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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no successful prevention or intervention. The pathological hallmark for PD involves the self-assembly of functional Alpha-Synuclein (αS) into non-functional amyloid structures. One of the potential therapeutic interventions against PD is the effective inhibition of αS aggregation. However, the bottleneck towards achieving this goal is the identification of αS domains/sequences that are essential for aggregation. Using a protein mimetic approach, we have identified αS sequences-based novel targets that are essential for aggregation and will have significant therapeutic implications. An extensive array of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays was utilized to validate αS sequences and their structural characteristics that are essential for aggregation and propagation of PD phenotypes. The study aids in developing significant mechanistic and therapeutic insights into various facets of αS aggregation, which will pave the way for novel and effective treatments for PD.

To rethink the counterproductive effects of the recurrent use of pesticides to control pests, we examine how a conservation biological control approach can promote the necessary conditions for the development of a natural enemy (Chrysoperla carnea) that controls olive moth pest (Prays oleae) in 25 olive groves of the Portuguese Beira Interior region. Our study has the distinctive peculiarity of joining varied technical approaches, since the databases contained information related to the abundance records of both insect populations, the record of olive fruits infestation by the pest, and the information obtained after a geospatial analysis that resulted in landscape metrics. Overall, we corroborated the attraction of C. carnea to the olive moth, highlighted the possible biocontrol potential of C. carnea on this pest, asserted that the promotion of the diversity of land-uses has a significant effect in reducing the abundance of pest, and confirmed that landscapes dominated by olive groves promote the development of P. oleae. The implication of these results is of extreme importance for olive growers since promoting land-uses complexity and heterogeneity surrounding olive groves can reduce the likelihood of suffering pest outbreaks and help to avoid associated economic and environmental problems.

River connectivity is essential for the correct functioning of freshwater ecosystems at all scales. However, it has not received the necessary attention by researchers, managers and policymakers until recent years. In this review, we recap the state of knowledge in river connectivity and its applications to conservation. We describe the particular characteristics of river connectivity and summarise the effects of its interruption in different freshwater ecosystem elements. We then focus on the effects of the lack of segment connectivity in fish species and review the different methods developed to study it. The application of connectivity in freshwater fish conservation areas is also reviewed, which highlights the lack of studies on this subject. Finally, connectivity restoration is studied. The review addresses these topics in a general way and then focus on the Iberian Peninsula.The Iberian Peninsula is an interesting place to study river connectivity because it has one of the highest numbers of dams per square kilometre and a large number of endemic and endangered freshwater fish species. Despite the high number of fish species affected by water extraction and damming, river connectivity and its effect in Iberian freshwater fish populations have not been well studied. A small number of studies analyse the effect of small dams in nearby fish communities, but large-scale impact assessments are scarce.

The advent of online data aggregator infrastructures has facilitated the accumulation of Digital Accessible Knowledge (DAK) about biodiversity. Despite the vast amount of freely available data records, their usefulness for research depends on completeness of each body of data regarding their spatial, temporal and taxonomic coverage. In this paper, we assess the completeness of DAK about terrestrial mammals distributed across the Iberian Peninsula. We compiled a dataset with all records about mammals occurring in the Iberian Peninsula available in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and in the national atlases from Portugal and Spain. After cleaning the dataset of errors as well as records lacking collection dates or not determined to species level, we assigned all occurrences to a 10-km grid. We assessed inventory completeness by calculating the ratio between observed and expected richness (based on the Chao2 richness index) in each grid cell and classified cells as well-sampled or under-sampled. We evaluated survey coverage of well-sampled cells along four environmental gradients and temporal coverage. Out of 796,283 retrieved records, quality issues led us to remove 616,141 records unfit for this use. The main reason for discarding records was missing collection dates. Only 25.95% cells contained enough records to robustly estimate completeness. The DAK about terrestrial mammals from the Iberian Peninsula was low, and spatially and temporally biased.

BackgroundCurrent guidelines suggest treating cancer patients with incidental pulmonary embolism (PE) similarly to those with clinically suspected and confirmed PE. However, the natural history of these presentations has not been thoroughly compared.MethodsWe used the data from the RIETE (Registro Informatizado de Enfermedad TromboEmbólica) registry to compare the 3-month outcomes in patients with active cancer and incidental PE versus those with clinically suspected and confirmed PE. The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were PE-related mortality, symptomatic PE recurrences and major bleeding.ResultsFrom July 2012 to January 2019, 946 cancer patients with incidental asymptomatic PE and 2274 with clinically suspected and confirmed PE were enrolled. Most patients (95% versus 90%) received low-molecular-weight heparin therapy. During the first 90 days, 598 patients died, including 42 from PE. Patients with incidental PE had a lower all-cause mortality rate than those with suspected and confirmed PE (11% versus 22%; OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.34–0.54). Results were consistent for PE-related mortality (0.3% versus 1.7%; OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06–0.59). Multivariable analysis confirmed that patients with incidental PE were at lower risk of death (adjusted OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.34–0.56). Overall, 29 (0.9%) patients developed symptomatic PE recurrences, and 122 (3.8%) had major bleeding. There were no significant differences in PE recurrences (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.25–1.54) or major bleeding (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.51–1.18).ConclusionsCancer patients with incidental PE had a lower mortality rate than those with clinically suspected and confirmed PE. Further studies are required to validate these findings, and to explore optimal management strategies in these patients.

This dataset gathers information about the macroinvertatebrate samples and environmental variables collected on rivers of the Ebro River Basin (NE Iberian Peninsula), the second largest catchment in the Iberian Peninsula. The collection is composed of 1,776 sampling events carried out between 2005 and 2015 at more than 400 sampling sites. This dataset is part of a monitoring network set up by the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation, the official body entrusted with the care of the basin, to fulfill the requirements of the European Water Framework Directive. Biological indices based on the freshwater macroinvertebrate communities were used to evaluate the ecological status of the water bodies within the basin. Samples were qualitatively screened for all occurring taxa. Then, all individuals from all taxa in a quantitative subsample of each sample were counted. Biological indices were calculated to estimate water quality at each sampling site. All samples are kept at the Museum of Zoology of the University of Navarra.

Introduction: Less than 1% of patients with CML or acute leukemia transformations of other chronic disorders such as myeloproliferative neoplasms, particularly myelofibrosis, will present with and extramedullary presentation. Sites of isolated myeloid sarcoma include bone, periosteum, soft tissues, and lymph nodes, and less commonly the orbit, intestine, mediastinum, epidural region, uterus, and ovary. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of cases reported in the literature since 2005 to 2013. We identified similar cases to the actual ones that presented to our practice. The patients were diagnosed with myeloid sarcoma with an atypical presentation as a hematoma. We described 2 case reports, both have an atypical presentation of myeloid sarcoma mimicking a hematoma in different parts of the body. Results: We found in the literature a total of 4 cases with myeloid sarcoma with an atypical presentation as a hematoma. About, 3 of them (n=3, 75%) reported subdural hematomas. Only 1 case (n=1, 25%) reported an ocular involvement/retro-orbital hematoma. We present 2 cases that presented to our practice with a diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma and later on complicated as a subcutaneous hematoma. Discussion: We analyzed the fact that myeloid sarcoma has a very unusual presentation as a hematoma. The review of the literature supports this fact. However this should make as aware that even though this is an unusual and unique presentation we should think about it and always test the biopsy sample for IHC and flow cytometry in order to later on diagnose and treat

Item does not contain fulltext STUDY QUESTION: Can the differences in patients' and professionals' perspective regarding essential endometriosis care be accommodated in one set of key recommendations? SUMMARY ANSWER: Consensus between patients and professions on a key set of recommendations for essential endometriosis care was achieved. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Guideline development alone will not lead to healthcare improvement. Quality indicators are needed to monitor actual care and guideline adherence. These can help with better implementation of the ESHRE guidelines in European hospitals and thereby improve the quality of endometriosis care. The first step in the development of quality indicators is to select a compact set of key recommendations. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION: Using a RAND modified Delphi method, this study reports the systematic selection of key recommendations based on the ESHRE guideline 'Management of Women with Endometriosis' by an international expert panel of both patients and professionals during the study period of September 2015 and December 2015. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, METHODS: An international panel of patients (n = 10) and medical professionals (n = 11) rated and prioritized the 83 recommendations extracted from the ESHRE guideline for relevance in three rounds. A strict consensus methodology was used to select key recommendations. The main outcome measure was one set of key recommendations for endometriosis care. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A representative set of 17 key recommendations was selected from the preliminary set of 83 recommendations. This selection covers all dimensions of endometriosis care, including diagnosis, treatment of endometriosis-associated pain, treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility and miscellaneous topics such as prevention, menopause and relationship with cancer. Of the 21 experts, 17 participated in at least one round while 16 (76.2%) participated in all 3 rounds. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The feasibility of the selected key recommendations was not assessed in this study. As not all panel members took part in all three rounds, some response bias may have occurred. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This set of key recommendations is the first step in the development of quality indicators for monitoring and improving endometriosis care. The set is generic and can be used in hospitals internationally. A practice test should be conducted to assess the feasibility of our key recommendations in clinical practice. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No funding was received for the conduct of this study. Members of the EndoKey study group did not receive payment. The authors and members of the EndoKey study group have no conflict of interest.

Background Primary biodiversity records (PBR) are essential in many areas of scientific research as they document the biodiversity through time and space. However, concerns about PBR quality and fitness-for-use have grown, especially as derived from taxonomical, geographical and sampling effort biases. Nonetheless, the temporal bias stemming from data ageing has received less attention. We examine the effect of changes in land use in the information currentness, and therefore data obsolescence, in biodiversity databases. Methods We created maps of land use changes for three periods (1956–1985, 1985–2000 and 2000–2012) at 5-kilometres resolution. For each cell we calculated the percentage of land use change within each period. We then overlaid distribution data about small mammals, and classified each data as ‘non-obsolete or ‘obsolete,’ depending on both the amount of land use changes in the cell, and whether changes occurred at or after the data sampling’s date. Results A total of 14,528 records out of the initial 59,677 turned out to be non-obsolete after taking into account the changes in the land uses in Navarra. These obsolete data existed in 115 of the 156 cells analysed. Furthermore, more than one half of the remaining cells holding non-obsolete records had not been visited at least for the last fifteen years. Conclusion Land use changes challenge the actual information obtainable from biodiversity datasets and therefore its potential uses. With the passage of time, one can expect a steady increase in the availability and use of biological records—but not without them becoming older and likely to be obsolete by land uses changes. Therefore, it becomes necessary to assess records’ obsolescence, as it may jeopardize the knowledge and perception of biodiversity patterns.

Podeu consultar la Vuitena trobada de professorat de Ciències de la Salut completa a: http://hdl.handle.net/2445/66524, Metodología: Se describen los talleres y seminarios de simulación empleados desde el año académico 2010-11 en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Barcelona, que se ofrecen a los alumnos a partir de 2 año de grado, con el fin de ofrecer a los alumnos de forma transversal la adquisición y refuerzo continuo de competencias en habilidades de comunicación. Siguiendo las definiciones del Libro Blanco de las Facultades de Medicina y de la Guía de la Facultad de Medicina de la UB, se ofrece formación en los siguientes aspectos de la competencia de comunicación: • Escuchar con atención, obtener y sintetizar información pertinente acerca de los problemas que aquejan al enfermo, y comprender el contenido de esta información. • Comunicación de malas noticias • Obtener un consentimiento Informado • Comunicación entre profesionales Se describen el nivel de aprendizaje, el personal docente requerido, la duración de los seminarios o talleres, los objetivos docentes, el material necesario en cada actividad y el año de la formación de grado en que se aplica. Se describe la utilización de la estrategia de feed-back para la autoevaluación de la actividad práctica, empleando grabaciones de los talleres y simulaciones de los grupos de alumnos. Se describe así mismo, las encuestas empleadas para la evaluación por el docente y los compañeros de clase de las actividades de simulación y la metodología empleada de evaluación de los seminarios y su calificación dentro de la nota final de cada asignatura. Finalmente se describen las asignaturas optativas existentes en la Facultad de Medicina de la UB para reforzar las habilidades de comunicación y los planes futuros de desarrollo de actividades formativas complementarias y de refuerzo y las propuestas evaluativas de la competencia.

El objetivo de este artículo es proponer una metodología para construir un índice regional de costo de vivienda que tome en consideración la heterogeneidad espacial de éstas. Trabajando con la encuesta CASEN 2003, se muestra que los precios promedios entre regiones así como la estimación de regresiones hedonicas pueden generar resultados sesgados producto de la heterogeneidad espacial. Cuando se homogeiniza la muestra a través de método de pareo "matching", los resultados previos cambian en forma significativa. Finalmente se construye un índice regional de costo de vivienda que captura las diferencias regionales en precios de arriendo de unidades homogéneas. The aim of this article is to develop a methodology for a spatial or regional cost index of housing that considers spatial differentials across regions. Using micro data from the Chilean survey CASEN 2003, it is showed that a spatial or regional housing price index based on the weighted mean or the estimators of hedonic price equations might lead to biased results due to spatial heterogeneity. The potential bias is reduced by matching the houses in a region with a clone in the Metropolitan Region, according to own and neighbors' characteristics using propensity scores. As a result a very different pattern of spatial cost of housing arises. Finally, using a Fisher ideal price index, the paper proposes a spatial or regional cost index of housing that shows price differences for homogeneous houses across regions.

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality postoperatively. The use of pharmacologic prophylaxis is effective in reducing the incidence of VTE. However, the prophylaxis is often discontinued at hospital discharge, especially for those with benign disease. The implications of this practice are not known. We assessed the data from a large, ongoing registry regarding the time course of VTE and outcomes after noncancer surgery. Methods We analyzed the RIETE (Computerized Registry on Venous Thromboembolism) registry, which includes data from consecutive patients with symptomatic confirmed VTE. In the present study, we focused on general surgical patients who had developed symptomatic postoperative VTE in the first 8 weeks after noncancer surgery. The main objective was to assess the interval between surgery and the occurrence of VTE. Additional variables included the clinical presentation associated with the event, the use of thrombosis prophylaxis, and unfavorable outcomes. Results The data from 3296 patients were analyzed. The median time from surgery to the detection of VTE was 16 days (interquartile range, 8-30 days). Of the VTE events, 77% were detected after the first postoperative week and 27% after 4 weeks. Overall, 43.9% of the patients with VTE had received pharmacologic prophylaxis after surgery for a median of 8 days (interquartile range, 5-14 days), and three quarters of the VTE events were detected after pharmacologic prophylaxis had been discontinued. Overall, 54% of the patients with VTE had presented with pulmonary embolism. For 15% of the patients, the clinical outcome was unfavorable, including 4% who had died within 90 days. Conclusions The risk of VTE after noncancer general surgery remains high for ≤2 months. More than one half of the patients had presented with symptomatic PE as the VTE event, and 15% had had unfavorable outcomes. Only 44% of these patients had received pharmacologic prophylaxis for around 1 week.