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Approved systemic treatment options are limited for pediatric patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. To assess the efficacy and safety of apremilast over 16 weeks in pediatric patients with plaque psoriasis. SPROUT (NCT03701763) was a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of apremilast in patients aged 6-17 years with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] ≥12, body surface area ≥10%, static Physician Global Assessment [sPGA] ≥3) inadequately controlled by/inappropriate for topical therapy. Patients were stratified by age group and randomized (2:1) to apremilast (20 or 30 mg BID based on weight) or placebo for 16 weeks, followed by apremilast extension to 52 weeks. Of 245 patients randomized (apremilast: 163; placebo: 82), 221 (90%) completed the double-blind phase (apremilast: 149; placebo: 72). Significantly more patients achieved sPGA response and ≥75% reduction in PASI with apremilast than placebo, regardless of baseline age, weight, or disease severity. No new safety signals were observed. Sample size of subgroup analyses. Improvements in global disease activity and skin involvement were significantly greater in pediatric patients treated with apremilast versus placebo. Adverse events were consistent with the known apremilast safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs), belonging to the genus Globodera spp., are spread worldwide constituting a problem of concern as they can cause considerable losses in crop yields. An alternative to the application of common pesticides is the use of trap crops, that promote the hatching of second-stage juvenile cysts without supporting the feeding and reproduction of these nematodes. For this purpose, in recent years, there has been growing attention to the use of Solanum sisymbriifolium as a biopesticide. In this study, we focused on looking for the best conditions to grow this trap crop under field conditions, contrary to previous studies developed in pots under controlled conditions. Various management strategies, including sowing date and depth, irrigation and soil compaction, to grow S. sisymbriifolium in acid sandy soils (pH 4.3–5.5) have been evaluated. In addition, the efficiency of S. sisymbriifolium was tested under field conditions in three PCN-infested plots. The results indicate that the best conditions for S. sisymbriifolium cropping in South Atlantic latitudes included sowing dates in July and August at 10–15 cm depth, with irrigation and soil compaction after sowing. Under these conditions, a 77%–89% decrease in PCNs was observed with a high initial number of cysts (93–160 per 100g), and even some sub-plots showed a 100% reduction when the initial number of cysts was low (15–52 per 100g). Therefore, S. sisymbriifolium could be an interesting substitute for unspecific chemical nematicides in potato crops to promote sustainable agriculture. • Best conditions for S. sisymbriifolium cropping in European South Atlantic latitudes were found. • Sowing should be done preferably with warm temperatures. • Seeds should be planted at 10–15 cm depth and with irrigation. • Soil compaction using a roller is needed after sowing. • The correct development of trap plants reduces by 80–100% the presence of cyst nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Streptococcus bovis group (SBG) is a well-known cause of endocarditis, but its role in osteoarticular infections (OAIs) has not been well described. Methods We analyzed all patients with OAIs by SBG diagnosed in our hospital (1988–2014). We selected those cases with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, as defined according to clinical, microbiological, and imaging studies. Identification of the strains was performed by using the API 20 Strep and the GP card of the Vitek 2 system, and confirmed the identification by molecular methods. In addition, we reviewed the literature to select all cases of OAI by SBG during the period 1980–2015. Results From the 83 cases of OAI included in the analysis (21 from our center and 62 from the literature review), 59 were osteomyelitis (57 of them spondylodiscitis) and 24 were arthritis (2 with associated spondylodiscitis). The mean age was 66.9 years, and 79.2% of the patients were men. Endocarditis (IE) was associated with 59% of the cases and this association was greater for osteomyelitis than for arthritis (78.9% vs. 13.6%; P = 0.001). OAI was a presenting symptom in 63% of the cases of IE. Colonoscopy was performed in 64 cases, which detected colorectal neoplasm (CRN) in 46 patients (71.8%), almost all asymptomatic. Some 69.5% of these neoplasm were carcinomas or advanced adenomas. The blood cultures were positive in 78.3% cases. In 45 cases, the S. bovis species was identified; in 82.2% of the cases the cause was Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus . The mortality was 7.2%, which in no case was attributable to the OAI. Conclusions OAIs are frequently the initial manifestation of IE caused by SBG. S. gallolyticus causes most of these infections. Echocardiogram and colonoscopy are therefore mandatory, given the species’ close association with IE and CRN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eleven lactic acid bacteria strains of importance to the dairy industry were subjected to in vitro analyses to determine their probiotic potential. Seven strains were isolated from ewe’s and cow’s milk (Enterococcus faecalis – five –, Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus paracasei). Four were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), isolated from cheese (Lactobacillus casei 393), human feces (L. paracasei 27092 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 53103) and used in cheese making (L. lactis 54104). Although none of the strains was able to degrade mucin, all E. faecalis showed, at least, one transferable antibiotic resistance, which excluded them as candidates for addition to foods. Of the remaining six safe strains, L. lactis strains were more tolerant to low pH than Lactobacillus spp.; all were tolerant to pancreatin and bile salts and showed antibacterial activity. The highest level of adhesion to Caco-2 cells was observed with L. lactis 660, even higher than L. rhamnosus ATCC 53103 (recognized probiotic and used as control). The physiological probiotic properties of these strains, mainly isolated from dairy sources, are interesting in view of their use in cheese productions as starter and non starter cultures. The five LAB safe strains studied may have potential as novel probiotics in the dairy foods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main forest transitions that took place in south-central Chile from the end of the last glaciation to the present are reviewed here with the aim of identifying the main climatic and socio-economic drivers of land cover change. The first great transition, driven primarily by global warming, is the postglacial expansion of forests, with human populations from about 15,000 cal. yr. BP, restricted to coastlines and river basins and localized impact of forest fire. Charcoal evidence of fire increased in south-central Chile and in global records from about 12,000 to 6000 cal. yr. BP, which could be attributed at least partly to people. The subsequent expansion of agriculture led to much clearing of forests and the spread of weeds and other indicators of open habitats. The Spanish colonial period in America may have been followed by a transient expansion of forest cover into abandoned land, as indigenous population declined rapidly due to disease and slaughter. The 18th and 19th centuries brought about extensive loss of forests due to the massive impact of lumber extraction for mining operations both in central Chile and in western North America. Two centuries of intensive deforestation, coupled to grazing by cattle and extremely variable rainfall had long-lasting effects on forest cover in south-central Chile, which persist until today. The transition from a preindustrial to an industrial society brought about the “golden age” of timber harvest, assisted by mobile sawmills and railway transportation since the late 1800s. These advances led to the exhaustion of native commercial timber by the late 20th century in south-central Chile. In North America, harvestable stands were exhausted in New England and the Midwest around 1920. Settlement of the independent territories in the late 1800s and early 1900s implied vast burning and clearing of land and mounting soil erosion. Industrial forestry, based on government-subsidized massive plantations of short-rotation exotic trees, developed in the late 20th century, in connection with postindustrial displacement of exploitative activities from developed to third-world nations. In the last two decades, economic globalization and free trade promoted the expansion of new crops and further decline of woodlands, despite modest increases in forest cover. These patterns are repeated in many Latin American countries. To prevent further depletion of native forest resources and to provide an insurance against climate change, in the 21st century developing nations should aim at: (1) relocating subsidies from fiber farms to restoring diverse forest cover, (2) promoting ecosystem management of diverse forest and crops within landscapes, and (3) fostering diverse cultural relationships between people and their land. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We document for the first time the epiphytic composition and biomass of canopy emergent trees from temperate, old-growth coastal rainforests of Chile (42°30′S). Through tree-climbing techniques, we accessed the crown of two large (c. 1m trunk diameter, 25–30m tall) individuals of Eucryphia cordifolia (Cunoniaceae) and one large Aextoxicon punctatum (Aextoxicaceae) to sample all epiphytes from the base to the treetop. Epiphytes, with the exception of the hemi-epiphytic tree Raukaua laetevirens (Araliaceae), were removed, weighed and subsamples dried to estimate total dry mass. We recorded 22 species of vascular epiphytes, and 22 genera of cryptogams, with at least 30 species of bryophytes, liverworts and lichens. The dominant vascular epiphytes were Fascicularia bicolor (Bromeliaceae), Raukaua laetevirens, Sarmienta repens (Gesneriaceae), and filmy ferns (Hymenophyllaceae). Epiphyte loads per tree ranged between 134 and 144kg dry mass, with 60–70% water. The hemi-epiphytic tree R. laetevirens added between 1 and 2.6t of dry mass to each host tree. A main component of epiphyte biomass, making 70% of the weight, was detritus and roots, while leaves, stems, and fronds made up the remaining 30%. Emergent trees hold a high proportion of the regional diversity of epiphytes: 33% of all flowering epiphytes, and 50% of all filmy ferns described for Chilean temperate forests. Dry epiphyte biomass associated only with the emergent E. cordifolia trees in coastal forests was estimated in 10t/ha. Epiphyte biomass may store up to 300l of water in each emergent tree, and add 40–150% of photosynthetic biomass to the tree crowns. Based on this evidence, epiphytes may play key but generally neglected roles in ecosystem carbon uptake, water storage, and nutrient cycling. Moreover, emergent trees represent nuclei of biodiversity and ecosystem functions distributed throughout mature forests. Forest management should recognize large trees as significant management units for the preservation of biodiversity and ecological functions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lowland evergreen rainforests in southern Chile growing on highly productive soils and accessible sites have been subjected to traditional and industrial logging of valuable timber trees. Old-growth rain forests in this area are characterized by highly conservative N cycles, which results in an efficient N use of ecosystems. We hypothesize that different logging practices, by changing forest structure and species composition, can alter the quantity and quality (i.e. C/N ratio) of litterfall and soil organic matter and soil microbial processes that determine N storage and availability. To test this hypothesis we investigated chemical properties, microbial N transformations, N fluxes and N storage in soils of lowland evergreen rainforests of Chiloé Island after 10 years since industrial selective logging (ISL) and in stands subjected to traditional selective logging (TSL) by landowners in small properties. We compared them to reference unlogged old-growth stands (OG) in the same area. Tree basal area was more reduced in the stands subjected to ISL than to TSL. Litterfall inputs were similar in both logging treatments as in OG stands. This was due to greater biomass of understory species after logging. In TSL understory tree species determined a higher litterfall C/N ratio than ISL. We found higher soil N availability and content of base cations in surface soils of logged forests than in OG. The litter horizon of OG forest had significantly higher rates of non-symbiotic N fixation than logged forests. In the ISL treatment there was a trend toward increasing soil denitrification and significantly higher NO3–N/Nt ratio in spring waters, which led to a stronger δ15N signal in surface and deep soils. We conclude that massive understory occupation by the shade-intolerant native bamboo Chusquea quila in ISL led to enhanced litter quality (lower C/N ratios) relaxing the tightness of the N cycle, which increased soil N availability leading to a higher proportion of nitrate in spring waters and higher gaseous N losses. In contrast, under TSL a higher litterfall C/N ratio slowed decomposition and net N mineralization rates thus reducing the chances for N losses, and enhancing C and N storage in soil. We suggest that sustainable logging practices in these rain forests should be based on lower rates of canopy removal to enhance colonization of the understory by shade-tolerant trees, which are associated with a more efficient N cycle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Old-growth forests are ecologically relevant reservoirs of biodiversity and provide valuable and unique ecosystem functions in the landscape. However, what constitutes an old-growth stand is confusing because the definition depends largely on the forest type under study. Despite the ecological importance of old-growth temperate rainforests in southern Chile in comparison to other global forests, no attempts have been made to characterize them as a way to assess their structural variability. Here, we characterized old-growth stands of Valdivian and North Patagonian rain forest types located in Chiloé Island (Chile, 42°30′S) using inventory data from 23 permanent plots (0.1ha each) located in rural landscapes and protected areas of northern Chiloé Island. For each stand, its age (average age of the oldest trees present in each stand) and disturbance regimes (evidence of recent human impact, e.g. cuttings or fires, and tree growth rates) were used as defining old-growth criteria. We characterized the structure (tree species richness, size-density distributions, vertical stratification and presence of snags) and floristic composition of each stand. Environmental variables (i.e. temperature, distance to coastline and elevation) were related to stand structure using multivariate constrained correspondence analysis. Old-growth forests were commonly characterized by (a) tree basal areas >80m2/ha; (b) density of shade-tolerant tree species in the emergent and dominant canopy layer >36%; (c) higher tree species richness (>7 tree species) than successional stands; (d) presence of large canopy emergents (>80cmdbh, >25m tall); (e) high vertical heterogeneity; and (f) minimum stand ages older than 200 years. Old-growth forests showed a distinctive structural variability and floristic diversity influenced both by stand age and disturbance history of the stands. Structural variability was also related to environmental differences among sites (e.g. air temperature, distance to coastline, soil types). Old-growth forest features described here can offer a baseline for managers interested in maintaining and restoring old-growth forest structure in southern temperate rain forests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Current forestry practices in Chile largely rely on exotic tree plantations, and limited management experiences are available for the species-rich native evergreen rain forests. Yet, conservationists and forest scientists call for sustainable management of native forests as an alternative to plantations so as to maintain important ecosystem services. We parameterised the process-based forest growth model FORMIND for a Valdivian coastal temperate rain forest in Chiloé Island, Chile, to assess the ecological implications of different logging practices including selective logging and strip-cutting. We tested the model by comparing simulation results with field data from the study site and carried out an extensive sensitivity analysis to explore the impacts of parameter values on model results. Simulated logging practices were compared in regard to expected timber harvest and long-term impacts on forest structure and composition. Results showed that highest harvests could be achieved when strip-cutting was applied, because it promoted the regeneration of the relatively light-demanding and fast-growing Eucryphia cordifolia. However, forest structure and composition were severely altered by this practice. In contrast, selective logging, although providing lower harvests, better conserved old-growth forest structure and composition. Canopy gaps created by selective logging were not large enough to ensure regeneration of E. cordifolia, but favoured the shade-tolerant Laureliopsis philippiana. Overall, the similarity of logged stands to undisturbed forest decreased linearly with increasing harvesting intensity. Management strategies that rely on native species and keep an uneven-aged forest structure ensure the maintenance of native biodiversity, protect ecosystems from exotic species invasions, and promote the conservation of biotic interactions essential for tree reproduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since the 19th century, 41% of the land on Chiloé Island (41°50′S, 73°40′W) in Chile was cleared. Following clearing and burning, much of the converted land remains in sparse shrub cover. We hypothesized that the arrested conversion back to forests may reflect a nearly permanent condition associated with a rise in the water table. To evaluate this possibility we acquired data from a 60-year old evergreen forest and an area in shrub cover to parameterize two hydrologic models; one that accounts for hourly interception losses and predicts net precipitation (Gash model), the other that calculates hourly transpiration from both overstory and understory components as well as evaporation from the soil (a modified Penman–Monteith model). In addition, standpipes were installed to record water table levels over 18 months. The fraction of a total annual precipitation (∼2100mm) transpired by shrub and forest cover differed (8% versus 22%) roughly in proportion to differences in the leaf area index (2.2 versus 5.0). Although whole canopy (stomatal) conductances were similar, the aerodynamic conductance was more than three-fold higher for forests compared with shrub cover (∼12molm−2 s−1 versus 3molm−2 s−1). The frequent wetting of tree canopies, combined with an average wind speed of 0.74ms−1, resulted in ∼30% interception losses from forests compared with 1% of annual precipitation lost through this pathway from shrub cover. As a result of these differences, only about half of the precipitation enters the ground under forest cover compared to 90% under shrub cover. This difference in canopy interception losses accounts for a rise in the water table from an average of 45–10cm. The high water table prevents normal tree regeneration. This condition is stable unless an effort is made to provide an elevated substrate for tree seedlings to become established. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Traditional agro-industrial buildings are an important part of the heritage of Galicia (northwest of Spain), but these buildings are now in danger of disappearing. In order to preserve it, an exhaustive and rigorous work of documentation should be undertaken, as well as other actions. This paper is about the graphic and metric documentation put together by the authors in relation to a group of traditional farm buildings in Galicia. We used a method based on close-range photogrammetry techniques. The method is simple, cheap and accessible to the layperson. The tools we used were low-cost conventional cameras, plumb lines and monoscopic digital photogrammetric stations. The accuracy of our method compared to topographic methods proved satisfactory, although it must be borne in mind that the type of building surveyed is not particularly tall. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this work is to demonstrate the usefulness of high-resolution satellite images, in particular Ikonos images, in the study of rural constructions with regard to their subsequent reuse. It includes an inventory of buildings and estimation of densities as well as a study of distribution patterns of constructions. In addition, it will reveal the possibilities that the images offer in relation to the cataloguing of construction characteristics. This information can be integrated into a GIS (Geographical Information System) and can be analysed alongside other data. The methodology employed, based on the digital analysis of high-resolution images, is cost effective in the inventorying of buildings, especially in areas of dispersed settlement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Coarse woody residues (snags and logs) are a massive and functionally important component of high-latitude forest ecosystems, both natural and managed. Decaying logs and snags provide habitat for many organisms and participate in biogeochemical element fluxes within the forest ecosystem. Because of their large mass and slow decay rates, they may also play a significant role in the global carbon cycle. For these reasons, it is important to understand the dynamics of coarse woody debris (CWD) during forest succession. Here, we estimated the biomass of CWD (defined as logs or snags >10 cm stem diameter) in nine forest stands, both primary and secondary, on Chiloe´ Island (42°S), southern Chile. The stands represented a successional chronosequence following non-catastrophic human disturbance by fire and logging. We characterized logs in terms of their decay class, total carbon content, moisture content, volume, and dry biomass. CWD biomass ranged from 18 to 413 Mg ha−1, with a recently disturbed and old-growth forests having the largest values. Early- and mid-successional stands had the lowest values. Decay classes of logs differed in density, moisture contents and total carbon content. Carbon stored in logs and snags was nearly 10 times higher in old-growth and primary forests than in young-successional forests. CWD biomass is substantially reduced in young growing stands with disrupting effects on ecological functions and biodiversity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Performs tree-ring analysis on a Fitzroya cupressoides and a nearby Nothofagus nitida stands in the montane forests in Cordillera Pelada, Chile. Ecological history of two stands; Predominance of standing dead stems and patchy, sparse regeneration; Dendroecological analysis; Influence of climatic deterioration on the decline of cupressoides.

A high-resolution soil sampling has been applied to two forest podzols (ACB-I and ACB-II) from SW Europe in order to investigate the soil components and processes influencing the content, accumulation and vertical distribution of Hg. Total Hg contents (THg) were 28.0 and 23.6 μg kg−1 in A horizons of ACB-I and ACB-II, then they strongly decreased in the E horizons and peaked in the Bhs horizons of both soils (55.3 and 63.0 μg kg−1). THg decreased again in BwC horizons to 17.0 and 39.8 μg kg−1. The Bhs horizons accounted for 46 and 38% of the total Hg stored (ACB-I and ACB-II, respectively). Principal component analysis (PCA) and principal components regression (PCR), i.e. using the extracted components as predictors, allowed to distinguish the soil components that accounted for Hg accumulation in each horizon. The obtained model accurately predicted accumulated Hg (R2 = 0.845) through four principal components (PCs). In A horizons, Hg distribution was controlled by fresh soil organic matter (PC4), whereas in E horizons the negative values of all PCs were consistent with the absence of components able to retain Hg and the corresponding very low THg concentrations. Maximum THg contents in Bhs horizons coincided with the highest peaks of reactive Fe and Al compounds (PC1 and PC2) and secondary crystalline minerals (PC3) in both soils. The THg distribution in the deepest horizons (Bw and BwC) seemed to be influenced by other pedogenetic processes than those operating in the upper part of the profile (A, E and Bhs horizons). Our findings confirm the importance of soils in the global Hg cycling, as they exhibit significant Hg pools in horizons below the uppermost O and A horizons, preventing its mobilization to other environmental compartments. Image 1 • Hg content is characterized by a bimodal vertical distribution in podzols. • Illuvial horizons account for the largest Hg pools of the soils. • Al-humus and secondary Al compounds mainly determine the Hg vertical distribution. • Hg in illuvial horizons is bound to long-term C pools (metal-humus complexes). • Processes different from podzolization act below illuvial horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs in about 70% of stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients and is associated with poor function and recurrent vascular events. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) has been shown to improve poststroke/TIA outcomes but adherence is generally poor. This study aimed to develop and conduct a preliminary assessment of educational materials for poststroke/TIA OSA.Methods: This blinded pilot study involved the randomization of stroke/TIA patients to either an intervention group (who viewed an educational pamphlet and slideshow) or a control group (standard of care). Patient ratings were used to evaluate the educational materials. Changes in knowledge, daytime sleepiness, functional outcomes of sleep, and CPAP use were assessed at baseline and 6 months.Results: Total 93% of eligible patients consented to participate. Forty-eight participants were randomized to the control group (n = 23) or intervention group (n = 25). In the intervention group, all patients agreed or strongly agreed that the information in the educational materials was useful and that the wording was easy to understand. There were no significant changes in knowledge, daytime sleepiness, and functional outcomes of sleep between both groups at 6 months. In those who used CPAP, there was no significant difference in mean hours of CPAP use at the 6-month follow-up.Conclusions: The educational program was feasible and easy to understand amongst stroke/TIA patients but did not lead to a significant change in outcomes or CPAP use. The lessons learned can be used to facilitate future development of educational materials and plan an adequately-powered trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU, through its energy policy, has established a renovation rate of 3% for public buildings. This activity has a key role in achieving European targets regarding reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the promotion of building renovations would reduce energy dependence and unemployment in the EU. The present work is aligned with the recently updated EPBD in the energy policy through an economic evaluation of energy renovations of eleven tertiary buildings. These buildings belong to three Spanish university campuses, and most of these buildings were built under the previous Spanish building code, which was enforced between 1979 and 2006. While revisions to the envelope are typically cost prohibitive, active measures can achieve a significant reduction in energy consumption and energy costs. The investment is recouped in 1.1–6.7 years for a new lighting installation and 0.7–7.7 years for a natural gas or biomass boiler. For the optimal combinations, typical reductions in primary energy consumption range between 12% and 48%. In the current scenario of limited economic resources, the data provided in this work can be used to prioritize expenditures in energy renovations from environmental or economic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]