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The health status of the service sector workforce is a significant unknown in the field of medical geography. While spatial epidemiology has made progress in predicting the relationship between human health and the environment, there are still important challenges that remain unsolved. The main issue lies in the inability to statistically determine and visually represent all spatial concepts, as there is a need to cover a wide range of service activities while also considering the impact of numerous traditional medical variables and emerging risk factors, such as those related to socioeconomic and bioclimatic factors. This study aims to address the needs of health professionals by defining, prioritizing, and visualizing multiple occupational health risk factors that contribute to the well-being of workers. To achieve this, a methodological approach based on the synergy of Bayesian machine learning and geostatistics is proposed. Extensive data from occupational health surveillance tests were collected in Spain, along with socioeconomic and bioclimatic covariates, to assess potential social and climate impacts on health. This integrated approach enabled the identification of relevant patterns related to risk factors. A three-step geostatistical modeling process, including variography, ordinary kriging, and G clustering, was used to generate national distribution maps for various factors such as annual mean temperature, annual rainfall, spine health, limb health, cholesterol, age, and sleep quality. These maps considered four target activities—administration, finances, education, and hospitality. Remarkably, bioclimatic variables were found to contribute approximately 9% to the overall health status of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Due to the surplus in the production of 'Rojo Brillante' persimmon in Spain, there is great interest in developing products made from this fruit that can take full advantage of production peaks. However, heat treatment can reverse the astringency, limiting the diversity of products derived from persimmon. The aim of this study was to characterise physicochemically astringent and non‐astringent persimmon cremogenates subjected to pasteurisation and elaborated with different thickeners (guar gum, sodium alginate and pectin). Several aspects were specifically analysed: the evolution during the storage of the soluble solid content, water, total phenols, antioxidant capacity, optical and mechanical properties, as well as the microbiological stability. The sensory acceptability of the selected cremogenates was also evaluated. The results showed that the final colour of the samples depended on the initial level of astringency of the raw material; the non‐astringent persimmons were much darker (L* ≈ 40–50) than astringent persimmons (L* ≈ 65–70), and the type of thickener used had no effect and led to no difference. Furthermore, the cremogenate was harder (F ≈ 20–120 N) when astringent persimmons were used. In astringent cremogenates the thickeners evaluated help in reducing the total phenol content after 3 months of storage in 40% when compared to the control. The heat treatment applied (70 °C, 30 min) did not reverse the astringency, so this type of cremogenate could be a commercial outlet for the waste or surplus of this fruit. In this regard, non‐astringent persimmons with pectin would be recommended for the preparation of cremogenates from this fruit since they were also those that the scored best in the sensory analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Repeated instrumental practice represents a risk factor for the appearance of playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs). This study aimed to compare the prevalence and characteristics of PRMDs based on location, pain characteristics and number of hours of instrumental practice, in musicians who play one or more musical instruments. Methods. An observational study was conducted with music university students in Spain using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 178 musicians (41%) played a second instrument. Musicians who played only one instrument had a slightly lower mean number of pain sites (M 3.25, SD 1.93; M 3.44, SD 2.27). On the contrary, pain intensity (M 2.72, SD 2.03; M 2.23, SD 1.78 points), pain interference on mood, quality of life and instrumental practice (M 3.04, SD 2.29; M 2.80, SD 2.24 points) as well as the number of hours devoted to instrumental practice (M 21.18, SD 10.47; M 20.03, SD 12.54 h/week) is slightly higher in musicians playing a single instrument. Conclusions. Pain intensity is the only variable of those analysed that presents statistically significant differences when comparing musicians who play a single instrument with those who play a second instrument, being higher in mono-instrumental musicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The architectural characteristics of a muscle determine its function. Objective: To determine the architectural adaptations of the lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles after a functional eccentric strength training protocol consisting of heel drop exercises, followed by a subsequent detraining period. Design: Pretest and posttest. Setting: Training rooms and laboratory. Participants: The participants (N = 45) who were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 25) and a control group (CG, n = 20). Interventions: The 13-week intervention included participants (N = 45) who were randomly divided into an EG (n = 25) and a CG (n = 20). The EG performed a week of control and training, 8 weeks of eccentric training, and 4 weeks of detraining. The CG did not perform any type of muscular training. The architectural characteristics of the LG and MG muscles were evaluated at rest in both groups using 2-D ultrasound before (pretest–week 1) and after (posttest–week 9) the training, and at the end of the detraining period (retest–week 13). Main Outcome Measures: One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine training-induced changes in each of the variables of the muscle architecture. Results: After the training period, the members of the EG experienced a significant increase in the fascicle length of LG (t = −9.85, d = 2.78, P <.001) and MG (t = −8.98, d = 2.54, P <.001), muscle thickness (t = −6.71, d = 2.86, P <.001) and (t = −7.85, d = 2.22, P <.001), and the pennation angle (t = −10.21, d = 1.88, P <.05) and (t = −1.87, d = 0.53, P <.05), respectively. After the detraining period, fascicle length, muscle thickness, and pennation angle showed a significant decrease. In the CG, no significant changes were observed in any of the variables. Conclusions: The heel drop exercise seems to generate adaptations in the architectural conditions of LG and MG, which are also reversible after a detraining period. These results may have practical implications for injury prevention and rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populus spp. clones and hybrids are commonly cultivated for timber production worldwide due to their fast growth and adaptability. In Spain, growth models are currently available for the Populus × euramericana clones 'I-214' and 'MC'. However, the input variables required for these models are not typically available to potential users. For the most widely used P. × interamericana clones ('Beaupre', 'Raspalje' and 'Unal') there is currently no growth model available in Spain or elsewhere in Europe. The aim of the present study was to develop a whole-stand growth model for these five clones. Data were obtained from a network of 134 plots and 265 trees scanned by Terrestrial Laser Scanning. The structure of the growth model was mediated by plot data typically available from forest owners: plantation age, number of trees of each clone and arithmetic mean tree diameter (dm). The main component of the growth model is a dm projection function, enabling dm to be projected at any time. Sensitivity analysis of the prediction accuracy of this function revealed that the proposed model provides satisfactory predictions for time intervals of between 5 and 10 years. The growth model was implemented in a web-based plot growth simulator, facilitating its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of a child's visual impairment is remembered vividly and intensely by their parents. However, the way in which the diagnosis is communicated may affect the development and persistence of this memory. The aim of this study is to analyze the circumstances in which the first news of the diagnosis of visual impairment in children is given and whether the memory of this event persists over time leading to a flashbulb memory. A longitudinal study was carried out with the participation of 38 mothers. Data were collected on sociodemographics, clinical variables, circumstances surrounding the communication of the diagnosis, and the degree of agreement of the information in the two phases of the research. The diagnosis was, on the whole, given to both parents at the same time, in medical language and with little tact, generally in the office of an ophthalmologist. The mothers would have preferred to have received the news in a different way, and the existence of a flashbulb memory is confirmed, more dependent on the context in which the diagnosis was given and its content than on sociodemographic and clinical factors. The way in which the first news of such a diagnosis is given plays a significant role in how it is remembered. Therefore, an improvement in medical practice regarding the communication of such diagnoses is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processes of change in teachers' practice have been the subject of many studies in educational research. We here describe a case study of long duration (in a course of time of 9 years) that has allowed us to gain some insight into how they occur and the underlying obstacles making the processes so slow. We take the professional development of a science teacher as involving the integration of reflection and classroom practice. In this theoretical framework, the so-called complexity hypothesis is of particular significance. The teacher was immersed in diverse learning environments, including an action research program. The results showed her reflections and classroom practice to be in constant evolution, as also were the obstacles to her professional development and an obdurate core of practical theories that she brought with her about the exclusive use of closed problems strictly within the discipline being taught. By the end of the study, her use of activities focused on socioscientific issues was in its beginnings. Continued learning in practice with the community of her fellow teachers with the emotional support they provided and a solid knowledge of the content were revealed as essential for her professional development. (Contains 8 tables and 1 figure.)

(1) Background: Large cohort studies of patients with COVID-19 treated with remdesivir have reported improved clinical outcomes, but data on older patients are scarce. Objective: This work aims to assess the potential benefit of remdesivir in unvaccinated very old patients hospitalized with COVID-19; (2) Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients ≥ 80 years hospitalized in Spain between 15 July and 31 December 2020 (SEMI-COVID-19 Registry). Differences in 30-day all-cause mortality were adjusted using a multivariable regression analysis. (3) Results: Of the 4331 patients admitted, 1312 (30.3%) were ≥80 years. Very old patients treated with remdesivir (n: 140, 10.7%) had a lower mortality rate than those not treated with remdesivir (OR (95% CI): 0.45 (0.29–0.69)). After multivariable adjustment by age, sex, and variables associated with lower mortality (place of COVID-19 acquisition; degree of dependence; comorbidities; dementia; duration of symptoms; admission qSOFA; chest X-ray; D-dimer; and treatment with corticosteroids, tocilizumab, beta-lactams, macrolides, and high-flow nasal canula oxygen), the use of remdesivir remained associated with a lower 30-day all-cause mortality rate (adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.40 (0.22–0.61) (p < 0.001)). (4) Conclusions: Remdesivir may reduce mortality in very old patients hospitalized with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analizar una cohorte de pacientes embarazadas con lupus eritematoso sistémico y comparar los desenlaces tanto de la enfermedad como del embarazo con los resultados de estudios previos realizados en la misma área geográfica. Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de 37 mujeres con lupus eritematoso sistémico (64 embarazos) seguidas en una consulta multidisciplinar. Estudio comparativo con los estudios españoles similares identificados tras revisión bibliográfica. Nuestra cohorte se caracterizó por una edad más elevada y por la presencia de pacientes de origen no caucásico. Aunque no encontramos diferencias clínicas relevantes, serológicamente nuestra cohorte presentó una mayor frecuencia de anticuerpos antifosfolípido. Las pacientes incluidas en este estudio fueron tratadas más frecuentemente con antipalúdicos y aspirina. La frecuencia de brotes fue muy similar entre los distintos estudios, y no identificamos predictores claros para los mismos. Aunque la tasa de nacidos vivos fue similar, el desenlace obstétrico de nuestra serie fue mejor, con una baja tasa de preeclampsia, parto pretérmino y recién nacido de bajo peso. El único predictor de acontecimiento obstétrico adverso fue la edad. Si bien los cambios en la actitud terapéutica y la planificación del embarazo no han tenido un impacto directo sobre la tasa de reactivación del lupus eritematoso sistémico durante el embarazo, sí que han supuesto una mejoría en los resultados obstétricos. La introducción de nuevas variables independientes de la enfermedad como la edad en la concepción, la procedencia sociocultural, o la disponibilidad de unidades multidisciplinares deberán ser consideradas en los resultados de próximos estudios. To analyse a cohort of pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and compare the outcomes of both the disease and pregnancy with the results of previous studies conducted in the same geographical area. Retrospective cohort study of 37 women with systemic lupus erythematosus (64 pregnancies) followed in a multidisciplinary unit. Comparative study with similar Spanish studies identified after literature search. Our cohort was characterized by an older age and by the presence of non-Caucasian patients. Although we found no clinical differences, from the serological point of view our cohort presented a higher frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies. Patients included in this study were treated more frequently with antimalarials and low-dose aspirin. Systemic lupus erythematosus flare frequency was very similar between the different studies, and we did not identify clear predictors for them. Although the rate of live births was similar among studies, the obstetric outcome of our series was better with a very low rate of preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight newborn. The only predictor of adverse obstetric event was age. Although changes in the therapeutic attitude and planning of pregnancy in recent years have not had a direct impact on the rate of systemic lupus erythematosus flares during pregnancy, they have meant an improvement in the obstetric results. The introduction of new variables independent of the disease such as age at conception, socio-cultural origin, or the availability of multidisciplinary units should be considered in the results of future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective SLE can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI symptoms are reported to occur in >50% of SLE patients. To describe the GI manifestations of SLE in the RELESSER (Registry of SLE Patients of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology) cohort and to determine whether these are associated with a more severe disease, damage accrual and a worse prognosis. Methods We conducted a nationwide, retrospective, multicentre, cross-sectional cohort study of 3658 SLE patients who fulfil ≥4 ACR-97 criteria. Data on demographics, disease characteristics, activity (SLEDAI-2K or BILAG), damage (SLICC/ACR/DI) and therapies were collected. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between lupus patients with and without GI damage to establish whether GI damage is associated with a more severe disease. Results From 3654 lupus patients, 3.7% developed GI damage. Patients in this group (group 1) were older, they had longer disease duration, and were more likely to have vasculitis, renal disease and serositis than patients without GI damage (group 2). Hospitalizations and mortality were significantly higher in group 1. Patients in group 1 had higher modified SDI (SLICC Damage Index). The presence of oral ulcers reduced the risk of developing damage in 33% of patients. Conclusion Having GI damage is associated with a worse prognosis. Patients on a high dose of glucocorticoids are at higher risk of developing GI damage which reinforces the strategy of minimizing glucocorticoids. Oral ulcers appear to decrease the risk of GI damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Age is a risk factor for COVID severity. Most studies performed in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV2 infection have shown an over-representation of older patients and consequently few have properly defined COVID-19 in younger patients who require hospital admission. The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors for the development of respiratory failure among young (18 to 50 years) hospitalized patients with COVID-19.Methods: This retrospective nationwide cohort study included hospitalized patients from 18 to 50 years old with confirmed COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and July 2, 2020. All patient data were obtained from the SEMI-COVID Registry. Respiratory failure was defined as the ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2 ratio) ≤200 mmHg or the need for mechanical ventilation and/or high-flow nasal cannula or the presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome.Results: During the recruitment period, 15,034 patients were included in the SEMI-COVID-19 Registry, of whom 2327 (15.4%) were younger than 50 years. Respiratory failure developed in 343 (14.7%), while mortality occurred in 2.3%. Patients with respiratory failure showed a higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (44 (13%) vs 14 (0.8%), p<0.001), venous thrombosis (23 (6.7%) vs 14 (0.8%), p<0.001), mortality (43 (12.5%) vs 7 (0.4%), p<0.001), and longer hospital stay (15 (9-24) vs 6 (4-9), p<0.001), than the remaining patients. In multivariate analysis, variables associated with the development of respiratory failure were obesity (odds ratio (OR), 2.42; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.71 to 3.43; p<0.0001), alcohol abuse (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.26 to 4.58; p=0.0076), sleep apnea syndrome (SAHS) (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.07 to 3.43; p=0.032), Charlson index ≥1 (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.52; p=0.0013), fever (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.22; p=0.0075), lymphocytes ≤1100 cells/μL (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.18 to 2.37; p=0.0033), LDH >320 U/I (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.18 to 2.42; p=0.0039), AST >35 mg/dL (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.52; p=0.003), sodium <135 mmol/L (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.24 to 4.33; p=0.0079), and C-reactive protein >8 mg/dL (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.72 to 3.41; p<0.0001).Conclusions: Young patients with COVID-19 requiring hospital admission showed a notable incidence of respiratory failure. Obesity, SAHS, alcohol abuse, and certain laboratory parameters were independently associated with the development of this complication. Patients who suffered respiratory failure had a higher mortality and a higher incidence of major cardiac events, venous thrombosis, and hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Historical and Cultural Heritage of Punta Begoña Galleries in Getxo (Bizkaia, North of Spain) are currently in restoration after being abandoned for years. For that reason, many graffiti, which directly affect the wall paintings, appear on most of their walls. Moreover, several graffiti overlap each other, which makes their removal more difficult. For all these reasons, the chemical characterization of these pigments is a priority to optimize the cleaning and consolidation treatments of wall paintings. That being the case, an analysis based on Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence was carried out to obtain information to help conservators remove the graffiti without damaging the mural paintings and the support. Nevertheless, the first step, using X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, involved the need for a database to compare the results and identify the compounds. Thus, different commercial inks were elementally and molecularly characterized to complete the existing databases. After this, an analysis of the inks was carried out that noted the presence of several organic pigments, such as phthalocyanines. Inorganic pigments such as titanium oxide were identified as well. After the analysis, the selection of the best removal process could be carried out to provide the most effective treatment, avoiding the "trial-and-error" classical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims at analysing the influence of a holistic configuration of factors related to industry and the characteristics of the entrepreneur and the business, on the survival of social and commercial entrepreneurial initiatives in both, new and consolidated companies. The sample ranges from 2,851 to 2,109 firms, according to the period considered, and has been obtained from the reports of the projects submitted to the Assistance Programme to Young Entrepreneurs, promoted by the Valencian Institute of Youth. Other sources of information have been the Institute's own reports and the Chambers of Commerce. A configurational analysis is performed using the Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis. The results obtained show that there is no necessary condition by itself and that there are several sufficient solutions that explain a considerable percentage of survival cases. They also show how the solutions vary significantly and, consequently, the relevance of the different causal antecedents, when the company acquires greater maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased life expectancy coupled with decreased birth rates has led to a notable aging of the population. In the social care sector, resources for the older persons should be allocated by means of objective instruments that ensure an appropriate fit between older people's needs and the characteristics of the services. This paper analyzes the appropriacy of actual assignments of resources in a sample of 632 older users of social services, evaluating the degree of fit between these assignments and those made by a Decision Making Model (DMM) which is strictly based on an objective assessment of user's needs and characteristics. The results indicate that biopsychosocial variables included as predictors in the DMM are appropriate for ensuring that the needs of the older persons are met and resources are optimized. However, the current assignments of users to services cannot be explained by relying solely on these variables, suggesting that the allocation of users to services may be conditioned by factors that are different from those covered by the DMM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The COVID‐19 pandemic required people to confine themselves to their homes where possible, and disrupted normal hospital activities. We examine whether this lockdown generated changes in the size of the tumours. We compared the dimensions of the surgically removed malignant skin tumours from the first 150 patients treated after the confinement ended in Spain (22 May 2020) with those of the last 150 patients to receive such treatment before the confinement began (13 March 2020). Data on tumour surface area were collected from pathology reports. Overall, no significant difference was seen in the tumour sizes. However, among men, the tumours removed after confinement were significantly larger (P < 0.05). Controversy exists over how the reduction in the number of tumours diagnosed during lockdowns might have influenced the characteristics of tumours. In this study, no overall difference was seen in the size of the tumours removed, although those removed from men after confinement were larger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using statistical methods for categorical data analysis, namely multiple correspondence analysis and Artificial Intelligence through Bayesian networks, we analysed a database of occupational mining accidents for Spain for the period 2004–2017 to identify the factors most associated with the occurrence of fatal and non-fatal accidents. The results obtained allow to shed light on the hidden patterns present in different work situations where accidents can have fatal consequences. In addition, this study exemplifies the application of statistical techniques suitable for Big Data and data-driven decision making in the mining sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environmental factors play a central role in seasonal epidemics. SARS-CoV-2 infection in Spain has shown a heterogeneous geographical pattern This study aimed to assess the influence of several climatic factors on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and the severity of COVID-19 among the Spanish Autonomous Communities (AA.CC.).Methods: Data on coronavirus infectivity and severity of COVID-19 disease, as well as the climatic variables were obtained from official sources (Ministry of Health and Spanish Meteorological Agency, respectively). To assess the possible influence of climate on the development of the disease, data on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) were collected during the months before the start of the pandemic. To analyze its influence on the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2, data on UVR, temperature, and humidity were obtained from the months of highest contagiousness to the peak of the pandemic.Results: From October 2019 to January 2020, mean UVR was significantly related not only to SARS-CoV-2 infection (cumulative incidence -previous 14 days- × 105 habitants, rho = - 0.0,666; p = 0.009), but also with COVID-19 severity, assessed as hospital admissions (rho = - 0.626; p = 0.017) and ICU admissions (rho = - 0.565; p = 0.035). Besides, temperature (February: rho = - 0.832; p < 0.001 and March: rho = - 0.904; p < 0.001), was the main climatic factor responsible for the infectivity of the coronavirus and directly contributed to a different spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the Spanish regions.Conclusions: Climatic factors may partially explain the differences in COVID-19 incidence and severity across the different Spanish regions. The knowledge of these factors could help to develop preventive and public health actions against upcoming outbreaks of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-efficacy (SE) has been shown to be a remarkable cognitive factor affecting health. Subjective perception of memory and other cognitive failures (i.e., subjective cognitive complaints [SCC]) have been associated with self-perception. The authors studied whether SE is a relevant subjective variable in predicting SCC in middle-aged adults living in the community (Self-efficacy (SE) has been shown to be a remarkable cognitive factor affecting health. Subjective perception of memory and other cognitive failures (i.e., subjective cognitive complaints [SCC]) have been associated with self-perception. The authors studied whether SE is a relevant subjective variable in predicting SCC in middle-aged adults living in the community (N = 438) and explored the role of SE and SCC in predicting health care use. SE, age, and cognitive performance predicted SCC. SE, age group, cognitive status, and SCC were predictors of health care use in univariate logistic regression analysis, although only SE, age group, and cognitive status remained significant in the multivariate analysis. The influence of SCC in health care use seems to be mediated by subjective estimations, such as those measured by SE. The authors suggest that well-implemented health education interventions might contribute to an increase in SE in middle-aged adults with a subsequent decrease in SCC, which would have a relevant effect in reducing the burden of care. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(5), 228–232.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Barcelona, Spain prior to 2006, HIV testing was mostly limited to formal healthcare facilities with no incidence data reported. A community-based organization (BCN Checkpoint) was established to increase HIV testing in a peer-led community location to generate incidence data in men who have sex with men and transgender women. Three community engagement interventions were conducted between 2009 and 2017 as follows: 2009-2011 (peer-led point-of-care testing for HIV), 2012-2014 (12-monthly HIV testing with an emphasis on testing in partnerships), 2015-2017 (three-monthly HIV testing with rapid referral for antiretroviral initiation). Between 2009 and 2017 a predominantly cisgender male (99.4%) and Spanish national (62.4%) population with mean age of 34.8 years had 49,630 visits. Mean visit number increased from 1.69 in the first to 2.07 in the last three-year period. HIV incidence fell from 4.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.53-4.93) per 100 person-years in 2009-2011 to 1.57 (95% CI: 1.30-1.89) per 100 person-years in 2015-2017. This represents a 62% reduction (incidence rate ratio: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.29-0.48) between the first and third study period (p < 0.001). These early interventions may have contributed to the reduction seen in HIV incidence in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection presents a high transmission in the group of health professionals in Spain (12-15% infected). Currently there is no accepted chemoprophylaxis but hydroxychloroquine (HDQ) is known to inhibit the coronavirus in vitro. Our hypothesis is that oral administration of hydroxychloroquine to healthcare professionals can reduce the incidence and prevalence of infection as well as its severity in this group.Methods: Design: Prospective, single center, double blind, randomised, controlled trial (RCT).Participants: Adult health-care professionals (18-65 years) working in areas of high exposure and high risk of transmission of SARS-COV-2 (COVID areas, Intensive Care Unit -ICUs-, Emergency, Anesthesia and all those performing aerosol-generating procedures) will be included. Exclusion criteria include previous infection with SARS CoV2 (positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR or IgG serology), pregnancy or lactation, any contraindication to hydroxychloroquine or evidence of unstable or clinically significant systemic disease.Interventions: Patients will be randomized (1:1) to receive once-daily oral Hydroxychloroquine 200mg for two months (HC group) or placebo (P group) in addition to the protective measures appropriate to the level of exposure established by the hospital. A serological evaluation will be carried out every 15 days with PCR in case of seroconversion, symptoms or risk exposure. Primary outcome is the percentage of subjects presenting infection (seroconversion and/or PCR +ve) by the SARS-Cov-2 virus during the observation period. Additionally, both the percentage of subjects in each group presenting Pneumonia with severity criteria (Curb 65 ≥2) and that of subjects requiring admission to ICU will be determined.Discussion: While awaiting a vaccine, hygiene measures, social distancing and personal protective equipment are the only primary prophylaxis measures against SARS-CoV-2, but they have not been sufficient to protect our healthcare professionals. Some evidence of the in vitro efficacy of hydroxychloroquine against this virus is known, along with some clinical data that would support the study of this drug in the chemoprophylaxis of infection. However, there are still no data from controlled clinical trials in this regard. If our hypothesis is confirmed, hydroxychloroquine can help professionals fight this infection with more guarantees.Participants: This is a single-center study that will be carried out at the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital. 450 health professionals working at the Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla in areas of high exposure and high risk of transmission of SARS COV2 (COVID hospital areas, Intensive Care Unit, Emergency, Anesthesia and all those performing aerosol-generating procedures) will be included.Inclusion Criteria: 1) Health professionals aged between 18 and 65 years (inclusive) at the time of the first screening visit; 2) They must provide signed written informed consent and agree to comply with the study protocol; 3) Active work in high exposure areas during the last two weeks and during the following weeks.Exclusion Criteria: 1) Previous infection with SARS CoV2 (positive coronavirus PCR or positive serology with SARS Cov2 negative PCR and absence of symptoms); 2) Current treatment with hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine; 3) Hypersensitivity, allergy or any contraindication for taking hydroxychloroquine, in the technical sheet; 4) Previous or current treatment with tamoxifen or raloxifene; 5) Previous eye disease, especially maculopathy; 6) Known heart failure (Grade III to IV of the New York Heart Association classification) or prolonged QTc; 7) Any type of cancer (except basal cell) in the last 5 years; 6) Refusal to give informed consent; 8) Evidence of any other unstable or clinically significant untreated immune, endocrine, hematological, gastrointestinal, neurological, neoplastic or psychiatric illness; 9) Antibodies positive for the human immunodeficiency virus; 10) Significant kidney or liver disease; 11) Pregnancy or lactation.Intervention and Comparator: Two groups will be analyzed with a 1: 1 randomization rate. 1)Intervention: (n = 225): One 200 mg hydroxychloroquine sulfate coated tablet once daily for two months.2)Comparator (control group) (n = 225): One hydroxychloroquine placebo tablet (identical to that of the drug) once daily for two months MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary outcome of this study will be to evaluate: number and percentage of healthcare personnel presenting symptomatic and asymptomatic infection (see "Diagnosis of SARS CoV2 infection" below) by the SARS-Cov2 virus during the study observation period (8 weeks) in both treatment arms;number and percentage of healthcare personnel in each group presenting with Pneumonia with severity criteria (Curb 65 ≥2) and number and percentage of healthcare personnel requiring admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in both treatment arms. DIAGNOSIS OF SARS COV2 INFECTION: Determination of IgA, IgM and IgG type antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kit (EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Germany) every two weeks. In cases of seroconversion, a SARS-CoV-2 PCR will be performed to rule out / confirm an active infection (RT-PCR in One Step: RT performed with mastermix (Takara) and IDT probes, following protocol published and validated by the CDC Evaluation of COVID-19 in case of SARS-CoV-2 infection RANDOMISATION: Participants will be allocated to intervention and comparator groups according to a balanced randomization scheme (1: 1). The assignment will be made through a computer-generated numeric sequence for all participants BLINDING (MASKING): Both participants and investigators responsible for recruiting and monitoring participants will be blind to the assigned arm.Numbers To Be Randomised (sample Size): Taking into account the current high prevalence of infection in healthcare personnel in Spain (up to 15%), to detect a difference equal to or greater than 8% in the percentage estimates through a two-tailed 95% CI, with a statistical power of 80% and a dropout rate of 5%, a total of 450 participants will need to be included (250 in each arm).Trial Status: The protocol approved by the health authorities in Spain (Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products "AEMPS") and the Ethics and Research Committee of Cantabria (CEIm Cantabria) corresponds to version 1.1 of April 2, 2020. Currently, recruitment has not yet started, with the start scheduled for the second week of May 2020.Trial Registration: Eudra CT number: 2020-001704-42 (Registered on 29 March 2020) FULL PROTOCOL: The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol. The study protocol has been reported in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Clinical Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines (Additional file 2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Medication errors frequently occur during transitions of care and may have damaging consequences, especially amongst the elderly. Some studies show that quality improvement initiatives with a focus on medication reconciliation have resulted in better health outcomes and a reduced number of readmissions. Objective The primary objective of this study was to quantify and classify medication reconciliation errors detected by a pharmacist and taking place during transitions of care between nursing homes and the health system. Secondary objectives were to assess the relation between error frequency and polypharmacy or between error frequency and the transition type and to describe the medication concerned by this error. Setting Five elderly nursing homes of the health care area in Ferrol (Spain) between January 2013 and December 2017 Method A prospective descriptive study on medication discrepancies found during pharmacist's medication reconciliation. This was performed at first admission and after every transition of care upon the patient's return to the nursing home. Interventions were categorized according to the consensus terminology. Main outcome measure Number and type of medication errors, percentage of transitions of care and percentage of patients who suffered at least one reconciliation error were measured. Results At least one medication error was found in 16% of the 2123 studied care transitions, summing up 417 reconciliation errors in 273/981 patients (28%). Wrong dosing (48%) and medication omissions (31%) were the most frequently detected errors. High-risk medication was involved in 40% of the cases. A positive association between polypharmacy (≥ 5 chronic medications) and the frequency of reconciliation errors was found. On the other hand, different transition types did not show a difference in error frequency. Conclusion Reconciliation errors were found in almost 30% of our patients. Unlike other studies, visits to outpatient specialist clinics were included as another type of healthcare transition, encompassing an important percentage of reconciliation errors. The pharmacist helped to reduce these errors in a particularly fragile population such as institutionalized patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil screening levels (SSLs) are reference threshold values required by environmental laws, established based on soil geochemical background data from often-extensive sampling areas. Such areas are often inappropriate for interpreting the true risk of pollution in small areas, since they overlook local factors (e.g., geology, industry, and traffic), which are unfeasible to encompass in large-scale samplings. To solve this issue, the calculation of local SSLs is proposed herein, performed on a major scale closer to the area of interest. To exemplify this proposal, a soil sampling campaign was performed in the Municipality of Langreo, one of the most industrialized areas in the Principality of Asturias (northwestern Spain). Sampling allowed the measurement of local soil screening levels for several inorganic contaminants. Afterwards, a soil pollution index was calculated, referred to both regional and local thresholds, to assess the degree of contamination. Both pollution indicators were subjected to a methodology based on a Bayesian network analysis, followed by a stochastic sequential Gaussian simulation approach. The methodologies used showed differences in the identification of potentially polluted areas depending on the soil screening levels (regional or local) used. It was concluded that, in urban/industrial cores, local soil screening levels facilitate the identification of polluted areas and also reduce the uncertainty associated with sampling density and diffuse contamination. Thus, use of local levels circumvents false-positive areas that would be classified as polluted were regional soil screening levels to be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport of suspended sediment (SS) and phosphorus (P) via surface runoff from soils to surface waters is a major problem of water quality degradation in many European rivers and in other parts of the world. This problem is especially serious during wet periods, which can produce twice the P loads of dry periods. In this study, the SS load and particulate phosphorus (PP) exported from a small catchment located in NW Spain (in which cultivated soils had different degrees of vegetation cover) were analyzed during two rainy periods of February 2006 and February 2007. The SS and PP loads were calculated from the data of discharge, and SS and PP concentrations were measured in water samples collected at the catchment outlet. SS and PP loads were higher in 2006 than in 2007, while there was higher rainfall and stream flow in 2007. Differences in the degree of vegetation cover in the cultivated fields with good connectivity with the stream, which was the main source area of sediment in this catchment, explain the differences in SS and PP loads between the two periods. Soil losses caused during both rainy periods were low (0.02 Mg ha−1); however, they may be detrimental to quality of the stream water due to the P linked to soil particles. PP concentrations were above the critical values of P for eutrophication during the study periods, highlighting the need to take conservation measures to reduce soil erosion and sediment delivery to watercourse. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Medical records generated during occupational health surveillance processes have large amounts of unexploited information that can help to reduce silica-related health risks and many occupational diseases. The methodology applied in this study consists in analyzing through machine learning techniques a database with 70,000 medical examinations from workers in the energy and construction industry in Spain. First, a general unsupervised Bayesian model is built and node force analysis is used to identify the factors with the greatest impact on the worker's health surveillance process. Second, a predictive Bayesian model is created and mutual information is employed to assess the more relevant factors affecting the medical capability of workers exposed to silica dust. The lung auscultation and the breathing exploration are the two factors that influence the most the medical capability of silica-exposed employees. Probabilistic inference shows a remarkable gender effect, where women present more resilience towards occupational diseases than men showing a higher proportion of normal results in certain key factors, such as body mass index (♀49.73%, ♂25.17%) or spirometry (♀53.73%, ♂48.91%). Finally, environmental conditions demonstrate to have a major influence on spatial variability of occupational diseases. The design of health prevention programs based on geographical variations can be crucial to the attainment of an ongoing and sustained healthier workforce with a reduction in the number of chronic workplace illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NBR-based indices got the strongest correlation with field burn severity regardless of the sensor. • Sentinel-2 MSI only slightly improved the performance of NBR-based indices compared to Landsat 8. • Mono-temporal and relativized indices best predicted vegetation burn severity. • Deimos-1 showed a weake performance to estimate burn severity specially with bi-temporal indices. The development of improved spatial and spectral resolution sensors provides new opportunities to assess burn severity more accurately. This study evaluates the ability of remote sensing indices derived from three remote sensing sensors (i.e., Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS, Sentinel-2 MSI and Deimos-1 SLIM-6-22) to assess burn severity (site, vegetation and soil burn severity). As a case study, we used a megafire (9,939 ha) that occurred in a Mediterranean ecosystem in northwestern Spain. Remote sensing indices included seven reflective, two thermal and four mixed indices, which were derived from each satellite and were validated with field burn severity metrics obtained from CBI index. Correlation patterns of field burn severity and remote sensing indices were relatively consistent across the different sensors. Additionally, regardless of the sensor, indices that incorporated SWIR bands (i.e., NBR-based indices), exceed those using red and NIR bands, and thermal and mixed indices. High resolution Sentinel-2 imagery only slightly improved the performance of indices based on NBR compared to Landsat 8. The dNDVI index from Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 images showed relatively similar correlation values to NBR-based indices for site and soil burn severity, but showed limitations using Deimos-1. In general, mono-temporal and relativized indices better correlated with vegetation burn severity in heterogeneous systems than differenced indices. This study showed good potential for Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS and Sentinel-2 MSI for burn severity assessment in fire-prone heterogeneous ecosystems, although we highlight the need for further evaluation of Deimos-1 SLIM-6-22 in different fire scenarios, especially using bi-temporal indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most frequent autoimmune disease involving the joints. Although anti-TNF therapies have proven effective in the management of RA, approximately one third of patients do not show a significant clinical response. The objective of this study was to identify new genetic variation associated with the clinical response to anti-TNF therapy in RA. Methods: We performed a sequential multi-omic analysis integrating different sources of molecular information. First, we extracted the RNA from synovial biopsies of 11 RA patients starting anti-TNF therapy to identify gene coexpression modules (GCMs) in the RA synovium. Second, we analyzed the transcriptomic association between each GCM and the clinical response to anti-TNF therapy. The clinical response was determined at week 14 using the EULAR criteria. Third, we analyzed the association between the GCMs and anti-TNF response at the genetic level. For this objective, we used genome-wide data from a cohort of 348 anti-TNF treated patients from Spain. The GCMs that were significantly associated with the anti-TNF response were then tested for validation in an independent cohort of 2,706 anti-TNF treated patients. Finally, the functional implication of the validated GCMs was evaluated via pathway and cell type epigenetic enrichment analyses. Results: A total of 149 GCMs were identified in the RA synovium. From these, 13 GCMs were found to be significantly associated with anti-TNF response (P < 0.05). At the genetic level, we detected two of the 13 GCMs to be significantly associated with the response to adalimumab (P = 0.0015) and infliximab (P = 0.021) in the Spain cohort. Using the independent cohort of RA patients, we replicated the association of the GCM associated with the response to adalimumab (P = 0.0019). The validated module was found to be significantly enriched for genes involved in the nucleotide metabolism (P = 2.41e-5) and epigenetic marks from immune cells, including CD4+ regulatory T cells (P = 0.041). Conclusions: These findings show the existence of a drug-specific genetic basis for anti-TNF response, thereby supporting treatment stratification in the search for response biomarkers in RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the suitability of remote sensing data from different sources (Landsat 7 ETM+, MODIS and Meteosat) in evaluating the effect of fuel conditions on fire severity, using a megafire (11 891 ha) that occurred in a Mediterranean pine forest ecosystem (NW Spain) between 19 and 22 August 2012. Fire severity was measured via the delta Normalized Burn Ratio index. Fuel conditions were evaluated through biophysical variables of: (i) the Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index and mean actual evapotranspiration, as proxies of potential live fuel amount; and (ii) Land Surface Temperature and water deficit, as proxies of fuel moisture content. Relationships between fuel conditions and fire severity were evaluated using Random Forest models. Biophysical variables explained 40% of the variance. The Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index was the most important predictor, being positively associated with fire severity. Evapotranspiration also positively influenced severity, although its importance was conditioned by the data source. Live fuel amount, rather than fuel moisture content, primarily affected fire severity. Nevertheless, an increase in water deficit and land surface temperature was generally associated with greater fire severity. This study highlights that fuel conditions largely determine fire severity, providing useful information for defining pre-fire actions aimed at reducing fire effects. Potential live fuel amount had more influence on fire severity than fuel moisture content in pine forest ecosystems. The Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index, as a proxy of live fuel amount, showed the strongest association with fire severity. Remote sensing has high potential for determining fuel characteristics susceptible to influencing fire severity, although spatial resolution may constrain the utility of fire severity models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Located in the Cantabrian Sea (NE Atlantic), El Cachucho is the largest offshore Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Spain. One of the most abundant keystone megafauna species occurring in this MPA is a yellow gorgonian of genus Placogorgia Wright and Studer (1889), occurring in relatively high densities in steep slopes with rocky outcrops at depths ranging 500–1200 m. Here, we describe a new species of isopod, Astacilla andresmeixidei sp. nov., living in association with a specimen of a yellow gorgonian collected at 525 m depth. Females of the new species are characterised by a trapezoidal pereonite 4 with a middorsal bifurcate tubercle on posterior margin; males have a rectangular pereonite 4 with small tubercles irregularly distributed and pereonite 3 with a midventral process. The new species is distinguished from the most morphologically similar species Astacilla gorgonophila Monod (1925) by its dorsal sculpture, having a shorter antenna 2 with a flagellum of three articles plus a claw, and also by its geographic and bathymetric distribution. Phylogenetic analysis using the mitochondrial marker COI confirmed that the new isopod is a member of the family Arcturidae and placed it in a clade, recovered with low support, including other species of the genus Astacilla Cordiner, 1793. As with other previously described arcturids, we suggest that A. andresmeixidei sp. nov. is a commensal of the gorgonian using its branches to reach higher in the water column and thus increase its chances to get more particulate organic matter. Our morphological analyses on the gorgonian host, suggest that it belongs to the genus Placogorgia although in our phylogenetic results using the nuclear marker msh1 the gorgonian shows affinities with the genus Paramuricea Kölliker (1865). This taxonomic inconsistency is discussed. • A new deep-sea Astacilla species is described from the Cantabrian Sea (NE Atlantic). • The new isopod was found in association with a keystone gorgonian (Placogorgia sp.) • We provide morphological and phylogenetic evidence for the isopod and the gorgonian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions are considered one of the main factors conditioning the loss of biodiversity on the planet. During the last decades an increase in the number of exotic/invasive species has been detected in Spain. This is the case of the agave weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus), an American coleoptera (Curculionidae family) specialized in plants of the families Agavaceae and Dracaenaceae. It was detected for the first time in Spain in Barcelona in 2007. Since then it has suffered a wide expansion throughout the Iberian Mediterranean arc. From the compilation of citations obtained from different databases, as well as others obtained by the authors, an update of the distribution of this species is presented for peninsular Spain. We also discussed its invasive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The temporal variability in nitrogen (N) transport in the Corbeira agroforestry catchment (NW Spain) was analysed from October 2004 to September 2008. Nitrate (NO3-N) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) loads and concentrations were determined at various timescales (annual, seasonal and event). The results revealed a strong intra-annual and inter-annual variability in N transport influenced by weather patterns and consequently by the hydrological regime. Mean annual export of total N in the catchment was 5.5 kg ha−1 year−1, with NO3-N being the dominant form. Runoff events comprised 10% of the study period but contributed 40 and 61% of the total NO3-N and TKN loads, respectively. The NO3-N and TKN concentrations were higher during runoff events than under baseflow conditions, pointing to diffuse sources of N. The mobilization of TKN during runoff events was attributed to surface runoff, while NO3-N might be related to subsurface and groundwater flow. Runoff events were characterized by high variability in N loads and concentrations. Higher variability was observed in N loads than in N concentrations, indicating that event magnitude plays an important role in N transport in this catchment; event magnitude explained approximately 96% of the NO3-N load. However, a combination of variables related to runoff event intensity (rainfall, discharge increase and kinetic energy) explained only 66% of the TKN load. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal loads were determined from water samples collected under different streamflow conditions (baseflow and storm events) in a rural catchment (NW Spain) during 4 years. A study at annual, seasonal and storm-event scales was carried out. In all analysed scales, the export order was Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > Cu. A high inter-annual, seasonal and storm-event scale variability of metal load was observed. The total metal loads in stream were higher during baseflow conditions than during storm events, which only represented 4% of the duration of the study period and 25% of streamflow. During storm events, both Al and Fe loads accounted 45% of the total load of the study period, whereas Mn, Cu and Zn loads represented 42%, 33% and 24%, respectively. This highlights the role of high flows on metal export. Only four big events exported around 30% of load of each metal transported in events. At all time scales, a prevalence of export of particulate metals over dissolved metals was observed, more pronounced for Al, Fe and Mn than for Cu and Zn. The export of metals in the Corbeira catchment is influenced by runoff and, to a lesser extent, by the rainfall amount. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring was conducted in a basin with a history of agricultural pollution (mainly due to the spreading of livestock slurry) to evaluate the response of stream water ion concentrations to the change from agricultural land use to forest. We measured pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and major dissolved elements [phosphate (PO4) phosphorus (P), nitrite (NO2) nitrogen (N), nitrate (NO3) N, ammonium (NH4) N, silicon (Si), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfate (SO4), and chloride (Cl)] in the stream water during the period 1997–2002 at irregular time intervals. Median values were significantly greater in the agricultural period than in the forest period (P < 0.05). Median pH values remained slightly acidic (5.8–6) for both land uses. NO3-N was the dominant form of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) under both land uses (agricultural use: 80 percent; forest use: 98 percent. In the forest period, the median PO4-P and NH4-N concentrations were reduced by 95 percent compared to the agricultural period. The median NO2-N and K concentrations decreased by 83 percent and 70 percent, respectively, whereas NO3-N, Cl, Na, and Si showed minor differences (decreases of 15–20 percent). These findings are consistent with the poor agricultural management practices that have been developed in the basin, especially as regards the application of slurry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study assesses the possible use of suspended sediment as an indirect measurement of phosphorus (P) concentrations in a rural headwater catchment located in NW Spain. Particulate P accounted for about 70 percent of the P export, indicating that P transport is linked to sediment in this catchment. The relationship between P and suspended sediment concentrations showed that particulate P was strongly dependent on suspended sediment, although the relationship is not consistent throughout seasons. The particulate P–suspended sediment relationship behaved differently at low flow and runoff events; the relationship was only significant during runoff events. This is because low flow is dominated by dissolved P and by pathways that do not mobilize or transport sediment. The particulate P–suspended sediment ratio was lower during runoff events than during low flow, which is consistent with enrichment ratio effects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, the concentrations and loads of different forms of nitrogen [nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and total nitrogen (TN)] in the headwater catchment of the Mero River (NW Spain) were analyzed. The TN concentrations were relatively low (mean: 2.57 mg L−1). Nitrate was the predominant form of N in the Mero catchment, accounting for 76.65 percent of the TN concentration. Measured NO3-N concentrations were always lower than the maximum allowed drinking water concentration. An annual TN load of 61.2 Mg was computed, representing an export of 0.94 Mg km−2 y−1, whereas annual exports NO3-N and TKN were of 0.79 and 0.15 Mg km−2 y−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pollution assessment in a given area depends mostly on the precise determination of the so-called background values. In this work, enrichment factors (EFs) for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in suspended solids (SS) of a stream draining a rural catchment (NW Spain) were determined to assess whether the observed concentrations of these metals represent natural or contaminated levels. Aluminum was used as a normalizer element. Four approaches were used for defining background values used in the EF analyses: a local background value for metals concentrations in SS, a local background value for metals concentrations in C-horizon soils, mean crust values, and mean shale values. The most satisfactory result was obtained when using local background values for metals concentrations of SS, suggesting that on average the Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations measured represent natural levels. However, some signs of enrichment were observed (16–28 percent of the samples with EF > 1.5). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study determines the seasonal variability of metal partition coefficients [aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)] and analyses the importance of suspended sediments (SS), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, pH, and discharge (Q) on the seasonal variability of metal partition coefficients (KDs) in the headwaters of the Mero River catchment, which drains an agroforestry area in northwestern Spain. Metal partition coefficients were used as an approach to relate dissolved and particulate fractions. Water samples were collected over 3 years (2005–2008) at the catchment outlet. The mean metal dissolved concentrations were: Fe (43.5 μg L−1) > Al (23.3 μg L−1) > Zn (1.8 μg L−1) > Mn (1.2 μg L−1) > Cu (0.3 μg L−1). Partition coefficients followed the order Mn > Al > Fe > Zn > Cu, and their values exhibited low variability. Al, Cu, and Zn partition coefficients presented the greatest values in summer, except during 2007–2008, when the greatest KDs value was observed in autumn, whereas the KDs of Fe showed the greatest values in winter. The KDof Mn has no seasonality. For Al, Cu, and Zn, the seasonal SS concentrations were closely related to Kd. For Fe, Kd was more closely related to DOC concentration than to SS concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Assessment of the diverse responses of water resources to climate change and high concentrations of CO2 is crucial for the appropriate management of natural ecosystems. Despite numerous studies on the impact of climate change on different regions, it is still necessary to evaluate the impact of these changes at the local scale. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to evaluate the potential impact of changes in temperature, rainfall and CO2 concentration on water resources in a rural catchment in NW Spain for the periods 2031-2060 and 2069-2098, using 1981-2010 as a reference period. For the simulations we used compiled regional climate models of the ENSEMBLES project for future climate input data and two CO2 concentration scenarios (550 and 660 ppm). The results showed that changes in the concentration of CO2 and climate had a significant effect on water resources. Overall, the results suggest a decrease in stream flow of 16% for the period 2031-2060 (intermediate future) and 35% by the end of the 21st century as a consequence of decreasing rainfall (2031-2060: -6%; 2069-2098: -15%) and increasing temperature (2031-2060: 1.1 °C; 2069-2098: 2.2 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 5 October 2016 and 28 April 2017 the Official Gazette of Spain disclosed two resolutions which showed a tightening in the doctrine of the General Directorate of Registries and Notaries regarding the effectiveness in Spain of powers of attorney granted abroad. According to this new doctrine, if such powers of attorney are to be used in the granting of a document which is to be registered in a Spanish public registry, evidence is needed as to the fact that the requirements set forth in the Third Transitional Provision of Law 15/2015, of 2 July, on Non-contentious Proceedings, and in Article 60 of Law 29/2015, of 30 July, on international cooperation in civil matters are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the drawings of the architect Antonio Palacios, one of the great figures of Spanish architecture in the first half of the 20th century. Given the breadth and complexity of his work, only some of his drawings will be analysed, those for buildings he finally built in the centre of Madrid and his most characteristic urban planning projects, none of which were realised. He is a figure whose importance has been much debated but who has finally been accepted as one of the architects whose constructed work has most shaped the city of Madrid. We will analyse to what extent his drawings are "a promising shadow" and his buildings reflect the "suggestion" they offer. We will also analyse the possible reality of his utopian urban dreams by placing Palacios in the context of the modernity in which they were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examined P loss from a mixed land use catchment in northwest Spain and how it was related to hydrological factors. A stream draining a mixed land use catchment of 16 km² in northwest Spain was monitored for 5 yr. Water samples were taken more frequently with increased stream flows. A total of 13 2 runoffevents of different magnitudes were analyzed in this study. Mean annual P loss from the catchment was 11.5 kg km-2, about 68% being transported during runoffevents, which only contributed to 29% of the flow. The contribution of runoff events to particulate P and dissolved P losses was 76 and 46% of total losses during the study period, respectively. A high interannual variability in P loss was observed, the differences being related to rainfall amount and distribution. At a seasonal scale, the highest P loads and concentrations were observed during rainy seasons; the lowest P loads occurred in summer because they occurred with stream flow. Particulate P accounted for the greatest proportion (74%) of transported P. There was a high variability in P transported between runoffevents, with maximum discharge and discharge increase being the most important variables explaining total P concentration in these events through their effect on suspended sediment concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study the water draining from a mixed land use catchment of 16km2 in NW Spain was monitored over a 5-year period (2004/2005–2008/2009) to determine the temporal variability in phosphorus (P) transport, to examine the P fluxes and controlling factors, and to analyse the relationships between discharge and P (PP: particulate phosphorus and DP: dissolved phosphorus) at event scale. A total of 132 runoff events was analysed, providing an extensive dataset on P values under different hydrological conditions. Mean annual P export from the catchment amounted to 184kg equivalent to 11.5kgkm−2, a value relatively lower than those obtained in other mixed land use catchment. The PP accounted for 74% of the total phosphorus (TP). The intra- and inter-annual variability in P transport was high due to the fact that most of P was discharged during a short-time period: 35% of PP load and 19% of DP load occurred in only 2% of the time. Runoff events contributed to 68% of P exported during the period of study. A high variability in P transport during different runoff events was observed. Phosphorus export increased with the magnitude of runoff events and rainfall amount, suggesting that these could be the key factors controlling P yield. Erosion was also an important driving force behind P export in the catchment. The relationships between PP and DP and discharge resulted in different hysteresis patterns. The relationship PP-discharge was mainly characterised by clockwise behaviour, linked to sediment in the surface runoff, while DP-discharge was predominately anticlockwise due to transport in subsurface flow, showing different pathways of transport between PP and DP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article examines the impact of antecedent hydrologic conditions on runoff response and phosphorus (P) export for 132 events measured over a 5-year period (2004/05–2008/09). The study was conducted in the Corbeira catchment, a small agroforestry catchment (16 km2) located in NW Spain, under temperate humid climate. Phosphorus export response to antecedent flow conditions is complex and nonlinear, making it difficult to predict patterns of P export using linear relationships. It has been shown that other factors such as erosion on cultivated land as well as the timing of mineral fertilizer and manure applications play important roles in the P export in this catchment. This work also demonstrates the need to examine larger data sets when the relationships between hydrologic conditions and P export are analyzed to capture the high variability shown in these types of catchments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the temporal variability of nitrogen (N) transport in a small rural agroforestry catchment (16 km2) located in NW Spain is analyzed. Total annual N loss was 20.34 t, and the specific N yield was 8.16 kg ha−1y−1. This rate is low in relation to rural catchments in other regions with similar size and distribution of land use. Nitrate (N-NO3), which represents about 78% of the N transported, was mainly mobilized during baseflow (59%), whereas most of the total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) export occurred during runoff events (54%). A significant difference in the transport of N-NO3and TKN within the catchment was observed. The relationship between N-NO3concentrations and discharge within runoff events was mainly dominated by anticlockwise hysteresis loops, whereas in the case of TKN clockwise hysteresis loops predominated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochemical processes related to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) under baseflow are studied in Corbeira Stream (northwestern Spain). The stream drains a catchment occupied by forest and agricultural fields. Dissolved organic carbon and other chemical parameters were analyzed. Seasonally, DOC values show a gradual rising background beginning in late spring to summer, finishing with major anomalies in the early to middle autumn. Suspended solids (SS) values exhibit a steady to falling background. The greatest DOC peaks seem be a function of rising temperatures and degradation of organic matter in wet soils. Divergent DOC and SS backgrounds in dry season and synchronicity between DOC-SS peaks associated with negative correlation of SS to pH in autumn seem be conspicuous geochemical signatures in perennial streams under temperate climates. The first one indicates the predominance of subsurface flows in streams, and the second one indicates the predominance of overland runoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrological response of a small agroforestry catchment in northwest Spain (Corbeira catchment, 16 km2) is analysed, with particular focus on rainfall events. Fifty-four rainfall–runoff events, from December 2004 to September 2007, were used to analyse the principal hydrological patterns and show which factors best explain the hydrological response. The nonlinearity between rainfall and runoff showed that the variability in the hydrological response of the catchment was linked to the seasonal dynamics of the rainfall and, to a lesser extent, to evapotranspiration. The runoff coefficient, estimated as the ratio between direct runoff and rainfall volume, on an event basis, was analysed as a function of rainfall characteristics (amount and intensity) and the initial catchment state conditions prior to an event, such as pre-event baseflow and antecedent rainfall index. The results revealed that the hydrological response depends both on the soil humidity conditions at the start of the event and on rainfall amount, whereas rainfall intensity presented only a significant correlation with discharge increment. The antecedent conditions seem to be a key point in runoff production, and they explain much of the response. The hydrographs are characterized by a steep rising limb, a relatively narrow peak discharge and slow recession limb. These data and the observations suggest that the subsurface flow is the dominant runoff process. Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor T. Wagener Citation Rodríguez-Blanco, M.L., Taboada-Castro, M.M. and Taboada-Castro, M.T., 2012. Rainfall–runoff response and event-based runoff coefficients in a humid area (northwest Spain). Hydrological Sciences Journal, 57 (3), 445–459. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on dissolved copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al) are presented for surface waters from an agricultural catchment transformed into forest in northwest Spain. The use and management types carried out in the catchment were as follows: agricultural catchment with spreading of slurries using a conventional tank, agricultural catchment with intensive slurry application, and reforested catchment without slurry application. Concentrations of the metals in the runoff ranged widely (Al, 18–204; Fe, 7–374.5; Mn, 1.5–680; Cu, 0.29–121.6; Zn, 2.8–164.3 μg L–1). The mean concentrations of studied metals were greatest in the agricultural period. They all present the greatest concentration peaks in the agricultural catchment phase with massive slurry application. This period especially affected the concentrations of dissolved Cu and Mn, as well as those of Zn and to a lesser extent those of Al and Fe. Temporal variations in trace elements at the catchment outlet suggest that dissolved metal concentrations are controlled essentially by the land-use and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Major cations [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K)], anions [nitrite (NO2), nitrate (NO3), choride (Cl), sulfate (SO4)], dissolved copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), total nitrogen (TN), dissolved phosphorous (DP), total phosphorus (TP), suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and O2 were analyzed in a small stream draining an agroforestry catchment located in northwest Spain. The mean concentrations found were relatively low compared to global “average” values. The results are consistent with the low population density and the nonintensive agriculture developed in the catchment. The nutrient balance offers relatively low loss rates for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) (14.6% and 1.8%, respectively), although losses could have been underestimated by the use of regular sampling. Moreover, soil analysis reveals a possible P accumulation in cultivated fields of the catchment. Correlation analysis shows that components with a greater presence in fertilizers have generally positive correlations between them and with flow values. On the other hand, major ions show a negative correlation with discharge levels because their main sources have a geological origin. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article examines the metal [aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)] runoff dynamics in the Mero River (northwestern Spain). At the catchment outlet, metal concentrations, suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, pH, and discharge were determined during three runoff events. The river drains an agroforestry catchment of 65 km2 with relatively high livestock density. Dissolved and particulate metal concentrations increased during the events with respect to pre-event concentrations, but the increase of the dissolved fraction is relatively small compared to that of the particulate fraction. The dissolved metal concentration peaks appeared after the hydrograph peak, suggesting transport associated with subsurface flow. For particulate metals, peaks usually occurred during the falling limb of hydrograph, implying distant-river source of metals. Particulate forms represented more than 90% of total Al, Fe, and Mn load, whereas for Cu and Zn its contributions were 52–76% and 31–56%, respectively. The high positive correlations of all particulate metals, except Zn, with suspended solid concentrations indicate that these constituents play a major role in transport of metals. Soil erosion is the main process responsible for causing elevated Al, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the river during rainfall–runoff events while Zn and Cu come mainly from the addition of slurries and manures to farmland. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]