculate EDSF, HSF and SSB consumption, and modified DASH score. Results showed that sex and pubertal stage influenced modified DASH score. Diastolic hypertension was associated to higher CF of EDSF in the whole sample and to higher CF of SSB in pubertal children, both independently of nutritional status. In addition, CF of EDSF was positively associated with CF of HSF and SSB and inversely associated with modified DASH score. Targeted policies and intervention programs, specific for different age ranges, should be established that aim to reduce salt consumption from snacks and processed foods, which could reduce HSF and SSB consumption as well

Golf players as a customer segment: the influence of handicap level and residency in customer satisfaction and expenditure

Segmentation has been proven to be one of the best tools to facilitate sports entities' achievement of their goals. The objective of this research was to analyze the influence on customer expenditure and satisfaction for an elite golf event based on segmentation variables such as residence (local vs visitor) and handicap level of the attendees (spectator vs spectator-player). In addition, this research aimed to establish a multivariate model that allows predicting the place of residence and the handicap based on the interaction of the analyzed variables, with the intention to establish a behaviour pattern based on these variables for those attending an elite golf tournament. Results revealed that attendees with a golf handicap exhibited higher satisfaction levels and were more likely to recommend and spend at golf events. On the other hand, non-handicap spectators and those attendees from outside Madrid displayed higher economic expenditure, indicating the importance of meeting their specific needs to achieve positive economic impact results. The decision tree models provided insights into attendee behavior, identifying factors influencing their satisfaction and likelihood to attend again. Factors including future attendance intention, satisfaction with the food court variety, and spending on accommodation and souvenirs were found to be significant predictors of residency and handicap level. In conclusion, this research contributes to the understanding of customer behavior at elite golf events, offering practical implications for event organizers and sport managers.La segmentación se ha demostrado como una de las mejores herramientas para facilitar el logro de objetivos por parte de las entidades deportivas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la influencia en el gasto y la satisfacción de los clientes en un evento de golf de élite basado en variables de segmentación, como la residencia (local vs. visitante) y el nivel de hándicap de los asistentes (espectador vs. jugador-espectador). Además, esta investigación buscó establecer un modelo multivariado que permitiera predecir el lugar de residencia y el hándicap en función de la interacción de las variables analizadas, con la intención de establecer un patrón de comportamiento basado en estas variables para aquellos que asisten a un torneo de golf de élite. Los resultados revelaron que los asistentes con un hándicap de golf mostraron niveles más altos de satisfacción y eran más propensos a recomendar y gastar en eventos de golf. Por otro lado, los espectadores sin hándicap y aquellos asistentes de fuera de Madrid mostraron un mayor gasto económico, lo que indica la importancia de satisfacer sus necesidades específicas para lograr resultados de impacto económico positivos. Los modelos de árbol de decisión proporcionaron información sobre el comportamiento de los asistentes, identificando factores que influyen en su satisfacción y probabilidad de asistir nuevamente. Factores como la intención de asistir en el futuro, la satisfacción con la variedad de opciones en el área de comidas y el gasto en alojamiento y recuerdos resultaron ser predictores significativos de la residencia y el nivel de hándicap. En conclusión, esta investigación contribuye a la comprensión del comportamiento del cliente en eventos de golf de élite, ofreciendo implicaciones prácticas para organizadores de eventos y gestores deportivos

Single versus tandem autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and high-risk cytogenetics. A retrospective, open-label study of the PETHEMA/Spanish Myeloma Group (GEM)

Tandem ASCT has been suggested as a valid approach to improve the prognosis of patients with MM and HR cytogenetic. In this observational, retrospective study, 213 patients with newly diagnosed MM and HR cytogenetic in 35 hospitals from the Spanish Myeloma Group underwent single or tandem ASCT between January 2015 and December 2019 after induction with VTD/VRD. HR cytogenetic was defined as having ≥1 of the following: del17p, t(4;14), t(14;16) or gain 1q21. More patients in the tandem group had R-ISS 3 and >1 cytogenetic abnormality at diagnosis. With a median follow-up of 31 months (range, 10–82), PFS after single ASCT was 41 months versus 48 months with tandem ASCT (p = 0.33). PFS in patients with del17p undergoing single ASCT was 41 months, while 52% of patients undergoing tandem ASCT were alive and disease free at 48 months. In conclusion, tandem ASCT partly overcomes the bad prognosis of HR cytogenetic

Diversity and relationships in key traits for functional and apparent quality in a collection of eggplant: fruit phenolics content, antioxidant activity, polyphenol oxidase activity, and browning

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, copyright © American Chemical Society after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work seehttp://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf402429kEggplant (Solanum melongena) varieties with increased levels of phenolics in the fruit present enhanced functional quality, but may display greater fruit flesh browning. We evaluated 18 eggplant accessions for fruit total phenolics content, chlorogenic acid content, DPPH scavenging activity, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, liquid extract browning, and fruit flesh browning. For all the traits we found a high diversity, with differences among accessions of up to 3.36-fold for fruit flesh browning. Variation in total content in phenolics and in chlorogenic acid content accounted only for 18.9% and 6.0% in the variation in fruit flesh browning, and PPO activity was not significantly correlated with fruit flesh browning. Liquid extract browning was highly correlated with chlorogenic acid content (r = 0.852). Principal components analysis (PCA) identified four groups of accessions with different profiles for the traits studied. Results suggest that it is possible to develop new eggplant varieties with improved functional and apparent quality.This project has been funded by Universitat Politecnica de Valencia through the grants SP20120681 and PAID-06-11 Nr. 2082, and by Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad Grant AGL2012-34213 (jointly funded by FEDER).Plazas Ávila, MDLO.; López Gresa, MP.; Vilanova Navarro, S.; Torres Vidal, C.; Hurtado Ricart, M.; Gramazio, P.; Andújar Pérez, I.... (2013). Diversity and relationships in key traits for functional and apparent quality in a collection of eggplant: fruit phenolics content, antioxidant activity, polyphenol oxidase activity, and browning. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 61(37):8871-8879. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf402429kS88718879613